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Ruin Bound (Deluxe Limited Edition) (Volume 3) (The Wolves of Ruin, 3)
Sable Sorensen
A Court This Cruel and Lovely: Kingdom of Lies, Book 1
by Stacia Stark
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About this book
Prisca knows the rules of her world: humans must surrender their magic to the gods in exchange for protection from the merciless fae. Those who retain their power are branded "corrupt" and executed. When Prisca’s own forbidden, dark magic surfaces, she is forced to abandon her quiet life and flee for her survival.
Her path collides with a man who has haunted her dreams for years—a ruthless mercenary with blazing green eyes who previously left her for dead. Desperation forces an uneasy alliance. Prisca agrees to help the mercenary and his mysterious companions infiltrate the city, while he promises to teach her how to control the dangerous power burning within her.
As they navigate a landscape of political instability and lethal threats, the tension between them simmers, shifting from mutual distrust to a volatile, magnetic attraction. However, the mercenary guards secrets that could dismantle the kingdom and shatter the world Prisca is fighting to save. Trapped between the gods, the fae, and her own unpredictable abilities, Prisca must decide who to trust before the darkness she carries consumes everything she holds dear.
Available Formats
Paperback: $20.00 Audiobook: $0.00
What readers are saying
Nicole LewisGood 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! ["
February 6, 2025 Verified Purchase
BeaWilsonGreat 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. ["
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. ["
July 15, 2025 Verified Purchase
kchick589In 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! 📖📚 ["
May 15, 2026 Verified Purchase
