A review by cait_beneath_the_covers
The Wraith King by Juliette Cross

5.0

Huge thanks to Nerd Fam for the ARC of this phenomenal read! From the very first page, I was captivated by this next-level fantasy. The Wraith King is a dark fantasy masterpiece that had me hooked from the start. The story plunges us into a brutal conflict between light and dark fae, where Princess Una makes a heart-wrenching sacrifice for her people, only to be captured by the morally ambiguous Wraith King, King Goll. What begins as a forced entanglement between them transforms into a deeply intense and steamy relationship, showcasing a romance that’s nothing short of electrifying. There’s a gripping plot full of mystery and betrayal, with a traitor hiding in plain sight. The enemies-to-fated-mates dynamic between Una and Goll is incredibly hot, and watching their relationship develop is both intense and utterly engrossing. Goll faces the daunting task of protecting both his people and Una, all while navigating a treacherous environment filled with intrigue. The dark palace of Näkt Mir provides the perfect setting for this tangled web of deception, and the action scenes are well-crafted and satisfyingly intense, without overdoing the gore.

The cover is absolutely stunning, and I was worried it might not live up to its beauty. Thankfully, it exceeded all my expectations. The pacing of the plot was flawless, and the character development was superb. Goll, who initially seemed like a tough sell, quickly became one of my favorite book boyfriends. Una is fantastic, and the friendships she forms throughout her journey add so much richness to the story.

With tropes like enemies to lovers, fated mates, demons, sprites, and even a dragon, The Wraith King hits every sweet spot for a perfect fantasy romance. It’s easily one of the best romantasy novels I’ve read this year, and I’m eagerly anticipating what this author will deliver next!