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The Kings #11
The Nightmare King
When she was fourteen, Adelaide Lane made a choice that landed her in the ICU of her town’s general hospital. Her prognosis was not good. When against all odds she woke up, it was to find that she had re-entered life not only with physical and mental scars, but with the ability to see into the future.
For twenty years, Addie has used this power to do good in a world gone bad. It isn’t easy, and it’s often illegal. To make matters worse, of late she’s experienced a vision more horrible than any before – and she has no idea how to stop the event from occurring.
Adelaide’s life is chaos. What she doesn’t have time for is love, and she’s certain there’s no one on Earth who would have anything to do with her topsy-turvy life anyway.
Nick has only been alive for a few short hours. He is the Nightmare King, the sovereign of a race of incubi as old as time. When his previous form was murdered by a traitor amidst the thirteen supernatural factions, he was reborn into the handsome but notorious man, Nicholas Wargrave. Housed in a new body with a new reputation, he is instantly fighting against an ancient foe, the Challenger, a man who disputes his position as king every time Nicholas is reborn.
Nick not only has to get used to the new life given to him and withstand the Challenger’s attacks, he has to confront the Entity who issued his death in the first place. So he’s vastly unprepared when he comes face to face with the most beautiful soul he has ever beheld – and realizes the woman housing that soul is his fated queen.
Now his priorities are completely rearranged. Adelaide comes first.
The problem is, the Challenger feels the same way.
And so does the Entity who killed him.
The Nightmare King is book eleven in The Kings series, by New York Times and USA Today bestselling paranormal romance author, Heather Killough-Walden.
For twenty years, Addie has used this power to do good in a world gone bad. It isn’t easy, and it’s often illegal. To make matters worse, of late she’s experienced a vision more horrible than any before – and she has no idea how to stop the event from occurring.
Adelaide’s life is chaos. What she doesn’t have time for is love, and she’s certain there’s no one on Earth who would have anything to do with her topsy-turvy life anyway.
Nick has only been alive for a few short hours. He is the Nightmare King, the sovereign of a race of incubi as old as time. When his previous form was murdered by a traitor amidst the thirteen supernatural factions, he was reborn into the handsome but notorious man, Nicholas Wargrave. Housed in a new body with a new reputation, he is instantly fighting against an ancient foe, the Challenger, a man who disputes his position as king every time Nicholas is reborn.
Nick not only has to get used to the new life given to him and withstand the Challenger’s attacks, he has to confront the Entity who issued his death in the first place. So he’s vastly unprepared when he comes face to face with the most beautiful soul he has ever beheld – and realizes the woman housing that soul is his fated queen.
Now his priorities are completely rearranged. Adelaide comes first.
The problem is, the Challenger feels the same way.
And so does the Entity who killed him.
The Nightmare King is book eleven in The Kings series, by New York Times and USA Today bestselling paranormal romance author, Heather Killough-Walden.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2017
247 people are currently reading
413 people want to read
About the author
Heather Killough-Walden
61 books2,188 followersHeather Killough-Walden is a California native currently living in Texas with her husband and child. She is the New York Times bestselling author of the Big Bad Wolf series. Heather’s educational background includes religious studies, archeology, and law. She has traveled all over the world but hopes to one day live in a town with a world-class hockey team. (Let’s Go Pens!) Visit Heather’s website at www.killough-walden.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter. Also, be sure to keep in touch with her and other fans through her Facebook fan page and through Twitter (killoughwalden)!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
October 19, 2022
Stunning, and that's saying a lot in this fantastic series. This book was like a dream/nightmare all the way through and the ending was a shocker!
The identity of the Traitor is revealed and another major continuing storyline was finally wrapped up (hopefully).
I still felt like the story deserved another chapter or two to tell us what happened with the blended-soul hero (Nero plus Nick) and the new Queen Addie, as well as what happened to Rachel, Rodney, and the butler. This is my only complaint with all of the books in this series; once a couple gets together the author is basically done with those characters except when they drop in to lend some magic to a crisis. Considering the profound changes some of the Queens experience, maybe some slice-of-life stories in between books would be good (I would buy them).
The identity of the Traitor is revealed and another major continuing storyline was finally wrapped up (hopefully).
