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theshelfarchive's reviews
36 reviews
The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne
The Shadow of the Gods is an incredible read for anyone who loves epic fantasy. Blending the grandeur reminiscent of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings with a distinctly Norse edge, Gwynne crafts a world that's both vast and immersive, yet presented in a way that feels natural rather than an overwhelming info dump.
One of the standout features of this novel is its brilliant character-driven narrative. Following the journeys of three distinct characters—and the compelling secondary figures that accompany them—the story gradually weaves their paths together, creating a rich tapestry of intertwined destinies. This multi-perspective approach adds layers of depth, making the world feel lived-in and authentic.
The pacing is spot-on, too. The final few chapters ramp up the tension, delivering a nail-biting climax that had me on the edge of my seat. It’s a masterclass in building suspense and setting the stage for what promises to be an even more exciting series ahead.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
If you're a fan of the TV series Vikings or simply enjoy a story packed with myth, magic, and a fair bit of grit, this book is right up your alley. I can't wait to continue the series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Chaos Rising by Kyla Stone
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.0
As a prequel novella, Chaos Rising aims to set the stage for the Edge of Collapse series, but it ultimately felt a little unnecessary. While it provides some background on the world before the EMP strike, I feel like the events that take place could have been covered at some point within the main series. The characters and events might hold more weight for those deeply invested in the series, but as a standalone or an introduction, it didn’t offer me anything particularly gripping.
Edge of Collapse by Kyla Stone
The premise of Edge of Collapse is intriguing—an EMP strike wipes out modern technology, plunging America into chaos. But for FMC Hannah, it’s the best thing that’s happened to her since she was kidnapped by a sadistic psycho years ago.
However, while the setup had the potential for a gripping survival thriller, the execution left something to be desired. The story lacked the raw tension and emotional depth I was expecting, particularly from Hannah. Given her circumstances, I anticipated a more visceral, fear-driven response, but much of the narrative felt muted.
Additionally, the pacing didn’t quite work for me. Instead of a satisfying arc, the book ended abruptly, making it feel more like an extended prologue than a complete story. While there were interesting elements, I was left wanting more intensity, urgency, and a stronger sense of resolution—or at least semi-resolution considering this is the first book in a series.
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence, Violence
Throne of the Horde King by Zoey Draven
Each book follows a possessive, battle-hardened Horde King who discovers a human (or half-human) woman, feels an undeniable, fate-driven connection, and claims her as his queen. Their romance unfolds through a series of steamy encounters, set against the backdrop of Horde life and a world threatened by a mysterious red fog.
While the stories are engaging in their own way, the books don’t stray far from the blueprint—each King feels largely interchangeable, the emotional depth remains surface-level, and the world-building doesn’t expand much beyond what’s necessary.
If you’re in the mood for consistent, comforting, extra steamy fantasy romance with dominant alien warriors and their destined mates, this series delivers. Just don’t expect much variation between instalments.
(And because each book felt pretty much the same, they each get the same review from me.)
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.0
After reading Captive of the Horde King, book 1 of Zoey Draven’s Horde Kings of Dakkar series, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from its follow-ups. What I got was a series that delivers exactly what it sets out to: a collection of fantasy romance standalones built around a clear, familiar formula.
While the stories are engaging in their own way, the books don’t stray far from the blueprint—each King feels largely interchangeable, the emotional depth remains surface-level, and the world-building doesn’t expand much beyond what’s necessary.
If you’re in the mood for consistent, comforting, extra steamy fantasy romance with dominant alien warriors and their destined mates, this series delivers. Just don’t expect much variation between instalments.
(And because each book felt pretty much the same, they each get the same review from me.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Taken by the Horde King by Zoey Draven
Each book follows a possessive, battle-hardened Horde King who discovers a human (or half-human) woman, feels an undeniable, fate-driven connection, and claims her as his queen. Their romance unfolds through a series of steamy encounters, set against the backdrop of Horde life and a world threatened by a mysterious red fog.
While the stories are engaging in their own way, the books don’t stray far from the blueprint—each King feels largely interchangeable, the emotional depth remains surface-level, and the world-building doesn’t expand much beyond what’s necessary.
If you’re in the mood for consistent, comforting, extra steamy fantasy romance with dominant alien warriors and their destined mates, this series delivers. Just don’t expect much variation between instalments.
(And because each book felt pretty much the same, they each get the same review from me.)
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.0
After reading Captive of the Horde King, book 1 of Zoey Draven’s Horde Kings of Dakkar series, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from its follow-ups. What I got was a series that delivers exactly what it sets out to: a collection of fantasy romance standalones built around a clear, familiar formula.
While the stories are engaging in their own way, the books don’t stray far from the blueprint—each King feels largely interchangeable, the emotional depth remains surface-level, and the world-building doesn’t expand much beyond what’s necessary.
If you’re in the mood for consistent, comforting, extra steamy fantasy romance with dominant alien warriors and their destined mates, this series delivers. Just don’t expect much variation between instalments.
(And because each book felt pretty much the same, they each get the same review from me.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Broken by the Horde King by Zoey Draven
Each book follows a possessive, battle-hardened Horde King who discovers a human (or half-human) woman, feels an undeniable, fate-driven connection, and claims her as his queen. Their romance unfolds through a series of steamy encounters, set against the backdrop of Horde life and a world threatened by a mysterious red fog.
While the stories are engaging in their own way, the books don’t stray far from the blueprint—each King feels largely interchangeable, the emotional depth remains surface-level, and the world-building doesn’t expand much beyond what’s necessary.
If you’re in the mood for consistent, comforting, extra steamy fantasy romance with dominant alien warriors and their destined mates, this series delivers. Just don’t expect much variation between instalments.
(And because each book felt pretty much the same, they each get the same review from me.)
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.0
After reading Captive of the Horde King, book 1 of Zoey Draven’s Horde Kings of Dakkar series, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from its follow-ups. What I got was a series that delivers exactly what it sets out to: a collection of fantasy romance standalones built around a clear, familiar formula.
While the stories are engaging in their own way, the books don’t stray far from the blueprint—each King feels largely interchangeable, the emotional depth remains surface-level, and the world-building doesn’t expand much beyond what’s necessary.
If you’re in the mood for consistent, comforting, extra steamy fantasy romance with dominant alien warriors and their destined mates, this series delivers. Just don’t expect much variation between instalments.
(And because each book felt pretty much the same, they each get the same review from me.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Madness of the Horde King by Zoey Draven
Each book follows a possessive, battle-hardened Horde King who discovers a human (or half-human) woman, feels an undeniable, fate-driven connection, and claims her as his queen. Their romance unfolds through a series of steamy encounters, set against the backdrop of Horde life and a world threatened by a mysterious red fog.
While the stories are engaging in their own way, the books don’t stray far from the blueprint—each King feels largely interchangeable, the emotional depth remains surface-level, and the world-building doesn’t expand much beyond what’s necessary.
If you’re in the mood for consistent, comforting, extra steamy fantasy romance with dominant alien warriors and their destined mates, this series delivers. Just don’t expect much variation between instalments.
(And because each book felt pretty much the same, they each get the same review from me.)
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.0
After reading Captive of the Horde King, book 1 of Zoey Draven’s Horde Kings of Dakkar series, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from its follow-ups. What I got was a series that delivers exactly what it sets out to: a collection of fantasy romance standalones built around a clear, familiar formula.
While the stories are engaging in their own way, the books don’t stray far from the blueprint—each King feels largely interchangeable, the emotional depth remains surface-level, and the world-building doesn’t expand much beyond what’s necessary.
If you’re in the mood for consistent, comforting, extra steamy fantasy romance with dominant alien warriors and their destined mates, this series delivers. Just don’t expect much variation between instalments.
(And because each book felt pretty much the same, they each get the same review from me.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Claimed by the Horde King by Zoey Draven
Each book follows a possessive, battle-hardened Horde King who discovers a human (or half-human) woman, feels an undeniable, fate-driven connection, and claims her as his queen. Their romance unfolds through a series of steamy encounters, set against the backdrop of Horde life and a world threatened by a mysterious red fog.
While the stories are engaging in their own way, the books don’t stray far from the blueprint—each King feels largely interchangeable, the emotional depth remains surface-level, and the world-building doesn’t expand much beyond what’s necessary.
If you’re in the mood for consistent, comforting, extra steamy fantasy romance with dominant alien warriors and their destined mates, this series delivers. Just don’t expect much variation between instalments.
(And because each book felt pretty much the same, they each get the same review from me.)
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.0
After reading Captive of the Horde King, book 1 of Zoey Draven’s Horde Kings of Dakkar series, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from its follow-ups. What I got was a series that delivers exactly what it sets out to: a collection of fantasy romance standalones built around a clear, familiar formula.
While the stories are engaging in their own way, the books don’t stray far from the blueprint—each King feels largely interchangeable, the emotional depth remains surface-level, and the world-building doesn’t expand much beyond what’s necessary.
If you’re in the mood for consistent, comforting, extra steamy fantasy romance with dominant alien warriors and their destined mates, this series delivers. Just don’t expect much variation between instalments.
(And because each book felt pretty much the same, they each get the same review from me.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
My Roommate Is a Vampire by Jenna Levine
While I adored the book overall, the subplot involving Frederick's mother and ex felt a bit unnecessary. It didn’t add much to the story, and I think I would have preferred the focus to remain solely on Cassie and Frederick's journey.
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
This book was utterly delightful from start to finish! It perfectly balances humour, charm, and heartfelt moments, making it an absolute joy to read. The romance between Cassie and Frederick is captivating, and I loved watching them navigate their feelings while figuring out their places in the world.
That said, My Roommate is a Vampire was still an excellent read, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for a light-hearted, feel-good romance with a unique twist!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Captive of the Horde King by Zoey Draven
adventurous
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
3.0
After thoroughly enjoying The Horde King of Shadow, I had high hopes for Captive of the Horde King. Unfortunately, this one fell a bit flat for me.
The story centres on the two MCs falling in love, but that focus came at the expense of world-building, which I felt was lacking—especially for the first book in a series. I wanted to be immersed in the alien world Draven created, but much of the setting and lore felt like filler rather than a fully realised backdrop.
The heavy emphasis on sex and the physical relationship between the MCs also didn’t quite work for me. While I don’t mind spice in my books, this felt more like an erotic romance novel that just happened to be set on an alien world. It seemed like the fantasy elements were secondary, and I found myself wishing for a better balance between the romance and the broader narrative.
That said, Draven’s writing itself is solid, and her style remains engaging. I just wish the story had leaned more into exploring the rich potential of its setting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content