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Hopeless #1
Hopeless Magic
If life really was a fairy tale, Zakara would never be the damsel in distress. She’d be a thief, and Prince Charming wouldn’t have a clue how to steal the heart of the conniving criminal.
Zakara saves not one, but three men locked inside the tallest tower. Her first instinct is to ditch them as soon as possible, but they have one thing that intrigues her more than wealth:
Magic.
Fae magic once ruled the world, until it disappeared without a trace. Only myths of the magic wielders linger in their destroyed society.
The three prisoners claim to be fae, but she doesn’t trust them.
She doesn’t trust anyone.
Can Prince Ryder convince the pretty thief to lead them to the Hopeless City? Or will she kill him before they even arrive?
This is a reverse harem serial. Recommended for readers over 18.
Zakara saves not one, but three men locked inside the tallest tower. Her first instinct is to ditch them as soon as possible, but they have one thing that intrigues her more than wealth:
Magic.
Fae magic once ruled the world, until it disappeared without a trace. Only myths of the magic wielders linger in their destroyed society.
The three prisoners claim to be fae, but she doesn’t trust them.
She doesn’t trust anyone.
Can Prince Ryder convince the pretty thief to lead them to the Hopeless City? Or will she kill him before they even arrive?
This is a reverse harem serial. Recommended for readers over 18.
161 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 22, 2018
1213 people are currently reading
1835 people want to read
About the author
A.K. Koonce
103 books881 followersA.K. Koonce is a USA Today best selling author. She's a mom by day and a fantasy and paranormal romance author by night. She keeps the fantastical stories in her mind on an endless loop, while she tries her best to focus on her actual life and not that of the spectacular but demanding fictional characters who always fill her thoughts
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
February 7, 2018
"What the hell is going on?" is the question that was running through my mind at the beginning of the story. It is the question that never really got answered. Imagine taking a 700 pages book, tearing randomly every other page from it, combining them together and then calling it a story. That what Hopeless magic felt like to me.
January 29, 2018
Omg!!! I think this is A.K.'s best book to date!!! I love the world building and the story! The characters are awesome and I love that there's tension between all of them and that there's no insta-love here. I would like to learn more of the history of the world because even though it reads as a fantasy, there's hints of real world things here as well. I need book 2 NOW!!!!!
June 14, 2020
4 Stars for Hopless Magic (audiobook) by A. K. Koonce read by Dara Rosenberg. This was a fun romantic fantasy.
February 27, 2018
Rating : 2 stars
Meh. She should have just left, it would have made the story better.
Meh. She should have just left, it would have made the story better.
February 8, 2018
Hopelessly Devoted
KU
A reverse harem novel is only saved both by how good both the concept of the story is and how integrated versus saturated the sexually tension and liaisons are, so I reckon this series has admirably managed that.
Kara is a likably mischievous character with a good dose of violence and devilry and together with an overbearing alpha male, who insists on referring to her as a ‘stupid human’, we also have the pretty boy and the distant noble.
All up a pretty good story, but beware of the cliffhanger.
KU
A reverse harem novel is only saved both by how good both the concept of the story is and how integrated versus saturated the sexually tension and liaisons are, so I reckon this series has admirably managed that.
Kara is a likably mischievous character with a good dose of violence and devilry and together with an overbearing alpha male, who insists on referring to her as a ‘stupid human’, we also have the pretty boy and the distant noble.
All up a pretty good story, but beware of the cliffhanger.
February 17, 2025
A. K. Koonce is one of those authors that’s intrigued me for a long time and I’ve not got around to reading her books. Already my expectations were higher than I would’ve liked (Hyped authors are easy to disappoint), but thank goodness I had nothing to worry about. Hopeless magic was exactly what I expected it to be. It’s the first book in a continuous series and available on Audible Plus. The entire series is also available as a bundle for 1 credit or £7.99.
What if Rapunzel was reversed. Flynn Ryder is the prince and Zakara is the thief. Let’s throw in some RH and Fae Folks tales and this is already looking exciting.
Zakara rescued 3 men from a high tower. What she wants to do is ditch them but she’s intrigued by their talks of forgotten magic. Will she take them to the Hopeless City or will secrets deeply buried dig up too much bad memories?
✅ Rapunzel retelling
✅ First in a continuous series
✅ RH
✅ Spicy scenes
✅ Fantasy
✅ Fae
✅ Prince Charming
Audiobook read.
Reading for RARE.
I will be continuing this series.
What if Rapunzel was reversed. Flynn Ryder is the prince and Zakara is the thief. Let’s throw in some RH and Fae Folks tales and this is already looking exciting.
Zakara rescued 3 men from a high tower. What she wants to do is ditch them but she’s intrigued by their talks of forgotten magic. Will she take them to the Hopeless City or will secrets deeply buried dig up too much bad memories?
✅ Rapunzel retelling
✅ First in a continuous series
✅ RH
✅ Spicy scenes
✅ Fantasy
✅ Fae
✅ Prince Charming
Audiobook read.
Reading for RARE.
I will be continuing this series.
July 30, 2018
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. But let me just say... Darrio. I need no other reasons.
In fact I probably would have rated this 4 stars if not for the weird pacing of this series. I mean what was up with that thing with Daxdyn. Is this a normal reaction for a woman living in that world? It was weird af.
In fact I probably would have rated this 4 stars if not for the weird pacing of this series. I mean what was up with that thing with Daxdyn. Is this a normal reaction for a woman living in that world? It was weird af.
February 23, 2025
Not normally my cup of tea, but read a good review of it, so thought I’d give it a try – especially as it was free on Audible.
A sort of reverse-harem book that verged on bodice-ripping (except it was male clothing being ruffled). An independent main female character, Zakara – thief and rescuer of three imprisoned male Fae, who then employ her as guide to escort them back to Fae-land.
As you might imagine, the Fae are drop-dead gorgeous (or at least two of them are), and it is all a girl can do to keep herself from throwing herself at them. But she does – for over half the book. Then it gets very, very steamy. Enemy-to-lover – or was it the nice one first? I found it difficult to distinguish between the Fae, though they were supposed to have quite distinct personalities. I just kept getting distracted by the purple prose describing their attributes – and laughing my head off.
It probably wasn’t meant to be a comedy – though Zakara could be very sarcastic and witty (when not ogling the prime physiques on display) – but it was just so OTT.
A very enjoyable romp way outside my comfort zone (thanks to Danielle).
A sort of reverse-harem book that verged on bodice-ripping (except it was male clothing being ruffled). An independent main female character, Zakara – thief and rescuer of three imprisoned male Fae, who then employ her as guide to escort them back to Fae-land.
As you might imagine, the Fae are drop-dead gorgeous (or at least two of them are), and it is all a girl can do to keep herself from throwing herself at them. But she does – for over half the book. Then it gets very, very steamy. Enemy-to-lover – or was it the nice one first? I found it difficult to distinguish between the Fae, though they were supposed to have quite distinct personalities. I just kept getting distracted by the purple prose describing their attributes – and laughing my head off.
It probably wasn’t meant to be a comedy – though Zakara could be very sarcastic and witty (when not ogling the prime physiques on display) – but it was just so OTT.
A very enjoyable romp way outside my comfort zone (thanks to Danielle).
July 5, 2018
Did anyone else feel like they got dropped in the middle of a story already taking place? It’s like this book is missing all the things a first book needs like world and character building maybe some backstory? The little snippets of info we do get seem like an afterthought. It’s really confusing. Very short read, I’d really like to see where it’s going I’m just grieving the loss of the pieces that are missing.
July 7, 2018
Sticking a dagger to Darrios thigh to prove a point was petty.
Using her looks to flirt and steal is a sad life.
"What if I'm too pretty to be taken seriously" No. Just no.
I did like the story although it feels like she tries too hard in believing she is a tough chick.
Using her looks to flirt and steal is a sad life.
"What if I'm too pretty to be taken seriously" No. Just no.
I did like the story although it feels like she tries too hard in believing she is a tough chick.
July 16, 2018
I hated the heroine and the prince. I'm not reading the next one.
March 1, 2021
2.5 stars
Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this as much as I thought I was going to. One thing that bothers me in a novel is a heroine who is facing an unknown possible threat and all they can think about is how hot she thinks someone is. It's ridiculous. She's also a thief, but honestly, she reads more like a kleptomaniac. One of the heroes ask her what she expected going out dressed like she was. There were just a few things that bothered me in this short novel. I don't know if curiosity will win out and I will continue with this series.
Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this as much as I thought I was going to. One thing that bothers me in a novel is a heroine who is facing an unknown possible threat and all they can think about is how hot she thinks someone is. It's ridiculous. She's also a thief, but honestly, she reads more like a kleptomaniac. One of the heroes ask her what she expected going out dressed like she was. There were just a few things that bothered me in this short novel. I don't know if curiosity will win out and I will continue with this series.
November 4, 2021
This was reaaalllyyy boring.
Not sure if it's me or the book, but I could barely get to 50% without falling asleep.
I didn't like the characters, the plot had a lot of gaps in it, and overall, it was just meh. No chemistry, no feelings, no fun.
I'm not giving it 1 star only because the writing was pretty ok and it was short (I would have DNFed it if not).
Not sure if it's me or the book, but I could barely get to 50% without falling asleep.
I didn't like the characters, the plot had a lot of gaps in it, and overall, it was just meh. No chemistry, no feelings, no fun.
I'm not giving it 1 star only because the writing was pretty ok and it was short (I would have DNFed it if not).
April 29, 2018
This book was good for what is, a short book with likable characters and a little steam. Even though there wasn't a ton of world building, since there wasn't really enough pages for that, I liked the world and the magic even if it was a little confusing. All of the Hopeless are sweet and Kara isn't an annoying heroine. I will read the second one!
March 19, 2018
2.75 out of 5 stars ⭐️
I didn’t really like the characters, they all felt one dimensional to me. The one character I kinda like was Darrio (mainly cause he was the only one that gave me entertainment😂).
I didn’t really like the characters, they all felt one dimensional to me. The one character I kinda like was Darrio (mainly cause he was the only one that gave me entertainment😂).
June 30, 2018
4.25 Stars
I really liked this first book in The Hopeless series. It was fast paced and constantly had my attention. I did not want to put it down! There were many times that I was laughing so hard that tears were coming out of my eyes! I had a lot of fun while reading this and I felt like it set things up for the next books well.
My main problem with this book was Zakara believe it or not. I am all for an independent female character, but I felt like Zakara took it a little too far. Even when she needed help, she would not allow her men to help her. In my mind, that is completely asinine. If you need help, why wouldn't you ask for it?! It makes no sense. I definitely think that Zakara's pride will be her downfall when it comes to this series.
As far as the men go, I like all of them. Darrio is dark and mysterious. I love my morally grey, broody males and he definitely fits the bill. So far, he is my favorite out of the group. Daxdyn is great but for completely different reasons. He is so sweet and caring. I just want to give him a hug. While I like Ryder, I didn't get to see as much of him as I would have liked. I can't really make a fair assessment on him yet because I don't really know him. Hopefully, that will change in the future installments.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It has a lower rating on Goodreads and I went into it thinking that I wouldn't really like it. Obviously, that is not the case and I was pleasantly surprised by it. I will be reading the next book, Hopeless Kingdom .
I really liked this first book in The Hopeless series. It was fast paced and constantly had my attention. I did not want to put it down! There were many times that I was laughing so hard that tears were coming out of my eyes! I had a lot of fun while reading this and I felt like it set things up for the next books well.
My main problem with this book was Zakara believe it or not. I am all for an independent female character, but I felt like Zakara took it a little too far. Even when she needed help, she would not allow her men to help her. In my mind, that is completely asinine. If you need help, why wouldn't you ask for it?! It makes no sense. I definitely think that Zakara's pride will be her downfall when it comes to this series.
