Dive into the electrifying world of The Twisted Kingdoms, where fiery heroines, cunning shapeshifters, and a kingdom teetering on the edge of war create a saga you can’t put down! Frost Kay’s bestselling series blends dystopian grit, swoon-worthy romance, and epic fantasy, following Tempest, a fierce young woman breaking barriers as the first female Hound in a treacherous world. With its intoxicating mix of mafia undertones, enemies-to-lovers tension, and dark fairy tale vibes, this series is a must-read for fans of Holly Black and Leigh Bardugo.
From the moment you meet Tempest, you’re hooked—her journey of vengeance, love, and self-discovery unfolds in a realm where monsters wear pretty masks, and no one is quite what they seem. Ready to lose yourself in a world of pulse-pounding action and heart-wrenching choices? Let’s explore The Twisted Kingdoms!
How The Twisted Kingdoms Began
Frost Kay, a USA Today bestselling author and self-proclaimed book dragon, launched The Twisted Kingdoms with The Hunt in 2020, driven by her love for strong women, diverse cultures, and epic fantasy worlds. Inspired by dark fairy tales and her fascination with morally gray characters, Kay crafted a series that defies traditional fantasy tropes. Her goal? To create a gripping narrative that combines the political intrigue of dystopian fiction with the magical allure of fantasy, all wrapped in slow-burn romance that keeps readers begging for more.
The Heart of The Twisted Kingdoms
The series kicks off with The Hunt, where Tempest, orphaned and enslaved to a bloodthirsty crown, trains to become the first female Hound—an elite assassin and warrior. Tasked with capturing the heart of the Jester, a deadly shapeshifter, she navigates a land twisted by myth and darkness, wrestling with revenge and her growing attraction to her enemy. The Rook picks up as Tempest, now on the king’s council, infiltrates the Jester’s Dark Court, grappling with loyalty and a dangerous romance. The Heir escalates the stakes, with Tempest betrothed to a depraved king, forcing her to choose sides as war looms. The Beast continues her saga, deepening the political intrigue and emotional turmoil.
The Twisted Kingdoms shines through its themes of vengeance, identity, and resilience. Kay’s world, where good and evil blur, reflects real-world issues like racism and socioeconomic divides, handled with nuance through Tempest’s eyes. The enemies-to-lovers romance between Tempest and the Jester (Pyre) is a slow-burn masterpiece, packed with tension and witty banter. The setting—a kingdom of dragons, fae, and shapeshifters—feels alive, with mafia undertones adding a gritty edge that sets it apart from traditional fantasy.
Why The Twisted Kingdoms Resonates
The Twisted Kingdoms has carved a niche in young adult fantasy, earning comparisons to The Cruel Prince and Six of Crows for its morally gray characters and intricate plots. Fans rave about Tempest’s strength and Pyre’s allure, with reviews calling the series “intensely satisfying” and “unputdownable.” Its blend of dystopian stakes, romantic tension, and dark fairy tale retellings appeals to readers craving complex heroines and unpredictable twists. Kay’s ability to weave real-world issues into a fantastical narrative ensures the series lingers long after the final page.
- First Book Published: 2020 (The Hunt)
- Number of Books: 6
- Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Dystopian
Ready to join Tempest on her quest for justice and love? Grab The Hunt and plunge into The Twisted Kingdoms’ spellbinding world of danger, romance, and rebellion!