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Stormshield #1
Omega's Gamble
Prince Raine has only one chance to escape a miserable life—find an alpha husband before the end of the marriage circuit.
With the threat of being banished to the priory hanging over his head, Raine will do whatever it takes to find himself a husband. Even visit Stormshield, a remote kingdom no omega prince ever sets foot on. A kingdom that just so happens to have three eligible alphas.
Prince Darien has all but given up on the idea of marriage after years of being snubbed by royal omegas. He has far more important things to worry about, like the pirates besieging their island kingdom. When an omega finally does step off the airship, Darien has no interest in a wedding. But he's not given a choice—this marriage represents an alliance his kingdom cannot refuse.
Bound to each other only hours after meeting, Raine and Darien face a rocky road. One wants this marriage at all costs, and the other resents being forced to marry the son of an enemy to keep the peace. They're both hiding secrets, but in Stormshield Kingdom, secrets never stay hidden for long.
Omega’s Gamble is a slow burn m/m shifter romance with a dash of magic. It features an arranged marriage, two stubborn princes, pirates, and a mysterious kingdom. It contains mpreg and mature themes.
With the threat of being banished to the priory hanging over his head, Raine will do whatever it takes to find himself a husband. Even visit Stormshield, a remote kingdom no omega prince ever sets foot on. A kingdom that just so happens to have three eligible alphas.
Prince Darien has all but given up on the idea of marriage after years of being snubbed by royal omegas. He has far more important things to worry about, like the pirates besieging their island kingdom. When an omega finally does step off the airship, Darien has no interest in a wedding. But he's not given a choice—this marriage represents an alliance his kingdom cannot refuse.
Bound to each other only hours after meeting, Raine and Darien face a rocky road. One wants this marriage at all costs, and the other resents being forced to marry the son of an enemy to keep the peace. They're both hiding secrets, but in Stormshield Kingdom, secrets never stay hidden for long.
Omega’s Gamble is a slow burn m/m shifter romance with a dash of magic. It features an arranged marriage, two stubborn princes, pirates, and a mysterious kingdom. It contains mpreg and mature themes.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 27, 2021
171 people are currently reading
974 people want to read
About the author
Claire Cullen
63 books644 followersClaire Cullen is an author and aspiring baker. Since she was a toddler, she has loved making up stories. Getting them down on paper proved a challenge in the early years when her preferred medium was finger puppets. She moved on to pen and paper, and later to keyboards, and hasn't looked back since, except for occasional bouts of nostalgia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews
October 4, 2024
This book was a bit of a letdown for me. While I went in expecting a balance of romance and action, the story leaned heavily toward the action-yet the action itself didn't pick up until around the 60% mark. The first half felt slow and uneventful, which made it difficult to stay engaged. I kept waiting for something substantial to happen, but it took too long to get there.
One thing I did enjoy was the alchemy. I loved reading about him honing his skills. That and Raine's journey away from his father's control and learning to live independently was the only redeeming part of the first half for me, but even that didn't fully make up for the sluggish pacing.
The second half of the book was much stronger, with the action finally taking off and the story becoming more engaging. I found myself getting into the plot at this point, but by then, was hard to overlook the earlier issues.
In the end, while I appreciated the second half and the improvement in the story, I couldn't ignore the fact that the first 60% felt like a chore to get through.
_____________
Pre-Read:
Someone said that the omegas in this book don’t go into heat and that it’s more of a slow burn. If you lied to me, I will find your address, and you will be DEALT WITH!! 😤 Anyway I hope you guys have an amazing reading month💖🫶✨
One thing I did enjoy was the alchemy. I loved reading about him honing his skills. That and Raine's journey away from his father's control and learning to live independently was the only redeeming part of the first half for me, but even that didn't fully make up for the sluggish pacing.
The second half of the book was much stronger, with the action finally taking off and the story becoming more engaging. I found myself getting into the plot at this point, but by then, was hard to overlook the earlier issues.
In the end, while I appreciated the second half and the improvement in the story, I couldn't ignore the fact that the first 60% felt like a chore to get through.
_____________
Pre-Read:
Someone said that the omegas in this book don’t go into heat and that it’s more of a slow burn. If you lied to me, I will find your address, and you will be DEALT WITH!! 😤 Anyway I hope you guys have an amazing reading month💖🫶✨
June 6, 2024
There is only one sex scene. This has been a Pervert PSA.
This is not at all what I was expecting, but don't get me wrong, it was still pretty good.
I only wish I got a heads up that this was very story/worldbuilding/plot heavy and extremely light on what I consider to be traditional A/B/O romance dynamics. Apart from social status and the ability to give birth, there's really no differentiating qualities between alphas and omegas (i.e. heat, ruts, knotting, marking). Actually, it seemed like the more sexual aspects of A/B/O were completely avoided all together and I don't think anyone was even mentioned as being a beta in the story.
The one sex scene that is present is just a sweet (and quick) scene between our two MCs but it didn't exactly...wow me. Partly because the scene itself wasn't anything special and partly because the chemistry between Darien and Raine just wasn't quite there for me? At first I just thought it was going to be a slower burn; it was definitely slow but there wasn't much burn...the romance was just a step above lukewarm, at best. Still very wholesome and sweet, but it was missing that something.
Part of that something, at least for me, was the very conspicuous lack of physical descriptors. Beyond Darien saying ONE TIME that Raine was beautiful (and I think maybe another omega mentioned the color of Raine's eyes?), I couldn't tell you a single physical attribute of any character in the book. A big part of building chemistry and attraction is describing how the characters see each other or even just how they feel around each other, but that was noticeably lacking for me too. Having nothing like that in the story just made the romance feel dry.
BUT, will all that said - thankfully, I did end up really enjoying the story itself. I thought the worldbuilding, the magic, the relations between kingdoms, and so on were really unique and interesting (especially the alchemy & steampunk-ish elements). It was enough that the lack of romance/heat wasn't as disappointing as it could have been. I feel like I'm saying more negative than positive things, but I swear the story is actually really good.
I will say it again, though, cause it's for your own good: if you're here for omegaverse smut, look elsewhere.
This is not at all what I was expecting, but don't get me wrong, it was still pretty good.
I only wish I got a heads up that this was very story/worldbuilding/plot heavy and extremely light on what I consider to be traditional A/B/O romance dynamics. Apart from social status and the ability to give birth, there's really no differentiating qualities between alphas and omegas (i.e. heat, ruts, knotting, marking). Actually, it seemed like the more sexual aspects of A/B/O were completely avoided all together and I don't think anyone was even mentioned as being a beta in the story.
The one sex scene that is present is just a sweet (and quick) scene between our two MCs but it didn't exactly...wow me. Partly because the scene itself wasn't anything special and partly because the chemistry between Darien and Raine just wasn't quite there for me? At first I just thought it was going to be a slower burn; it was definitely slow but there wasn't much burn...the romance was just a step above lukewarm, at best. Still very wholesome and sweet, but it was missing that something.
Part of that something, at least for me, was the very conspicuous lack of physical descriptors. Beyond Darien saying ONE TIME that Raine was beautiful (and I think maybe another omega mentioned the color of Raine's eyes?), I couldn't tell you a single physical attribute of any character in the book. A big part of building chemistry and attraction is describing how the characters see each other or even just how they feel around each other, but that was noticeably lacking for me too. Having nothing like that in the story just made the romance feel dry.
BUT, will all that said - thankfully, I did end up really enjoying the story itself. I thought the worldbuilding, the magic, the relations between kingdoms, and so on were really unique and interesting (especially the alchemy & steampunk-ish elements). It was enough that the lack of romance/heat wasn't as disappointing as it could have been. I feel like I'm saying more negative than positive things, but I swear the story is actually really good.
I will say it again, though, cause it's for your own good: if you're here for omegaverse smut, look elsewhere.
December 16, 2023
This is a wonderful fantastical world full of intrigue between kingdoms, magic, shapeshifters and one of the things that is so rare in books but that I yearn for - alchemy. A dream. And paired with omegaverse in which omegas are not slaves to their bodies. There is no omega here that goes into heat, it doesn't even seem to exist.
Being an omega came with built-in inertia. You were never the captain of your own ship, never the instigator, the author of your own life. You were always the background to someone else’s story.
Omegas have a lower status in society and must be married to alphas, but Stormshield is different.
The kingdom, the island is different and Raine will learn all about it as he learns to avoid his husband's strange behavior and create a life for himself that promises him freedom.
He had exactly what he wanted—freedom and knowledge. With the two would come power. The power to make his own destiny and not be reduced to a mere footnote in some alpha prince’s life. 💞🤩💞
Darien is a busy alpha who doesn't really know what to do with his sudden husband and therefore treats him completely wrong. He is often an asshole and not a particularly loving character. But his duties to his kingdom are overwhelming.
It takes a lot of time for the two of them to get to know each other. There is only one sex scene at all and it's pretty much towards the end.
“Harder.” “Are you sure?” “Don’t argue,” Raine chided with a grin. “I’m clever, remember?” 🥰🤭🥰
This is not a story that focuses on romance, but on action and the creation of a unique world.
I am really delighted. At no point was it boring or too drawn out. The storytelling is always exciting and perfectly balanced.
And everything is so interesting that you can't stop learning more and more about this world.
You should be aware that this is a trilogy, the stories of the princes of Stormshield build on each other and do not stand alone.
They were the outsiders, the underdogs—uncivilized, barbaric, or whatever word those pampered princes chose to throw at them. 💗😏💗
Being an omega came with built-in inertia. You were never the captain of your own ship, never the instigator, the author of your own life. You were always the background to someone else’s story.
Omegas have a lower status in society and must be married to alphas, but Stormshield is different.
The kingdom, the island is different and Raine will learn all about it as he learns to avoid his husband's strange behavior and create a life for himself that promises him freedom.
He had exactly what he wanted—freedom and knowledge. With the two would come power. The power to make his own destiny and not be reduced to a mere footnote in some alpha prince’s life. 💞🤩💞
Darien is a busy alpha who doesn't really know what to do with his sudden husband and therefore treats him completely wrong. He is often an asshole and not a particularly loving character. But his duties to his kingdom are overwhelming.
