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The Royal Trials #1
Imposter
Three trials. Three weeks. Three Royal Princes.
It should have been an easy task, for a skilled mercenary like Rybet Waise. Simply break into the royal palace, and rescue her friend from the executioner's block. But when Rybet accidentally qualifies for the Trials, she finds herself with little choice but to see them through.
A thin veil of etiquette, elegance and glamour hides the true nature of the Trials. Behind closed doors, they are brutal and bloody, and to fail means to forfeit her life.
Thrust into the limelight and forced to compete with the Kingdom's elite sweethearts, unlikely allies emerge and bonds are formed. But someone will stop at nothing to see her fail.
After all, she's nothing but a dirty pond-dweller.
Rybet will do whatever it takes to survive until the Golden Ball, Princes be damned.
It should have been an easy task, for a skilled mercenary like Rybet Waise. Simply break into the royal palace, and rescue her friend from the executioner's block. But when Rybet accidentally qualifies for the Trials, she finds herself with little choice but to see them through.
A thin veil of etiquette, elegance and glamour hides the true nature of the Trials. Behind closed doors, they are brutal and bloody, and to fail means to forfeit her life.
Thrust into the limelight and forced to compete with the Kingdom's elite sweethearts, unlikely allies emerge and bonds are formed. But someone will stop at nothing to see her fail.
After all, she's nothing but a dirty pond-dweller.
Rybet will do whatever it takes to survive until the Golden Ball, Princes be damned.
Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2018
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September 25, 2018
Tate James is undeniably a great writer, but I sometimes have a few issues with what she's actually writing.
So Rybet is suddenly shoved into masquerading as a noblewoman. Fine. But considering her life depends on it, shouldn't she, you know, put a bit more effort into it? Try to blend in a little bit? Instead of casually doing things she KNOWS are going to blow her cover but just literally not caring. It's almost as if she constantly wants to be caught out.
Almost every single other girl here was villainised. Considering the premise of the story, I can see why that would happen, but it got to ridiculous proportions - on one occasion, a girl just because everyone hates Rybet that much. Um, yeah, no. There was no plausible reason why the girl would have to do that.
Also, so all the girls who fail the Trials
Everything was SO OBVIOUS. As soon as the legend of the lost princess was mentioned... . Also, the bad guys loudly and conveniently exposed every detail of their evil plan right where Rybet was lying on a couch. How believable. Not.
But like I said, Tate is a good writer. So I'll be continuing, because I do like the romance, and I want to know what happens next now. Just be warned that there are plot holes big enough to drive a truck through.
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
So Rybet is suddenly shoved into masquerading as a noblewoman. Fine. But considering her life depends on it, shouldn't she, you know, put a bit more effort into it? Try to blend in a little bit? Instead of casually doing things she KNOWS are going to blow her cover but just literally not caring. It's almost as if she constantly wants to be caught out.
Almost every single other girl here was villainised. Considering the premise of the story, I can see why that would happen, but it got to ridiculous proportions - on one occasion, a girl just because everyone hates Rybet that much. Um, yeah, no. There was no plausible reason why the girl would have to do that.
Also, so all the girls who fail the Trials
Everything was SO OBVIOUS. As soon as the legend of the lost princess was mentioned... . Also, the bad guys loudly and conveniently exposed every detail of their evil plan right where Rybet was lying on a couch. How believable. Not.
But like I said, Tate is a good writer. So I'll be continuing, because I do like the romance, and I want to know what happens next now. Just be warned that there are plot holes big enough to drive a truck through.
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
October 22, 2018
DNF 40%
I am beyond baffled as to how this book has such a high rating on Goodreads. When I read the synopsis of this book, I was thrilled. It's exactly the kind of book I look for. Strong female protagonist, fantasy setting, sexy men, a challenge. However, it suffered from so many basic problems from the beginning that I found zero enjoyment in this book.
1) The world building: it is incredibly vague and thinly conceived...a kingdom that suffered "The Darkness," flooding and plagues due to angering a god? Conceptually, ok (there's actually a rich tradition in antiquity on similar themes). But the author just drops this information in the first couple of pages without building up the structure of this world and investing the reader with any sense of the stakes in this historical outcome. Also, why do the princes need to wear masks? So commoners can't see their faces. Ok, but to what end and for what purposes? It just seems like a stupid plot device that enables the author to make her "big reveal" at the end (I skipped to the end, but I guess this well before I did)
2) Predictable -- within the first few pages I could already guess a major revelation of the story
3) Probably my biggest pet peeve when it comes to writing anything that isn't set in a contemporary context.... ANACHRONISTIC LANGUAGE. Rybet and her friend constantly refer to each other as "babe" and there are lots of "fucks" interspersed throughout the story and dialogue that don't seem suitable for this not-well-conceived-fantasty-universe. Also, "curtsying for dummies".....really?
4) Lack of character development --- Rybet is pissed at the royals for neglecting the people. She is infuriatingly one dimensional with respect to this character trait throughout the story and honestly doesn't experience any growth in my view.
Overall, this book had an interesting idea (although it's very much ripping off "The Selection" by Kiera Cass, which I also didn't like for the same lack of character development and world building), but failed miserably in its execution. On another note, maybe reverse harem just isn't for me. I've tried giving so many reverse harem series a try and they all suffer from the same problem. It almost seems that for every author writing in this genre (including this one) the plot is secondary to the sexy times between the female protagonist and her harem of dudes. I'm all for sexy times with multiple men, but for the love of God, your damn story needs to be good for me to even care about those relationships in the first place.
