Amazon Editors' favorite summer reads
Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
OR
$4.99

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Ruled by Magic (Owned by Magic Book 2) Kindle Edition

4.1 out of 5 stars 543 ratings

To earn my freedom, I must submit.

I’m facing years in prison. My crime? Exposing the sordid secrets of Dexia’s magical elite. In my oppressive territory, mages hold all the power, magical tech is outlawed, and sexuality is repressed.

At my sentencing I expect a bored judge, but instead I get a crowd, reporters, and a handsome mage everyone seems to fear. He makes me kneel at his feet, and offers me a deal. Serve six months as his plaything, and leave a free woman. Shame burns through me, but I accept.

He's Leopold Rahl, Dexia's new Lord Commander, the strongest mage in living memory. He's hunted me for months. He means to see me punished.

And I’ve fallen right into his trap.

Ruled by Magic is a dark fantasy romance intended for an adult audience.

Unwell Hydration from Alex Cooper
Hydrate & focus with every sip Shop now

Shop this series

 See full series
There are 3 books in this series.
This option includes 3 books.

Customers also bought or read

Loading...

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09FXHNN64
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Zara J Black
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 31, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.3 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 441 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0645372519
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 2 of 3 ‏ : ‎ Owned by Magic
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 543 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Zara J Black
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Zara began writing in her thirties after reading a series of “fade to black” fantasy books and wondering why the hell the author didn’t make them smuttier.

Challenge, accepted.

She loves creating magical fantasy worlds, turbulent relationships and dark, kinky heroes (who could be villains if you squint a bit.)

When she’s not thinking up ways to torment her characters, Zara lives on the beautiful Gold Coast, Australia with two kiddos and a husband who make her real life far more magical than her stories.

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
543 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers

Customers say

Customers find the book engaging, with one mentioning it kept them glued to the pages. The story features a fascinating dystopian universe with mystery and intrigue, and customers appreciate the well-developed characters.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

15 customers mention "Plot"13 positive2 negative

Customers enjoy the plot of the book, describing it as a fascinating dystopian universe filled with mystery and intrigue, with one customer noting its immersive worldbuilding.

"...The smut was an interesting and fun read, but what makes this book work is that there is a plot that is rich with world building and conspiracy...." Read more

"...and love that will keep you enthralled to the end and that rather interesting ending that will have you scratching your head in slight..." Read more

"Ideally liked this book. It was spicy, full of intrigue, betrayal, and had twist after twist. I'm excited to see what happens next." Read more

"I couldn't put this dark romance down! The romance scenes are hot, kinky, and well placed throughout the book...." Read more

15 customers mention "Readability"15 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable to read, describing it as a fantastic and fun read, with one customer noting it kept them glued to the pages.

"...The smut was an interesting and fun read, but what makes this book work is that there is a plot that is rich with world building and conspiracy...." Read more

"Not bad. Pretty good writing for a debut book. The flow and consistency could have been a bit better though...." Read more

"Ideally liked this book. It was spicy, full of intrigue, betrayal, and had twist after twist. I'm excited to see what happens next." Read more

"...Liv, the female main character, has a depth of emotion that is gripping to read...." Read more

6 customers mention "Character development"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one noting that the male protagonist is less abrasive.

"...The characters are varied and interesting. Liv, the female main character, has a depth of emotion that is gripping to read...." Read more

"...The characters are so great. Liv and Leo are both very well-crafted characters who have sizzling on-page chemistry from start to finish...." Read more

"...I loved it. I fell in love with the characters and I can't wait to read the 2nd book." Read more

"...The male main character isn't as abrasive as the ones in the other novels." Read more

5 customers mention "Writing quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book.

"Not bad. Pretty good writing for a debut book. The flow and consistency could have been a bit better though...." Read more

"...The plot was well thought out and very well written. The characters are varied and interesting...." Read more

"...I love these characters. They’re complex and dynamic and well written, as is the story overall. I’m looking forward to reading more from Zara Black." Read more

"...The author did a wonderful job, and I look forward to Book 2!" Read more

Forced proximity, Magic v Nonmagic Users, Fantasy world building!
5 out of 5 stars
Forced proximity, Magic v Nonmagic Users, Fantasy world building!
So, you know when you read a bunch of books, and you get really good at predicting plot? Well. Not here. I thought the book was going to center around the event that happens in the first 2 chapters. BUT NO. It gets SO MUCH BETTER. I am really looking forward to book two. It does NOT end in a cliffhanger, but does end with an idea of what will be prevalent in book 2.
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2022
    I waited for this book as patiently as I could and when I finally got my hands on it I devoured it. I’ve had the tease of seeing the author’s excerpts through our shared writing groups and was desperate to get the whole story. It didn’t disappoint.

    Ruled by magic follows the story of a teacher turned activist who is to be sentenced for her work exposing a corrupt government that discriminates against those without magic. To avoid her sentence she agrees to be the play thing of a very handsome and dark ruler.

    This novel was absolutely outside what I normally read and at times tested my comfort level. The smut was an interesting and fun read, but what makes this book work is that there is a plot that is rich with world building and conspiracy. My only complaint is that it seemed to have wrapped up too easily, but the main focus of this novel is the relationship development between the two main characters.

    I remember once reading an excerpt and saying something about how the male main character was a great villain and the author told me he was actually the hero. I was surprised, but now I Can see that he is the hero, but deeply flawed. It adds an elements that is unique and refreshing.

    I look forward to the next book and am excited to see how the author takes a character that seems terrible and makes them a main character worth reading about.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2024
    At first, I wasn't sure of I'd stick with this book because I apparently got used to Adante's brand of cruelty that Leo seemed too tame for my taste. It wasn't until he got mad at Liv that they caught my interest. What does that say about me? 😂

    Anyway, I don't know how to feel about how Adante's portrayed in this. I'm still rooting for him, but he seemed so villanous in this perspective. I'm glad that I can easily get my hands on the next and final book so I'll know what happens.
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2022
    Not bad. Pretty good writing for a debut book. The flow and consistency could have been a bit better though. The hero's personality changed too much and sometimes he acted way younger than his age. Also besides falling in love with each other, there wasn't that much development between the two.

    This is my personal preference, but it made it hard to like the book because there was so much of it, but there is a lot of public humiliation in it and he likes it too. Maybe it would be easier to read if the heroine liked it, but it was only the hero, and the things he made her do in public and what to wear went so against her comfort and my comfort. I also like my heros more possessive, and while he doesn't share, he's all for getting her naked in front of everyone and making her wear as little as possible, or taking off her clothes for punishment (he made her lift her dress up in front of everyone including his brother, and face the wall for punishment) the king remarked how if he didn't want people to insult her, he should have made her do the things, and I definitely agree. He belittles the heroine in public but then gets mad when others belittle her too, so I definitely would have liked if he kept that stuff in the bedroom, because it made it hard to like him😅

    Safety:

    No virgins

    No manhos

    No ow/om drama

    No cheating/sharing
    13 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2022
    Bit of a dystopian fantasy where mages and others control and repress. All the makings of a good dark romance that will pull you in.

    Livet and Leo aka Lord Commander start off in a peculiar position as she takes on the role as his consort to free herself and save her friend Hex. What transpires over the course of the book goes from dark and scary to admiration and love that will keep you enthralled to the end and that rather interesting ending that will have you scratching your head in slight confusion.

    At first I wanted to hate Leo because his need for revenge clouded him and he was a tyrant to Livet. But the further I got into the story, my opinion changed and I fell in love with him. Livet I was happy to see was strong and still held her ground.

    Curious about the next book that focuses on Prince Adante and another character Talia. Considering what transpired in this book I’m feeling a little ambivalent on how to feel.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2022
    Ideally liked this book. It was spicy, full of intrigue, betrayal, and had twist after twist. I'm excited to see what happens next.
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2022
    I couldn't put this dark romance down! The romance scenes are hot, kinky, and well placed throughout the book. The plot was well thought out and very well written.
    The characters are varied and interesting. Liv, the female main character, has a depth of emotion that is gripping to read. Her guilt over enjoying certain things of her captivity is so well portrayed. Leo is complicated. He seems like such a powerful, domineering guy, then SPOILERS.
    Zara created an interesting world with different countries/cities and cultures along with an colorful magic system.
    I can't wait for her next book.
    100% reccomend!
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2022
    I absolutely love this book. I don't even know where to start. The characters are so great. Liv and Leo are both very well-crafted characters who have sizzling on-page chemistry from start to finish. The worldbuilding in this fantasy world is immersive. It's easy to get a good sense of the world from the very beginning, but as the story progresses, more and more about this world is uncovered. The plot itself is fun. I love a good corruption story haha. It's about choices having consequences, and things not always being what they seem. I highly recommend this book if you're looking for a delicious dark fantasy romance to sink your teeth into.
    One person found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Jess. (JessReviews)
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good story
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 31, 2022
    I enjoyed reading this book. The characters were good and I enjoyed the storyline.

    I liked Liv. She was a strong character and you kind of understood her reasoning for going through with everything. She was strong to cope with everything.

    Leo was quite a complex character. He treated her horribly at the beginning with all if the humiliation. Yes, he had his reasoning, but he quickly learnt that what she did wasn’t out of malice. I enjoyed seeing him slowly change and seeing his feelings slowly develop.

    The storyline was good, although the world building could have been a little clearer. We were thrown into how non-mages and mages were in society and how women were expected to dress. A little more explanation would have made why Leo dressed Liv the way he did more clear and why it was humiliating. You still get the idea eventually though.

    It was nice when Leo and Liv established their feelings for once another. Liv enjoyed how he used her body and he knew it, but it meant more when there were feelings involved. As much as he enjoyed humiliating her, he understood that she didn’t like it. After the ending, I would love to know how they both progressed. How much freedom did Leo give her after everything? How did things change after what happened and his newfound status? It leaves you wanting to read the rest of the series knowing that book 3 will conclude them as well as the characters in book 2.

    Overall, I would definitely recommend this book. The characters were great and storyline was good.

    Jessreviews.co.uk
  • Marisa
    5.0 out of 5 stars Original, creative, dark and captivating
    Reviewed in Canada on February 5, 2022
    I would not have believed that this is the author’s debut novel. Just what a debut. Original, creative, dark and captivating.

    The author created a complex and yet easy to understand world. Not just one area and a few characters but a nation with multiple territories and different customs, behaviors and people. For something that should be complex the author does a great job describing everything in an interesting and memorable way.

    I did like the romance and the main characters, and although their dynamic wasn’t the most original, it was still a steamy and well written part of the story. I actually enjoyed the political and fantasy aspects of the story a bit more than the love story. I think that the characters featured in the next book may capture my attention a little bit more than a political side.

    I’m very much looking forward to book two and seeing more of this world.

    4.5/5
  • Kindle Customer Christiana Matthews
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fun, sexy romp.
    Reviewed in Australia on February 5, 2022
    I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and even though it’s labelled Dark Romance, it didn’t seem too dark to me. With a sweet, likeable heroine, an arrogant, brooding hero with a slightly softer side and a fascination with kink, it’s bound to please romance fans. Then there are the villains, both of whom are just as arrogant as the male lead, but with an added fillip of cruelty. The king is downright nasty. I hope he comes to a painful end.
    The writing’s well-crafted, the plot’s fun and engaging and the author obviously cares about her characters. She’ll make you fall for them too.

    Highly recommend it.
  • Kathryn Ann
    4.0 out of 5 stars Unsurely great….
    Reviewed in Australia on February 4, 2023
    Confusing I know. I like the story line and there was one hell of a twist, I didn’t see coming with all the guesses I made.
    Something I struggle with is the relationship between Leo and Liv, if you are into the kink I guess it will work for you. But I found those very uncomfortable and ended up skimming them. Not too often those types of scenes are skipped, but they were not for me.
  • Krista Garcha
    3.0 out of 5 stars An enjoyable read
    Reviewed in Canada on June 14, 2022
    I really liked reading this book. The genre isn’t something I’ve delved into before but it was fun to go down a new rabbit hole! I’m excited to see what comes next in this new world Zara Black has imagined for us!

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?