It takes a lot of time for the two of them to get to know each other. There is only one sex scene at all and it's pretty much towards the end.
“Harder.” “Are you sure?” “Don’t argue,” Raine chided with a grin. “I’m clever, remember?” 🥰🤭🥰
This is not a story that focuses on romance, but on action and the creation of a unique world.
I am really delighted. At no point was it boring or too drawn out. The storytelling is always exciting and perfectly balanced.
And everything is so interesting that you can't stop learning more and more about this world.
You should be aware that this is a trilogy, the stories of the princes of Stormshield build on each other and do not stand alone.
They were the outsiders, the underdogs—uncivilized, barbaric, or whatever word those pampered princes chose to throw at them. 💗😏💗
September 18, 2021
My favourite part of the book was the alternative world setting, it was a mix of ABO/regency/alien/magic. I honestly wish we got to know more because I found it so interesting.
I saw a review that this book reminded them of Honeythorn by Marina Vivancos and I definitely agree but I think this one did a worse job of redeeming the asshole alpha. The romance was kind of hard to root for, Darien kind of sucked for majority of the book and did not deserve Raine AT ALL. I didn't really feel a connection to their love story, even at the end so it loses a few stars for that.
Nonetheless, it was a decent story but I wish it had delved deeper into the world building and the romance. I will still definitely be reading the next one!!
I saw a review that this book reminded them of Honeythorn by Marina Vivancos and I definitely agree but I think this one did a worse job of redeeming the asshole alpha. The romance was kind of hard to root for, Darien kind of sucked for majority of the book and did not deserve Raine AT ALL. I didn't really feel a connection to their love story, even at the end so it loses a few stars for that.
Nonetheless, it was a decent story but I wish it had delved deeper into the world building and the romance. I will still definitely be reading the next one!!
January 27, 2022
5/5.
Omega's Gamble by Claire Cullen is a steampunk fantasy omegaverse with shifters, royalty, war, and a marriage of convenience.
The wordbuilding in this fantasy world was fascinating to me! We don't get to know all the secrets of the world of course, but plenty was brought up that I cannot wait to read this story in its entirety once the author releases them. We are introduced the royal marriage circuit, the consequences of failure, and the expectations that span across different kingdoms of the role of omegas and alphas. I've not really read a lot of steampunk and wasn't sure I'd like it, but the magitek aspect of this world along with alchemy-as-magic was honestly really cool. Not to mention airships! I could totally picture the world in my head, and part of the reference was Kul Tiras from World of Warcraft. If you get that reference, I suppose you are a nerd like myself. Also, there is a prophecy aspect to this, and now that I've put it together I am very excited to read the rest of this series.
The relationship between Darien and Raine was so good - slowburn, angst, marriage of convenience, hurt/comfort... I cried a lot, reading it. I felt so much for Raine, an omega who was hated and blamed for what he could not control, and the circumstances of his escape just being whatever he could accept despite it not being what he needed and deserved. Darien was doing things out of duty, and in a way, more focused on his own plight and assumptions of who Raine was that he does not trust him or help him until someone else points out things that are going wrong. Still even then he disregards the feelings of Raine until he is pointed out just how wrong what he is doing looks like. It is only when he is given the space to see Raine for who he is - another person, not as 'omega' or 'prince' - that he realizes just how special the man he has married is. While this is a slowburn and low heat, the touches and sweet words they share each other was amazing. I felt growth from Darien, and more importantly, the confidence Raine gains in his own abilities.
So if any of that interests you, I highly recommend!
"He eased onto his back, and Raine settled against his side. He cupped the omega’s cheek. “You did it, Raine. You saved the kingdom.” Raine held his gaze, content in his arms. “For you, Darien. I did it all for you.”
Omega's Gamble by Claire Cullen is a steampunk fantasy omegaverse with shifters, royalty, war, and a marriage of convenience.
The wordbuilding in this fantasy world was fascinating to me! We don't get to know all the secrets of the world of course, but plenty was brought up that I cannot wait to read this story in its entirety once the author releases them. We are introduced the royal marriage circuit, the consequences of failure, and the expectations that span across different kingdoms of the role of omegas and alphas. I've not really read a lot of steampunk and wasn't sure I'd like it, but the magitek aspect of this world along with alchemy-as-magic was honestly really cool. Not to mention airships! I could totally picture the world in my head, and part of the reference was Kul Tiras from World of Warcraft. If you get that reference, I suppose you are a nerd like myself. Also, there is a prophecy aspect to this, and now that I've put it together I am very excited to read the rest of this series.
The relationship between Darien and Raine was so good - slowburn, angst, marriage of convenience, hurt/comfort... I cried a lot, reading it. I felt so much for Raine, an omega who was hated and blamed for what he could not control, and the circumstances of his escape just being whatever he could accept despite it not being what he needed and deserved. Darien was doing things out of duty, and in a way, more focused on his own plight and assumptions of who Raine was that he does not trust him or help him until someone else points out things that are going wrong. Still even then he disregards the feelings of Raine until he is pointed out just how wrong what he is doing looks like. It is only when he is given the space to see Raine for who he is - another person, not as 'omega' or 'prince' - that he realizes just how special the man he has married is. While this is a slowburn and low heat, the touches and sweet words they share each other was amazing. I felt growth from Darien, and more importantly, the confidence Raine gains in his own abilities.
