i wished that this book would have been on the kindle kindly. Book was really good and i enjoyed this.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I actually really enjoyed this book and had a completely different reading experience. Yes, the story is layered and includes a wide cast of characters—but I believe that's intentional. The merfolk and serpentine clans mentioned early on seemed to be setting the stage for something bigger, especially since it's revealed that Max’s mother was involved with the Serpentine King. Those details felt purposeful, not random.

Regarding the auction—if you took notes, then you probably saw that Detective Fairview mentions purchasing something, and that scene unfolds after he attends the auction and then goes to see Max. That part is clear in the timeline. As for the crate and the missing girls—those threads were also there for a reason: this is book one in a series, and I got the sense that we’re supposed to feel that tension building.

Was the book perfect? No book is. But it’s important to remember that NetGalley is a review platform, and publishers often put early drafts up to collect feedback before final edits. I hope they make small tweaks based on reviews, but I don’t think that means the entire structure was flawed—just complex.

I appreciated the author's creativity, unique phrasing (I personally loved “eyes so vivid you could almost scrape the color off”), and the worldbuilding, even if it required more attention. This isn’t a quick beach read—it’s a richly crafted fantasy, and I think it rewards patient readers.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read. I’ll be looking out for book two!

Thank you for the opportunity, NetGalley and the publisher. Sometimes, I get between requests coming out & go to the "read now" sections. Sometimes, I should just be patient. I truly don't like giving a 2 star rating, but this book was bonkers to try to read. I will not 1 star, as if someone can be published & get their book out in the world, more power to them. There is the right reader out there somewhere. I also can't share my review on Goodreads, as this book is not shown/the author using her pen name is not shown. First up - I realize it might just be a formatting issue, but the roughly pg 381-400 should have been at the front of the book (character art, title page, table of contents, trigger warnings, etc). This book should have been roughly 100-150 pages shorter. After the first chapter, the next 10 chapters (guessing) are alternating POVs between MFC Berlie/Bee and MMC Max. I honestly wouldn't mind this aside from it's the exact same info. There are random mentions of characters that you have to try to keep track of & then also random characters that are sprinkled throughout the story that seemingly have nothing/very little to do with the main story. Some things are described in so much mundane detail, it's comical and also non-sensical at the same time. Some word choices also gave me pause (tight partition and exquisite sensitivity - pg 86, eyes so vivid you could almost scrape the color off - pg 310 ... who says this?). The timeframe in this book seemed a bit all over the place. There are several big concerns that Max has going on, but these seem to be not addressed in any sort of rush, but again - maybe they are, but it's hard to determine how much time has passed. Such as the first mention of the missing crate happens on pg 24, but Max doesn't specifically tell his Beta to look into until pg 202 ... & then finally revealed what's inside on pg 226... it's supposed to be a big deal?!? Same with the missing girls - we know what happened to them, but they can't seem to find them - but yet Detective Fairview is supposed to "receive" one, but how can he if he is staying at the castle? Who sent him the info about the auction by the way? So many random questions that will likely not be resolved. There also seems to have a hot mess of prophecies going on, and I couldn't keep track of them. There is a codex that talks about three species (humans, fae, werewolves) but before it says there are also serpentine and merfolk ... of which, the mer are not included anywhere else in this book. I'm all about fated mates, but this insta-love was a bit much, even for me. I took lots of fun notes while I was reading. I am not a professional editor, nor do I claim to be, but there definitely should have been some clean up - with changing POVs and with quote marks in particular. I'm not a quitter, so I finished it. However, if this one stays with me, it won't be for good reasons.

Overall this was an enjoyable read. This is the first book I have read by the author so I didn’t quite know what to expect going in. I will say I was hopeful this was a standalone but could see myself coming back to read the next book as I am curious to see some more character development. Overall I liked it and will read more by the author! (Ps thanks for allowing me to read early :))

I loved the vibes and enjoyed the read! I do however feel as though there were some clunky parts/areas that could use some edits.

To start, I was not a fan of the first chapter being 700 years before the story and that it was just a lot of information dumped on you rather than revealing everything within the storyline. I would have like to have seen that chapter removed and then lay the information out throughout the book in a more natural way. I also found the map and book content pages at the end of the ebook and would have liked to have had those at the beginning.

As for the characters, I loved both Maximilianus and Berlie! I was a bit torn on the start of the romance though. I am a huge fan of slow burns and this just was too fast for me. I would have liked to have seen a little more of the falling in love or building of their emotions toward each other rather than such sudden feelings. Lust is fine to get things started, but insta-relationships I am not a huge fan of.

One thing that I did really enjoy was the quotes! So many good ones like "A mother is an artist who is capable of creating, molding, and sculpting living masterpieces." It

Overall, the plot definitely kept me interested and I would absolutely continue the series to see where it goes!

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC

King Maximilianus is more than a love story—it’s a reflection on the responsibilities that come with power, the cost of waiting for destiny, and the healing that can only come through true union. Fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses, Outlander, or The Witcher will find themselves drawn into this lush, emotional, and unforgettable tale. The author doesn’t just write fantasy—she builds a world you feel in your bones.
The book was not repetitive. I loved the quotes and truly appreciate what the author has given—I’m definitely looking forward to more in the second book.

King Maximilianus, by P.E. NYLUND, is a fantasy novel based, set in the parallel worlds of werewolves and humans, as well as transversing different timelines, enchanted realms, and learning the existence of other magical entities, powers and premonitions. Maximillianus, the alpha King, has been searching for his mate Berlie for approximately 700 years. They meet and mate however, they must overcome challenges in order to stay together and to protect their kingdom. 

I chose this novel because of the existing reviews and I wanted to find out for myself. It is my first fantasy read on werewolf romance, and I keen to discover something new. I really enjoy the magical scenes that this novel offers, especially the spells, the premonitions, and I appreciate the quotes that the author shares at the beginning of each chapter. However, I did not expect the amount of sexual content and the degree of gore at times, but the author flags this which is good.

The novel ends with a cliffhanger, and I actually had to re-read some earlier parts in order to make sense of it all. Which it did, and I am happy to read the sequel. Thank you NetGalley, Royal Bird Publishing and the author for letting me read this book for free. I am grateful and I enjoy being part of this beautiful network. Unfortunately I am unable to publish this review onto my Goodreads page as it is currently unavailable on that platform. I will keep an eye out and will do so then.

Many thanks all. Onto the next!

I really enjoyed this story—it has a lot of potential, i’ve never read anything from this author so went in an open mind.

I felt like the characters needed a bit more development but hopefully this will happen in the next book!

Thank you for providing this ARC and can’t wait to see what comes next!!

“King Maximilianus” had awesome potential—refreshingly different from most of what’s out there in the shifter romance genre. The story isn’t convoluted, and as a seasoned reader, I appreciated how the author avoided repetition. It never felt like I was reading the same scene twice, and that’s rare. Each character was introduced with care and given their own distinct voice, which made the world feel alive.

The writing style might not appeal to everyone—especially readers who prefer flashy covers and more mainstream, predictable plots. But for those looking for something unique and willing to look past surface polish, there’s a lot to appreciate here.

One area where I’d love to see more is in the development of the romance itself. As a romance reader, I enjoy really feeling that emotional and romantic buildup between the main characters. A bit more detail on how they fall in love would make the connection stronger and more satisfying.

Overall, I liked the story and I’m curious to see how the author continues to grow with future books. There’s real promise here.

˗ˏˋ 3 stars ⟡ ݁₊ .

i think the execution of this book could've been better, however, i enjoyed it nonetheless. i also really liked the mystery side plot that kept me on my toes. by how the book ended, i'm definitely looking forward to the coming books and seeing how all of these characters develop.

⤷ thank you to netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

DNF @ 5%

Nope. Not for me.

The book opens with what feels like a rejected glossary entry—just a dry history/worldbuilding dump dressed up as a chapter. Then it fast-forwards 700 years (why 700? Why not 50? Or 2,000? It feels like a number chosen at random by a caffeinated time traveler). And from there, things nosedive straight into a werewolf King literally kidnapping a human girl because—surprise!—a random fae lady told him she’s his “mate.”

There’s no buildup, no tension, no character intros—just instant abduction and insta-love with zero resistance. And the girl? She’s weirdly chill about it. I kept waiting for some explanation, nuance, anything—but all I got was whiplash and mild secondhand embarrassment.

Also, can we not call this sci-fi/fantasy? This is more paranormal romance cosplay with a royal kink and zero plot foundation.


I cannot find the book in Goodreads to leave my honest review.

One of the things that stood out to me most about this book was how refreshingly uncluttered it felt. So many stories in this genre tend to get bogged down with repetitive dialogue or overly drawn-out scenes, but this one moved with a clean, confident pace. I never felt like I was treading the same ground twice, which made the reading experience feel smooth, intentional, and surprisingly refreshing.
I’ve always had a deep respect for indie authors. Putting your work out into the world, especially in a space as competitive and vocal as the shifter genre, takes serious guts. And this author did more than just show up, they carved out a niche. The choice to have the male lead narrate the story felt bold and unexpected, and it really worked. It gave the narrative a fresh angle I don’t often see in paranormal romance, and I appreciated that risk.
It’s also clear that the author made a genuine effort to flesh out each character, not just the leads, but the supporting cast too. That said, I think there’s room to push further, especially in terms of emotional development and backstory. I found myself wanting to know more about the motivations behind their actions, to dive deeper into their connections and relationships. The chemistry was there; it just needed a little more time to simmer.
I’m especially hoping we get more focus on the female lead in the next book. She has so much potential as a character, and I’d love to see her grow into a stronger presence and voice in the story.
Overall, this was a solid and enjoyable read with plenty of heart and a unique voice. It’s clear this is just the beginning of something bigger, and I’m excited to see how it all evolves in the next installment.

I started reading this book on another platform and got pulled in right away. The story was interesting, even though there were some formatting issues here. I still kept reading because I really liked it.
The book is a werewolf story. Maximilianus is the main character, and he's been waiting a long time for his mate, Berlie. She doesn’t seem to know much about the werewolf world. I wish there were more details about how she feels and how the romance grows between them.
Something feels like it's missing, but the author is off to a good start. I think with more development, this could turn into a great werewolf novel.

This novel’s target audience is shifter romance lovers, and it shows great promise in meeting their expectations. The story’s concept intrigued me, and I truly enjoyed where it went. However, I would have preferred a less rushed, more nuanced romantic storyline, especially as seen through the female protagonist’s eyes. Since the story is narrated by the male lead, I understand why her emotional development was less emphasized, but I still longed for more from her journey.

There’s a lot of potential here. This story has the potential to be truly great with more developed characters and a better narrative flow. It’s not that I didn’t enjoy the writing style—I did—but I was left wanting just a bit more substance and emotional depth.

The spicy scenes were well-executed: romantic, not gratuitous, and they added warmth to the relationship. I can see this becoming a standout werewolf romance if the characters are expanded and the pacing allows the love story to breathe.

In short: the foundation is solid, the concept engaging. I look forward to what the author does next—and I’m hopeful for a longer, even more emotionally rich sequel.

I’ve been following the author on Instagram and was really looking forward to this book—and I’m glad I read it! I’m a big fan of werewolf novels, and this story had a lot to enjoy. The concept pulled me in, and I really liked the world the author created. It was a fast read, and while the shorter chapters kept things moving, I do wonder if longer ones might have allowed for deeper development.

That said, I wished for more character development, especially in the love story. It felt a little rushed—I personally prefer a slow-burn romance that builds over time. Still, the story has real potential, and I’m excited to see where the author takes it next.

I’ll definitely be reading the next book to see how the characters and their relationships continue to grow.

One thing I really appreciated about this book is that it wasn’t repetitive or overly wordy, unlike many others I’ve read. The pacing felt clean—it didn’t leave me feeling like I was running in circles. That alone made it a different read.
As always, I admire indie writers. They put their work out there knowing how tough and sometimes brutal reviews can be—and that takes courage. I thought this story stood out in the shifter genre, especially with the male lead narrating. That was a unique and interesting choice.
It’s clear the author tried to give us a glimpse into each character, but I think some readers were left wanting more depth and background. Personally, I’d love to see further development between the characters, especially in their relationships and emotional arcs. There’s great potential here, and I’m hopeful that the next book will expand on the female lead and give her more space in the narrative.
Overall, it was a solid read with a lot of promise. I’ll be watching for the next installment!

I noticed a reviewer mention they “didn't want to be harsh”—but it felt a bit too late for that. Writing a book is no small task, especially for indie or debut authors, and I think it's important to offer feedback that encourages growth rather than discouragement.

The story in this book was unique and refreshing. While I agree that I wanted to know more about the characters and see them developed further, I won’t make sweeping judgments about the author’s writing quality. As someone who understands the challenges of writing, I found it refreshing that the author wasn’t mimicking anyone else's style. That originality is rare and worth recognizing.

Not every writing style will resonate with every reader—and that’s okay. But if someone didn’t finish the book, their opinion is, in my view, incomplete and should be taken with a grain of salt.

I say: read the book for yourself. You might connect with it more than you expect.

I came across a review calling this book “amateur,” and I wanted to offer a different perspective. Writing is incredibly personal, and I give indie authors a lot of credit for having the courage to put their work out into the world. That alone deserves respect.

While I do think there’s room for growth—especially in developing the characters more fully and adding detail to deepen the emotional impact—I found the writing style to be engaging and clear. In fact, compared to other traditionally published books like Five Broken Blades by Mai Corland, which I couldn’t even finish due to its overly simplistic and pedestrian tone, this felt refreshing.

Every book isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. What doesn’t work for one reader might resonate deeply with another. I believe in giving feedback that helps writers grow, not discourages them. There’s real potential here, and I hope the author keeps writing—because I’m looking forward to seeing how their voice and characters evolve.

This book opens with an intriguing lesson that immediately pulled me into the story. I enjoyed the love story and really appreciated the potential in the relationship, but I found myself wanting more development between the main characters—I would’ve loved to see their connection grow in a more gradual, heartfelt way.

I also really liked the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. They added a thoughtful touch and helped set the tone for what was to come. However, the formatting felt a bit glitchy at times, which occasionally disrupted the flow.

Overall, I liked the book and the world the author created. I just wanted a bit more depth from the characters to fully connect with them. I'm looking forward to seeing how they evolve in future books!

I really enjoyed this story—it has a lot of potential! The title and cover were fitting, and they gave a great first impression of what to expect. I was drawn into the plot quickly and found myself wanting to know more. That said, I would have loved to see the characters developed further. I felt like I only got a glimpse of who they are, and I’m really hoping to connect with them more deeply in the next book. The ending clearly sets up for a sequel, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the story and characters continue to grow in the next installment.