This Vicious Dream (
Kingdom of Death #1)
by
Stacia Stark Purchase on:
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Goodreads Synopsis:
Once, I helped save a kingdom.
Now, I’m trapped in a prison of thorns and nightmares.
My crime? Knowing the location of a power that could reshape the world—a grimoire I swore to protect with my life.
That secret is the only thing keeping me alive while my captors wait for me to break.
Until he arrives.
Beautiful. Ruthless.
Dark, inscrutable eyes. A dangerously wicked grin.
But he’s not here to rescue me. He wants the grimoire for himself––and he’ll destroy anyone who stands in his way.
My only choice is a fragile, temporary alliance with a man I can never trust.
Because there’s more at stake than just a stolen grimoire or an ancient grudge.
And behind his mask of effortless allure, he’s hiding something far more dangerous than a thirst for power.
Something that could destroy us all.
Review:
This Vicious Dream completely consumed me. With characters that captured my heart and twists that owned me, this story was impossible to put down. It’ll keep you on the edge of your seat while you find yourself falling in love and wiping away your tears. This story deserves all the stars!
When he glances at my collection of bodies, one dark eyebrow shoots up. I’m not sure if it’s appreciation or horror that makes his mouth twitch.
Madinia could be so vicious and ruthless, so I absolutely loved her! She had been held captive for the last three years inside of a tower, because she knew the location of a grimoire that would completely change their world. She was brave, tenacious, fearless, and would not be broken. So, when Calysian appeared, it set them on a path together. For the grimoire.
When I tuck the lock of hair behind her ear, she flinches.
Something twists in my chest.
Madinia and Calysian both struggled with their memory, but I loved that a common mission forced them together. Their banter was phenomenal and the tension that simmered between them was addictive! And as memories started to find their way back to Madinia, it forced her hand to become hard-hearted and throw remorse out the window when it came to Calysian. But he was tenacious, and he refused to give up Madinia without a fight. Even if she was the one who was standing in their way.
This woman would slit my throat if she could. And then she would gleefully burn my body to ash. There must be something wrong with me, because that look in her eye makes me want to crush my mouth to hers.
Calysian came across as dangerous and lethal, but I loved how he saw so much. It didn’t matter how much hate Madinia threw his way, he took care of her. And could be so kind and thoughtful. Calysian is a book boyfriend you will fall hard for. So, when he called her beautiful woman or sweetheart, it was impossible not to melt into a puddle. Calysian was everything!
“I hate you.”
“Well, sweetheart, I’m currently not too fond of you either.”
My eyes burn at the injustice. If I had a sword in my hand, I’d gut him.
As the story unfolded, I was terrified for them. They were being hunted and nowhere felt safe. Life and death situations were always around the corner. But through it all, they both had their dark and twisted humor. And their vicious rage. Together they were a formidable team. And with fabulous banter and steamy moments, Calysian and Madinia were a powerful couple that sailed right to the top of my favorites list!
“You never should have let me taste you. Now I’ll stop at nothing to make you mine.”
With forced proximity, brutal truths, only one bed, betrayal, and trust, This Vicious Dream is easily one of my top favorite books! Plus, the side characters captured my heart so easily too. Eamonn and Fox were two favorites, but we also got to see a few of our favorites from the series Kingdom of Lies. So, while you can easily read this as a standalone, I definitely think certain moments will hit harder if you’ve read the Kingdom of Lies Series first. I found myself crying 7 different times. With phenomenal twists that left my jaw on the ground, I found myself laughing and crying while dread pooled in my stomach in those final few pages. This story was beautifully crafted, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Other favorite quotes:
“I’ll make them pay.”
“You left me to die again.”
I give him a humorless smile. “And yet you’re still here.”
Sometimes in life, there are no good choices. Sometimes, it’s about making the choice with the least pain now and dealing with the consequences later.
“You want her?” Calysian asks, and my stomach sinks. “Come and take her from me.”
Wait, what?
Something wrenches in my chest. Something that feels almost like… betrayal.
I was stupid enough to let him in, and truly idiotic to let myself begin to feel something for him.
When he leaves— and he will— it will hurt.
Calysian steps in front of me. “Don’t talk to her. Don’t even look at her.”
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*