So if any of that interests you, I highly recommend!
January 27, 2024
4.5/5 but I’ll round it up become this book was just that good.
The plot and the world were my favourite part of this book. The romance was secondary to the story but I really didn’t mind that at all.
This was without a doubt a perfect slow-burn to fit in a great plot with lots of different tropes and elements and a unique world that I haven’t gotten enough of yet.
The plot and the world were my favourite part of this book. The romance was secondary to the story but I really didn’t mind that at all.
This was without a doubt a perfect slow-burn to fit in a great plot with lots of different tropes and elements and a unique world that I haven’t gotten enough of yet.
December 13, 2023
4.25
Absolutely lovely.
Claire Cullen's omegaverse books are always a joy to read, and "Omega's Gamble" is no exception: I freaking loved it.
This novel has all my favourite tropes: from slow-burn (ft. a smidge of miscommunication and keeping-secrets-to-keep-myself-safe) to arranged marriage and even the most satisfying groveling (I love a good grovel with my whole soul).
I loved Raine and Darien, and I loved witnessing their journey towards a well-deserved HEA.
This book is the perfect balance between romance and plot, a highly satisfying one at that. The underlying plot about Stormshield and it's isolation from the world, the reason why it's so different from all the other kingdoms, was absolutely fascinating and gripping, and I seriously can't wait to read the next book to discover more.
The side characters were fantastic, the romance was lovely and achingly sweet with a smidge of spice, and although I would have loved to see more of the omegavese side developed, I still adored it.
Absolutely lovely.
Claire Cullen's omegaverse books are always a joy to read, and "Omega's Gamble" is no exception: I freaking loved it.
This novel has all my favourite tropes: from slow-burn (ft. a smidge of miscommunication and keeping-secrets-to-keep-myself-safe) to arranged marriage and even the most satisfying groveling (I love a good grovel with my whole soul).
I loved Raine and Darien, and I loved witnessing their journey towards a well-deserved HEA.
This book is the perfect balance between romance and plot, a highly satisfying one at that. The underlying plot about Stormshield and it's isolation from the world, the reason why it's so different from all the other kingdoms, was absolutely fascinating and gripping, and I seriously can't wait to read the next book to discover more.
The side characters were fantastic, the romance was lovely and achingly sweet with a smidge of spice, and although I would have loved to see more of the omegavese side developed, I still adored it.
August 4, 2021
**grm** (some spoilers)
A bit more romance and this book would have been a full 5 stars for me, but since the romance wasn't an essential part of the story, I rated it 4.5 going near 5 stars. I liked the setting, but I wish there was more world building, probably this book will work well as part of a series. I liked both the MCs, maybe Prince Darien(22?) more than his omega husband, Prince Raine(18?). At start the omega seemed weak and acted too much like a damsel, but later he grew up and showed his true colors, and I liked this part of his personality. Maybe the baby part came way too soon, since they both were pretty young, 22 and 18(I think), but they were happy so...I still have many questions that need answers, I think we need more books and they will probably be about Darien's brothers, Thorne and the youngest one, Rex.
A bit more romance and this book would have been a full 5 stars for me, but since the romance wasn't an essential part of the story, I rated it 4.5 going near 5 stars. I liked the setting, but I wish there was more world building, probably this book will work well as part of a series. I liked both the MCs, maybe Prince Darien(22?) more than his omega husband, Prince Raine(18?). At start the omega seemed weak and acted too much like a damsel, but later he grew up and showed his true colors, and I liked this part of his personality. Maybe the baby part came way too soon, since they both were pretty young, 22 and 18(I think), but they were happy so...I still have many questions that need answers, I think we need more books and they will probably be about Darien's brothers, Thorne and the youngest one, Rex.
April 23, 2024
This could have been really good, but Omega's Gamble in unfortunately held back by a very basic, very fundamental problem: the lack of a proper character arc, particularly for Darien.
Yes, the book tells us that Darien falls in love and he gives a speech that convinces Raine of his sincerity and they end up very happy and yadayada - but does Darien ever prove his love?
Spoiler: The answer is no.
Starting with his introduction, Darien is established as putting his duty to his kingdom above everything else - to the detriment of Raine, whom he neglects horribly in favor of his duty. So one might think that over the course of the book, Darien would prioritise Raine at some point of the story, to prove that he really does love Raine. One would be wrong.
That is, in my humble opinion, not the stuff that romance is made of.
Yes, the book tells us that Darien falls in love and he gives a speech that convinces Raine of his sincerity and they end up very happy and yadayada - but does Darien ever prove his love?
Spoiler: The answer is no.
Starting with his introduction, Darien is established as putting his duty to his kingdom above everything else - to the detriment of Raine, whom he neglects horribly in favor of his duty. So one might think that over the course of the book, Darien would prioritise Raine at some point of the story, to prove that he really does love Raine. One would be wrong.
That is, in my humble opinion, not the stuff that romance is made of.
