Reviews

Prince of Darkness by Amber Thoma

copenhag's review against another edition

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3.0

I knew going into this book that it had the insta-love trope, a trope that I am 99.99% of the time not a fan of. However, Prince of Darkness did it well and still left a little growing room between the two main characters. I was told though that this book was spicy, which it had its moments, but they were few and far in between.

Furthermore, I was under the impression that this book was about one couple only, but in reality, it is about the MMC and his cousin as well. Other than those two things, this book was quite enjoyable. I stayed up late just to finish this one.

maxarcreads's review against another edition

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4.5

Minor Spoilers
Honestly this is more of a 4.5 for me. I really enjoyed this book, and it almost immediately sucked me into the story. This is a multi POV between The Prince Caran, His Cousin Kes, a human witch Etain and day court nymph Anin. I loved each and every one of these 4 characters and their interactions with one another. It's hard to say which couple I liked more but I think I may have liked them equally for different reasons. Kes and Anin had all the snark while Caran and Etain had all the heart I would say. At the same time, it was so cute to read these morally grey men become piles of goo around their women one moment and then hurt someone who even looks at their women wrong. I am surprised that this was a debut novel of the authors as I found it to be very well written. I felt the pacing was great nothing felt slow or rushed and I was never really left wondering what was going on as the story was perfectly described. I will say if you are looking for a spicy book this is a medium burn and that is what you get, and I did enjoy it. I will say that the "bang" that comes at the end I did see coming but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it. It does leave on a cliff hanger, and I believe that book focuses on Kes and Anin and I am excited to read it. 

Story: One night while out foraging in the woods Etain didn't heed the warnings of her not passed mother to beware going out on the night of the blood moon as the veil between the human realm and the Fae realm is at its thinnest and those in the Fae world may cross over to have fun with any mortal they can catch. She fortunately/unfortunately catches the attention of an extremely powerful Fae who ends up rescuing her and taking her home to be his pet. However, He was not the only Fae to come home with a Pet that night. Seems his cousin Kes found his own pet that he wants to keep. This however is the start of a prophecy that will hopefully bring balance to the kingdom and prince that is being plagued curse.

exlibris_valerie's review against another edition

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4.0

Prince of Darkness is a highly enjoyable novel that brings you into the throws of fae court debauchery, peppity-pep-pep spice, fated mates, and magical intrigue. Written with the flavors of classic fairy tale styles and structures, this fairy tale is for big kids only.

While the perspectives of this novel centers around two main couples (Cirian and Etain and Kes and Anin) I couldn’t help but find myself favoring the bird-beast Kes and his growing feelings for the fiery wood nymph Anin. Their bantering dialogue was hilarious, and I need more and more of them together!

There is insta-love in this book, and that’s something I always find a little off putting, especially when the novel introduces some serious and more adult like elements that challenge the characters from the start, so it can be a little unbalanced to me. Despite not loving the insta-love aspect, I can’t really fault it, because this book is literally about fated mates. I felt more occupied by the smoldering banter, enemies to lovers, magic, and history of the Courts to really be bothered by anything else.

I will absolutely be counting down the days until it’s sequel!

morgalieden's review against another edition

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5.0

Before downloading this book, I just came off the high (and lows) of finishing the Throne of Glass series. This book was the perfect thing to pick me back up!

This was a fast paced story told by five different characters’ perspectives. I really found myself rooting for some and really rooting for the (hopefully slow and painful) death of another.

This story is a tale of fated mates and moves on from the basic human and fae tales of other books. It did give me a blend of ACOTAR and Haunting Adeline vibes. (Don’t you touch what is his, or you’ll lose your hands!)

I hate cliffhangers, but I found myself audibly saying “whaaaaaat?” with the last twist in the end. Thank goodness I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for book 2, and will immediately be diving into that tonight.

Final thoughts:
1. I wish this book had been longer, because I’d like more background on several characters and more in-depth stories of the realms and the feuds between them.

2. I really hope the next book has more of the Kes and Anin connection.

3. If Seamus existed in this land and this time, he would absolutely be an Andrew Tait fan. I will not be elaborating.

jessthebookishbrat's review against another edition

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4.0

Let me start by saying that I can’t wait for the next book! The point of view used to tell this story was refreshing, something different I haven’t seen in a while. The plot to this book was engaging through and through, lots going on with these characters. I appreciated the fae lore greatly! It was illustrated wonderfully, and I can’t wait to see where it leads. All in all, it was a great book, and Cieran and Etain have my heart! I’m excited for Kes and Anin!

amrauthor's review against another edition

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5.0

 Read my book review of Amber Thoma’s Prince of Darkness and Heirs of Darkness, from the Realms of Lore: Fae series. This is a fantasy romance with two different couples, one being Instant Love and the other Enemies to Lovers.

https://www.amrauthor.com/post/prince-of-darkness-heirs-of-darkness-by-amber-thoma 

booksandconverse's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

lizz_buch_books's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

nmvancleve's review against another edition

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challenging emotional inspiring lighthearted relaxing tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This book is exactly what I needed to get out of my reading slump. I ended up reading half the book in one day! I just could not put it down. Amber introduces a few different types of characters that all have to get to know one another also while still keeping some secrets from each other until the trust is built. She does a great job at world and character building while also thickening the plot in a timely manner. This book does end on a cliffhanger and so naturally I will be starting the novella Heirs of Darkness immediately even though I know it is in the past and won't answer my immediate concerns.

marandalynn's review against another edition

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4.0

This was a fun quick read for me. I loved the witty banter between the characters. It has strong likable characters and the world building was great. The ending left me wanting more. I can’t wait to read the second book.