The Warlord's Treasure

Dark Rulers #4

by Rebecca F. Kenney

This book features the SAME PLOT and characters as "Prize of the Warlord," but it's told from the Warlord's perspective instead of Ixiana's. Which means it's even hotter, and you get pieces of the story you didn't get in "Prize of the Warlord." This was a much-requested POV flip, so I hope you enjoy it! :) If you haven't read "Prize of the Warlord" yet, you can still read and enjoy this book on its own.

When Cronan captures the daughter of his greatest enemy, he plans to ransom her and change the fate of his clan. But though the young woman seems weak, but he discovers a strength in her that he admires-- and his body reacts to her in undeniable ways. When Cronan's anger and Ixiana's frustration ignite a new kind of fire, it could burn both his people and hers... or light the way to a brighter future.

This adult romance has medium heat and spice, with dark themes. It's perfect for fans of Laura Thalassa, C. N. Crawford, and Sarah J. Maas.

Trigger warnings are available on the author's website and in the front matter of the book.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Romantasy, Fantasy Romance, Dark, Dark Romance

Unknown Binding

About the author

Rebecca F. Kenney writes spicy fantasy romance about sassy, strong women and hot guys with tragic backstories... pirates, warlords, demons, Fae, and royals. Her main series are the "Wicked Darlings" series (spicy Fae retellings of the Nutcracker, Wonderland, and Oz), the "Dark Rulers" series (standalones in a shared world), and the "For the Love of the Villain" series of genderbent fairytales. Other books include a post-apocalyptic vampire romance trilogy ("The Vampires Will Save You"), a demon romance "Interior Design for Demons," a dark mermaid fantasy duet, and other spicy retellings.

Rebecca is represented by Eva Scalzo of Speilburg Literary. She lives in upstate South Carolina with her handsome blue-eyed husband and two smart, energetic kids.

For updates and information about upcoming novels, follow on Instagram @rebeccafkenneybooks, on Twitter @RebeccaFKenney1, and on TikTok @rebeccafkenney

Reviews

[Koisty · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 "SHOULD HAVE BEEN 1 BOOK" Stars ⭐

Reading this made me exceptionally angry!!!!! LIKE HULK LEVEL the further I got into the book the more I wanted to throw it out the window! Quite frankly I am annoyed at the massive opportunity missed and the UTTER STUPIDITY of keeping these as separate books. It does a massive disservice to the story, the characters and most importantly the reader. Keeping them separate, you are forcing readers to read another book with the same lacklustre plot, silly journey "there and back again" and the emotional depth of a potato love interest. WHYYYY have such deep character versions kept apart? WHYYYYY could this not have been rewritten as a dual POV with some chapters from Cronan's POV and some from Ixiana??? THIS IS NO LONGER KINDLE VELLA!!!!! This could have been tweaked and rewritten to give us the amazing story we deserve, instead of two mediocre stories that in themselves seem underwhelming at best.

If my slightly aggressive rant above didn't make it clear, let me be explicit! DO NOT believe the complete BULLSHIT in the blurb "If you haven't read "Prize of the Warlord" yet, you can still read and enjoy this book on its own." To even suggest this should be (or EVEN could be) read without Prize of the Warlord is complete and total lunacy.

This book promised me "extra scenes and insight that you didn't have with Ixiana's POV." - Were they really that good to have to read a whole book again??? NO! They were not! Sure... they gave me more insight into Cronan's character that I SHOULD HAVE HAD FROM THE START!

I was promised more steamy smut - OK there I admit the statement was correct. But why does it have to be from a Man's POV to be dirtier and more steamy... What was wrong with adding this level of medium heat into the original story? Is it that she was meant to be a "dainty flower" so she couldn't have a dirty imagination????? Just because he is a "Big Brute" and she is half his size and could snap faster than a twig being stepped on DOES NOT MEAN her STEAM should be less!!!! GOD!!

Overall my advice is if you pick this up, read it logically WITH Prize of the Warlord. Read a few chapters from book 1 then reread those instances from book 2. This way you will get a great story, with decent characterisation and will understand more about how the love develops with the characters and the internal struggles they both have over duty to their land and people whilst still struggling against their attraction and desire to be with each other.

If you only choose to read one of the two - read this one. It's the better version.
- Should it have been 4 Stars? Yes - it should
- Did I dock a star cause I am petty and angry? Yes I did
- Do I care? NO I DON'T. It's my review and I'll do what I want!

[Lyra (Cardan's tail's version) · Rating 3 out of 5]

RTC >_<

[Rebecca F. Kenney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Note: This book was originally published as a chapter-by-chapter serial story on Kindle Vella! It is the alternate point-of-view from "Prize of the Warlord," so it's Cronan's perspective on events rather than Ixiana's. The plot stays the same, but you'll get some extra scenes and insight that you didn't have with Ixiana's POV.

[Giulia · Rating 3 out of 5]

✓ PNR
✓ Captive / Captor romance
✓ Slow burn
✓ Entertaining plot - 2.5 / 5
✓ Mature language
✓ Fast paced
✓ Spice 🌶.5 / 5
✓ Vikings vibes
✓ Villain gets the girl
✓ One bed / One horse
✓ Enemies to Lovers
✓ Standalone - Ixiana pov
✓ Forced proximity
✓ Magic
✓ HEA



---- If the Prize of the Warlord and the Warlord's Treasure had been combined, I would have enjoyed this more.
I preferred more Cronon's pov, so I recommend reading it. ----


A brutal warlord named Cronan kidnaps Ixiana from her family's stronghold. He demands a ransom because he wants to change the fate of his people.
Ixiana is merely an annoying captive and a means to an end. Her weakness frustrates him. But somewhere along the way, something changed.



This book isn't perfect, but if you're looking for an entertaining and sexy distraction that's easy to follow, it's a good choice.
The characters lacked depth, and the plot was resolved too easily.
The world-building was the best part of the book, but it was hardly explored except in some action scenes.
I don't understand how this is possible, but I found his point of view more entertaining and enjoyable. 🫣

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the original story months ago. It was so fun coming back to it and experiencing it from Cronan’s point of view.

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

A retelling from a different point of view! Paired with Prize of the Warlord.

[TimetoFangirl · Rating 1 out of 5]

"The girl sleeps for hours against my chest. It is a startling kind of torture, one I did not expect."

Well, this was less annoying than "Prize of the Warlord," but I still can't recommend it.

[Rachel’s Coffee & Rain Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a bit of a mess, with both MCs being somewhat unlikable. First, I chose to read this one and skip book 3 from Ixiana’s POV due to some reviews saying that was the better choice. I have to agree as reading this story without Cronan’s POV would make me hate him I think. So I was glad the book from his POV at least gave us insight into his feelings and that he actually liked Ixiana despite treating her like crap.

Ixiana was a bit unlikable as a FMC. Weak from a chronic condition, she felt more spoiled and pampered than someone fighting an illness but wishing to be strong. She only had maybe 2 instances in the book where her illness was prevalent, and the rest of the time she just seemed childish and whiny. She put herself in a number of dangerous positions that required saving, and Cronan getting injured in the process. I’d be irritated with her too. She had times she stopped talking and paid attention, so I didn’t hate her as much as some others I’ve read, but she was difficult to root for at times. In her defense, she did save him a few times so, turn about is fair play I suppose.

Let’s talk about Cronan, shall we? This guy gave me whiplash with all his waffling back and forth, and I honestly couldn’t much stand him until the last like 15% 🥴 he loves her.. because of the soul bond. I think. But he’s cruel and cutting to her, saying horrible things and making her think he detests her. Which maybe he does that too? In the same damn thought he would say she was his and he can’t let her go, and then say he can’t be with her because of duty. Our guy pushed her away so many damn times I’d have given up and gone home. I understand saving his people but the sheer willpower to get rid of Ixiana started to feel a little personal. Poor girl was brave with her feelings and he was so stoic and cold I felt cringe for her. I mean she literally saved him from torture; after confessing her love (to silence btw) and once he’s magically healed, he tossed her over his shoulder to return her to her parents against her will. No “hey babe, thanks for getting me out that room of horrors, but I still don’t want to be with you”. And then he waffles back the other way and finally confesses his feelings. Ugh I found him narcissistic, hypocritical and gas lighting for most of the book. Holding Ixiana to a higher standard than he holds himself? Telling her she’s too weak to give him the children he desires? Twice? Yeah not the most romantic. And we didn’t even get the satisfying internal remorse when he reflects on all the shitty things he’s said to her. I don’t even think he apologized once the whole book. 😒

2.5 ⭐️ rounded up because the last 10% was sweet and I squealed over Zeha and Joss.

[Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a big fan of Rebecca F. Kenney’s books. While this particular series isn’t my absolute favorite of hers, The The Warlord's Treasure is still a great escapist read.

Ixiana, the heroine, is kidnapped by her father’s rival, an intimidating warlord named Cronan. She suffers from chronic health conditions like asthma and what seems to be IBS, and at first, Cronan treats her with harsh disdain, mocking her perceived weaknesses and making it clear he wants nothing to do with her. Of course, fate has other plans as they’re fated mates, and his attitude shifts pretty quickly.

Cronan definitely leans into the alpha-hole archetype, especially in the previous book (Prize of the Warlord). That story is told entirely from Ixiana’s POV, which means Cronan remains somewhat of an enigma. However, The Warlord’s Treasure retells this same story through Cronan’s eyes. It offers more depth to his character and expands the overall narrative, making both books together a more complete and satisfying experience.

I highly recommend reading (or listening to) both books to get the full, well-rounded tale. The narration was fantastic and really brought the story to life.

[DemetraP · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it. His people are going hungry so that children may eat. They are desperate. He kidnaps her to force her parents to give his people land suitable for farming.

He never touches her without her permission, except for the kidnapping.

Book 3, Prize of the Warlord, is written in the heroine's point of view. Book 4 is the same book but written from the hero's point of view. I read each book, chapter by chapter, so I could see both points of view.

SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,They do not have sex until the end of the book. They fool around before that but she has to stay a virgin for the peace treaty so she can marry her betrothed.

She breaks that engagement and marries the hero instead. She and her parents make a peace treaty.

[Shannon Cucchiaro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book more than book 3 from Ixiana’s POV, but I was definitely hoping for more when I read this. We get some insight into Cronan’s thoughts, but this book was not different enough to justify its existence. I wish the author would have made more of an effort to rewrite the scenes entirely. Sometimes the details of scenes were written exactly the same between the two books, when this book could have been used as a chance to enhance the story and add new details or information instead.

This was my favorite between the two, but these two books should have been combined into one.

[Addison · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - I LOVE THIS AUTHOR!!
Reading this from Cronan’s POV gave me everything I didn’t know I needed. His internal struggles, the way he views Ixiana—it just deepened the story and made me fall even harder for their dynamic. It’s hotter, grittier, and surprisingly emotional. I loved seeing his side of things: his motivations, regrets, and that reluctant softness beneath his warrior exterior. Honestly, I’d read the entire book again just to relive those heart-pounding moments from both sides.

[Jenna Rare · Rating 3 out of 5]

🌶️🌶️🌶️ self inflicted. 🌶️🌶️ full scenes and about 🌶️🌶️ dreams
Was it better than the first one? Kinda? Not really? The explanations, there are none. Everything pretty much stayed the same except for the talk with the father and how he got caught. I did enjoy this one better than the girl’s pov tho. It was super interesting how guys think and I even asked my bf if he has thought those things before.

[Lezel Ames · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Precious

Couldn't help myself with the last sentence of the story. This surprised me when I was fine with the first story. These two are beautiful souls trying to do the right thing and they grow so fast in their love for each other. I love how he restrains himself for her and how she grows bolder in her desire for him. Definitely a great read I will enjoy for years to come!

[Courtney Bickley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 Stars ⭐️ This should have been combined with the previous book into a dual pov and I don’t really understand why it wasn’t written that way to begin with. I didn’t like having to re-read the whole plot just to understand Cronan’s point of view, which I really would have enjoyed seeing his perspective the first time around reading this story. I wish I had known before I started the previous book how this series would go and I absolutely would have tandem read it.

[jean hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Time Reader

Ok this is my first time reading this author work and I’m so glad I did . So , I was scrolling on IG and stumble across this photo and I loved the photo so I had to find the book . So , I decided to take a chance on this book but in his POV the MMC . OMG I loved every moment and I love how the FMC seem so helpless but was so very strong and I loved how the characters develop in this story . Trust me you will love it

[C.A.M. Hartmeyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️
3🌶️

Was this the best book I’ve ever read? No. But it was decent enough to be worth the read. I didn’t really connect with any of the characters but I do think it mostly had to do with the fact that if was told from only the fmcs pov, and I did not relate to her at all. It was a short story with a semi predictable plot but entertaining nevertheless. It’s great for when you want to read fantasy but don’t have the brain capacity for anything complex.

[Maria Fatma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so much fun! I read the story from Ixiana's point of view a few months ago and loved it. Cronan's perspective made me love these two characters even more. I really like The Dark Rulers series. Its one of my favourite fantasy romance series right now. All the books so far have been a blast to read. I hope this series never comes to an end.

[T Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read the TWs
(Mentions of SA)
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. I had not read the previously (original) written book, and do not usually like books from just the man's perspective, but this one was very well written. HEA with suspense, underestimated female, and overall love that conquered.

[Shell_Belles · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Prize of the Warlord", only from our darling warlord's point of view. I loved this one even more than the original. Seeing his perspective of events was very interesting, and I love that we really get to see that he fell for her first, and what his thought process was during their journey. It was alot of fun, and another great book to add to my shelf.

[Chaos]

Reading this book from the POV of Cronan added so much to the original story. His struggle with his desire for Ixiana, his pain of leaving her, were visceral. It hurt to read. I loved their happy ending. I just wish there would have been a few years later epilogue. I know their kids would be adorable!! Plus I wanted to see Olsa happy and Zeha.

[Chaos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book from the POV of Cronan added so much to the original story. His struggle with his desire for Ixiana, his pain of leaving her, were visceral. It hurt to read. I loved their happy ending. I just wish there would have been a few years later epilogue. I know their kids would be adorable!! Plus I wanted to see Olsa happy and Zeha.

[Lindley Foss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do I think we needed it from his point of view? No. Am I glad we got it anyway? Absolutely.

I enjoyed seeing his perspective, and I feel like it made the spicy scenes spicier. Even though I had just read the other one I stayed fairly engaged with the plot.

I've been trying to figure out which book I liked better and it might be this one. It's a well written book, but I'm not surprised.

[Kitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reread this one after a little over a year, and this time I read it immediately after Prize for the Warlord, and it was such a good choice. The angst is even angstier from Cronan’s point of view, and it’s so tasty. Since it’s exactly the same plot, we still get to see Ixiana grown, but we also get to see Cronan’s internal struggle.

[Aurien · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I would like one soul in my life who would always choose me, above anyone or anything else."

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5 / 5

"I am going to lose her, and I am loving her anyway. A fool’s choice. I should know better, having loved and lost. But she is worth every pang I will feel."

[Anna Sarsfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

This standalone is in the Warlords POV which I suppose I can appreciate but its almost unnecessary since I know what's going to happen and I'm only rewarded with a few extra scenes.

I give it four stars because its still the same 5 star written book (Prize of the Warlord), just from another POV which can be interesting but I suppose I was expecting more.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect companion novel

I thoroughly enjoyed this book (possibly even more so because I feel it's rare to find a "flipped point of view" companion book). This book gave a better insight into Cronan as a character.

[Bookstoregirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

just as good as her version

I love dual POV books so this is a treat to read his version. I feel like his was more heartbreaking because he realized early on he can’t have her and had experienced so much loss compared to her. I really enjoyed it.

[Dee Dooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Warlord’s Mouse

Loved this version of The Warlord’s Prize from Cronan’s point of view. The biggest reveal for me was how much he fought his feelings from the very beginning. The idea of a love bond is quite intoxicating.

[Joanne Carrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book

It was great seeing his POV in this book. You can see how much she torments him even when she doesn't mean to.