Vicious Royals

Nocturnal Academy #3

by Margo Ryerkerk, Holly Hook

A sadistic vamp lord. A rebellious fae. A vicious hunt.

The first term of Nocturnal Academy is over. Majors have been assigned.

I’ve made choices that brought me closer to the guillotine. But the fight isn’t over, not yet.

I must get through the spring term. Not an easy feat when the vamp students are planning a sacrifice and have a bone to pick with me.

But even if I survive the prison academy, someone will be buying my contract after school is out, and rumor has it that the king of sadists is interested in me.

Whatever he wants, he gets.

But if he thinks I’ll go down without a fight, he has another thing coming.

I’ll even ally myself with Thorsten, the vamp guard whose family the sadist has wronged.

But working together with Thorsten brings new problems. The handsome jerk seems to hate me, yet keeps putting his head on the line for me.

My mind is growing more and more confused with him while my body craves him.

If I’m not careful, I’m going to leave Nocturnal Academy not just with a slavery contract, but also a broken heart.

Dive into a world where vampires rule over fae, and one girl is determined to change it all!

Vicious Royals is the second book in the Nocturnal Academy trilogy.

Book three will be published in winter 2020.

Warning: This book contains mature content and possible triggering situations and is therefore only suitable for mature YA and New Adult readers. We recommend Nocturnal Academy for readers 17 and up.

Genres: Fantasy, Fae, Vampires, New Adult, Paranormal, Magic

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 18, 2019

About the author

Margo Ryerkerk is the author of two YA paranormal series, Dark Legacy series and Nocturna Academy series, as well as the author of the YA fairy tale retelling series Cursed Fairy Tales. Filled with intrigue, adventure, and romance, her series transport the reader to a magical world.

After completing a BS in Psychology, a MS in Marketing, and a two-year stint in the fashion world, Margo became a full-time author and can’t believe she gets to spend her days creating stories. When she’s not writing, she loves to read, travel, and dance to pop anthems.

Raised in Austria, Margo now lives in the USA with her husband and her Pomeranian.

Be sure to sign up to Margo's reader group to get her prequel The Fracture for free. You'll also be notified of sales, freebies, and new releases.

Sign up here https://margoryerkerk.com/contact/

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the series where we have more than one protagonist perspective. We get mostly Onyx and some of Thorsten .

There were things that I loved about this book, like the girls working together, Peony coming back from the dungeon ready to raise hell.

There were things that bothered me in this book, like the way Onyx is only able to think about Thorsten and escape. She abandons Lily by the end of the book and that makes me really sad. I understand her motives and where her head space was at. But after trying to save Blair, and Virgie it was a bit disappointing. Even Lily points it out during the novel that Onyx can't focus on anything but herself.

The Hunt was terrifying to read. I was nervous the entire time. Also the last two chapters I don't think I breathed until I reached the end.

I guessed the 'twist' that transpired at the end with Onyx (tooting my own horn). I am very excited to see if Lily makes a comeback, what happens with Blair.

Will Thorsten be able to prove he isn't a complete douche? I am hoping he was acting that way to try and save Onyx, but only time will tell.

I can't wait to find out what happens next to these characters.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved book one but I loved this second book even more! Well written they are gripping, exciting and brimming with twists and turns galore! Throw in some adventure, tragedy, vampires, fae and oh yes one massive cliffhanger and you have a great series that must be read!

[Megan (BookWifeReviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book much more than the first one! Onyx is looking for a way out of being the slave to a sadistic vampire. She works on her own magic while trying to help her roommate and fight the attraction she has to the vampire guard. There are betrayals galore. So many twists and turns.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

i got this arc from Margo for an honest review..
awesome story and characters.. a bit more darker that book 1
i will put my full review soon
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This book starts where book 2 finished which is a really good place to start.. This book is dark, packed full of action, sassy characters, this book will have you on the edge of your seat because its a lot darker, it will make you sad, happy at parts of the book and maybe even make you cry.. So once you start the book you can’t put it down until you finish story to see what happens..

I don’t like the way that Onyx is not herself because she took the job that she did not want to help one of her friends and that she was still looking out for her friends even tho she was not happy with the way everyone was being treated and also she is trying to control her magic without the vampires finding out..

I liked that even tho Thorsten is unhappy with the job that Onyx picked he still seems to be looking out for her when he can and also thinking about her when he should not be.. Its sad because he has to try to make Onyx think he does not want anything to do with her but really he wants to just be happy with her by his side..

My Fav characters are: Onyx, Lily, Virgie, Thorsten

I did not like the hunt game that the vampires like to play with the fae and wow Onyx’s magic is going to either hurt her or hurt someone else which means everyone will find out about onyx’s magic if she can not control the ice magic..

In this book you got see onyx’s best friend again and wow it was sad to see how Blair turned out and i felt sorry for Blair and also for onyx to see her best friend look so different..

I feel sorry for onyx throughout this book because you can see how hard its been for her to have magic that she has to hide, to look after her friends so they still safe and to have a job that she does not want and all she was to do is be free from nocturnal academy.. I also feel sorry for Virgie because she also goes through a lot in this book too..

Characters i did not like are: Mei [vampire ], peony [ Fae ], Kristin [ Fae ], Lady Cardinal [vampire], Mr Chad [vampire ], Lord Sullivan [Vampire ], Kassius and Kayden [twins and both vampires], Vulthus [ Vampire ]

I was so loving the flirting going on between onyx and Thorsten through this book and near the end of this book made me so sad because Thorsten is acting different and is not nice to onyx which made me very sad and i don’t know if he has been acting with her this whole time to make fun of her or that he really does care about her but can’t do anything because his vampire sire could hurt him or onyx..

I did not like the way onyx near the end went cold to lily and her friends and turned into someone who does not care about people because onyx used to be a very kind caring person and now its like she has broken and turned into a different person altogether.. I would like to see onyx back to her old self by the 3rd book and also have everything work out where she helps her friends, gets Thorsten and that the vampires end up being scared of onyx because of her magic..

I need the 3rd book as soon as because i need to know what happens with onyx and Thorsten and also wow the ending to book 2 was awesome and i did not see that ending coming because its left a cliff-hanger.. Margo Ryerkerk and holly hook done amazing job writing these books..

[debturk1970_bookvibes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Series - Wow, The Emotional Stress Levels!!🙈😟💥 4.5 Stars 🌟
Vicious Royals (Nocturnal Academy Book 2)

I've got a tension headache now!🙈😂 Seriously, this series has me so enthralled & invested in its characters, I can't put it down until I've devoured every word & by then it's wrung all of my emotions dry!😳😍

So in Book #2 we return to Nocturnal Academy to find Onyx in her Courtesan classes with Virgie and Lily in Independent Study. None of it is going to plan though, for any of them.😞 Rumours are rife that someone has their eye on Onyx for her contract, it's the last Vampire she'd ever wish for!!😳😭💔 Lily is failing her classes & Virgie is about to be in a world of hurt!!😭💔😭 Thorssten, the sexy Vampire guard, may not be able to help her anymore either.😱

Onyx is a bit broken by the end of the book.😢 Its a self preservation move on her part, it's due to a build up of reasons, but there's one extremely painful experience too far for her heart to cope with!!💔😭 I hated her callousness, during this small time period, although I understood it.😡 The violence, viciousness & sheer disregard for others feelings & lives, by the Vampires, is stunning in its magnitude & their utter contempt!!😡😢

This book goes beyond being an Academy Read and a Bully Romance. I'll be honest, barring two kisses & lots of hot looks, there isn't a romance but it's not needed or missed, what's included is plenty in this scenario, I do love the idea of Onyx & Thorssten and hope it happens in the future!💘🙏🔥 O.M.G that ending *again* 🙈💥 Another unmissable read by this writing duo!🌟

Debbie, 1970, UK

[Brandi Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review :)

Vicious Royals is the second book in the Nocturnal Academy series (formally Nocturna Academy- the name was changed!). This book was mostly told from Onyx's point of view, though occasionally it is told from Thorsten's point of view- more on him in a second!

Vicious Royals begins with Onyx in class for her courtesan major. Because of her (in my opinion, dumb) stunt she pulled at the end of the previous book, she is basically training to become a sex slave for a vampire. The teacher tries to make it sound enticing, saying shit like "You are more than someone to sleep with... you are his companion, his champion, his muse..." Yeah, okay. That's ridiculous!

Thorsten, meanwhile, is a vampire guard at Nocturnal Academy who has helped Onyx on several occasions. He's pissed about her recent decisions, but still tries to keep her best interests in mind anyway. Onyx can be a little hard to deal with, though. She really is quite baffling in this book- sometimes she seems quite haughty, as if she is better than everyone else. I'm not sure where the attitude comes from, but maybe she's just trying to grow a thick skin so she can survive her situation!

In the end, Onyx knows she doesn't want to be sold off, so she forms a daring plan for her escape. Vicious Royals ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, and I can't wait to see what happens next!

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy from Audiobx and the author, Margo Ryerkerk, which I voluntarily read and reviewed. All opinions are my own.

Just to preface this review, Vicious Royals is more like Book 3 in the Nocturnal Academy series. I listened to it on Audible where it is described as Book 2. I made the mistake of not reading Wicked Noble first, which is identified as a prequel. I think if I had known that Wicked Noble was more of a Book 1 than a prequel, then I would enjoy the world more. Regardless, I jumped right into Vicious Royals after completing Cruel Elites. I had to know if things would get better for Onyx and just the Fae in general.

Just like Cruel Elites, there were scenes that were really rough to read about. The Fae are slaves, so there is bullying throughout the novel, plus be aware of triggers, such as attempted sexual assault. What I liked the most about Vicious Royals was the survivor attitude of Onyx, plus her protectiveness of Lily. I was really excited at the start of the novel because I thought we were going to get alternating viewpoints between Onyx and Thorsten, which would help to uncover Thorsten's personality more. But, sadly I think there were only two chapters from his point of view, and so I think I missed out on character development that I was craving.

Overall, I would rate Vicious Royals 3.5 stars. I liked it more than Cruel Elites, and the cliffhanger was incredible! Can't wait to see what happens next. I'm still hopeful for the Fae!

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Vicious Royals Onyx is just trying to get through one day at a time by putting one foot in front of the other fighting to change a way of life at Nocturnal Academy where fae are slaves to vampires. Her goal at the moment is just to finish the spring term.

Assignments have been assigned. Everyone at the academy seems to be out for her blood especially the vamps that are planning a party of sorts for the fae slaves. The party could become dangerous well at least for one of the fae students.

The time has come for contracts to be made and rumor has it that a very bad vampire has his eyes set on Onyx. But Onyx has no intentions of being around much longer to be anyone’s slave. Onyx is working on making her magic stronger and making plans for an escape.

I just love the name of the academy Nocturnal it fits the story so well. I love all the characters and this world. I can’t seem to get enough of this world once I started reading Vicious Royals I was hooked by the first sentence and I couldn’t stop reading until I had read the last word.

If you like vampires, fae, magic and books in an academy setting then you are going to love Vicious Royals. One click yourself a copy today!

[TXBRITGAL · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm still in shock after finishing this gem of a read! Be prepared...there's a WHOPPER of a cliffhanger leaving you desperate for the next book immediately 😁. Onyx thought her life was crazy in book one, but it goes to an entirely new level in this one. Reality truly starts to set in, but her inner fire (or ice ) refuses to let her just accept her circumstances. Who is friend and who is foe? There are insane twists and turns all throughout that she needs to make her way through to survive. There are a number of eye opening events, which truly make me excited to see what's next. As usual there are tons of tragic events, adventure, adrenaline...and at the center is Onyx. Such a huge heart and desire to protect her fellow fae. I found myself cheering her on at every turn. I'm also more curious than ever to learn the true story of her cute, brooding vampire guard. Somehow I don't think we've seen the last of him.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, this is a heady combination: I just figured out that two of my favorite authors, Margo Ryerkerk and Holly Hook, are out with a new series, Nocturnal Academy. Since I’ve literally loved everything each of these authors have put out, it’s no surprise that I glommed on to the first two books, Cruel Elites and Vicious Royals, and ended up binge reading them into the wee hours. It was worth it as these two books were totally fantastic. I loved half-Fae / hss as of -human Onyx. She may have caught herself into a pretty harsh predicament, forced into the Nocturnal Academy where the options are die in her dorm, end up as a vampire’s slave or, possibly, being one of the tiny number of fae who get out by topping the Placement Tests (if that’s even a real way out). Pretty darn scary stuff but the makings for a superb tale which, in these first two books, is superbly told. I’m definitely looking forward to more in this series and can easily highly recommend these two books.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the series was fantastic. Make sure you read the prequel and the first book before diving into this one. (There is also a sort of pre-prequel, but if you don't read that one you won't miss any major events.) Onyx is getting closer to the day where her contract will be purchased by a vampire who will use her as a courtesan bloodbank. Meanwhile, she still has to avoid getting bitten by teenage vamps, manage not to freeze up any mean girls, and keep her accidental murder of a Fae from being discovered. She also needs to figure out what is going on between her and Thorsten. When a sadist vampire prince promises he will buy her contract she adds "find a way to finally escape this he**" to her to-do list. Great ending. Looking forward to the next one.

I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.

[Véronique Laplante Grenier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vicious Royal is the second book in the Nocturnal Academy series by Margo Ryerkerk and Holly Hook. I have loved it even more than I have loved the first book. It really keeps getting better.

The first terms is now over and Onyx as now been assigned her major. But for spring breaks the vamp as planned to offer one of the fae as sacrifice. The only problem is no one will know who it is until the last moment.

Onyx doesn't plan to go down without a fight when the person who will brought her contract after school is out. That vampire is apparently, the king of sadist.

Even with working with Thorsten, the vamp guard, won't be without problem. And she most be careful if she not only want to leave the academy as a vamp slave, but also with a broken heart.

I have received an arc by Holly Hook for this book.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

We dive right in with Vicious Royals. We pick up right where the last book ended and we learn of so many twist and turns!! The academy hasn’t changed one bit and in this book we see a bit more as to how the academy handles some of their punishment. Like always, Onyx finds herself in the middle of sticky situations and is always trying to desperately figure out a way to get out. There were a few chapters where we were able to get a closer look at Thorsten. I enjoyed his POV. Onyx finally decides to gamble on herself. She does not want to be sold to the evil vampire. Is it too late for her to finally gamble on herself? Pick up this academy book! If you enjoy the Fae world and vampires you will enjoy this book!
I did listen to the audiobook and I enjoyed it. The narrator was the perfect voice for Onyx.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soon it'll be time for the Elite Vampires to bid on the Fae they want for their servants. Onyx has been told the cruel Vamp, Lord Vulthus, will buy her contract. First, she panicked and then she planned and practiced. Onyx has no intention of being his to put in chains and enjoy breaking her. I love Onyx. She's smart, bold, sneaky, brave, a planner, has magic and is very determined to escape the dismal future other's have decided for her. What does she have planned? Can she pull it off? This book has action, danger, magic, vampires, Fae, the Wild Hunt, deceit, cruelty, suspense, secrets and an unexpected ally. This book draws you in and has you turning pages to see what will happen next! Would you fight for a better future?

[Rose Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!
“Vicious Royals” picks up the tale from the “Cruel Elites” installment of this series and is a rollercoaster ride of drama, challenges, and twists that blurs the line between friend and foe. Onyx begins her courtesan lessons and her precarious position within the school is changing and not for the better. The Elites amp up the challenges for the fae and it’s harder and harder to feel safe at the academy. This tale is an amazingly enjoyable emotional rollercoaster that pulls you in and holds tight all the way to the crazy cliffhanger at the end which leaves you impatient for the next installment of this tale. I love this book and this series. I highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily

[sherri jones-teachout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful emotional story. The Fae and have been either kidnapped or sold to the vampires to become courtesans and slaves. In training at Nocturnal Academy, Onyx has kept her magic secret so that she can escape. What happens to her during the time of this book is frightening, embarrassing and painful. Will she be able to escape? Especially as she has been targeted by the most vile, cruel vampire. She has been trying to shield a few of her friends but one turns on her. She will have to get tough and start thinking only of herself if she wants to survive, and hopefully escape. The book ended with a huge surprise for Onyx. I can’t wait to see what happens to her in the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Reena · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars are not enough!!!

OH. MY. GOD!!! This was a rollercoaster of a ride!!! Onyx has made a decision she has to live with it. Survival is her first and formost care and she has to become ruthless. No one can be trusted. Even Thorsten, the vampire guard whom she has come to care for, gives her mixed signals.

From the first page to the last "Vicious Royals" is filled with angst, suspense, intrigue, mystery and a dash of forbidden romance. The ending? It blew my mind! Although I was hoping for it, I never saw it coming. What a cliffhanger!!! Now there's only one question I keep asking as a mantra: WHEN IS THE NEXT BOOK COMING?!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, this is a heady combination: I just figured out that two of my favorite authors, Margo Ryerkerk and Holly Hook, are out with a new series, Nocturnal Academy. Since I’ve literally loved everything each of these authors have put out, it’s no surprise that I glommed on to the first two books, Cruel Elites and Vicious Royals, and ended up binge reading them into the wee hours. It was worth it as these two books were totally fantastic. I loved half-Fae / hss as of -human Onyx. She may have caught herself into a pretty harsh predicament, forced into the Nocturnal Academy where the options are die in her dorm, end up as a vampire’s slave or, possibly, being one of the tiny number of fae who get out by topping the Placement Tests (if that’s even a real way out). Pretty darn scary stuff but the makings for a superb tale which, in these first two books, is superbly told. I’m definitely looking forward to more in this series and can easily highly recommend these two books.

