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Realm Immortal #1
King of the Unblessed
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
Merrick, King of the Unblessed, was once heir to all that is good—happiness and pleasure his domain. Now, trapped as the ruler of mischief, he stands on a precipice of choice. On one side his estranged brother, now ruler of what should have been Merrick’s, and on the other King Lucien of the Damned. Both would sway him. Damnation is winning.
Lady Juliana of Bellemare is protected by the Blessed, targeted by the Damned and, now, coveted by the Unblessed. Betrothed to an old friend of her father’s, Juliana is resigned to living out her days close to her childhood home. She longs for an adventure, never dreaming she’ll get what she wishes for when her fiancé is murdered and the children of Bellemare are stolen. To set things right, Juliana embarks on a quest through a strange realm where nothing is as it seems.
Merrick brings more adventure and passion than any woman could want. Can she withstand the temptations of the Unblessed King? Desperate to be the one to rule her and unaccustomed to taking no for an answer, Merrick offers her a choice: come with him until he tires of her…or die.
Warning: This book contains hot sex, violence, trickster goblins, overly helpful sprights, not so helpful demons, a king of necessary evil who lives to get his way and a woman who would dare to deny him.
Merrick, King of the Unblessed, was once heir to all that is good—happiness and pleasure his domain. Now, trapped as the ruler of mischief, he stands on a precipice of choice. On one side his estranged brother, now ruler of what should have been Merrick’s, and on the other King Lucien of the Damned. Both would sway him. Damnation is winning.
Lady Juliana of Bellemare is protected by the Blessed, targeted by the Damned and, now, coveted by the Unblessed. Betrothed to an old friend of her father’s, Juliana is resigned to living out her days close to her childhood home. She longs for an adventure, never dreaming she’ll get what she wishes for when her fiancé is murdered and the children of Bellemare are stolen. To set things right, Juliana embarks on a quest through a strange realm where nothing is as it seems.
Merrick brings more adventure and passion than any woman could want. Can she withstand the temptations of the Unblessed King? Desperate to be the one to rule her and unaccustomed to taking no for an answer, Merrick offers her a choice: come with him until he tires of her…or die.
Warning: This book contains hot sex, violence, trickster goblins, overly helpful sprights, not so helpful demons, a king of necessary evil who lives to get his way and a woman who would dare to deny him.
Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2022
207 people are currently reading
1250 people want to read
About the author
Michelle M. Pillow
202 books3,560 followersNew York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author of All Things Romance
Michelle M. Pillow has sold millions of books worldwide and is the author of beloved series including Dragon Lords, Lords of the Var, Warlocks MacGregor, Tribes of the Vampire, Realm Immortal, Order of Magic, and Merely Mortal. Her books span many genres including romantasy, paranormal romance, sci-fi romance, and paranormal women's fiction.
Recent News: Pan Macmillan Tor Bramble has acquired world rights to the Realm Immortal (high fantasy romantasy, enemies-to-lovers) and Tribes of the Vampire (urban romantasy, gothic vampire seduction) series for new print, audio, and translation editions starting 2026.
A hybrid author (traditional + indie), Michelle is a #1 Amazon bestseller, RT Reviewers' Choice Award winner, Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award nominee, and HOLT Medallion recipient with over 100 books published and counting.
When she's not writing, Michelle is chasing paranormal investigations in old Vaudeville theatres, climbing Mayan temples in Belize, or quoting random movie scenes at anyone who'll listen. She's the proud mom of an incredibly talented artist, collaborates on film and historical documentary projects with her filmmaker husband, and her dream of becoming a zombie extra is technically still alive. (She came close on SyFy's Z Nation, Fall 2016.)
📚 Printable Booklist: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/42pg25jekx
✉️ Newsletter + Exclusive News:
https://michellepillow.com/newsletter...
Facebook: AuthorMichellePillow
Instagram: MichelleMPillow
🌐 MichellePillow.com | MichellePillowBooks.com (signed editions)
Michelle M. Pillow has sold millions of books worldwide and is the author of beloved series including Dragon Lords, Lords of the Var, Warlocks MacGregor, Tribes of the Vampire, Realm Immortal, Order of Magic, and Merely Mortal. Her books span many genres including romantasy, paranormal romance, sci-fi romance, and paranormal women's fiction.
Recent News: Pan Macmillan Tor Bramble has acquired world rights to the Realm Immortal (high fantasy romantasy, enemies-to-lovers) and Tribes of the Vampire (urban romantasy, gothic vampire seduction) series for new print, audio, and translation editions starting 2026.
A hybrid author (traditional + indie), Michelle is a #1 Amazon bestseller, RT Reviewers' Choice Award winner, Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award nominee, and HOLT Medallion recipient with over 100 books published and counting.
When she's not writing, Michelle is chasing paranormal investigations in old Vaudeville theatres, climbing Mayan temples in Belize, or quoting random movie scenes at anyone who'll listen. She's the proud mom of an incredibly talented artist, collaborates on film and historical documentary projects with her filmmaker husband, and her dream of becoming a zombie extra is technically still alive. (She came close on SyFy's Z Nation, Fall 2016.)
📚 Printable Booklist: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/42pg25jekx
✉️ Newsletter + Exclusive News:
https://michellepillow.com/newsletter...
