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Seven Kingdoms #1
Tall Dark & Evil
The Five Realms University is an open battlefield. After surviving three years of pranks, insults, and the occasional attempted murder, Alis thought she knew the rules of the game.
One encounter with Reiks, the golden prince everyone adores, shows her just how mistaken she was. He’s decided she’s his for his last year at Five, and no one can save her from his clutches, until an actual war comes knocking at the doors.
Alis had her reasons for staying under the radar for so long, but to survive, she might have to embrace the devastating magic in her blood, at the risk of destroying the entire world.
Born to take over a kingdom divided to its very core, Reiks has grown calculating and cruel, for the greater good.
He treats friends and foes as unwitting pawns on his board, until he comes to realize one piece might have been his enemy’s queen in disguise. Alis could be his undoing.
Or his salvation.
One encounter with Reiks, the golden prince everyone adores, shows her just how mistaken she was. He’s decided she’s his for his last year at Five, and no one can save her from his clutches, until an actual war comes knocking at the doors.
Alis had her reasons for staying under the radar for so long, but to survive, she might have to embrace the devastating magic in her blood, at the risk of destroying the entire world.
Born to take over a kingdom divided to its very core, Reiks has grown calculating and cruel, for the greater good.
He treats friends and foes as unwitting pawns on his board, until he comes to realize one piece might have been his enemy’s queen in disguise. Alis could be his undoing.
Or his salvation.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 26, 2022
82 people are currently reading
1014 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
May 29, 2022
I saw the cover and instantly rushed to Amazon to purchase, but that’s about the only thing I liked about this book.
Talk, Dark & Evil started out so promising, although there’s a lot of info/character dumping that had me a bit confused and I still don’t remember half of these characters names or who they’re supposed to be 🤣🤷🏻♀️
I will say that I instantly loved Reiks, because morally gray love interests are my jam, but wasn’t too keen on our fmc Alis. I was intrigued by all the mystery surrounding her powers and what kind of supe she was, but even that reveal fell flat for me and didn’t really seem to fit.
That plot twist with Reiks though was 👌🏻
I think I would have loved TD&E if the ending hadn’t been so rushed… We had all this crazy build up with Alis’s powers, her deal with Reiks, and the drama with all the rebels only for it to wrap up so neatly.
Talk, Dark & Evil started out so promising, although there’s a lot of info/character dumping that had me a bit confused and I still don’t remember half of these characters names or who they’re supposed to be 🤣🤷🏻♀️
I will say that I instantly loved Reiks, because morally gray love interests are my jam, but wasn’t too keen on our fmc Alis. I was intrigued by all the mystery surrounding her powers and what kind of supe she was, but even that reveal fell flat for me and didn’t really seem to fit.
That plot twist with Reiks though was 👌🏻
I think I would have loved TD&E if the ending hadn’t been so rushed… We had all this crazy build up with Alis’s powers, her deal with Reiks, and the drama with all the rebels only for it to wrap up so neatly.
May 25, 2022
4.5 so I’m obsessed! I loved this story. Tall, Dark, & Evil is a mesh of angst and banter,.. which I’m not mad at. The author does a great job of keeping us on our toes with the dynamic between the MCs.
Alis, our main character is witty, her own person, not dealing with the bs from others, only thing is that Alis struggles with her magick. Reiks is the sexy male interest that has you swooning thru and thru. His traits were luring, especially his tendency of irritating Alis, which I truly enjoyed. They’re dynamic was everything.
The plot was pretty solid. I loved the way the story evolved and Alis soon enough grasped her origins. The side characters were also something that kept me hooked! There was no bore in that aspect at all. I look forward to reading more by this author!
Huge thanks to the author for sending me a copy. All opinions are my own.
Alis, our main character is witty, her own person, not dealing with the bs from others, only thing is that Alis struggles with her magick. Reiks is the sexy male interest that has you swooning thru and thru. His traits were luring, especially his tendency of irritating Alis, which I truly enjoyed. They’re dynamic was everything.
The plot was pretty solid. I loved the way the story evolved and Alis soon enough grasped her origins. The side characters were also something that kept me hooked! There was no bore in that aspect at all. I look forward to reading more by this author!
Huge thanks to the author for sending me a copy. All opinions are my own.
May 21, 2022
Rating: 4.5 stars
That feeling when the characters’ banter is so fun and deliciously intense that you want the book to go on forever...
Tall, Dark and Evil is an excellent blend of characters, romance and worldbuilding. Alis is a very interesting protagonist. You know from the start that she’s different from her cousins, and the author has done a fantastic job weaving the mystery until the very end, giving us little hints and peeks every here and there. And Reiks…he stole my heart. He’s intelligent, cunning, handsome and charming. Plus, he’s a prince! How could I have not fallen in love with him? Together, the two have so much chemistry and banter. I lived for their scenes! Is there some spicy action? Indeed, there is! The supporting characters were also intriguing, especially Alis’s family (Valina in particular) and Zale, who I hope to see more in the future! I know this is a standalone, but there's so much potential to continue this as a series, perhaps with different romantic pairings...please, oh pretty please! I'm not ready to say goodbye to these characters just yet.
As mentioned above, the worldbuilding was interesting and very well explained without unnecessary info-dump. I love it when magic and politics mix up in fantasy books. The academic setting at Five was a good way to meet the players, as it would have been difficult to see them interact outside when they come from different kingdoms, but I really loved the moments where the plot brought us out of Five and into courtly politics. However, my top moments were undoubtedly the ones where Alis and Reiks are together.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy! Opinions are my own.
That feeling when the characters’ banter is so fun and deliciously intense that you want the book to go on forever...
Tall, Dark and Evil is an excellent blend of characters, romance and worldbuilding. Alis is a very interesting protagonist. You know from the start that she’s different from her cousins, and the author has done a fantastic job weaving the mystery until the very end, giving us little hints and peeks every here and there. And Reiks…he stole my heart. He’s intelligent, cunning, handsome and charming. Plus, he’s a prince! How could I have not fallen in love with him? Together, the two have so much chemistry and banter. I lived for their scenes! Is there some spicy action? Indeed, there is! The supporting characters were also intriguing, especially Alis’s family (Valina in particular) and Zale, who I hope to see more in the future! I know this is a standalone, but there's so much potential to continue this as a series, perhaps with different romantic pairings...please, oh pretty please! I'm not ready to say goodbye to these characters just yet.
As mentioned above, the worldbuilding was interesting and very well explained without unnecessary info-dump. I love it when magic and politics mix up in fantasy books. The academic setting at Five was a good way to meet the players, as it would have been difficult to see them interact outside when they come from different kingdoms, but I really loved the moments where the plot brought us out of Five and into courtly politics. However, my top moments were undoubtedly the ones where Alis and Reiks are together.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy! Opinions are my own.
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May 23, 2022Honestly there is nothing better than a PNR standalone romance! We don't get many of these and it is so refreshing to read a story that concludes after only one book!
The blurb of the book promised a lot and it made me a little worried. I was like how is this author going to pack so much action into one book? It has to be impossible. Wrong. So very wrong. Alexi Blake built a world and characters so well, that everything flowed beautifully.
The book follows our heroine Alis as an impending war looms over her head. She meets Reiks and can I just say, I'm a sucker for "touch her and die" trope. I love me an over protective alpha male. And their chemistry is amazing!
This book is suitable for those who enjoy dark academia, romance, and tons of action. I can't wait to read more by this author.
The blurb of the book promised a lot and it made me a little worried. I was like how is this author going to pack so much action into one book? It has to be impossible. Wrong. So very wrong. Alexi Blake built a world and characters so well, that everything flowed beautifully.
The book follows our heroine Alis as an impending war looms over her head. She meets Reiks and can I just say, I'm a sucker for "touch her and die" trope. I love me an over protective alpha male. And their chemistry is amazing!
This book is suitable for those who enjoy dark academia, romance, and tons of action. I can't wait to read more by this author.
May 25, 2022
Rating: 4.5 stars
TALL DARK & EVIL is a standalone that makes me wish for a longer series, because I could have kept reading about these characters forever! If you’re like me and love villainous banter (think Jude and Cardan in The Cruel Prince), you’ll be gobbling up pages for every moment between Alis and Reiks. These two were the embodiment of anti-heroes who border on villains, but they weren’t without their insecurities and sweet moments as well. For such a short book—and a standalone, at that—these characters were incredibly fleshed out and I couldn’t help but root for them every step of the way. Their dynamic was so entertaining, and trying to unmask the machinations of Reiks’s devious mind was a delight! I also really appreciated the secondary cast, especially Alis’s family. A united family is something I love in any witch coven, but sometimes the relationships could get tense or strained, and that made them much more realistic. I do think I would have liked a few more pages to better dive into Alis’s past, but this didn’t diminish my enjoyment of her or the book in any way.
The magic and world-building was so interesting, I really want this to become a series. This world offers endless possibilities with how vast and interesting it is, so I’m hoping for more books set within it. The secondary characters are certainly strong enough to handle the main protagonist role *wink wink*. Cannot wait to read more from this author!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. All opinions are my own.
TALL DARK & EVIL is a standalone that makes me wish for a longer series, because I could have kept reading about these characters forever! If you’re like me and love villainous banter (think Jude and Cardan in The Cruel Prince), you’ll be gobbling up pages for every moment between Alis and Reiks. These two were the embodiment of anti-heroes who border on villains, but they weren’t without their insecurities and sweet moments as well. For such a short book—and a standalone, at that—these characters were incredibly fleshed out and I couldn’t help but root for them every step of the way. Their dynamic was so entertaining, and trying to unmask the machinations of Reiks’s devious mind was a delight! I also really appreciated the secondary cast, especially Alis’s family. A united family is something I love in any witch coven, but sometimes the relationships could get tense or strained, and that made them much more realistic. I do think I would have liked a few more pages to better dive into Alis’s past, but this didn’t diminish my enjoyment of her or the book in any way.
The magic and world-building was so interesting, I really want this to become a series. This world offers endless possibilities with how vast and interesting it is, so I’m hoping for more books set within it. The secondary characters are certainly strong enough to handle the main protagonist role *wink wink*. Cannot wait to read more from this author!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. All opinions are my own.
May 28, 2022
OH MY GOSH I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH.
And while I would LOVE more of these characters, I kinda also really loved a romantasy that wrapped up in one book, ya know? No tragic cliffhanger , no having to wait a year for answers, it was great.
Def recommend for fans of romantic fantasy, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, books set in an academic setting…this book had so many things that I love! Also perfect for fans of tall, dark, and broody MMCs 👀
Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
And while I would LOVE more of these characters, I kinda also really loved a romantasy that wrapped up in one book, ya know? No tragic cliffhanger , no having to wait a year for answers, it was great.
Def recommend for fans of romantic fantasy, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, books set in an academic setting…this book had so many things that I love! Also perfect for fans of tall, dark, and broody MMCs 👀
Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 29, 2022
OMG WOW, this was so addictive and such a unique rendering of so many of my absolute favorite romantasy tropes (hate-to-love, guy falls first, magical academy, fake dating, bully romance). HIGHLY recommend if you're looking for a well-written and captivating quick-read!
My biggest takeaway is how totally blown away I am by Alis Frejr and her mind-boggling abilities. Tall Dark and Evil was so mysterious and I loved how the secrets unraveled slowly, alongside the spicy slowburn build between Alis and drop dead sexy Natheran Reiks. I am having a hard time accepting that this is a standalone because I don't want to say goodbye to these two, but I definitely felt the ending was super satisfying and appreciated this fast-paced steamy romance!
This one is perfect for fans of the Crave series and Folk of the Air, but expect significantly more smut!
Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions expressed above are entirely my own.
My biggest takeaway is how totally blown away I am by Alis Frejr and her mind-boggling abilities. Tall Dark and Evil was so mysterious and I loved how the secrets unraveled slowly, alongside the spicy slowburn build between Alis and drop dead sexy Natheran Reiks. I am having a hard time accepting that this is a standalone because I don't want to say goodbye to these two, but I definitely felt the ending was super satisfying and appreciated this fast-paced steamy romance!
This one is perfect for fans of the Crave series and Folk of the Air, but expect significantly more smut!
Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions expressed above are entirely my own.
June 3, 2022
Disappointed
I initially enjoyed the book, especially the mix of magic and tech. The school setting was standard, the petty females and special snowflake FMC falling for a prince were all typical tropes. I didn't like the MMC and the way he manipulated and coerced the FMC. Frankly, it left me feeling gross. The FMC was irritating for her weak will creep factor on the romance for me. And given how fast it moves and the almost complete lack of healthy emotion in it, I was not a fan of the relationship before that creep factor was added in.
Overall, I am disappointed in the story as it lacks the string FMC I usually find in this author's work.
It is an easy read and will appeal to fans of fantasy YA/NA who want a light read and don't require a strong FMC or deep plot.
I initially enjoyed the book, especially the mix of magic and tech. The school setting was standard, the petty females and special snowflake FMC falling for a prince were all typical tropes. I didn't like the MMC and the way he manipulated and coerced the FMC. Frankly, it left me feeling gross. The FMC was irritating for her weak will creep factor on the romance for me. And given how fast it moves and the almost complete lack of healthy emotion in it, I was not a fan of the relationship before that creep factor was added in.
Overall, I am disappointed in the story as it lacks the string FMC I usually find in this author's work.
It is an easy read and will appeal to fans of fantasy YA/NA who want a light read and don't require a strong FMC or deep plot.
