I loved the set up of this first novel in a series - Avalon as an alternate dimension and a dark twist on the characters 300 years after their famous legends took place. The writing flowed well and kept my interest. But I was disappointed with a few things; first the main character- she’s a little too rough around the edges and I'm surprised her language was tolerated by other characters. Second, the romance was supposed to be a slow burn, but rather it was like the rest of the fire featured in the novel - dull. And third, the romance didn’t just border on abuse - it was actually abusive. In two scenes the male lead literally beat up his love interest… and she made excuses for it. This really crossed a line for me and sucked all the romance right out of the story. I understand what the author was trying to do, but it felt more abusive than sinisterly sexy. Maybe a rewrite of those sections could save the romance?
Solid start by a new author. With the domestic abuse cleaned up I’ll happily continue on to the next book to see what happens.

Great morally grey MC and I loved the slowburn of the enemies to lovers plot. The story grabbed on to me and didn't let go!

Thank you NetGalley for gifting me a copy of this book!

I really enjoyed this book! It was fun, mysterious and set the tone for the beginning of this series.

I particularly enjoyed at first the talking cat Merlin (my feeling may have changed since), the sword in the stone elements ( I did not think it would be based around that) and the evolution of the language which put Gwyn in some funny situations.

I also loved Mordred and sided a lot with him in this book.

I probably would read the second book, especially if it is available on NetGalley!

Thank you to the author, Kathryn Ann Kingsley, the publisher Second Sky and to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this early in exchange for this honest review.

The best way to get over your boyfriend cheating on you? To follow a cat through a portal that has randomly appeared in your fire-ravaged home. To then find out, the cat not only talks but has brought you to a world you have only read about in books as a child; the mysterious Avalon. Finally, to top it all off, you also have the new ability to turn yourself into a human fireball where you find yourself naked in front of strangers. And, one of the strangers turns out to be the dark, brooding Prince of Iron, Mordred.

Needless to say, I cannot wait for the next book just from the 1st half of this one alone.

This book is a great start to the series and I can't wait to inhale the next one to find out what happens to both Gwen and Mordred, and to figure out who the cat really is. I found the characters easy to connect to and the storyline keeps the reader hooked from the moment Gwen's normal life burns down. The world building is simple and easy to understand and the cliffhanger that this book finishes on is the perfect hook to preface the next book.

Overall, I liked the build-up on the romance side and I feel there is a great opportunity for character development for both Gwen and Mordred as the series continues. This is such a fun, relaxing read and an exciting world to delve into for a few hours. I would definitely recommend this book for others to delve into, when it is published 18th August 2023. If you like magic, the myth of King Arthur and a romance including a dark, brooding metal member of royalty, then this is definitely for you. It is also one I will be looking to purchase for my own bookshelves as I will absolutely be reading it again in the future.

Full review on my Goodreads, ToriJaneReads @ https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5664605172

To charm a dark Prince is the first in a new fantasy series that’s a new take on King Arthur and heavily inspired by the myths and legends of that time.

I really enjoyed this first instalment in the iron crystal series. It’s a great new take on king Arthur’s legend and focuses mainly on Mordrad. An anti-hero, morally grey, brooding dark Prince who finds it hard to trust anyone, let alone himself.

When Gwen finds herself unexpectedly in this mystical realm she completely turns Mordrads world upside down. Making him question everything. The banter they have with each other is fun and flirty and adds to the growing tension between them.

There are twists and turns at every corner and the ending had me eager for book two.

Read if you like

🗡️Morally grey MC
🗡️Slow burn romance
🗡️Villain gets the girl
🗡️Twists and turns
🗡️King Arthur legend
🗡️Dark brooding Prince
🗡️Spice 🌶️

Thank you so much to Second Sky and Kathryn Ann Kingsley for the arc copy of the book.

4 stars

No spoilers

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Can I start with saying this cover is STUNNING and so on theme with the book!! I was immediately drawn in and the synopsis sounded like so much fun, so a big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in trade for my honest review.

I have enjoyed a couple of Kathryn Ann Kingsley's books and I can truly say, she writes some damn good bad guys as well as some awesome shady characters that toe the line between good and bad. She has mastered the art of writing men that make bad choices for good reasons, which is so fun to read and this book definitely didn't disappoint when it comes to fun.

To Charm a Dark Prince was hilarious! The dialogue between characters and the back and forth between Gwen's conflicting thoughts was so amusing to read and be a part of.

Gwen is not a very strong FMC, but she has her moments of pure stupid bravery that are silly and endearing to readers and surrounding characters alike. My only wish is that the lead up to the main plot line hadn't been so rushed. I know the information is not necessary to the story, but getting to know Gwen a little bit more before she landed in Avalon would have made me more invested in the choices she had to make and her well being overall.

Mordred was a completely unexpected character who almost reminded me of a boy stuck in a man's body. With all of his responsibilities as well as the assumptions of his characters, he's definitely a tough guy. But I loved the unpredictability that came with him and his getting to know Gwen because sometimes he was just downright goofy!

The bad thing about ARC's is that I have to wait even longer for book 2 to come out, but I will definitely be in line to read it ASAP!

I really enjoyed my time with this book! I think the magic system was unique and kept me wanting to read more. And I love that this is an Arthurian legend retelling because every time we learned about a new character who is part of the original legend I squealed! The main thing I disliked was how young Gwen is because it makes some of her immature dialogue even more annoying to me. I know she is meant to be spunky and sassy, and usually I like female characters with big personalities, but because she’s so young I kept thinking it came from a place of immaturity, and it impacted my enjoyment of her character. It also made the majority of the book read as YA, which isn’t my favorite genre. Perhaps it’s because this is the first book in this series, but I feel like I really didn’t connect to the story / characters as much as I did in Kathryn Ann Kingsley’s other works. It was definitely still enjoyable, and I look forward to other books in the series. Thank you so much for the opportunity to review this arc.

I don't even know where to begin, because I have mixed feelings about this book.
I really love the King Arthur retteling, but at the same time I think it missed a little more mistery and action, because we only get real action in the beginning and at the end of the book, the middle of it was a a little meh.
I don't like Gwen, I know she's only 19 and in a new world, but sometimes she's just childish and is always complaining about something.
And who the hell is in a stranger world and don't have a sense of self preservation and spell all of her secrets?? Who the hell drinks alcohol from a stranger world without suspicion?? She's nineteen, is she that gullible?? It's like she doesn't think, I can't with her. The only thing she's has goin on for her is the fact she treats animals better than the humans (even her evil cat) and the banter with Mordred 😍
I didn't connect with her very well. I think she's have to grow a little, but since this is the first book of a series I think it's understandable her character flawss.
On the other hand Mordred is ABSOLUTELY the best! OMG I LOVE his character so much, I like all the Mr grumpy and broody thing going on ,
I also like Galahad, Maeween and the hound Eod, can I have one aswell?? 🥺🥺
The story itself wasn't all bad, but at the same time we get the same thing again and again, like the fact Gwen is being manipulated by all the characters, Gwen insecurities, Gwen attraction for Mordred, Gwen not thinking for herself. Lancelot being stupid just because he can (his character was so pain in my ass, really an asshole. And I didn't really enjoyed his moments with Gwen because it all seemed fake). Mordred not trusting anyone, Mordred putting all of his frustrations on Gwen and the fact that Mordred is really tall. Galahad being a good and loyal servant despite is loneliness,
ALSO I have a really good question: who the heck is the cat? Is he the real Merlin or other important character we only get to know in the second book. Also this stupid cat could be a little nicer, sometimes he's just mean for no reason or whatsoever.
Even though this book wasn't flawless, I REALLY, REALLY want to read the second one, because OMG that end!
And also I want to see Gwen suffer a little in the world of chaos.
Now on a serious note, I think this was a good book for a series introduction, we were told about the past of the characters and what made them what they are, we were told a lof of things that made us see that not everything is right or wrong, depending on one perspective. Can wait to read how the rest of the series is going to pay out.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this arc.

This beauty and the beast-esque Arthurian retelling is a great slow burn, enemies to lovers, dark fantasy I thoroughly enjoyed. Gwen jumps through a portal to another world to escape a raging house fire, becoming a fire elemental being. Gwen must decide if Mordred is truly as evil as those under his reign believe, or if he’s a fair ruler trapped in an impossible situation where no one will be perfectly happy. After dancing around each other’s intense attraction, Gwen chooses a side - will she betray the man she’s falling for, or will she free the magic locked away to bring Avalon back to its former glory?
I loved the banter between Gwen and Mordred! The author did a great job building Mordred’s morally grey qualities and making him a flawed king essentially just doing what he thinks is best. Gwen having trouble processing the burden that’s been placed on her shoulders was realistic and I appreciated the conflict having no right answer. My only complaint was that Gwen felt extremely young and naive at times, I would’ve enjoyed her character more if she was older. The ending was expected, but the way everything went about was surprising and I’m genuinely curious as to see where their relationship goes from here!
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing an eARC for an honest review!

What a fun read!

The book is a dual POV between Gwendolyn and Mordred. Gwen is a human from Earth who teleported to Avalon after being tethered to a cranky cat. Mordred, the Prince in Iron, is universally feared among his lands and has a huge betrayal complex. The two of them dance around their intrigue for each other and their destiny to shape Avalon.

The vibes of the book remind me of a muted or dull-colored Alice in Wonderland (Tim Burton's version) with all the absurdity. I've been on a fantasy kick and all of them have had more serious dialogues. At first, it was quite jarring (and a little cringy) how the narration was set in a medieval setting but juxtaposed it with modern language. However, as the book went on, I found it to be one of the quirks of the story.

I also don't typically like retellings, but Kingsley did a great job at creating her own twist. The ending was expected but HOW it happened threw me for a surprise. I'd highly recommend this book for NA readers who like Arthurian retellings, magic, flirty banter, and a cherry-on-top kind of spice. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series!

I received this title as an eARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Kathryn Ann Kingsley for the opportunity to read this treasure!

This was a unique read. It was like an Arthurian, beauty and the beast retelling. It was quite slow and just started to pick up at the end which made me want to continue reading. I think book two is going to be even better. This story isn't particularly spicy but does have some tension and a semi-hot scene. It isn't a fade to black.

As per my reading system, DNFd at 30%. The premise of this book was intriguing and I'm all for these types of slow burn romances. However, the writing itself and dialogues were its downfall. This is clearly an Adult book however the writing and narrative felt extremely YA. The dialogues between characters were cringy in parts. The Gwen doesn't have many redeeming qualities even at 3o% of progress. Merlin as a character feels illogical. The cat gets upset at Gwen but makes 0 effort to explain things to help her. Its stupid. Mordred was the only interesting character but his only interaction with Gwen felt very cringy to read. I even skipped to what should be the scene they get together, and even that didn't feel great to read. It's just overall a poorly written story and I can't bring myself to push on just to see what happens.

DNF for me, I couldn't get into the story or connect with the MC, she was just very whinny and childish. Not my style.

I received an ARC for my honest review.

Overall, I enjoyed the storyline of this book. It was written in third person with dual POV which seemed to change quite often. I loved the world building and characters, though did not care for the instalove/instalust.

I am looking forward to continuing the series and find out what happens to Mordres and Gwen!

I loved Gwen as a character. A great mix of vulnerability and modern woman sass, she ends up in a world which is more suited to a renaissance fair. Soon used as a pawn in everyone's game, she needs to figure out not only what is the right thing to do, but also how to survive in dark new world which is ruled by an even darker Prince. Gwen soon finds out though that things in this new world are not quite as clean cut as good vs evil.

To Charm a Dark Prince in a brilliant example of fantasy romance and if you enjoy this genre, then you will quickly get invested in Gwen and Mordred's story. I won't give any spoilers but judging by how the first book ends, it's one that is set to have more than one twist in it!

Thankfully the next book in the series is due in November 2023 so I don't have too long to wait until the next installment.

This was fun- it felt like a King Arthur retelling, meets cruel prince… add in labyrinth! I thought the characters were each great and I’m excited for the next!!


Thank you NetGalley for approving an arc!

Loosely based on the mythical Avalon and King Arthur with a splash of Fae and topsy turvy of Alice and Wonderland. Just like Alice, Gwen follows her “rabbit” down a portal to another realm, the Island of Avalon. Out of her element, Gwen navigates this confusing riddled land and the even more confusing Prince of Iron, Modred. With each fact she learns and experiences, she presses forward to a pivotal point, her choice to trust, to betray, to act or not.

The dark, brooding, knightly prince – has been betrayed by all. Can he trust his “Firefly”, or will he push her out too? Even though he’s brutal, violent, and moody, I trusted and desired his happiness over Gwen’s. In fact, I had a tough time with some of Gwen’s inner monologue, while Modred was endearing, cranky- yet endearing.

This unique twist on fantasy is well worth the red. The author Kathryn has stunning imagery with descriptive scenes and emotions that capture your attention. The cover art is gorgeous, with flaming red eye-candy hair and dark lethal possessiveness of the prince is alluring. It has an intimate bedroom scene and some violence, so readers beware.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

I absolutely loved this book!

This book was Wizard of Oz meets Beauty and the Beast meets Arthurian legend.

I couldn’t get enough of this book! It was so unique and such a fun read.

Gwen’s life is turned upside down when her barn cat sets fire to her house and takes her through a portal to Avalon. She quickly realizes the danger she’s in when Mordred (the Iron Prince) captures her. But is he actually a bad guy or is he good? Who can she trust?

I’ve read Kathryn Ann Kingsley before and loved her before but this was my favorite of hers.


I read this book in one sitting and now I can’t wait for the second one!

Um okay, I absolutely loved this! Morally grey anti-hero, slow burn romance, all set in an Athurian legend fantasy world. 4.5 stars 💫

'Hot and egotistical. Great'.

Synopsis
After finding out her boyfriend has cheated on her, all Gwen wants to do is have a beer and relax. But her stray cat 'Merlin' has different plans, knocking over a candle and setting the house alight.. then opening up a portal, which Gwen has to jump through or risk being burned alive.

Once she's through the portal, she realises she's not in Kansas anymore. For one, she's on fire and it's not hurting her, and two.. her cat Merlin is speaking to her.

Gwen ends up landing in The Prince of Iron, Mordred's, custody, but she is an elemental - she can alight herself in flames and it not harm her - but Mordred has captured all elementals, locking them away in a giant crystal to protect the land. Will he do the same with Gwen?

Thoughts
This is a great start to the series, a morally grey and broody Prince, a slow burn romance filled with tension, the fantasy world of Avalon, the plot and the betrayals.

As a avid fantasy reader, anything with a dark and broody Prince steals my attention. Mordred has a great, dry sense of humour and witty banter with Gwen. But Mordred is his own worst enemy, having little to zero trust of anyone.

I'm so excited to read the next book in this series to see where Gwen and Mordred's relationship goes and if it can be fixed, it does end on a cliffhanger and definitely keeps the reader wanting more. I hope we see more character development in the next book, as I really want to know more backstory and who some characters are.

'What were a few nightmares between friends? Or whatever they were. Or whatever they were going to become. Friends. Lovers. Enemies'.

Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky for this copy. This review is voluntary.

When Gwen stays home after a messy breakup, she never expects her house to catch on fire. Or her cat to open a portal to the world of Avalon, which is stuck centuries in the past. As she falls through the portal, she draws the attention of Mordred, the cruel prince who rules the land and keeps magic imprisoned. Loosely based off of Arthurian lore (ignoring the French versions), To Charm a Dark Prince combines Outlander and the infamous Camelot to create a fantasy romance that is a delight to escape into.

Gwen survived and made friends by being kind. Now, I understand that kindness is powerful and absolutely a strength, but Gwen was also rather passive. My main issue with the story was that she didn't really seem to be an active agent in it. Things happened to her; she didn't happen to the setting. Some readers enjoy passive characters, and there's nothing technically wrong with a passive FMC, I just prefer heroines who take an active role in their stories.

Also, Gwen supposedly suffers from panic attacks, but they only happen when it's plot relevant and logical. As someone who has dealt with anxiety, my experience (which is by no means universal--there's no wrong or right way to feel) is that panic attacks are not convenient and they certainly aren't something to be used to make a character more approachable to a love interest. Anxiety is a real disorder, and while creating characters who struggle with it is crucial to removing stigma, allowing the disorder to be ignored or brushed over once it no longer becomes plot important doesn't help anyone.

That being said, I loved the dialogue and the construction of Avalon. As someone who loves Arthurian lore, I appreciated that the author created a world that while based in mythology can stand on its own and doesn't require a ton of explanation. The focus of the novel is on romance, so the details of the magic system weren't necessary, and I'm glad the author didn't include them just to wrack up the word count.

Overall, To Charm A Dark Prince was a fun, relaxing way to spend a few hours. Though far from perfect, it was transportative, and I didn't notice I had finished reading until the very last chapter. Fans of fantasy romance, Arthurian lore, dark and broody heroes, and whip-smart dialogue will certainly want to pick this one up!