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House of Royals #4
House of Judges
Alivia once led a House full of immortal vampires, but now everything has been stripped away. Her friends have turned their backs on her, convinced she betrayed them and their Born kind. Taken prisoner to the King’s Court, she awaits her trial. But the sins of her father threaten to blacken her chances of clearing her name.
Alivia toyed with King Cyrus’ heart—and now, he’s going to make her pay. Perhaps with her life.
Hidden in the belly of the castle, truths will come to light, and the surface of the King’s brutality and the horrors of the castle have barely been scratched.
Prepare to be judged…
Alivia toyed with King Cyrus’ heart—and now, he’s going to make her pay. Perhaps with her life.
Hidden in the belly of the castle, truths will come to light, and the surface of the King’s brutality and the horrors of the castle have barely been scratched.
Prepare to be judged…
Unknown Binding
First published June 28, 2016
241 people are currently reading
1069 people want to read
About the author
Keary Taylor
82 books2,103 followersKeary Taylor is the USA TODAY bestselling author of over twenty novels. She grew up along the foothills of the Rocky Mountains where she started creating imaginary worlds and daring characters who always fell in love. She now splits her time between a tiny island in the Pacific Northwest and Utah, with her husband and their two children. She continues to have an overactive imagination that frequently keeps her up at night.
Please Note: Keary does not check Goodreads very often, so the best way to get in contact is directly through email: me@kearytaylor.com.
Please Note: Keary does not check Goodreads very often, so the best way to get in contact is directly through email: me@kearytaylor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
April 20, 2021
2 Stars
Heroine was a bit more likeable at the end, but I'm glad she got what she deserved and Cyrus was the one who did it🤷
Heroine was a bit more likeable at the end, but I'm glad she got what she deserved and Cyrus was the one who did it🤷
July 9, 2023
This one is still great however I did find the trial went on a bit long for me. Drawn out a bit and I had hoped for a different direction.
Some new characters came into play but at this moment I don’t see their necessity. Maybe as the world progresses their creation will make sense.
Happy reading,
DD🥂
Some new characters came into play but at this moment I don’t see their necessity. Maybe as the world progresses their creation will make sense.
Happy reading,
DD🥂
September 17, 2016
4 Stars
Full Review:
*I received a free ecopy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
I knew better than to start this book in the evening when I had to get up early the next morning, but did I listen to my common sense? Of course not. And then I ended up going to sleep at a ridiculous hour because the books in this series are simply un-put-down-able.
And one of the things that makes them so gripping is all the negative emotion. That probably sounds weird, to say that I like negative emotion, but there’s often all this angst and heartbreak and shame and bitterness, and I just eat it all up. None of the books have had quite as much emotion for me as Book 2, but this one still had enough. And Alivia’s relationships were just as complicated as ever, something I’ve loved throughout the series.
One of the best things about this book in particular though was that I finally felt like I was delivered what I was promised in regards to King Cyrus. The last book disappointed me because Cyrus didn’t live up to his reputation. Yeah, he murdered some vampires, but it was all fairly normal as far as crazy vampire kings go, I suppose. This time though, he was well and truly a brutal, psychologically manipulative psychopath. He was unpredictable and had some things up his sleeve that I was not expecting. But it never crossed the line into “evil just for the sake of evil.” It made sense that he was not quite sane after the immortal life he’s had, his actions fit with his character, and he did have a reason for singling out Alivia. And I find it interesting how, in the end, *POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT* *END SPOILER ALERT*
As for Alivia and her love interest whose name I won’t mention because it’s a spoiler for previous books, they both finally became people I could like again. Alivia disappointed me in the last book with her questionable morals, and he disappointed me in Book 2 with how he reacted to the whole situation and treated Alivia, so I was really happy to see them both realizing their mistakes and starting to redeem themselves, especially Alivia since I LOVED her in the first two books.
And of course all the side and background characters were three-dimensional, as usual. Alivia’s vampires weren’t in the story a whole lot, but Keary Taylor still managed to throw in some sweet moments between them, portray the strength of their relationships, and further flesh out their characters even with the little screen time they did have.
So overall, the villain was unpredictable and finally lived up to my expectations, the character development made me happy, and this was another intense book in the series that I couldn’t put down!
Recommended For:
Fans of Books 1-3 in Keary Taylor's House of Royals Series. Readers who like character growth, complicated relationships, chosen family, intrigue, and a different take on vampires.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Full Review:
*I received a free ecopy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
I knew better than to start this book in the evening when I had to get up early the next morning, but did I listen to my common sense? Of course not. And then I ended up going to sleep at a ridiculous hour because the books in this series are simply un-put-down-able.
