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Arcane Prison #2
Collared
Freedom isn’t quite what I expected. Life outside the prison is colorful and loud and overwhelming. And dangerous. Just because we’re free doesn’t mean we’re safe.
With the knowledge Rowan is still alive and finally free of the prison I’ve been trapped in my whole life, I set out to find and rescue my mate. I miss my other three, but they have a job to do and so do I. We don’t have the luxury of settling down and living happily ever after in this world. Not yet. Maybe one day we can find that happy ending. But not until I find my missing mate. Or until I discover it’s all a lie and he is actually dead.
The world I’ve never experienced is seductive and terrifying, but it doesn’t take long before I’m back in familiar circumstances. With danger closing in on me, I have to figure out what I’m willing to sacrifice to find that happy ending.
If they even exist.
This is a reverse harem dark fantasy, which means the FMC doesn't have to choose between love interests. There is also MM content in this series.
TRIGGER WARNING for violence, abuse, trauma, and captivity.
With the knowledge Rowan is still alive and finally free of the prison I’ve been trapped in my whole life, I set out to find and rescue my mate. I miss my other three, but they have a job to do and so do I. We don’t have the luxury of settling down and living happily ever after in this world. Not yet. Maybe one day we can find that happy ending. But not until I find my missing mate. Or until I discover it’s all a lie and he is actually dead.
The world I’ve never experienced is seductive and terrifying, but it doesn’t take long before I’m back in familiar circumstances. With danger closing in on me, I have to figure out what I’m willing to sacrifice to find that happy ending.
If they even exist.
This is a reverse harem dark fantasy, which means the FMC doesn't have to choose between love interests. There is also MM content in this series.
TRIGGER WARNING for violence, abuse, trauma, and captivity.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2020
44 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Helene Gadot
39 books105 followersAn expert in parkour, Helene Gadot moonlights as a Nail Polish Namer and occasional ghostwriter. She lives with her husband and trio of rugrats in the South. Helene has a serious coffee mug and throw pillow addiction, and when she isn't reading or writing, she's probably shopping online.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 26, 2020
4 stars
Meh, I liked the book but it wasn’t great. The main character started to get on my nerves with her constant insecurity. I’m also not a huge fan of them getting stuck in ANOTHER prison and if I had to guess they’ll probably end up there again.
Meh, I liked the book but it wasn’t great. The main character started to get on my nerves with her constant insecurity. I’m also not a huge fan of them getting stuck in ANOTHER prison and if I had to guess they’ll probably end up there again.
July 9, 2024
I wasn’t nearly as taken with this second book as I was with the first.
The whole “trapped in another prison” gig is getting a bit old now.
I pushed through but the ending sort of sealed its fate for me. The last book is 1000% going to be more of the same. Which is getting boring now.
The spice is beyond dull. It’s yawn-inducing. I mentioned in my review of the first book that it almost feels like the author feels awkward writing these scenes, and it shows badly. There are now 5 mates. And their “orgy” lasted less than a short paragraph and was basically fade to black. It was not really what I was expecting from a reverse harem genre book.
It’s definitely not all about the spice, but in this genre, one would expect a certain level. That is not evident here at all. On top of that, the plot is a rinse and repeat of the first book, with minor details changed.
The ending was so predictable and we could see that coming from a light year away.
I don’t think I’ll continue with the series.
⭐️ Plot: 2/5
🌶️ Spice:1/5
📖 Genre: Reverse Harem Fantasy Romance
🏞️ Setting: Yet another prison in Ravenswood…
🗣️ POV: multiple
🛏️ Tropes:
- more forced proximity
- fated mates
- First glimpse at freedom
- Abuse
- rejected bonds
- Chosen bonds
- found family
- reverse harem
- revenge
- trust and betrayal
The whole “trapped in another prison” gig is getting a bit old now.
I pushed through but the ending sort of sealed its fate for me. The last book is 1000% going to be more of the same. Which is getting boring now.
The spice is beyond dull. It’s yawn-inducing. I mentioned in my review of the first book that it almost feels like the author feels awkward writing these scenes, and it shows badly. There are now 5 mates. And their “orgy” lasted less than a short paragraph and was basically fade to black. It was not really what I was expecting from a reverse harem genre book.
It’s definitely not all about the spice, but in this genre, one would expect a certain level. That is not evident here at all. On top of that, the plot is a rinse and repeat of the first book, with minor details changed.
The ending was so predictable and we could see that coming from a light year away.
I don’t think I’ll continue with the series.
⭐️ Plot: 2/5
🌶️ Spice:1/5
📖 Genre: Reverse Harem Fantasy Romance
🏞️ Setting: Yet another prison in Ravenswood…
🗣️ POV: multiple
🛏️ Tropes:
- more forced proximity
- fated mates
- First glimpse at freedom
- Abuse
- rejected bonds
- Chosen bonds
- found family
- reverse harem
- revenge
- trust and betrayal
September 7, 2020
The second book in the Arcane Prison series! I told myself I was going to hold off on the second book because the third book isn’t out yet and I don’t want to deal with a cliffhanger and here we fuckin’ are. Dealin’ with a GD cliffhanger. BIG sigh.
The book starts pretty much where we left off in Caged . Allegra’s three new mates had gone off on their own mission with the resistance, while Allegra and her two members of her family, Zakar and Tahira, search for her long-thought-dead mate, Rowan. It’s her first time tasting freedom and everything is new to her. Despite the uncertainty and tentative happiness of her freedom, Allegra pushes onward to find Rowan and hope he hasn’t betrayed Allegra.
I’m so happy to find this book didn’t suffer from second-book syndrome, where the plot becomes stagnant and things start to fall apart. If anything, fate is working really hard here to make sure that all the missions and destinations are coming together so characters aren’t separated long and the plot keeps developing.
The relationship development stepped up in this book. With Zakar, we see Allegra finally accept him as something more than a best friend and want to keep him as hers. Then we are reunited with Rowan, the lion shifter with a fierce protective streak for his mate. And finally, the three mates come back into play and have to put some work into getting Allegra to claim them as her mates after the shitty way they had treated her. It’s still a work in progress, but Allegra is making the steps towards ensuring their bond is strong because she knows she sees some future with them in her life.
I’m happy to see that Allegra is not some pushover and continues to be a strong woman, knowing what she deserves from her romantic relationships. She doesn’t let her desire or lust cloud her judgement and continues to make level headed decisions towards her future. Allegra is not some male following ditz with nothing going on in her head and I appreciate her for that.
I also appreciate, again, the multiple POVs because it gets a much clearer look into the actions of characters and gives more dimension. The plot is moving forward, almost conveniently so, but nonetheless I appreciate it not being dragged out.
I wish that the sexual scenes were more.... intimate? I don’t know how to describe it except that they don’t feel as connected or intense as they should. It pales in comparison the more tender and sweet moments between Allegra and her mates, which is something I find often the opposite in some RH books. It feels like it only skims the surface on sexual intimacy and it’s kind of a shame. I guess the author makes up for it with MxM content? I wish the author could do both lol.
Regardless, pissed that I kept reading because the cliffhanger had me rolling my eyes to the sky. I want to know what’s going to happen but I’m gonna be pissed about it lol.
The book starts pretty much where we left off in Caged . Allegra’s three new mates had gone off on their own mission with the resistance, while Allegra and her two members of her family, Zakar and Tahira, search for her long-thought-dead mate, Rowan. It’s her first time tasting freedom and everything is new to her. Despite the uncertainty and tentative happiness of her freedom, Allegra pushes onward to find Rowan and hope he hasn’t betrayed Allegra.
I’m so happy to find this book didn’t suffer from second-book syndrome, where the plot becomes stagnant and things start to fall apart. If anything, fate is working really hard here to make sure that all the missions and destinations are coming together so characters aren’t separated long and the plot keeps developing.
The relationship development stepped up in this book. With Zakar, we see Allegra finally accept him as something more than a best friend and want to keep him as hers. Then we are reunited with Rowan, the lion shifter with a fierce protective streak for his mate. And finally, the three mates come back into play and have to put some work into getting Allegra to claim them as her mates after the shitty way they had treated her. It’s still a work in progress, but Allegra is making the steps towards ensuring their bond is strong because she knows she sees some future with them in her life.
I’m happy to see that Allegra is not some pushover and continues to be a strong woman, knowing what she deserves from her romantic relationships. She doesn’t let her desire or lust cloud her judgement and continues to make level headed decisions towards her future. Allegra is not some male following ditz with nothing going on in her head and I appreciate her for that.
I also appreciate, again, the multiple POVs because it gets a much clearer look into the actions of characters and gives more dimension. The plot is moving forward, almost conveniently so, but nonetheless I appreciate it not being dragged out.
I wish that the sexual scenes were more.... intimate? I don’t know how to describe it except that they don’t feel as connected or intense as they should. It pales in comparison the more tender and sweet moments between Allegra and her mates, which is something I find often the opposite in some RH books. It feels like it only skims the surface on sexual intimacy and it’s kind of a shame. I guess the author makes up for it with MxM content? I wish the author could do both lol.
Regardless, pissed that I kept reading because the cliffhanger had me rolling my eyes to the sky. I want to know what’s going to happen but I’m gonna be pissed about it lol.
May 26, 2020
*This review may contain spoilers!*
Collared continues the story of our nightingale shifter and the men in her life - and the total cluster that the mating bonds, new knowledge, fate, and freedom has put them all in.
This book has adventure, peril, romance, angst, revenge, danger, love, anger, and death (so a little bit of something for everyone). Readers are introduced to some new characters as well as both new and familiar settings, and this book is also told through multiple points of view. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to seeing what happens next whenever the third book comes out.
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While Allegra seeks out one mate she'd thought was dead, her three other mates leave her to fulfill their mission for the rebellion. As if this was not a difficult enough situation to be in, there are still hunters in the world who would seek to trap them all and see them once again imprisoned. In this very unfamiliar world, with her best friend and her mother figure with her, Allegra has to track down a love she once thought was lost to her forever, decide whether to risk turning a friendship into something more with her best friend, and fight the urge to go track down the three who walked away from her. There are several unexpected twists along the way and a cliffhanger that will leave you yelling "nooooo!!!! must. have. more!"
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Collared continues the story of our nightingale shifter and the men in her life - and the total cluster that the mating bonds, new knowledge, fate, and freedom has put them all in.
This book has adventure, peril, romance, angst, revenge, danger, love, anger, and death (so a little bit of something for everyone). Readers are introduced to some new characters as well as both new and familiar settings, and this book is also told through multiple points of view. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to seeing what happens next whenever the third book comes out.
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*Possible Spoilers*
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While Allegra seeks out one mate she'd thought was dead, her three other mates leave her to fulfill their mission for the rebellion. As if this was not a difficult enough situation to be in, there are still hunters in the world who would seek to trap them all and see them once again imprisoned. In this very unfamiliar world, with her best friend and her mother figure with her, Allegra has to track down a love she once thought was lost to her forever, decide whether to risk turning a friendship into something more with her best friend, and fight the urge to go track down the three who walked away from her. There are several unexpected twists along the way and a cliffhanger that will leave you yelling "nooooo!!!! must. have. more!"
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 7, 2020
This is the 2nd book in the Arcane Prison Series and you must read the 1st book to be able to follow along with this one as it picks up where the first one left off. They may be free but magic is still illegal and they are still in danger. There is so much going on in this book I was hooked from page 1. Will they finally get their HEA well with one mate MIA and the others off on their own mission it won't be anytime soon. But the journey there kept turning page after page!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 25, 2021
Collared, the second book of the Arcane Prison series, is an ebook I downloaded from Kindle Unlimited. Great fast-paced plot line, predictable, but well executed. The character backgrounds add a lot of layers to the story. A few notable errors, mainly the use of furlough (a leave of absence) and furlong (a measure of distance). Furlough was misused 5 times so the editor had plenty of time to catch it. Another cliffhanger, but again, in a good place.
June 1, 2020
So good!
Can't wait for the next one. The character development in this one is phenomenal. The MC is so tough and knows her worth without being hardened and mean. We get to see inside each guys head and understand why they act the way they do which helps to not hate them for being jerks.
Can't wait for the next one. The character development in this one is phenomenal. The MC is so tough and knows her worth without being hardened and mean. We get to see inside each guys head and understand why they act the way they do which helps to not hate them for being jerks.
June 7, 2020
So that ending is just......I knew it.
Regardless of the somewhat predictable return of the Big Nasty at the end I still enjoyed the second installment. It follows immediately along from the escape of the prison as the 3 travel to find Rowan whilst dealing with their new found freedom. I had hoped for a happier introduction into the world for the lead as it's her first outside foray and was looking forward to her first interactions into this new world and I felt we didn't get to see much of this because of the need to hide. Understandable but still. The return of her 3 new mates meant a bit of grovelling on their side which was nice to see. Awaiting the next.
Regardless of the somewhat predictable return of the Big Nasty at the end I still enjoyed the second installment. It follows immediately along from the escape of the prison as the 3 travel to find Rowan whilst dealing with their new found freedom. I had hoped for a happier introduction into the world for the lead as it's her first outside foray and was looking forward to her first interactions into this new world and I felt we didn't get to see much of this because of the need to hide. Understandable but still. The return of her 3 new mates meant a bit of grovelling on their side which was nice to see. Awaiting the next.
June 18, 2020
Collared by Helene Gadot is such an awesome story that I have read. This is book number two in this awesome series that I have loved reading very much I was hooked since book number one I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about fantasy and paranormal romances.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 22, 2020
This is book 2 of the Arcane Prison series. I thought the story flowed well and had a great plot. The chat are well developed and likable. This is a great series that I would recommend reading, you will not be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 27, 2020
This series just keeps pulling me in more and more. To say I'm excited for the next would be a MASSIVE understatement. Absolutely loved this book. Highly recommended. One click now!!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 6, 2020
As always amazing characters with depth and a fast paced story where even the secondary characters get to shine. I think it's very refreshing how mostly level headed and mature they go about their RH
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 12, 2020
Ok so this ends on a dozzie of a cliff hanger be warned!💕 This part of our girls journey is fan-freaking-tastic she really comes into her own and I'm dying to see what happens next!! Will she get her HEA! I cannt wait to find out!
June 13, 2020
I enjoyed the first one better
I felt this one was a bit predictable and slow
Also I felt like we kept getting led up to steamy scenes for them to be briskly and vaguely told as quickly as possible. Sort of ruined the reverse harem aspect as there wasnt much if anything to it.
I felt this one was a bit predictable and slow
Also I felt like we kept getting led up to steamy scenes for them to be briskly and vaguely told as quickly as possible. Sort of ruined the reverse harem aspect as there wasnt much if anything to it.
June 19, 2020
A&$hole cliffhanger
This author and her cliffhangers....they are good, but drive me crazy! Sex scenes aren't very detailed. Kind of R rated. But I love the storyline so much I don't care.
This author and her cliffhangers....they are good, but drive me crazy! Sex scenes aren't very detailed. Kind of R rated. But I love the storyline so much I don't care.
June 19, 2020
Another great story
The second book carried on being amazing with mates, magic and mayhem. But I don't know if I can take many more of these diffusers - they are brutal . Eagerly awaiting book 3
The second book carried on being amazing with mates, magic and mayhem. But I don't know if I can take many more of these diffusers - they are brutal . Eagerly awaiting book 3
August 28, 2020
this is book 2 in the arcane prison series, another great read, highly recommend this paranormal romance
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 9, 2022
Our FMC Allegra continues to be very indecisive in her behavior in this book, but she additionally ends up being quite TSTL when she ends up getting stuck in another prison when trying to rescue her lion shifter mate Rowan.
Her harem seems to think she's this brave ruthless songbird, but honestly, I never really saw much cleverness, and I still saw a ton of weak fearful behavior. They claimed she was so brave and smart for poisoning the doctor in the last book, but it's not like it was the first time she got away with it?!?!?! She seems overly worried about if her mates really love her and even has a breakdown because she's not sure. That's not really the behavior of a strong independent woman that wants to build her own life.
We finally get some intimate scenes in this book, but no extensive detailed smut, just lots of metaphors in a few short sentences. Rowan insinuates that she's quite experienced due to being in a prison and what they've tried and that she's open to all kinds of kinks - I found it a super random comment and especially a let-down when there are no detailed scenes. We also read about my much-hated sexy-times power-up trope - all the men need to figure out their personal shit to have an orgy together The act itself with each man is maybe 3 sentences at most. Some of the men share the same sentence. The whole orgy itself took maybe about two pages which was pretty bizarre to me.
Character development seems to be mostly each of them saying how much they physically missed each other and about mating bond acceptance angst rather than an exposé of character histories and motivations so that we feel more connected with each of them. Having their POV didn't help either since it mostly ended up about worshiping Allegra rather than anything productive.
Overall, it was pretty juvenile and childish love talk IMO. Allegra would go by nicknames such as "beloved," "baby," and "Al." "Little bird" or "songbird" was the best out of all of them, but it wasn't often used.
They also kept mentioning how this maximum security prison was the worst one yet, but we never really read about much danger other than Archer No experimentation torture, no solitary starving, no whippings and beating, and all the prisoners had cells and belongings?? The worst chore that was saw was Allegra having to help And sure, they were stuck underground with no access to fresh air and sky, but at least you're alive and unharmed? Rowan's second-in-command Liris the Valkyrie kept hinting that Rowan needed to be dominant to keep prisoners in line, but we don't really get much details why this was the case, or why the prisoners were any more dangerous than usual.
I was really only into this series for the prison theme and seeing how she built her relationship with her increasing harem (plus, who else in the rescue group ends up finding their own mates), but the character development and story lines haven't much improved other than getting them to sleep with each other and accepting the mating bonds. Even their ultimate goal of taking down the evil warden ended up as a 1-page scene. This book ended on a cliffhanger.
I don't plan on continuing with the series after this. I'd rate this as a barely 3-star unfortunately between the lack of a new plot, lack of character development progression, and the lack of smut for an adult prison romance that was pretty graphic about the violence.
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Ratings - abandoned series:
#1 Caged: ★★★☆☆
#2 Collared (this book): ★★★☆☆
Her harem seems to think she's this brave ruthless songbird, but honestly, I never really saw much cleverness, and I still saw a ton of weak fearful behavior. They claimed she was so brave and smart for poisoning the doctor in the last book, but it's not like it was the first time she got away with it?!?!?! She seems overly worried about if her mates really love her and even has a breakdown because she's not sure. That's not really the behavior of a strong independent woman that wants to build her own life.
We finally get some intimate scenes in this book, but no extensive detailed smut, just lots of metaphors in a few short sentences. Rowan insinuates that she's quite experienced due to being in a prison and what they've tried and that she's open to all kinds of kinks - I found it a super random comment and especially a let-down when there are no detailed scenes. We also read about my much-hated sexy-times power-up trope - all the men need to figure out their personal shit to have an orgy together The act itself with each man is maybe 3 sentences at most. Some of the men share the same sentence. The whole orgy itself took maybe about two pages which was pretty bizarre to me.
Character development seems to be mostly each of them saying how much they physically missed each other and about mating bond acceptance angst rather than an exposé of character histories and motivations so that we feel more connected with each of them. Having their POV didn't help either since it mostly ended up about worshiping Allegra rather than anything productive.
I should've taken you that night in the moonlight. I can still remember the way you taste... I'll taste you again soon. Meanwhile, enjoy the others because once I have you back, you're mine for at least a week. - Zak
We're excited we have the excuse to touch you. We're trying to hold back, Al, but we want you. And not for food. We want *you.* - Archer
Overall, it was pretty juvenile and childish love talk IMO. Allegra would go by nicknames such as "beloved," "baby," and "Al." "Little bird" or "songbird" was the best out of all of them, but it wasn't often used.
They also kept mentioning how this maximum security prison was the worst one yet, but we never really read about much danger other than Archer No experimentation torture, no solitary starving, no whippings and beating, and all the prisoners had cells and belongings?? The worst chore that was saw was Allegra having to help And sure, they were stuck underground with no access to fresh air and sky, but at least you're alive and unharmed? Rowan's second-in-command Liris the Valkyrie kept hinting that Rowan needed to be dominant to keep prisoners in line, but we don't really get much details why this was the case, or why the prisoners were any more dangerous than usual.
I was really only into this series for the prison theme and seeing how she built her relationship with her increasing harem (plus, who else in the rescue group ends up finding their own mates), but the character development and story lines haven't much improved other than getting them to sleep with each other and accepting the mating bonds. Even their ultimate goal of taking down the evil warden ended up as a 1-page scene. This book ended on a cliffhanger.
I don't plan on continuing with the series after this. I'd rate this as a barely 3-star unfortunately between the lack of a new plot, lack of character development progression, and the lack of smut for an adult prison romance that was pretty graphic about the violence.
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Ratings - abandoned series:
#1 Caged: ★★★☆☆
#2 Collared (this book): ★★★☆☆
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