ARC Review: Realm of Sin by K.C. Kingmaker
4 Stars || ARC/Advanced Reader Copy || Reverse Harem Romantasy || Amazon + Goodreads
Thank you K.C. Kingmaker + Paper Myths for an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review
Realm of Sin is not your Mama’s King Arthur. Nope. This is a pure smutty, crazy medieval, falling back in time, fun ride of a ‘fairytale’ and wow was it good. Right off the bat, I’m going to talk about the spice level of this novel. . .it is scorchingly hot. If you don’t like your smut with a side of story then this is not the book for you, but if you’re in the mood for some crazy pairings in a world with no inhibitions, then come on in and enjoy the ride. Sword-crossing and orgy are guaranteed.
I super liked this book, it’s just pure fun to see how K.C. Kingmaker dumped the legend of King Arthur on its head and rewrote it in such a fun and engaging way. When Guen’s grandmother dies, it sends her on a trip to England that will forever drastically alter the trajectory of her life. Because let me tell you when she goes into the river, she doesn’t not come out in her time. The time travel aspect is a blast and half, I loved seeing Guen go from struggle to struggle and yet not break beneath it but flourish. Some characters would balk at being in a whole new world while Guen just buckles up for the ride and embraces where she is and what’s happening to her.
This is not how I’ve ever seen King Arthur and the Knights of the round table portrayed. The debauchery and brokenness of the land and its people is overwhelming but maybe with a little magic and a little Guen, life can become a bit more than the rot that permeates the land. The ending was completely unexpected – I literally did not see who or what coming but I’m super stoked to see what happens in the next book.
If you like retellings with a whole lot of spice, you’ll love this one. With great characters that are as flawed as they are intriguing, found-family aspects, and a medieval world worth investing in, I dare you to meet Guen and not get swept away on her journey.
“There’s a sensation I get when I lay eyes on her. The visceral need to protect and defend aches in my bones.”
The legends were wrong. King Arthur and his knights were never the good guys…
I’m not the first Guinevere in my family line, or even the tenth. I’m just the newest one. I’m not special. Everyone I know has abandoned me, except Grandma Gwenny, who raised me. And now she’s gone, too.
When my beloved grandma’s final act leads me on a wild hunt across oceans, I never imagined I’d end up in the mythical realm of Camelot.
Except this Camelot isn’t like any of the legends I’ve read about. It’s dark, dangerous, depraved. The land is cursed. Rebellion is afoot. King Arthur and his knights are wicked brothers… and these brothers share everything.
A girl could get lost here. Hell, I might want to get lost here.
I was brought to Camelot for a reason. Ancient prophecies say I’m more special than I thought. But what do I do when the legendary Knights of the Round Table are more villainous than the bad guys?
I should want to leave, but this place is too seductive. I’m a prisoner in this realm of sin… Do I embrace the darkness?
Author’s Note: Realm of Sin is a steamy retelling of Arthurian myths. This dark fantasy romance features multiple morally gray love interests, tons of touch-her-and-perish vibes, swordplay (of all kinds), and a heroine who refuses to be chained… unless she’s into it.
