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!

Following immediately on from A Betrayal of Storms, Robin has claimed his power and throne as an Icethorn but his father is being held hostage by the Oakstorm king as penance for his son’s death. Robin desperately seeks a way to save his father and to fight against the dark future that Oakstorm seeks.

Wow! This book had so many twists and turns, I was on the edge of my seat from start to finish. I absolutely adored the romance in A Betrayal of Storms and somehow Alderson managed to massively up his game with this book to deliver something incredibly captivating and delicious.

I really appreciated the fact that there are really consequences and costs to characters’ actions and I love the way that I feel as though nobody is safe. There is something so delightful in a story where the characters don’t all have plot armour!

I can not recommend this book and series highly enough, I am utterly desperate to know where Robin’s story goes next!

A Kingdom of Lies by Ben Alderson is a masterpiece of a book. I loved every second of it. I truly recommend everyone to read this book as fast as they can because it's really good and the characters are fantastic.

This story is dark and it is terrifying, my heart raced non-stop which is no easy feat.

Robin is plagued by heartbreak when rival King Doren Kills his father and steals his lovers very will. Driven by hatred and revenge Robin sets out to his human home in search of an army, an army lead by the terrible hand and his hunters. The hunters want nothing more than to see the fey wiped from the face of the realm. Captured by the very same hunter he has encountered before they both work together towards a common goal - an audience with the hand.

The complexities of grief and hatred are a central theme in the story, Alderson does well to show the trauma response from difficult points of view and circumstances. How one person can change your point of view and a life worthy of living rather than staying in an annihilistic need to destroy another.
I need the third book as soon as physically possible- please sooth my poor worried heart.

I was so excited to be able to read this book especially after the ending of the first book. Robin Iceborn was such an interesting character. He had developed even more throughout this book. There was so many twists and turns within this book which had really surprised me as I hadn't expected it. These kept me wanting to continue reading the book to be able to find out what happens next. And with how the ending of this book I want to be able to see what happens in the next book.

An exciting and surprising sequel!

Wow! Wow! Wow! I was breathless after finishing the first book of this series, and somehow, this one topped it! It was exquisite to read, not a minute to stop and breathe. The action was brutal and enthralling from the start and I couldn't put it down. This world is truly full of secrets and magic that I never would have suspected and it was a pleasure to be surprised by just how deep everything goes. Robin was true to himself, strong and determined, and I loved his character growth in this one. The romance was...I can't say much, but it was an emotional roller-coaster to say the least. Ben messed with my feelings with the plot-twists and I was panting and gasping! The writing was addictive and pleasant to read, pulling us into the story easily. Beautiful descriptions of both sights and feelings had me hooked. The spice was on-point, as usual, and very exciting. I was scared and surprised and thrilled throughout the book, and the characters were very relatable and full of secrets and surprises. I am shook by all that has happened, I would never have seen it coming and I simply cannot wait to read the third book that I need ASAP!

I highly recommend if you like fantasy and spicy, gay romance!

"Why would I fear the dark when what is revealed in the light is far more frightening?"

Absolutely loved this, very interesting storyline twists and turns, thrilling ride indeed! Spice scenes were chefs kiss!
The author did a great job with this book and I’m excited to try out the other books in the realm of fay. Such an eventful book it truly grips you. I am so glad I read this book it is definitely worth the read! Definitely a must read series if your into magical spicy fantasy!

Kingdom of Lies is a compelling read that masterfully intertwines fantasy and high stakes drama. Alderson’s storytelling shines with rich world building and well-developed characters that draw readers into a realm where secrets and betrayal are around every corner. The protagonist’s journey is gripping, layered with twists that keep you turning the pages late into the night. Alderson’s writing style is engaging and fast-paced, making it perfect for readers who enjoy a blend of intrigue and action.

While the plot was thrilling, at times I felt some character arcs could have been explored more deeply to enhance the emotional impact. Despite this, the story remained captivating throughout. Overall, Kingdom of Lies is an enthralling read that leaves you eager for more of Alderson’s enchanting worlds. Highly recommend for fans of epic fantasy and morally complex characters.

Also the spicy scenes are chefs kiss 🌶️🧑‍🍳

**Thank you to NetGalley and Ben Alderson for the arc for an honest review 🫶🏼

I liked this! It's a new type of fantasy world and it's a really interesting plot. The characters are well developed enough that you are interested in them as well as what's going on.

Oh my goodness, this book was a RIDE! What a whirlwind! Ben Alderson truely knows how to grab and hold onto my attention, and keep me on my toes! It is such a genuine thrill reading one of his books.
I don't want to ruin this at all for anyone looking to read it, but this was such a strong sequel. So many twists and turns. This book did not let up for the entirety, and at times my jaw dropped.
I adored watching Robin stand one his own and grow, finding his own strength. Love it!

As always, I cannot wait to see where this goes!

Thank you so much to Angry Robot for this arc via NetGalley and for giving me the opportunity to share my honest thoughts on the book.