Synopsis
At Ezkai Academy, the rules are simple — and deadly:
- Always obey your instructor.
- Never leave the Castle Grounds without permission.
- Don’t. Ever. Screw your instructor.
She broke one before orientation even began.
As the only human in a brutal fae academy, our fierce heroine is determined to join the legendary Order of ancient soldiers and gain the power she needs to avenge her family’s murder. But to do so, she must survive six months of ruthless training where failure equals exile… or death.
The real twist? The mysterious, irresistible soldier she spent one night with… is now her instructor. Bound by ambition, pulled by undeniable attraction, and surrounded by enemies waiting to see her bleed, she must choose: focus on her deadly mission, or give in to a dangerous desire that could cost her everything.
Detailed Review
Vicious Princess by Karolina Wilde is a blood-stained romantasy feast — perfect for readers who crave morally grey ambition, forbidden tension, and fae worlds that glitter with danger.
From the first chapter, the pacing grabs you like a dagger to the throat. Wilde’s worldbuilding is lush but sharp-edged, contrasting the beauty of snowy fae mountains with the cutthroat reality of the academy. Every rule has teeth, and the punishment for breaking them is severe.
Our protagonist’s voice is both vulnerable and razor-sharp. She carries the trauma of her past like armor, yet there’s a spark of hope and ambition that makes you root for her through every grueling trial. The instructor-student dynamic is deliciously tense — a forbidden romance laced with mistrust, training fights that turn into smoldering standoffs, and moments that blur the line between mentor and temptation.
The combat scenes are visceral, the political intrigue is layered, and the romantic tension? 🔥 Let’s just say Wilde knows exactly how to build slow-burn heat and then set the page on fire.
It’s not just romance, though. There’s a core theme of resilience here — surviving in a world that wants to crush you, proving you belong, and claiming power on your own terms. It’s empowering, gritty, and addictive.
If you liked the emotional stakes of Fourth Wing, the deadly trials of Throne of Glass, and the sensual danger of Kushiel’s Dart, this one belongs on your pre-order list.
Spice Rating 🌶️🌶️🌶️
- Level: Medium-to-high spice — open-door scenes, detailed intimacy, but always tied to plot and character growth.
- Style: Sensual, dangerous, and emotionally charged.
- Best For: Readers who love forbidden romance where every kiss feels like a risk and every touch could start a war.
About the Author
Karolina Wilde crafts romantasy worlds where danger and desire go hand in hand. Known for her lush descriptions, morally complex characters, and heroines who fight tooth and nail for what they believe in, Wilde blends high fantasy stakes with addictive romance beats. Vicious Princess is her latest novel, set to release August 26, 2025.
Books Similar to This One
If Vicious Princess stole your heart, you’ll love:
- Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros – Academy training, deadly trials, forbidden romance.
- Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas – Ambitious heroine, political intrigue, and assassins.
- Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey – Sensual high fantasy with political games.
- Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin – Forbidden romance and magic in a tense, lush world.
Why You Should Get a Copy
- It’s the perfect romantasy trifecta: high stakes, swoony romance, and cutthroat competition.
- For the fans of Fourth Wing & Throne of Glass who are craving their next obsession.
- The tension will ruin you (in the best way) — trust me, this instructor-student dynamic will be living rent-free in your head.
- It’s not just romance — it’s about ambition, survival, and reclaiming power.
📅 Pre-order now before the August 26, 2025 release date — this is going to be the romantasy everyone’s talking about.
Interactive Section — Which Fae Academy Trope Are You? (Quiz)
Question 1: You’re entering the academy gates. What’s your first move?
A) Head straight to the training grounds — you’re here to win.
B) Seek out the library — knowledge is power.
C) Scope out the competition — and the eye candy.
Question 2: Your instructor singles you out in class. You…
A) Take the challenge head-on, no fear.
B) Keep calm and outwit them with strategy.
C) Flash a smile — and make it hard to tell if you’re teasing or serious.
Question 3: The final trial looms. You…
A) Fight to the last breath.
B) Use cunning over brute force.
C) Find a way to turn the rules to your advantage.
Results:
- Mostly A’s → Warrior of Fire – You thrive on competition and danger fuels your drive.
- Mostly B’s → Strategist of Shadows – You outthink and outmaneuver everyone.
- Mostly C’s → Heartbreaker Royalty – You play the game with charm and cunning.
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Why It Worked for Me
- The heroine’s resilience: She’s not perfect, but every decision she makes is rooted in her survival instincts and burning ambition.
- The romance: It’s tense, complicated, and never overshadows the rest of the plot.
- The stakes: Failure isn’t just about losing face—it’s exile or death. That urgency keeps the pages turning.
- The setting: Snowy, dangerous, and politically volatile—my favorite kind of fantasy backdrop.
Why It Might Not Be for Everyone
If you prefer your romance entirely separate from the main plot, or if you dislike morally gray love interests, this might not be your perfect match. There’s also a fair amount of violence and training brutality, so sensitive readers should be aware.
Final Thoughts
Karolina Wilde has crafted a seductive, blood-stained romantasy that feels like Fourth Wing collided with Throne of Glass and picked up a dash of Kushiel’s Dart along the way. It’s dangerous, sexy, and brimming with ambition—both from the characters and the author herself.
I’m giving it a solid 4 stars for addictive readability, compelling romance, and worldbuilding that has me itching for book two. If Wilde can stick the landing in future installments, I can easily see this becoming a favorite series for fans of dark, competitive romantasy.
Recommended for readers who love:
- Training academy settings with life-or-death stakes
- Forbidden romance with undeniable chemistry
- Ruthless fae politics and dangerous alliances
- Protagonists with vengeance in their veins
- Snowy, atmospheric fantasy worlds
Reading Caffeinated 