A Blog of Books and Tea

(ARC)

Tropes:

• Enemies to Lovers
• Tantalising Slow Burn
• Forbidden Lovers
• Banter
• Yearning
• Found Family
• Touch Her and Die (Gruesomely)
• One Bed
• Traumatised Shadow Daddy
• Strong and Vengeful FMC
• Cursed Kingdom
• Spice
• Prince and Prisoner

Stars – 🫖🫖🫖🫖🫖

Spice Level – 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Synopsis –

In a kingdom under a malevolent curse, the rulers turn to the Hollows—an underground prison for dangerous criminals. In a cruel plan to save their land, they host a series of deadly trials for the prisoners. Whoever survives will become their champion, the one to end the curse or die trying.

Reign, a fierce and resilient inmate, seizes this opportunity as her only way out and a chance to seek vengeance on those who wronged her.

Lukene, the dark prince, is known for his ruthlessness and a heart as cold as the prison walls themselves. His only concern has always been his duty to the kingdom.

As the trials unfold, Reign and Lukene find their fates intertwined. Amidst the deadly schemes at court, their mutual hatred transforms into something neither of them wanted nor expected.

Betrayals, heartbreak, and dark secrets test their relationship as they navigate the treacherous path ahead. Can their own ambitions survive the perils that a wait, or will the kingdom’s curse or their dark pasts consume them both?

Dive into this gripping tale of dark fantasy and romance, where every twist and turn challenges the limits of love and loyalty.

Thoughts –

This book is a remarkable journey into a vividly crafted world, and it’s hard to believe that this is Amber Bowe’s debut novel – it is just that good! From the very first page, I was captivated by the intricate details of the narrative. The writing is well executed and brings depth to the emotional landscapes of the characters, who are perfect in their own imperfect ways. Although I was initially concerned that it echoed other fantasy books, that concern quickly faded as I immersed myself in the plot.. The pacing and rich world building create a captivating reading experience that lingers long after the final page.

The world building was really good, immersing me in a richly crafted universe filled with intricate details and vivid imagery. I felt transported into this cursed kingdom from the moment I started reading, enveloped by the haunting atmosphere and palpable tension that echoed throughout its desolate settings. Bowe masterfully intertwines elements of magic and despair, creating a setting that feels both enchanting and perilous. The dual POV allows you to see the world from the perspective of a Prince grappling with his royal responsibilities and a Prisoner revealing the harsh realities of life behind bars. This elegant shift in viewpoints deepens the narrative and fosters understanding of the contrasting lives and struggles within this enthralling realm. The pacing was impeccable, allowing me to feel the full emotional weight of the narrative without any dull moments.

You cannot read this book without falling in love with its characters, Reign and Lukene. Their dynamic is electric, and the chemistry draws readers in from the very first page. The banter between them is hilarious and revealing, providing comic relief in this poignant story of loss, betrayal, and heartbreak. As we journey with them, we experience moments of levity that highlight the importance of laughter, even in dark times. Let’s not forget the sizzling tension as well! 🥵 Their evolving relationship amidst the chaos is a testament to the strength of human connection, making every interaction resonate long after the last page is turned.

Reign is wonderfully sassy, sarcastic and 100% reckless – I LOVE her! She is unapologetically unafraid, and calls our MMC out on a lot of his bull. She is the stabby little prisoner that we all need to aim to embody in our own lives. I find myself wanting to learn more about her past – especially considering she is somewhat alone in the world. The level of loss she has endured is staggering. Despite this, she is a woman that just wants to live her life the best way she can, and it’s easy to understand that on such a deep level.

Lukene is our broken and deadly Shadow Daddy that holds your heart from the moment he is introduced. He absolutely loves the sassy nature of our FMC, and thrives on the way she insults him at every opportunity. As his past is unravelled and revealed, you learn to understand him. He is incredibly possessive in a “touch her and die” way, and his yearning is felt in every page.

I was not ready for that cliffhanger! It was utterly heart wrenching, took my breath away and left my jaw on the floor! The emotional rollercoaster I experienced was intense; I was shooketh, grappling with the sudden turn of events that seemed to shatter everything the characters had built up to that point. Now, I cannot wait to read book 2!! This story has captivated me completely, and I find myself daydreaming about what could possibly happen next. Fingers crossed it’s out soon, as I am eager to dive back into this world and unravel more of its intriguing mysteries!

Overall, I really loved this book. I read it in a day, and only put it down when I really had to. I would 10000000% recommend it to absolutely anyone that loves this genre – or any kind of fantasy fan. There’s also some absolutely stunning character art that adds a visual depth to the experience! Check out my post at https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQr9c47DAux/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== for just a couple of pieces that truly capture the essence of these amazing characters!

Finally, please check trigger warnings. There are some dark themes, such as SA and revealed truma. Your mental health matters.