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Something Wicked by 

Falon Ballard



Review: Something Wicked by Falon Ballard
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)

Something Wicked caught my eye with its absolutely stunning cover (seriously, chef’s kiss), and the opening chapters quickly pulled me in. This romantasy debut blends forbidden magic, slow-burn romance, and political tension in a world of seductive power and rebellion. Think Macbeth meets Moulin Rouge, with a magical twist.

The story centers around Callum, the disgraced son of a dethroned king who’s being groomed to reclaim power, by killing his own father. Opposite him is Lady Caterine, a “Gifted” courtesan with a rare and unique ability: she can manipulate emotions through touch. Their paths collide in a lush, high-stakes environment filled with secrets, manipulation, and emotional seduction.

Ballard sets the stage beautifully. La Puissance, Cate’s elite sex club, is described with vivid, sensory detail, and the interspersed journal entries and letters between chapters were a standout element, they helped deepen the emotional context and really pulled me in.

That said, for all its strengths in atmosphere and aesthetic, the book didn’t fully land for me. The world-building felt underdeveloped. The concept of the “Gifted”, women born with powers, is intriguing, but we’re given only vague hints about their societal status, origins, and limits. The political dynamics, too, feel like they’re only half-explored.

The plot is serviceable, but relatively predictable. I could see the major turns coming early on, which made it harder to stay fully engaged. The pacing also fluctuates, some parts are intense and captivating, while others dragged and lacked emotional depth.

Still, if you’re in the mood for a romance-forward fantasy with high heat, court intrigue, and a lightly magical backdrop, this might be the escape you’re looking for. It’s an easy, entertaining read with strong vibes and a sultry slow-burn at its core.

Final Thoughts:
A stylish and steamy debut that delivers on aesthetics, tension, and romance, but falls a bit short on depth and complexity. With a bit more layered world-building and character development, this could’ve been a standout. As it stands, it’s a fun, escapist read with major potential, and I’d definitely be curious to see what the author does next.




 

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