I'm intrigued

I'm really torn how I feel about this book and the characters, and I'm not upset about that.

It's interesting to like and have everyone a little in the book, especially because you're only just getting to know them and there are so many unknowns.

I'm curious to see where this series goes. Already pre-ordered book 2!

Hi, were you shocked by the villainous, cruel or bully aspects of this book? Here's a review for you that might help.

Zero spoilers ahead, but mild irritation might occur if you dislike sarcasm.

I rarely go through reviews after I've read a book and decided how I feel about it, but seeing the rating on Cruel Magic drop like a cow's tail within a few days, I decided to offer my two cents on the issue of 'cruelty/bully romance' in this book.

So, you were surprised or upset about the cruelty and villainy in this book? Or maybe you're considering reading this book, but have read some of the bad reviews and are now iffy? Lemme help a fellow reader out. (And also, these are the reasons why I liked the book.)

Let's start with the blurb, which most people should read to determine whether they wish to spend time and money on a book or not.
The blurb rather clearly states that a) there will be bad guys (arrogant men who rule the school) and that they will be the worst of all, b) the teachers won't be much better, c) the reverse harem will be slow-burn, and d) the bad guys will crush anyone who doesn't bow down to them. And also, Rory will fight them all, as she did. Aaaand Rory is different, as she was. She kicked ass and stayed true to herself - a perfectly awesome leading lady. And so, if you start reading a book with all that written in the blurb, and you're still shocked about the bully romance aspects or the cruel characters in the book... Well, I can't really help you, seeing as that was the main point in this book - dealing with bullies who murdered Rory's parents and made her life a pain. It would be rather foolish to expect rainbows and butterflies after a blurb like that, don't you think?

And if you didn't read the blurb before you read the book, surely you looked at the title?
It's called Cruel Magic (Royals of Villain Academy), and not Super Sweet Magic (Royals of Lovers Academy). Apologies for the crappy sarcasm, but I mean.. The clues to the contents of this book were right there. Don't buy a dog and expect it to quack.

To the readers that were disappointed by the lack or quality of the romance: Perhaps consider that this book wasn't supposed to be aaaaaall about the romance. Rory wasn't boy-crazy and constantly talking about boys to other girls, which, in my opinion, was a huge plus. Also, the blurb, again, did mention that the RH romance would be slow-burn, so hold your horses. There have been many RH series where not a single kiss took place in the first book, or even bully RH romances where the boys were cruel after the kisses and throughout the books. If you don't like waiting for the happy romance parts in series, or if you don't like a bit of bite to your romance book relationships, then again: read the blurb and avoid books that say 'slow-burn' or mention possible bully angles.

Personally, I enjoyed Cruel Magic a lot. It was different and original in many refreshing ways. The villains were actually rather villainous, and not just some fake mean dudes who changed their attitudes at the sight of a pretty girl. It had loads of bad guys and girls, but that's what kept the story interesting. Also, seeing as there are so many tiny fights, obstacles, complex histories, and conflicts still left pending, there will be plenty more delicious storylines to read about.

And I can't wait to read more!