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Nighthelm Academy #1
City of the Sleeping Gods
Nighthelm is a city of lies, and Sophia is the greatest lie of them all. Though she has saved the city hundreds of times, the people of Nighthelm don’t even know she exists.
Found wandering the Witch Woods as a child, everything about Sophia is a mystery. With no memories and no family, she’s raised in secret by the professors of Nighthelm Academy… all of whom know far more about her than they’re letting on.
But Sophia does know one thing: she’s a contritum, a magical being with a broken soul. Her very existence is illegal, and until she finds the other piece of her soul, her uncontrollable magic will only grow more deadly and untamed.
As Sophia races the clock to find her other half, her magic growing more wild by the minute, she discovers three men who hold a mysterious sway over not just her soul, but also her heart.
The problem? She must lie. No matter what happens, she can’t tell them who… or what… she is.
Strong and dangerous, powerful and commanding, each of these men make her body react in traitorous ways. Bit by bit, she feels herself becoming whole around them. But for the life of her, she can’t figure out which of them has the missing piece to her soul… or how he got it in the first place.
To make matters worse, it becomes clear someone broke her soul on purpose… and she’s on a warpath to figure out why.
Found wandering the Witch Woods as a child, everything about Sophia is a mystery. With no memories and no family, she’s raised in secret by the professors of Nighthelm Academy… all of whom know far more about her than they’re letting on.
But Sophia does know one thing: she’s a contritum, a magical being with a broken soul. Her very existence is illegal, and until she finds the other piece of her soul, her uncontrollable magic will only grow more deadly and untamed.
As Sophia races the clock to find her other half, her magic growing more wild by the minute, she discovers three men who hold a mysterious sway over not just her soul, but also her heart.
The problem? She must lie. No matter what happens, she can’t tell them who… or what… she is.
Strong and dangerous, powerful and commanding, each of these men make her body react in traitorous ways. Bit by bit, she feels herself becoming whole around them. But for the life of her, she can’t figure out which of them has the missing piece to her soul… or how he got it in the first place.
To make matters worse, it becomes clear someone broke her soul on purpose… and she’s on a warpath to figure out why.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2018
800 people are currently reading
754 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Ash
36 books196 followersBadass heroines. Sexy leading men. Steamy romance. And, of course, heart-pounding adventure filled with magic, whimsey, humor, and justice.
Olivia Ash spends her time dreaming up the perfect men to challenge, love, and protect her strong heroines (who actually don’t need protecting at all).
Reviews are the best way to show Olivia that you care about her stories and want other people to discover them. If you enjoyed any of her novels, please consider leaving a review here on Amazon. Every review helps her and she appreciates the time you take to write them.
Olivia Ash spends her time dreaming up the perfect men to challenge, love, and protect her strong heroines (who actually don’t need protecting at all).
Reviews are the best way to show Olivia that you care about her stories and want other people to discover them. If you enjoyed any of her novels, please consider leaving a review here on Amazon. Every review helps her and she appreciates the time you take to write them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
December 21, 2018
Like a moth to a flame the cover and promise of an epic fantasy based RH had me sucked in without pause
Unfortunately that's about all I have good to say about this. The relationships were bland, the action too sparse, the empathy I was supposed to have for the poor MC was non existent. In fact she seemed awfully ungrateful most of the time.
I expected a strong warrior in Sophia but instead we get a dress up Cinderella pretending to be a normal girl in order to find the other half of her broken soul. Why couldn't we have had more of the witch wood and fighting of evil and stuff? What we actually get is 3 boys taking turns at dating and a lot of Sophia seeking around so they don't uncover who she really is.
Yea normally this kind of thing is my thing but it just didn't click for me.
Let's not even start on the dating contest or losing her virginity
I wish I had taken the time to read some reviews before starting. Damn cover
Unfortunately that's about all I have good to say about this. The relationships were bland, the action too sparse, the empathy I was supposed to have for the poor MC was non existent. In fact she seemed awfully ungrateful most of the time.
I expected a strong warrior in Sophia but instead we get a dress up Cinderella pretending to be a normal girl in order to find the other half of her broken soul. Why couldn't we have had more of the witch wood and fighting of evil and stuff? What we actually get is 3 boys taking turns at dating and a lot of Sophia seeking around so they don't uncover who she really is.
Yea normally this kind of thing is my thing but it just didn't click for me.
Let's not even start on the dating contest or losing her virginity
I wish I had taken the time to read some reviews before starting. Damn cover
November 20, 2018
Thought I could do it. Got halfway into the book and then just....
no.
If you’ve read the Dragon’s Gift trilogy and liked it, please stop reading this review and seek professional help in finding good reading material.
If you’re like me and loathed the Dragon’s Gift trilogy, come on in! Keep readin, we could be friends!!
So anyway:
Beginning of the book thoughts:
Oh god, there’s so much moping. Make it stop.
Upon meeting the guys of the harem:
THEY’RE ALL SO YOUNG. Wtf. No. I need at least ONE mature dude for me to go on. Where’s the century old vampire with maturity and killer tongue moves??? NOT HERE.
These characters are downright BABIES.
And then....
A contest.
This is where I pulled chocks and flew my ass out the runway.
Nope.
A CONTEST???
*Horrible Dragon’s Gift trilogy flashbacks ensue*
Just...
no.
And that is where I stopped.
Weak characters.
Contest.
Moping.
I’m done.
Time to find some better shit to read.
no.
If you’ve read the Dragon’s Gift trilogy and liked it, please stop reading this review and seek professional help in finding good reading material.
If you’re like me and loathed the Dragon’s Gift trilogy, come on in! Keep readin, we could be friends!!
So anyway:
Beginning of the book thoughts:
Oh god, there’s so much moping. Make it stop.
Upon meeting the guys of the harem:
THEY’RE ALL SO YOUNG. Wtf. No. I need at least ONE mature dude for me to go on. Where’s the century old vampire with maturity and killer tongue moves??? NOT HERE.
These characters are downright BABIES.
And then....
A contest.
This is where I pulled chocks and flew my ass out the runway.
Nope.
A CONTEST???
*Horrible Dragon’s Gift trilogy flashbacks ensue*
Just...
no.
And that is where I stopped.
Weak characters.
Contest.
Moping.
I’m done.
Time to find some better shit to read.
November 9, 2018
3.75 stars!
October 22, 2018
This was actually an ok read, there was enough intrigue and suspense to really keep you invested in the plot line and the FMC's situation. It seems we have the lost princess trope and a vague riddle to solve.
I really felt that though the plot line was interesting, and there were intriguing magical creatures galore that the character development and character connections were a little vague and lacking. The FMC was portrayed as a Bad A fighter with uncontrollable magical abilities. After a visit to the local oracles her destiny becomes revealed by vague poetic prophecy method. Though I feel like the plot is headed for a specific destiny she interprets their advise differently. I honestly did not feel that much of a connection between the heroine and her males. Their relationships seemed kind of rushed and maybe even a little convenient.
I am really interested to see where this is going. I would like to see more depth to the relationships in the next book of the series. We weren't left on a cliffhanger but there is still plenty left unfinished!
I really felt that though the plot line was interesting, and there were intriguing magical creatures galore that the character development and character connections were a little vague and lacking. The FMC was portrayed as a Bad A fighter with uncontrollable magical abilities. After a visit to the local oracles her destiny becomes revealed by vague poetic prophecy method. Though I feel like the plot is headed for a specific destiny she interprets their advise differently. I honestly did not feel that much of a connection between the heroine and her males. Their relationships seemed kind of rushed and maybe even a little convenient.
I am really interested to see where this is going. I would like to see more depth to the relationships in the next book of the series. We weren't left on a cliffhanger but there is still plenty left unfinished!
June 27, 2019
It’s like a sexier Throne of Glass! Loved all the action, intrigue and romance. Can’t wait to start the next book.
January 5, 2019
Oh boy, this book was such a disappointment. The cover and title immediately stuck out to me when I first got it, and my weakness for secret identities drew me in even further to what I’d hoped was a great new fantasy read. There were a few less-than-stellar reviews on goodreads, but surely, I thought, it can’t be that bad, as the reviews weren’t particularly scathing and the preview was pretty interesting.
I was let down.
To be fair, the book isn’t horrendous. But as soon as I drifted past the preview and into the ball scene where our heroine meets the guys I began to get an inkling of what I ended up purchasing. And once I read the dreaded words, the phrase that has quickly become the bane of my existence, I knew it was too late.
“I’m not like other girls.”
Well, technically it’s “I am not most women,” but still.
At that point I had gone through doubt, anger, and denial. Acceptance was starting to settle in, and I thought to myself, maybe now that I know not to expect too much I can settle for something that’s bad enough to be entertaining, like a terrible movie you can’t help but keep watching. And for the most part, the book fulfilled that for me. But I still mourn the loss of what could have been. Beyond an interesting cover and title, the concept itself of a “city of sleeping gods” was interesting to me when it presented itself in the story. Unfortunately, the fantasy setting I had become invested in was traded for a high-school-romance-level story that exhausted me.
Let’s set the scene. Sophia is an anima contritum, which are illegal and hunted in the kingdom. If anyone knew she existed, she would be executed without trial, something she lets us know multiple times. So the stakes are pretty high to the say the least, and she has a very good reason to lie low. She’s been hidden away for the majority of her life, living with her mentor in the woods. Her life up to that point has been focused on extensive training and protecting the city, and she tells readers early on that she knows her shit and can fight and is basically a ninja with explosive powers. When she finds out that part of her soul is inside another person and that she can be “fixed,” so to speak, she’s determined to find that person.
But the minute she sneaks off on her quest to find the other part of her soul she becomes an idiot.
The first time she’s in public she not-so-subtly insults the duchess--aka the person practically ruling the entire kingdom in the stead of the missing heirs. I have no idea why Sophia does this. There’s no reason for it, other than Sophia thinks the duchess is overstepping her position (which is haphazardly explained to us after). She sees a person in power that can easily get her killed, and she thinks to herself, “Time to push some BUTTONS.” I guess because she’s supposed to be badass? But when she sees Winston, someone who’s portrayed as a whiny and weak jackass, suddenly she’s all caution and saying, “I need to watch what I say” because his father is influential. A person directly in power is fine to egg on, but not someone with indirect influence. Okay. She also casually drops the fact that she knows how to use a sword to all three main guy characters, and then is just like “whoops, maybe shouldn’t have said that.” No kidding, it’s almost as if you might just be executed if you’re caught. Except she won’t because the stakes mean nothing in this book. She lets us know of the threat of execution so many times, yet she seems to forget about it twice as much.
This is also one of those books that seems like it’s trying to be feminist but doesn’t really know what the meaning of the word means. For whatever reason, the only way the main character can be a strong woman is by making all other women absolutely terrible, and she’s supposed to stand out because “she’s not like other girls.” The guys make constant comparisons between her and their previous women and imply how they were all shallow, vapid, and not very bright. But she’s different. She likes museums. And, she doesn’t hate Andreas because he’s a wraith. The only time the guys’ previous flings are brought up positively is to show how nice the boys are, specifically Edric.
”Every person spoke highly of him, including the young women he’d courted in the past.”
The duchess could’ve been a powerful female character, but she doesn’t exist at all in the book. Besides the one interaction at the beginning (where Sophia picks a fight for some vague reason), the duchess just exists in the background, only referenced every so often as a villain character that no one likes. The main characters hint at the fact that she’s fear-mongering and, again, acting better than she actually is (so basically how other people view women in power), but readers don’t really see much of her being a “villain.” My heart goes out to the duchess and I don’t even get to know her name. She seems like the kid that people just randomly like to hate for no reason.
The lack of stakes is pervasive throughout the whole book. Any and all conflict is resolved immediately, minus the climax at the very end. I guess that’s better than nonsensical drama drawn out for no reason. The main focus of the book is Sophia’s interactions with the guys, which weren’t particularly interesting.
The concept of it sounded great: I love secret identities and the almost Cinderella-ness of the book, the oracles, the wraiths. The magic is also interesting to me and the fact that they sometimes have to “charge” it up by rubbing hands together. I picture them shooting it out kamehameha-style in my head. And I did find it interesting when Sophia turned around the original “contest” between the main guy characters to use it to her advantage. Overall, though, not a fan.
As a side note, there’s also this weird part where Edric takes Sophia to see a pegasus, which is described as “powerful” and intimidating” creature, and “not the sort of creature to be tamed.” So, she… bows to it. Which is bizarre to me in and of itself, but fine, I can accept that, I guess pegasi are just extra intelligent in this universe. But then she pats it on the face like a pet, and then I was just bewildered. Maybe if you bow to a lion first it’ll let you pet it. Also, the author really likes using b-words for adjectives, using “buxom barmaid,” “burly farmer,” and “beefy barkeep” practically on the same page.
I was let down.
To be fair, the book isn’t horrendous. But as soon as I drifted past the preview and into the ball scene where our heroine meets the guys I began to get an inkling of what I ended up purchasing. And once I read the dreaded words, the phrase that has quickly become the bane of my existence, I knew it was too late.
“I’m not like other girls.”
Well, technically it’s “I am not most women,” but still.
At that point I had gone through doubt, anger, and denial. Acceptance was starting to settle in, and I thought to myself, maybe now that I know not to expect too much I can settle for something that’s bad enough to be entertaining, like a terrible movie you can’t help but keep watching. And for the most part, the book fulfilled that for me. But I still mourn the loss of what could have been. Beyond an interesting cover and title, the concept itself of a “city of sleeping gods” was interesting to me when it presented itself in the story. Unfortunately, the fantasy setting I had become invested in was traded for a high-school-romance-level story that exhausted me.
Let’s set the scene. Sophia is an anima contritum, which are illegal and hunted in the kingdom. If anyone knew she existed, she would be executed without trial, something she lets us know multiple times. So the stakes are pretty high to the say the least, and she has a very good reason to lie low. She’s been hidden away for the majority of her life, living with her mentor in the woods. Her life up to that point has been focused on extensive training and protecting the city, and she tells readers early on that she knows her shit and can fight and is basically a ninja with explosive powers. When she finds out that part of her soul is inside another person and that she can be “fixed,” so to speak, she’s determined to find that person.
But the minute she sneaks off on her quest to find the other part of her soul she becomes an idiot.
The first time she’s in public she not-so-subtly insults the duchess--aka the person practically ruling the entire kingdom in the stead of the missing heirs. I have no idea why Sophia does this. There’s no reason for it, other than Sophia thinks the duchess is overstepping her position (which is haphazardly explained to us after). She sees a person in power that can easily get her killed, and she thinks to herself, “Time to push some BUTTONS.” I guess because she’s supposed to be badass? But when she sees Winston, someone who’s portrayed as a whiny and weak jackass, suddenly she’s all caution and saying, “I need to watch what I say” because his father is influential. A person directly in power is fine to egg on, but not someone with indirect influence. Okay. She also casually drops the fact that she knows how to use a sword to all three main guy characters, and then is just like “whoops, maybe shouldn’t have said that.” No kidding, it’s almost as if you might just be executed if you’re caught. Except she won’t because the stakes mean nothing in this book. She lets us know of the threat of execution so many times, yet she seems to forget about it twice as much.
This is also one of those books that seems like it’s trying to be feminist but doesn’t really know what the meaning of the word means. For whatever reason, the only way the main character can be a strong woman is by making all other women absolutely terrible, and she’s supposed to stand out because “she’s not like other girls.” The guys make constant comparisons between her and their previous women and imply how they were all shallow, vapid, and not very bright. But she’s different. She likes museums. And, she doesn’t hate Andreas because he’s a wraith. The only time the guys’ previous flings are brought up positively is to show how nice the boys are, specifically Edric.
”Every person spoke highly of him, including the young women he’d courted in the past.”
The duchess could’ve been a powerful female character, but she doesn’t exist at all in the book. Besides the one interaction at the beginning (where Sophia picks a fight for some vague reason), the duchess just exists in the background, only referenced every so often as a villain character that no one likes. The main characters hint at the fact that she’s fear-mongering and, again, acting better than she actually is (so basically how other people view women in power), but readers don’t really see much of her being a “villain.” My heart goes out to the duchess and I don’t even get to know her name. She seems like the kid that people just randomly like to hate for no reason.
The lack of stakes is pervasive throughout the whole book. Any and all conflict is resolved immediately, minus the climax at the very end. I guess that’s better than nonsensical drama drawn out for no reason. The main focus of the book is Sophia’s interactions with the guys, which weren’t particularly interesting.
The concept of it sounded great: I love secret identities and the almost Cinderella-ness of the book, the oracles, the wraiths. The magic is also interesting to me and the fact that they sometimes have to “charge” it up by rubbing hands together. I picture them shooting it out kamehameha-style in my head. And I did find it interesting when Sophia turned around the original “contest” between the main guy characters to use it to her advantage. Overall, though, not a fan.
As a side note, there’s also this weird part where Edric takes Sophia to see a pegasus, which is described as “powerful” and intimidating” creature, and “not the sort of creature to be tamed.” So, she… bows to it. Which is bizarre to me in and of itself, but fine, I can accept that, I guess pegasi are just extra intelligent in this universe. But then she pats it on the face like a pet, and then I was just bewildered. Maybe if you bow to a lion first it’ll let you pet it. Also, the author really likes using b-words for adjectives, using “buxom barmaid,” “burly farmer,” and “beefy barkeep” practically on the same page.
November 4, 2018
Love the twist
I love reverse harem romances. This story was a really good one. I kept wanting to stop working and go back to it. Sophia is a strong female character who is trying to fix what has been broken inside her. I love the oracle's prophecy and how she works to make it true. The twist of finding not just one part of her broken soul, but three was very cool. Everything fell into place nicely and I enjoyed every bit of it. I was very happy to see the relationships between Sophia, Edric, Anreas, and Ezekial grow and become stronger each time she went on a date with one of them. There was a lot of mystery and intrigue to keep me onterested.
I love reverse harem romances. This story was a really good one. I kept wanting to stop working and go back to it. Sophia is a strong female character who is trying to fix what has been broken inside her. I love the oracle's prophecy and how she works to make it true. The twist of finding not just one part of her broken soul, but three was very cool. Everything fell into place nicely and I enjoyed every bit of it. I was very happy to see the relationships between Sophia, Edric, Anreas, and Ezekial grow and become stronger each time she went on a date with one of them. There was a lot of mystery and intrigue to keep me onterested.
January 31, 2020
Audio book review. A reverse Harem story
First in a series
The heroine is Sophia. Hero’s are 3 men. The men are , were best friends in their younger yrs . All are different walks of life. A Shade , a Mag an officer in the Army .
Sophia knows something is wrong , she feels like someone broke her soul !! No matter what she can’t remember how that happens . All she knows is she trains out in the woods with a sword , no women clothes for her . Sophia has a plan pretend she’s a duke daughter. Everything goes as planned , she dresses up and goes to the ball and that’s here Sophia meets her men . Lots go on in their life’s . Sophia and her men safe each other
First in a series
The heroine is Sophia. Hero’s are 3 men. The men are , were best friends in their younger yrs . All are different walks of life. A Shade , a Mag an officer in the Army .
Sophia knows something is wrong , she feels like someone broke her soul !! No matter what she can’t remember how that happens . All she knows is she trains out in the woods with a sword , no women clothes for her . Sophia has a plan pretend she’s a duke daughter. Everything goes as planned , she dresses up and goes to the ball and that’s here Sophia meets her men . Lots go on in their life’s . Sophia and her men safe each other
June 29, 2021
Sophia had her soul broken when she was a child. She doesn't know why or who did it. She's been training in secret for 12 years because according to the kingdom's rules, people with a broken soul needs to be put to death instantly. On her 18th birthday, she received the prophecy from the 6 oracles, and now she needs to find the missing part of her soul that ended up in someone else. She feels a link with Eric, Andreas and Ezekiel, but she cannot choose. Sophia needs to decide if their love is more important than getting her soul back.
It was an original story with quite a few plot twists, however, I only gave it 3 stars because it wasn't able to keep me on edge as the plot twists were somewhat predictable.
It was an original story with quite a few plot twists, however, I only gave it 3 stars because it wasn't able to keep me on edge as the plot twists were somewhat predictable.
December 3, 2018
This is a fantasy set in its own world, a world we have only learned a little bit about so far. There is a little bit of suspense but this is definitely going to be a lost princess story. I think the pace could have been a little faster and the plot could have used a little more depth but the story did get better as it went. I think I'll probably read the next book in this series.
September 29, 2018
3.5 stars
October 24, 2018
Fun!
This was a fun book! The main character had spunk and knew what she wanted. Great world building and fun men! Great steamy sex scenes. Pretty much everything you want in a RH. Can’t wait for the next. Good read!
This was a fun book! The main character had spunk and knew what she wanted. Great world building and fun men! Great steamy sex scenes. Pretty much everything you want in a RH. Can’t wait for the next. Good read!
February 10, 2019
I DID like the story, and I feel like it had some individuality that is a big plus for me as a frequent reader of fantasy.
Sophia, for as long as she's really known, has had a broken soul. This affliction, this dangerous state of being, has meant that most of her life has been isolated, a secret from the society that would sentence her to death due to fear of what her magic could do. Despite this unconventional upbringing, Sophia is smart, strong, athletic, and has a big sense of wonder and thirst for knowledge. I have some theories about her that I'm not yet convinced are wrong, but, let me say, she's definitely something special.
She winds up with three suitors, men who might hold the key to healing her broken soul. The men represent three of the different groups that populate Nighthelm: wraith, sorcerer, and soldier. I find the concepts of their levels in the world's power structure, and their inherent strength/abilities, to be interesting, but I don't get as much of that as I want. I wish there was more opportunity to learn about the magical rules of the world, the way the creatures of Nighthelm and the Woods have evolved together.
The plot has a bit of mystery to it, but it does get swept into the romance aspect- the dating contest- since Sophia must find a way to connect with the men in order to figure out who has the shard of her soul. Overall, City of the Sleeping Gods was pretty good. I'm a serial rereader, so I try to use that as my standard. I'm not really sure whether I'd reread the book, but I don't regret that I did give it a shot!
Sophia, for as long as she's really known, has had a broken soul. This affliction, this dangerous state of being, has meant that most of her life has been isolated, a secret from the society that would sentence her to death due to fear of what her magic could do. Despite this unconventional upbringing, Sophia is smart, strong, athletic, and has a big sense of wonder and thirst for knowledge. I have some theories about her that I'm not yet convinced are wrong, but, let me say, she's definitely something special.
She winds up with three suitors, men who might hold the key to healing her broken soul. The men represent three of the different groups that populate Nighthelm: wraith, sorcerer, and soldier. I find the concepts of their levels in the world's power structure, and their inherent strength/abilities, to be interesting, but I don't get as much of that as I want. I wish there was more opportunity to learn about the magical rules of the world, the way the creatures of Nighthelm and the Woods have evolved together.
The plot has a bit of mystery to it, but it does get swept into the romance aspect- the dating contest- since Sophia must find a way to connect with the men in order to figure out who has the shard of her soul. Overall, City of the Sleeping Gods was pretty good. I'm a serial rereader, so I try to use that as my standard. I'm not really sure whether I'd reread the book, but I don't regret that I did give it a shot!
May 12, 2019
I’m surprised I breezed through this book so quickly. The City of Sleeping Gods was a really interesting book. I’m not sure I liked it’s entirety, but there were some good points in here. Enough for me to warrant a three-star rating.
Sophie, a human with a broken soul, lives on the outskirts of Nighthelm in the woods, where she is training to heal her soul. She lives a very secluded life, only interacting with two people and a wolf spirit. Sophie’s magic is growing more dangerous by the day, as she can’t control her powerful outbursts that threaten the lives of people around her. In search of a solution, she discovers that she can fix herself with the help of someone who unknowingly holds the other piece of her soul. However, instead of finding one person, she finds three male candidates. Unsure of who the holder of her broken soul, Sophie decides to find out through interactions with the men. Ezekiel, Andreas, and Edric all vie for her attention and prove to be more than she bargained for, but there are dark things on the horizon that want her powers. Throughout, we get hints of an impending doom but Sophie’s badass character seems to be ready to face anything with her men by her side.
Plot-wise, I think this series has the potential to go somewhere really cool. The missing heirs are a continual question throughout the novel, with citizens being loyalists and supporters of the duchess, and I bet it’s gonna be a HUGE theme throughout the next book. It’s Sophie’s mission to find the heir and raise them to the throne. Obviously, I think the heir is her. Easy. I just don’t know how her relationship with the guys is going to play out with that knowledge. I think Andreas already has an inkling as to how important Sophie really is, so I can’t wait to see how the dynamics shift and change with the coming book.
I enjoy Sophie’s character. For an 18 year old woman, she seems to have a firm grasp of herself. Of course, I hope to see some development in the next coming books. For example, self-deprecating attitude in the beginning of the book? Nah. Also, her lack of initiative for so long to go against the Headmaster? Weird. Her downright refusal to say something about the creepy dude following her around? Stupid. However, I think that she’ll grow into her own as she realizes the role she will play in Nighthelm. Her strong desire to protect the citizens, her aura of authority and strength, and downright charisma are all qualities that make a good ruler (hint hint).
I also enjoyed the reverse harem. I’m a fan but don’t like it when authors jump the gun and don’t develop the relationships. The City of Sleeping Gods definitely didn’t rush. There was a really good development and groundwork laid out so that when the characters all had a chance to interact, we had a fairly good sense of who they were and what to expect. It also wasn’t an instant reverse harem dynamic which I also really liked. It had to be developed and worked at, and I think that even within the next book, that’s going to be another theme Sophie and the guys are going to have to work at. The one thing I didn’t really enjoy? The contest. I get it, she needed a fair way of getting to know each of her dudes but I just didn’t like the idea, especially when it came to her having sex for the first time. Like, most of the time here, she seems far too experienced for any of the things she’s doing on a date, non-sexual or otherwise (in terms of flirting or whatever), especially as someone who hasn’t had an romantic or sexual experience EVER.
Either way, I’m somewhat interested to see what happens with the next book. The steamier scenes were nice and I enjoyed the dialogue (even if it wasn’t as potent as I would have liked, kind of skimmed the surface of things). I wish there was more between the guys and Sophie, and more depth to their characters. I’d really like Olivia Ash to flesh them out more for the readers. Either way, I like the beginning of this series more than I liked the other Demon Princes one. Lol.
Sophie, a human with a broken soul, lives on the outskirts of Nighthelm in the woods, where she is training to heal her soul. She lives a very secluded life, only interacting with two people and a wolf spirit. Sophie’s magic is growing more dangerous by the day, as she can’t control her powerful outbursts that threaten the lives of people around her. In search of a solution, she discovers that she can fix herself with the help of someone who unknowingly holds the other piece of her soul. However, instead of finding one person, she finds three male candidates. Unsure of who the holder of her broken soul, Sophie decides to find out through interactions with the men. Ezekiel, Andreas, and Edric all vie for her attention and prove to be more than she bargained for, but there are dark things on the horizon that want her powers. Throughout, we get hints of an impending doom but Sophie’s badass character seems to be ready to face anything with her men by her side.
Plot-wise, I think this series has the potential to go somewhere really cool. The missing heirs are a continual question throughout the novel, with citizens being loyalists and supporters of the duchess, and I bet it’s gonna be a HUGE theme throughout the next book. It’s Sophie’s mission to find the heir and raise them to the throne. Obviously, I think the heir is her. Easy. I just don’t know how her relationship with the guys is going to play out with that knowledge. I think Andreas already has an inkling as to how important Sophie really is, so I can’t wait to see how the dynamics shift and change with the coming book.
I enjoy Sophie’s character. For an 18 year old woman, she seems to have a firm grasp of herself. Of course, I hope to see some development in the next coming books. For example, self-deprecating attitude in the beginning of the book? Nah. Also, her lack of initiative for so long to go against the Headmaster? Weird. Her downright refusal to say something about the creepy dude following her around? Stupid. However, I think that she’ll grow into her own as she realizes the role she will play in Nighthelm. Her strong desire to protect the citizens, her aura of authority and strength, and downright charisma are all qualities that make a good ruler (hint hint).
I also enjoyed the reverse harem. I’m a fan but don’t like it when authors jump the gun and don’t develop the relationships. The City of Sleeping Gods definitely didn’t rush. There was a really good development and groundwork laid out so that when the characters all had a chance to interact, we had a fairly good sense of who they were and what to expect. It also wasn’t an instant reverse harem dynamic which I also really liked. It had to be developed and worked at, and I think that even within the next book, that’s going to be another theme Sophie and the guys are going to have to work at. The one thing I didn’t really enjoy? The contest. I get it, she needed a fair way of getting to know each of her dudes but I just didn’t like the idea, especially when it came to her having sex for the first time. Like, most of the time here, she seems far too experienced for any of the things she’s doing on a date, non-sexual or otherwise (in terms of flirting or whatever), especially as someone who hasn’t had an romantic or sexual experience EVER.
Either way, I’m somewhat interested to see what happens with the next book. The steamier scenes were nice and I enjoyed the dialogue (even if it wasn’t as potent as I would have liked, kind of skimmed the surface of things). I wish there was more between the guys and Sophie, and more depth to their characters. I’d really like Olivia Ash to flesh them out more for the readers. Either way, I like the beginning of this series more than I liked the other Demon Princes one. Lol.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2018
I was pleasantly surprised by this book!
I'm not going to lie, I totally picked this book up because of the cover.
There was just something so eye-catching about it, it drew me in.
Then I saw the title and I was hooked.
I didn't read the blurb prior to reading so I wasn't actually sure what I was getting myself into.
But that's the best way to approach some books I think.
Just dive head first with no preconceived notions about it.
This story follows Sophia, a girl with a broken soul that causes her magic to be unbalanced and deadly.
She is considered an abomination and if caught, killed upon sight.
However, she was saved as a child when found wandering the Witch Woods as a child.
Given to a professor as a ward, he trains her daily for hours upon hours, helping her control her powers.
On her eighteenth birthday, she sneaks into town to perform the rite every child of her age does.
Speaking to the willow trees, having them wake up, is an honor bestowed upon those the spirits within the trees only grant to with a promising future.
The most to have awaken are three, so when all six wake for Sophia, she is stunned.
Now she must race against the clock to find the other half of her soul, to heal herself and her magic.
She thought it would only be one man, but it turns out to be three.
Sophia is a strong, independent woman.
Though she has suffered so many hardships in such a short amount of life, she doesn't let it get her down.
She strives to find the silver lining in the bleakest of times.
I adored reading her about her character, and how she navigated the life she was given.
The three men that she meets are from all different parts of life.
Each unique in their own way.
And each of them perfect for Sophia.
I don't want to give away too much about them, but they are fantastic!
This book keeps you on the edge of your seat, that is for sure.
There are twists and turns around every chapter.
You never know what will happen next.
I have a few theories about what the group will encounter in the upcoming books, but I can't say for sure they are correct.
That's how much the book throws you for a loop.
I loved that this didn't end on a cliffhanger.
While you still have questions, and there is more to come, this story ended with everything needed to be done, finished.
I wasn't yelling for more, too much, at the end because of how she left everything.
Overall, this is a FANTASTIC read and I can't wait for the next book to release!
I'm not going to lie, I totally picked this book up because of the cover.
There was just something so eye-catching about it, it drew me in.
Then I saw the title and I was hooked.
I didn't read the blurb prior to reading so I wasn't actually sure what I was getting myself into.
But that's the best way to approach some books I think.
Just dive head first with no preconceived notions about it.
This story follows Sophia, a girl with a broken soul that causes her magic to be unbalanced and deadly.
She is considered an abomination and if caught, killed upon sight.
However, she was saved as a child when found wandering the Witch Woods as a child.
Given to a professor as a ward, he trains her daily for hours upon hours, helping her control her powers.
On her eighteenth birthday, she sneaks into town to perform the rite every child of her age does.
Speaking to the willow trees, having them wake up, is an honor bestowed upon those the spirits within the trees only grant to with a promising future.
The most to have awaken are three, so when all six wake for Sophia, she is stunned.
Now she must race against the clock to find the other half of her soul, to heal herself and her magic.
She thought it would only be one man, but it turns out to be three.
Sophia is a strong, independent woman.
Though she has suffered so many hardships in such a short amount of life, she doesn't let it get her down.
She strives to find the silver lining in the bleakest of times.
I adored reading her about her character, and how she navigated the life she was given.
The three men that she meets are from all different parts of life.
Each unique in their own way.
And each of them perfect for Sophia.
I don't want to give away too much about them, but they are fantastic!
This book keeps you on the edge of your seat, that is for sure.
There are twists and turns around every chapter.
You never know what will happen next.
I have a few theories about what the group will encounter in the upcoming books, but I can't say for sure they are correct.
That's how much the book throws you for a loop.
I loved that this didn't end on a cliffhanger.
While you still have questions, and there is more to come, this story ended with everything needed to be done, finished.
I wasn't yelling for more, too much, at the end because of how she left everything.
Overall, this is a FANTASTIC read and I can't wait for the next book to release!
March 15, 2020
"A breath-taking high fantasy"? Now that's just setting up for disappointment. And I am sorry, but this time, there are no bonus points for the cover. Or the really GREAT, inspiring and absolutely baffling title. Cause it's about as far from the reality as you can get.
It's not even that the book was bad! You get a good enough MC who may be quite the special snowflake who is so powerful she can't even control her powers. *sigh* But at least she does have combat training, isn't stupid and is not afraid to take action and do some interesting stuff.
Up to that point, it might have been a fairly mediocre but sustainable fantasy. I'll even close my eye(s) and add High before that. Except she met her prince Charming. Sorry. Princesses. I didn't even realize it's RH! And it would not matter... if the rest of the book wasn't sucked away by all that courting and worrying and dreaming it takes to not just find or get a date with but also woe, impress, sleep with and willingly sign 3 very important and HOT and capable and smart guys into a RH relationship.
Basically, no reason not to read this book, but I am completely okay not knowing how our special snowflake is going to take over the world or whatever destiny alerting stuff she's up to - and that's not good, obviously, so I am gonna pass up on the next book and just stay at: "nice, maybe just a little bland" recommend.
It's not even that the book was bad! You get a good enough MC who may be quite the special snowflake who is so powerful she can't even control her powers. *sigh* But at least she does have combat training, isn't stupid and is not afraid to take action and do some interesting stuff.
Up to that point, it might have been a fairly mediocre but sustainable fantasy. I'll even close my eye(s) and add High before that. Except she met her prince Charming. Sorry. Princesses. I didn't even realize it's RH! And it would not matter... if the rest of the book wasn't sucked away by all that courting and worrying and dreaming it takes to not just find or get a date with but also woe, impress, sleep with and willingly sign 3 very important and HOT and capable and smart guys into a RH relationship.
Basically, no reason not to read this book, but I am completely okay not knowing how our special snowflake is going to take over the world or whatever destiny alerting stuff she's up to - and that's not good, obviously, so I am gonna pass up on the next book and just stay at: "nice, maybe just a little bland" recommend.
January 14, 2019
Original and Refreshing
I love reverse harem books that don't follow the cookie cutter mold most authors seem to favor within this genre. This book had a fantastic strong heroine that did not seem to feel the need to swear, which I am grateful for. The intimate scenes were well placed and only added to the plotline, indeed odd becoming the plotline that so many rh authors make the mistake of doing.
A couple questions I have:
• People must have noticed our heroine sitting on a park bench with her men. So what what did they think about it?
• Is having a harem a new concept in this world, or is it just one of those, 'known but not discussed,' dirty societal secrets? If it is not, then how did the men think of the idea and come to terms with it?
• What are some societal rules for this world? We are given an amazing story, but I know next to nothing about the world within the walls of the city.
I love reverse harem books that don't follow the cookie cutter mold most authors seem to favor within this genre. This book had a fantastic strong heroine that did not seem to feel the need to swear, which I am grateful for. The intimate scenes were well placed and only added to the plotline, indeed odd becoming the plotline that so many rh authors make the mistake of doing.
A couple questions I have:
• People must have noticed our heroine sitting on a park bench with her men. So what what did they think about it?
• Is having a harem a new concept in this world, or is it just one of those, 'known but not discussed,' dirty societal secrets? If it is not, then how did the men think of the idea and come to terms with it?
• What are some societal rules for this world? We are given an amazing story, but I know next to nothing about the world within the walls of the city.
June 23, 2019
Well, I really wanted to like this, I really did. And some aspects of it I thought were ok. The unwanted girl living out in the woods, exiled basically because if who she is, and the supposed danger she poses. The book started off good with the fighting to save the little girl from the Grimms.
But I think what I disliked the most was the relationships between Sophia and her Men. There was nothing there....absolutely nothing. I didnt feel any kind of way towards them. Which is really bad. I usually have some sort of pull or connection, and I just felt nothing. There was no spark, no romance. They meet, they have sex, and that's it. I probably wont be finishing this series. I just didnt care enough to go any further.
But I think what I disliked the most was the relationships between Sophia and her Men. There was nothing there....absolutely nothing. I didnt feel any kind of way towards them. Which is really bad. I usually have some sort of pull or connection, and I just felt nothing. There was no spark, no romance. They meet, they have sex, and that's it. I probably wont be finishing this series. I just didnt care enough to go any further.
June 8, 2020
Quick Info
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Sophia
----------------------------------
What happens?
Sophia is a broken soul. Shes trying to figure out how to get herself back together while hiding who she is.
The oracles tell her the key to get her soul back together lies in someone else. Narrowing it down to three men she navigates telling them the truth or carrying on lying...
Final thoughts
This was interesting but, not completely sold on this series. I'll read on just out of curiosity.
Would I read again?: Yes
Would I read this author again?: Yes
Would I continue on with the series?: Yes
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Sophia
----------------------------------
What happens?
Sophia is a broken soul. Shes trying to figure out how to get herself back together while hiding who she is.
The oracles tell her the key to get her soul back together lies in someone else. Narrowing it down to three men she navigates telling them the truth or carrying on lying...
Final thoughts
This was interesting but, not completely sold on this series. I'll read on just out of curiosity.
Would I read again?: Yes
Would I read this author again?: Yes
Would I continue on with the series?: Yes
December 8, 2018
Wonderful new world from Olivia Ash
I stumbled across this book by accident after looking through my KU recommendations. I was being picky and this book crossed off every one of my “musts”. It had a strong female protagonist, hunky guys that while a bit stereotypical were actually a refreshing find, and as always was a fun fantasy world.
I’m really excited to see what happens in book two. I definitely have my suspicions of what Sophia will face next but I could be totally wrong! I also want to se more of Harris, and I’d like to see Winston kicked in the balls a few times lol!
I stumbled across this book by accident after looking through my KU recommendations. I was being picky and this book crossed off every one of my “musts”. It had a strong female protagonist, hunky guys that while a bit stereotypical were actually a refreshing find, and as always was a fun fantasy world.
I’m really excited to see what happens in book two. I definitely have my suspicions of what Sophia will face next but I could be totally wrong! I also want to se more of Harris, and I’d like to see Winston kicked in the balls a few times lol!
November 1, 2021
Amazing
As far as my experience in RHs go, I’ve read a lot of them. That being said, there has only been one other series that I avidly enjoyed; this now makes two. While fast-burn stories may not be my favorite, I could find no flaws in the writing style of this story. The majority of the RHs that pop up in my kindle suggestions feel and read like fan fictions. Granted that doesn’t stop me from reading and enjoying them, but this book felt more solid, like the world it created could actually exist. It felt …whole, I guess, for lack of better phrasing. 5/5 for sure, and a must read for fans of both magic filled romance and action readers alike.
As far as my experience in RHs go, I’ve read a lot of them. That being said, there has only been one other series that I avidly enjoyed; this now makes two. While fast-burn stories may not be my favorite, I could find no flaws in the writing style of this story. The majority of the RHs that pop up in my kindle suggestions feel and read like fan fictions. Granted that doesn’t stop me from reading and enjoying them, but this book felt more solid, like the world it created could actually exist. It felt …whole, I guess, for lack of better phrasing. 5/5 for sure, and a must read for fans of both magic filled romance and action readers alike.
November 8, 2022
Sophia is "broken", which makes her magic unpredictable and technically she isn't allowed to exist. She has been raised and trained in hiding but she's not sure what exactly she is being trained for. As she gets older the lack of answers bothers her more and more. When she takes it upon herself to try and fix herself she meets meets a few guys that she is drawn to and in turn are fascinated by her.
This was ok, a little flimsy at times and I wish there was a little more about the kingdom, the heirs, different types of creatures and a little less of the dates. Things got a bit repetitive there.
This was ok, a little flimsy at times and I wish there was a little more about the kingdom, the heirs, different types of creatures and a little less of the dates. Things got a bit repetitive there.
October 9, 2018
No falling asleep while reading this book!
City of the Sleeping Gods -
I LOVE RH but they can become a bit trope after a while...
Not this book! No whiny, incompetent female in sight! Sophia was a kickass, strong heroine with three kickass, strong partners. I liked the variety and that one of her men was just plain human (ok maybe better looking and stronger then average but STILL!). The actual storyline was interesting and different and I am curious to see where this goes (and if I happen to be correct). I can’t wait for the next in this series!
City of the Sleeping Gods -
I LOVE RH but they can become a bit trope after a while...
Not this book! No whiny, incompetent female in sight! Sophia was a kickass, strong heroine with three kickass, strong partners. I liked the variety and that one of her men was just plain human (ok maybe better looking and stronger then average but STILL!). The actual storyline was interesting and different and I am curious to see where this goes (and if I happen to be correct). I can’t wait for the next in this series!
November 15, 2018
This book is...interesting. That’s the word I’m going to go with. It’s a concept I guess I have a hard time wrapping my head around, BUT Olivia manages to make it work. And because I’m not picky about books as long as there is romance and a good plot, this got 5 stars from me.
I say it is interesting because the romance is definitely out of the norm. But once you settle down and get used to the idea, it’s not as shocking or difficult to understand.
You’ll get it when you read it.
But I wonder will it stay that way....or?
I say it is interesting because the romance is definitely out of the norm. But once you settle down and get used to the idea, it’s not as shocking or difficult to understand.
You’ll get it when you read it.
But I wonder will it stay that way....or?
October 5, 2018
Wow, I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book. I loved how all the separate relationships developed and how their relationship as a group grew and flourished to make them a family. This was a book of unexpected surprises and secrets that you don't see coming and that keeps you guessing and wanting more. I look forward to what secrets will be revealed in the next book.
October 19, 2018
I received this from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was actually surprised that I did enjoy this. This is book one in the Nighthelm Academy series. I am not sure really why it is called that because it really didn’t fit with the story. The other problem that I had was the main character was younger than I like to read about. Usually, when the characters are that young they are annoying but I actually didn’t mind. The story was well done and I liked the romance.
March 31, 2019
Man did I want to like this book. The main character is a badass female who can do what she sets her mind to and she's decided that she wants to find her man. Perfect premise. Set it in a fantasy setting where there are minotaur at the walls and the royal family is missing? Oh hell yeah, I'm in.
I'm really sad that this missed the mark. There was too much emotional temperature taking of the main character. The character arcs were there, but they were forced instead of feeling natural. The wordbuilding was great, and I wish there was more. If this was a first draft I would have been thrilled about what it could become, but as it currently stands I simply feel sad that it didn't live up to the potential.
As a last note, I did actually finish skimming the story, not just dropping it outright. To me there's a difference, the bones were there it was the execution that lacked. I hope that the author grows, I would consider trying another of her stories.
I'm really sad that this missed the mark. There was too much emotional temperature taking of the main character. The character arcs were there, but they were forced instead of feeling natural. The wordbuilding was great, and I wish there was more. If this was a first draft I would have been thrilled about what it could become, but as it currently stands I simply feel sad that it didn't live up to the potential.
As a last note, I did actually finish skimming the story, not just dropping it outright. To me there's a difference, the bones were there it was the execution that lacked. I hope that the author grows, I would consider trying another of her stories.
October 11, 2018
Great read!
This was a wonderful book! I loved Sophia’s spunk and her willingness to do what’s right now matter what it costs her. Her men are sweet and caring without being too over protective. I can’t wait to find out what happens next! (Hopefully Winston gets a kick in the sack!)
This was a wonderful book! I loved Sophia’s spunk and her willingness to do what’s right now matter what it costs her. Her men are sweet and caring without being too over protective. I can’t wait to find out what happens next! (Hopefully Winston gets a kick in the sack!)
November 8, 2018
If I love a strong 💪 heroin this is it!!
A broken soul won't stop this heroin from being her best and loving. Forbidden to fight yet fight she does to save the innocent. She refuses to sit back and let other run her life she searched for her own answer to find she's been lied and betrayed by those she trust but she kicks but instead
A broken soul won't stop this heroin from being her best and loving. Forbidden to fight yet fight she does to save the innocent. She refuses to sit back and let other run her life she searched for her own answer to find she's been lied and betrayed by those she trust but she kicks but instead
December 8, 2018
Captivating novel
Solid 5 star rating!
This was a very captivating novel with a heroine you'll love and the heros of the story are pretty likeable as well. The relationships in this novel was fast moving but that didn't deter me from enjoying the suspense and action throughout it.
I'm excited to see what happens next!
Solid 5 star rating!
This was a very captivating novel with a heroine you'll love and the heros of the story are pretty likeable as well. The relationships in this novel was fast moving but that didn't deter me from enjoying the suspense and action throughout it.
I'm excited to see what happens next!
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