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The Realm #9

Honorable Darkness: The Story of Hex and Snip

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Legends claim they are a pair born with souls so tarnished that they steal all the light and happiness from those who dare cross their path.


Revered as beings of myth and legend, they are the first twins born in the Realm for eons. They have become the monsters parents warn children about when they misbehave. Many of the kingdoms see them as a dangerous abomination.


Authenticity has been lost in time, leaving only the twisted and embellished tales of the impossible twin princes that had everything but desired more. After the significant loss of their mother, their only source of joy was their sister, Evie. But when she is taken under mysterious circumstances, the twins clash with their father, each other, and the rules of life itself in an attempt to save her life.


When it comes to the truth of their lives, Hex and Snip find themselves wishing the twisted stories of their past were true. For the truth is much, much worse.

248 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 23, 2023

4 people want to read

About the author

C.R. Rice

14 books18 followers
C.R. Rice enjoys spending her days with her family in sunny Florida, where the sun is always shining and the alligators are only slightly terrifying. After receiving a loving shove from her husband, she decided to take a step into the wonderful world of authordom with her first series in the Realm. When she is not writing she is reading, going on adventures with her rather daring four year old son and husband, or lazing about in the pool.

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2 (16%)
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Profile Image for Layla Penfold.
313 reviews22 followers
May 27, 2023
Where do I start? Firstly I messed up, and should have started reading this series from the beginning, I seem to have a habit of this.
Anyway, this is a fantastic fantasy novella, I enjoyed it more than what I thought I would.
I did read this in one sitting and I’m not even sorry. The story plot is soooo good.
Do I have a favourite character? I can’t seem to choose to be honest.
I loved this so much I am now buying myself the first book but in physical form, so that I will have a gorgeous collection.
Profile Image for Lina.
203 reviews1 follower
May 22, 2023
This book was awesome! It was truly standalone; it delved into the lives of two characters presumably from the series, but after the first chapter or two it's all flashback so you don't need any context from the other books. Hex and Snip were just two twins in a world without twins and had to suffer the consequences, as well as try to save the Realm from utter destruction. I loved the writing style and that Rice was able to fit so much into such a short book without making it feel rushed.
Profile Image for Joyffree.
3,403 reviews60 followers
May 18, 2023
How did I not know about this series?
I dropped into this series with Hex and Snip's story
I am definitely going back to the beginning

This is a dark fantasy novella that tells the story of Hex and Snip, twin princes who are feared by the people of their kingdom. The twins are born in a world where twins are believed to be a bad omen.

As they grow up they begin to display signs that further drive home how different they are - nightmares, and abilities beyond the norm -
It is whispered among the halls and in the shadows that they have the ability to steal the light and happiness from those who cross their path and that someday they will destroy the world.

However, Hex and Snip are not evil. They are simply different.
And that difference is what leads to their current path.

This was a fast-paced, action-packed story with all kinds of twists and turns. Well-developed characters that I instantly loved and loathed. The twins stole my heart as did their sister.
The world-building was immersive and easily transported me into the story.

I what more from these two - Heck I want more from this whole cast
How are they going to undo what they have done?
Where is everyone?
Why are they all in the room?
I know I am going to get many of my answers from previous books or from ones to come still - doesn't mean I am not going to ask

Honorable Darkness is a well-written and enjoyable novella that I would recommend to fans of fantasy and adventure. It is a quick and easy read that will keep you entertained from beginning to end

A note here - I received this as an ARC however I read it via Kobo plus
Profile Image for Christina Luberts.
2,767 reviews7 followers
April 20, 2024
This is Hex and Snip's story. People fear them because they are the first born of twins in a long time. We have a lot of action with twist and turns as they try to find there sister. Will they find their sister? What will happen if they do? Loved that the brothers have each others back and it never waivers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kat M.
5,189 reviews18 followers
May 20, 2024
We’re still going strong in the Realm series, it had the elements that I enjoyed from the previous eight books. The world was interesting and worked with the characters and how I expected them to go. I enjoyed the way CR Rice wrote this and the previous books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for stephanie cox.
1,168 reviews19 followers
October 20, 2024
C.R. Snip's Honorable Darkness is a captivating novella that delves into the lengths one might go to save a life. The author masterfully explores this poignant theme, elevating it from mere imagination to a profound narrative. The characters, Hex and Snip, are wonderfully crafted, each brimming with distinct personalities that make them relatable and engaging. Snip's vivid storytelling invites readers to connect deeply with their journey, making this a compelling read that lingers long after the final page.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
19 reviews
September 19, 2024
I think this is my favorite novella by this author. I enjoyed the exploration into the depths someone will go to to save someone they love. The play on the shift between what Hex and Snip showed to who they were was really interesting. I wanted more of their fall but will keep reading to see if it is unconvered somewhere else. 100% recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
19 reviews
September 19, 2024
I think this is my favorite novella by this author. I enjoyed the exploration into the depths someone will go to to save someone they love. The play on the shift between what Hex and Snip showed to who they were was really interesting. I wanted more of their fall but will keep reading to see if it is unconvered somewhere else. 100% recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews

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