Trials of Ravenwell

Four Kings Academy #2

by Taylor Spratt

They say they want a Queen, so why have they made Aria their captive?

The tournament is underway and Aria is in for more than she bargained for. It’s punishment time at Ravenwell Academy and the four kings are training Aria to be Queen. It doesn’t matter that only two kings can win the tournament and claim her. All four refuse to back down. They’ll try to bend her, break her, and bring her to her knees. They’ll demand her complete submission, body and soul.

If only preparing for her ‘royal duties’ was all Aria had to worry about. Galima is out for blood, sending deadly assassins determined to lop Aria’s head off. Chancellor Biggsbys got an evil agenda that threatens to turn the entire academy upside down. And Cas has been put on academy trial for ‘Criminal deception’.

Will Aria succumb to the Four King’s wicked punishments and surrender to their will? Can she survive the deadly assassins? Will she save her only friend, Cas, from being burned at the stake and discover the Chancellor’s evil plot before it’s too late?

There’s only one way to find out. Welcome to Ravenwell Academy. Buckle up and hold on tight, you’re in for a crazy ride.

*Note. This series is a SUPER STEAMY Academy Romance with a Strong Heroine and four Wicked Twin Kings. Don’t miss out, PICK UP YOUR COPY TODAY!

*Note. This Series is a 'no choosing' romance where all the heroes and the heroine end up HEA at the end of the series. This is book two so watch out for that cliff! This is a Dark Academy Romance that contains things that some readers may find Triggering. This book is Not For Children.

167 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 26, 2020

About the author

Hey there! I'm a Jamaican author with a passion for all things paranormal romance. I write Reverse harem romances with irresistible plot twists that will keep you up way past your bed time.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this! The second book was even better than the first and continues with Aria trying to get through to the Kings that she can’t just be told to be Queen. She wants them to listen to her and get to know her. In between trying to navigate four alpha Kings, she is also dealing with a jealous Succubus and a dragon shifter who wants what the Kings have. Can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!

[Jessica Traver cashen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this series. It has action, suspense, steaminess, magic. I was engrossed from start to finish. I'm torn, I hope the 4 kings can get along so Aria doesn't have to lose anyone. I find myself wanting her with all of them! Will Galima get her revenge, will Aria beat her? Read to find out! I can't wait to read the next book.

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

They say they want a Queen, so why have they made Aria their captive?
The tournament is underway and Aria is in for more than she bargained for. It’s punishment time at Ravenwell Academy and the four kings are training Aria to be Queen. It doesn’t matter that only two kings can win the tournament and claim her. All four refuse to back down. They’ll try to bend her, break her, and bring her to her knees. They’ll demand her complete submission, body and soul.
If only preparing for her ‘royal duties’ was all Aria had to worry about. Galima is out for blood, sending deadly assassins determined to lop Aria’s head off. Chancellor Biggsbys got an evil agenda that threatens to turn the entire academy upside down. And Cas is missing, her life in mortal danger.
Will Aria succumb to the Four King’s wicked punishments and surrender to their will? Can she survive the deadly assassins? Can she save her only friend, Cas and discover the Chancellor’s evil plot before it’s too late?
There’s only one way to find out. Welcome back to Ravenwell Academy. Buckle up and hold on tight, you’re in for a crazy ride.

This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[thehotmesslibrary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trials of Ravenwell is the second book in the Four King’s Academy series by Taylor Spratt. The book begins where the first one ended where Aria is forced into a tournament to be a Queen, but only two of the men can be King. To top off the games, Aria is also fighting for her life against Galima who keeps sending assassins Aria’s way and the Chancellor has an evil agenda which is forcing the Academy to turn on itself. To say that Aria isn’t having an easy time is kind of an understatement. Underneath it all, Aria is still stuck in the middle between the four men and nothing seems to be really going her way.

This story is told from multiple points of views so you get to see and understand more of the characters whilst laughing along with Aria’s internal monologue. There is a lot going on in this story and it would really benefit you as a reader if you read the first book to understand who everyone is and you get to know them better than in the first book. The story is flowing and full of action and there as like the last book is a huge cliff-hanger at the end…it’s just priming you for the next installment.

