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The Dark Kings #7
The War King
Ares, Greek God of War, you know the stories. Or do you?
The world is not what it once was, but that's all Ares remembers. There is an emptiness inside of him, a feeling that he lost something profound, great, something that has turned him into a callous and bitter god of War.
But what? That's what he aims to discover when he seeks out the Fates. But what he learns about his past and all that he's forgotten, it's a shock that could either spell doom for all that he loves or open him up to a world far greater than he could have ever imagined.
But is the risk worth the cost? That's what he has to decide and he has to decide quickly before he loses his soul forever...
The world is not what it once was, but that's all Ares remembers. There is an emptiness inside of him, a feeling that he lost something profound, great, something that has turned him into a callous and bitter god of War.
But what? That's what he aims to discover when he seeks out the Fates. But what he learns about his past and all that he's forgotten, it's a shock that could either spell doom for all that he loves or open him up to a world far greater than he could have ever imagined.
But is the risk worth the cost? That's what he has to decide and he has to decide quickly before he loses his soul forever...
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2019
64 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
Jovee Winters
37 books503 followersJovee Winters is the pen name for a USAT Bestselling author of twisted fairy tale romances.
Jovee Winters loves fairy tales. But she especially loves twisting up the fairy tales you thought you knew. You can visit her on the web at
https://www.facebook.com/joveewinters...
Jovee Winters loves fairy tales. But she especially loves twisting up the fairy tales you thought you knew. You can visit her on the web at
https://www.facebook.com/joveewinters...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
June 19, 2020
I have been an avid reader of Jovee Winters/Marie Hall for a while and I absolutely love all the twists and turns she creates in her stories. With that being said, I felt that I wasn't able to rate this above three stars because I didn't feel that Medusa really got any retribution.
TW: Sexual Assault
In the Stone Queen, Medusa goes through a horribly traumatic experience, first being raped by Poseidon, then being turned into a monster for something that was out of her control, then being beheaded by Perseus, and all the while Ares lost all memory of her and was the one who gave Perseus the weapon to kill her.
In this story, Ares was pretty useless and he doesn't even fully harbor as much hate or anger for his sister and mother, even though his mother was the one that planned the rape and his sister was the one who cursed Medusa for it. I know characters are very complex and I understand that none of the characters are simply evil or good but I felt like the author was trying to root for Hera and Poseidon's story. Rape and violence are not new to this series and Jovee does a really wonderful job of handling that in her Kingdom and Queens series but here, we don't really see any triumph for Medusa. After reading her story in the Stone Queen, I really wanted to read about her healing as a victim of an assault but instead, we see Medusa, a dangerous creature that had the potential to ruin all of Mount Olympus and the gods, not being able to hold her own against her rapist, the woman who orchestrated the rape, or the goddess who cursed her. After going through something so traumatic I just really wanted Ares to do so much more than break a few bones and shout. It felt more like the author was trying to write a happy ending with Pegasus taking on the darkness and them healing through the power of their love for each other, and it felt a bit rushed.
I really do love her other books and would recommend them to those who love dark fairytale retellings (especially the Magic Queen!) but I think that this one wasn't my most favorite in the series.
TW: Sexual Assault
In the Stone Queen, Medusa goes through a horribly traumatic experience, first being raped by Poseidon, then being turned into a monster for something that was out of her control, then being beheaded by Perseus, and all the while Ares lost all memory of her and was the one who gave Perseus the weapon to kill her.
In this story, Ares was pretty useless and he doesn't even fully harbor as much hate or anger for his sister and mother, even though his mother was the one that planned the rape and his sister was the one who cursed Medusa for it. I know characters are very complex and I understand that none of the characters are simply evil or good but I felt like the author was trying to root for Hera and Poseidon's story. Rape and violence are not new to this series and Jovee does a really wonderful job of handling that in her Kingdom and Queens series but here, we don't really see any triumph for Medusa. After reading her story in the Stone Queen, I really wanted to read about her healing as a victim of an assault but instead, we see Medusa, a dangerous creature that had the potential to ruin all of Mount Olympus and the gods, not being able to hold her own against her rapist, the woman who orchestrated the rape, or the goddess who cursed her. After going through something so traumatic I just really wanted Ares to do so much more than break a few bones and shout. It felt more like the author was trying to write a happy ending with Pegasus taking on the darkness and them healing through the power of their love for each other, and it felt a bit rushed.
I really do love her other books and would recommend them to those who love dark fairytale retellings (especially the Magic Queen!) but I think that this one wasn't my most favorite in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2019
Absolutely love, love, love this series!
I started reading Jovee Winters books when she was writing as Marie Hall. Her take on fairytales then were refreshing and creative. The new kingdom spin off books are even better. They have grown as her writing as grown and the difference in her series to any other is truly thought provoking and spell binding. Every book is a true work of art from start to finish and the twist in this new series really takes it to high levels with every tale. I can’t wait to be swept away every time a new one comes out and it’s like Christmas opening a new gift that just keeps getting better every time. My suggestion is to start with her Marie Hall kingdom series and watch the stories grow into a modern piece of inventive and imaginative masterpiece that will leave you only wanting more and cast into a world you never would think of.
I started reading Jovee Winters books when she was writing as Marie Hall. Her take on fairytales then were refreshing and creative. The new kingdom spin off books are even better. They have grown as her writing as grown and the difference in her series to any other is truly thought provoking and spell binding. Every book is a true work of art from start to finish and the twist in this new series really takes it to high levels with every tale. I can’t wait to be swept away every time a new one comes out and it’s like Christmas opening a new gift that just keeps getting better every time. My suggestion is to start with her Marie Hall kingdom series and watch the stories grow into a modern piece of inventive and imaginative masterpiece that will leave you only wanting more and cast into a world you never would think of.
August 12, 2021
After reading the Stone Queen, I absolutely detested Poseiden, Hera and Perseus (You really should read that book before this one- things are much more clear because while the framework for Greek mythology is here, Jovee Winters twists it so bad and good no longer exist as we know of it). In this book, we get to see how the curse changes the course of Ares and Medusa's starcrossed love. I have to admit that while I teared up in happiness that they finally, FINALLY got their HEA, it wasn't enough. People weren't punished the way I wanted them to be punished. From the standpoint of the underlying arc, it felt a little empty, perhaps? I hope that future stories will continue to showcase how the horrible players are truly punished for their evil.
That said, I do think that Jovee Winters weaves an emotional and beautiful tale of love found again. This story focuses a little more on uncovering what really was lost (and subsequently found) after the curse and the love aspect was a little missing. It is a bit dark in that (trigger warning) Medusa's abuse was discussed multiple times. (again nothing too overt but still enough I wasn't happy to read about it and I don't have any specific triggers). I look forward to continuing in this series because I find the world fascinating and I'm hopeful that Caly (who amuses me) and Aphrodite (who is so sweet) play a bigger part in the future books.
That said, I do think that Jovee Winters weaves an emotional and beautiful tale of love found again. This story focuses a little more on uncovering what really was lost (and subsequently found) after the curse and the love aspect was a little missing. It is a bit dark in that (trigger warning) Medusa's abuse was discussed multiple times. (again nothing too overt but still enough I wasn't happy to read about it and I don't have any specific triggers). I look forward to continuing in this series because I find the world fascinating and I'm hopeful that Caly (who amuses me) and Aphrodite (who is so sweet) play a bigger part in the future books.
June 27, 2023
Amazing until the end
This was definitely my favorite in the king series. Besides mad King I have found the rest of the stories rather boring.
This 2 book story was so good and kept my attention the whole time. Until the end. The end was so anticlimactic and ruined the whole book for me.
Spoiler alert!!
