A Court This Cruel and Lovely: Kingdom of Lies, Book 1

Nicole Lewis

Good 4 star read

"If you're a fan of romantasy with intriguing world-building, complex characters, and a slow burn that ignites into something intense, A Court This Cruel and Lovely is a must-read. The story follows Prisca, a strong-willed and resilient young woman whose forbidden power forces her to flee the only life she's ever known. Along the way, she crosses paths with Lorian, a ruthless mercenary who is as dangerous as he is captivating. Their relationship is full of tension, secrets, and undeniable chemistry, making every interaction between them electric. Prisca is a standout protagonist—young, but incredibly well-rounded and determined. She doesn’t let circumstances define her, and her strength shines through in every decision she makes. Lorian, on the other hand, is mysterious and layered, with secrets that kept me guessing until the very end. I usually predict twists in fantasy novels, but this book had me pleasantly surprised more than once! As for the romance, it’s a deliciously slow burn. The first two-thirds of the book build the tension between Prisca and Lorian with no real "spice," but the last third more than makes up for it. Once these two finally give in to their attraction, they can’t seem to stay away from each other, and it makes for some intense and satisfying moments. Overall, A Court This Cruel and Lovely delivers on action, mystery, and romance, with a world full of danger and magic that pulled me in from the first page. I can’t wait to dive into the next book and see where Prisca and Lorian’s journey leads! ["

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February 6, 2025 Verified Purchase

BeaWilson

Great book!

"Stacia Stark's A Court This Cruel and Lovely weaves an enchanting tale filled with betrayal, magic, and rebellion. Set in a richly constructed world where humans, hybrids, and fae coexist, Stark delivers a captivating narrative that holds the reader from start to finish. The book's plot thrives on the tension between its characters, particularly through the forced proximity trope. The dual POV adds depth, allowing readers to delve into the minds of both the possessive male main character and the strong, compassionate female lead. The slow burn romance between them is laced with spice, adding an intoxicating layer to the court intrigue and forbidden magic that permeate the story. Stark excels in world-building, crafting a realm where rebellion simmers beneath the surface, and the stakes are as high as the towering fae courts. The blend of human and fae magic creates a unique backdrop that enhances the narrative's complexity. The strong and compassionate FMC shines as she navigates the treacherous waters of court politics, while the possessive MMC's intensity provides a perfect counterbalance. While the pacing is generally well-handled, the slow burn might test the patience of some readers. However, the payoff is well worth the wait, as the climactic moments are executed with precision and impact. Overall, A Court This Cruel and Lovely is a spellbinding addition to the fantasy genre. With its compelling characters, intricate world-building, and a story that brims with intrigue and emotion, it's a must-read for fans of court fantasy and slow-burn romance. ["

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July 30, 2024 Verified Purchase

Bethany

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A criminally underrated gem

"I picked this up while deep in a book slump, and it completely pulled me out of it. From the very first chapter, I was hooked — the world sucked me in, the writing was smooth and immersive, and the plot? Absolutely phenomenal. I was never bored. Every twist kept me turning the pages like a woman possessed. The romance is that perfect blend of tension-filled slow burn with just the right amount of spice woven in. There’s this constant undercurrent of longing that made the payoff so satisfying, and the dynamic between the characters had me feeling everything. I adored the main characters — I was 100% invested in them both. And that ending? I didn’t see it coming at all, and I love when a book can genuinely surprise me. The pacing was just right — it flowed so well, with enough action, emotion, and reveals to keep you fully engaged. I honestly don’t know why more people aren’t talking about this series. If you loved ACOTAR or Fourth Wing, there’s a good chance you’ll be obsessed with this one too. If you’re in a slump, trust me — this book will drag you out of it. ["

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July 15, 2025 Verified Purchase

kchick589

In love with this series

"Oh my gosh, I regret waiting so long to read this series.🤯 I loved the writing, the characters, the plot, the twist and turns.🥰 The FMC is fierce and strong, the tension and yearning between the MMC is everything you want. The constant plot twist will have you on the edge of your seat never wanting to put it down. Easy 5 stars for me 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟! Highly recommend and looking forward to continuing the series! 📖📚 ["

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May 15, 2026 Verified Purchase

Gabrielle (BookishandBallgowns)

Ready to binge read!

"I haven’t read any romantasy in a minute so I was scared going into this one. My little pea brain can only handle so much. But wow did this have a hold on me. I couldn’t put it down. I started entirely too late in the day, and didn’t stop until the wee hours of the morning (Mind you, I’m the grandma friend and my bedtime is pretty much at 8pm at the latest). I finally had to give into sleep when my pounding headache was BEGGING me the rest. I was hooked from the very beginning, especially when I realized this was going to be first person and Dual POV. Already my small town loving brain was at ease. This romantasy follows Prisca, a time wielding hybrid. My People like her are being rounded up and killed all in the name of the King. She’s been told her whole life that she needs to hide her abilities, but when her friends are in danger she can’t sit idly by. Now she’s on the run, and determined to put an end to the cruel suffering. On her journey she runs into a group of mercenaries. Though they get off to a rocky start, the men take her under their wing. Lorian would rather not be slowed by the drowning girl that they find, but he finds it rather amusing when she hunts them down after they leave her. He allows her to tag along with his group once he discovers her power. He’s on a mission and could use someone that can bend time. I love a good enemies to lovers pipeline. Lorian and Prisca are immediately at each others throats and I was giggling with glee from the very beginning. I loved the way Lorian’s men welcomed her into the fold, and he was the only one grumbling. It was so much fun seeing his POV in these moments. This is a slooooow burn, filled with lots of tension between the main characters. It followed very common romantasy tropes, but still held my attention the whole time. I was very invested in the storyline, and couldn’t wait to see how it would play out. Although the ending was predictable, I cannot wait to see what happens next! ["

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December 24, 2024 Verified Purchase