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3.75 AVERAGE
3.75 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Bound to the Shadow Prince by Ruby Dixon is a romantic fantasy novel. I was very excited to read a book by Ruby Dixon because I heard delightful things about her stories. I picked this one because the title sounded good and boy am I glad I did!
The story line was original. I literally could not put this book down it was so intriguing. I really liked the characters. Well the two characters. The entire book was about two characters for the most part. So yes you get some strong character development
This pampered princess Candra is locked in a tower in the dark for several closed off from the outside world. There is only one other being with her and that is Nemeth. They have a long time to get to know each other and as readers we do too.
Trust me you are in for a slow burn ride reading this but it’s worth it! Great job. I can not wait to read another book by Ruby Dixon!
4.5 ⭐️/5
3.5 🌶️/5
Bound to the Shadow Prince from Ruby is available for the first time in print. Originally this was a 3x a week serial on the Yonder app that I read it in real time. It was the good kind of torture to read each chapter one at a time as it was released from October 2022 - March 2023. Ruby’s writing draws me in from start to finish for each book, and it is a delight to absorb this story in one continuous read.
We get:
▪️Single POV
▪️Knotting
▪️Mates
▪️Wings, tail, fangs
▪️Forced proximity
▪️Enemies to lovers
▪️Touch her and die
▪️Virgin MMC
▪️Effects of war and the aftermath
Although it is not in the same series of Aspect and Anchor, if you like that series or the fantasy romance vibe in general you will love Bound to the Shadow God.
Because of ✨reasons✨ Candra and Nemeth, Princess and Prince of their respective kingdoms, have to spend 7 years locked in a tower together to appease the Golden Moon Goddess as Royal Offerings. Candra is humorous and bold and playful, she’s full of personality, she’s pampered, has a chronic illness, and wasn’t initially expected to be the Royal Offering. Nemeth is used to the shadows, he’s scholarly and quiet and has wings and horns and a tail, and has trained his whole life for his role; although his appearance is fearsome he turns out to be quite the cinnamon roll whenever Candra is involved.
There is humorous banter between Candra and Nemeth. Some of the sweetest bits are the quiet moments between two Royal Offerings traveling on the path from enemies to friends. There are darker and serious times in this book and it is also hot & steamy with doors thrown wide open! We get to see what happens when two individuals who are taught to hate each other are locked in a tower and are forced to get to know each other. When does your enemy stop being the big bad monster and start being your friend and confidant?
Thank you to W by Wattpad Books and NetGalley for my ARC. My thoughts/opinions are my own and my review is voluntary.
3.5 🌶️/5
Bound to the Shadow Prince from Ruby is available for the first time in print. Originally this was a 3x a week serial on the Yonder app that I read it in real time. It was the good kind of torture to read each chapter one at a time as it was released from October 2022 - March 2023. Ruby’s writing draws me in from start to finish for each book, and it is a delight to absorb this story in one continuous read.
We get:
▪️Single POV
▪️Knotting
▪️Mates
▪️Wings, tail, fangs
▪️Forced proximity
▪️Enemies to lovers
▪️Touch her and die
▪️Virgin MMC
▪️Effects of war and the aftermath
Although it is not in the same series of Aspect and Anchor, if you like that series or the fantasy romance vibe in general you will love Bound to the Shadow God.
Because of ✨reasons✨ Candra and Nemeth, Princess and Prince of their respective kingdoms, have to spend 7 years locked in a tower together to appease the Golden Moon Goddess as Royal Offerings. Candra is humorous and bold and playful, she’s full of personality, she’s pampered, has a chronic illness, and wasn’t initially expected to be the Royal Offering. Nemeth is used to the shadows, he’s scholarly and quiet and has wings and horns and a tail, and has trained his whole life for his role; although his appearance is fearsome he turns out to be quite the cinnamon roll whenever Candra is involved.
There is humorous banter between Candra and Nemeth. Some of the sweetest bits are the quiet moments between two Royal Offerings traveling on the path from enemies to friends. There are darker and serious times in this book and it is also hot & steamy with doors thrown wide open! We get to see what happens when two individuals who are taught to hate each other are locked in a tower and are forced to get to know each other. When does your enemy stop being the big bad monster and start being your friend and confidant?
Thank you to W by Wattpad Books and NetGalley for my ARC. My thoughts/opinions are my own and my review is voluntary.
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Ugh I cannot tell you how much I loved this book! Seriously, it had me hooked from the beginning!
This Fantasy Romance was a mouthwatering spicy read.
The Romance is a slow burn, and very angsty.
Once the romance takes off there are lots of scrumptious spicy scenes to enjoy. Perfect for any monster spice lover.
The book moves at a quicker pace following the MCs as they try survive locked in a tower together. There is lust, adventure, unexpected turns of events, and even betrayal along their struggle.
The characters are written very solid in their wonderful personalities. They are a perfect combination together, making their banter throughout the book a pleasure to read.
The world building is fairly complex, but not overly so. The author makes sure to start strong, and keep reinforcing throughout the book. This makes reading this book a compelling read, that you cant help to never want to put down.
This Fantasy Romance was a mouthwatering spicy read.
The Romance is a slow burn, and very angsty.
Once the romance takes off there are lots of scrumptious spicy scenes to enjoy. Perfect for any monster spice lover.
The book moves at a quicker pace following the MCs as they try survive locked in a tower together. There is lust, adventure, unexpected turns of events, and even betrayal along their struggle.
The characters are written very solid in their wonderful personalities. They are a perfect combination together, making their banter throughout the book a pleasure to read.
The world building is fairly complex, but not overly so. The author makes sure to start strong, and keep reinforcing throughout the book. This makes reading this book a compelling read, that you cant help to never want to put down.
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It’s tough to summarize how I felt about this book because there were parts that I really liked and parts that I disliked. I never connected to either of the lead characters or identified with who they were and how they thought.
It is a bit of a polarizing book and that’s likely because the pacing was off in my opinion. I felt like the author spent half the book laying the foundation for the relationship and that very little plot happened. She left almost all the plot to the latter part of the story, and I appreciate a bit more balance. The later half of the book picked up though and I was satisfied with the ending and how everything was resolved as a standalone novel.
3.5 stars rounded up because while it wasn’t bad, it wasn’t amazing either. Thanks NetGalley, and Wattpad for the arc to read and review. All thoughts are mine!
It is a bit of a polarizing book and that’s likely because the pacing was off in my opinion. I felt like the author spent half the book laying the foundation for the relationship and that very little plot happened. She left almost all the plot to the latter part of the story, and I appreciate a bit more balance. The later half of the book picked up though and I was satisfied with the ending and how everything was resolved as a standalone novel.
3.5 stars rounded up because while it wasn’t bad, it wasn’t amazing either. Thanks NetGalley, and Wattpad for the arc to read and review. All thoughts are mine!
As a Ruby Dixon super fan, I loved the first half of this book and then she lost me for the second half. I was entertained (hence the 4 stars), but it really dragged in the second half. I know that part of the reason for it dragging was because the FMC did not know what was going on (and I did not know either and couldn't piece the puzzle together), but I do want to eventually go back and read it so I can see all of the pieces that I and the FMC overlooked.
I will say I love Nemeth and Candra, but I wish slow burn had more of a burn to it (more like Bound to the Battle God). I was lowkey bored of their relationship after they got together (which is saying a lot since I don't normally get bored in a Ruby Dixon novel).
This book is also giving Finley Fenn's Orc Sworn. All men do is lie (and simp).
While this was not mt favorite book of hers I did enjoy it. But if you want a better fantasy series I would read her aspect and anchor series instead. If you want another cinnamon roll hero I would read Ice Plant Barbarians. Honestly I would read all of her novels if you like this one.
I will say I love Nemeth and Candra, but I wish slow burn had more of a burn to it (more like Bound to the Battle God). I was lowkey bored of their relationship after they got together (which is saying a lot since I don't normally get bored in a Ruby Dixon novel).
This book is also giving Finley Fenn's Orc Sworn. All men do is lie (and simp).
While this was not mt favorite book of hers I did enjoy it. But if you want a better fantasy series I would read her aspect and anchor series instead. If you want another cinnamon roll hero I would read Ice Plant Barbarians. Honestly I would read all of her novels if you like this one.
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I was so excited to pick up Bound to the Shadow Prince by Ruby Dixon. One, because I really liked her Ice Planet Barbarian series. Two, because I really enjoy darker and monster romances. Three, because I thought this was going to be vampy. While I did enjoy the book, it was very different compared to what I expected and the ending left a bit to be desired.
Let’s start things off with what this is and isn’t. I’ve seen some folks grumble because they thought this would a fairytale retelling. It isn’t and I never thought it would be. I hate that so many romantasy readers simply expect everything to be a retelling or a twist. It’s still good if it is original content. Secondly, this is a monster romance. The wings, claws, and fangs aren’t attached to just a regular human looking man. This isn’t a vampire with wings or a fae with wings. The Fellian are more akin to gargoyles. This was great. I loved reading about a monster meant to appear as an actual monster and not just a human with extras.
