A Tainted Claim

This is the conclusion to A Savage Debt, which I admitted I liked a bit better than this installment. I did love Maddoc and Ana as the "fated" couple, don't get me wrong, and I was glad to see Ryden get his comeuppance through Raine (I'm extremely interested in their story!) but I found that it was the circumstances/exposition of the story that ended up redeeming Maddoc instead of Maddoc himself. In other Zoey Ellis tales, the alpha starts out aggressive and overbearing and out of touch but through his own explanations, actions and softening towards his Omega, we understand his motivations and quickly forgive him (especially since he's teeming with hotness :)). Maddoc is hot as well, but he still comes across as more brute than mate in this installment. He's determined to get Ana back for sure, but Ana has to find out on her own through her exploration of the various villages and speaking with those loyal to Maddoc (Raine and others) what a great guy Maddoc really is and how much she has been misled by the King and Queen (her parents). I had little sympathy for them, with good reason, but I didn't really fall for Maddoc as hard as I have other Zoey Ellis' gruff Alphas who are undone by their Omegas. We are TOLD that Maddoc has been in love with Ana for longer than originally thought but I would have rather that come from Maddoc himself. As usual, the worldbuilding is top notch and Ana evolves as a character and develops a spine but the promise of the savage beast of Book 1 turning into a redeemable hero didn't quite reach its promise in Book 2. Maybe I'm making unfair comparisons between Maddoc and Drocco. :)
*I received an advanced reader copy and leave this review voluntarily.

Amazing duet, please read part one first as they go in order. Author writes omegaverse dynamic with non consensual omega submission. I love these series!

What did I like? In book one Anna escapes Maddoc which sends him into a fury. Pent up alpha aggression....yum. In this book Ana finally opens her eyes past what her parents tell her. She has decisions to make and a HEA to get to.

Would I buy or recommend? If your new to omegaverse this is pretty tame compared to some other stories but the author does a great job of making it a story and not all about sex. Highly unique and enjoyable!

I received an advanced copy to read and offer an opinion but I’ve also bought a copy.

I’m a huge fan of Zoey’s work and this is no exception. I’m impressed by the plot, the characters, and this whole universe. We really get to see who Ana is as a person and who Maddoc is beyond the rumors. Some painful truths are revealed and all our burning questions are answered. I love love love this story and HIGHLY recommend it! Masterfully done!