I am beyond baffled as to how this book has such a high rating on Goodreads. When I read the synopsis of this book, I was thrilled. It's exactly the kind of book I look for. Strong female protagonist, fantasy setting, sexy men, a challenge. However, it suffered from so many basic problems from the beginning that I found zero enjoyment in this book.
1) The world building: it is incredibly vague and thinly conceived...a kingdom that suffered "The Darkness," flooding and plagues due to angering a god? Conceptually, ok (there's actually a rich tradition in antiquity on similar themes). But the author just drops this information in the first couple of pages without building up the structure of this world and investing the reader with any sense of the stakes in this historical outcome. Also, why do the princes need to wear masks? So commoners can't see their faces. Ok, but to what end and for what purposes? It just seems like a stupid plot device that enables the author to make her "big reveal" at the end (I skipped to the end, but I guess this well before I did)
2) Predictable -- within the first few pages I could already guess a major revelation of the story
3) Probably my biggest pet peeve when it comes to writing anything that isn't set in a contemporary context.... ANACHRONISTIC LANGUAGE. Rybet and her friend constantly refer to each other as "babe" and there are lots of "fucks" interspersed throughout the story and dialogue that don't seem suitable for this not-well-conceived-fantasty-universe. Also, "curtsying for dummies".....really?
4) Lack of character development --- Rybet is pissed at the royals for neglecting the people. She is infuriatingly one dimensional with respect to this character trait throughout the story and honestly doesn't experience any growth in my view.
Overall, this book had an interesting idea (although it's very much ripping off "The Selection" by Kiera Cass, which I also didn't like for the same lack of character development and world building), but failed miserably in its execution. On another note, maybe reverse harem just isn't for me. I've tried giving so many reverse harem series a try and they all suffer from the same problem. It almost seems that for every author writing in this genre (including this one) the plot is secondary to the sexy times between the female protagonist and her harem of dudes. I'm all for sexy times with multiple men, but for the love of God, your damn story needs to be good for me to even care about those relationships in the first place.
November 4, 2018
Just a heads up, this is an unpolished, scathing review, and I feel justified in sharing it, because this book is a complete knockoff of a great book.
While I was reading this book I kept having deja vu. It was almost like I had already read it... because I did. This book is a ripoff of Sarah J. Maas' Throne of Glass. Throne of Glass: You have a young girl with a hidden past who was found and raised by a ruthless assassin. Now a young woman, the girl enters into a competition at the castle that has various rounds that include things such as: drinking various potions while trying to avoid the poisonous ones, as well as training and sword fighting. Low and behold this girl ends up being the long lost heir to a conquered kingdom. The Royal Trials: You have a young girl with a hidden past who was found and raised by a ruthless assassin. Now a young woman, the girl enters into a competition at the castle that has various rounds that include things such as: drinking various potions while trying to avoid the poisonous ones, as well as training and sword fighting. Low and behold this girl ends up being the long lost heir to a conquered kingdom. Yeah.. I totally just copied the description for The Royal Trials because the story line, minus a couple changes here and there, is the same exact one as Throne of Glass. Throne of Glass fans, don't bother reading this one. It's a poor rip that's not worth your time. Readers who have never read Throne of Glass, if you liked The Royal Trials, I urge you to read ToG. It not only came first, it's got a complex characters, great world-building, twists, actions, some forbidden romance, and so much more!!
While I was reading this book I kept having deja vu. It was almost like I had already read it... because I did. This book is a ripoff of Sarah J. Maas' Throne of Glass. Throne of Glass: You have a young girl with a hidden past who was found and raised by a ruthless assassin. Now a young woman, the girl enters into a competition at the castle that has various rounds that include things such as: drinking various potions while trying to avoid the poisonous ones, as well as training and sword fighting. Low and behold this girl ends up being the long lost heir to a conquered kingdom. The Royal Trials: You have a young girl with a hidden past who was found and raised by a ruthless assassin. Now a young woman, the girl enters into a competition at the castle that has various rounds that include things such as: drinking various potions while trying to avoid the poisonous ones, as well as training and sword fighting. Low and behold this girl ends up being the long lost heir to a conquered kingdom. Yeah.. I totally just copied the description for The Royal Trials because the story line, minus a couple changes here and there, is the same exact one as Throne of Glass. Throne of Glass fans, don't bother reading this one. It's a poor rip that's not worth your time. Readers who have never read Throne of Glass, if you liked The Royal Trials, I urge you to read ToG. It not only came first, it's got a complex characters, great world-building, twists, actions, some forbidden romance, and so much more!!
December 6, 2024
The FMC reminded me of ‘that girl’ in a slasher movie that refuses to acknowledge the most obvious clues. There could be a big red flashing sign saying 🚨You are about to be murdered🚨and she would think ‘What a pretty light display’. All I wanted was for her to come to any realisation…about anything.
It felt like the author didn’t even try to make the plot twists unexpected. I did see reviews prior to reading that called the plot twists ‘predictable’, but I wanted an easy read and thought the twists may not be obvious to me…I was very wrong about that.
⚠️Spoilers ahead ⚠️
Firstly we had the massive breadcrumb at the start about there being a long princess with a special birthmark (very Barbie Princess & the Pauper). I wonder who that is…
She also had 3 tutors Lee, Ty & Zan. There are 3 princes, Louis, Thibault & Alexander…she didn’t clock on to that though. I mean the princes all accidentally call her by a nickname that only the tutors use, which she thought was weird…but still nothing.
The connections were fine. They were all based on her being rude about the royals and her tutors laughing and loving how different & outspoken she was. She was just ‘not like other girls’ 🫥
I initially liked the FMC, she seemed bright and quick on her feet, but the fact she struggled to work out things that were right in front of her face, made her appear dim and pretty unlikeable.
Here are some other things that annoyed me :
🙄 She would say ‘Zryn’s Balls’ continuously, instead of swearing.
🙄The adult Princesses acted like catty teenagers and the meanness felt so forced and repetitive.
🙄She would actively flirt with the royals and then pick fight after fight. Exhausting.
It wasn’t a bad book (I’ve read way worse books), but it was so average compared to other Tate James books. I usually love her books, but this just reads like a bad YA. I wouldn’t usually associate this author with YA, but maybe she was trying something different…
I think the plot could have been turned into something really unique with the trial storyline and the complexities of the competition, but it just felt like no effort was put in to conceal anything from the reader.
The fact that I had to pay for this book and it wasn’t included in KU, could have also contributed to my bitterness. However, if I’m paying for something, I expect more 😅
It felt like the author didn’t even try to make the plot twists unexpected. I did see reviews prior to reading that called the plot twists ‘predictable’, but I wanted an easy read and thought the twists may not be obvious to me…I was very wrong about that.
⚠️Spoilers ahead ⚠️
Firstly we had the massive breadcrumb at the start about there being a long princess with a special birthmark (very Barbie Princess & the Pauper). I wonder who that is…
She also had 3 tutors Lee, Ty & Zan. There are 3 princes, Louis, Thibault & Alexander…she didn’t clock on to that though. I mean the princes all accidentally call her by a nickname that only the tutors use, which she thought was weird…but still nothing.
The connections were fine. They were all based on her being rude about the royals and her tutors laughing and loving how different & outspoken she was. She was just ‘not like other girls’ 🫥
I initially liked the FMC, she seemed bright and quick on her feet, but the fact she struggled to work out things that were right in front of her face, made her appear dim and pretty unlikeable.
Here are some other things that annoyed me :
🙄 She would say ‘Zryn’s Balls’ continuously, instead of swearing.
🙄The adult Princesses acted like catty teenagers and the meanness felt so forced and repetitive.
🙄She would actively flirt with the royals and then pick fight after fight. Exhausting.
It wasn’t a bad book (I’ve read way worse books), but it was so average compared to other Tate James books. I usually love her books, but this just reads like a bad YA. I wouldn’t usually associate this author with YA, but maybe she was trying something different…
I think the plot could have been turned into something really unique with the trial storyline and the complexities of the competition, but it just felt like no effort was put in to conceal anything from the reader.
The fact that I had to pay for this book and it wasn’t included in KU, could have also contributed to my bitterness. However, if I’m paying for something, I expect more 😅
August 27, 2021
Wow! Can you say cliffhanger, yeah this book finishes right on he edge of something big, so be prepared. And there is also a really obvious plot in most of the book, which at times makes the main character seem pretty naive, and conflicts with her street smart back round at times. That being said it was an enjoyable read,plenty of unpredictable moments, to keep things interesting I will be reading the next book asap.
February 22, 2022
Okay this was a super fun fantasy/reverse harem romance. Idk if the twist with the 3 heroes is supposed to be obvious but I still enjoyed all the characters. The setup of this world is great! The heroine is a commoner thief but somehow accidentally finds her way into the royal palace, is believed to be a lady, and is forced to enter these trials (fighting to the death) to marry one of the three princes. She’s just trying to survive and not end up married lol. I’m really excited to read more!
November 6, 2019
Second time read & review
Just like the first time around, I crushed through this book. I loved absolutely everything about Rybet.. or should I call her Calla? I feel like this time around, I definitely knew more about what was going on. Perks of reread I guess?
That being said, I will continue to be super proud of myself for knowing who was who when it came to secret identities. I was freaking out when she realized it towards the end. I mean, she only knows about one guy.. but I'm sure she can put two and two together. Or at least I hope she can..
Overall, the ending got me once again. I seriously need to dive into the next book just so I can see what the hell these crazy kids are going to do to me next! I also really want certain people to die.. so super excited to see if that will or wont happen.
_______________________________________________________
When Kit Davenport ended, I was sad. However, Kindle Unlimited surprised the heck outta me with this series. Kit will forever be in my heart but I can totally get on board with Rybet.
Imposter flew by. Maybe it's because it has been a while since a book from this author or if I just ended up actually enjoying this book. Rybet's character was just adorable. I loved her because she was a bad ass. A lady bad ass. Then there are the guys, oh drool worthy.
The princes, pretty mysterious and lovable. No, I wont tell you their names because I'm evil. I feel like I didn't get enough of them or about them. I want more and I seriously need the second book ASAP. Besides all of that, the trials kept me engaged. The romance, humor, and action had me tapping the little arrow button my kindle so many freaking times - I might've broke it (oops?).
Overall, I enjoyed the heck out of this book. It sucks that I have to wait until next month for book 2 but I guess I will enjoy the suffering.
Just like the first time around, I crushed through this book. I loved absolutely everything about Rybet.. or should I call her Calla? I feel like this time around, I definitely knew more about what was going on. Perks of reread I guess?
