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Crystal Kingdom #1
Fae King
Jerrek Valsys was quite literally cursed. In life and in love. With no wife to see him through those long lonely nights and no way to help tame the beast that currently resides inside him, he’d spent years waiting on his mate with a glowing rock to show up. Seriously. He had. Because the prophecy told him so. But when his beast comes out and finds its mate, he may have to forget about that whole prophecy thing. Even if it means he has to give up his crown as the Fae King.
Kaia Cutestone’s life sucks. She has a job with no future and lives with her dead-beat, soul-sucking brother. The only good things in her life are her friends Jen and Avery. It’s too bad the three of them have just been kidnapped with fairy dust. Yes. Tinkerbell type fairy dust. All Kaia has going for her at this point is that she just ran into the most gorgeous man she’s ever seen. He’s smoking hot, a little dark and dangerous, and she can’t stop thinking about him naked.
Thanks to her love of shifter romance novels, Kaia might be the only person on the planet who can help Jerrek tame his beast and keep him from killing more people. Kaia may not have a glowing rock but she sure is rocking an old ugly necklace. But is that enough to get her a happily ever after and help find her friends?
Reader Note: **This is the start of a fun, action-packed and smokin' hot new trilogy. If you're a fan of fae, elves, and all fantasy creatures, pick this one up. Shifter lovers, never fear, Milly's got a sexy alpha ready for you.**
Kaia Cutestone’s life sucks. She has a job with no future and lives with her dead-beat, soul-sucking brother. The only good things in her life are her friends Jen and Avery. It’s too bad the three of them have just been kidnapped with fairy dust. Yes. Tinkerbell type fairy dust. All Kaia has going for her at this point is that she just ran into the most gorgeous man she’s ever seen. He’s smoking hot, a little dark and dangerous, and she can’t stop thinking about him naked.
Thanks to her love of shifter romance novels, Kaia might be the only person on the planet who can help Jerrek tame his beast and keep him from killing more people. Kaia may not have a glowing rock but she sure is rocking an old ugly necklace. But is that enough to get her a happily ever after and help find her friends?
Reader Note: **This is the start of a fun, action-packed and smokin' hot new trilogy. If you're a fan of fae, elves, and all fantasy creatures, pick this one up. Shifter lovers, never fear, Milly's got a sexy alpha ready for you.**
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2019
1424 people are currently reading
1117 people want to read
About the author
Milly Taiden
496 books4,271 followersMilly Taiden (also writes as April Angel) was born in the prettiest part of the Caribbean (to her) known as the Dominican Republic. Currently, she resides in New York City with her husband, bossy young son and their little dog Speedy.
When she’s not working full-time, texting with her best friend Heidi in England, chastising her son for pulling the dog’s ears, shopping with her sister Jewel or watching scary movies with her husband, she can be found writing on her laptop.
She’s addicted to shoes, chocolate, Dunkin Donuts coffee and JIMMY THOMAS covers!!!
When she’s not working full-time, texting with her best friend Heidi in England, chastising her son for pulling the dog’s ears, shopping with her sister Jewel or watching scary movies with her husband, she can be found writing on her laptop.
She’s addicted to shoes, chocolate, Dunkin Donuts coffee and JIMMY THOMAS covers!!!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
March 4, 2020
Perfect Mary Sue heroine meets perfect dark king who thinks he's cursed. Dark king of course has a bitchy nobel who is convinced she'll be his queen hanging out in the castle causing trouble. This was every single trope imaginable.
Mary Sue is kidnapped, but manages to accept that she's on another planet, shut down a slave market, rescue women and children being sold off, find out she has special powers, nearly uncurse the king, gain the queen's approval, rescue the princess, fall in love, lose her virginity, and make sure the bitch troublemaker gets what she deserves... All in three days.
Don't worry though. Bitchy gal was banished, so I'm sure she'll conveniently be back to make more trouble in the next two novels that are going to be exactly the same amount of predictable.
Mary Sue is kidnapped, but manages to accept that she's on another planet, shut down a slave market, rescue women and children being sold off, find out she has special powers, nearly uncurse the king, gain the queen's approval, rescue the princess, fall in love, lose her virginity, and make sure the bitch troublemaker gets what she deserves... All in three days.
