Meg Xuemei X

Magic Trials by Meg Xuemei X
Half-Blood Academy series #1. Fantasy, reverse harem romance erotica. Cliffhanger.
Lucifer has brought Hell to half of Earth, and four demigods rule the other half. Marigold is a hunter in the Great Merge and her companions are forced to join the Half-blood Academy even though she’s human. The survival rate of the students is dismal for those with powers, so Marigold fears she’s sure to die. As a result, she has no problems fighting back with whatever she has as well as telling off anyone she can. Her attitude is vocal until the Demi-gods all claim her and she finds herself seduced with more than one of them.

Pop up powers and Insta lust, fighting, bullying, and an abrupt end to this installment.
A book club challenge. Inconsistent writing.… (altro)

This was a flop for me. The better part of this book is spent with the FMC and an MMC from the author's other series and dealing with or talking about things that went on in that series rather than concentrating on bringing this series together in a way that made sense.

There's also a combination of mythology here that is a bit confusing; the King of Hell is named Loki? The female MC, Tessa Morrigan [you know, as in the Welsh myth of The Morrigan?] is an Ice Elf from a different dimension. Okay, look, I'm all for using awesome myths and names but can we at least make it clear WHY you're using those names and characteristics in this way? It's like a D&D character chart where the author just tossed a D10 at the DM Guide. There are bits of explanation thrown in but clearly, it's connected to the other series and since I didn't read it, they very likely went over my head.

So, these trials are like a reality TV event for the hand of the King. There are vampires, valkyries, ogres, and more. Tessa gets involved and manages to get through the first trial. Tessa is trying to win back her kingdom from her ex-mate who is a bad guy. She has some sort of contract with Lucifer against Loki. I'm not even sure anymore. She and Loki have an unorthodox first meeting and he knows she is his mate and doesn't want her to participate in the trials.

There's a talking cat named Snow White, there are sidekicks who can't handle being in Hell because it's too hot.

There's this crystal ball thing Loki and Tessa go into for sexy play time that turns into a portal.

There was a lot going on but not a lot of connection for me. I get the fated mates, the high stakes of the trial, and there's a prophecy from somewhere involved, but still...

I don't think I'll continue this series until I've read the other series of books.

**All thoughts and opinions are my own. Read on my personal KU subscription.**… (altro)

I want to be this main characters BFF!💗

I had never heard of this author before, but boy oh boy am I THRILLED that I checked out this book. I adore the main character Marigold. In a world where half the world is ruled by Lucifer, and the remaining half by four demi God's suffice to say it's not all sunshine and roses. Mari has had to fight to survive for many years. Not long out off her teens and she'd grown up on the streets surrounded by gangs and criminals everywhere. Leaving her warded camp, she never left without an arsenal of weapons and a spitfire attitude. Luckily she wasn't alone any longer since a few years past she'd taken in a young werewolf and witch. It was with them that everything changed. They were fighting another crude gang, and had it almost taken care of when a huge wave of power appeared. Enter The Dominion soldiers: an elite group of soldiers descended from the line of Gods, our supernatural working with these super soldiers. Known for taking anyone they felt also had a lineage from the Gods, or supernatural to attend Half Blood Academy. Those with Gods lineage has to endure a trial...one that no human or supernatural can survive. Imagine the shock when one of the almighty Demigod s himself appears among the soldiers...then decided to make her attend said school and the ritual. What the heck? She refuses to bow down like everyone else. She may be human but she's not stupid. Nor does she get why everyone seems stunned at her reaction. Suffice to say things get even stranger once she's at the school. There are triggers of bullying and other things, so be warned. However I'm cheering Mari on at every step! This woman is sassy, strong, emotionally tough, but with a heart that will die for those she cares for... She doesn't know how to give up! There are many unknowns, mysteries and more when it comes to Mari....even to herself. I look forward to seeing as more is revealed (hopefully in the next book?). This lavender haired young woman had so much under strength and heart. I honestly can't wait for the next book! Warning: this book is utterly addicting!💗💗💗… (altro)