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The Lost Heirs #1
A Realm of Dark Fury
In an arena of death, it is not what you hope to win - but what you are willing to lose
Before she could even rule, war stole Elara’s kingdom and her freedom. To claim it back, she must risk it all within the Pit: a series of brutal tournaments held by her captor, King Theron. But just surviving might be even harder than winning, especially when her only ally here is her enemy.
Rook, Prince of the Night Demons, hates everything about Elara and the Fae, the ones who abandoned him and his people during the Uprising years ago. Now enslaved to Theron, he’s instructed to prepare Elara for the Pit, though the only thing he wants is to see her dead.
As the trials become more twisted, with just each other to turn to for comfort, a strange attraction brings them closer together. But looming revelations of the Uprising could shatter everything they thought they knew about themselves and their world. And in such a compassionless place as the Pit, fighting for love may be the hardest challenge yet.
CW: 18+ Dark Fantasy Romance. This book contains instances of sexual acts and violence that some readers may find distressing
Before she could even rule, war stole Elara’s kingdom and her freedom. To claim it back, she must risk it all within the Pit: a series of brutal tournaments held by her captor, King Theron. But just surviving might be even harder than winning, especially when her only ally here is her enemy.
Rook, Prince of the Night Demons, hates everything about Elara and the Fae, the ones who abandoned him and his people during the Uprising years ago. Now enslaved to Theron, he’s instructed to prepare Elara for the Pit, though the only thing he wants is to see her dead.
As the trials become more twisted, with just each other to turn to for comfort, a strange attraction brings them closer together. But looming revelations of the Uprising could shatter everything they thought they knew about themselves and their world. And in such a compassionless place as the Pit, fighting for love may be the hardest challenge yet.
CW: 18+ Dark Fantasy Romance. This book contains instances of sexual acts and violence that some readers may find distressing
Unknown Binding
First published December 15, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
December 16, 2023
I think this book just put me in an official slump..which is annoying because it could have been sooo good! The characters were just so meh and used the f word literally in every sentence (I don’t care about cursing but it just became really annoying after a while).
It was insta-lovey, it was predictable, it was annoying.
Basically I’m sad I wasted time & money on this.
It was insta-lovey, it was predictable, it was annoying.
Basically I’m sad I wasted time & money on this.
January 17, 2024
The first three pages had me hooked I even almost shed a tear. I was so excited that I'd found a book that hooked me straight away.
Sadly that only lasted for a chapter.
Points that I couldn't see past despite trying for a few days
- over used phrases peppering the text
- generic insufferable female protagonist
- obsessive connection immediately between the protagonist and love interest that felt as hollow as a gourd.
- using the word 'fuck' repeatedly, often more than 4 times on a page in opposing conversation. Over and over and over again. There are other ways to express frustration and anger...
- Elara is so inconsistent, her character building at the beginning seems to mean nothing and we have a snivelling weak little girl instead of a powerful warrior. It's frustrating to have a strong character act like the damsel.
The tone of characters was so flat that one couldn't pick out who was talking at first glance. The protagonist was so run of the mill you could guess her next emotional outburst.
The over sexualization was boring and monotonous. I found myself on chapter 10 after reading forms of exactly the same scenes over and over again. The conversations hardly go beyond the same training ring, the same subject, the same tone and same tedious back and forth.
In chapter 12... still nothing's changed. I'm sick of the protagonists despite the forced 'sweet moments' and attempt at building sexual tension which just comes across cringe and unbelievable. I'm so sick of hearing how they dream of each other, I think 7+ chapters of only that is waaaayyyy tooo muchhh.
The protagonist's love interest who was a fantastic character when introduced with SO MUCH potential, I might add, fell completely flat as well as soon as the initial intro was over. He was one sided, driven by his base desires, prone to tantrums and then at the drop of a hat caring and understanding. Like what?
The emotional integrity and follow through was also so lacking... Elara went from having an emotional breakdown about losing her mate to breathlessly laughing and bantering in the space of a sentence.
It's not ideal when the character you find most interesting is the evil king.
I was sorely disappointed with the writing, story growth, world building and character development- it all had so much promise.
2 stars for something that could have been something fantastic
Sadly that only lasted for a chapter.
Points that I couldn't see past despite trying for a few days
- over used phrases peppering the text
- generic insufferable female protagonist
- obsessive connection immediately between the protagonist and love interest that felt as hollow as a gourd.
- using the word 'fuck' repeatedly, often more than 4 times on a page in opposing conversation. Over and over and over again. There are other ways to express frustration and anger...
- Elara is so inconsistent, her character building at the beginning seems to mean nothing and we have a snivelling weak little girl instead of a powerful warrior. It's frustrating to have a strong character act like the damsel.
The tone of characters was so flat that one couldn't pick out who was talking at first glance. The protagonist was so run of the mill you could guess her next emotional outburst.
The over sexualization was boring and monotonous. I found myself on chapter 10 after reading forms of exactly the same scenes over and over again. The conversations hardly go beyond the same training ring, the same subject, the same tone and same tedious back and forth.
In chapter 12... still nothing's changed. I'm sick of the protagonists despite the forced 'sweet moments' and attempt at building sexual tension which just comes across cringe and unbelievable. I'm so sick of hearing how they dream of each other, I think 7+ chapters of only that is waaaayyyy tooo muchhh.
The protagonist's love interest who was a fantastic character when introduced with SO MUCH potential, I might add, fell completely flat as well as soon as the initial intro was over. He was one sided, driven by his base desires, prone to tantrums and then at the drop of a hat caring and understanding. Like what?
The emotional integrity and follow through was also so lacking... Elara went from having an emotional breakdown about losing her mate to breathlessly laughing and bantering in the space of a sentence.
It's not ideal when the character you find most interesting is the evil king.
I was sorely disappointed with the writing, story growth, world building and character development- it all had so much promise.
2 stars for something that could have been something fantastic
March 16, 2024
I started reading this to support RD with everything she was going through on TT but, to be honest, I dont think I will finish it.
Every 3rd word is just eff eff eff eff eff. I have no problem whatsoever with swearing, doesnt offend me in any way, but its every single line. I struggled to actually read and connect with the story and, in the end, just tried to get my mind to skip over it to the story, as the story itself seemed interesting but, to be honest, with so many better books around, I just dont know if I can be bothered using up my time on it.
a permenant DNF I think :/
Every 3rd word is just eff eff eff eff eff. I have no problem whatsoever with swearing, doesnt offend me in any way, but its every single line. I struggled to actually read and connect with the story and, in the end, just tried to get my mind to skip over it to the story, as the story itself seemed interesting but, to be honest, with so many better books around, I just dont know if I can be bothered using up my time on it.
a permenant DNF I think :/
January 9, 2024
"Alright. Survive first. Fantastic ass later."
Yea no I'm good. DNFed at 30%. I was so into it in the first few chapters. It was gritty, the FMC was a baddy and at first the MMC was a great antagonist for her. But the enemies to lovers barely lasted two chapters. It went from I'll kill you to I love your ass way too fast for my liking.
Yea no I'm good. DNFed at 30%. I was so into it in the first few chapters. It was gritty, the FMC was a baddy and at first the MMC was a great antagonist for her. But the enemies to lovers barely lasted two chapters. It went from I'll kill you to I love your ass way too fast for my liking.
Read
January 3, 2024DNF 26%
This had potential, but I didn’t love the writing style or the characters enough to continue on.
This had potential, but I didn’t love the writing style or the characters enough to continue on.
January 16, 2024
I’m so confused. Please explain why the characters’ personalities did a 180 around page 200? And why the plot changed completely halfway through? And how the “games” trope was completely unnecessary and played no part in the remaining plot which caused me to question if it was even in this book?
The most painful part was having the characters’ personalities make sense and as they started to barely tolerate each other, out of absolutely nowhere, they became obsessed and started using pet names. I re read that section more than a few times to make sure I didn’t miss anything, and nope, it just happened.
The ending also had me cringing so hard my shoulders were sore from trying to hide myself while suffering through the rest. A pet peeve of mine and what denotes a poorly written book (in my opinion) is when the characters are inconsistent and the plot is jumping around and fails to make sense, so this book made me lose a little faith in the fantasy world and I think I need a breather.
The most painful part was having the characters’ personalities make sense and as they started to barely tolerate each other, out of absolutely nowhere, they became obsessed and started using pet names. I re read that section more than a few times to make sure I didn’t miss anything, and nope, it just happened.
The ending also had me cringing so hard my shoulders were sore from trying to hide myself while suffering through the rest. A pet peeve of mine and what denotes a poorly written book (in my opinion) is when the characters are inconsistent and the plot is jumping around and fails to make sense, so this book made me lose a little faith in the fantasy world and I think I need a breather.
December 4, 2023
IM SPEECHLESS, IN UTTER SHOCK!
This is one of the best fantasy books I’ve read since fourth wing! I am so grateful to have been able to receive an advanced reader copy of this absolutely STUNNING story and I can’t thank RD Baker enough!
I was captivated from page one and every single page after that! I had such a hard time putting it down because I didn’t want to spend a single moment away from Elara and Rook. The character building that was weaved throughout the story helped me see their characters in a completely different light. They’re both such resilient characters that I wanted them together from the very beginning.
The tension between them was SO DELICIOUS 😍🥵but the tender moments were what dreams are freaking made of!
♾️⭐️
This is one of the best fantasy books I’ve read since fourth wing! I am so grateful to have been able to receive an advanced reader copy of this absolutely STUNNING story and I can’t thank RD Baker enough!
I was captivated from page one and every single page after that! I had such a hard time putting it down because I didn’t want to spend a single moment away from Elara and Rook. The character building that was weaved throughout the story helped me see their characters in a completely different light. They’re both such resilient characters that I wanted them together from the very beginning.
The tension between them was SO DELICIOUS 😍🥵but the tender moments were what dreams are freaking made of!
♾️⭐️
December 15, 2023
I’ve finished, and I am unwell…
What a story! If you love dark fantasy romance- THIS is for you 👏 10/10!
What a story! If you love dark fantasy romance- THIS is for you 👏 10/10!