And one of the things that makes them so gripping is all the negative emotion. That probably sounds weird, to say that I like negative emotion, but there’s often all this angst and heartbreak and shame and bitterness, and I just eat it all up. None of the books have had quite as much emotion for me as Book 2, but this one still had enough. And Alivia’s relationships were just as complicated as ever, something I’ve loved throughout the series.
One of the best things about this book in particular though was that I finally felt like I was delivered what I was promised in regards to King Cyrus. The last book disappointed me because Cyrus didn’t live up to his reputation. Yeah, he murdered some vampires, but it was all fairly normal as far as crazy vampire kings go, I suppose. This time though, he was well and truly a brutal, psychologically manipulative psychopath. He was unpredictable and had some things up his sleeve that I was not expecting. But it never crossed the line into “evil just for the sake of evil.” It made sense that he was not quite sane after the immortal life he’s had, his actions fit with his character, and he did have a reason for singling out Alivia. And I find it interesting how, in the end, *POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT* *END SPOILER ALERT*
As for Alivia and her love interest whose name I won’t mention because it’s a spoiler for previous books, they both finally became people I could like again. Alivia disappointed me in the last book with her questionable morals, and he disappointed me in Book 2 with how he reacted to the whole situation and treated Alivia, so I was really happy to see them both realizing their mistakes and starting to redeem themselves, especially Alivia since I LOVED her in the first two books.
And of course all the side and background characters were three-dimensional, as usual. Alivia’s vampires weren’t in the story a whole lot, but Keary Taylor still managed to throw in some sweet moments between them, portray the strength of their relationships, and further flesh out their characters even with the little screen time they did have.
So overall, the villain was unpredictable and finally lived up to my expectations, the character development made me happy, and this was another intense book in the series that I couldn’t put down!
Recommended For:
Fans of Books 1-3 in Keary Taylor's House of Royals Series. Readers who like character growth, complicated relationships, chosen family, intrigue, and a different take on vampires.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
February 8, 2017
I am lost for words... The ending of this book has totally made me go back and rethink a few of the events that have taken place. In this books we see a different side is our main character and to be honest I really enjoyed this book more then the first few, which is saying a lot!! I cannot wait to get my hands on the last one!!
February 22, 2022
Kindle Unlimited.
Since the series was available on Kindle Unlimited in an omnibus edition, I ended up reading these books back to back.
Theres's still no time to recover from one shocking announcement to the next plot twist. Alivia gets her a$$ handed to her by the twisted King Cyrus. Although his methods made me kind of sick, they had the desired effect in scaring Alivia straight.
Minor grammatical errors.
Since the series was available on Kindle Unlimited in an omnibus edition, I ended up reading these books back to back.
Theres's still no time to recover from one shocking announcement to the next plot twist. Alivia gets her a$$ handed to her by the twisted King Cyrus. Although his methods made me kind of sick, they had the desired effect in scaring Alivia straight.
Minor grammatical errors.
June 28, 2016
WOW! Did that seriously all go down in one book??
House of Judges continues the House of Royals series and things just getting better, crazier and more interesting. All these books must be read in order or you'll be totally confused.
Alivia is being held prisoner at the King's palace and awaiting trial. While there, she truly sees who King Cyrus really is. Why everyone fears him so greatly. You don't toy with the King and come out of it the same (if you come out at all).
Keary takes us on a journey where we learn more about Alivia and her family history. The history of her kind. And we get a few answers but even more questions as we walk this path with Alivia. And nothing is ever what you expect to be.
I love the twists and turns in this story. And wow - the total surprises that will rock you so much. My mouth actually dropped open a few times and had me going "WTF." I don't want to give anything away, so I will just leave it at that.
The ending once again has me chomping at the bit to see where Keary takes this story and these characters. There are still so many unanswered questions, I am wondering if she can get this all together in book 5. LOL
Another amazing book in a great series!!
House of Judges continues the House of Royals series and things just getting better, crazier and more interesting. All these books must be read in order or you'll be totally confused.
Alivia is being held prisoner at the King's palace and awaiting trial. While there, she truly sees who King Cyrus really is. Why everyone fears him so greatly. You don't toy with the King and come out of it the same (if you come out at all).
Keary takes us on a journey where we learn more about Alivia and her family history. The history of her kind. And we get a few answers but even more questions as we walk this path with Alivia. And nothing is ever what you expect to be.
I love the twists and turns in this story. And wow - the total surprises that will rock you so much. My mouth actually dropped open a few times and had me going "WTF." I don't want to give anything away, so I will just leave it at that.
The ending once again has me chomping at the bit to see where Keary takes this story and these characters. There are still so many unanswered questions, I am wondering if she can get this all together in book 5. LOL
Another amazing book in a great series!!
June 21, 2016
I received an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
House of Judges is book 4 in the series and it doesn't let up for a minute. We're thrown right back into the action exactly where it left off at the end of book 3. Alivia is a compelling heroine, in turns frustrating and annoying, yet you always want to see her triumph in the end.
I'm going to try as hard as I can to be spoiler-free but it's difficult so bear with me.
This book made me so mad in parts I actually yelled out loud while I was reading and wanted to reach in and help her, I had that strong of an emotional connection to it. Alivia has come a long way from the person she was at the start of the first book and I've loved her journey every step of the way. The strength of the book is in the characters and the world the author has created and I'm in it to the end.
As for the ending, can you say cliffhanger? Because that was a doozy and the next one can't come soon enough.
House of Judges is book 4 in the series and it doesn't let up for a minute. We're thrown right back into the action exactly where it left off at the end of book 3. Alivia is a compelling heroine, in turns frustrating and annoying, yet you always want to see her triumph in the end.
I'm going to try as hard as I can to be spoiler-free but it's difficult so bear with me.
This book made me so mad in parts I actually yelled out loud while I was reading and wanted to reach in and help her, I had that strong of an emotional connection to it. Alivia has come a long way from the person she was at the start of the first book and I've loved her journey every step of the way. The strength of the book is in the characters and the world the author has created and I'm in it to the end.
As for the ending, can you say cliffhanger? Because that was a doozy and the next one can't come soon enough.
June 30, 2016
Talk about suspense! This book felt darker than the others in the series. All the torture Olivia had to go through at the hands of the King left me holding my breathe. She is stronger an wiser after all she's been through. The ending left me a bit disappointed with the cliffhanger. I can't wait until the last book comes out.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2016
Love it
What can I say, great book! I wish she would write faster, I want the next book!! I can't wait!
What can I say, great book! I wish she would write faster, I want the next book!! I can't wait!
October 2, 2018
Wow! What did just happened?! This was incredible!!!
June 27, 2018
As can be expected, this was the trial of Alivia Conrath and while I still can't see the oh so terrible and awful things she did to deserve the punishment dole out in return, I can admit to running the gamut of emotions in this novel. At one point, I found myself crying on my way to work as I read about one of Alivia's punishment. Something that has been the focus of previous novels and I didn't so much as shed a tear, which clearly speaks to the tone of this novel.
It's more than a trial for treason that she obviously didn't commit, it was the opportunity to learn about the other Houses and to form allegiances. As this story grows and develop, you find that there are so many elements that it is possible that we might ever uncover them all.
Enter stage left ... Ian Ward. If you have read my previous reviews on this series, you will know that I have never been his fan. I could see her with ANYBODY but him and while it is taking me a while to thaw, I am sure I will get there because this is not the Ian Ward of Book 1 and if I can forgive her easily swayed House members, then surely he too will eventually get a pass.
There is always more, is the theme of this novel. Alivia's visit to Roter Himmel, aptly named might I add, was not even the best part of this novel, It's everything that happened following the trial and all that's to come in House of Ravens.
Totally unrelated/unimportant (for some) but for those who do want to know, they STILL haven't had hot vamp sex and though we get the "reason" this time, it's left field and weak at best. You're immortal now!
The clues are many and though we may sometimes forget, we are always brought full circle and given another angle. The only thing constant is the characters but then you just never know what next will happen in Silent Bend!
It's more than a trial for treason that she obviously didn't commit, it was the opportunity to learn about the other Houses and to form allegiances. As this story grows and develop, you find that there are so many elements that it is possible that we might ever uncover them all.
Enter stage left ... Ian Ward. If you have read my previous reviews on this series, you will know that I have never been his fan. I could see her with ANYBODY but him and while it is taking me a while to thaw, I am sure I will get there because this is not the Ian Ward of Book 1 and if I can forgive her easily swayed House members, then surely he too will eventually get a pass.
There is always more, is the theme of this novel. Alivia's visit to Roter Himmel, aptly named might I add, was not even the best part of this novel, It's everything that happened following the trial and all that's to come in House of Ravens.
Totally unrelated/unimportant (for some) but for those who do want to know, they STILL haven't had hot vamp sex and though we get the "reason" this time, it's left field and weak at best. You're immortal now!
The clues are many and though we may sometimes forget, we are always brought full circle and given another angle. The only thing constant is the characters but then you just never know what next will happen in Silent Bend!
February 23, 2019
Amazing times a million!!
Small spoiler alert.....
Liv had to stand trial for the attempted murder of the king and treason, crimes she did not commit, and is forced to go to the king’s castle, where it’s been said those who visit never leave the castle alive.
She endures more of the king’s cruelty and sick sadistic games, a result of tricking him into thinking she might be his resurrected wife returned, the only true crime she is guilty for.
She is sent to a prison to endure torturous days of amplified sunlight and excruciating pain, only to discover Ian has been held prisoner there since her resurrection, that he didn’t leave her as she was told by the king and that it was he that granted her final wish as a human.
Will Liv and Ian ever get another chance to escape the king’s wrath and finally find love together? Will Liv be able to live with some of the unspeakable acts she has committed since her death and rebirth?
You have to read to find out. You will not be disappointed! This is by far one of the best vampire stories out there and it just keeps getting better with each book. Keary Taylor is an amazing author with unlimited talent and potential for greatness!!!
Small spoiler alert.....
Liv had to stand trial for the attempted murder of the king and treason, crimes she did not commit, and is forced to go to the king’s castle, where it’s been said those who visit never leave the castle alive.
She endures more of the king’s cruelty and sick sadistic games, a result of tricking him into thinking she might be his resurrected wife returned, the only true crime she is guilty for.
She is sent to a prison to endure torturous days of amplified sunlight and excruciating pain, only to discover Ian has been held prisoner there since her resurrection, that he didn’t leave her as she was told by the king and that it was he that granted her final wish as a human.
Will Liv and Ian ever get another chance to escape the king’s wrath and finally find love together? Will Liv be able to live with some of the unspeakable acts she has committed since her death and rebirth?
You have to read to find out. You will not be disappointed! This is by far one of the best vampire stories out there and it just keeps getting better with each book. Keary Taylor is an amazing author with unlimited talent and potential for greatness!!!
December 27, 2021
Unnecessary Filler
I feel like this entry in the series kind of dragged a little bit compared to the others. I know it was supposed to be sort of a redemption arc for Alivia & some of the questionable choices she's made in earlier books, but to me it just came off feeling unnecessary. Much of the plot of this one could've been removed without any damage to the overall storyline. I didn't like how quickly most members of her House turned on her when it looked like she might be guilty, or how willing she was to forgive then for what in my opinion is a major betrayal. The writing remains relatively solid, though minor grammatical errors are still popping up here & there. Bottom line, House of Judges felt like a bunch of filler on the way to what I hope is a powerful conclusion worthy of the previous three books.
I feel like this entry in the series kind of dragged a little bit compared to the others. I know it was supposed to be sort of a redemption arc for Alivia & some of the questionable choices she's made in earlier books, but to me it just came off feeling unnecessary. Much of the plot of this one could've been removed without any damage to the overall storyline. I didn't like how quickly most members of her House turned on her when it looked like she might be guilty, or how willing she was to forgive then for what in my opinion is a major betrayal. The writing remains relatively solid, though minor grammatical errors are still popping up here & there. Bottom line, House of Judges felt like a bunch of filler on the way to what I hope is a powerful conclusion worthy of the previous three books.
August 26, 2018
The author instilled a real feeling of gloom and dread as Liv is hauled away to another land to be judged in the king's castle. She is mistreated, humiliated, locked away in the castle dungeon where she is forgotten and left to wither away until the ruthless king decides to bother holding her trial. There was very little hope that she would survive long enough for trial must less win her battle for freedom. This was a fast-paced story with lots of twists and unexpected events changing the plot. Although it was difficult to read the extent of King Cyrus's cruelty, I really enjoyed the description of the foreign scenery and the continuously developing story of Liv and the people she though of as family. Great read!!!
December 28, 2017
No way..... can't be!? My mind has been blown!! What an ending.... what if??? I cannot begin the next book quickly enough! Ms. Taylor absolutely knows how to keep an audience captive and addicted to her words ♡♡♡♡ This book really broke my heart! Having to read of all that Cyrus puts Liv through was hard for me to do! Her struggles will make her stronger I believe. For anyone who doubted the King's true nature, I'm sure those doubts were silenced. I was glad to see much more of Ian in this book. I have had a difficult time in accepting his relationship with Liv... this book changes my perspective a bit. Now I'm hoping to see a happier, wholer, healthier Liv ♡♡♡♡
July 22, 2024
This was crazier than I had expected. Cyrus is a 🍆 but I’m still intrigued by him having his own series? As a dark romance reader, I know it’s possible for him to have his redemption arc. I do feel like this series is being drawn out though. I feel like it would have been better to make it a trilogy with longer length books instead of splitting it into 5 books. It was good, don’t get me wrong, but it’s definitely a little drawn out. This one actually had a cliffhanger that absolutely threw me for a loop.
🧛Vampires
👑Royals
🏘️Small Town
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🧛Vampires
👑Royals
🏘️Small Town
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
July 7, 2022
I liked this book more than the others in the series so far. The others were three stars as a round up from 2.5. But this one is a solid 3 star.
The plot thickens and the story line even improves.
The writing could still use some improvement and I still think there are choices made with the characters that go against everything the author has built them into up until this point.
Fast read. One more book to finish the story.
The plot thickens and the story line even improves.
The writing could still use some improvement and I still think there are choices made with the characters that go against everything the author has built them into up until this point.
Fast read. One more book to finish the story.
May 15, 2024
uggggghhhhh
I swear if all these loose plots don’t tie together
In the final book I’ll lose my mind. There are questions I’ve had since book 1 that are still not answered….. also tell me how they’re in absolute pain in the sun with their eyes closed and hands covering them but sun goggles are fine 🙄🙄🙄
The first book jasmine legit wore just sunglasses and was fine
There’s so many holes in this story at times it’s soooooo frustrating as a reader
I swear if all these loose plots don’t tie together
In the final book I’ll lose my mind. There are questions I’ve had since book 1 that are still not answered….. also tell me how they’re in absolute pain in the sun with their eyes closed and hands covering them but sun goggles are fine 🙄🙄🙄
The first book jasmine legit wore just sunglasses and was fine
There’s so many holes in this story at times it’s soooooo frustrating as a reader
September 18, 2021
Good enough
It waa good enough for me. I didn't adore it like the first book but I liked it. I skipped pages after the trial because I couldn't wait to see how it will end and almost lose important details. I couldn't remember a lot from the previous books ,I would have reread.them but that didn't stop me from enjoying the book.
It waa good enough for me. I didn't adore it like the first book but I liked it. I skipped pages after the trial because I couldn't wait to see how it will end and almost lose important details. I couldn't remember a lot from the previous books ,I would have reread.them but that didn't stop me from enjoying the book.
August 28, 2024
DNF
This book was sadly boring and had so many side stories that just kept going on and on. And there were also more side stories that didn’t seem necessary for the plot. I skimmed the rest of the book starting in Chapter 12. I read some good surprise twists. The plot and characters had potential but the story just dragged on. I will not be reading book 5.
This book was sadly boring and had so many side stories that just kept going on and on. And there were also more side stories that didn’t seem necessary for the plot. I skimmed the rest of the book starting in Chapter 12. I read some good surprise twists. The plot and characters had potential but the story just dragged on. I will not be reading book 5.
November 15, 2023
phenomenal!!
Book 4 was just as wonderful as the first 3 books in this series! I’m so excited for Book 5… I wish I didn’t have to go to work tomorrow so I could devour it just as I have the others!
Book 4 was just as wonderful as the first 3 books in this series! I’m so excited for Book 5… I wish I didn’t have to go to work tomorrow so I could devour it just as I have the others!
October 30, 2016
Didn't enjoy it quite as much as some of the others but wow that ending! Instantly bought the 5th (and final book).
July 1, 2017
Absolutely love to the series
I love the series and how each book leaves the reader wanting more. It's also a plus that it is set in Mississippi where I was born...😉
I love the series and how each book leaves the reader wanting more. It's also a plus that it is set in Mississippi where I was born...😉
December 2, 2017
Intriguing storyline. Lots of suspense. Surprising and unexpected plot twists.
January 22, 2018
Cliff Hangers
Seriously!!! I didn't think the cliff hangers could get any better but I was wrong!!! Great read all the way around and again has left me in suspense!
Seriously!!! I didn't think the cliff hangers could get any better but I was wrong!!! Great read all the way around and again has left me in suspense!
January 28, 2018
Another fantastic continuation of this series. Every time you think there is a stopping point; there isn't! So don't start this book unless you have plenty of hours of reading time.
February 21, 2018
Great series.
July 30, 2018
Holy S.H.I.T.
I absolutely have no words for how great this series just got! This book was amazing and I'm going to jump directly into book five this second.
I absolutely have no words for how great this series just got! This book was amazing and I'm going to jump directly into book five this second.
September 4, 2018
Wow
Wow this has a mean twist. I like it, I like it a lot. King Cyrus is a real arsehole. Alivia, was a little lost for a little while but who wldnt be if they turned into a vamp.
Wow this has a mean twist. I like it, I like it a lot. King Cyrus is a real arsehole. Alivia, was a little lost for a little while but who wldnt be if they turned into a vamp.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews