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A Kingdom of Roses and Magic

A Kingdom of Roses and Magic

by Alexia C. Praks 2019 356 pages
3.92
173 ratings
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Plot Summary

Apocalypse and Sacrifice

Ancient sacrifice saves a dying world

Two thousand years ago, the Aurora Realm teeters on the brink of annihilation. Eri Hoshi, the Great White Sage, and her daughters—Yuki, Akari, and Stardust—along with other Great Ones, prepare for a ritual sacrifice to create a magical barrier that will preserve what remains of their world. Emotions run high as loved ones say their final goodbyes, and the demon lords, powerful allies, channel their qi to support the spell. Stardust, the youngest and most powerful, absorbs the others' cores, sacrificing herself to form the Aurora Barrier. The world is saved, but at a terrible cost: bodies disintegrate, souls are scattered, and grief and obsession haunt those left behind. The legacy of this sacrifice echoes through the ages, setting the stage for future conflicts and destinies intertwined by love, loss, and power.

Airship Across Aurora

Journey to Wulin, new bonds

In the present, Alfie—a human girl with rare pure qi—travels with the seven demon lords of Acaedien on a magical airship bound for the Wulin conference. The journey is filled with wonder, learning, and flirtation as Alfie adapts to Aurora's customs, qi systems, and the lords' affections. She forms close bonds with Aaron, Felix, Caleb, and Geoffrey, each relationship tinged with rivalry and affection. The airship is a microcosm of their world: politics, training, and romance blend as Alfie learns self-defense and the intricacies of qi. Yet, beneath the surface, danger looms—her unique power makes her a target, and the lords' possessiveness hints at deeper, ancient connections.

Bonds and Rivalries

Love triangles and ancient ties

Alfie's relationships with the demon lords deepen, each lord vying for her attention and affection. The reverse harem dynamic is playful but fraught with tension, as the lords' ancient rivalries and traumas resurface. Alfie's growing feelings for Aaron, Felix, Caleb, and Geoffrey are complicated by the lords' own histories with the Great Ones, especially Yuki and Stardust. The lords' masks—both literal and emotional—hide their true forms and vulnerabilities. As Alfie navigates intimacy, jealousy, and the rules of demon lord relationships, she senses that her presence is awakening something old and powerful in all of them.

The Heat Awakens

Alfie's body changes, chaos erupts

Alfie's physiology begins to change due to her bonds with the lords. She enters a state of "heat," producing qi nectar—a potent, sweet substance that drives demons wild with desire. The scent is irresistible, and only the lords can ease her suffering by drawing out the nectar through intimate acts. The situation is both embarrassing and dangerous: the airship must make an emergency landing in the Forbidden Forest to prevent chaos. The lords struggle to control themselves, and Alfie's vulnerability exposes the depth of their feelings and the risks of their connection. The heat is both a curse and a catalyst, forcing Alfie and the lords to confront their desires and the consequences of their bond.

Nectar and Desire

Intimacy, transformation, and acceptance

In the sanctuary of Rosehaven, the lords take turns easing Alfie's heat, each encounter deepening their emotional and physical connection. The experience is overwhelming for Alfie, who must come to terms with her own desires and the reality of being loved by multiple powerful beings. The lords, too, are transformed—Felix and Caleb's masks break, revealing their true forms, and Alfie's acceptance of them in their demon shapes cements their bond. The group's intimacy is not just physical but spiritual, as qi and love intermingle, hinting at Alfie's deeper connection to the realm's ancient magic and the Great Ones' legacy.

Mock Battle Mayhem

Training, power, and near disaster

As the group resumes their journey, training intensifies. Alfie and her friends participate in a mock battle against magical zombies, testing their skills and teamwork. Alfie's pure qi proves both a blessing and a curse: her power is immense but difficult to control. In a moment of excitement, she unleashes a tornado of qi that nearly destroys the battlefield and herself. The lords intervene, saving her, but the incident is a wake-up call—Alfie must learn to master her abilities, or risk endangering everyone. The mock battle is both a rite of passage and a foreshadowing of greater threats to come.

Dreams of Stardust

Visions reveal hidden pasts

Exhausted from training, Alfie falls into vivid dreams where she experiences the memories of Stardust, Yuki, and Akari. Through these visions, she witnesses ancient events: sacrifices, love, betrayal, and the creation of the Aurora Barrier. The dreams blur the line between past and present, suggesting that Alfie is more than just a visitor—she may be the reincarnation of Stardust, carrying the souls of the Great Ones within her. These revelations unsettle Alfie, who begins to question her identity, her purpose, and the true nature of her connection to the lords and the realm.

Emergency in the Forbidden Forest

Heat crisis, pursuit, and peril

As the airship nears the Forbidden Forest, Alfie's heat returns with a vengeance, overwhelming the lords and threatening to expose her to predatory dark beasts. The group makes a desperate emergency landing at Rosehaven, a hidden sanctuary protected by powerful barriers. Even here, the scent of Alfie's nectar is so strong that it attracts the attention of Lord Aslan, the enigmatic king of the Forbidden Forest, and other powerful beings. The lords must work together to protect Alfie, manage their own desires, and prepare for the possibility of attack from those who hunger for her power.

Rosehaven's Hidden Heart

Sanctuary, secrets, and new friends

In Rosehaven, Alfie recovers and befriends Lilly, Lord Aslan's beloved and the reincarnation of Bella, one of the original Great Ones. The mansion is a place of beauty and magic, but also of secrets—its heart is the site of the ancient sacrifice that saved Aurora. As Alfie explores, she learns more about the realm's history, the nature of qi, and the true cost of the barrier's creation. The lords' masks come off, both literally and figuratively, as they reveal their true forms and feelings. Alfie's acceptance of them, and of herself, marks a turning point in her journey.

Masks Off, Truths Revealed

Identities unmasked, destinies entwined

The powerful magic of Rosehaven allows Felix and Caleb to shed their masks and reveal their demon forms without losing control. Alfie's acceptance of their true selves deepens their bond, and the group's intimacy grows. Meanwhile, Lord Aslan and the lords discuss the ancient past, the reincarnation of the Great Ones, and the threat posed by dark sages and rival kingdoms. Alfie's dreams and the revelations of her middle names—Yuki and Akari—suggest that she is the vessel for the souls of the sacrificed sisters. The lords realize that their attraction to Alfie is not just personal, but cosmic—a love that spans lifetimes.

The Seven and the One

Stardust's legacy and the coming storm

As the group prepares to leave Rosehaven, they are joined by Kuro, a warrior from Yamato sent by Eri Hoshi to protect Alfie. The lords, Alfie, and their allies piece together the truth: Alfie is the reincarnation of Stardust, carrying the souls of Yuki and Akari, and is the key to the realm's future. Their enemies—Prince Philip, Queen Hilde, and the dark sages—seek to capture Alfie and use her power for their own ends. The group resolves to protect her at all costs, even as ancient rivalries and unresolved grief threaten to tear them apart. The stage is set for a confrontation that will determine the fate of Aurora.

Shadows and Siege

Attack on the airship, battle for Alfie

As the airship enters Wulin territory, it is ambushed by the McFarland clan and their dark sage allies. The lords and their allies engage in a fierce aerial battle, while Alfie and her friends are attacked within the ship by shadowy assassins. Alfie's power and quick thinking help repel the invaders, but she is ultimately captured by Queen Hilde, who seeks to use her for dark purposes. The lords, aided by Prince Maximus and Kuro, launch a desperate rescue mission, battling both physical and magical threats to save Alfie and prevent her power from falling into the wrong hands.

Kidnapping and Rescue

Alfie's capture, daring escape

Bound by Queen Hilde's magic, Alfie is taken from the airship, her qi suppressed and her life in danger. Through sheer will and the strength of her connection to Victor, she breaks free of the spell and calls her katana from the abyss. A dramatic midair battle ensues, with Victor, Felix, Caleb, and Prince Maximus joining forces to rescue her. The confrontation is intense, with powerful qi clashing and old enemies facing off. In the end, Alfie is saved, but the threat remains—her enemies are not defeated, only driven back, and the cost of victory is high.

Souls Entwined

Revelations, grief, and hope

In the aftermath of the battle, the group gathers to recover and reflect. Prince Maximus recognizes Akari's soul within Alfie, and the truth of her multiple incarnations is revealed to all. The lords grapple with the implications: their love for Alfie is the continuation of an ancient bond, and her fate is tied to the realm's survival. Prince Maximus, driven by grief and longing, vows to find a way to bring Akari back, even as the lords warn him against the path of obsession that destroyed Philip. The group resolves to travel to Wulin and then Yamato, seeking answers and allies for the battles ahead.

Reunion and Resolve

Friendship, love, and new beginnings

As the airship resumes its journey, Alfie reunites with her friends Aria, Brenna, and Leona, and introduces Lilly to the group. Bonds of friendship and sisterhood are forged, and the girls share their hopes, fears, and dreams. The lords, too, reaffirm their commitment to Alfie and to each other, setting aside old rivalries in the face of greater threats. Training intensifies, and the group prepares for the challenges of the Wulin conference and the looming war. Amidst the uncertainty, love and loyalty provide strength and hope.

Training for Tomorrow

Mastery, teamwork, and growth

The group trains relentlessly, mastering new techniques—summoning weapons from the abyss, refining their qi, and working as a team. Alfie's power continues to grow, and she learns to control her abilities with the help of the lords and her friends. Kuro and the Yamato soldiers become valuable allies, and the group's unity is tested and strengthened through mock battles and shared adversity. The airship becomes a crucible, forging warriors and deepening bonds as the group prepares for the trials ahead.

Fateful Skies

Toward Wulin, destiny awaits

As the airship approaches Wulin, the group stands on the threshold of a new chapter. The threat of Philip, Queen Hilde, and the dark sages looms, but so does the promise of answers, alliances, and the possibility of peace. Alfie, now fully aware of her identity as Stardust and the vessel of the Great Ones, embraces her destiny. Surrounded by the seven demon lords she loves, her friends, and newfound allies, she faces the future with courage, determination, and hope. The story ends with a sense of anticipation—the true battle for Aurora, and for Alfie's heart and soul, is only beginning.

Characters

Alfie (Stardust/Yuki/Akari)

Reincarnated soul, heart of the story

Alfie is a human girl from Earth, but beneath her ordinary exterior lies the reincarnated soul of Stardust, the most powerful of the Great Ones, and the vessel for the souls of Yuki and Akari. Her rare pure qi makes her both a beacon of hope and a target for those who seek power. Alfie is compassionate, curious, and resilient, adapting quickly to the strange world of Aurora and the affections of seven demon lords. Her journey is one of self-discovery, as she uncovers her true identity, confronts her desires, and learns to wield her immense power. Alfie's relationships—with the lords, her friends, and her own past selves—are the emotional core of the story, driving both the romance and the epic conflict.

Felix

Warrior, protector, passionate lover

Felix is one of the seven demon lords of Acaedien, known for his strength, loyalty, and fiery temperament. He is fiercely protective of Alfie, often the first to act in her defense, and his love for her is both possessive and tender. Felix's journey is one of vulnerability—when his mask breaks, revealing his true demon form, he fears rejection, but Alfie's acceptance transforms him. His bond with Alfie is deepened by their mutual acceptance of each other's true selves, and his rivalry with the other lords is tempered by a shared commitment to her safety and happiness.