He fell in love with the darkness that was in her and we were lead to believe that the darkness also fell for him. If darkness and her became one like calyssa and thalassa had that would have made sense. But no that is not what happened! Her son horse took the darkness and can never be affected because his heart is pure. Both galeta and harpie had pure hearts! That makes zero sense why Pegasus, who was born from rape, won't be affected.
I feel Medusa truly deserved some sort of revenge. Or even a good fight where she kicks their a$$. Just something. But no, she gets poofed away, hera stabs poseiden, horse takes darkness. The end.
Pegasus was in the first timeline. Couldn't Medusa just be reincarnated. Pegasus would have recognized her as her mother and taken the darkness from her. Everything just seems completely unessesary for such a simple solution for the darkness. Which again makes the ending so disappointing
This was definitely my favorite in the king series. Besides mad King I have found the rest of the stories rather boring.
This 2 book story was so good and kept my attention the whole time. Until the end. The end was so anticlimactic and ruined the whole book for me.
Spoiler alert!!
He fell in love with the darkness that was in her and we were lead to believe that the darkness also fell for him. If darkness and her became one like calyssa and thalassa had that would have made sense. But no that is not what happened! Her son horse took the darkness and can never be affected because his heart is pure. Both galeta and harpie had pure hearts! That makes zero sense why Pegasus, who was born from rape, won't be affected.
I feel Medusa truly deserved some sort of revenge. Or even a good fight where she kicks their a$$. Just something. But no, she gets poofed away, hera stabs poseiden, horse takes darkness. The end.
Pegasus was in the first timeline. Couldn't Medusa just be reincarnated. Pegasus would have recognized her as her mother and taken the darkness from her. Everything just seems completely unessesary for such a simple solution for the darkness. Which again makes the ending so disappointing
October 13, 2023
Could Ares God of War love someone other than himself?
Never have I read a love story like this one. Fairy tales have nothing here. When Ares realizes he's missing his memory, he goes looking to fill in the blanks. Never could he have imagined Medusa could be at the heart of what the curse has taken away. Now, we've all heard the story of Medusa, but never could we imagine what had caused her to be cursed and to become the Queen of Stone. This is her back story as much as it is a revelation of just who Ares is. Could the God of War become so enamored with her that he would risk his life to save a monster? Could love win out when darkness such as has never been known descends upon them? This retelling is an exceptional story of love, loss, revelation and courage. See if you can guess what becomes of the players in this reality. The curse is still wrecking havoc and everything is just as messed up as ever, but more and more are remembering the before. It got my blood boiling, read on and see if you're equally affected.
Never have I read a love story like this one. Fairy tales have nothing here. When Ares realizes he's missing his memory, he goes looking to fill in the blanks. Never could he have imagined Medusa could be at the heart of what the curse has taken away. Now, we've all heard the story of Medusa, but never could we imagine what had caused her to be cursed and to become the Queen of Stone. This is her back story as much as it is a revelation of just who Ares is. Could the God of War become so enamored with her that he would risk his life to save a monster? Could love win out when darkness such as has never been known descends upon them? This retelling is an exceptional story of love, loss, revelation and courage. See if you can guess what becomes of the players in this reality. The curse is still wrecking havoc and everything is just as messed up as ever, but more and more are remembering the before. It got my blood boiling, read on and see if you're equally affected.
May 26, 2019
After the heartbreaking end of the first of this duologie inside the series (please make sure you read The Stone Queen first!!!) I absolutely needed this one. Fortunately I was able to snatch an ARC so I was already able to read on. And oh boy, does the story explode! A tangled web for sure, with players who are all full of deceit and surprising layers where you never know what they would do next or even what they really remembered or did, with a plot alternating between things that had been, things that were in another timeline and things that never happened but still the consequences were playing out... it made for a complicated read, nothing to put down and pick back up later but one whirlwind of emotion better read right through. So I was happy the author is known for her happy endings and would not leave us hanging. And of course she delivered. Wow!
June 20, 2019
I can never get enough
I have been reading this series from start to end every book every release every start every stop. I can never ever read enough of them. I never feel bored or uninterested with the characters I'm always excited to read the next as soon as it's out. The writer is fantastic and tells a story in such a way that satiates your hunger for quality but managed to leave you hungry for more. Her ability to keep you on that knifes edge is amazing. I can guarantee you will never get enough of this series I would recommend it to anyone looking for a emersive suspenseful story with a bit of sugar and spice but also naughty and nice. Love love love this series can't wait to read the next step of this journey.
I have been reading this series from start to end every book every release every start every stop. I can never ever read enough of them. I never feel bored or uninterested with the characters I'm always excited to read the next as soon as it's out. The writer is fantastic and tells a story in such a way that satiates your hunger for quality but managed to leave you hungry for more. Her ability to keep you on that knifes edge is amazing. I can guarantee you will never get enough of this series I would recommend it to anyone looking for a emersive suspenseful story with a bit of sugar and spice but also naughty and nice. Love love love this series can't wait to read the next step of this journey.
June 15, 2019
The story of Ares and Medusa continues. She is now the horrible beast of legend, and while he knows something isn't right, he doesn't remember the life they had hoped to have before the curse tore them apart.
The story follows Ares (mostly) as he seeks to piece together the past they shared. As well as his fight to regain what was lost. The real question is, can he reach the woman he loves? Or has the darkness completely overtaken her and stolen her from him?
There are twists, there are turns, and there are moments of such pure emotion that I cried for the pain of the characters. Definitely one worth reading, but don't start unless you've read The Stone Queen before it!
The story follows Ares (mostly) as he seeks to piece together the past they shared. As well as his fight to regain what was lost. The real question is, can he reach the woman he loves? Or has the darkness completely overtaken her and stolen her from him?
There are twists, there are turns, and there are moments of such pure emotion that I cried for the pain of the characters. Definitely one worth reading, but don't start unless you've read The Stone Queen before it!
June 2, 2019
I loved the conclusion of Medusa's story and having a small fascination with Greek Mythology I loved how Jovee showed the side of Medusa that nobody new existed made the reader see her in a new light when she was human before she was hurt and made into the monster that we all know and didn't give a second look at how she was treated by her peers and raped, Instead of punishing the offenders she was punished for someone else's crime. I have read all her books (Marie Hall/Selene Charles/Jovee Winters) her stories are great and never dissappoint
June 12, 2019
I have no words. My heart ached for Medusa and War. I had faith that Jovee would do the story justice though and it was not misplaced. We picked up where The Stone Queen ended as these two are a part of a set and you cannot read one without the other. You are taken through the incredible highs in the beginning of The Stone Queen to the devastating lows of the beginning of The War King. Medusa and War had nothing but they eventually found each other again. It was so beautifully written that I cried. Thank you Jovee.
November 12, 2020
One of my favorites!
I could not put this book down. After reading The Stone Queen, I had to read The War King. I needed to know the rest of Medusa and Ares story. I was not disappointed! If you are a fan of mythology or fairytales then you will love The War King. I suggest you read The Stone Queen first, as The War King is the continuation of Medusa and Ares. If you are just discovering Jovee Winters and her Dark King series, then I suggest you start at the beginning with her Kingdom Series as Marie Hall.
I could not put this book down. After reading The Stone Queen, I had to read The War King. I needed to know the rest of Medusa and Ares story. I was not disappointed! If you are a fan of mythology or fairytales then you will love The War King. I suggest you read The Stone Queen first, as The War King is the continuation of Medusa and Ares. If you are just discovering Jovee Winters and her Dark King series, then I suggest you start at the beginning with her Kingdom Series as Marie Hall.
May 27, 2019
This is the continuation story to the Stone Queen, which is an excellent book. And this book is just as good..if not better. It’s filled with love, heart break, anger, confusion and more love. Loved Ares. He is so torn about what is going on. And Medusa... she is so confused. Definitely recommend but read Stone Queen first!
June 4, 2019
Did it again!
This book inspired me to believe that some loves really can last forever. The first part of the story was heartbreaking but this story shows that love comes in different forms but can save us in different ways also. It is good to see Ares and Medusa finally got the HEA
This book inspired me to believe that some loves really can last forever. The first part of the story was heartbreaking but this story shows that love comes in different forms but can save us in different ways also. It is good to see Ares and Medusa finally got the HEA
June 11, 2019
Beautiful!
I have loved this series. It's made me laugh, worry and wonder. I find myself throughout the day thinking of the characters and we're they'll end up. This one made me cry sad tears, angry tears, and tears of joy. There's nothing better than a book that gets one invested, emotional, and left fulfilled.
I'd recommend this series to anyone, but especially this one.
I have loved this series. It's made me laugh, worry and wonder. I find myself throughout the day thinking of the characters and we're they'll end up. This one made me cry sad tears, angry tears, and tears of joy. There's nothing better than a book that gets one invested, emotional, and left fulfilled.
I'd recommend this series to anyone, but especially this one.
October 6, 2020
The War King
Riveting. Captivating. Beautifully written, although one would wish that the few plot holes were wrapped up neatly, the chemistry was beautiful, the relationships were great and the story was Spellbinding. Not overly Romantic either, just right. The God of War wasn’t particularly Brutish either, which was very pleasant.
Riveting. Captivating. Beautifully written, although one would wish that the few plot holes were wrapped up neatly, the chemistry was beautiful, the relationships were great and the story was Spellbinding. Not overly Romantic either, just right. The God of War wasn’t particularly Brutish either, which was very pleasant.
June 1, 2019
Perfect
This was the perfect conclusion to the Stone Queen. Ares and Medusa might be my new favorites and I hope to see/hear about them in future books even as side characters. Looking forward to the next Kingdom book! :)
This was the perfect conclusion to the Stone Queen. Ares and Medusa might be my new favorites and I hope to see/hear about them in future books even as side characters. Looking forward to the next Kingdom book! :)
June 2, 2019
The perfect ending to Stone Queen
Omgoodness this book had me crying, gasping, and unable to put it down in spite of many other deadlines looming over my head. I promise you won't be disappointed. The ending is truly unseen.
Omgoodness this book had me crying, gasping, and unable to put it down in spite of many other deadlines looming over my head. I promise you won't be disappointed. The ending is truly unseen.
June 2, 2019
So good
Between Stone Queen and this, we see the journey of a great wrong being righted. And a love reborn. It was great, poignant, and has left my heart squeezing in my chest, as I write this moments after finishing.
Jovee's powers as a wordsmith continue to awe.
Between Stone Queen and this, we see the journey of a great wrong being righted. And a love reborn. It was great, poignant, and has left my heart squeezing in my chest, as I write this moments after finishing.
Jovee's powers as a wordsmith continue to awe.
June 2, 2019
A well needed HEA
I love this series, the lady book was a little tough to get through, but Jovee knows her readers well, and released the second half of Medusa's story soon after releasing the first. As always, well done and I can't wait to read the next installment!
I love this series, the lady book was a little tough to get through, but Jovee knows her readers well, and released the second half of Medusa's story soon after releasing the first. As always, well done and I can't wait to read the next installment!
June 2, 2019
Well worth the wait!
I loved it. After reading The Stone Queen and loving it so much, I was very impatiently waiting on this one. Sometimes I am disappointed in a book I really anticipate but this was not one of those times. More books about Olympus, please!
I loved it. After reading The Stone Queen and loving it so much, I was very impatiently waiting on this one. Sometimes I am disappointed in a book I really anticipate but this was not one of those times. More books about Olympus, please!
June 2, 2019
Grab some tissues and enjoy this great book!
This was such a great story. Through so much of this my heart ached, I laughed, I cried and hurt at everything that was going on I am so glad that they got the happy ending!
This was such a great story. Through so much of this my heart ached, I laughed, I cried and hurt at everything that was going on I am so glad that they got the happy ending!
June 2, 2019
OMG 🤯
I’m so proud of the progress that Ares has made and Medusa deserves the happiness that she finally got! I love what’s coming along with this kingdom series 👏🏽 she (Jovee Winters) did this!
I’m so proud of the progress that Ares has made and Medusa deserves the happiness that she finally got! I love what’s coming along with this kingdom series 👏🏽 she (Jovee Winters) did this!
June 2, 2019
Amazing
Absolutely loved this book from start to finish!! Infact I couldn't put it down, from the first page to the last you will want to keep on reading! If could give it more the 5 stars I would.
Absolutely loved this book from start to finish!! Infact I couldn't put it down, from the first page to the last you will want to keep on reading! If could give it more the 5 stars I would.
June 5, 2019
Another Must Read!
I have read every Kingdom book and this one doesn't disappoint! Another amazing story from my personal favorite author and seriously if you like this sort of romance you can't go wrong reading this one!
I have read every Kingdom book and this one doesn't disappoint! Another amazing story from my personal favorite author and seriously if you like this sort of romance you can't go wrong reading this one!
June 9, 2019
Medusa and Ares
Oh, I'm think my heart stopped a million times as I read this book. It was powerful and heartbreaking, full of misery and angst and betrayals but a love so strong that eventually restored the embittered monster. I'm so disappointed that I have to wait for more but I'm so excited at the prospect...I won't know what to do with myself once this series is over.
Oh, I'm think my heart stopped a million times as I read this book. It was powerful and heartbreaking, full of misery and angst and betrayals but a love so strong that eventually restored the embittered monster. I'm so disappointed that I have to wait for more but I'm so excited at the prospect...I won't know what to do with myself once this series is over.
June 9, 2019
Repaired my heart.
Medusa's story may have broken my heart but this one repaired it. Even though it was torturous to wait, it was worth it. Anyone who has gotten this far in this world will enjoy!
Medusa's story may have broken my heart but this one repaired it. Even though it was torturous to wait, it was worth it. Anyone who has gotten this far in this world will enjoy!
June 11, 2019
Love always wins
I have been hooked on these stories from the very first one. I can not wait till the next one everytime I finish one. You have brought these characters to life and made them feel as if they are real and that this world is a wonderful place to escape to.
I have been hooked on these stories from the very first one. I can not wait till the next one everytime I finish one. You have brought these characters to life and made them feel as if they are real and that this world is a wonderful place to escape to.
June 16, 2019
Riveting
Honestly had to force myself to put this book down to feed my family. It was a tough decision, I know!! I just couldn't figure this one out until I read it! I have a new found respect for Aeres. Great job Jovee!
Honestly had to force myself to put this book down to feed my family. It was a tough decision, I know!! I just couldn't figure this one out until I read it! I have a new found respect for Aeres. Great job Jovee!
September 19, 2019
Perfect.
Gosh. I had no idea how Ares and Medusa could possibly come back from all the viscousness and betrayal that they’d gone through. Their story of redemption was heartbreaking to read, but absolutely beautiful.
Gosh. I had no idea how Ares and Medusa could possibly come back from all the viscousness and betrayal that they’d gone through. Their story of redemption was heartbreaking to read, but absolutely beautiful.
October 31, 2019
I really loved the book and the second time around about the story of Medusa and Ares. The only thing I’m not really a fan of is the games between the gods. But that’s also what makes the book soooooo.....GODS STOP IT AND JUST FEEL THE LOVE. But seriously when is the next God gonna fall for love?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews