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Stolen Fae #2
Fall of the Fae
The Bond has been made.
Reid and Cyrus will never let me go.
But who is trapped with who?
They will protect me from my father.
Rescue the Fae who were stolen.
And indulge my deepest, darkest desires.
They have their hidden agendas.
But I have mine.
As the world turns to darkness in Ivan's shadow, the Dark Fae grow in number and ferocity.
The lines between magic and science are blurred, and a hidden weapon lies in wait.
Is there a way out of this? Reid believes there is. But our freedom will come at a heavy price
a hero will have to pay.
But there are no heroes here.
Fall of the Fae is book 2 in "The Stolen Fae series". It's a dark, urban-fantasy romance full of magic, danger, passion, and pain.
Please Note: This is a reverse harem book and contains explicit content and darker elements, including mature language, violence, torture and non-consensual sex. It is not intended for anyone under 18 years of age.
Reid and Cyrus will never let me go.
But who is trapped with who?
They will protect me from my father.
Rescue the Fae who were stolen.
And indulge my deepest, darkest desires.
They have their hidden agendas.
But I have mine.
As the world turns to darkness in Ivan's shadow, the Dark Fae grow in number and ferocity.
The lines between magic and science are blurred, and a hidden weapon lies in wait.
Is there a way out of this? Reid believes there is. But our freedom will come at a heavy price
a hero will have to pay.
But there are no heroes here.
Fall of the Fae is book 2 in "The Stolen Fae series". It's a dark, urban-fantasy romance full of magic, danger, passion, and pain.
Please Note: This is a reverse harem book and contains explicit content and darker elements, including mature language, violence, torture and non-consensual sex. It is not intended for anyone under 18 years of age.
450 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2022
618 people are currently reading
2276 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Lawrie
18 books475 followersMJ Lawrie has always had a love for storytelling. Formerly a film student, she started writing her debut series, The Last Witch, shortly after the birth of her first baby. Driven mad by the boredom of nap times and avoiding housework at all costs, she decided to finally get to work on her lifelong dream of writing a book. A true lover of fantasy, dark romance and thriller fiction, she's combined the three and poured her unusual imagination into the creation of characters that you love to hate and hate to love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
September 9, 2023
DNF.
While I quite liked book 1.
Book 2 was nothing more than annoying mess that I couldn’t even finish.
I expected Rave to grow as character, instead the more book goes forward , the more she acts childish , irrational, doesn’t think things through and only acts on her emotions no matter consequences .
She always fight guys on every step and keep throwing shit in their face even when they actually try to care for her. Running around naked and then gets angry that one of guys wants her to get dressed….
Getting intimate in front of bunch people , really?
Giggling while killing someone?
All Fae in this book acts like bunch of animals , and while I understand they wanted justice, we’ll have some dignity to.
It like reading book about teens , not adults .
Ant fighting , shouting on every step on each other , honestly 20% into book and I got so fed up I had to stop reading.
Good idea, but I gotta say , horrible writing
While I quite liked book 1.
Book 2 was nothing more than annoying mess that I couldn’t even finish.
I expected Rave to grow as character, instead the more book goes forward , the more she acts childish , irrational, doesn’t think things through and only acts on her emotions no matter consequences .
She always fight guys on every step and keep throwing shit in their face even when they actually try to care for her. Running around naked and then gets angry that one of guys wants her to get dressed….
Getting intimate in front of bunch people , really?
Giggling while killing someone?
All Fae in this book acts like bunch of animals , and while I understand they wanted justice, we’ll have some dignity to.
It like reading book about teens , not adults .
Ant fighting , shouting on every step on each other , honestly 20% into book and I got so fed up I had to stop reading.
Good idea, but I gotta say , horrible writing
December 6, 2022
wow
Im not really sure where to start. It’s 1:30 in the morning and I’m just in shock. I’ve read the previous book and previous series by this author and I knew I’d be traumatized but i truly didn’t know how many twists this book would take me through. This book was amazing, everything I expected and more. The author really outdid herself with this one and I don’t know whether to laugh, cry or curl into a ball. I have not fully processed everything that I just read, but it was amazing and so brilliantly written. The character development and the twists were so well paced, it was simply amazing. I cannot wait to be hurt again in book 3.
Im not really sure where to start. It’s 1:30 in the morning and I’m just in shock. I’ve read the previous book and previous series by this author and I knew I’d be traumatized but i truly didn’t know how many twists this book would take me through. This book was amazing, everything I expected and more. The author really outdid herself with this one and I don’t know whether to laugh, cry or curl into a ball. I have not fully processed everything that I just read, but it was amazing and so brilliantly written. The character development and the twists were so well paced, it was simply amazing. I cannot wait to be hurt again in book 3.
Read
August 19, 2024Complete trilogy now available from Audible🎧💖
June 22, 2025
Now this is an author who doesn’t shy away from making her readers cry because believe me, these 2 books have been a roller coaster of emotions
October 1, 2023
Like 2.89 stars or 2.99
Idk what happened with the 2nd book.
Just didn’t enjoy it as much as the first. In fact, I’m struggling to get through it.
There’s some okay smut. But the two dudes went from hot to being over bearing hens in a boring way.
The book smut is kind of unrealistic too even for fantasy. Sex with a gapping bullet hole/huge holes of blood pouring out of your body? Okay. That’s believable. It distracts me enough to stop focusing on the smut and actually say those words “that’s unbelievable but cute to try to make another smut scene that’s on edge I guess?”
Plot twist at the end was unexpected poor Luca.
I’m still reading currently on chapter 22 but geez 😒 talk about second book syndrome
So far they are just running, she’s denying them sex, they find a boring kingdom, the Mc has issues and seems to have some weird hang up on men treating women badly. Like we get it. You don’t stand for it. You don’t have to have the Mc saying the same dialogue over and over again about how she won’t stand for women being treated badly by men. Especially when every other chapter the women are used by men like dogs? 🤷🏼♀️
Really debating on reading book three. I cannot stress enough how much the whole book circles around these concepts over. and over. and over.
1.) Deny mates sex➡️your not the boss of me mates➡️I’m horny let’s have sex➡️your not the boss of me Denies mates sex
2.) Women will never be treated badly by men on my watch/I want to rescue everyone but get hurt every single time with a serious life ending injury that I can miraculously still have sex with even though I have a huge hole in my body
3.) I’m a confident queen ➡️ I’m a gutter rat➡️confident➡️ gutter rat
So confused how can I be disliking this book so much so far after book one?
Idk what happened with the 2nd book.
Just didn’t enjoy it as much as the first. In fact, I’m struggling to get through it.
There’s some okay smut. But the two dudes went from hot to being over bearing hens in a boring way.
The book smut is kind of unrealistic too even for fantasy. Sex with a gapping bullet hole/huge holes of blood pouring out of your body? Okay. That’s believable. It distracts me enough to stop focusing on the smut and actually say those words “that’s unbelievable but cute to try to make another smut scene that’s on edge I guess?”
Plot twist at the end was unexpected poor Luca.
I’m still reading currently on chapter 22 but geez 😒 talk about second book syndrome
So far they are just running, she’s denying them sex, they find a boring kingdom, the Mc has issues and seems to have some weird hang up on men treating women badly. Like we get it. You don’t stand for it. You don’t have to have the Mc saying the same dialogue over and over again about how she won’t stand for women being treated badly by men. Especially when every other chapter the women are used by men like dogs? 🤷🏼♀️
Really debating on reading book three. I cannot stress enough how much the whole book circles around these concepts over. and over. and over.
1.) Deny mates sex➡️your not the boss of me mates➡️I’m horny let’s have sex➡️your not the boss of me Denies mates sex
2.) Women will never be treated badly by men on my watch/I want to rescue everyone but get hurt every single time with a serious life ending injury that I can miraculously still have sex with even though I have a huge hole in my body
3.) I’m a confident queen ➡️ I’m a gutter rat➡️confident➡️ gutter rat
So confused how can I be disliking this book so much so far after book one?
January 5, 2024
It takes alot for me to DNF a series so I’ll finish the last book but so far - this just feels like misery porn.
Does the author hate Raven? She just can’t have anything nice ever. It’s tiring to read. I appreciate it’s a dark fantasy but misery for misery’s sake isn’t always good writing.
Next I felt that Raven was portrayed as unreasonably petulant and fought everything and everyone more than was needed - making me almost audibly eye roll on several occasions.
Finally the twists and turns were too twisty and turny and a bit silly - Brennan died in the beginning? And nobody knew? Yeah right. They are fae, they know these things. And just saying “oh her dad stole a power that allows them to mask” okay then. Although it’s stated earlier on Cyrus can sense magic abilities.
As I said, I will continue and finish the series, maybe I’ll change my review later a) after I’ve calmed down and B) once I’ve read the entire series as a whole
Does the author hate Raven? She just can’t have anything nice ever. It’s tiring to read. I appreciate it’s a dark fantasy but misery for misery’s sake isn’t always good writing.
Next I felt that Raven was portrayed as unreasonably petulant and fought everything and everyone more than was needed - making me almost audibly eye roll on several occasions.
Finally the twists and turns were too twisty and turny and a bit silly - Brennan died in the beginning? And nobody knew? Yeah right. They are fae, they know these things. And just saying “oh her dad stole a power that allows them to mask” okay then. Although it’s stated earlier on Cyrus can sense magic abilities.
As I said, I will continue and finish the series, maybe I’ll change my review later a) after I’ve calmed down and B) once I’ve read the entire series as a whole
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2024
DNF 9%... was so interested in the story but the FMC was missing me off with her terrible attitude and acting like a child.
September 23, 2023
First off, the constant underlying feeling of absolute dread I felt during this entire read through cannot be understated. I was physically uncomfortable as I read chapter after chapter, a nagging feeling of "something terrible is coming" would not leave my brain. Uncanny valley vibes as things were just really not rubbing me the right way.
The last 100 pages of this book.. how do I put this? If this book were a person, while reading the last 100 pages you would receive the hardest slap to your face possible. And just when you had registered that you've been slapped, you get another one. And this continues on and on until the end of the book.
The visceral anger, upset and sorrow that had me in a chokehold is something I don't think I've ever experienced from a book before. I felt that in my bones. It hurt.
Again, very dark book, 18+ and definitely CW for SA. But wow, that's all I can say about that.
The last 100 pages of this book.. how do I put this? If this book were a person, while reading the last 100 pages you would receive the hardest slap to your face possible. And just when you had registered that you've been slapped, you get another one. And this continues on and on until the end of the book.
The visceral anger, upset and sorrow that had me in a chokehold is something I don't think I've ever experienced from a book before. I felt that in my bones. It hurt.
Again, very dark book, 18+ and definitely CW for SA. But wow, that's all I can say about that.
August 28, 2025
HOLY PLOT TWIST
I can’t say much without spoilers but man every time you think you know what’s happening, BOOM plot twist. Super excited to read book 3!
I can’t say much without spoilers but man every time you think you know what’s happening, BOOM plot twist. Super excited to read book 3!
July 13, 2024
This book takes so many unexpected twists and turns and is a complete thrill ride all the way through! Ending on a cliffhanger, excited to read the final book of the series!
My favorite quote from this book:
"Love is actions, I believe. Not words. Words mean nothing. Words can be a lie. Actions are not lies. They are true in their single most absolute form. That word is too easy to use and too heavy to misplace." - Raven
How very true! Well said!
My favorite quote from this book:
"Love is actions, I believe. Not words. Words mean nothing. Words can be a lie. Actions are not lies. They are true in their single most absolute form. That word is too easy to use and too heavy to misplace." - Raven
How very true! Well said!
June 28, 2023
Oh my god??!! I didn’t know what to expect picking up from where Raven was last at. I am FLOORED. This is some top of the line plot exploring trauma and grief in such an authentic way. This is the first time in a long time when I had NO clue the outcome of the end of this book. I truly cannot wait for the third
April 8, 2025
So… I don’t really know where to start here! I loved this book. Oh my days Tessa really tested my patience , but maybe I understand a bit more how she feels by the end of this book. But Is it acceptable, absolutely not!
I adore Lucca, he’s a great character and my heart broke for him by the end.
Cyrus and Reid just need to get their shit together 😅
I adore Lucca, he’s a great character and my heart broke for him by the end.
Cyrus and Reid just need to get their shit together 😅
April 25, 2024
That ending
You cannot just leave me hanging like that. This book oh my. Love it, love all the dark twisted shi* going on in here and that ending, my god off to read book 3.
You cannot just leave me hanging like that. This book oh my. Love it, love all the dark twisted shi* going on in here and that ending, my god off to read book 3.
June 21, 2025
Slow burn, but goosebumps!
August 17, 2025
Ugh miss raven doesn’t listen to ANYONE & it annoys me. She’s also super protective over her sister which I get but it’s too much at times. Pretty boring book until the last couple chapters where there’s a million plot twists (kinda confusing). Of course it ended on a cliffhanger so I’ll be reading book 3 asap :)
September 30, 2025
What a cliff hanger 😱 straight onto book 3!!!
March 16, 2023
Wtf.. o-m-g.. that ending.. how.. nope... just nope.. give me book 3 like now. This is one of the best series i read this year!!❤️
February 21, 2025
Hard to put down. I raced to finish the book. The plot twists and turns in ways you cannot imagine. Blooming loved now for the third book!
October 13, 2025
Oh. My. God. So good!!
June 22, 2024
Audible ARC review
My god! this book had me shedding tears to parts of the story. The trauma that Raven goes through is heartbreaking 💔
The story follows Raven on her continued journey to save the Fae race alongside the people and friends she cares most for.
there were some twists and turns that I was not expecting and was excited to not have predicted the outcome.
Parts of the story had me thinking the MFC is so hostile and angry all the time but, knowing everything she's gone through I can not actually blame her. Saying that it would be nice to see some of her softer side as well so it's not all anger and hostility I hope that we may see this in the next book.
The performance was amazing and I just love how the narrator is able to differentiate between the characters. Amy executed the story amazingly and I really enjoyed listening to the story.
spice level I would rate this at a 3🌶🌶🌶 some scenes were very 🥵 and delicious to listen to.
overall I would rate this book a 4.5🌟🌟🌟🌟
I very much look forward to reading the next book.
My god! this book had me shedding tears to parts of the story. The trauma that Raven goes through is heartbreaking 💔
The story follows Raven on her continued journey to save the Fae race alongside the people and friends she cares most for.
there were some twists and turns that I was not expecting and was excited to not have predicted the outcome.
Parts of the story had me thinking the MFC is so hostile and angry all the time but, knowing everything she's gone through I can not actually blame her. Saying that it would be nice to see some of her softer side as well so it's not all anger and hostility I hope that we may see this in the next book.
The performance was amazing and I just love how the narrator is able to differentiate between the characters. Amy executed the story amazingly and I really enjoyed listening to the story.
spice level I would rate this at a 3🌶🌶🌶 some scenes were very 🥵 and delicious to listen to.
overall I would rate this book a 4.5🌟🌟🌟🌟
I very much look forward to reading the next book.
November 25, 2022
I want to thank MJL for letting me be a part of her alpha read team!
I have tried to so hard to write this review, cause really, how do I say "I FREAKIN LOVED IT AND OMG YOU NEED TO READ IT. LIKE SERIOUSLY NEED TO. I AM SHOOKETH", and not sound like a crazy person? 🤷♀️
So just incase it wasn't clear, I really really loved the continuation of Raven's epic story into owning her magic, her mating bonds & her attempt to save the Fae. The characters go through even more trauma (who'd have thought it?), and I am left desperately begging for book 3.
Tldr? MJL does what MJL does best & you will not be disappointed.
I have tried to so hard to write this review, cause really, how do I say "I FREAKIN LOVED IT AND OMG YOU NEED TO READ IT. LIKE SERIOUSLY NEED TO. I AM SHOOKETH", and not sound like a crazy person? 🤷♀️
So just incase it wasn't clear, I really really loved the continuation of Raven's epic story into owning her magic, her mating bonds & her attempt to save the Fae. The characters go through even more trauma (who'd have thought it?), and I am left desperately begging for book 3.
Tldr? MJL does what MJL does best & you will not be disappointed.
November 11, 2022
It's been over 24 hours since I finished this book and I'm still not over it!
Firstly, thank you so much M.J. for allowing me to part of your alpha reading team, it's always such an absolute pleasure and I'm so very grateful.
Secondly. God damn.
*Spoiler Free*
I won't go into detail for fear of spoiling any of the events in book one, so here you can have a feelings full review.
I loved book one so very, very much, but this book...
THIS. BOOK.
I freaking loved it! It was intense and fast paced in true M.J. style. I loved, I laughed, I felt severe betrayal, I cried, I felt scared and sick and pretty much every emotion in between 😂 I binged it in like two days? Honestly I'd have done it in a sitting if I didn't have children to keep fed 😂 M.J. always grabs your attention by the horns and takes you for a wild ride, you just cannot let go 🤷🏻♀️😂
This book was so wonderfully magical too, like, so so magical in these beautiful moments and I just adored it.
It was also HOT AS HELL AND SIZZLING WITH SPICE!
I spent so much of this book questioning every single character and every one of their actions and motives (I've been burned before, my trust issues are extensive) and M.J. will 100% be getting my therapy bill.
I cannot believe I have to sit on this book now til book three. I AM NOT OK.
If you haven't read book one yet, what in gods name are you waiting for?!
As always, check your triggers this is a very, very dark book with very dark themes!
Firstly, thank you so much M.J. for allowing me to part of your alpha reading team, it's always such an absolute pleasure and I'm so very grateful.
Secondly. God damn.
*Spoiler Free*
I won't go into detail for fear of spoiling any of the events in book one, so here you can have a feelings full review.
I loved book one so very, very much, but this book...
THIS. BOOK.
I freaking loved it! It was intense and fast paced in true M.J. style. I loved, I laughed, I felt severe betrayal, I cried, I felt scared and sick and pretty much every emotion in between 😂 I binged it in like two days? Honestly I'd have done it in a sitting if I didn't have children to keep fed 😂 M.J. always grabs your attention by the horns and takes you for a wild ride, you just cannot let go 🤷🏻♀️😂
This book was so wonderfully magical too, like, so so magical in these beautiful moments and I just adored it.
It was also HOT AS HELL AND SIZZLING WITH SPICE!
I spent so much of this book questioning every single character and every one of their actions and motives (I've been burned before, my trust issues are extensive) and M.J. will 100% be getting my therapy bill.
I cannot believe I have to sit on this book now til book three. I AM NOT OK.
If you haven't read book one yet, what in gods name are you waiting for?!
As always, check your triggers this is a very, very dark book with very dark themes!
August 14, 2023
The idea(s) were there but unfortunately for me the execution not.
While I can somewhat overlook redundant writing, the pacing of the plot and the storyline as a whole I could not. Too many things happen in seemingly random order and especially towards the last 100 pages it felt like ideas that could have been half a book by themselves were dumped on paper. Face-swapping, the betrayal by her mates, and the end?!? For me it felt rushed: the story the pacing, the writing.
Rating: 2 stars because
Idea:
3.5/5
pretty unique and I like the somewhat modern setting, also like the why choose and two mates
Writing:
1/5 redundant, lack of both character and world building, unidimensional characters, story pace was strange/too fast
Spice: 2.5/5
There was some spice and while I totally loved to scene where Cyrus held her for Reid to feast on her, the one where they fuck her with the handle of a dagger and the proceed to fuck her both while Reid’s Ex wife is forced by him to watch that… yeah that’s a big no.
While I can somewhat overlook redundant writing, the pacing of the plot and the storyline as a whole I could not. Too many things happen in seemingly random order and especially towards the last 100 pages it felt like ideas that could have been half a book by themselves were dumped on paper. Face-swapping, the betrayal by her mates, and the end?!? For me it felt rushed: the story the pacing, the writing.
Rating: 2 stars because
Idea:
3.5/5
pretty unique and I like the somewhat modern setting, also like the why choose and two mates
Writing:
1/5 redundant, lack of both character and world building, unidimensional characters, story pace was strange/too fast
Spice: 2.5/5
There was some spice and while I totally loved to scene where Cyrus held her for Reid to feast on her, the one where they fuck her with the handle of a dagger and the proceed to fuck her both while Reid’s Ex wife is forced by him to watch that… yeah that’s a big no.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2024
Ugh DNF at 60%. I feel like it’s basically the same as the first book. The main character hasn’t learned anything or grown since book one. The smut is spicy but other than that it’s incredibly lacking in character development.
April 6, 2025
Well, I saw Ivan coming, and I saw Ezra coming, and I kind of saw the Brennan situation but not the way it happened. But I did not see the rest, and if I did not have such a love/hate with the FMC, I might have cried. I like her angst and rebellion, but I don't like her victimhood.
In fact, I have a bit of a problem with this whole series as it focuses on the victimization of women instead of the strength of survival, healing, and growth. But I am trying desperately to look past all that because I am curious to see where all this ends. I want to see if the author is really going to do anything with all the victimization she has written in, or is it just going to continue to just focus on revenge.
Will there be any hope? Will there be growth? Will the darkness become light, or will all the pain, anger, and desperation for revenge consume her and turn her into this ugly, bitter, hateful thing that only knows loneliness and despair.
I hope that after all of it, the author doesn't make it only about revenge and a sister's love. I hope the message isn't all men are evil, despicable, predators who think women are only good for one thing. Because that would be such a waste of a great plot, interesting characters, and a chance to show that even after everything, redemption and love, and peace are still possible. But I have to say I don't have a lot of faith right now.
In fact, I have a bit of a problem with this whole series as it focuses on the victimization of women instead of the strength of survival, healing, and growth. But I am trying desperately to look past all that because I am curious to see where all this ends. I want to see if the author is really going to do anything with all the victimization she has written in, or is it just going to continue to just focus on revenge.
Will there be any hope? Will there be growth? Will the darkness become light, or will all the pain, anger, and desperation for revenge consume her and turn her into this ugly, bitter, hateful thing that only knows loneliness and despair.
I hope that after all of it, the author doesn't make it only about revenge and a sister's love. I hope the message isn't all men are evil, despicable, predators who think women are only good for one thing. Because that would be such a waste of a great plot, interesting characters, and a chance to show that even after everything, redemption and love, and peace are still possible. But I have to say I don't have a lot of faith right now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2025
Overall, it's hard to find a book/series that has a twist (or in this case twists) that I wasn't fully expecting. I honestly had only guessed half, or maybe less than half, of what I thought was going to happen - so I have to give kudos! I personally didn't mind it, but I know a lot of people do.. All 3 MCs are immature in ways. Blinded by rage, revenge, possessiveness, or jealousy, or, or, or. They all 3 have growing up to do - and not a single one knows how to have a healthy relationship, or know how to communicate vulnerable feelings until push comes to SHOVE. It added to the tension, spice and plot for me, I know others will hate it, so be it. The repeated "good job" statements did drive me INSANE though. It’s meant to be "good thing", or I HOPE it's meant to be that. There were a few typos and such throughout. But overall, this may be one of my favorite series I've read! And I don't even like WC/MFM+, OR, urban fantasy - so the fact I loved this was shocking to me!
Fall of the Fae: V¡olence/g0re/tørtûre, RH, revenge, earning forgiveness, super stubborn/blind to vengeance FMC, extremely pøssessive/øbsessive/protective/powerful MMCs, yearning/tension, PTSD, extreme jealousy, unexpected rescue and ally, attempted kidn@pping, hope, a broken gateway, kn¡fe/retr@int/doms-sub play, "Good Girl", rivalries, w@rs, betr@yals, r@pe, heartbreak.
Fall of the Fae: V¡olence/g0re/tørtûre, RH, revenge, earning forgiveness, super stubborn/blind to vengeance FMC, extremely pøssessive/øbsessive/protective/powerful MMCs, yearning/tension, PTSD, extreme jealousy, unexpected rescue and ally, attempted kidn@pping, hope, a broken gateway, kn¡fe/retr@int/doms-sub play, "Good Girl", rivalries, w@rs, betr@yals, r@pe, heartbreak.
June 6, 2025
I want to give this a 2.5*.
I really really wanted to love this series after seeing some good reviews. I tried. It felt kinda like a train wreck that I couldn’t stop reading. Whilst I admit I couldn’t put the book down, it felt like a kinda bad tv show that you put on in the background whilst you’re doing something else and end up being invested in against your better judgement.
The constant lies, betrayal, treatment of the FMC became tiresome and ruined the whole appeal of the spice . The MMCs felt more lecherous and dirty rather than sexy. I felt it was always bordering on dubious consent and whilst I get some people are into that the things they do to the MMC aren’t redeemable to me I was routing for her to just break the bonds with them. These characters didn’t show any personal growth at all in fact they seemed to get worse as the book went on.
I’m a fan of dark fantasy and very little triggers me but the explicit depictions of child abuse and torture alongside the degrading of the FMC and other women just kinda ruined the book for me. I’ll finish book 3 but I have to say I really wanted more from this book. I kinda felt I needed a bath to cleanse my soul after reading this 😭
I really really wanted to love this series after seeing some good reviews. I tried. It felt kinda like a train wreck that I couldn’t stop reading. Whilst I admit I couldn’t put the book down, it felt like a kinda bad tv show that you put on in the background whilst you’re doing something else and end up being invested in against your better judgement.
The constant lies, betrayal, treatment of the FMC became tiresome and ruined the whole appeal of the spice . The MMCs felt more lecherous and dirty rather than sexy. I felt it was always bordering on dubious consent and whilst I get some people are into that the things they do to the MMC aren’t redeemable to me I was routing for her to just break the bonds with them. These characters didn’t show any personal growth at all in fact they seemed to get worse as the book went on.
I’m a fan of dark fantasy and very little triggers me but the explicit depictions of child abuse and torture alongside the degrading of the FMC and other women just kinda ruined the book for me. I’ll finish book 3 but I have to say I really wanted more from this book. I kinda felt I needed a bath to cleanse my soul after reading this 😭
June 15, 2025
I AUDIBLY GASPED
Note: This book uses a lot of Britishisms and syntax that honestly confused the heck out of me at times. And every now and then, random IRL terms get thrown in, which I didn’t vibe with. I read to escape, so that kind of stuff pulled me out of the story.
This is the second book that’s ever made me audibly gasp at a twist. (The first was ACOWAR, but that’s beside the point.) I don’t even know how to explain these terrible, messy characters that I somehow ended up loving?! Raven is sooo whiny and I kept waiting for her character arc to start—turns out, it was happening and I just didn’t notice?! Also, Raven, Reid, and Cyrus? Their relationship is hella toxic… but not? But it is? I was annoyed pretty much the entire book and ready to rate it low, but the ending reveal hit me so hard I froze in a state of “WTF”.
The amount of betrayal in this book is problematic and arguably the most I have ever read within a book. Thus, making the tagline beyond accurate (almost like the writer did it on purpose— who'd of thought?).
Lastly, you’ll hate to love these characters. Nothing makes sense until the very end—and even then, what you think you know? You don’t. 🤯
P.S. If book three deflates the series…I don't know if I will recover. 🤞
Note: This book uses a lot of Britishisms and syntax that honestly confused the heck out of me at times. And every now and then, random IRL terms get thrown in, which I didn’t vibe with. I read to escape, so that kind of stuff pulled me out of the story.
This is the second book that’s ever made me audibly gasp at a twist. (The first was ACOWAR, but that’s beside the point.) I don’t even know how to explain these terrible, messy characters that I somehow ended up loving?! Raven is sooo whiny and I kept waiting for her character arc to start—turns out, it was happening and I just didn’t notice?! Also, Raven, Reid, and Cyrus? Their relationship is hella toxic… but not? But it is? I was annoyed pretty much the entire book and ready to rate it low, but the ending reveal hit me so hard I froze in a state of “WTF”.
The amount of betrayal in this book is problematic and arguably the most I have ever read within a book. Thus, making the tagline beyond accurate (almost like the writer did it on purpose— who'd of thought?).
Lastly, you’ll hate to love these characters. Nothing makes sense until the very end—and even then, what you think you know? You don’t. 🤯
P.S. If book three deflates the series…I don't know if I will recover. 🤞
November 23, 2025
I both love and hate this book. Why is it so hard to write a story where the FMC isn’t insufferable?? Ravens personality made this book hard to read. She’s supposedly strong from everything she’s endured in life and I guess she is. But her empathy and kindness toward pieces of shit characters like Tessa and Ahriella is infuriating. It’s giving pushover. The only smoke she has is for the 2 men who are completely devoted to her. She has no self preservation. She puts herself in harms way, constantly which has led to her capture and rape multiple times. She gets injured with every page turn and It’s getting tired. Even her refusing to eat a full meal and get some sleep is irritating me. Every loss they take is a direct result of some rash/stupid decision she makes.
Everyone has a handle on their powers and except her. Like, cmon. She’s supposed to be all powerful so let’s get the fucking ball rolling!
The ending/plot twist was riveting as hell which loved. however, I absolutely hate when the protagonists are constantly taking Ls.
Heading straight to book 3 so I can get off this emotional roller coaster as quick as possible
Everyone has a handle on their powers and except her. Like, cmon. She’s supposed to be all powerful so let’s get the fucking ball rolling!
The ending/plot twist was riveting as hell which loved. however, I absolutely hate when the protagonists are constantly taking Ls.
Heading straight to book 3 so I can get off this emotional roller coaster as quick as possible
February 21, 2025
POWERFUL and UTTERLY HEARTBREAKING ** NO SPOILERS **
What you need to know…
READ THIS BOOK AS SOON AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE
1. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to read it one go because you might not be able to stop reading.
2. TRIGGER WARNINGS: IMPORTANT - this is an incredibly DARK story. It’s NOT HYPE to tease readers, IT. IS. DARK. There is good advice for survivors of abuse (sexual or otherwise) but don’t read this if you’re having a bad day/ week/ month (you know the drill, if you don’t know what I’m talking about then I’m genuinely happy for you.)
I don’t have enough adequate words to praise this series properly, the depth of emotions it is capable of evoking just blows me away. Always a sign of true literary talent. This series just landed on my Must Buy list and now I’m keen to read everything else the author has (ever) written!
Sadly my sleep deprived brain has to wait *forever to read the last book, but I’m fine with that.
(* = tomorrow)
To: MJ Lawrie - thank you so much, I love it.
What you need to know…
READ THIS BOOK AS SOON AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE
1. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to read it one go because you might not be able to stop reading.
2. TRIGGER WARNINGS: IMPORTANT - this is an incredibly DARK story. It’s NOT HYPE to tease readers, IT. IS. DARK. There is good advice for survivors of abuse (sexual or otherwise) but don’t read this if you’re having a bad day/ week/ month (you know the drill, if you don’t know what I’m talking about then I’m genuinely happy for you.)
I don’t have enough adequate words to praise this series properly, the depth of emotions it is capable of evoking just blows me away. Always a sign of true literary talent. This series just landed on my Must Buy list and now I’m keen to read everything else the author has (ever) written!
Sadly my sleep deprived brain has to wait *forever to read the last book, but I’m fine with that.
(* = tomorrow)
To: MJ Lawrie - thank you so much, I love it.
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