The book had a great start and picked back up at the end, but the middle? Incredibly bad. The entire plot and storyline are thrown out the window because the MMc wants to have sex with the FMC. No training during this part (not until she finally gives in), no growth, no discovery, NOTHING. It felt poorly written and executed when it could have been so good! the bones are there, but it feels like the author came up with a story so she could write about sex, instead of writing a story where sex plays a role. Really hoping book 2 corrects these issues, but I cannot recommend this book when it sexualizes and excuses molestation.

2.5🌟 4.5 🌶️ I would like to thank NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for allowing me to listen to an audiobook ARC.

Like MANY of the reviewers that have reviewed 3 stars or less, I found myself disturbed by the “sensitive matters” of the book more so than enjoying the plot of the story. It is mentioned that (TW!!!) there are suicidal topics and SA in the book. So, I knew we would encounter these things throughout.

I stayed to listen to the whole audiobook because in the beginning, we get this beautiful, intriguing writing style that just captivates the reader! It felt like it would be a great story!!! The descriptions of events were smooth, pacing just perfect! It’s difficult to find an author that can balance pacing!

Calista, was portrayed as this amazingly strong-willed FMC in the beginning. While a slave, she endured SA for a year. I could stomach this imagery because I knew the guy wasn’t our MMC, King Talon. Through a desperate attempt to flee, the reader then learns she can communicate with the MMC’s dragon. Cool! Feels like Fourth Wing!

But then the spice takes over. And there is just an underlying ick feeling, because there’s SA, coercion, and relentless badgering from our MMC. By the end, things seemingly get rectified for our FMC.

I really liked the writing style; objectively, some of the spice scenes were 🔥, some were 🙅🏻‍♀️; and I was just left saddened by the plot and main themes of this book one. Light spoilers below if you’d like to know more. And what I hope for book two.

****SPOILERS (Light spoiler talking)****
When King Talon “rescues” Calista, I felt this pang of dismay because the MMC told her that she would be required to do things for him… sexual things included. Consent not necessary.

I don’t believe what characters or people say until things happen. So, I held out hope. But the way he RELENTLESSLY tries to get her to f*** him, tries to coerce her, and turn things around on her, did not sit right with me personally. One of the things that almost broke me from continuing the story was when he walks in on her sleeping, and takes advantage of her.

The reader was warned about this topic, but I was not expecting our MMC to be a part of the problem.

It seemed like the author was trying to portray a sort of healing through sex for both of them… it has over 5, if not 7, sex scenes… the spice overtook the story, which disappointed me greatly. Unfortunately, there was no sexual tension for me between MCs, just unconsenting-turned-using sex scenes.

The dragon portions are cool and redeem the plot a bit. And I’m hoping that the second book (seems like there may be 4) finds King Talon no longer a viable or living, romantic partner.

I wanted to love this book. It has a good premise and the bones are there for the making of a great story, but the character development and world building just weren't there. I didn't feel like a girl, who had been held captive and then forced to sleep with someone daily, would be as quick to get in bed with the "enemy" as this girl did. It's just not believable at all. Plus, the chemistry between the characters just wasn't there. They needed to build that chemistry more. I loved the dragon. He was my favorite character. I'd read the next book just to see if there was any improvement. Like I said, it's got potential to be a really I wanted to love this book. It has a good premise aa good story. This story is more spice than plot, but I didn't hate it.

I listened to the audiobook, and didn't feel like the voices matched the characters. Talan sounded like an older man rather than a sexy villian. But, both narrators articulated well and their inflections kept me engaged in the story.

The Death King is a necromancer that rides a dragon. He is dark, brooding, sexy and deadly. This book starts off very strong and I was immediately drawn into the story. I do wish it was a bit deeper or possibly had a bit more world building? I"m not quite sure how to explain it other than it lacked a bit of feeling for me. Maybe I needed more show than tell. There is a scene in the beginning where a significant character dies and it's like, oh well...moving on. This did not deter me from reading but with a bit more detail/plot/worldbuilding this could have been a 5 star for me.

I thought the FMC, Calista was ambivalent to her surroundings and situations at times which made me want to scream at her. I also found that the MMC was a bit over the top, especially when he was constantly badgering Calista about sleeping with him and telling her "you know you want to". I thought both MC's were immature but I decided to put that aside and focus on the story and I did enjoy it. This was more of a 3.5 star read for me but I'm giving it 4 stars because I'm here for the vibes and it was a good time and I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Overall this is a fun book with plenty of spice and an interesting story. It does end on a cliffhanger so be prepared for that. If you are in the mood for a dark, fantasy romance with spice and dragons, definitely give this one a shot!

The audiobook narrators Michael Ferraiuolo and Ramona Master do a great job of narrating their parts.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for access to the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

The Death King by Penelope Barsetti took me on a thrilling ride with its dark themes and intricate world-building. The talking dragons gave me major Eragon vibes, while the intense, dangerous atmosphere reminded me of the darker aspects of Aelin from Throne of Glass backstory.

Penelope balanced action, romance, and suspense so well, keeping me glued to every page.

Both narrators in the audiobook were outstanding; their performances brought the characters to life, perfectly capturing the tension and emotion in every scene.
If you love fantasy with a dark edge, this one’s a must-read/listen!
This was such a fun read - 5stars on vibes along.

Make sure you check the TW’s on this one, as this isn’t a book for everyone


Thank you so much to Dreamscape Media and Penelope Bassetti for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Thank you to Penelope Barsetti, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to a free eaudio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

To give a clearer warning than the one at the end of the blurb---If you can't handle the repeated rape of the protagonist and her resultant suicidal ideations, don't go anywhere near this book. Think it might still be worth it? Heard it's the next Fourth Wing or some shit? Trust me, don't.

I turned this book on while getting ready for bed, intending to listen for maybe an hour before falling asleep.

Now it's 3 am

and

I

am

PISSED.

DNF 42% because I've spent the last 88 minutes listening to a woman tell a man she doesn't want to have sex with him. Seriously, I did the math. 88 minutes of an entitled man-child having a tantrum because he wants to play with his new toy but the toy says no. Unequivocally.

And I have a very, very bad feeling that's all this book is going to be about.

*rereads the blurb*

Oh, god. That is what the book's about. No spoilers here, the blurb is a perfect summary of the 42% I just listened to. No need to read the first half, just skim the blurb and open 'er up around the halfway mark.

I thought there'd be more substance. More plot. "But the Death King doesn’t accept that answer".....so while the overarching plot explores talking to dragons and why that's important, the romantic subplot will be the Death King wooing his way into her pants and falling in love in the process. Like a character I can respect. Right? Doesn't that sound like a reasonable assumption?

Well, I assumed wrong. The Death King doesn't accept no, so he keeps badgering and threatening and wheedling and ordering, over and over and over---

This book had such a wonderful start. Before the prologue had even concluded I knew I wouldn't be able to stop until it was done. I was in for a sleepless 9-hour binge. I hated that Barsetti had thrust Calista into such horrible circumstances, I usually don't go in for that, but her writing was so powerful, so evocative, so fluid, the premise so promising, the Death King so captivating---and dragons! Love them!---that I was willing to overlook a year of daily rape and see where the story went.

We got to the castle and the king's appeal wavered a bit; it became apparent his arrogance was built less of confidence and conviction and more of entitlement and bluster. He held the power and wasn't afraid to abuse it. I kept waiting to see the decency that was supposed to lay under the evil armor, the decency that would endear him to me.

But he just kept being a selfish brat, not showing her any respect. I began to worry.... Wasn't I supposed to like this guy? Is he not the love interest?

And then he raped her. Yes, she came, no, it wasn't penetrative sex. I don't care. She did not consciously consent. It was sexual assault.

And I was done. Furious, nauseous, and done.

"But the Death King doesn’t accept that answer"--so he's supposed to work that much harder to make her like him! Not fucking rape her!

And why are we spending nearly 20% of the book on this?! The book's almost half gone and very little narrative progress as been made. Where's the plot?

God, the wasted potential. Also, how did this get published? It's maddening.

I'm willing to hear arguments if anyone thinks I should give it a second chance. If it gets better. If it becomes less about sex and more about anything else. Otherwise, no thank you.