August 20, 2024
I was spiraling into a reading slump when I picked this up, and it absolutely cured me! This book possesses a quality I adore: simplicity. It does precisely what is necessary to tell the story cohesively and efficiently. Despite the absence of the abundant romance I'm accustomed to in my usual reads, I didn’t feel like anything was lacking. The growth of Darien and Raine's relationship carried enough spark to match the intensity of the subplot—an impending war from other kingdoms.
As someone who isn’t typically drawn to fantasy, especially when it involves magic, I found the magical elements in this novel to be perfectly balanced. They added intrigue without overwhelming the plot. Omega's Gamble isn’t a long or demanding read, and because of that, I enjoyed it immensely.
As someone who isn’t typically drawn to fantasy, especially when it involves magic, I found the magical elements in this novel to be perfectly balanced. They added intrigue without overwhelming the plot. Omega's Gamble isn’t a long or demanding read, and because of that, I enjoyed it immensely.
September 4, 2025
3,5 ⭐️ rounded up
I don’t even know how to rate this one.
It’s a simple story. Plot wise and writing wise. It’s naive and easy and just at the right side of the border of “I can’t read this sappy stuff”.
But. It was an enjoyable read. And just right for me at this moment.
It’s a fairytale of a kind. Don’t expect depth.
The writing is decent enough though 😀
I don’t even know how to rate this one.
It’s a simple story. Plot wise and writing wise. It’s naive and easy and just at the right side of the border of “I can’t read this sappy stuff”.
But. It was an enjoyable read. And just right for me at this moment.
It’s a fairytale of a kind. Don’t expect depth.
The writing is decent enough though 😀
April 3, 2022
”You did Raine. You saved the kingdom.” Raine held his gaze, content in his arms. “For you, Darien. I did it all for you.”
The book follows Prince Raine trying to escape the miserable life he has living with his father and Prince Darien who sees nothing but his duty to protect his kingdom. and them they fall in love.
I really love the omegaverse and who doesn't love a good marriage of convenience? but something was missing. There was almost no chemistry between the characters, the book was slow burn but still didn’t have the development i was expecting, idk.
It didn't fully deliver what it was promising but it was cute enough to make me happy.
The book follows Prince Raine trying to escape the miserable life he has living with his father and Prince Darien who sees nothing but his duty to protect his kingdom. and them they fall in love.
I really love the omegaverse and who doesn't love a good marriage of convenience? but something was missing. There was almost no chemistry between the characters, the book was slow burn but still didn’t have the development i was expecting, idk.
It didn't fully deliver what it was promising but it was cute enough to make me happy.
February 10, 2022
I really like arranged marriage/marriage-of-convenience stories and this one had a lot of good conflict and interesting world-building. The political plot was well interwoven with the romance plot, and neither overshadowed the other. Although the secret-keeping and misunderstandings between the main characters were a bit predictable at times, I didn't feel that it ever got too frustrating. The writing was alright, but it annoyed me that there were barely any physical descriptors, especially when it came to the characters' appearances. I have no idea what anyone in this book looked like. And while I liked the emotional development of the relationship the book was also very low steam, which along with the non-existent appearance descriptions made me miss physical attraction as a component of the romance.
July 25, 2024
I have words for the Gentry
May 15, 2023
Omega's Gamble
By Claire Cullen
Third Prince Raine has been given an ultimatum by his father... be betrothed in two months time by the end of the marriage circuit or you'll be banished to the priory for life. It's easier said than done when you're the King's most hated son.
First Prince Darien has been ordered by his father to wed Raine and bring their kingdom a strong ally. Darien agrees, but with one condition... The wedding happens by sunset that evening. Raine agrees knowing this is his only chance to escape the priory and that any marriage is better than a life of servitude.
I absolutely loved this book. I loved Raine. He'd been through so much and treated horribly by his father. For about half the book Darien treated him little better. Ignoring him and encouraging the kingdom to do the same by his actions. Once they both started to give their marriage a chance things turned around for them. Darien spent a lot of his time protecting the kingdom from the constant attacks from pirates and precious little time with Raine.
The world building was adequate, but could definitely have been better in sharing the background of Stormshield and it's Royal family's lineage. Especially with Raine reading up so much on it to get to know his new home. Some of his newfound knowledge could have been shared with us. I loved the alchemy parts of the book. Wish that was a little more in depth too though. I was very disappointed that all of Raine's fathers plans were not spelled out for us. What was shared was like a vague sense of what he was doing and it was never really verified. It was only speculation. I did find that though Darien's family members are shifters it was neat that they could shift into different animals and not just one animal.
The author hinted that this is to be a series with one book for each brother. So that leaves Thorne and Rex yet to find their husband. Seeing as Raine was the first omega to ever step off the marriage circuit airship at Stormshield I'm very curious as to how they find their mates.
The book is in both Raine and Darien's POV though mostly Raine's. The angst level is on the high side just because of how sad the book is.
By Claire Cullen
Third Prince Raine has been given an ultimatum by his father... be betrothed in two months time by the end of the marriage circuit or you'll be banished to the priory for life. It's easier said than done when you're the King's most hated son.
