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A Legacy of Monsters #1
Traitors & Tyrants
Your choices are your own.
Prince Hector is hunted by a creature he’s never seen—a demon from another age. Protecting himself will cost him the kingdom and countless lives. But Hector will do anything to protect his people—even if it means sacrificing his soul.
Kierra is an untrained enchantress—the earth has taught her everything she knows inside her stony prison. Hatred and rage fuel her magic, killing everything in her path. After years of neglect, she is free and ready for vengeance. But demons are on the hunt, and she’s their prey.
Inspired by the question, “why did Gothel want Rapunzel?” this dark YA fantasy is great for fans of Vespertine, And I Darken, and Ash Princess.
Prince Hector is hunted by a creature he’s never seen—a demon from another age. Protecting himself will cost him the kingdom and countless lives. But Hector will do anything to protect his people—even if it means sacrificing his soul.
Kierra is an untrained enchantress—the earth has taught her everything she knows inside her stony prison. Hatred and rage fuel her magic, killing everything in her path. After years of neglect, she is free and ready for vengeance. But demons are on the hunt, and she’s their prey.
Inspired by the question, “why did Gothel want Rapunzel?” this dark YA fantasy is great for fans of Vespertine, And I Darken, and Ash Princess.
- GenresFantasyParanormalEbooks
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2021
33 people are currently reading
410 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Dunham
20 books189 followersI've been practicing my craft for the better part of 10 years. For so long, publishing a book has been little more than a dream. I've nearly quit more times than I remember but here we are.
I love to read fantasy and mystery/thrillers. I find J.R.R. Tolkien deeply inspiring, although let's be clear I am nowhere near as talented as him.
Some of my favorite books include Dracula, And I Darken, The Whisper Man, and Kingdom of Souls.
I love to read fantasy and mystery/thrillers. I find J.R.R. Tolkien deeply inspiring, although let's be clear I am nowhere near as talented as him.
Some of my favorite books include Dracula, And I Darken, The Whisper Man, and Kingdom of Souls.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 16, 2021
I continue to underestimate Stephanie Dunham, and she continues to prove herself as a writing force to be on the look out for.
I read her poetry, thinking it was going to be just okay, and loved it. Then I read Well of Terror, thinking there was no way she was as good a writer as a poet, and it became one of my favourite novellas. Then I read Traitors and Tyrants, thinking that maybe she wouldn't do as well with a novel as she did with a novella, and it was perfect.
I will just continue to expect the best from her, because it's what she delivers. This fantasy novel is fresh, well written, and engaging. I could not tear myself away from it. I read half of it in one sitting, reading 'just one more chapter' before bed. There's something gripping about her writing.
This is a novel worth reading.
I read her poetry, thinking it was going to be just okay, and loved it. Then I read Well of Terror, thinking there was no way she was as good a writer as a poet, and it became one of my favourite novellas. Then I read Traitors and Tyrants, thinking that maybe she wouldn't do as well with a novel as she did with a novella, and it was perfect.
I will just continue to expect the best from her, because it's what she delivers. This fantasy novel is fresh, well written, and engaging. I could not tear myself away from it. I read half of it in one sitting, reading 'just one more chapter' before bed. There's something gripping about her writing.
This is a novel worth reading.
January 25, 2022
I'm behind on reviewing books! Stephanie Dunham is rapidly climbing the ranks as a favourite author. I am just shocked by how well she crafts her worlds. She's criminally underrated and deserves the world to be offered to her on a silver platter. Read this one...it's worth it.
August 30, 2024
Great YA book. Loved it!
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December 18, 2021I have worked on this book for a very long time and I can hardly believe it is finally out in the world. Traitors & Tyrants is a dark YA fantasy, and I hope you all enjoy it as much, if not more, than I did. Getting to the end product was a journey, and it's by no means perfect, but what book is? I'm proud of the book this story has become and I'm excited to share it with y'all!
Nailing down Kierra's POV was extremely difficult and, quite frankly, it was one of the reasons why it took so long to finish editing this book. She's a very angry character and has not had an easy life. It was years before I was ready to write a main character like her, but I'm absolutely please with who she became.
Hector's POV was pretty straightforward for me, but I found that with each draft his story became richer and better than I originally imagined. Ironically, because he was so straightforward, in some respects it was a struggle to find more interesting ways to tackle his story and provide more depth. I feel like I eventually got there with his character though, and I hope you all agree.
I'm busy working on the second book for y'all and hope to see you again when it comes out!
Nailing down Kierra's POV was extremely difficult and, quite frankly, it was one of the reasons why it took so long to finish editing this book. She's a very angry character and has not had an easy life. It was years before I was ready to write a main character like her, but I'm absolutely please with who she became.
Hector's POV was pretty straightforward for me, but I found that with each draft his story became richer and better than I originally imagined. Ironically, because he was so straightforward, in some respects it was a struggle to find more interesting ways to tackle his story and provide more depth. I feel like I eventually got there with his character though, and I hope you all agree.
I'm busy working on the second book for y'all and hope to see you again when it comes out!
March 11, 2022
So in all honesty, I am pausing on this book for now, simply because it is a bit dark for me, but hear me out. I am still rating it high because I am very impressed by the writing, and I don't have anything to criticize.
I am rating this a 4 because the world Stephanie crafted was vivid and unique. She is clearly a gifted writer.
This has zombie vibes for me (but not), with dark magic, a mysterious enchantress, a touch of romance (maybe would have been more later in the book?), action, battle scenes, gore, an evil fae queen... All the makings of a great dark fantasy.
I went in a bit hesitant because I don't gravitate to dark fantasy and battle scenes so it's no surprise it isn't a 5 star for me, but I can still recognize great writing when I see it. Maybe I'll be brave enough to finish it one day. I am a bit too invested to not know what happened to Kierra and Hector.
Great job on this novel, Stephanie!
I am rating this a 4 because the world Stephanie crafted was vivid and unique. She is clearly a gifted writer.
This has zombie vibes for me (but not), with dark magic, a mysterious enchantress, a touch of romance (maybe would have been more later in the book?), action, battle scenes, gore, an evil fae queen... All the makings of a great dark fantasy.
I went in a bit hesitant because I don't gravitate to dark fantasy and battle scenes so it's no surprise it isn't a 5 star for me, but I can still recognize great writing when I see it. Maybe I'll be brave enough to finish it one day. I am a bit too invested to not know what happened to Kierra and Hector.
Great job on this novel, Stephanie!
December 20, 2023
Bloody dark fantasy with glimmers of hope in twisted darkness.
This is the first book I've read by Stephanie and it was a dark twisted thrill ride. The world is full of magic, demons, and sacrifice. Hector and Keirra both are driven and willing to do whatever it takes to fulfill their purposes. I will say this book is violent and graphic at times but has no spice. Perfect for teens and YA who want a heart pounding fast paced adventure laced with dread and heartbreak.
This is the first book I've read by Stephanie and it was a dark twisted thrill ride. The world is full of magic, demons, and sacrifice. Hector and Keirra both are driven and willing to do whatever it takes to fulfill their purposes. I will say this book is violent and graphic at times but has no spice. Perfect for teens and YA who want a heart pounding fast paced adventure laced with dread and heartbreak.
May 21, 2023
Solid book for a I believe her first novel? I’m looking forward to book 2.
Personally I wish there was slightly more character development or world building. It jumps right into it so I found myself wondering a bit about how things happen. I’m new to reading novels so it could be me.
If you’re looking for a good weekend book or something this is the one.
Huge plus for me- no sex, no spice, no smut, no trash.
I think there’s one kiss but it’s not descriptive it’s done right.
Personally I wish there was slightly more character development or world building. It jumps right into it so I found myself wondering a bit about how things happen. I’m new to reading novels so it could be me.
If you’re looking for a good weekend book or something this is the one.
Huge plus for me- no sex, no spice, no smut, no trash.
I think there’s one kiss but it’s not descriptive it’s done right.
March 21, 2025
What did I just read? Honest to goodness, I have no idea what the point of this book was. I have no idea what was going on at all. What was the point?
I struggled to follow any type of plot. It’s like, there’s a lot going on, but it’s going no where. The characters were dry, the politics were boring, and it was loose - like jello with no structure. Bleh.
I’m not about this. Thank god it was part of a stuff your kindle or I’d be upset I paid for it.
I struggled to follow any type of plot. It’s like, there’s a lot going on, but it’s going no where. The characters were dry, the politics were boring, and it was loose - like jello with no structure. Bleh.
I’m not about this. Thank god it was part of a stuff your kindle or I’d be upset I paid for it.
March 19, 2023
DNF. I can’t do this. I just can’t.
January 1, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed reading it a second time!!!
May 14, 2025
This book could have been 300 pages or less. It was never ending!
August 15, 2023
I cannot wait for the sequel! Stephanie is great at writing creepy horror type scenes and really knows how to play to your senses. The book keeps you guessing!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews