What do you think?
Rate this book
The Twisted Crown #1
The Shadow Fae
I dreamed up a sexy fantasy man.
And the iron fae prince has somehow become a chaotic reality.
College and exams are a thing of the past and cruel Queens and dark magic are now trying to kill me on the daily. All because a seer says a true heir to the crown exists: A lost child. A girl. Just like me.
That makes me a target. A threat. A dead woman walking.
Unluckily for me, the asshole iron fae prince is more than happy to risk my fragile soul it seems. He plays a deadly game with my life and all he gives in return is a heartbreaking smile and a touch that blazes sparks right to my core.
His games can’t be played forever. It’ll all come crashing down eventually.
Because soon he’ll see I’m either just a college girl lost in this royal mess of a kingdom…
Or I’m the rightful Mortal Queen.
And the iron fae prince has somehow become a chaotic reality.
College and exams are a thing of the past and cruel Queens and dark magic are now trying to kill me on the daily. All because a seer says a true heir to the crown exists: A lost child. A girl. Just like me.
That makes me a target. A threat. A dead woman walking.
Unluckily for me, the asshole iron fae prince is more than happy to risk my fragile soul it seems. He plays a deadly game with my life and all he gives in return is a heartbreaking smile and a touch that blazes sparks right to my core.
His games can’t be played forever. It’ll all come crashing down eventually.
Because soon he’ll see I’m either just a college girl lost in this royal mess of a kingdom…
Or I’m the rightful Mortal Queen.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2020
433 people are currently reading
818 people want to read
About the author
A.K. Koonce
103 books883 followersA.K. Koonce is a USA Today best selling author. She's a mom by day and a fantasy and paranormal romance author by night. She keeps the fantastical stories in her mind on an endless loop, while she tries her best to focus on her actual life and not that of the spectacular but demanding fictional characters who always fill her thoughts
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
October 24, 2020
Disappointing
A female lead I couldn’t like, a well used storyline and boring characters. I gave up half way then skipped to the end. This was not nearly as good as the cursed fae king series and I doubt I’ll be reading any more.
A female lead I couldn’t like, a well used storyline and boring characters. I gave up half way then skipped to the end. This was not nearly as good as the cursed fae king series and I doubt I’ll be reading any more.
October 8, 2024
I was losing my god damn mind the entire time with how boring it was. If it’s gonna be bad, at least give me some meme economy to get through it.
October 24, 2020
A lost princess, a prophecy, a conniving queen and beautiful but confusing fae. This book has it all. Add to that 3 seductive but complicated brothers - Lincoln, Kai and Rowan and one funny & flirty cousin - Jase. Briar (FMC) finds herself right in the middle of it all in a new world she has to navigate & knows very little about. Where its difficult to know who to trust. It definitely keeps you on your toes through and the tension between Briar & Lincoln makes it all the more hotter. Its a cracking read and i cant wait to get my hands on the next book now
October 24, 2020
OMG this first book is so exciting! Hooked from the very first page I just could not stop reading. It’s a well written collaboration of enemies to lovers paranormal romance with an excellent heated storyline and fantastic characters especially Briar! Its emotional and hot and flirty and I so wanna read book 2!
March 24, 2021
“𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐞𝐱. 𝐖𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈’𝐦 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐈 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝.“
I snort-laughed so hard, coffee came out my nose at that little passage. 😂
Absolute binge read! I’m addicted.
I snort-laughed so hard, coffee came out my nose at that little passage. 😂
Absolute binge read! I’m addicted.
January 8, 2023
Characters: Briar, Lincoln, Rowan, Kai, Cordelia, Lylax
It was a surprisingly well written book, I quite enjoyed it. It has just the right dose of a slow burn. The only 👎🍅 part was when he supposedly changed her into different clothes, what in the non consensual trash is that pls.
It was a surprisingly well written book, I quite enjoyed it. It has just the right dose of a slow burn. The only 👎🍅 part was when he supposedly changed her into different clothes, what in the non consensual trash is that pls.
December 19, 2020
2 1/2 - 3 stars
I’m coming up short on how this book has received so many 4 and 5 star reviews. It looks as if this book has never been looked at by an editor and it is clear that one of the writers is far superior to the other, though I have no idea who wrote which parts. The inconsistencies just with minor details (ex: the color of Lincoln’s changing from one page to the next, the fact that an inconsequential character’s name is referenced - Harley HARRISON- and then not even two pages later the queen refers to her as “ms. Hardy” which I figured was her being snide. But no. One paragraph later FMC has a thought about this “Harley hardy”) make it almost too irritating to read.... like, what? That’s just so fucking lazy that I can’t. You couldn’t go back ONE (max 1 1/2) page to make sure you were consistent? The list goes on.
Over all, it has sort of kept my interest, but unless they have gotten their shit together in terms of proof reading, editing, and consistency, I won’t be reading the second book.
I’m coming up short on how this book has received so many 4 and 5 star reviews. It looks as if this book has never been looked at by an editor and it is clear that one of the writers is far superior to the other, though I have no idea who wrote which parts. The inconsistencies just with minor details (ex: the color of Lincoln’s changing from one page to the next, the fact that an inconsequential character’s name is referenced - Harley HARRISON- and then not even two pages later the queen refers to her as “ms. Hardy” which I figured was her being snide. But no. One paragraph later FMC has a thought about this “Harley hardy”) make it almost too irritating to read.... like, what? That’s just so fucking lazy that I can’t. You couldn’t go back ONE (max 1 1/2) page to make sure you were consistent? The list goes on.
Over all, it has sort of kept my interest, but unless they have gotten their shit together in terms of proof reading, editing, and consistency, I won’t be reading the second book.
November 19, 2024
I am SO SO SO tempted to leave this review at 5 stars, but 5 stars is a BIG rating for me. I do not usually give 5 stars, definitely not lightly, but I will most likely be giving THIS book the 5 star treatment.
I came across this book because I’m going to a Romantasy book convention and both authors are going to be there. After speed reading several books in a two month time period (KU says I’ve been reading for 12 weeks in a row, currently 10 days in a row. For me, that’s a crazy amount of dedication.), I can confidently say that I have refined my taste in books down to a T. I know what I like and I know what I don’t. While my tastes can be hyper specific (I’m a huge whore for fae smelling lust and a good throne fucking scene), this isn’t always a good thing because I often lose interest in books while reading, leading to a DNF, or refusal to read due to a trope I really can’t stand (vampires are not for me…). Because of my often hyper specific tastes and just general vibe of what clicks and what doesn’t, reading can be hard for me. I often struggle with books people rave over and fail to see the hype, and anyone who knows me knows my life has recently been filled with 2-3 star reviews. It’s very rare that I finish a book with glowing reviews, rare that I want to continue the series, and even rarer that my pickiness is able to move on from typos/weird potential plot issues and leave a book that makes me feel complete the way this book did. While there were typos and yes, there was a part where I couldn’t suspend my belief (until I was completely sucked away by the story and did, in fact, suspend belief), I was so utterly invested in this story that I finished it in a few hours. 3 or 4 at most.
Is this a literary masterpiece? No, it’s a romantasy book with an Amarantha-esque villain (ACOTAR girlies yk), but the concept is so…refreshing? Fae can lie in this world, which was a really interesting take. The more **intimate** parts of fae culture are explored (fae don’t date they fuck as stated in the book!!!) that we don’t see much of. The idea of a “mate” and ownership is also explored so much more deeply than just “oh we bonded and can mentally talk to each other and also we are mates now so it’s us forever.” No, in this world, it’s much different. There’s a “spark” that two people have to have in order for them to mate AND Zuko’s Rhysand-esque powers (I only bring up ACOTAR because most romantasy girlies know him most for his ability to mind speak) are not common and can only be done with someone he connects with AND his future wife (wonder who that could be) would have to deal with the bond he created to save Briar. Sure, there were some inconsistencies and times when the plot was very convenient such as the times when Zuko could and could not hear her thoughts/speak to her and vice versa, but I simply did not care. The way fae relationships are explained in detail is that they are non-exclusive. I did love the way that the fae were all so disgusted with the idea of exclusivity and I did love when Zuko was joking around that she could fuck his brother (I know it sounds weird, but trust me on this, he was so right to say that in the moment. I promise you, it more artfully done than that and she doesn’t fuck the brother so that’s a plus!). I loved the mashup of modern day culture with fae lore as well, which ties into the next part of my review.
The story is incredibly unique and compelling. It feels so…refreshing. Like a true breath of fresh air on a crisp winter day. There’s no shadow daddies, no wings, no bond-related drama, just pure plot development and a great cast of characters. There’s something magical about the way that the authors were able to craft this fae world, and in a genre that is so over saturated, this book made me feel **good** in a way I haven’t felt for a long time.
The story isn’t complex, which I appreciated, but it also left me with a lot of questions. Usually, when there’s a sort of “power,” it can be easily guessed. When you read enough romantasy, you can spot a fated mate bond from miles away. However, you go the whole book wondering if she is fae, but also if she feels a spark with Zuko because it’s alluded to, but then the ENDING??? Everyone keeps saying she’s a mortal queen, but me knowing my romantasy knowledge kept saying “yeah sure but she also has to be full fae because otherwise how would they be able to bond.” I mean the foreshadowing is THERE don’t get it twisted. But I am still left with questions such as is she truly NOT fae? Why do people keep saying she’s mortal if iron burns her and she sees the fae world and is also able to see fae like colors? But she’s also the mortal queen and many people have said she’s “just mortal” so????? I simply must know more which is rare for me.
There’s no smut in this book, at least not TRUE smut. It’s one scene, but it’s actually really well written. I like my MMC’s to talk a lot during sex, and Lincoln doesn’t do that, but there’s a point where he talks to her in his mind and I kind of 🤤🤤. I’m hoping it gets more intense in the next book, but this is NOT a book you read strictly for the smut. There was enough of a slow burn for me, a smut connoisseur, to not get bored.
I loved these characters. I loved ALL the characters. I did not find myself irritated by Briar and LOVED the way she responded to her surroundings and grew to understand her situation. The way she left things with Lincoln…where he says he can’t care for her like that because he’s a half breed and she says I don’t care…yeah that’s my bitch.
I. LOVE. LINCOLN. He isn’t a dirty talking hero but his sex appeal is through the ROOF. He just seems like the type of guy to fuck you sideways and then play with your hair while you go to sleep. Does that make sense? While I wanted to see more *something* from him, the way he meets Briar in the beginning of the book doesn’t make for their relationship to be have any sort of contentiousness or an enemies trope. Yet, without those tried and true tropes, he is alluring and hot as FUCK.
After reading this book, I truly had to take a deep breath and pause and just sit. I loved this book truly.
I came across this book because I’m going to a Romantasy book convention and both authors are going to be there. After speed reading several books in a two month time period (KU says I’ve been reading for 12 weeks in a row, currently 10 days in a row. For me, that’s a crazy amount of dedication.), I can confidently say that I have refined my taste in books down to a T. I know what I like and I know what I don’t. While my tastes can be hyper specific (I’m a huge whore for fae smelling lust and a good throne fucking scene), this isn’t always a good thing because I often lose interest in books while reading, leading to a DNF, or refusal to read due to a trope I really can’t stand (vampires are not for me…). Because of my often hyper specific tastes and just general vibe of what clicks and what doesn’t, reading can be hard for me. I often struggle with books people rave over and fail to see the hype, and anyone who knows me knows my life has recently been filled with 2-3 star reviews. It’s very rare that I finish a book with glowing reviews, rare that I want to continue the series, and even rarer that my pickiness is able to move on from typos/weird potential plot issues and leave a book that makes me feel complete the way this book did. While there were typos and yes, there was a part where I couldn’t suspend my belief (until I was completely sucked away by the story and did, in fact, suspend belief), I was so utterly invested in this story that I finished it in a few hours. 3 or 4 at most.
Is this a literary masterpiece? No, it’s a romantasy book with an Amarantha-esque villain (ACOTAR girlies yk), but the concept is so…refreshing? Fae can lie in this world, which was a really interesting take. The more **intimate** parts of fae culture are explored (fae don’t date they fuck as stated in the book!!!) that we don’t see much of. The idea of a “mate” and ownership is also explored so much more deeply than just “oh we bonded and can mentally talk to each other and also we are mates now so it’s us forever.” No, in this world, it’s much different. There’s a “spark” that two people have to have in order for them to mate AND Zuko’s Rhysand-esque powers (I only bring up ACOTAR because most romantasy girlies know him most for his ability to mind speak) are not common and can only be done with someone he connects with AND his future wife (wonder who that could be) would have to deal with the bond he created to save Briar. Sure, there were some inconsistencies and times when the plot was very convenient such as the times when Zuko could and could not hear her thoughts/speak to her and vice versa, but I simply did not care. The way fae relationships are explained in detail is that they are non-exclusive. I did love the way that the fae were all so disgusted with the idea of exclusivity and I did love when Zuko was joking around that she could fuck his brother (I know it sounds weird, but trust me on this, he was so right to say that in the moment. I promise you, it more artfully done than that and she doesn’t fuck the brother so that’s a plus!). I loved the mashup of modern day culture with fae lore as well, which ties into the next part of my review.
The story is incredibly unique and compelling. It feels so…refreshing. Like a true breath of fresh air on a crisp winter day. There’s no shadow daddies, no wings, no bond-related drama, just pure plot development and a great cast of characters. There’s something magical about the way that the authors were able to craft this fae world, and in a genre that is so over saturated, this book made me feel **good** in a way I haven’t felt for a long time.
The story isn’t complex, which I appreciated, but it also left me with a lot of questions. Usually, when there’s a sort of “power,” it can be easily guessed. When you read enough romantasy, you can spot a fated mate bond from miles away. However, you go the whole book wondering if she is fae, but also if she feels a spark with Zuko because it’s alluded to, but then the ENDING??? Everyone keeps saying she’s a mortal queen, but me knowing my romantasy knowledge kept saying “yeah sure but she also has to be full fae because otherwise how would they be able to bond.” I mean the foreshadowing is THERE don’t get it twisted. But I am still left with questions such as is she truly NOT fae? Why do people keep saying she’s mortal if iron burns her and she sees the fae world and is also able to see fae like colors? But she’s also the mortal queen and many people have said she’s “just mortal” so????? I simply must know more which is rare for me.
There’s no smut in this book, at least not TRUE smut. It’s one scene, but it’s actually really well written. I like my MMC’s to talk a lot during sex, and Lincoln doesn’t do that, but there’s a point where he talks to her in his mind and I kind of 🤤🤤. I’m hoping it gets more intense in the next book, but this is NOT a book you read strictly for the smut. There was enough of a slow burn for me, a smut connoisseur, to not get bored.
I loved these characters. I loved ALL the characters. I did not find myself irritated by Briar and LOVED the way she responded to her surroundings and grew to understand her situation. The way she left things with Lincoln…where he says he can’t care for her like that because he’s a half breed and she says I don’t care…yeah that’s my bitch.
I. LOVE. LINCOLN. He isn’t a dirty talking hero but his sex appeal is through the ROOF. He just seems like the type of guy to fuck you sideways and then play with your hair while you go to sleep. Does that make sense? While I wanted to see more *something* from him, the way he meets Briar in the beginning of the book doesn’t make for their relationship to be have any sort of contentiousness or an enemies trope. Yet, without those tried and true tropes, he is alluring and hot as FUCK.
After reading this book, I truly had to take a deep breath and pause and just sit. I loved this book truly.
December 19, 2020
DNF - quit at 50%
I wanted to like this, but it just didn’t hold my interest enough to continue. The flow is super slow. The plot felt totally predictable & worn out -because I’ve read a lot of books with a similar plot. The world building really doesn’t work, from Briar’s perspective, she’s thrown into the world with no knowledge as a given, but it’s still slim pickings trying to sort things out as a reader. So many things just do not make sense. The character development by the 50% point just isn’t there, giving me no reason to care about the characters, let alone want to read more about them.
At my age (approaching 60), life is way too short & my time is too important to force myself to read a book I'm not enjoying, especially when there are so many other books out there waiting to be read.
I wanted to like this, but it just didn’t hold my interest enough to continue. The flow is super slow. The plot felt totally predictable & worn out -because I’ve read a lot of books with a similar plot. The world building really doesn’t work, from Briar’s perspective, she’s thrown into the world with no knowledge as a given, but it’s still slim pickings trying to sort things out as a reader. So many things just do not make sense. The character development by the 50% point just isn’t there, giving me no reason to care about the characters, let alone want to read more about them.
At my age (approaching 60), life is way too short & my time is too important to force myself to read a book I'm not enjoying, especially when there are so many other books out there waiting to be read.
November 10, 2020
So close to five for me but it was sooo short. I started the book this morning omg it was getting really good then it ended like WHAT?!?! I thought I was half way through. Sooo good though.
dnf
April 11, 2021 DNF 65%
The shadow Fae
Ok I’m having one of my episodes again ...yeah the ones I can’t focus in flucking anything ...damn me so I started this book and almost called my therapist because the first chapter got me soooo confused hahahaha seriously I thought my mind was so flucking crazy I had skipped one chapter or I had read the chapter but was so without attention I didn’t even remembered and because of this nothing made sense ...then I got back a few times ...more like five and reread the first chapter , this really got me worried damn I thought I had hit rock bottom and finally got nuts hahahaha So I started the second chapter and everything made sense with wonderful abs I must add .
Damn girl Hahahaha I really understand her seriously.
Sadly but true ... damn this cruel world for people like me who have so high standards that only fictional guys can do ... hahahaa I’m liking the world building, pretty intriguing I love the machinations of the court it’s soooo cool , and I absolutely love Ziko I’m seriously the guy has me melted already, his personality isn’t what I thought could be , yes he is brooding, has all that tall , dark and handsome vibe , but he is sensitive , curious, cute, cocky and loyal ... damn the guy is absolutely sex incarnate hahaha could put Asmodeus to shame .... see ? I’m already a gone for him .
Sweet baby Antichrist.... *fans myself desperately* see what I’m talking about ? Damn this looks like when Christian told Anastasia he doesn’t make love , he fucks hard .... practically the same vibe but obviously I hope without that weird BDSM sh*t now I’m not completely against it , but I like things mildly you know ? Hahaha I absolutely love their bickering, seriously it’s hilarious .
Ok... is this a RH ? Because I’m feeling really STRONG vibes of this being a RH .... I really hope this is because damn me if I don’t like a good old orgy hahahaha . Yeah I have a thing for Rowan now too ... I think is deeply intriguing how the author describes the realms... and how magic doesn’t makes sense hahaha I’m seriously, it’s a little crazy .
Yeah that’s it ... I’m bored more because ok magic doesn’t need to make sense but the storyline needs ... and nothing is making much sense , Briar is the mortal queen apparently, ok but she doesn’t has powers yeah maybe see will have some in the future but I don’t have the patience and Briar doesn’t even has a great attitude so ... and she could have sex with Rowan and Ziko and that’s was going to be great but noooo she is “exclusive” for flucks sake,she is sooo boring , if the author isn’t going to make a RH doesn’t put in the book the prospect of being a RH * rolls my eyes internally *.
The shadow Fae
Ok I’m having one of my episodes again ...yeah the ones I can’t focus in flucking anything ...damn me so I started this book and almost called my therapist because the first chapter got me soooo confused hahahaha seriously I thought my mind was so flucking crazy I had skipped one chapter or I had read the chapter but was so without attention I didn’t even remembered and because of this nothing made sense ...then I got back a few times ...more like five and reread the first chapter , this really got me worried damn I thought I had hit rock bottom and finally got nuts hahahaha So I started the second chapter and everything made sense with wonderful abs I must add .
Why am I even having this conversation? I need to call a psychiatrist. Something is very wrong with me. Multiple personalities or something. Would my mind really be so kind to me? Could I really dream up someone as gorgeous as the man filling my bed?
Damn girl Hahahaha I really understand her seriously.
Fictional boyfriends aren’t supposed to leap right off the pages and into your life…
Sadly but true ... damn this cruel world for people like me who have so high standards that only fictional guys can do ... hahahaa I’m liking the world building, pretty intriguing I love the machinations of the court it’s soooo cool , and I absolutely love Ziko I’m seriously the guy has me melted already, his personality isn’t what I thought could be , yes he is brooding, has all that tall , dark and handsome vibe , but he is sensitive , curious, cute, cocky and loyal ... damn the guy is absolutely sex incarnate hahaha could put Asmodeus to shame .... see ? I’m already a gone for him .
“Fae don’t date.” He leans into me, his chest brushing my arms until he untangles my tightly held hands and laces his fingers with mine. “Fae fuck.” A tingling sensation coils within me, making me shift on my feet. “Fae mate. Fae claim. Fae spark. They don’t date.”
Sweet baby Antichrist.... *fans myself desperately* see what I’m talking about ? Damn this looks like when Christian told Anastasia he doesn’t make love , he fucks hard .... practically the same vibe but obviously I hope without that weird BDSM sh*t now I’m not completely against it , but I like things mildly you know ? Hahaha I absolutely love their bickering, seriously it’s hilarious .
Ok... is this a RH ? Because I’m feeling really STRONG vibes of this being a RH .... I really hope this is because damn me if I don’t like a good old orgy hahahaha . Yeah I have a thing for Rowan now too ... I think is deeply intriguing how the author describes the realms... and how magic doesn’t makes sense hahaha I’m seriously, it’s a little crazy .
Yeah that’s it ... I’m bored more because ok magic doesn’t need to make sense but the storyline needs ... and nothing is making much sense , Briar is the mortal queen apparently, ok but she doesn’t has powers yeah maybe see will have some in the future but I don’t have the patience and Briar doesn’t even has a great attitude so ... and she could have sex with Rowan and Ziko and that’s was going to be great but noooo she is “exclusive” for flucks sake,she is sooo boring , if the author isn’t going to make a RH doesn’t put in the book the prospect of being a RH * rolls my eyes internally *.
June 4, 2021
Nice start
I enjoy the intrigue of court. Being mortal queen as opposed to being fae, is unique. Usually, the person finds out they are the lost fae queen. Instead, she is mortal. I am looking forward to seeing where this goes. However, throughout the beginning of the novel, Briar's personality was immature and annoying. I despise when women are in a bad relationship because they do not want to be alone nor be the person who breaks up, even though they know there is no relationship. I had lost a lot of respect for her, as a result. Also, I really found her immature. Luckily, as the book went on she got better, but it took a while. Another annoying trait was her refusal to have sex because it needs to mean something. I have no problem with that need/want. However, she was more than willing to sleep with her boyfriend even knowing neither loved one another and he was just using her. You can't have it both ways. The writing in the beginning was amateurish, but that also got better as the book progressed. It really needed to be fledged out more. The ideas and concepts could have really made this book spectacular, but it was not throughly thought out. For instance, the deaths and vile acts by the queen could have been explored and delved more deeply. It would have made this story better if more feelings were explored and fleshed out. But it was still a good book, and I am looking forward to the next.
I enjoy the intrigue of court. Being mortal queen as opposed to being fae, is unique. Usually, the person finds out they are the lost fae queen. Instead, she is mortal. I am looking forward to seeing where this goes. However, throughout the beginning of the novel, Briar's personality was immature and annoying. I despise when women are in a bad relationship because they do not want to be alone nor be the person who breaks up, even though they know there is no relationship. I had lost a lot of respect for her, as a result. Also, I really found her immature. Luckily, as the book went on she got better, but it took a while. Another annoying trait was her refusal to have sex because it needs to mean something. I have no problem with that need/want. However, she was more than willing to sleep with her boyfriend even knowing neither loved one another and he was just using her. You can't have it both ways. The writing in the beginning was amateurish, but that also got better as the book progressed. It really needed to be fledged out more. The ideas and concepts could have really made this book spectacular, but it was not throughly thought out. For instance, the deaths and vile acts by the queen could have been explored and delved more deeply. It would have made this story better if more feelings were explored and fleshed out. But it was still a good book, and I am looking forward to the next.
October 27, 2020
AK Koonce and Rebecca Grey did it again! I was very interested in this story as soon as I read the synopsis and it did not disappoint. This world they created is so intriguing and fresh and I can't wait to find out more in the next book!
The characters are all great. I loved how willing Briar was to accept what was going on, she wasn't out right willing but as she started to learn things she really started to get why she needed to do what she needed to do. Ziko was different from the normal broody type, he actually has some outright insecurities you get to see and I think it is such a great thing that was included. In this world there are Shadow Fae and no matter who they are related to they are considered lesser in the Fae world. Ziko's brothers were very interesting and I hope we get a lot more of them and how they are in the next book. I also really enjoyed Jase being there, he was a great addition to the cast of characters.
I highly recommend you trying this book out, it is well written and fast paced, you wont want to put it down!
The characters are all great. I loved how willing Briar was to accept what was going on, she wasn't out right willing but as she started to learn things she really started to get why she needed to do what she needed to do. Ziko was different from the normal broody type, he actually has some outright insecurities you get to see and I think it is such a great thing that was included. In this world there are Shadow Fae and no matter who they are related to they are considered lesser in the Fae world. Ziko's brothers were very interesting and I hope we get a lot more of them and how they are in the next book. I also really enjoyed Jase being there, he was a great addition to the cast of characters.
I highly recommend you trying this book out, it is well written and fast paced, you wont want to put it down!
October 24, 2020
Good start to a new fae series
In this first book in the series we meet Briar. A girl who has dreams of a mansion and a male. When she finds out her dreams are real and so is the male, Lincoln, her world turns upside down. It seems Briar has unknowingly been visiting the Shadow Fae court for years much to the queen's dislike. What keeps Briar alive is not knowing where she's from. Lincoln is a half breed and considered as little better than a slave. And so their story begins...
This was a well written book. Briar is an orphan with little family and her reluctance to get attached, denial of who she may be was more realistic. She becomes attached to Lincoln but that scares her more than anything. Lincoln is fae and believes himself less than. He does not deserve Briar for he will bring her down but he protects her and she has his loyalty. I'm extremely curious to see how this will play out. Enjoyed the story and the characters and I look forward to book 2.
In this first book in the series we meet Briar. A girl who has dreams of a mansion and a male. When she finds out her dreams are real and so is the male, Lincoln, her world turns upside down. It seems Briar has unknowingly been visiting the Shadow Fae court for years much to the queen's dislike. What keeps Briar alive is not knowing where she's from. Lincoln is a half breed and considered as little better than a slave. And so their story begins...
This was a well written book. Briar is an orphan with little family and her reluctance to get attached, denial of who she may be was more realistic. She becomes attached to Lincoln but that scares her more than anything. Lincoln is fae and believes himself less than. He does not deserve Briar for he will bring her down but he protects her and she has his loyalty. I'm extremely curious to see how this will play out. Enjoyed the story and the characters and I look forward to book 2.
February 2, 2021
DNF 24%. Sooooo many inconsistencies and mistakes, simple mistakes like not remembering the hero's eye color, etc. She's been having these dreams (not dreams) of this guy for years but goes on and on about being a loyal girlfriend to the boyfriend she's only been dating for months. She's constantly talking about how hot the guy is but then goes on and on about her loyalty to her boyfriend. Which is fine, if we didn't have to also hear about how much of an asshole her boyfriend is and how he isn't interested in having sex with her, and how stifled she feels in the relationship. Ma'am you haven't even been dating this man a year, clearly you guys aren't meant to be together, can you shut up about how you can't be with the guy you actually want because of this made up loyalty to some guy you haven't been dating that long. She was just annoying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2024
⭐️2.5
💧1
This is the second series I’ve tried reading from this author. I feel like if you like one of her books you’ll love all of them, but if you don’t like one of her books don’t bother with the rest. Why? Because there’s not much distinction between them. If you’ve read one you’ve read all of her books. It’s the same FMC type, same sort of dilemma. The only difference is you might get more than one pov in the rejected realms (not like there’s much of a distinction) and this series is only Briar’s pov.
The only characters I liked in this book were Linc and Jase and I really wished we got their pov.
In the end, she just wound up not being the author for me, but if you love annoying, chosen one-esque, orphaned, FMCs who are always an outcast for some random reason you’ll love any of her books.
💧1
This is the second series I’ve tried reading from this author. I feel like if you like one of her books you’ll love all of them, but if you don’t like one of her books don’t bother with the rest. Why? Because there’s not much distinction between them. If you’ve read one you’ve read all of her books. It’s the same FMC type, same sort of dilemma. The only difference is you might get more than one pov in the rejected realms (not like there’s much of a distinction) and this series is only Briar’s pov.
The only characters I liked in this book were Linc and Jase and I really wished we got their pov.
In the end, she just wound up not being the author for me, but if you love annoying, chosen one-esque, orphaned, FMCs who are always an outcast for some random reason you’ll love any of her books.
October 23, 2020
This was such an incredible read!!! I honestly could not get enough of this. Briar is such an interesting character but there are so many speculations and secrets revolving around her. Then in comes Lincoln Ziko. Now this Fae is smoking hot but so mysterious and makes me want to smake him upside the head with a book. He is beyond smart and sexy but throughout the book you get to learn more of his past and don't go in looking for rainbows and butterflies.
The end of this book definitely killed me and I am waiting for the next book to come out because I definitely need more! Briar definitely grew throughout this book and I slowly sae her becoming a more confident and strong woman. AK and Rebecca definitely wrote an incredible book!
The end of this book definitely killed me and I am waiting for the next book to come out because I definitely need more! Briar definitely grew throughout this book and I slowly sae her becoming a more confident and strong woman. AK and Rebecca definitely wrote an incredible book!
November 6, 2020
An emotional roller coaster filled with sexual tension, fae drugs, a new world, and forbidden romance!
Briar is a woman who grew up through all her hardships without parents. Raising and protecting her cousin due to her aunts problems with addiction, and fighting through life never feeling like she was loved or belonged. Thrown into a new world where she doesn’t know who to trust, and the one person she feels a connection with is forbidden, or so he says. But clearly she doesn’t do well being told what she can and can’t do. And can she change matters if she’s who they think she may be? Can’t wait to read book 2!
Briar is a woman who grew up through all her hardships without parents. Raising and protecting her cousin due to her aunts problems with addiction, and fighting through life never feeling like she was loved or belonged. Thrown into a new world where she doesn’t know who to trust, and the one person she feels a connection with is forbidden, or so he says. But clearly she doesn’t do well being told what she can and can’t do. And can she change matters if she’s who they think she may be? Can’t wait to read book 2!
September 12, 2022
I dropped it at 89%. Got so close to the end of the book and let me tell you, it was not easy. I was bored out of my mind. With every chapter it got more and more boring. So, I did what I usually do- i skipped to the end in the hopes that there will be something to motivate me finding out how it came to happen. No such luck. It ended just as boringly as the 89% I got to. I even considered powering through just for the sake of being fully fair to be able to rate it. But then I realised that I don't care. Why torture myself? Why continue with something that sucks the joy of reading out of me?
I do not recommend it.
I do not recommend it.
April 20, 2024
Never have I found a book THIS boring!
I have started reading this book four times over and now that I’m 70% through I’m ditching it, which I NEVER do.
There is NO substance to the characters or storyline whatsoever and Briar has no deep emotions or opinions. She just follows along some stranger because of his good looks. 90% of her thoughts and communication with Lincoln is sexual or her mentioning some of his body parts. But there is absolutely no chemistry at all and the sexual content is such out of place most of the time.
My god it’s such a horribly written book I cannot imagine reading anything else written by these authors.
I have started reading this book four times over and now that I’m 70% through I’m ditching it, which I NEVER do.
There is NO substance to the characters or storyline whatsoever and Briar has no deep emotions or opinions. She just follows along some stranger because of his good looks. 90% of her thoughts and communication with Lincoln is sexual or her mentioning some of his body parts. But there is absolutely no chemistry at all and the sexual content is such out of place most of the time.
My god it’s such a horribly written book I cannot imagine reading anything else written by these authors.
June 17, 2021
Back to the smut and the fae fantasy. I swear this was one of the last questionable books I am reading.
Again, needed something to keep me going while I was preparing papers and presentations for my Masters.
It was okay, nothing special. Writing: meh; romance: meh; smut: 1x/book (we need to ration the smut, apparently, which is dumb. Smut is the only reason that I read this books for); entertainment: it kept me going, it was fun and sometimes I laughed, as it was very silly.
I will use this review for the rest of the trilogy.
Again, needed something to keep me going while I was preparing papers and presentations for my Masters.
It was okay, nothing special. Writing: meh; romance: meh; smut: 1x/book (we need to ration the smut, apparently, which is dumb. Smut is the only reason that I read this books for); entertainment: it kept me going, it was fun and sometimes I laughed, as it was very silly.
I will use this review for the rest of the trilogy.
October 23, 2020
A.K. and Rebecca have done it yet again. Creating the perfectly broody and sexy fae man of every woman’s fantasy. I immediately like Lincoln, even if he is a bit of a jerk. Watching Briar grow and learn throughout the book was great as well. I love seeing the main FMC grow throughout the story. The tension between Briar and Lincoln was palpable and I loved every second of it. I can’t wait to see how this story continues.
October 25, 2020
This is an absolutely amazing first book in an amazing series! I loved Briar so much. She is such a strong character and accepts that not everything is how she’d originally thought it was. And Lincoln was definitely a character I wanted to know so much more about. This story drew me in from the first few pages and I never wanted it to end. I definitely can’t wait for the next book. Loved the shadow Fae and this book was a joy from start to finish.
October 27, 2020
The fae in this book are my favourite type, distant, ethereal and oh so deadly beautiful. The world building here is top notch, the characters are complex and interesting and the tensions and relationships is so good. Briar and Lincoln are both so stubborn! The balance of power in this book is definitely based on knowledge and im looking forward to seeing the swing of power - which must surely come in the next book!
November 2, 2020
This is an amazing story with an awesome FMC. Briar is an orphan who's dreams are leading her to the shadow fae court which she believes is all just a dream. She realizes that her dreams aren't exactly just dreams when she comes across a man from her dreams Lincoln. This story sucks you in from the beginning it's so vividly detailed that you can actually visualize the settings and characters in your mind. I absolutely love this book and highly recommend it to everyone.
October 24, 2020
OMG...... what a fabulous start to a new series! We meet Briar who is an orphan who has learned to survive on her own but craves something more. She learns her dreams are real and she meets Lincoln a Fae halfbreed. They journey together and discover many new things. This was such a rollercoaster ride and it pulls you into the story from the beginning. Fabulous! Cannot wait for the next book! 💜🖤
March 5, 2021
Fantastic Fae read!
I have been on a Fae romance kick lately and this book did not disappoint!
Full of sexy Fae, an evil queen and a mortal rightful heir this book didn’t have a dull moment.
The chemistry between Lincoln and Briar was fire! Tons of pent up feelings just waiting to be let loose.
A great start to the series! I cannot wait to start the next!
I have been on a Fae romance kick lately and this book did not disappoint!
Full of sexy Fae, an evil queen and a mortal rightful heir this book didn’t have a dull moment.
The chemistry between Lincoln and Briar was fire! Tons of pent up feelings just waiting to be let loose.
A great start to the series! I cannot wait to start the next!
October 23, 2020
Loved it! Full of intrigue and mystery Briar has to try navigate the fae world as the mortal queen while staying out of the clutches of Queen Cordelia. It helps that she has the help of the mysterious shadow fae Lincoln and the princes from the Iron court. Great story I cant wait for book two.
October 23, 2020
This book was great and dark and oh so good. Man the fae games are intense. I love the world building and the fresh take on the fae genre. I could not put this book down; I devoured it in 2 hours. I can’t wait for more out of this series and the fae men are HAF.
October 26, 2020
Interesting start to a new world of fae. I liked the premise of the mcf dreaming about a different world and then it turned out it wasn't really a dream. That pulled me right it. The book was a little slow in areas, but I'm invested enough to want to continue.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews