Book Review: Kingdoms
Series details
What this series is about
Reverse harem fantasy series: Humans rule supernatural kingdoms chosen by goddesses every forty years, and a human baker is selected to become queen of the shifter kingdom—triggering magic bonds, political intrigue, and a sprawling shifter harem.
World setting
Genres
Relationship tropes
Rating & review
My review
Overall, this is a very entertaining series with a world that feels familiar enough to be easy to sink into, but different enough to stay interesting. I especially liked the idea of each supernatural race having its own kingdom—it gives the series room to expand, even if I’m not convinced every future kingdom will feel distinct enough to hold my interest.
The strongest part of the series is the shifter duet. Book 1 is genuinely addictive, with an incredible first half that blends mystery, tension, and romance effortlessly. Book 2 shifts gears: more spice, more plot resolution, and a more structured path toward Colbie’s role as queen. Together, they tell a complete story that scratches the itch for fantasy RH without overstaying its welcome.
Colbie works as a protagonist because she reacts like a real person would. She’s overwhelmed, cautious, and not magically competent overnight—and I appreciated that realism, even when it slowed things down slightly.
Overall, this is a very entertaining series with a world that feels familiar enough to be easy to sink into, but different enough to stay interesting. I especially liked the idea of each supernatural race having its own kingdom—it gives the series room to expand, even if I’m not convinced every future kingdom will feel distinct enough to hold my interest.
The strongest part of the series is the shifter duet. Book 1 is genuinely addictive, with an incredible first half that blends mystery, tension, and romance effortlessly. Book 2 shifts gears: more spice, more plot resolution, and a more structured path toward Colbie’s role as queen. Together, they tell a complete story that scratches the itch for fantasy RH without overstaying its welcome.
Colbie works as a protagonist because she reacts like a real person would. She’s overwhelmed, cautious, and not magically competent overnight—and I appreciated that realism, even when it slowed things down slightly.
If I had to critique something
My biggest issue is how structured book 2 feels. The plot conveniences around mating and power acquisition made parts of the story predictable, and I wanted more moments where Colbie truly shows her power instead of being told how strong she is.
Long-term, I’m also unsure whether the future kingdom arcs will feel fresh enough to keep me invested. The shifter kingdom works very well—but I’m not convinced the vampire and witch kingdoms will bring enough tonal or thematic difference.
Still, as a duet within a larger fantasy RH world, the Kingdom series delivers exactly what it promises: magic, goddesses, shifters, and a very large harem wrapped in royal intrigue.
My biggest issue is how structured book 2 feels. The plot conveniences around mating and power acquisition made parts of the story predictable, and I wanted more moments where Colbie truly shows her power instead of being told how strong she is.
Long-term, I’m also unsure whether the future kingdom arcs will feel fresh enough to keep me invested. The shifter kingdom works very well—but I’m not convinced the vampire and witch kingdoms will bring enough tonal or thematic difference.
Still, as a duet within a larger fantasy RH world, the Kingdom series delivers exactly what it promises: magic, goddesses, shifters, and a very large harem wrapped in royal intrigue.
The romance
5
Reverse Harem (with MM)
Harem grows over time
Relationship tropes
Romance on the Kingdoms series
For books 1 and 2:
This is a large reverse harem with multiple shifter species, and that variety is one of the highlights of the series. Each love interest has a distinct animal identity and physical presence, which helps keep the harem from blending together—even at 5+ men.
Book 1 handles the romantic buildup better, with tension and chemistry carrying much of the story. Book 2 leans harder into spice and bonding, but the relationships start to feel more sequential than organic, almost like ticking boxes on a coronation checklist. Still enjoyable, just less surprising.
There’s also light sword-crossing and a strong “found family” vibe that grounds the romance beyond just physical attraction.
For books 1 and 2:
This is a large reverse harem with multiple shifter species, and that variety is one of the highlights of the series. Each love interest has a distinct animal identity and physical presence, which helps keep the harem from blending together—even at 5+ men.
Book 1 handles the romantic buildup better, with tension and chemistry carrying much of the story. Book 2 leans harder into spice and bonding, but the relationships start to feel more sequential than organic, almost like ticking boxes on a coronation checklist. Still enjoyable, just less surprising.
There’s also light sword-crossing and a strong “found family” vibe that grounds the romance beyond just physical attraction.
Reading order
Books I've reviewed from this series
Series similar to Kingdoms
Oh hey! I’m Becky, book hugger and the one-woman team behind RBM. I hope my reviews help you find a story you’ll love.