Mated to the Dark Elf

Dark Elves of Protheka #1

by Celeste King

My fate as a woman is to become bed sport. If I’m lucky, I’ll die quickly.

The world of Protheka is not kind to the humans who were brought to it.
Dark Elves treat us as objects for their basest pleasures.
We exist to fulfill their darkest desires.
Out of this filthy existence, I come to feel a forbidden emotion.

Love.

It is dangerous to love in this nightmare world.
But I can’t help loving the Archduke Karl Ishiraya who purchased my existence with the wave of his hand.
He can do with me as he pleases.
Treat me in any way he desires.
I am prepared for the pain.
I have steeled myself for the suffering.

But the one thing he seeks for both him and I may be the hardest to attain and the cruelest to bear in this twisted nightmare world.

Happiness.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Fae, Fantasy Romance, Dark, Paranormal Romance, Paranormal

170 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 15, 2022

About the author

Celeste King is the author behind the Worlds of Protheka, a collection of interconnected series that promise dark fantasy, intense romance, and washboard abs. When it comes to her stories, there are sure to brooding alphas, sassy humans, and plenty of spice to look forward to.

With the ever growing fantasy worlds, the 'what ifs' are endless, and that is what excites her the most. Even she doesn't know just how far these characters will go, but she's gladly along for the ride.

You can always find her fearlessly diving into an adventure (in this world or another), typically with her husband, and partner in crime, at her side.

She helps keep the excitement alive for the rest us with each of her Prothekan works, where there are no heroes coming to save you and being kidnapped...isn't so bad when your captor is this hot.

Reviews

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was intrigued by the hot dark elf on the cover...but the contents....ugh.

Warning: rape, abuse, SA, ect.



So yeah humans are slaves and dark elves are sadistic Nobles that to pay to assault and torture them at their leisure. Our h has been stuck in a room all her life, and while she remains a virgin was taught how to sexually please the elves as well as the finer arts to entertain-while the other humans are being tricked out, abused, and dying frequently.

But she is bought by the Archduke-she is special- she makes him feel feelings again- he is gentle so he must be different & he causes her to have lustly feels-le gasp- they fall in love even though its forbidden-they get married....aaand there is no further attempt to end human slavery or rescue anyone from the brothels. the end.



It seemed like the violent sexual abuse scenes were more drawn out than the growing romance parts...or maybe I just noticed it because the love plot was so boring?

[Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Royal dark elves on an alien planet!



The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙🖤💚❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍
Character development: 😔🤨😛😁

The heroine: Amelie - she was raised in a brothel of human slaves that were used and abused by the dark elves on Protheka. Though many of her friends were thrown into the pit to be used until they expired, she was kept pure, in a small room that was little more than a prison cell. Now that she is of age, she is to be sold to the highest bidder.

The Hero: Archduke Kral Ishiraya - brother to the king of Vhoig, he likes to be alone in his study reading or balancing the ledgers. The King requires him to go out into the city and be seen every now and then to keep his social status and so the people of his caste know that he is still of good health and mind. Though he hates it. A long time ago he had to turn off his emotions because they didn’t go well with his magic. Now he is like a sociopath who has trouble figuring subtleties like when people say one thing and mean another. He thinks it is all too exhausting being around others.

“He has no emotion,” comes the words from long ago, a distant memory perfectly preserved. “He feels nothing at all. No joy or sadness, and neither lust nor… mercy.”

The Story: The planet Protheka is home to many races and species, such as humans, dark elves, naga, Orcs, dragon shifters and more. Though the humans are barely considered. They mostly live in and on the outskirts of the cities where the dark elves reside but are seen as no more than slaves to be used for the elves’ deviant desires and if they die due to overuse, they are easily replaced. Kral is a bit disgusted by the way most elves value human life so little.

“Honey told me that the dark elves love humans because they can do anything they want with us. Elvish women require certain decorum, but humans?

If they like to beat us, they can. If they want to feed us water until our bladder bursts, they can. If they want us to lick the floor clean after a twenty-person orgy, they can. We’re toys. Nothing but toys.”

When Kral sees Amelie in the brothel, he immediately feels something like he has never felt before and he knows he has to find out why. He sees her being auctioned off and pays a small fortune to make her his. He is pleased that he has finally done something that he wanted to do, since he usually just works day and night for the crown. This female is truly his.

