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The Empty Throne Trilogy #1
Exiled Heir
Without him, I’m a dead man, but if he knew who I was, he would kill me himself. Miles Castillo has spent his entire life running from the crime his parents committed. He’s an alpha without a pack, and a son whose very name is poisoned. When two werewolf hunters catch him, he has to choose between a man who wants his head mounted on a wall and Cade Bartlett, the mage prince who doesn’t realize who Miles is. The icy prince has a job for Miles, one that will keep Miles’s head on his become Prince Cade’s consort and find out who is trying to kill him. As Miles delves deeper into Cade’s court, he begins seeing the truth beneath Cade’s chilly exterior. The more the prince trusts him, the closer he gets to seeing under Miles’s mask as well. What will happen when Cade realizes the secret Miles holds puts both of their lives at risk?
473 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2023
384 people are currently reading
1145 people want to read
About the author
Kai Butler
25 books551 followersKai has been reading and writing romance novels since she was a teenager. She lives in California with her two children and her very supportive husband.
She writes M/M romance with an emphasis on HEAs and all the feels. Her current series are San Amaro Investigations and the Imperial Space Regency Novels. She likes dashing heroes and couples with banter.
She writes M/M romance with an emphasis on HEAs and all the feels. Her current series are San Amaro Investigations and the Imperial Space Regency Novels. She likes dashing heroes and couples with banter.
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October 27, 2023Audio: Greg B, obviously its 5 stars haha
Book: DNF @Chapter 29 60% in..
The repetitive inner dialogue was driving me insane, and not even Greg B could save me. They just needed to talk, I get why they had secrets, but sweet god over 250+ page of no proper communication from two characters that needed to trust one another (the enemy of my enemy and all that jazz) it was getting annoying.
I think instead of pushing through around 2 and a half hours more hours I am just calling it. I will debate going back into this series when all the other books are out, but now is not the time.
Book: DNF @Chapter 29 60% in..
The repetitive inner dialogue was driving me insane, and not even Greg B could save me. They just needed to talk, I get why they had secrets, but sweet god over 250+ page of no proper communication from two characters that needed to trust one another (the enemy of my enemy and all that jazz) it was getting annoying.
I think instead of pushing through around 2 and a half hours more hours I am just calling it. I will debate going back into this series when all the other books are out, but now is not the time.
November 16, 2023
3.5
There is a lot to like about this one, even with the light cliff-hanger ending. First, as it's often for me, it's the world building. Granted, it's a small world because aside from the opening the story happens solely on the estate of House Bartlett. So we don't know much about the outside world (although there is a visit by dryads and a gargoyle attack) but it can't be an easy one if the power imbalance between mages and shifters and the strict hierarchy is an indicator. Would have Miles accepted Cade's proposition if he knew about the snake pit the House turned out to be? Probably because there was no other option staying alive at least a little longer.Would have Cade made that proposition if he knew about Mile's family? Certainly not, he would have killed him himself first.
You see, both guys don't know much about each other but have to pretend they're a bonded pair. That bond is nothing like the fated-mate myth you know from other shifter romances. In fact from a wolf prospective it might be at best serfdom and at worst slavery while for the mage in the long run it might be necessary to stay sane (interesting concept of magic that the author created). Add this to the succession struggle, the constant danger that their disguise is to be uncovered, a pile of trust issue and the trauma the guys have to cope with on their own, it's no wonder that the romance part is on the speed of a glacier before global warming. We only get the first signs that there will be one but at the end of the book that development might be crushed only when Cade gets to know about Miles parents.
I really enjoyed this book and really are looking forward to the next but of course I do have some issues, slight ones like the question how Cade knew where to find Miles, the confusing gargoyle concept or why the dryad elder asked for a secret meeting with Miles but then nothing happened when they met by chance, to those question that might be answered later in another part of the series like the definition of an Emperor Wolf or but there are also questions I'm not sure will be answered and that's bothering me like
There is a lot to like about this one, even with the light cliff-hanger ending. First, as it's often for me, it's the world building. Granted, it's a small world because aside from the opening the story happens solely on the estate of House Bartlett. So we don't know much about the outside world (although there is a visit by dryads and a gargoyle attack) but it can't be an easy one if the power imbalance between mages and shifters and the strict hierarchy is an indicator. Would have Miles accepted Cade's proposition if he knew about the snake pit the House turned out to be? Probably because there was no other option staying alive at least a little longer.Would have Cade made that proposition if he knew about Mile's family? Certainly not, he would have killed him himself first.
You see, both guys don't know much about each other but have to pretend they're a bonded pair. That bond is nothing like the fated-mate myth you know from other shifter romances. In fact from a wolf prospective it might be at best serfdom and at worst slavery while for the mage in the long run it might be necessary to stay sane (interesting concept of magic that the author created). Add this to the succession struggle, the constant danger that their disguise is to be uncovered, a pile of trust issue and the trauma the guys have to cope with on their own, it's no wonder that the romance part is on the speed of a glacier before global warming. We only get the first signs that there will be one but at the end of the book that development might be crushed only when Cade gets to know about Miles parents.
I really enjoyed this book and really are looking forward to the next but of course I do have some issues, slight ones like the question how Cade knew where to find Miles, the confusing gargoyle concept or why the dryad elder asked for a secret meeting with Miles but then nothing happened when they met by chance, to those question that might be answered later in another part of the series like the definition of an Emperor Wolf or but there are also questions I'm not sure will be answered and that's bothering me like
January 9, 2024
Unfortunately, Exiled Heir was painfully slow, in all possible aspects, making this a slog to get through.
1.) Dialogue: The two main characters kept having the same conversation that went around in circles. Paraphrased:
Miles: "I need you to give me information about X, so I can do something about us not getting murdered."
Cade: "How dare you! You're not my actual consort. You don't get to know things."
Over and over and over again.
I understand that the author wants to convey that the two need to build trust and that Cade is a lone wolf, but this was just frustrating to read, especially since that happened so darn often.
2.) Romance: In my opinion, the two MCs don't have any romantic synergy or chemistry at all. I can understand Csde falling for Miles, simply because he's the only person who gets to see a different side to Cade due to forced proximity circumstances. Not exactly the stuff that twue wuv is made of though. Moreover, what does Miles even see in Cade? Other than Cade's "icy blue eyes", I don't really know.
3.) Plot: The primary antagonist felt very obvious relatively early on - to the point where I assumed they must either be a red herring or the rest of the book would move onto other stuff. But the whodunnit plotline was kept until the very end of the book, with a dramatic reveal - which left me scratching my head in confusion because I had assumed that the antagonist's identity was already very obvious to the main characters due to the evidence already discovered.
I have read and enjoyed a lot of Kai Butler's other works, so I'm not sure what happened here. I will have to say that the cast of side characters was colorful and relatively interesting.
However, both the romance and the external plot were a miss for me, resulting in a rather disappointing read.
1.) Dialogue: The two main characters kept having the same conversation that went around in circles. Paraphrased:
Miles: "I need you to give me information about X, so I can do something about us not getting murdered."
Cade: "How dare you! You're not my actual consort. You don't get to know things."
Over and over and over again.
I understand that the author wants to convey that the two need to build trust and that Cade is a lone wolf, but this was just frustrating to read, especially since that happened so darn often.
2.) Romance: In my opinion, the two MCs don't have any romantic synergy or chemistry at all. I can understand Csde falling for Miles, simply because he's the only person who gets to see a different side to Cade due to forced proximity circumstances. Not exactly the stuff that twue wuv is made of though. Moreover, what does Miles even see in Cade? Other than Cade's "icy blue eyes", I don't really know.
3.) Plot: The primary antagonist felt very obvious relatively early on - to the point where I assumed they must either be a red herring or the rest of the book would move onto other stuff. But the whodunnit plotline was kept until the very end of the book, with a dramatic reveal - which left me scratching my head in confusion because I had assumed that the antagonist's identity was already very obvious to the main characters due to the evidence already discovered.
I have read and enjoyed a lot of Kai Butler's other works, so I'm not sure what happened here. I will have to say that the cast of side characters was colorful and relatively interesting.
However, both the romance and the external plot were a miss for me, resulting in a rather disappointing read.
June 16, 2024
DNF ~28%
I've read pretty much all of Butler's books and generally enjoyed them, so when I saw they were writing a trilogy I got very excited, and planned to hold off reading the first two until the 3rd was about to come out. Based on some of the reviews I'd seen about book 1, I was a little nervous it wouldn't be for me, and unfortunately, those fears proved justified. :/
The writing was fine, but from the beginning the setup just wasn't that appealing to me. The dynamic between the two main characters verges into the uncomfy territory with the weird power dynamics at play, and based on how things played out in the first quarter (and from other reviews) I don't have faith that the author is going to resolve them in a way that feels satisfying -- I think maybe the author went into territory that was a little too dark and complex for what they wanted (or perhaps are capable) to be writing. The intrigue and "secrets kept from the audience" writing tropes are in full force here and I often get annoyed by that device. The conversations also were incredibly repetitive even just in the first 25% -- how many times can they talk about needed to trust one another and be open and share information??
Suuuuper bummed about this, because I really did think I would like this one despite the foreboding reviews and had really been looking forward to have this trilogy to dive into, but alas, it was not meant to be. At least the author is (hopefully) moving on to a new project soon, and fingers crossed that concept resonates more with me!
I've read pretty much all of Butler's books and generally enjoyed them, so when I saw they were writing a trilogy I got very excited, and planned to hold off reading the first two until the 3rd was about to come out. Based on some of the reviews I'd seen about book 1, I was a little nervous it wouldn't be for me, and unfortunately, those fears proved justified. :/
The writing was fine, but from the beginning the setup just wasn't that appealing to me. The dynamic between the two main characters verges into the uncomfy territory with the weird power dynamics at play, and based on how things played out in the first quarter (and from other reviews) I don't have faith that the author is going to resolve them in a way that feels satisfying -- I think maybe the author went into territory that was a little too dark and complex for what they wanted (or perhaps are capable) to be writing. The intrigue and "secrets kept from the audience" writing tropes are in full force here and I often get annoyed by that device. The conversations also were incredibly repetitive even just in the first 25% -- how many times can they talk about needed to trust one another and be open and share information??
Suuuuper bummed about this, because I really did think I would like this one despite the foreboding reviews and had really been looking forward to have this trilogy to dive into, but alas, it was not meant to be. At least the author is (hopefully) moving on to a new project soon, and fingers crossed that concept resonates more with me!
February 3, 2024
Once the action started, it kept going to the last page. That snake is the best. Well helpful, except when he us trying to swallow you whole.
October 24, 2024
4.5 Stars
Excellent world building and I’m really excited to see where the story goes next.
I fucking hate the collar thing, like Miles, and I’m interested to see if that goes anywhere too.
There are minor plot holes that are apparent but I do not give one fuck when the story keeps me this invested.
Excellent world building and I’m really excited to see where the story goes next.
I fucking hate the collar thing, like Miles, and I’m interested to see if that goes anywhere too.
There are minor plot holes that are apparent but I do not give one fuck when the story keeps me this invested.
October 27, 2023
Excellent start to a new series. Loved both MCs and the action plot kept me invested from start to finish.
No major cliffhanger at the end, but so many secrets yet to uncover. Can’t wait to see what happens next.
No major cliffhanger at the end, but so many secrets yet to uncover. Can’t wait to see what happens next.
March 13, 2024
Okay, the whole slave/master romance thing? Especially when they first did the full derby and Miles suddenly WANTED. The fucking. Collar?? When Miles is still very much expected to act out and submit to his acting role as an effective servant/slave and really doesn't have a choice in the large scheme of things? Suddenly that very real oppressive symbol of the collar was supposed to be a positive or even a kinky one? MAJOR ick, to me. Major.
There just wasn't enough of the constantly-pissed-and-demanding-hot/cold-Cade giving back to Miles as much as he demanded to have out of him, no matter how much imaginary money he was ready to shell out. There wasn't enough protesting out of him that slavery that very much IS still happening in his house was as disgusting as it is. Every form of it is. He just protests that "it isn't slavery", he doesn't share anything with Miles until he's pushed to the breaking point and he is the prince of a house that has had all of this done to others and to him. I really needed his to be a bit different as a romance interest if you wanted me to fully support him, and I understand that he felt under threat and was pretty much as alone and powerless as he could be in his house, but damn, he could at least speak out about it more, with more pointed remarks at the dinner table at least. But he just never seemed to see it as much of an issue, and that put me off him. He even had a pissy fit only because Miles didn't want to wear the collar FOR HIM. He just doesn't even seem to want to get it, does he.
The romance as a whole just felt like Miles giving all the googly eyes for no reason other than plot even when Cade was just being a snippy shit and literally started their entire relationship with a boot on his face and no regard for his basic health or safety or even his basic comforts. At least he didn't insist on Miles actually calling him his master.
Also, everyone and their grandma's blind dog could've said who the villain in the shadows was from the beginning. I could tell from the first time we saw the character first appear, so that wasn't a very imaginative choice and neither were the rest except for the obvious decoys but at least it fits. That said, I actually liked the tension that was kept up throughout the story concerning the house intrigue and I will still pick up the second and possibly third book to see how this resolves and how Miles will have his past come to light (even if he is still just as much a victim as Cade and I hope Cade remembers that before throwing the only person by his side out but I don't really have high hopes because it's being teased for so long). Greg Tremblay as the narrator was again a top notch choice for the audiobook.
There just wasn't enough of the constantly-pissed-and-demanding-hot/cold-Cade giving back to Miles as much as he demanded to have out of him, no matter how much imaginary money he was ready to shell out. There wasn't enough protesting out of him that slavery that very much IS still happening in his house was as disgusting as it is. Every form of it is. He just protests that "it isn't slavery", he doesn't share anything with Miles until he's pushed to the breaking point and he is the prince of a house that has had all of this done to others and to him. I really needed his to be a bit different as a romance interest if you wanted me to fully support him, and I understand that he felt under threat and was pretty much as alone and powerless as he could be in his house, but damn, he could at least speak out about it more, with more pointed remarks at the dinner table at least. But he just never seemed to see it as much of an issue, and that put me off him. He even had a pissy fit only because Miles didn't want to wear the collar FOR HIM. He just doesn't even seem to want to get it, does he.
The romance as a whole just felt like Miles giving all the googly eyes for no reason other than plot even when Cade was just being a snippy shit and literally started their entire relationship with a boot on his face and no regard for his basic health or safety or even his basic comforts. At least he didn't insist on Miles actually calling him his master.
Also, everyone and their grandma's blind dog could've said who the villain in the shadows was from the beginning. I could tell from the first time we saw the character first appear, so that wasn't a very imaginative choice and neither were the rest except for the obvious decoys but at least it fits. That said, I actually liked the tension that was kept up throughout the story concerning the house intrigue and I will still pick up the second and possibly third book to see how this resolves and how Miles will have his past come to light (even if he is still just as much a victim as Cade and I hope Cade remembers that before throwing the only person by his side out but I don't really have high hopes because it's being teased for so long). Greg Tremblay as the narrator was again a top notch choice for the audiobook.
October 28, 2023
Slow pacing and frustrating plot
I wanted to like this book. Miles was an incredibly likable main character. Unfortunately he was juxtaposed with an incredibly unlikeable Cade. I know the whole premise of Cade’s character is that he’s cold and distant, but then we learn it’s all as a result of his trauma. Understandable… except Miles had arguably dealt with even more extensive trauma and didn’t end up being a massive jerk. I get it, trauma is different for everyone but I literally could not bring myself to like Cade. Up until the end Cade never got much better.
Along with that, the pacing was incredibly slow, the politics were more frustrating than intriguing, and the main villain and his accomplices were glaringly obvious from early on to the point it was almost comical how ‘devious’ he was supposed to be. He was reminiscent of a cartoon villain to be honest.
Honestly, Miles is the only reason this book was readable, but he’s not enough to make me drudge through a second book. This book has a unique premise and a great main character and little else. Mixed with a rather yucky power imbalance trope between all the mages and consorts, I very nearly DNF’d this.
I wanted to like this book. Miles was an incredibly likable main character. Unfortunately he was juxtaposed with an incredibly unlikeable Cade. I know the whole premise of Cade’s character is that he’s cold and distant, but then we learn it’s all as a result of his trauma. Understandable… except Miles had arguably dealt with even more extensive trauma and didn’t end up being a massive jerk. I get it, trauma is different for everyone but I literally could not bring myself to like Cade. Up until the end Cade never got much better.
Along with that, the pacing was incredibly slow, the politics were more frustrating than intriguing, and the main villain and his accomplices were glaringly obvious from early on to the point it was almost comical how ‘devious’ he was supposed to be. He was reminiscent of a cartoon villain to be honest.
Honestly, Miles is the only reason this book was readable, but he’s not enough to make me drudge through a second book. This book has a unique premise and a great main character and little else. Mixed with a rather yucky power imbalance trope between all the mages and consorts, I very nearly DNF’d this.
October 17, 2023
Incredible
Aaahhhhh, this book, I don’t have the words for how this book yanked me in, shook me about, made me gasp, had me guessing (still so many head scratches), and gave me two new amazing, fascinating people to fall in love with! Gah, Miles and Cade, Cade and Miles, whichever way you say it, make sure you live it, believe it, but know that they are mine.
“He looked ephemeral, like something out of a fairy tale. When his eyes caught mine, I was reminded of drowning again.
I could get lost in those eyes.”
I will never get enough of these two, with their secrets, their hidden (or maybe not so hidden) agendas, their powerful connection, and their, let’s just say other connections. I am drowning, drowning in adoration, admiration for the richly complex storyline that Kai Butler has expertly woven for us. And the best thing of all is that there is so much more to come.
Aaahhhhh, this book, I don’t have the words for how this book yanked me in, shook me about, made me gasp, had me guessing (still so many head scratches), and gave me two new amazing, fascinating people to fall in love with! Gah, Miles and Cade, Cade and Miles, whichever way you say it, make sure you live it, believe it, but know that they are mine.
“He looked ephemeral, like something out of a fairy tale. When his eyes caught mine, I was reminded of drowning again.
I could get lost in those eyes.”
I will never get enough of these two, with their secrets, their hidden (or maybe not so hidden) agendas, their powerful connection, and their, let’s just say other connections. I am drowning, drowning in adoration, admiration for the richly complex storyline that Kai Butler has expertly woven for us. And the best thing of all is that there is so much more to come.
November 1, 2023
4.5 stars, for solid worldbuilding, engaging characters, and an attempted murder plot made complex the complex relationship between mages and werewolves. I docked a half star because for me this felt a bit muddled at times. But I'll definitely read book 2, and not just because this one ends in an only marginally safer place. (IMHO, if you're gonna bill your novel as romance, that warning is not a spoiler but a kindness to other readers.)
December 31, 2023
A book about how much of an ass one man can be. Rough read, the characters had very little character growth which really sucked since one of them is an "icy prince". Nor did I like the whole consort theme with werewolves being slaves to mages. I might read the second book just to see someone get some revenge but oof.
August 12, 2024
Audiobook: ***5+++ Greg Tremblay = pure perfection as always Stars***
Story: ***4 colour-me-intrigued Stars***
Story: ***4 colour-me-intrigued Stars***
March 5, 2024
Cliffhanger. Shaky hfn
Unfinished series
Unfinished series
January 19, 2024
Who wants freedom when you can also have an abusive asshole that wields a sad backstory and good excuses?
Miles: He treats me like I'm lesser and is totally ok with reigning a cult that uphelds the tradition of treating people like me as lesser - is there a spark?
This book is inconsistent, if fails to weave the black and white into an understandable morally gray pattern. Cade is all powerful and everyone defers to him, yet he cannot decide anything alone. He is abusive, treats Miles awful and in the next scene they gently joke with each other and the abusiveness is never brought up again one way or the other.
It's still interesting to read and I like many of the ideas for the plot, but the story also just annoys me.
Miles: He treats me like I'm lesser and is totally ok with reigning a cult that uphelds the tradition of treating people like me as lesser - is there a spark?
This book is inconsistent, if fails to weave the black and white into an understandable morally gray pattern. Cade is all powerful and everyone defers to him, yet he cannot decide anything alone. He is abusive, treats Miles awful and in the next scene they gently joke with each other and the abusiveness is never brought up again one way or the other.
It's still interesting to read and I like many of the ideas for the plot, but the story also just annoys me.
August 4, 2025
4.25 Stars ⭐️
Another "new to me" author. I found this book as one of the recommendations at the end of an Audible book. It sounded interesting, so I thought, "why not?"
The book starts off in a way that I almost thought I was missing something. I went and checked to make sure that this was the first book in the series. It was. Now if there was another series that it was a spinoff from, I have no clue because I didn't look. I will say that as things continued, more things started making sense.
We meet FMC Miles Castillo when he is in a dire situation. He is a shifter and has been "captured" by some extremely lucky goofballs and they are in the process of turning him over to some boss man (Declan) who apparently has a bounty on him....oh, and he is going to kill him.
In pops (literally) our other FMC Mage Cade Bartlett. He has a proposition for Miles and if he agrees, he will get him out of the situation that he is currently in.
Some questions I had:
How did he know who Miles was?
How did he know where and exactly when to "pop" in? (They were in a closet or something in a bar)
He must have known a little bit of the situation with Declan to know that it was maybe the only way Miles would agree, right?
See, these were some of the reasons I thought I was missing some past occurrences.
Anyway, this brings about the whole "fake dating" trope, but with a twist. Cade wants Miles to agree to pretend to be his Consort (FOR 8 MONTHS!), go to his family compound and convince everyone who needs to be convinced that they are truly in a relationship. Miles, with no
better options agrees.
So, things start from there. Cade neglects to mention that he is actually a Prince. In the Mage families, this is HUGE. He also conveniently forgets to tell him that they NEED to believe this so he can ascend to King. Oh, and there are going to be lots and lots of things that are going to be required of him. Things that Miles has a HARD no with.
In this world, the Mage Princes and nobles can have spouses, but they all have consorts who are shifters. But, they treat the consorts like pets, slaves, you pick a word. Some of them develop better relationships with their consorts, but for the most part, the shifters seem to get the short end of the stick.
The crazy thing is that Miles is keeping a secret. Prince Cade's parents were murdered by shifters and what he doesn't yet know is that Miles has a connection with those shifters. This is a secret that Miles cannot bear to tell him yet.
Things devolve from there because - of course - there is a traitor in House Bartlett and there are factions at work who are trying to discredit Prince Cade and get him exiled. It really is a house of snakes.
Book one kind of wraps up a part of the story, but it really sets up book 2 as the fight for Cade to reclaim his throne is set to begin.
I really liked Miles and Cade grew on me as well. Looking forward to the next book to see what's going to happen next.
Another "new to me" author. I found this book as one of the recommendations at the end of an Audible book. It sounded interesting, so I thought, "why not?"
The book starts off in a way that I almost thought I was missing something. I went and checked to make sure that this was the first book in the series. It was. Now if there was another series that it was a spinoff from, I have no clue because I didn't look. I will say that as things continued, more things started making sense.
We meet FMC Miles Castillo when he is in a dire situation. He is a shifter and has been "captured" by some extremely lucky goofballs and they are in the process of turning him over to some boss man (Declan) who apparently has a bounty on him....oh, and he is going to kill him.
In pops (literally) our other FMC Mage Cade Bartlett. He has a proposition for Miles and if he agrees, he will get him out of the situation that he is currently in.
Some questions I had:
How did he know who Miles was?
How did he know where and exactly when to "pop" in? (They were in a closet or something in a bar)
He must have known a little bit of the situation with Declan to know that it was maybe the only way Miles would agree, right?
See, these were some of the reasons I thought I was missing some past occurrences.
Anyway, this brings about the whole "fake dating" trope, but with a twist. Cade wants Miles to agree to pretend to be his Consort (FOR 8 MONTHS!), go to his family compound and convince everyone who needs to be convinced that they are truly in a relationship. Miles, with no
better options agrees.
So, things start from there. Cade neglects to mention that he is actually a Prince. In the Mage families, this is HUGE. He also conveniently forgets to tell him that they NEED to believe this so he can ascend to King. Oh, and there are going to be lots and lots of things that are going to be required of him. Things that Miles has a HARD no with.
In this world, the Mage Princes and nobles can have spouses, but they all have consorts who are shifters. But, they treat the consorts like pets, slaves, you pick a word. Some of them develop better relationships with their consorts, but for the most part, the shifters seem to get the short end of the stick.
The crazy thing is that Miles is keeping a secret. Prince Cade's parents were murdered by shifters and what he doesn't yet know is that Miles has a connection with those shifters. This is a secret that Miles cannot bear to tell him yet.
Things devolve from there because - of course - there is a traitor in House Bartlett and there are factions at work who are trying to discredit Prince Cade and get him exiled. It really is a house of snakes.
Book one kind of wraps up a part of the story, but it really sets up book 2 as the fight for Cade to reclaim his throne is set to begin.
I really liked Miles and Cade grew on me as well. Looking forward to the next book to see what's going to happen next.
December 19, 2024
What I liked: This book was seemingly designed for my likes, including fantasy, fake mates, and enemies to lovers. I really enjoyed the world building, action, and plot twists, which are largely lacking in other MM romantasy I've read. The characters both experienced growth over time, and there were a wealth of side characters and potential bad guys throughout. I was able to predict some of it, but it didn't come off cartoonish to me.
What I didn't like: basically, two aspects bugged me that are tough to relay without spoilers. One is a major plot point from Ch1, that Miles can't shift. It really came off as the author wanting to keep Miles weak artificially so he doesn't just kick everyone's butt in Ch2. It does get explained by the end of the book, so the mechanics are there, but it bugged me throughout. The other is the role Miles used to play as Damien's enforcer, juxtaposed against his identity as a protector. An enforcer is not a good person. He would have killed, maimed, or tortured people on demand, and not just bad guys. I have a similar point about Cade that centers on a plot point I can't reveal without spoiling. I'm going with the flow, where Cade is an innocent who is being attacked by bad guys, and Miles is an enforcer, but to do so I have to deliberately disengage my brain.
Summary: if you like fantasy, action, enemies to lovers, and paranormal romance, this is a great book. And I am convinced that listening on audio with Greg Trembley's narration actually made a positive difference in my enjoyment of the book.
What I didn't like: basically, two aspects bugged me that are tough to relay without spoilers. One is a major plot point from Ch1, that Miles can't shift. It really came off as the author wanting to keep Miles weak artificially so he doesn't just kick everyone's butt in Ch2. It does get explained by the end of the book, so the mechanics are there, but it bugged me throughout. The other is the role Miles used to play as Damien's enforcer, juxtaposed against his identity as a protector. An enforcer is not a good person. He would have killed, maimed, or tortured people on demand, and not just bad guys. I have a similar point about Cade that centers on a plot point I can't reveal without spoiling. I'm going with the flow, where Cade is an innocent who is being attacked by bad guys, and Miles is an enforcer, but to do so I have to deliberately disengage my brain.
Summary: if you like fantasy, action, enemies to lovers, and paranormal romance, this is a great book. And I am convinced that listening on audio with Greg Trembley's narration actually made a positive difference in my enjoyment of the book.
March 16, 2025
Actually 3.5 ⭐️
Read in one go {❌️}
Plot ⭐⭐⭐
Spice 🌶🌶.5 ( not explicit but hot)
Banter 😂😂😂
Love-interests 🍆🦋🍆
No third act break-up ❌️
Ow / om drama ❌️
⚠️ :
✔️🆗️❌️:
Interesting!
Fake dating to developing real feelings is always fun to read. I do love me some supernatural elements too.
💬:
Read in one go {❌️}
Plot ⭐⭐⭐
Spice 🌶🌶.5 ( not explicit but hot)
Banter 😂😂😂
Love-interests 🍆🦋🍆
No third act break-up ❌️
Ow / om drama ❌️
⚠️ :
✔️🆗️❌️:
Interesting!
Fake dating to developing real feelings is always fun to read. I do love me some supernatural elements too.
💬:
September 15, 2024
Kingdoms are such political greed cesspool.
Too bad magic just makes it so much worse. It would be better if the acting did not leave a strange feeling of confusion about what to expect.
The pairing of the Crown Prince and a Werewolf Alpha as they try to protect each other against the evils of greedy people of power not in the royal lineage that want more power, and the love of willing subjects who just want fair treatment and protection against evil.
Magic as you have never known it before swirls around the palace and lands of Prince Case as his life becomes a mess of power struggles, lies, and murders.
Too bad magic just makes it so much worse. It would be better if the acting did not leave a strange feeling of confusion about what to expect.
The pairing of the Crown Prince and a Werewolf Alpha as they try to protect each other against the evils of greedy people of power not in the royal lineage that want more power, and the love of willing subjects who just want fair treatment and protection against evil.
Magic as you have never known it before swirls around the palace and lands of Prince Case as his life becomes a mess of power struggles, lies, and murders.
March 26, 2024
Exiled
This is a good book. I am giving it a 4/5. I have read other books by this author and enjoyed them. This one does not disappoint. I am goi g to read the second book in this series.
This is a good book. I am giving it a 4/5. I have read other books by this author and enjoyed them. This one does not disappoint. I am goi g to read the second book in this series.
March 7, 2025
I enjoy Kai Butler! The world building in this is really interesting, but I was unfortunately less engaged with the MCs, both as a couple and as individuals. I think I will continue to with the trilogy regardless.
August 19, 2025
Excellent novel!
I enjoyed the characters and story line. I enjoyed the slow romance although sometimes I couldn’t pick up on their romance and sometimes it didn’t fall into place. Other than that I totally couldn’t put the book down and I’m so looking forward to finding out about his parents and what really happened! I truly enjoyed the book!
I enjoyed the characters and story line. I enjoyed the slow romance although sometimes I couldn’t pick up on their romance and sometimes it didn’t fall into place. Other than that I totally couldn’t put the book down and I’m so looking forward to finding out about his parents and what really happened! I truly enjoyed the book!
June 25, 2024
This was ok, but I think the world building was a little thin. 3.5-4/5.
January 21, 2025
I read this book rather than sleep, it was that enjoyable. The pacing is wonderfully balanced and I enjoyed that the characters felt realistic in their stubbornness. Nothing was suddenly out-of-character to sacrifice for the plot. The way the relationship between the main characters develops feels natural and the world is quite a fun idea. I’ve read another of Kai Butler’s series and my only UGH moment is that I should have checked to see if the series is finished yet, and it definitely isn’t.
(EDIT: June 20th: the series is finally complete so I’ve reread this book and loved it even more than the first time and can’t wait to finally finish the series!)
Would I go back in time and still read this book, knowing what I know now?
I would absolutely still go back and read this one. It was refreshing to read compelling characters and a story that actually felt like it had some stakes in it!
See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book
CHARACTERS: Miles is interesting as a main character. His voice is fun to read and he’s complex enough to want to keep up with him, especially when it comes to the references he makes to pop culture. He’s put in an impossible position and I’m super impressed with how he handles it and keeps having to ‘re-handle’ it and how some things he refuses to budge on. The secret history he’s hiding is the one place where I also find it fascinating how he’s chosen to handle it throughout his life and how it pertains to the backstory of Cade. And Cade too has a fascinating set of circumstances that make him really intriguing. Not having his POV certainly lends an air of mystery to him with cracks that definitely seep through like his power.I also appreciate how the author manages the power/relationship balance-imbalance in this first book as well! (And we didn’t have nearly enough Basil, so I’m hoping for more Basil in book two!)
PLOT: The plot flows fairly quickly in this one. Everything about the world and the mystery they’re trying to solve kept me wanting to see if they’d figure it out before something happened to them. Coupled with the really interesting way magic works in this world, I found it an easy book to keep reading (much to my sleep’s chagrin). There were a few spots where it leans more towards ‘tell’ rather than ‘show’, but in terms of the plot, I was interested all the way through.
EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.
4 out of 5/high. The world is so immersive and I’ve now read this book a second time and I am perhaps even more emotionally connected to these characters than before.
CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled?
75%. I absolutely appreciate that it wasn’t a major cliffhanger at the end of this book. The biggest mystery is wrapped up for the most part. However, the climax and denouement are wrapped up in setting up for book two, sacrificing a true cathartic moment in favor of revving straight into the next book. That being said, I wasn’t left frustrated, which is a good thing and I can’t wait to read the next book (which is now out!)
(EDIT: June 20th: the series is finally complete so I’ve reread this book and loved it even more than the first time and can’t wait to finally finish the series!)
Would I go back in time and still read this book, knowing what I know now?
I would absolutely still go back and read this one. It was refreshing to read compelling characters and a story that actually felt like it had some stakes in it!
See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book
CHARACTERS: Miles is interesting as a main character. His voice is fun to read and he’s complex enough to want to keep up with him, especially when it comes to the references he makes to pop culture. He’s put in an impossible position and I’m super impressed with how he handles it and keeps having to ‘re-handle’ it and how some things he refuses to budge on. The secret history he’s hiding is the one place where I also find it fascinating how he’s chosen to handle it throughout his life and how it pertains to the backstory of Cade. And Cade too has a fascinating set of circumstances that make him really intriguing. Not having his POV certainly lends an air of mystery to him with cracks that definitely seep through like his power.I also appreciate how the author manages the power/relationship balance-imbalance in this first book as well! (And we didn’t have nearly enough Basil, so I’m hoping for more Basil in book two!)
PLOT: The plot flows fairly quickly in this one. Everything about the world and the mystery they’re trying to solve kept me wanting to see if they’d figure it out before something happened to them. Coupled with the really interesting way magic works in this world, I found it an easy book to keep reading (much to my sleep’s chagrin). There were a few spots where it leans more towards ‘tell’ rather than ‘show’, but in terms of the plot, I was interested all the way through.
EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.
4 out of 5/high. The world is so immersive and I’ve now read this book a second time and I am perhaps even more emotionally connected to these characters than before.
CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled?
75%. I absolutely appreciate that it wasn’t a major cliffhanger at the end of this book. The biggest mystery is wrapped up for the most part. However, the climax and denouement are wrapped up in setting up for book two, sacrificing a true cathartic moment in favor of revving straight into the next book. That being said, I wasn’t left frustrated, which is a good thing and I can’t wait to read the next book (which is now out!)
October 25, 2023
WOW! Just wow.
I am a huge fan of Kai’s San Amaro series and was a little nervous about this book living up to my (admittedly) high expectations. Kai is officially cemented as one of my favorite fantasy writers. The world building, the characters, the story; it’s all fantastic. I was sucked right into the first chapter and didn’t want to put the book down. Kai is so great at writing romantic tension and developing relationships while telling an engrossing story. Not to mention … the tension between Cade and Miles is INTENSE and AMAZING! Their dynamic is my kryptonite. I will note that there are some details of the main plot that some readers may catch onto quickly or work out ahead of the reveal, but I didn’t mind one bit and it certainly didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the book.
I can tell that the next book is going to be even more action and tension packed and I simply can’t wait. I’m also looking forward to the audiobook for this one (assuming there is one). I’ll definitely snatch it up the moment it’s out!
I am a huge fan of Kai’s San Amaro series and was a little nervous about this book living up to my (admittedly) high expectations. Kai is officially cemented as one of my favorite fantasy writers. The world building, the characters, the story; it’s all fantastic. I was sucked right into the first chapter and didn’t want to put the book down. Kai is so great at writing romantic tension and developing relationships while telling an engrossing story. Not to mention … the tension between Cade and Miles is INTENSE and AMAZING! Their dynamic is my kryptonite. I will note that there are some details of the main plot that some readers may catch onto quickly or work out ahead of the reveal, but I didn’t mind one bit and it certainly didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the book.
I can tell that the next book is going to be even more action and tension packed and I simply can’t wait. I’m also looking forward to the audiobook for this one (assuming there is one). I’ll definitely snatch it up the moment it’s out!
October 24, 2023
4.5 stars
Miles is a werewolf without a pack or a last name. Cade is an heir who can’t trust anyone in his circle. As the two of them dance around each other’s secrets and try to figure out who is trying to kill Cade, the tension in both the romance and the suspense gets stronger and more engaging. I’m not usually a fan of romantic conflict due to inability to talk, but these two have good reasons for not sharing their pasts and the connection they forge is even more complex because of it. The suspense aspect is pretty straightforward but still delicious - always love some political machinations. As the first in the series, the slow-burn romance doesn’t get fully resolved, but the cliffhanger is soft, leaving me both happy to have read it and eager for the next one.
Miles is a werewolf without a pack or a last name. Cade is an heir who can’t trust anyone in his circle. As the two of them dance around each other’s secrets and try to figure out who is trying to kill Cade, the tension in both the romance and the suspense gets stronger and more engaging. I’m not usually a fan of romantic conflict due to inability to talk, but these two have good reasons for not sharing their pasts and the connection they forge is even more complex because of it. The suspense aspect is pretty straightforward but still delicious - always love some political machinations. As the first in the series, the slow-burn romance doesn’t get fully resolved, but the cliffhanger is soft, leaving me both happy to have read it and eager for the next one.
November 17, 2024
Like a lower budget, low fantasy, paranormal romance version of that one C.S. Pacet series (The Prince's Gambit?) but with lazy, incomplete worldbuilding.
Still enjoyable but I take issue with some key parts that will makes this a forgettable read for me. One being that the rules in the magic system are convoluted and hard to follow. A lot of things just aren't explained, like the tattoos? There's never a clear explanation of what they actually do. The best we're given is towards the end of the book Miles surmises that they're visual expressions of Cade's magic. They take up a lot of page space and are visually described at every chance but...that's all we get? There no explanation that they're individually specific spells but apparently they are when other mage's put them on their consorts? The whole magical foundation seems underdeveloped.
Also the bit about Cade being a prince, heir to the throne of...what exactly? It's not a nation and it's not clear if he's going to be king of all mages or just the king of his household estate, which is pretty insane and underwhelming. There's mentions of other "lesser houses" but no elaboration on what that means or how their society actually functions. They only ever talk about Bartlett lands, house rules, "coffers". And that's another thing, where the hell are they getting their money from exactly? There's no industry or other houses paying taxes or tithes. It impossible to get a proper scale of the place.
Then there's the characters themselves which were one dimensional or frustratingly improbable. The dialog between Cade and Miles in the first quarter of the book was so annoyingly circular and irrational.
1. A choice between certain, imminent death and being a bodyguard for eight months with a 500k payments and Miles argues with Cade the entire drive to the estate almost making a series of cases for why Miles is a bad choice. For context Mile acknowledges that he has no money, car, connections, and is wanted by a werewolf criminal (who also is completely unexplained btw, only is briefly described as doing low level intimidation to lower property value and owns at least 2 night clubs - hardly the ruthless implacable crime lord). Miles literally has no reason to hesitate into agreeing to Cade's proposal.
2. They jump into trust in a backwards way. Miles demanding Cade trust him two days into knowing him when Cade trust literally no one around him and has no close friends. Cade also says ON THE INITIAL CAR RIDE TO THE ESTATE that Miles is the only one he can trust. Like what?
Still enjoyable but I take issue with some key parts that will makes this a forgettable read for me. One being that the rules in the magic system are convoluted and hard to follow. A lot of things just aren't explained, like the tattoos? There's never a clear explanation of what they actually do. The best we're given is towards the end of the book Miles surmises that they're visual expressions of Cade's magic. They take up a lot of page space and are visually described at every chance but...that's all we get? There no explanation that they're individually specific spells but apparently they are when other mage's put them on their consorts? The whole magical foundation seems underdeveloped.
Also the bit about Cade being a prince, heir to the throne of...what exactly? It's not a nation and it's not clear if he's going to be king of all mages or just the king of his household estate, which is pretty insane and underwhelming. There's mentions of other "lesser houses" but no elaboration on what that means or how their society actually functions. They only ever talk about Bartlett lands, house rules, "coffers". And that's another thing, where the hell are they getting their money from exactly? There's no industry or other houses paying taxes or tithes. It impossible to get a proper scale of the place.
Then there's the characters themselves which were one dimensional or frustratingly improbable. The dialog between Cade and Miles in the first quarter of the book was so annoyingly circular and irrational.
1. A choice between certain, imminent death and being a bodyguard for eight months with a 500k payments and Miles argues with Cade the entire drive to the estate almost making a series of cases for why Miles is a bad choice. For context Mile acknowledges that he has no money, car, connections, and is wanted by a werewolf criminal (who also is completely unexplained btw, only is briefly described as doing low level intimidation to lower property value and owns at least 2 night clubs - hardly the ruthless implacable crime lord). Miles literally has no reason to hesitate into agreeing to Cade's proposal.
2. They jump into trust in a backwards way. Miles demanding Cade trust him two days into knowing him when Cade trust literally no one around him and has no close friends. Cade also says ON THE INITIAL CAR RIDE TO THE ESTATE that Miles is the only one he can trust. Like what?
October 19, 2023
This arc was provided in return for an honest review.
3.75 stars
Cade pulls Miles out from a certain death situation, as he needs help. Miles jumps in to try to find out who is making the attempts on Cade's life. Cade is a very cold and withdrawn person and Miles struggles to do much.
The background is interesting. If I understand it correctly, a consort is given some of the mage's magic and - to a certain extent - the consort can use it as well. That slowly comes in to play. There are a lot of players and lot of questions unanswered by the end.
A great start to a new series that actually reminded me some of C.S. Pacat's, The Captive Prince. I look forward to the next book.
Niggles:
3.75 stars
Cade pulls Miles out from a certain death situation, as he needs help. Miles jumps in to try to find out who is making the attempts on Cade's life. Cade is a very cold and withdrawn person and Miles struggles to do much.
The background is interesting. If I understand it correctly, a consort is given some of the mage's magic and - to a certain extent - the consort can use it as well. That slowly comes in to play. There are a lot of players and lot of questions unanswered by the end.
A great start to a new series that actually reminded me some of C.S. Pacat's, The Captive Prince. I look forward to the next book.
Niggles:
August 7, 2025
I am captivated! San Amaro Investigations is one of my all time favourite series so I had high hopes for this. Luckily they were fulfilled! Miles and Cade are very different characters from Parker and Nick but I love them just as much!
I got a good sense of the environment and enough world building to understand what is needed without big info dumps. This series feels much darker in tone with lots of magic and danger! Although it isn’t really even a hfn, they are together against the enemies. Knowing this is an ongoing series keeps me hopeful. This is a slow-burn and there is so much intrigue leading to our MCs being only able to trust each other.
I had to rewrite this review a few times as everything I want to comment on would be a spoiler, and you don’t want to be spoiled!! I am so looking forward to see what happens; I know our guys are in for some tough times but I have faith!
I got a good sense of the environment and enough world building to understand what is needed without big info dumps. This series feels much darker in tone with lots of magic and danger! Although it isn’t really even a hfn, they are together against the enemies. Knowing this is an ongoing series keeps me hopeful. This is a slow-burn and there is so much intrigue leading to our MCs being only able to trust each other.
I had to rewrite this review a few times as everything I want to comment on would be a spoiler, and you don’t want to be spoiled!! I am so looking forward to see what happens; I know our guys are in for some tough times but I have faith!
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