Facebook: AuthorMichellePillow
Instagram: MichelleMPillow
🌐 MichellePillow.com | MichellePillowBooks.com (signed editions)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
January 3, 2009
Lady Juliana of Bellemare has always been hungry to experience new things and exciting adventures but knows that will never happen. Her older brother Hugh has decided to marry her off to their neighbour Lord Eadward of Tyrshire and the only thing she´d experience would be the life with a man thirty years older than she and be stuck in the same place for the rest of her life. On a whim she calls out to her imaginary knight of her dreams to rescue her and take her on an adventure, yes, she even promises him her soul in exchange. What she doesn´t know is that Merrick, dark elfin King of Valdis, the ruler of all what is unblessed watched her through his water mirror for quite some time and of course jumps at the opportunity to get Juliana under his control. He tricks her to come into the Otherworld under the impression he has kidnapped some children of the castle (but it was only glamour he used, he had no interest in the children). There she should find the King of the Unblessed and ask him a question. Now not happy anymore with her foolish wish Juliana reluctantly ventures into the realm of the Otherworld...
I had this book (and the following in this series) at my TBR-pile for quite some time and now I could kick myself because I didn´t start reading it much earlier. This is an enchanting fairytale for adults! A fairytale which had me it´s grasp and didn´t let me go till I was through. Merrick is a dark hero, the King of the Unblessed isn´t necessary evil but the balance between King Ean of Tegwen, the King of the Blessed and King Lucien of the Demons. It´s not only about Juliana´s journey to the Otherworld but the journey of her brothers who came to rescue her too! When they unexpected meet, Hugh is suspicious of her relationship with Merrick and suspicious he should be! The King seduces Juliana by every trick in the book till the poor girl doesn´t know anymore if what she feels is real or another trick. Sometimes Juliana acts foolish and doesn´t question the things she learns although she should know better after having spent some time in this strange world. And her brothers had their own challenges to master, especially Hugh, who was held off by the Faery Queen Tania who had her own reasons to chain him to his bed. There were many interesting sub-characters like Lord Kalen of the Berserks, Mia, the unfortunate lover of the Demon King Lucien and of course there was a betrayer to enforce war between the blessed and unblessed kingdoms.
This is a book with just the right mixture of adventure, love and some hot sex scenes which are an addition to the already intriguing plot. These scenes are just the cherry on the cake – not too much and not too few!
I´m really looking forward to read the next books in the series "Realm Immortal: Faery Queen" and "Realm Immortal: Stone Queen"
Website of the author: http://www.michellepillow.com/
I had this book (and the following in this series) at my TBR-pile for quite some time and now I could kick myself because I didn´t start reading it much earlier. This is an enchanting fairytale for adults! A fairytale which had me it´s grasp and didn´t let me go till I was through. Merrick is a dark hero, the King of the Unblessed isn´t necessary evil but the balance between King Ean of Tegwen, the King of the Blessed and King Lucien of the Demons. It´s not only about Juliana´s journey to the Otherworld but the journey of her brothers who came to rescue her too! When they unexpected meet, Hugh is suspicious of her relationship with Merrick and suspicious he should be! The King seduces Juliana by every trick in the book till the poor girl doesn´t know anymore if what she feels is real or another trick. Sometimes Juliana acts foolish and doesn´t question the things she learns although she should know better after having spent some time in this strange world. And her brothers had their own challenges to master, especially Hugh, who was held off by the Faery Queen Tania who had her own reasons to chain him to his bed. There were many interesting sub-characters like Lord Kalen of the Berserks, Mia, the unfortunate lover of the Demon King Lucien and of course there was a betrayer to enforce war between the blessed and unblessed kingdoms.
This is a book with just the right mixture of adventure, love and some hot sex scenes which are an addition to the already intriguing plot. These scenes are just the cherry on the cake – not too much and not too few!
I´m really looking forward to read the next books in the series "Realm Immortal: Faery Queen" and "Realm Immortal: Stone Queen"
Website of the author: http://www.michellepillow.com/
nevermind
October 24, 2016DNF @ 36%
I really wanted to like this one. I loved the premise and was intrigued at the comparisons to Labyrinth. Alas, Merrick is no Jareth. He's more of a petulant emo man-child. I just didn't find the main characters compelling or their interactions sexy.
*cue Jareth sadface*
I really wanted to like this one. I loved the premise and was intrigued at the comparisons to Labyrinth. Alas, Merrick is no Jareth. He's more of a petulant emo man-child. I just didn't find the main characters compelling or their interactions sexy.
*cue Jareth sadface*
July 5, 2018
This was the most enchanting story. I loved how it was like an adult faery story. I could just picture the goblins and other creatures as they were described. They were so funny. They reminded me of the ones in the children’s book Where The Wild Things Are. The king of the Unblessed was so hot. He was so misunderstood. This is a tale of good verses evil and how true love overcomes all in the end. I hope we get a tell of Juliana’s brothers in the future.
If you like audiobooks, this narrator really brings the characters to life. He does the creatures’ voices so well. And gives Merrick a deep sexy voice.
If you like audiobooks, this narrator really brings the characters to life. He does the creatures’ voices so well. And gives Merrick a deep sexy voice.
July 14, 2009
the heroine makes me grind my teeth in annoyance..my feelings are still torn..and I'm almost halfway through.
May 8, 2026
King of the Unblessed is the first book in the Realm Immortal trilogy. The book follows a collection of characters using the third-person narrative style: Kings Lucian, Ian and Merrick, Juliana, Juliana's brothers and Nicholas, the son of the man Juliana was meant to marry. This did reduce the impact of Juliana and Merrick's relationship arc for me, as there was less time focused on their particular plotline and romance. There's a lot of sex scenes across all of the characters, but I was hoping for more romance.
I think this might just be an issue of expectation. If you go into this expecting a fantasy book with spice that follows many characters, two of which have a romantic subplot together, then you know what you're getting. But if you read this expecting a romantasy heavily focused on two main characters, then you might be disappointed on the romance front. Additionally, Juliana's plotline is dependent on her not asking any questions that you'd expect her to ask and on Merrick deliberately misleading her. Later he explains that he's so used to people expecting the worst of him that he stopped correcting them, but that means that he never denies things that he's incorrectly accused of doing and doesn't explain the things that he does do to Juliana. If you can look past that and don't mind the miscommunication, then you'll be ok here!
The audiobook format was great for this book, with a solid single narrator. She did a great job at distinguishing all of the characters' voices.
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Listener Copy from NetGalley, but this is my voluntary and honest review.
I think this might just be an issue of expectation. If you go into this expecting a fantasy book with spice that follows many characters, two of which have a romantic subplot together, then you know what you're getting. But if you read this expecting a romantasy heavily focused on two main characters, then you might be disappointed on the romance front. Additionally, Juliana's plotline is dependent on her not asking any questions that you'd expect her to ask and on Merrick deliberately misleading her. Later he explains that he's so used to people expecting the worst of him that he stopped correcting them, but that means that he never denies things that he's incorrectly accused of doing and doesn't explain the things that he does do to Juliana. If you can look past that and don't mind the miscommunication, then you'll be ok here!
The audiobook format was great for this book, with a solid single narrator. She did a great job at distinguishing all of the characters' voices.
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Listener Copy from NetGalley, but this is my voluntary and honest review.
October 27, 2023
Do you like adult fairytales and morally grey characters? Then this is the book for you.
This book presents us a story of a game of seduction and mind games with adventure, love, hot sex scenes and intriguing plot. I found myself making some plot comparisons the motion picture the "Labyrinth". I would guess that it was an inspirational piece.
Overall, I enjoyed it and would recommend it. My complaint is that they're too many POV'S, but still it was a very entertaining story. I'm looking forward to read the next books in the series, they look very promising.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book presents us a story of a game of seduction and mind games with adventure, love, hot sex scenes and intriguing plot. I found myself making some plot comparisons the motion picture the "Labyrinth". I would guess that it was an inspirational piece.
Overall, I enjoyed it and would recommend it. My complaint is that they're too many POV'S, but still it was a very entertaining story. I'm looking forward to read the next books in the series, they look very promising.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
December 8, 2022
A scintillating romance: When the goblin king Merrick tricks Lady Juliana into entering his realm, he plans on seducing her and claiming her as his own. Can she resist his temptations or will she give in to his immortal will?
King of the Unblessed
Realm Immortal Special Edition
A high fantasy paranormal romance series by NYT Award Winning Author Michelle M. Pillow
GET IT:
https://books2read.com/King-of-the-Un...
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January 19, 2026
NEWS: Fans of Realm Immortal (high fantasy romance) and Tribes of the Vampire series (urban fantasy romance), I just signed a contract with Pan Macmillan's Tor Bramble for new pretty print editions, audiobooks, and worldwide translations for these seven books.
I’m thrilled to share that Elizabeth Evans will narrate the Realm Immortal series. This book will be released in audio in April 2026. The hardback is for preorder and releases May 2026. Ebooks are on sale now.
https://michellepillow.com/book/king-...
July 31, 2016
I’m sure this has been said many times, but I’ll say it as well: King of the Unblessed highly reminded me of the Labyrinth. Absolutely nothing wrong with that. It’s an amazing story and movie, and loved that the Labyrinth might have been the inspiration behind King of the Unblessed.
I loved the Prologue as it introduced King Merrick. Poor guy just needs some love. I was very curious about him and wanted to know more about him immediately. However, by the second encounter with Juliana (the heroine of this story)…he was a bit off. Then I realized what he was doing as the story progressed and it made sense — even if I didn’t agree with his decisions. Would have solved things so much easier if people would just communicate!
Speaking of which — Juliana. Annoying. Her internal dialogue as she tried to reason with herself with why she did something, or why she believed this or that was irritating. She seemed like she should have been smarter than that, but she was naïve to the point of dumb. Not to mention how she was pretty much in insta-love with Merrick despite all he’s done. Merrick, in no way, shows any redeeming qualities when he presents himself to Juliana. He’s not a nice guy. When we’re reading from his point of view, we can see and understand what he’s trying to do, that he really isn’t as bad as he’s made out to be, but Juliana doesn’t see or get that from him. He does everything from hurting her and tricking her, and yet, she loves him. Annnnnd then she responds to Nicholas right after doing the dirty with Merrick. That was also off-putting. Whether she believed she did it or not, for being so innocent and believing that it’s a sin if you’re not married, she didn’t push Nicholas away. Also, her utter lack of trust in Merrick, accusing him at every turn and not speaking plainly (again, communication!!!) was frustrating.
Enough about her.
Mia! Oh how I wished there was more about Mia and Lucian. That woman has it bad, and I just want something to happen that will make Lucian pause. He cares for her. You can see it despite what he does. Doesn’t make what he does right, but oh, she needs to bring him to his knees. I hope they have more in the book to come or their own as well.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. I would recommend and would love to read the next in the series. My only complaint was that this had too many POV’s from several characters. But it was a very entertaining read with beautiful world building.
I loved the Prologue as it introduced King Merrick. Poor guy just needs some love. I was very curious about him and wanted to know more about him immediately. However, by the second encounter with Juliana (the heroine of this story)…he was a bit off. Then I realized what he was doing as the story progressed and it made sense — even if I didn’t agree with his decisions. Would have solved things so much easier if people would just communicate!
Speaking of which — Juliana. Annoying. Her internal dialogue as she tried to reason with herself with why she did something, or why she believed this or that was irritating. She seemed like she should have been smarter than that, but she was naïve to the point of dumb. Not to mention how she was pretty much in insta-love with Merrick despite all he’s done. Merrick, in no way, shows any redeeming qualities when he presents himself to Juliana. He’s not a nice guy. When we’re reading from his point of view, we can see and understand what he’s trying to do, that he really isn’t as bad as he’s made out to be, but Juliana doesn’t see or get that from him. He does everything from hurting her and tricking her, and yet, she loves him. Annnnnd then she responds to Nicholas right after doing the dirty with Merrick. That was also off-putting. Whether she believed she did it or not, for being so innocent and believing that it’s a sin if you’re not married, she didn’t push Nicholas away. Also, her utter lack of trust in Merrick, accusing him at every turn and not speaking plainly (again, communication!!!) was frustrating.
Enough about her.
Mia! Oh how I wished there was more about Mia and Lucian. That woman has it bad, and I just want something to happen that will make Lucian pause. He cares for her. You can see it despite what he does. Doesn’t make what he does right, but oh, she needs to bring him to his knees. I hope they have more in the book to come or their own as well.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. I would recommend and would love to read the next in the series. My only complaint was that this had too many POV’s from several characters. But it was a very entertaining read with beautiful world building.
June 5, 2011
I don't read many romance novels anymore, and I'm not particularly interested in the paranormal romance genre -- but I somehow found myself caught up in this story about a medieval noblewoman who, on the eve of her marriage to an older man she's known all her life, has her wish for "adventure" granted by an elven king who has become obsessed with her.
The "unblessed" stand between the "blessed" and the "damned." They are not evil, but are aligned with the necessary and natural forces of darkness, winter, breakdown, and chaos. The politics of the Otherworld and the balance of power between the three realms of blessed, unblessed, and damned shapes the plot and provides a level of complication beyond the romantic storyline.
While reading the story, it was easy to suspect that the author is a fan of the movie "Labyrinth," for many of the motifs seem drawn directly from that story: a heroine who likes to lose herself in stories, not dreaming that she is being observed by the characters she thinks are fantasy, an enigmatic king who steals her away in act that could be seen as wicked but is equally mixed with passionate obsession, a quest with a time limit, unexpected fairy-goblin helpers, even -- yes -- a labyrinth.
But I don't want to suggest that this is a rip-off of "Labyrinth". I found the resonances fun, but the story itself felt fresh to me.
"King of the Unblessed" does suffer from the too-frequent romantic novel plot device of the heroine constantly misunderstanding the hero who can't bring himself to be fully honest about his feelings, but the strong points outweighed that annoyance.
I'm actually looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
The "unblessed" stand between the "blessed" and the "damned." They are not evil, but are aligned with the necessary and natural forces of darkness, winter, breakdown, and chaos. The politics of the Otherworld and the balance of power between the three realms of blessed, unblessed, and damned shapes the plot and provides a level of complication beyond the romantic storyline.
While reading the story, it was easy to suspect that the author is a fan of the movie "Labyrinth," for many of the motifs seem drawn directly from that story: a heroine who likes to lose herself in stories, not dreaming that she is being observed by the characters she thinks are fantasy, an enigmatic king who steals her away in act that could be seen as wicked but is equally mixed with passionate obsession, a quest with a time limit, unexpected fairy-goblin helpers, even -- yes -- a labyrinth.
But I don't want to suggest that this is a rip-off of "Labyrinth". I found the resonances fun, but the story itself felt fresh to me.
"King of the Unblessed" does suffer from the too-frequent romantic novel plot device of the heroine constantly misunderstanding the hero who can't bring himself to be fully honest about his feelings, but the strong points outweighed that annoyance.
I'm actually looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
April 19, 2014
This was strange - I guess that's all I can say about this book.
I wasn't really connected to any of the characters, they lacked depth and any sort of development.
I was also confused about the settings at times and characters just pop up out of nowhere, it was weird.
The story also was only so-so. I often find that those kind of books suffer an overload of paranormal fantasy figures and get lost in so much diversity that the story and the characters are not well rounded and understandable. Less is more would have applied to this story.
Another minus point was the heroine. Juliana often isn't likeable at all and acts ridiculously stupid. Then instead of learning from past mistakes she only victimizes herself.
I was disappointed with this book; even though it had so much potential it didn't live up to it.
I wasn't really connected to any of the characters, they lacked depth and any sort of development.
I was also confused about the settings at times and characters just pop up out of nowhere, it was weird.
The story also was only so-so. I often find that those kind of books suffer an overload of paranormal fantasy figures and get lost in so much diversity that the story and the characters are not well rounded and understandable. Less is more would have applied to this story.
Another minus point was the heroine. Juliana often isn't likeable at all and acts ridiculously stupid. Then instead of learning from past mistakes she only victimizes herself.
I was disappointed with this book; even though it had so much potential it didn't live up to it.
August 8, 2014
"King of the Unblessed" is a well-written fantasy romance that both pleased and annoyed me.
I enjoyed the main character of Merrick, the misunderstood King of the Unblessed, and his conflict with this brother and the Demon King Lucian. The sprights and fairies and gnomes were fun. So were the goblins.
Lady Julianna completely annoyed me thoughout the story. She is described as near perfection, yet she consistenly lies to her brothers and her new lover. Her choices are crap, and she has no clue about life.
I was glad when the story ended - I hope the next book in th series redeems this mess.
I enjoyed the main character of Merrick, the misunderstood King of the Unblessed, and his conflict with this brother and the Demon King Lucian. The sprights and fairies and gnomes were fun. So were the goblins.
Lady Julianna completely annoyed me thoughout the story. She is described as near perfection, yet she consistenly lies to her brothers and her new lover. Her choices are crap, and she has no clue about life.
I was glad when the story ended - I hope the next book in th series redeems this mess.
February 13, 2020
King of the Unblessed (Realm Immortal #1) by Michelle M. Pillow is a paranormal romance story and is set in the early 15th century with medieval themes and a lot of interesting good and evil magical creatures. Whilst the story does remind me of the Labyrinth in several ways it is set apart by Michelle's easy and fresh writing style. The story is all that more interesting due to its setting and the unique set of characters. With Goblins and gnomes, fae and fairies you will get lost in Michelles words.
I look forward to more.
I look forward to more.
February 28, 2010
Labyrinth porn, nuff said = )
not-for-me
September 15, 2016Too many reviewers compare this to the film "Labyrinth".
Also no ILY's.. pfft what king of romance is that?
Many reviewers hate the heroine.. and I am convinced I will too.
Also no ILY's.. pfft what king of romance is that?
Many reviewers hate the heroine.. and I am convinced I will too.
May 8, 2026
King of the Unblessed by Michelle M. Pillow
🎧 ALC Review | Narrated by Tillie Hooper
This audiobook felt like stepping into a dark fairytale. The world is whimsical, eerie, and full of strange magical creatures, with strong Labyrinth and The NeverEnding Story vibes throughout. It has that nostalgic fantasy feeling that makes the story feel almost dreamlike at times.
Merrick is a fascinating character: Morally grey, slightly unhinged, and impossible not to be intrigued by. His dynamic with Juliana starts off more tense and forced than romantic, but as the story progresses, their chemistry becomes much more believable and engaging. I especially enjoyed the contrast between the different magical factions and the layered family dynamics woven into the plot.
The pacing can feel a little long-winded at times, particularly with the lengthy chapters and POV shifts, but the story is broken up well enough that it never became too difficult to follow. The whimsical side characters and strange creatures helped keep the world feeling lively and entertaining throughout.
Tillie Hooper absolutely carried this audiobook for me. Her narration was fantastic!! Every character had a distinct voice, and she especially excelled at the darker, creepier moments. She made it incredibly easy to stay immersed in the story and added so much personality to the magical atmosphere.
If you enjoy fairytale fantasy romances with morally grey characters, mystical realms, and a slightly gothic, old-school fantasy feel, this is definitely worth picking up.
🎧 ALC Review | Narrated by Tillie Hooper
This audiobook felt like stepping into a dark fairytale. The world is whimsical, eerie, and full of strange magical creatures, with strong Labyrinth and The NeverEnding Story vibes throughout. It has that nostalgic fantasy feeling that makes the story feel almost dreamlike at times.
Merrick is a fascinating character: Morally grey, slightly unhinged, and impossible not to be intrigued by. His dynamic with Juliana starts off more tense and forced than romantic, but as the story progresses, their chemistry becomes much more believable and engaging. I especially enjoyed the contrast between the different magical factions and the layered family dynamics woven into the plot.
The pacing can feel a little long-winded at times, particularly with the lengthy chapters and POV shifts, but the story is broken up well enough that it never became too difficult to follow. The whimsical side characters and strange creatures helped keep the world feeling lively and entertaining throughout.
Tillie Hooper absolutely carried this audiobook for me. Her narration was fantastic!! Every character had a distinct voice, and she especially excelled at the darker, creepier moments. She made it incredibly easy to stay immersed in the story and added so much personality to the magical atmosphere.
If you enjoy fairytale fantasy romances with morally grey characters, mystical realms, and a slightly gothic, old-school fantasy feel, this is definitely worth picking up.
October 28, 2023
As this was advertised a romance, I have to give it 3 stars.
As a paranormal adventure, I would give it 4 stars.
This is primarily a story about a family who discover the immortal world and the fact that they are blessed by the Blessed King. The brothers enter the immortal realm to save their sister Juliana after she is supposedly kidnapped by the Unblessed King, Merrick.
Merrick feels he can only get over Juliana, after watching her for so long, by getting her to come to his palace. This is supposed to bind her to him. Merrick was a hard character to like, through most of the story. Juliana was naive until the very end.
This story was told in not one or even two POVs, but six. The reader gets the POV of all three kings, Juliana and her brothers Thomas and (mostly) Hugh. That is quite a lot for a romance, but works well for the adventure aspect, which is most of the story. There are still unanswered questions left, by the end of the story. Maybe, they will be answered in future books of this series.
The reader journeys through the immortal realm forests, meets sprights, to all three kings' palaces and also the Silver Palace of the Faery Queen.
If you like supenatural adventure, you may like this story.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As a paranormal adventure, I would give it 4 stars.
This is primarily a story about a family who discover the immortal world and the fact that they are blessed by the Blessed King. The brothers enter the immortal realm to save their sister Juliana after she is supposedly kidnapped by the Unblessed King, Merrick.
Merrick feels he can only get over Juliana, after watching her for so long, by getting her to come to his palace. This is supposed to bind her to him. Merrick was a hard character to like, through most of the story. Juliana was naive until the very end.
This story was told in not one or even two POVs, but six. The reader gets the POV of all three kings, Juliana and her brothers Thomas and (mostly) Hugh. That is quite a lot for a romance, but works well for the adventure aspect, which is most of the story. There are still unanswered questions left, by the end of the story. Maybe, they will be answered in future books of this series.
The reader journeys through the immortal realm forests, meets sprights, to all three kings' palaces and also the Silver Palace of the Faery Queen.
If you like supenatural adventure, you may like this story.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 12, 2022
I loved it! Not sure what I expected but this was not it and I cannot wait to find out what happens next!
Merrick lives in the grey land between good, Blessed and bad, Damned. He tries to hide that at heart he is not as bad as others think, or even as he judges himself to be but he has come to accept his position. He never challenged it (yet it makes you wonder why he never did) but it is not something that this book will show you though. He is very good at not making clear statements and also not correcting when others make assumptions. He wields words, misdirects and allows you to choose what you believe. The one certainty in his life, is that he loves Juliana. How could he ever get her to love him though? Juliana is on the eve of her wedding to the father of her childhood friend. While she loves Nicholas it is as a brother rather than a partner in life. His father is kind but safe and she is looking for adventure. Something to take her out of her mundane. The tricksy thing with wishes though is that you need to be so careful when you make them. lest they be made true by someone, especially a King like Merrick
There is a whole other mystery woven through this tale too. So clever and dark. Cannot wait to find out what happens next.
Merrick lives in the grey land between good, Blessed and bad, Damned. He tries to hide that at heart he is not as bad as others think, or even as he judges himself to be but he has come to accept his position. He never challenged it (yet it makes you wonder why he never did) but it is not something that this book will show you though. He is very good at not making clear statements and also not correcting when others make assumptions. He wields words, misdirects and allows you to choose what you believe. The one certainty in his life, is that he loves Juliana. How could he ever get her to love him though? Juliana is on the eve of her wedding to the father of her childhood friend. While she loves Nicholas it is as a brother rather than a partner in life. His father is kind but safe and she is looking for adventure. Something to take her out of her mundane. The tricksy thing with wishes though is that you need to be so careful when you make them. lest they be made true by someone, especially a King like Merrick
There is a whole other mystery woven through this tale too. So clever and dark. Cannot wait to find out what happens next.
October 12, 2022
I enjoyed this story and its world building quite alot. The main characters Merrick and Julianna come from two different worlds and in many ways are complete opposites but are perfect for each other. Merrick ,the king of the Unblessed is portrayed as somewhat evil but you can tell he really doesn't want to be and cares for Julianna and Julianna is portrayed as somewhat innocent but comes off as rather naive and clueless as to others feelings for her. The story starts with her telling a fairytale to the village children. She is to marry an older neighbor but while she likes him well enough she doesn't really wish to marry him. While by herself she states she wishes for an adventure instead. Merrick has been watching from his realm and comes to her and though a bit of deception convinces her she must come to his realm to rescue the children from her village which she thinks he has kidnapped. Once in the otherworld her adventure begins. Will there be a happy ending for them. Get this interesting tale to find out. Other reviews have mentioned that it reminded them a little of the characters in the Labrinth. I get that vibe a bit as well.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 18, 2022
I enjoyed this book more than some of the reviewers seemed to. Maybe it was because I hadn't read or seen the book?, movie? they were comparing it to. Merrick is the King of the Unblessed. Not sure how exactly this came about since he was apparently supposed to be King of the Blessed, a title his brother now holds. Needless to say, this has split the family. Merrick has become obsessed with a woman in the human realm. He is sure he can get her to come to his castle, seduce her, and then forget about her. But Juliana is not quite so easy to trap. Though she longs for adventure, she is engaged to be wed to an older man with property nearby and has resigned herself to her fate. Then she meets Merrick and he tricks her into coming to his realm.
There is a lot to the story. Fairies, sprites, dwarfs, Berserkers, etc., all play a part. Then there are the other two kings - the King of the Blessed and the King of the Damned - who help muck things up. Merrick is an unapologetic king who refuses to explain events that Juliana has gotten the wrong end of, Juliana is so busy trying to fight her attraction to Merrick that she can't see what kind of man he truly is. This is not the end of the story, though it is not a cliffhanger, per se.
There is a lot to the story. Fairies, sprites, dwarfs, Berserkers, etc., all play a part. Then there are the other two kings - the King of the Blessed and the King of the Damned - who help muck things up. Merrick is an unapologetic king who refuses to explain events that Juliana has gotten the wrong end of, Juliana is so busy trying to fight her attraction to Merrick that she can't see what kind of man he truly is. This is not the end of the story, though it is not a cliffhanger, per se.
October 29, 2023
In the first of three books in this series, the author’s incredible imagination creates a world full of contradictions, good and evil, mortal and immortal, fantasy and reality. Juliana lives in the human Medieval era. She is about to be married off to a man of her brother’s choice. She wishes for adventure. Merrick, King of the Unblessed, the realm between good and evil, hears her wish. His is quite taken with her and decides to grant her wish. Juliana’s adventure is not what she expects. She is tossed into a journey to a world with all sorts of fantastic creatures, goblins, trolls, sprites, faeries, and even demons. At the end of her journey, she finds Merrick. Then things get really interesting. There are several subplots that include the kings of the other two immortal realms, Juliana’s brothers (setting up for other stories), betrayal and the threat of war. This is a well-written complex story. The characters have depth and are just as complex. There are relationships, and what in the immortal realms are romances, quite steamy ones. This is an interesting beginning to the series. The narration by Ross Pendleton is quite good.
I received an free copy of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.
I received an free copy of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.
May 5, 2026
Okay so this book pulled me in right from the start. I really enjoyed the pacing of this book - and it's definitely a spicy one! I think I'd give it like 3.5-4 stars.
Although I liked the switching of perspectives, it did take some keeping up with at times. I sometimes had to pause to make sure I was sure on which bit of the story I was following. There was SO MUCH going on!
I found that I struggled with Julianna at times, I felt like she looked at so much of life around her at just surface level. And was so quick to think the worst of Merrick, she's proven wrong, then oh no is she proven right again? Then nope she's proven wrong again - I just sort of wanted her to grow up - which I will say we did get! You've just got to wait until the end for it.
I was happy with the ending, I felt like the story was rounded off really nicely for a second instalment, but not a massive cliff hanger so that if you wanted to listen to this book and leave it at that you'd absolutely be able to.
I enjoyed the narration of this audiobook as well, the voices that she did were really engaging and really helped to distinguish between characters.
Overall an enjoyable, spicy, romantasy!
Although I liked the switching of perspectives, it did take some keeping up with at times. I sometimes had to pause to make sure I was sure on which bit of the story I was following. There was SO MUCH going on!
I found that I struggled with Julianna at times, I felt like she looked at so much of life around her at just surface level. And was so quick to think the worst of Merrick, she's proven wrong, then oh no is she proven right again? Then nope she's proven wrong again - I just sort of wanted her to grow up - which I will say we did get! You've just got to wait until the end for it.
I was happy with the ending, I felt like the story was rounded off really nicely for a second instalment, but not a massive cliff hanger so that if you wanted to listen to this book and leave it at that you'd absolutely be able to.
I enjoyed the narration of this audiobook as well, the voices that she did were really engaging and really helped to distinguish between characters.
Overall an enjoyable, spicy, romantasy!
October 11, 2022
Black Palace of the Unblessed, Kingdom of Valdis, 1406 AD
Once Merrick was the heir to the throne of the Blessed, now he rules the other. King Lucien of the Damned rules over demons. He is obsessed with a mortal woman, watching her all the time by magic. Her name is Lady Juliana of Bellemare, who is to be wed to a neighbor shortly. Merrick meets with her and it was steamy. He tells her will come that night for her and that she will never wed. Lady Juliana loves to tell the children stories. Then some of the children get in trouble afterwards. At least her Lord brother doesn’t reprimand them too harshly. Her brothers are very loving to her and are amused by her antics. She is old to be wed at 20. Her eldest brother and Lord is Hugh. The next is Thomas and the youngest is William. My favorite is Thomas. Omg William is hysterical.
Plot twists. There are sprightly, brownies, fairies, elves, dragons, goblins, trolls, and many other creatures in this adventure. More plot twists. Omg this book was freakin awesome! I loved it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Once Merrick was the heir to the throne of the Blessed, now he rules the other. King Lucien of the Damned rules over demons. He is obsessed with a mortal woman, watching her all the time by magic. Her name is Lady Juliana of Bellemare, who is to be wed to a neighbor shortly. Merrick meets with her and it was steamy. He tells her will come that night for her and that she will never wed. Lady Juliana loves to tell the children stories. Then some of the children get in trouble afterwards. At least her Lord brother doesn’t reprimand them too harshly. Her brothers are very loving to her and are amused by her antics. She is old to be wed at 20. Her eldest brother and Lord is Hugh. The next is Thomas and the youngest is William. My favorite is Thomas. Omg William is hysterical.
Plot twists. There are sprightly, brownies, fairies, elves, dragons, goblins, trolls, and many other creatures in this adventure. More plot twists. Omg this book was freakin awesome! I loved it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 20, 2022
Merrick, elfin, has waited all his life to become the king of the blessed but instead became the ruler of the unblessed, leaving him embittered. He is obsessed with Lady Juliana, human, and part of the blessed Bellamare familie. He lures her to his world planning on seducing her. Juliana tries to resist his temptation but find that she can not. Because Merrick is unblessed it is doubtful that an happy ending is in the cards for them.
Meanwhile the Bellamere brothers are searching for their sister Juliana, creating their own adventures.
King Lucien, king of the damned, tries to take advantage of this situation by drawing more power to himself.
Well, compellingly written, with a touch of melancholy, but also humorous. Despite his dubious actions, there is still sympathy for Merrick. Not only Merrick suffers from his fate, other characters in the story are also troubled by unrequited love or other destinies. This story ends in an HFN for Merrick and Juliana, but the story of others has yet to be told. This is the first book of a trilogy.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Meanwhile the Bellamere brothers are searching for their sister Juliana, creating their own adventures.
King Lucien, king of the damned, tries to take advantage of this situation by drawing more power to himself.
Well, compellingly written, with a touch of melancholy, but also humorous. Despite his dubious actions, there is still sympathy for Merrick. Not only Merrick suffers from his fate, other characters in the story are also troubled by unrequited love or other destinies. This story ends in an HFN for Merrick and Juliana, but the story of others has yet to be told. This is the first book of a trilogy.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 22, 2022
KING OF THE UNBLESSED is the first book in the Realm Immortal trilogy by Michelle M. Pillow. Normally I instantly fall in love with Ms Pillow's books, but I just couldn't seem to get into this one. For me, it seemed slow and really long, and I prefer longer books. But its been 31/2 days only 1/2 through.
This is a tale of good and evil and the grey in between. A tale of fairies, sprites, trolls, and more, all lending their magic to Julianna's adventure. Then there are the other two kings - the King of the Blessed and the King of the Damned, each with their own agenda.
The main character, Julianna always wished for an adventure, but when she finally gets her wish she just seems to be a poor whiney damsel in distress. Not a lot of strength or fortitude.
Merrick, King of the Unblessed, is the black-hearted nonhero type. He's fallen in love with Julianna, a human, but his dark heart won't let him acknowledge his love. Instead, he may end up destroying it.
Their complex attract/repulse relationship slowly develops, along with steamy interludes. Overall, you'll be entertained!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a tale of good and evil and the grey in between. A tale of fairies, sprites, trolls, and more, all lending their magic to Julianna's adventure. Then there are the other two kings - the King of the Blessed and the King of the Damned, each with their own agenda.
The main character, Julianna always wished for an adventure, but when she finally gets her wish she just seems to be a poor whiney damsel in distress. Not a lot of strength or fortitude.
Merrick, King of the Unblessed, is the black-hearted nonhero type. He's fallen in love with Julianna, a human, but his dark heart won't let him acknowledge his love. Instead, he may end up destroying it.
Their complex attract/repulse relationship slowly develops, along with steamy interludes. Overall, you'll be entertained!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 12, 2022
It took me awhile to get into this book. I really started to enjoy the book about halfway through, then the end came fast. I found Merrick, Juliana, and all of the other characters in the book to be wonderful characters. I thoroughly enjoyed following Merrick and Juliana relationship and their courtship. They are the main characters and this is their story.
Eventhough I may have thought I knew what was going to happen, I was still surprised! The book keeps you guessing and on your toes as actions occurs and unpredictable turns happens. Relationships complexities develops along with steamy romances. Overall, you're be entertained!
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review. I would recommend this book to anybody who enjoys Paranormal Romance, Historical Romance and Fantasy books, and Series. This book is easy to read, a page-turner and full of delightful charcters so grab yourself a copy, sit down, relax and have yourself a delightful read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Eventhough I may have thought I knew what was going to happen, I was still surprised! The book keeps you guessing and on your toes as actions occurs and unpredictable turns happens. Relationships complexities develops along with steamy romances. Overall, you're be entertained!
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review. I would recommend this book to anybody who enjoys Paranormal Romance, Historical Romance and Fantasy books, and Series. This book is easy to read, a page-turner and full of delightful charcters so grab yourself a copy, sit down, relax and have yourself a delightful read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 20, 2022
Like that this story deals with a magical world; fun adventure and characters, and the dynamic connection between Merrick and Juliana. Didn’t like that Juliana was just giving in to a life she didn’t really want in the beginning and she does have her annoying damsel moments, but she does get some fight in her as the story progresses. I would’ve liked a bit more strength to her, but she’s in a weird situation and the time period isn’t the most progressive, so I give her a little leeway. Juliana is dealing with this new to her world and trying to save the missing children, so she’s needing to find her strength to stand up and protect herself. She’s not always great at that, but she tries. Merrick is king of the unblessed, and has a fascination with Juliana. He’s trying to draw her in, but isn’t necessarily doing it correctly. His dark side comes out in some of his thought processes, but he has that dash light that makes him enticing to Juliana. Overall, a fun story in a cool world! Enjoyed it!
October 1, 2022
Merrick is the King of the Unblessed and finds that he’s attracted to a human, the beautiful Juliana. He pulls her into his world, tempting her and making her find him in his castle but little does Juliana know that he’s the King. Juliana is looking for an adventure and he gives her what she wants but it comes at a cost. Meanwhile her husband to be had been murdered and it looks like Merrick was the culprit and war is about to break out with his brother over Juliana. All of this is a plot with evil at work and Juliana must learn to trust him for their relationship to work.
What a really engaging read, parts of the story reminds me of one of my favourite films, Labyrinth and with all the twists and turns within the storyline, kept me reading until the end. Whew! What a great read with lots of adventure, some steamy moments with a HEA.
I really loved Michelle’s books and this is another recommended read. I’m looking forward to the next adventure within the series.
What a really engaging read, parts of the story reminds me of one of my favourite films, Labyrinth and with all the twists and turns within the storyline, kept me reading until the end. Whew! What a great read with lots of adventure, some steamy moments with a HEA.
I really loved Michelle’s books and this is another recommended read. I’m looking forward to the next adventure within the series.
October 11, 2022
The story grew on me
The story starts with the reader meeting Lady Julianna of Bellemare and her brothers, who are preparing for her wedding to a much older neighbor. Julianna wishes otherwise, but for her family she’ll do this. Watching her from his kingdom from the otherworld is King Merrick of the Unblessed, King of Valdis. He hears Julianna wishing in her room to be taken on a adventure; Merrick comes to her, and coerces her to leave Bellemare, and go to the Otherworld on a quest. I found that the character of Julianna to be very immature for her age, and very colorless. Merrick is a much better developed non-hero whom I couldn’t help but root for. The story grew on me as I read further into it, but I never could care for Julianna. I like the Faery Queen Tania better, even though she had a very small part in this story. I plan on reading the next book Realm Immortal: Faery Queen. I was given and ARC of the book from the author through BookSprout, and this is my honest opinion.
The story starts with the reader meeting Lady Julianna of Bellemare and her brothers, who are preparing for her wedding to a much older neighbor. Julianna wishes otherwise, but for her family she’ll do this. Watching her from his kingdom from the otherworld is King Merrick of the Unblessed, King of Valdis. He hears Julianna wishing in her room to be taken on a adventure; Merrick comes to her, and coerces her to leave Bellemare, and go to the Otherworld on a quest. I found that the character of Julianna to be very immature for her age, and very colorless. Merrick is a much better developed non-hero whom I couldn’t help but root for. The story grew on me as I read further into it, but I never could care for Julianna. I like the Faery Queen Tania better, even though she had a very small part in this story. I plan on reading the next book Realm Immortal: Faery Queen. I was given and ARC of the book from the author through BookSprout, and this is my honest opinion.
October 14, 2022
“I wouldn’t demand your soul, my lady, just your undying loyalty for an eternity.”
Juliana learns the hard way - be careful what you wish for.
Merrick is unblessed, formerly blessed, but not damned, he represents mischief, that which frustrates us, takes the fall/blame, and generally never catches a break... all things considered, there just might be a reason he's not the happiest King around.
This done in one stand alone book is an incredible journey, literally and emotionally. For all that Juliana thinks she understands the world around her, what is real and what is imaginary, on this journey she discovers a new way of looking at the world, begins to understand the filters she's been viewing the world through, and perhaps most impressive of all, gains an appreciation for Merrick's life.
I loved the whodunit aspects of this story, figuring out who was pulling what strings and doing what in the political/court intrigue added levels of fun for me as a reader.
Juliana learns the hard way - be careful what you wish for.
Merrick is unblessed, formerly blessed, but not damned, he represents mischief, that which frustrates us, takes the fall/blame, and generally never catches a break... all things considered, there just might be a reason he's not the happiest King around.
This done in one stand alone book is an incredible journey, literally and emotionally. For all that Juliana thinks she understands the world around her, what is real and what is imaginary, on this journey she discovers a new way of looking at the world, begins to understand the filters she's been viewing the world through, and perhaps most impressive of all, gains an appreciation for Merrick's life.
I loved the whodunit aspects of this story, figuring out who was pulling what strings and doing what in the political/court intrigue added levels of fun for me as a reader.
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