Book Review: "Cruel is My Court" by L.A. McGinnis

“Cruel is My Court” by L.A. McGinnis is the highly anticipated follow-up to “Savage is My Kingdom” - a steamy dark fantasy romance that touts elements of forbidden love, found family, morally gray men, enemies to lovers, reluctant heroes - and more! It’s an epic fantasy story that’s fast-paced and tells the story of two warring kings and the young woman who’s determined to find her place in the world, on her own terms.

“Cruel is My Court” finds Anaria and her rag-tag team of warriors in the center of the Oracle’s constant scheming and sinister plans; the Oracle wishes to use Anaria to release the old magic that was stripped from the lands long ago. Knowing how much her men and newfound mother, Adele, mean to Anaria, the Oracle uses Anaria’s loved ones to manipulate her into releasing the magic. Anaria is fighting on all fronts - first and most immediately with the Oracle, but also still with the warring kings who continue to look to Anaria as a means of their own personal gain. Despite countless attacks, setbacks, and surprising betrayals, Anaria can’t seem to catch a break.

This sequel also introduces us more thoroughly to the idea that Anaria and her four men are fated beyond the general timeline that they’re currently living - that they in fact have fought similar battles in a previous life before. The book also alludes to the fact that Anaria and her men will become the ultimate weapon once they’ve been thoroughly bonded. 

This book was everything I had hoped the sequel would be after completing devouring “Savage is My Kingdom.” It really has it all - it was captivating and fairly well-paced throughout the book. The narrative and plot exhibit intricacy and depth, showcasing exceptional world-building, multifaceted environments, and truly captivating characters. 

The characters are extremely well-written and I loved seeing them develop from the first book to the sequel - especially in terms of budding relationships between Anaria and both Zor and Tavion. (That darn illusive Tristan though - I feel he’ll get his day in the next book!) I also appreciated the detail to Tavion’s relationship with his father in this book, as I felt that was a major “aha” for the reasons behind some of Tavion’s behavior and general grumpiness half the time. 

“Cruel is My Court” was THE follow-up I was hoping for after reading the first book. It is an incredibly compelling and shadowy tale filled with action from the very beginning, incorporating elements of prophecy, enigma, and political intrigue. The characters are masterfully crafted, each bearing their own imperfections yet sharing a remarkable chemistry. The gradual development of a captivating “who choose” romance adds an extra layer of intrigue, complemented by brilliant plot twists and betrayals revealed, and an unforgettable cliffhanger at the conclusion of the novel.

Book Review: "Savage is My Kingdom" by L.A. McGinnis

“Savage is My Kingdom” by L.A. McGinnis is a steamy dark fantasy romance that touts elements of forbidden love, found family, morally grey men, enemies to lovers - and more! It’s an epic fantasy story that’s fast-paced and tells the story of two warring kings and the young woman who’s determined to find her place in the world, on her own terms.

Anaria has spent her life as a slave to the Descendants, a group of diluted-blood Fae who rule over Varitus and who have minimal magic capabilities. After almost getting gang-raped by a slimy group of Descendant males, she - along with her close friend and fellow slave, Ember - is stolen away by a group of savage Fae who intend to bring them to Carex Centaria, King of Caladrius. During an assault on the group by a group of mercenaries, Anaria learns that she contains magic and is indeed a Fae when she must heal herself after she’s injured in the fight. 

Anaria and Ember are brought to King Carex but quickly realize that life in the thriving Fae city isn’t as beautiful as it seems. Anaria learns that she’s been brought to Caladrius to act as a sacrifice to the King, in order to restore his Fae power which was stolen from him 18 years prior on the day Anaria was born. During her stint at the castle, Anaria meets Tavion, the King’s Commander of the High Guard - and a thorn in Anaria’s side. But he isn’t all he claims to be. 

With the help of some insiders within the castle, Tavion manages to steal Anaria away before she’s sacrificed and they meet up with Tavion’s partners in crime, Raziel, Zorander, and Tristan - all of whom are upset with Anaria for the role she played in the death of Tavion’s brother, Julian, one of the mercenaries Anaria crossed earlier in the novel on her way to Caladrius. The foursome agree to bring Anaria to Blackcastle and to the Shadow King, Serpens Centaria - brother (twin) to Carex - to be used in the war against Carex.

While at Blackcastle, Anaria is forced to play nice with The Shadow King, maneuver court politics, stave off an impending war between two kings who both want to see her used as a pawn, all while hiding the magic she’s claimed (oh yeah - despite being warned NOT to claim the magic, she goes and gives her virginity to Raz, in the process claiming the magic inside her). Anaria must quickly learn how to become the heroine she’s meant to be, all while navigating who she can trust - especially with her heart. 

At 484 pages, the novel is a sizable read but McGinnis expertly weaves her words to maintain the pacing while doing some considerable world-building and keeps readers on the edge of their seats throughout most of the book (it doesn’t read like an almost 500-page book!)

The characters are well-developed and Anaria is just a kick-ass lead character. Despite having a hard upbringing and the loss she suffers throughout the book, Anaria is strong, determined, and remains steadfast in her mission. Her head-strong tendencies and smart mouth often get her in trouble - especially with the four males she’s corralling to her cause - but she’s got a good heart and knows exactly how to handle her men. And the men! Each one is different and helps Anaria in his own way in her journey throughout this novel.

The story ends in a way that sets up the next book - and I’m eager to see how Anaria’s relationship with her four guys progresses. (Like will-she or won’t-she with the other three males who you KNOW she’s developing feelings for!) I cannot wait for the next book (“Cruel is My Court”) to come out at the end of November!