Death Kissed

Nightworld: Court of Magic #1

by J.N. Colon

Runaway witch Thorn Rosalee has a deadly power. And if she falls into the wrong hands, her soul will pay the ultimate price…

After the war among fae and witches, seventeen-year-old Thorn hides in the one place her coven will never find her. Enemy territory. But when the Unseelie King discovers her lethal secret, she’s forced to partner with his son to uncover the culprit behind Chicago’s newest serial killer.

Working with Caleb Blackwood turns into a daily battle of wills—one the prince plays dirty to win—and between bloodthirsty vampires, vicious shifters, and sinister demons, their search for answers only leads to more trouble.

Fae aren’t the only ones who notice the witch’s hidden talents. And before long, Thorn will have to face the monsters of her past to survive another day in Nightworld.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Paranormal, Fae, Fantasy, Romance, Vampires

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 22, 2021

About the author

USA Today Bestselling author J.N. Colon writes fast-paced paranormal romance and urban fantasy. As a bona fide bookworm and paranormal junkie, she’ll snatch readers from their cozy couches and drop them in a perilous world ripe with mystery, danger, and romance. While sipping mocha lattes and devouring sweets, she crafts chilling adventures starring snarky heroines and brooding bad boys. Binge-watching reruns of Supernatural and Vampire Diaries help her create the perfect blend of thrilling action and epic romance. Subscribe to J.N.’s newsletter for a free book and dive into a spine-tingling journey today. www.jncolon.com/newsletter

Reviews

[Vibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, but didn't quite live up to the promise of its premise

The premise for this had my hopes up for a fun new series, the heroine is supposed to be a snarky, bad* witch with a heart of gold who was abused as a child & is now living on the run; however, in the actual development of the plot, it frequently went for the easy instead of the believable.

The heroine makes a deal with the fae king that surprisingly leaves a whole lot open to his manipulation. She keeps happening to access information just in time for it to move things forward. Caleb's feelings for her change (even though his behavior doesn't) and we don't really know why except that 'she's not what he expected' but it's just in time to risk his life for her.

The clenching/grinding molars that threatened to crack/shatter was an overused expression that made my teeth ache sympathetically.

But the really annoying part was the CONSTANT lusting after Caleb who is apparently a walking aphrodisiac. It got old and boring pretty fast. Which is unfortunate because this is supposed to be a romance, & there's no romance in that. There wasn't even much to rouse prurient interest. So I began skimming & skipping chapters a little past the halfway point till it reached the climactic point of the story.

This is one of those books that wasn't bad, exactly, but because it fell so short of its potential, it's hard not to feel as disappointed as if it had been. As a paranormal story, I'd go with 3.5 stars, and as a romance, I'd go with 2.5, so I'm giving it 3.

*Romance level: a lot of implied sleeping around, a few scenes of sexual arousal but relatively discreet in the descriptions, & some passionate kisses (about a steamy PG-13)

*Language: moderate to medium use of the common swears + 18 f-bombs

[Chad Barrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a page turning dark fantasy with a mix of Fae,
Demons, Shifters and one Witch who has dark powers to drain a person’s soul like a demon but tries her best to keep that power hidden.

Someone is killing humans and making it look like the Fae may be responsible so a witch down on her luck gets sucked into this scenario to solve the mystery with the Fae prince as her partner. There are plenty of twists as the guilty party seems to shift from one group to the next before finally being exposed.

There is the tension between the prince and the witch which is dislike bordering on outright hatred but changes as they work closer together to solve the mystery.

This story will pull you in and you’ll keep reading the pages just as fast as you can to see what’s on the next page! Some of the scenes are gritty so beware that like life bad things happen!

I recommend this book for those who enjoy a spine tingling read with a heroine who wants to be good in spite of her dark powers. I think we humans can relate to that even if we don’t have supernatural powers.

This is the first book in a new series by JN Colon and like her previous series I have read I’m looking forward to the next book to see what comes next!

[Messi]

Holy HOT Tinkerbell!!...confused? I guess you'll just have to read it.
Thea (Thorn) has no idea what nightmares, or fantasies, she is walking into when she enters SHADE, the Unseelie King's night club. Only through pure stubbornness, and strength born from her own nightmarish upbringing will she make it through this perilous task she's entangled in to save, not only the sweet little Aiden, but all in humanity, and perhaps her own people as well.
Another definite Must Read from the never disappointing J.N.Colon, with a new twist I've not seen in her previous reads. So make sure you fantasy lovers check this one out!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one hell of a read, one that once you start you will not be able to put down, so be warned! A fantastic dark urban fantasy that is enthralling and enjoyable and has an entertaining and gripping storyline! Our characters are fantastic especially Thorn our runaway witch and Caleb our fae prince. Set in an amazing world put together by this author, they are trying to find Chicago’s latest serial killer amongst the vampires, shifters and demons. It’s fast paced and action packed, there’s some sass and humour and there’s secrets and challenges to be faced and I look forward to reading more.

