The Umbra King (Vincula Realm)

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I also feel as though Cora’s soul was just forgotten about.. like it’s talked about quite a bit- how Gedeon must have it, how he does have it and covets it despite being bad.. it gets released and then that’s it. That’s it? What was the purpose? I expected there to be some purpose for it being in the story tbh. I am The Butcher, Your Grace, and I will not hesitate to string you up with a dagger in your heart.“ The Umbra King follows assassin vigilante, Rory, after she is apprehended for killing 13 men. After watching her sister brutally murdered and soul stolen, she vows to avenge her and find her soul. Things obviously go sideways and she ends up thrown into the prison realm of Vincula and at the feet of the Umbra King, Caius If Tower Defense Simulator won the Roblox Innovation Awards 2022, The Umbra was promised to return to the game. The romance in this book was immaculate, the spice was a nice bonus because it wasn't too much, but it wasn't too little. The friendships and side characters really made you feel something, the prophecy and the murder mystery really kept you engaged in the story. Overall, it was amazing. The cliffhanger will have you salivating for the next book.

The worldbuilding was a little confusing at first, but thankfully there is a full glossary and the front that explains everything. There is even a YouTube video linked at the beginning of the eBook where it demonstrated how to pronounce all the names and places. The dedication is *chefs kiss*. After the brutal murder of her twin sister, Aurora “Rory” Raven spends years forging herself into a ruthless vigilante killer. The banter, threats, and progression from enemies to lovers were well done and entertaining. (more quotes and content warnings at the end of this review, in case you’re interested) Throughout the book, I kept thinking this was going to be a 4-4.5 star book. However, once I finished it, I couldn't stop thinking "how can this book be anything but a 5 star?? I am so thankful for those who recommended this book to me because I LOVED it. Like, I really enjoyed it and could not put it down... even while I was working, my kindle did not leave my side! main characters being apart, then having sex but not really communicating, because he needs to "protect" her form the memories she has lost. (this went on for half of the book)DFN at 70%. The concept and the premises were super intriguing: Morally grey MCs, badass vigilante FMC, enemies-to-lovers, angst, I-hate-you-but-I-am-attracted-to-you? I’m sold. 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. Aurora/Rory is a killer with a big heart, and I really liked her. She is strong, has a sharp tongue, and would do anything for her loved ones. She sees herself as a monster even though she’s a hero. She stood tall even when she was afraid and didn’t let people push her around. Rory- Rory is such a badass murdery FMC. I loved her so much, she has zero chill when it comes to bad guys and does what she feels has to be done. (She's also completely unhinged, but in a really " her heart is in the right place" kind of way) I love her loyalty to her friends and the way she goes toe to toe with Caius is thrilling!

After arriving in Vincula, Aurora discovers her opportunity for retribution is closer than she thought. There will always be someone who thinks of me as their villain. The least I can do is be a damn good one.”The Umbra King follows assassin vigilante, Rory, after she is apprehended for killing 13 men. After watching her sister brutally murdered and soul stolen, she vows to avenge her and find her soul. Things obviously go sideways and she ends up thrown into the prison realm of Vincula and at the feet of the Umbra King, Caius. While a little slow to start, I ended up loving this. too many convenient reveals that didn't feel exciting, and twists that didn't make sense because they were not explained well. The enemies to lovers is done so well the transition feels authentic and entirely unavoidable as they surrender to their mutual attraction. Pike • Knight • Ghost • Cobalt Guard • Vampire • Bat • Wraith • Zombie Horse • Ent • Ghost Knight • Werewolf • Cursed Guard • Cursed Knight • Solar Shard • Lunar Shard • Dust • Penumbras The Umbra King is book one in the Vincula Realm Duology, which is set in the Realms of the Aether multiverse . It ends on a cliffhanger.

There was so much potential with Rory’s lost memories.. to use that as a way to really add some charge to the story and I feel like her losing her memory added nothing to the plot. I also think she gained them way too easily. I kind of feel like many things happened too easily in this book tbh.Feeling like an outsider looking in, she tries to acclimate to her new life, but she can’t shake the feeling that something, or someone, is missing. Oh, and this book is spicyyy. I rarely rate/mention smut, but it’s generously written throughout and it’s very hot! (except for one scene, but that was awkward on purpose.) Maybe my expectations were too high, but unfortunately I didn’t like it. Even the writing felt off. Sam is my favourite side character. He’s this massive, blonde, intimidating Angel. He’s grumpy and a smartass at times, but he cares a lot about his friends, protects them, and fusses over them—It’s the sweetest thing ever. I just wanted to give him cuddles the whole time.