Romance-wise, this was pretty standard. I enjoyed it! It was very much enemies-to-lovers. Nemeth is this stoic, serious Fellian. Candra is the opposite – flirty, loud, and brash. They dislike each other and spend months unable to trust one another despite only having each other for company. Eventually, forced proximity kicks in and they start to get to know one another, care for one another, love one another. And that’s when the sparks fly! The smut was good but over repetitively. There are only so many times I can hear about how great Nemeth’s body part is.
Thankfully, the romance was well-tempered with plot, even if it did flounder toward the end. The entire premise is that these two nations have managed to anger a goddess and so, for generations, they send a royal member of their respective families to serve penance in a tower for seven years. We then get the added layer of a King clamoring to start a war and using this period of penance as a cover. It’s such a fantastic premise. Candra and Nemeth are abandoned and isolated with no idea what the world outside their tower will be like. Anything could have happened. Literally anything. This is why the ending disappoints me. This went from a 4 to 4.5 star book down to 3.5 stars. The final 20% felt incredibly rushed as though Dixon was trying to wrap everything up with a bow. She created this great premise, then switched to focus on the romance, and it felt like she didn’t know how to transition back to the plot itself without turning this into a duology. Honestly, it would’ve worked better if this were a duology with book 1 focusing on life within the tower and building the romance and book 2 focusing on life outside the tower. Something else that absolutely needed to be mentioned are possible content warnings. At around the 80% mark, things became incredibly uncomfortable because it was not something I was expecting to read. It isn’t anything explicit, but still did not feel as nice as the previous 80% of the book. If even a vague CW was provided, I wouldn’t have found it so jarring.
Bound to the Shadow Prince by Ruby Dixon is a successful foray away from alien romance and into the darker monster subgenre of romance. The spice was good and ample. The plot made sense and had a lot of potential. The characters were endearing. I think this is something I can recommend, especially for fans of tropes such as forced proximity or enemies-to-lovers.
// I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. //
// I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. //
🕯”𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘰’𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘵. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮.”🕯
Candra starts of the book as a fundamentally selfish character, and I actually really enjoyed that! Its not often that that a FMC is unashamed about being selfish but Candra had her reasons and they were very good. I also liked that it didn’t mean she was cruel or unthinking, its just that she was going to look after herself and she wasn’t willing to sacrifice her happiness or comfort for others. Obviously, she’s not a monster because she does end up going into a tower for 7 years to spare her sister that fate, but she tries HARD to get out of it. There were quite a few times that I actually laughed at loud when Candra was being selfish and sassy about it.
I also liked that Nemeth was such a cinnamon-roll. He was so sweet and I loved how he wanted to protect her. With that being said a few things didn’t make sense to me mostly surrounding why Candra got sent to the tower in the first place. It seemed like it was for an extra GOTCHA moment and not really to answer any outstanding questions.
Overall, I really enjoyed it! I would recommend it for fans of IPB, spicy fantasy, and enemies to lovers!
Thank you to Wattpad and Netgalley for the ARC copy!
Candra starts of the book as a fundamentally selfish character, and I actually really enjoyed that! Its not often that that a FMC is unashamed about being selfish but Candra had her reasons and they were very good. I also liked that it didn’t mean she was cruel or unthinking, its just that she was going to look after herself and she wasn’t willing to sacrifice her happiness or comfort for others. Obviously, she’s not a monster because she does end up going into a tower for 7 years to spare her sister that fate, but she tries HARD to get out of it. There were quite a few times that I actually laughed at loud when Candra was being selfish and sassy about it.
I also liked that Nemeth was such a cinnamon-roll. He was so sweet and I loved how he wanted to protect her. With that being said a few things didn’t make sense to me mostly surrounding why Candra got sent to the tower in the first place. It seemed like it was for an extra GOTCHA moment and not really to answer any outstanding questions.
Overall, I really enjoyed it! I would recommend it for fans of IPB, spicy fantasy, and enemies to lovers!
Thank you to Wattpad and Netgalley for the ARC copy!
Absolutely love Ruby Dixon’s writing. I was drawn into this story from the first page. Love seeing the journey Nemeth and Candra had to take to get to the truth.
i just couldn’t do it anymore. my god it dragged on. finally my all consuming desire for it to be over out weighed my desire to find out what happens.
didn’t think it was possible that book with a bird man could be boring but here we are.
didn’t think it was possible that book with a bird man could be boring but here we are.