#A Deception of Courts

[pagesandpothos]

New Covers for Ben Alderson's Realm of Fey series

We have the new covers for Ben Alderson's Realm of Fey series and they look amazing! Here's a look at the new covers (and more information on the queer romantasy series that is now being traditionally published thanks to Angry Robot):

The Realm of Fey series follows Robin Icethorn, a half-fey boy who grows up in the human land, blissfully unaware that he is the last heir to a major magical dynasty and one he must claim...between Robin and Erix, his personal guard - and love story, they must prevent a war between the realms. With plenty of fight scenes, angst, heartache, familial divisions, and plenty of spice, these fantasy romance books are perfect for fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses and From Blood and Ash.

Here's the release schedule:

A Betrayal of Storms will be published on October 22, 2024.

 A Kingdom of Lies will be published on November 26, 2024.

A Deception of Courts will be published on December 3, 2024.

The title and cover of the series's fourth (and final book) will be announced soon!

Do you like the new covers? Are you as excited to read these as I am? I, for one, am thrilled to see more queer romantasy being traditionally published!

[kinziethings]

The books I read in May!

[shanastoryteller]

Happy birthday!!!! More FMA!

He’s fucking tired.

In Xerxes, he’s Van Edris. In Xerxes, he’s the son of a former slave, having narrowly escaped being born into his father’s fate by virtue of him being awarded freedom by the time of his birth. In Xerxes, he’s an uncommon commodity, an alchemist with a skill that hasn’t been seen since his father fucked off to who knows where.

In Amestris, he’s Edward Elric. In Amestris, he’s the son of Trisha Elric who was born free and died free because while there are lots of different forms of freedom, in Amestris there’s one that everyone shares. In Amestris, he’s unknown and unremarkable and no one gives a fuck about what he does.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” he says flatly.

This is what he gets for visiting his father’s country. It’s just fucking unfortunate that the really good alchemical texts are here.

He should have let Al (Van Altun, as they know him, even though the two of them having been using their Amestrian names almost their whole lives, regardless of what country they were in) do it. They’re not nearly as weird about him.

Pakor is alright, as far as kings go. He’s freed a lot of people, is poking at the laws of ownership that has governed his country for centuries to see if he can do anything about them without getting beheaded for it. He’s also known Ed since he was a barely able to walk, back when his father still made court appearances and brought the family along with him. Former slave against most talented alchemist in the country, and people tended to politely ignore the former. Hell, Ed’s been counting on the same thing since he was twelve.

Of course, now it’s coming back to bite him. People say he’s a genius, but if he was really smart he would have stayed far, far away from court. Like in Amestris, perhaps.

“You’re fluent in both languages,” Pakor says, coaxing.

“So are you,” he says accusingly. “We’re speaking Amestrian right now!”

Pakor sighs and switches to Xerxian. “You also speak Xingese and Drachman. You’re a difficult man to keep secrets from.”

“I’m also Amestrian!” he shouts. “And free, might I add! You can’t sell me off to slavery just to get some intel!”

“It’s not like we’ll brand you,” he says, affronted, and Ed is reminded that alright for a king is still pretty shitty. “We just need someone to do a little – double checking. To ensure the situation in Amestris is as it’s advertised.”

“You want to gift me to the Fuhrer to spy on him and you’re, what, just hoping he doesn’t notice that I understand everything and know everything and am, oh yeah, one of his citizens? I’ve been to Central before! With my luck, I’ll get recognized the first day here and then run out of Amestris! And, again, Amestris doesn’t have slaves! The leader of the country really can’t have one.”

Pakor sighs. “You’re very dramatic, Edris. It won’t be so bad. Here, I’ll say you’re my personal slave and that you’re on loan. It’ll be for cultural exchange purposes. He speaks Xingese, so you can communicate in that language without letting on you know Amestrian.”

Ed pinches the bridge of his nose. “This is a stupid fucking idea.”

“If you do this,” Pakor says, “I’ll give you the key to the royal library.”

Ed slowly lowers his hand, eyes narrowing. “I’ve been asking you to let me in there for years.”

“I figured I’d need to bargain it away eventually,” he says. “I was hoping you’d marry one of my daughters for it.” Having even light court obligations is bad enough, he’s in no way stupid enough to marry in. “You’re very difficult, you know. I’m your king. I shouldn’t have to bargain with you.”

“Tough shit,” Ed says, because Pakor may have known him for nearly twenty years, but that knowing goes both ways. Besides, he can’t piss him off because then he and Al will stop reparing all their shit bridges and infrastructure. “Fine. But if I lose my Amestrian citizenship over this, I’m going to be pissed.”

“Noted,” Pakor says brightly.

Uhg.

It doesn’t help that everything he’s heard about Fuhrer Mustang makes the man sound insufferable.

[abyssal-ilk]

trespasser wedding with sera and my viv/bastien kid (who has been named luciana and nicknamed lucia/lucy/luce!! inspired by @kitkaedatidler who suggested lucienne 🫶!) hits so different with the added tension of lucia being bastien's bastard. in what i have for her so far in terms of lore, bastien's son and lucia's half-brother, laurent, raises lucia's status as a recognized bastard/potential heir as it was bastien's wish before he died, and it causes. so many interpersonal issues for lucia. namely with the fact that since lucia is both inquisitor and has the blood of such a prestigious family, there is a constant pressure from other noble families of orlais to try and form alliances through marriage. lucia has no interest in becoming any more involved in orlesian politics than she already is, has no interest in marrying or having children with any of them, and it is a massive strain on her when she's already struggling with everything going on with the inquisition, solas, and the anchor actively trying to kill her.

sera's solution is to, of course, marry her. no bigger way to flip the finger to the entire court of orlais than to have the inquisitor marry an elven fereldan woman who fucks over nobles on a daily basis.

[small-z24]

One-Shot: Bargain in the Shadows Pt. 1

Summary:

Y/N, a prisoner, strikes a bargain with Azriel to share information about a dark prophecy. Navigating mistrust and hostility, she hides a critical secret about her role in the prophecy, determined to find a way to save Prythian without sacrificing herself.

Word Count: 2328

Warnings: This one-shot contains themes of imprisonment, tension, and deception. It features complex relationships, flirtation, and manipulation. Reader discretion is advised.

Y/N paced the small, dimly lit cell in the Night Court’s prison. The stone walls were cold and unyielding, but she refused to let her discomfort show. She knew they wanted information from her—information about a prophecy she had stumbled upon. And she had every intention of using that information to her advantage.

The door to her cell creaked open, and she turned to see a tall, dark figure standing in the doorway. Azriel, the spymaster of the Night Court, entered with an air of quiet authority. His shadows whispered around him, as if alive and sensing the tension in the room.

“Y/N,” he greeted, his voice calm but firm. “I’m here to ask you some questions.”

She crossed her arms, leaning against the wall with a smirk. “I figured as much. And what makes you think I’ll just spill my secrets?”

Azriel’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he maintained his composure. “Because it’s in your best interest. The information you have could help prevent a catastrophe.”

Y/N chuckled, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “Oh, I’m sure it could. But what’s in it for me?”

He took a step closer, his shadows curling around him protectively. “You’re currently a prisoner in the Night Court. Cooperate, and we can make your stay more... comfortable.”

She raised an eyebrow, intrigued but not willing to show it. “Comfortable, how?”

Azriel met her gaze, his expression unreadable. “You’ll be moved to the House of Wind. You’ll have freedom within its walls, access to the city, and a chance to prove yourself.”

Y/N considered his offer, her mind racing. The House of Wind was a far cry from this dank cell. It would give her a chance to gather more information, to plan her next move. But she needed to maintain the upper hand.

“Fine,” she said finally, her voice laced with defiance. “I’ll tell you what I know. But I want guarantees.”

Azriel inclined his head slightly. “Name your terms.”

She straightened, her eyes locking onto his. “I want your word that I won’t be harmed. And if I help you, I want a full pardon and safe passage out of the Night Court once this is over.”

He studied her for a moment, then nodded. “You have my word. Now, tell me about the prophecy.”

Y/N sighed, running a hand through her hair. “The prophecy speaks of a great darkness that will spread across Prythian. It mentions a power that can stop it, hidden in the heart of the Night Court. But the details are vague.”

Azriel listened intently, his expression focused. “Go on.”

“There’s a key,” she continued. “A relic that can unlock this power. Without it, the darkness cannot be stopped. The prophecy says the key is hidden in a place of shadows and secrets.”

Azriel’s eyes flickered with recognition. “The Court of Nightmares.”

She nodded. “Precisely. But it’s not just about finding the key. The prophecy also mentions a chosen one who can wield this power. Someone with a connection to the shadows.”

He frowned, his mind racing. “A connection to the shadows...”

Y/N watched him carefully, sensing his unease. “Do you know who it might be?”

Azriel shook his head slowly. “I have some ideas, but nothing concrete. We need to find this key and the chosen one quickly.”

She smirked, her confidence returning. “Looks like you need me more than I need you, then.”

He met her gaze, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. “For now. But remember, Y/N, this is a delicate alliance. Betray us, and the consequences will be severe.”

She pushed off the wall, stepping closer to him. “I wouldn’t dream of it. Now, get me out of this cell and into that House of Wind you promised.”

Azriel nodded and turned to leave, gesturing for her to follow. As they walked through the winding corridors of the prison, Y/N couldn’t help but feel a sense of exhilaration. She had struck a bargain with the Night Court’s spymaster, and now she had a chance to prove her worth.

They arrived at the House of Wind, its grandeur and beauty a stark contrast to the prison she had just left. Azriel led her to a comfortable room, complete with a large bed and a view of the city below.

“This will be your room,” he said, his tone still businesslike. “You’ll have freedom within the House and the city, but you’ll be accompanied by guards at all times.”

Y/N nodded, taking in her new surroundings. “Fair enough. Now, let’s get to work.”

Azriel’s gaze softened slightly, and he extended his hand. “Welcome to the Night Court, Y/N.”

She shook his hand, a spark of understanding passing between them. “Thank you, Azriel. Let’s hope this alliance is a fruitful one.”

As they began their work, Y/N couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement. The stakes were high, but she thrived in situations like this. And with Azriel by her side, she knew they had a fighting chance to unravel the prophecy and stop the impending darkness.

In the shadows of the Night Court, an unlikely partnership had been forged. And together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Y/N settled into the House of Wind with surprising ease. The grandeur of the place was impressive, and the freedom to move around—albeit with guards—was a far cry from the dank cell she had previously occupied. However, the real challenge was about to begin: meeting the rest of the Night Court.

Azriel led her into the grand dining room where Rhysand, Feyre, Cassian, Mor, and Amren were gathered. Their conversations halted as she entered, and six pairs of eyes turned to scrutinize her. Y/N held her head high, meeting their gazes with an unwavering confidence.

“This is Y/N,” Azriel introduced her, his voice even. “She’ll be staying with us for the time being and assisting with some... delicate matters.”

Rhysand stood, his presence commanding. “Welcome, Y/N. I trust Azriel has explained the terms of your stay.”

Y/N’s lips curved into a sly smile. “He has. And I must say, it’s quite the upgrade from my previous accommodations.”

Feyre, standing beside Rhysand, eyed Y/N warily. “We’ll see if you can be trusted,” she said, her tone cool.

Y/N’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “I suppose that’s fair. Trust is earned, after all.”

Cassian’s gaze was hard, his muscles tensed. Mor and Amren looked equally unimpressed. Y/N reveled in their hostility, knowing that it only made her more determined to find a way out of her predicament.

Rhysand gestured to an empty seat beside him. “Join us for dinner, Y/N. We have much to discuss.”

She glided to the chair, her movements graceful and deliberate. “Thank you, Rhysand,” she purred, sitting down and crossing her legs. She made sure her tone was a touch too familiar, a touch too flirty, just to see Feyre’s reaction.

Feyre’s eyes narrowed, but she said nothing, her fingers tightening around her fork.

Throughout the meal, Y/N engaged in light conversation, her charm and wit on full display. She caught Rhysand’s eye several times, her flirtatious remarks growing bolder. “You know, Rhysand, you’re quite different from the stories I’ve heard about the High Lord of the Night Court,” she said, her voice playful.

Rhysand raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. “Oh? And what stories are those?”

Y/N leaned in slightly, her voice lowering. “Stories of a ruthless, cunning ruler. But you seem rather... hospitable.”

Feyre’s jaw tightened, and Y/N could feel the tension in the air. She reveled in it, her eyes flickering to Azriel, who watched her with an unreadable expression.

“And you, Azriel,” Y/N said, turning her attention to him. “You’ve been such a gracious host. I’m almost starting to like it here.”

Azriel’s eyes darkened, and his shadows curled around him protectively. “Don’t get too comfortable,” he replied, his voice a warning.

Y/N’s smile widened. “Oh, I won’t. But I must say, your shadows seem to have taken quite a liking to me.” She reached out, her fingers dancing through the shadows that lingered around her.

The shadows responded, swirling around her hand in a playful manner. Azriel’s jaw clenched, and he looked away, clearly uncomfortable.

Cassian couldn’t hold back any longer. “What exactly do you know about this prophecy?” he demanded, his tone accusatory.

Y/N leaned back in her chair, her eyes gleaming. “All in good time, Cassian. I’m here to help, remember?”

Mor scoffed, her eyes filled with disdain. “You’re here because we need information. Don’t think for a second that we trust you.”

Y/N met her gaze, unflinching. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

After dinner, Rhysand suggested they move to the sitting room to continue their discussions. Y/N followed, still playing with Azriel’s shadows as they moved. The shadows seemed to enjoy her presence, much to Azriel’s dismay.

Once they were seated, Rhysand leaned forward. “We need to understand the specifics of the prophecy and the key. The Court of Nightmares is a dangerous place, and we can’t afford any mistakes.”

Y/N nodded, her expression turning serious. “The prophecy is vague, but it’s clear about one thing: the key is hidden in a place of shadows and secrets. The Court of Nightmares fits that description perfectly.”

“And the chosen one?” Feyre asked, her voice soft but firm.

Y/N glanced at Azriel, a knowing smile on her lips. “The chosen one is someone with a deep connection to the shadows. Someone who can wield them as easily as breathing.”

All eyes turned to Azriel, who stiffened under their scrutiny. “I’ll do whatever it takes to find this key and stop the impending darkness,” he said, his voice resolute.

Y/N’s gaze softened slightly, masking the turmoil inside her. She knew the truth—that she was the chosen one. The prophecy demanded a great sacrifice, one she wasn’t ready to make. She needed time to find another way, to avoid the fate that awaited her.

As the meeting continued, Y/N couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to this prophecy than she had let on. She needed to find a crack in the Night Court’s unity, a way to secure her freedom once and for all.

But for now, she would play along, enjoying the game of cat and mouse she had started. And with every flirtatious remark, every playful touch of Azriel’s shadows, she felt herself inching closer to her goal.

The Night Court members didn’t trust her, and she didn’t care. She had a plan, and she would see it through to the end. Even if it meant breaking a few hearts along the way.

The days turned into weeks, and Y/N found herself growing more accustomed to life in the House of Wind. The Night Court members remained wary of her, and she relished their discomfort. Her interactions with Azriel became a constant dance of tension and curiosity.

One evening, as Y/N was practicing with Azriel’s shadows in the courtyard, Rhysand approached her. His demeanor was relaxed, but Y/N knew better than to let her guard down.

“Enjoying yourself?” Rhysand asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Y/N looked up, her fingers still playing with the shadows. “They seem to like me. Unlike the rest of your court.”

Rhysand chuckled. “You’re not making it easy for them to trust you.”

She shrugged, her expression indifferent. “Trust is earned, remember?”

He studied her for a moment, his eyes piercing. “What are you really after, Y/N? You’re hiding something.”

Her heart skipped a beat, but she kept her face neutral. “I’ve told you everything I know about the prophecy.”

Rhysand’s gaze didn’t waver. “Have you? Or are you keeping something back?”

Y/N felt a chill run down her spine. He was getting too close to the truth. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Rhysand’s expression softened slightly, but his eyes remained sharp. “We need you, Y/N. If there’s something you’re not telling us, it could mean the difference between victory and defeat.”

She met his gaze, her resolve hardening. “I’ve given you everything you need. Now it’s up to you to use it.”

As Rhysand walked away, Y/N felt the weight of her secret pressing down on her. She had to find another way, a way to fulfill the prophecy without sacrificing herself.

Later that night, as she wandered the halls, she encountered Azriel. He was standing by a window, his gaze distant. The moonlight cast a soft glow over his features, highlighting the shadows that seemed to cling to him.

“Can’t sleep?” she asked, approaching him.

Azriel turned to face her, his expression guarded. “Just thinking.”

She leaned against the window frame, her eyes searching his. “About the prophecy?”

He nodded, his eyes darkening. “It’s weighing on all of us. The idea that one of us might have to make a great sacrifice... it’s not easy to accept.”

Y/N’s heart ached at his words. She wanted to tell him the truth, to share the burden she carried. But she couldn’t—she wasn’t ready to face the consequences.

Instead, she reached out, her fingers brushing against his arm. “We’ll find a way, Azriel. Together.”

He looked down at her, his gaze softening. “I hope you’re right.”

As they stood there, the silence between them filled with unspoken words, Y/N felt a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, they could find a way to change the prophecy’s outcome.

But for now, she would continue to play her part, biding her time and searching for a way to save herself—and everyone else.

In the shadows of the Night Court, an unlikely partnership had been forged. And together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead, even if it meant confronting the darkest truths about themselves.

[raayllum]

like the thing about callum is that like he can be ruthless / impatient / brutal but part of his intensity means he's going to be way better at successfully threatening someone than actually manipulating them, y'know?

[slowdripsunrise]

hey yall its book review time. just went back and looked on my hashtag blog and apparently i havent reviewed anything since your blood my bones which is CRIMINAL. anyways this one might be a long one or it might not i might get bored but well. spoilers under the cut!

hoo boy we're going all the way back to... god i could have SWORN i reviewed this already but whatever. maybe i'm going crazy but Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé !!!!!!!!! I read this back in.... JANUARY ??? okay time isn't real but so it's been a while so I don't remember a Ton about this book. I am 100% certain i enjoyed it and i had fun tho. the anxiety about being one of the few Outsiders of this super fancy preppy school while also having to solve this mystery about ur roommate disappearing?? oh i was on the edge of my seat. 4 stars !!!!! the only reason it's not 5 is because it didn't stick with me as much as i thought it would..... although i really want to read ace of spades also by this author.

A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine!!!!!! a space opera epic to a t... huge fan i do want to read the second one but i think a re-read of the first would be necessary beforehand and that's why i haven't gotten to it yet bc thats a lot of book. Twists and turns galore, normally with books where the MC has really no idea whats going on at all times (in this case its bc she's operating on faulty/outdated information and is going through some major culture shock lol) turns me away, but this mc isn't stupid about it !!!!!!! she knows how to navigate terrible situations because she's smart even though she doesn't know whats going on and has to navigate all these foreign politics in a hostile environment and ohhhhh its so fun. its soooooo fun. 5 stars

In a Garden Burning Gold by Rory Power! honestly read this because i thought the cover + the title were cool. didn't affect me really in any way and i've heard the second one isn't as good i think on storygraph i rated it 4 stars, but it's really more of a 3.25 imo. hardly remember anything, though i do kinda love the concept of how the seasons change in the story !!!!

The Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo !!!!!! istg i did review this. istg. whatever i fucking hate tumblrs broken ass search system. unless i just didnt tag it correctly. these next reviews are gonna be short bc i think i did review them at some point but whatever. LOVED this, super cute and sweet i've already continued the next few books. not gonna group them together bc they're each individual little stories to me but love love love the MC and their little bird friend. love the folklore/storytelling aspects and vibes. 5 stars no notes

The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins !! on storygraph i rated this 4.5 thats a lie. this book got hyped up so much for me and it was just not the vibes i was expecting or wanted. hated the ending. only kinda fun parts where the DoD guy and his commentary and maybe the guy that was like turning into an animal. i liked him i think his name was michael. otherwise did not gaf about what was happening. bleh

Don't Let the Forest in by C.G. Drews! vibes vibes vibes vibes vibes. drawings coming to life and trying to kill you !!! yup. haunted by a dead twin !!!! yup. ough. yeah i liked this one. 4.5 stars

When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain by Nghi Vo!!!! same as the first in the series. 5/5 !!!! she did it again

The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson !! this one was fun read it because supposedly the plot twist was CRAZY and like yeah it kinda was i just was kinda confused the Whole time about which guy was which so like. it wasn't really that shocking to me when it turned out to be one over the other yaknow? undecided on whether or not i'm gonna finish the series

The Daughter of Smoke and Bone series by Laini Taylor !!!!!!!!! this was a reread and like. it was a necessary reread. if i had reviewed this back when i did the reread i would have more to say now but lemme try and get everything down. i first wanted to reread this series because I had just rewatched two of my favorite youtube videos of all time, caricanread's plot summary of the last(?). hang on i have no idea what this book is even called. okay the 2nd and 3rd crescent city books house of sky and breath and house of flame and shadow. genuinely videos of all time. and i was thinking like godddd crossover episodes are so fun in like fanfic i can see that she was trying to have fun here and bring back fan fave characters but like she just sucks at writing so it sucks. and my favorite. FAVORITE type of story is the kind of story where you tell me what happens. and then you tell me what happened before the story. the story that makes this story inevitable. how everything was predestined and unavoidable. how this story is just a tiny little part of a multitude of massive shifting pieces. like i love multiverses and parallel universes and such. and well sjm does not hit at all. so i reread daughter of smoke and bone to scratch the itch and you know what. it fucking scratched the itch. 5/5 idc if the fallen angel ya phase was cringe i'm still here for it.

then, i reread Strange the Dreamer so i could then read Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor !!! a fun good time loved it. don't remember much but i know that it affected me deeply. trust me

Legend of the White Snake by Sher Lee !!!! don't remember much at all but the vibes were fun and i had a good time.

This Fatal Kiss by Alicia Jasinska !!! favorite thing about this 100% was the setting and the vibes. 10/10. the FMC was kinda annoying but it was fine. quick read love the cover i would 100% read more of this authors work!!!

then i reread Silver Under Nightfall so i could then read Court of Wanderers by Rin Chupeco!!!! not a huge fan of the ending of the series but otherwise i had a good time and the vibes were there. I am always always down for some guy to be a pet for two baddass hot vampires. 10/10 when will it be my turn

okay done for now ty for reading all this if you did <3

[tv-moments]

The Diplomat

Season 2, “Our Lady of Immaculate Deception”

Director: Alex Graves

DoP: Julian Court

[alintalzin]

ROYGBIV Tag Game.

Thanks for the tag, @mrbexwrites.

Red. From my newest gothic wip I'll Love You When I'm Dead.

I sliced the knife across his throat, and the blood trickled out, slowly but steady, a ribbon of red against the white snow. I pulled my hand away from his neck, my arm from across his belly. He fell to the floor, and I wiped the knife on the fabric of my skirt.

Orange. From the sequel to Fire's Blood, Tigress in the Shadows.

The fire springs to life in my hand, all warm orange and copper, and he steps back, clearly afraid. I don't blame him.

Yellow. From A Dark Gambit of Stars.

He knew Thira the minute he saw the long braid of dark blue hair. She hurried up to him, a worried look in her yellow eyes.

Green. From my Celtic fantasy wip Pansies Violets Witch.

Her eyes are the loveliest shade of green, like grass on a Greentide day.

Blue. From my Baroque France inspired fantasy wip Court of Lust and Deception.

My dress was of silk, the same shade of blue as my eyes, with a dropped-shoulder neckline and delicate white lace along the edges of the sleeves and the edge of the bodice.

Indigo. Also from A Dark Gambit of Stars.

Kian and Rith watched together as the sky went from indigo to midnight - blue, as the stars shone across the sky.

Violet. From A Dark and Dreadful Thing.

Alisette came up to me, clad in violet velvet with a ruffled bustle and a black velvet ribbon tied around her neck. "I'm glad you're here." she said to me.

[pagesandpothos]

A Deception of Courts by Ben Alderson

Official Synopsis:

With high stakes and even higher heat, A Deception of Courts is the third installment in the bestselling Realm of Fey series by Ben Alderson, perfect for fans of ACOTAR by Sarah J. Maas. Robin Icethorn, King of the Winter Court, must stop The Hand, who threatens to bring forth a time of monsters. The search for the keys to free Duwar, the demon God, from his unearthly bindings has begun. Finding unlikely allies, Robin is thrust into a war of Gods, becoming no more than a pawn on the game board he never wished to be a part of. Whilst new flames crackle with electrifying power and old flames return, equally changed – Robin is forced to make decisions that would change the course of his, and his kingdoms, lives forever.

My Thoughts:

A Deception of Courts is the third book in Ben Alderson's "Realm of Fey" series. I enjoyed both A Betrayal of Storms and A Kingdom of Lies and liked this most recent release in the queer romantasy series as well, though not quite as much as the first two.

Like the previous two books, this one is fast-paced with lots of action and some big twists. It builds on the religious aspect introduced in A Kingdom of Lies and introduces new allies to aid Robin's fight against his enemies.

A Kingdom of Lies remains my favorite book in this series but there were a lot of great things in this one. Duncan and Robin's relationship intensifies and continues to be the best part of the series even with the many complications introduced. Althea also gets a little more focus in this book, and Robin begins to truly step into his role as King, adding some great character moments.

My only complaint is that the entire middle of the book got bogged down with too many negotiations involving the new characters. The beginning and ending of the book were both very exciting but I do think this book could have benefited from trimming down some of these repetitive discussions.

One warning, A Deception of Courts ends on a really big and emotional cliffhanger that left me shocked and near tears. Thankfully,  A Game of Monsters will be released in May 2025 so we won't have to wait too long to see it resolved.

My Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑 (3.5/5 stars).

Tropes/Tags:  romance, romantasy, Achillean, spicy, love triangle

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5. There are multiple sex scenes that are explicit and “Open Door”.

Romantasy Scale: This falls closer to the Romance genre. It's a spicy romance set in a fantasy world.

If you liked this I think you will like A Deception of Courts: Fans of spicy male/male romance and fans of Ben Alderson’s independently published books should love this!

Links: Storygraph | GoodReads | BenAlderson.com

A Deception of Courts was released on December 3, 2024, and is available to order!

I received an advanced copy of this book for free thanks to NetGalley and Angry Robot. The above are my honest feelings about the book provided. I don’t have any affiliate links in this post, and I do not make any money from my reviews. I review books simply because I love to read.

[kinziethings]

REVIEW: A Deception of Courts by Ben Alderson || amazing series!

[artiquar]

Encore, tiefling bard (college of swords)

After escaping Mephistopheles' court, Encore renamed himself and began his life anew in Baldur's Gate. When he gets caught on the mind flayer ship and takes a trip through the Hells again, the devilish courts takes notice — and now he's being tracked by the father he thought he could leave behind.

[noobiestnoober]

Veil of Deception (StefanXReader)

Y/N had been undercover in Mystic Falls for months, trying to infiltrate a secret group of rogue vampires called the Shadow Court. Their leader, Lucian, had dangerous plans, and Y/N was the only one who could stop him.

What no one knew was that Y/N was part of the Mikaelson family, a secret sibling hidden from most—including her own family. Posing as a rogue vampire, she had to protect her friends, especially Stefan, but the deeper she got, the more dangerous it became.

______________________________

Y/N had been working undercover for months, delving deep into the dark underbelly of Mystic Falls to uncover a secret society of rogue vampires. This group, known as the Shadow Court, had been operating in the shadows, manipulating events in the town for decades. Their leader, an ancient and powerful vampire named Lucian, had plans that threatened not just Mystic Falls but the entire vampire and human worlds.

What Lucian didn’t know was that Y/N was no ordinary vampire. She was an ancient and powerful member of the Mikaelson family, a secret sibling who had always kept her association with the Originals hidden. Known only to a few, Y/N’s existence was shrouded in mystery, even to her own siblings. Her older brother Klaus was one of the few who knew, and it was at his behest that she had taken on this dangerous mission.

Y/N had stumbled upon the existence of the Shadow Court when she noticed a pattern of unexplained disappearances and mysterious deaths that even the Salvatore brothers hadn’t connected. Determined to protect her friends and the town, and driven by her love for Stefan, she infiltrated the Shadow Court by posing as a rogue vampire seeking power. Her cover was deep, her every move calculated to gain their trust and gather crucial information.

The deeper she got, the more dangerous it became. She uncovered that Lucian was planning a ritual that would grant him control over all vampires, making him unstoppable. She knew she had to stop him, but the risk of being discovered grew with every passing day. Her only solace was the knowledge that she was doing this to protect Stefan and the others.

Despite her efforts to keep her mission a secret, Stefan had grown suspicious of her frequent absences and the danger she seemed to be in. He followed her one night, just as she was about to uncover the final piece of Lucian’s plan. His sudden appearance compromised her cover and nearly got them both killed.

____________________________

"You couldn't just leave it alone, could you?" Y/N snapped, lips curling into a snarl, "I was trying to protect you, Stefan, you idiot!"

The words echoed in the dimly lit room, heavy with the tension that had been building for days. Stefan stood there, stunned into silence, his eyes wide with confusion and hurt. He had never seen Y/N this angry, not even when he had interfered in her plans before.

"I didn't ask for your protection," he finally managed to say, his voice shaking, "I just wanted to keep you safe."

"Safe?" She laughed bitterly, a harsh sound that made his heart ache.

"You think you can handle everything on your own? You have no idea what you're dealing with."

"Then tell me," he pleaded, stepping closer, "Help me understand."

She turned away, her shoulders trembling. For a moment, it seemed like she might relent, might finally let him in on the secrets she had been keeping. But when she faced him again, her eyes were steely, resolved.

"Some things are better left buried, Stefan," she said quietly, "And if you keep digging, you're going to get hurt. Or worse."

He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself, "I can't walk away from this. Not now."

She sighed, a mix of frustration and resignation, "Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you."

With that, she walked past him, her steps echoing down the empty hallway. Stefan watched her go, his mind racing. He had a feeling that whatever lay ahead, it was going to change everything.

As they prepared to leave the building, Y/N knew she had to reveal her true identity to Stefan. She led him to a secluded spot, away from prying eyes.

"Stefan, there's something you need to know," she began, her voice softer now, "I'm not just any vampire. I'm a Mikaelson. Klaus is my brother."

Stefan's eyes widened in shock, "What? How... Why didn't you tell me?"

"I had to keep it a secret to protect you and to make sure Lucian didn't find out. I'm the only one who could infiltrate the Shadow Court because of my hidden identity," she explained, "But my feelings for you, Stefan, are real. I love you, and I couldn't bear the thought of losing you to Lucian's plans."

Stefan took a step closer, his expression softening, "Y/N, I... I love you too. And I trust you. We'll face this together."

Just as they were about to leave, they heard footsteps echoing through the corridors. The Shadow Court had realized Y/N’s true identity, and now they were coming for her.

"We have to go, now," Y/N said urgently, grabbing Stefan's hand.

They ran through the darkened halls, Y/N leading the way with her intimate knowledge of the Court’s hideout. As they reached the exit, they could hear the shouts of the pursuing vampires growing closer. Y/N pushed open a hidden door, revealing a passage that led outside.

"Here, this way," she whispered, pulling Stefan through the narrow passage.

They emerged into the cool night air, the full moon casting an eerie glow over the deserted streets of Mystic Falls. Without looking back, they fled into the woods, the sounds of their pursuers fading into the distance.

As they ran, Y/N’s mind raced. Her cover was blown, and she knew she could never return to the Shadow Court. But she also knew that as long as they were together, they could face whatever dangers lay ahead.

______________________

Finally, when they felt safe enough, they stopped to catch their breath. Stefan looked at Y/N, his expression filled with a mixture of awe and love.

"We did it," he said, a hint of disbelief in his voice, "We really escaped."

Y/N smiled, her heart swelling with relief and affection, "Yes, we did. And now, we have to stay hidden. Lucian will be looking for us."

Stefan nodded, taking her hand in his, "As long as we're together, we'll be okay. We'll figure this out."

Y/N squeezed his hand, feeling a renewed sense of hope, "I know we will. And I promise, no more secrets."

[lunaria1]

Masterlist

Request rules

Introduction

Mortal Kombat

Court of Darkness

Creepypasta

Hazbin Hotel

Rainbow Factory au

Alice in Wonderland

Labyrinth 1986

SCM-Star Crossed Myth

Hotel Transylvania

Poppy playtime

Dark Deception

Twisted Wonderland

Kpop demon hunters

[honeybeecannotdraw]

Some graphics I designed for a box event that NM Lovely did for the holidays last year.

These are quotes from characters in two of her works:

The Fae Prince's Deception

The Court Under the Sea

[sea-buns]

the things my mind will do to NOT have to face the consequences of a traumatic story arc

"oh so and so died last week? and the new episode is tonight? hmm sounds like it'll be a good one...

.....y'know i've really been meaning to get into [absolute rabbit hole of a fandom]"