That being said, I will continue to be super proud of myself for knowing who was who when it came to secret identities. I was freaking out when she realized it towards the end. I mean, she only knows about one guy.. but I'm sure she can put two and two together. Or at least I hope she can..
Overall, the ending got me once again. I seriously need to dive into the next book just so I can see what the hell these crazy kids are going to do to me next! I also really want certain people to die.. so super excited to see if that will or wont happen.
_______________________________________________________
When Kit Davenport ended, I was sad. However, Kindle Unlimited surprised the heck outta me with this series. Kit will forever be in my heart but I can totally get on board with Rybet.
Imposter flew by. Maybe it's because it has been a while since a book from this author or if I just ended up actually enjoying this book. Rybet's character was just adorable. I loved her because she was a bad ass. A lady bad ass. Then there are the guys, oh drool worthy.
The princes, pretty mysterious and lovable. No, I wont tell you their names because I'm evil. I feel like I didn't get enough of them or about them. I want more and I seriously need the second book ASAP. Besides all of that, the trials kept me engaged. The romance, humor, and action had me tapping the little arrow button my kindle so many freaking times - I might've broke it (oops?).
Overall, I enjoyed the heck out of this book. It sucks that I have to wait until next month for book 2 but I guess I will enjoy the suffering.
October 18, 2019
After failing to retrieve her friend from the castle dungeons-young mercenary and pickpocket, Rybet from the Pond, is thrown into a trail to become the next Queen. However, keeping her identity a secret and not falling for the three princes isn't the only thing she has to worry about...
the good and the bad spoilers---
The good:
I did like the trials- the tests were well rounded and interesting. I also liked the political intrigue, and I'm wondering what the repercussions are for after. I know that the King said that all of the families basically sent their daughters to die, but will the public support a crown that killed so many women if it gets out? I am also very interested in how those disappearing villagers are being changed..what are they turning into?
the bad:
Okay, so the whole premise of how and why she had to stay in the trails was a little convoluted. Her friend/maid knew that the pickpocket kid was released from jail before they even got to the castle, but Rybet didn't? Was she so focused on getting him out she didn't even get information about it just rushed right in..or did they hide that info from her to make her go to the castle?
The princes/tutors thing, as well as Calla was so obvious from jump. Almost all of the other girls were 'villainous and evil', except for the "mousy shy girl"
Hell if I was in a fight for my life , and I saw someone act like they could give a shit less about the princes, becoming queen, or succeeding in the trials- and openly flirting with the tutors -and still being favored by the princes--I'd be a bit peeved too. (Maybe not 'kill her' status, but still..peeved)
Also, Rybet was kind of a cocky biyatch- sometimes it worked, other times it didn't. And the three love interest..yeah I was only kind of feeling Lee. Oh and ps- how the hell did the Princess chick get second place in the trial when she missed three of the first tests??
This book is on kindle unlimited, so I will probably read the next book to see where it goes!
the good and the bad spoilers---
The good:
I did like the trials- the tests were well rounded and interesting. I also liked the political intrigue, and I'm wondering what the repercussions are for after. I know that the King said that all of the families basically sent their daughters to die, but will the public support a crown that killed so many women if it gets out? I am also very interested in how those disappearing villagers are being changed..what are they turning into?
the bad:
Okay, so the whole premise of how and why she had to stay in the trails was a little convoluted. Her friend/maid knew that the pickpocket kid was released from jail before they even got to the castle, but Rybet didn't? Was she so focused on getting him out she didn't even get information about it just rushed right in..or did they hide that info from her to make her go to the castle?
The princes/tutors thing, as well as Calla was so obvious from jump. Almost all of the other girls were 'villainous and evil', except for the "mousy shy girl"
Hell if I was in a fight for my life , and I saw someone act like they could give a shit less about the princes, becoming queen, or succeeding in the trials- and openly flirting with the tutors -and still being favored by the princes--I'd be a bit peeved too. (Maybe not 'kill her' status, but still..peeved)
Also, Rybet was kind of a cocky biyatch- sometimes it worked, other times it didn't. And the three love interest..yeah I was only kind of feeling Lee. Oh and ps- how the hell did the Princess chick get second place in the trial when she missed three of the first tests??
This book is on kindle unlimited, so I will probably read the next book to see where it goes!
September 3, 2022
It was a quick, exciting, and fun read.
Rybet Waise was a thief and mercenary found by a mob boss when she was only four years old. She found herself in a predicament when she snuck into the palace dungeon to save a friend. She got caught but was saved from the executioner’s blade when someone presented her with an opportunity to be in a Royal trial in search of a bride for one of the princes. She just needed to make it through the first test, fail and get out; or so she thought. Things did not go as she planned and she was stuck, the only way out alive was to win and she was determined but someone wanted her dead.
So far so good. On to the next book in the series. 3.5 stars.
Rybet Waise was a thief and mercenary found by a mob boss when she was only four years old. She found herself in a predicament when she snuck into the palace dungeon to save a friend. She got caught but was saved from the executioner’s blade when someone presented her with an opportunity to be in a Royal trial in search of a bride for one of the princes. She just needed to make it through the first test, fail and get out; or so she thought. Things did not go as she planned and she was stuck, the only way out alive was to win and she was determined but someone wanted her dead.
So far so good. On to the next book in the series. 3.5 stars.
October 30, 2024
📚 spoiler-free book review
✅ 4/5⭐️
🌶 1/5
Блііін, мені сподобалось і вже берусь за наступну частину :)
Якщо чесно, то є десятки моментів та деталей до яких можна придертися та критикувати. Але суть в тому, що мені не хочеться. Нарешті розкрили очевидні речі з самого початку, але тепер, сподіваюсь, що стане ще цікавіше. Це Голодні ігри на мінімалках, розіграні в атмосфеі королівського відбору. Хоча світобудова та деякі деталі були пропрацьовані досить посередньо, потенціал великий. Але така висока висока оцінка за те, що, незважаючи на недоліки, я не могла відірватися. А тут ще й кліфхенгер в кінці! Останнім часом ніяка книга не тримала так мою увагу, хоча багато з них були написані краще. Може потрапило в настрій, не знаю. Плюс, я не фанатка реверсивних гаремів і рідко читаю книги з таким тропом, але тут для мене все виглядало досить органічно.
Майте на увазі, що головні повороти сюжету та таємниці дуже передбачувані. Якщо ви прийшли за інтригою, то вам не сюди. Але якщо вам хочеться книгу на вечір, яка дуже швидко та легко читається в антуражі відбору та з умовним насуваючимся апокаліпсисом, то можна спробувати.
✅ 4/5⭐️
🌶 1/5
Блііін, мені сподобалось і вже берусь за наступну частину :)
Якщо чесно, то є десятки моментів та деталей до яких можна придертися та критикувати. Але суть в тому, що мені не хочеться. Нарешті розкрили очевидні речі з самого початку, але тепер, сподіваюсь, що стане ще цікавіше. Це Голодні ігри на мінімалках, розіграні в атмосфеі королівського відбору. Хоча світобудова та деякі деталі були пропрацьовані досить посередньо, потенціал великий. Але така висока висока оцінка за те, що, незважаючи на недоліки, я не могла відірватися. А тут ще й кліфхенгер в кінці! Останнім часом ніяка книга не тримала так мою увагу, хоча багато з них були написані краще. Може потрапило в настрій, не знаю. Плюс, я не фанатка реверсивних гаремів і рідко читаю книги з таким тропом, але тут для мене все виглядало досить органічно.
Майте на увазі, що головні повороти сюжету та таємниці дуже передбачувані. Якщо ви прийшли за інтригою, то вам не сюди. Але якщо вам хочеться книгу на вечір, яка дуже швидко та легко читається в антуражі відбору та з умовним насуваючимся апокаліпсисом, то можна спробувати.
September 19, 2018
HOLY MIND FUCKERY! Omg, this is a book to get excited about. Tate has a struck again with this series starter and you will be sucked into the vortex of this world full of mystery, intrigue, games, drama, murder, and lust so fast your head will spin. Rybit is a thief and through an unfortunate incident has been thrown into the royal court. Girlfriend has to fake it to make it and someone is out to get her. Its soooo good and all I have let to say is hurry up with the next book Tate, please and thank you!
February 4, 2019
Surprisingly this book was better then I'd expected, however it did start off a little slow which cause a delay in getting through it but I should have known better the author Tate James would come through in the end!!!
Can't wait to jump into book 2..
Overall rating:
4*~ Good Read
Can't wait to jump into book 2..
Overall rating:
4*~ Good Read
August 1, 2020
I didn't hate the book, it was a nice read. I just think it was too much of The Selection with more gory details.
It could just have been so much more.
I will give book 2 a chance.
I liked Lee the most, he's my baby, and I want to cuddle him :))
It could just have been so much more.
I will give book 2 a chance.
I liked Lee the most, he's my baby, and I want to cuddle him :))
January 13, 2021
Ok, so if you like to be surprised when reading a book, I wouldn’t recommend this. The ‘plot twist’ - not even sure if I should call it that - is obvious from the very first chapters, and honestly there’s no way the main character would be so clueless...
At the same time, this book was so damn entertaining! Three princes? Trials? Magic? Fights and intrigue and politics? I like all of those things!! I just wish it was longer, with some scenes and relationships being better developed.
This book is perfect if you’re looking for something fun and quick, and with some steamy scenes. I already know the rest of the series will be extremely fun to read as well and I can’t wait. :D
At the same time, this book was so damn entertaining! Three princes? Trials? Magic? Fights and intrigue and politics? I like all of those things!! I just wish it was longer, with some scenes and relationships being better developed.
This book is perfect if you’re looking for something fun and quick, and with some steamy scenes. I already know the rest of the series will be extremely fun to read as well and I can’t wait. :D
December 5, 2021
This was like The Selection meets Throne of Glass. I really enjoyed this book even if it was really obvious what was going on with the princes. Rybet is a great main character. I must admit that I can't choose between the princes, all three are very appealing in different ways. I was not happy with the cliffhanger though, the story felt more like it was hacked off at the end. I'm dying to read the next book in the series.
August 1, 2019
il fatto che mi sia praticamente "bevuta" questo libro in poche ore la dice lunga su quanto mi sia piaciuto! Ora fremo letteralmente per i seguiti...peccato che l'autrice non venga più al RARE avrei voluto stringerle la mano perchè ha scritto un libro bellissimo!!
June 19, 2020
Cassandra Gold - per RFS
.
Ben trovate care Fenici, quest’oggi parleremo di un romanzo che mi ha colpito sin da subito per i toni vivaci e dinamici; una storia d’amore e d’avventura, dai toni a volte crudi e un po’ drammatici.
