by Whitney Dean
Can be found on Kindle unlimited!
I was recommended this book by Deanna (ig: @wildhill_reads), and I found it included on Kindle Unlimited. I’m not going to lie since I tend to read a lot of YA books, I was excited to add a more mature book to my shelf (maturity warning, book was intended not for children or those uncomfortable with smut).
Synopsis per Goodreads:
At ten years old, Raven was mysteriously willed to be the next ruler of Seolia, a kingdom nestled within the realm of The Four Kingdoms.
Orphaned as a baby, she has spent fifteen years ruling over a kingdom she believes she did not earn all while hiding secrets: she possesses dark magic, and she thirsts for blood.
Now at almost twenty-five years old and with a sudden addiction to stealing life, Raven must fight through her new procured darkness to save her soul, but when a mysterious stranger arrives in her kingdom, she starts experiencing vivid dreams that detail who she truly is. As she slowly starts to unravel her story, what she uncovers at the end of the spool will change the course of her life and her kingdom forever.
So, let’s get into it. I immediately fell in love with our main character Raven. I love her rebellious personality, and short temper. The author describes her, and her mannerism in such detail that it adds to the realism blending in without overwhelming the rest of the moving parts. Raven’s magic is intriguing, and so is her back story. The ending leaving so many things left uncovered while answering most of the pressing questions.
I loved to hate the love interests both proving to have different red flags, but both also have their own tender moments with the queen. You won’t be sure who to trust as Raven goes through love, betrayal, lust, self-doubt, and loss. Dean does a wonderful job conveying the world; the ups and downs, and mistakes through Raven’s eyes, and letting us see her emotions in her thoughts, actions, and surroundings. The plot is intriguing, relying on back story to shroud the past and help build the story as it is revealed. There is plenty of action and spicey action to keep the plot moving while still being interesting during the slower portions.
I definitely recommend this book, and I am looking forward to the second one being released!
My rating: Five Stars!!!