Wayward Reviews

In a kingdom built on secrets, King Maddox and Princess Jory enter a marriage alliance to save their dying lands, unaware that both are masking the truth about their fading or volatile magic. As an unexpected spark ignites between them, Jory’s childhood friend, turned assassin, Asher, is tasked with their execution. Forced to choose between duty, survival, and a love that could burn them all, the three must navigate a lethal web of political intrigue and betrayal.

Book Synopsis

Book Details

Pages: 408

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Publisher: Harper Voyager / FairyLoot

Format: Hardback

WARRIOR. King Maddox Kyronan’s fire magic has earned him a ruthless reputation on the battlefield, but now his kingdom is slowly burning. Ky’s only chance to save his people is to enter a marriage alliance with the neighboring nation of Astranza, and hope that the royal family’s power to manipulate the weather will help his land flourish once more. He just needs to ensure no one finds out how the blaze began.

PRINCESS. With war looming on the horizon, Princess Jory’s home needs the protection of the fearsome warrior king, but she is hiding a dangerous her family’s magic is fading. Tempting as it is to reject her duties and run away with her childhood friend, Asher, Jory knows that she is the kingdom’s last hope. When she meets her intended, Jory is surprised to discover that beneath Ky’s daunting exterior is a compassionate and sharp-witted man who sets her heart aflame. But what will he do when he realizes she’s deceiving him?

ASSASSIN. Asher’s done what he must to survive, even if that means getting his hands dirty. Once a young nobleman in Astranza’s palace, where he and Jory caused mischief together, now he’s part of the Hunter’s Guild, employing much darker skills. When a lucrative job comes his way, Asher can’t say no—until he discovers the targets. Someone wants Ky and Jory dead. With the Guild watching, Asher must decide what he’s willing to do to protect the woman he loves.

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Review

* Non-Spoiler Review*

Okay, I am going to say this right now before I get into my analysis – to me, this book was utter shite.

There, I said it.

From the reviews I have read, I seem to be in the majority about this book. So let me explain – this book, while written well, lacked world-building, a decent plotline, and little to no chemistry between certain characters. Who, by the way, are supposed to be completely in love with each other.

The execution upset me. To me, this book is an example of the current publishing climate, while I see where the author wanted to go with this story. The plot itself needed more time; there are elements that had promise, but you could feel that this had been rushed.

Does this seem harsh, considering that other reviewers adored the book…maybe? But I feel it’s important to air my frustrations and warn readers like me about spending their money or wasting hours of their time reading a subpar story.

Overall, not my cup of tea.

Spice Rating: 3/6 – See my rating system here

Book Rating: 2.5/5