Poisoned Kingdom: Secrets of Dagome Book 1 Author Olena Nikitin
ARC Review
5 out of 5 stars!
Releasing September 9, 2025
"Something had to work. Fate couldn't be so cruel as to give me the ability to see aether without the means to use it." - Roksana
Roksana's not one to follow the rules and sees a way to possibly do more for those under her care. Being a healer that uses plants and salves only goes so far. She has to turn to other options even if it's one that is considered a crime! Magic is forbidden in the dwarven kingdom, and her stay may be cut short. Roksana of all people should know that a person's past and secrets will always catch up to them one way or another.
The mark on her skin declaring her an assassin can never be removed, and she finds herself being pulled back into the viper's nest. Only this time she's going to play by her rules and walk in through the front doors. Or at least that was the plan until a man she believed she killed with one of her special mixtures comes clawing back into her life. Things just keep getting messier as she tries to work her plans within the city even while others have their games already in play. Truths to hidden secrets keep popping up and the man who won't leave her alone is none other than the King of Dagome. Welcome home Roksana. . .
"It had to be poison. . . She was poison---a perfect honey trap for an idiot desperate to be a hero." - Reynard
I honestly always forget just how much of a loss for words I am when I read one of Nikitin's books from cover to cover! How am I supposed to read any other books after this one?! The blend of this duo is phenomenal, and I love every one of their books! Some more than others and this is definitely one that's higher up on the list. Not saying any of their reads are bad! What draws me in is just the grittiness and darkness reminiscent of "The Witcher". We don't have as many Slavic monsters in this read but I still enjoyed every moment of this long book!
There's so much political intrigue in this read! Regardless of whether the scene is inside a castle or in a commoner's kitchen planning strategies! The royal court doesn't hold monopoly over such intrigue considering without certain organizations or people within the kingdom there would be nothing to rule over. Sana is caught in the middle of it all but if she doesn't do something people she loves will die and she will be collared by a creep who will use and abuse her.
I loved Sana's character so much and how she was written! And when Reynard and her finally had scenes together. . .ugh the chemistry! There were several times I wished to crawl through the pages and smack the big idiot upside his head and tell him to just be quiet and listen! To be fair with the dual POVs we understand why the two butt heads and refuse to listen to or trust the other. I felt legitimately angry and frustrated with Rey over his stubbornness and need for control many times throughout the read. Which to feel such strong emotions and really grasp Sana's struggles and powerlessness means the book is well written!
Reynard was a fantastic MMC! I loved how the two challenged each other and didn't back down. After a certain series of events Sana was afraid that she ran him off. But I was grinning like an idiot and shaking my head because I knew this man wanted someone who could stand by his side and potentially best him! No dainty damsels in distress for my man Rey! The verbal jousting between these two had me laughing and loving their sharp wits!
This is a darker high fantasy with language spread throughout. Rough backstories with dark deeds done or things witnessed. Check CWs. Attempted SA that was stopped. A well written creep who performs cruel lessons. Deaths, blood, violence, severe injuries, manipulating, and a very intense and harsh magical trial. Something that had Reynard and I both thinking a character had genius status was the use of sign language within a very crowded and public place. Utilizing the silent signs to indicate if something was wrong or communicating messages while the patrons where none the wiser whilst spilling their secrets.
Now this is a SLOW burn, and we do get MF action but not for a while! The heat and attraction are there but both have their reasons as to why they don't pursue. There's a lot going on within this read not to mention people just seem to know when the two MCs are about to cross the line! I laughed at the scenes where Reynard was jealous but wouldn't admit it making Sana roll her eyes with the measuring contest going on. Their relationship felt real and raw with actual enemies to lovers. I also love how they're in their thirties and set in their ways a bit. Especially if you're a solitary black cat and suddenly have a wolf constantly wanting to be in your space!
We are so spoiled! Translation notes at the end of each chapter, a glossary, a map, and a list of magical classes and illustrations within the read! I think out of all the books I've read fully thus far I loved the fight scenes within this one the most! Especially Sana's sequences where she incorporated her poisoner knowledge with combat. Blowing homemade mixtures around like pixie dust! There are mentions of previous characters from "The Cursed Bonds" duology and some slight spoilers, but you don't have to have read the duology before this one. I still need to finish book one! This read ends on a cliffhanger and I'm so ready for the second part!
Ugh, I need to stop! Just I love this duo so much and everything they write. I'm very appreciative that I stumbled on their debut series and have been hooked ever since! Enjoy the read with so much to offer and don't forget to give the author some stars!
Secrets of Dagome (2 book series) Kindle Edition
Poisoned Kingdom by Olena Nikitin, Paperback | Barnes & Noble®
The Cursed Bonds | Barnes & Noble®
Orderly Chaos (Olena Nikitin's Books) – Orderly Chaos (Olena Nikitin's Books)
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