I liked Kral from the beginning, not only because he didn’t like the fact that most elves didn’t value human life, but because I love stories about sociopath’s and psychopath’s who don’t feel emotions the way normal people do, and I enjoy seeing them fall in love and feel something for someone else for the first time. Kral was like that since his emotions were turned off. Plus, I liked that he was uncomfortable with other elves, and he liked being alone. I also liked that the dark elves have magic and Kral had so much that he struggled to control it which was why they locked away his emotions at a young age. However, his feelings for Amelie brought some of that back.

“Why walk when you can fly? And why fly when you can simply be where you want? Yes, the power is there. All I need to do is have sufficient will to shape it. My desire for Amelie is more than enough, and I disappear into the magic.”

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[readabookonce · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book needed at least 100 more pages, and it really could’ve done something.

MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES
Amelie (20) | Kral Ishiraya (?)

FEATURES
∘ fantasy romance
∘ dark elf and human couple
∘ auction
∘ fmc held captive
∘ royal mmc
∘ instalust & instalove

REVIEW
The relationship between Amelie and Kral progressed way too fast. It wouldn’t have been an issue if there were any scenes where they got to know each other. There was the initial attraction, a sexual encounter without any talking, an escape, and then basically he loved her. When it came time for Kral to fight for Amelie, his declaration of devotion and undying love felt so unsatisfying.

The treatment the humans go through in this book…despicable. The characters who treated these humans so cruelly basically got off with a warning, and only because they threatened Amelie. I had hoped the dark matter would serve some purpose in the book other than seemingly existing for brutality’s sake. While the abuse is addressed, there is no reform—although there probably will be in the next books of the series.

The elements for a fully-realized world and compelling romance were there. Had it explored or detailed these elements more, it could’ve easily been a favorite book of mine.

OW/OM DRAMA none
CHEATING none
THIRD ACT BREAKUP no
ENDING HEA — no epilogue but there is a marriage ceremony

POV dual / first person
SPICE LEVEL 4 / 5
RATING 3 / 5

[TrippyBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lmao what.

This book needed 50 more pages of relationship development no joke


Mild spoilers one chapter shes chained up the next chapter they’re in love i got whiplash.

I added the third star because i enjoyed watching that creep get his arm torn off. More of that pls .

It wasnt wowing me but ill read ahead cuz i like hot dark elves

[Jacki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had higher hopes for this one! :(

I believe the novella length was a mistake. We barely broke the surface when it came to the world building. The chemistry between our H and h wasn’t forced, but there was just no substance. Everything happened too quickly.

There were exciting moments and there were cringey moments. Yes, humans are treated HORRIFICALLY in this book, but I don’t think that should constitute so many of the low ratings I’m seeing. It’s a part of the world building of this place and the story.

I would hope that as this series goes on, there’s a true change to how humans are treated, but I won’t continue on with the series. Skimming the surface in all aspects of a book is not my cup of tea. It’s a bummer because this could have been a 4-5 star book/series.

2.5 stars rounded up.

[AvidReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

It had great potential but fizzled out towards the end.

I picked it up thinking it would be a fun fantasy novel never thinking it would be a dark book. There are many scenes/references of se*ual abuse in the book. Humans in their world was treated worse than animals. I expected it to change a bit towards the end because of the heroine’s influence and hero was one powerful elf. Sadly that didn’t happen.
I loved the demonstration of hero’s power abd basically him. He was hot.

[Chase Matthews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll just say that the first chapter that takes place in the dark elf brothel... well it was enough to make Clive Barker blush. It was well written and I felt genuine concern for the woman who was the MC. The dark elf who was the "enemy" turned lover was an interesting character and not the normal two dimensional toxic beefcake bro suddenly turned nice guy that I roll my eyes at.

[DemetraP · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hero sees her at an auction and buys her. He is obsessed with her.

SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER

They get married and his brother the King supports the marriage.

There are some dark "bad stuff happening to other sex slaves" scenes but nothing bad happens to the heroine.

[Ähmsry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sure this cover catches me right away and this story is A bit in between , not bad but also not fantastic just good - looks like I have to read the next one in this fast growing series.

[Caro · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a world where humans are nothing, Amelie is only worth only what her master can sell her for.

Archduke Kral Ishiraya, brother to the King, has a little fascination with Amelie and buys her.

Then it all begins.

3.5 stars

[Catharine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am obsessed with these Dark Elf books and this one started it all! These are all shorter romance novels, so easy to read in one sitting or throughout a weekend. These elves are dark and handsome and there's a lot of questionable choices made throughout these novels but I am HERE FOR IT.

