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Villains of Kassel #3
Feast of the Fallen
“Bestselling author, Lydia Michaels, delivers a dark, billionaire romance with all of
The Great Gatsby's champagne charm and The Hunger Games'
high stakes, in this deliciously twisted retelling of
Jack and the Beanstalk
. For readers who like their heroes morally gray, their steam scorching, and their happily-ever-afters dripping with secrets, Feast of the Fallen has it all!”
They call it a game. But games have rules, and mine were written in blood.
I was starving when I applied to The Feast of the Fallen—a twisted hunt where the world’s most elite billionaires pay millions to chase women like me through a gilded labyrinth until dawn.
One million dollars just to play. Two million if I'm caught.
I told myself I'd run, hide, and take the money–unharmed–so I could finally escape the poverty that's been choking me my entire life.
But I didn't count on him.
Jack Thorne, the phantom host, who built an empire from ash and blood, watched from the shadows while men hunted like monsters in a storm of his own creation. But when a reckless guest breaks his rules and goes too far, Jack steps out of the darkness, revealing himself as the most dangerous player of all–one who looks like a savior but will stop at nothing for revenge.
Jack doesn't negotiate with giants. He watches them gorge themselves on power until their true nature spills out. Then he brings the axe.
Billionaire • Hunter/Prey • Touch Her and Die • Possessive MMC • Rags to Riches • Forced Proximity
⚠️ Dark romance with explicit content. Please read responsibly.
They call it a game. But games have rules, and mine were written in blood.
I was starving when I applied to The Feast of the Fallen—a twisted hunt where the world’s most elite billionaires pay millions to chase women like me through a gilded labyrinth until dawn.
One million dollars just to play. Two million if I'm caught.
I told myself I'd run, hide, and take the money–unharmed–so I could finally escape the poverty that's been choking me my entire life.
But I didn't count on him.
Jack Thorne, the phantom host, who built an empire from ash and blood, watched from the shadows while men hunted like monsters in a storm of his own creation. But when a reckless guest breaks his rules and goes too far, Jack steps out of the darkness, revealing himself as the most dangerous player of all–one who looks like a savior but will stop at nothing for revenge.
Jack doesn't negotiate with giants. He watches them gorge themselves on power until their true nature spills out. Then he brings the axe.
Billionaire • Hunter/Prey • Touch Her and Die • Possessive MMC • Rags to Riches • Forced Proximity
⚠️ Dark romance with explicit content. Please read responsibly.
562 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 24, 2026
9 people are currently reading
1762 people want to read
About the author
Lydia Michaels
76 books1,932 followersLydia Michaels is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than forty novels. She writes heart-clenching, unpredictable romance with dark elements and high heat. Her work is character-driven and bursting with broken heroes and badass females. With a sweet spot for overbearing, territorial types, her deeply emotional books are spicy, emotionally satisfying, and guaranteed to leave readers with many book hangovers.
Lydia is the consecutive winner of the 2018 & 2019 Author of the Year Award from Happenings Media and the recipient of the 2014 Best Author Award from the Courier Times. She has been featured by USA Today, Romantic Times Magazine, the Women in Publishing Summit, and more.
Michaels has been a recognized presence in the author community since starting her career in 2007. She is the CEO of LMC Consulting and a certified author coach specializing in characterization and plot development. She takes great joy in hosting author events celebrating diversity within the book industry. She has bridged connections among many authors since founding renowned events such as the East Coast Author Convention and the Annual Behind the Keys Author Retreat. However, the gem of her work is, by far, her extensive backlist (see LydiaMichaelsBooks.com).
She is happily married to her childhood sweetheart. Her favorite things include cooking Italian cuisine, hosting extravagant dinner parties, sipping martinis, listening to her husband play piano, and escaping to her coastal home on the Jersey Shore. She’s an LGBTQ ally, a BLM supporter, and a firm believer that the patriarchy must burn (women’s rights are human rights).
You can follow Lydia on Instagram, TikTok, & Facebook!
Instagram: @lydia_michaels_books
Facebook: @LydiaMichaels
TikTok: @LydiaMichaels
Lydia is the consecutive winner of the 2018 & 2019 Author of the Year Award from Happenings Media and the recipient of the 2014 Best Author Award from the Courier Times. She has been featured by USA Today, Romantic Times Magazine, the Women in Publishing Summit, and more.
Michaels has been a recognized presence in the author community since starting her career in 2007. She is the CEO of LMC Consulting and a certified author coach specializing in characterization and plot development. She takes great joy in hosting author events celebrating diversity within the book industry. She has bridged connections among many authors since founding renowned events such as the East Coast Author Convention and the Annual Behind the Keys Author Retreat. However, the gem of her work is, by far, her extensive backlist (see LydiaMichaelsBooks.com).
She is happily married to her childhood sweetheart. Her favorite things include cooking Italian cuisine, hosting extravagant dinner parties, sipping martinis, listening to her husband play piano, and escaping to her coastal home on the Jersey Shore. She’s an LGBTQ ally, a BLM supporter, and a firm believer that the patriarchy must burn (women’s rights are human rights).
You can follow Lydia on Instagram, TikTok, & Facebook!
Instagram: @lydia_michaels_books
Facebook: @LydiaMichaels
TikTok: @LydiaMichaels
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
February 28, 2026
Feast of the Fallen (Villains of Kassel, #3) by Lydia Michaels
5/5 stars
Feast of the Fallen was recommended to me by a friend and I am so grateful she did. This book completely surprised me. I expected a certain story, and in part I got that, but Lydia gave us so much more. I did not expect my heart to be so involved and I did not expect that it would hurt so much and that it would feel true hatred for certain characters. And when I found out what fuelled this story, that made me admire Lydia even more. And I stand wholeheartedly behind her.
This book starts with a little boy who witnesses his mother getting magic beans and then she sends him away. My heart instantly connected with Jackie and I instantly felt a fierce need to protect him with my body and soul. I immediately wanted to take his pain and wear it on my own shoulders.
Then the story switches to Daisy. Who works in a hotel doing the laundry with her mother's best friend Maryanne. Her mom passed away and she is barely scraping by. Her rent got raised and she cannot afford the raise. The next day she finds a letter that invites her to the Feast of the Fallen and she decides to fill in the application form.
The story switches a lot from Jack's past as a little boy to the present where we read chapters through his and Daisy's eyes.
The Feast of the Fallen is an event where the participants get 1 million pounds if they join. Rich men will hunt them down and claim them in whichever way they see fit. Everytime they get claimed they get 1 million pounds extra. The woman and men who get the letter don't get forced. It's their own choice. They are often poor or are in bad circumstances and can really use the money. They enter on their own free will and there are clear safety measures in place. There are safe zones and the safeword 'Timber' ends everything immediately. It's about the hunt and how far you're willing to go to create a better life for yourself.
Daisy decides to go for it. She just needs the 1 million pounds. She will find a hiding place and stay hidden for the entire event.
But the event isn't what it seems. The rich men aren't the only ones who are hunting. And someone is lurking in the shadows.
Jack/Jackie's story was so painful. We find out who his mother truly is and what she prioritizes throughout her entire life. I love that a lot of what happened is off page and was just lurking, aching, killing me slowly in the background. I felt eerie and suffocated. It felt like I got hit in the stomach over and over again. And when a few details pop up here and there I felt myself get consumed with rage and that fierce need to protect that little boy.
Nothing is what it seems and it seems like every group has their own objectives, their own goals and they don't care who they need to tear down to achieve that goal. It's brutal, it's selfish and it's about empowering your own character and looking down on those around you.
Daisy doesn't truly realise what she got into and things quickly accumulate and the story forces the two main characters together.
I did not expect what happened between them. I did not expect how much pain would come to the forefront. And one single word defines their entire relationship. I instantly teared up and I couldn't breathe for a few seconds. It was that intense. It tugged at my own trauma and for a second I was back and it was like I stood beside Jack and we both fell down the rabbit hole again.
This book is just incredible. It is powerful. In part it's a dark romance with dark elements like being chased and loving it. It has elements of your boundaries getting pushed and the women liking it. But it's not just that. It's also a huge f**k you to those people who are actually hunting children, women and men. Who use and abuse those for their own se**al gratification. It's about sending a message that they don't deserve the air they breathe. It's about putting a light on them and getting them out of the dark and face the punishments they so clearly deserve. And I felt that the entire book. The author only addresses it at the end. But I could feel that disgust for the characters who didn't follow the rules and who overstepped. Like a certain doctor.
This book really hit me way harder than I expected it to. 5 immense stars for Feast of the Fallen. ♥
5/5 stars
Feast of the Fallen was recommended to me by a friend and I am so grateful she did. This book completely surprised me. I expected a certain story, and in part I got that, but Lydia gave us so much more. I did not expect my heart to be so involved and I did not expect that it would hurt so much and that it would feel true hatred for certain characters. And when I found out what fuelled this story, that made me admire Lydia even more. And I stand wholeheartedly behind her.
This book starts with a little boy who witnesses his mother getting magic beans and then she sends him away. My heart instantly connected with Jackie and I instantly felt a fierce need to protect him with my body and soul. I immediately wanted to take his pain and wear it on my own shoulders.
Then the story switches to Daisy. Who works in a hotel doing the laundry with her mother's best friend Maryanne. Her mom passed away and she is barely scraping by. Her rent got raised and she cannot afford the raise. The next day she finds a letter that invites her to the Feast of the Fallen and she decides to fill in the application form.
The story switches a lot from Jack's past as a little boy to the present where we read chapters through his and Daisy's eyes.
The Feast of the Fallen is an event where the participants get 1 million pounds if they join. Rich men will hunt them down and claim them in whichever way they see fit. Everytime they get claimed they get 1 million pounds extra. The woman and men who get the letter don't get forced. It's their own choice. They are often poor or are in bad circumstances and can really use the money. They enter on their own free will and there are clear safety measures in place. There are safe zones and the safeword 'Timber' ends everything immediately. It's about the hunt and how far you're willing to go to create a better life for yourself.
Daisy decides to go for it. She just needs the 1 million pounds. She will find a hiding place and stay hidden for the entire event.
But the event isn't what it seems. The rich men aren't the only ones who are hunting. And someone is lurking in the shadows.
Jack/Jackie's story was so painful. We find out who his mother truly is and what she prioritizes throughout her entire life. I love that a lot of what happened is off page and was just lurking, aching, killing me slowly in the background. I felt eerie and suffocated. It felt like I got hit in the stomach over and over again. And when a few details pop up here and there I felt myself get consumed with rage and that fierce need to protect that little boy.
Nothing is what it seems and it seems like every group has their own objectives, their own goals and they don't care who they need to tear down to achieve that goal. It's brutal, it's selfish and it's about empowering your own character and looking down on those around you.
Daisy doesn't truly realise what she got into and things quickly accumulate and the story forces the two main characters together.
I did not expect what happened between them. I did not expect how much pain would come to the forefront. And one single word defines their entire relationship. I instantly teared up and I couldn't breathe for a few seconds. It was that intense. It tugged at my own trauma and for a second I was back and it was like I stood beside Jack and we both fell down the rabbit hole again.
This book is just incredible. It is powerful. In part it's a dark romance with dark elements like being chased and loving it. It has elements of your boundaries getting pushed and the women liking it. But it's not just that. It's also a huge f**k you to those people who are actually hunting children, women and men. Who use and abuse those for their own se**al gratification. It's about sending a message that they don't deserve the air they breathe. It's about putting a light on them and getting them out of the dark and face the punishments they so clearly deserve. And I felt that the entire book. The author only addresses it at the end. But I could feel that disgust for the characters who didn't follow the rules and who overstepped. Like a certain doctor.
This book really hit me way harder than I expected it to. 5 immense stars for Feast of the Fallen. ♥
February 26, 2026
Caught between poverty and the luxury of a gilded cage as a child, now grown, Jack Thorne uses his wealth to create opportunity for those who have none. The Feast of the Fallen is a debauched event wherein tributes are paid handsomely for serving as willing prey to rich and powerful hunters.
Drowning under the weight of her meager earnings, a London laundress at The Royal Kensington Hotel, 22-year-old Daisy Burdan is stuck in a vicious cycle of scarcity.
Despite her trepidation, she views the emerald and gold embossed envelope as a lifeline in an otherwise bleak existence. The Hunt changes her - and her life - in ways she could never have predicted.
The Feast of the Fallen is a dark and twisted Jack & The Beanstalk retelling with unexpected emotion and healing. Readers instantly sense that like recognizes like where Jack and Daisy are concerned. While their upbringing and experiences were not the same, trauma runs deep for them both.
This was my first Lydia Michaels book and, I don’t know if this is standard, but I love the immersive experience with the Spotify-linked music as it relates to a plot point in the book. But I digress. For such a lengthy book, I wish we would have had more relationship-building with Jack and Daisy. We spent a lot of time in Jack’s past and with Daisy navigating The Hunt solo. There was also a lot of smex in the background, but a minimal amount of time spent on their physical relationship, comparatively speaking. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed it and the unique storyline.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Format: 📱
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): Action, Dark, Gothic, Mystery/Suspense, New Adult
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Third Person | Dual | Present • Past}
Emotions: 🤔😬😳😢😍
Darkness: 🖤
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥1/2
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
✨ Tropes: Billionaire, Heroine in Danger, Retelling/Reimagining, Rich Boy x Poor Girl
💫 Microtropes: Boy Obsessed, Caretaker/Protective MMC, Caveman/Bridal Carry, Scarred MMC, Touch Aversion, Tragic Past, Trauma Bonding, Virgin FMC, Who Hurt You?
🔆 Character: Blue Collar, Vigilante, White Collar
💋 Kinks: Finger Licking Good, Pearl Necklace/Spunk Art
🤰🏻 Pregnancy: n/a
🚩 Red Flags: Dominant MMC, Jealous/Possessive/Obsessive, Touch-Her-and-💀
⛔️ Safety Squad: Addiction, Assault, Attempted Assault, Child Abuse, Unaliving, Violence, and other potentially triggering elements. Triggers may appear both on- and off-page and in the past and/or present. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📍 Setting: London 🇬🇧, Remote Island (Europe)
📣 Type: Feast of the Fallen is part of the Villains of Kassel series of interconnected standalones.
⚠️ Warning: The angst in this slow-burn will edge you to the point of combustion!
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
Drowning under the weight of her meager earnings, a London laundress at The Royal Kensington Hotel, 22-year-old Daisy Burdan is stuck in a vicious cycle of scarcity.
Despite her trepidation, she views the emerald and gold embossed envelope as a lifeline in an otherwise bleak existence. The Hunt changes her - and her life - in ways she could never have predicted.
The Feast of the Fallen is a dark and twisted Jack & The Beanstalk retelling with unexpected emotion and healing. Readers instantly sense that like recognizes like where Jack and Daisy are concerned. While their upbringing and experiences were not the same, trauma runs deep for them both.
This was my first Lydia Michaels book and, I don’t know if this is standard, but I love the immersive experience with the Spotify-linked music as it relates to a plot point in the book. But I digress. For such a lengthy book, I wish we would have had more relationship-building with Jack and Daisy. We spent a lot of time in Jack’s past and with Daisy navigating The Hunt solo. There was also a lot of smex in the background, but a minimal amount of time spent on their physical relationship, comparatively speaking. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed it and the unique storyline.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Format: 📱
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): Action, Dark, Gothic, Mystery/Suspense, New Adult
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Third Person | Dual | Present • Past}
Emotions: 🤔😬😳😢😍
Darkness: 🖤
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥1/2
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
✨ Tropes: Billionaire, Heroine in Danger, Retelling/Reimagining, Rich Boy x Poor Girl
💫 Microtropes: Boy Obsessed, Caretaker/Protective MMC, Caveman/Bridal Carry, Scarred MMC, Touch Aversion, Tragic Past, Trauma Bonding, Virgin FMC, Who Hurt You?
🔆 Character: Blue Collar, Vigilante, White Collar
💋 Kinks: Finger Licking Good, Pearl Necklace/Spunk Art
🤰🏻 Pregnancy: n/a
🚩 Red Flags: Dominant MMC, Jealous/Possessive/Obsessive, Touch-Her-and-💀
⛔️ Safety Squad: Addiction, Assault, Attempted Assault, Child Abuse, Unaliving, Violence, and other potentially triggering elements. Triggers may appear both on- and off-page and in the past and/or present. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📍 Setting: London 🇬🇧, Remote Island (Europe)
📣 Type: Feast of the Fallen is part of the Villains of Kassel series of interconnected standalones.
⚠️ Warning: The angst in this slow-burn will edge you to the point of combustion!
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
February 17, 2026
Went back and forth between 4 and 5 stars because I have been told I give 5 stars too easily but with that said, we settled on 5 because this book deserved it. I read this as ebook ARC, thank you Lydia & team. <3
We are not going to dive into what this says about me but I want to start this review by saying this was one of the darkest yet most soul healing book I have read in a while. Please read the TW's before reading.
I have loved every book in this series and this one is hands down my favorite so far. Getting more of the Volkov brothers was everything and just added to the story. This is a dark romance about childhood trauma and how it manifests and shapes people as they get older. The story is very Hunger Games meets Gatsby and I loved every bit of it. This is definitely a rage written story and that shows throughout the story so keep that in mind.
Jack is top tier even when he doesn't see it himself. He is the definition of a morally grey character with a golden retriever heart. The way this man yearns. <3
Daisy is a bad*** and I loved her character so much. The way she stayed true to herself and refused to give up on herself the entire story was so inspiring.
I cannot wait for this series to continue, I absolutely adore anything Lydia writes.
We are not going to dive into what this says about me but I want to start this review by saying this was one of the darkest yet most soul healing book I have read in a while. Please read the TW's before reading.
I have loved every book in this series and this one is hands down my favorite so far. Getting more of the Volkov brothers was everything and just added to the story. This is a dark romance about childhood trauma and how it manifests and shapes people as they get older. The story is very Hunger Games meets Gatsby and I loved every bit of it. This is definitely a rage written story and that shows throughout the story so keep that in mind.
Jack is top tier even when he doesn't see it himself. He is the definition of a morally grey character with a golden retriever heart. The way this man yearns. <3
Daisy is a bad*** and I loved her character so much. The way she stayed true to herself and refused to give up on herself the entire story was so inspiring.
I cannot wait for this series to continue, I absolutely adore anything Lydia writes.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Jack and the Beanstalk retelling is absolutely a first for me and what a first it was. Be aware that it IS dark and even more so because despite being a fictional story, it is rooted in current events and atrocities that many of us are completely devastated and angry about. Lydia Michaels weaves a story based on both truth and fairytale, in both pain and healing, in both ugliness and beauty, in monetary wealth and wealth of soul. The poorest among us are sometimes the wealthiest in beauty of the heart and soul and the wealthiest among us are the ugliest of monsters. All this comes across in a story that captivated me from the beginning and had me holding my breath waiting for the next shoe to drop. "We have to keep witnessing the good, Jack, so the bad don't swallow us whole." Ain't that the truth.
Review of advance copy received from Author
One million dollars just to play. Two million if I'm caught.
The Feast of the Fallen is the third dark romance in the Villains of Kassel series by Lydia Michaels. This is a gritty, visceral dark retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk, blending the high-stakes survival of The Hunger Games with the decadence and corruption of The Great Gatsby.
Jack Thorne created 'The Feast of the Fallen' for two reasons: to give the desperate a chance to change their fate, and to create a playground where powerful men expose their darkest evils—landing them a permanent spot on his hit list. Traded like livestock for a handful of beans as a child, Jack learned early that true villains rely on power. Now, he is the vengeful mastermind the world needs. He is a compelling anti-hero who will make you rethink your assumptions about villains.
Daisy is a woman on the edge of survival, working a minimum-wage laundry job when she finds an invitation to The Feast—a twisted hunt where billionaires pay millions for the 'privilege' of chasing women like her until dawn. Her plan is simple: run, hide, and survive to take the prize money and escape poverty forever.
"It would be a luxury if, for just one day, I could breathe air that doesn't smell of hunger."
This is a powerful exploration of class exploitation, human trafficking, and the moral complexities of vengeance. Jack is a formidable, possessive hero who isn't afraid to get his hands dirty. Fans of the series will appreciate the cameo from the Volkov brothers (Gilded Locks), who host the event. While most 'Hunters' follow the rules, others believe they are above them, leading to high-tension, brutal moments.
Pacing & Expectations: At 565 pages, this is a substantial read. The hunt itself begins at the midpoint; the first half provides rich detail regarding the preparation, similar to the 'tribute prep' in The Hunger Games. While the hunt lasts twelve hours, the narrative focuses on the most pivotal moments. Jack and Daisy are multi-faceted characters, and much of the story explores their backgrounds, motivations, and wounds. Jack’s childhood is poignantly revealed through clearly indicated flashbacks.
The Feast of the Fallen is not a lighthearted read; it is dark, heavy, and raw. Read with an open mind as Lydia Michaels masterfully explores the intersection of corruption and redemption.
TROPES:
Dark Romance Retelling
Hunter & Prey / The Hunt
Masquerade & Secret Identity
Possessive / Morally Grey MMC
Rags to Riches / Billionaire Romance
Vengeance Plot
⚠️ ADVISORY: This is a dark romance with explicit content. Please read responsibly.
Content Warnings: Explicit sexual content, intense emotional intimacy/PTSD, child abuse (off-page), sexual assault, graphic violence, drug addiction, and branding."
Thank you Lydia and LMPR for this ARC opportunity.
The Feast of the Fallen is the third dark romance in the Villains of Kassel series by Lydia Michaels. This is a gritty, visceral dark retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk, blending the high-stakes survival of The Hunger Games with the decadence and corruption of The Great Gatsby.