[Gizelle Chia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars:

The story had potential but it ended up being pretty mediocre.

I’m not sure if I’ll read the next one.

[Tassi (Read Ramble Repeat) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.6 ⭐️!!



Wow holy flying Tinkerbell! I absolutely loved this new world that Jena has created. Dang, I'm already head over heels in love with this world and I just need more. Yes, MORE. More of everything. Please and thank you. I don't ask much but I have this need...and it's not been sated lol. I think there's some missing pages in my book for sure. This ↓ is like legit live footage of me when I realised I'd reached the end. 😆🤷🏻‍♀️ #sorrynotsorry



There was so much I thoroughly enjoyed about this book. It's such an interesting world that we are welcomed into. I loved the characters and was completely absorbed into this world. It was the kind of book that just gave me the perfect escape. Which I've been desperately in need for, life amiright? So I was kind of like Tom when he was running from the guards. But for me, the guards equal the reality I'm trying to run from. Do you feel me? So I am very thankful to Jena for providing me with this book. It was just what I needed. A perfect balance of everything.



The one thing I loved the most was definitely the characters. There was just something about them that had me attaching to them so quickly. The Fae Prince and Thorn are just the kind of characters that have you chuckling at their antics and their amusing bickering lol. There's like this slow but fast build between them (I know that sounds confusing lol), but no matter how much bad blood there is between them, there is like this insane pull to the other. Like a magnetic force working between them. So you can imagine how that's going to go. But you'll be there for it. You won't be able to stop yourself from running right into that burning building.



I loved that the MC girl already knew about all the paranormal world and even knew what she was. That isn't something we always see. Mostly we learn along with them what they are, so it was nice, for me, taking this route for a changeup...and how I loved it.



A little about the story…so our girl, Thorn, is a Witch on the run from her coven and basically anyone that will use her. You see, she has this very deadly power, one that has been honed by the coven she's running from…but Thorn knows that the more this deadly power is used, it will claim any shred of her soul that has been left untouched by the darkness. She is a weapon that many would love to have in their pocket. Which is why she's in hiding (obvi lol). Thorn is taking a risk hiding right in enemy territory…but it's her best option to stay hidden from those seeking her. But it seems as always, that fate has a different plan for her. Or maybe that's something else like say um bad luck?....maybe both?




One night she finds herself hiding from the dangers outside, in a Fae nightclub...and from here everything takes a wild dive. The Unseelie King learns of her deadly secret...and you guessed it, wants to use her powers to track down who is killing and disposing of bodies in his territory. Thorn is forced into solving the mystery of who this serial slasher killer is...along with the Fae Prince. Mister arrogant who will literally play any card to get his own way. So yes, imagine a daily clash of wills, when these two come together. And I'll just over here like...




I'll tell you, the tension between these two is strong. To the point of hatred. But being stuck working together, really has a way of bridging those gaps. Which I'm totally here for also lol, obvi. 😆🤷🏻‍♀️ Let me give you a little sneaksie of what you can be looking forward to when it comes to these two...

❝“You’ve got to be the stupidest witch I’ve ever met to walk into my father’s nightclub of all places looking for a job.”
Did he say father…?
F****. My. Life. The arrogant a**hole standing in front of me, the one I just threatened, was Prince Caleb, son of the Unseelie king.
He smirked and dropped the wrinkled paper on the bar next to me. “I guess you finally realized who you were mouthing off to.”
“Mouthing off?” My blood began to boil from the way he made me sound like some insolent servant, and before I could rein in my temper, words spewed out. “Let’s get something straight, Prince Tinkerbell. I’m not one of your loyal subjects you can trample on.” Ugh, Thorn, shut the hell up.
“What did you call me?” A cool wind began to stir the hair around his stony face.
I guess he doesn’t like Tinkerbell.❞

Anywho, the search for answers and new leads through the territories of Vampires, Shifters and Demons is one that keeps landing them in more trouble...each time only making it more dangerous. But the longer Thorn has to use her dark powers, she feels herself slipping further into darkness...but because nothing is easy, more supernaturals are noticing her powers and want her (because why not?)...but Thorn's more afraid of the monsters of her past arising and finding her. Ones she isn't yet ready to face.



With darkness sneaking closer the more she uses her power...will Thorn be able to save herself before the darkness crashes in and claims her soul?



This is a book that needs to be read. The characters will be ones you love with your whole heart. Their pain will become yours. The story will claim your heart. I honestly can't wait to see what more will happen. I need more Thorn in my life. She's a great character. I adore her strength, determination and the love and protectiveness she still has, regardless of how messed up she's had it.



Some may say it feels like a repeat of Crimes of Fire...but let me just say, this book is a story all on its own. Yes, there are aspects that slightly made me think of her latest story, but in all honesty, the small sections that reminded me of Crimes of Fire were what actually made me love this one even more (because we all know how much I loved that world). But it is not by any means a repeat. It is an amazing book that I think many will enjoy and lose a lot of time to because they can't stop turning those pages.



There is so much I'm looking forward to seeing in this new dark urban fantasy creation. Jena, I love your crazy brain and everything you write. You are incredible and I'm here for every crazy, wild, torturous moment you want to create. I'll drop everything just to be there.



Gah, I can't wait for you guys to read this new world. Be sure to check it out when it releases on the 22nd July. You can find it on Amazon right here ---> Death Kissed.

Thank you to the lovely Jena for providing me with the chance to read the ARC of this amazing world. I can't wait to read more. I need it so much. I had to have a chocolate fill just to help me write this because I didn't know how to get all my thoughts out...and honestly, I barely touched it but my brain is legit shutting down. Just an ahhmazing job lovely. I know this will be another series I'll probably obsess over. Loved every moment.



Ugh, now back to this thing called reality. You sure you don't have any more ready for me? lol



Hope all my awesome ramblers are doing well and are at least trying to keep out of mischief this weekend lol.

Happy Reading book dragons x

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one of the Nightworld: Court of Magic series and the main character is a rare type of witch who escaped her mother and the coven leader’s hands, after years of being tortured and made to use her magic for evil purposes. She ran away to enemy territory and didn’t dare use her magic in case they could trace her location from it. She is living in a dive and working a minimum wage job in Fae territory of the city, which was split after the war and the witches driven from the city. Running scared, the seventeen year old as been using a false identity and pretending to be twenty one, using the name Thea Thorn amongst the human population. Her real name is Thorn Rosalee. She loses her job one night and has to walk the dark streets, believing someone or something is following her, so she does something stupid and enters Shade, a huge nightclub for humans and paranormals, owned and run by King Lachlan of the Unseelie Fae. When a demon tries to steal her soul, she uses her magic and it takes over, allowing her to kill him, but this brings her to the notice of the security and the king. He has other uses for her and wants her to join his son Caleb Blackwood, in finding out who is responsible for the latest series of human deaths, as the bodies have been dumped on Fae grounds leaving them being accused of one of them being the serial killer.
Caleb hates witches with a vengeance after the war, when he lost both his older brother and his mother. They have to somehow uncover which of the paranormal groups, vampires, fae, shifters or demons, are responsible for the killings and put a stop to them. If she doesn’t, harm will come to her and one of her only human friends. But using her powers again have brought her to the notice of more than just the Fae, with one of the other factions vying for her specialist skills! As she follows leads, with or without Caleb, she finds herself in danger and could soon be used as a weapon again, like she was by her mother and coven leader. She would rather die than be back in that position, but her forced use of her death magic soon brings those she fears most, into the city! She and Caleb have a love hate relationship as they have to work together and he uses a lot of flirting to push her buttons. Whether he is serious about any action taking place between the two, seems highly unlikely with what has happened to his family members. He will soon learn to trust Thorn and see that she is nothing like the witches that killed his family and others during the war. She has her own burdens to carry, that have left deep marks on her, and further use of her deadly power will darken her soul and destroy the very person she is trying to be. He has his own reasons for working with her to find the serial killer and the problem will bring a much more complex issue to the fore, in a battle for ultimate power and control. The story is full of danger for Thorn and leads her into more use of her deadly magic, which she had avoided using at all since she came to the city. An action filled read that felt much shorter than it was, as the pace kept going. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thorn is a witch on the run from her own coven. Hiding out in Chicago amongst all her enemies is better than being found by her coven. For if her coven finds her, they'll use her deadly power for their good and not Thorn's. For Thorn pays a little bit of her soul each time she uses her power.

One fateful night, fearing she's being followed, Thorn ducks into enemy territory, a bar owned by the Fae King Blackwood. While Thorn is in the club, the King witnesses her using her power and knows exactly what kind of witch Thorn is. He summons her to speak with her and she flees.

Thorn takes on every one of the king's men and thinks she's gotten away but the pesky, arrogant Fae Prince Caleb catches up to our heroine. She goes before the Fae King and in order to protect her very human friend, Thorn reluctantly agrees to work with Caleb. Her mission is to use her gift to find the supernatural serial killer targeting humans. The humans are being dumped in Fae territory in Chicago.

Caleb and Thorn couldn't be more different. Along the way they'll have to go into Vampire, Wolf Shifter and Demon territories finding more trouble along the way. Will they find their killer before they get into too much trouble?

The stakes are high and so is the angst and witty banter.  You will absolutely adore this enemies to lovers urban fantasy. The world and character building is very strong from the start. The end caught me by surprise only because I wasn't expecting it to end so suddenly. I don't normally read urban fiction but this is one must read! Well done Jena!

[Beverly Laude · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thorn Rose is a witch on the run from the evil head of her coven. Ellexia wants Thorn in order to use her powers as a death raker, but Thorn is determined to stay out of her reach.

But, true to her impulsive nature, Thorn literally goes from the frying pan into the fire when she tries to hide in a club named Shade. There, she meets a handsome and very arrogant Fae named Caleb. Little does she know that Caleb is a Prince. Thorn is given the option of helping King Lachlan find out who is killing humans and trying to make it look like the Fae are responsible. But, in order to do this, she has to work with "Tinkerbell", as she has dubbed Caleb.

This book is full of magic, supernatural creatures and plenty of action. Thorn is exasperating at times, acting like a character in a bad horror movie and going off on her own. Of course, this doesn't end well and she ends up in several near death situations. There is also a touch of romance as Caleb and Thorn start having feelings for each other in spite of the animosity between the Fae and Witches.

The story was well written, the characters well developed and the world building was great. This was an entertaining and enjoyable book that ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, but the story is so engaging that I will definitely be looking to continue the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ethel D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thorn Rosalee - a Witch with lethal powers hiding from her own kind.
Caleb Blackwood - a Fae Prince.

These two are forced to work together by Caleb's father. They must find the killers who are dumping the bodies in Fae Territory, causing The Fae King angst for fear he would lose his territory in Chicago. As they start their hunt for these killers, they realize that they are not overly fond of each other. This changes as the book progresses due to the many challenges and entrapments. They finally find the ones responsible for the killings but not before they encounter a new nemesis.

As usual Ms. J. N. Colon's book is exciting and engaging. She has done a wonderful job. I can't wait until her second book in this series is out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[T.L. McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.N. Colon has done it again and completely sucked me into a new world filled with magic and mayhem. Once I got swept away in the pages of Thorn’s life, I couldn’t put this book down for nothing. She’s so feisty and strong-willed, despite everything she’s had to endure—but then again, maybe that’s why she’s so strong. She’s never had a choice to be anything else. And let’s not forget Caleb—the giant, teasing flirt of a Fae she’s been teamed up with who has tragic issues of his own he’s trying to work through. They may clash once thrown together, but they may also be exactly what the other needs.

Death Kissed is an action-packed whirlwind of scary magic, tragic pasts, murder, sacrifice, and enemies to maybe lovers, and I couldn’t get enough of it. I so need more of Thorn and Caleb, which is why I’m going to immediately read book two. Right now.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When hiding fails, our heroine must turn enemies into allies if she wants to survive.

This is book one of the series, so a good place to start.

This is an urban fantasy/paranormal romance story with witches and fae. The story is well written and easy to read with a lot going on. Both the setting and the characters are well done, with some nice development to flesh out the story. The plot is rather complex, with lots of intrigue which keeps you guessing where things are going next. I really enjoyed the enemies-to-ally aspects of the story as well as the interactions of our hero and heroine. Overall, this was an excellent read and I definitely am looking forward to the next book.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.

[fred jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the premise and the characters in this book. I have a weakness for sarcastic female lead characters, particularly when they can kill with a touch as Thorn can. Caleb the entitled dark fae prince and excellent villains. A series of gruesome murders draws then together. The story is strong, the mystery is interesting and the writing generally excellent. I just found the romance switched between attraction and hate too frequently to be believable. And i think Thorn will need a dentist as she is frequently grinding her teeth in frustration. Still I would be happy.to read more just to see how the open ending resolves.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this new series. It introduces a different kind of Chicago with supernatural creatures and a serial killer on the loose. Thus we are introduced the Thorn and Caleb, our two main characters from opposite sides of a recent war who must partner together to find the killer. That is if they do not kill each other first. They were a blast as the main characters and had me laughing and groaning at their interactions. Plus all the secondary characters just add to this new world. Just a great story and characters that I could not put down it was so good. Lots of banter, action, danger and secrets. Need more.