First Prince Darien has been ordered by his father to wed Raine and bring their kingdom a strong ally. Darien agrees, but with one condition... The wedding happens by sunset that evening. Raine agrees knowing this is his only chance to escape the priory and that any marriage is better than a life of servitude.
I absolutely loved this book. I loved Raine. He'd been through so much and treated horribly by his father. For about half the book Darien treated him little better. Ignoring him and encouraging the kingdom to do the same by his actions. Once they both started to give their marriage a chance things turned around for them. Darien spent a lot of his time protecting the kingdom from the constant attacks from pirates and precious little time with Raine.
The world building was adequate, but could definitely have been better in sharing the background of Stormshield and it's Royal family's lineage. Especially with Raine reading up so much on it to get to know his new home. Some of his newfound knowledge could have been shared with us. I loved the alchemy parts of the book. Wish that was a little more in depth too though. I was very disappointed that all of Raine's fathers plans were not spelled out for us. What was shared was like a vague sense of what he was doing and it was never really verified. It was only speculation. I did find that though Darien's family members are shifters it was neat that they could shift into different animals and not just one animal.
The author hinted that this is to be a series with one book for each brother. So that leaves Thorne and Rex yet to find their husband. Seeing as Raine was the first omega to ever step off the marriage circuit airship at Stormshield I'm very curious as to how they find their mates.
The book is in both Raine and Darien's POV though mostly Raine's. The angst level is on the high side just because of how sad the book is.
February 11, 2022
An omega prince arranges a marriage with an alpha from a remote kingdom. The author had some interesting ideas, from the vaguely steampunk aesthetic to the magical technology to the way shifting works, but there’s simply too much going on in this book and not enough pages to develop all of it. The romance suffers the most; the characters go directly from reluctant tolerance to declarations of undying love without showing any of the steps in between. Readers who are more used to reading between the lines to find romance and attraction may have better luck, but this didn’t feel like much of a romance to me.
September 27, 2021
***3.5 stars***
December 21, 2023
3.8 Stars
Some things I liked about this book, some not so much. The initial plot was fun and exciting, though I wasn’t as hooked on it later on.
It’s slow-burn and lower spice. There’s some miscommunication and hurt/comfort tropes. The storyline was cool, but the romance pacing didn’t hit as hard as I hoped it would. I’m curious if the sequels are better, because I like the overall plot line.
Spice: 2/5
Angst: 2-3/5
Some things I liked about this book, some not so much. The initial plot was fun and exciting, though I wasn’t as hooked on it later on.
It’s slow-burn and lower spice. There’s some miscommunication and hurt/comfort tropes. The storyline was cool, but the romance pacing didn’t hit as hard as I hoped it would. I’m curious if the sequels are better, because I like the overall plot line.
Spice: 2/5
Angst: 2-3/5
December 26, 2021
Great
I really disliked Darien in the beginning and Raine broke my heart. I'm glad that Darien unstuck his head and saw what was in front of him.
I can't wait to read the next one.
I really disliked Darien in the beginning and Raine broke my heart. I'm glad that Darien unstuck his head and saw what was in front of him.
I can't wait to read the next one.
October 30, 2021
That was good. And Darien is an asshole. I'm not sure I liked the ending- became way too fluffy considering how it started.
October 10, 2021
“I want you. The way a husband wants a husband.”
Let the groaning begin.
Omega’s Gamble is better than expected, given that there is so much dreck out there and also that it is self-published by the author (generally, a red flag). Plus, I’m not too keen on the Omegaverse shtick, with its supposedly challenging the patriarchy by using all the gender assumptions that make the gender binary work in the first place. Making men take on the role of “the little woman” isn’t creative, critical, or engaging, it’s just lazy kitsch. What saves this book is the lack of pretension in the author’s part. It’s not trying to be anything other than it is, a decently competent if derivative remix of Omegaverse tropes.
The story follows the omega prince, Raine, as he desperately seeks out a husband to save him from his tyrannical father. Said husband is Darien, an alpha shifter who is prince of a cold, windswept island kingdom.
It should be clear already that Omega’s Gamble is formulaic, through and through. It has all the easy entertainment value and low-simmer drama of a Harry Potter movie - transiently interesting but quickly forgotten. Still, the writing is clear and mostly well-paced, the characters are also clearly drawn, if too tropey by half, and the imagery sufficiently vivid to easily picture this make-believe world. The quality of the writing drops off in the last 1/4 of the book, as if the author felt a rush to finish. More than anything, the novel feels like an author’s early, derivative work, and, if so, may point to a writer whose ready to bloom into something more in the future. (As it happens, I looked her up and need to revise my opinion; she’s written quite a few books. Knowing this, I’m not likely to buy any of her other books).
That being the case, is not a surprise that things are not really thought through in this first book of the series. Cullen misses her chance at building a more interesting and innovative world. First there is the simple-minded, tired cliché of “male omegas are really (traditionally conceived) women with different genitalia,” making them eager to do needlepoint, read fluttery romance novels and bed their husbands to make babies. Surely this approach qualifies for the “LAME” mantel at this point. With a bit more thought she could conjure a more multi-layered, nuanced sociopolitical reality. And then there is the magic, which raises more questions than it solves. Given the existence of magical materials and the plentiful how-to manuals we encounter in the narrative, it’s not really clear why only certain people (Raine) qualify as alchemists, especially as any old Joe (e.g. a soldier) is apparently able to wield the alchemical tools once they are made.
