Jamie Applegate Hunter

The morally grey don’t want redemption. They want retribution.

After the brutal murder of her twin sister, Aurora “Rory” Raven spends years forging herself into a ruthless vigilante killer.

She never gave up her search for the man who killed her sister, but when she is convicted of thirteen murders and sentenced to five-hundred years in Vincula, the prison realm, she knows her sister’s death will never be avenged.

After arriving in Vincula, Aurora discovers her opportunity for retribution is closer than she thought.

Caius is the notorious Umbra King, ruler of Vincula, King of the Monsters, and the thing nightmares are made of. After being locked in his own realm for a crime he didn’t commit, his only focus has been revenge.

But when Aurora drops into his throne room, representing everything he despises, they begin a game of cat and mouse, and before long, their hatred turns into something else.

Circumstances draw them together, but revenge might tear them apart.

The Umbra King is book 1 in the Vincula Realm Duology and ends on a cliffhanger.

Not suitable for those under 18. Please check the author's website for content warnings.
www.jamieapplegatehunter.com - click on The Umbra King page and scroll to the bottom of the blurb.

Vincula Realm Book 1

The Umbra King

Vanessa

Your Grace…

I don’t want to say much of anything until I read book two. 

Caius and Rory.. first of all, they are incredible together. Rory is such a strong FMC and I LOVE her grey soul.

Ok, that’s all I’m saying until the next one.

P.S. you like fantasy and spice and good banter, and some darkness, this is for you.

It read like a like a high school YA, lots of angst, anger, and lust for people you “hate.” Undeveloped characters, and FMC was either offended, horny, or seething. MMC seemed to instalove the FMC and overly sexualise her body almost from the first interaction. FMC had a “tough guy” act, especially when it came to her appearance or crimes committed. Instantly became insecure from any slightly critical or negative comment, and appeared to believe the whole world was out to get her and/or hate her. 

The FMC did not have enough development/time/explanation to be classed as morally grey (in my opinion) as little information or time is given to understand her actions/decisions. It’s given at face value, and it’s expected the reader will just believe the FMC/author POV, thus removing any possibility for critical analysis by the reader (and creating a possible unreliable/bias narrator). Therefore removing depth and complexity to FMCS actions/characteristics, and the chance for the reader to question/ponder morality in this world to truely understand/see the FMC as morally grey. 

I also did not like how the FMC treated the hook up from the nightclub. Her feelings were fair based on the timing the information was delivered, but my god, I wouldn’t be surprised if the hook up was traumatised from that experience. 

The concept of this book was incredible, and I was really excited to read it. The writing style wasn’t to my liking, however, I can see why it is loved by many. But, I just couldn’t keep on reading. 

Meghann

It read like a like a high school YA, lots of angst, anger, and lust for people you “hate.” Undeveloped characters, and FMC was either offended, horny, or seething. MMC seemed to instalove the FMC and overly sexualise her body almost from the first interaction. FMC had a “tough guy” act, especially when it came to her appearance or crimes committed. Instantly became insecure from any slightly critical or negative comment, and appeared to believe the whole world was out to get her and/or hate her. 

The FMC did not have enough development/time/explanation to be classed as morally grey (in my opinion) as little information or time is given to understand her actions/decisions. It’s given at face value, and it’s expected the reader will just believe the FMC/author POV, thus removing any possibility for critical analysis by the reader (and creating a possible unreliable/bias narrator). Therefore removing depth and complexity to FMCS actions/characteristics, and the chance for the reader to question/ponder morality in this world to truely understand/see the FMC as morally grey. 

I also did not like how the FMC treated the hook up from the nightclub. Her feelings were fair based on the timing the information was delivered, but my god, I wouldn’t be surprised if the hook up was traumatised from that experience. 

The concept of this book was incredible, and I was really excited to read it. The writing style wasn’t to my liking, however, I can see why it is loved by many. But, I just couldn’t keep on reading. 

I always enjoy JAH’s writing. The female MC’s are always strong, often stubborn and I loved reading Rory’s story. This was a really fast paced read which was great for a first read for 2023. If you love enemies to lovers, morally grey male MC’s, fated mates, a complex magic system and spice then this is for you!

Grace Wong

Maria Kluczynska

I have received an ARC for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I have very conflicted feelings about this book. I loved the world-building. It was thorough, interesting, and unique. I wanted to know what happens next and found myself finishing it fairly quickly. 

The complaints I have, have more to do with my personal preference when it comes to fantasy books. When I go into a new world, I don’t want to have all there is to know about it thrown at me right from the beginning. 

Personally, I don’t mind being a bit confused. If I’m given all the answers too soon, I lose interest. 

Whenever a new character appeared I was immediately given their entire backstory + relationship to the main character. The same happened whenever we got a new word or name. 

As much as I appreciate having a world guide for reference, I think it would be better to have it at the end of the book vs. the beginning. Having read that first and then gone into the rest of the book where all the terms were explained to me AGAIN was a bit much. I felt like the author wanted us to get into the story quickly and didn't trust the readers to put things together on their own.

In addition to that, the book felt a bit rushed. I think some relationships especially would have benefited if they had been explored a little more.

All in all, I did enjoy the book and will be reading the rest of the series. I’m curious to see where the story goes.

This book has to be in my top ten favorite books of 2022, but I am a little upset that no one told me the ending would break my heart. I haven't had a book physically break me in a very long time and I loved it. I loved that both characters didn't instantly give in to their feelings. I loved that  Aurora “Rory” Raven was a badass heroine that we all needed.  Plus this book was very diverse will all the different type of characters. I really need the next book ASAP. I would check the TW/CW before picking up this book.  I really didn't affect me but really please check them before you read. They are on the author's website. 

The Umbra King Vincula Realm Book 1

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