Don't worry though. Bitchy gal was banished, so I'm sure she'll conveniently be back to make more trouble in the next two novels that are going to be exactly the same amount of predictable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2019
Very poorly written
The fae in this book weren't magical and by the end, the fae had earth slang that weren't very creative and I typically liked reading taiden books. Was too teeny bopper for me with no rhythm.
The fae in this book weren't magical and by the end, the fae had earth slang that weren't very creative and I typically liked reading taiden books. Was too teeny bopper for me with no rhythm.
September 19, 2019
Book one in new The Crystal Kingdom series by Milly Taiden
Kaia Jen and Avery are a bff and have been for a very long time each was given a piece of jewellery with a unusual weird jem.
Kaia is camping with her bff and suddenly wakes up in a dungeon with a terrified child.
That where she learns about Fae Goblins Trolls and fairies.
Jerrek is Fae king and is struggling with his curse of the Fae king his inner demon called gryphon, it takes over Jerrek and kills people near him but after meeting Kaia Jerrek learns to talk to his demon and they come to an agreement especially when they both agree she there mate.
I absolutely love Milly Taiden especially PDA series but this has become a new favourite of mine.
I can not wait for next book in series and find out what’s happened to Jen and Avery.
Kaia Jen and Avery are a bff and have been for a very long time each was given a piece of jewellery with a unusual weird jem.
Kaia is camping with her bff and suddenly wakes up in a dungeon with a terrified child.
That where she learns about Fae Goblins Trolls and fairies.
Jerrek is Fae king and is struggling with his curse of the Fae king his inner demon called gryphon, it takes over Jerrek and kills people near him but after meeting Kaia Jerrek learns to talk to his demon and they come to an agreement especially when they both agree she there mate.
I absolutely love Milly Taiden especially PDA series but this has become a new favourite of mine.
I can not wait for next book in series and find out what’s happened to Jen and Avery.
March 8, 2020
Book one in new The Crystal Kingdom Sweet and Clean for YA series by Milly Taiden
Kaia, Jen and Avery are a bff and have been for a very long time each was given a piece of jewellery with a unusual weird jem.
Kaia is camping with her bff and suddenly wakes up in a dungeon with a terrified child.
That where she learns about Fae Goblins Trolls and fairies.
Jerrek is Fae king and is struggling with his curse of the Fae king his inner demon called gryphon, it takes over Jerrek and kills people near him but after meeting Kaia Jerrek learns to talk to his demon and they come to an agreement especially when they both agree she there mate.
I absolutely love Milly Taiden especially PDA series but this is different for me because it’s for YA audience but still massively enjoyed the story just as much.
I can not wait for next book in series and find out what’s happened to Jen and Avery.
Kaia, Jen and Avery are a bff and have been for a very long time each was given a piece of jewellery with a unusual weird jem.
Kaia is camping with her bff and suddenly wakes up in a dungeon with a terrified child.
That where she learns about Fae Goblins Trolls and fairies.
Jerrek is Fae king and is struggling with his curse of the Fae king his inner demon called gryphon, it takes over Jerrek and kills people near him but after meeting Kaia Jerrek learns to talk to his demon and they come to an agreement especially when they both agree she there mate.
I absolutely love Milly Taiden especially PDA series but this is different for me because it’s for YA audience but still massively enjoyed the story just as much.
I can not wait for next book in series and find out what’s happened to Jen and Avery.
September 30, 2019
I really loved this story! It was fast-paced, very entertaining but still sexily sweet. It had very little drama yet still enough action to keep me turning the pages.
Can’t wait to read the other books in this series!
Can’t wait to read the other books in this series!
February 3, 2025
2.75 - Cheesy, cringey and frequent eye rolls, but interesting premise. Heroine is a Mary Sue, suffers from insta-love and she can do anything now. I didn't hate Fae King, it just could have been much better. Supposedly book 2 and 3 are a vast improvement.
October 25, 2019
Needs editing, but not a bad story.
January 8, 2023
The romance was developed was too fast. They fall in love within less than a day and then she felt betrayed within 2 days. The book was the queen of misunderstandings. 🙄
September 22, 2019
Goblins, Trolls, and Fairies oh my. Milly brings a new world and a new series to us. Gots to love the Fae one of my fav paranormal species.
Good has a 'bad' side, the elders knew it, but they also knew how or better yet what would balance both sides out. A Sassy but down on her luck and life girl is out with her BFFs, which are the only ones that seem to have remembered her birthday. Sidebar: I'd gladly smack her mom and her brother oh let's not forget the girlfriend just on GP.
you have a gorgeous King that always puts his people first, a mother trying to get him married of course she wants gbabies, A hot bf that is his voice of reason or his helper in getting into stuff.
All the while we're meeting a Goblin King and a Troll King with their own agenda's, keeping and selling slaves only part of it. A dangerous beast that's hard to control. Mystery jewelry that all three females (BFFs) have in their possession.
The story was so much fun and the characters are full of life and personality. A great intro to a new series. Enjoy
Good has a 'bad' side, the elders knew it, but they also knew how or better yet what would balance both sides out. A Sassy but down on her luck and life girl is out with her BFFs, which are the only ones that seem to have remembered her birthday. Sidebar: I'd gladly smack her mom and her brother oh let's not forget the girlfriend just on GP.
you have a gorgeous King that always puts his people first, a mother trying to get him married of course she wants gbabies, A hot bf that is his voice of reason or his helper in getting into stuff.
All the while we're meeting a Goblin King and a Troll King with their own agenda's, keeping and selling slaves only part of it. A dangerous beast that's hard to control. Mystery jewelry that all three females (BFFs) have in their possession.
The story was so much fun and the characters are full of life and personality. A great intro to a new series. Enjoy
October 10, 2019
BAD BAD BAD
First of all the book was immature and the characters as well.... The female lead was pretty annoying... I'm all for not knowing your worth but she bordered on stupidity. I found myself skipping pages just to get to the fucking point of the book and ended up skipping it till the end just to leave the review. I have read better books than this. This book was a waste of time and I did not like the book at all... The characters were like ten year old children. I advise you to skip the book.
No hate on the author but the book in my opinion was bad.
First of all the book was immature and the characters as well.... The female lead was pretty annoying... I'm all for not knowing your worth but she bordered on stupidity. I found myself skipping pages just to get to the fucking point of the book and ended up skipping it till the end just to leave the review. I have read better books than this. This book was a waste of time and I did not like the book at all... The characters were like ten year old children. I advise you to skip the book.
No hate on the author but the book in my opinion was bad.
September 24, 2019
2 & 1/2 stars rounded up.
This story was very simplistic, the plot was for the most part, predictable. I kept wanting so much more from the main characters, but wasn't getting it. The whole story read like a novella, though it wasn't one. I didn't hate it, but it just wasn't impressing me enough to want to continue with the series.
This story was very simplistic, the plot was for the most part, predictable. I kept wanting so much more from the main characters, but wasn't getting it. The whole story read like a novella, though it wasn't one. I didn't hate it, but it just wasn't impressing me enough to want to continue with the series.
November 10, 2024
So bad. But not bad enough to be good and enjoyable.
The story idea has potential, but it wasn't explored. So all the characters come out totally flat and two dimensional. Parts of the story make no sense, as if chapters were missed when sent to the publisher.
The basic storyline is really meager. Oh yes I am a virgin human female who is the worst of the worst I have no self-esteem and here is this person I have met who is going to change my whole life. Only I'm not worthy. He's showing interest but I don't think he likes me. I don't think I like him. Oh wait no yes I do. All of a sudden yes we're in love and we are having seggsyy times except that I don't know what to do because I'm a virgin. Except suddenly she does.
But then the author needs to advance the plot, so I am now going to be completely stupid after having been rescued from certain death and run right back to the exact place I was rescued from.
And on it goes...
Should have trusted the other reviews I read that seem to be at about a 40% dnf rate!
But I think like a lot of other people, this was a free book included with my audible membership. So I figured why not.
But overall I think the worst thing about this book is that the author is obviously trying to write it as a spicy book.
But not pulling it off. Instead it comes off as creepy, cringey and downright inaccurate. It seems that the demographic for this book is probably a 14 year old girl - that's just yuck!
It is my hopes that any person who has not been sexually intimate with someone else doesn't read this book and think that's the way that it goes. Because it totally doesn't.
Did you get to the end of my round? I am amazed by you 👏🏻
Don't take my word for it, but read it at your own discretion unless you're really into reading stuff so bad that it's almost good. Except that this book isn't quite bad enough because it was intentionally trying too hard to be something and there's no fun in it.
I listened to the audiobook. It's incredibly bad. It goes in my narrators who suck tag.
The story idea has potential, but it wasn't explored. So all the characters come out totally flat and two dimensional. Parts of the story make no sense, as if chapters were missed when sent to the publisher.
The basic storyline is really meager. Oh yes I am a virgin human female who is the worst of the worst I have no self-esteem and here is this person I have met who is going to change my whole life. Only I'm not worthy. He's showing interest but I don't think he likes me. I don't think I like him. Oh wait no yes I do. All of a sudden yes we're in love and we are having seggsyy times except that I don't know what to do because I'm a virgin. Except suddenly she does.
But then the author needs to advance the plot, so I am now going to be completely stupid after having been rescued from certain death and run right back to the exact place I was rescued from.
And on it goes...
Should have trusted the other reviews I read that seem to be at about a 40% dnf rate!
But I think like a lot of other people, this was a free book included with my audible membership. So I figured why not.
But overall I think the worst thing about this book is that the author is obviously trying to write it as a spicy book.
But not pulling it off. Instead it comes off as creepy, cringey and downright inaccurate. It seems that the demographic for this book is probably a 14 year old girl - that's just yuck!
It is my hopes that any person who has not been sexually intimate with someone else doesn't read this book and think that's the way that it goes. Because it totally doesn't.
Did you get to the end of my round? I am amazed by you 👏🏻
Don't take my word for it, but read it at your own discretion unless you're really into reading stuff so bad that it's almost good. Except that this book isn't quite bad enough because it was intentionally trying too hard to be something and there's no fun in it.
I listened to the audiobook. It's incredibly bad. It goes in my narrators who suck tag.
November 17, 2020
DNF
I don't know why I was expecting more than a cute read, but she lost me at Tinkerbell. I think I just wasn't in the mood for something so fluffy, I had trouble paying attention.
I feel like anyone looking for a light read with a Disney fairytale feel should start here. 😁
I don't know why I was expecting more than a cute read, but she lost me at Tinkerbell. I think I just wasn't in the mood for something so fluffy, I had trouble paying attention.
I feel like anyone looking for a light read with a Disney fairytale feel should start here. 😁
July 15, 2024
3 3/4🌟 an entertaining quick story. Predictable but nice for the entertainment. It’s got some spice that doesn’t take over the plot. Fun quick read, and I will continue reading the rest of the series.
August 13, 2020
Wow!!!
Awesome first story!!! Can't wait for the next one!!
Loved it!!! But it!!!
Just got the next one!!!
Just awesome read!
Awesome first story!!! Can't wait for the next one!!
Loved it!!! But it!!!
Just got the next one!!!
Just awesome read!
dont-want-to-read
December 24, 2021Sounds like not enough there to tempt me to read
March 17, 2020
This is a cute paranormal story, but it was just a bit too far-fetched for me (even for a fantasy!). It was an entertaining read, though, and I liked that it featured Fae, instead of just the usual aliens or shifters. It gets 3.5 stars from me, rounded down to 3 stars.
The thing that I found the most unbelievable was everyone on the alien world where Kaia was taken spoke English. No mention was made of them having universal translators or anything like that, but she was able to talk to all of them immediately? That was a bit ridiculous.
I did like that Kaia was able to help Jerrek understand his shifter side. No spoilers on how she did that, but it was creative how the author included that.
I liked both Kaia and Jerrek, and thought they were good together. I also liked the secondary characters, especially the little fairy Harmony.
Even though this story was a bit unbelievable, I will continue the series -- because it was a fun read.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
The thing that I found the most unbelievable was everyone on the alien world where Kaia was taken spoke English. No mention was made of them having universal translators or anything like that, but she was able to talk to all of them immediately? That was a bit ridiculous.
I did like that Kaia was able to help Jerrek understand his shifter side. No spoilers on how she did that, but it was creative how the author included that.
I liked both Kaia and Jerrek, and thought they were good together. I also liked the secondary characters, especially the little fairy Harmony.
Even though this story was a bit unbelievable, I will continue the series -- because it was a fun read.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
January 27, 2020
Alright
This book was a crack up... not because it’s funny, but because it’s really not. The premise is fantastic and the base solid - but the actual writing came across flat and so tropey I giggled. Regardless.... I just couldn’t stop reading. I was waiting for something to happen, more drama, danger or angst... while we get a little, it’s not enough to really drive the narrative, at least not in a creative fashion. Still a fun read though.
Third person, multiple POV, HEA
M/F
Rating = mature
Character age range 22+
Pros:
- Fun concept.
- Once you start reading, you can’t seem to stop.
Cons:
- Writing is flat and lacks description.
- I didn’t FEEL anything.
- Tropey.
- POV’s are mostly switched at the start of a new chapter, but over or twice there was a paragraph switch.
This book was a crack up... not because it’s funny, but because it’s really not. The premise is fantastic and the base solid - but the actual writing came across flat and so tropey I giggled. Regardless.... I just couldn’t stop reading. I was waiting for something to happen, more drama, danger or angst... while we get a little, it’s not enough to really drive the narrative, at least not in a creative fashion. Still a fun read though.
Third person, multiple POV, HEA
M/F
Rating = mature
Character age range 22+
Pros:
- Fun concept.
- Once you start reading, you can’t seem to stop.
Cons:
- Writing is flat and lacks description.
- I didn’t FEEL anything.
- Tropey.
- POV’s are mostly switched at the start of a new chapter, but over or twice there was a paragraph switch.
September 20, 2019
The Fae King (The Crystal Kingdom Book 1) by Milly Taiden is the first in a wonderful new trilogy. This book is the terrific tale of Kaia Cutestone (one of three prophesied queens) and the Fae King Jerrek Valsys. Kaia is smart and sweet and her good nature is often abused by those around her who should know better. When she is kidnapped through a portal and wakes in a goblins prison on a world that isn’t earth she has to find her spine and fast. As horrible as the stuff is that the author puts her through there is enough snark, farce and humor to keep us giggling through it. This is a fun and sexy tale that will leave you looking forward to the next installment.
September 22, 2019
A surprise awaits
A surprise awaits as you turn each page in this fast paced story of three friends and their adventures into the unknown.
I can't wait for the other two books in this series.
A surprise awaits as you turn each page in this fast paced story of three friends and their adventures into the unknown.
I can't wait for the other two books in this series.
September 29, 2019
Excellent new series. Great start. Fun and full of Exciting Twist that will keep you turning the pages until the book is done. Yes, it is that good.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 22, 2019
Silly
Would you as a rational adult listen to a woman trying to seduce your man when she sends you after the Troll King by yourself even though you can barely ride a horse and have no weapons or powers!!!! I can’t even with this plot....
Would you as a rational adult listen to a woman trying to seduce your man when she sends you after the Troll King by yourself even though you can barely ride a horse and have no weapons or powers!!!! I can’t even with this plot....
October 12, 2019
This was good, but it was a bit on the short side. Would have been great if it’d been expanded on more.
November 5, 2019
Fun read
3.5 quick fun read. I hope we get to know more about the h's grandmother. Her immediate family were terrible.
3.5 quick fun read. I hope we get to know more about the h's grandmother. Her immediate family were terrible.
November 28, 2019
Plus an HEA💜
This book has plenty of action and adventure with a side of spice. I am off to the next book in series with anticipation of more.
This book has plenty of action and adventure with a side of spice. I am off to the next book in series with anticipation of more.
December 14, 2021
Holy Wattpad Batman.
I’m sorry but this was just plain childish. Rushed, instalove, lacking character build or plot points.. truly I regret wasting my time on it.
I’m sorry but this was just plain childish. Rushed, instalove, lacking character build or plot points.. truly I regret wasting my time on it.
December 14, 2020
Did the other readers read the same book? This had so many problems, this review is going to end up being a list. I couldn't even finish this because it was the stupidest thing I've ever read.
For starters, this was most definitely NOT clean by the majority standard. The author mentions sex (not explicit scenes, but still), pokes fun at a naked man, and the dialogue/body language between Jerreck and Kaia is described way too much. They clearly "want" each other, and I would never let a child read this. I'd barely let a teenager read this.
Secondly (and what ticked me off almost as much as the first point), nearly the entirety of what I read was all "telling." There was no subtle handling of anything, really. Neither Jerreck's nor Kaia's actions were meant to stand for themselves. They had to include some form of line indicating how much they hated injustice or wanted to do the right thing. The "curse" that Jerreck suffered through almost got out of this, but Kaia later explained it because she'd read some sort of book about it (although she mentioned that so late that I thought she'd been in some sort of fantasy world before - highly confusing). Everything had to be explicitly explained the reader, making me feel like a child who was being spoon-fed. While writing some things with a more direct explaination can be done well, it wasn't in this case. The author pushed their characters' goodness an the overall plotline in the reader's face, expecting them to take it and appreciate it. There was no literary merit to her writing style, unfortunately.
Thirdly, the dialogue was flat, childish, and full of unnecessary profanity. Kaia's language was the only one that felt somewhat natural. The rest all clearly had some sort of agenda towards the plot, and thus, felt stilted. It never felt natural. It was like watching somewhat write their first-ever draft of a story, only to leave it without any editing. And might I add, the dialogue of the fae and other creatures included human curse words, so not only was it profane, it was inaccurately profane, as I'm assuming the other world and the human world would not share much of the same slang.
Fourthly, the plot felt silly. Jerreck never seemed to have any other duties beyond finding the missing people (never mind that he was the king of an entire country and should have had all sorts of responsibilities especially concerning other nations), and Kaia and her friends magically had the same sort of necklace/bracelet/whatever so they ALL could fit into the plot because of course if they all go to the woods they have to be included. Back to Jerreck's problem, everything included with Kaia's kidnapping and him finding her felt too contrived to even be remotely possible, even though, yes, it's fantasy and of course it's not possible. I will suspend disbelief for as long as I can, but this book found my limits apparently.
Lastly, the formatting felt wrong. The chapters ended without warning or reason, and the switches between Jerreck's and Kaia's chapters happened without any sort of pattern. I also didn't understand why there had to be such switches in the first place - most of the time, the story could stay in one person's perspective without needing the other's, but I guess the reader just HAD to know that the mating bond or whatever thing was going with Jerreck and Kaia both.
Overall, this book is NOT clean, NOT well-written, and most definitely NOT worth your time. I enjoyed what the author started with, and I hope that I can read and enjoy something from her in the future, but this book is not it. M. Taiden, I mean no disrespect towards you personally, but this book was not what I was looking for.
For starters, this was most definitely NOT clean by the majority standard. The author mentions sex (not explicit scenes, but still), pokes fun at a naked man, and the dialogue/body language between Jerreck and Kaia is described way too much. They clearly "want" each other, and I would never let a child read this. I'd barely let a teenager read this.
Secondly (and what ticked me off almost as much as the first point), nearly the entirety of what I read was all "telling." There was no subtle handling of anything, really. Neither Jerreck's nor Kaia's actions were meant to stand for themselves. They had to include some form of line indicating how much they hated injustice or wanted to do the right thing. The "curse" that Jerreck suffered through almost got out of this, but Kaia later explained it because she'd read some sort of book about it (although she mentioned that so late that I thought she'd been in some sort of fantasy world before - highly confusing). Everything had to be explicitly explained the reader, making me feel like a child who was being spoon-fed. While writing some things with a more direct explaination can be done well, it wasn't in this case. The author pushed their characters' goodness an the overall plotline in the reader's face, expecting them to take it and appreciate it. There was no literary merit to her writing style, unfortunately.
Thirdly, the dialogue was flat, childish, and full of unnecessary profanity. Kaia's language was the only one that felt somewhat natural. The rest all clearly had some sort of agenda towards the plot, and thus, felt stilted. It never felt natural. It was like watching somewhat write their first-ever draft of a story, only to leave it without any editing. And might I add, the dialogue of the fae and other creatures included human curse words, so not only was it profane, it was inaccurately profane, as I'm assuming the other world and the human world would not share much of the same slang.
Fourthly, the plot felt silly. Jerreck never seemed to have any other duties beyond finding the missing people (never mind that he was the king of an entire country and should have had all sorts of responsibilities especially concerning other nations), and Kaia and her friends magically had the same sort of necklace/bracelet/whatever so they ALL could fit into the plot because of course if they all go to the woods they have to be included. Back to Jerreck's problem, everything included with Kaia's kidnapping and him finding her felt too contrived to even be remotely possible, even though, yes, it's fantasy and of course it's not possible. I will suspend disbelief for as long as I can, but this book found my limits apparently.
Lastly, the formatting felt wrong. The chapters ended without warning or reason, and the switches between Jerreck's and Kaia's chapters happened without any sort of pattern. I also didn't understand why there had to be such switches in the first place - most of the time, the story could stay in one person's perspective without needing the other's, but I guess the reader just HAD to know that the mating bond or whatever thing was going with Jerreck and Kaia both.
Overall, this book is NOT clean, NOT well-written, and most definitely NOT worth your time. I enjoyed what the author started with, and I hope that I can read and enjoy something from her in the future, but this book is not it. M. Taiden, I mean no disrespect towards you personally, but this book was not what I was looking for.
June 19, 2024
She tamed his savage beast. - Kaia awakens to find herself held captive by strange creatures. She did wish to be taken away from the drudgery of her life, but this is not what she had in mind. She's gotta find her friends and get outta this place. Being sold at a slave market is not an option.
Jerrek will not rest until the slave markets are shut down. Fae children are missing; as their king he must find them and return them to their families. The beast inside him is his curse, a burden to be suffered by the king alone. When it totally decimates one market and everyone it can get its talons into, he abdicates his throne in an attempt to save his people from the unthinking killing machine. But he'll figure out soon enough just how valuable his other self is.
I quite enjoyed this story. The chemistry between the MCs ignites quickly, but they are hopped up on adrenaline most of the time they're together. Full speed ahead and all. Kaia becomes a warrior, no longer the put-upon wimp her family would have her be. She brings the concept of girl power to a new realm. Jerrek is a great king, trying to do the best for his people. That he and his gryphon are not of one accord is different, but it is a fantasy tale. Mrs. Taiden took an alternate tact and it works. I like the gryphon's style - kick butt, take no prisoners and leave no witnesses. A lesson for those who would think to prey upon the weak. I wish the beast had scared Ursula enough to make her run away. But she got hers in the end. Readers are left to wonder how a human wound up with fae blood and what's up with the "rocks" but there are more tales to be told.
I listened to the Audible version. Good narration.
Jerrek will not rest until the slave markets are shut down. Fae children are missing; as their king he must find them and return them to their families. The beast inside him is his curse, a burden to be suffered by the king alone. When it totally decimates one market and everyone it can get its talons into, he abdicates his throne in an attempt to save his people from the unthinking killing machine. But he'll figure out soon enough just how valuable his other self is.
I quite enjoyed this story. The chemistry between the MCs ignites quickly, but they are hopped up on adrenaline most of the time they're together. Full speed ahead and all. Kaia becomes a warrior, no longer the put-upon wimp her family would have her be. She brings the concept of girl power to a new realm. Jerrek is a great king, trying to do the best for his people. That he and his gryphon are not of one accord is different, but it is a fantasy tale. Mrs. Taiden took an alternate tact and it works. I like the gryphon's style - kick butt, take no prisoners and leave no witnesses. A lesson for those who would think to prey upon the weak. I wish the beast had scared Ursula enough to make her run away. But she got hers in the end. Readers are left to wonder how a human wound up with fae blood and what's up with the "rocks" but there are more tales to be told.
I listened to the Audible version. Good narration.
March 6, 2021
J'avais envie de me lire une petite romance de fantasy avec des Faes. J'ai découvert ce premier tome grâce à mon abonnement @amazonkindle unlimited. Milly Taiden une auteure connue pour ses romances paranormales et notamment sa série ALFA parue chez @edmilady .
Kaia vit une vie pathétique. Elle bosse toute la journée dans un dinner. Le peu qu'elle gagne, elle le dépense pour aider son frère et son père. Elle n'a aucun soutien de la part de sa mère. Heureusement, elle peut compter sur le soutien de ses deux meilleures amies : Avery et Jen. Ensemble elle partent en forêt bivacouer. Dans la nuit, elle se retrouve propulser dans un univers parallèle. Séparée de ses amies, Kaia se retrouve prisonnière d'un roi gobelin. Elle est sauvée par le roi des Faes : Jerrek.
Dans l'ensemble ce premier tome est en déséquilibre. L'intrigue est prenante et intéressante. Mais les personnages ne sont pas à la hauteur de l'intrigue. Kaia ne semble pas perturbée de son voyage dans un autre univers. Elle s'adapte bien trop vite à sa condition et à ce monde magique. Jerrek est quant à lui un bon roi. Mais il n'arrive pas à dompter la bête qui vie en lui. Mais dès que sa compagne promise par une sorcière débarque dans sa vie, il arrive immédiatement à combattre ses démons.
Bref un premier tome en déséquilibre. Cependant cet univers me donne envie de poirsuivre ma lecture des tomes suivants.
Kaia vit une vie pathétique. Elle bosse toute la journée dans un dinner. Le peu qu'elle gagne, elle le dépense pour aider son frère et son père. Elle n'a aucun soutien de la part de sa mère. Heureusement, elle peut compter sur le soutien de ses deux meilleures amies : Avery et Jen. Ensemble elle partent en forêt bivacouer. Dans la nuit, elle se retrouve propulser dans un univers parallèle. Séparée de ses amies, Kaia se retrouve prisonnière d'un roi gobelin. Elle est sauvée par le roi des Faes : Jerrek.
Dans l'ensemble ce premier tome est en déséquilibre. L'intrigue est prenante et intéressante. Mais les personnages ne sont pas à la hauteur de l'intrigue. Kaia ne semble pas perturbée de son voyage dans un autre univers. Elle s'adapte bien trop vite à sa condition et à ce monde magique. Jerrek est quant à lui un bon roi. Mais il n'arrive pas à dompter la bête qui vie en lui. Mais dès que sa compagne promise par une sorcière débarque dans sa vie, il arrive immédiatement à combattre ses démons.
Bref un premier tome en déséquilibre. Cependant cet univers me donne envie de poirsuivre ma lecture des tomes suivants.
November 7, 2023
Sooo, I had no doubt when picking up this book that it would get to spicy quickly.. And not have much depth... But... I can honestly say, I don't think I have ever read something so redicuous in my life. If it was not a 4hr audiobook I could have switched off 30min in! Annoying as a love a cheesey book normally!!
Virgin Girl goes camping, girl get kidnapped into fae kingdom. King shifter needs his mate to release curse. His mating bond clicks in straight away on seeing her (I can accept, as he is fae, and at least questions it). She is "in love" within 30min for being rescued. *cue eye roll*. She's like... 'Why do you like me, I have a messy bedroom' . Everytime he shifts he ends up naked.. He's like 'like something you see'... This virgin girl with no apprehension just jumps on.
She keeps putting herself in the most redicuous situations on danger for moral reasons, with no skill set.. So instantly gets caught and must be rescued. She is unbelievabley frustrating. The younger sister aged 12 has more brains than both the king and the girl out together.
Virgin Girl goes camping, girl get kidnapped into fae kingdom. King shifter needs his mate to release curse. His mating bond clicks in straight away on seeing her (I can accept, as he is fae, and at least questions it). She is "in love" within 30min for being rescued. *cue eye roll*. She's like... 'Why do you like me, I have a messy bedroom' . Everytime he shifts he ends up naked.. He's like 'like something you see'... This virgin girl with no apprehension just jumps on.
She keeps putting herself in the most redicuous situations on danger for moral reasons, with no skill set.. So instantly gets caught and must be rescued. She is unbelievabley frustrating. The younger sister aged 12 has more brains than both the king and the girl out together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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