Stars: 5/5 Spice: 3/4 Recommended reading age: 18+
🚨Potential spoilers below, not sure if what I put would be considered as spoilers but just in case!
Perfect blend of spice and plot, King’s Bride is a NA Dark Romatasy retailing of Beauty and the Beast with a unique story line, and twists I did not see coming. It is the first in a 5 book prequel series of standalone romantasy known as the Chronicles of Ur (CoU) set within the same world as Beck’s Guardians of the Maiden (GOTM) series. But, they are not set at the same time…
Set long before the start of Divine Blood, King’s Bride takes us to when Urn’s Chip was smothered in a blanket of ice and snow. Back when it was called the Everfrost and ruled by one. The Ice Phoenix. The God of Death as others call him. A beast of a king that is as merciless as he is deadly. However this story begins and ends with the strong, fearless women who brought him to his knees.
Sunnëva lives to protect those she loves, so when tragedy strikes close to home, calling her brother to death's gate she ignores the warnings from the clan and risks it all to obtain the one thing to save him from death's grip. A magical rose created by the king himself.
But one does not simply steal from the king of the Everfrost, and not be known.
Stealing from the king comes with a cost. One Sunnëva is unwilling or able to pay. In a cloud of grief and anger she challenges him. Hoping to kill him. Only to lose..
In an effort to spare her clan from the king’s wrath her father, Earl Thorstein, offers her to him as his bride. Much to Sunnëva’s surprise he accepts.
Taken to the castle of ice and roses, Sunnëva plots her revenge. Eager to plunge her knife in the Ice Phoenix. Though she quickly finds, it is not easy to kill a god…
Twisted games of magic, secrets, betrayal and death lead Sunnëva down a path she had not expected. Unraveling secrets buried long ago, she finds there is more to the mysterious king, and the curse plaguing the land in ice, than she thought.
With enemies coming at them from different angles Sunnëva grapples with what she thought she knew, and what is true. Before she knows it her world is twisted, and flipped before being righted by the one she vowed to kill. Now not only does her hatred for the king begin to thaw, so does her heart…
King’s Bride is a dark, new adult book that does contain explicit content, past SA trauma (not at the hands of the MMC), abuse (not at the hands of the MMC), and is recommended for readers 18+. Please make sure you are checking trigger warnings at the beginning of the book before reading!
If I had not known otherwise, I would never have guessed this was Beck’s first time writing something this spicy. King’s Bride reads like she has been writing spice for ages. The scenes were hot, and hit just right. Flowing smoothly with the plot, making this the best mix of spice and story. They never felt forced, over the top, or unrealistic. Sunnëva and Jökull being together in chap 36 especially is my favorite (ifykyk.) I appreciated how Beck stayed with the basics in terms of describing genitles/private parts as there is nothing that pulls me out of the spicy scenes than some over the top term for any of the private parts.
Outside the smut Beck weaves the tale with mastory. Pulling emotions from you from the beginning to the end. Not letting go till the book is devoured and the HEA has come to pass. I have 100% come to care for these characters, as much as I adore the cast in the GOTM series. Beck’s writing style is second to none, and the way she is able to make her story and characters come to life is why she is easily my favorite author.
King’s Bride is quick paced, but does not feel all jumbled or confusing. It ready extremly well! The world building is expertly crafted into the story. All information was given only when it was needed, making it easy to comprehend and follow along.
Character development is not lacking in this story. All the characters and creatures felt so real. WIth each being relatable from their actions, pasts to even their motications. I found myself able to understand them more. From Sunnëva and Jökull to Tally and Aero even Finrin and Rune. The wide range of characters was not lacking, and I could not find one that was not well developed. Even if they were bad, or I hated them with a passion - looking at you Thorstien and Bjorn.
Various monsters and creatures run amuck within the castle and across Urn, and Beck does brilliantly at depicting them. Her creatures, apart from the worldbuilding, are unique, and fit the world as well as the characters.
Tally, Sunnëva’s handmaiden, however quickly became my favorite. I adore her so much and beyound happy for how things go for her. I feel as if she had an extremely well done arc. She comes in as a timid, frightened womens, and we get to see how she changes, and grows with the help of Aero, and Sunnëva. Speaking of Aero - next to the entailing king , Aero Asterin is my favorite guy! I whole heartily love this mage, and truly hope he makes an appereance in the other CoU books. I do need to add Finrin to the list. As Sunnëva’s youngest brother invoked emotions from the very first mention of him. I truly adore FIn, he deserves the entire world and needs to be protected, just like Ansa…
Ansa is so sweet and kind, I truly wish we got more of her. Especially her and a certain Skelling (ifykyk.) Knowing the HEA Ansa gets, leaves me so happy. I truly wanted her to get away from the clan, and she did! Living her best life! I stan with Ansa, and Kerro!
I completely devoured this book and it was an emotional roller coaster! I am ready for a re-read of it already! It is fair to say as of right now King’s Bride is my favorite book of 2023. But we will see what Beck releases next haha.
If you are on the dence about this book - let this review be a sign to you, and go read it!
Trigger/Content Warnings: Explicit content, Past SA assault (not at the hands of the MMC) violence, abuse (not in detail nor at the hands of the MMC)
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, fated/destined mates, found family, fairy tale retelling, arrange marriage, touch her and die, dagger to the throat, magic, monsters
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Perfect blend of spice and story
Stars: 5/5 Spice: 3/4 Recommended reading age: 18+ 🚨Potential spoilers below, not sure if what I put would be considered as spoilers but just in case! Perfect blend of spice and plot, King’s Bride is a NA Dark Romatasy retailing of Beauty and the Beast with a unique story line, and twists I did not see coming. It is the first in a 5 book prequel series of standalone romantasy known as the Chronicles of Ur (CoU) set within the same world as Beck’s Guardians of the Maiden (GOTM) series. But, they are not set at the same time… Set long before the start of Divine Blood, King’s Bride takes us to when Urn’s Chip was smothered in a blanket of ice and snow. Back when it was called the Everfrost and ruled by one. The Ice Phoenix. The God of Death as others call him. A beast of a king that is as merciless as he is deadly. However this story begins and ends with the strong, fearless women who brought him to his knees. Sunnëva lives to protect those she loves, so when tragedy strikes close to home, calling her brother to death's gate she ignores the warnings from the clan and risks it all to obtain the one thing to save him from death's grip. A magical rose created by the king himself. But one does not simply steal from the king of the Everfrost, and not be known. Stealing from the king comes with a cost. One Sunnëva is unwilling or able to pay. In a cloud of grief and anger she challenges him. Hoping to kill him. Only to lose.. In an effort to spare her clan from the king’s wrath her father, Earl Thorstein, offers her to him as his bride. Much to Sunnëva’s surprise he accepts. Taken to the castle of ice and roses, Sunnëva plots her revenge. Eager to plunge her knife in the Ice Phoenix. Though she quickly finds, it is not easy to kill a god… Twisted games of magic, secrets, betrayal and death lead Sunnëva down a path she had not expected. Unraveling secrets buried long ago, she finds there is more to the mysterious king, and the curse plaguing the land in ice, than she thought. With enemies coming at them from different angles Sunnëva grapples with what she thought she knew, and what is true. Before she knows it her world is twisted, and flipped before being righted by the one she vowed to kill. Now not only does her hatred for the king begin to thaw, so does her heart… King’s Bride is a dark, new adult book that does contain explicit content, past SA trauma (not at the hands of the MMC), abuse (not at the hands of the MMC), and is recommended for readers 18+. Please make sure you are checking trigger warnings at the beginning of the book before reading! If I had not known otherwise, I would never have guessed this was Beck’s first time writing something this spicy. King’s Bride reads like she has been writing spice for ages. The scenes were hot, and hit just right. Flowing smoothly with the plot, making this the best mix of spice and story. They never felt forced, over the top, or unrealistic. Sunnëva and Jökull being together in chap 36 especially is my favorite (ifykyk.) I appreciated how Beck stayed with the basics in terms of describing genitles/private parts as there is nothing that pulls me out of the spicy scenes than some over the top term for any of the private parts. Outside the smut Beck weaves the tale with mastory. Pulling emotions from you from the beginning to the end. Not letting go till the book is devoured and the HEA has come to pass. I have 100% come to care for these characters, as much as I adore the cast in the GOTM series. Beck’s writing style is second to none, and the way she is able to make her story and characters come to life is why she is easily my favorite author. King’s Bride is quick paced, but does not feel all jumbled or confusing. It ready extremly well! The world building is expertly crafted into the story. All information was given only when it was needed, making it easy to comprehend and follow along. Character development is not lacking in this story. All the characters and creatures felt so real. WIth each being relatable from their actions, pasts to even their motications. I found myself able to understand them more. From Sunnëva and Jökull to Tally and Aero even Finrin and Rune. The wide range of characters was not lacking, and I could not find one that was not well developed. Even if they were bad, or I hated them with a passion - looking at you Thorstien and Bjorn. Various monsters and creatures run amuck within the castle and across Urn, and Beck does brilliantly at depicting them. Her creatures, apart from the worldbuilding, are unique, and fit the world as well as the characters. Tally, Sunnëva’s handmaiden, however quickly became my favorite. I adore her so much and beyound happy for how things go for her. I feel as if she had an extremely well done arc. She comes in as a timid, frightened womens, and we get to see how she changes, and grows with the help of Aero, and Sunnëva. Speaking of Aero - next to the entailing king , Aero Asterin is my favorite guy! I whole heartily love this mage, and truly hope he makes an appereance in the other CoU books. I do need to add Finrin to the list. As Sunnëva’s youngest brother invoked emotions from the very first mention of him. I truly adore FIn, he deserves the entire world and needs to be protected, just like Ansa… Ansa is so sweet and kind, I truly wish we got more of her. Especially her and a certain Skelling (ifykyk.) Knowing the HEA Ansa gets, leaves me so happy. I truly wanted her to get away from the clan, and she did! Living her best life! I stan with Ansa, and Kerro! I completely devoured this book and it was an emotional roller coaster! I am ready for a re-read of it already! It is fair to say as of right now King’s Bride is my favorite book of 2023. But we will see what Beck releases next haha. If you are on the dence about this book - let this review be a sign to you, and go read it! Trigger/Content Warnings: Explicit content, Past SA assault (not at the hands of the MMC) violence, abuse (not in detail nor at the hands of the MMC) Tropes: Enemies to lovers, fated/destined mates, found family, fairy tale retelling, arrange marriage, touch her and die, dagger to the throat, magic, monsters
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2023Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Stars: 5/5 Spice: 3/4 Recommended reading age: 18+
🚨Potential spoilers below, not sure if what I put would be considered as spoilers but just in case!
Perfect blend of spice and plot, King’s Bride is a NA Dark Romatasy retailing of Beauty and the Beast with a unique story line, and twists I did not see coming. It is the first in a 5 book prequel series of standalone romantasy known as the Chronicles of Ur (CoU) set within the same world as Beck’s Guardians of the Maiden (GOTM) series. But, they are not set at the same time…
Set long before the start of Divine Blood, King’s Bride takes us to when Urn’s Chip was smothered in a blanket of ice and snow. Back when it was called the Everfrost and ruled by one. The Ice Phoenix. The God of Death as others call him. A beast of a king that is as merciless as he is deadly. However this story begins and ends with the strong, fearless women who brought him to his knees.
Sunnëva lives to protect those she loves, so when tragedy strikes close to home, calling her brother to death's gate she ignores the warnings from the clan and risks it all to obtain the one thing to save him from death's grip. A magical rose created by the king himself.
But one does not simply steal from the king of the Everfrost, and not be known.
Stealing from the king comes with a cost. One Sunnëva is unwilling or able to pay. In a cloud of grief and anger she challenges him. Hoping to kill him. Only to lose..
In an effort to spare her clan from the king’s wrath her father, Earl Thorstein, offers her to him as his bride. Much to Sunnëva’s surprise he accepts.
Taken to the castle of ice and roses, Sunnëva plots her revenge. Eager to plunge her knife in the Ice Phoenix. Though she quickly finds, it is not easy to kill a god…
Twisted games of magic, secrets, betrayal and death lead Sunnëva down a path she had not expected. Unraveling secrets buried long ago, she finds there is more to the mysterious king, and the curse plaguing the land in ice, than she thought.
With enemies coming at them from different angles Sunnëva grapples with what she thought she knew, and what is true. Before she knows it her world is twisted, and flipped before being righted by the one she vowed to kill. Now not only does her hatred for the king begin to thaw, so does her heart…
King’s Bride is a dark, new adult book that does contain explicit content, past SA trauma (not at the hands of the MMC), abuse (not at the hands of the MMC), and is recommended for readers 18+. Please make sure you are checking trigger warnings at the beginning of the book before reading!
If I had not known otherwise, I would never have guessed this was Beck’s first time writing something this spicy. King’s Bride reads like she has been writing spice for ages. The scenes were hot, and hit just right. Flowing smoothly with the plot, making this the best mix of spice and story. They never felt forced, over the top, or unrealistic. Sunnëva and Jökull being together in chap 36 especially is my favorite (ifykyk.) I appreciated how Beck stayed with the basics in terms of describing genitles/private parts as there is nothing that pulls me out of the spicy scenes than some over the top term for any of the private parts.
Outside the smut Beck weaves the tale with mastory. Pulling emotions from you from the beginning to the end. Not letting go till the book is devoured and the HEA has come to pass. I have 100% come to care for these characters, as much as I adore the cast in the GOTM series. Beck’s writing style is second to none, and the way she is able to make her story and characters come to life is why she is easily my favorite author.
King’s Bride is quick paced, but does not feel all jumbled or confusing. It ready extremly well! The world building is expertly crafted into the story. All information was given only when it was needed, making it easy to comprehend and follow along.
Character development is not lacking in this story. All the characters and creatures felt so real. WIth each being relatable from their actions, pasts to even their motications. I found myself able to understand them more. From Sunnëva and Jökull to Tally and Aero even Finrin and Rune. The wide range of characters was not lacking, and I could not find one that was not well developed. Even if they were bad, or I hated them with a passion - looking at you Thorstien and Bjorn.
Various monsters and creatures run amuck within the castle and across Urn, and Beck does brilliantly at depicting them. Her creatures, apart from the worldbuilding, are unique, and fit the world as well as the characters.
Tally, Sunnëva’s handmaiden, however quickly became my favorite. I adore her so much and beyound happy for how things go for her. I feel as if she had an extremely well done arc. She comes in as a timid, frightened womens, and we get to see how she changes, and grows with the help of Aero, and Sunnëva. Speaking of Aero - next to the entailing king , Aero Asterin is my favorite guy! I whole heartily love this mage, and truly hope he makes an appereance in the other CoU books. I do need to add Finrin to the list. As Sunnëva’s youngest brother invoked emotions from the very first mention of him. I truly adore FIn, he deserves the entire world and needs to be protected, just like Ansa…
Ansa is so sweet and kind, I truly wish we got more of her. Especially her and a certain Skelling (ifykyk.) Knowing the HEA Ansa gets, leaves me so happy. I truly wanted her to get away from the clan, and she did! Living her best life! I stan with Ansa, and Kerro!
I completely devoured this book and it was an emotional roller coaster! I am ready for a re-read of it already! It is fair to say as of right now King’s Bride is my favorite book of 2023. But we will see what Beck releases next haha.
If you are on the dence about this book - let this review be a sign to you, and go read it!
Trigger/Content Warnings: Explicit content, Past SA assault (not at the hands of the MMC) violence, abuse (not in detail nor at the hands of the MMC)
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, fated/destined mates, found family, fairy tale retelling, arrange marriage, touch her and die, dagger to the throat, magic, monsters
Images in this review
- Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2023Format: KindleVerified Purchase
I was received an ARC of King’s Bride, the first standalone novel in The Chronicle of Urn series by Beck Michaels. Here is my spoiler free review.
Epic Enemies to Lovers with Beauty and the Beast Inspired Vibes
Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2023
King’s Bride delivers epic quests, incredibly detailed world building and intricately woven character relationships filled with devotion, self-acceptance, passion and yes…a fair amount of pain and tears. This book takes place in the same fantasy world as Beck's other series, The Guardians of the Maiden (GOTM) but you do not have to read GOTM to enjoy King’s Bride. This is a prequel tale of the fated love story of Jokull, the Ice Phoenix, God of Death, and his mortal bride, Sunneva Morkhan.
In this story, loosely based on a retelling of the fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast, we are drawn into the world of the Everfrost, a land where ice covers all, dark beasts hide in the shadows and mortals find themselves at the mercy of gods who roam, war and rule among them. Beck creates a beautiful culture of fierce, Nordic style clans struggling to survive with a Viking-like tenacity. Over this harsh and desolate tundra, reigns an immortal King, a god of Death, named Jokull, whose heart is known to be as hard and cruel as the land he rules. Through a series of desperate decisions and fated paths that cannot be escaped, Sunneva Morkhan, daughter of the Morkhan clan’s chief, finds herself offered up to Jokull as his mortal bride. Sunneva is a heroine whose burning desire to kill Jokull and free the land of eternal winter is only eclipsed by her unwavering dedication to protect those most dear to her. She will do this even at the expense of her own life and heart as she is forced to leave behind her first love, a brooding and mysterious demon slayer named Rune. While Sunneva knows she may die on her mission to kill the Ice Phoenix she is determined to take the inhuman god down with her.
As Sunneva settles into her marriage looking for ways to not so subtly murder her husband, she and Jokull fight and love with equal fire and ferocity. Old lies and new truths are revealed and soon Sunneva finds herself torn between the beast she has been taught to hate and the god who sees all of who she is and never turns away from the beauty of her scars. Battling her heart as much as the monsters who roam the Everfrost, Sunneva gets drawn into centuries’ old conflicts of the gods, whose vendettas of revenge and desire for power run deeper than her own hatred and rage. Soon enough Sunneva is faced with the alternate future that the God of Shadows, lord over demons, temptingly offers her while pulling on memories and old loves that Sunneva cannot seem to leave behind.
In the end, readers are taken on a roller coaster of twisted emotions, betrayals and fated prophecies that culminate in Sunneva and Jokull having to decide just what they are willing to sacrifice for a chance to live and love. If anything, the only drawback of a standalone is how much has to be wrapped up quickly in those final chapters.
For those who have read GOTM, King’s Bride definitely ups the spice factor. For a couple like Jokull and Sunneva, I found the heat to fit exactly who they are without ever taking away from the incredible emotional connection between them.
All in all, I really loved this first book and give it a 5 out of 5 for anyone looking for a complex, enemies to lovers story set against the backdrop of a dark, mythical world.
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
- Prardhana D.Reviewed in India on June 17, 2024
A must read beautiful fantasy romance
Format: KindleVerified Purchase - Kindle CustomerReviewed in Australia on December 4, 2024
Dove into this fantasy world & I'm hooked!
Format: KindleVerified Purchase - Lena SchieleReviewed in Germany on December 6, 2023
Omg get this book it’s so good
Format: KindleVerified Purchase - CharmaineReviewed in the United Kingdom on July 18, 2023
Absolutely adore this 😍
Format: KindleVerified Purchase - SeanReviewed in Canada on June 21, 2023
A steamy trip onto the history of Urn
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
