Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
We're the most dangerous criminals...

They call me Nyx. Under the cover of night, I used to steal from the rich to give to the supernaturals at the bottom of the chain, and to earn enough money to find a cure for my sister’s death curse.

After an… accident we’ll call it, I ended up with a one-way ticket to the sea fae’s top prison: Atlantis. Not the lost city, but the inescapable penitentiary beneath the sea fae court. The Atlantis Institute For Dangerous Criminals is where the vilest supernatural prisoners are kept. Assassins. Murderers. Treasonists. And the three supernaturals sentenced with me are the most ruthless of the worst. Dax, the dark, enticing vampire whose gaze is too intimate for a total stranger; Titus, the fiery dragon shifter with an anger problem; and Frost, the winter fae with a chilly personality to match her ice-blue eyes.

But to escape and survive, we'll have to work together despite our differences...

We may not get along, but we’re all we have to survive and escape Atlantis Prison. It won’t be easy. Someone thinks I’m a criminal—but I have no memory of committing the murder, and it wasn’t amnesia…

It was the other soul inside of me.

Imprisoned Heir is the first of a paranormal romance trilogy full of danger, action, heart, and an enemies to lovers fated mate romance.

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2020

69 people are currently reading
73 people want to read

About the author

River Starr

21 books43 followers
River Starr writes books that help you escape, especially fantasy romance full of magic and supernaturals. Favorite things: coffee, wine, chocolate, and a heavy dose of books to chase away the dark... or invite delicious darkness in.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
16 (30%)
4 stars
17 (32%)
3 stars
17 (32%)
2 stars
2 (3%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for Toni.
516 reviews
November 28, 2020
Imprisoned Heir is a fast-moving New Adult / Paranormal fantasy set in the world inhabited by various kinds of fae, vampires, shifters, and humans living in the kingdom of Cornwall!

The protagonist of the book, Nyx, is a sea-fae. Well. half-sea-fae, as her mother escaped the sea court and ended up living on land. Nyx doesn't really have any magic. What she does have is loyalty to her younger sister who may soon die from a lethal curse unless Nyx finds a cure. Nyx earns her living by petty thievery, but almost everything she manages to get is spent on magic potions and counter spells to make sure Cara lives to see another day. One of these attempts to free Cara from her death curse goes horribly wrong and a long dead sea fae Eos gets access to her body. Their souls become entwines and now Nyx can't liberate herself from her unwanted guest who possesses her body on a regular basis. the worst thing is that Nyx doesn't remember anything that happens while her body is under Eos's control. and this is how she finds herself caught red-handed with two still warm dead bodies of fae sea nobles. Nyx despearately pleads her innocence, but gets promptly sent to the worst prison imaginable that exists in her world, the Atlantis Institute for Dangerous Criminals, which is buried deep in the ocean.Can she survive it and hope for a reduced sentence? Nyx knows every day she spends in the company of these paranormal prison inmates is a day that brings Cara closer to her death. She doesn't know who she can turn to and she definitely has no idea why she is so attracted to the prison guard who caught and arrested her at the crime scene. It defies all her the logic. She knows all he can feel for her is hate and yet, whenever she feels his magic, all her being seems to respond in a way only a life mate would.

What I liked the most about this book is the magic sea fae world created by River Starr. The criminals Nyx is stuck with are all a feisty bunch of creatures and are all endowed with their own distinct personalities and, of course, magic powers. They also have their own agenda which you have to learn step by step as you 'immerse' yourself in this adventure. At first, I was a bit peeved by Nyx describing everyone as good-looking, attractive, hot...you get it, but then again, this is a New Adult book and hot and steamy scenes go with the territory. The enemies-to-lovers trope is one of my favourite ones. You know what is going to happen, and yet, it is the journey that counts.

I also liked the shared body/dual soul theme. once you start getting Eos's chapters, you're hooked on the story and can't wait for her next re-appearance. Nyx and Eos' personalities, life experiences and motivations couldn't be more different, and this contrast makes the story even more gripping.

Add the setting of a supernatural prison, the excitement of of competions /trials that decide the fate of the inmates, and the terrifying figure of the Deep One (even the cruel sea fae guards fear the Deep One)- all these elements make up a fast-moving and imaginative story. The dialogue is probably not the best feature of this book, but I was ready to overlook it in my eagerness to follow the story to the end.

Of course, this is Book 1, so there is a cliffhanger. Luckily, the second book is already out. Can't wait to read it to find out what adventures River Starr has in store for Nyx and the other characters.

Thank you to Xpresso Book Tours, the author and the publisher for the free digital copy and this opportunity to review the book. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way.
Profile Image for Jessica Reads It.
573 reviews44 followers
December 2, 2020
Imprisoned Heir is one of my top ten books for 2020!

This is my first book from River Starr and, from the moment I read the blurb, I knew I had to have it! River Starr has woven an intricate plotline for her debut novel that features an insanely addictive cast of characters.

Nyx, our female protagonist, is a modern-day female Robin Hood- stealing from the rich supernatural of Cornwall to provide for the poor. I must say I enjoyed reading Nyx as she was the perfect balance of funny and smart while maintaining her loyalty and humility.

She is quite a complex character, who just happens to find herself in truly extraordinarily messy circumstances. In the interest of keeping it spoiler-free, I will say I truly enjoyed all the facets of Nyx- both seen and unseen (wink wink).

When Nyx comes across an offer that's too good to refuse, she winds up being imprisoned for a crime she cannot remember committing with a one-way ticket to the dangerous underbelly of Atlantis's most dangerous prison.

What's a girl to do trapped with a sexy full-blooded winter fae, a hungry Vampire King, and a moody dragon shifter? This unlikely group will have to learn to rely on each other if they hope to escape, especially since their prison sentence has morphed into a sadistic version of the hunger games that is overflowing with deadly challenges. I loved this ragtag posse and truly appreciated the dysfunctional, haphazard relationships formed.

I was pleasantly surprised by how diabolical River Starr is with her plotting. The unexpected twists and turns throughout the novel kept me at the edge of my seat- from buried secrets being discovered to the deep burn of forbidden love.

My only critique for this book was the author's tendency to be slightly repetitive with details like how Zavian smells, or the fact that they are mates, etc. Fewer details in certain areas could have tightened up the novel and created a better flow. Despite this, I was floored by how unique and exciting this novel was and anxiously await book # 2 in the series.

Thank you to Xpresso Tours and the author for providing me with an arc of this book. All views and opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon.
2,091 reviews154 followers
October 6, 2020
5 Cranky Stars


This is a story about a young Sea Fae, Nyx, with double souls. She has a sister that has been cursed to die and Nyx has been trying to find a way to remove the curse. The last attempt, left her cursed to carry another soul inside her. She cannot speak to it and is totally unaware what happens when that other soul takes over. She becomes very vulnerable to the intruder when she sleeps or falls unconscious. To make money to feed herself and buy medicine, Nyx is a thief. She is also very good at it. When an old friend/foe offers her a job for more money than she could dream off, she accepts. The downfall is that she must go to the undersea world of the Sea Fae. Of course, everything goes wrong, as she finds out when she wakes up and sees two dead bodies. That other soul took over somehow. Along come the police and she is arrested. No real trial puts her into a transport to the notorious prison under the sea. There is no escape from this undersea institution and the place is supposed to be haunted. She has three other companions in the transport and once imprisoned, they become a team for the enjoyment of the officials.


Lots of adventure in this strange new land. There is also love in the air, that both try to deny and an escape attempt. You'll be on the edge of your seat. A true "can't put it down" adventure. Hope it's not too long for Book Two.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Short and Sweet Reviews by Sam.
460 reviews16 followers
November 14, 2020


Before I begin my review for Imprisoned Heir (Atlantis Institute for Dangerous Criminals book one) by River Starr, I would personally like to thank the author, the publishers and Xpresso Book Tours for the opportunity to read this ARC and I have reviewed it honestly.

One body, two souls.
Nyx will do anything to save her sister. When a heist turns sour and Nyx finds herself imprisoned in a supernatural prison for the worst of the worst. As if that weren't excitement enough, insert a passionate enemies to lovers affair and death defying trials, Nyx and her cell mates are about to discover just how ruthless the sea fae can be.

Imprisoned Heir features, but is not limited to, the following themes:
○ NA fantasy
○ Enemies to lovers
○ Supernatural prison
○ Paranormal romance
○ Mates
○ Dual consciousness
○ Trials/competitions


My overall rating for Imprisoned Heir is…

4 Stars!

I loved the unique flavour of this novel with the protagonist having two souls/ two consciousnesses, inside one body. One dark and desperate, the other innocent and impassioned. Add an intense and passionate, enemies to lovers romance, a supernatural prison, death defying trials and unpredictable developments, Starr has created an unimaginable tale. I can't wait to imprison myself in the rest of the series!
Profile Image for Katherine Paschal.
2,296 reviews63 followers
December 23, 2020
**3.5 Stars**
Nyx will do anything to save her sister's life, even if that means sacrificing her own. When she goes on a mission to get phoenix fire from the water fae court to heal her sister, she never expected to wake up under arrest for murder of fae royalty. Nyx's life has just become even more complicated- and hopefully she can survive the most dangerous prison in the world.

I think my biggest complaint with this story was the inappropriate sexy times. Don't get me wrong, I have no problems with some steamy sex (and this was very steamy), but have you ever heard of time or place? The main character would stop in the middle of a dangerous situation (aka battling for her life) to have sex with a dude who basically hates her and wants to punish her. And sure, there were extenuating circumstances towards his feelings, but still, maybe have your hot kinky sex later?

That being said, I found this to be super exciting and action packed, I enjoyed the world building and the battling and magic and I would love to see what happens next because things do not look good for Nyx.
Profile Image for Kassandra Blake.
106 reviews2 followers
December 31, 2020
I must have something with the prisons and the fae. This is already the second book I read with these themes.

We reinvent Atlantis in an underwater prison with faes, vampires and shifters.

It's interesting to see Nyx trying to get away with Eos' actions. It's annoying at the same time because I got the impression that it only leads to more problems.

The blow of the predestined mate is like a smirk of fate.

I struggled to get into the story at first but as I progressed through the narrative I got hooked more and more. I wanted to find out what was going to happen next.

The end leaves us with answers but new questions arise. I want to read the rest while being afraid at the same time. Long live the paradoxes.

I received a free copy of this book via Xpresso Book Tours and am volontarily leaving a review.

https://www.englishparadisebook.com/2...
Profile Image for Jill.
660 reviews8 followers
November 27, 2020
This review was originally published on Myth and Magic Book Club

Myth: 3.5/5

Nyx is half sea-fae, living on land with her sister. Our story starts when a death curse is put on her sister and Nyx will stop at nothing to save her. Nyx is a strong heroine. She is a modern day Robin Hood, stealing from the rich to give to the poor, this includes keeping some money to care for her and her sister, but also giving the rest away to others in the magical community that are living on land and in need. She takes the job of curing her sister upon herself and gets herself into some trouble with one of the magical attempts that does not save her sister, but leaves her with another soul inside her body.

The Nyx/Eos dynamic is great, but Nyx certainly loses some of her strength when trying to understand and deal with Eos. The power dynamic between the two is just unbalanced, with Eos being an Atlantean heir and Nyx half-fae.

Through a robbery gone wrong, Nyx/Eos end up in the Atlantean prison. Where reform comes by way of challenges meant to provide entertainment to the cruel sea fae court. Enemies to lovers entanglements abound when Nyx’s magic is ignited by the touch of a prison guard who also happens to be the brother of the fae she accidentally murdered.

Magic: 3/5

To get a chance to get out of prison, Nyx must work with three other inmates, Dax, Titus and Frost, showing off a world of Vampires, Dragon shifters and winter fae. These unlikely allies must work as a unit to try for a chance at reform. These activities show off the magical world as well as give Nyx a little more of a chance to shine.

Overall: 3.5/5

I liked the story, the Atlantis prison and the new court of Alexandria was all great world building. I definitely want to know what happens next.
Profile Image for Jennifer Lil'n  Dunski.
1,510 reviews15 followers
June 24, 2021
A bit slow for my liking

I did enjoy the storyline but the character descriptions were lacking. I was having trouble really getting a good visual in my mind of all the characters. And I would say about the 1st half was of the book just just to slow. I always didn't finish it several times. But the storyline kept me continuing
Profile Image for Heather Rizkallah.
570 reviews4 followers
October 12, 2020
Omg

When she thinks things are going great, she wakes up in the back of a moving vehicle taking her to a prison for killing people. Trouble is she does not remember killing anyone. Guess that’s what happens when you share your body with someone else
Profile Image for Monique.
907 reviews1 follower
September 18, 2020
This was so good! Different from other kinds of “prison” stories. The overall premise is unique and exciting. Be interested in finding out what happens next!
Profile Image for Gent Adans .
8 reviews
August 2, 2022
enjoyed

I saw this book on booktok and added to my list. I love this book. It had me on the edge and the idea and world is amazing!
Profile Image for anie.
1,142 reviews46 followers
January 5, 2021
There is something about this kind of book that just speaks to me. :) It has all the elements of the books I love: all kinds of paranormal being mixed together, reluctant team, and lots of badassery. :)

I love the setting, supernatural prison, especially the trials... :)

It's one of those books that you can't put down. Once I started it, I had to finish it in one sitting. :)

The story is full of unexpected twists and turns, an awesome storyline and so intense. :)

Loved it!

received from Xpresso Book Tours
Profile Image for T..
Author 13 books573 followers
February 9, 2021
Imprisoned Heir, the first book in the Atlantis Institute for Dangerous Criminals, is an ebook I downloaded from Kindle Unlimited. I liked the characters and the world-building, but I found some scenes a bit confusing (more detail or backstory could have helped me here). Overall, a good start for a series --fast pace and lots of potential with the plot.
Profile Image for Merissa (Archaeolibrarian).
4,189 reviews119 followers
August 16, 2023
Imprisoned Heir is the first book in the Atlantis Institute for Dangerous Criminals series and we meet Nyx. She is a very rare twin soul which means whenever she sleeps or is unconscious, Eos comes out to play. That's okay except for when Eos kills two brothers and leaves Nyx too injured to escape. Nyx ends up in prison, tormented by her guard, whose brothers Eos killed, and surrounded by her new 'friends', Frost, Dax, and Titus.

This was a well-written story with excellent characters. I enjoyed seeing Flavian struggle against the fated mate bond as he hated Nyx for what 'she' had done. The prison itself was well described as well as the Deep One's effect on people but Nyx in particular.

This does have an overall story arc, so you don't get everything neatly tied up. Instead, it ends on a cliffhanger, leaving you wanting the next book straight away.

A great story I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 21, 2020
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.