The Cost for Surviving

Royal Factions, Book 2

By: W.J. May

Narrated by: Graham Mack

Length: 5 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

Is it really living when you spend your life in a cage....

The wait is over, the dust has settled, and the captives have finally been claimed. Elise thought the deadly game was finished, but the more time she spends in the palace, the more she begins to fear the real game has only just begun.

In the aftermath of the ceremony, each of the friends try to adjust to their new life. But some are having more trouble than others. Will's perpetual defiance lands him in trouble with the queen herself, while Elise is playing a dangerous balancing act, trying to understand the affections of the prince. The man can be sweet, but also psychotic. At times, he seems to truly care - but with a snap of his fingers, she'd be sentenced to death.

Danger is brewing. In the royal court, nothing is as it seems. They are told repeatedly to content themselves with the life for which they've been chosen. But how can you live with monsters without becoming a monster yourself? Is it really a life, or just going through the motions?

The more time they spend in the palace, the longer the days drag on, the more a single word keeps rising in each of their minds...escape.

Royal Factions:

1. The Price for Peace
2. The Cost for Surviving
3. The Punishment for Deception
4. Faking Perfection
5. The Most Cherished
6. The Strength to Endure

©2020 Wanita May (P)2020 Wanita May

Is the cost worth it?

Now that the claiming is complete, Elise and her friends are forced to deal with the new lives that have been chosen for them. Some seemingly better then others. As reality begins to set it, it becomes evident that they have been trapped in a less than desirable situation. Is the cost really worth it?

W.J. May has woven another intricate tale. Her characters are well developed and her unique storyline pulled me right in. Just watch out for that cliffhanger!

Graham Mack’s calm and soothing voice is ideal for the story. A truly entertaining performance.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.

Chilling!

This book just keeps getting better! The captives have been claimed and Elise is trying to figure out what the prince wants from her. He has little to say to her and his eyes are almost black, but there's a question behind them. Her friends have found their new "homes," some being tolerable and others the depth of depravity. They are forced to submit to anyone, anytime, anywhere, horrifying Elise at the cruelty of the castle. She has been given more freedom and is allowed to go anywhere on the palace grounds, as long as she has guards around her at all times. There are changes in the prince that surprise and please Elise. He accompanies her on walks, invites her to play cards in his salon and simply enjoys spending time with her. He even laughs! Just as she's starting to believe that he's not the monster as everyone believes, she takes an entirely foolish chance for a friend, and it  isn't going to end well for either of them. 
Graham Mack does a wonderful job with the narration. He has a dynamic voice and his accents are spot on. 

Left me breathless, again

I can’t even. Wanita May’s cliffhangers leave me breathless and speechless every time. This is book 2 of the Royal Factions series. If you haven’t yet, read book 1. If it’s been awhile, revisit the last scene in book 1. Because The Cost for Surviving starts off just moments after the end of book 1 in a complete whirlwind. Elise’s world has just dramatically changed, with her new destiny laid out before her. Impossible and dangerous choices lay ahead of her, and I found myself breathlessly captivated and often pleasantly puzzled by the path she opts to takes. And in true W J May style, the final scene of this adventure kept me on pins and needles before causing my jaw to drop to the floor. I’m not sure I can wait for book 3 on Audible, I may need to download the eBook before this day is over.