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Gexalatian Tale #1
Return to Royalty
Nyx Estrella is a princess from Gexalatia, a world on the other side of a portal. Unfortunately, she has no idea. Sent to Lucky, Texas, when she was a baby to protect her from the evil King Paraximus, her biggest concerns are grades and seeing her friends. She has no idea that she possesses magical abilities and that her reality is about to become really strange.
Jet Lamia is a war prisoner, sent from Gexalatia by the queen, Liana Estrella, to bring Nyx back home to the kingdom of Ymber. The portal only opens on the winter solstice, so Jet finds himself trapped on Earth, trying to blend in. Fortunately, he has help in the form of the queen’s chosen assistant, Seth Alvar. But playing well with others has never been one of Jet’s talents.
It is a race against the clock to tell Nyx her true identity and try to train her, while also keeping her alive. Nyx and Jet struggle to defeat the assassins sent to kill them both, while trying not to kill each other. Can this duo put their differences aside and return to Gexalatia?
- GenresFantasy
414 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2017
8 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
E. Paige Burks
5 books13 followersE. Paige Burks is a graduate from Texas A&M University with a degree in Agricultural Communication and Journalism.
Her book, Return to Royalty, won the 2016 Author U Draft to Dream Award in the Young Adult category, won the Gold Medal in the 2017 Dan Poynter Global Ebook Awards in Young Adult Fiction, and has been nominated for USA Best Book Awards and International Book Awards.
When she is not writing fantasy and love stories, she enjoys Mexican food, singing out loud, cuddling with her cats, and taking long naps.
E. Paige Burks lives in Houston, Texas with her husband, four dogs, three cats, three horses, and a single bird named Ricki.
Her book, Return to Royalty, won the 2016 Author U Draft to Dream Award in the Young Adult category, won the Gold Medal in the 2017 Dan Poynter Global Ebook Awards in Young Adult Fiction, and has been nominated for USA Best Book Awards and International Book Awards.
When she is not writing fantasy and love stories, she enjoys Mexican food, singing out loud, cuddling with her cats, and taking long naps.
E. Paige Burks lives in Houston, Texas with her husband, four dogs, three cats, three horses, and a single bird named Ricki.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 5, 2021
In the first book, E. Paige Burks set a good plot; it has suspense, moral dilemma, and a few good action sequences with a pinch of attraction towards the evil guy trope. However, I can't wait to read the second part because the author left the readers on a cliffhanger. If you're a fantasy lover, then you're going to enjoy this book for sure. I recommend it.
Read the detailed review here - Books Charming
Read the detailed review here - Books Charming
April 16, 2017
Once I got into the book, I couldn't put it down! I seriously loved the characters and can't wait to read more. Once book two is published, I'll definitely be getting myself a copy to continue the journey of Nyx and Jet. This book had the right mix of suspense, fantasy, and a little romantic tension. Perfect!
July 12, 2020
Return to Royalty by E. Paige Burks is a YA/NA portal fantasy.
Nyx is a princess from another world, but she doesn't know that yet. She thinks she's just a normal teenager finishing up high school. Jet was sent by her grandmother, the queen, to fetch her back from contemporary America and train her how to use her magic. But Nyx's aunt/guardian won't let Jet just tell Nyx that; he has to do it the hard way - winning her trust first, over the course of a year.
Return to Royalty was not my cup of tea, but maybe you'll like it. It's a portal fantasy, taking place in contemporary America and building to the time when Nyx will travel back to her home world. Nyx is in high school, hanging out with her best friend, going out dancing, crushing on a guy in school. She is young and fairly innocent.
Jet is everything the opposite, a dark, broody adult dealing with his inner demons and a constant bad attitude. There is a war going on back in their world, and Jet didn't used to be on the same side as Nyx's family. Now, he is taxed with bringing the princess back when it's the last thing he wants to do. There is a little bit of romance in the story, but it is slow in coming. The story revolves around their relationship, but most of their relationship is negative.
There are a few details about the fantasy world Nyx is from, but only a few. I'm curious to know more.
There is a lot of violence, however. Nyx isn't aware of half of it because it goes on behind her back. The author doesn't spare too many details about the horror of it, Jet is protecting Nyx in most of his fights, but that he enjoys killing people is clear.
This is supposed to be a YA book, but I think it would be better suited to an NA age group. Nyx is a teenager, but many of the others aren't, and the darkness, the violence, the alcohol, the attempted rape, and the frequent swear words makes me not want to recommend it to a teenager.
The story on the whole is very dark, which is what I don't like about it. The premise and the underlying plot of the story is interesting. I love portal fantasies! I just didn't like how this one was executed. It didn't have to include so much evil and darkness in order to be good. Do you know what I mean?
So if you are used to reading stories with lots of swearing, violence, and darkness and don't mind it, than be my guest and read this book. You might enjoy it. After all, the premise is quite interesting. But as for me, I don't think I'll be reading book two.
I received a complementary copy of this book from the author. I was not compensated for writing a review or otherwise obligated to review it. All opinions expressed are my own.
Nyx is a princess from another world, but she doesn't know that yet. She thinks she's just a normal teenager finishing up high school. Jet was sent by her grandmother, the queen, to fetch her back from contemporary America and train her how to use her magic. But Nyx's aunt/guardian won't let Jet just tell Nyx that; he has to do it the hard way - winning her trust first, over the course of a year.
Return to Royalty was not my cup of tea, but maybe you'll like it. It's a portal fantasy, taking place in contemporary America and building to the time when Nyx will travel back to her home world. Nyx is in high school, hanging out with her best friend, going out dancing, crushing on a guy in school. She is young and fairly innocent.
Jet is everything the opposite, a dark, broody adult dealing with his inner demons and a constant bad attitude. There is a war going on back in their world, and Jet didn't used to be on the same side as Nyx's family. Now, he is taxed with bringing the princess back when it's the last thing he wants to do. There is a little bit of romance in the story, but it is slow in coming. The story revolves around their relationship, but most of their relationship is negative.
There are a few details about the fantasy world Nyx is from, but only a few. I'm curious to know more.
There is a lot of violence, however. Nyx isn't aware of half of it because it goes on behind her back. The author doesn't spare too many details about the horror of it, Jet is protecting Nyx in most of his fights, but that he enjoys killing people is clear.
This is supposed to be a YA book, but I think it would be better suited to an NA age group. Nyx is a teenager, but many of the others aren't, and the darkness, the violence, the alcohol, the attempted rape, and the frequent swear words makes me not want to recommend it to a teenager.
The story on the whole is very dark, which is what I don't like about it. The premise and the underlying plot of the story is interesting. I love portal fantasies! I just didn't like how this one was executed. It didn't have to include so much evil and darkness in order to be good. Do you know what I mean?
So if you are used to reading stories with lots of swearing, violence, and darkness and don't mind it, than be my guest and read this book. You might enjoy it. After all, the premise is quite interesting. But as for me, I don't think I'll be reading book two.
I received a complementary copy of this book from the author. I was not compensated for writing a review or otherwise obligated to review it. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 19, 2017
Whoa! What a fast and furious ride this book was. Return to Royalty by E. Paige Burks was my first fantasy book that I have read. As I read the Prologue, I was a bit confused as who was good and who was evil, but digging into the book farther everything fell into place...in fact when I was done with the book, I went back to the Prologue and re-read it. It was even better then the first time I read it.
Burks has a flare for the YA genre, with the added fantasy added to the mix. Loved the story of how Nyx and Jet met on the Earth side. As their emotions clashed, their feelings became oh so deliciously fun! The tension and teasing heighten the depth of character development.
The battle scenes were very intense and Burk's descriptive writing made everything come vividly clear and alive. I have to say, Burk was very clever at the end of the story...so you'll just have to read it and find out how this book transitions into Book 2.
Burks has a flare for the YA genre, with the added fantasy added to the mix. Loved the story of how Nyx and Jet met on the Earth side. As their emotions clashed, their feelings became oh so deliciously fun! The tension and teasing heighten the depth of character development.
The battle scenes were very intense and Burk's descriptive writing made everything come vividly clear and alive. I have to say, Burk was very clever at the end of the story...so you'll just have to read it and find out how this book transitions into Book 2.
April 4, 2020
Generally a good story idea and decent characters but not well executed. Story and character development is choppy with inconsistencies.
September 4, 2017
There’s openings and then there’s hooks. Openings ease you into the story like a mellow rowboat ride. Hooks, on the other hand, grab you and heave you off the nearest cliff right into the story. Return to Royalty had a very nice hook.
“The enemy of my enemy is my friend” in book form. Betrayed by one kingdom, only to be employed by another kingdom, Jet comes to Earth in search of a princess. A powerful one. He must keep her safe while they wait for their time to return to their homeland. Honestly, I’m sure you can see where this is going.
As far as fantasy novels go, I liked how this one was set up. The world building between Gexalatia and Earth was balanced and connected smoothly. I liked the blend of fantasy and the modern world. Characters transitioned between the settings rather well. I really liked the fantasy world that was created. There was depth to the brief time the reader spent there. The brief tease, however, was a good way to draw the reader in.
This was a very character-driven novel. Things were good as far as characters went. Relationships were predictable. They weren’t bad, though. While the character roles filled the formula for most young adult novels, the characters themselves weren’t badly written. Personality, range of emotion, and dynamic interactions kept the formula from feeling too overused. Things didn’t happen nearly as fast as I expected them to. Because of that, there was a lot of exposition. Lots of time to get to know the characters as individuals.
I will say that, compared to the beginning of the novel, the rest seemed slow. So, while the time to get to know the characters serves a purpose later on in the novels, it leaves the reader with some downtime. To that end, the author didn’t rely on an info dump to tell readers about characters. That was a very nice change of pace.
I’m definitely intrigued by where this novel is going. There’s many different directions it could go, and I’m really hoping it will take paths unconventional. A way to break away from Young Adult stereotypes. The close follow to the formula makes the novel predictable, but the fantasy world-building makes up for it; along with the characters. I can’t wait for the next one—the reader gets to explore Gexalatia. There’s a lot of potential there.
“The enemy of my enemy is my friend” in book form. Betrayed by one kingdom, only to be employed by another kingdom, Jet comes to Earth in search of a princess. A powerful one. He must keep her safe while they wait for their time to return to their homeland. Honestly, I’m sure you can see where this is going.
As far as fantasy novels go, I liked how this one was set up. The world building between Gexalatia and Earth was balanced and connected smoothly. I liked the blend of fantasy and the modern world. Characters transitioned between the settings rather well. I really liked the fantasy world that was created. There was depth to the brief time the reader spent there. The brief tease, however, was a good way to draw the reader in.
This was a very character-driven novel. Things were good as far as characters went. Relationships were predictable. They weren’t bad, though. While the character roles filled the formula for most young adult novels, the characters themselves weren’t badly written. Personality, range of emotion, and dynamic interactions kept the formula from feeling too overused. Things didn’t happen nearly as fast as I expected them to. Because of that, there was a lot of exposition. Lots of time to get to know the characters as individuals.
I will say that, compared to the beginning of the novel, the rest seemed slow. So, while the time to get to know the characters serves a purpose later on in the novels, it leaves the reader with some downtime. To that end, the author didn’t rely on an info dump to tell readers about characters. That was a very nice change of pace.
I’m definitely intrigued by where this novel is going. There’s many different directions it could go, and I’m really hoping it will take paths unconventional. A way to break away from Young Adult stereotypes. The close follow to the formula makes the novel predictable, but the fantasy world-building makes up for it; along with the characters. I can’t wait for the next one—the reader gets to explore Gexalatia. There’s a lot of potential there.
July 21, 2017
Return to Royalty is an exciting blend of high fantasy, urban fantasy, action, thrills, and a touch of romance and humor - something for everyone! Intriguing and skilled world-building is gradually revealed without giving the reader an info dump, although the second book looks to include more details about Gexalatia.
The author has created three-dimensional characters who I sometimes wanted to strangle - but that just adds to their complexity. The relationship between Jet and Nyx ranges from mutual dislike bordering on hatred at times, to the beginnings of, if not exactly friendship, at least a truce. So refreshing not to have an 'insta-love' relationship.
Return to Royalty is well-paced and compelling - I read it in two days - and would appeal to fantasy fans who enjoy magical worlds and a hint of romance.
The author has created three-dimensional characters who I sometimes wanted to strangle - but that just adds to their complexity. The relationship between Jet and Nyx ranges from mutual dislike bordering on hatred at times, to the beginnings of, if not exactly friendship, at least a truce. So refreshing not to have an 'insta-love' relationship.
Return to Royalty is well-paced and compelling - I read it in two days - and would appeal to fantasy fans who enjoy magical worlds and a hint of romance.
May 30, 2018
This book started out with a bang. The first few chapters immediately drew me in and I couldn't wait to read more. I mean, that epic battle? So cool. But, the rest of the book didn't quite live up to my excitement.
On the one hand, the entire concept is really cool! I love the idea of different worlds and portals and magic. And I appreciated how everything fit together really well. The world building was so well done!
But, I struggled with the characters. I had a hard time really believing in what they were doing and feeling invested in their lives. They felt a little flat and stereotypical at times. But I liked that each character had their own unique stories and idiosyncrasies.
Despite some of my issues, I did have a good time reading this book! It was a fun, fast read and I liked it. Definitely worth checking out!
On the one hand, the entire concept is really cool! I love the idea of different worlds and portals and magic. And I appreciated how everything fit together really well. The world building was so well done!
But, I struggled with the characters. I had a hard time really believing in what they were doing and feeling invested in their lives. They felt a little flat and stereotypical at times. But I liked that each character had their own unique stories and idiosyncrasies.
Despite some of my issues, I did have a good time reading this book! It was a fun, fast read and I liked it. Definitely worth checking out!
July 27, 2022
This is the first book I’ve read written by the author and it’s an urban fantasy read which I did read after a long time.
Be ready to enter in a different world, an imaginative world which doesn’t exists in real but it does. The story revolves around Nyx who is in between her real home and the Earth. One day, Jet appears in her life to bring her back to the place where she was born, he was sent by the queen Liana Estrella, but unfortunately it’s not an easy task. Will Jet be able to bring her back and what will happen next ? The climax was haunt you till the next part, I am literally fascinated with the plot. Will they both be able to return back to their born place, Gexalatia safely ?
I liked the character of Nyx andJet. Paraximus is another evil character of the novel. I loved the magical abilities that Nyx Estrella have and she has no idea about it.
There’re a lot of characters in this novel, I thought I will be confused but it’s all sorted, and won’t confuse you. All the characters have their own essence.
It’s a combination of mystery, evil, thrill, fantasy which made the novel more interesting to read. It was though a lengthy read but I loved it and it was worth my time. The language is simple, I won’t recommend this book to the beginners because they won’t be able to catch the story.The title is fascinating with an attractive and a simple cover.
Go and order your copy now !
Be ready to enter in a different world, an imaginative world which doesn’t exists in real but it does. The story revolves around Nyx who is in between her real home and the Earth. One day, Jet appears in her life to bring her back to the place where she was born, he was sent by the queen Liana Estrella, but unfortunately it’s not an easy task. Will Jet be able to bring her back and what will happen next ? The climax was haunt you till the next part, I am literally fascinated with the plot. Will they both be able to return back to their born place, Gexalatia safely ?
I liked the character of Nyx andJet. Paraximus is another evil character of the novel. I loved the magical abilities that Nyx Estrella have and she has no idea about it.
There’re a lot of characters in this novel, I thought I will be confused but it’s all sorted, and won’t confuse you. All the characters have their own essence.
It’s a combination of mystery, evil, thrill, fantasy which made the novel more interesting to read. It was though a lengthy read but I loved it and it was worth my time. The language is simple, I won’t recommend this book to the beginners because they won’t be able to catch the story.The title is fascinating with an attractive and a simple cover.
Go and order your copy now !
January 14, 2023
The story has great potential but the characters are inconsistent and badly written. The story is choppy and forced. There are some sequences that added drama without furthering the plot which were just annoying. It’s really dark for a teen fantasy. I can usually enjoy a good antihero but this one was not well written. He lacked an arc that would make him more believable. The foolishness of the characters made them seem immature and ignorant. The plot could be very good but needs a lot of help. I can’t believe I finished reading this book but I kept hoping it would get better.
May 28, 2024
This books is not like others and I enjoyed it. Although the main character is not a strong willed girl, she is intriguing. The story kept me reading, although the first few chapters were hard for me because of the wording. After the halfway mark, I couldn’t put it down and I’m about to start the next book.
There is a bit of SA and the love interest is a bit dark, so if your kids are reading, be prepared.
There is a bit of SA and the love interest is a bit dark, so if your kids are reading, be prepared.
November 1, 2021
Secrets Humor & Suspense - YA Fantasy where nothing is as it seems or is it? Realism throughout it will have you believing there are other worlds yet to be explored. A series you'll keep chasing until you unravel all the secrets.
April 21, 2022
I liked this book. It was fun, surprisingly violent, and had some angst which I always enjoy.
July 17, 2023
This one and book two are very great books and will keep you hooked, hoping book three is still going to come out. Very interesting book if you like fantasy/action/adventure
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews