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The resolution of Weston's story in the Wall Street Journal Bestselling Deliciously Dark Fairytales world.

He wasn't supposed to fall in love.

Weston has made a mess of things. Since he realized the woman he was supposed to find and bring to justice was his true mate, things have spiraled out of control. He's gone from one bad decision to the next, and now the situation threatens to topple down around him.

The good news is, Aurelia isn't responsible for hurting people. She isn't the one who should stand in front of the dragons and plead for her life.

If only the dragons and their kingdom agreed.

Weston must try to relay the truth and protect his true mate, all while she struggles to work through her past, his deceit, and her new life in opposition to the one woman she'd thought of as her mother.

Aurelia must go to war, and Weston will do everything he can to ensure she comes out alive.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

This is the conclusion to the duet and ends in an HEA. All loose ends are tied up.

539 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 12, 2024

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About the author

K.F. Breene

112 books12.7k followers
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K.F. Breene is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Washington Post, Amazon Most Sold Charts and #1 Kindle Store bestselling author of paranormal romance, urban fantasy and fantasy novels. With over three million books sold, when she's not penning stories about magic and what goes bump in the night, she's sipping wine and planning shenanigans. She lives in Northern California with her husband, two children and out of work treadmill.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 307 reviews
Profile Image for Readingwiththeroberts.
549 reviews22 followers
September 13, 2024
This one just wasn't as good as the first book. And that makes me so sad because I loved book one so much and I was so excited when this one released a lot sooner than I thought it would. We get a lot of time jumps in this one and it felt like there just wasn't enough happening with the book. It's like I read a lot but not a lot happened. Overall I am glad I read the series, but book one is way better than book two.
Profile Image for Jennifer (Escape Into Reading).
37 reviews18 followers
October 1, 2024
At the end of A Cage of Crimson, I had this sense of dread with what happened at the very end. I kept thinking to myself- how is she going to resolve that? I really need to remember to trust my favorite authors (of which K.F. Breene is one!) because they've never failed me yet and once again she didn't fail me.

I had actually just restarted A Ruin of Roses for a reread when I got the email with this ARC. I immediately stopped the reread to read this one.

“Friends force other friends to try books they’re unsure of. It’s sacrosanct.”- Dante in A Cage of Kingdoms.

No spoilers here, but this has all the elements of a typical K.F. Breene book. I laughed so hard at Hadriel (he really is one of my favorite characters) and Vemar. This was a roller coaster ride, but full of laughs and aws (Weston can be really sweet!).

Oh, and I FINALLY figured out whose voice I hear as Hadriel- Bruno Tonioli from Dancing with the Stars. Just his voice though.

I can't wait for everyone to get to read this one as it's amazing and wraps everything for this story up perfectly!
Profile Image for April.
750 reviews
August 16, 2024
Oh my goodness, this might end up being my favorite smutty romance of the year. F^cking outstanding writing, as always with K.F. Breene. I literally have never disliked anything she's written but this story was special to me. I loved all the characters but the female main character was especially likeable. To put it mildly, A Cage of Kingdoms is a worthy sequel to A Cage of Crimson. If you like romantasies preorder this duology today.

You do need to have read A Cage of Crimson first to understand this book but do not need to read any other books in the Deliciously Dark Fairytales to pick this up.
49 reviews1 follower
August 14, 2024
AMAZING!!! I loved everything about this duology. The character growth, banter, and story is just perfect. KF Breene always knows how to wrap up her stories in a perfect little bow.
Profile Image for Sarah W..
33 reviews
September 17, 2024
I am really disappointed in this one and it’s killing me to say that. I absolutely loved the first book; it was actually a 5 star read for me!

This one just felt so blah in comparison. It felt rushed and as if Breene didn’t really have any true ideas for the book but wrote it out of obligation to the fans. It felt like things were building up to be great and then just dropped off. Things felt out of place and all over the place at the same time.

The time jumps bothered me, the lacklustre thrill, the two second situation with Alexander and Granny, the whole wishy-washy, childish behaviour between Auriella and Weston, the repetitive sex scenes (I honestly had to skip most of them because they were SO boring) and the fact that 90% of the characters I loved from the first book just didn’t get any air time in this one. And Finley’s character felt different to me than her books. She felt rude and angry but then tried to be funny but then was swearing a lot and it just didn’t even fit the situation.

I’m sad and disappointed. I was really so excited for this book.
Profile Image for Nishell.
23 reviews7 followers
September 3, 2024
A perfect ending to an unforgettable duology.

A Cage of Kingdoms by K.F. Breene is the stunning conclusion to the duology that began with A Cage of Crimsons, part of the Deliciously Dark Fairy Tales universe. This book took me on a journey I did not anticipate, and I absolutely loved every moment of it.

When I picked up this book, I was expecting intense battles, war, heartache, and an emotional rollercoaster. And while there were definitely moments of tension and drama, A Cage of Kingdoms took a surprising turn, focusing more on themes of healing, finding family, and creating bonds with those who were once strangers. The story was about acceptance, love, and support, which I found to be a refreshing and unexpected direction.

What I loved most is that the book left me completely satisfied. I didn’t feel the need for more because I got everything I needed from the story. I was very happy with where the characters ended up. Aurelia and Weston’s relationship was beautifully developed, and it was wonderful to see them grow together. Weston’s discussion of his own abuse added depth to his character, while the unique portrayal of their mating ritual was both shocking and satisfying.

Vemar was my favorite side character in this book. He really stood out as hilarious and heartwarming, and I loved how he supported Aurelia. His loyalty and the way he said he’d go anywhere with her showed a special bond between. It was interesting that Hadriel, who was a prominent character in A Cage of Crimsons, wasn’t as present in this book. Instead, we got more of Vemar, and both characters provided great comic relief—they’re two sides of the same coin. I absolutely adored their dynamic.

I also appreciated K.F. Breene’s approach to trauma in this book. She went against the norm, especially in shifter romances where it’s often only the female character who has experienced physical or mental abuse. Breene was not shy about having men discuss their trauma as well. She handled the subject with sensitivity, giving it a fresh perspective and making the healing process a central part of the story.

Overall, I highly, highly recommend A Cage of Kingdoms. It’s a unique, heartwarming, and satisfying conclusion to a fantastic duology. If you love a story about healing, finding family, forming unbreakable bonds, and fun SMUT, this book is for you!
Profile Image for Heather Becht.
76 reviews17 followers
September 2, 2024
A Cage of Kingdoms completes the shared DDF world spin-off duet: Deliciously Dark Fairytales - Red Riding Hood. This duet can absolutely be read as a standalone but the Ruins of Roses 4 book series that precedes these two books is fantastic and you see a lot of the characters throughout this duet. If you’re looking for a steamy alpha wolf-shifter romance with lots of on page spice and a great plot, this is absolutely the book for you!

ACoK starts off with them sailing away with Aurelia as a willing captive, while she’s facing all the emotional trauma she has endured. It was touching and gave her character a lot of depth. I loved seeing the old characters from the dragon kingdom, and the banter kept me laughing throughout.

Towards the end, I was on my toes waiting for the other shoe to drop and I couldn’t have been happier with how it played out. What a perfect ending to a fantastic duet! Great job KFB, another banger per usual!

#YGTTMKLAGG - new fav quote #IYKYK

✨Read If You Love✨
Fated Mates
Enemies to Lovers
Touch Her and D I E
Primal Play / Kn0tting
Found Family
Steamy
Elite Banter
Fairytale Retelling

Favorite Quote
“You won’t be meeting anyone else. No one else will touch you. Ever. You’re mine.”
Profile Image for Becca.
247 reviews27 followers
September 16, 2024
Let me start with saying that KF Breene is one of my favorite spicy fantasy romance authors and this newest book edition did not disappoint!

I love how she incorporates humor, sarcasm, awesome banter into these tragic and serious situations. It by no means takes away from the heartache or tragedy going on but add this side commentary that is also fun and exciting.

I love that this duet was a contraction on the original storyline and we got to see some of our favorite players from the first 4 books.

There were points in this book where I was giggling at Hadriel, heartbroken for Aurelia and then swooning over Weston, then turn the page and I wanted to chuck my kindle across the room. And really doesn’t that mean this book was great?

Of you love spicy fantasy this series, and book is for you!
Profile Image for Charlotte.
121 reviews4 followers
September 16, 2024
A beautiful conclusion to Aurelia and Weston’s story.

I loved how Aurelia finally came into her own and learned alllll about her history and powers. Her friendships with the rest of the pack and dragon court were precious and hilarious.

Weston is still as spicy and possessive as ever and also did a lot of adorable things to show Aurelia how much he cares.

I think there is so much more left to be written in this world and I hope we will get more fairytale retellings soon!
Profile Image for Christy.
136 reviews2 followers
September 7, 2024
I absolutely loved this! The relationship between Weston and Aurelia was just so perfect! I loved all of the side characters. Aurelias work ethic is incredibly admirable. I especially loved Aurelia and Vemars relationship!
Profile Image for Katy.
277 reviews17 followers
August 15, 2024
My heart is so full after finishing this one! In fact, both books in this duet will likely tie for my fav books of the year. This is just a perfect conclusion to Aurelia & Weston’s story. As this one isn’t quite out yet, this review will be pretty vague so as to avoid spoilers. But I will say that the redemption arcs for both MCs are pretty epic and I just love how K.F. Breene handled them.

I 100% recommend this book to everyone. It has all the primal spiciness (with knotting), along with such an amazingly high amount of snarky humor.

Ohhh and yes, Hadriel is still around and still side-splitting hilarious…BUT I’m so torn and questioning my loyalty because I also adore Vemar now too. I would let him guard my a**hole any day 😂

I cannot wait for everyone to get their hands on this. I’m impatiently going to await any news as to whether there will be more stories set in this world.

Also has: Found family; dealing with & attempting to overcome emotional and mental trauma; cherished friendships; fated mates; shifters; and magic.
Profile Image for Bourbon Bibliophile.
79 reviews11 followers
August 19, 2024
K.F. Breene has delivered another spellbinding read with A Cage of Kingdoms, the thrilling continuation of her Red Riding Hood duology. If you loved A Cage of Crimson, brace yourself for an even more emotional journey!

The story picks up right where the last book left off, with Aurelia grappling with her past actions and striving to mend the damage she feels responsible for. This installment beautifully explores themes of love, loss, and the profound strength found in chosen family.

Fans of the Ruin of Roses series will be delighted to see familiar faces like Hadriel and Vemar make an appearance. Their return felt like a warm embrace amid the whirlwind of emotions, making them strong contenders for my favorite side characters. 🫶✨

As Dante wisely says, “Friends force other friends to try books they’re unsure of. It’s sacrosanct.” If you’re hesitant about wolf shifter stories, let me convince you: come join me in this world, and I’ll make sure you fall in love with this duology just as much as I have!
Profile Image for Alice.
1,729 reviews97 followers
September 19, 2024
Romance:
Profile Image for Vivian.
59 reviews4 followers
September 11, 2024
I absolutely love everything you write and will read it if you write it. I'm still working my way through some series. And I did love this book.I loved it almost as much as the first one.I love the found family.I loved how the main female characters' relationships were building with the other characters in the book. I really enjoyed all the characters. I do wish there was more of the mfc and her wolf. I could tell from the little we got of her that I was really going to just love her so much. Some of my favorite things in a book are having something or someone inside a character that they banter with, and we did get that with many characters' pov's. I'm rambling, but yes, I wanted more. I still recommend this and will recommend it. You write some of the most amazing characters that I always fall in love with. And everything that was happening went the way I was hoping it would go. It's still absolutely amazing. I'm so glad I get to be given the opportunity to read your work. Thank you for all that you do and all your hard work
Profile Image for ~Shawna the crazy coffee reader~.
428 reviews37 followers
September 18, 2024
Holy sh…..

OK, I’m finally ready to post my review I think.

This was the epic conclusion to this duet, and it gave everything. It was amazing to see past favorite characters and that they have not changed. They were able to be brought in without taking over the entire story which was perfect.

I don’t want to give away too much because this is the finale so anything I could say could be a spoiler lol. So I will just give you my impressions and my emotions.

I was at the edge of my seat in many instances. Whether it was an or because of the spice, let me tell you, this book is smoking hot. This book does focus a bit more on the story and how it will tie it all in together, which I really enjoyed , I was happy to see a wide range of emotions from all of the characters and the main characters were able to integrate or integrate back into the kingdom. The complexity of emotions from even the side characters was beautiful to behold and much more realistic than instant acceptance.

I highly recommend this book, the series, and this author!
Profile Image for Ashley.
43 reviews
August 26, 2024
4 ⭐️, 3-3.5 🌶️

Tropes:
- Red Riding Hood Retelling
- True Mates
- Found Family
- Touch her and 💀
- Primal Play
- Knotting
- Breeding Kink
- Dual POV

A Cage of Kingdoms is the final installment of the Deliciously Dark Fairytales - Red Riding Hood duology. We got shoved off of a cliff at the end of A Cage of Crimson, and I was happy to see ACOK pick up with Weston's POV so we could see his true motives and feelings after the bombshell that had been dropped.

To me, this book is not as dark as the first one, but it continues to deal with the heavy topics present in ACOC. And while not lacking in spice, it is more emotional than book 1, focusing more on the moving on from trauma, rebuilding of trust, and development of the relationship between Weston and Aurelia. In this book, the blinders are off and Aurelia has to come to terms with the physical, mental, and emotional abuse she suffered at the hands of someone she loved and trusted. She shows so much character growth, and it was truly heartwarming to see her navigate her feelings of self doubt and inadequacy, redeem herself both in the eyes of the kingdom and herself, and claim her life and what she wants. Weston shows tremendous character growth as well, as he continues to deal with his trauma and support Aurelia on her journey. We get to see his softer side as he works to prove himself to Aurelia and be the true mate she deserves. He is still the deliciously filthy and possessive primal papa from ACOC, but he is so patient, tender, and loving to Aurelia, striving to put aside his own needs to take care of hers. In doing so, he cements his book boyfriend status.

True to form, the found family aspect of this book is tremendous. Hadriel continues to provide debauchery and comedy while being the kind and wonderful friend we know him to be, but this time, he is not the only one. Vemar returns as a prominent side character, and I had forgotten how much I loved him. He is hilarious and unhinged in the best way, and he stands by those he cares for even if it is sometimes in an unorthodox way. He is the best guardian of @**holes a person could ever ask for.

I did feel like the pacing was a bit off, which kept this from being a 5 star read for me. There were parts that seemed to drag, and I was a bit underwhelmed by the final confrontation with Granny. There was a long build up only for everything to be over fairly quickly. I just wanted more. That being said, I really enjoyed the book overall. In true K.F. Breene style, there is action, feeling, spice, humor, and characters that stay with you after the book is over. It was a sweet, steamy, and satisfying conclusion to Weston and Aurelia's story, and I am looking forward to any further deliciously dark fairytales Breene decides to gift us in this world.

⚠️Potential Triggers include: abduction, mental & physical abuse, drug production & use, addiction, & on page discussion of off page SA.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Profile Image for Rachel.
1,996 reviews96 followers
September 2, 2024
I've been a little bit obsessed with Aurelia's and Weston's story since A Cage of Crimson's shocking ending. I've been making grabby hands at Breene since, dying to get my hands on A Cage of Kingdoms.


I loved these characters. Aurelia is still awesome, her intelligence is off the charts and it showed. I loved how confident she was but it was her resilience that literally stunned people, it was great! As for Weston, he was more swoon-worthy this time around, I loved how he stepped up for Aurelia. There were some great moments between the pair. There were also some great new secondary characters that I really enjoyed getting to know, Hadriel is still my favorite but Vemar, Leala, Finley, and Nyfain were some great additions.


This time around the story was less Riding Hood and more of Breene's own unique dark fairytale and I was there for it. There were castles, royals (which aren't too bad), and some complicated politics. Once again I found myself compelled by Aurelia's and Weston's story. The threat of Granny hanging over everyone caused most of the story's tension but so was the drugs themselves. The way that Breene solved the conflict was perfection. I loved the way she blended court, romance, and danger, it was awesome. Not to mention, I loved that it was laced with humor. I had a genuinely good time reading this.


A Cage of Kingdoms was outstanding! This is one of those stories that I just never want to leave. It's become a true favorite of mine (one of many, haha), K.F. Breene has gained a new fan. I can't wait to check out the other books in this series.
September 19, 2024
I was so excited for this to come out. The previous book was one of my favorite books that have come out this year. This sequel to it fell flat unfortunately. We barely have any Weston POV. He has lied to her and she basically just immediately forgives him. I hate how he has Hadriel or whomever else of the pack question her on things or talk about important things, then have them report back to him about what she says. There was just no tension after how the last book ended, not (much) groveling. Also I thought the way Aurelia talked to princess Tabitha was cringey. Of course just because a woman interacts with a child, it means she's ready to start a family with a man she met months ago. Aurelia seemed like the just lost what made her so badass in the previous book. Overall a 3.5/5. I usually love everything Breene comes out with.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for CiCi | bookameme.
453 reviews35 followers
September 14, 2024
A book hasn’t made me laugh this much in years!

Ms.Breene *dramatically drops to my knees* please give me more Mistress! Please! I need more! This series was perfect! Now I need more stories from this world. I promise to pledge my allegiance to the kingdom united under Nyfain and Finely, guided by the Beta and his mate, and vitalized by a mediocre butler and the guardian of 🤬$$holes.
The shout outs to Beauty and the Beast & Little Red Riding Hood from which these stories wildly deviated from were brilliant. “My grandmother what big ____ you have,” will live on in infamy. I’m not sure what can top an evil granny, hot wolf, and brilliant and powerful Red. But with Hadriel’s colorful commentary and the scorching smut you pack into this series I’m confident you can do it.

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️💙💙💙💙💙
Romantasy:
🐺 Shifter Romance
💕 Fated Mates
📙 Little Red Riding Hood Retelling
🪢 A Knot That Doesn’t Quit
👑 Royals You Can Love
🐉 Dragons You’ll Adore
💦 Enough Banter, Jokes, and Shenanigans To Endanger Your Bladder
⚠️ A few CWs (and plenty of explicit language)
Profile Image for Erika Starr Celley.
9 reviews3 followers
September 8, 2024
A delicious and delightful duet. Where the first book was a bit heavier learning the rough life Aurelia endured, this second saw more of Queen Breene’s humor shining. I want to hide winged dicks in all my attire and paintings now! Haha. What I wouldn’t give for some Cecil clothing or friends like Hadriel & Vemar 🥰
It also masterfully dealt with both Weston and Aurelia believing they deserved the life they built together and Aurelia’s complicated feeling of how to deal with someone she once loved like family after seeing it for what it was.
I’m hopeful to see more from this world! Fairy kingdom, please?! But in the mean time I’ll devour every KF Breene release in any order 🙃
Profile Image for Alex McKay.
164 reviews3 followers
September 23, 2024
8.5/10. If KF Breene has one fan it’s me. If she has no fans it’s because I’m dead. Consumed is a light description of how I read this book. Ignored every responsibility and stayed up way too late is more accurate. I was so excited for this book to come out and it did not disappoint.

This isn’t a world renowned story or anything, but man I love the way she writes. It’s so descriptive and you can’t help but be so invested in the characters. It was odd being on the other side and meeting previous characters from a different view, but I loved how seemlessly the stories connected.

1.5 stars off only because I would have liked for the action to go on longer and get more of the resolution. I was siding eyeing that 91% completed wondering when the conclusion would take place. I also think there should have been a bit more detail regarding the FMC’s parentage and follow through to that subplot, but that’s a personal opinion.

Anyways, amazing, brilliant, loved it, will probably reread it immediately because I have no self control.
Profile Image for Scarlett Chase.
Author 5 books138 followers
September 21, 2024
Heat level: 4/5. I honestly can't say which couple is hotter....maybe Nyfain still has the edge. Because dragon. Anyway TAKE THAT GRANDMA. That was so satisfying. I need more Hadriel. He's the absolute best. I need more of this world! And the spice.....whoa.
Profile Image for Megan Moser.
151 reviews
September 12, 2024
Another stunner! An absolute perfect part two that kept you excited, on edge, laughing, and in love the entire time!

I’m not typically a huge red riding hood fan but this was absolutely the COOLEST retelling I’ve ever read. The wolf shifters were hilarious and had such great chemistry. The dragons were badass but just as funny. And the ending was perfection!

KF Breene has done it again!
September 23, 2024
Everything about this series was absolutely AMAZING!!! I need MORE! Also Hannon, can we please have a couple books about him? The Phoenix needs his own story!!!
Profile Image for Nicole Wines.
440 reviews5 followers
October 1, 2024
A Cage of Kingdoms

🔥🔥🔥- looooved this book! Perfect ending to Aurelia and Weston’s story ! Lots of laughs. Hadriel is probably my favorite character of all time.
Profile Image for Tlovesbooks.
117 reviews3 followers
August 21, 2024
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Ok so honestly I wasn’t Aurelia’s biggest fan in the first book. In fact I loved everyone but her. Lol. I didn’t hate her or anything but she was annoying, extremely naive/gullible and seemed to be a complete doormat. But this book just really endeared me to her. Seeing how her actions are influenced by her trauma and watching her try to live with it was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. I loved Vemar in this book and boy would I kill to have him be the protecter of my hole. 🤣🤣 Hadriel is a blast ofcourse. I look forward to whatever fairytale we get next with this series!!
Profile Image for jennifer | offmyredcarpet.
463 reviews28 followers
September 28, 2024
Never have I anticipated a companion series as much as this duet and been so completely disappointed in the result.

I was already on the fence with book 1 hoping that book 2 would do some heavy lifting but it just didn’t happen. There is so much focus on the drugs and drug making aspect that the romance became a subplot and was relegated to the background instead of the focus.

Not to mention how all the numerous side “stories” feel forced: her attire, her interactions with the royal family’s child clearly used to justify breeding trope and pregnancy, her research and the way she constantly endangers herself so the MMC can be upset by it, the constant “well I gotta figure this drug thing out so y’all can get on with killing me”. The plot ends up bloated with everything treated in a very heavy handed way.
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