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The Barren Kingdom #1
Soul of Faery
Two weeks. Just two weeks and I would have graduated from college.
Instead, Fae mercenaries broke into my apartment and kidnapped me, claiming that they must deliver me to the scumbag who was destroying the land of Fae. They were hired by my parents, who betrothed me to the Barren King to save the land. My kidnappers were three brutal outcasts, disrespected by the Fae because of their mixed blood. Lord Cirillo, the only noble in the bunch, was a blood-sucking fiend whose bite could heal pain, ease anxiety, and trigger orgasms. Veles’s brutality could only be matched by the size of his...um, body. Finally, Xanith, their leader, would rather discipline me into submission than give me the respect of the princess that I supposedly was.
Once the remaining residents of Fae realized I’d returned, they wanted a piece of my hidden power. The king of the werewolves, a cold prince who was once my fiance, and even my personal guardian knight, had reasons to take me. My kidnappers became my protectors, and if I wasn't careful, they might be my only hope of surviving my future with the Barren King.
Fae was dying, and only the Soul could save it. That was me, Merindah, princess of Verdant.
It was just yesterday when I was dodging handsy drunk frat boys. Now I’ve got to figure out how to survive the Barren Kingdom, and three brutal, arousing barbarians.
Soul of Faery is part one of a two-part story. The sequel, Heart of Faery, will release in January 2022. This is the first release for Lesleigh Maeson, the PNR pen name for urban fantasy author and USA Today Bestselling Author, Kimbra Swain.
Merindah’s story is a dark, why-choose paranormal romance with MMFM elements, fantasy warfare, and adult language.
Instead, Fae mercenaries broke into my apartment and kidnapped me, claiming that they must deliver me to the scumbag who was destroying the land of Fae. They were hired by my parents, who betrothed me to the Barren King to save the land. My kidnappers were three brutal outcasts, disrespected by the Fae because of their mixed blood. Lord Cirillo, the only noble in the bunch, was a blood-sucking fiend whose bite could heal pain, ease anxiety, and trigger orgasms. Veles’s brutality could only be matched by the size of his...um, body. Finally, Xanith, their leader, would rather discipline me into submission than give me the respect of the princess that I supposedly was.
Once the remaining residents of Fae realized I’d returned, they wanted a piece of my hidden power. The king of the werewolves, a cold prince who was once my fiance, and even my personal guardian knight, had reasons to take me. My kidnappers became my protectors, and if I wasn't careful, they might be my only hope of surviving my future with the Barren King.
Fae was dying, and only the Soul could save it. That was me, Merindah, princess of Verdant.
It was just yesterday when I was dodging handsy drunk frat boys. Now I’ve got to figure out how to survive the Barren Kingdom, and three brutal, arousing barbarians.
Soul of Faery is part one of a two-part story. The sequel, Heart of Faery, will release in January 2022. This is the first release for Lesleigh Maeson, the PNR pen name for urban fantasy author and USA Today Bestselling Author, Kimbra Swain.
Merindah’s story is a dark, why-choose paranormal romance with MMFM elements, fantasy warfare, and adult language.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 19, 2021
34 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 27, 2022
Story was good but....
OK, so, the story is brilliant. The underlying premise of what is going on, the characters etc all really good. Unfortunately what was not great for me was the personality flips that seemed to change on a dime for seemingly no reason, so much so that I had to reread conversations a few times to follow what was happening. I was not really OK with what I felt was a lot of dubcon going on under the pretense of "needing it", and because other people were getting distracted. The character of Xanith was meant to portray a bit of a Dom, but actually he was just an abusive arse, and even when his truths were brought to light I still didn't like him at all.
It's a wierd one, I like the underlying story, so much I'm going to read book 2 and hope that some of the characters redeem themselves somewhat but I want to know what is going to happen. I'm still not totally convinced that I like the writing style and the character personality changes, it kind of lacks consistency and reality. Hence the 3 stars. Well I'm going to go give book 2 a try.
OK, so, the story is brilliant. The underlying premise of what is going on, the characters etc all really good. Unfortunately what was not great for me was the personality flips that seemed to change on a dime for seemingly no reason, so much so that I had to reread conversations a few times to follow what was happening. I was not really OK with what I felt was a lot of dubcon going on under the pretense of "needing it", and because other people were getting distracted. The character of Xanith was meant to portray a bit of a Dom, but actually he was just an abusive arse, and even when his truths were brought to light I still didn't like him at all.
It's a wierd one, I like the underlying story, so much I'm going to read book 2 and hope that some of the characters redeem themselves somewhat but I want to know what is going to happen. I'm still not totally convinced that I like the writing style and the character personality changes, it kind of lacks consistency and reality. Hence the 3 stars. Well I'm going to go give book 2 a try.
October 22, 2021
Dark, Steamy and thrilling
Ok firstly. This is absolutely not for the faint of Heart. It's dark, Erotic and rough. The Author makes sure that this fact is understood before you even start the book. So I appreciate the warning which allowed me to prepare myself.
Now for the Story. The World is interesting and exciting and The Author introduces the world of Faery with its many people and their very many differences to you gradually through the MC experiences instead of doing a big info dump. It allows you to gradually build a picture in your minds eye which was great. I found myself quite interested in finding out more about the different courts. The characters are pretty
facinating too. At its core You have the confused girl that doesn't realise she is faery royalty and the 3 males that essentially kidnap her from the human world to take her to the big bad guy. It's a pretty well known trope, but ofcourse there is more to the story. What fascinated me about this one especially is that I went from "I like" to "I don't like" to "ok I like him again" to " oh! now I hate him" with one character specifically and I had similar struggles with a few other characters. It was a real rollercoaster ride and it made the characters motives difficult to understand But I believe that was intentional. As the story progresses I found myself in the confusing place of liking characters whose actions I disliked...especially as you discover more and more about them. And the story.... the story surprised me... I read a lot, and this tale took a turn I didn't expect which had me sitting up and paying attention.
If I'm going to do this book justice I gotta touch on the Romance/Steam/relationship thing. This book doesn't follow any conventional Romance Rules. In fact, I dont really classify it as a romance. (And just to be clear, I dont think its meant to be) It's a Dark Fantasy Adventure with a fair bit of kink laced in. The steam literally
is coming of its pages But in this world, it's kind of the norm. Its a need to be fulfilled. I can see why it would be classified as a reverse Harem. But dont look for an in depth romance. I do believe that if you like a bit of a darker romance this would tick your boxes. The male characters are Ruthless, egotistical Alpha types but you see tender, loving actions often enough to soften the almost abusive edges to their behaviour. Because yes they are a bit rough with Mer. Some of These characters dont always act nice ... These dark beautiful men aren't human with human sensibilities and they live in a broken world ... they themselves are a little broken... and their actiions show it.
Although dont worry... there Is a fair amount of Beautiful men doing Sinfully delicious things and a fair amount of tender moments. So if that is what you are looking for then there is plenty of that sprinkled into a enthralling story about a world that is dying and the people trying to save it.
In the end, I found that my conflicting thoughts about the characters and their actions didn't impact my enjoyment of this book. I was pretty disappointed when I reached the end... I wanted more... I wanted to know what happened next... I'm totally invested in the characters and the world. And I've spent the whole day thinking about the little clues and mysteries the author left us .... so yeah to say I'm dying to get my hands on the next book is an understatement. Definitely a 5 start from me for a fresh, unique and unpredictable story telling.
Ok firstly. This is absolutely not for the faint of Heart. It's dark, Erotic and rough. The Author makes sure that this fact is understood before you even start the book. So I appreciate the warning which allowed me to prepare myself.
Now for the Story. The World is interesting and exciting and The Author introduces the world of Faery with its many people and their very many differences to you gradually through the MC experiences instead of doing a big info dump. It allows you to gradually build a picture in your minds eye which was great. I found myself quite interested in finding out more about the different courts. The characters are pretty
facinating too. At its core You have the confused girl that doesn't realise she is faery royalty and the 3 males that essentially kidnap her from the human world to take her to the big bad guy. It's a pretty well known trope, but ofcourse there is more to the story. What fascinated me about this one especially is that I went from "I like" to "I don't like" to "ok I like him again" to " oh! now I hate him" with one character specifically and I had similar struggles with a few other characters. It was a real rollercoaster ride and it made the characters motives difficult to understand But I believe that was intentional. As the story progresses I found myself in the confusing place of liking characters whose actions I disliked...especially as you discover more and more about them. And the story.... the story surprised me... I read a lot, and this tale took a turn I didn't expect which had me sitting up and paying attention.
If I'm going to do this book justice I gotta touch on the Romance/Steam/relationship thing. This book doesn't follow any conventional Romance Rules. In fact, I dont really classify it as a romance. (And just to be clear, I dont think its meant to be) It's a Dark Fantasy Adventure with a fair bit of kink laced in. The steam literally
is coming of its pages But in this world, it's kind of the norm. Its a need to be fulfilled. I can see why it would be classified as a reverse Harem. But dont look for an in depth romance. I do believe that if you like a bit of a darker romance this would tick your boxes. The male characters are Ruthless, egotistical Alpha types but you see tender, loving actions often enough to soften the almost abusive edges to their behaviour. Because yes they are a bit rough with Mer. Some of These characters dont always act nice ... These dark beautiful men aren't human with human sensibilities and they live in a broken world ... they themselves are a little broken... and their actiions show it.
Although dont worry... there Is a fair amount of Beautiful men doing Sinfully delicious things and a fair amount of tender moments. So if that is what you are looking for then there is plenty of that sprinkled into a enthralling story about a world that is dying and the people trying to save it.
In the end, I found that my conflicting thoughts about the characters and their actions didn't impact my enjoyment of this book. I was pretty disappointed when I reached the end... I wanted more... I wanted to know what happened next... I'm totally invested in the characters and the world. And I've spent the whole day thinking about the little clues and mysteries the author left us .... so yeah to say I'm dying to get my hands on the next book is an understatement. Definitely a 5 start from me for a fresh, unique and unpredictable story telling.
January 31, 2022
DF book 2 at pge 86... Just couldn't be arsed anymore.. which is saying a lot since I hate to not finish books and usually keep going even when it's bad.
To many things that are just not corresponding with the first book, which already was hard to get through but I figured it's only 2 books it might get better.. but no unfortunately these 2 books are just not doing it for me.
I don't get the relations in-between the MFC and the men around her, the total personality change when she gets her powers or the whole i want you but I hate you with someone who fiscally abused her.. (and I've read plenty dark stories) .. no sorry add all the little inconsistencies and it just makes no sense..
To many things that are just not corresponding with the first book, which already was hard to get through but I figured it's only 2 books it might get better.. but no unfortunately these 2 books are just not doing it for me.
I don't get the relations in-between the MFC and the men around her, the total personality change when she gets her powers or the whole i want you but I hate you with someone who fiscally abused her.. (and I've read plenty dark stories) .. no sorry add all the little inconsistencies and it just makes no sense..
November 6, 2021
WOW! Hot, sexy and a plot.
Lesleigh Maeson has built the right amount of hot and steamy sex around a great story. Harem stories have never been my thing. Never mind a reverse harem. But this story isn't just about the sex. Anger, fear, betrayal, sorrow and love all play their parts. As Merindah is forced into remembering who and what she is, you learn more about the kingdom's of Faery.
The end definitely leaves you ready for the next book.
Lesleigh Maeson has built the right amount of hot and steamy sex around a great story. Harem stories have never been my thing. Never mind a reverse harem. But this story isn't just about the sex. Anger, fear, betrayal, sorrow and love all play their parts. As Merindah is forced into remembering who and what she is, you learn more about the kingdom's of Faery.
The end definitely leaves you ready for the next book.
January 31, 2022
Wonderfully written
This was a very complex story with so many twists and turns that you don't really know where it will end up. As a part 1 this kept me on the edge of my seat. While wonderful, with my large TBR I don't know if I would read the book over and over so it gets a 4. 4 means awesome and will most likely read once. 5 means awesome and will read over and over and over.
This was a very complex story with so many twists and turns that you don't really know where it will end up. As a part 1 this kept me on the edge of my seat. While wonderful, with my large TBR I don't know if I would read the book over and over so it gets a 4. 4 means awesome and will most likely read once. 5 means awesome and will read over and over and over.
February 5, 2022
dnf at 20% - disgusting male leads
I was already struggling after the vile way they talked about raping her, but no to men who hit woman and no to men who touch you in the most private of places without consent. This is irredeemable for me and I would never be able to understand the woman who would forgive them. The one positive, up to the point I stopped the writing was very good.
I was already struggling after the vile way they talked about raping her, but no to men who hit woman and no to men who touch you in the most private of places without consent. This is irredeemable for me and I would never be able to understand the woman who would forgive them. The one positive, up to the point I stopped the writing was very good.
February 6, 2022
Fantastic world
This was exactly what I was craving. Fae are by far my favorite supernatural characters. Add in a whole world of different types of fae and a save the world type plot, and I was so here for it. Downsides: I don't love Meri, but maybe she'll grow on me in the next book. Right now she's just letting things happen to her and doesn't have enough fight in her for my taste. I'm not sure I'll ever like Xanith though. Regardless, I'm excited to dive in the next book.
This was exactly what I was craving. Fae are by far my favorite supernatural characters. Add in a whole world of different types of fae and a save the world type plot, and I was so here for it. Downsides: I don't love Meri, but maybe she'll grow on me in the next book. Right now she's just letting things happen to her and doesn't have enough fight in her for my taste. I'm not sure I'll ever like Xanith though. Regardless, I'm excited to dive in the next book.
October 21, 2021
Wow!!!!
This is totally an adult fantasy story. As an older adult... Lol.mi understand how some stories of the lands of faery are written. This is one of those but beyond the sex the story is amazing! The lands are dying and only one can save them. I can't wait for the next one!!! Well done Lesleigh (Kimbra) !!!!!
This is totally an adult fantasy story. As an older adult... Lol.mi understand how some stories of the lands of faery are written. This is one of those but beyond the sex the story is amazing! The lands are dying and only one can save them. I can't wait for the next one!!! Well done Lesleigh (Kimbra) !!!!!
October 17, 2021
I think it's the best story the author has written. I was completely sucked in and invested. The world building was excellent. I felt so many emotions. I finished it and said Wow! out loud. I can't wait for the next one!
October 20, 2021
Great story
I loved this book i am not one that normally cares for sexual content and I’ll admit some of it in this book was a bit much for my taste but the story it’s self is fantastic and I really can’t wait for the next book
I loved this book i am not one that normally cares for sexual content and I’ll admit some of it in this book was a bit much for my taste but the story it’s self is fantastic and I really can’t wait for the next book
October 28, 2021
Great read!
What can I say this was a great read. I couldn’t put it down and just had to finish this in one sitting. Due to wanting to know what happens next. Now if only I didn’t have to wait so long for book 2.
What can I say this was a great read. I couldn’t put it down and just had to finish this in one sitting. Due to wanting to know what happens next. Now if only I didn’t have to wait so long for book 2.
October 29, 2021
Wow!
I love EVERYTHING I've read that Kimbra Swain has written so of course HAD to read this (written as Lesleigh Maeson). I am SO glad I did. Phenomenal storyline that keeps you on your toes . This is not my normal genre but it is well written & I am eagerly awaiting Book 2!
I love EVERYTHING I've read that Kimbra Swain has written so of course HAD to read this (written as Lesleigh Maeson). I am SO glad I did. Phenomenal storyline that keeps you on your toes . This is not my normal genre but it is well written & I am eagerly awaiting Book 2!
April 15, 2022
This is an original and twisted start to a new series; I'm still not sure if I really like any of these characters because keeping secrets and betraying each other seems to be the norm. But if you like to read about the black/grey side of people/fae, this is probably your cup of tea.
June 21, 2022
Spice, spice, spice!! I demolished this book in a day. I loved the plot and how the story was developing. The characters are morally grey and intense. There's plenty of action and magic to keep you begging for more. Plus... you know... the spice. A must-read!
October 15, 2021
Holy smokes !!
October 19, 2021
What's going on in Faery?
Join Meri in getting snatched from the regular world into Faery and learning everything that has been hidden from her
Join Meri in getting snatched from the regular world into Faery and learning everything that has been hidden from her
October 21, 2021
Wow
So much goodness. Lesleigh Maeson nailed it. Steamy scenes with a great story. I can not wait for the 2nd book!
So much goodness. Lesleigh Maeson nailed it. Steamy scenes with a great story. I can not wait for the 2nd book!
October 25, 2021
Absolutely amazing
You will devour this. The world of fairy is brand new in this book. The world building is intense. I can't wait til I get the next one
You will devour this. The world of fairy is brand new in this book. The world building is intense. I can't wait til I get the next one
October 28, 2021
Great first book in series
It had me hooked from the get go, can't wait for the 2nd book to see how far down the rabbit hole I go. Love this book.
It had me hooked from the get go, can't wait for the 2nd book to see how far down the rabbit hole I go. Love this book.
October 30, 2021
Amazing
Amazing writing and world creation. I fell in love with the characters and the Fae world. Anxiously anticipating the next book!!
Amazing writing and world creation. I fell in love with the characters and the Fae world. Anxiously anticipating the next book!!
October 31, 2021
Wow
What a great story. Steamy, action packed from beginning to end. January can't come quick enough for me to see how this is going to end!
What a great story. Steamy, action packed from beginning to end. January can't come quick enough for me to see how this is going to end!
December 9, 2021
Amazing
Lesleigh Maeson is amazing ! The first book in the Barren Kingdom shows us a side of Fairie that we seldom see. The torrid sexual side. Well Done. Young!
Lesleigh Maeson is amazing ! The first book in the Barren Kingdom shows us a side of Fairie that we seldom see. The torrid sexual side. Well Done. Young!
September 8, 2023
DNF at 40%
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews