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Four Kings Academy #1

Chased by Darkness

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Four Dangerously Hot Kings have declared War and what do they all want? Aria…

After being framed for murder, Aria Kolgrim is given two choices. She either attends Ravenwell Academy to master her Void Magic or spend the rest of her days in prison.

The Academy seemed like the safest choice, but she soon finds herself drawn into a cruel world of warring factions ruled by Four Powerful Wizard Kings. Each wants her to be their queen and nothing can stand against their wanton wishes.

Aria is determined not to lose her freedom to the will of the Kings, but how can she win against Four Powerful Elementals who will stop at nothing to claim her? Can she fight when the King’s jealous exes come for her, out for blood? Will she survive the merciless bullying by her classmates? Or will she succumb to the Four King’s wicked teasing, meant to break her and make her submit?

If she caves, she’ll lose her freedom forever. So, she’d better think fast. Because the Kings are coming for her and when they do, she’ll lose more than her autonomy or even her life.

She’ll lose her heart.

*Note. This series reads like one long book that progressively gets STEAMIER as the story goes along. It's a Medium Burn Academy Romance with a Strong Heroine and 4 Wicked Twin Kings.

359 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 21, 2019

304 people are currently reading
292 people want to read

About the author

Taylor Spratt

43 books173 followers
Hey there! I'm a Jamaican author with a passion for all things paranormal romance. I write Reverse harem romances with irresistible plot twists that will keep you up way past your bed time.

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5 stars
127 (38%)
4 stars
87 (26%)
3 stars
73 (22%)
2 stars
23 (7%)
1 star
17 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
Profile Image for Mandie.
692 reviews34 followers
January 8, 2020
This book had an interesting plot line. And a lot of potential. It was interesting. It just took me a while to get into. I do plan on reading the next one to see how it turns out.
Profile Image for Alyrica.
555 reviews17 followers
December 22, 2019
I believe this was a debut book by this author and there is a lot of potential. Though there were many things I enjoyed, there were a couple of things that kept me from loving it.

What I Liked:
*The setting. I am a sucker for academy settings. There isn't a lot of classroom time on page but it was still fun.
*The premise. I love the seemly good person born with "bad magic" trope. Add to that four attractive guys vying for the girl and it was set up to be a story I would enjoy.
*Not all the love interests bullied the heroine. What has really bothered me in similar books is when EVERYONE is against the FMC. That feeling of isolation and bleakness really gets to me but I didn't have that in this reading experience due to some of the male love interests and the FMC's friend, Cas.
*I don't know if this was intentional but I loved how the supposedly "evil" character who was treated like a monster was sweet while 99 percent of the "good" characters behaved inhumanely. I found it thought provoking and interesting.

What I Didn't Like:
Overall it was my inability to connect with the characters. I believe this was due to two main issues; lack of realism and lack of detail.
*Lack of realism. So there are those that scoff at anyone claiming that a paranormal book wasn't realistic. That is a pet peeve of mine because it is understood that characters, magic systems and sometimes worlds won't be realistic but unless specifically written into the world building, the actions, reactions, behaviors and dialogue should feel authentic to the real world. With this book everything felt so over the top. It was still a fun read but did add an obstacle to connecting with the characters and the world because I couldn't relate on any level. Everything felt so extreme from the overly brutal bullying to the rapid pace of the characters feelings, both romantic and platonic.
*Lack of detail. So, I was immediately intrigued by this world but I wanted more. Where is it? How do the various supernaturals relate to each other? Why were the male MCs the kings? How were Luca and Bane able to usurp part of Alexander and Raiden's power structure?
Also the lack of details with the characters themselves. Why was Cas automatically drawn to Aria when she was reviled by almost every other person in her life? What was the motivation for Alexander and Raiden's parents treatment of them? Did Aria get proof of what happened to her parents and why didn't that have more of an effect on her decisions and personality? These are just examples of the questions I had while reading. This is the first in a series though so I assume more information will come as it progresses but I am greedy and impatient so wanted more information in this installment.

It may sound as if I didn't like this book but I did. The author did an amazing job on her debut book and I am excited to see where this series goes from here!
Profile Image for Naurarwen.
1,025 reviews8 followers
January 10, 2020
I really am a sucker when it comes to academy stories at the moment and I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I loved the setting and the fact that the FMC was a good person who just happened to be born with magic that other characters saw as evil. After being falsely accused of murdering someone because of her magic, she has two choices prison or going to Ravenwell Academy and it's not hard to see why she goes with the choice she does. Pretty much everyone hates her, and it's not helped by the four Kings who want her to choose a faction, of which there are two she can join. The boys are hot, I mean one of them quite literally as he possesses the fire element.

Can't wait for book two!
3 reviews
February 7, 2020
Loved the book. It was a very easy read. Can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Angela Denny.
1,057 reviews6 followers
July 21, 2025
The kings are powerful, arrogant and think they have a right to dictate Arias' life. Aria is sweet, innocent and a bit naive. She is determined to follow her own path and will not let the kings decide for her. Her journey has many ups and downs as she fights to forge her own path. The cliffhanger definitely leaves you wanting more.
Profile Image for Georgie.
47 reviews5 followers
March 15, 2021
Someone please save me! I keep making awful decisions! (Such as finishing this book). I honestly don’t know how I made it through, desperation? Hoping the author somehow gets it together in the final pages? And I really wanted to like this book!

Where do I start?

Firstly, zero character development. Like I’m unsure how that’s possible, but zilch! Example A: FMC meets clichéd BFF as the first (and only) person to talk to her in the academy. Obviously the author decides we don’t need to see any development of their character or any personality traits. We just have to trust her, they’re definitely BFFs and obviously we, the reader, are too needy asking to read about any of this (sigh).

Example B: our entire understanding of why these ‘Kings’ are desperate to get with the FMC is ‘helpfully’ summarised in a badly placed flashback...all tell, no show.

Ok secondly, if you can move past the lack of personality or logic (which I still don’t understand how I did!), you get greeted with wonderful, completely not overdone or clichéd, insta-love (one sided). But also the FMC can somehow still feel it and is perfectly happy to crawl all over their laps minutes after they are threatening her etc!

Let’s talk the FMC’s backstory:

1) murdered parents
2) evil villainous magic, obviously
3) 8 years living in a forest without ANY human contact - I’m just ignoring the fact she somehow survived without no outdoor or survival skill! Ignorance is bliss!

And all of this makes perfect sense why the bullied and basically uneducated FMC is so ‘badass’....(spoiler: it doesn’t)

To summarise, I’m just glad I never had to look or think about this book ever again!
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews70 followers
March 27, 2020
ONE SPECTACULAR WHIRLWIND!!!
Burning it up! Taylor unleashes a raging inferno, flying on the wings of a tempest, burning down the town and lighting up the night, rocking this baby from start, fusing it together sleek, shiny and tight. Sparks fly as drama, intrigue, turmoil, secrets, surprising suspense and precarious situations along with a boatload of devious intension while dodging chaos, you have one chart topping masterpiece. A tumultuous wild ride with a surplus of unexpected misfortune and tantalizing events, blasts those churning emotions into play perfectly. Anarchy, escapades and havoc run amuck, kicking this gem into a swirling tempest, blasting it into a frenzy with a life-altering realization. Navigating the trials and tribulations, noting the thrilling twists and wicked turns, testing our characters in ways they could have never envisioned. The dynamics and countenance in layer upon layer that you peel back with each page your drawn deeper into this tangled web, until everything else ceases to exist. The characters are complex and authentic with depth and traits that blend and flow, transforming into genuine relatable personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and depictions creating a colorful backdrop that makes the storyline pop. Remarkable job Taylor, thanks for sharing this little treasure with us.
Profile Image for Charlotte.
3,970 reviews63 followers
July 30, 2025
After the murder of her parents, Void User - Aria (FMC) is living a quiet life until lies about her lead to her being enrolled in Ravenwell Academy. A place run by the Four Kings (Alexander, Raiden, Bane and Luca) in two opposing factions with Aria landing right in the middle of all of this tension. She brought her own brand of complications when she flat out refused to join either one of them. Making each king hell bent on getting her by any means necessary. Only Aria being a Void User is dangerous in her way and she can take care of herself and although I shouldn't laugh some of the hexes she gave folks were funny. This was a great start to this series and I'm eager to get my hands on the next book.
Profile Image for Jessica Traver cashen.
356 reviews18 followers
January 22, 2020
Awesome read, with a great plot and characters. I was engrossed from start to finish. I couldn't put it down! Great start to a new series. It is a bully academy, suspense, intrigue, action, magic and some steamy bits. Aria is a void user she doesn't have much control over her dark magic and winds up at the academy. People are scared of her or bully her because she is a void user. She also has 2 sets of king twins Alexander and Raiden (Floodquakes) and Luca and Bane(Flamenados) vying for her. The school is in the 2 factions and are nasty to each other and Cas, Asia's friend goes missing. Can't wait to read the next book! I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
520 reviews14 followers
December 29, 2019
This actually has a very nice world building. The story so far is interesting. Aria was framed for something she wasn’t even at fault at and because of her power.

At Ravenwell, she meets the four Kings. Supposedly, there are two waring factions and each have two kings. However, both factions want her as their queen but Aria denies this.

More than her current situation being her problem, something sinister is happening and also a prophecy portraying her to be someone who would grant the kings’ to be the Grand Lord.

I have feeling there’s going to be a twist and she may just end up with all of them instead of two.
Profile Image for Katie.
1,987 reviews16 followers
January 6, 2020
Really really enjoyed this story. First story from this author and this book really got my interest. Storyline was really good. Lots of things going on in story that I’m very curious about. This book does end on a cliffhanger. So be warned. I just want the next book really badly. Definitely a must read book.
Profile Image for Lisa Freels.
139 reviews3 followers
December 21, 2019
Oh man this book seriously hits you in the feels !!! Aria is so excited for her magic to come and when it does ..her and her family r VERY disappointed ... She's about to have to go thru hell and back ...not trying to give to much away just trust me this book is AMAZING...
Profile Image for Deborah.
854 reviews15 followers
July 17, 2025
Save us from fanatical seers, prophecy, a scary headmaster and men who think they know what’s good for us.
I honestly wanted to shake the kings silly over their behaviour towards Aria. They don’t know her at all and the proclamations of love would have had me screaming at them. In fact, that’s exactly what she did, but to no avail. They aren’t listening!
I felt so bad for Aria, thrown into the school from hell and pursued relentlessly by kings and students alike. A certain scene with Bane totally made me freak. Trying to decide on my favourite king, at the moment it’s Raiden. Though this may change! Although with that ending they need to sort themselves out, sooner rather than later!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Jens_Book_Cubby.
1,509 reviews55 followers
December 21, 2019
I really liked this book! Aria and the Kings are awesome characters. This book has action, intensity, and intrigue. The storyline is great and I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book!
Profile Image for Melanie.
1,141 reviews3 followers
December 24, 2019
Well it's 1:30am and I just had to finish this book. Ohh what's going to happen next I do need to know. This book had me hooked, loved it.
87 reviews
December 25, 2019
Loved this book. I dont usually go for paranormal books but this one caught my eye and I'm so glad I read it. Cant wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Shelby Young.
2 reviews
January 5, 2020
If there was an ideal book for me, this would be it! I LOVED it! Can't wait to read more from her!
Profile Image for Kelly Gregory.
1,835 reviews27 followers
December 22, 2019
I absolutely love these types of bully romance RH books, however they can be hit and miss with different authors. This however is most definitely a hit and captured from the beginning. You cant help but like Aria and the tough life she has had growing up, i loved the way she stands her ground when she is sent to the academy and meets the 4 kings. Most books have the heroine caving far sooner with the hero's attention and it was a refreshing change to have her still fighting even at the end of the book. The four kings are in a league of themselves with all different looks and personality (if i was Aria i wouldn't be able to choose and wouldn't want to) I'm interested to see where this story goes as at this point i'm not 100% sure! What an ending though......that was so cruel for us readers and now i just cant wait for the second book! I received an ARC from the Author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Rachel Osborne.
1,093 reviews19 followers
January 14, 2020
From pages one I was invested. Aria had my emotions moving and I just had to find out what will happen to her. The concept of factions and the bully aspect had me intrigued. The kings were fantastic characters and I loved the dynamic of them. Aria was a great heroine who is feisty, strong and has great emotion. I fell in love with the book and I loved how the kings were fighting over her. And some of those scenes were hot hot hot. Loved it Taylor and that ending had me screaming... I need more. I need to know what happens. This book is beautifully written and will draw you in till you will want to become aria and prophecies.
Profile Image for Veronica Prowant.
515 reviews3 followers
January 23, 2020
This book was darker in alot of ways than I expected but I loved it nonetheless. The FMC is unique, personable, likeable, and vulnerable too. Life hasn't been easy for her, and now her world is upside down. And shes been fought over like a piece of meat by 4 hot, but selfish men. I haven't decided how I feel about them yet, but their actions in the next book will seal their fate. Hopefully things start looking up for our FMC!
Profile Image for Karah.
196 reviews
January 12, 2020
Interested.....

*I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

So I believe this is the debut book by Taylor Spratt and I have to say it was a good one. There could stand to be a little more detail in the world building but overall it is solid and kept me interested enough to be excited about the next in the series. The plot is intriguing and suspenseful. I love a good RH and bully tropes can be difficult but I’m invested for now. I hope to see more character growth as the series continues but am definitely along for the ride.
Profile Image for Leah Saldivar.
3 reviews
January 8, 2020
Eagerly looking for the next one in the series. This academy RH stands out in an original and exciting way. The MC is so resiliant and the Kings are drool worthy. It does have a bully theme, but even that is original. The bullying coming from a place of desperation in the guys while fighting for the MC. Most of the time the guys are protective and vengeful, with only a couple incidents from the kings themselves. The MC does get bullied by her peers quite a bit though, so if you don't like that, this wont be good for you. But if you do, I highly recommend this series! And who doesn't love it when hot guys fight over the girl? There a few steamy scenes, but its leading up to what I am sure will be awesomeness in the second book of the series.
Overall, it was fantastic and well worth the read!
Be warned though: serious cliffhanger!
Profile Image for Bella Suarez-Ramirez.
511 reviews5 followers
January 8, 2020
Interesting

I liked the storyline. It captured me from the beginning. There were parts I wanted to through my book out and parts that I felt for the MC. The ending was unexpected and I can’t wait to read the next book in series. I felt some things a little rushed but other than that it was a good read.
36 reviews
January 3, 2020
Awesome!

While there was no real steam in this first book of this series, I can see it developing. The characters are pretty well developed and the story line is unique. The world this author has written is intriguing and well thought out. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book!
Profile Image for Daisy Sauceda.
1,809 reviews21 followers
December 23, 2019
This is a great start for a bully academy series. Aria has been on her own for a while and all of a sudden things change. She has to go to the academy or she will end up in jail. At the academy she meets Luca, Bane. Alexander and Raiden. Luca and Bane are twins as well as Alexander and Raiden. When Aria meets them, she feels a pull towards them and cannot explain why. Aria is a void user and her magic is out of control so that is another reason she goes to school. While she is there she also makes friends with Cassandra. (Hmm I wonder is Cassandra is Galima in disguise.) Anyways, because she is a void user people are either scared of her or they bully her. The guys are hard to understand with their actions. You have two of them who try to bully her and two who are trying to seduce. She knows something is up and is wanting to know why. There are some revelations toward the end that explains what is going on. There is some steamy situations that happen as well. I love the characters. I love how Aria is not going to change who she is to comply with the others. I love the up and down moments of the guys. I wish there was more POV from them. Overall its is a great start. I cannot wait to see what happens.
Profile Image for Boo.
3,677 reviews14 followers
December 30, 2019
Was ok.

This wasn’t no light bulling and as good as the writing was I wasn’t prepared for how bad the bullying was from the harem. I hope she don’t fall in love with the guys who torched her.
Profile Image for Robin Dorf.
166 reviews14 followers
January 25, 2020
An absolutely amazing read!!! Debut author Taylor Spratt brought her A game with all of the feels, a kickass heroine, and 4 sexy assholes vying for her magic and attention!!!!

Trust me!!!! You will NOT want to miss this 1st installment of what is sure to become an awesome series!!!!
Profile Image for thehotmesslibrary.
825 reviews21 followers
December 21, 2019
Wow, does this book start off with a bang, it is a cross between an adult version of Harry Potter and Game of thrones. In the centre of it all we have Aria Kolgrim a master of void magic, but who is seen as a danger from those in her community. When her parents die and she is found in the forest, she is accused of a heinous crime. Sent away to Ravenwell Academy where she is meant to master her magic, she comes across a school which is full of violence, those who rule through domination and scaring others and the Four Kings who rule the factions of the school.

But not everything is what it seems and Aria is not only left fighting for her own survival but also fighting against the four brothers and a prophecy which could change everything.
This book was certainly a page turner and you felt genuine sympathy for Aria as she fights for survival at a new school, without parents and with a magic that she doesn’t quite understand. This book is full of violence, bullies and hot scenes between Aria and the four brothers, each who are different form each other and want something from Aria. There are definitely a lot of secrets in this book and it ends with a fairly good cliff-hanger which was interesting. If you’re interested in the wizarding world with the clash of Game of Thrones and a pinch of the Hunger Games with a very steamy side, then this is the book for you!

ARC received for a fair and honest review.

More of my reviews can be found on my blog: https://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com
Profile Image for Carol Rupprecht.
783 reviews17 followers
December 19, 2019
This was such an intense book to read. The background story for Aria as well as the 2 sets of twin kings is heartbreaking. They've all had to endure so much pain and suffering to get to where they are now. I like how Aria has a connection to all 4 guys, but I really wish they'd pull their heads out of their butts and just let her do her own thing for a bit. Although they feel they have good intentions in wanting her by their sides, Aria is constantly feeling like a pawn in their plans (as she should). It's unfair to her that she has been framed, played, and harassed just for a prophecy that even the seers are confused about. I am really looking forward to the next book and hope that Aria is able to fully stand up for herself against the kings as well as learn to harness her void magic a bit more! 
52 reviews
December 21, 2019
My heart broke for Aria - her whole backstory was so messed up. Then she has a choice go to school or prison for life all because she was falsely accused of murder. She chooses the academy thinking it was the lesser of two evils - little did she know her life was going to get way more complicated!! Upon arrival we learn the school is separated in two. Each of the factions is ruled by two Kings. All four Kings have set their sights on Aria because of a prophecy. School now has become a battleground of advances from the kings, bullying from members of the opposite faction, attacks from jealous ex-girlfriends of the kings. What is a girl to do? She just wants to go to class and get through it so she can be left alone. The book ended on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see what happens next!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews

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