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Of Magic and Contempt #4
Breeding Contempt
Her coven wants her to choose a mate, her familiars want her to mate with them, and her aunt wants her womb to produce strong shifters to turn into monsters. Everyone is obsessed with who Melody will breed with.
Frankly, it’s the last thing on her mind. How can she possibly relax, when so many are suffering? Her aunt continues to abuse and torture shifters, experimenting on them to create the ultimate hybrid army. Her peers want to enslave their own familiars, and the Provost - she wants to take Melody’s familiars away.
Melody is being pulled in so many directions, but she’s struggling just to survive - not only her aunt’s machinations, but the persistent bullying by her fellow students. Things are only getting tougher at Adolphus Academy, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that she needs to get out of there as soon as she can.
It’s obvious that she needs help from the US council, but the advent of the hybrid shifters means more questions for Melody. Questions she doesn’t have the answer to, no matter how many times they ask.
If she can’t gain the trust of the council, then how on earth can she call on them for help? It seems her options are limited and her needs are great. It’s time for Melody to take her destiny in her own hands, and carve out the path that feels right to her.
This is a Reverse Harem Romance where the female lead has more than one love interest and is not required to choose between them. This book is not suitable for readers under the age of 18, and has scenes that may be distressing for some readers including discussion of past physical abuse and mentioning the sexual abuse of another character.
Frankly, it’s the last thing on her mind. How can she possibly relax, when so many are suffering? Her aunt continues to abuse and torture shifters, experimenting on them to create the ultimate hybrid army. Her peers want to enslave their own familiars, and the Provost - she wants to take Melody’s familiars away.
Melody is being pulled in so many directions, but she’s struggling just to survive - not only her aunt’s machinations, but the persistent bullying by her fellow students. Things are only getting tougher at Adolphus Academy, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that she needs to get out of there as soon as she can.
It’s obvious that she needs help from the US council, but the advent of the hybrid shifters means more questions for Melody. Questions she doesn’t have the answer to, no matter how many times they ask.
If she can’t gain the trust of the council, then how on earth can she call on them for help? It seems her options are limited and her needs are great. It’s time for Melody to take her destiny in her own hands, and carve out the path that feels right to her.
This is a Reverse Harem Romance where the female lead has more than one love interest and is not required to choose between them. This book is not suitable for readers under the age of 18, and has scenes that may be distressing for some readers including discussion of past physical abuse and mentioning the sexual abuse of another character.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2022
111 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Jade Thorn
33 books327 followersHi!
I'm "Jade" (pen name only). I'm a stay at home mother to three gorgeous young children. I've been writing stories since I was a little girl, but I have never had the confidence to share them. Finally a friend talked me into publishing something, so, "Siren" was born.
I ask you to be kind in your reviews. I know that you may not like what I write, but it doesn't mean that you have to be nasty about it. I don't understand people who feel the need to do that. My books cost less than a cup of coffee. If you didn't like the coffee, would you abuse the person who served you?
I like to "meet" my followers and get to know them. You can find me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jade.thorn.944/
I look forward to sharing my journey with you.
Jade
xoxo
I'm "Jade" (pen name only). I'm a stay at home mother to three gorgeous young children. I've been writing stories since I was a little girl, but I have never had the confidence to share them. Finally a friend talked me into publishing something, so, "Siren" was born.
I ask you to be kind in your reviews. I know that you may not like what I write, but it doesn't mean that you have to be nasty about it. I don't understand people who feel the need to do that. My books cost less than a cup of coffee. If you didn't like the coffee, would you abuse the person who served you?
I like to "meet" my followers and get to know them. You can find me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jade.thorn.944/
I look forward to sharing my journey with you.
Jade
xoxo
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
March 5, 2023
This series is just amazing. Can't wait for the next one
March 7, 2023
Okay, so I read books 1-3 and dnf'd book 4 @ 34%. Let me say I think this series started out AMAZING and I had such high hopes. And truly, I think some people will enjoy this one even more than me. Perhaps if I hadn't tried binge-reading the series I'd have liked it more???
We've got an interesting setting, lovely characters, and a lot of angst and obstacles to work through. A lot of hurt/comfort vibes as well. It's academy so bullying from other students, not her guys. The plot is pretty fast and the romance is both insta-attraction and slow/medium burn.
Here's the negatives though. Putting it under a spoiler tag just in case.
We've got an interesting setting, lovely characters, and a lot of angst and obstacles to work through. A lot of hurt/comfort vibes as well. It's academy so bullying from other students, not her guys. The plot is pretty fast and the romance is both insta-attraction and slow/medium burn.
Here's the negatives though. Putting it under a spoiler tag just in case.
July 10, 2022
Better but abrupt ending imo
This book was better in the way it explained things and how different things went down. We get more povs than ever and get to understand the men a bit more because of them. However the book ended in an abrupt place. I don’t think this was the best place to stop the book. There was no tied up loose ends so it really wasn’t the best place to stop. Book 5 has yet to come out.
In addition to this during the editing process I wish whoever was looking looked for misplaced words. Several times the author is talking about Laeda but then types out Laura. Who tf is Laura? Also it took to THIS book to address that Oz IS in fact Austin’s nickname. I couldn’t tell and kept getting confused when Austin was used especially since during Oz’s POVs it titled the chapter POV as Oz not Austin. Overall I’m excited to see how this is going to go down, how Beastia will be overcome, what the goddess’s plan is and if all the men are actually her mates.
This book was better in the way it explained things and how different things went down. We get more povs than ever and get to understand the men a bit more because of them. However the book ended in an abrupt place. I don’t think this was the best place to stop the book. There was no tied up loose ends so it really wasn’t the best place to stop. Book 5 has yet to come out.
In addition to this during the editing process I wish whoever was looking looked for misplaced words. Several times the author is talking about Laeda but then types out Laura. Who tf is Laura? Also it took to THIS book to address that Oz IS in fact Austin’s nickname. I couldn’t tell and kept getting confused when Austin was used especially since during Oz’s POVs it titled the chapter POV as Oz not Austin. Overall I’m excited to see how this is going to go down, how Beastia will be overcome, what the goddess’s plan is and if all the men are actually her mates.
March 10, 2023
Good, but wtf did I just read?
I have to say, while this story is good so far as action and whatnot, from page one it feels like I missed a book. Normally the next book picks up at the last scene of the previous book. This one we’re missing an entire battle? Unless my memory is that bad?
Since I felt this way, I was very confused a lot of the time, because references are made to this second battle and what happened in it and I’m like, “Say what now?”
We do start to see pieces of the overall puzzle being put together, but it’s disconcerting to read a book where I felt lost a fair bit of the time.
I have to say, while this story is good so far as action and whatnot, from page one it feels like I missed a book. Normally the next book picks up at the last scene of the previous book. This one we’re missing an entire battle? Unless my memory is that bad?
Since I felt this way, I was very confused a lot of the time, because references are made to this second battle and what happened in it and I’m like, “Say what now?”
We do start to see pieces of the overall puzzle being put together, but it’s disconcerting to read a book where I felt lost a fair bit of the time.
May 15, 2023
High and mighty FMC
Spoiler alert:
My biggest disappointment in this series is how the FMC is now in a position of authority, she is acting like she is all that and a bag of chips. Every time one of her men express a desire for her, she gets up on her soapbox and starts preaching about it’s her choice and only her choice. None of the men were holding you down and taking away your choice. And then someone walks in while she is lecturing them. So of course, that person starts getting mad on her behalf, and talking about it being her choice. OMG! All they did was say they want you. And it didn’t happen one time, it was like every few chapters. I don’t know if this was written during the me too movement, but it seems like any infraction that could be perceived as wrong was heightened to the 10th power. It’s just way too much for my taste.