Jack Thorne created 'The Feast of the Fallen' for two reasons: to give the desperate a chance to change their fate, and to create a playground where powerful men expose their darkest evils—landing them a permanent spot on his hit list. Traded like livestock for a handful of beans as a child, Jack learned early that true villains rely on power. Now, he is the vengeful mastermind the world needs. He is a compelling anti-hero who will make you rethink your assumptions about villains.
Daisy is a woman on the edge of survival, working a minimum-wage laundry job when she finds an invitation to The Feast—a twisted hunt where billionaires pay millions for the 'privilege' of chasing women like her until dawn. Her plan is simple: run, hide, and survive to take the prize money and escape poverty forever.
"It would be a luxury if, for just one day, I could breathe air that doesn't smell of hunger."
This is a powerful exploration of class exploitation, human trafficking, and the moral complexities of vengeance. Jack is a formidable, possessive hero who isn't afraid to get his hands dirty. Fans of the series will appreciate the cameo from the Volkov brothers (Gilded Locks), who host the event. While most 'Hunters' follow the rules, others believe they are above them, leading to high-tension, brutal moments.
Pacing & Expectations: At 565 pages, this is a substantial read. The hunt itself begins at the midpoint; the first half provides rich detail regarding the preparation, similar to the 'tribute prep' in The Hunger Games. While the hunt lasts twelve hours, the narrative focuses on the most pivotal moments. Jack and Daisy are multi-faceted characters, and much of the story explores their backgrounds, motivations, and wounds. Jack’s childhood is poignantly revealed through clearly indicated flashbacks.
The Feast of the Fallen is not a lighthearted read; it is dark, heavy, and raw. Read with an open mind as Lydia Michaels masterfully explores the intersection of corruption and redemption.
TROPES:
Dark Romance Retelling
Hunter & Prey / The Hunt
Masquerade & Secret Identity
Possessive / Morally Grey MMC
Rags to Riches / Billionaire Romance
Vengeance Plot
⚠️ ADVISORY: This is a dark romance with explicit content. Please read responsibly.
Content Warnings: Explicit sexual content, intense emotional intimacy/PTSD, child abuse (off-page), sexual assault, graphic violence, drug addiction, and branding."
Thank you Lydia and LMPR for this ARC opportunity.
February 17, 2026
Wow! This was an amazing story, and I had to sit with it just a bit before writing my full review. I apologize ahead of time; this review is going to be long and there will be some spoilers.
Feast of the Fallen is the 3rd book in the Villains of Kassel series and is dark and modern retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk, with Hunger Games and The Great Gatsby components woven in perfectly. This is hands down the best book in the series.
My heart broke for Jack Fitzgerald, when at the age of 6, his mother sold him for tins of beans, and her "medicine". She sold Jack to Chancellor Rupert Aurin, a powerful man and absolute monster. Jack was subjected to the abuse and torture from this man for 8 years before he finally escaped. Every time he returned home to his mother, she was in worse condition, and he just longed for somebody to love and protect him. Jack's only salvation was Mr. Callow, his tutor, who taught him to read, write, and about bad men and rulers as discreet as possible so that he knew the difference between right and wrong.
Even though Jack's childhood was unbelievably troubled, he uses his privilege to help those who need it. This is how Jack meets Daisy, who is alone at 22 after her mother has passed and working a job doing laundry in a hotel just trying to survive. When Daisy finds a beautiful mysterious envelope with an equally mysterious invitation inside, she is intrigued and immediately decides that she doesn't have anything to lose by doing what it says.
The Feast of the Fallen takes place on the Isle of Kassell at a place called the Preserve, which is a lavish estate ran by the Volkov brothers (aka The Three Bears from book 2). This "feast" is designed to be a playground for the rich and powerful. We have mostly men who are the hunters, and mostly women who are the does (being hunted). The hunters pay very hefty fees to enter and pay for each doe they capture. The does/stags being hunted get a hefty sum for showing up and more for each capture. Daisy's plan was to run and hide until dawn and the money from that alone would be life changing. What happened instead was completely unexpected.
Rules get broke, things go too far, and Jack steps out into the darkness. Little do these hunters know that Jack has a reason for this whole game and for watching them all. He might look like a savior, but Jack is out for revenge and retribution.
This book is dark, raw, and real with some very difficult topics. It was definitely different than what I was expecting, but in a good way. There is a HEA that is very much deserved! Lydia took this story into a direction that allows readers to connect into things that are occurring in today's society. I absolutely love Lydia's writing, and this honestly might be my favorite from her.
Check your trigger warnings and absolutely go and read this!
Feast of the Fallen is the 3rd book in the Villains of Kassel series and is dark and modern retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk, with Hunger Games and The Great Gatsby components woven in perfectly. This is hands down the best book in the series.
My heart broke for Jack Fitzgerald, when at the age of 6, his mother sold him for tins of beans, and her "medicine". She sold Jack to Chancellor Rupert Aurin, a powerful man and absolute monster. Jack was subjected to the abuse and torture from this man for 8 years before he finally escaped. Every time he returned home to his mother, she was in worse condition, and he just longed for somebody to love and protect him. Jack's only salvation was Mr. Callow, his tutor, who taught him to read, write, and about bad men and rulers as discreet as possible so that he knew the difference between right and wrong.
Even though Jack's childhood was unbelievably troubled, he uses his privilege to help those who need it. This is how Jack meets Daisy, who is alone at 22 after her mother has passed and working a job doing laundry in a hotel just trying to survive. When Daisy finds a beautiful mysterious envelope with an equally mysterious invitation inside, she is intrigued and immediately decides that she doesn't have anything to lose by doing what it says.
The Feast of the Fallen takes place on the Isle of Kassell at a place called the Preserve, which is a lavish estate ran by the Volkov brothers (aka The Three Bears from book 2). This "feast" is designed to be a playground for the rich and powerful. We have mostly men who are the hunters, and mostly women who are the does (being hunted). The hunters pay very hefty fees to enter and pay for each doe they capture. The does/stags being hunted get a hefty sum for showing up and more for each capture. Daisy's plan was to run and hide until dawn and the money from that alone would be life changing. What happened instead was completely unexpected.
Rules get broke, things go too far, and Jack steps out into the darkness. Little do these hunters know that Jack has a reason for this whole game and for watching them all. He might look like a savior, but Jack is out for revenge and retribution.
This book is dark, raw, and real with some very difficult topics. It was definitely different than what I was expecting, but in a good way. There is a HEA that is very much deserved! Lydia took this story into a direction that allows readers to connect into things that are occurring in today's society. I absolutely love Lydia's writing, and this honestly might be my favorite from her.
Check your trigger warnings and absolutely go and read this!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the 3rd book in the series, Villains of Kassel, that is the retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk blended with the essence of The Great Gatsby while interconnecting the dark disturbing reality that is prevalent in today's society. This is a very dark, profound story that includes difficult subject matters that Lydia is able to write in such an intriguing, thrilling and well developed way that I was so immersed from the first page until the end! I'm blown away by Lydia's ability to weave her words so masterfully that creates such a compelling, soul searching, emotionally charged world where I felt her words gave life to all of the characters.
There is the MMC, Jack Thorne, and the heart wrenching history of what he endured as a child. How his indomitable spirit bore the pain that fueled his will to fight, persevere and grow into a man with secrets, flaws, is cunning, obsessive, and has a strength in body, mind and soul that carriers the scars of a survivor. Jack is driven by his anger to take a strategic methodical approach to go against those who use their privilege and indifference as a shield and be the hunter of those monsters who hide in the shadows.
Daisy, the FMC, has an internal strength that continues to guide her through adversity, financially destitute, the fortitude to fight back, empathy, compassion, and sees beyond the intimidating guarded persona that Jack presents to the world. The chemistry and connection between Jack and Daisy starts as embers and consumes them as the "Hunt" progresses.
The intricate stages to the pre and post "Hunt" and what transpires from dusk to dawn is one that you need to read for yourself to get the full impact of all that happens. There are plenty of twists and turns, danger, returning characters from books 1 and 2, feelings of desperation, and emotional connections that will captivate you and keep you tethered to the world found in the Feast of the Fallen.
This is a must read and I highly recommend it!
I received an early copy for my honest opinion.
There is the MMC, Jack Thorne, and the heart wrenching history of what he endured as a child. How his indomitable spirit bore the pain that fueled his will to fight, persevere and grow into a man with secrets, flaws, is cunning, obsessive, and has a strength in body, mind and soul that carriers the scars of a survivor. Jack is driven by his anger to take a strategic methodical approach to go against those who use their privilege and indifference as a shield and be the hunter of those monsters who hide in the shadows.
Daisy, the FMC, has an internal strength that continues to guide her through adversity, financially destitute, the fortitude to fight back, empathy, compassion, and sees beyond the intimidating guarded persona that Jack presents to the world. The chemistry and connection between Jack and Daisy starts as embers and consumes them as the "Hunt" progresses.
The intricate stages to the pre and post "Hunt" and what transpires from dusk to dawn is one that you need to read for yourself to get the full impact of all that happens. There are plenty of twists and turns, danger, returning characters from books 1 and 2, feelings of desperation, and emotional connections that will captivate you and keep you tethered to the world found in the Feast of the Fallen.
This is a must read and I highly recommend it!
I received an early copy for my honest opinion.
February 21, 2026
ARC Review
Feast of the Fallen was such a fun, fast read with a really intriguing premise. The story follows a woman in the depths of poverty who accepts an invitation to a secretive, taboo event where the desperate become “tributes” and the wealthy play hunter in a 12-hour marathon of survival, power, and excess. It definitely gave me Squid Game vibes—but less extreme and more focused on the emotional cost of desperation.
One of my favorite parts was the subtle Jack and the Beanstalk influence. It added a unique fairy-tale layer without feeling cheesy or overdone. The story really highlights how far people will go to change their circumstances—even if it means sacrificing their pride or sense of self.
I also loved the music playlist woven throughout the book. It made the experience feel more immersive and added a really fun, creative touch.
The romance between Daisy and Jack was enjoyable, and the intimate scenes felt natural and well-placed (not thrown in just for the sake of it). That said, their relationship did feel a bit rushed at times, and I would have loved more buildup.
My biggest issue was the editing—there were frequent errors that occasionally pulled me out of the story. With tighter editing, this could easily be an even stronger read.
Overall, this was a quick, engaging, and unique story with dark undertones, romance, and a touch of fairy-tale inspiration. Definitely worth checking out if you enjoy morally gray themes and high-stakes situations.
Feast of the Fallen was such a fun, fast read with a really intriguing premise. The story follows a woman in the depths of poverty who accepts an invitation to a secretive, taboo event where the desperate become “tributes” and the wealthy play hunter in a 12-hour marathon of survival, power, and excess. It definitely gave me Squid Game vibes—but less extreme and more focused on the emotional cost of desperation.
One of my favorite parts was the subtle Jack and the Beanstalk influence. It added a unique fairy-tale layer without feeling cheesy or overdone. The story really highlights how far people will go to change their circumstances—even if it means sacrificing their pride or sense of self.
I also loved the music playlist woven throughout the book. It made the experience feel more immersive and added a really fun, creative touch.
The romance between Daisy and Jack was enjoyable, and the intimate scenes felt natural and well-placed (not thrown in just for the sake of it). That said, their relationship did feel a bit rushed at times, and I would have loved more buildup.
My biggest issue was the editing—there were frequent errors that occasionally pulled me out of the story. With tighter editing, this could easily be an even stronger read.
Overall, this was a quick, engaging, and unique story with dark undertones, romance, and a touch of fairy-tale inspiration. Definitely worth checking out if you enjoy morally gray themes and high-stakes situations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Nightmarish. Riveting. Heartbreaking. That's just a few words to explain this story and the reasons why it will grip you by the throat until you're done.
This book is full of villains because parallel to real life, there are far more of them than we'd like to admit and many, many of them need a real life Jack to give them their due. You'll catch the similarities with certain characters and real-life figures, and that in and of itself feels like a small justice. Keep calling them out!
Jack's story broke me. I wanted to fight for him, to rage. So many parts were painful to read, but so necessary for his story. At first, I didn't understand the feast and why he would set it all up. But the further in I got, the more I understood him and what drove him and came to agree, while also agreeing with Daisy's view of it and how absolutely horrible and animalistic the whole thing is. You know the author has done a good job with a set of characters when their views can be so opposing and then come to overlap as they find they're both right.
Daisy's story is rough, too. She's thrust into this situation that's going to better her life, and because of it spends a chunk of time where she's in the trenches of darkness with no escape. There were so many moments her anxiety felt like my own as I rushed through to see what would happen next.
The romance is subtle and healing. It's what this story needed, a balm to the burn from the rest of it. Lydia handled it really well and delivered it in a way that fit, with two people finding comfort and acceptance with each other in the best way.
I don't often do dark romance. I also normally steer clear of third person. This book is both, and here I am, giving it five stars. Do with that what you will.
This book is full of villains because parallel to real life, there are far more of them than we'd like to admit and many, many of them need a real life Jack to give them their due. You'll catch the similarities with certain characters and real-life figures, and that in and of itself feels like a small justice. Keep calling them out!
Jack's story broke me. I wanted to fight for him, to rage. So many parts were painful to read, but so necessary for his story. At first, I didn't understand the feast and why he would set it all up. But the further in I got, the more I understood him and what drove him and came to agree, while also agreeing with Daisy's view of it and how absolutely horrible and animalistic the whole thing is. You know the author has done a good job with a set of characters when their views can be so opposing and then come to overlap as they find they're both right.
Daisy's story is rough, too. She's thrust into this situation that's going to better her life, and because of it spends a chunk of time where she's in the trenches of darkness with no escape. There were so many moments her anxiety felt like my own as I rushed through to see what would happen next.
The romance is subtle and healing. It's what this story needed, a balm to the burn from the rest of it. Lydia handled it really well and delivered it in a way that fit, with two people finding comfort and acceptance with each other in the best way.
I don't often do dark romance. I also normally steer clear of third person. This book is both, and here I am, giving it five stars. Do with that what you will.
February 18, 2026
I am actually giving this book 4.5 stars.
Wow, what can I say, this book felt epic! Daisy and Jack don’t even meet until nearly half way through the book, but that doesn’t matter as it’s filled with their back stories and setting the scene for what comes next. And boy, what a twisted tale it is : dark, stormy, passionate, tender, heartbreaking, joyous…….so many emotions.
I loved that even though Daisy was so innocent, she was so incredibly strong, not crumbling at the first hint of trouble but rising up and fighting back. And Jack, broken beyond belief, yet helping the people climb out of the horror of their existence albeit in a very twisted way.
I struggled with the ‘Feast’ aspect, as although I totally understood why he dreamt it up, the disparity of the hunters and hunted just never settled itself in my mind, though I think this may be what Lydia was going for.
I was gifted an ARC of this book by Lydia, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Wow, what can I say, this book felt epic! Daisy and Jack don’t even meet until nearly half way through the book, but that doesn’t matter as it’s filled with their back stories and setting the scene for what comes next. And boy, what a twisted tale it is : dark, stormy, passionate, tender, heartbreaking, joyous…….so many emotions.
I loved that even though Daisy was so innocent, she was so incredibly strong, not crumbling at the first hint of trouble but rising up and fighting back. And Jack, broken beyond belief, yet helping the people climb out of the horror of their existence albeit in a very twisted way.
I struggled with the ‘Feast’ aspect, as although I totally understood why he dreamt it up, the disparity of the hunters and hunted just never settled itself in my mind, though I think this may be what Lydia was going for.
I was gifted an ARC of this book by Lydia, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 25, 2026
If you’re into dark, emotionally intense romance that pulls no punches, Feast of the Fallen is a gripping ride. Lydia Michaels delivers a story that blends obsession, vulnerability, and raw human flaws in a way that feels both unsettling and addictive.
The characters are deeply layered—flawed, broken, and yet compelling enough that you can’t look away. The chemistry is intense, often toeing the line between passion and toxicity, which makes the emotional stakes feel very real.
The writing style is immersive and unapologetically bold. It doesn’t shy away from difficult themes, which might not be for everyone—but if you enjoy darker narratives that explore the complexities of love and control, this book will stay with you long after you finish it.
The characters are deeply layered—flawed, broken, and yet compelling enough that you can’t look away. The chemistry is intense, often toeing the line between passion and toxicity, which makes the emotional stakes feel very real.
The writing style is immersive and unapologetically bold. It doesn’t shy away from difficult themes, which might not be for everyone—but if you enjoy darker narratives that explore the complexities of love and control, this book will stay with you long after you finish it.
February 25, 2026
I’m going to keep this review short and sweet, otherwise it’ll be a novel of its own lol. This book was mind blowingly good. I was growing my seat the entire time. This book is so dark with a tragic past for Jack. But what he’s become…just wow. The hunt that he created, and Daisy being a part of because of needing money. The twists and turns were wild. And when Jack stepped in to intervene, I about fell off my chair.
This book is intense, so amazingly written. I devoured this book.
This book is intense, so amazingly written. I devoured this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What. A. Story!!
I was into this for the entire 500+ pages! So much story between Daisy and Jack. Both their struggles, but also their perseverance and strength. There is a lot to unpack with this story and the underlying theme as to who the author is referencing in the Giant. There is just something about Daisy that draws Jack in and he watches her with intrigue during the hunt. Daisy is determined to make it through the night, but when a hunter goes beyond the rules of the game Jack saves her and they learn about each other and how alike they really are. Will Jack's haunted past allow him to open up to allow love?
I was into this for the entire 500+ pages! So much story between Daisy and Jack. Both their struggles, but also their perseverance and strength. There is a lot to unpack with this story and the underlying theme as to who the author is referencing in the Giant. There is just something about Daisy that draws Jack in and he watches her with intrigue during the hunt. Daisy is determined to make it through the night, but when a hunter goes beyond the rules of the game Jack saves her and they learn about each other and how alike they really are. Will Jack's haunted past allow him to open up to allow love?
February 26, 2026
Understated. Real. Unsettling. The harsh realities of the world were portrayed with striking clarity, yet beneath all that darkness, Lydia offers a sense of salvation through Jack’s world and that was Daisy, his green light. The tenderness Jack showed was such a contrast to the heavier themes, making every moment feel even more profound. It was heartbreaking, but it felt undeniably real.
February 24, 2026
Timber” remember that 1922!
The following is the best description of this book but it goes much further than it. This is a very dark subject matter which can evoke some very strong emotions . It deals with subject matter such as child trafficking, rape , torture and predators.Evil people take advantage of people who are in difficult situations such as poverty . This book deals with what can happen in this situation. The author does write this story without sensationalism of the subject matter. It is well written and worth reading. It also deals with choice of your situation as an adult.
"Bestselling author, Lydia Michaels, delivers a dark, billionaire romance with all of The Great Gatsby's champagne charm and Hunger Games' high stakes, in this deliciously twisted retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk. For readers who like their heroes morally gray, their steam scorching, and their happily-ever-afters dripping with secrets, Feast of the Fallen has it all!"
“They call it a game. But games have rules, and mine were written in blood.”
I love reading all Lydia Micheals books. This series is really dark and deals with sensitive subject matter. Jack should have been damaged beyond repair by what he endured as a child. He used his power to destroy his abuser. He did become a predator but his prey was the predators of the wealthiest people. Who thought they were above the law and used people like trash. The Feast was developed to weed out the worst predators and help change lives of many down cast people. Daisy became one of the women he helped by selecting her to participate in the Feast. He was enamored with her answers to the questioner. When their eyes met they connected on so many levels. This is their love story and it shows how love can help heal very deeply scarred emotional wounds. The subject matter will make you cringe and feel like crying at times. So reader if you are faint of heart this book is definitely not for you. It will provoke dark emotions and make you angry at times. But the lesson that I took away from reading this book is about survival and building your own family. Yes what Jack endured was very horrific but who he became because of his scars made him a hero not a victim;not a villain. This is a book that I will want to read again in the future. Again I love Lydia Micheal’s books. At the end of the book A Final Word is so profound and brave of her to acknowledge . If I didn’t respect and admire her before this would cement my feelings for her. For than alone I Thank you!
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
The following is the best description of this book but it goes much further than it. This is a very dark subject matter which can evoke some very strong emotions . It deals with subject matter such as child trafficking, rape , torture and predators.Evil people take advantage of people who are in difficult situations such as poverty . This book deals with what can happen in this situation. The author does write this story without sensationalism of the subject matter. It is well written and worth reading. It also deals with choice of your situation as an adult.
"Bestselling author, Lydia Michaels, delivers a dark, billionaire romance with all of The Great Gatsby's champagne charm and Hunger Games' high stakes, in this deliciously twisted retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk. For readers who like their heroes morally gray, their steam scorching, and their happily-ever-afters dripping with secrets, Feast of the Fallen has it all!"
“They call it a game. But games have rules, and mine were written in blood.”
I love reading all Lydia Micheals books. This series is really dark and deals with sensitive subject matter. Jack should have been damaged beyond repair by what he endured as a child. He used his power to destroy his abuser. He did become a predator but his prey was the predators of the wealthiest people. Who thought they were above the law and used people like trash. The Feast was developed to weed out the worst predators and help change lives of many down cast people. Daisy became one of the women he helped by selecting her to participate in the Feast. He was enamored with her answers to the questioner. When their eyes met they connected on so many levels. This is their love story and it shows how love can help heal very deeply scarred emotional wounds. The subject matter will make you cringe and feel like crying at times. So reader if you are faint of heart this book is definitely not for you. It will provoke dark emotions and make you angry at times. But the lesson that I took away from reading this book is about survival and building your own family. Yes what Jack endured was very horrific but who he became because of his scars made him a hero not a victim;not a villain. This is a book that I will want to read again in the future. Again I love Lydia Micheal’s books. At the end of the book A Final Word is so profound and brave of her to acknowledge . If I didn’t respect and admire her before this would cement my feelings for her. For than alone I Thank you!
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
March 1, 2026
Feast of the Fallen is a dark romance retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk with influences from Great Gatsby and The Hunger Games. The MMC Jack is a mysterious billionaire who organizes a feats every year where billionaires hunt poor women to do as they please - for generous compensation, naturally - and Jack hunts down rotten men. Abused as a child and sold for beans, Jack is a deeply scarred man who believes himself evil despite all his good deeds. The FMC Daisy is an innocent laundry worker at a hotel, scraping to make the ends meet, dreaming of breathing air that’s not tinged with poor es. One day she finds an invitation to the feast of the fallen, and finds her whole life changing.
The story is told in dual pov and it deals with some heavy topics including child trafficking, mental and physical abuse and drug abuse, so it’s wise to check the trigger warnings before reading. Having said that, I really enjoyed the way the story unfolded, and felt sorrow and rage while reading, but also hope. I’ve read books with playlists before, but the Feast took it to a whole new level, including QR codes of songs behind the scenes for a sensory immersive reading experience, so I ended up listening to the playlist at the right moments.
This book is for you if you like
📖 fairytale retelling with morally gray characters
📖 Gatsby and Hunger Games vibes
📖 jazz music
📖 rags to riches
📖 dark romance
📖 forced proximity
📖 darker themes
📖 hunter x prey
📖 slow burn
📖 touch her and die
🌶️🌶️
The story is told in dual pov and it deals with some heavy topics including child trafficking, mental and physical abuse and drug abuse, so it’s wise to check the trigger warnings before reading. Having said that, I really enjoyed the way the story unfolded, and felt sorrow and rage while reading, but also hope. I’ve read books with playlists before, but the Feast took it to a whole new level, including QR codes of songs behind the scenes for a sensory immersive reading experience, so I ended up listening to the playlist at the right moments.
This book is for you if you like
📖 fairytale retelling with morally gray characters
📖 Gatsby and Hunger Games vibes
📖 jazz music
📖 rags to riches
📖 dark romance
📖 forced proximity
📖 darker themes
📖 hunter x prey
📖 slow burn
📖 touch her and die
🌶️🌶️
February 26, 2026
This story will live rent free in my mind for a very long time. Not your typical slow burn. Not your typical fairytale retelling. Not your typical redemption story. Not your typical ANYTHING!
I want to tell you everything about Jack and Daisy and I want to tell you nothing. It’s one of those stories you want to have a full tell all session with your friends to get them excited about it, but you also want them to experience it for themselves. It’s that GOOD!
Jack and Daisy’s stories are born of heartache and pain. Both fighting to get away from the past holding them down. One orchestrates the ornate debauchery called The Feast of the Fallen, while the other comes to participate. But why devise a night of complete and utter chaos for others to participate in and not yourself? There’s no way for me to begin to tell you without spilling all the beans. 🤭
Be ready for a completely twisted, deep, emotional journey into the mind and heart of a morally gray man whose past will leave you gasping and his presence with one woman will have you feeling more feels then you can imagine.
I want to tell you everything about Jack and Daisy and I want to tell you nothing. It’s one of those stories you want to have a full tell all session with your friends to get them excited about it, but you also want them to experience it for themselves. It’s that GOOD!
Jack and Daisy’s stories are born of heartache and pain. Both fighting to get away from the past holding them down. One orchestrates the ornate debauchery called The Feast of the Fallen, while the other comes to participate. But why devise a night of complete and utter chaos for others to participate in and not yourself? There’s no way for me to begin to tell you without spilling all the beans. 🤭
Be ready for a completely twisted, deep, emotional journey into the mind and heart of a morally gray man whose past will leave you gasping and his presence with one woman will have you feeling more feels then you can imagine.
March 2, 2026
I really didn't think I was a morally gray, dark romance kind of gal, but with Lydia's books, I 100% am! I will admit I get intimidated by the number of pages there are in this book, but I can't imagine it with any less, and actually I want more. It is just the perfect amount of description to give you the visuals so you are right there with the characters, feeling their emotions and understanding their thoughts. Some of the worst scenes are not so much detailed as they are indisputably implied (whew, no nightmare material), but there are definitely steamy scenes that will require you to have a cold drink nearby. ;) Plus, I was on the edge of my seat for most of the book, needing to know what happens next. I would recommend this to everyone, however, if you have triggers you avoid, check for them first. I'm fully vested in this series, can't get enough, and can't wait for the next one!
I received an advanced copy of the book and am leaving an honest review.
My rating system:
5=will read again
4=recommend to everyone
3=recommend to anyone liking that particular writing style/trope
2=do not recommend
1=DNF
I received an advanced copy of the book and am leaving an honest review.
My rating system:
5=will read again
4=recommend to everyone
3=recommend to anyone liking that particular writing style/trope
2=do not recommend
1=DNF
February 25, 2026
ARC reader 📗
First thank you to Lydia Michaels for allowing me this opportunity to read this book.
First off I rate this book a 4.5 ⭐️ since Goodreads does not allow half points.
🌶️ Spice 4/5
This book was amazing. First time reading a Lydia Michaels book and won’t be the last time. I will be going back to read her other books in this series of Villains of Kassel. They are standalone in the series.
Now to the book. This is a dark billionaire romance with a fairy tale spin. Well I was reading it, it really hit home with everything happening in the climate in the US.
Jack (Jack in the bean stalk) who is MMC creates this hunger game and great gastby theme to reveal the corrupted elite men (giants) who think they are untouchable because of their money.
Daisy 🌼 the FMC volunteered to enter the game because of her situation (poor). Of course her and Jack have this connection and relating to one another due to their trauma.
This touch on abuse, so be aware of the trigger warnings.
I will be recommending this book to everyone I know.
First thank you to Lydia Michaels for allowing me this opportunity to read this book.
First off I rate this book a 4.5 ⭐️ since Goodreads does not allow half points.
🌶️ Spice 4/5
This book was amazing. First time reading a Lydia Michaels book and won’t be the last time. I will be going back to read her other books in this series of Villains of Kassel. They are standalone in the series.
Now to the book. This is a dark billionaire romance with a fairy tale spin. Well I was reading it, it really hit home with everything happening in the climate in the US.
Jack (Jack in the bean stalk) who is MMC creates this hunger game and great gastby theme to reveal the corrupted elite men (giants) who think they are untouchable because of their money.
Daisy 🌼 the FMC volunteered to enter the game because of her situation (poor). Of course her and Jack have this connection and relating to one another due to their trauma.
This touch on abuse, so be aware of the trigger warnings.
I will be recommending this book to everyone I know.
February 25, 2026
This book has had me so emotional, I can honestly say it's the first time I have cried through a spicy scene but Jack's healing journey just really got to me. The addition of playing the music at the recommended points really added to the rawness of some scenes. It was not at all what I was expecting from this book, but so much better than I could have imagined. I loved seeing the character from the previous books again, and in a full roll not just in the background. Jack and Daisy's story shows two very different versions of trauma and how they have each learnt to deal with the hand they have been dealt. I love that they both were able to understand each other's needs and how Daisy was able to help Jack open up and learn to let go of the control he has had to hide behind his whole life. I have so much to say about this book and think it will be living rent free in my mind for the foreseeable.
February 26, 2026
"I've been scared my whole life, vulnerable since the day I was born. The only difference is, this time, I'm choosing to put myself in the situation. Nothing is forcing me. I know what could happen. I've imagined the worst scenarios. But I still choose this-whatever it ends up to be-because I believe there's something on the other side worth reaching for."
I don't even know where to start! I'm obsessed with this book. It was DARK. TWISTED. HEARTWRENCHING. ADDICTIVE. As soon as I started it, I couldn’t put it down. I’m at a loss for words… the only one I can think of right now is RUN. Go get it. But be prepared, this story will take you into its dark corners, and you won’t leave without a scratch.
Lydia, yes, this story made me angry. Thank you for that.
"We may be small when in the shadow of giants, but our voices still matter."
I don't even know where to start! I'm obsessed with this book. It was DARK. TWISTED. HEARTWRENCHING. ADDICTIVE. As soon as I started it, I couldn’t put it down. I’m at a loss for words… the only one I can think of right now is RUN. Go get it. But be prepared, this story will take you into its dark corners, and you won’t leave without a scratch.
Lydia, yes, this story made me angry. Thank you for that.
"We may be small when in the shadow of giants, but our voices still matter."
February 26, 2026
Oooh this is good . Feast of the fallen by Lydia Michaels hits the right way as the beast he’s going to slay…No it’s not a Beauty and the Beast replay . But the antihero reacts this way. The one in charge Jack Thorne who does charge large for the hunt comes out of his lair with a grunt. He’s displeased by the way a woman is treated and he’s all out going to put the boor down so it’s never repeated. A guest became a pest and broke the rules so Jack stepped out and he has clout in more than one and he’s enamoured by this hon. …
Daisy is sent an invitation she cannot ignore . A million dollars just to play . She’s already planned on being lazy what’s more . A million large for staying in the shadows and surviving the night but the hunter has other priorities and ignite the night …
Daisy is sent an invitation she cannot ignore . A million dollars just to play . She’s already planned on being lazy what’s more . A million large for staying in the shadows and surviving the night but the hunter has other priorities and ignite the night …
February 24, 2026
Story 4.5 ⭐
Spice 3 🌶️
Feast of the Fallen is the 3rd dark romance book in the Villains of Kassel series by Lydia Michaels. Feast of the Fallen is another fairytale/story retelling. This one includes elements of Jack and the Beanstalk, the Great Gatsby, and a character named Peter who seems to be a nod to Peter Pan.
Daisy is determined to make it through the feast on her own terms, and is not afraid to fight those who seek to take from her what she is not ready to give.
Spice wise this is a very slow burn story with a little bit of spice towards the end. Daisy and Jack struggle with trust and intimacy, so once they are together, the spice takes a bit to happen.
Jack's story is one of extreme hardship early in his life, and Daisy's is one of poverty and some tragedy. There are some very dark topics mentioned, so do check the warnings if needed.
Spice 3 🌶️
Feast of the Fallen is the 3rd dark romance book in the Villains of Kassel series by Lydia Michaels. Feast of the Fallen is another fairytale/story retelling. This one includes elements of Jack and the Beanstalk, the Great Gatsby, and a character named Peter who seems to be a nod to Peter Pan.
Daisy is determined to make it through the feast on her own terms, and is not afraid to fight those who seek to take from her what she is not ready to give.
Spice wise this is a very slow burn story with a little bit of spice towards the end. Daisy and Jack struggle with trust and intimacy, so once they are together, the spice takes a bit to happen.
Jack's story is one of extreme hardship early in his life, and Daisy's is one of poverty and some tragedy. There are some very dark topics mentioned, so do check the warnings if needed.
February 24, 2026
This is a dark and amazing tale, a twisted retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk. This story is so unique and has a powerful and fast moving plot that will leave your mind reeling. Daisy is the main female character (there is a Great Gatsby correlation.) The Feast of the Fallen is a hunt where rich men hunt women. Daisy is hungry and in desperate need of money so she joins as prey for the hunt because the participants get paid a hefty sum of a million dollars. Jack, the MMC, is a very rich man who came from a destitute background. He is hosting the hunt, but not for the reasons you might suspect. Seeing Jack and Daisy's story unfold was so suspenseful and beautiful at the same time. I loved watching their connection and relationship build with each chapter. This author has such a magnificent imagination, this book was too good to put into words.
February 25, 2026
Feast of The Fallen
Lydia Michaels does it again with this amazing tale. It draws the reader in and breaks their hearts with Jack’s story. The abuse he endured was something no child should ever have to suffer. And to be sold to the monster doing the torture by his own mother is beyond comprehension.
Jack overpowers his captor, leaving him dead, taking his money. He uses the wealth to help others who need it.
The story has a Hunger Games twist with a retelling of Jack and The Beanstalk. I love that Lydia brought back the Volkov brothers from her previous book.
All in all this was by far an excellent
Lydia Michaels does it again with this amazing tale. It draws the reader in and breaks their hearts with Jack’s story. The abuse he endured was something no child should ever have to suffer. And to be sold to the monster doing the torture by his own mother is beyond comprehension.
Jack overpowers his captor, leaving him dead, taking his money. He uses the wealth to help others who need it.
The story has a Hunger Games twist with a retelling of Jack and The Beanstalk. I love that Lydia brought back the Volkov brothers from her previous book.
All in all this was by far an excellent
February 25, 2026
I absolutely loved every minute of this book! I keep thinking I can’t enjoy one of Lydia’s books more but she always proves me wrong. The way she took small bits of loved stories and turned them into this dark and amazing story as if it’s never been told before. Another great thing I loved was the songs put into the chapters for the scenes to put you in that moment even more. Good ol Jackie sure did make you love him and everything he does for Daisy! It was also great seeing characters from the series within the pages that you had already had fallen for. I was here for every second of this read!
March 2, 2026
3.5 Stars
The world building was great… just wish I could say the same about the romance.
Possible Triggers: the H is sexually assaulted since he’s 6 years old. His mother sold him in exchange of money for drugs and food. The h is a virgin but she’s touched by several OM (technically without her consent).
The world building was great… just wish I could say the same about the romance.
Possible Triggers: the H is sexually assaulted since he’s 6 years old. His mother sold him in exchange of money for drugs and food. The h is a virgin but she’s touched by several OM (technically without her consent).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2026
This was a great story. It was steamy page turner, and the suspense was so intense. I was on the edge of my seat, and I couldn't even put it down. These characters were not able to fight temptation any longer as they gave into their passion. I highly recommend this book, and you won't be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Trina Jones
February 25, 2026
It took me a few days to get in the right mindset to read this.
It’s dark, gritty, captivating. Once I started I couldn’t put it down.
It made me angry for kids who have to endure something like Jack, heart bleeding.
So glad he found Daisy so they could heal together.
I bow in awe to the author.
ARC provided by the author
It’s dark, gritty, captivating. Once I started I couldn’t put it down.
It made me angry for kids who have to endure something like Jack, heart bleeding.
So glad he found Daisy so they could heal together.
I bow in awe to the author.
ARC provided by the author
February 26, 2026
I wasn’t sure how I felt about the book when I first started reading it, but I have to say it was an amazing book! I received this book as an arc and thank you Lydia for giving me the chance to experience jack and daisy’s story. This book is a slow burn but I love the billionaire x poor girl story. Now I’m off to read the other books by this amazing author.
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