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Royal Factions #2
The Cost For Surviving
Is it really living when you spend your life in a cage…
The wait is over, the dust has settled, and the captives have finally been claimed. Elise thought the deadly game was finished, but the more time she spends in the palace, the more she begins to fear the real game has only just begun.
In the aftermath of the ceremony, each of the friends try to adjust to their new life. But some are having more trouble than others. Will's perpetual defiance lands him in trouble with the queen herself, while Elise is playing a dangerous balancing act, trying to understand the affections of the prince. The man can be sweet, but also psychotic. At times, he seems to truly care—but with a snap of his fingers, she'd be sentenced to death.
Danger is brewing. In the royal court, nothing is as it seems. They are told repeatedly to content themselves with the life for which they've been chosen. But how can you live with monsters without becoming a monster yourself? Is it really a life, or just going through the motions?
The more time they spend in the palace, the longer the days drag on, the more a single word keeps rising in each of their minds…escape.
Royal Factions
The Price for Peace – Book 1
The Cost for Surviving – Book 2
The Punishment for Deception – Book 3
Faking Perfection – Book 4
The Most Cherished – Book 5
The Strength to Endure – Book 6
The wait is over, the dust has settled, and the captives have finally been claimed. Elise thought the deadly game was finished, but the more time she spends in the palace, the more she begins to fear the real game has only just begun.
In the aftermath of the ceremony, each of the friends try to adjust to their new life. But some are having more trouble than others. Will's perpetual defiance lands him in trouble with the queen herself, while Elise is playing a dangerous balancing act, trying to understand the affections of the prince. The man can be sweet, but also psychotic. At times, he seems to truly care—but with a snap of his fingers, she'd be sentenced to death.
Danger is brewing. In the royal court, nothing is as it seems. They are told repeatedly to content themselves with the life for which they've been chosen. But how can you live with monsters without becoming a monster yourself? Is it really a life, or just going through the motions?
The more time they spend in the palace, the longer the days drag on, the more a single word keeps rising in each of their minds…escape.
Royal Factions
The Price for Peace – Book 1
The Cost for Surviving – Book 2
The Punishment for Deception – Book 3
Faking Perfection – Book 4
The Most Cherished – Book 5
The Strength to Endure – Book 6
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2020
101 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
W.J. May
237 books1,189 followers Wanita May grew up in the fruit belt of Ontario - St.Catharines. Crazy-happy childhood, she always has had a vivid imagination and loads of energy.
The youngest of six -- four older brothers, and a sister -- taught her at a young age to be competitive in all aspects of life.
At sixteen, she began competing in athletics (track and field) and before she turned seventeen, she was representing Canada in high jump. She continued to compete, breaking Canada's JR High Jump record (1.92m - 6' 3 1/2" for those metric-ly challenged). She attented University of Toronto, and Kansas State University - winning CIAU's and becoming All-American 6x - NCAA Indoors Runner Up + more.
But you're not interested in her athletic career - unless of course you're curious to know she stands 1.70m (5'7") and has jumped 20cm over her head on more than one occassion. She's represented Canada at the World Championships, World Jrs., won Francophone Games, and loved every minute of every competition. From the grueling workouts, the crazy weights she lifted on her back, the days she thought her lungs were going to spit out of her mouth for lack of oxygen, the travelling around the world and the opportunity to read - her favourite past time.
Life continued with her husband (a distance runner from Liverpool, UK, who she met at KSU) and then their first, then second and finally third child. Their house became full of more imagination and stories.
Wanita and her husband run an online business, dealing in antiques and collectables - particularly jewelry and porcelain (one of the business' website: www.wadeincanada.com ).
After her father passed away in 2009, from a six-year battle with cancer (which she still believes he won the fight against), she began to write again. A passion she'd loved for years, but realized life was too short to keep putting it off.
Her first book, Rae of Hope - from the Chronicles of Kerrigan - will be available October 2011 by kNight Romance Publishing.
She is currently represented by Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency. Wanita is a writer of Young Adult, Fantasy Fiction and where ever else her little muses take her.
The youngest of six -- four older brothers, and a sister -- taught her at a young age to be competitive in all aspects of life.
At sixteen, she began competing in athletics (track and field) and before she turned seventeen, she was representing Canada in high jump. She continued to compete, breaking Canada's JR High Jump record (1.92m - 6' 3 1/2" for those metric-ly challenged). She attented University of Toronto, and Kansas State University - winning CIAU's and becoming All-American 6x - NCAA Indoors Runner Up + more.
But you're not interested in her athletic career - unless of course you're curious to know she stands 1.70m (5'7") and has jumped 20cm over her head on more than one occassion. She's represented Canada at the World Championships, World Jrs., won Francophone Games, and loved every minute of every competition. From the grueling workouts, the crazy weights she lifted on her back, the days she thought her lungs were going to spit out of her mouth for lack of oxygen, the travelling around the world and the opportunity to read - her favourite past time.
Life continued with her husband (a distance runner from Liverpool, UK, who she met at KSU) and then their first, then second and finally third child. Their house became full of more imagination and stories.
Wanita and her husband run an online business, dealing in antiques and collectables - particularly jewelry and porcelain (one of the business' website: www.wadeincanada.com ).
After her father passed away in 2009, from a six-year battle with cancer (which she still believes he won the fight against), she began to write again. A passion she'd loved for years, but realized life was too short to keep putting it off.
Her first book, Rae of Hope - from the Chronicles of Kerrigan - will be available October 2011 by kNight Romance Publishing.
She is currently represented by Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency. Wanita is a writer of Young Adult, Fantasy Fiction and where ever else her little muses take her.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 31, 2024
I skimmed this one, and then promptly skipped on to the third book. Towards the middle, it got kinda boring, so I DNF. Dystopian vibes.
October 13, 2021
Okay, so the second book of this series just got better. There is a hint of a love triangle and characters that are being introduced that makes you wonder what part they have to play in the upcoming books.
I still don't like the "A handsome man was framed in the gateway of the garden, starting at the scene in front of him with a combination of astonishment and the fiercest kind of hate. Will!"
Now to me, it felt like it was written as if a new person was being introduced. But no it's a well known character that jumped the scene. Not terrible but slightly annoying because there are multiple characters described as handsome and you are wondering "who in the heck is it?" It is a common theme in this book to do that. Not essentially the end of the world because lets be real all the books in the series has been written.
The plot of the story got me on the edge of my seat so I am going to continue to see what happens to Elise in the next book.
I still don't like the "A handsome man was framed in the gateway of the garden, starting at the scene in front of him with a combination of astonishment and the fiercest kind of hate. Will!"
Now to me, it felt like it was written as if a new person was being introduced. But no it's a well known character that jumped the scene. Not terrible but slightly annoying because there are multiple characters described as handsome and you are wondering "who in the heck is it?" It is a common theme in this book to do that. Not essentially the end of the world because lets be real all the books in the series has been written.
The plot of the story got me on the edge of my seat so I am going to continue to see what happens to Elise in the next book.
April 29, 2021
Reading through this second installation, the entire time I felt as if there was a heavy weight on my shoulders. This author did a great job capturing that feeling of servitude and helplessness that the main character goes through and at times it was nauseating.
There was also this sense of anxiousness that came through the pages that had me confused at times, but mostly wanting to know what happens next.
I have to read the next book to find out more. More mystery thriller.
There was also this sense of anxiousness that came through the pages that had me confused at times, but mostly wanting to know what happens next.
I have to read the next book to find out more. More mystery thriller.
October 13, 2022
Don't let yourself be fooled by the 3 yellow stars. It's actually a 2.5 stars and only because I'm adding half a point for keeping me reasonably engaged in the story, even if it made me want to bang my head against the wall.
I wasn't expecting much from this book, but it managed to disappoint me anyway. Honestly, you can't just make a series set in a world where teenagers are kidnapped to become sexual slaves and surrogates, the protagonist being one of this kidnapped people, only to rarely mention the situation in passing every once in a while.
Also, there's the fact that Elise is stupid. She's not TSTL, but I think she may be close to it. The girl was given with the perfect opportunity to one day be able to end the very system that got her into her predicament and that she so hates, provided she plays her cards well and has patience, but does she even considers it? Noooo, all she does is moan and complain because one day she will be QUEEN. (Oohh noes what a terrible fate darling, not like the rest of the kids who are prolly having a jolly time out there being flesh-and-bone sex dolls). IDK, I kept expecting some one to reveal that there was some rebellion brewing between the captives at least, there is a perfect candidate for planing an upheaval and all! But that opportunity also wasted away, since the guy was more interested in Elise's pretty purple eyes. God... I hate horny teenagers.
AND THE WORST PART? I'm kind of curious about the next book. Fvck
I wasn't expecting much from this book, but it managed to disappoint me anyway. Honestly, you can't just make a series set in a world where teenagers are kidnapped to become sexual slaves and surrogates, the protagonist being one of this kidnapped people, only to rarely mention the situation in passing every once in a while.
Also, there's the fact that Elise is stupid. She's not TSTL, but I think she may be close to it. The girl was given with the perfect opportunity to one day be able to end the very system that got her into her predicament and that she so hates, provided she plays her cards well and has patience, but does she even considers it? Noooo, all she does is moan and complain because one day she will be QUEEN. (Oohh noes what a terrible fate darling, not like the rest of the kids who are prolly having a jolly time out there being flesh-and-bone sex dolls). IDK, I kept expecting some one to reveal that there was some rebellion brewing between the captives at least, there is a perfect candidate for planing an upheaval and all! But that opportunity also wasted away, since the guy was more interested in Elise's pretty purple eyes. God... I hate horny teenagers.
AND THE WORST PART? I'm kind of curious about the next book. Fvck
October 24, 2020
This book just keeps getting better! The captives have been claimed and Elise is trying to figure out what the prince wants from her. He has little to say to her and his eyes are almost black, but there's a question behind them. Her friends have found their new "homes," some being tolerable and others the depth of depravity. They are forced to submit to anyone, anytime, anywhere, horrifying Elise at the cruelty of the castle. She has been given more freedom and is allowed to go anywhere on the palace grounds, as long as she has guards around her at all times. There are changes in the prince that surprise and please Elise. He accompanies her on walks, invites her to play cards in his salon and simply enjoys spending time with her. He even laughs! Just as she's starting to believe that he's not the monster as everyone believes, she takes an entirely foolish chance for a friend, and it isn't going to end well for either of them.
Graham Mack does a wonderful job with the narration. He has a dynamic voice and his accents are spot on.
Graham Mack does a wonderful job with the narration. He has a dynamic voice and his accents are spot on.
June 11, 2023
The hostages have been claimed. Elise is trying to understand the affections of the prince. The man can be pleasant, but also psychotic. At times he seems to care, but in a second with the snap of his fingers she’d be executed. In the royal court, nothing is as it seems. They are told repeatedly to content themselves with the life for which they’ve been chosen. How do you live with monsters and not become one. Is this really a life, or just going through the motions of living. The more time spent in the palace the longer the days drag on, and all they want to do is to escape.
October 25, 2020
Book two in the Royal factions series. Elise is claimed by the Prince, what will happen next?
Elise is wonderfully portrayed as an extremely beautiful girl without the artifice and shallowness of most beautiful people. She finds a soul mate in Will, but they are claimed by the Prince and his cousin. Some of their friends have it much, much worse.
This is so much more than a fantasy. The story has layers which reflect upon the societal excesses of the present day. I am addicted to this series.
Elise is wonderfully portrayed as an extremely beautiful girl without the artifice and shallowness of most beautiful people. She finds a soul mate in Will, but they are claimed by the Prince and his cousin. Some of their friends have it much, much worse.
This is so much more than a fantasy. The story has layers which reflect upon the societal excesses of the present day. I am addicted to this series.
August 7, 2023
Book two certainly did not disappoint. I mean, the tension are rising. I love the introduction of the Prince - and I can't help but hope he changes for the good.
The depravity of the people of the court. I mean, it really turns the stomach. May does an interesting job of exploring the coping mechanisms of trauma and abuse and how friendships are forged our of a necessity of survival.
And of course....one more cliff hanger.
The depravity of the people of the court. I mean, it really turns the stomach. May does an interesting job of exploring the coping mechanisms of trauma and abuse and how friendships are forged our of a necessity of survival.
And of course....one more cliff hanger.
October 15, 2020
It deserves 3.5-4 stars to be honest. Anyway about the book. I really liked. I really like the prince. I hope Elise and him end up together and in love. As for Will. I have mixed feelings. Anyway the end was predictable but other than that the book was very very good. I will definitely continue it. This series is amasing.
January 4, 2021
Good story but..
I enjoyed the stories, but truthfully it felt like you are only getting half a book for four dollars. Elise is interesting but we don’t have much back ground about anyone else in the story. I would enjoy them being more fleshed out if they are supposed to be prominent supporting characters, especially will.
I enjoyed the stories, but truthfully it felt like you are only getting half a book for four dollars. Elise is interesting but we don’t have much back ground about anyone else in the story. I would enjoy them being more fleshed out if they are supposed to be prominent supporting characters, especially will.
May 4, 2022
This second book feels short and quick, but not as short as the first. I don't understand how Elise has been claimed like everyone else, yet because of being claimed by the prince she will now become queen. The other claimed are still only slaves and gain no rank to match who claimed them. That doesn't make sense and isn't explained.
September 1, 2020
Still being sucked in
It begins where the first book ended and oh my gosh! It's a world that has you sucked in to being the main character Elise and wanting to b-slap a few people that think they're betters. I completely get this story and love every second of reading it
It begins where the first book ended and oh my gosh! It's a world that has you sucked in to being the main character Elise and wanting to b-slap a few people that think they're betters. I completely get this story and love every second of reading it
October 20, 2020
Elise surprised me by poisoning the guards at the end. I didn't like that the whole royal court was in the stables it would have been better if it was just the prince and some guards. I just find it hard to believe that the queen would go into the stables just to stop two people from running away.
December 3, 2020
Elise surprised me by poisoning the guards at the end. I didn't like that the whole royal court was in the stables it would have been better if it was just the prince and some guards. I just find it hard to believe that the queen would go into the stables just to stop two people from running away.
October 29, 2020
Read all night, can't put down! Such an addicting story. Cant wait for next book!
December 28, 2020
Still loving this series
January 6, 2021
These books are so short 😑
It’s borrows a lot from hunger games with the groom sounding a lot like cinna. But I’m wondering where this is going. Next book please.
It’s borrows a lot from hunger games with the groom sounding a lot like cinna. But I’m wondering where this is going. Next book please.
October 11, 2021
There is so much going on right now 🤗 I need to know what going to happen now. I’m really loving the prince right now I can see he has a tender side.
April 19, 2022
Loved it!
I love this series! I haven't read a book in awhile because they were all so similar that I got bored with even looking.
I love this series! I haven't read a book in awhile because they were all so similar that I got bored with even looking.
May 19, 2022
This book is emotional, and edgy I have enjoyed the dystopian world building and look forward to how the story progresses in the following books
September 16, 2023
The series is getting better and better. Hints of betrayal and a love triangle.
November 14, 2024
Beautiful book cover, unfortunately the story didn't match up to the cover.
January 7, 2026
The series gets better!
The second installment is just as intriguing as the first. The character’s stories are evolving and minds are changing. What will happen to come?
The second installment is just as intriguing as the first. The character’s stories are evolving and minds are changing. What will happen to come?
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews