A Court This Cruel and Lovely: (Kingdom of Lies, book 1)

A Court this Cruel & Lovely (Kingdom of Lies #1) by Stacia Stark For years, when I fell asleep, I dreamed of a man with blazing green eyes and a cruel smile. The day I meet him, the ruthless mercenary leaves me for dead. Rating: ***** Feels: Ruthless, Loathing, Anticipation, Excitingment Style: Fantasy, Romantasy, Fae, Magic First published March 24, 2023 : 562 pages, Audiobook This book was such a delicious romp. It did not feel predictable in any way to me and I loved the story as it developed and we got to see our FMC really grow and test out her strength. I loved the banter between the FMC and the MMC and how he fell under her spell. The politics were actually really interesting and I cant wait to see how those all play out in later books as well. A very interesting world, political environment and I love the people that inhabit the story. I cant wait to finish this series and see what happens next !! Audiobook Rating: I really enjoyed this audio book. It was so easy to listen to this story and become enraptured by it. The banter and emotions of the story were very well done in the audio. This had a male and female narrator for the two POV between the MMC and FMC and it really flowed well and worked very well for the story. It was easy for me to stay engaged and really enjoy this book !! This book has: Strong FMC (Stabby) Morally Gray MMC Enemies to Lovers Touch her and die Found Family Hidden Identify Slow Burn Politics Magic

Stacia Stark's A Court This Cruel and Lovely weaves an enchanting tale filled with betrayal, magic, and rebellion. Set in a richly constructed world where humans, hybrids, and fae coexist, Stark delivers a captivating narrative that holds the reader from start to finish. The book's plot thrives on the tension between its characters, particularly through the forced proximity trope. The dual POV adds depth, allowing readers to delve into the minds of both the possessive male main character and the strong, compassionate female lead. The slow burn romance between them is laced with spice, adding an intoxicating layer to the court intrigue and forbidden magic that permeate the story. Stark excels in world-building, crafting a realm where rebellion simmers beneath the surface, and the stakes are as high as the towering fae courts. The blend of human and fae magic creates a unique backdrop that enhances the narrative's complexity. The strong and compassionate FMC shines as she navigates the treacherous waters of court politics, while the possessive MMC's intensity provides a perfect counterbalance. While the pacing is generally well-handled, the slow burn might test the patience of some readers. However, the payoff is well worth the wait, as the climactic moments are executed with precision and impact. Overall, A Court This Cruel and Lovely is a spellbinding addition to the fantasy genre. With its compelling characters, intricate world-building, and a story that brims with intrigue and emotion, it's a must-read for fans of court fantasy and slow-burn romance.

I LOVED this epic romantasy. It has a plot line that engulfed me in every way from the very first page. I was completely caught up in Prisca’s story, her struggles, her determination and her fire. She is a heroine that’s relatable and also aspirational. Lorian is the perfect mercenary. He’s strong and brutish, handsome with a dangerous edge and absolutely enjoys coaxing the fire out of Prisca. If you’re looking for your next fantasy binge read, this is a MUST READ. Fair warning, it’s a cliffhanger. I like to go into these books a bit blind so if that’s you, don’t read the next paragraph (no major spoilers) and just know it’s an enemies to lovers, action packed adventure with a kick booty heroine and the man she needs but also can’t stand. Prisca has always had power that lives beneath her skin but she must keep it hidden to survive. At birth her people are forced to give up their power until they are 25, at which point they are regifted a small amount. However, if found to be in possession of power before then, citizens are brutally killed. When Prisca’s power is discovered she flees with the help of her mother. Lorian and his group of mercenaries find her and they work together to get to the city where Prisca can find her freedom. But she has bigger plans that include saving her friend who’s being kept captive until she can be killed by the king. Set with a new goal, Prisca develops her power, makes friends where she can and works with Lorian, the man she both loves and hates, to free the prisoners. 5 stars. 1 slow burn pepper.

The audio book: Fantastic. Both narrators kept me on the edge of my seat and completely enthralled. The book: Arrived on time and exactly as pictured. The content: Well thought out magic system, great world building, characters that have well constructed back stories and development, enemies to lovers, banter that made me laugh, and a dash of spice but not so much spice that it takes over the entire plot. I had such a great time listening to the audio book that I bought physical copies too. The cons: the 4th book isn't out yet. The 3rd in the series ended on a massive cliffhanger and I have a might need to know what happens next! The extra surprise: look under the dust cover. Hardcovers are rarely lovely under their dust covers. This series looks lovely on a shelf together without their dust covers. My thoughts: Honestly, I found myself enjoying this series WAY more than ACOTAR. Better writing and editing, and more balance between between the story and the spice. 10/10 freaking loved this series and I can't wait for the next one.

A really nice romance novel

Diese Geschichte ist so viel mehr! Ich habe schon sehr viele Bücher aus diesem Gerne gelesen. Ich muss sagen, dass mich Stacia Stark schlaflos gemacht hat! Diese gesamte Reihe ist einfach nur lesenswert. Kein Charakter kommt zu kurz, was ich sehr schön finde.

This book hooked me from page one and never let go. The world is brutal, magical, and haunting in the best way, with gods, fae, and a society terrified of anyone who dares to keep their power. I loved how the story balanced danger with heart, and how every choice the heroine made actually mattered. The stakes feel real, and I found myself rooting hard for her the entire time. The characters are where this really shines. The mercenary with the blazing green eyes? Infuriating and fascinating all at once; the kind of slow burn dynamic that makes you want to yell at the page but also read faster. The friendships and found family moments were just as gripping as the romance, and I loved the layers of loyalty, hurt, humor, and growth woven throughout. And the twists! Every time I thought I knew where things were heading, the story shifted in a way that made perfect sense but still surprised me. The pacing was sharp, the writing atmospheric, and that ending had me desperate for the next in the series. I gave it 5 stars because it delivered magic, emotion, mystery, and a romance that I can't wait to see ignite even more.

La historia es buenísima, llega un punto donde es un poco lenta, pero todo sucede por una razón, 10/10, 5 estrellas.

Coming off an ACOTAR hangover, I was in desperate need of a book to whisk me away, and 'A Court This Cruel and Lovely' answered the call perfectly! From the first page, I was sucked back in to a world of secrets, magic, and Fae, and I savoured every moment of the journey. This book truly has it all: dual POVs, intricate magic systems and stolen magic, and a web of secrets that kept me guessing until the very end. But what truly stole my heart was the steamy slow-burn romance between our intense, brooding, overprotective MMC, Lorian, and the strong, determined female protagonist with a hidden heritage, Prisca. And let's talk about tropes! From found family to a true slow burn enemies-to-lovers, this book delivers them all and I loved it! The palpable animosity between all the characters adds a delicious layer of tension, making every interaction crackle with intensity and honestly, very funny! In short, 'A Court This Cruel and Lovely' is a must-read for anyone craving fantasy and fae romance. It's a fun ride that will leave you wanting longing for more. Highly recommended for fans of the genre!