April 22, 2024
I loved this book, I probably wouldn’t have started it only because i didn’t realize it is a new release and i need the second book immediately after finishing.
This book starts in the midst of battle and the world building was super easy to follow along, it was a very nice flow i was able to easily read along, instead of normally with fantasy books I have to really concentrate on the world and it makes me read slower. But not with this book.
I love the FMC she is so badass and strong.
I felt sadness, i had tears, felt triumph, longing, happiness. The spicy scenes in this book hit the mark and i loved it and wanted more of it!
Can’t wait for the second book to come out!
This book starts in the midst of battle and the world building was super easy to follow along, it was a very nice flow i was able to easily read along, instead of normally with fantasy books I have to really concentrate on the world and it makes me read slower. But not with this book.
I love the FMC she is so badass and strong.
I felt sadness, i had tears, felt triumph, longing, happiness. The spicy scenes in this book hit the mark and i loved it and wanted more of it!
Can’t wait for the second book to come out!
December 21, 2023
Please check trigger warnings before reading. 💙
I couldn’t put this down! I loved these characters and have so many questions!!
This is a well written dark romantasy and I was thrilled to get an advance copy. 🥰
It ends on a cliffhanger and now I cannot wait for book 2!
Special thank you to R D Baker for the ARC! I look forward to seeing where this series goes.
Trigger warnings:
- Graphic violence, gore, including permanent injuries
- Explicit depictions of consensual sexual acts
- Sexual harassment/violation of consent (not involving the MMC)
- Sexual assault, on page, graphic (does not involve the MMC)
- Themes of imprisonment, slavery and forced servitude
- Loss of a loved one
- Infant death, discussed as a past event
- Child death, graphic, on page
- Torture: physical and psychological
- Abuse and disfigurement of a corpse
- Kidnapping
- Forced marriage
- Psychological manipulation and gaslighting
- Trauma/PTSD
- Discussion of infertility
Note from the author: ‘This book delves into some very dark areas. Please be kind to yourself. Your mental health and well-being come first, always.’
I couldn’t put this down! I loved these characters and have so many questions!!
This is a well written dark romantasy and I was thrilled to get an advance copy. 🥰
It ends on a cliffhanger and now I cannot wait for book 2!
Special thank you to R D Baker for the ARC! I look forward to seeing where this series goes.
Trigger warnings:
- Graphic violence, gore, including permanent injuries
- Explicit depictions of consensual sexual acts
- Sexual harassment/violation of consent (not involving the MMC)
- Sexual assault, on page, graphic (does not involve the MMC)
- Themes of imprisonment, slavery and forced servitude
- Loss of a loved one
- Infant death, discussed as a past event
- Child death, graphic, on page
- Torture: physical and psychological
- Abuse and disfigurement of a corpse
- Kidnapping
- Forced marriage
- Psychological manipulation and gaslighting
- Trauma/PTSD
- Discussion of infertility
Note from the author: ‘This book delves into some very dark areas. Please be kind to yourself. Your mental health and well-being come first, always.’
February 6, 2024
DNF @ 30%
I was hooked by the free sample of this book and then purchased it for my kindle. Ended up hating it due to the elementary and unrealistic thoughts and feelings of the main characters that seemed to get worse as the book went on.
The story had potential and started out great, but really the writing was so rudimentary.
-
“I’m scared.”
“I know.” He put a hand on my shoulder. “But you’ll be alright.”
“Will you kiss me if I win?” I was desperate for anything. I needed something tangible to focus on, even if it was stupid and frivolous.
-
Just as an example of the immature writing. It’s like the characters have feelings/actions/and vernacular of a middle school tween.
Story had potential but I am sad I had to DNF
I was hooked by the free sample of this book and then purchased it for my kindle. Ended up hating it due to the elementary and unrealistic thoughts and feelings of the main characters that seemed to get worse as the book went on.
The story had potential and started out great, but really the writing was so rudimentary.
-
“I’m scared.”
“I know.” He put a hand on my shoulder. “But you’ll be alright.”
“Will you kiss me if I win?” I was desperate for anything. I needed something tangible to focus on, even if it was stupid and frivolous.
-
Just as an example of the immature writing. It’s like the characters have feelings/actions/and vernacular of a middle school tween.
Story had potential but I am sad I had to DNF
December 13, 2023
This arc has me in a chokehold right from the get go! It absolutely wrecked me and now I need the next book ASAP!!! RD Bakers writing puts you in a trance that you won’t want to get out of!
November 29, 2023
Girl you could write a grocery list and make it the most amazing price of written art! They way you write something that’s so effortless to read, so easy to chew through is insane! You make your characters literally come to life, Rook and Elara are so well written It literally feels like they are right there in front of me throughout the whole book. AND I HAVE APHANTASIA! So the fact you have the skill to make someone who has little to no ability to physically visualise things in their head and make them feel like they can feel and know these characters is insane! The villain in this is insanely good like this man is horrible, he is disgusting, evil, brutal and just scream at the book, rip hair out evil! You are the absolute queen of forbidden romance, my heart cannot deal with this emotional damage so please give me more because ahhhh so good! If you like forbidden romance, DRAGONS!, demons, fae, spice, enemies to lovers, fates mates, touch her and die, touch him and die, shadow daddy’s!, deadly trials, twists, turns and so much more you need to read this book like seriously drop what your reading now!! Love love love and omg that ending! Here’s some emojis to show how this book will make you feel. 🤯😭🤬🥵😱🫣🤢🔥🌶️🪓🗡️💔❤️🩹‼️🫠
November 18, 2023
Such a beautiful and heart wrenching story!! Fated mates, star-crossed lovers, betrayals and suspense! And so much spice 🌶️🔥. I’m so excited to see more of this world!! It was easily one of the top 5 fantasy books I had the privilege of reading this year. I’m incredibly thankful to have had the opportunity to ARC read this book for RD Baker.
November 15, 2023
Thank you for an ARC of this book 💕
‘Heir to the moon and stars Princess… and yours?’
It’s hard to form a coherent review as my heart hurts and I don’t want to spoil anything but it was wow!
- Character building was on point ✅
- Plot was *chefs kiss*
- The pain and the suffering was very real.
- The spice was spicing 🌶️
I loved the relationship between our brooding sexy Night Demon Rook and fierce fae princess Elara, every one of their interactions was wonderful.
My only complaint is that I now have to wait for a sequel D:
5 ⭐️
‘Heir to the moon and stars Princess… and yours?’
It’s hard to form a coherent review as my heart hurts and I don’t want to spoil anything but it was wow!
- Character building was on point ✅
- Plot was *chefs kiss*
- The pain and the suffering was very real.
- The spice was spicing 🌶️
I loved the relationship between our brooding sexy Night Demon Rook and fierce fae princess Elara, every one of their interactions was wonderful.
My only complaint is that I now have to wait for a sequel D:
5 ⭐️
December 7, 2023
This book wrapped into one word. Wow.
*MAKE SURE TO READ TRIGGERS*
I am greatly appreciative of the fact that I got an ARC for this book. This is the first fantasy I have ever read, and I am glad to say it was this one. It was amazing. The chemistry between Elara and Rook is captivating. It left me gripping for more in this story. I honestly can not wait for book 2 to be released. I will say it took me a bit to get into this book because I was new to fantasy, but as soon as it had its talons in me, I didn't want to stop reading. Dark romance, slow burn, spicy times. You will go through all 5 stages of grief reading this, but it will be one hell of a ride. Thank you, R.D.Baker, for this wonderful story, and I can't wait to fly with you in the next one.
*MAKE SURE TO READ TRIGGERS*
I am greatly appreciative of the fact that I got an ARC for this book. This is the first fantasy I have ever read, and I am glad to say it was this one. It was amazing. The chemistry between Elara and Rook is captivating. It left me gripping for more in this story. I honestly can not wait for book 2 to be released. I will say it took me a bit to get into this book because I was new to fantasy, but as soon as it had its talons in me, I didn't want to stop reading. Dark romance, slow burn, spicy times. You will go through all 5 stages of grief reading this, but it will be one hell of a ride. Thank you, R.D.Baker, for this wonderful story, and I can't wait to fly with you in the next one.
December 4, 2023
4⭐
4🌶️
TW: Children death, SA, infant death, disfigurement, loss of a loved one, infertility, forced marriage, torture, slavery, trauma/PTSD, maiming/permanent injuries, grief
WHAT A CLIFFHANGER!
We start off with Elara on the battlefield saying goodbye to her mate who was taken from her. She was ready to accept a fate of death, but found herself taken instead by the very people she was fighting against. This is where Elara meets Rook. Rook is to train her, as to what the real reason someone who has essentially taken her hostage assigns someone to toughen her up and make her better at battle isn’t revealed to us right off the bat. Leaving a million guesses as to why.
I felt a pang as I thought of Keir. Keir, who I had loved so much, and mere weeks after his death I was dreaming of another man, wishing another man into my bed.
I was so grateful for this quote it allowed us to see that even though she is having feelings for another man so quickly, she wasn’t just over Keir. She was still thinking about him even if he wasn’t so prevalent. This book is giving very enemies to instant lovers. They fight with each other for a short period of time before they seem to basically fall for each other overnight. Part of me was happy for the lack of stress in waiting for a relationship to bloom, but the other half of me wanting to endure the grief of her losing Keir alongside with her. There’s a scene later where she is experiencing the trauma of/witnesses someone’s life taken from them in a pretty gruesome way and she was experiencing pain and grief for them. She didn’t know this [REDACTED] but she grieved for him in the way I had hoped to feel her grieve for Keir with the amount of emotion we were introduced between the two of them in the beginning.
“One day,” I replied, stroking his cheek. “One day we will sleep in the same bed every night and wake up together every morning.”
He smiled at me, tracing a finger along the scars on my jaw. “That is a lovely future to dream of, my love.”
The connection that Rook and Elara share is pretty cool. The connecting sleep-time/day-time fantasy was a pretty near integration into the story, too. Even though there is lots of fun spicy scenes and these two have fated mates connection it doesn’t mean they hadn’t felt love and longing before each other. Both Rook and Elara were in relationships prior to meeting and they were so deeply connected with their previous partners. Out of the two prior partners Rook’s story on what happened at the end is the most heartbreaking and I don’t know how Rook could carry on after what he went through. The honesty and connection he has to feel comfortable sharing information with Elara is astounding and I think Elara really needed Rook to be able to survive the things she went through in this book.
If you like books with trials where you have to complete them to save/restore your kingdom this one has it. The trials in this book do get very dark and gruesome so please again refer to the triggers in this book before getting started.
Tropes
📖Enemies to Lovers
📖Forbidden Love
📖Deadly Trials
📖Fated Mates
I received an arc of this book.
4🌶️
TW: Children death, SA, infant death, disfigurement, loss of a loved one, infertility, forced marriage, torture, slavery, trauma/PTSD, maiming/permanent injuries, grief
WHAT A CLIFFHANGER!
We start off with Elara on the battlefield saying goodbye to her mate who was taken from her. She was ready to accept a fate of death, but found herself taken instead by the very people she was fighting against. This is where Elara meets Rook. Rook is to train her, as to what the real reason someone who has essentially taken her hostage assigns someone to toughen her up and make her better at battle isn’t revealed to us right off the bat. Leaving a million guesses as to why.
I felt a pang as I thought of Keir. Keir, who I had loved so much, and mere weeks after his death I was dreaming of another man, wishing another man into my bed.
I was so grateful for this quote it allowed us to see that even though she is having feelings for another man so quickly, she wasn’t just over Keir. She was still thinking about him even if he wasn’t so prevalent. This book is giving very enemies to instant lovers. They fight with each other for a short period of time before they seem to basically fall for each other overnight. Part of me was happy for the lack of stress in waiting for a relationship to bloom, but the other half of me wanting to endure the grief of her losing Keir alongside with her. There’s a scene later where she is experiencing the trauma of/witnesses someone’s life taken from them in a pretty gruesome way and she was experiencing pain and grief for them. She didn’t know this [REDACTED] but she grieved for him in the way I had hoped to feel her grieve for Keir with the amount of emotion we were introduced between the two of them in the beginning.
“One day,” I replied, stroking his cheek. “One day we will sleep in the same bed every night and wake up together every morning.”
He smiled at me, tracing a finger along the scars on my jaw. “That is a lovely future to dream of, my love.”
The connection that Rook and Elara share is pretty cool. The connecting sleep-time/day-time fantasy was a pretty near integration into the story, too. Even though there is lots of fun spicy scenes and these two have fated mates connection it doesn’t mean they hadn’t felt love and longing before each other. Both Rook and Elara were in relationships prior to meeting and they were so deeply connected with their previous partners. Out of the two prior partners Rook’s story on what happened at the end is the most heartbreaking and I don’t know how Rook could carry on after what he went through. The honesty and connection he has to feel comfortable sharing information with Elara is astounding and I think Elara really needed Rook to be able to survive the things she went through in this book.
If you like books with trials where you have to complete them to save/restore your kingdom this one has it. The trials in this book do get very dark and gruesome so please again refer to the triggers in this book before getting started.
Tropes
📖Enemies to Lovers
📖Forbidden Love
📖Deadly Trials
📖Fated Mates
I received an arc of this book.
November 18, 2023
!! This book is a dark fantasy, with triggering themes including themes surrounding child abuse, death of a pregnant woman, and rape. Please checks the trigger warnings before you read this one !!
I first off would like to thank RD Baker for allowing me the opportunity to be an ARC reader for her new book. I haven’t read any of this author’s other works (despite them being on my tbr since The Shadow and the Draw was released) so went in completely blind with this author’s writing style. All thoughts are my own, and I will be leaving a completely honest review regarding my thoughts and feelings.
I’ve given this book 4 stars, however leading up to around the 65% mark I was intending on giving it 3. I struggled with the first major portion of the book, and it was mainly in regards to the relationship building between our two main characters, Rook and Elara.
The progression of their relationship went from immediately hating each other - understandable considering the circumstances - to within a handful of chapters having the relationship build of a few months to a year in just a couple of weeks. It felt very forced between them, and that there was no natural progression of the relationship for me. I understand that these two characters are in captivity together, and it is extenuating circumstances as well as some other plot points that I won’t spoil, however I need more depth when it comes to this. It’s definitely possible to have the recognition that they are in a precarious situation with tough emotions, AND an appropriately timed relationship arc. I think a slow burn would have worked in this book, because the plot takes a backseat to smut almost straight away. I hate being that person, but I ended up skimming a couple of the spicy scenes later on because I needed to know what was going to happen next with the story! That was what was important to me personally. Don’t get me wrong, I like good smut, but when you have a plot like this one, it absolutely HAS to be the main focal point, with the romance as a subplot and I found the two were fighting with each other in this situation.
I felt a bit at odds with some of the emotional aspects of Elara in the beginning too; she doesn’t tend to show her emotions as strongly as I would have liked her to given the situation of her losing her mate in the prologue. She tends to focus a lot on Rook, a man she’s just met, and not so much on the grieving and loss of her Mate. I think I would have liked to see a little more turmoil here, as she has just lost everything, her mate dying in her arms and is now a captive. In my opinion it would have made her more rounded as a character. I did however find that we saw a lot of Rook’s trauma in his POV’s, which was a nice change.
Beyond that, the story was incredible. The plot was well thought out and planned, you think you know something and it gets turned on its head completely. There is so much left open to theorise with, to make your own assumptions and guesses… only to find out you’re completely wrong. There were several times I thought I had it all worked out and I was totally and utterly looking in the wrong direction. There were a lot of twists towards the end that were very well hidden, and I was a shocked to find out who some people really are. It’s hard to know who to trust anymore in this series… and book 1 isn’t even released yet!
The lore is bang on, so many threads weaving in together to make a complete history of this world the author has built. I can’t wait to see more of the world in the series, Rook’s home, the world outside of captivity.
I’m excited for book 2, there’s so many questions that I need answered!
I first off would like to thank RD Baker for allowing me the opportunity to be an ARC reader for her new book. I haven’t read any of this author’s other works (despite them being on my tbr since The Shadow and the Draw was released) so went in completely blind with this author’s writing style. All thoughts are my own, and I will be leaving a completely honest review regarding my thoughts and feelings.
I’ve given this book 4 stars, however leading up to around the 65% mark I was intending on giving it 3. I struggled with the first major portion of the book, and it was mainly in regards to the relationship building between our two main characters, Rook and Elara.
The progression of their relationship went from immediately hating each other - understandable considering the circumstances - to within a handful of chapters having the relationship build of a few months to a year in just a couple of weeks. It felt very forced between them, and that there was no natural progression of the relationship for me. I understand that these two characters are in captivity together, and it is extenuating circumstances as well as some other plot points that I won’t spoil, however I need more depth when it comes to this. It’s definitely possible to have the recognition that they are in a precarious situation with tough emotions, AND an appropriately timed relationship arc. I think a slow burn would have worked in this book, because the plot takes a backseat to smut almost straight away. I hate being that person, but I ended up skimming a couple of the spicy scenes later on because I needed to know what was going to happen next with the story! That was what was important to me personally. Don’t get me wrong, I like good smut, but when you have a plot like this one, it absolutely HAS to be the main focal point, with the romance as a subplot and I found the two were fighting with each other in this situation.
I felt a bit at odds with some of the emotional aspects of Elara in the beginning too; she doesn’t tend to show her emotions as strongly as I would have liked her to given the situation of her losing her mate in the prologue. She tends to focus a lot on Rook, a man she’s just met, and not so much on the grieving and loss of her Mate. I think I would have liked to see a little more turmoil here, as she has just lost everything, her mate dying in her arms and is now a captive. In my opinion it would have made her more rounded as a character. I did however find that we saw a lot of Rook’s trauma in his POV’s, which was a nice change.
Beyond that, the story was incredible. The plot was well thought out and planned, you think you know something and it gets turned on its head completely. There is so much left open to theorise with, to make your own assumptions and guesses… only to find out you’re completely wrong. There were several times I thought I had it all worked out and I was totally and utterly looking in the wrong direction. There were a lot of twists towards the end that were very well hidden, and I was a shocked to find out who some people really are. It’s hard to know who to trust anymore in this series… and book 1 isn’t even released yet!
The lore is bang on, so many threads weaving in together to make a complete history of this world the author has built. I can’t wait to see more of the world in the series, Rook’s home, the world outside of captivity.
I’m excited for book 2, there’s so many questions that I need answered!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2024
This is probably a 2.75 for me. I’m sad because I thought this was going to be in the 4 star range. It started off strong, but honestly check the TW. I can only handle so much and the SA became gratuitous toward the end.
I also expected this to be a standalone and don’t think I’ll be back for another book based on how long this was and how emotionally draining it was for no resolution. I just can’t imagine torturing myself emotionally for hundreds of pages again. This book could have and probably should have been shorter. Trials in books are a huge pro in my book, but they felt lackluster here. No real problem solving, just speed/brute strength (wash and repeat).
I also expected this to be a standalone and don’t think I’ll be back for another book based on how long this was and how emotionally draining it was for no resolution. I just can’t imagine torturing myself emotionally for hundreds of pages again. This book could have and probably should have been shorter. Trials in books are a huge pro in my book, but they felt lackluster here. No real problem solving, just speed/brute strength (wash and repeat).
January 8, 2024
I have just finished and am in shock.
I am still not sure I read it right?
What an ending, what a book.
From the very start, this book is action-packed.
The world building was easy to understand and the spice was on point.
The FMC is a strong, brave warrior whom I fell in love with. The banter and jokes between her and the MMC were fantastic.
The MMC is a tough yet gentle night demon.
Rook is one of my new book bf.
I would recommend this to anyone who loves a dark fantasy romance. Trigger warnings are a must read before jumping in.
I am still not sure I read it right?
What an ending, what a book.
From the very start, this book is action-packed.
The world building was easy to understand and the spice was on point.
The FMC is a strong, brave warrior whom I fell in love with. The banter and jokes between her and the MMC were fantastic.
The MMC is a tough yet gentle night demon.
Rook is one of my new book bf.
I would recommend this to anyone who loves a dark fantasy romance. Trigger warnings are a must read before jumping in.
December 8, 2023
So this book! OMG THIS BOOOK!!! This book has left me wanting to cry as I closed it. The cliffhanger left me in tears! This book is soooo intense… wow. Just wow!! I cannot wait for book two because im just left broken!!
This fantasy romance is a dark, and steamy book that you will want to devour quickly.
This book is full of trigger warnings that add to the intense story line. Make sure to read those before you read.
This morally grey MMC, and FMC are a beautiful combination with the addition of a dark villain.
The emotional trauma the characters have gone through, and continue to go through will leave you reeling after finishing the book.
This fantasy romance is a dark, and steamy book that you will want to devour quickly.
This book is full of trigger warnings that add to the intense story line. Make sure to read those before you read.
This morally grey MMC, and FMC are a beautiful combination with the addition of a dark villain.
The emotional trauma the characters have gone through, and continue to go through will leave you reeling after finishing the book.
November 20, 2023
What the fuck is in this book?! Because I couldn't put it down, I now have a full house to clean because I put off EVERYTHING to finish reading this book 😂
I'm a sucker for dark fantasy, and I've also been following R.D. religiously on social media for some time now. So when I saw arcs open for this book I jumped on it so fast!
Right from the prologue, we get a taste of what we can expect - heartbreak 😂 But it was one of the best, most action-packed prologues I've ever read and I knew right there that I would love the FMC Elara. The MMC Rook is introduced very early on, and they hate each other. Like, viscerally hate each other. The romance that blooms between them, was quite a jarring change over a couple of chapters. I wish there was more of a slow-burn build up to the romance and they warmed up to each other slowly, I think that would have been beautiful. That, I think, is the only "negative" thing I have to say about this book.
BUT, it didn't take away from the rest of the book and I enjoyed every second. Theron is an amazing villain. I loved how he was written. I loved how R.D. navigated the aftermath of the hot springs scene. I thought seeing Elara's vulnerability, survival instinct and healing kick in was so tastefully and respectfully done. The way Elara dealt with that whole scene was so human and unfortunately relatable. Elara as a character is so powerful, not just physically but mentally. She's not a superhero, she's not untouchable, there's no plot armor, she has weaknesses, she has a mask that she puts on even though she's scared and dying inside and I love how we see her be vulnerable with Rook and I love how we see him be vulnerable with her.
The world building and lore building in this book is top notch. I completely lost myself in this book. I could picture everything vividly and my mind definitely transported into this world 😂 I love seeing how little pieces fit together, while still leaving us with just enough curiosity for the next book!
From an author who says they never thought they could write fantasy, I am SO GLAD they gave it a shot. Because this is right up there with my top fantasy books of all-time.
Thank you so much R.D. Baker for allowing me to receive an arc of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I'm a sucker for dark fantasy, and I've also been following R.D. religiously on social media for some time now. So when I saw arcs open for this book I jumped on it so fast!
Right from the prologue, we get a taste of what we can expect - heartbreak 😂 But it was one of the best, most action-packed prologues I've ever read and I knew right there that I would love the FMC Elara. The MMC Rook is introduced very early on, and they hate each other. Like, viscerally hate each other. The romance that blooms between them, was quite a jarring change over a couple of chapters. I wish there was more of a slow-burn build up to the romance and they warmed up to each other slowly, I think that would have been beautiful. That, I think, is the only "negative" thing I have to say about this book.
BUT, it didn't take away from the rest of the book and I enjoyed every second. Theron is an amazing villain. I loved how he was written. I loved how R.D. navigated the aftermath of the hot springs scene. I thought seeing Elara's vulnerability, survival instinct and healing kick in was so tastefully and respectfully done. The way Elara dealt with that whole scene was so human and unfortunately relatable. Elara as a character is so powerful, not just physically but mentally. She's not a superhero, she's not untouchable, there's no plot armor, she has weaknesses, she has a mask that she puts on even though she's scared and dying inside and I love how we see her be vulnerable with Rook and I love how we see him be vulnerable with her.
The world building and lore building in this book is top notch. I completely lost myself in this book. I could picture everything vividly and my mind definitely transported into this world 😂 I love seeing how little pieces fit together, while still leaving us with just enough curiosity for the next book!
From an author who says they never thought they could write fantasy, I am SO GLAD they gave it a shot. Because this is right up there with my top fantasy books of all-time.
Thank you so much R.D. Baker for allowing me to receive an arc of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2023
I cannot fault this book.
The ending has left me wanting more.
The characters have left me wanting more.
The spice......need I say anything more.
I was fortunate and honoured to have received this has an ARC from RD Baker. I loved everything this book had to offer and then some. The story catches you and draws you in from the very beginning, the twists and turns have you on the edge of your seat and just when you think you have it all figured out and that HEA is on the horizon...you will just have to read it for yourself and find out.
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. I cannot wait to read the next book in The Lost Heirs series. If you read only one high fantasy book a year PLEASE make it this one!
The ending has left me wanting more.
The characters have left me wanting more.
The spice......need I say anything more.
I was fortunate and honoured to have received this has an ARC from RD Baker. I loved everything this book had to offer and then some. The story catches you and draws you in from the very beginning, the twists and turns have you on the edge of your seat and just when you think you have it all figured out and that HEA is on the horizon...you will just have to read it for yourself and find out.
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. I cannot wait to read the next book in The Lost Heirs series. If you read only one high fantasy book a year PLEASE make it this one!
November 17, 2023
Romantasy at its finest right here. If someone asks me to recommend a romantic fantasy with dragons, lost heirs, evil villains, and a badass female main character— I’ll pull this one right up. It scratched an itch. It sated. I love when the prologue absolutely kills, so if you are wondering if it’s for you— read the prologue.
It’s going to be released Dec 15 and I was lucky enough to do an ARC read.
It’s going to be released Dec 15 and I was lucky enough to do an ARC read.
November 16, 2023
I have had the pleasure of receiving this book as an ARC. This is the first book that I had read from this author.
I loved having a dual point of view from both the FMC and MMC.
I loved the MMC and FMC
Plenty of spice
Definitely some triggers there and glad there were warnings from author
Some expected surprises but without spoilers damn didn't expect that ending 😳
So a solid 4.5 stars and look forward to reading the next installment
I loved having a dual point of view from both the FMC and MMC.
I loved the MMC and FMC
Plenty of spice
Definitely some triggers there and glad there were warnings from author
Some expected surprises but without spoilers damn didn't expect that ending 😳
So a solid 4.5 stars and look forward to reading the next installment
May 9, 2024
Sorry but what is this book?
I got this while it was on sale on Amazon and was excited to read based on the sample.
But that’s where the excitement ends…
This clearly didn’t have an editor in the slightest, and I’m not entirely sure if the author even understands how to self edit. The grammar alone was atrocious but the punctuation (specifically in dialogue) was amateur at best, downright inconsistent and infuriatingly wrong at worst.
This was clearly a rough first draft that should have spent a few more weeks (months imo) being cultivated.
Though, if I’m honest, I’m not sure any editing would have solved this mess of a story.
I TRIED. I really, truly tried. But the last 100 pages of this EXCESSIVELY LONG fucking book, I had to skim. And it was not worth it, and I should have DNFed.
Will not be continuing the series.
I got this while it was on sale on Amazon and was excited to read based on the sample.
But that’s where the excitement ends…
This clearly didn’t have an editor in the slightest, and I’m not entirely sure if the author even understands how to self edit. The grammar alone was atrocious but the punctuation (specifically in dialogue) was amateur at best, downright inconsistent and infuriatingly wrong at worst.
This was clearly a rough first draft that should have spent a few more weeks (months imo) being cultivated.
Though, if I’m honest, I’m not sure any editing would have solved this mess of a story.
I TRIED. I really, truly tried. But the last 100 pages of this EXCESSIVELY LONG fucking book, I had to skim. And it was not worth it, and I should have DNFed.
Will not be continuing the series.
November 8, 2023
Magical, Engrossing, Spicy. "Before she could even rule, war stole Elara’s kingdom and her freedom. To claim it back, she must risk it all within the Pit: a series of brutal tournaments held by her captor, King Theron." R.D. has done it again. Another book I was absolutely hooked on. I read this straight through. The characters are well developed and she really knows how to paint a picture for you. I already hate our antagonist but that is the beauty of a good story, to make the characters real. I can’t wait for book two to find out what is next for Rook and Elara
December 28, 2023
“So you are the Sun, and I am the Moon and the Stars”
5⭐️ This book crushed me. And I’m still not okay. I’ve been listening to the book playlist on repeat. RD Baker’s writing style is captivating and brilliant. I was hooked from page one and the emotions she put me through. My anxiety was through the roof the whole time. Enough world building so you can picture everything but no filler so it doesn’t drag on. You wouldn’t even know this was her first time writing high fantasy.
Dual pov, a badass fae, a swoony night demon, trials, action, emotions, enemies to lovers, spice. All just perfect.
Check the content warnings, your mental health matters 🖤
5⭐️ This book crushed me. And I’m still not okay. I’ve been listening to the book playlist on repeat. RD Baker’s writing style is captivating and brilliant. I was hooked from page one and the emotions she put me through. My anxiety was through the roof the whole time. Enough world building so you can picture everything but no filler so it doesn’t drag on. You wouldn’t even know this was her first time writing high fantasy.
Dual pov, a badass fae, a swoony night demon, trials, action, emotions, enemies to lovers, spice. All just perfect.
Check the content warnings, your mental health matters 🖤
March 27, 2024
This book had so much potential but the writing was so bad..
January 3, 2024
DNF'd - Just wasn't for me - small kinda spoilers on why (just generalizations) - It didn't really feel like much of a Enemies to Lovers as they stared feeling "something for each other" in less then 20% and the 'Enemies" part went out the window. Also the MFC started off strong and a fighter that would NEVER stop and never give up. But by 33% the MMC had to tell her how strong she was and how she had to keep fighting because she was ready to throw in the towel. It was like who she was in the first 2 chapters just didn't exist. Honestly i really REALLY wanted to like it ... but in the end the book and characters just didn't suck me in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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