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Saphyre
I’ve spent my entire life pretending to be someone I’m not.
Forced to hide in the slums of Tenebris from those who would enslave me, I carry the Golden Curse that has been passed through my family for generations. This affliction makes me the perfect breeder to carry the offspring of the Kings of Emperia and their elite warriors.
I've tried everything to avoid this fate, until one careless mistake lands me in the hands of my enemy.
Unfortunately for King Leonidas, my name is Saphyre Aurelian, and I’ll make him regret the day he chose me as his breeder.
Saphyre is a fast burn Dark Fantasy Reverse Harem Romance. This trilogy contains explicit scenes and dark themes which may be triggering for some. If such material offends you, please do not buy these books.
Forced to hide in the slums of Tenebris from those who would enslave me, I carry the Golden Curse that has been passed through my family for generations. This affliction makes me the perfect breeder to carry the offspring of the Kings of Emperia and their elite warriors.
I've tried everything to avoid this fate, until one careless mistake lands me in the hands of my enemy.
Unfortunately for King Leonidas, my name is Saphyre Aurelian, and I’ll make him regret the day he chose me as his breeder.
Saphyre is a fast burn Dark Fantasy Reverse Harem Romance. This trilogy contains explicit scenes and dark themes which may be triggering for some. If such material offends you, please do not buy these books.
199 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2019
81 people are currently reading
542 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
March 22, 2019
Basically rape and torture
Zero world building, zero HEA, zero character development, this book was basically the rape and torture of Saphyre, with a little fu from her at the end. This should be called gang rape, not RH.
Zero world building, zero HEA, zero character development, this book was basically the rape and torture of Saphyre, with a little fu from her at the end. This should be called gang rape, not RH.
March 22, 2019
Saphyre is a book that I am a bit torn on. There are aspects of the FMC that I really like, and others that I'm hesitant about. Really, this was one of my first reads where the master/slave relationship was so intense and so heavily burned into the plot, so maybe I just need to ease myself into this niche of the genre.
Our FMC has a gritty fight to her, but we don't always get to see it- honestly, though, that's not always up to her since the manticores have their own ways of persuading her, both painful and pleasurable. What I liked most is that even when it seems like Saphyre has lost, has totally given in, there's this little right hook of a victory straight to the face by the end. I'm curious to see what would come from that little reveal.
There's not much for me to say about the guys- right now, there's not much to redeem them from the way they treat Saphyre, and I'm the kind of person who wants some little type of redemption. Overall, I felt like the book was pretty good; I would've liked a little more plotline to flow strongly between the s*x, but I was honestly entertained as I read.
Our FMC has a gritty fight to her, but we don't always get to see it- honestly, though, that's not always up to her since the manticores have their own ways of persuading her, both painful and pleasurable. What I liked most is that even when it seems like Saphyre has lost, has totally given in, there's this little right hook of a victory straight to the face by the end. I'm curious to see what would come from that little reveal.
There's not much for me to say about the guys- right now, there's not much to redeem them from the way they treat Saphyre, and I'm the kind of person who wants some little type of redemption. Overall, I felt like the book was pretty good; I would've liked a little more plotline to flow strongly between the s*x, but I was honestly entertained as I read.
March 23, 2019
This book is very, very dark. It can be potentially triggering. I've read some dark, depraved stuff and some parts of the book made even me, uncomfortable. So this book is not for everyone. I didn't really connect with any of the characters, lots of sex scenes *these scenes can be triggering*, and the story line has potential. The part that I really enjoyed was the ending #karma
I like these authors. Scarlett Snow and Loxley Savage are fantastic authors but together it's a whole different level. I don't really care for dark themes because I find myself disconnected throughout the whole book, and what's the point of reading something if I'm not emotionally involved with what's happening? However, I was really looking forward to this book though so I told myself to take a chance and read it. I will say this again, if you don't like dark, gritty, themes then this book is SO not for you.
Now why a four and not a five? I hoped that there would be something in the book that I usually rely on when it comes to dark themes, that is voluntary submission and power of the submissive. We don't really get to see that happening. It may happen in the next book because I get a glimpse of it in the end but it had more of an afterthought feeling than intentional. This book is hardcore breaking of will through force and coercion. This is my opinion, so others may feel different. This element and some others is something I, as a reader, rely on in a book. Just because something is dark does not mean that I secretly think I'm depraved because I enjoy it. I did enjoy parts of the book, I didn't enjoy other parts of the book. But for some readers who don't need these elements in a book they will enjoy it. It's a beautifully dark piece of literacy. They are very talented authors and I may consider continuing this series because of the ending.
Overall: 4/5
I like these authors. Scarlett Snow and Loxley Savage are fantastic authors but together it's a whole different level. I don't really care for dark themes because I find myself disconnected throughout the whole book, and what's the point of reading something if I'm not emotionally involved with what's happening? However, I was really looking forward to this book though so I told myself to take a chance and read it. I will say this again, if you don't like dark, gritty, themes then this book is SO not for you.
