They thought they broke me, but in the end they only freed me… and now I’m going to kill them all.
My crown has always been nothing more than a pretty shackle and I was a willing prisoner, until my brother killed the love of my life. Now that the illusion of happiness has been shattered, the storm inside of me has been awoken and I’m going to get my revenge.
Being banished to Ezowel was the first step in my plan and now I have to find the DEADKREST. The exiled group of royals are the only people who ever got close to ending the way of the six kingdoms, and I know they’re my only chance at toppling my brother off of his throne and taking it as mine.
But the DEADKREST prove to be nothing that I expect.
I don’t expect the men to be cold, blood-thirtsy monsters instead of the rumored good-hearted royals I believed them to be.
I don’t expect them to hate each other.
I don’t expect them to ignite feelings that I haven’t felt since my husband was killed.
And I certainly don’t expect for them to fight over me.
How will we ever get us off this godforsaken island so I can get my revenge if they can’t stop trying to kill each other?
••••••
This is the first book in a fantasy reverse harem trilogy.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. I REALLY wanted to like this one! That cover! The cool concept! Unfortunately, it did not live up to its promise. I prefer a more prose-like writing style and this was almost utilitarian in its sparseness. Emotions were just labeled (e.g. He was angry) as opposed to described to help build a picture. And there was an overreliance on the FMC's inner monologue which also switched tenses at random. The FMC had a lot of potential. She started off as a sword-swinging badass but then quickly became a passive participant in her own adventure and somehow forgot how to defend herself. She just followed the guys around getting herself into random scrapes that required her to be rescued, all while asking only the most obvious questions. The men's characters were a bit shallow and there was no real hint as to what is actually behind their conflict so you're subjected to 120 pages of them arguing with no glimmer of deeper meaning, though I'm sure there is one. The diversity of the characters was certainly a strength and I wish I could have cared about them more. Unfortunately, I will not be following them on their next adventure.
A rebellious princess wanting to save her kingdom from the current rulers? Who doesn't love a character like that? Aphaedra is an amazing FMC with the strength, intelligence, determination, and unique abilities to truly make a difference when she puts her mind to it. I'm usually a fan of medium to fast burn stories. This, however, was a fantastic slow burn RH that really allowed you to break down and get in touch with the characters, to see some of their motivations and past errors that may cause issues in the present or future. It's also what I would kind of consider an enemies to lovers type of story. Maybe not with all of the characters, although each has a reason to hate Aphaedra's family and what they represent, but there is definitely some hesitation and downright anger towards her for unknown things her family did in the past. One of the things I loved about this story was finding out some of what truly happened in the past to put her kingdom in the situation it is in and land Deadkrest in the prison island of Ezowel. It was relatable to see how facts and tales were twisted by a person of power to put Deadkrest in the wrong and make it appear that the rest of the kingdom were victims, and to see how the winners of a fight manipulate the truth into something false to make themselves come off as selfless, caring, and righteous--the epitome of a broken kingdom that is focused on power and wealth instead of their own kingdom's wellbeing. I cannot wait to see Deadkrest fully come together as a solid front with Aphaedra leading them. This book had plenty of action and excitement in it, but I bet the next book will be even better as they take steps to escape the island and restore the kingdom, facing threats and foes along the way.
The cover of this book got me because it just screamed at me. Then I realized it was by Quirah Casey and I love her. So naturally I wanted to know what is the DeadKrest. I was immediately sucked into this book and was transported to a whole new world. Well a new prison like world. Aphaedra Tempest is sent to Ezowel for something she did. Well while she is there she is trying to search for the DeadKrest. Now I thought the deadkrest was an object only to find out that it is people. So here is the thing, there is a lot of mystery going on with all the characters. So when Aphaedra meets each of these guys Earm Walsh, Twysden Haewood, Paerrysh Bardaz, Domeinous Frosh, and Callyncus Glaexias she senses tension. These guys have been in this realm for a while now and you have no idea how they are going to react. Are they mentally stable? Will Aphaedra be able to accomplish her mission? All I know is that I enjoyed this book with all the adventures that Aphaedra embarked on. Her story is gripping and almost breaks your heart. Will something come of the gorgeous men of DeadKrest and Aphaedra? This is a great start to a series and I cannot wait to explore more of what to come.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What are you to do when your royal brother murders your husband? You go and hunt down the men who once tried to overthrow the throne and ask for their help. I found the premise of this book very interesting, however there wasn't enough hints at the history of Phaedrah or the Deadkrest to truly capture my attention - I like little hints, details or nuggets of information to hook me in. I know that this is just the first book and it's setting the scene but I really needed a few more hints or flashbacks, etc to truly grab my attention. That being said I have a newborn baby and I still finished this book in about 3 days - not bad when you consider that a newborn requires constant attention and I pretty much solely read during the 'night shift' which I tend to do by myself. This is a decent start to the series and I see huge potential, I just want to get to the nitty gritty of both Phaedrah and the Deadkrests' pasts and discover how they came to be in the situation they are in and how they are going to tackle the task of taking on Phaedrah's brother.
Deadkrest by Quirah Casey is the first book in new series. It's a fantasy reverse harem trilogy. There is drama, action and mystery. So all my favourite things.
This is a bit of slow burn, but I liked it in this book. You get to know the characters more at first. You get to know their pasts and motivations.
The FMC is an amazing, strong and intelligent main character. I like her determination and unique abilities. I love the chemistry between all the characters, and I love how their personalities clash sometimes.
This book is very well written and the plot is amazing. Great start for the series. It gives you a little taste of what's to come.
I'll definitely be reading more books from Quirah Casey. I can't wait for the rest of the series. I want more of Aphaedra and her men.
I received a free ARC copy of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.
Princess Aphaedra Tempest is determined to avenge her husbands death, he was killed by her brother for trying to intervene when she discovered he was trafficking girls. The only way to stop her brother is to reunite the legendary DeadKrest who were exiled to Ezowel - a place for the hardest, cruelest criminals in the Six Kingdoms of Wystata - over a century ago. Her only hope is to get herself banished to Ezowel to track them down and convince them to help.
This book is a slow burn Paranormal RH and i found it completely fascinating. I can’t wait to learn more about Aphaedra and the members of DeadKrest. It was shorter than I would have liked, I was hoping for more drama in her quest to reunite them, finding the first 3 members sort of seemed too easy and quick but the ending more than made up for it.
*Spoiler Alert* Exiled to Ezowel a inhospitable and dangerous place but Aphaedra (FMC) is there for a reason. She needs to find the Deadkrest. A quintet of rough and ready men - Twysden (and his feline companion Trina), Cal (All growly and anti social), Earm (Flirty and overtly sexual), Paerrysh (very Zen like but with hidden depths) and Domenious (Vicious and unforgiving but i havent worked him out yet). Aphaedra has definitely got her work cut out with these guys though. Theres obviously underlining hurt and unresolved issues that make things difficult for all of them. Violence, Backstories as well as learning to trust and rely on each other. Its a really great start to this series and i brilliant read. I totally loved reading it and i cant wait for the next book
What a story! It is packed full of action, drama, suspense, with a bit of mystery mixed in. It is stunningly written and the characters are magnificently developed. It is extremely well written and the descriptions are vivid as they allow you to easily picture what is happening and the surroundings. I loved Aphaedra and the guys. They have so many clashing personalities and the personalities are felt throughout the story. The chemistry between the characters are building as the story progresses. I can’t wait to learn more about them and how they ended up where they are. This first book gives a taste of what is to come as the series progresses. This is definitely a must read and doesn’t disappoint
Princess Aphaedra Tempest is sent to Ezowel, the prison island for the worst criminals. But she's not that much upset by it. Because the Deadkrest is in Ezowel. The five princes that started a revolution a century ago, but were caught and sent to the island. And she needs them. They're the key for her revenge. Except that they are absolutely crazy and hate each other! Now is up to Phaedra to reunite them and make them collaborate with her and each other. Easy peachy, huh?
I'm having kittens about this book. The boys are a bunch of sexy psychos but I loved it! There's mystery, action and sexy guys all around. If you don't like crazy, psycho guys and MM, well, read anyway! Quirah is my new Sarah J Maas!!!!
Received an ARC copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
I’m intrigued. The world and character build pulled me in. Though there were some editing inconsistencies, it was still very well done and not distracting enough to prohibit my immersion into this new world.
It’s been a couple years since she wrote this, so I hope the second book is in the works, as the cliffhangers here are crazy! I don’t always leave comments on books, but I want to remember that I want to read the next one. Normally I add release dates for books I want to read in my calendar so I don’t forget (I escape into books SO often that I do forget), but I can’t in this case.
If you read these, Quirah, please know there are many who are anticipating this book when you have time! In the meantime, I’m off to devour your other works. 😊
Wow! What a unique and completely encompassing new world that Quiarh Casey has given us. The world build is absolutely amazing and I loved the detail in everything. It really feels like you're there. Aphaedra is a fierce and strong FMC that makes this story such fun to read. I have so many questions that I hope will be answered in the next book... Yes T I'm looking at you! The story gives you just enough information on the characters that you will crave to know more and I absolutely loved that! Looking forward to seeing where Quiarh takes this story!
Finding herself in a land full of the worse criminals Aphaedra is on a mission to find the 5 people who can help her with her revenge. Easier said than done as times have changed and who knows who they are now.
This was an enjoyable read it was low steam but we really got to know the characters in this book. Each man has a complexity to him that you and Aphaedra are working to figure out throughout the book. Even Aphaedra herself may be more than it seems as she finds herself doing the impossible.
This book was so exciting!! I loved every minute of it. The mystery that surrounds Deadkrest and what T did to make them split up is making me go crazy! I just want to know what happened. The characters are complex, eccentric, and an incognito at the same time. Aphaedra is such a fierce and strong FMC, I love her. And her inner monologs are really amusing, but it also helps us understand her. I loved this series and can't wait to know more about their journey 🖤
A wonderful beginning to a fascination world. I'm thoroughly enjoying the development of these characters and getting to know their personalities. I hope in future books we get even more background of the local and the people. I love the slow development of what makes these folks tic and what has happened to make them the way that they are.
I can't wait to get my hands on subsequent books of the Deadkrest world.
Wow, this book from the second that I started reading it, it had me hooked. It moves along at a really great pace which makes for an enjoyable read, has interesting and unique characters that you want to know more about and a story that keeps you interested all the way from beginning to end. This book is a must read, no doubt about it.
This book is different in plot and characters. It is a set up for a series as the Heroine is gathering her hostile and diverse group of soldiers. The world building and character development could go into a little more detail. But, it's mostly a set up for the rest of the story.
Once again I am in all of this author's story writing and once again I'm severely disappointed and just frustrated with this cliffhanger! I hope she continues the story and I hope it's soon because seriously would love to get into the heart of this story and we only got a small part of it!
I liked how Casey introduced this new world throughout the book. Aphaedra is in a journey for revenge which leads her to go in search of the men she needs. There is more to Aphaedra’s and the guys’ story which I want to learn.
I got pulled into this book so bad. I was allmost shocked when it ended, because I forgot everything besides reading. Really loved the story, and cannot wait for the next ones! Love the way the world is introduces, and how everything man comes into the story.
Entertaining and original. Action packed with great world building and character development. Slow burn but have hope for future books. Definitely recommend this.
I am all on for this series. I can’t wait to see what happens next! I don’t want to give spoilers but I will say that I am completely and utterly captivated! Well done!
This was my first book by this author. I am so glad I gave a shot at it. The writing and world-building were phenomenal and so different from what I'm used to from this genre. You need to one-click this baby like yesterday!