The Dark King by Gina L Maxwell is a dark romance fantasy novel about banished dark fae who rule Vegas. Caiden Verran is their king, and he’s all business, until he meets Bryn Meara, who prompts him to act out of character and let his guard down. His connection to Bryn makes him vulnerable to a plot to kill him and overthrow his kingdom.
The Dark King Review
The Dark King is clearly in the dark romance category, incorporating key characteristics of the dark romance genre (which is pretty new to me). It’s also centered around dark fae, placing it within the scope of fantasy. However, it’s almost a disservice to call this a dark romance fantasy. There’s a strong mystery plot that evolves over the course of the book as Caiden and Bryn realize someone’s conspired to put them together. It isn’t a heavy-handed investigation, but the mystery elements drive the plot and there are thrillers elements woven in, particularly as the stakes are raised throughout the story.
A curse means that if Bryn is more than a short distance away from Caiden, he’ll die, she’s essentially kidnapped and held hostage in his house … which is fit for a king, with a theater, gym, pool and almost any luxury you can imagine.
There’s also a special room for intimate recreational activities that put the dark in the dark romance portion of this novel. How dark? Look, there’s a picture of me next to the word vanilla in the dictionary, but I’ve seen darker stuff, and I know darker stuff exists. In fact, while this may not be my version of pleasure, it’s actually far more considerate sex than the average sex that often plays out in bedrooms. Caiden pays attention to all the details, ensuring a safe word is in place, reminding Bryn she has that option, always, and he takes care of her afterwards in a way that few men bother to do. He considers her physical and emotional needs and he plans for both their sexual activities, and their time after, to ensure her well-being. So while many things about that aspect of the book are not within my realm of experience and I don’t think there’s any world where Caiden would be my ideal match, I definitely admire his hotness and thoughtfulness from afar. All encounters in this book are consensual.
I loved the personal dynamics. It’s nice seeing three brothers get along so well, and Caiden’s also surrounded by a loyal crew who are more like family than employees in many respects.
For me, this was a fast-paced immersive read that hooked me from the start and the strong genre threads running throughout kept me on my toes. It felt appropriate to have intimate scenes peppered with threats to Bryn and Caiden, and also, while there’s much to admire about Caiden, there are also common relationship blunders that cause friction and misunderstandings. I did find myself muttering, “Men are idiots” a time or two, but also, the payoff in Caiden’s arc? Gold.
I can see that fantasy readers may have longed for more in the fae world and a little less Vegas, but that’s about preference. The question I ask is whether the book delivers on its premise. For me, The Dark King delivered an incredibly satisfying read. The best tests of a book, for me, are whether I remember it months down the road, or whether I buy the next book.
I bought The Rebel King the day I finished The Dark King. And I can’t wait to return to the world of these deliciously deviant dark fae I’ve already returned. 4.5 stars.
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