[Jill Gauger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a arc from the authors for a honest review.
This is the 2nd book of the series and keeps getting better.
Onyx is bound and determined to get free from the Academy and the sadistic Vampire who wants to buy her contract after graduation. She has a plan and she works on honing her magic. She is getting stronger and accomplishes what she sets out to do but will it be enough.
I don’t like spoilers so I will say this story has a huge plot twist and cliffhanger that will have you wanting more now. I read this in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend this book and series.

[Inga O · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free audio copy of this book directly from the author for an honest review.

Omg what a cliffhanger!! I have absolutely loved this second book in the series and can’t wait for the third! It’s definitely outdone the first book for me. It’s full of tough decisions, angst and twists and turns! I don’t want to give away any spoilers and say too much but there’s so much to be said about this book! Yes there’s a lot of dark topics broached which is hella freaky and definitely enough to break some down but it shows the different strengths of the characters. It’s definitely worth the read.

[Shawnta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition with an ending that will have you coming back for more. The year is drawing to an end and the absolute worst has happened, Onyx’s old roommate’s master, Vulthus, plans to buy her contract and Peony, her arch nemesis, is having a field day at her expense. Onyx is going to need a miracle to get out of this one. This amazing installment brings many twists, magic, danger, and adventure you do not want to miss, it’s definitely worth giving a read. I received a free advanced copy and loved every minute.

[Rachel Benham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again this series is such a great series so far! Onyx is still struggling with the academy but things just got worse, she has a new roommate and is conflicted about her feelings for Thorston. This semester there is a whole lot of trouble for her and her fellow fae, including the Wild Hunt that they must survive. Onyx is not one to go down with out a fight and she is fighting harder and harder in this book. The surprise reveal at the end has me on the edge of my seat waiting for the next one!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heidi Selas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thorsten. He is my favorite part of this book. Near the end it gets confusing with him, but his mysterious, brooding self is still my favorite. I loved getting his perspective in a couple chapters.

And the last two sentences in this book have me lost for words. This is my favorite book in the series so far!

Onyx has grown a lot. She still irritates me in how she makes decisions and solves problems. I feel like she often makes things more difficult. I'm hoping she matures a bit and gets wiser in the next book.

[Leah Dynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this second installment with all it’s twists and turns. It has awesome characters you love and some you really hate. Onyx has given up her independent study for her friend, but is still having a hard time coming to terms with what her place will be. Her relationship with a vampire guard is also confusing her, he’s helpful sometimes and hateful at others. And Peony is back and is ready for revenge. I’m excited for the next book!

[Linda Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

She made a tough decision and now has to live with the consequences. It is not going well for any of them and you really worry about the result of her actions.

Be prepared for more darkness and fear as she navigates the path and tries to find her salvation. At this point, romance is not at the forefront of the story. She is a character that keeps you guessing. It ends on a big cliffhanger that leaves you wanting the next book.

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast paced story filled with twists and excitement. I loved how the author created characters who were mesmerizing, evil, mysterious, intriguing and surprising. I had thought that something would happen when the final choices were made near the end of the story and was totally shocked by what the author allowed to happen. Then that strange but confusing cliffhanger! Great storytelling and great anticipation for the next book. It can’t come soon enough. Recommend.

[Philleys Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Onyx is such a resourceful fae. I believe her capable of getting out of any predicament, and escaping the Elites and the Nocturnal Academy is her #1 priority. With the fae auction coming up, Onyx finalizes her escape plan. Action packed suspense with a surprising cliffhanger ending. I really like where the storyline is headed! Very intriguing!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

The grooming and the betrayals continue and I find I am totally not good at picking who the good people are in this tale! That’s a testament to this authors skills! I will say that I actually guessed the shocker...but barely a page before reveal so...this author has mad skills! Of course, as all books in a series should do, I am a slave to grabbing and absorbing the next one in line! All my reviews are always voluntarily written.

[Rosalind Bath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good and had me hooked from the first page! Onyx is in the final term, with the bidding ball looming and a nasty vamp wanting her. She does what she has to, to survive. And the ending is fantastic and it leaves you on an exciting cliff hanger. Really looking forward to the next book and seeing where this story goes next.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story

We continue to follow Onyx in this 2nd book. She is a caring bada$$ and realizes that isn't going to get her far. Between fighting for hers and other's lives, dances, and parties. You just don't know where it's going to go. Then end up where she did. I really want to read the next one just to see how far down the rabbit hole she goes.