Throne of Glass meets Black Jewels in this twisted yet alluring dark fantasy tale.Quinn Darkova, freed from the chains of slavery, wants nothing more than vengeance against those who sold her. But with her dark powers on the rise and her ascension nearing, Quinn’s blood retribution will have to wait in favor of her immediate survival. Lazarus Fierté is a nobleman without equal. He’s as … nobleman without equal. He’s as controlling as he is stubborn, and for the last six years he’s been waiting for a woman to appear—but not just any woman. A Maji of great power, capable of terrible things. She could be the key to everything he holds dear.
His savior … or his destroyer.
The only thing he didn’t predict was that she would become both.
Please note, this is a dark fantasy series. There is a heavy romance subplot between two consenting adults but the material is dark in nature. The characters are not heroes. This isn’t a story about saving the day.
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Fortune Favors the Cruel (Dark Maji Book 1) Kindle Edition
by Kel Carpenter
The past few years have had me returning to Epic Fantasy, particularly the darker versions. Kel Carpenter – one of the reigning queens of the Reverse Harem Genre – has created one of the best of the bunch. It will sit on a pedestal with the books of Sarah J Maas, Emily A Duncan and Jennifer Estep.
Her characters, Quinn and Lazarus are rather unpleasant folk with too many emotional wounds, too much magic and not enough therapy, are the center of this treasure of a book.
Quinn is a former slave and the holder of a dark magic that she has no idea of how to control. When her current amulet fails, her magic outs itself and she decides to go on the run.
Lazarus is a mysterious Lord who makes a contract to train Quinn in exchange for 5 years service as his vassal.
The adventure begins at this point.
Ms. Carpenter’s talent for creating complex, not always pleasant characters is put on full display as Lazarus and Quinn, who would normally probably be villains, worm their manipulative way into a reader’s heart. The slow changes that settle over the two mains is refreshing and satisfying. Ms. Carpenter patiently plays out the secrets that are revealed and how that affects the people around the characters.
The story and the plot move at a decent clip, much like the horses who give us a bit of comic relief and for once, a writer understands how painful days and days of riding can be for a novice. Action pieces, be they chases through the wilderness or training sessions. Ms. Carpenter made the fights both cinematic and visceral.
The world-building is amazing. Ms. Carpenter carefully makes sure that all the necessary bits required in a Medieval-ish setting were there – alliances, laws, conflicts and a working magical system.
Ms. Carpenter is one of the queens of the growing RH romance genre. This is apparent with what appears to be a building of a harem for Quinn, even if she doesn’t get to act on it. I can’t wait to see how this plays out.
Really one of the best fantasies I’ve read in the last few years.
https://www.amazon.com/Fortune-Favors-Cruel-Dark-Maji-ebook/dp/B07NWZRQX3
I loved this book from start to finish! Quinn is sassy and takes no sh*t from anybody. She does have a love interest, but it is very tame (at least in this book) and a slow burn. I got completely lost in this world and love the dark, edgy tone that just sucks you in and doesn’t let you go! Excuse me while I run off to listen to book two!
I listened to the audiobook version and I give Amy McFadden 4/5 stars. I’ve listened to other books she’s done and liked her more, but for some reason in this one she had this tone in her voice that I didn’t love. It may be one of her earlier performances or maybe it was just the way she was trying to play the character, I’m not sure. I almost gave her 3 stars because of this, but she does the different voices so well, that I bumped it up one.
Amazing anti-heroine story! Interesting characters, great world building, and unique plot. All Quinn has known is a life of slavery and now that she’s free all she wants is to get vengeance on the people who sold her. But her dark powers are growing and when they land her in prison she signs a contact with a mysterious man to get her hard won freedom back. Lazarus has his own plans for her and if her powers don’t kill her his enemies might.
Based on that description of the book, I was sure it was going to be a great read. I wanted to read something with a darker side to it with the obvious curiosity of how that darkness would develop and either take over or destroy the person yielding it. Quinn had me intrigued in the first chapter. The development of her character and the clear struggles she continued to overcome while living a life on her own terms made me as a reader want to find out where she would end up. Although, you get the sense that she won’t be able to control her destiny, which leaves you wondering where she might end up. I began asking myself, will someone use her up or destroy her? As a reader, you are left wondering what kind of future she can have with the her powers. She seemed quite dead inside from all of the trauma she had undertaken in life, but also because of how she was born. However, I was quite glad when the basilisk came into play. That was a much needed development for her character. orraine is that mom you need, but my gosh you don’t want her around too much because she always takes things too far. She is over the top, but super helpful and knows a great deal of valuable information. Not to mention skilled to keep around. The relationship between Lorraine and Quinn was adorable. I know Lorraine has her best interest in mind, but she doesn’t always go about it in the same manner you might hope. It is just always very motherly and over the top. This story kept my attention. However, I will say at times it felt like the descriptions were so detailed with beautiful words painting an exact picture. At times, the descriptions can feel like it is too much for me as a reader, today. I loved the foreshadowing within the book and felt it was a fun element to help keep a reader interested and wondering when that foreshadowing is coming back to bite the characters in the behind! My favorite part of the book overall was the use of chapter titles that were descriptive, contained a character quote, and a fun ever-changing description of the character. Once you read the chapter it is fun to think back to the chapter title and consider how it came into play. This was a great element that made it as fun read for me.
I’m so torn by this book, but it’s originality and the feeling it left me with after finishing wins out! I found the story slow to develop and it took multiple chapters to really hook me. However, it’s dark, unusual, and intriguing nature kept me wanting to know what would happen. I’m also in love with the chemistry and tension between Quinn and Lazarus. Despite it’s slower build, by the end I was sucked in and dying for more. Can’t wait for the next book!
I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this book but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved it. All in all I highly recommend reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
First, I have to say how much I appreciate how the authors put us in this new world and didn’t feel the need to infodump its reality. You start with Quinn and ride along with her, gathering information organically as you go. Nice.
Quinn herself is interesting. We learn about her, but everyone has their secrets – including her new employer Lazarus. And he keeps most of them. I don’t want to say more – spoilers! – but they’ve grabbed me. I’ll be back for more.
Oh, and special claps for the chapter opening quotes with their varying character descriptors. Cute and clever.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It’s incredible how the authors constructed the characters along the story. Quinn and Lazarus are in eternal inner struggle leading us to face their deepest feelings, an incredible journey of discovery, intrigues, and learning. Eager to read the next title.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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I was really torn with this one as there were parts I liked about it ie Quinns magic, her dream walking and what might happen to her and I am curious about Lazarus, but also I struggled with the story a bit and the characters I flip flopped between liking them and them irritating me. I am interested in seeing where things go so will read book 2 to see if things pull together more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I don’t stay up until 5am often to finish a book, but when I do, it’s because I could not put the damn thing down.
Fortune Favours the Cruel is an amazing dark fantasy read full of excellent world building, well developed characters and chemistry that leaves you turning the pages until the last. These authors hit it out of the park with this series.
Upon first reading the blurb for Fortune, I knew I had to have it. Dark fantasy is a favourite genre of mine, and let me tell you, Fortune is the perfect level of dark. So as soon as the paperback became available, I ordered it, even when the ebook wasn’t available for a couple of weeks. Low and behold, the paperback still hasn’t arrived, but I couldn’t wait any damn longer. Last night I started and finished this excellent read, and though I might need caffeine up the wazoo today, it was more than worth it to devour this masterpiece in one sitting.
If you love dark fantasy, anti-heroines and sizzling enemies-to-lovers romance, prepare to be tired, because you won’t be able to put this puppy down.
Now if only book 2 was here.
This book was so captivating! Once I started I was unable to stop until I was finished. Kel and Lucy together just knocked this one out of the park and into another dimension. The twists and turns alone had me on the edge of my seat begging for more. Quinn and Lazarus are so intriguing with their darkness that you cant help but get sucked right in to the turmoil and rooting for them to overcome it all. I cant wait for book 2!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Both of these authors are new to me but did an amazing job of weaving an intriguing and dark story. Quinn Darkova, the MC, is a strong woman with a strong sense of justice and a smart mouth. A former slave, she seeks retribution on those who wronged her. She is desperately trying to control/hide her dark magic but doesn’t hesitate to let loose on those who deserve it. The love interest, Lazarus, is the strong silent type who has better control of his dark instincts. They are both powerful maji but we are kept in suspense about what Lazarus is until the end. Their journey together was well-paced and definitely left me wanting more. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this beginning of the series that entered me into this setting and the lives of the characters. I always love to see a strange female mc with a dark side. Can’t wait for book 2.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a really good book. It has really great characters and a really interesting story.
A woman’s quest to find retribution for her past, answers to her inner darkness and what the future holds for her. A man that holds those answers and also carries within an immeasurable darkness that draws these two together on an amazing journey of mysterious darkness!
I couldn’t put this book down! I fell in love with the main characters even with all of their cruel darkness. The character development was amazing.The story line unfolds beautifully, and I found myself impatiently waiting for answers to many character questions (and gratefully, received awesome answers). I eagerly await book 2!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A wonderful start to a promising series. The characters are bad asses with room for growth. Cannot wait to read more!
An amazing book by 2 amazing authors. This book sucked me in from page one and I couldn’t put it down. Love the FMC Quinn. She is strong and courageous. The story is unique and you are pulled into Quinn’s world. This is such an interesting book. I am so looking forward to the next book in the series to see how the characters and relationships grow.
WOW! Amazingly Fantastic!
What an incredible roller coaster ride from start to finish. Unbelievable world building and an incredibly intense story. This story is so full of action, suspense and intrigue. The twists and turns kept you riveted and fully absorbed in the story. Quinn is an absolutely amazing character who is sure to become an even more amazing character as the series progresses. She is one kickass dark hero. Lazarus is a dark and curious enigma that I can’t wait to learn more of. These two characters are made for each other but it will take a whole lot for both of them to see it.
I absolutely loved this story. I really can’t wait for the next book to come out. Such amazing writing from these two authors. It was an incredible joyride.
Highly recommend.
Holy moly, I can’t get over what I just finished! I had to immediately log onto my computer to start my review and spread the love for this amazing darker fantasy book. I have been mostly reading RH and that is how I knew of this book (because I have read everything Lucy has written haha) and I was super surprised how much I loved this book. I am gonna go and add Kel’s books to my TBR because this duo is great together and I already know how much I love Lucy’s stories.
The MC in this book is one of the most KA female characters I can remember reading about. I loved how fearless she was and strong, while trying to keep her secret under wraps. In terms of the love interest, I wanted to kill him at some points but I can already see me falling for him soon haha. I loved the back and forth and even though this book is the background/foundation building, meaning not as much steam/tension, it didn’t bother me in the slightest. I thought it really set the stage for the rest of the series and despite this book just releasing, I already need book 2 in my hands haha.
I definitely needed this refreshing book after all the RH I have read. I highly recommend people pick this book up and get lost in Quinn and Lazarus’s story
Absolutely amazing story by these two amazing authors. I love Lucy but this is my first experience reading Kel and I’ll definitely have to pick up some more of her work. This is a keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat book all the way through. Quinn is a strong female lead who has finally found her way out of slavery. She’s got a secret she’s trying to keep though and it’s getting harder and harder to hide. Lazarus has his own secrets. While he drives you nuts sometimes you can’t help but fall head over heels for him too. There was never a dull moment in this series. The romance aspect is extremely light in this book but believe me, there is so much you will be thinking about that you won’t mind at all. I highly recommend you read this book.