June 16, 2022
I have attempted to read this book twice & DNF it both times. The first time I made it 20% this time I made it 50% & skipped to the final chapters. 😩 it wasn’t worth the effort. This book is lazy AF. A bromide story. Zero emotional resonance. Empty background/poor world building. Exposition dumps. What really did my head in apart from the weak FMC was the endless details that add nothing to the plot. To what end?! 😡
1 star
1 star
May 29, 2022
OMG this was addictive!!! 🔥😍 I'm so sad it's a standalone because I could read about these two and this magical world for days!
Now I'm going to have to read all books by this author because she is literally the Queen of Banter!
Alis and Reiks dynamic is SEXY and filled with witty banter, I found myself smirking while reading! Alis is forced into a "servant" type relationship with Reiks after she accidentally breaks some of his families priceless regalia. The forced proximity trope is one of my absolute favorites! Alis doesn't understand why Reiks is forcing them to this fake dating situation, little does she know how far he will go to get what he wants and how important she is to his plans...
Put this banter filled romance together with a dark academy setting in a world full of magic and witches and you got yourself an unputdownable read.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review!
Now I'm going to have to read all books by this author because she is literally the Queen of Banter!
Alis and Reiks dynamic is SEXY and filled with witty banter, I found myself smirking while reading! Alis is forced into a "servant" type relationship with Reiks after she accidentally breaks some of his families priceless regalia. The forced proximity trope is one of my absolute favorites! Alis doesn't understand why Reiks is forcing them to this fake dating situation, little does she know how far he will go to get what he wants and how important she is to his plans...
Put this banter filled romance together with a dark academy setting in a world full of magic and witches and you got yourself an unputdownable read.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review!
May 29, 2022
Can't...
Infodump at the beginning was too much, whole plot felt flat and badly executed
Worldbuilding that could be so much more, so much info dump and for what? It is absolutely wasted anyways
The buildup non existent, the MC... I don't understand what was so morally gray or bad about him...nothing really
Waste of time
So many better books in KU
Infodump at the beginning was too much, whole plot felt flat and badly executed
Worldbuilding that could be so much more, so much info dump and for what? It is absolutely wasted anyways
The buildup non existent, the MC... I don't understand what was so morally gray or bad about him...nothing really
Waste of time
So many better books in KU
June 15, 2022
Great book…. but I have a few questions
I thoroughly enjoyed the story, but feel that the last five chapters were rushed and it the biggest review of the female characters secrets we’re not resolved.***Spoiler alert***we find out that she’s a goddess/immortal and then she’s from the closed off kingdom of the original immortals. But does she ever find her way back to her father, which we find out that she remembers that her father was the king of the gods and goddesses of the immortal realm and that she’s his first & only child?! And then she briefly references being scared but that she wants to return to the immortal kingdom to find out more about her past. But that is the only thing that is referenced in any continuation it sounds as if the story should be longer or that a second book will be made to continue the story, but this book is supposed to be a standalone. But in a back note from the author-she/they made it sound as if there are other books that may focus on the male main characters friends. If there are I wonder if we will get more in-site of the main female character’s journey to find her father & her past from this first book?
I thoroughly enjoyed the story, but feel that the last five chapters were rushed and it the biggest review of the female characters secrets we’re not resolved.***Spoiler alert***we find out that she’s a goddess/immortal and then she’s from the closed off kingdom of the original immortals. But does she ever find her way back to her father, which we find out that she remembers that her father was the king of the gods and goddesses of the immortal realm and that she’s his first & only child?! And then she briefly references being scared but that she wants to return to the immortal kingdom to find out more about her past. But that is the only thing that is referenced in any continuation it sounds as if the story should be longer or that a second book will be made to continue the story, but this book is supposed to be a standalone. But in a back note from the author-she/they made it sound as if there are other books that may focus on the male main characters friends. If there are I wonder if we will get more in-site of the main female character’s journey to find her father & her past from this first book?
June 14, 2022
First part of this book read like a middle-grade novel. For a little while I was afraid I opened the wrong book 😅🤣
Reached almost 80% in the story and nothing notable happened. We received so much information about the school building, the magiks, secondary characters, etc. Information that mostly was of no use.
The tall and evil guy is tall for sure but evil not so much. I'd say he's rather sly and mischievous. Finding out the circumstances how he first saw Alis and how he orchestrated their first meet gave me bit of a sour taste in my mouth but at least it was compensated with the insta-love.
And when the most awaited action came it was nothing more than a big fizzle. It felt rushed and empty. I don't know, something was not right. I had zero feelings for both main characters and story too.
2.5 ⭐
Reached almost 80% in the story and nothing notable happened. We received so much information about the school building, the magiks, secondary characters, etc. Information that mostly was of no use.
