The old eddas speak of dreki—fabled creatures who haunt the depths of Iceland’s volcanoes and steal away fair maidens.
Solveig wants none of such myths. Mated—and spurned—by the devilishly handsome Prince Marduk, the furious dreki princess refuses to be the laughingstock of her court. Marduk will beg for her forgiveness. Or he will die.
A political alliance that ended in ruins….
Marduk’s evil … political alliance that ended in ruins….
Marduk’s evil mother bound him to mate with one of the daughters of King Harald, but when Marduk chooses the fierce-tongued Solveig, even he is surprised. The princess is known for her ruthlessness—the son her father never had—and when he promises to be a mate in name only and leaves her alone and wanting in the mating bed, she swears revenge.
But there is something about Solveig’s wild nature that stirs the heart of his dreki. And with his court and family at the mercy of a powerful curse, he needs all the allies he can get. But can she forgive him for playing recklessly with her fate? And will two clashing hearts ever learn to yield to each other?
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I continue to be amazed by how complex Bec’s world building is. The series gets more intricate with each book and I am fascinated more and more. I loved finally seeing the Zilittu stronghold and I can’t wait to see more of the Alfar homeland.
Don’t worry there are plenty of smexy times. Solveig and Marduk do burn up the pages. I could not put this down.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book
As with all Bec McMaster’s books, the hero and heroine have so many personal issues to get past in before they can be happy. Marduk and Solveig have a turbulent relationship right from the start. But they keep coming back to one another for one reason or another. Love the snarky side of Solveig but also loved seeing the softer side. I think this couple has become my favorite in this series. The ending left me on the edge of my seat and now can’t wait for the next book. Such a twist!
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book.
Marduk and Solveig’s fractus relationship is frustrating, steamy, romantic, fun and everything in between. The story is action packed with twists and turns and a mystery thrown in for good measure, all of which balances out the main romance, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Marduk is the book boyfriend you’ve been longing for, and Solveig is the kick-arse queen you need. Excellent as always!
Wow I didn’t think the author could top the last book because it was such a fun read but this takes enemies to lovers and completely turns the idea on its head. Marduk has always been the apparently care free, wandering Prince but even he is somewhat nonplussed by his vicious, albeit spawned Mate. Solveig has vowed to have Marduks heart after he so cruelly made her the laughing stock of her father’s Court and even has a box ready and lined to put it in ! So when for political reasons the couple have to at least appear cordial in public you know that behind closed doors sparks will fly and that dear reader is most definitely an understatement .
The author kept the sexual tension running high throughput this book which I enjoyed because it would have felt wrong to have the couple fall into each other’s arms too easily. What really helped bring everything to life was the way occasionally we would get an older scene which really opened this readers eyes to just why certain characters act the way they do. I won’t rehash the story but I absolutely loved that not only do we get favourite characters from previous books but new Dreki appear here and yes their love lives are already messed up so there’s definitely more stories to be told. Speaking of stories as this ends everything hangs in the balance with two key characters lost to their loved ones. I think the next book has to reveal some very big secrets and I am already anxious to learn more. Plus if like me you are a hopeless romantic then Marduks final scene will leave you with the biggest smile on your face !
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
I loved this one. The prologue was a great intro of getting more in depth of why Solveig has such hate and vengeance for Marduk. I can feel her humiliation which goes even more in depth throughout the book. This story is a major turning event for the series. I just loved seeing Marduk and Solveig see their relationship blossom. By the end, Marduk sure had a great grand gesture that put a smile on my face. BUT I CAN’T FORGET EVERYTHING ELSE THAT HAPPENED WITH OUR OTHER COUPLES!!!! I actually thought the scene with Tormund (w/his new axes), Bryn, and Haakon almost trying to best one another at the beginning of the fight was quite funny. Reminds me of Gimli and Legolas from LOTR when they were counting their kills. HILARIOUS!!! This story had ALL THE FEELS!
All of our main couples are still back and with a massive war brewing because we’re not done with the series…Queen of Lightening with be next! I really need this next book soon! I highly recommend reading the series in order.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.