Hiddensci-fi
Cover of The Savage King by Michelle M. Pillow

The Savage King

Michelle M. Pillow

An undercover agent stranded on an alien shifter planet sparks with the new king while war and secrets close in.

First published 2011 · Lords of the Var

Review Score: 85%

More about this book

The Story

Ulyssa, an undercover agent on a mission involving a biological weapon threat, ends up stranded on the planet Qurilixen when her extraction is delayed. Before she can leave, she is taken prisoner by the Var king and placed in his harem, putting her in direct conflict with the planet’s customs and power structure.

When the old king dies, his son Kirill inherits the throne, his father’s political mess, and the uneasy situation around Ulyssa. Kirill and Ulyssa are drawn to each other despite distrust, cultural expectations, and their refusal to appear weak. Their relationship develops amid secrecy, attraction, arguments, and repeated attempts to escape or hold one another at arm’s length.

As the planet’s broader conflict between shifter factions continues, Ulyssa’s mission and Kirill’s duty collide with the growing threat of war and weapons. The story follows whether they can reach trust, handle the political fallout, and decide if their connection can survive the pressures surrounding them.

Story Profile

Pick an axis to find more ↓