Book Review: Sold to the Fae by Kyra Alessy (The Dark Realms Book 1)

 Genre: Fantasy Romance

Tropes: Reverse Harem (Slow-Build), Enemies to Lovers, Fated Mates (Implied), Dark Academy, Abusive Authority Figure, Hidden Power, Bully Romance, Found Family (Developing)

Spice Level: 🌶🌶 – Explicit scenes, but not spice-heavy

Format: eBook

Series: The Dark Realms Book 1(Ends on a cliffhanger)

Lia was “saved” by a Fae ruler everyone believes to be kind and benevolent—but she knows the truth. After her powers awaken into something no one should ever wield, she is branded the Harbinger and isolated within the academy. Allowed to exist only within the classroom and never truly among her peers, Lia endures cruelty disguised as protection.

When she finally escapes—burning the academy behind her—she knows no one will ever believe her accusations against their beloved ruler. Now hiding within a walled city, hoping to disappear into obscurity, she’s discovered by none other than the Cunty Trio, and any hope of fading quietly into the background is gone.

I loved this book from start to finish, even though it does end on a cliffhanger. The story slowly reveals Lia’s abilities and past, giving us enough from Chapter 1 to understand her trauma while still holding back deeper truths. The trio are firmly in enemy territory at this point. This feels like a fated-mates, enemies-to-lovers story in the making—but it hasn’t fully unfolded yet.

This is clearly a reverse harem (or strongly building toward one), though the spice is minimal so far. There are only a handful of orgasms and a single sex scene at this stage. The explicit moments are well written, just not the focus—yet. I’m very curious to see where the series goes next, especially after how this book ends.

⚠️ Content Warnings:

This book contains bullying and mild torture by enemies/authority figures. If those themes are not something you’re comfortable with, consider this your warning.

📚 Availability:

Available on Kindle Unlimited, or purchase on Amazon for $4.99 by clicking here

⭐ You’ll like this book if you enjoy:

Dark fantasy romance with academy settings

Reverse harem / Why Choose (slow build)

Enemies-to-lovers with real hostility

FMCs with dangerous, forbidden power

Bully romance elements