For as long as I can remember, I’ve had to hide who I am. What I am. They had me play the sheep. They had me blend in. They marked me and sealed my power. Now I have my freedom, because everyone who’s ever wanted me confined is dead. I could have changed it. I could have altered the course of fate. I could have saved the unseelie queen. I didn’t. Vlari has always known her place: as far away from … has always known her place: as far away from court as the unseelie queen can send her.
The youngest royal, born in an impoverished household, she endeavored to earn her keep as an assistant and stay out of trouble.
Dark, striking, and with a hidden agenda, Drusk definitely qualifies as trouble, but he refuses to leave her alone, clashing with her at every corner.
Then the world implodes around her.
With friends and foe by her side, she can fade with rest of the unseelie kingdom, or protect a court that has never cared for her.
Disclaimer: Unlike many of May Sage’s novels, Wicked Court is written in first person.
Wicked Court is the first volume in a duet.
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I really enjoyed this fresh take on the powers and battles of an unseelie fairy court. The characters and world building were topnotch, with a nice bit of sexual tension to add spice. As a romance fan I would have enjoyed the love story holding a more prominent place, but overall all the story telling was engaging enough to keep me turning the pages even without a big romance. I loved the intricate world of the fae court, and the compelling history revealed bit by bit. Vlari is also just a wonderful character, complex and interesting with plenty of flaws but a good heart. Be warned that the story ends on a bit of cliffhanger, so you are going to want to snatch up book 2 right away.
Loved it!
Over the years, I’ve read a number of May Sage’s books, paranormal and contemporary romance. Regardless of the genre, I always enjoy her style of storytelling. It’s fresh and engaging.
This is the first fantasy romance of hers for me, though. And it was wonderful! The writing feels light, it flows well and easy to read. The story is complex, with rich world-building. And the characters are interesting and created with depth. I love Vlari, and Rystan intrigues me.
The slow-burn romance is sprinkled throughout the story in a series of delicious moments when the two interact, and I couldn’t get enough of it. The time Vlari and Rystan spend together builds up into a progressing relationship, which I loved.
I’m definitely buying book 2 when it’s out!
Wicked Court is an exciting romantic fantasy with lots of danger and magic. There are many interesting characters, especially Vlari and Drusk who both have powerful magic. Vlari is disgraced royalty, directly controlled by the Queen and not allowed to use her magic. Drusk is a soldier and serves the empire. There’s chemistry between the two, but Vlari doesn’t trust easily and finds her attraction to Drusk dangerous. The Queen has plans for Vlari to be rid of her for good. Things are tense! I’m so glad that this is a complete duology and won’t keep me hanging for long!
Exciting page turner. The drama, and intrigue keep your attention. I had no trouble being able to envision this world and characters. A fantastic start.
I received a free copy of this book from the author.
Wicked Court indeed. No one ever said the Unseelie were a friendly bunch but they’d take advantage every chance they get. The dark fae are notorious for wanting their cake and eating it too. In this case they bound the powers of a very powerful descendent of the Unseelie Queen – her granddaughter Vlari – and sent her back to live with her parents with fear of using her powers.
Fast forward to her adulthood when Grandma calls her to court – you never know what you’re in for when summons by the queen. Vlari definitely didn’t expect the news her Queen gave her once she appeared for her summons.
Now this is where it gets good in this story – there’s a lot going on at the same time so you have to pay attention or you’ll miss out on very important clues.
The book does end on a surprise note that will leave you anticipating book two!
This book has a different feel about it. The world the author has created is very well written. The characters are thought out well, and the secondary characters all seem to have purpose.
It’s a fast paced book, and the action is all well scripted.
It’s written in the person’s point of view. And we get to see it all through Vlari’s eyes.
Nevlaria (Vlari) has never really known love and affection, no one wanted her. She never felt part of a family or community.
Ridiculed at school, it’s followed her all her life. A weak link in her family. Not to be trusted.
And now, now she is to be married off, like a piece of meat. A loveless marriage, one only of connivence. For the good of the Queen and her family. But Vlari doesn’t want that, but what Vlari wants doesn’t matter…..
When Vlari and Drusk meet, it brings back lots of unpleasant memories, (this isn’t the first time she’s seen him, they attended the same school, and that wasn’t pleasant either!)
Rystan Drusk is a Myst, a shadow wielder, as long as he’s in the dark, he can summon and control shadows, to conceal him, and transport him, and even destroy. But he’s a commoner (Vlari is royalty) but he has something that draws people to him, and he uses that ability to his advantage.
The attraction is all on Vlari’s side, (whenever they have met, Drusk has nothing but scorn or a sneering amusement on his face) she’s dreamed about him, and thought about him often, wondering what he’s doing now.
And when the kingdom is attacked, and everyone slaughtered. Vlari is looked upon to organise and lead. But will she? Why should she?
The ending is a surprise, and the epilogue gives us a glimpse into the next book.
It’s a two book story, and I hope to read the next part in this story.