Prince of Agony: Perilous Courts, Book 6

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars | 712 ratings

Price: 17.5

Last update: 11-14-2024


About this item

The price of Kazia's power is pain.

Prince Kazia Dire isn't nice. Being nice lets people close. Letting people close risks revealing Kazia's greatest secret—the power that condemns him to a lifetime of abuse.

Until opportunity appears in the form of a captive enemy mage.

Following a dragon across the borderlands, Lucien Vaire is in chains and matters only get worse from there. Lucien has hated House Dire since the last war. Now, he's under the notorious brat prince's direct control.

Yet beneath Kazia's vicious mask, Lucien senses desperate vulnerability.

Painful experiences have taught Kazia to fear mages. He needs to keep Lucien at a distance even as he uses Lucien's talents. But that distance narrows with each careful kindness. Each accidental touch. Lucien acts more like a protector than a prisoner, and Kazia is tempted by the dangerous sweetness of trust.

But Lucien is still a mage, and Kazia is still broken. And Kazia's cruel parents may still destroy them both.

Prince of Agony is a high fantasy gay romance featuring captivity, hurt/comfort, and enemies hiding in a linen closet together. This is the final book in the Perilous Courts series, which is best enjoyed in order.


Top reviews from the United States

booknerd_charlie
5.0 out of 5 stars A Captivating Final Installment
Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2024
Kazia Dire, you wild and unpredictable little brat. I just KNEW there were hidden depths lurking under that snarky, chaotic attitude, and I KNEW I was going to love you for them. And boy, was I right! This final installment of Tavia Lark’s Perilous Courts series was just as captivating as I expected it to be. I was immediately enthralled by Lucien and Kazia’s love story, as well as their individual journeys throughout the book. Both of them so clearly needed to find their own ways forward in the world, and in doing so, find their ways to each other. I loved how perceptive Lucien was and how he immediately picked up on all the little clues about Kazia’s life and what was really going on beneath the surface.

My chief complaint about this final book in the series just that it felt way too short. I wanted so much more for the final showdown between the two warring realms, the two ruling families of princes that we’ve lived with over six books, and all the build-up that has led to these moments. Honestly, the book could have been at least twice as long, with more time spent on Lucien’s new dragon bond, perhaps more insight into the war currently being fought, and certainly more time on final dramatic scene in the throne room. Plus, Kazia and Lucien’s relationship could have used more pages to really grow and breathe, rather than just immediately jump from a hurt/comfort situation to love. But all this is just because I love the world Tavia Lark built so much and I really wish we spent more time giving the series the big send-off I feel it deserved. I just wanted to live immersed in this universe for as long as I possibly could. And that’s possibly the highest compliment I could pay, because when a writer creates a universe so wondrous, filled with characters so complex and captivating, how could you not want to just dive into those pages again and again and again?
C.Gard
4.0 out of 5 stars 4 Stars
Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2024
I think that this was my favorite book of the series. I absolutely loved Kazia and how dynamic of a character he was. He was so vulnerable and sweet and kind... wrapped up in a poisonous prickly exterior to protect himself. When Lucian comes in and starts feeling protective of Kazia.... I was absolutely feral for it.

Overall, this book was really interesting and fast-paced with intrigue, romance, and a dash of spice. The tension between these two as they fought to trust each other was absolutely perfect and really drove the story. I think that the story did lose me a little at times because I was impatient to get to the better bits, but overall, this was a good read and a great end to the series!

Tropes Include:
MM Love Interests
Enemies-to-Lovers
Captor x Captive
Hurt/Comfort
Slowburn Vibes
Overcoming Obstacles
Forbidden Romance
Warring Kingdoms
Dragon Riders
Devious Plots Abound
Protective MMC
Low Angst
Low Spice
No Third Act Breakup
HEA
Eponine821
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent ending to the series
Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2024
Reading this book made me want to go back to the beginning and reread the entire series. I’ve read the series over the course of about a year, so it’s hard to remember my earliest impressions of Kazia, but I could see where things were going in Book 5 and became excited for his story. Tavia didn’t disappoint. The step-by-step process of building empathy between Kazia and Lucien was masterfully done. The trust exercises and confessions were well-spaced. I liked the rats, too. They did an amazing amount to humanize Kazia.

Yes, I definitely need to read this series again in a binge session.
SunshineM
5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful ending
Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2024
I devoured each of the previous books in this series and to no one's surprise, this one as well! The world Tavia created for the Perilous Courts is highly engaging and the spice is among my favorite written. I enjoyed seeing each prince grow throughout all the books.

Kazia's story was much more on the slow burn side which I loved! The dynamic between him and Lucien was such a good enemies to lovers progression. The pacing was well done, keeping me invested to the very end. Honestly that's a big reason why I love all of her books! This installment had less spice than the previous ones but it fit with the storyline so I didn't mind.

I'm sad to see the series concluded as I've enjoyed it so much! This was a delightful ending and if m/m romantasy is your thing, you definitely need to read.
C K
5.0 out of 5 stars I’ll miss these characters
Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2024
So sad to be at the end of this series, it’s been wonderful. This last book was everything I hoped it would be.
Winter is Reading
4.0 out of 5 stars End of a series!
Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2024
I’ve been looking forward to this book for a while, so naturally my first and main complaint is this should be longer. I needed way more Kazia and Lucien and a bigger, longer ending. Kazia is one of my favorite Perilous Courts characters, and I want the world for him.

Despite it being shorter than I like, this was pretty fun and enjoyably darker than the other books.

I think book 4 is still my favorite, but book 1 and this book are tied for second.

Spice: 2-3/5
Angst: 3/5
ACW
5.0 out of 5 stars perfect ending to the series
Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2024
This series is good fantasy with interesting characters and world building and enough intrigue to keep you on the edge of your seat. The fact that it’s MM romance is secondary (although the romance is good, and is spicy). This last one shows Lark’s growth as an author and I can say she’s hands down the best in this genre, at least in my reading experience (fantasy/paranormal mm by women).
Denise Manner
5.0 out of 5 stars Best Volume in the Perilous Courts Series
Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2024
Of course, I loved all the books in the series but the last one was definitely the best. The coupling of Ravia and Lucien was unexpected but very sweet. I like stories where the victim reclaims their own power and control. Also, the storyline for the whole series comes together nicely. Well done!

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