As far as the men go, I like all of them. Darrio is dark and mysterious. I love my morally grey, broody males and he definitely fits the bill. So far, he is my favorite out of the group. Daxdyn is great but for completely different reasons. He is so sweet and caring. I just want to give him a hug. While I like Ryder, I didn't get to see as much of him as I would have liked. I can't really make a fair assessment on him yet because I don't really know him. Hopefully, that will change in the future installments.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It has a lower rating on Goodreads and I went into it thinking that I wouldn't really like it. Obviously, that is not the case and I was pleasantly surprised by it. I will be reading the next book, Hopeless Kingdom .
November 8, 2019
1 Star = DNF. 2 Star = Finished. Didn’t really enjoy. 3 Star = Finished. Story was neither good nor bad. 3.5 Star = Finished. Story was neither good nor bad. Will probably pick up next in series if there is one. 4 Star = Finished. Enjoyed story & would reread. 5 Star = Stole my heart! ❤️
1 Star = DNF.
2 Star = Finished. Didn’t really enjoy.
3 Star = Finished. Story was neither good nor bad.
3.5 Star = Finished. Story was neither good nor bad. Will probably pick up next in series if there is one.
4 Star = Finished. Enjoyed story.
5 Star = Stole my heart! ❤️
1 Star = DNF.
2 Star = Finished. Didn’t really enjoy.
3 Star = Finished. Story was neither good nor bad.
3.5 Star = Finished. Story was neither good nor bad. Will probably pick up next in series if there is one.
4 Star = Finished. Enjoyed story.
5 Star = Stole my heart! ❤️
May 19, 2021
Zakara is a thief. One day after hearing about a treasure in a mysterious tower, she heads there but what she finds are three fae. She makes a deal with them— she'll take them to Hopeless, the city full of fae, and in exchange they'll grant her request. And so their journey begins.
Zakara is set to be a strong and independent woman, however, she doesn't fully come across as that. She hates the guys and then she jumps in bed with them right away. And after the life she led, she trusts them so easily. I also felt like the story went way too fast. There were instances where a little bit more details would have been appreciated.
Zakara is set to be a strong and independent woman, however, she doesn't fully come across as that. She hates the guys and then she jumps in bed with them right away. And after the life she led, she trusts them so easily. I also felt like the story went way too fast. There were instances where a little bit more details would have been appreciated.
January 31, 2018
Where to even start? This book has a great heroine and three hunky Fae guys. After Zakara rescues them from their tower prison and they save her life, she is tasked to take them home. This is just the start of their adventure, I'm excited to see where this leads! Book 2 can't get here fast enough! Loved this!
March 15, 2018
I really enjoyed this. The four main characters are very intriguing and I’m loving Kara’s strength and self-reliance. Can’t wait to find out what her markings mean.
August 6, 2024
Kinda sloppy, kinda fun
June 30, 2020
Definitely intrigued. :)
April 9, 2025
Rating based on spice
February 15, 2019
2.5 stars. It was pretty meh, but loved the tension between her and Dario.
January 28, 2018
Pleasantly surprised by this book as I wasn't a fan of the Royal Harem books by the same author. But this story has an interesting premise and the characters are likeable and well written. I am looking forward to see were she is going with this story. Can recommend.
January 27, 2018
I loved this book sooooo much. Kara is hilarious and even though its RH, I ship her with Darrio ;)
Read
July 16, 2018DNF. Kind of just felt like I was thrown into the middle of a story with little to no background info. It wasn't confusing but I just felt like it was missing something. Maybe I'll come back to it
March 21, 2019
Where’s the rest of the book? It’s too short. From the little we have been given in book 1 of this series I have no desire to continue to the next book.
June 5, 2018
Holy Crap! This Book was Crazy Good!! First just let me say this is a new author for me and I'm so glad I read this Epic book! Hopeless Magic was short and action packed! I loved this new and exciting story! The Characters are to die for! I was never bored or confused, I literally hung on every word written. Kara is a character you just want to be! She is so strong and sure of herself, a survivor! Dax, Rio, and Ryder intriguing and mysterious! I can't wait to see what happens next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews