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Dark Maji #3
Twisted Is the Crown
Quinn Darkova made a vow from the very beginning.
And now she’s home.
For revenge . . .
Except N’skara isn’t the same as it was ten years ago, and the person she came for is nowhere to be found. After being taken ashore by armed guards of the same Council they came to sway, Quinn knows it’s up to her to uncover the truth about what really happened, while seeking the retribution owed to her.
Lazarus knew she was hiding something. He knew she had unfinished business in N’skara. But never could he have known this. He hadn’t predicted how set in their ways the people were. He hadn’t listened to the warnings when Quinn spoke of secrets and lies. He hadn’t realized that the woman he couldn’t stay away from was forged as much by blood as she was by darkness.
Now it was time to learn.
In a land of sheep, it pays to be a wolf.
And now she’s home.
For revenge . . .
Except N’skara isn’t the same as it was ten years ago, and the person she came for is nowhere to be found. After being taken ashore by armed guards of the same Council they came to sway, Quinn knows it’s up to her to uncover the truth about what really happened, while seeking the retribution owed to her.
Lazarus knew she was hiding something. He knew she had unfinished business in N’skara. But never could he have known this. He hadn’t predicted how set in their ways the people were. He hadn’t listened to the warnings when Quinn spoke of secrets and lies. He hadn’t realized that the woman he couldn’t stay away from was forged as much by blood as she was by darkness.
Now it was time to learn.
In a land of sheep, it pays to be a wolf.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2019
440 people are currently reading
2356 people want to read
About the author
Kel Carpenter
73 books2,145 followersKel Carpenter is a master of werdz. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s traveling the world, lovingly pestering her co-author, and spending time with her family. She is always on the search for good tacos and the best pizza. She resides in Maryland and desperately tries to avoid the traffic.
For subrights or media and film inquiries, please reach out to kel@kelcarpenter.com.
For subrights or media and film inquiries, please reach out to kel@kelcarpenter.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews
October 6, 2019
My absolute favorite of the series thus far!
October 23, 2019
February 2020?!!! I have to wait till then to read about Quinn and Lazarus!
Quinn was vicious and rightfully so. I loved her, she is who I always want to read about when I pick up a book about a alpha female. She was her own person and didn't let anyone walk over her. She didn't go all swoony-eyed over Lazarus even though she felt something for him, she had a plan and she followed it.
I know if I continue I would keep gushing about her so I'm going to stop here. I literally cannot wait for the fourth book. I had read a book by this author before which I didn't like as much but this is enough to make me reconsider that series again.
Quinn was vicious and rightfully so. I loved her, she is who I always want to read about when I pick up a book about a alpha female. She was her own person and didn't let anyone walk over her. She didn't go all swoony-eyed over Lazarus even though she felt something for him, she had a plan and she followed it.
I know if I continue I would keep gushing about her so I'm going to stop here. I literally cannot wait for the fourth book. I had read a book by this author before which I didn't like as much but this is enough to make me reconsider that series again.
March 1, 2020
It was such a dark, brutal, and cold journey. I love Quinn, she's such a cruel and strong woman 😍 I didn't expect this book to end like that but I'm curious and looking forward to what will happen in the next book!
October 2, 2022
I love this series so much. It will find itself on my bookshelf soon.
December 5, 2019
Quinn and Lazarus travel to Quinn's homeland to secure an alliance. The N'skarans are not inclined to have anything to do with outsiders. While in town, Quinn is reunited with her family - it is not a happy reunion. What follows is a dark plot that not only tells about Quinn's past and why she is seeking revenge but also what has happened to her sister in the 10 years that Quinn has been gone. It's pretty awful, yet thrilling once Quinn sets her plans into motion.
I am loving this series! It is so good that I couldn't resist the 5 stars even though some of my favorite characters barely appeared in this plot. It didn't matter, Quinn's badassery was in full force and held my focus.
I am so impatient for the next book in the series. Please let February come soon.
I am loving this series! It is so good that I couldn't resist the 5 stars even though some of my favorite characters barely appeared in this plot. It didn't matter, Quinn's badassery was in full force and held my focus.
I am so impatient for the next book in the series. Please let February come soon.
October 14, 2021
Nothing sweet about Quinn.
However no matter how often these authors keep telling us, Quinn wasn’t a cruel heroine either!
She probably just a little bit psycho 😬.
And those revenge? Simply delicious! ❤️
However no matter how often these authors keep telling us, Quinn wasn’t a cruel heroine either!
She probably just a little bit psycho 😬.
And those revenge? Simply delicious! ❤️
October 29, 2020
4.5 Stars
A lot better than book 2. This book was more about Quinn's past and her getting revenge which I was totally rooting for, and enjoyed it all. There was less romance, but we finally get somewhere in the relationship, and on top of that we finally get some steam. Really excited to see what's to come in the next book after that ending too!
A lot better than book 2. This book was more about Quinn's past and her getting revenge which I was totally rooting for, and enjoyed it all. There was less romance, but we finally get somewhere in the relationship, and on top of that we finally get some steam. Really excited to see what's to come in the next book after that ending too!
April 20, 2020
Why Quinn?
Why Lazaras?
Why Draeven?
Why?
Why?
Why?
I know what you are thinking... That's a lot of whys.. But you'll understand every single one of them when you read this for yourself..!!
Why Lazaras?
Why Draeven?
Why?
Why?
Why?
I know what you are thinking... That's a lot of whys.. But you'll understand every single one of them when you read this for yourself..!!
July 8, 2024
"Twisted is the Crown," the third book in Kel Carpenter's "Dark Maji" series, continues Quinn Darkova's adventure in a world filled with dark magic and political intrigue. The stakes are higher, and the plot twists keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters are complex and relatable, making their struggles compelling. The book combines romance, action, and fantasy in a way that keeps you hooked 👌
4.5 ⭐️’s
4.5 ⭐️’s
January 16, 2021
Nearing a 5 for me, but some loose threads need to be tied together between Lazarus and Quinn. While I realize much of this book was about Quinn facing her demons (yessss for some internal/emotional turmoil), we only got a few chapters from Lazarus's perspective. Normally, NBD, but in this case, it made I know this would be out of character for both, but I find myself wishing they'd just both cave and actually....you know, trust each other. And talk. More talking, banter...really ANYTHING besides furtive angry glances, flinty eyes, downward-turned mouths, cruel up-turned mouths, flat-lined mouths, wicked glimmering eyes...ya see where I'm going with this? LOOOTS of eyeballs and mouths...and very.little.talking.
We find out more about Quinn's past, her family--the heartbreak, abuse, and terror and finally a tie-in with the dreams from prior books (most is revealed, with a few lingering questions about the gods' role in the larger plot). I won't spoil anything here, but there is some seriously fk'd up stuff in this book, and Quinn most definitely takes her revenge in a really savage way. So...major trigger warnings. Like...wow that's dark.
I suppose this isn't a 5 for me because I am not feeling the jazzy tingles about Quinn and Lazarus like I think I'm supposed to. Their relationship just feels flat to me. Maybe it's me? Regardless, this is still a very solid series, that I'm still invested in in spite of the so-so romance. For once, I think a book would have been stronger without it, or perhaps not as emphasized, as the romance just feels like an afterthought.
We find out more about Quinn's past, her family--the heartbreak, abuse, and terror and finally a tie-in with the dreams from prior books (most is revealed, with a few lingering questions about the gods' role in the larger plot). I won't spoil anything here, but there is some seriously fk'd up stuff in this book, and Quinn most definitely takes her revenge in a really savage way. So...major trigger warnings. Like...wow that's dark.
I suppose this isn't a 5 for me because I am not feeling the jazzy tingles about Quinn and Lazarus like I think I'm supposed to. Their relationship just feels flat to me. Maybe it's me? Regardless, this is still a very solid series, that I'm still invested in in spite of the so-so romance. For once, I think a book would have been stronger without it, or perhaps not as emphasized, as the romance just feels like an afterthought.
June 13, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I finished it and I love it! 🥰 I wasn’t expecting to give this more than four stars this book deserves five stars there’s so much going on in it. It’s a slow burn like a very slow burn lol at one point I thought nothing was gonna happen well it did and it didn’t disappoint even if it was a short moment Lars slowly found a place in my heart.
Has for Quinn I love her character she’s amazing in everything she does how she does it and why. Other than this I don’t wanna say anything to spoil it for anyone so I’ll leave it with it’s amazing if you can hang in there till the 3rd book it’s worth it this one’s by far my favorite I’ll be starting the next one right away.
I finished it and I love it! 🥰 I wasn’t expecting to give this more than four stars this book deserves five stars there’s so much going on in it. It’s a slow burn like a very slow burn lol at one point I thought nothing was gonna happen well it did and it didn’t disappoint even if it was a short moment Lars slowly found a place in my heart.
Has for Quinn I love her character she’s amazing in everything she does how she does it and why. Other than this I don’t wanna say anything to spoil it for anyone so I’ll leave it with it’s amazing if you can hang in there till the 3rd book it’s worth it this one’s by far my favorite I’ll be starting the next one right away.
July 11, 2020
Quinn, a dark, cruel and twisted woman. She has to go to her homeland and secure an alliance for Lazarus. And she got more than that.
September 4, 2021
Still loving this series
🔸 4 stars🔸
🔸 4 stars🔸
November 21, 2021
Wow, this one took a dark, dark turn ⚔️🗡️
This book was different than the others for it focused only on Quinn and her past....AND it was somehow much darker than the previous two. The rest of the Fierte crew was there but sort of, in the background. It was about Quinn's homeland, how she came to be a slave and how she gets her revenge on those who wronged her and her loved ones🖤
She stepped closer and something in her expression must have warned them of her desires—or perhaps they recognized the darkness that had only grown in those long and lonely years—because they each took a step back. Quinn halted and a true smile blossomed across her face, as lovely as it was terrible.
Quinn was a badass anti-heroine in this one and the way she took revenge!! Omg, let's just say I am officially in love with Quinn Darkova and her twisted cruelty. That last torture scene not only sated my dark heart but also gave me a rush....it was that wicked!💀✨
People thought that black was the color of corruption, but they were wrong.
All things corrupt in the world were tinged with blue.
This book also had emotions in spades along with the darkness. I might have cried during some parts. Plus Risk's situation broke my heart. She was resilient but she went through just too much💔
“It’s easy to hate the things you don’t understand, but it’s even easier to hate the things you do.”
Also, how can I not mention that ending scene with Quinn and Lazarus🔥🔥🔥 It was passionate, sexy, intense and literal fire😍😍😈 I just knew Laz would be a beast in bed and Quinn would be equally as fierce and unyielding. 🖤✨
"Your darkness shines brighter than any light.”
Onto the next book with Quinn and Laz😏😈🖤
This book was different than the others for it focused only on Quinn and her past....AND it was somehow much darker than the previous two. The rest of the Fierte crew was there but sort of, in the background. It was about Quinn's homeland, how she came to be a slave and how she gets her revenge on those who wronged her and her loved ones🖤
She stepped closer and something in her expression must have warned them of her desires—or perhaps they recognized the darkness that had only grown in those long and lonely years—because they each took a step back. Quinn halted and a true smile blossomed across her face, as lovely as it was terrible.
Quinn was a badass anti-heroine in this one and the way she took revenge!! Omg, let's just say I am officially in love with Quinn Darkova and her twisted cruelty. That last torture scene not only sated my dark heart but also gave me a rush....it was that wicked!💀✨
People thought that black was the color of corruption, but they were wrong.
All things corrupt in the world were tinged with blue.
This book also had emotions in spades along with the darkness. I might have cried during some parts. Plus Risk's situation broke my heart. She was resilient but she went through just too much💔
“It’s easy to hate the things you don’t understand, but it’s even easier to hate the things you do.”
Also, how can I not mention that ending scene with Quinn and Lazarus🔥🔥🔥 It was passionate, sexy, intense and literal fire😍😍😈 I just knew Laz would be a beast in bed and Quinn would be equally as fierce and unyielding. 🖤✨
"Your darkness shines brighter than any light.”
Onto the next book with Quinn and Laz😏😈🖤
June 10, 2022
Audio version
I absolutely love this series. I will admit that part of that may be because Any McFadden is amazing when she reads them. Each character has their own distinct voice and personality. Although It is hard to review without giving away some major spoilers, I'm going to try to do so with vague references,, but just in case, this is a very mild spoiler warning.
The introduction of Quinn's family was something I looked forward to coming into this book. The author(s) had alludes to her parents being responsible in some way for her years in slavery, but I wasn't quite prepared for the utter betrayal of the majority of her family. I had assumed she was going back for vengeance only, but her sister changed everything.
I will say that this novel was a lot darker than the others, which is understandable with the confrontation with the ones that sold her into slavery. It is in this book that we finally get a glimpse of how dark Quinn can go,and I don't think we have scratched the surface.
I enjoy the relationships in this series so much. Quinn does not love it care easily and it has been fantastic to see them grow from one novel to the next.
I have listened to all so far on audio, but the next book is coming out next month. Now I have the choice of reading it when it comes out or waiting for another fantastic audio version.
I absolutely love this series. I will admit that part of that may be because Any McFadden is amazing when she reads them. Each character has their own distinct voice and personality. Although It is hard to review without giving away some major spoilers, I'm going to try to do so with vague references,, but just in case, this is a very mild spoiler warning.
The introduction of Quinn's family was something I looked forward to coming into this book. The author(s) had alludes to her parents being responsible in some way for her years in slavery, but I wasn't quite prepared for the utter betrayal of the majority of her family. I had assumed she was going back for vengeance only, but her sister changed everything.
I will say that this novel was a lot darker than the others, which is understandable with the confrontation with the ones that sold her into slavery. It is in this book that we finally get a glimpse of how dark Quinn can go,and I don't think we have scratched the surface.
I enjoy the relationships in this series so much. Quinn does not love it care easily and it has been fantastic to see them grow from one novel to the next.
I have listened to all so far on audio, but the next book is coming out next month. Now I have the choice of reading it when it comes out or waiting for another fantastic audio version.
September 29, 2019
You learn alot of Quinn's past in this book. How she became a slave, her childhood, of her family, and her people. Fair warning like all of Kel's books they are dark fantasy. This is not to be taken lightly. There are some very dark scenes in this one but you cant have a character like Quinn without a dark past and moments a darkness in the present. But it's what makes these stories so intriguing. Loved it through and through cant wait to see how the series continues after all the secrets you learn in this one.
January 18, 2022
Book three is where it KICKS OFF!!!
We are finally getting so much more detail into Quinn's background and guys, it is DARK. It was in this instalment that I began to feel a deeper connection with Quinn and some of her motivations throughout the series thus far.
We do get less time with Quinn and Lazarus but that's ok because her interaction with other characters was giving me life!
More spice...
A lot more, detailed, violence...
We are finally getting so much more detail into Quinn's background and guys, it is DARK. It was in this instalment that I began to feel a deeper connection with Quinn and some of her motivations throughout the series thus far.
We do get less time with Quinn and Lazarus but that's ok because her interaction with other characters was giving me life!
More spice...
A lot more, detailed, violence...
January 12, 2021
4.5 stars
tw: rape and torture
tw: rape and torture
December 8, 2019
4.5/5
I really really enjoyed this! I absolutely loved where the story took us in the book, as well as all the new characters we got to see. (I will say though, I didn’t love the parts of the book where we were reading Quinns dreams, but nonetheless they did hold importance). We got 4 different pov’s throughout this book (mostly Quinn and Lazarus) which I really loved. I think that this installment of the series is definitely the darkest out of them all so far. I think the way the plot is progressing is so interesting, and the ending of this book definitely has me intrigued as to how the next two book will play out.
I absolutely loved the relationship growths we saw in this book. Particularly Quinns relationship with Draeven and Lorraine. I love how Larraine and Quinns relationship grew to become to close and trusting and I love that Draeven showed Quinn that he wanted to be friends and be able to rely on eachother. I absolutely adored their scenes together.
As for Quinn and Lazarus, l definitely think their relationship obviously progressed in this book, especially towards the end, without overrunning the whole book. I am intrigued however, to see how the conclusions of this book will impact their relationship in the next books. I think that Lazarus is shown to definitely want something more with Quinn while she is seen to purely be driven by lust. I will say that I do find myself still rooting for them!
Overall, I am SO EXCITED to see where the next two books takes the story! Am I sad that I have to wait for the next book to come out? Yes, yes I am..
I really really enjoyed this! I absolutely loved where the story took us in the book, as well as all the new characters we got to see. (I will say though, I didn’t love the parts of the book where we were reading Quinns dreams, but nonetheless they did hold importance). We got 4 different pov’s throughout this book (mostly Quinn and Lazarus) which I really loved. I think that this installment of the series is definitely the darkest out of them all so far. I think the way the plot is progressing is so interesting, and the ending of this book definitely has me intrigued as to how the next two book will play out.
I absolutely loved the relationship growths we saw in this book. Particularly Quinns relationship with Draeven and Lorraine. I love how Larraine and Quinns relationship grew to become to close and trusting and I love that Draeven showed Quinn that he wanted to be friends and be able to rely on eachother. I absolutely adored their scenes together.
As for Quinn and Lazarus, l definitely think their relationship obviously progressed in this book, especially towards the end, without overrunning the whole book. I am intrigued however, to see how the conclusions of this book will impact their relationship in the next books. I think that Lazarus is shown to definitely want something more with Quinn while she is seen to purely be driven by lust. I will say that I do find myself still rooting for them!
Overall, I am SO EXCITED to see where the next two books takes the story! Am I sad that I have to wait for the next book to come out? Yes, yes I am..
September 30, 2019
I have mixed feelings about this book. I liked learning about Quinn’s family and the brutal past between all of them. Very dark stuff and can easily see why Quinn is who she is. Loved Lazarus and Quinn’s relationship but didn’t like how little they interacted during the book. I understand the reasoning behind why that is but I’m selfish and love the intense dynamic they have. The focus is mostly devoted to Quinn’s relationship with her sister and also her quest for revenge (which was dealt out in very dark but a totally deserved way!).The only drawback to the book for me was the length. I haven’t compared the word count to the previous books but it felt very short. I read this during the day with many interruptions from my 1 and 3 year old kids and was still able to finish in under two hours. I wouldn’t call it a filler book in the series since a lot happened but it’s definitely a bridge leading to some really cool story lines to come in the next book. Definitely a great read, just a fast one! Very excited to see what happens in For King and Corruption!
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.
October 4, 2019
Twisted is the Crown by Lucy Smoke is an awesome story to read. This is book number three in this awesome series that I have read and loved the story very much. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about dark romance and fantasy.
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.
November 3, 2021
Slightly better than Blessed Be The Wicked but still too short for my tastes. This is the third book in the series and I still have no clue how the world works. My ignorance of this world wouldn't be so bad if the whole plot didn't rest on the political tensions and the magic system. That being said, this series is pretty fun. I did really enjoy seeing more of Quinn's back story.
September 28, 2019
I devoured this book. It may be my favorite so far in the series. There was so much revenge it made my cold heart warm just a little. I love reading a story where characters get what the deserve. This story had it in surplus. I absolutely
cannot wait for the next book!
cannot wait for the next book!
September 29, 2019
Book three and I am still on the edge of my seat. This is extremely well written, very dark yet a very satisfying read. We learn a lot more about Quinn as she takes a trip back down memory lane. I read this book in one hit, it held me in it’s deliciously dark grip, I cannot wait for book four
June 19, 2023
Damn!
This story is so different and i love it...
I really love that the Mc are in fact "bad" guys and there's no apology, no flourish!
This story is so different and i love it...
I really love that the Mc are in fact "bad" guys and there's no apology, no flourish!
November 20, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was so dark and twisty I absolutely loved it. There was some relationship development between Lazarus and Quinn but I love that it was not the main focus. Quinn returns back home and we got the full background of her life and how she ended up as a slave and the promise she had to keep for returning. It was very well written and I didn't even miss that deep relationship development between Lazarus and Quinn because we really got to divulge deeper into Quinn herself and why she is the way she is. Of course at the very end we get our satisfying climax with regards to the sexual tension but even with that Quinn still maintains her strength and Independence and puts herself first. I very much look forward to reading the next book in the series.
March 13, 2021
This was amazing. The romance. The revenge. The character development. The smut. Also risk is my baby and I love her, no harm should come to her!
TW: rape and torture
*spoilers*
*keep scrolling if you don't want spoilers*
ALSO Risk and Quinn have such a fucked up family. Like who the hell sells one of their daughters and the other daughter gets to be raped daily by the fuckjng Council members AND her father?! Excuse me. Im so glad the fate they got. *claps 👏 * just perfect!
This was nearly a 5 star for me but sadly just fell short.
TW: rape and torture
*spoilers*
*keep scrolling if you don't want spoilers*
ALSO Risk and Quinn have such a fucked up family. Like who the hell sells one of their daughters and the other daughter gets to be raped daily by the fuckjng Council members AND her father?! Excuse me. Im so glad the fate they got. *claps 👏 * just perfect!
This was nearly a 5 star for me but sadly just fell short.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2022
Vengeance is Had…
With the 3rd book in the Dark Maji series, Twisted is the Crown, we see Quinn Darkova returning to her homeland of N’Skara. Although they return under the guise of seeking an alliance for House Fierte, Quinn has her own agenda.
This book is intense. We learn much about Quinn and her family, including their sordid past. Our anti-heroine lets her darkness shine to achieve both the agenda of Lazarus, but also her own vengeance against those who wronged her. I am enthralled with Quinn, her sister, and their story. Even though I still consider her an anti-heroine, she is a pseudo-villain that you can’t help but rooting for. Her darkness shines way brighter than the supposed light maji of N’skari, and I would choose that darkness over corrupt light any day.
I continue to be proud of Lazarus for allowing Quinn to shine and follow her path. He does not impede her in this book, even though there were extreme circumstances. He is the epitome of a supportive lord and potential lover. Even our secondary characters, while taking a back seat in this story, did not interfere with Quinn’s actions or plans. I truly feel they are becoming a family, not of the blood.
This book is somewhat darker than the rest. I should add a trigger warning for anyone who has trouble with rape or abuse in their stories. While I know that is not for everyone, the emotional aspects serve to draw me in and form a stronger bond with the characters. I wasn’t too pleased with the ending here, but I am hoping that it serves a greater purpose which will catapult me into the next book. Binge continues.
With the 3rd book in the Dark Maji series, Twisted is the Crown, we see Quinn Darkova returning to her homeland of N’Skara. Although they return under the guise of seeking an alliance for House Fierte, Quinn has her own agenda.
This book is intense. We learn much about Quinn and her family, including their sordid past. Our anti-heroine lets her darkness shine to achieve both the agenda of Lazarus, but also her own vengeance against those who wronged her. I am enthralled with Quinn, her sister, and their story. Even though I still consider her an anti-heroine, she is a pseudo-villain that you can’t help but rooting for. Her darkness shines way brighter than the supposed light maji of N’skari, and I would choose that darkness over corrupt light any day.
I continue to be proud of Lazarus for allowing Quinn to shine and follow her path. He does not impede her in this book, even though there were extreme circumstances. He is the epitome of a supportive lord and potential lover. Even our secondary characters, while taking a back seat in this story, did not interfere with Quinn’s actions or plans. I truly feel they are becoming a family, not of the blood.
This book is somewhat darker than the rest. I should add a trigger warning for anyone who has trouble with rape or abuse in their stories. While I know that is not for everyone, the emotional aspects serve to draw me in and form a stronger bond with the characters. I wasn’t too pleased with the ending here, but I am hoping that it serves a greater purpose which will catapult me into the next book. Binge continues.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews