The Unseelie Throne

Maze of Shadows #3

by Kathryn Ann Kingsley

When the prize is death, some games are better lost than won.
If she loses, she becomes his queen, and he unleashes war across Earth and Tir n’Aill alike. If she wins, he dies. The answer seems clear. But then why can’t she bring herself to want victory?

The longer Abigail wanders through his Maze of Shadows, the less sure she becomes of anything—allies, enemies, wrong, right, evil, good, hate…and love. With every twist and turn, her heart is more fully trapped in his snare.

Facing the choice of whether to win—and kill the Bloody Prince—or lose and become his queen, Abigail can’t decide which is worse. In fact, she is starting to think that she might no longer want to win at all.

No matter the cost.

Genres: Fantasy, Fae, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Dark Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Romantasy

296 pages, ebook

First published December 14, 2021

About the author

Kathryn has always been a storyteller. Years of scriptwriting for performances on stage and for tourism in Boston led her to writing romantically dark, fantastical tales, which was an obsession of hers that began once seeing The Phantom of the Opera at a young age.

When she isn’t penning new villainous leads, she works in video game development. There, she has been everything from Creative Director to Chief of Staff, Design Manager, Executive Producer, and Principal Writer for various companies in the industry.

She shares her antique home with three very fluffy animals and one very patient and loving husband.

Reviews

[adrie rose · Rating 2 out of 5]

Do you ever read a book that you don't particularly like but you're too invested in the story to DNF? That's how I feel about this series -- I'm here, but I'm not having a good time.

The story is compelling enough but it doesn't have any of the hallmarks of a good high fantasy series that I love. The writing is so...flowery. It's one of the (unfortunately) best examples of purple prose I've seen in a modern series and it makes it such a chore to get through the books. Endless philosophical musings on the main character's experiences with little in the way of practical knowledge or lore. I think in 3 books we've only just now gotten to a point where we understand how Valroy got to the throne and even that was approximately 2 sentences.

The perspective shifts are jarring because there's no indication that they're coming -- which is a formatting issue -- but it's still enough to distract from the story. The narration is omniscient but the reader is still left scratching their head at the end of the book because the betrayal is so unforeseen. I'll read the 4th book but only because I'm invested in the conclusion of the series and to me, that feels worse than just not reading anymore. Sweeping fantasy should be a breathtaking, enjoyable experience -- not one that leaves the reader annoyed and full of questions.

[Claudie ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

AAAHHH!!! This was one one of the most cruel cliffhangers I’ve ever read! 😱

⚠️ Do not start this series before it’s completed ⚠️ (unless you’re a masochist)

4.5

I loved seeing Valroy’s more vulnerable side. He’s still every inch the mean bastard he’s been since book 1 (this is not a redemption story, and that’s what I love about KAK’s books), but falling in love with Abigail did something to him, and I enjoyed his internal struggles very much. He can be such a gentleman sometimes that I just want to swoon. Other times, he’s just his evil self.

Two very important things happened here. First, after that prolonged foreplay, the tension finally snapped! These two have chemistry like you wouldn’t believe… 🔥 And they’re kinky, too — mild D/s, exhibitionism & voyeurism. Also… Valroy’s body is a weapon in more than one sense. 🍆🙈 Second, I got my wish! 🎉 Some romance is (slowly) cooking for my lovely Anfar, and I totally approve of the choice! 😍

I’d like the final book now, please 😩

[Deena · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF, If I had to read one more “ her cheeks warmed” ….. I just couldn’t take it anymore. Every damn page! Her cheeks should have exploded by now with all this “ heating” up it was doing 🙄

[Bex (Beckie Bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, what a finish I’m absolutely desperate now to read the final part of this story it has definitely left me wanting more that’s for sure. This is most definitely my favourite book of the series yet and as an added bonus Abigail and Valroy finally got to seal the deal and it was everything I had been anticipating and more. These two are absolutely electric together and their red-hot chemistry exploded off the page with its raw intensity. I just loved these two as a couple. So in this third instalment, Abigail is back inside the maze right in the thick of the Unseelie. Our Prince is now desperate to win his future Queen’s affection especially after nearly losing her forever so he sets about winning her affections in true Valroy style.

I absolutely loved Valroy here and now that he’s admitted to himself the true extent of his affections he’s fully transparent and totally owns it not afraid to let Abigail know just how he feels about her. Whilst still wanting her to accept him for himself darkness and all which means her maybe learning things about his maze that up till now he’s kept hidden and he now risks losing her regard before it’s even had a chance to blossom fully.

I actually felt so much for Valroy he’s so desperate to be loved and accepted something he’s never really experienced and his affections towards Abigail are so obviously genuine but at the same time he doesn’t believe he has any real chance and believes Abigail will find him unworthy and rotten just like everyone else has before her it was actually rather heartbreaking.

Abigail is definitely struggling and the side that just wants Valroy is totally winning out over everything else. When our girl totally flips out and inadvertently nearly starts a war she finds herself making another bargain one that means she can finally embrace what she truly wants but with a much clearer conscience. I felt I really got a real sense of what makes each of these two individuals tick here they both allowed themselves to become much more vulnerable and even opened up to each other.

I was then totally shocked by the finish it was so deliciously unexpected and I definitely didn’t anticipate it that’s for sure. I’m now incredibly invested in witnessing the fallout of all of this drama and betrayal and I have a feeling that Abigail is going to finally come into her own and embrace her new fae self. I do hope she goes absolutely postal on their arses and annihilates all those treacherous worms showing Valroy just where her absolute loyalty now lies with the man she has come to adore despite everything.



Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com

[Elena Rodríguez · Rating 2 out of 5]

“I do not hate the wolf because it eats the sheep. ”

Voy a ser bastante breve. Los primeros libros me han gustado y me engancharon, este tampoco se ha quedado atrás, pero siento que la historia ha perdido consistencia se ha vuelto mucho más floja. Me da rabia porque tenia mucho potencial.

“He is kind to you-soft to you- but to the rest ? ”

También destacar que ha habido escenas que me han parecido cogida por los pelos y demasiado fan-service en un momento dado, no podía no poner los ojos en blanco.

Una pena.

[BrittneyandtheBooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️

This series is increasingly frustrating. The first book was good but it’s just going down hill. Book 2 and 3 felt almost exactly the same, with nothing “exciting” happening until the end for each. Honestly, a lot of this could have been cut down across all the books and this story could have been a stand-alone or at least a duology. It’s all very redundant.

More time of Abigail running around the woods…I mean maze… and more of her annoying internal dialogue. The only difference with this book is that Valroy finally got to “rut” her.

Unfortunately, I’m some how invested in knowing how this story ends and I’ll still read it. So I guess that’s a win for the author.

[Karlee Berrios · Rating 5 out of 5]

You've heard the term lovesick puppy. Well, now, get ready for Lovesick Rabid Wolf. And I mean that with all the affection in the world. I have never met an anti-hero I didn't love, but Prince Valroy surpasses all of them. Once again, he has made a bargain with his sweet Abigail. He's raised the stakes, but he still acts as if he has it all under control. Abigail has returned to the maze, and it seems we've gone full circle, but some things have changed. She's not quite so breakable now, and her feelings for Valroy have become more... muddy. In order to solve the maze, she must understand it. And you know, try not to succumb to the ceaseless advances of the Unseelie Prince.

"I do believe I hate being in love, I do think this is rather terrible." How can anyone not love such a tortured soul? What might be the best part of the romance is that while he truly loves her, it does not change either of them to the point where they are unrecognizable. They both remain wholly themselves and simply have to make it fit. And yes, I mean that literally as well as figuratively. They both grow as individuals through their new experiences but remain true to their ideals.

The plot outside of the romance is equally compelling. The betrayals are utterly gut-wrenching, and the forces moving outside of Valroy's control entice the readers to continue, whether they like it or not. Every character has their own machinations at work, and watching it all play out is utterly enthralling.

Oh, did I almost forget to mention the spice?? Did you think a brief allusion was all you'd get? No. You may have two. Eight piercings. EIGHT. PIERCINGS.

Five out of five stars.

The Unseelie Throne is a dark, adult fantasy romance, and the explicit details inside are not for everyone, nor anyone under the age of 18. However, if you've ever spent any time searching for CNC on A03, and you liked ACOTAR, Fortuna Sworn, The Cruel Prince, etc., this is the series you're looking for.

Kathryn, please show my heart mercy in The Unseelie King.

[Lillian Lark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am screaming at that cliffhanger! ⚠️
🔥They finally bang and it is absolute fire
🔥The leading lady has some hard decisions to make
🔥Size difference
🔥Piercings
🔥Primal & breeding
🔥Evil prince in love, peak villain romance

I'm just staggering around in a fog because I have to have the next book with how this one ended...

[Pam ✦ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, so, I've finally come to the conclusion that I really really don't like Valroy.

I get the enemies to lovers, falling in love with the villain trope, but girl, it's giving 1939 germany vibes:

The Seelie should not be amongst them. They should be kept on chains and leashes, if not put in the ground to feed the plants and trees around them.

Like sorry, I didn't sign up for a Hitler love story.

That said, I'm a simp for Anfar and Perin so... I can't help but read the next one.

[✡Weed Dragon✡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally what more can I say other than this is utterly perfect.

The writing is so beautiful. Everytime he talked about her o described her i just wished to die right there because I knew no one in this god forsaken world would ever say such things about me.

I'm so in love with this series I can't even think properly, i just am blindsided with the beautiful romance.

[ailish · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried okay? But it has gotten to a point where I am so bored of reading this story that I have to force myself to read it. HOW is it book 3 and Abigail is STILL trying to solve the maze? Like girl, move on already, I definitely have. Book 1 was such an exciting set-up, but it feels like literally nothing has developed since then; the plot is at a standstill from where book 1 ends, the relationships are more or less the same and the internal dialogue could be a copy and paste from book to book. I know there’s just one book left but I have to give up here.

[The Girl with the Sagittarius Tattoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half was pretty boring, but the second half brought it home.

[Des · Rating 3 out of 5]

they were just in love man idk

[Mar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am once again begging everyone to read this series.

[P C (hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a minute of peace with this book.
FFS
Glorious read, great writing, consider my heart broken repeatedly!

[⋆˚࿔ mary 𝜗𝜚˚⋆ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish the fmc would kill valroy and tatiana and take both thrones for herself if she’s so powerful. she’s taking forever to even begin to figure out the maze🙄 lot of talk and no follow thru


**read CW!!

[sofia · Rating 2 out of 5]

(spoilers ahead; while i tried not to be super specific, there are still spoilers. as i said before, these books are +18 and have a bunch of triggers. again, not so many maybe this third book, but the first one for sure, and this one too even if less of them)

you know what my issue is with this book? it's not the 'problematic' aspects of it. it's not how the author decides to take the route of 'her saying no doesn't actually mean no, the male character knows she wants this and he's proven right'. like yeah i hate those tropes, but those have been here since i started the series. at this point i'm full in the story, so i can ignore my discomfort. those things are present from book one, if i'm still reading then that's on me by now. the relationship between abigail and valroy? not my thing, but i also... don't care about it not being my thing at this point. i just want to know how the plot ends, you know?

no, no, what bothers me actually is just abigail spends at this point two whole books torn between wanting valroy and how, you know, he kinda wants to kill two words. and it just becomes so tiring by this book. she wants it both ways, she wants to fall in love with him and be with him but also have her morals and i'm just! no, sorry! i don't get it. i just want her to choose one, either she murders him or she accepts his war and just like, rules at his side and that's that.

(spoiler: personally i'm partial to her just becoming evil because this whole wriggling her hands and trying to save people while wanting to marry the person who wants to kill entire worlds is exhausting for me. just let her be bad, please. also it's been three books of her being innocent. i'm tired. if we're going through the option of her being with valroy then i'd rather she just accept what that entails. i do still need to block the part about valroy kindnaping her in book one and how absolutely awful her treatment was there, but anyways. alas, i am not to get my wish apparently which is super sad for me. also i've discovered i have erased about 85% of what happens in these books so there's that)

mind you maybe this works for people, it just didn't work for me because i just wanted her to pick a side. it was just... so long, two entire books of this discussion. ok that's it. i was about to start writing about other stuff but you know what, no, i'm not doing a super serious analysis here. i'm moving to book four and that's it.

[Sheen⚘ ⃰⃰ · Rating 2 out of 5]

The low rating is solely cause of Puck.

We read about an instance of him licking his crotch in ch. 10.

Then skip 16 chapters to chapter 26.

Puck barked. And then licked her square on the lips before barking again and running away

*five paragraphs later*

“Is it bad form to kiss you now?” She smiled as she slipped her hand into his. “Or must I wait until the ceremony is over?”
“I do not see any harm in starting off on the right foot.” He pulled her close to him, cradled her head in his hand at the base of her skull, and kissed her. Slowly, passionately, as if he wished to make a point to all those in attendance.

🤢🤮

Ruined the book for me. Such a nice book of an absolute villain w absolutely unhinged behaviour, a genocidal maniac, really.

Being from a culture/religion/country that doesn't 'love' dogs or even like really, they've the same designation as rats and other pests, i wonder how people don't feel disgusted by dogs.

[Sarah Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Representation: mlm supporting characters, MM side romance

Overall: 3.75-stars

Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions
• No cheating
• No OW/OM drama
– Note that the MCs have sex in front of the Night Court and watch the Heroine's guardians have sex
• Does have the Heroine pushing the Hero away
• Does have a brief separation (both celibate)


Possible Triggers: Yes
• Gore
• Knife violence
• Murder and attempted murder
• Voyeurism and exhibitionism


Ending: Cliffhanger

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,75 ⭐

I feel like I would need more world building and lore to truly love this series, but it's still a lot of fun!

[Dora · Rating 3 out of 5]

*gasps in spanish*
WHAT IN THE ACTUAL FUCK WAS THAT ENDING?!

Listen, so far, this was the weakest book in the series. The pacing was dragging, Abagail has become entirely dull and repetitve in her "great torment of making a choice" and Valroy mushy kind of love feels... so ooc. BUT the side characters and worldbuilding continue to be the highlight of this series. Also, sex scenes have been much improved. ANd YES, for my boi Anfar finally getting out of his slump 💜

Now onto the finale! 👀

side note: wtf bayodan?? i love your goat arse, seven eyes and all but...what.the.fuck.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is the best one so far. And left a good cliffhanger for the fourth 🫢

[Alice Hanov · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Unseelie Throne (Maze of Shadows #3) By Kathryn Ann Kingsley

🌟🌟🌟1/2

While I enjoyed all the books this one was my least favourite. I get that middle books ned to push the story forward, but there was less in this book than book 2 that I loved so it is a 3 ½ for me. But I’m excited to see where book 4 goes with the changes book 3 brought, I’m just not happy with Valroy even if he is acting 100% like a pain in the butt unseelie male would.

[blueberry]

DNF for me , not gonna rate it because it wouldn't be fair , i DNF'ed because there is something who is a deal breaker for me : a hero who is ok with sharing the heroine ( i don't think there is any sharing in the book , it's just talk for now )

From what i read the book was good but what can i say i have weird pet peeves in books/romance.

[Nic · Rating 2 out of 5]

First half was a slog, second half had quick moving plot. The more I read of this author, the more I think she would benefit from a stronger editor, someone who isn’t afraid to cut half of her writing out before a novel is released.

Bayodan is by far the most interesting character in all three novels of this series to date.

[ChelsieINeedaNickname Griffin]

Its a little to “Over the Rainbow” for me. Not dark enough, not slutty enough, the FMC is an indecisive prude. Its just too kids lets play in the sandbox rather than let kick the sandbox over. Got tired of this series

[river · Rating 1 out of 5]

idk why it took me till the third book to dnf lmao

[Lena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Back on my questionable kindle unlimited reads. What can I say... It was good.

[Catharine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am writing this review after finishing all four books in this series, but I must say this is easily one of my favorites!!! This is the book where things FINALLYYYYY start to happen romantically and oh man, Valroy is my favorite brooding bad boy. I have had such a lovely time reading these and I could not put any of them down until I was completely finished! I wish I could forget them all so that I could reread them whenever I wanted.

One of my favorite series to date, this is a fun dark fantasy romance series with a lot of drama mixed within it!

[Thirstygirl]

I tried, but couldn't manage to finish this, so I'm not going to give it a rating. I do hate DNFing, but I just can't seem to get back into this. Maybe I'll finish one day, but for now I'm taking it off my shelf.