The tall and evil guy is tall for sure but evil not so much. I'd say he's rather sly and mischievous. Finding out the circumstances how he first saw Alis and how he orchestrated their first meet gave me bit of a sour taste in my mouth but at least it was compensated with the insta-love.
And when the most awaited action came it was nothing more than a big fizzle. It felt rushed and empty. I don't know, something was not right. I had zero feelings for both main characters and story too.
2.5 ⭐
May 30, 2022
Pulled me in wanting more. Lots of twists and turns and amped desire.
August 2, 2022
I'm conflicted on this one. Loved the world that this book was set in, and would have loved to see more about life at Five. Magical schools are always intriguing to read about.
The characters were a little too one dimensional and simplistic. The character development was lacking throughout the majority of the novel. It felt like the revelation about Alis and her heritage towards the end of the book was the author's attempt at quickly giving Alis some character growth. Reiks himself was also quite boring.
Unfortunately, this was just not for me.
The characters were a little too one dimensional and simplistic. The character development was lacking throughout the majority of the novel. It felt like the revelation about Alis and her heritage towards the end of the book was the author's attempt at quickly giving Alis some character growth. Reiks himself was also quite boring.
Unfortunately, this was just not for me.
September 24, 2022
(2.5 stars)
The story was promising. The characters were alright. The worldbuilding was— let's not say anything. So what went wrong?
I'll tell you what went wrong. Natheran Reiks the Seventh or whatever. My dude was a menace. His name was adequate for him. Natheran "Reeks". He does, indeed, reek and I wish him hell. He was one of the creepiest and weirdest guys I've lowkey ever read about. I have no idea why no one has called him out on his psychotic behaviour.
He saw Alis dancing and transfixed onto the thought that "she belongs to him". Maybe this is why the romance plot was lacking so much. For 85% of the book, Alis behaved like a servant to Natheran Reeks (I will not call him by his actual name tyvm). Also, no one told me our main character was a literal serial killer. I mean, a warning would have been nice that she killed her cousin.
I don't even think there was much of a romance in it. They didn't have any swooning moments nor any heartstopping interactions. Maybe I've been watching way too much kdramas and have too many expectations of jacket giving, wound cleaning and what not but this was not it. I would have liked it more if they had some actual chemistry instead of primal lust between them. All they did in the 75-90% mark was screw.
Modern world for them was soo weird, I can't even begin to say anything. Raverday, Luprday, Strejadays, what? You've lost me, bro. And the stone concept. I'm sorry for my small brain but I just imagined people yanking a five kilogram stone out of their pockets and holding it up like a phone.
I said I won't say anything about the world building but I am going to say something and you can't stop me. GOOD LORD, what? Horrible. Horrible. Horrible. I can't even say there was a world building. Just a bunch of info dumps. There were so many in the first ten chapters alone that I was skimming to avoid them. They went over my head COMPLETELY.
And, what was the ending? I'm not going to put a spoiler but I will give you 100 bucks to make sense of that insanely rushed and dumb ending.
The story was promising. The characters were alright. The worldbuilding was— let's not say anything. So what went wrong?
I'll tell you what went wrong. Natheran Reiks the Seventh or whatever. My dude was a menace. His name was adequate for him. Natheran "Reeks". He does, indeed, reek and I wish him hell. He was one of the creepiest and weirdest guys I've lowkey ever read about. I have no idea why no one has called him out on his psychotic behaviour.
He saw Alis dancing and transfixed onto the thought that "she belongs to him". Maybe this is why the romance plot was lacking so much. For 85% of the book, Alis behaved like a servant to Natheran Reeks (I will not call him by his actual name tyvm). Also, no one told me our main character was a literal serial killer. I mean, a warning would have been nice that she killed her cousin.
I don't even think there was much of a romance in it. They didn't have any swooning moments nor any heartstopping interactions. Maybe I've been watching way too much kdramas and have too many expectations of jacket giving, wound cleaning and what not but this was not it. I would have liked it more if they had some actual chemistry instead of primal lust between them. All they did in the 75-90% mark was screw.
Modern world for them was soo weird, I can't even begin to say anything. Raverday, Luprday, Strejadays, what? You've lost me, bro. And the stone concept. I'm sorry for my small brain but I just imagined people yanking a five kilogram stone out of their pockets and holding it up like a phone.
I said I won't say anything about the world building but I am going to say something and you can't stop me. GOOD LORD, what? Horrible. Horrible. Horrible. I can't even say there was a world building. Just a bunch of info dumps. There were so many in the first ten chapters alone that I was skimming to avoid them. They went over my head COMPLETELY.
And, what was the ending? I'm not going to put a spoiler but I will give you 100 bucks to make sense of that insanely rushed and dumb ending.
July 10, 2022
Tall, Dark, and Evil is a nice gotcha title for a lovely fantasy romance standalone. My favorite type of story!
Alys is a woman adopted by witches who has tried to hide from herself and society for over twenty years. But at the college where she is learning a science, she meets Reid, the heir to a northern kingdom known to persecute anyone with magic, no matter how little. Reid is the tall, dark and almost villainous guy she wants to hate. He tricks her into a fake relationship. He drags her into political meetings. And he refuses to let her go. Sigh. Dreamy. For some reason, Alys is slow to realize that he is playing the long game (wink wink).
Alys and Reid are extremely amusing together! I love their dialogue. Oh, and if you are wondering:
• Steamy!
The magic system:
The magic is divided between light and dark, and this division also highlights the disaffection within society: the ultra-powerful descendents of gods versus the hoi poloi, the bourgeousie. Unlike America, where the caste system exists but people can theoretically work themselves into a better class, a lack of magic automatically defines roles that cannot be changed. Unless you are Alys, who literally asks her adopted family to reign in her murderous powers. Thus confined, she spends her academic training learning how to heal. Considering that she killed over 20 people by accident while growing up, I think Alys was trying to redefine herself or make up for all her mistakes.
But healing doesn’t come from hiding. Slowly throughout the story Alys realizes that she must learn to use her magic to face her bullies and to face a growing threat to the kingdoms.
• Steamy after 70%.
• Slow burn
• Standalone
• Intricate society and magic system
• M/F
• Dark hero
Alys is a woman adopted by witches who has tried to hide from herself and society for over twenty years. But at the college where she is learning a science, she meets Reid, the heir to a northern kingdom known to persecute anyone with magic, no matter how little. Reid is the tall, dark and almost villainous guy she wants to hate. He tricks her into a fake relationship. He drags her into political meetings. And he refuses to let her go. Sigh. Dreamy. For some reason, Alys is slow to realize that he is playing the long game (wink wink).
Alys and Reid are extremely amusing together! I love their dialogue. Oh, and if you are wondering:
• Steamy!
The magic system:
The magic is divided between light and dark, and this division also highlights the disaffection within society: the ultra-powerful descendents of gods versus the hoi poloi, the bourgeousie. Unlike America, where the caste system exists but people can theoretically work themselves into a better class, a lack of magic automatically defines roles that cannot be changed. Unless you are Alys, who literally asks her adopted family to reign in her murderous powers. Thus confined, she spends her academic training learning how to heal. Considering that she killed over 20 people by accident while growing up, I think Alys was trying to redefine herself or make up for all her mistakes.
But healing doesn’t come from hiding. Slowly throughout the story Alys realizes that she must learn to use her magic to face her bullies and to face a growing threat to the kingdoms.
• Steamy after 70%.
• Slow burn
• Standalone
• Intricate society and magic system
• M/F
• Dark hero
October 22, 2023
I've been cursed with 2 stars reads. Send help.
I abhorred the fact that he had the upper hand all along even though she was supposed to be this all powerful being.
I hate this relationship dynamic I keep encountering where the MMC is this big bad boy and the FMC, no matter how powerful she supposedly is, always turns out to be a meek, submissive little thing when it comes to him. I understand that a worrying amount of people out there are watching too much porn and that BDSM is trendy and all that jazz but it's just fucking gross and I hate it.
It was not even the worst thing I've read, this one is very tame and we only got one sex scene but that was enough for me.
Because it's just so much better when you don't participate and just take it.
I'm really tired of encountering the same icky vibes and power dynamics that always favour the man again and again and again. It's not new, it's not groundbreaking, it's just the same old shit that's been rotting everyone's brain.
I think what annoyed me most here, since it's pretty tame all things considered, is that the FMC is literally supposed to be a fucking GODDESS. The most powerful being in their whole stupid land. Her magical powers are basically limitless. And yet! This useless man can manipulate her all he wants, take her powers away and ultimately holds all the power in their relationship. And it's sooo romantic.
Groundbreaking, I tell you.
I abhorred the fact that he had the upper hand all along even though she was supposed to be this all powerful being.
I hate this relationship dynamic I keep encountering where the MMC is this big bad boy and the FMC, no matter how powerful she supposedly is, always turns out to be a meek, submissive little thing when it comes to him. I understand that a worrying amount of people out there are watching too much porn and that BDSM is trendy and all that jazz but it's just fucking gross and I hate it.
It was not even the worst thing I've read, this one is very tame and we only got one sex scene but that was enough for me.
I hear him grunt and laugh and tell me how well I'm doing, when I do nothing but take it, take him. He's entirely in charge, taking his pleasure and forcing mine. [...] I don't think I've ever been fucked before. I've had sex, sure, but I was somewhat participating in the intercourse, not just taking it. I like this.
Because it's just so much better when you don't participate and just take it.
I'm really tired of encountering the same icky vibes and power dynamics that always favour the man again and again and again. It's not new, it's not groundbreaking, it's just the same old shit that's been rotting everyone's brain.
I think what annoyed me most here, since it's pretty tame all things considered, is that the FMC is literally supposed to be a fucking GODDESS. The most powerful being in their whole stupid land. Her magical powers are basically limitless. And yet! This useless man can manipulate her all he wants, take her powers away and ultimately holds all the power in their relationship. And it's sooo romantic.
Groundbreaking, I tell you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2022
I grabbed this because of the cover, look at it!!!
Alis is a member of a powerful Witch family and at school she finds herself in a predicment with a future King and has to play his fake girlfriend. But everything is not as it seems!
I really enjoyed this and would recommend! I loved the world, the characters and the school setting. Especially loved Reiks but he reminded me of someone who should've existed years ago with the way he spoke! I still would though!!!!! There was one point where I was fanning myself!!!
Maybe the last quarter could've been fleshed out more, it seemed a bit rushed and I wanted all the deets! Would also love 2 more things:
1) other books in this world with other characters from this story,
2) an extended epilogue of where Reiks and Alis end up in the future!
Always wanting more!!!
Alis is a member of a powerful Witch family and at school she finds herself in a predicment with a future King and has to play his fake girlfriend. But everything is not as it seems!
I really enjoyed this and would recommend! I loved the world, the characters and the school setting. Especially loved Reiks but he reminded me of someone who should've existed years ago with the way he spoke! I still would though!!!!! There was one point where I was fanning myself!!!
Maybe the last quarter could've been fleshed out more, it seemed a bit rushed and I wanted all the deets! Would also love 2 more things:
1) other books in this world with other characters from this story,
2) an extended epilogue of where Reiks and Alis end up in the future!
Always wanting more!!!
June 4, 2022
3.5 stars.
This was a strange book. It started off really captivating and really drew me in, but soon I got confused - you know in crescent city, where a third of it is a massive info dump, and it’s obviously setting up to be a long and complex series? I got this vibe from this book, but what’s confusing is that it’s a stand alone? I felt it to be very in-depth and complex, with lots of weaving and additions that mig have been more meaningful if part of a series, but felt wasteful or unnecessary. Perhaps it’s because I don’t often read standalones that I felt like it was a trilogy compressed into one book - like the first third was super interesting, then all of a sudden everything was happening and was rushed and just happened and finished.
I’m still unsure. Wasn’t a bad read, but maybe have to read it again to fully grasp it
This was a strange book. It started off really captivating and really drew me in, but soon I got confused - you know in crescent city, where a third of it is a massive info dump, and it’s obviously setting up to be a long and complex series? I got this vibe from this book, but what’s confusing is that it’s a stand alone? I felt it to be very in-depth and complex, with lots of weaving and additions that mig have been more meaningful if part of a series, but felt wasteful or unnecessary. Perhaps it’s because I don’t often read standalones that I felt like it was a trilogy compressed into one book - like the first third was super interesting, then all of a sudden everything was happening and was rushed and just happened and finished.
I’m still unsure. Wasn’t a bad read, but maybe have to read it again to fully grasp it
December 26, 2022
good story but rushed ending
I thoroughly enjoyed the sample of this book, enough to lead me to buy it despite being a
KU member. It was really interesting and I enjoyed the plot twists and turns, as well as the slow burn romance between the main characters.
My only disappointment is the last 10% of the book. The ending was extremely rushed and tied up a little too neatly, especially with all the drama surrounding the kingdoms and MC’s themselves. It’s almost like the authors’ knew they had to finish and rushed at the end. That was a bummer.
Otherwise, a good book. I probably won’t buy another one, but will def look at this author’s KU offerings.
I thoroughly enjoyed the sample of this book, enough to lead me to buy it despite being a
KU member. It was really interesting and I enjoyed the plot twists and turns, as well as the slow burn romance between the main characters.
My only disappointment is the last 10% of the book. The ending was extremely rushed and tied up a little too neatly, especially with all the drama surrounding the kingdoms and MC’s themselves. It’s almost like the authors’ knew they had to finish and rushed at the end. That was a bummer.
Otherwise, a good book. I probably won’t buy another one, but will def look at this author’s KU offerings.
April 2, 2023
Almost Perfect
I went into this book with no expectations and was wonderfully surprised.
L and R have great conversations and chemistry.
The world building was interesting.
I did NOT like the different names for the days of the week. I gave up trying to figure them out.
The story flowed nicely until the 95% mark and then a bunch of stuff just happened and it felt very rushed and changed it from a 4 star to a 3 star.
I am however interested in reading the next book and 🤞 it has a more fleshed out ending.
I went into this book with no expectations and was wonderfully surprised.
L and R have great conversations and chemistry.
The world building was interesting.
I did NOT like the different names for the days of the week. I gave up trying to figure them out.
The story flowed nicely until the 95% mark and then a bunch of stuff just happened and it felt very rushed and changed it from a 4 star to a 3 star.
I am however interested in reading the next book and 🤞 it has a more fleshed out ending.
January 26, 2023
This is such an engrossing twisted Ugly Duckling story. I don't know about anyone else, but I seem to have a yen for tall, dark and evil - so pretty, so charismatic, so assertive. The author seems to have it in for Alis, forcing her to be in Reiks' company so much. I could not help but sympathize with Alis' unwilling attraction to his sinfully handsomeness, but not enough to tear myself away from being a fly on the wall. Sooo hot!
March 8, 2023
Ruining of a Masterpiece
What an absolutely incredible world and set of characters. About 2/3 of the way through it became rushed, and the last chapter was like wham bam thank you ma'am. Such a shame because this could have easily went from one book to three and had the genuine ability to be the next main stream mass-selling fantasy romance series. It started as such a solid breath of fresh air.
What an absolutely incredible world and set of characters. About 2/3 of the way through it became rushed, and the last chapter was like wham bam thank you ma'am. Such a shame because this could have easily went from one book to three and had the genuine ability to be the next main stream mass-selling fantasy romance series. It started as such a solid breath of fresh air.
October 4, 2023
Absolutely Amazing!
I didn't know what expect from this book, but I was not disappointed. It only took me a few hrs to power through it. I don't think the title does it justice. It's a fantastical contemporary romance with a little spice. Alis just wants to be invisible and pretend to be something she's not. When she least expects it, she gets knocked on her butt and her world is flipped upside down.
I didn't know what expect from this book, but I was not disappointed. It only took me a few hrs to power through it. I don't think the title does it justice. It's a fantastical contemporary romance with a little spice. Alis just wants to be invisible and pretend to be something she's not. When she least expects it, she gets knocked on her butt and her world is flipped upside down.
May 29, 2022
May Sage does it again.
I am a huge May Sage fan and have read all of her books. She has the ability to create amazing, fantastical worlds that make perfect sense.
I loved the characters, the back story and how it was developed, and the flow of the story.
I hate that I read these stories too fast. I want them to last forever.
I’ll just have to wait for the next one.
I am a huge May Sage fan and have read all of her books. She has the ability to create amazing, fantastical worlds that make perfect sense.
I loved the characters, the back story and how it was developed, and the flow of the story.
I hate that I read these stories too fast. I want them to last forever.
I’ll just have to wait for the next one.
June 5, 2022
Great start to a new series!
I love the new world that May Sage created in this book. Her writing is amazing, as always, and the banter between the two MCs was delightful.
I enjoyed the spice as well, although I’d appreciate if there were more romantic scenes throughout the book.
I highly recommend this book to all ADF series fans!
I love the new world that May Sage created in this book. Her writing is amazing, as always, and the banter between the two MCs was delightful.
I enjoyed the spice as well, although I’d appreciate if there were more romantic scenes throughout the book.
I highly recommend this book to all ADF series fans!
June 20, 2022
Evil
I really enjoyed it but I didn't really like how it was wrapped up. The ending was way too easy. I did like the main characters and their development but with so many workings going on I expected there to be a lot more. I could even see how this story specifically could have been multiple books. To wrap it up I enjoyed it but it could've been so much more.
I really enjoyed it but I didn't really like how it was wrapped up. The ending was way too easy. I did like the main characters and their development but with so many workings going on I expected there to be a lot more. I could even see how this story specifically could have been multiple books. To wrap it up I enjoyed it but it could've been so much more.
June 26, 2022
Honestly loved this short story! I want more! Only giving 4 stars since I feel it could of been longer at a slower pace, the story jumps forward a lot. I want to read more on the seven kingdoms tho! a little spice but lots of fantasy with witches!! I just witches y’a know!! added the next two books to my TBR for when they are released!
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