Caleb

Stoic, brooding, deeply loyal

Caleb is the most reserved of the lords, a master strategist and a man of few words. His love for Alfie is intense but often unspoken, manifesting in acts of care and sacrifice. Caleb's struggle is with self-acceptance—he fears his true form will drive Alfie away, but her love helps him embrace his identity. His relationship with Felix is both competitive and brotherly, and his loyalty to the group is unwavering. Caleb's journey is one of opening up, both emotionally and physically, as he learns to trust in love and in himself.

Aaron

Gentle teacher, steadfast companion

Aaron is the youngest and most approachable of the lords, serving as Alfie's primary instructor in the ways of Aurora and qi. His kindness, patience, and sense of humor make him a favorite among the group, and his love for Alfie is sincere and nurturing. Aaron's role is that of a bridge—between Alfie and the lords, between past and present, and between power and restraint. His development is marked by growing confidence in his feelings and his willingness to fight for Alfie, both on the battlefield and in matters of the heart.

Geoffrey

Enigmatic leader, master of control

Geoffrey is the de facto leader of the lords, known for his wisdom, composure, and deep sense of responsibility. He is the first to recognize Alfie's true nature and the dangers she faces. Geoffrey's love for Alfie is both passionate and measured, and he often serves as the voice of reason in the group. His past connection to the Great Ones, especially Stardust, adds layers of complexity to his feelings. Geoffrey's journey is one of balancing duty and desire, and his ability to maintain control is both his strength and his burden.

Ethan

Rebellious, impulsive, fiercely devoted

Ethan is the wild card among the lords, known for his brashness, humor, and unfiltered emotions. He is initially resistant to the group's code of honor but ultimately surrenders to his love for Alfie. Ethan's impulsiveness often leads to conflict, but his loyalty is unquestionable. His journey is one of acceptance—of Alfie, of his own feelings, and of the group's unity. Ethan's raw passion and vulnerability make him both a source of tension and a catalyst for growth within the group.

Victor

Mysterious, insightful, quietly intense

Victor is the most enigmatic of the lords, often observing from the shadows and speaking only when necessary. His connection to Alfie is spiritual as much as physical—he is the first to sense the presence of multiple souls within her. Victor's love is deep and contemplative, and his actions are guided by intuition and foresight. His development is marked by a gradual opening up, as he moves from observer to active participant in the group's dynamics and in Alfie's life.

Lord Noah

Intellectual, inventor, workaholic

Noah is the group's resident genius, responsible for much of the magical technology that powers Acaedien and the airship. His focus on research and innovation often makes him seem aloof, but his care for Alfie and the group is genuine. Noah's journey is one of balancing his intellectual pursuits with emotional connection, and his eventual acceptance of his feelings for Alfie is a significant step in his growth. His inventions and knowledge are crucial to the group's survival and success.

Lilly (Bella)

Reincarnated beauty, new friend

Lilly is the reincarnation of Bella, one of the original Great Ones and Lord Aslan's beloved. She is gentle, curious, and eager to learn about Aurora and her own mysterious past. Lilly's friendship with Alfie provides both girls with a sense of belonging and sisterhood, and her relationship with Aslan mirrors the ancient love stories that shape the realm. Lilly's journey is one of self-discovery and healing, as she comes to terms with her identity and her place in the world.

Prince Maximus

Tragic hero, haunted by loss

Maximus is a powerful wolf-beast shifter and the grieving husband of Akari. His obsession with bringing Akari back drives much of the conflict, as he seeks out Alfie, believing her to be the key to his wife's return. Maximus is both an ally and a potential threat, his grief and longing making him unpredictable. His journey is one of acceptance—of loss, of the impossibility of reversing the past, and of the need to move forward. His interactions with Alfie and the lords are fraught with tension, but also with the possibility of redemption.

Plot Devices

Reincarnation and Soul Inheritance

Ancient souls shape present destinies

The story's central device is the reincarnation of the Great Ones—especially Stardust, Yuki, and Akari—within Alfie. This inheritance of souls and power creates a web of connections between past and present, love and loss, and individual and collective destiny. The lords' attraction to Alfie is not merely personal but the continuation of ancient bonds, and the enemies' obsession with her is rooted in the desire to control the power of creation and protection. The device allows for layered storytelling, with dreams, visions, and memories providing both exposition and emotional depth.

Qi System and Magic Barriers

Power, hierarchy, and vulnerability

The classification of qi—its colors, strengths, and abilities—structures the world's magic and social order. Barriers, both physical and magical, serve as both protection and prison, shaping the characters' movements and choices. The airship, Rosehaven, and the Aurora Barrier are all manifestations of this system, and the manipulation of qi is both a source of empowerment and danger. The device is used to explore themes of control, vulnerability, and the consequences of power.

Reverse Harem and Polyamory

Love as unity and conflict

The reverse harem structure is both a romantic fantasy and a narrative engine, driving character development, rivalry, and growth. The lords' love for Alfie is both a source of strength and tension, and the story explores the challenges and rewards of polyamorous relationships. The device allows for multiple emotional arcs, as each lord's bond with Alfie is unique, and their collective unity is tested by external threats and internal insecurities.

Foreshadowing Through Dreams and Visions

Past and future intertwine

Alfie's dreams and visions serve as both exposition and foreshadowing, revealing the ancient history of Aurora, the true nature of her identity, and the dangers to come. These sequences blur the line between memory and prophecy, creating suspense and deepening the story's mythic resonance. The device is used to gradually unveil secrets, build anticipation, and connect the personal to the epic.

Siege and Rescue Structure

Action, suspense, and emotional stakes

The recurring motif of siege—whether the airship under attack, Alfie's kidnapping, or the group's desperate rescues—provides action and suspense, testing the characters' skills, loyalty, and love. These sequences are tightly structured, with rising tension, reversals, and emotional payoffs. The device reinforces the theme that unity and courage are necessary to overcome both external enemies and internal fears.

Analysis

A Kingdom of Roses and Magic is a lush, emotionally charged fantasy that weaves together romance, adventure, and mythic destiny. At its heart is the question of identity—how the past shapes the present, how love endures across lifetimes, and how power can be both a blessing and a curse. The reverse harem structure is not just a romantic fantasy but a metaphor for unity in diversity: Alfie's relationships with the seven lords are as much about healing old wounds and forging new bonds as they are about desire. The story's use of reincarnation and soul inheritance explores the weight of legacy and the possibility of renewal, while the qi system and magical barriers reflect the complexities of power, vulnerability, and protection. The narrative's blend of action, intimacy, and introspection invites readers to consider the costs of sacrifice, the dangers of obsession, and the redemptive power of acceptance and love. In a world threatened by darkness, it is the courage to embrace one's true self—and to trust in the bonds of chosen family—that offers hope for the future.

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Review Summary

3.92 out of 5
Average of 173 ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Readers have mixed opinions on A Kingdom of Roses and Magic. Some praise its unique take on magic and supernatural elements, enjoying the character development and steamy romance. Others find it childish and overwhelming, with too much focus on sex. Many appreciate the plot progression and world-building, while some feel the main character lacks depth. Overall, fans are excited for the next installment, but a few readers found it less engaging than the first book. The series seems to be a guilty pleasure for some, with an average rating of 3.92 out of 5 stars.

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About the Author

Alexia C. Praks is a self-described hermit and avid book lover who ventured into the publishing world despite warnings of failure. She writes in various romance subgenres, including contemporary, historical, fantasy, and paranormal. Praks also explores young adult fiction, particularly in fantasy, science-fiction, dystopia, and mystery genres. Residing in Dunedin, New Zealand, she finds inspiration in the country's isolated and picturesque landscape. Beyond writing, Praks enjoys self-cultivation, Chinese metaphysics, anime, TV dramas, and reading books and manga. Her reclusive lifestyle aligns with her chosen career as an author, allowing her to immerse herself in her creative pursuits.

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