King Tristan wasn’t prepared for a prisoner quite like Zakara Storm. The three beautiful fae men led her to her imprisonment and it’s hard to see who is friend and who is foe in the dangerous and destructive kingdom.
A savior is all the humans want. Freedom is what the fae seek. Survival is all Zakara knows.
She’ll survive, even if she has to watch the whole world burn to ash.
This is a reverse harem series, recommended for readers 18 and over.
A.K. Koonce is a USA Today best selling author. She's a mom by day and a fantasy and paranormal romance author by night. She keeps the fantastical stories in her mind on an endless loop, while she tries her best to focus on her actual life and not that of the spectacular but demanding fictional characters who always fill her thoughts
I just love A.K.'s Books and this series is my favorite of hers! I love how the deeper we get in this world the more curious I get about it! I hope we find out more in book 3 because even though this reads as fantasy I can see something maybe dytopian-ish about it too. I can’t wait for book 3!
The plot doesn't become any clearer in book two. If anything, it becomes more convoluted with twists, but no satisfactory resolutions. This is especially disappointing because I think this premise had potential to be very fun.
This was good but I got a bit frustrated with the characters. It was as if they all knew something but it wasn’t being addressed in the story. Why they returned willingly and seemingly surrendered didn’t make much sense, especially why they didn’t tell Kara beforehand. Kara forgave their deception too quickly as well. Other than that it was good and I’ll carry on with the series.
4.25 Stars I really liked this installment in The Hopeless series. It was fast paced, constantly had my attention, and I did not want to put it down for the life of me. Time just flew by while reading it and before I knew it, I was finished. I complained in my last review about Zakara. I found her annoying because she let her pride get in the way of her personal well being. If she needed help, she would not ask for it, even if it got her killed in the process. While she was still like that in this book, her "I don't want your help" personality was definitely toned down. It made her character a lot more enjoyable for me. As far as the guys and her relationships with them go, they are progressing well enough. I love the love/hate relationship between Zara and Darrio. They always push each others buttons in the best of ways and I highly enjoy their relationship. As far as Daxdyn goes, I like the way that his and Zara's relationship is developing, but I do have some problems with it. I feel like A.K. Koonce just decided to flip a switch between them in the middle of this book. There has been an attraction between Zara and Daxdyn, but I don't feel like there has been enough build up between the two of them to constitute as a relationship. So far, I have felt an extreme disconnect with Zara's relationship with Ryder. Just like Daxdyn, there has barely been any build up between Ryder and Zara besides attraction. I need their relationship to develop a lot more if I am going to connect with it. Overall, I really enjoy this series so far. While I have been having some disconnect with Zara and her relationships, the plot to this story has been great. Though, I do have a small complaint about the beginning of this book. The flow between the first book and this one felt a little off for me. I wish that A.K. Koonce would have transitioned between the two a little better. On a happier note, I will be reading the next book, Hopeless Realm .
have the whole series on audible & can be finished in around 7 hours so I reallllly wanted to see it through. but maybe one chapter into book two I'm giving up. specifically, at "I'm gonna help you so good," get out of here. cringe.
DNF @49%.... I really, really tried to enjoy this. But I just can't. For an author I generally love, this one fell flat. The situation makes little sense, there are too many questions and a sense that the characters know something that just isn't revealed to the reader. Why did they give themselves up? How could the trio be after her? I mean, SHE found them in the tower?! I'm confused... which would normally cause me to push through and read till I found the answers, but I found myself a bit too annoyed to continue. A shame.
Well now she is a prisoner and has to save herself go figure. Men should really be more useful especially with multiple around but what can you do. I was loving how she stayed mad at them but not to the detriment of the story. Great world building, lots of action, and some awesome steamy scenes. I am so hooked on this series by this point and look forward to book three. Highly recommended to fans of paranormal reverse harem romance novels. I loved it so i give it 5/5 stars.
DNF 30% I can't even begin to enjoy the book because I hate every choice Kara is making and already hated it in the first book. And because, the story and the author definitely deserve more than me bitching at the end, dropping it is probably the best thing to do.
No plot what so ever, the hard to connect with the characters, no world building, nor explanation to what's happening. We are left to wonder and guess. The H says bunch of shit about being tough and independent and how she doesn't want to be liker her "whore" aunt (her words) but within a day she's out of no where decide to give on of the guys a BJ in an abandoned building while she was hiding from the royal guards and the same night sleeps with his brother who she doesn't let us forget she hates after he caught her escaping (any smart woman who lived on survival instincts would at least doubt his motives and timing to sleep with her, obviously to make her stay with them so she wouldn't try to escape again)
Also a lot of unanswered questions like why the queen prisoned them when she wanted them to find the "Eminence"? How did they know its her? How did they know she will free them? Why didn't they just escape and leave her instead of taking her to them? What was forcing them? How the only fucking entrance to The Fae realm is at the castle and how did they know to close it when we were repeatedly told the fae were a myth?
And the questions goes on and on...
I only rant in reviews when truly a book was very disappointing and bad. Book 1 had poetantial and it what made me continue and waste my time reading book 2, but I kinda feel like I was misled by the promising beginning by the stupid ratings and reviews that I don't know if maybe we were reading a different book from all the 4 and 5 stars they gave it for how amazing it was)
Regardless, the above was just a small piece of what's on my mind and my opinion and what's wrong in this book.
If you are looking for a book that has an actual story and even a plot, with a H that isn't contradicting every thing she says or think of, and just in for stupid mindless book with sex (wasn't even much or good. It just was added to fill a scene and cover the lack of actual plot or even something similar to a story) then this your book.
But if u value your money, time and energy I advice u not to read, not worth it. I WILL BLAME IT ON THE COVER AND BECAUSE I LIKE RH, that I went so far to read and write this review.
Sorry guys.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I honestly don’t know why I picked this one up after the trainwreck that was the first book. This felt like a complete slog from start to finish, with barely a plot to hold onto. The story just drifted aimlessly, tossing out events that never really connected or made any sense. There were moments where I was left wondering what on earth was even happening because nothing was explained, and world-building was basically nonexistent. It’s like being dropped into a story with no map or guide and told to just figure it out.
The characters were just as frustrating. I couldn’t connect with any of them, which made it impossible to care about what was going on. There was no depth or development — just flat personalities going through the motions with zero emotional impact. Their actions often felt random, and they seemed to make choices without any logic or consistency. It was hard to tell if they even knew what they were supposed to be doing.
The genre here had potential, but the execution completely missed the mark. The fantasy elements felt thrown in without thought or purpose, and the writing style did nothing to help. It was clunky, confusing, and lacked any real spark. Overall, this was a frustrating, dull read that left me wondering why I even bothered. I won’t be continuing with this series.
A.K. Koonce has done it again! She has a way of using a writing style that is easy to follow along with, both for story development and character personality, but also allows you to be able to immerse yourself into the world she has created. Great to see more development for Kara and her men, though we are kept on the edge of our seat in regards to just what is happening. After the way Hopeless Magic ended, and subsequently how Hopeless Kingdom began, it was really becoming hard to see just who was on Kara's side, and who opposed her. With the way we've ended this book I'm intrigued to keep the story alive with Hopeless Realm when it lands!
This was a great follow-up to the first novel in the series. A lot happens and we get to learn more about Kara, Ryder, Darrio and Daxdyn. I love the interactions between the four of them, and I would have been just as livid with the 3 men as Kara was when she realized what was happening. I'm not sure why they didn't tell her the plan, but she is not a woman to be messed with, as they found out the longer they are around Kara. I do have to say that so far, Darrio may be my favorite. I'm sure the majority of people will go for Ryder or Daxdyn since they are "prettier" and more smoldering, but I'm loving how Darrio acts around Kara - as if he can't control himself any longer.
The ending is a cliffhanger, so if you are intending on not completing the series, you will be left wanting more. I'm so excited to see what is in store for these characters and what new adventures they will get into next!
So in book 2, we get to see what happens with the betrayal of Zakara's men and the aftermath. We get to learn more about her past and why she avoided the kingdom. We get to meet more side characters and booooy are the King and his mom doozies haha. I was intrigued again by the premise, the ending made me go right into book 3 - glad it was already complete or I would have been like WHAAAAAT you can't end it like that haha. I did love the affectionate names/vulnerability of the guys. I felt so bad for Dax and was surprised with the comedic relief from/with Ryder. The steam in this one was great (fabulous kiss scenes, not to mention the tension-filled portions of the book haha). I did appreciate the whychoose moment with Zakara sticking to her guns and not making the decision between them all. 3.5-4 stars for the story.
Narration to me was again just ok. It won't be something I write home about, but it didnt deter me from continuing to listen. 3/5 stars from me.
This book is even better than book 1 in this series! From page one until the very ending it was impossible to put this book down. In the book we see Zakara, an amazingly written MC, comes to life as you read and you can feel all of her emotions and really start to understand who she is. We get the chance to read more of the connection between Kara and Darrio, and they are great together! When she sees him smile for the first time is a special moment! But not only is she getting closer to Darrio she starts to connect more with Dax and on some level Ryder! This book keeps the reader captivated, it is full of emotion, power, and love! Do yourself a favour and read this series. Highly recommended!!!
Wow okay that was amazing. Literally just finished it and already want to read it again. I'm seriously in love with this series. Kara is as badass as ever and the guys are just as great. Faced with imprisonment by the king, Ryder's stepbrother, Kara is trying to escape, unsure if she can trust the guys who brought her here. This book was great because you really got to learn more about the guys and see Darrio and Daxdyn get a lot closer to Kara. I really really have a love hate relationship with cliffhangers... hate for the obvious reasons but love because it gets me so excited for the next book and ensures that I keep thinking about it until release day! Seriously though, April 17 cannot come soon enough for book 3: Hopeless Realm!!
Zakara is taken as a prisoner by the King Tristan. But it's not exactly your typical imprisonment. She needs to survive. At any cost.
This story picks up right where book one left off.
You will definitely see more intimacy in this book. As well as the relationships developing.
I thought we got more information as to what exactly is going on. I know in book one I felt a little lost on what was going down, but we are slowly getting answers.
Again, it ends on a cliffhanger.
This book was mainly told in one point of view. However, the epilogue is told from one of the male characters.
I need to know what will happen next. I'm excited to follow their journey.
I highly recommend this series. If you haven't started it yet, go do it now.
Hmmm. I figured out what bugs me about this series. There's way too much internal monologue happening and not enough action or dialogue.
Authors should show, not tell, but this series just tells.
There is a plot, somewhere in the background. I'm interested in following that thread, but I have to dig for it as I read.
Plus, the books are super short. This one began in a confusing manner, completely skipping a scene after the end of the first book. Now, it's ending on a cliffhanger. Ugh.
Yet, I'll still read the next book just so I can follow that hidden thread. So, still three stars and not less. Personally, I think all of these books could gave been combined into one book with more story and less thinking and that would have been better.
This story must be read or listened to in order because it picks up right where the first book left off. I listened to the audible version of the story and I liked it a lot. This book definitely gives away a little more of what is happening between the characters and the story. Zakara feels betrayed by Darrio, Daxdyn and Ryker and she really is a great actor. Zakara and her fae's as she thinks of them start to realize their feelings for each other and her true identity is revealed surprising them all. There were more funny and steamy scenes in this story. I liked these characters a lot and I'm looking forward to next book in this series. As much as I'm liking this series, I do think that it could have been longer and written in one or two books.
You ever just get so into a book you don't feel time passing until it's the middle of the night (or morning lol)? Well that's how Hopeless Kingdom made me feel. Time slipped away, minutes turning into hours as I devoured the world of Kara and her fae.
So much happened, from romance, to plot, and lots of character development for Kara, Darrio and Dax. I can't wait to see where this series goes, and I can't wait to get to know Ryder more (which I'm thinking will happen in book 3 because of the end of book 2). Now if only book 3 was available sooner.
5 stars. Didn't have the same issues from the first book, so bravo to the author!
I enjoyed this story but found that not a lot actually happens. We find out she may be something ( deliberately being vague so no spoilers) but we don't find out the significance of that. It isn't really until the last couple of chapters that something happens in the story. The in between is just relationship stuff, which I found took up a lot of space. Although there are some steamy scenes. After such a great start I feel a bit let down. Also really bothered by the fact the book is in a fantasy style but the characters wear jeans. Doesn't seem to fit
I have to say first, I loved this book! It was a good continuation of the series. The character development in this book was phenomenal. I felt like I understood Zakara and her men better. They are so different from the types of characters and relationships that I usually read, and I definitely enjoyed the change. The plot was a good mix of action and romance, and this story commanded my attention completely from page 1. The ending of this story left me wanting more, and I cannot wait to see what happens next for Zakara Storm.
This book is exactly what I had hoped for. All three guys are well distinguished in this book being able to define each one as a separate character. Kara finally learns to bend a little bit and finds trust in her guys. The scenes are very well discribed to be able to visualize them easily. The sexual tention that's growing is HOT 🔥🔥 🔥. The sex scenes are very tasteful and well thought out without being to much to cloud the over all story line. The plot is perfectly pased and easy to follow. Over all great book and can't wait for Book 3
I loved the first one, but this one, holy moley! I couldn't put it down, it gave me so many more questions about what it going on, and I'm glad that I found this series when it was already complete, having to wait for the next one might well have killed me!
Kara, Darrio, and Daxdyn - oh my god. HOT as the fire that Darrio controls :o just - wow - I need to know what happens to bring Ryder into it all, I have to know everything to be honest - I'm about to jump into book 3, because I need all the answers.
We learn more about secrets and pasts involving darrio, dax and Ryder. Kara just leaves me with more questions. I don't think her dad was as simple in status as she believes. The end of book 2 just shoves you off the edge...right over the ledge. A true plot twist. Gotta go onto book 3. I need to know how this plays out. How is Kara going to proceed, what exactly can her powers do, what monsters lie in wait for her, how will she find her guys, what will happen to them on their journey to reunite...?
This was a bit of a letdown. The first book was a little disjointed but with a first book in a fantasy setting I can sometimes forgive it since the author has to set up a entire magic system and build the world.
So I expected this second book to have that set up a bit more but sadly it still felt disjointed to me and I didn't feel the connection with the characters.
Our fmc goes from a possible kickass chick in book 1 to having almost no personality in this one,kinda sad.
I might finish this series sometime but I'm not sure yet.
This book was an amazing continuation to book one. You learn a bit more about why the guys did what they did in the previous book and even though it might seem they don't care they will always protect her. The book definitely leaves you wanting book three right away, I can't wait to read what comes next.