I also didn’t find the transition from slave to coven leader to be very believable. If someone was a slave for 21 years, not allowed to speak, or do anything without permission. And even getting punishment when you were doing what you were told, they are not going to easily know how to talk to high witch council members and other coven leaders. She wasn’t allowed an education, except for what she read in books. She did not go to meetings for her coven. The only time that she interacted with witches when she was getting tortured and used. She was kept in a cage all her life. There is no way that she would cop such an attitude with different people in the very first meeting that she’s ever had as a coven leader.
I thought there was a lot of duplication throughout the four books I read where she talks about her guilt in her involvement with her aunts coven 1,000,001 times.. Yes, I totally understand why she feels guilty. But how many times does she need to say the same thing again and again, throughout the whole four books.
And lastly, you should understand that all the male characters in this book are devoted and in love with the female. But she doesn’t really show any love and affection towards them. It’s more that she’s protective of them, and loyal to them. She even tell them that she loves them, but not in love with them. I really like more romance in my reverse harem books..
Spoiler alert:
My biggest disappointment in this series is how the FMC is now in a position of authority, she is acting like she is all that and a bag of chips. Every time one of her men express a desire for her, she gets up on her soapbox and starts preaching about it’s her choice and only her choice. None of the men were holding you down and taking away your choice. And then someone walks in while she is lecturing them. So of course, that person starts getting mad on her behalf, and talking about it being her choice. OMG! All they did was say they want you. And it didn’t happen one time, it was like every few chapters. I don’t know if this was written during the me too movement, but it seems like any infraction that could be perceived as wrong was heightened to the 10th power. It’s just way too much for my taste.
I also didn’t find the transition from slave to coven leader to be very believable. If someone was a slave for 21 years, not allowed to speak, or do anything without permission. And even getting punishment when you were doing what you were told, they are not going to easily know how to talk to high witch council members and other coven leaders. She wasn’t allowed an education, except for what she read in books. She did not go to meetings for her coven. The only time that she interacted with witches when she was getting tortured and used. She was kept in a cage all her life. There is no way that she would cop such an attitude with different people in the very first meeting that she’s ever had as a coven leader.
I thought there was a lot of duplication throughout the four books I read where she talks about her guilt in her involvement with her aunts coven 1,000,001 times.. Yes, I totally understand why she feels guilty. But how many times does she need to say the same thing again and again, throughout the whole four books.
And lastly, you should understand that all the male characters in this book are devoted and in love with the female. But she doesn’t really show any love and affection towards them. It’s more that she’s protective of them, and loyal to them. She even tell them that she loves them, but not in love with them. I really like more romance in my reverse harem books..
May 28, 2022
Please make sure you read part 2 of book 3 before starting this one.
So much happens in this book, looking back I'm suprised by just how much was packed in.
Melody is finally starting to stand up for herself and answer back, she is finding her feet with the support she is now receiving. Coven Drakis is taking shape and adding members. Melody finds out about her fathers and his side of the family.
We also get to see Melody, her mates and familiars interacting without a battle or fight going on. There are lots of politics to wade through and it's a minefield Melody is not familiar with but she plays the games so well. Everything is starting to come together, but there are still so many fights and prejudices to overcome, but Melody is determined.
I enjoy the slow build of the relationships and that they don't lways get on and sometimes fight, it just maks the bonds so much stronger when things do end up working out.
I'm looking forward to book 5.
So much happens in this book, looking back I'm suprised by just how much was packed in.
Melody is finally starting to stand up for herself and answer back, she is finding her feet with the support she is now receiving. Coven Drakis is taking shape and adding members. Melody finds out about her fathers and his side of the family.
We also get to see Melody, her mates and familiars interacting without a battle or fight going on. There are lots of politics to wade through and it's a minefield Melody is not familiar with but she plays the games so well. Everything is starting to come together, but there are still so many fights and prejudices to overcome, but Melody is determined.
I enjoy the slow build of the relationships and that they don't lways get on and sometimes fight, it just maks the bonds so much stronger when things do end up working out.
I'm looking forward to book 5.
August 24, 2023
drama
This is really a YA story with sex. There’s just soooo much drama. The last bit with the wolves was just completely unnecessary. Books 2 & 3 drove me crazy from the mean girl drama - too extreme to be believable with such a great provost? What makes me smh the most is the story just doesn’t balance. Like how can you cast powerful curses, but can’t make pajamas? Why would you make bagging a powerful shifter so important when you think they’re just shit stuck on your shoe? Finally, there are way too many men in this series for the type of character Melody is. Most of them are ignored and I really just feel sorry for them. I feel kind of mean leaving this review because I usually just don’t if it isn’t nice but I’m pretty annoyed at this point. Her abuse has been told in such detail so many times that I have no sympathy left. I’m pretty sure I’ll finish the series because I’m too invested at this point but I don’t see myself ever rereading this.
This is really a YA story with sex. There’s just soooo much drama. The last bit with the wolves was just completely unnecessary. Books 2 & 3 drove me crazy from the mean girl drama - too extreme to be believable with such a great provost? What makes me smh the most is the story just doesn’t balance. Like how can you cast powerful curses, but can’t make pajamas? Why would you make bagging a powerful shifter so important when you think they’re just shit stuck on your shoe? Finally, there are way too many men in this series for the type of character Melody is. Most of them are ignored and I really just feel sorry for them. I feel kind of mean leaving this review because I usually just don’t if it isn’t nice but I’m pretty annoyed at this point. Her abuse has been told in such detail so many times that I have no sympathy left. I’m pretty sure I’ll finish the series because I’m too invested at this point but I don’t see myself ever rereading this.
May 10, 2022
LOOOOOOVE
I love where Melody’s story is going! One of my favorite parts of this series is that Melody’s relationships are slow-build. While there are definitely elements of insta-love, Melody needs to take her time to trust each guy and build a relationship with them, especially because of her past. Even four books in, some of the relationships are up in the air and nothing is really set in stone, which makes it a bit more relatable than other fated mates stories. I’ve enjoyed watching Melody grow stronger in her magic and her confidence. The spice level is nice and slow/medium burn, which also makes sense with her background. The supporting characters are complex and interesting and I hope we get to know them better in future books. Can’t wait to read the next book!
I love where Melody’s story is going! One of my favorite parts of this series is that Melody’s relationships are slow-build. While there are definitely elements of insta-love, Melody needs to take her time to trust each guy and build a relationship with them, especially because of her past. Even four books in, some of the relationships are up in the air and nothing is really set in stone, which makes it a bit more relatable than other fated mates stories. I’ve enjoyed watching Melody grow stronger in her magic and her confidence. The spice level is nice and slow/medium burn, which also makes sense with her background. The supporting characters are complex and interesting and I hope we get to know them better in future books. Can’t wait to read the next book!
November 8, 2022
Great! So that I was not repeating myself again, as I have loved these books so much. I took a little time to think about what I could put as a review. These books as a series are a must, whether you like, academy, reverse harem, magic and monsters or a plain good read.
They have family, angst and plenty of fall out, from an archaic and power hungry society. The push to become more and move with the times grows. Constantly badgered by hate and forced to battle when all they want is to settle down and become the family they should be. I cannot wait to see the completed version of nu 5… I have to say , Author Jade Thorn …. Lol get writing.
Great series and well worth a read, every single one of them. None let you down and just keep you enthralled and wanting more.
They have family, angst and plenty of fall out, from an archaic and power hungry society. The push to become more and move with the times grows. Constantly badgered by hate and forced to battle when all they want is to settle down and become the family they should be. I cannot wait to see the completed version of nu 5… I have to say , Author Jade Thorn …. Lol get writing.
Great series and well worth a read, every single one of them. None let you down and just keep you enthralled and wanting more.
May 11, 2022
It hurts me to say
I have no clue what it is... But this book didn't really excite me like the others. I can't put my finger on what I felt it was missing. It wasn't bad and it's well written but I felt confused most of the time...
Maybe it was me... Maybe my brain couldn't remember book 3 due to book overload so that made me feel confused about some details of previous events... a little disappointed it didn't grab me as much as the previous books. But I feel invested in the Character growth and I'm glad to see all of them evolving and becoming better versions of themselves.
It's well written and I still look forward to the rest of the series.
I have no clue what it is... But this book didn't really excite me like the others. I can't put my finger on what I felt it was missing. It wasn't bad and it's well written but I felt confused most of the time...
Maybe it was me... Maybe my brain couldn't remember book 3 due to book overload so that made me feel confused about some details of previous events... a little disappointed it didn't grab me as much as the previous books. But I feel invested in the Character growth and I'm glad to see all of them evolving and becoming better versions of themselves.
It's well written and I still look forward to the rest of the series.
March 18, 2023
The Kitsune is back but asleep; for how long? New attempts will be made to end Melody or her factions. The academy is still in danger. When they visit the dragons, they will receive many new surprises. Melody will adopt a charge. More connections are formed. Melody’s newest secret will be exposed. More of her past becomes unraveled spilling pertinent information. She will go back to where she once came from to face her ghosts and past, but also to make a new beginning. Within each book’s covers, so much transpires there is no way to even briefly list what is going on~ I am coming up on the final book of the series so it should be EPIC~
May 19, 2022
I love this series.
This is exactly what I needed!
There is so much happening in every book and there are so many challenges ahead of Melody.
She handles them really good. I like that its a slowburn, especially with the harem. It looks like it will become really big, but we are not sure yet. It depends on if she will accept them as mates, I really hope she will.
Melody has been through so much. She is a very strong character and I like reading about her growth in between the books.
I can not wait to the next book. Hopefully there will come more then one!
This is exactly what I needed!
There is so much happening in every book and there are so many challenges ahead of Melody.
She handles them really good. I like that its a slowburn, especially with the harem. It looks like it will become really big, but we are not sure yet. It depends on if she will accept them as mates, I really hope she will.
Melody has been through so much. She is a very strong character and I like reading about her growth in between the books.
I can not wait to the next book. Hopefully there will come more then one!
May 1, 2023
Breeding Contempt, the fourth book of the Of Magic and Contempt series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). Geez, what is the single-minded determination to breed Mel like a prize cow? The title gives an apt clue about the story line in this installment. With her secret out, there seems to be a flurry of people who feel they are the best to decide Melody's future. There is solid story progression with the lab-designed shifter-hybrids. Mel's aunt is truly evil. The pace picked up from book four and I enjoyed the ride.
May 15, 2022
good
This is a great series and Jade Thorn is a fantastic author. My only criticism is the relationships. I would think going into the last book, the harem would be established. I think the author bit off more than she can chew by having so many men involved in with the FMC. None of the men get any kind of attention from her and she just kind of ignores them. There’s too much left to address and I’m afraid I will be disappointed with the last book.
This is a great series and Jade Thorn is a fantastic author. My only criticism is the relationships. I would think going into the last book, the harem would be established. I think the author bit off more than she can chew by having so many men involved in with the FMC. None of the men get any kind of attention from her and she just kind of ignores them. There’s too much left to address and I’m afraid I will be disappointed with the last book.
September 26, 2025
Reading time: 4 hours and 59 minutes
This book repeated the explanation of what the FMC has went through ( you know the things we’ve been reading about since book one) so so many times that I think at least a quarter of the book could be removed. Just from that.
Which worries me when the next book is 905 pages long?? Like I know there’s a lot to be concluded as the previous books keep adding plots and storylines with nothing finalised but damn that’s a lot of pages.
This book repeated the explanation of what the FMC has went through ( you know the things we’ve been reading about since book one) so so many times that I think at least a quarter of the book could be removed. Just from that.
Which worries me when the next book is 905 pages long?? Like I know there’s a lot to be concluded as the previous books keep adding plots and storylines with nothing finalised but damn that’s a lot of pages.
May 10, 2022
I I wish this and the next book were one book.
It just seemed a little too short to me? Maybe it was just the areas that felt like filler. Also I thought we left words like “tards “ in 2010 and weren’t acting like xbox live chat children anymore in actual novels. Use another word. Not hard.
It just seemed a little too short to me? Maybe it was just the areas that felt like filler. Also I thought we left words like “tards “ in 2010 and weren’t acting like xbox live chat children anymore in actual novels. Use another word. Not hard.
May 10, 2022
Amazing
Wow Melody is not catching a break. This story is wonderful and so well written tou don't want to put it down. Melody is trying to find out answers about her past and what it all means for her future. Her mates and familiars are there to help her along with her Coven. I can't wait for book five and get the justice Melody deserve.
Wow Melody is not catching a break. This story is wonderful and so well written tou don't want to put it down. Melody is trying to find out answers about her past and what it all means for her future. Her mates and familiars are there to help her along with her Coven. I can't wait for book five and get the justice Melody deserve.
May 15, 2022
I loved seeing Mel really start to own her strength and finding family and love along the way. I think this is my favorite book in the series so far. There is still pain as she confronts her past, but underneath it all things are moving forward and Mel and her allies are starting to get ahead of her aunt. I can’t wait for book 5!
May 18, 2022
Outstanding read
I can't adequately express how much I love this series. These characters touch your heart and mind and the world building is exceptional. You get all the feels across the spectrum. So much action and drama. You can never predict what will happen next. I can't wait for the finale. Definitely recommend
I can't adequately express how much I love this series. These characters touch your heart and mind and the world building is exceptional. You get all the feels across the spectrum. So much action and drama. You can never predict what will happen next. I can't wait for the finale. Definitely recommend
May 23, 2022
🖤
I absolutely adore this series and the more I read, the more I love it.
Melody's journey grabbed on to me hard and never let go and I'm both excited and disappointed that the last book is next. I can't wait to see how it ends but I'll be so sad when it does.
I highly recommend this series.
I absolutely adore this series and the more I read, the more I love it.
Melody's journey grabbed on to me hard and never let go and I'm both excited and disappointed that the last book is next. I can't wait to see how it ends but I'll be so sad when it does.
I highly recommend this series.
July 6, 2023
Loved this book. Really, my favorite in the series... so far. It's so tense and surprising with some new characters. I have suspicions of what will be happening in the final book and see that it's nearly three times as long as the others. So excited.
January 15, 2024
Book 4
Finally getting somewhere and our FMC is getting stronger.
A RH like never before, some familiars and other fated mates. Finally a family and a coven is becoming strong. Can’t wait for D-Day.
Finally getting somewhere and our FMC is getting stronger.
A RH like never before, some familiars and other fated mates. Finally a family and a coven is becoming strong. Can’t wait for D-Day.
May 7, 2022
good
I love love love this series, this was a quick and short read. I finished it in one sitting I can’t wait till the next
I love love love this series, this was a quick and short read. I finished it in one sitting I can’t wait till the next
May 7, 2022
Amazing
I loved this so much!! But I need more!!!! Melody and her guys are just perfect. I am obsessed can't wait to see how it all ends !!!
I loved this so much!! But I need more!!!! Melody and her guys are just perfect. I am obsessed can't wait to see how it all ends !!!
May 18, 2022
speechless
The entire series has been spellbinding! The emotions put into this book leave me speechless! I love all the twist and turns!
The entire series has been spellbinding! The emotions put into this book leave me speechless! I love all the twist and turns!
May 20, 2022
I absolutely love this series. I'm so happy the author picked it up again and I'm anxiously waiting for the fifth book!
May 21, 2022
Actually really enjoyed this one. Lot more plot development and scary things happening. Hoping the next one is out soon!
October 23, 2022
Amazing
You have me an avid reader. Love this. I could just use a little more smut. With how many men she has you'd think she'd be a little more active
You have me an avid reader. Love this. I could just use a little more smut. With how many men she has you'd think she'd be a little more active
September 27, 2023
I don't want this series to end!
February 1, 2024
Damn damn
Holly Hell this series wow I can't put it down loving every bit of this series love it it gets you hook line and sinker
Holly Hell this series wow I can't put it down loving every bit of this series love it it gets you hook line and sinker
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews