I needed a moment to collect my thoughts for this one, because I have a lot of mixed feelings. I enjoyed the first book well enough. It wasn't anything extraordinary, but it was a nice, and it did have a couple interesting aspects to it.

This book continues from book 1, but goes in a somewhat unexpected direction. Some of these parts I enjoyed, though I did find the whole plot of the MC being taken by hunters a bit slow as it lasted most of the book.

The opening was... not really for me. It starts with a sex scene between the MC and the initial love interest Erix. Now I don't mind sex scenes, but for me to get into the story I need the plot to get started first and sex to happen later, even if the couple is established as it's a sequel.

Pretty soon after this, though, Erix disappears from the picture and may or may not be lost forever, and this book we're introduced to a new love interest. Who is a hunter.

I admit I warmed up to Duncan. I think without the love triangle aspect I might even have liked him better. I found Erix a bit cringe in the first book in a way a lot of romantasy love interests are, and I think Duncan was better developed in this aspect. But the thought of the MC falling for a fey hunter after everything the hunters have already done to him didn't sit right with me at first. In the end, I do think Duncan is an interesting and decent person, and I did enjoy him as a love interest, but that took time and for most of the book I was really skeptical when I realized that was the direction this character was going in.

I'm getting the sense the next book will really make this a love triangle, as during this one the MC assumes Erix is completely lost, and I'm guessing he might not be?

There were some plot twists near the end I found interesting, and I started enjoying it more there, but I really struggled with the middle, which is the reason for the lower rating. I think it might be a better suit for people who enjoy love triangles, which isn't really my thing anymore unless it's convincing poly.

This is a common review for both A Betrayal of Storms and A Kingdom of Lies
Ben Alderson is an excellent fantasy writer and I like how he develops well rounded and intriguing characters. These series is fast paced, twisty, and full of power plays and political intrigues.
The author makes an excellent job in delivering a series that talks about fey and their power play in an entertaining and fresh way
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

A great continuation from Book 1! The twists and turns were fantastic to read, and I loved the introduction of new characters.

They just keep getting better. I wasn’t expecting to love this so much and I’m so happy… GAH. The angst hit HARD, but in this installment we get so much more than expected!

Thanks to Angry Robot Books and Netgalley for the ARC.

**Mild spoilers for book 1!!**

Annnnnnnd now this series feels like it's hitting its stride! The stakes are raised, and the tension is high throughout this story and there are some good reveals, and it definitely leaves me wanting to dive into the next book right away!! The story picks up right from the start with Robin continuing on his mission to find an army to fight Doran and ends up in a world of hurt with the Hunters. We are introduced to new characters.....hellooooo Duncan.......and start to learn so much more about who and what is behind everything the Hunters have been doing. The pacing of the story was spot on and really keeps you hooked throughout and there were some nice tender moments and of course, some more battles with gryverns!!!
Can't wait to see how things start to play out from here with the addition of the new characters and a new foe!!!

A beautifully written book. I absolutely enjoyed everything about it. I can’t wait to read more by this author.

Following on from A Betrayal of Storms, Robin and Erix have to make a difficult decision. After a horrible and surprising turn of events his father once again is in danger. The plot is incredibly gripping and many there were many events I didn’t expect - I loved this book more thank the first.

Robin must risk everything to become king he was meant to be and save those he loves. At times he was a bit annoying and helpless, and the new love interest at times also didn’t feel as lovable as I would’ve liked. Nevertheless, the new love triangle adds a lot to the plot and I enjoyed this part.

This book added a lot to the world built in the first book and gave great reasoning as to why everyone was the way they were. It gave a lot more sense to the setting and I thought it was very well written.

Thank you Angry Robot and Ben Alderson for an ARC. I can’t wait for book 3!

The second book in Ben Alderson's "Realm of Fey" series picks up shortly after the events of book one.

Robin and Erix's burgeoning relationship is put to the test in this installment. There are some early big reveals and heavy drama that launch this book into some really unexpected places.

Like the first book in the series, this is fast-paced and spicy but the political (and newly introduced religious) turmoil becomes far more complicated.

One of those complications is a new love interest for Robin who is introduced when Robin tries to make a new alliance with an old enemy. The new love interest is a great character and a fantastic addition to the story. I grew to really enjoy him and his dynamic with Robin.

A Kingdom of Lies improves on the first book, making everything more exciting, dangerous, and emotional. It also wraps up some loose ties from the first book and introduces interesting new aspects to the story. I'm really looking forward to picking up the third book and seeing where the story goes next!

Such a good sequel with plot twists I wasn't expecting. You see and learn so much more about the Hunters as well as more history of the Fey. Very enthralling a story you just can't put down.

And Ben has blown me away yet again! This time he's given us an enemies-to-lovers that is almost too hot to handle, and boy am I here for it.

The story starts with Robin leaving the safety of Cederfall lands to treat with Doran Oakstorm only to discover that Erix has given himself up for the return of Robin's father. In the end, it was all fruitless with his father dying at Erix's hands by Doran's command.

Leaving it all behind Robin sets out for human lands with revenge on the brain and ends up getting himself, Althea, and Gyah captured by the hunters. As tides change and assassination attempts occur Althea and Gyah escape, leaving Robin in the hands of Duncan, a Hunter general who is going to hand Robin over to get information from the Hand, the leader of the hunters.

Throughout a treacherous journey, Robin and Duncan grow closer and closer until they succumb to their desire for one another. And as they get closer and closer to the Hand, Duncan's loyalty wanes as he falls in love with his fey 'captive.' But everything is not as it seems when they reach the human capital, and things are now even more perilous than Robin first thought.

Heartwrenching and captivating are the words I would use to best describe this book, and soon I'll start the third installment. I can't wait to see how it all pans out!

In A Kingdom of Lies, the second book in Ben Alderson's Real of Fey MM romantasy series, Robin Icethorn continues to grow into his role as the newly crowned half-human half-fae king of the ice court. Not everyone is happy he has taken the crown, and Robin has to learn to navigate a world filled with lies, deception and betrayal.

Get ready to meet fae hunter Duncan Rackley - and to decide if you're on team Erix, team Duncan, or team both. I absolutely love following Robin as he slowly grows more comfortable with his new role, and also as his relationships develop. This series has superb world building and character dynamics and development, unexpected plot twists, and a good dose of spice! Definitely one of my favourite series out there, and one I can't wait to continue!

Once again, it felt great to re-read this book after A Betrayal of Storms and get a refresh into how this series progresses. This book was jampacked with shocking moments, heart breaking betrayals that took my emotions on a rollercoaster again. I fell back in love with the relationships in this book that were so sweet and a much-needed break from such tragedy that was around every corner. Now I need book 3 because that cliffhanger was shocking.

I loved Robin’s character development; he was amazing even though his choices seemed questionable, I could understand why this time around. We’re not going to talk about Erix. But Duncan, I fell back in love with this guy, he was incredible. I loved the introduction of Duncan’s POV in this new version as it gave me a better understanding of how things were for him, it made me feel really bad for him. All the characters had great development and I can’t wait to see more of them.

Honestly, read this series, it’s only going to get better!

~The Prose~
This book is so filled with twists and turns in a way this so unique to the high fantasy, court intrigue genre. It had me vacillating between quietly crying into my kindle and being prepared to throw it across the room in rage. Ben's ability to keep you on the edge of your seat not knowing what will happen next is unparalleled. I struggle to say this book ended on a "Happy for now" because the ending of this book just felt like releasing a long held breath while simultaneously knowing we aren't out of the woods just yet.
~The Cons~
My only struggle with this book is the jump from enemies to "I'd burn the whole world down for you" felt VERY quick. I would have loved to see just a little more of the quiet moments that built this connection rather than the "movie montage" we got.
~The Bon-Bons~
Similar to book one, A Betrayal of Storms, this isnt a spice forward book but the scenes we do get are absolutely plot relevant. Our MMC, Robin, continues to struggle between using intimacy as a coping mechanism and genuinely sharing a connection with his partner. I truly hope that one day that guy can have "fun time" in a time of joy and peace and not because he's using it as a form of escapism.

There are some big reveals, huge tantrums and titanic tears with this book.

I'll admit, I had to close the kindle at one point cos if I didn't I was going to throw it against the wall. No spoilers but I did think Robin was not at his best in this book. He showed callous disregard at times and I thought he went from hot to cold at supersonic speeds at times. I 'm still a bit lost as to why he's developed such feelings for this new character. He's having to cope with some big plot twists and new information but he is occasionally his own worst enemy. However, it is easy to forget he's only young and kind of reverts to sarky teenager when he's frustrated.

I'm all for morally grey characters but so far I'm not warming up to Duncan. It may be that the "moral boundary" he has with the other Hunters is just the bare minimum I would expect from any character - I'm feeling a bit underwhelmed. I'm still #TeamErix and I want some major magical do-over please!

Now to wait for book #3

I really enjoyed the first book in this series and this second volume does not disappoint. Aside from the romance, adventure, loveable characters and hateable villains, and some great worldbuilding, the plot continues to throw some great curveballs and twists and I’m really looking forward to the next volume.

I received this book as an ARC. This is my personal opinion. It was another brilliant book by Ben Alderson. I loved it, I couldn't put it down once I started it. I finished it in one go. I loved the way their relationship is developing. Love these two together.I love the storyline so far. It keeps you guessing on what is going to happen next. Can't wait to find out how it ends.

I enjoyed this one more than the first. The writing felt better and it didn’t suffer too greatly from second book syndrome. I’m looking forward to finishing this series and seeing where the author takes us.

Ben Alderson never fails to deliver a deliciously gay fantasy book! I love this world and these characters and I can not wait to get my hands on the next book in this series.

ANOTHER beautifully written story! After reading A Betrayal of Storms, I needed more immediately. Luckily this one was available on NetGalley and I requested it so fast!
This is the perfect example of a book two in a series. It kept the initial story going, and added so much more throughout. The world building was expanded and we were introduced to new places and faces. There was so much action and spicy scenes! But it was all filled with so much emotion and it was so beautifully written.
The end was a mild cliffhanger, but in a happy good way. I can't wait to see how this story ends!
Thanks to the author and Angry Robot books for sending me this great story!!

And picking up right where “A Betrayal of Storms” left us… broken, traumatized, and needing more!
Get ready for some more whiplash as this one both starts and ends with a bunch of surprises, twists and turns. This addition sets the tone for the rest of the series and is a touch darker than Ben Alderson’s usual work.
Post events from book 1 we are introduced to dark and mysterious Duncan a human, fae hunter. Enemies to lovers anyone?! ( I myself am team Duncan but we will see how book 4 will change that 😉) It was really nice to see Robins character development throughout this one, you can see him growing into a well rounded character while still making bunches of poor choices. This book leans a bit more morally grey but I feel I can’t tell you too much more about the plot without spilling too many secrets and surprises!
You can expect political intrigue, action, romance, and of course smut!
While I know some of what is coming I still am thoroughly looking forward to my reread of book 3 “A Deception of Courts”.
From this book on it really gets good, though expect more cliffhangers, Ben adores tormenting us!

For fans of -
Plot twists ✨
Queer romance 🌈
Morally grey characters 🩶
New love interest in the second book 💞
Betrayal 🪶

Thank you to Ben and AngryRobot books for this Arc, fantastic as always!