I still felt like the story deserved another chapter or two to tell us what happened with the blended-soul hero (Nero plus Nick) and the new Queen Addie, as well as what happened to Rachel, Rodney, and the butler. This is my only complaint with all of the books in this series; once a couple gets together the author is basically done with those characters except when they drop in to lend some magic to a crisis. Considering the profound changes some of the Queens experience, maybe some slice-of-life stories in between books would be good (I would buy them).
July 4, 2017
I KNEW IT!!! I knew HE was The Traitor King. And no, I don't mean the Nightmare King is the traitor - just that we finally discover the traitor's identity.
As for Addie and Nick's journey... I don't even know where to begin. I loved Addie's character - her social awkwardness made her easy to identify with and that she didn't allow her wealth to change who she was at her core, her soul, is what makes her perfect for the Nightmare King. It's both beautiful and terrible that anyone had to endure what she did in order to be the perfect person to become queen - terrible in what she endured, but beautiful in that it truly made her a stronger person and more deserving of her fate. What we learn about the Nightmare King and the Challenger is just astounding. I'm not up on incubus legends, so Nick's portion of the story was extremely fascinating for me because whether the author drew from already established legends or created Nick's circumstances all on her own, I was riveted. I could not read fast enough to learn how Nick and Addie's battle with The Entity would play out because I was trying to savor each morsel of information along the way. And that ending... oh my goodness, I did not see that coming. NONE OF IT! And now I must wait for the next installment in the series, which promises to be an exciting one as even more secrets wait to be revealed.
I'd apologize for the vague review, but I wouldn't want to ruin The Nightmare King for another reader. It was excellent.
As for Addie and Nick's journey... I don't even know where to begin. I loved Addie's character - her social awkwardness made her easy to identify with and that she didn't allow her wealth to change who she was at her core, her soul, is what makes her perfect for the Nightmare King. It's both beautiful and terrible that anyone had to endure what she did in order to be the perfect person to become queen - terrible in what she endured, but beautiful in that it truly made her a stronger person and more deserving of her fate. What we learn about the Nightmare King and the Challenger is just astounding. I'm not up on incubus legends, so Nick's portion of the story was extremely fascinating for me because whether the author drew from already established legends or created Nick's circumstances all on her own, I was riveted. I could not read fast enough to learn how Nick and Addie's battle with The Entity would play out because I was trying to savor each morsel of information along the way. And that ending... oh my goodness, I did not see that coming. NONE OF IT! And now I must wait for the next installment in the series, which promises to be an exciting one as even more secrets wait to be revealed.
I'd apologize for the vague review, but I wouldn't want to ruin The Nightmare King for another reader. It was excellent.
July 5, 2017
I wish I could give more than 5 stars! This is my favorite King book so far. Nicholas and Adelaide are exciting to follow and get to know. The writing is so good that it's very easy to picture yourself right there in the middle of all the action. Once I started reading I simply didn't want to put it down. This is a definite must read! If you've read the others books by this author you'll notice this book ties the King's, BBW and The Lost Angel's series all together nicely. If you haven't read them... what are you waiting for??? They are amazing!
July 9, 2017
What can I say? This is number 11 in the hugely popular Kings Series.
With the end of this one, I absolutely cannot wait for the penultimate book!! How the hell can it end like that?!
The Story of the Nightmare King, is a bittersweet one (read it and you'll see what I mean ;)) Nicholas & Adelaide's story is just as action and sexy time filled as it's predecessors. I do love reading this author, one of the first indie paranormal authors I discovered and I still love the writing style.
I've been up and down with this one, all the ins and outs, sub plots = mind blown... little and often. I'm waiting for the explosion at the end!! The tension is building...argh!!
Anyways, have fun reading this one, it's a cracker ;)
With the end of this one, I absolutely cannot wait for the penultimate book!! How the hell can it end like that?!
The Story of the Nightmare King, is a bittersweet one (read it and you'll see what I mean ;)) Nicholas & Adelaide's story is just as action and sexy time filled as it's predecessors. I do love reading this author, one of the first indie paranormal authors I discovered and I still love the writing style.
I've been up and down with this one, all the ins and outs, sub plots = mind blown... little and often. I'm waiting for the explosion at the end!! The tension is building...argh!!
Anyways, have fun reading this one, it's a cracker ;)
July 26, 2017
Amazing! Brilliantly written
I loved every minute of this book. It's character's are well developed and have meaningful lives passions and back stories. I love how all the 11 books bleed into each other and each have roles to play in the action. More then anything I enjoy the fact that these 13 kings as they find queens are turning into a supporting and caring family.
I loved every minute of this book. It's character's are well developed and have meaningful lives passions and back stories. I love how all the 11 books bleed into each other and each have roles to play in the action. More then anything I enjoy the fact that these 13 kings as they find queens are turning into a supporting and caring family.
August 7, 2017
Fantastic Series
I fell in love with the series from the moment I read the first book. It's a series that holds your attention from beginning to end and this book is just as exciting and captivating as the other ones? It has witches, warlocks, shifters, vampires, and any other paranormal entity you can imagine? A very highly recommended series and keep them coming.
I fell in love with the series from the moment I read the first book. It's a series that holds your attention from beginning to end and this book is just as exciting and captivating as the other ones? It has witches, warlocks, shifters, vampires, and any other paranormal entity you can imagine? A very highly recommended series and keep them coming.
July 10, 2017
Really enjoyed it. Cant wait to see how the ending will effect the other characters. I though the authors note at the end was well said and much needed as the events of the book reminded me that not reaching out can be devestating and can snow ball into something worse.
July 6, 2017
Prepare for new twists and turns!
Like all the Kings prior, The Nightmare King does not disappoint. Heather continues to weave a complex and exciting story. Not only do we learn the about the new King and Queen - continuing characters are also fleshed out. I also admire the author's willingness to tackle difficult subjects - in this book bullying. An interesting twist with The Entity. And now - onto the Dragon King. Can't wait!
Like all the Kings prior, The Nightmare King does not disappoint. Heather continues to weave a complex and exciting story. Not only do we learn the about the new King and Queen - continuing characters are also fleshed out. I also admire the author's willingness to tackle difficult subjects - in this book bullying. An interesting twist with The Entity. And now - onto the Dragon King. Can't wait!
July 31, 2017
Queen of the night
I did read a few reviews of this book and was worried that I would not like it but thought as better than the last one. Yes it was a bit confronting in some places but he was the Nightmare King so it was never going to be sunshine and rainbows. I liked that the Queen was identified early on and the story flowed better. There was more confrontation between the Entity and a few well guarded secrets were revealed. Nero started to grow on me towards the end. I did not expect the story to finish the way it did so I was pleasantly surprised.
I did read a few reviews of this book and was worried that I would not like it but thought as better than the last one. Yes it was a bit confronting in some places but he was the Nightmare King so it was never going to be sunshine and rainbows. I liked that the Queen was identified early on and the story flowed better. There was more confrontation between the Entity and a few well guarded secrets were revealed. Nero started to grow on me towards the end. I did not expect the story to finish the way it did so I was pleasantly surprised.
July 6, 2017
As always with Heather she killed it with this one, absolutely loved it, bring on the next one ........Great series, wonderfully rich world building and characters that I want to learn everything about, each book often catches the reader up with favourite characters from previous stories which I love..............
July 8, 2017
Loved it, just as much as the other 10 before it!!! Total must read! Only two more books in this series left, and I can't wait to see what happens next!!!
July 9, 2017
Excellent Follow Up
The Nightmare King is an excellent follow up to the ten previous King novels written by HKW. I enjoy how each story with her characters build upon each other and grow. It is amazing how she keeps everyone and every event straight, and keeps her reader fully engaged. I've enjoyed every book I've read written by Heather, and this one has been added to my list. Great read and can't wait for the next one! :)
The Nightmare King is an excellent follow up to the ten previous King novels written by HKW. I enjoy how each story with her characters build upon each other and grow. It is amazing how she keeps everyone and every event straight, and keeps her reader fully engaged. I've enjoyed every book I've read written by Heather, and this one has been added to my list. Great read and can't wait for the next one! :)
July 6, 2017
Fantastic
I loved this book. I couldn't put it down. I enjoy the fact that each of Ms. Killough-Walden's books are unique in their viewpoint and story, but that they also all have a connection to the previous books.
I loved this book. I couldn't put it down. I enjoy the fact that each of Ms. Killough-Walden's books are unique in their viewpoint and story, but that they also all have a connection to the previous books.
July 6, 2017
Another wonder
Well this is book 11 and usually a series is losing its steam by now. Not the case with this one. Each book is just as strong as the one before it and this author should be proud of that. Great job
Well this is book 11 and usually a series is losing its steam by now. Not the case with this one. Each book is just as strong as the one before it and this author should be proud of that. Great job
July 6, 2017
Wonderfully written.
Once again Heather has made her newest king and queen feel like people you want to invest in. I love the message about bullying and taking a stand against it.
Once again Heather has made her newest king and queen feel like people you want to invest in. I love the message about bullying and taking a stand against it.
July 5, 2017
She gets me Every.Time!!
I don't know how she does it...but she does. And that ENDING!
Needless to say, I've never met a King' s story that I didn't love!
I don't know how she does it...but she does. And that ENDING!
Needless to say, I've never met a King' s story that I didn't love!
July 6, 2017
A masterpiece as always...
Each story sweeps the reader into the realms of the 13. Each story unique and wonderful. I can't wait for the next one.
Each story sweeps the reader into the realms of the 13. Each story unique and wonderful. I can't wait for the next one.
July 2, 2017
Each book is better than the last!
This book is the best in the series so far! Full of twist and turns, but it also touched my heart. The characters' back stories are perfectly intertwined with the forward moving plot. Please read the Author's notes at the end. I cannot wait to see where the next book takes us!
This book is the best in the series so far! Full of twist and turns, but it also touched my heart. The characters' back stories are perfectly intertwined with the forward moving plot. Please read the Author's notes at the end. I cannot wait to see where the next book takes us!
July 4, 2017
Absolutely Amazing
As always Heather delivers an amazing storyline and beautiful characters. I was wrapped into the book by the first chapter. Can't wait fur the rest if the series.
As always Heather delivers an amazing storyline and beautiful characters. I was wrapped into the book by the first chapter. Can't wait fur the rest if the series.
July 2, 2017
Brilliant
Even though this is book 11 in the series it didn't disappoint. I can't wait for the next book but unfortunately this means putting us closer to the end of the series. If you haven't read this series yet I would definitely recommend giving it a go.
Even though this is book 11 in the series it didn't disappoint. I can't wait for the next book but unfortunately this means putting us closer to the end of the series. If you haven't read this series yet I would definitely recommend giving it a go.
July 3, 2017
The Nightmare King
Heather Killough-Walden does it again, only better. Nothing is as it seems and very different than you expect. The words are golden, the story superb and unforgettable. Well done!
Heather Killough-Walden does it again, only better. Nothing is as it seems and very different than you expect. The words are golden, the story superb and unforgettable. Well done!
July 3, 2017
excellent
this story was soooooo good. i like them all but this is now my new favorite. i didnt want it to end. Great writing Heather!!!!!☺
this story was soooooo good. i like them all but this is now my new favorite. i didnt want it to end. Great writing Heather!!!!!☺
June 30, 2017
Heather has hit an excellent home run!!
I loved the idea of this book before I even read it! After though, I can honestly say that it was a delightfully smooth and exciting read. As long as it was, I, of course wish it was longer. Without giving anything away, I can honestly say that Addie and Nicholas/Nero are my new favorite royal couple! Thanks for your hard work and dedication to the Kings Heather! Blessings!
I loved the idea of this book before I even read it! After though, I can honestly say that it was a delightfully smooth and exciting read. As long as it was, I, of course wish it was longer. Without giving anything away, I can honestly say that Addie and Nicholas/Nero are my new favorite royal couple! Thanks for your hard work and dedication to the Kings Heather! Blessings!
June 30, 2017
What a ride...Kings abound!!
Boy did this one have twists and turns... loved the reveal of the traitor and am certainly looking forward to the Dragon King ....
This was worth the wait... I'm sorry that HKW had so many problems before it's release... Love this series, never disappointed ❤️📚🙌🙌
Boy did this one have twists and turns... loved the reveal of the traitor and am certainly looking forward to the Dragon King ....
This was worth the wait... I'm sorry that HKW had so many problems before it's release... Love this series, never disappointed ❤️📚🙌🙌
July 1, 2017
Enchanting
So loved the Nightmare King and Queen! Heather is excellent developing characters with depth and their own flaws/problems to work through. The Nightmare kingdom descriptions just pulled my imagination in! Can't wait for the Dragons!
So loved the Nightmare King and Queen! Heather is excellent developing characters with depth and their own flaws/problems to work through. The Nightmare kingdom descriptions just pulled my imagination in! Can't wait for the Dragons!
June 30, 2017
Keeps getting better!
I read alot... several books a week. I'm an avid reader to say the least. I LOVE this series. It just keeps getting better with each book! I take the day off for each release! Read this series.... now!
I read alot... several books a week. I'm an avid reader to say the least. I LOVE this series. It just keeps getting better with each book! I take the day off for each release! Read this series.... now!
January 8, 2021
I'm sorry it's finished!
So much became clearer in this book. I love how the darkness of being a "nightmare" didn't stop the ability of the heroine to love him. The twist that nightmares see through to people's real souls and not just the outside appearance was wonderful. This book clears up and wraps up several ongoing storylines including the traitor's identity. No spoilers just lots of impatience for Book 12. I will be very sorry to see the ending of Book 13 because I love this series!
So much became clearer in this book. I love how the darkness of being a "nightmare" didn't stop the ability of the heroine to love him. The twist that nightmares see through to people's real souls and not just the outside appearance was wonderful. This book clears up and wraps up several ongoing storylines including the traitor's identity. No spoilers just lots of impatience for Book 12. I will be very sorry to see the ending of Book 13 because I love this series!
February 15, 2022
The good part: I like Adelaide Lane and Nick as well. I'll say one thing, despite my issues with the series, it is a bit addictive. Once you get started, you have to know how it all ends. And it doesn't stop you from wanting to pick up the next one in the series.
The bad:
Don't read unless you want to get a huge spoiler
The bad:
Don't read unless you want to get a huge spoiler
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2020
I really enjoyed this one in the series, i have the others, but this had a little something extra about it.....I would like to say i guessed who the traitor was.......I did, but talked myself out of it, then guessed again, then talked myself out of it.......(you get the picture!!) It drives you nuts (in a good way though) so if you read this before reading this book in the series, just kick back, enjoy and let it un-wined
Addie and Nick are great characters but it is Nightmare kingdom that leaves you in awe, the description leaves wonderful imagery in your mind. I liked the fact that there was a beauty to the reason of the "nightmares" and the Kingdom. Not what i expected at all.
The fight with the entity continues of course and things are getting exciting as we near the end of this series.
I am completely and utterly hooked. Onto the next.
Addie and Nick are great characters but it is Nightmare kingdom that leaves you in awe, the description leaves wonderful imagery in your mind. I liked the fact that there was a beauty to the reason of the "nightmares" and the Kingdom. Not what i expected at all.
The fight with the entity continues of course and things are getting exciting as we near the end of this series.
I am completely and utterly hooked. Onto the next.
July 19, 2017
The Kings Series is Amazing!
The Nightmare king is beautiful . Nicholas and Nero both fighting to be the king. Nicholas always the winner. Then you throw in Addie the queen and seer . She has a beautiful soul , she will do anything to save someone or an animal .
Who will win the battle this time ? Nicholas or Nero ?
Does the entity finally get what he deserves or will he continue with his evilness?
The ending of this book will have you in tears and then you will be on the edge of your seat praying everyone will be safe . OMG ! Then we get a glimpse into the next book...I won't say which king is next but ohhhh I can not wait.
Loved loved this book and cannot wait for more.
The Nightmare king is beautiful . Nicholas and Nero both fighting to be the king. Nicholas always the winner. Then you throw in Addie the queen and seer . She has a beautiful soul , she will do anything to save someone or an animal .
Who will win the battle this time ? Nicholas or Nero ?
Does the entity finally get what he deserves or will he continue with his evilness?
The ending of this book will have you in tears and then you will be on the edge of your seat praying everyone will be safe . OMG ! Then we get a glimpse into the next book...I won't say which king is next but ohhhh I can not wait.
Loved loved this book and cannot wait for more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews