Cider - Shop now
Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
Read for Free
OR
$3.99 with 70 percent savings
Print List Price: $13.25

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.
Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Jade Thorn
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Held In Contempt (Of Magic and Contempt Book 2) Kindle Edition

by Jade Thorn (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 827 ratings
Life was becoming increasingly overwhelming for Melody. Bonding Dean should have been a thing of joy, not an exercise in politics and pain. Having never been allowed to keep a familiar before, she was unprepared for the compulsion to claim him as her mate. Yet how could she, when it put him at even greater risk? If her aunt had her way, Dean would be yet another casualty of Bestia’s cruel experiments.

Adolphus wasn’t the haven that Melody had thought it would be - bullying students, indifferent teachers and threats to the campus have left her feeling unsettled and afraid. Between hexes and challenges, battles and betrayals, Melody was finding that life outside of her coven was just as dangerous as it was in the compound.

Two dragons, three wolves and a very sweet fox were all focussed on becoming her familiars, just how long could she resist the pull to bond these amazing men? Freeing them from the academy would mean enslaving them to her aunt. Denying them meant her death. There were simply no good choices and no easy solutions.

All Melody wanted was a chance to breathe and be "normal". Was it too much to ask? Would they never be free?

**Warning, this is a dark reverse harem story with elements that may cause some readers distress, including but not limited to descriptions of physical abuse, neglect and battle. Please consider carefully before purchasing.**
Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Book 2 of 5
    Of Magic and Contempt
  2. Print length
    396 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    February 20, 2021
  5. File size
    3.2 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details
Unwell Hydration from Alex Cooper
Hydrate & focus with every sip Shop now

Shop this series

 See full series
There are 5 books in this series.

Customers also bought or read

Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1
Previous page
Next page
Loading...

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B088C4S67Y
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (February 20, 2021)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 20, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.2 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 396 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 827 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Jade Thorn

Jade Thorn

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Hi, I'm Jade Thorn,

I'm a stay at home mother of 3 gorgeous wee monsters. I live in Australia with them, their Daddy, our pup, Smudge, and our pet fish.

I've been writing forever it seems. I had a passion for it as young as 9, but it never occured to me that others would like my little stories. I have oodles and oodles of half written pieces and slowly but surely I'm sharing them with you.

I'm finally doing what I've always dreamed of, and it's even better than I imagined. I do hope you enjoy reading my stories as much as I enjoy writing them.

Jade

xoxo

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
827 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find this book compelling with a strong plot line and brilliant world building. They appreciate the character development, with one review highlighting the very likable heroine. The pacing receives positive feedback, with one customer noting the FMC's strength despite years of abuse.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

21 customers mention "Story quality"21 positive0 negative

Customers find the story compelling with a strong plot line and creative elements, with one customer noting it invokes a plethora of emotions.

"...The storyline, characters, character development, and world building are brilliant...." Read more

"This was such an amazing story, she really didn’t hold back. I really enjoyed every minute of the story. So much depth and character development...." Read more

"...It's worth every second." Read more

"...What I liked: the story itself is gripping. I want to see Melody find a better life and help shifters overcome the horrible way they are treated...." Read more

11 customers mention "Character development"8 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one mentioning the very likable heroine.

"...The storyline, characters, character development, and world building are brilliant...." Read more

"...I really enjoyed every minute of the story. So much depth and character development...." Read more

"The author does such an amazing job of world building, character development, and pulling you in...." Read more

"...The guys are also still very under developed, and now there are so many that it is getting difficult to keep track of them all...." Read more

7 customers mention "Imagination"7 positive0 negative

Customers praise the brilliant world-building and creativity of the book, with one customer noting it offers a fresh take on the academy genre.

"...The storyline, characters, character development, and world building are brilliant...." Read more

"...This one is going to take you on such highs and lows. I can't tell you how many times I've had my heart ripped to shreds. It's worth every second." Read more

"...Overall, this is a series with a lot of unrealized potential, and I hope more is done with it one day...." Read more

"...The author has a great imagination for what she created. And it's appreciated that it's shared with others for entertainment...." Read more

3 customers mention "Pacing"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, with one review highlighting the strong female character who shows backbone despite years of extreme abuse.

"this book picks up where one left off. Omg Melody is one strong FMC. We learn more about her coven and the guys...." Read more

"...I liked our leading lady, strong despite years of extreme abuse. I liked the story line it was a new concept it had everything going for it!..." Read more

"...Glad that the FMC is shows a little backbone. Most books that have a FMC that grew up isolated are very cowering and barely speak up." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Jennifer Bishop
    5.0 out of 5 stars Phenomenal Read!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I just finished reading this, and let me just say, this book is phenomenal! I had very high expectations for this second book in the series, as I absolutely loved the first book, and I am thrilled to say that it exceeded my expectations and blew me away! The story invokes a plethora of emotions, it draws you in and refuses to let go! The storyline, characters, character development, and world building are brilliant. This is for sure a Must Read and I will be excitedly awaiting the next book!
    Helpful
     Report
  • Mahlehia
    4.0 out of 5 stars Wow! This was such an amazing story.
    Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This was such an amazing story, she really didn’t hold back. I really enjoyed every minute of the story. So much depth and character development. I really got a lot of insight into what was going on and could see where things were going. There were definitely some unexpected twists I didn’t anticipate coming and potentially even should have seen coming. It was such a great story. There were a couple of detractors from the story, I feel as if it could of used a more thorough editing. There are definitely some errors that were distracting in the book. Nothing that would make me not want to finish or not want to read the next book, but there are definitely a couple issues there. Overall I absolutely loved the story and will be reading book three.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Janet W
    5.0 out of 5 stars What a ride!!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    The author does such an amazing job of world building, character development, and pulling you in. This one is going to take you on such highs and lows. I can't tell you how many times I've had my heart ripped to shreds. It's worth every second.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Artemism
    3.0 out of 5 stars Story is still interesting, but I have more issues with this book
    Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I was very torn while reading this book. Part of me is enjoying the creative plot and I want to know what happens next. The other part of me is getting really tired of certain issues these books have. There is enough good here that I kept going, but I would really love to see a rewrite of this series. With some solid revisioning, I think it could be one of the better RH series out there.

    What I liked: the story itself is gripping. I want to see Melody find a better life and help shifters overcome the horrible way they are treated. Some of the characters are interesting. World building is pretty good.

    What I didn’t like: The characterization of many characters, particularly the “bad” ones, is so, so bad. Their behavior is predictable and grating, and they are all about as shallow as a mud puddle. It it like the author took one obnoxious character and just duplicated her over and over with different identities. Strip their names away and Aunt Georgia could be one of her minions, one of the obnoxious girl students, or the new provost. This author needs to make her villains more subtle and complicated than a walking, screaming, ignorant sneer. Also, practically the whole school hating and attacking her constantly and believing the lies of such an obnoxious girl is just too unbelievable and it gets tiresome. There should be far more diversity in behavior.

    The guys are also still very under developed, and now there are so many that it is getting difficult to keep track of them all. Spending more time on fewer guys would serve this story much better. I cringed when the bear or whatever he is showed up.

    There were some timeline hiccups as well. For instance, after the first big battle, she slept for two days, then spent a day being grilled, but suddenly they were talking like everything had happened yesterday. Slip ups like that happen in the story where events are inconsistent. Like in the first book it there was snow almost immediately, but then later they were talking like it hadn’t snowed yet. Some good betas would go a long way towards curing these inconsistencies.

    Overall, this is a series with a lot of unrealized potential, and I hope more is done with it one day. Or at least more is done to improve the story for future characters. I really think these could be great books with better character development.
    4 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • maja
    5.0 out of 5 stars its 2am and i can’t stop reading
    Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    it’s just one of those series, were i don’t want to take a bathroom break to stop reading for 5 minutes.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Dannie
    4.0 out of 5 stars Not Bad
    Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Another decent installment to this series. I still am not sure exactly what the deal is with Shawnna or however she’s spelled it. She’s been there too long. I also dislike how petty and childish everyone is being toward Melody.

    The world building with the shifters and covens are not well explained still. I’m still not sure why shifters need witches for their shift, or why they are treated as second class citizens.

    Also using editing software will only show misspelled words, not words that are incorrect but spelled correctly. There’s a sentence in which Melody is talking about her coven. But convene is there instead. I’ve highlighted some of these and will post them with my goodreads.

    Aside from the editing issues, and the telling style of writing (everything is told), I do enjoy the book. I also hate all the breadcrumbs we can connect but Melody can’t. Overall I do want to see where this is going.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Valerie c
    5.0 out of 5 stars That escalated quickly
    Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I tend to not be a fan of slow burns... BUT... woah. I am honestly hating that this is a trilogy, cause me wants more of Melody & the Apex crew
    So many allies and enemies revealed. So much growth that has taken place and that still has to take place.

    Melody has been hit with one thing after another for 20 years. It is amazing seeing her come into her own and not letting others step on her after all the things she's been through.

    There are so many things revolving the guys that it is comical the order they end up bonded to her and why. And those tidbits about Trent. .... Was not expecting that *fans cheeks & cackles* I'd love a bonus scene of the cursing that happened when she threatened the snark inside Trent. Ha!

    Honestly can we just get a fourth and fifth book where we get all the fun stuff and they get to be free *sigh* Melody just needs some good loving. in the words of Mrs. Hardinger, relieve some mutual tension but ducking
    🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
    We all need a teacher/counselor/friend like her.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Felicia's Reviews
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing
    Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    this book picks up where one left off. Omg Melody is one strong FMC. We learn more about her coven and the guys. If you like paranormal and academy this book is for you. Jade Thorn has a way to suck you into story and doesn't let go. The ending makes me excited for book three.
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Jaxi
    5.0 out of 5 stars Worth the wait
    Reviewed in Australia on February 21, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I've been waiting for book 2 to come out since reading book 1. So far I'm enjoying the series due to the uniqueness of it compared to many others in this genre. To be honest, it's so different that it's a little challenging to get one's head around this particular world.
    The first book was intense, and this book was no different. Once again, the heroine's life is at risk while she has to deal with so much maliciousness from so many sources. I did feel that Justin was dealt with a little unfairly, but of course he handles that badly and of course that adds to the drama and we wait to see how he fares in the next book and which side he'll be on initially. Nice little twist about Trent, but there has to be something special there.
    The loss of an important character was incredibly sad, followed by the addition of characters determined to cause harm really means that our characters just don't seem to get a break. Glad to we some resolution for Carla's character though.
    Dread to see what is planned for book 3, so far away. Interesting to read that there are more planned books with other heroine's post the next book.
    Report
  • Tina Gimigliano
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wow!
    Reviewed in Canada on July 14, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I keep devouring this series in less than 24hrs of starting a new book! Off to devour book 3 and holy does it just keep getting better and better! Thankfully Melody isn't a stupid main character and her men are even better. I love seeing all the bonds that come with them. She is one lucky lady and I hope this comes out the way I think it will!
    Report
  • Jen
    5.0 out of 5 stars book 2
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 13, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This poor FMC has suffered so much and is still suffering. I just hope with the turn of events that she can gain more power and help. Lots and lots of help.

    So much cruel and evil in this series but with the added kind, caring and yumminess to balance it out. Makes up for a really good and entertaining series.

    The only thing that I wanna say is how the characters act so much younger than they are but that could be a me thing.
    They are at an academy but you would think it’s a high school esp with the bullying and how so,e of the characters act.

    Jade thorn is a new author I’ve just come across. So far so good with the way it’s written and how the plots and twists are.
    Report
  • Milena
    3.0 out of 5 stars Um aviso teria sido bom!
    Reviewed in Brazil on March 29, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Acho muito ruim quando o autor não coloca um aviso que terá MM. Não era o que queria ler. A história é legal, um pouco sombrio demais e algumas partes que não se encaixam bem.
    Report
  • LillithVonUlf
    4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent but darkly emotional
    Reviewed in Canada on March 3, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I love this series so far!! So excited for the third book! It's full of dark emotions that are well done, but now it's time for a funny lighthearted story lol.
    Good pacing and heart-thumping excitement. A few editing oopies, but I still 13/10 highly recommend!
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report