ARC received for a fair, honest and sometimes long review 😊

More of my reviews can be found on my blog: https://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

So looked forward to book 2! Aria’s got 99 problems, and well...she’s got a lot of problems. The storyline of book 1 just drew me in and I was hooked. Book 2, well I almost didn’t finish it. Something happens to Aria that I just didn’t agree with. So I messaged the author to explain why I couldn’t finish the book. After talking with her, I decided to skip over that section and try to finish. I’m glad I did. While I can’t condone the part that bothered me, the rest of the story is very good. The guys are starting to not be d-bags for a change. And there’s so much going on. Can’t wait for book 3!

[Mariah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got much better

This book was significantly better than the last, I’m glad I read it. The plot thickened and the romance finally kicked in. I’m disappointed that I Have to wait another 2 months before I can read the next one but no major complaints about this book. 4.5 stars

[Catherine Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book

I really enjoyed this book. Excellent follow on from book 1 in the series.
Aria gets to know the 4 kings in more detail. I love Aria’s internal monologue, she cracks me up.
The book flows great and the cliff hanger ending - wow!
Looking forward to book 3 to see what the Kings and Aria get up to next.

Note - ARC Reader

[Frankie McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s safe to say that book 2 was sooooo much more! I loved it even more than the first book!
I wasn’t prepared for the cliffy but I’ll definitely be back for book 3!!

I love a “no choose” book but I’m really hoping that the kings listen to Aria and choose to get to know her without just simply making her queen first. I do like to see that bit of characters choosing to get to know eachother before they’re thrust into their happily ever after!!

There’s lots of twists and turns with jealous exes and people wanting what the kings have.

You definitely need to read this… you’re simply not prepared for what’s coming!

[Angela Denny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow soo much happens in this book. Aria stands up to the kings and makes her wishes known. The kings are starting to change for the better but still have a ways to go. The ending is brutal and I need the next book to find out what happens to Cas and Aria.

[Elizabeth Curtin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The amount of times I wanted to rage quit this god damn book had me questioning my sanity as to why I kept reading. The only reason I kept going was because I was already so far along in the story, I needed to know what happened. And just.... wow. I can’t even.

First, let me just say I would have given this a two star if not for the fact that there were some really, and I mean REALLY, hot scenes in Trials of Ravenwell. It was a big redeeming factor for me. Although, that didn’t mean that I liked them in their entirety because holy hell fire what the heck is up with this sexist and chauvinist attitude some of these male leads blatantly had?

It’s one thing to have an alpha male dominate you and for you to get sexual pleasure out of it, but the downright disregard for her wishes and never truly listening to her was striking a major nerve (except in that one scene at the end but Jesus Christ it was like pulling teeth for these idiots). Aria was literally being told to be submissive and the malleable, protected wife of these Kings or be punished for it. To me, that screams emotional abuse with the threat of *borderline* sexual/physical assault. They literally threatened her freedom and wanted to lock her up so they could have her all to themselves. Aria says she never feared them but...she feared the repercussions of chasing after her own goals and wants, and how they would react to her being independent. Like, that’s fucked up dude.

One of my biggest pet peeves in a story is misunderstandings. The amount of times our FMC or the MMCs jumped to a conclusion that was so far out there and took hold for several chapters/scenes... I just couldn’t handle it. I had to stop myself from skimming through the pages because I was so fed up.

Don’t get me wrong. There were some tender moments in this book. I definitely warmed up to Bane once we read a little more. I also started liking Raiden and Alexander more too. Luca was already *somewhat* on the good list but turned into a douche nozzle with the misunderstandings/not attaining what he wanted from his relationship with Aria. All of them have some serious issues to deal with and by the end of the book, there is a ray of hope for a better future between Aria and her Kings. I just don’t know if I’ll be willing to explore that with how things have been going with the plot.

I liked the plot in the first book. It was intriguing enough for me to continue into the second. However, this whole things with Cas was just downright stupid. The moment she was taken, I was like, “Why are you not looking for Rebecca and demanding answers?” It was clear as day what was happening there, especially since Rebecca literally threatened her like a day before about using Cas to get to Aria. Dumbass. Now, with how the plot is developing, I don’t even know if I care to continue. Aria can be so blind to what is happening around her and can talk herself into these hairbrained and moronic ideas that get her into even more trouble. I don’t really like her as a character, let alone a FMC. She has no development.

We’ll see if I continue to read into more of the series. The third book doesn’t look to be out yet and I’m not too hopeful about my chances of buying the book just for the sake of seeing Aria fuck things up even more with her Kings and beings completely blindsided by the very obvious clues around her.

[Alyrica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Conflicted

This one is a tough one to rate for me. At one point, I rage quit the book for a couple of days. Here is my list of good and not so good.

What I Liked:
*The premise. I find the void user powers intriguing and was interested in learning more. I also adore books with the main character being part of a prophesy.
*There hasn't been any real school activity but I found most of the major events interesting.
*Not every moment was negative for the heroine. Two of the eventual harem were actually nice to Aria and stayed nice for the remainder of the book.

What I Didn't Like:
*Inconsistent characters. This was especially true with Aria and Luca. If there was a motivation for a change of thinking/behaving it was thin. For me, I need to see an impetus for change if it isn't in line with the characters previous personality in order to find the story satisfying. I also hate when a character thinks to themselves they will no longer tolerate XYZ but does the opposite right after. This makes the characters feel inauthentic and as if their actions are solely to drive the story.
(Slight Spoiler!!!!!)
*Rewarding sexist, abusive behavior isn't hot, in my opinion and the reason for my rage quit. I know this is extremely subjective but a "hero" who beats and molests the heroine
is irredeemable even if she likes it. Now, I don't automatically hate dubcon. Whether it makes me hulk out all depends on the circumstances and motivation of the perpetrator. If the reason is due to punishment because the little woman didn't listen to the big, strong, clearly superior male....yeah, this makes me furious. Then to submit to the humiliation and subjugation and not hold him accountable. I will NEVER believe he loves her even if we eventually see some relationship development to support their, inexplicable to me, feelings. This is not a problem for a lot of readers and I get that. It just happens to be one of my hot buttons (not the good kind).

Anyway, I did enjoy some of the action in this book. I think the author has some great ideas and is creative.

[Evelyn Dotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, it picks up where one left off. Cas is still missing, no one knows who took her or where she is. The four kings have decided Aria is still a prize they must fight over driving her crazy in the process. She has been having to use her Void power more and more. Luca, one of the kings, his ex has it out for Aria. She has been devising ways to make her life miserable.

Aria has had enough! She is starting to use her Void powers to protect herself. People are taking notice and are even more out to get her now. The kings have no clue how much people are hurting her in their name. When it is found out, there will be heck to pay. The Seer will finally admit there are two prophecies, and a trial will occur to decide the fate of Aria.

She is still piping mad that her life seems to be under others’ control; a life she does not want. Two trials decide she will spend time with both sides. She starts to get to know all the kings personally. They will show her another side to them she did not know exists. When physical actions occur between them, she is really confused. She wants all of them to be together, but they are making it impossible.

A dance is in the works for the students. Also, the enemy behind the scenes will make himself known. A new enemy will make her presence known as well. Another rival for Aria to contend with. This one will take drastic actions to eliminate her from the field. The Seer will also ensure that Aria ends up with who she needs to be with to fulfill the prophecy. But they discount her intelligence. She is close to figuring out how to solve the whole dilemma. Before she can implement the discovery, she ends up being taken! Now what? Read the second book with more exciting twists and turns and plots to gain the ultimate prize~

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONE MESMERIZING EXPERIENCE!!!
Slam dunk! Taylor hit the motherload melding this baby together sleek, shiny and tight. A spiraling vortex of vexing circumstances and astonishing events blasts those spinning emotions, coiling tightly, bursting to life brilliantly. Drama, adversity, intrigue, secrets, danger and mounting suspense engage all of your senses while a horde of shocking twists and wicked turns run rampant, catapulting this gem to staggering heights. The dynamics and countenance in layer upon layer that you peel back with each page your drawn into this web so deep until everything else ceases to exist. Anarchy, escapades and havoc run amuck, kicking this bad boy into a raging tempest, blasting it into a tailspin with a life-altering culmination. One intense storyline and gripping plot, hooks you from the start and reels you in for the duration. Navigating the trials and tribulations, noting the thrilling twists and wicked turns, testing our characters in ways they could have never envisioned. The characters personalities are original, relatable and realistic with such depth and qualities it feels as though you can just reach out and touch them. The scenes are graphically detailed and descriptive making it easy to picture each scenario as they play off one another in perfect balance. Fantastic job Taylor, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received ARC from Author for Honest Review.
I Give this Book a 3.5-4/5 Star Rating, Listing as a high 3.

Cliffhanger(?): Yes!!
Relationship Type: Reverse Harem
Heat: 4-4.5/5
Romance: 3-3.5/5 (not a bad thing, it fits the flow of the series)
Drama: 4.5/5
Suspense: 4/5
Dark(?): This is not Dark? 0/5. :)

No Epic Spoilers.
Can’t deny the flow in the beginning felt a bit off, even though it did pick up from first book. Did have a bit of an issue with the many POV’s, especially in the beginning, near the front of this book should’ve been mainly Aria first, then have the other POV’s mingled in, rather than completely dominate and have their own single chapter(s). It kinda felt like she was being erased from her own series a little bit.
Aria and her Men should be the only ones that should dominate chapters (in my opinion). Because the other POV’s being so immediate, make an attempt to skew your opinion of Aria.
This is surprisingly a fast paced read, I wasn’t expecting that.
This is a pretty good read, though it felt a little bit like there were fillers in some areas.
Even though there was a lot of Heat scene which I LOVED(!!!). I do feel like other than those scenes, Aria still wasn’t the front runner in this book, like she was in book 1.
I am looking forward to Book 3 because I am anticipating what will be happening next cause that’s was a pretty good cliffhanger!

[Naurarwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book starts off where book one ended, the trials have begun and Aria wants nothing to do with them, it doesn't help that somebody also wants her dead. Poor Aria isn't having the best time, from being accused of murder in the first book and sent to the academy where she was relentlessly bullied by the Kings and their cronies, to now being the prize of the tournament, the winner gets her as their Queen.

The story is told from the POVs of Aria, the four Kings; Bane, Luca, Raiden & Alexander, Seer Mordecai, and a new player, Wrath so you get to see the story unfold from all angles. Aria on her own is an interesting character as we find out more about the powers a Void User possesses, that and she has an at time hilarious inner monologue. Part of me was a little sad that Aria got so easily distracted from thoughts of her missing friend, Cas. If one of the Kings took off their shirts it was almost a "Cas who?" moment, which is a shame as at some points all she wanted to do was find her friend and then next minute nothing.

I'll definitely be reading book three when it comes out as it ended with such a cliffhanger that I need to know more about what happens with Aria, Cas and the four Kings.

[Carol Rupprecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm loving this series! As I hoped with the first book, Aria's powers increased but there's still so much to be revealed! There were several more adversaries introduced as we read as well, making things interesting and keeping us on our toes. I know I'm not the only one thinking they were going to be added them to the harem haha. The guys in this book drove me crazy! There were times when they were so sweet but then other times I wanted to punch them in the face. I'm hoping to see different sides to each king. We only saw glimpses in this book but I'm dying to know more about them. I think they all could benefit from learning about each other as well. Maybe they could come to more of an understanding instead of automatically assuming that the others are spoiled or undeserving of titles because of how they grew up. Although the two set of twins hate each other, it is clear that they are capable of working together towards a common goal, as long as that goal revolves around the safety of Aria. The next book should be pretty interesting. I have a feeling things are going to be changing drastically regarding Aria's relationships! 

[Sandra Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh..what was that cliffhanger?! Wow..so this book is so intense and has so many hot scenes in it. I just wish the kings would listen to Aria and not ignore her. I feel she tries her best to make the kings listen to her but they are too pig-headed to even try. They always cut her off when she talks and never give her a chance to explain. It isn't until the dance that they finally listen to her and let her be her.

What else can I say about this book? Well, the scenes where she is with the kings is so hot that it makes you sweat. Oh my goodness..this scenes are just wow. It shows how much they do care for her but in different ways. We know the history of the kings by this time and how they were treated when they were younger. And with the prophecy, they each believe that she is theirs but she wants all four of them and has a bond with each one.

The cliffhanger is epic and I do hope the kings find a way to free her and hopefully they will see her for her and stop the nonsense of the trials and fighting for her. She has a right to choose her destiny and a prophecy will not change that.

Can't wait for the next book!

[Rachel Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the four kings academy was intense, hot and full of mystery. We get to learn more about who aria is and who she's destined to become. The enemies are everywhere, and aria just doesn't seem to be able to catch a break. I loved the trial concept and inward fighting among the kings for her affections. But Aria's a strong independent woman and she's going to fight for herself. The story flows beautifully and has wonderful character building that you'll come to see characters, especially the kings in new light. I loved the dynamic of the kings with Aria, their alpha male attributes coming out in full force. With the multiple povs we're able to see that the story is so much more than it seems and you'll be hanging on the edge of your seat to discover what will happen next. And that ending... Had me craving the next book, needing to find out more with Aria, the kings and the fate of the world. Wonderful book by Taylor Spratt and it's definitely a journey of self discovery and love that you'll want to get lost into!

[Mrs R · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really struggled to keep going with some of this book. A few times I wanted to just put it down. It was so frustrating to read about the characters, especially the kings. They flipped from one second all friendly and nice to literally the next sentence to being nasty and evil (mostly Bane & Luca), it was so hard to keep up with them that it made it really hard to keep reading, felt like I had whiplash trying to keep up.
Aria didn't help either, one minute she was all feisty and standing up for herself and them the next she was putty in their hands, and don't get me started on how turned on she got from being abused by them.
I just wanted them all to make up their minds, one way or the other.
The writing of this book is excellent, the pace is good too, it's just elements of the story I struggled with.
Theres a cliffhanger but I'm not convinced it will make me want to read book 3.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

My oh my...that cliffhanger is a doozy!

In this book we learn more about the prophecy about Aria and her Kings... a twist that has the seers up in arms. Side note I want to slap this one old seer who thinks Aria needs be brought to heel and be shown how to be obedient to her Kings—-ummm I think not you misogynist degrading old man!! Aria not only had to deal with her Kings fighting in a tournament for her hand so to speak she also has to deal with an evil succubus ex girlfriend sending assassins after her. Also her new best friend Cas has disappeared and no one will help Aria find her. Fair warning it ends on a cliffhanger but I can’t wait to see what happens next!!!

[Veronica Prowant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a kick in the face. There was no tip toeing. No hand holding. No easing into things. Just raw power, domination, action, and ferocity from all 5 of the main characters. The dynamics have changed since book 1, and tdd hinga are getting heavier for our FMC. Missing friend, check. Four gorgeous, psychotic men who you want to hate and hate to love, check. Sexiness that leaves you feeling dirty, check. This book has it all. But I will warn the readers; if you have triggers for more dominating sexual encounters, boarding on submission and rapey vibes, be mindful reading this book. The sex scenes are very well done but may not be for everyone. But for me.....yep I'm hooked!

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aria didn't really want to go to Ravenwell Academy, and she certainly didn't ask for the interest of the four kings of the Academy (Luca, Bane, Raiden and Alexander), who want her as their Queen for their two divided camps. She is going to have to deal with their need to dominate her, she has a mind of her own, and she has lessons to teach them (in their behaviour towards her). Although they might not be the only people after her, and someone wants her dead. I loved how Aria is adjusting and learning her powers, and how she is with the secrets she learns, those Kings of hers certainly need lots of lessons. I can't wait for the next book.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two we are back stronger and ready for more and boy do we get more. The kings are determined to win Aria despite that fact that only 2 kings can win but this time there are other threats that threaten Aria and put her life in danger. She is growing stronger and getting to learn what she is actually able of all the whilst facing more drama, more suspense and a missing Cass. Action filled with plot twists and even more mystery, we get some spice and a little steam and even a little romance as this exciting and totally captivating read takes us deeper and deeper into this incredible world. Now I just need the next book!

[Raina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book of the series. The story’s romance is getting dangerous and very spicy. Aria keeps finding herself in new and more dangerous situations. She seems to be a magnet for danger even when she has done nothing wrong. The four kings are doing everything they can to win her but when they treat her as a possession or prize they only push her further away. The men may think they know her heart but it seems they need to learn to listen and pay attention instead of stomping forward. The story brings some magical moments as Aria is learning more of what she is capable of. This one does end in a cliffhanger with Aria, once again, in trouble.

[Billie Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two in the series, I can't wait for book 3. The dynamic between the Heroes and Heroine is great. Just like in real life , everyone is so busy talking they won't listen. The story is building well with many possible endings. Did I mention this is a cliffhanger?
I was afraid the story would get too dark with all the talk of punishment, but it was handled well. The Kings all have distinct personalities and interact with Aria in different ways. Love is definitely on the horizon. If they all survive.
I received this book as an ARC.

[Tabatha Geary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aria is back at Four Kings Academy. The Seer has come to the college to let the kings know that they do not know which prophecy is true. Therefore, they are to compete in three challenges to see who can win her. Aria doesn't want to have to choose. She has come to realize that she wants all four kings. How will she ever convince them to let this happen. I can not wait for the next book In this series!!

I was given an advance readers copy as a gift from author without obligation. I’m providing an honest review.

[Kayla Hammons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trials of Ravenwell is the second book in this series... I loved it so much I binged it! Like the first book; the second continues with the love pyramid of future Queen Aria and all four of her possible soul bonded Kings. Will their pasts come back to haunt her? Who will win the tournament for her hand in marriage? Does she leave them all behind? This are all questions that could be asked about this novel and many more.... I hope there is a 3rd book because I’d love to know what happens next in this series!

[Mellissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was even better than the first!!!
We finally get answers to the shady-ness of the headmaster!
Aria finally learns what she is capable of!!
And of course the 4 Kings are still at rach others throat competing for her to be their Queen!!
Each set of Twins against the other!!
Faction against Faction!!
Now enter the Queen Sucubbi who is completely obsessed with the Earth and Water Twins, Alexander and Raiden, and it's really getting interesting!!
And tha5 cliffhanger?!?! OMG!!! I NEED book 3!!!
The 4 Kings might have to work together for once to save Aria from the worst danger yet!!

[Lazarra Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this is Book Two in the Four King's Academy Series and I think it might be even better than Book One despite me loving the first installment!!

In Book Two we get to see Arias relationship with each of the Kings develop. Her powers are growing but so is the drama and the threats to her life.

Trails of Ravenwell is full of Drama, Plot Twists, Action and Spice so whats not to love?! Its a real page turner that does end on a cliffhanger so here is me not to patiently waiting for what come next for Aria, her friend Cas and her four gorgeous fated mates!

[the_bibliophagist · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one. I like Aria and agree with her on rejecting the Kings. I feel the only reason they want her is because the Seer told them when they were younger that they were destined to be together, although I think Bane is doing it just to become the Lordship. I feel like Wrath is a nice addition, but was in the book enough, and didn't have much interaction with Aria. I think everyone is using Aria just because of what a Seer saw, and don't blame her for not trusting anyone. Of course, this book ends on a cliffhanger that I honestly didn't see coming. I'm eager for Book 3.