I really enjoyed this story, it's a great one to start the series with while also giving you a glimpse of how more or less each book is going to turn out. You really fall in love with these dudes even in the short amount of pages!

[Charlotte · Rating 2 out of 5]

This had no real plot.

[Jenni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lolol hehehe mmm yes yes

[Kristal · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's intriguing but a little slow. The spice is pretty good. Solid 3.5/4 stars. 🤩

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

The World of Protheka is not a welcoming place to the humans brought there for the twisted pleasures of its ruling class of Dark Elves.
Human Amelie has been left untouched by her owner and trained in the arts instead so that she’ll fetch a high price at auction. Coming of age that time has now arrived when she is to be auctioned off to the highest bidder and after witnessing the many depravities inflicted on her fellow humans in the club L’Amouer she fears what awaits her.
Archduke Karl Ishiraya cajoled into visiting the club and disgusted by its clientele catches a glimpse of Amelie as she’s being taken to auction and is overcome and confused by the emotions the sight of her elicits in him. What he does know is he will have her for himself.
Their story ignites the pages of this well written tale of Sci-Fi Romance with elements of Fantasy infusing it’s dark and steamy narrative that is sure to keep the reader turning the pages as these two well- crafted protagonists discover a deep and abiding love.

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

[Angie Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm, dark elf

Dark elves are considered to be less than wholesome by a few. Kral proves to be an exception to that rule because he doesn't feel (like his fellow elves) until he meets Amelie. Amelie rocks his world in more than one way.

[Lori McEntee · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

I can’t do books where the girl is raped but then fall for the guy.

[Amanda B · Rating 1 out of 5]

A hero who saves the heroine but leaves all the other people in slavery? That’s not a hero. That’s an enabler.

Wish I hadn’t wasted my time with this one.

Warnings for sexual abuse and assault.

[Jona]

Me quedé a cuadritos con este libro.

Empieza con Amelie contándonos su situación, una en la que lleva encerrada años esperando el momento en el que la vendan a algún elfo que pueda hacer con ella lo que quiera. Puede considerarse incluso afortunada, porque mientras ella se mantiene virgen hasta la fecha ya que es especial —entre las humanas seleccionan a unas cuantas que son más atractivas y las mantienen "puras"— el resto de humanos del lugar donde vive son usados para cualquier fetiche sexual que se pueda imaginar, sin importar si sufren o ni siquiera si mueren.

Es evidente que Amelie odiará y temerá a los elfos, que cuando sea vendida luchará con uñas y dientes, que buscará todas las maneras posibles de escapar, que no querrá absolutamente nada que venga de su comprador, que le costará aceptar cuando empiece a sentir cosas por él.... Pues nada de eso, sus dudas y su sufrimiento ocupan dos páginas.

Kral es alguien que tiene los sentimientos sellados —literalmente— desde que era un niño. No le importa nada de lo que pase alrededor y se burla de quienes caen en la lujuria. Ah, entonces veremos como este bloqueo se va rompiendo a medida que interactúa con Amelie... No, es verla y ¡Pum! Emociones, adiós al bloqueo.

Y tal vez esto tendría una salvación de no ser porque para la mitad del libro aún no han tenido ni una sola conversación, peor aún, no hay ni cuatro conversaciones entre ellos en todo el libro —más allá de los "Oh, eres mía, no puedes huir" "¡Oh, tómame!"— ¿Dónde está el desarrollo de la relación? Entre paseos, comidas y ratos juntos que se comenta que pasan pero de los que no sabemos nada.

¿Y qué pasa con el resto de humanos? Pues siguen igual, y no sólo eso, si no que en ningún momento ninguno de los dos protagonistas muestran indicio de que les interese que eso cambie. Amelie es libre y tiene amor, así que ¿Qué más da lo demás? Y Kral es, directamente, un imbécil egoísta al que le importa bien poco si los humanos son vistos como esclavos o animales, lo que le importa es que su humana sea vista como un igual a él y a los suyos.

Me desagrada más Kral que otros personajes que deberían ser peores. Sí, tratan a los humanos como esclavos, sí, abusan de ellos y los torturan y blahblah, pero es algo que en su sociedad está normalizado, de alguna manera para ellos no está mal. Sin embargo Kral no duda en amenazar, matar o hacer mucho daño a otros elfos porque dañen a Amelie o incluso simplemente hablen mal de ella —amigo, nadie sabe que la quieres y para ellos no es más que un objeto, no puedes enfurecerte porque traten a una humana más como tratan a todos los humanos que te importan un comino—.

¿Y por qué los humanos están en esa situación? Pues ni se sabe ni importa. Se comenta que en algún momento llegaron ¿Pero de dónde? Quien sabe si de otro planeta, otro país... ¿Llegaron con intenciones de dar guerra o lo hicieron de forma pacífica? A saber. Nada de eso importa porque lo importante es que los dos protagonistas son muy sexys y se tienen muchas ganas, y que oh mira qué vacíos están los humanos y cómo los elfos oscuros le hacen esto o aquello.

Después de decir todo esto ¿Voy a seguir con la saga? Bueno, ya que su versión Kindle está gratuita y es cortito sí, le daré una segunda oportunidad.

[Emilie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I straight up read this book for one reason and one reason only: I’ve probably watched every single Daemon Targaryen thirst trap tiktoks and so I searched for an elf romance and saw white hair MMC of questionable morals and began reading to quench my crush on one fictional character for another hopefully. Now, this would be unwise as the book has the following tropes; slavery, auction, and questionable consent. Not to say I have not enjoyed such tropes in the past; in fact, I revelled in them. 10 years ago. Again such an aspect would have easily been avoided if I had bothered doing research on the novel before downloading it on my Kindle.

The book follows the MC who knows she is the elite stock of a brothel, protected until her auction. However, my first issue was how the book keeps toying with her “power” and/or what makes us so special but never actively says what it is to the audience and other characters, such as the auction. While some might like the mysterious aspect of it, I felt as if it fell short as then we were just meant to assume it was due to her beauty which was not emphasized enough for it to feel as the ‘it’ factor of her high price especially as the individuals bidding for her were told she was worth more than just her looks.

Now for the main love interest. I’ll be entirely open; I was overjoyed with the prospect of a seemingly neurodivergent /autistic coded elf archduke. Perhaps it is because I’m neurodivergent myself that when the MMC’s whole character arc is about having feelings again. It's not that the concept makes me frustrated, but rather I am shocked I disliked such a premise. It’s a mixed feeling I understand what the novel aspires to do while disliking how it was presented. I normally love a male main character who cannot emotionally express himself, but this felt short.

As aforementioned, I randomly picked this novel to feed my hunger for a morally grey Targaryen, and it must be acknowledged that nothing will ever quench it except hate fucking Matt Smith in his Targaryen wig (or my hyper fixation ends). Overall I believe this book is average, but perhaps I just do not for better lack of expression “vibe” with the writing style of the author, which is entirely possible. I will keep an open mind and soon read another of her novels, but still, if it's not a match, that’s ok too.

P.S. I had too many glasses of wine while writing this review

[I. Vélez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Master-slave romance that Blew my Mind

This master-slave romance wasn't exactly what I expected and yet it blew my mind. Yes, it was that good.

I expected a dark romance with a brooding a hole that would bully the female protagonist until they fell in love. What I got instead was a cold-hearted Archduke that learned to love thank to his slave and was surprisingly tender with her since the very start of the book.

The characters were exquisitely made, with backstories that wrenched tears from me more than once. The relationship between Kral and his older brother Grymlock had me crying my eyes out near the end, and Kral's interactions with his cousin Carisu made me laugh so much. Imagine this ice prince being dragged to a debauchery party by a suave, fun-loving trickster. However, with me there's always a character that brings out my anger and, surprise, that one was Amelie! (Rolls eyes, not surprisingly at all since I have a bone to pick with the females 99% of the times). There's a scene involving her that pissed me off royally and yet by the end of the book I just rolled my eyes and sighed, too tired of her doubtsand insecurities to get angry at her anymore. Though, I guess that's all you get when you have been a slave all your life: insecurities and doubts.

The sex scenes (yes, because there are three) were panty-melting hotness that left me squirming in my seat. Though, I must confess Kral and Amelie's first sexual encounter was the best. God, I love the males who love roughly and Kral didn't disappoint me in the least.

The world building is the only thing I would love the author would explore more in the next novels. The dark elf culture, despite it having a monarchy structure, seems to be one centered on mayhem and vileness, kind of like a villainous culture. They even adore a god called The Deceiver. And yet, not all dark elves are evil. Take Kral and his brother Grymlock for examples. I'll definitely keep reading the series to know more.

Lastly, I cannot go without saying that Mated to the Dark Elf won my LAC (Laugh-Angry-Cry) badge for ripping all those feelings from me, and will be counted among my best reads of 2022.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story!

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book, but I'm glad that I read it.

Amelie has been a human prisoner in a sex club that caters to the Dark Elves' twisted desires, since she was just 4 years old. She's remained untouched her whole life, but her days are now numbered. As her 20th birthday arrives, she knows that it's time for her to be sold to a Dark Elf as a human sex toy until they kill her. Dark Elves are known to be sadistic with their toys, not caring how they are treated. In the club, she was treated as someone special because her beauty spoke volumes. She has blonde hair, gorgeous blue eyes, and a beautiful body.

When Archduke Kral, who also happens to be the King's brother, joins his cousin out for a night of fun, he never expected to see the beauty being sold to a known sadistic Baron. Kral has been emotionally stunted since he was a child when his sorcerers' powers grew too fast. His uncaring parents had the High Priest shut off his emotions. That is until he sees Amelie displayed and handcuffed on stage, being auctioned off like an animal. Kral immediately steps in and buys her for himself.

Now Amelie doesn't know what her future holds. Human slaves don't last long as property of Dark Elves, so it's only a matter of time for her. But life at the palace is nothing like the hell she endured for the past 16 years.

Kral and Amelie soon become more than Elf/slave. She brings back long forgotten emotions in Kral, making him happy for the first time in his life. He makes her feel safe for the first time in her life.

A must read!

[Karen Nastasio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book gives you a kick right from the start and yes it’s a little bit dark in some places but if you can get past that then storyline is amazing and a quick read. Amelie is a human slave that lives on Protheka where the females are treated badly and as play things to the dark elf’s. Archduke Kral Ishiraya is a Dark Elf on Protheka who uses human females a pleasure toys and nothing more, now his cousin Carisu and the king of the Dark Elves take him out to a party at the auction house and straight away he is drawn to the two elves taking a human slave to be auctioned off and he bids and wins the human. Amelie has just been sold to a sexy looking dark elf and wonders why she thinks this about him when she knows she is just a play thing and a pleasure toy and nothing more but when they are alone he is gentle and caring and the chemistry is quite strong and it isn’t long before she falls in love with her captor but she knows he has feelings for her but he has told her. Carisu the king notices the difference his cousin Kral has been showing his human toy and wonders why this is because it’s not there way and he is concerned. What happens between them and can they have a future together and a couple or not.

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

[Regina · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a waste of a beautiful cover art

This had so much potential only to be wasted on sex . The plot was a good one or so I thought only to realize the plot was his emotions and sex. No ,really that's what it was. I have no idea how human came to be in the dark elf realm .Why they are slaves other than the self serving elf want them and they are no more than animals and are tortured for sick slave owners pleasure. No story on any of that .He is a locked power prince that really doesn't care . Buys her because she makes him feel and then the ease the king allowed him to marry her was .....just meh . we don't explore any disgust at humans being treated this way ,he actually thought he doesn't like it but really doesn't care what others do . So for her to just accept her blessed roll and not be disgusted at the absolute non care they have for humans was disappointing. Oh we get the old laws need to be changed but nothing is delved into .
Most of this book was inner thought and sex ,the people didn't talk or have any dealings but brief food bath on so .just her thinking him thinking sex I loves you why yes you can marry the animal pet you bought and high ho high ho off to slaves shops we go .......yea sad , could have been very good start to series ended up being a waste of read .

[Rasheta · Rating 2 out of 5]

First off what the hell did I just read? First off I"m well aware of the legacy the Dark Elves have in fantasy literature. I play DND and I usually play a Drow, or dark elf if you will. I know how they are portrayed and it's not exactly pretty. To be sure this book should come with various abuse trigger warnings. I think it does in the descriptions, but I didn't see them first that's on me. Just be aware if you are reading this Domestic Violence and Sexual assault happen. All that said, I didn't entirely hate it. I liked the love that the brothers had toward the end. I loved that the king didn't even question the Archduke he just accepted and moved on, even going so far as to tease his brother at the end. I liked the Archduke a lot actually he wasn't as hard as I usually play my elves in my DND games but he was ruthless and I liked that aspect. This book is very short so the plot and the characters weren't as fleshed out as I would have liked. I would have liked to have more story it seemed to go very quickly and not much developed the timetable of "love" was very quick but I did like that there was some asking for sex not just taking. So sort of well done I guess. I can't say this was my favorite book ever but it wasn't entirely awful either.

[Jsalt80 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intrigued

It went kind of fast paced near the end, but I’m looking forward to what will happen in book 2.

This one brought many questions about Karl and his power and no one seemed to have any questions about Amelie’s magic either. We don’t know where Amelie can from, nor much about the humans’ arrival at all.

Who is “The Deceiver”? Do the humans also revere them? Did they send the humans? Who are the “Thirteen”?

When the story began, I wondered where Amelie dreamed to escape to considering the elves seemed to run the city and the humans were all slaves. Humans, especially Amelie, were described to be much shorter than both male and female elves, so I wondered how she possibly thought she would be able to walk (or run) down the street away from Rhaki’s club without being noticed by anyone. Fortunately her escape route was the forest, but still… where would she even go if all humans were slaves everywhere? At least that’s the impression I got from this book. It lack in the world building but it was a good start.

See my notes and highlights on Goodreads. Happy reading!

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars This story was a different take on the Dark Elves, which was interesting if not lacking in some places. There was so little dialog, which I can imagine is a challenge to write, that the majority of the story was made up of narration.

Humans turned into slaves, and mostly sex slaves to be used by the dark elves however and when ever they want. They save the purest for the highest bidder, with never the hope of escape or freedom.

The story lacked a foundation for where the humans come from, it almost sounded like they were born in captivity but not really. The backstory on Emilie was scant and could have been developed better. At one point I thought the author was going to make her a witch or at least give her some magical powers to explain the attraction between the two but that never really happened.

He just feels around her, that part of the story could have been fleshed out a bit more to develop a stronger storyline.

Overall it was an easy, fast read. The story moved along and had an ending that was not fully unexpected, if not quickly concluded.

[Sav · Rating 4 out of 5]

call me weird, but I actually appreciated the fact that the author was quite descriptive and didn't skip over the crude and horrific details of how humans are treated by the dark elves in this world. most books skim over it, call it "unimaginable horrors" but I've always been curious as to what constitutes such vile treatment of *insert species being treating poorly here*. I felt this foundation was necessary to show how wary Amelie is of her new master and how Kral is torn by finding himself in possession of a human he doesn't detest.

*minorly spoilerish*

why only four stars then? I would have loved to seen more of the transition of where their relationship started (the fear, hesitancy to trust one another) to where they got to being able to admit their feelings to themselves. especially Amelie, as she was..you know....a whole slave. also, I assumed that they were mates and *that* was why they felt such a strong pull towards each other but the author left this point rather ambiguous, leaving me with questions I'd have loved to know the answers to

[✮Octjillery✮ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This had a promising premise, but in the end, the length of the book worked against it.

The bones of world-building and interesting plot are there, but there just aren't enough pages to get into it.

We know that Amelie is 20 because her birthday means having her virginity (and life, really) auctioned off. We never learn how old Kral is.

We don't learn anything about how humans, dark elves, and the briefly-mentioned orcs all came to be on this same planet--whether it's supposed to be a futuristic setting with humans being brought in or just fantasy where that's the norm. We learn very little about the society in general other than that humans are enslaved and tortured by dark elf nobility as a fun little pastime.

Honestly, not much happens other than an insta-attraction between the two main characters, him buying her and treating her well, and then our happy little ending. There are a shitton of books set in this world, but this just didn't grab me like the Zoe Ashwood orc books. I don't think I'm gonna continue down this rabbit hole.

[ArcaneScribbles · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was.. ok, I guess, as a popcorn read. Not what I'd been wanting by a long shot.

Little to no actual story development, incredibly inconsistent characters and plot. I ended up skimming large sections of it just because I was curious enough about what would end up happening at the end to not DNF.

I'm frequently disappointed when a love interest is something like 'dark elf', 'dark fae', 'gargoyle', 'demon', etc, whatever.. and there's absolutely nothing in the characterization that actually makes that character/character race distinct in any kind of way. Same story, different shape of the ears.

And the inconsistencies. Did I mention the inconsistencies? They start from the first page and never get any better. I guess if folks don't care about any of that, it'd be a good read, but not for me. I'd had a couple of other books from this author on my TBR, and based on this I'm really reconsidering them. I might try another one just to see if its as popcorn-fluff as this one is, but if it is then that'll probably be it for me.