Ty so much net galley for the arc read-
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*A Realm of Deceit* is a gripping, intelligent fantasy that thrives on secrets, shifting loyalties, and razor-sharp tension. From the opening chapters, the story pulls you into a world where nothing is as it seems and trust is often the most dangerous mistake of all.

The intrigue is masterfully done. Political maneuvering, hidden motives, and layered betrayals keep the plot constantly moving, while the characters feel complex and morally gray in the best way. No one is purely good or evil, and every decision carries consequences that ripple throughout the story.

What makes this book truly shine is how seamlessly it balances action with strategy and emotion. Twists feel earned rather than shocking for shock’s sake, and the pacing builds toward a finale that is both satisfying and jaw-dropping. Clever, suspenseful, and impossible to put down, *A Realm of Deceit* fully earns its five-star rating.

I binged "A Realm of Deceit" every free moment I had because it was so compelling and addictive. This is a action-packed and unique storyline with strong characters. The twists and turns are dizzying in the most delicious way and the steam is off the charts. There is delightful humor along the way, as well.

A Realm of Deceit had me in a chokehold. The writing is sharp, immersive, and deliciously cruel—every page layered with tension, secrets, and intent. Catherine Peña doesn’t just build a world; she weaponizes it. The prose pulls you under fast, then tightens until you’re breathless, trusting no one and craving more anyway.

The characters are where this book truly goes feral. Eva is strong without being invincible, smart without being smug, and her growth feels earned through pain, betrayal, and survival. The men around her are dangerous in different ways—protective, possessive, manipulative—and the story never lets you forget that care can come with a cost. No one is clean. No one is safe. Every interaction hums with threat and desire, and the chemistry is dark, sharp, and impossible to ignore.

This is the kind of fantasy where the romance burns hot but never softens the edges. The twists cut deep, the loyalties shift, and the writing makes you feel every betrayal like it’s personal. I devoured it, loved it, and finished feral for more. Catherine Peña has officially earned a permanent spot on my auto-read list.

A Realm of Deceit captivates with its twisted fantasy world of fairies and gods.
Eva Diomante's abduction sparks razor sharp intrigue and spicy romance.
The political maneuvering and layered betrayals kept the plot pulsing, while morally gray characters drive genuine emotional stakes.

Eva's journey from captive to empowered heroine shines, her self-discovery intertwined with sizzling tension that balances passion and vulnerability.
No one feels one-dimensional. Every alliance shifts with consequences that heighten the thrill.

This book hooked me with its intelligent plotting and mind bending secrets, rewarding every page turn.
The romance sizzles authentically without dominating, and themes of trust's dangers left me breathless and satisfied, craving more in this unputdownable gem.