The Banished Prince

Their Dark King #1

by Zoe Perdita

I was only a child when my own family betrayed me, killed the Queen, and drove me from my kingdom. Six years later, I’m finally strong enough to exact my revenge.

With a bit of help from a noble knight, a mysterious crow shifter, and my own growing powers, I can finally reclaim what’s rightfully mine—the Obsidian Throne—and take my place as the Dark King of Eldwyrd.

Hell hath no fury like a prince scorned…

(A Gay Harem Fantasy)

Genres: Fantasy, M M Romance, Romance, M M M, LGBT, Polyamory, Magic

209 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 5, 2020

About the author

Zoe Perdita writes (mostly) gay shifter romance because the only thing better than one hot shifter dude is two hot shifter dudes making out. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with a fluffy orange cat and a lively roommate. When she's not writing, Zoe likes to travel, read and play video games.

Zoe loves to hear from her fans so please send her an email: zoeperdita@gmail.com

Or her Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/zoe.perdita

Join her mailing list for special updates, contests and sneak peeks to upcoming works:

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Let her know which series you'd like to read more of. Feedback from fans is super important!

Reviews

[Al *the semi serial series skipper* · Rating 4 out of 5]

I seem to have discovered a new superpower, finding series where only one book is out. I don't know how I do it, it's a gift.

I enjoyed this book. First of all, I liked that it had POV's for all the main characters ( four of them) and they all had their own personalities and not of the copy and paste variety.

The plot was intriguing as well, as I read on I'm starting to think Cassian's mom was not the lovely mother/queen he thought her to be. I can't wait to read the next book.

[Jewel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. The story definitely shows promise, and I hope we get the next book soon because the ending is a touch cliffy.

[frances · Rating 2 out of 5]

Plot looks good and interesting. We have a prince, a knight, a warlock, and a huntsman—each of them have their own POVs in the book too but for some reason I wasn’t really hooked. This left me empty. Sad, because I was expecting to love this one.

[Verdelite · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so close to being a fave...
A banished prince seeking revenge with a crowboy and a pining knight (and former childhood friend) at his side?
Count me the hell in.

In retrospect, I loved how the past event was slowly revealed to the reader through Cas' nightmares. At the time of reading the book, I was anxiously glancing at the rapidly increasing book progression % of my Kindle.
I was unsatisfied with how the relationships developed; it didn't feel to me like there was any kind of significant shift that would reasonably jump-start them into acting on their desires.
Like, OK, there was sexual tension but I think it would've been more satisfying (lol) to let it simmer some more first. Though this might just be my craving for moreeee pining speaking. And they should definitely have a proper conversation first.

[John Altman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Banished Prince! 👍

Total Rating: 4.4 Stars out of 5
Rating Review Rollout:
(1) Blurb vs Story matchup: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(2) Character Development: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(3) Danger/Drama/Thrills/Chills: 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
(4) Editing/Proofreading: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(5) Entertainment Value: 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
(6) Feeling the Words: 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
(7) Flow of the Story: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(8) Keeps my Attention: 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
(9) MC Appeal: 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
(10) MC Backstory: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(11) MC Chemistry: 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
(12) MC Love Connection: N/A
(13) Plot Worthiness: 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
(14) Sexy Sex Scenes: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(15) Wrap Up of Loose Ends: N/A

[Riina Y.T. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love a good fantasy setting and I won't say no to a crow shifter, runaway prince and his knight in shining armor. That's SO MY THING. And I've also read about a similar pairing and adored it.

Sadly, The Banished Prince by Zoe Perdita didn't have me at the edge of my seat with her prince who is out for revenge. The storytelling was okay, the world building nothing out of the ordinary. I was hoping for more.

I sooo wanted to like it! :(

The only character I truly adored was Rook, the crow shifter. I had such a hard time with Cassian and Flynn, and heir three way romance didn't satisfy me. The dialogue was probably what put me off the most, it just wasn't fun or engaging (for me).

*****

▽
Many, many thanks to the publisher who kindly provided a free copy for an honest and impartial review.

[Veronika · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nette Idee, nette Charas, nette Prämisse - alles irgendwie nett, aber eben auch nicht so toll. Und die Umsetzung fühlte sich halbgar und halbherzig an. Die Romanze passiert viel zu schnell und hat mich nicht wirklich gepackt. Das World Building ist extrem sparsam. Die Handlung beginnt eigentlich erst am Ende, d.h. der gesamte Band hat sich wie eine Vorgeschichte angefühlt. Insgesamt etwas unterwältigend.

[Jennivie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enemies to lovers and friends to lovers. Two of my favorite things to read in one book! I loved this twist on fantasy and fairy tale. The banished prince reclaiming his throne, in this case through dark and dangerous means and with the help of two very different, sexy men. The characters are likeable and I loved getting a glimpse into all of their heads and hearts. The chemistry between the three of them sizzles. I especially liked the little things they’d do for each other, sometimes reluctantly. I couldn’t put it down and I can’t wait for more of their story!

[ReadWithE · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5? Had potential but lacked subtlety

[JoAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Honestly I had no idea what to expect with this book. I lightly skimmed the blurb before reading and knew the basics but really I got so much more than I was expecting.

While the blurb does state that is a a gay harem, soon to be poly, it doesn’t mention that this is some twisted version of a Snow White retelling, and that’s truly what I loved the most, and I can’t wait to see what other twists and turns the story takes.

I did feel like the book dragged a bit in the beginning, but it was worth the world building and by the time I checked where I was at in the book I realized I was almost done... and really I didn’t want it to end.

[R.M. Gauthier · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Banished Prince
What can I say, Zoe Perdita has done it again.
Great start to what I'm certain will be an awesome series. I love the three characters so far, talk about a mix of every personality... it'll be interesting to see where these three go next!

Waiting patiently, or not so patiently for the next installment!

[Kaila · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was really really good.. i wasnt sure what i would think of this book. its not my normal genre of choice but the blurb sounded good and i enjoy this author and i am so glad i decided to try it because it was amazing. magic and sadness... love and anger.. so many spots i thought about going through my kindle and smacking someone haha.. it was wonderful and i cannot wait to see what is next.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came for the polyamorous romance, and stayed for the wicked magic and badass main character (and the poly romance).

I can usually wait patiently for sequels, but Zoe. Please. You can't leave things like this! Are you going to make me beg for the second book? Because I'll do it. I will.

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book left me so empty.

The plot is amazing, and there were some cool scenes, but romance wise, it left me empty as hell. We have the prince having his first time with his beloved Knight, but it was glossed over as hell, and then we have him have sex with his mentor/crow, and that one was told in more detail. What the hell, why? Why skip one love making scene with one lover but not the other one? I demand equal sexy times.

It's left on a cliffhanger, by the way. "You’re welcome," said the author (probably) proudly to themselves.

Edit: One more book to add to the pile of: This is why cliffhangers are and will always be a BAD IDEA. 3 years later, and no 2nd book has been released. This is why cliffhangers are not sexy or cool or edgy. They are annoying and extremely disrespectful, I think, to your readers/viewers.

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't really like the way this was formatted with the passed showing up as dreams (?). Not sure if they were dreams, flashbacks, or hallucinations half the time. Plus nothing really happens & I found it incredibly slow. Even though it ends on a cliffhanger I won't be exploring the next book.

[F.R. D'Angelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, read as an arc then bought it.
I won't say anything else because others need to read for themselves. However that said it was wow..

[Kel · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF, but not due to the writing or story exactly. Can't read polygamous relationships and multiple partner stories is all (and nothing against the lifestyle, just not my cup of tea for my stories).

[Mx Phoebe · Rating 4 out of 5]

He was once a Prince, then a healer, now Cassion is on the run from mercenaries and witch hunters. His companions are a trusted friend and a questionable thief. His plan? Take back his throne of course.

Prince Cassion is now living on the outskirts of a village helping his nursemaid heal the people of the village as an assistant mid-wife. His only companion is a crow which scares the village folk. One night the villagers bang on his door with a young girl they are accusing of witchcraft.

Suddenly nothing and no one is who they seem except for the young innocent girl they are accusing. Afterwards, Cassion’s home is decimated and everyone is dead except for his Nursemaid, the innocent, the crow, his best friend, and miraculously him. Now they need to run.

From this moment on Zoe Perdita takes us on an adventure in The Banished Prince. Perdita writes a story mixed up in the past of truths and half-truths. A story half-seen of visions and what might be so not even the reader never mind Cassion knows what is the truth is what is not. Very exciting.

The story is full of magic and mythology from Romania to fairy-tale. It is fun to try and read in between the lines and figure out what might be, but the story does not even give you time to take a breath to do that and it moves along so fast.

The only thing that does not move fast is the slow-burn romances. Perdita gives us a solid foundation for these relationships through flashback and through their current adventures. I love both relationships. I do have to say that I thought a third relationship was in the offering, but I guess I will have to wait and see.

I cannot wait to see what is next! The Banished Prince is the first book in the “Their Dark Prince” series.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

[Lexicdark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book was so good! This is a series starter book, so you have some background to get through and times of little action at the start. However, it is not dragging or deters from the story. Perdita does a great job of weaving the knowledge in through dream flashbacks Cassian (the Prince) is plagued with. The book also ends on a cliff hanger, but it's a good breaking point, and what appears to be all the main players are introduced and together. There are lots of questions that aren't answered, and lots more journey to go, so be prepared for a couple books.

The story centers around Cassian. a prince who fled the castle when his step-sister apparently killed their mother and took the throne. Cassian flees with his squire (and friend) to a remote village. At the books start, Cassian is grown and work's with the squire's mother (Cassian's nurse as a child) as a healer. It appears he has lead a generally peaceful life, but now things are starting to change. Just when Flynn (the squire) is on his way home after completing Knight training, the castle has announced it will open the gates again after 6 six years. Cassian now has his chance to take back what is his.

The multiple POVs are nice, but not overwhelming. Perdita does a great job of making each characters voice unique, so you don't have to guess who is narrating at the time. As stated before, Cassian is plagued with dreams of the day the throne was taken, but events in the dream are overlapped with what he knows now, and what may be things yet to come. So it's hard to piece together what happened that day. One of the way's this series will draw you back, so you can find out what really happened and why.

I had very little idea what I was getting into, and it made the story even better I think. No preconceived notions to ruin anything. It's a fairy tale retelling, and even makes references to other tales which is nice. Action scenes are fast passed and exciting. Suspense is just about everywhere, but in a good way. Magic is very involved. Feelings aplenty, both from the characters and for the characters. The feelings the character's have for each other can get rather steamy, but it doesn't distract from the main story, just enhances it.

[Xanthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a fantastic start to a new series!
Cassian has been left orphaned was his mother, the Queen, was killed for being a witch. Six years later, he's heading back to the castle now home to his step sister and her husband to take his rightful place as king. He's not alone, though, with Rook and Flynn accompanying him. Rook is a Romani warlock and Flynn now a fully trained knight.
Zoe has written an amazing story full of detail and mystery but with a good dose of action and intrigue whilst also building relationships between these three men from what they had six years ago to something far different now as men. It's really interesting and I love the added bonus of family drama, betrayal, and magic. There's a lot to keep the reader entertained whilst not bogging the story down unnecessarily. It flows really well, keeping you interested and invested in how everything turns out. Flashback moments happen occasionally giving the reader the chance to catch up on the day that the Queen died and how that is relevant to that part of the story, gaining more details to put with the past and the present. There are even references to fairy tales throughout which added another side to the theme of the story.
This is just the first instalment and I'm excited to see where book two leads the trio. I loved reading the POVs as we read from Cassian, Rook and Flynn's POV as well as one other men who ends up on their journey.
Definitely a recommended read from me. Fantasy, fairytales, romance and magic had my attention right from the start and I'm eager for book two as we are left hanging as they ride off into the next chapter of their trek.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Gabrielle Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

What If the story we have always known was not the whole story or even true? An evil wicked stepmother full of jealousy and her magic mirror. Could there be another side to the story, another participant that never got his story told? Cassian is a prince who has a story to tell and it isn’t a happy ever after one.

I enjoyed this version of events and am eager to get back to this world to see what will come next. Cassian is but a young boy when this story starts, and he is left to deal with his loss and life on his own, but little does he know that his companions never truly left him alone. Rook and Flynn were always by his side and looking out for him the best that they could. Now the three are together again and on a mission to right the wrongs of the past and to return Cassian to his rightful place. Each of these men have endeared themselves to this reader and I loved seeing the interactions that they share and watching their relationships deepen as they travel along for their quest made for a good read. The author has woven a wonderful story with strong characters that pulled me in right from the start and have me wanting more.

[Elizabeth Silver · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I don't even give my FRIENDS 5 stars, that's how good this book is.

I do this thing with TV shows I really enjoy and I know I'm getting to the end of -- I stop watching when I'm maybe two or three episodes from the end. It's like if I don't get to the end, then the story keeps going, you know?

Yeah, so I got to about 85% in this book and I SET IT DOWN for two days because I wasn't ready for it to be over.

I. Freaking. Loved. This. Book. I love the complicated characters and their equally complicated relationships. I love the hints at what Cassian perceives as what went down vs what maybe actually happened, and all the deft foreshadowing and the fierce determination driving every last character of this book. The descriptions are lush and detailed and full of magic.

Ugh. Give me book two NOW.

(I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. I also loved it so much I had to BUY MY OWN COPY OMG)

[Shawn Cha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

I was unsure to read it or not I’m usually not into harem books but seeing it’s by Zoe I couldn’t resist. At first I thought it was gonna be pg13 but thank god it wasn’t because I love the gore I love the steamy scenes I love everything that makes it amazing. At least the book focuses on both cas, rook, and Flynn. At first I didn’t know who I really wanted Cas to be with I mean Rook has always been by his side and is willing to sacrifice anything and everything for Cas. Flynn has been in love with Cas almost his whole life and would do anything for him. Some books it focuses on other men loving only one character but I feel as though this book really brings out the focus on maybe in the future where Flynn and Rook might learn to love another and not just Cas. I’m still unsure where the huntsman falls into this is he going to be one of Cas lovers or not but I feel a connection and now I need to know why he betrayed Cas. Can’t wait for book 2.

[Céline~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.8*

This was a bit confusing... I really enjoyed this book and read it all in one go (it's pretty short), but I also felt really baffled by certain things.

What I liked: the atmosphere, the characters, their dynamics, the plot, the world building, the writing
What baffled me: some plot lines (where is that band of mercenaries coming from? and why??), the pace of the sexy times (only a couple scenes, which I enjoyed as I didn't really want to read basic porn, but both times, it felt like the sex basically happened out of nowhere, at very weird times in the plot... I was very baffled by that), the abrupt ending (I felt like I was missing a bit).

Don't get me wrong, this was a very enjoyable read, but I just felt very confused sometimes. And it would have been nice to have a slightly longer book, but maybe that's just me being upset that the second book hasn't come out yet ^^

[Celia Liver · Rating 2 out of 5]

There’s nothing inherently wrong with this fantasy harem setup, but I just couldn’t get into it. The multiple POVs felt disjointed and weren’t well-executed. The main character, while undeniably powerful, came across more like a boy than a compelling lead—his inner world lacked charisma or depth.

The other male leads, with the exception of the Huntsman, felt one-dimensional. They filled familiar archetypes—the loyal knight, the ever-watchful crow—existing mainly to prop up the MC, constantly praising his beauty, kindness, or strength without much substance of their own.

Even the plot felt thin. There was little in the way of strategy or tension; conflicts were resolved with a simplistic “let’s just go kill the enemy” approach, lacking nuance or buildup.

I don’t mind the MLs overall, and the story at least tries to offer a plot, but the MC just didn’t land for me as a truly engaging protagonist.

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an arc of this from the author

I absolutely loved this story so much! The characters were so compelling and felt so real to me. Cas is a banished prince and is trying to reclaim what is rightfully his along with learning more about hismagic and powers. There is the Romani crow shifter named Rook and the steadfast knight Flynn. Each of these men has their own personality and reason for wanting to help and protect Cassian. And there is also the huntsman trying to find the renegade prince. This story has some action and adventure along with some heat. I liked learning about the magic system and seeing how the relationships between characters developed. I can’t wait for the next book and to see what happens next for each of these people. This was such an amazing book and I definitely recommend for people to read it. Don’t want to say too much for fear of spoiling things.

[Ζωή Παππά · Rating 5 out of 5]

When prince Cassian was a boy his mother, the queen, was betrayed and killed and he was banished. Now he’s old enough to revenge those who betrayed him and take back the throne with the help from a knight and a crow shifter.

What a wonderful start to the series! This dark fairy tale has me hooked! I loved the world building and the magic system, but what really won my heart was the amazing characters. Each one of them was so well developed, with unique voices and great backstories. I can’t wait to find out more about them and see them grow even more.

Something else I really enjoyed about this book was the way the flashbacks were written. It was different and interesting.

This book is well written, well paced, with great characters and full of action! I really recommend it!

I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.

[Soryn W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7 overall. I was only hoping for more heated scenes but that's just me. The story pulls you in for sure.
Magic, danger, and love!
What's not to love about that mix? This story was unique but had some amazing ties to the fairytales we grew up with. I love a good harem and this story is a start to a promising one. each character had their own personality and flaws. I love a goof lawed character and Zoe didn't disappoint.
There is a lot of flashbacks in this book but it's book 1 and they honestly help build the story. It helps the reader understand why Cassin is drawn to his men. I mean if I had my own Rook around I would be drawn to him as well. (Rook is my fave)
I look forward to reading book 2

[StinaA · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Banished Prince, were my first book by this author. It's a new twist on a old fairytale, and I liked it!

"If he could destroy a mob of men into nothing but ash and bones, it seemed like he might be able to accomplish his goal of reclaiming his stolen throne. Only, how much of the kingdom would be left when he was finished?"

I really enjoyed that we got to read from multiple POV's. It really strengthened the story, and it's an easy way to let us get to know each characters better.

"I knew nothing of the world then. What did I know of it now? Fate was cruel. Everyone lied. And everyone needed to watch their own back, for no one else would watch it for them."

I can't wait to read the next book!!

[SimmingJustin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need Book 2 Yesterday

Wow, okay. So, there are a few areas where editing could be improved, and maybe some telling cut down, but that’s extremely minor.

I LOVED this story. Cas is such a lovable guy, and I’m living for the steam between him, Flynn, and Rook. I hope he gets a taste of the huntsman too. Enemies to lovers is such an awesome trope, assuming the whole power imbalance gets addressed in book 2.

I have SO many questions, and I’m sad they won’t be answered yet.

I’m definitely subscribing to whatever tells me when book 2 is coming.

Hopefully this is at least a five-book series (I’m an ever-greedy reader). There’s so much potential with Cas’ power, lineage, and possible mates.