Now why a four and not a five? I hoped that there would be something in the book that I usually rely on when it comes to dark themes, that is voluntary submission and power of the submissive. We don't really get to see that happening. It may happen in the next book because I get a glimpse of it in the end but it had more of an afterthought feeling than intentional. This book is hardcore breaking of will through force and coercion. This is my opinion, so others may feel different. This element and some others is something I, as a reader, rely on in a book. Just because something is dark does not mean that I secretly think I'm depraved because I enjoy it. I did enjoy parts of the book, I didn't enjoy other parts of the book. But for some readers who don't need these elements in a book they will enjoy it. It's a beautifully dark piece of literacy. They are very talented authors and I may consider continuing this series because of the ending.
Overall: 4/5
April 10, 2019
ALL THE NOPES.
What is it with some authors? Katze is calling this 'erotic rape'. There is NO SUCH THING.
Erotic:
-arousing or satisfying sexual desire: an erotic dance of, relating to, or treating of sexual love;
Rape:
-unlawful sexual intercourse or any other sexual penetration of the vagina, anus, or mouth of another person, with or without force, by a sex organ, other body part, or foreign object, without the consent of the victim.
You can put two words together but it doesn't suddenly turn something as horrific as rape into something sexy.
Rape is an act of violence against a person. There is nothing erotic about sexual abuse. From the authors FB page she has been candid that she has been a victim of such abuse, therefore its particularly depressing that she has chosen to demean her character in a book that is just a rapefest.
What is it with some authors? Katze is calling this 'erotic rape'. There is NO SUCH THING.
Erotic:
-arousing or satisfying sexual desire: an erotic dance of, relating to, or treating of sexual love;
Rape:
-unlawful sexual intercourse or any other sexual penetration of the vagina, anus, or mouth of another person, with or without force, by a sex organ, other body part, or foreign object, without the consent of the victim.
You can put two words together but it doesn't suddenly turn something as horrific as rape into something sexy.
Rape is an act of violence against a person. There is nothing erotic about sexual abuse. From the authors FB page she has been candid that she has been a victim of such abuse, therefore its particularly depressing that she has chosen to demean her character in a book that is just a rapefest.
March 22, 2019
No, thanks
Look, I don't mind a dark romance now and again. But this, this was sick. First off, strike the word romance. There is no romance here. There is abuse (physical, mental, sexual), there is a complete disregard for human life, there is torture... I read for fun, to escape the stress from daily life. There is nothing fun in reading about a woman being horribly beaten, raped, and tortured.
I hated every single one of the characters. Saphyre is pig headed and stubborn. It's not strength to keep doing the same things that will get you tortured. We only spend any time in Leo's head and I despised him. This actually doesn't feel like an RH. It feels more like a pompous king sharing his slave with two of his warriors. Not cool.
I think the last chapter, we were supposed to feel like the men were treating her better. But honestly, I think I preferred the straight torture. They're still awful to her and treat her like a slave to fulfill their sexual desires. At least there weren't any blurred lines during the torture. And let's get real, that ending is not enough to redeem this story. That kid is probably just going to me a mini Leo.
Anyway, clearly I kind of hated this book. I'm giving it 2 stars though because it was well edited and I did keep reading until the end. But I cannot recommend this at all. Do yourself a favor and just say no, thanks to this one.
Look, I don't mind a dark romance now and again. But this, this was sick. First off, strike the word romance. There is no romance here. There is abuse (physical, mental, sexual), there is a complete disregard for human life, there is torture... I read for fun, to escape the stress from daily life. There is nothing fun in reading about a woman being horribly beaten, raped, and tortured.
I hated every single one of the characters. Saphyre is pig headed and stubborn. It's not strength to keep doing the same things that will get you tortured. We only spend any time in Leo's head and I despised him. This actually doesn't feel like an RH. It feels more like a pompous king sharing his slave with two of his warriors. Not cool.
I think the last chapter, we were supposed to feel like the men were treating her better. But honestly, I think I preferred the straight torture. They're still awful to her and treat her like a slave to fulfill their sexual desires. At least there weren't any blurred lines during the torture. And let's get real, that ending is not enough to redeem this story. That kid is probably just going to me a mini Leo.
Anyway, clearly I kind of hated this book. I'm giving it 2 stars though because it was well edited and I did keep reading until the end. But I cannot recommend this at all. Do yourself a favor and just say no, thanks to this one.
April 7, 2019
“In the face of pain there are no heroes.”
This book was banned by Amazon on release. The authors edited it to remove the most extreme content, re-titled it and commissioned new cover art, and it was again banned by Amazon upon release.
I don't usually start a series until it is complete, but under the circumstances I wanted to support the authors (who seem like nice people) and to see what all the fuss is about.
This is the first volume in a planned series of six. It is short and it ends with a bang in a "happy for now" scenario, setting up the story to come.
This is a "dark romance". It isn't the grimmest thing I've read this year but there is a lot of sex, much of it "non-consensual" and scenes of torture and public humiliation of the main character. She gets through it, and it felt "right" for the world the authors have created, but you should not read this book if such triggers are going to offend you.
I'm keen to see where the story goes, though I probably won't read any more of it until I have the complete series. I definitely feel that what hasn't killed Saphyre has made her stronger for what comes next.
I thought is was apt to open this review with a quote from George Orwell's "1984", given the undercurrent (well, over-current really) of torture in this story, and the interference of "Big Brother" Amazon in its publication.
This book was banned by Amazon on release. The authors edited it to remove the most extreme content, re-titled it and commissioned new cover art, and it was again banned by Amazon upon release.
I don't usually start a series until it is complete, but under the circumstances I wanted to support the authors (who seem like nice people) and to see what all the fuss is about.
This is the first volume in a planned series of six. It is short and it ends with a bang in a "happy for now" scenario, setting up the story to come.
This is a "dark romance". It isn't the grimmest thing I've read this year but there is a lot of sex, much of it "non-consensual" and scenes of torture and public humiliation of the main character. She gets through it, and it felt "right" for the world the authors have created, but you should not read this book if such triggers are going to offend you.
I'm keen to see where the story goes, though I probably won't read any more of it until I have the complete series. I definitely feel that what hasn't killed Saphyre has made her stronger for what comes next.
I thought is was apt to open this review with a quote from George Orwell's "1984", given the undercurrent (well, over-current really) of torture in this story, and the interference of "Big Brother" Amazon in its publication.
January 23, 2020
I won't be bothered if everyone dies in the sequel. Just kill them all.
March 25, 2019
A word of warning: This book contains dub-con, triggering dark themes and scenes. This book is not for the faint hearted. If these don’t bother you, please proceed with your reading. Prepare your mind and emotions to be pushed to its limits. You have been warned.
What do you expect when these two queens of dark and depravity co-write a book? Total mind f*ckery.
I must confess this book really pushes my limits. It brings out the worst in me. I hate Leonidas and his men with my whole being. There are times when I have to put this book down because I just can’t deal with my overwhelming frustration, anger and helplessness for Saphyre’s predicament. But these are also the reasons why I continue reading through. I love it when a book manages to make me feel strongly and this one makes me feel a lot.
In a world dominated by men and when women are viewed as an object, you will learn how to outsmart, outwit and most of all, survive against all odds. Saphyre is not your damsel in distress type. She thwarts and defies King Leonidas in every turn and when circumstances are against her, she learned how to pick her battles. Oh, and that ending though? I am smirking and slowly clapping my hands. Bravo. Karma is definitely a bitch.
What do you expect when these two queens of dark and depravity co-write a book? Total mind f*ckery.
I must confess this book really pushes my limits. It brings out the worst in me. I hate Leonidas and his men with my whole being. There are times when I have to put this book down because I just can’t deal with my overwhelming frustration, anger and helplessness for Saphyre’s predicament. But these are also the reasons why I continue reading through. I love it when a book manages to make me feel strongly and this one makes me feel a lot.
In a world dominated by men and when women are viewed as an object, you will learn how to outsmart, outwit and most of all, survive against all odds. Saphyre is not your damsel in distress type. She thwarts and defies King Leonidas in every turn and when circumstances are against her, she learned how to pick her battles. Oh, and that ending though? I am smirking and slowly clapping my hands. Bravo. Karma is definitely a bitch.
September 26, 2021
2.5 stars
Subjugative sex scenes abound, quite repetitively with little of a storyline. I liked the adoration the heroine received, the men being enthralled with her persona, her body, and the generosity they paid to the latter. Some scenes, however, were gratuitously abusive, the impaling with the whip being one. At times, though, it was hard to feel sympathy with the episodic recklessness, candor, and stubbornness in situations where most would have held their tongues or curbed their actions for a more advantageous circumstance. I believe the author wanted readers to think she was strong, loyal, and held to her principles, but instead she came across as reckless and immature.
Characterizations were weak. Aside from the heroine you really don’t get to know, invest in, the masters (heroes), their characters having come across very thinly, not very distinctly.
The language was also repetitive. “I can take you the heights of pleasure (or pain)” having been said countless times.
I liked the paranormal activity, the diversity and creativity of the characters — vampirish manticores, dragons, etc. A nice change from the typical. It was the creativity here that drew me most to the book. I don’t consider the tale dark, rather, abusive. I would also not consider it romance. The book suffered greatly from lack of development and characterization as well as unrealistic rendering of darkness.
Subjugative sex scenes abound, quite repetitively with little of a storyline. I liked the adoration the heroine received, the men being enthralled with her persona, her body, and the generosity they paid to the latter. Some scenes, however, were gratuitously abusive, the impaling with the whip being one. At times, though, it was hard to feel sympathy with the episodic recklessness, candor, and stubbornness in situations where most would have held their tongues or curbed their actions for a more advantageous circumstance. I believe the author wanted readers to think she was strong, loyal, and held to her principles, but instead she came across as reckless and immature.
Characterizations were weak. Aside from the heroine you really don’t get to know, invest in, the masters (heroes), their characters having come across very thinly, not very distinctly.
The language was also repetitive. “I can take you the heights of pleasure (or pain)” having been said countless times.
I liked the paranormal activity, the diversity and creativity of the characters — vampirish manticores, dragons, etc. A nice change from the typical. It was the creativity here that drew me most to the book. I don’t consider the tale dark, rather, abusive. I would also not consider it romance. The book suffered greatly from lack of development and characterization as well as unrealistic rendering of darkness.
March 23, 2019
The premise of this book totally drew me in, I even pre-ordered! But man, what a disappointment. All the characters were one dimensional, every male character was EXACTLY the same, none of them had personalities, and the authors were more concerned with smut than plot. Don't get me wrong, I love a dark and steamy book, but set in a world like this? Yeah, the world definitely needed more fleshing out. I did not care what bit what happened to any of the characters. Not going to be reading anything by these authors again.
April 12, 2020
On my sweet and unholy Dread Lord Cthulu. That's really about all I can say. This book left me breathless, excited, and turned on in a really, really disturbing way. There is so much wrong in here, and yet it is all so much right. I wish I could give this book at least 1000 stars, because that's how many it deserves.
Saphyre does everything she can to fight against the Emperians, so when she gets caught and hauled before the King of the Manticores, she knows that she's still going to fight, no matter what. And wow, what a ride she takes us on.
This isn't a book filled with sweetness, light, niceness, and rainbow glitter farts. This is a dark book filled with pain, torture, hatred, vengeance, and that's just in the first chapter. There is a lot of pain here, but there is also a lot of pleasure. There is a metric fuckton of hatred, and as much as I would like to say that there is love there too, I'm not quite sure that I can go that far. Addiction, yes, dependency, yeah, desire and lust, definitely. Affection? Yeah, I think so, just not quite love.
There are so many secrets and so many things that happen. I can't wait for the next books in the series to see how things play out.
Saphyre does everything she can to fight against the Emperians, so when she gets caught and hauled before the King of the Manticores, she knows that she's still going to fight, no matter what. And wow, what a ride she takes us on.
This isn't a book filled with sweetness, light, niceness, and rainbow glitter farts. This is a dark book filled with pain, torture, hatred, vengeance, and that's just in the first chapter. There is a lot of pain here, but there is also a lot of pleasure. There is a metric fuckton of hatred, and as much as I would like to say that there is love there too, I'm not quite sure that I can go that far. Addiction, yes, dependency, yeah, desire and lust, definitely. Affection? Yeah, I think so, just not quite love.
There are so many secrets and so many things that happen. I can't wait for the next books in the series to see how things play out.
April 10, 2019
Holy Dark Reverse Harems, Batman! This story was brutal and beautiful. I still have no idea how they managed to keep up the intensity and fast pace throughout this entire story, but it was done flawlessly. Now, I'll ya, this story might make you uncomfortable. I squirmed in my seat with some scenes. Held my breath with others. I damn sure squeezed the hell out of my poor kindle for most of it. But that's because the story stayed true to the characters, folks. If you're looking for a sweet romance with steamy love scenes and low-impact drama, don't you dare read this. If you're in the mood for angst and cruelty and hold-your-breath-because-this-is-gonna-sting moments, then by all means, give this book a try.
The world in this story is a cut-throat one and these characters were built to survive in such a place. Keep that in mind. The heroine's strength is tested endlessly and the males that come into her life don't f*ck around. They mean business - keep that in mind, too.
And that ending??? Damn, I've never read something more spectacular. I crushed my kindle to my chest and squealed. So. Perfect. Well done Snow and Savage, you two hit this dark RH out of the park. I can't wait to read what happens next.
The world in this story is a cut-throat one and these characters were built to survive in such a place. Keep that in mind. The heroine's strength is tested endlessly and the males that come into her life don't f*ck around. They mean business - keep that in mind, too.
And that ending??? Damn, I've never read something more spectacular. I crushed my kindle to my chest and squealed. So. Perfect. Well done Snow and Savage, you two hit this dark RH out of the park. I can't wait to read what happens next.
March 17, 2019
*Insert the 'read the warning and this book contains dark themes etc...' opening here*
This book is dark but contains so much fire it is unreal! I had to let this book sank in for about an hour after I finished it and I am still on fire *continues to fan face to no avail*.
This book is so well written and I couldn't put it down once I started. Scarlett and Loxley really created a sinfully, addicting first installment to their 'Enslaved by the Kings' series. I am so excited to read future installments.
The MC, Saphyre, is actually a very strong person despite everything she faces in this book. The King and his warriors are definitely characters that I loved to hate throughout the book. Oh and the ending was the 'cherry on top'. Absolutely perfect ending!
I completely and 100 % recommend this book.
This book is dark but contains so much fire it is unreal! I had to let this book sank in for about an hour after I finished it and I am still on fire *continues to fan face to no avail*.
This book is so well written and I couldn't put it down once I started. Scarlett and Loxley really created a sinfully, addicting first installment to their 'Enslaved by the Kings' series. I am so excited to read future installments.
The MC, Saphyre, is actually a very strong person despite everything she faces in this book. The King and his warriors are definitely characters that I loved to hate throughout the book. Oh and the ending was the 'cherry on top'. Absolutely perfect ending!
I completely and 100 % recommend this book.
June 30, 2021
Nothing makes me want to read a book more then when it's banned. I wish the ban squad would leave authors alone.
It's dark but not so dark that it should be banned. I hope I read the original version because I suspect that's the most interesting one. Regardless, I've read darker books that have not been banned and won't be banned due to the author's prestige. A name that pops to mind when I think of non-con erotica is Anne Rice. Yet, her book is still on Amazon.
The book is a fun and short read. I think the synopsis pretty much covers what the book is about. Not a soulmates or love at first site type of a book but it is a HEA.
It's dark but not so dark that it should be banned. I hope I read the original version because I suspect that's the most interesting one. Regardless, I've read darker books that have not been banned and won't be banned due to the author's prestige. A name that pops to mind when I think of non-con erotica is Anne Rice. Yet, her book is still on Amazon.
The book is a fun and short read. I think the synopsis pretty much covers what the book is about. Not a soulmates or love at first site type of a book but it is a HEA.
August 31, 2019
Firstly, I should say (and I would think it obvious) to read the trigger warnings. It's very clearly labeled. Anyone who complains otherwise is disregarding them. Having said that, yes, rape is very prevalent in the story, but this is about Saphyre (and women) triumphing over the stigma of being women and just 'bodies to be used'. To me, it's the dynamic of alpha men who feel entitled learning to love, to evolve. And Saphyre is their strength, even in her softness. I personally don't mind kink and depravity because it's a story for me. I would recommend this if you enjoy darker books and have no triggers.
March 22, 2019
Oh. My. Fxxxxn. GOSH!!!!!
Holy bananas... SOOOO DARK! SOOO YUMMY... SO FREAKING GOOD!! Chills are legit erupting all over my body right now. This book. That ENDING!! Wow... just.. wow. I am just at a loss for words.
Just read it. NOW!
Holy bananas... SOOOO DARK! SOOO YUMMY... SO FREAKING GOOD!! Chills are legit erupting all over my body right now. This book. That ENDING!! Wow... just.. wow. I am just at a loss for words.
Just read it. NOW!
Want to read
March 22, 2019
#erotica #new #newrelease @Scarlett Snow + @Loxley Savage #Abuse #DarkFantasy #Menage
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Merged review:
#erotica #new #newrelease @Scarlett Snow + @Loxley Savage #Abuse #DarkFantasy #Menage
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2TqbBba
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2Cumq6A
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Check out our archive: https://goo.gl/WaJD6j
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December 28, 2019
Saphyre – Snow & Savage - Banned Book (Scarlett Snow & Loxley Savage)
They were not kidding in the blurb when they said this book was dark…
Firstly, quite a few things in this book that could trigger you. Please heed the warnings from the authors. Definitely an 18+ read, but as far as banned books go, not that bad IMO.
OK. Let’s talk main characters. Saphyre, our FMC and recipient of a remarkable amount of sexual torture (not all the good kind either) is a feisty young warrior and the middle sister in a trio of orphaned girls in the mythical world of ruins and smog called Tenebris. She is one of a special race of ‘breeders’ highly sought by her Enemy, the ruling class Emperians made up of Manticores, Dragons and Nightstalkers. All of which are systems steeped in patriarchy and ruled by Kings.
Our male antagonist is the King of the Manticores, Leonidas. He is a predator first and foremost, and a warrior king who rules his domain with an iron fist. He is not to be trifled with. He is assisted by his generals, Ryder and Raphael in subduing Saphyre and beating the wild wilfulness out of the proud female. All the while training her to be a sexually submissive breeder.
The pace is fast, the burn is faster and the sexual heat doesn’t ever really let up. It’s a quick page turner if you are braced for some heavy scenes (there are quite a few)! The world building is seamless and the plot is delivered fluidly and with great finesse!
These two authors together have created a world I want to read more about. Please bring us another instalment!
Loved it! Five stars!
They were not kidding in the blurb when they said this book was dark…
Firstly, quite a few things in this book that could trigger you. Please heed the warnings from the authors. Definitely an 18+ read, but as far as banned books go, not that bad IMO.
OK. Let’s talk main characters. Saphyre, our FMC and recipient of a remarkable amount of sexual torture (not all the good kind either) is a feisty young warrior and the middle sister in a trio of orphaned girls in the mythical world of ruins and smog called Tenebris. She is one of a special race of ‘breeders’ highly sought by her Enemy, the ruling class Emperians made up of Manticores, Dragons and Nightstalkers. All of which are systems steeped in patriarchy and ruled by Kings.
Our male antagonist is the King of the Manticores, Leonidas. He is a predator first and foremost, and a warrior king who rules his domain with an iron fist. He is not to be trifled with. He is assisted by his generals, Ryder and Raphael in subduing Saphyre and beating the wild wilfulness out of the proud female. All the while training her to be a sexually submissive breeder.
The pace is fast, the burn is faster and the sexual heat doesn’t ever really let up. It’s a quick page turner if you are braced for some heavy scenes (there are quite a few)! The world building is seamless and the plot is delivered fluidly and with great finesse!
These two authors together have created a world I want to read more about. Please bring us another instalment!
Loved it! Five stars!
March 21, 2019
Delicious Dark and Depraved...
I went into this book with a few warnings about how depraved it was and I was honest to gods terrified, because while I do like some dark things, I had a difficult time coping with certain too graphic scenes in other books. After reading Saphyre, I am starting to doubt myself, since I did realize the content is dark and depraved, but I was expecting a lot worse.
This book is a great start for the series, the world and characters are introduced, a few subplots that are hinted and make me curious for the next books,... While Leonidas and his warriors are cruel, somehow we get a more vulnerable side of Leonidas too, when he opens up to Saphyre. This is something I love in a book, because it hints at character development, something I crave in dark romance more than others. I love seeing what makes a 'villain' tick, it shows us that not everything is either black or white. I love morally grey characters. I am really looking forward to read more, because this book was a solid 5 Star read for me!
I went into this book with a few warnings about how depraved it was and I was honest to gods terrified, because while I do like some dark things, I had a difficult time coping with certain too graphic scenes in other books. After reading Saphyre, I am starting to doubt myself, since I did realize the content is dark and depraved, but I was expecting a lot worse.
This book is a great start for the series, the world and characters are introduced, a few subplots that are hinted and make me curious for the next books,... While Leonidas and his warriors are cruel, somehow we get a more vulnerable side of Leonidas too, when he opens up to Saphyre. This is something I love in a book, because it hints at character development, something I crave in dark romance more than others. I love seeing what makes a 'villain' tick, it shows us that not everything is either black or white. I love morally grey characters. I am really looking forward to read more, because this book was a solid 5 Star read for me!
April 4, 2019
Saphyre and her sisters are Aurelian women, which makes them highly sought after by the Kings of the Emperia. Saphyre is at a club for the nobles and looking to steal to support her sisters and people. She is captured and taken to the King as his breeder. The King Leonidas has two other men Ryker and Raphael that will help him train Saphyre. This is a story of dark torture, rape and subjugation. There are scenes that will have you understand these people and why they are the way they are with their attitudes towards humans. If those are triggers for you, don't read this book. The ending is interesting and Saphyre gets the last laugh so to speak.
April 15, 2021
I had to read this to support the authors due to the book being banned by Amazon twice. I will not say that it is the worst thing that I have read in regards to trigger content but it also isn't sugar and spice. I wish there had been more to the actual story than just the smexy times. There was so much possibility to the story and it frustrated me that more of that world wasn't explored. It is a short story but it did keep me entertained.
Heed the trigger warnings. Saphyre doesn't have it easy.
Heed the trigger warnings. Saphyre doesn't have it easy.
April 8, 2019
This is my 2nd dark RH and loved it! The punishments took me a little by surprise, but I grew accustomed to it until the final punishment in the coloseum. But that big twist ending at the end had me laughing right along with her! 😂
March 9, 2022
Holy Shit, what the fuck did I just read? This is a manticore. I want more of this shit. RIGHT NOW!
December 19, 2021
When I first read the blurb I thought this book is something I would enjoy reading and it did not dissapoint me in the slightest.
Please be aware though that this isn’t a happily ever after book, it’s very dark so read the triggers.
Saphyre lives in the slums on earth below the Kings of Emperia. Humans are found and captured and taken to the Kings and royalty as breeders to birth the next heirs. Saphyre finds herself captured and taken after a Manticore discovers she is of an Aurelian bloodline, the best human breeders.
Saphyre is kidnapped, tortured, sexually abused as she refuses to submit to her new masters and fights against them at all costs. When she finally submits Saphyre has a secret which will bring the Kings to their knees 😍
Fantastic writing style makes you feels like your in the story and want to fight for Saphyre. This is a duel POV book so you get the emotions of both the King and Saphyre. The 3 main men in the book are very dominant and only want Saphyre to submit to them. Even though they are arseholes I couldn’t help but like them 🤣
If you don’t like very dark romances with multiple triggers don’t read this book.
I loved it, the story had me hooked from the beginning and I just needed to keep reading it 🖤 Loved the ending! I hope there will be a follow on as i would love to know what happens next.
Please be aware though that this isn’t a happily ever after book, it’s very dark so read the triggers.
Saphyre lives in the slums on earth below the Kings of Emperia. Humans are found and captured and taken to the Kings and royalty as breeders to birth the next heirs. Saphyre finds herself captured and taken after a Manticore discovers she is of an Aurelian bloodline, the best human breeders.
Saphyre is kidnapped, tortured, sexually abused as she refuses to submit to her new masters and fights against them at all costs. When she finally submits Saphyre has a secret which will bring the Kings to their knees 😍
Fantastic writing style makes you feels like your in the story and want to fight for Saphyre. This is a duel POV book so you get the emotions of both the King and Saphyre. The 3 main men in the book are very dominant and only want Saphyre to submit to them. Even though they are arseholes I couldn’t help but like them 🤣
If you don’t like very dark romances with multiple triggers don’t read this book.
I loved it, the story had me hooked from the beginning and I just needed to keep reading it 🖤 Loved the ending! I hope there will be a follow on as i would love to know what happens next.
April 11, 2021
Dear Jesus, I don't believe in you but after reading this book I might.
This is very dark book and I love dark books, honestly no problemo, amigo but this...
*staring at the wall for a while*
My issue... My only issue is NO romance at all. None. Zilch. Nada. Njetu.
I mean some people will bitch abot rape and torture, blah blah blah. Cmon, it's dark book.
But I love books with some, any, itsy-bitsy romance in there. Nope, we will get a gleeful h who smiles cruelly in the end of having last F you to the King. Which is great, the things she had to endure..
If I would measure only about the darkness of this book and the world, I would say solid 4 stars. I think it's pretty interesting if there's more world building, actual romance and no heavy degradation and basically saying she's absolutely nothing. That really bothered me. I mean she really was nothing and they showed it to her.
This is very dark book and I love dark books, honestly no problemo, amigo but this...
*staring at the wall for a while*
My issue... My only issue is NO romance at all. None. Zilch. Nada. Njetu.
I mean some people will bitch abot rape and torture, blah blah blah. Cmon, it's dark book.
But I love books with some, any, itsy-bitsy romance in there. Nope, we will get a gleeful h who smiles cruelly in the end of having last F you to the King. Which is great, the things she had to endure..
If I would measure only about the darkness of this book and the world, I would say solid 4 stars. I think it's pretty interesting if there's more world building, actual romance and no heavy degradation and basically saying she's absolutely nothing. That really bothered me. I mean she really was nothing and they showed it to her.
dnf
April 24, 2019Dnf - stopped at 21%
This was the first book i read by both Snow and Savage. So while this book (from what I read) was very well written and edited, I couldn't pull my self to finish it. I got excited when i first read the blurb - i even pre-ordered the book knowing it would be dark (which i am completely fine with). What I am not fine with is the rape that occurs within the book.... it almost seems that the rape scenes i read were written to turn the reader on and personally that is not what i choose to read. While i do not plan on continuing this series i do plan on looking into other books by Snow and Savage, as i have heard great things about both authors.
This was the first book i read by both Snow and Savage. So while this book (from what I read) was very well written and edited, I couldn't pull my self to finish it. I got excited when i first read the blurb - i even pre-ordered the book knowing it would be dark (which i am completely fine with). What I am not fine with is the rape that occurs within the book.... it almost seems that the rape scenes i read were written to turn the reader on and personally that is not what i choose to read. While i do not plan on continuing this series i do plan on looking into other books by Snow and Savage, as i have heard great things about both authors.
May 18, 2019
it's feel more like rape by 3 person. There's no love between them, so what to choose. Anyway it's good story though .. even though a very distressed one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2022
This is not reverse harem and it's definitely not romance.
This book has been banned by Amazon for apparently being too dark and depraved but 1) Amazon doesn't tell you why it bans a book (it could have been in the wrong categories such as romance) 2) there is much, much worse stuff out there that Amazon allows and 3) it really wasn't as dark and depraved as I thought it might be after the trigger warnings.
It's torture porn, non-con, dub-con, violent but titillating erotica that lacks character development and world-building, and I know there is already a wonderful and enthusiastic audience for that. That's why I love the romance community. You can love your weird little books. I kinda wish there was more to it than just the smut, however anything that wasn't related to the smut was kinda boring.
As for me, I wanted to see if I could handle this allegedly dark and depraved thing. I was left feeling kind of meh. I'm definitely not into this kind of thing but I had to read it first to figure out if I was. So thanks for trying ladies, but not my cup of tea. Steering clear of 'dark and depraved' from now on.
Also, for the amount of eyes that went into this, you'd think the final version would be better. There were so many times when the physical locations and actions of the characters during the sex scenes just were not possible. Having so many character names beginning with the same letter was a poor choice as their bland personalities meant they often merged. The rules of the world were inconsistent.
I am absolutely not kink shaming. If you love torture porn and non/dub-con you'll probably really enjoy this.
This book has been banned by Amazon for apparently being too dark and depraved but 1) Amazon doesn't tell you why it bans a book (it could have been in the wrong categories such as romance) 2) there is much, much worse stuff out there that Amazon allows and 3) it really wasn't as dark and depraved as I thought it might be after the trigger warnings.
It's torture porn, non-con, dub-con, violent but titillating erotica that lacks character development and world-building, and I know there is already a wonderful and enthusiastic audience for that. That's why I love the romance community. You can love your weird little books. I kinda wish there was more to it than just the smut, however anything that wasn't related to the smut was kinda boring.
As for me, I wanted to see if I could handle this allegedly dark and depraved thing. I was left feeling kind of meh. I'm definitely not into this kind of thing but I had to read it first to figure out if I was. So thanks for trying ladies, but not my cup of tea. Steering clear of 'dark and depraved' from now on.
Also, for the amount of eyes that went into this, you'd think the final version would be better. There were so many times when the physical locations and actions of the characters during the sex scenes just were not possible. Having so many character names beginning with the same letter was a poor choice as their bland personalities meant they often merged. The rules of the world were inconsistent.
I am absolutely not kink shaming. If you love torture porn and non/dub-con you'll probably really enjoy this.
April 5, 2019
Dark, heavy material to read with a wonderful heroine, who really says: Who laughs last, laughs best!
Intense, stirringly written with heavy steps in the in between zone. Besides being evil and disgustingly arrogant, there is also being mean and being badly influenced by the environment. Apparently revenge and retaliation go a long way here, but it's the right direction!
Even if it is unusual not to find a sympathizer on the male side, it fits wonderfully and you know exactly who is begging for a fist in his face and elsewhere.
I love the interesting combination of Mantigor, Dragon and Nightcrawler and want more. I hope the world design and the social order as well as the description of the simple/everyday togetherness continues and gets a little more space and depth in the future to round everything off a bit more.
Personally I am looking forward to the following books in the series and hope for a manageable waiting time.
Well, as expected, A-Zon has its difficulties when no fabric softener is used and blocks and banishes. Fortunately, there are other ways and marketplaces to get the book and load it on your Kindle, and the authors have gone to the trouble for their readers.
As long as you know yourself well enough as a reader and take the trigger warning to heart, you know what to expect and that's exactly where you get it. So if you whine because you didn't want to hear again, you can take a self-critical look in the mirror.
Yes, it's dark, evil and mean, but that's how it should be!
4,5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💫
Intense, stirringly written with heavy steps in the in between zone. Besides being evil and disgustingly arrogant, there is also being mean and being badly influenced by the environment. Apparently revenge and retaliation go a long way here, but it's the right direction!
Even if it is unusual not to find a sympathizer on the male side, it fits wonderfully and you know exactly who is begging for a fist in his face and elsewhere.
I love the interesting combination of Mantigor, Dragon and Nightcrawler and want more. I hope the world design and the social order as well as the description of the simple/everyday togetherness continues and gets a little more space and depth in the future to round everything off a bit more.
Personally I am looking forward to the following books in the series and hope for a manageable waiting time.
Well, as expected, A-Zon has its difficulties when no fabric softener is used and blocks and banishes. Fortunately, there are other ways and marketplaces to get the book and load it on your Kindle, and the authors have gone to the trouble for their readers.
As long as you know yourself well enough as a reader and take the trigger warning to heart, you know what to expect and that's exactly where you get it. So if you whine because you didn't want to hear again, you can take a self-critical look in the mirror.
Yes, it's dark, evil and mean, but that's how it should be!
4,5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💫
March 19, 2019
Oh. My. God. That was amazing. I kept questioning my sanity while reading this because I kept telling myself that I should not be enjoying this as much as I was. It was hot and SOOO dark and morbid and I f***ing loved it!!! No shame here!
With that being said, this book was full of dark themes including rape, kidnapping, public humiliation, whips, lots of blood, abuse, and just a ton of dark triggers. So if you only like to read sweet romances that make you wish your husbands were like the hunks you read about in those books, just skip over this book. This is not a sweet romance where the men whisper sweet nothings in the woman’s ear while promising her the world. And that ending... oh man! It was fantastic! I need to know what the King’s reaction is and how this will play out for Saphyre, her sisters, and the kingdom.
Even though Saphyre was being held against her will, I couldn’t help but find the entire scenario to be hot as f***. I found myself begging Saphyre to just submit to the 3 men, but I loved reading about her defiance and her punishments. I really hope the authors continue this series because I cannot wait to see where this goes.
I’m pretty sure this is the only review I’ve ever posted where I’ve dropped the f-bomb because I cannot contain my emotions after reading Saphyre! 😂😂
I highly suggest this read to anyone who enjoys reading dark themes books with elements of BDSM, fantasy, post-apocalyptic, lots of HOT SEX, and RH.
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