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Vertex
Two women defy their fates. Two secrets sharp as steel. Two hearts must conquer.
Aara
My world was ravaged when the king’s hunt obliterated my desert tribe, leaving me a captive in a city drenched in secrets.
Now, I’ve been thrust into a guild of six—an alliance of enslaved survivors, scheming rivals, and pampered heirs of power. To survive, I have to conquer the Vertex, a labyrinthine descent where each level tests me with increasingly dangerous challenges.
But surviving the Vertex isn’t my only battle. There’s a deadlier game unraveling in the shadows, and at its center stands the Blade Master—merciless, unreadable, and the man who slaughtered my people. His blade carved my past, and his secrets could destroy my future. He’s the enemy I swore to kill, yet the only one who can keep me alive. And now I’m trapped in his own lethal game.
Every glance he throws my way is a taunt. Every lesson is a battle of wills. I ache to drive a dagger into his heart—but what terrifies me even more is how he’s slowly slipping into mine.
Alysna
My marriage is a prison. The king, my husband, scorns me, and the court shuns me. But I’ve found solace in the worst place imaginable—my growing obsession with his captivating mistress, Novell.
Bold, unflinching, and dangerously beautiful, Novell ignites a passion that threatens to burn us both. In a court ruled by a jealous king, desiring his mistress is a death sentence. Every stolen glance is a risk, every touch a silent rebellion.
I know the stakes. I know how this ends. But I can’t stop.
Novell’s secrets soon pull me into a deadly plot. One wrong move, and we’ll destroy not just each other—but the realm�
This is an adult fantasy romance 18+ Perfect for those that Romantasy, Page turners, Witty banter, Strong heroine, Morally grey + cinnamon roll hero, high stakes, forbidden love, apprentice romance, found family
Aara
My world was ravaged when the king’s hunt obliterated my desert tribe, leaving me a captive in a city drenched in secrets.
Now, I’ve been thrust into a guild of six—an alliance of enslaved survivors, scheming rivals, and pampered heirs of power. To survive, I have to conquer the Vertex, a labyrinthine descent where each level tests me with increasingly dangerous challenges.
But surviving the Vertex isn’t my only battle. There’s a deadlier game unraveling in the shadows, and at its center stands the Blade Master—merciless, unreadable, and the man who slaughtered my people. His blade carved my past, and his secrets could destroy my future. He’s the enemy I swore to kill, yet the only one who can keep me alive. And now I’m trapped in his own lethal game.
Every glance he throws my way is a taunt. Every lesson is a battle of wills. I ache to drive a dagger into his heart—but what terrifies me even more is how he’s slowly slipping into mine.
Alysna
My marriage is a prison. The king, my husband, scorns me, and the court shuns me. But I’ve found solace in the worst place imaginable—my growing obsession with his captivating mistress, Novell.
Bold, unflinching, and dangerously beautiful, Novell ignites a passion that threatens to burn us both. In a court ruled by a jealous king, desiring his mistress is a death sentence. Every stolen glance is a risk, every touch a silent rebellion.
I know the stakes. I know how this ends. But I can’t stop.
Novell’s secrets soon pull me into a deadly plot. One wrong move, and we’ll destroy not just each other—but the realm�
This is an adult fantasy romance 18+ Perfect for those that Romantasy, Page turners, Witty banter, Strong heroine, Morally grey + cinnamon roll hero, high stakes, forbidden love, apprentice romance, found family
758 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2025
9 people are currently reading
5,199 people want to read
About the author
Terina Adams
29Ìýbooks48ÌýfollowersWhen I wasn’t riding a camel through the Rajasthani desert, white water rafting the rapids on the Zambezi, bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls bridge or hiking the peeks in Pakistan, I was piloting a twin prop into remote aboriginal communities in northern Western Australia or staring down a microscope in a laboratory.
Now somewhat tamed, the microscope has morphed into a computer and I spend more time plotting dire situations for my protagonists than being in them myself.
I am the author of books that won’t stay normal.
Now somewhat tamed, the microscope has morphed into a computer and I spend more time plotting dire situations for my protagonists than being in them myself.
I am the author of books that won’t stay normal.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 13, 2025
This book is a behemoth. It’s VERY long and at first moves at glacial pace. It starts to pick up when you get about 40% into the book. Then it starts getting more interesting. The world building in this book is phenomenal the characters are well written and interesting. I was disappointed to reach the end of the book to find that both characters stories kind of end on a cliffhanger. But I can understand why the author chose to end it where she did. That last chapter reveals a lot about one of the main characters and my mind was blown and I was heartbroken when I realized who it’s about.
March 20, 2025
Vertex by Terina Adams is an intricately woven fantasy novel with extensive world-building, a complex plot, and deeply layered characters. The story follows Aara and Alysna, two protagonists navigating a world that is as rich as it is unforgiving. However, this is not a fast-paced romantasy—if you’re looking for a quick, easy fantasy romance, this may not be the book for you.
The first half is slow, almost overwhelming at times, as the world-building is dense, and it takes a while to connect the dots and fully grasp what’s happening. The chapters are long, adding to the feeling that you’re wading through a lot of detail before the story picks up in the second half. That said, the writing is well-constructed, and once things start falling into place, the plot and characters become more engaging. I still have some unanswered questions, but the cliffhanger ending was compelling enough that I’ll likely pick up book two.
There is open-door spice, and the book contains some heavy themes and triggers, including the violent death of family members/loved ones (on-page), PTSD experienced by one of the FMCs (current and ongoing), fantasy violence, sexual content, adult language, and apparent child abuse.
Overall, Vertex was a unique and immersive read, though it took time to settle into. If you enjoy complex fantasy worlds and are willing to be patient with the setup, it’s worth the read.
Tropes
� Morally grey hero
� Forbidden love
� Found Family
� Enemies to Lovers
The first half is slow, almost overwhelming at times, as the world-building is dense, and it takes a while to connect the dots and fully grasp what’s happening. The chapters are long, adding to the feeling that you’re wading through a lot of detail before the story picks up in the second half. That said, the writing is well-constructed, and once things start falling into place, the plot and characters become more engaging. I still have some unanswered questions, but the cliffhanger ending was compelling enough that I’ll likely pick up book two.
There is open-door spice, and the book contains some heavy themes and triggers, including the violent death of family members/loved ones (on-page), PTSD experienced by one of the FMCs (current and ongoing), fantasy violence, sexual content, adult language, and apparent child abuse.
Overall, Vertex was a unique and immersive read, though it took time to settle into. If you enjoy complex fantasy worlds and are willing to be patient with the setup, it’s worth the read.
Tropes
� Morally grey hero
� Forbidden love
� Found Family
� Enemies to Lovers
March 25, 2025
Vertex by Terina Adams! The blurb really draws you in.
There is amazing world building and character building, but feel some could have been cut out (I did get a little lost in the beginning) the first 50% is quite slow, but then it picks up its speed.
Some real triggers for people, unaliving of immediate family members on the page.
Open door spice.
Fantasy romance with spice, forbidden love and found family
There is amazing world building and character building, but feel some could have been cut out (I did get a little lost in the beginning) the first 50% is quite slow, but then it picks up its speed.
Some real triggers for people, unaliving of immediate family members on the page.
Open door spice.
Fantasy romance with spice, forbidden love and found family
March 13, 2025
I should be taking the time to process this book, but we are going to process it together:
This book has SO much in it. The world building, the character building, the minute details of each scene...it is all very specific and it builds.
If you want a quick, easy Romantasy read, this is not it. But if you want gritty, detailed world building with a complex plot and even more complex characters? Enter the Vertex.
Aara is one of my favorite kinds of FMCs. She is flawed and strong-willed. She gets annoying, and she doesn't listen. Her lessons are learned the hard way, and she doesn't listen to reason. That being said, she grows immensely from the first chapter to the last and I just know that she's going to end up being a force to be reckoned with.
Alysna is our wallflower. She tries to stay as small as possible and lets others rule her life. Her part in this story is smaller than Aara's, but her arc was also really cool to see and she's going to be fierce as the series progresses.
This world building is hefty and the pacing is pretty slow, I'll be honest. That doesn't mean it's a bad thing. This is thorough story writing, and I stored it all away because it's going to be important later, we are trusting the process.
I spent a lot of my time trying to connect the dots and figure out the mysteries (I never did), and I was completely caught off-guard by the ending. The ending actually made me want to throw my kindle because while I LOVED the twist, I also didn't love it because that's not what I wanted to happen. But again, I'm trusting the process!
I'm already ready for Book 2. Let's go!
Overall: recommend
Spice: open door
This book has SO much in it. The world building, the character building, the minute details of each scene...it is all very specific and it builds.
If you want a quick, easy Romantasy read, this is not it. But if you want gritty, detailed world building with a complex plot and even more complex characters? Enter the Vertex.
Aara is one of my favorite kinds of FMCs. She is flawed and strong-willed. She gets annoying, and she doesn't listen. Her lessons are learned the hard way, and she doesn't listen to reason. That being said, she grows immensely from the first chapter to the last and I just know that she's going to end up being a force to be reckoned with.
Alysna is our wallflower. She tries to stay as small as possible and lets others rule her life. Her part in this story is smaller than Aara's, but her arc was also really cool to see and she's going to be fierce as the series progresses.
This world building is hefty and the pacing is pretty slow, I'll be honest. That doesn't mean it's a bad thing. This is thorough story writing, and I stored it all away because it's going to be important later, we are trusting the process.
I spent a lot of my time trying to connect the dots and figure out the mysteries (I never did), and I was completely caught off-guard by the ending. The ending actually made me want to throw my kindle because while I LOVED the twist, I also didn't love it because that's not what I wanted to happen. But again, I'm trusting the process!
I'm already ready for Book 2. Let's go!
Overall: recommend
Spice: open door
March 25, 2025
Vertex is a fantasy romance thats heavy on the Fantasy light on the Romance. The tropes include Hidden Magic, forbidden love, evil/corrupt power structures, secrets kept and destinies to be revealed.
Triggers include death of loved ones, child neglect, confinement, and characters mental health and trauma. The spice is 1.5 chilli's with some on page scenes but mild action.
The world building in this story takes up a lot of space and you get a real feel for the different areas of the story. The dry desert, the dark and ominous surrounds of the vertex contrasted with the Elites and the colours and imaginary that surrounds them. It all assists in setting the tone for the characters journeys. The main characters and conflicts are introduced early and we get a taste of the mystery and quest to come and then the pace slows right down. We are right there with Aara in her confusion in not knowing what the heck is going on. The revelations and infrequent and vague at best. The pace takes away from the intrigue as frustration is the main feeling. There is enough breadcrumbs to keep you interested and I do want to know what it all means.
Alysna story moves a little quicker and we get to see her character development more clearly and she is the oppressed woman turned feminist rage we all love to read.
Warning do NOT get attached to characters, there will be death.
Overall this book is recommended for fantasy lovers who are willing to put in the time and effort into a well developed and fleshed out series with what is building to quite the epic quest and an enemies to lovers trope with a sunshine love interest to complete the triangle.
Triggers include death of loved ones, child neglect, confinement, and characters mental health and trauma. The spice is 1.5 chilli's with some on page scenes but mild action.
The world building in this story takes up a lot of space and you get a real feel for the different areas of the story. The dry desert, the dark and ominous surrounds of the vertex contrasted with the Elites and the colours and imaginary that surrounds them. It all assists in setting the tone for the characters journeys. The main characters and conflicts are introduced early and we get a taste of the mystery and quest to come and then the pace slows right down. We are right there with Aara in her confusion in not knowing what the heck is going on. The revelations and infrequent and vague at best. The pace takes away from the intrigue as frustration is the main feeling. There is enough breadcrumbs to keep you interested and I do want to know what it all means.
Alysna story moves a little quicker and we get to see her character development more clearly and she is the oppressed woman turned feminist rage we all love to read.
Warning do NOT get attached to characters, there will be death.
Overall this book is recommended for fantasy lovers who are willing to put in the time and effort into a well developed and fleshed out series with what is building to quite the epic quest and an enemies to lovers trope with a sunshine love interest to complete the triangle.
March 27, 2025
Adams has done it again! I absolutely loved this book, with its perfect blend of intrigue and excitement. The story features two strong, determined female characters, Aara and Alysna, who will fight tooth and nail to defend what they desire and need in a dystopian gladiator style setting. In this world, everyone seems to have unique abilities or powers and is forced to battle in an arena for the King’s cruel amusement. It gave me more of a mature version of The Hunger Games.
Aara, captured and forced to fight in the King’s sadistic games, will do anything in her mission to stay alive and protect her newfound family. But to do so, she must team up with Jarin, the one person she despises most. Jarin is a morally complex, devilishly handsome Blade Master whom Aara has sworn to kill. Oh, Jarin� the book boyfriend readers will love to hate, yet secretly yearn for.
While the first half of the book is rich in world building and character development, trust me, it’s worth sticking with it. The spice and the intense battle scenes that follow will make it all come together in an epic read!
*Thank you Terina Adams for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.
Aara, captured and forced to fight in the King’s sadistic games, will do anything in her mission to stay alive and protect her newfound family. But to do so, she must team up with Jarin, the one person she despises most. Jarin is a morally complex, devilishly handsome Blade Master whom Aara has sworn to kill. Oh, Jarin� the book boyfriend readers will love to hate, yet secretly yearn for.
While the first half of the book is rich in world building and character development, trust me, it’s worth sticking with it. The spice and the intense battle scenes that follow will make it all come together in an epic read!
*Thank you Terina Adams for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.
March 26, 2025
Aara is a young girl who has been plucked from her home to compete in the games of the Vertex. She is broken, but needs to hone her talent to survive. She seeks out Jarin, the Blade Master, to train her. Her love for others is holding her back, she needs to learn how to love herself enough to survive.
Queen Alysna lives in the shadows. Trying to avoid king Takasi as much as possible. She finds a friendship for Novell, the king’s mistress, and learns her secrets. Then they find themselves having to flee the life they know and love.
Triggers:
- Lost Family
- Violence
Tropes:
- Found family
- Games and trials
- Forbidden love
This was not an easy read. High fantasy can be hard to follow, but the descriptions are so well done, you feel immersed in the world. You feel with the characters.
Queen Alysna lives in the shadows. Trying to avoid king Takasi as much as possible. She finds a friendship for Novell, the king’s mistress, and learns her secrets. Then they find themselves having to flee the life they know and love.
Triggers:
- Lost Family
- Violence
Tropes:
- Found family
- Games and trials
- Forbidden love
This was not an easy read. High fantasy can be hard to follow, but the descriptions are so well done, you feel immersed in the world. You feel with the characters.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
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