Unfortunately, while the first half of the book holds out the slim hope that the author might eventually break free of formula and take us somewhere interesting, the final chapters squash that hope. It’s as if the author is afraid to really explore her own world, to depart from well-trodden paths. As a result, even intimate scenes between Raine and Darien feel hackneyed and uninspired, while the weighty events happening around them feel truncated and their resolution premature.
If you are in mood for light reading that’s not very challenging, this is for you.
Let the groaning begin.
Omega’s Gamble is better than expected, given that there is so much dreck out there and also that it is self-published by the author (generally, a red flag). Plus, I’m not too keen on the Omegaverse shtick, with its supposedly challenging the patriarchy by using all the gender assumptions that make the gender binary work in the first place. Making men take on the role of “the little woman” isn’t creative, critical, or engaging, it’s just lazy kitsch. What saves this book is the lack of pretension in the author’s part. It’s not trying to be anything other than it is, a decently competent if derivative remix of Omegaverse tropes.
The story follows the omega prince, Raine, as he desperately seeks out a husband to save him from his tyrannical father. Said husband is Darien, an alpha shifter who is prince of a cold, windswept island kingdom.
It should be clear already that Omega’s Gamble is formulaic, through and through. It has all the easy entertainment value and low-simmer drama of a Harry Potter movie - transiently interesting but quickly forgotten. Still, the writing is clear and mostly well-paced, the characters are also clearly drawn, if too tropey by half, and the imagery sufficiently vivid to easily picture this make-believe world. The quality of the writing drops off in the last 1/4 of the book, as if the author felt a rush to finish. More than anything, the novel feels like an author’s early, derivative work, and, if so, may point to a writer whose ready to bloom into something more in the future. (As it happens, I looked her up and need to revise my opinion; she’s written quite a few books. Knowing this, I’m not likely to buy any of her other books).
That being the case, is not a surprise that things are not really thought through in this first book of the series. Cullen misses her chance at building a more interesting and innovative world. First there is the simple-minded, tired cliché of “male omegas are really (traditionally conceived) women with different genitalia,” making them eager to do needlepoint, read fluttery romance novels and bed their husbands to make babies. Surely this approach qualifies for the “LAME” mantel at this point. With a bit more thought she could conjure a more multi-layered, nuanced sociopolitical reality. And then there is the magic, which raises more questions than it solves. Given the existence of magical materials and the plentiful how-to manuals we encounter in the narrative, it’s not really clear why only certain people (Raine) qualify as alchemists, especially as any old Joe (e.g. a soldier) is apparently able to wield the alchemical tools once they are made.
Unfortunately, while the first half of the book holds out the slim hope that the author might eventually break free of formula and take us somewhere interesting, the final chapters squash that hope. It’s as if the author is afraid to really explore her own world, to depart from well-trodden paths. As a result, even intimate scenes between Raine and Darien feel hackneyed and uninspired, while the weighty events happening around them feel truncated and their resolution premature.
If you are in mood for light reading that’s not very challenging, this is for you.
February 1, 2022
I had high hopes because I really like the marriage of convenience trope but this book was disappointing. I don't consider it a slow burn if the alpha basically ignores the omega for the first 40% of the book. There was a severe lack of chemistry going on and it was overall, a bit boring. Not going to continue the series.
Summary: Raine is hated by his father and he needs to marry or else his father will ship him off to the priory. Stormshield is a kingdom no omega gets off on but Raine is desperate and immediately marries the prince there.
Summary: Raine is hated by his father and he needs to marry or else his father will ship him off to the priory. Stormshield is a kingdom no omega gets off on but Raine is desperate and immediately marries the prince there.
July 31, 2021
Amazing start!!
I COULD NOT put this book down!! I was sucked into the story right away. I cried, laughed, and fell in love with these characters and this kingdom. Of course, I am eagerly looking forward to more!
I COULD NOT put this book down!! I was sucked into the story right away. I cried, laughed, and fell in love with these characters and this kingdom. Of course, I am eagerly looking forward to more!
February 24, 2025
I have so many fixed feelings.
On the one hand, I was ecstatic to find an omegaverse with plot and substance. Bonus, written in third person. There was so much promise in this book and I was really into it.
But I have some, to me, major issues.
First, there were no descriptions. Maybe this was a conscious choice from the author but there were literally zero character descriptors. What do any of them look like? No idea. I think at one point we find out Raine has brown eyes. We were 30% in when we get told that his beloved cat (MVP of the book really) was orange.
Second, and maybe more critical, there was no omegaverse. Short of them having secondary genders, that’s it. No pheromones, no heat or rut, no knot. There might have been slick in the one brief smut scene, but that’s it. Now, I would consider myself a big OV fan. And one of the main draws is all these secondary instincts that go along with gender. Not having them felt like a huge let down.
There was also some big plot holes regarding this—are only males alphas and omegas? Females were present in the novel but never talked about as far as secondary genders. Can only males be princes and married off as royalty? None of this was ever addressed.
And third, the character development felt lacking. One moment Darien was all ‘I can’t get close to him’ and literally two pages later he’s kissing him and dropping the love word. I thought I missed something. Tons of telling not showing.
Overall I think I’m so disappointed because there was SO much promise in this book. I’m torn about continuing on in the series.
On the one hand, I was ecstatic to find an omegaverse with plot and substance. Bonus, written in third person. There was so much promise in this book and I was really into it.
But I have some, to me, major issues.
First, there were no descriptions. Maybe this was a conscious choice from the author but there were literally zero character descriptors. What do any of them look like? No idea. I think at one point we find out Raine has brown eyes. We were 30% in when we get told that his beloved cat (MVP of the book really) was orange.
Second, and maybe more critical, there was no omegaverse. Short of them having secondary genders, that’s it. No pheromones, no heat or rut, no knot. There might have been slick in the one brief smut scene, but that’s it. Now, I would consider myself a big OV fan. And one of the main draws is all these secondary instincts that go along with gender. Not having them felt like a huge let down.
There was also some big plot holes regarding this—are only males alphas and omegas? Females were present in the novel but never talked about as far as secondary genders. Can only males be princes and married off as royalty? None of this was ever addressed.
And third, the character development felt lacking. One moment Darien was all ‘I can’t get close to him’ and literally two pages later he’s kissing him and dropping the love word. I thought I missed something. Tons of telling not showing.
Overall I think I’m so disappointed because there was SO much promise in this book. I’m torn about continuing on in the series.
March 17, 2025
4.5 stars
POV: alternating 3rd person, past tense
Raine is an omega prince who has been shipped off on the marriage market with the threat that if he doesn't make a match, he will be sent to the priory. Darien is a prince of a small island who is tired of the marriage ships stopping at their port, since no one ever gets off. But Raine, who knows that know one will ever match the unfavoured son of his father, does. Darien, who has been battling pirates that seem to be from the alliance, thinks that maybe the marriage will be advantageous for his kingdom. And it is, but not for reasons that he thought. Because Raine isn't the "usual" omega, and his skills are something the kingdom has been needing for awhile. Darien is keeping secrets too, though, and someone is definitely trying to overrun the small kingdom, which makes getting to know one another even harder.
I really liked this. The characters and the world were clearly drawn, and I liked how Raine and Darien didn't fit into the slots that had been made for them. Raine especially really needed the love and appreciation that Darien and his people show him.
POV: alternating 3rd person, past tense
Raine is an omega prince who has been shipped off on the marriage market with the threat that if he doesn't make a match, he will be sent to the priory. Darien is a prince of a small island who is tired of the marriage ships stopping at their port, since no one ever gets off. But Raine, who knows that know one will ever match the unfavoured son of his father, does. Darien, who has been battling pirates that seem to be from the alliance, thinks that maybe the marriage will be advantageous for his kingdom. And it is, but not for reasons that he thought. Because Raine isn't the "usual" omega, and his skills are something the kingdom has been needing for awhile. Darien is keeping secrets too, though, and someone is definitely trying to overrun the small kingdom, which makes getting to know one another even harder.
I really liked this. The characters and the world were clearly drawn, and I liked how Raine and Darien didn't fit into the slots that had been made for them. Raine especially really needed the love and appreciation that Darien and his people show him.
August 3, 2021
The very first book in the Stormshield series and i enjoyed the book immensely. The development of characters, their slow love and the bonding between them , everything is so perfect. Once i started reading i couldn't keep the book down. Had to complete it, was so invested in the story. Raine and Dairen make a wonderful couple. The trust which formed between them slowly after the arranged mating was so worth everything that came after. This new world is so intriguing along with Darien's power to shift into more than species and of course Raine's alchemy. Hope to read the other books soon. A perfect Good Read ❤️
February 2, 2022
I had recently enjoyed this shifter/sci-fi/paranormal/omegaverse and mpreg very much. Actually I had enjoyed it more than I thought. It was a surprise hit for me. It also had political and royal intrigues, hurt/comfort and enemies to lovers along with forced marriage. And a very slow burn - this is what made this shifter story unique. Usually with shifters you have fated mates and insta-love and insta-lust. In the Omega's Gamble, both that alpha, Darien,and the omega,Raine, had to work hard towards love.
August 1, 2023
The author did a really good job with the world building and all the characters were lovable and believable. The only reason this isn’t a five star is that I felt like the romance of the main couple was background to everything else happening and some of the larger moments in their coming together story were glossed over in favor of the overarching world plot. There’s tons of interesting things happening and I’m curious to see how the magic will develop further.
August 1, 2021
I loved this world and cast of characters. The forced marriage trope is my favorite and this didn t disappoint. For me it had everything I enjoy:humor, banter and hurt/comfort which is the best ingredient. I can t wait to see the other brothers find their ones.
July 30, 2021
Omega’s Gamble by Claire Cullen is the first book in the Stormshield series. I am so excited for this series and this book did a stellar job at introducing the world to us readers. Elements of mpreg, royalty, pirates, mystery, and magic make this story fascinating and hard to put down. Raine and Darien are great characters and really deliver the romance. Loved it!
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