A Tainted Claim

Book two picks up where book one left off. You definitely need to read them in order to understand what is going on. Maddoc has always been a savage in the eyes of the palace and surrounding houses. He is feared by many. Is that who he really is and has always been? Ana is naive in the ways of the Alpha/Omega connection. Is that because, as the princess, she's just been sheltered or is it because she's been lied to all her life? I enjoyed reading their relationship develop and seeing them grow, especially Ana. As for the others in Ana's life: her parents, Ryden, the other houses, etc. we learn more about them and I definitely started thinking differently about some of them. Overall, I liked Ana and Maddoc's duet and would recommend it to others who enjoy Omegaverse romance. *I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This is my honest review.*

I had been looking forward to reading this after really enjoying the first book in the series. Without giving anything away there are some surprising plot twists that will keep you guessing right to end! It’s a very original story with some great world building and characters. There is plenty of action, toe curling romance and a subtle unveiling of various characters true motives and intentions before the longed for HEA. It’s an absorbing read, but important to note that the first book in the series must be read first.

This is the conclusion to A Savage Debt, which I admitted I liked a bit better than this installment. I did love Maddoc and Ana as the "fated" couple, don't get me wrong, and I was glad to see Ryden get his comeuppance through Raine (I'm extremely interested in their story!) but I found that it was the circumstances/exposition of the story that ended up redeeming Maddoc instead of Maddoc himself. In other Zoey Ellis tales, the alpha starts out aggressive and overbearing and out of touch but through his own explanations, actions and softening towards his Omega, we understand his motivations and quickly forgive him (especially since he's teeming with hotness :)). Maddoc is hot as well, but he still comes across as more brute than mate in this installment. He's determined to get Ana back for sure, but Ana has to find out on her own through her exploration of the various villages and speaking with those loyal to Maddoc (Raine and others) what a great guy Maddoc really is and how much she has been misled by the King and Queen (her parents). I had little sympathy for them, with good reason, but I didn't really fall for Maddoc as hard as I have other Zoey Ellis' gruff Alphas who are undone by their Omegas. We are TOLD that Maddoc has been in love with Ana for longer than originally thought but I would have rather that come from Maddoc himself. As usual, the worldbuilding is top notch and Ana evolves as a character and develops a spine but the promise of the savage beast of Book 1 turning into a redeemable hero didn't quite reach its promise in Book 2. Maybe I'm making unfair comparisons between Maddoc and Drocco. :) *I received an advanced reader copy and leave this review voluntarily.