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a fantastic start to this new series and I already can’t wait to read book 2. I loved the characters Thorn a powerful witch with very unique powers who’s hiding from her coven and the Fae Prince Caleb they are forced to work together by Caleb’s father the Fae King to find out who is killing and leaving the bodies in the Fae Kingdom. The two of them don’t get on at first and it made me laugh with the things that they said plus there was plenty of action, suspense, danger, snark and passion. I loved this story it’s a fantastic read and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.

[Milian Glafira · Rating 1 out of 5]

It starts out with the same phrases, literally, and pretty much the same set up as Wayward Fae Prison series. A young teenage girl with magical powers beyond her dreams, that she does not know of. Same magic damper handcuffs and the textbook arrogant fae prince who's just so attractive she wets herself, practically . It feels like a repeat. I'm very sorry to say I will not read this series. I really loved Wayward Fae, but when this started the same with the same exact words used it fell flat to me.

[Marie Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was very well written and the characters and story were well developed. I loved the character personalities and seeing the relationship dynamics evolve and develop throughout the book. The story was action packed and full of twists and turns. It had suspense, intrigue, hot chemistry, humour and great world building. I’d highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next book one this series!! Another excellent book from this author.
I received an arc for a voluntary review.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book in the series so start here
Kickass Heroine witch with dangerous powers, this book has it all demons, witches, shifters and fae.
The story kept me reading and i look forward to reading more and exploring the world. I found the story was action packed with twists and turns, suspense, intrigue, humour.
Looking forward to the next book in the series

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christina Luberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will not want to put this down. It is none stop action and not in only one way. Follow the journey of Thorn (Thea) and Caleb’s journey on finding who is killing and dropping bodies in the Fae territory and why Thorn is not with her coven. Will say there was times when I thought Thorn should have done better for the way she is portrayed in most of the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[nat _lovestoread · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death touched witch + hot male Tinkerbell = 🤤🥵🔥

Wow, my mind is blown by this phenomenal start of the series installment, my very first book by this author and definitely not the last!!! 🥰 #stalkermodeon 😁
Loved, loved, loved Thorn and Caleb so much, the amazing world JN has created and the dark twisted plot that sucked me in since the start!!! 🤯
Can't wait to read the next book in the series, need to know what will happen next!!! 🖤

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death Kissed by J.N. Colon is Book 1 in the Nightworld: Court of Magic series. A well written story with fantastic world building and absolutely wonderful characters. Thorn, a witch with death magic, and Fae Prince Caleb are characters that hold your interest and keep you reading. Their antics and funny bickering are so endearing. Loved this book and really looking forward to the next in series -- Shadow Touched. Received a copy from Booksprout and this is my voluntary review.

[Imani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thorn is an option interesting one

I really enjoyed Death Missed by J.N. Colon. It definitely left me wanting more. Especially more of Caleb and Thorn. I really enjoyed their chemistry and would love to see that continue to develop. The world in this story was well built and even somewhat relatable, you could see it. The story was so engaging, once I started I could not put it down.

[TR Bakke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addicting and Enchanting

I don't have a lot of hope for books like these, yet every once in a while, I come across a book like this.

This world is fleshed out in a way it feels like a secret revealed. We meet humans are not to know about the wondrous paranormal world that shifts into our human one.

Grab a wine, a comfy seat, and read along as the most unlikely couple try to save our world. But I must be off, I need to get my hands on the next in the series!

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thorn is a great female lead and hiding in Unseelie territory from her witch coven. After being found by the King she gets paired with his son Prince Caleb to find a serial killer.. So many types of characters involved within the story. Looking forward to the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jodie Cary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome Paranormal story. I loved reading it. I was hooked in right from the start and did not want to put it down.
Fae & Witches working together to solve a crime. I loved the characters and the storyline. I cannot wait to read more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death Kissed by J.N. Colon is a wonderful story that I have loved reading. This is book number one in this start to a brand new series that I am so hooked on and I can not wait to read the rest. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about urban fantasy and paranormal romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Crislee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What fun. Another action packed adventure from JN Colon. And as always is clean except for a few words. I'm not normally a "fantasy" fan but I love all her series and this one is no exception. I can't wait for the next in this newest series. Thorn and Caleb are going to be fun.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great beginning to a new series. A witch with a powerful power that could be dangerous in the wrong hands. I was completely engrossed in the characters and how they interacted. Can’t wait for the next Don’t miss out once it’s released.

[Nilda Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful start for a series. Amazing storyline and great characters. A powerful witch and a Fae prince will have you turning pages with their adventure. I really enjoyed this read and can not wait for more.