Dive into the enchanting world of Kingdom of Lies, where forbidden magic, heart-pounding intrigue, and slow-burn romance weave a spellbinding romantasy saga! Written by Stacia Stark, this series follows Prisca, a young woman with hidden powers, as she navigates a treacherous world of humans, fae, and hybrids. With its rich world-building and emotionally charged narrative, Kingdom of Lies is a must-read for fans of fantasy romance.
From the first page, readers are swept into a realm where magic is both a gift and a curse, and every alliance comes with a price. Whether you’re drawn to epic battles or sizzling chemistry, this series delivers a captivating blend of adventure and heart.
How Kingdom of Lies Began
Stacia Stark, a New Zealand-born author with a passion for fairy tales and complex characters, crafted Kingdom of Lies from her love of morally gray heroes and resilient heroines. Inspired by her global travels and fascination with human motivations, Stark began the series with a vivid scene: Prisca’s mother urging her to 'swim' as she’s pushed into a river to escape danger. This moment sparked a story of survival and betrayal, with Stark meticulously plotting each book using digital tools like Miro to balance romance, intrigue, and character arcs.
Published starting in 2023, the series quickly gained traction through word-of-mouth, with Stark engaging fans via social media and her 'Stark Society' Facebook group. Her focus on authentic, layered characters set Kingdom of Lies apart in the romantasy genre.
The Heart of Kingdom of Lies
The series spans four books, each escalating the stakes. A Court This Cruel and Lovely (2023) introduces Prisca, whose forbidden magic forces her to flee her village and strike a bargain with Lorian, a ruthless mercenary with secrets. A Kingdom This Cursed and Empty (2023) deepens their fraught alliance as Prisca confronts Lorian’s past as the 'Bloodthirsty Prince.' A Crown This Cold and Heavy (2023) sees Prisca surrounded by enemies, forging uneasy alliances to thwart a tyrant king. Finally, A Queen This Fierce and Deadly (2024) delivers an explosive finale as Prisca fights to save the four kingdoms from a god-like threat.
Themes of betrayal, survival, and the corrupting nature of power pulse through the series. Stark’s world, where gods strip humans of magic at birth and 'corrupt' magic-users are burned, mirrors societal tensions, making it resonate with readers. The slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance between Prisca and Lorian, paired with found family dynamics and political scheming, creates a narrative that’s equal parts heart and strategy. The setting, with its fae lands and war-torn kingdoms, is vivid yet accessible, drawing comparisons to Raven Kennedy and Carissa Broadbent.
Stark’s use of multiple POVs, especially in later books, adds depth, though some fans note pacing slows in the middle installments. Still, the series’ emotional intensity and cliffhangers keep readers hooked.
Why Kingdom of Lies Resonates
Kingdom of Lies has carved a niche in romantasy for its balance of plot and passion. Fans praise its relatable characters, who grapple with trust and sacrifice, reflecting Stark’s belief that no one is wholly good or evil. The series’ word-of-mouth success, bolstered by glowing reviews on Goodreads and Amazon, highlights its emotional grip. Its audiobook editions, narrated by Meg Sylvan and Tim Paige, bring the story to life, earning acclaim for distinct character voices.
As Stark plans a spin-off, Kingdom of Death, the series’ legacy lies in its ability to make readers feel part of Prisca’s fight. It’s a testament to the power of stories that blend heart, grit, and magic.
- Publication Years: 2023–2024
- Number of Books: 4
- Genre: New Adult Romantasy
- Notable Tropes: Enemies-to-Lovers, Found Family, Slow Burn
Ready to lose yourself in a world of magic and betrayal? Grab A Court This Cruel and Lovely and step into the irresistible allure of Kingdom of Lies!