Rybet è una ragazza dello stagno, un luogo in cui le persone che non hanno niente, trovano rifugio e protezione, ma che vengono nello stesso tempo sfruttate da colui che si è autoproclamato sovrano del luogo: Bloodeye. Abile nel furto e nell’eseguire dei piccoli crimini, fin da piccola la nostra protagonista viene sfruttata dal losco individuo, e insieme a lei anche i numerosi orfani trovati a vagare nella zona malsana. Un tempo residenza di lusso, Lakehaven subisce un drastico cambiamento a seguito dell’avvento dell’epoca oscura, che segna la sparizione della magia. Da quel momento in poi, diviene la residenza dei poveri individui caduti in disgrazia. Ma quello non rimane un fatto limitato a quella sola zona. Molte regioni subiscono lo stesso trauma, a seguito della scomparsa dei legittimi sovrani detentori della magia. grazie all’aiuto dei nuovi principi la peste viene fermata, ristabilendo l’ordine nel regno. Purtroppo, la situazione rimane ancora in stato precario, per questo qualunque piccola mancanza viene punita con la morte. Quel giorno la città è in festa, è in atto una selezione delle nobildonne che parteciperanno a un torneo molto importante all’interno del palazzo. Il piccolo Flick, accompagnato da Rybet, doveva, con l’occasione, dimostrare di essere pronto all’arte del borseggio. Il bersaglio: uno degli inviti in possesso delle guardie reali. Purtroppo il bambino, colto sul fatto, viene arrestato. Rybet cerca di liberarlo, ma viene fermata da dei ragazzi, che scopre essere i conclamati principi del regno. Da quel momento il loro destino s’intreccia, catapultando sotto mentite spoglie la nostra protagonista all’interno del torneo. Ma la sfida si rivelerà più ardua che mai, mettendo in varie occasioni in pericolo la sua vita.
Devo dire che la trama, dall’apparenza così semplice, si complica parecchio andando avanti con la lettura. La storia diventa sempre più entusiasmante, rivelando sfaccettature impreviste e cariche di suspense. Non si tratta di un semplice romance, ma anche di un noir. Mi è piaciuto molto il modo in cui s’intreccia il legame (con chi? Flick?) della protagonista, che per salvare il suo protetto, si cala nei panni di una nobildonna, Callaluna, insieme con i protagonisti maschili. Ho adorato soprattutto il personaggio di Ty forte, ma sensibile, dall’animo in fondo tenero e protettivo. La storia è a tratti fantasy, ma ha qualche spunto fantascientifico, come se la tragedia che li ha travolti sia dovuta a un qualche tipo di cataclisma poco chiaro. Si esce fuori dal solito cliché visto e rivisto delle classiche storie d’amore, lasciando spazio a un contesto un po’ più vivace. Sono molto ansiosa di sapere qualcosa di più sulla storia del regno, che promette di essere davvero entusiasmante. Il romanzo si conclude con una buona suspense, lasciandoci con il fiato sospeso. Non vedo l’ora di leggere il seguito. Consiglio questo libro, da ragazzi dai sedici anni in su.
Buona lettura, fenicette!
.
Ben trovate care Fenici, quest’oggi parleremo di un romanzo che mi ha colpito sin da subito per i toni vivaci e dinamici; una storia d’amore e d’avventura, dai toni a volte crudi e un po’ drammatici.
Rybet è una ragazza dello stagno, un luogo in cui le persone che non hanno niente, trovano rifugio e protezione, ma che vengono nello stesso tempo sfruttate da colui che si è autoproclamato sovrano del luogo: Bloodeye. Abile nel furto e nell’eseguire dei piccoli crimini, fin da piccola la nostra protagonista viene sfruttata dal losco individuo, e insieme a lei anche i numerosi orfani trovati a vagare nella zona malsana. Un tempo residenza di lusso, Lakehaven subisce un drastico cambiamento a seguito dell’avvento dell’epoca oscura, che segna la sparizione della magia. Da quel momento in poi, diviene la residenza dei poveri individui caduti in disgrazia. Ma quello non rimane un fatto limitato a quella sola zona. Molte regioni subiscono lo stesso trauma, a seguito della scomparsa dei legittimi sovrani detentori della magia. grazie all’aiuto dei nuovi principi la peste viene fermata, ristabilendo l’ordine nel regno. Purtroppo, la situazione rimane ancora in stato precario, per questo qualunque piccola mancanza viene punita con la morte. Quel giorno la città è in festa, è in atto una selezione delle nobildonne che parteciperanno a un torneo molto importante all’interno del palazzo. Il piccolo Flick, accompagnato da Rybet, doveva, con l’occasione, dimostrare di essere pronto all’arte del borseggio. Il bersaglio: uno degli inviti in possesso delle guardie reali. Purtroppo il bambino, colto sul fatto, viene arrestato. Rybet cerca di liberarlo, ma viene fermata da dei ragazzi, che scopre essere i conclamati principi del regno. Da quel momento il loro destino s’intreccia, catapultando sotto mentite spoglie la nostra protagonista all’interno del torneo. Ma la sfida si rivelerà più ardua che mai, mettendo in varie occasioni in pericolo la sua vita.
Devo dire che la trama, dall’apparenza così semplice, si complica parecchio andando avanti con la lettura. La storia diventa sempre più entusiasmante, rivelando sfaccettature impreviste e cariche di suspense. Non si tratta di un semplice romance, ma anche di un noir. Mi è piaciuto molto il modo in cui s’intreccia il legame (con chi? Flick?) della protagonista, che per salvare il suo protetto, si cala nei panni di una nobildonna, Callaluna, insieme con i protagonisti maschili. Ho adorato soprattutto il personaggio di Ty forte, ma sensibile, dall’animo in fondo tenero e protettivo. La storia è a tratti fantasy, ma ha qualche spunto fantascientifico, come se la tragedia che li ha travolti sia dovuta a un qualche tipo di cataclisma poco chiaro. Si esce fuori dal solito cliché visto e rivisto delle classiche storie d’amore, lasciando spazio a un contesto un po’ più vivace. Sono molto ansiosa di sapere qualcosa di più sulla storia del regno, che promette di essere davvero entusiasmante. Il romanzo si conclude con una buona suspense, lasciandoci con il fiato sospeso. Non vedo l’ora di leggere il seguito. Consiglio questo libro, da ragazzi dai sedici anni in su.
Buona lettura, fenicette!
June 14, 2021
Nothing special here, but it was fun!
When Rybet's friend gets stuck in prison after being discovered as a thief under her tutelage, she's determined to break him out. While breaking into the palace, Rybet accidentally gets caught in The Royal Trials and must compete and pretend to be a noble lady.
I will admit this book was fun. But it was also really sadly predictable. Like the love interests, the princes identities, the most likely missing princesses identity. Yeah I'm not fooled here. And occasionally some predictability is nice, but in this case (mainly with the princes identities) it felt like I was being hit over the head with "nudges" while Rybet remains completely oblivious. Like girl? come on.
Also what the actual fuck was that ending? I don't even mean in like a cliffhanger aspect, though it is technically that. I mean in the where the fuck is the logic of what happened? Nothing is explained and the book just ends with this big thing happening and absolutely no resolution. It almost doesn't even feel like a finished book. I'm going to continue the series just to see if I'm right about other things, but this ending is really grating on me.
When Rybet's friend gets stuck in prison after being discovered as a thief under her tutelage, she's determined to break him out. While breaking into the palace, Rybet accidentally gets caught in The Royal Trials and must compete and pretend to be a noble lady.
I will admit this book was fun. But it was also really sadly predictable. Like the love interests, the princes identities, the most likely missing princesses identity. Yeah I'm not fooled here. And occasionally some predictability is nice, but in this case (mainly with the princes identities) it felt like I was being hit over the head with "nudges" while Rybet remains completely oblivious. Like girl? come on.
Also what the actual fuck was that ending? I don't even mean in like a cliffhanger aspect, though it is technically that. I mean in the where the fuck is the logic of what happened? Nothing is explained and the book just ends with this big thing happening and absolutely no resolution. It almost doesn't even feel like a finished book. I'm going to continue the series just to see if I'm right about other things, but this ending is really grating on me.
March 10, 2024
i’m obsessing over this, I can’t wait for the next book!! tate never misses 🤌🏼😮💨
March 11, 2019
Once again misled by the questionable above average rating on this book.
The worldbuilding was pretty terrible. I couldn't figure out what setting I was in. The dialogue and language in the book conflicted with the setting. Word use such as "babe," "work it, girl," "hard-ons," "whatever," and on and on. It really threw me out of the setting that the author created as a world with a monarchy and balls and masks and swordplay. The author also touched on technology but did little to expand on the type.
The character development was just as bad as the worldbuilding. The heroine was not likable for me and the romance between her and felt so contrived. It seemed the princes .
Overall, it was also just very predictable. Even though I haven't read past this first book, I know deep, deep, deep down that the heroine is . It was very obvious and honestly felt a little insulting to the reader's intelligence.
I will not continue the series.
The worldbuilding was pretty terrible. I couldn't figure out what setting I was in. The dialogue and language in the book conflicted with the setting. Word use such as "babe," "work it, girl," "hard-ons," "whatever," and on and on. It really threw me out of the setting that the author created as a world with a monarchy and balls and masks and swordplay. The author also touched on technology but did little to expand on the type.
The character development was just as bad as the worldbuilding. The heroine was not likable for me and the romance between her and felt so contrived. It seemed the princes .
Overall, it was also just very predictable. Even though I haven't read past this first book, I know deep, deep, deep down that the heroine is . It was very obvious and honestly felt a little insulting to the reader's intelligence.
I will not continue the series.
November 13, 2018
This book counts towards my RHR Bingo challenge: “Flirty Womanizer ”.
Cliffhanger ending.
2 mindlessly predictable stars
Only intriguing prince in the book with the only interesting thing that happened...quote:
“Let me spell it out for you, Lady Callaluna,” he spoke softly, but it was with an undertone of aggression and threat. “If you use this key tonight, you'll be doing it at your own peril. I'm not my brothers, and I won't offer you sweet nothings and conversation. If you come to my rooms, you'd better be stripped of that lovely blue dress and waiting naked by the time I get there because I will accept nothing less than all of you. I won't hold back, and I won't woo you with pretty lies. You're an attractive lady, much more so than anyone else on offer right now, and if you were to come to my rooms I would use you in every way I have fantasized since first laying eyes on you.” -Prince Alexander
Cliffhanger ending.
2 mindlessly predictable stars
Only intriguing prince in the book with the only interesting thing that happened...quote:
“Let me spell it out for you, Lady Callaluna,” he spoke softly, but it was with an undertone of aggression and threat. “If you use this key tonight, you'll be doing it at your own peril. I'm not my brothers, and I won't offer you sweet nothings and conversation. If you come to my rooms, you'd better be stripped of that lovely blue dress and waiting naked by the time I get there because I will accept nothing less than all of you. I won't hold back, and I won't woo you with pretty lies. You're an attractive lady, much more so than anyone else on offer right now, and if you were to come to my rooms I would use you in every way I have fantasized since first laying eyes on you.” -Prince Alexander
February 26, 2021
A reverse harem that is not a bully romance. Finally!
I got huge "The Selection" vibes but there are 3 princes, not just one. There are some obvious things regarding the plot to all of us readers, but the female protagonist seems oblivious. Well...
Anyway, the book doesn't have any big steamy moments (with the exception of some kisses and well.. the whole last chapter). The reverse harem angle is well justified. But the book ends in a cliffhanger so I just have to continue with book two right away.
I got huge "The Selection" vibes but there are 3 princes, not just one. There are some obvious things regarding the plot to all of us readers, but the female protagonist seems oblivious. Well...
Anyway, the book doesn't have any big steamy moments (with the exception of some kisses and well.. the whole last chapter). The reverse harem angle is well justified. But the book ends in a cliffhanger so I just have to continue with book two right away.
January 26, 2021
4,5⭐
Inizio molto promettente, sembra di leggere un mix tra Hunger Games e The Selection, con l'aggiunta di tre principi indimenticabili
Inizio molto promettente, sembra di leggere un mix tra Hunger Games e The Selection, con l'aggiunta di tre principi indimenticabili
November 7, 2022
Guess it doesn’t matter the timeline or setting, Tate James always delivers an amazing read. Wonderful RH rags to riches tale where the heroine is the least interested contestant to win the princes’ hearts and yet the most likely to win. Raised on the streets of her city, heroine Rybet gets caught red handed meandering the palace prison. After being saved by an ally, the only way to save face and live is to join the royal trials. Trouble comes in threes as the palace politics dictate all: three ridiculous/deadly trials and three spoiled princes who care little for anyone but themselves. Then again Rybet is a bit biased and over time even she learns how wrong she may be in not giving them more credit. I like the slow burn of the relationship especially as it’s crystal clear the heroine has little to no idea who she’s been spending most of her time with. She’s street smart but misses that which is right in front of her face. Ends with a pretty awful cliffhanger, eager to make sure everyone is well because I have little doubt shit has yet to truly hit the fan.
March 20, 2019
This story is pretty predictable.
I already think I know who she is.
I’ve pretty much figured out who her three new friends are.
I found the romance at the start to be abrupt and sudden. She just starts making out with one of the tutors, and they basically become inseparable.
The thing is even with all my annoyance I still finished the book because there is something there for my interest. Something that makes me want to know if I’m right in my predictions.
My predictions are:
Oh and now I figured something out about the end at least I think I did.
Another point of issue the authors very over use of “huh” I noticed it so much I typed it into the search of the kindle app and there are 28 huhs there. That’s a lot. Too much of the word.
And it’s slow the writing is ok but the pacing are slow as molasses.
I already think I know who she is.
I’ve pretty much figured out who her three new friends are.
I found the romance at the start to be abrupt and sudden. She just starts making out with one of the tutors, and they basically become inseparable.
The thing is even with all my annoyance I still finished the book because there is something there for my interest. Something that makes me want to know if I’m right in my predictions.
My predictions are:
Oh and now I figured something out about the end at least I think I did.
Another point of issue the authors very over use of “huh” I noticed it so much I typed it into the search of the kindle app and there are 28 huhs there. That’s a lot. Too much of the word.
And it’s slow the writing is ok but the pacing are slow as molasses.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2019
Man oh man was this good! This book had been sitting in my "currently reading" shelf for like two weeks before I actually started it. And I really honestly have no idea why I took so long to start it. Because I seriously LOVED the Kit series. It is my favorite RH series of all time. I really don't know if anything will ever beat it out of the top spot. So, why did I wait so long to start this? Honestly, I was scared, probably. I don't know. Lol. But like I loved Kit and her boys so much that I had suuuper high expectations of this one. I was scared this book wouldn't live up to what I had grown it to in my head. But it was so much better! I absolutely LOVED this book.
Ry and her boys absolutely knocked it out of the park! I fell in love with all of them and as soon as I finished this book I jumped right into book two. And as I'm writing this review of book one, I'm currently in the middle of book three. I've finished so much of this series in one weekend. That's how obsessed I am! :D
So read this book people! <3
Ry and her boys absolutely knocked it out of the park! I fell in love with all of them and as soon as I finished this book I jumped right into book two. And as I'm writing this review of book one, I'm currently in the middle of book three. I've finished so much of this series in one weekend. That's how obsessed I am! :D
So read this book people! <3
January 14, 2021
It is a fun book to read. I especially loved Rybet. She is one of my favorite fictional characters now. Her love interests, Ty, Lee, and Zan, are so lovable, I can't imagine it. I had fallen for them along with Rybet. One thing I absolutely hated about this book is its cliffhanger. It is major! I can't believe that Tate James kept us hanging like that😲. Though the book is really fabulous, I loved it.
For a more detailed review of this series, check out our blog: favbookshelf.com .
For a more detailed review of this series, check out our blog: favbookshelf.com .
March 14, 2021
3,5 stelline. Avrei assegnato un mezzo punto in più se non fosse stato così facilmente intuibile, sin dall'inizio, la reale identità dei tre insegnanti e quella di un altro importante personaggio.
August 29, 2021
This was so much fun haha, I can't wait to read the next book!
Want to read
November 6, 2019UK amazon link is broken
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