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4.43 AVERAGE
4.43 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 (4.5 rounded up to 5)
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 🌶🌶🌶
This book sucked me in from the very first page!
I really enjoyed the intriguing world, which gave me some dystopian vibes, and I found it easy to imagine everything that was happening.
I loved Mika, the nanny/ retired assassin FMC, and Riley, the cinnamom roll (with burnt edges) MMC. The chemistry, tension, and verbal/ physical sparring between them was perfect! And the slow burn to steamy romance was delicious.
The found family aspect of this book was great, as was the feminine rage (that is one thing that will always get to me!), and I enjoyed the LGBTQ+ rep, hidden identity, secrets, and banter.
But that cliffhanger ending? I need the next book please!
𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝑰 𝒆𝒏𝒋𝒐𝒚𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕: stabby FMC, MMC with hidden identity, banter, secrets, world-building, steamy romance, found family, feminine rage, non-binary rep
☆I received an ARC of this book from the author and R&R Book Tours. All thoughts are my own honest opinions.☆
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 🌶🌶🌶
This book sucked me in from the very first page!
I really enjoyed the intriguing world, which gave me some dystopian vibes, and I found it easy to imagine everything that was happening.
I loved Mika, the nanny/ retired assassin FMC, and Riley, the cinnamom roll (with burnt edges) MMC. The chemistry, tension, and verbal/ physical sparring between them was perfect! And the slow burn to steamy romance was delicious.
The found family aspect of this book was great, as was the feminine rage (that is one thing that will always get to me!), and I enjoyed the LGBTQ+ rep, hidden identity, secrets, and banter.
But that cliffhanger ending? I need the next book please!
𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝑰 𝒆𝒏𝒋𝒐𝒚𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕: stabby FMC, MMC with hidden identity, banter, secrets, world-building, steamy romance, found family, feminine rage, non-binary rep
☆I received an ARC of this book from the author and R&R Book Tours. All thoughts are my own honest opinions.☆
adventurous
dark
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
spice : 🌶
-
WOW.
I already know I'm going to be obsessed with this series. If you love stabby ladies, morally grey characters, and enough feminine rage to drown in .. then you'll need to read this book!!
Mika is a badass assassin and an ungifted Null. sold as a slave to the kingdom of Nemoris. But the unexpected happens when she meets the motley crew that she'll be traveling with.
In comes daddy Beans, little Bitty, Riley the drunk and grumpy Tovi. I could not get enough of any of them, and how they all meshed together, and then with Mika in the mixture .. ugh *chefs kiss*. And speaking of a chef, our girl Mika is the biggest foodie .. we was always following her nose to find ingredients for some delicious meals. It makes me wish there were a few recipes included 😂
Their journey was full of brawls, adventure, and secrets, but i really liked Mika and the bonds she built with her found family, her ability to find her place among the group.
I loved the magic system and world building, it was not hard to follow with the gorgeous map included (done by @cartographybird), and has a pronunciation guide for characters and locations which is always beyond helpful when reading fantasy!
Its been such a pleasure to be apart of the ARC team for @rmoodyauthor, the materials she provides you with is endless!
But most of all, her writing is creative and so entertaining! I absolutely LOVED this book !! And I cannot wait for more of Mika and her friends, especially after the cliff I was left standing on !
spice : 🌶
-
WOW.
I already know I'm going to be obsessed with this series. If you love stabby ladies, morally grey characters, and enough feminine rage to drown in .. then you'll need to read this book!!
Mika is a badass assassin and an ungifted Null. sold as a slave to the kingdom of Nemoris. But the unexpected happens when she meets the motley crew that she'll be traveling with.
In comes daddy Beans, little Bitty, Riley the drunk and grumpy Tovi. I could not get enough of any of them, and how they all meshed together, and then with Mika in the mixture .. ugh *chefs kiss*. And speaking of a chef, our girl Mika is the biggest foodie .. we was always following her nose to find ingredients for some delicious meals. It makes me wish there were a few recipes included 😂
Their journey was full of brawls, adventure, and secrets, but i really liked Mika and the bonds she built with her found family, her ability to find her place among the group.
I loved the magic system and world building, it was not hard to follow with the gorgeous map included (done by @cartographybird), and has a pronunciation guide for characters and locations which is always beyond helpful when reading fantasy!
Its been such a pleasure to be apart of the ARC team for @rmoodyauthor, the materials she provides you with is endless!
But most of all, her writing is creative and so entertaining! I absolutely LOVED this book !! And I cannot wait for more of Mika and her friends, especially after the cliff I was left standing on !
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Wow, I’m a little speechless after finishing this book… If you are a fan of strong, independent women, warring with and overcoming their demons through pure feminine rage and vulnerability, then this book is for you! 10/10 recommend to any Romantasy fans that do not mind trigger warnings and a little gore.
For Fans Of:
💜 Forced proximity
🖤 Hate to love
✨ Feminine rage
💜 Found family
🖤 LGBTQ+ cast & diverse rep
✨ Morally grey FMC
💜 Cinnamon roll MMC
🖤 Hidden identity
✨ Reluctant hero/heroine
💜 Court politics/political intrigue
This book is incredible! The magic system is so unique and once you get past the world-building, you are immediately immersed into a world of fast action, high stakes, witty banter, romantic tension and lovable characters.
Mika is the retired assassin purchased to help locate and rescue a missing princess. Haunted by her past, she fights to control the rage that threatens to consume her.
It was such an emotional rollercoaster! You can’t help but feel heartbroken for Mika and her struggle with feelings of unworthiness. The found family aspect of this story was EVERYTHING! The chemistry between this entire band of misfits was perfection.
When I tell you I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, I am NOT JOKING! You can’t begin to fathom the twists and turns coming at you around every corner.
I cannot wait to see where this story leads. The sequel couldn’t possibly get here sooner! 🖤
For Fans Of:
💜 Forced proximity
🖤 Hate to love
✨ Feminine rage
💜 Found family
🖤 LGBTQ+ cast & diverse rep
✨ Morally grey FMC
💜 Cinnamon roll MMC
🖤 Hidden identity
✨ Reluctant hero/heroine
💜 Court politics/political intrigue
This book is incredible! The magic system is so unique and once you get past the world-building, you are immediately immersed into a world of fast action, high stakes, witty banter, romantic tension and lovable characters.
Mika is the retired assassin purchased to help locate and rescue a missing princess. Haunted by her past, she fights to control the rage that threatens to consume her.
It was such an emotional rollercoaster! You can’t help but feel heartbroken for Mika and her struggle with feelings of unworthiness. The found family aspect of this story was EVERYTHING! The chemistry between this entire band of misfits was perfection.
When I tell you I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, I am NOT JOKING! You can’t begin to fathom the twists and turns coming at you around every corner.
I cannot wait to see where this story leads. The sequel couldn’t possibly get here sooner! 🖤
This was an incredible book that I will NEVER forget because OMG!!! ALL THE FEELS!!
5/5 ⭐
Mika, the retired assassin, is a Patron of the Divine, but absent of a Gift she is marked as Null & Void. She thought the rest of her life would be solitary and dull when she is sold as a slave. Now, she must help with the rescue of a princess in a foreign land, but with danger lurking at every corner, betrayal and the uncertainty of the task, she'll have to learn to trust those around her. Inside of her, the rage is simmering beneath her skin threatening everything, and as a certain someone fights for her heart and truths come to the surface Mika will come to embrace her true self, or her rage will finally take the wheel.
SOOOOOOOOOOOOO OMG OMG OMG, I am obsessed with everything in this book!! The fantastic worldbuilding with the gifts and the divine system, the character development, IT MADE ME SOB A COUPLE OF TIMES (I'm still not over it) and the incredible way it made me swoon and scream.
I really really liked Mika, her complex character, the way she overthinks things (just like me) and ow strong and genuine she is made her a very special character and one that I can't wait to see more about. Now Riley my man!! I loved to see the little changes in him throughout the book, and THE FINAL TWO CHAPTER (IYKYK). That man has my undying love. Tori I HAD SO MANY FEELINGS TOWARDS HER BUT ENDED UP LOVING HER!! Daddy Beans is exactly that "daddy" and I really love Bittty too!! They're amazing, love their hearing Gift, and how they never doubted Mika.
All the horses were my absolute highlight in the book!! :)
If you are looking for an amazing book to read with unique worldbuilding, exquisite character development and P A I N, go for this book I KNOW YOU WILL ADORE IT!!!
Love you all and happy reading 💋💋
5/5 ⭐
Mika, the retired assassin, is a Patron of the Divine, but absent of a Gift she is marked as Null & Void. She thought the rest of her life would be solitary and dull when she is sold as a slave. Now, she must help with the rescue of a princess in a foreign land, but with danger lurking at every corner, betrayal and the uncertainty of the task, she'll have to learn to trust those around her. Inside of her, the rage is simmering beneath her skin threatening everything, and as a certain someone fights for her heart and truths come to the surface Mika will come to embrace her true self, or her rage will finally take the wheel.
SOOOOOOOOOOOOO OMG OMG OMG, I am obsessed with everything in this book!! The fantastic worldbuilding with the gifts and the divine system, the character development, IT MADE ME SOB A COUPLE OF TIMES (I'm still not over it) and the incredible way it made me swoon and scream.
I really really liked Mika, her complex character, the way she overthinks things (just like me) and ow strong and genuine she is made her a very special character and one that I can't wait to see more about. Now Riley my man!! I loved to see the little changes in him throughout the book, and THE FINAL TWO CHAPTER (IYKYK). That man has my undying love. Tori I HAD SO MANY FEELINGS TOWARDS HER BUT ENDED UP LOVING HER!! Daddy Beans is exactly that "daddy" and I really love Bittty too!! They're amazing, love their hearing Gift, and how they never doubted Mika.
All the horses were my absolute highlight in the book!! :)
If you are looking for an amazing book to read with unique worldbuilding, exquisite character development and P A I N, go for this book I KNOW YOU WILL ADORE IT!!!
Love you all and happy reading 💋💋
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Mika used to work as the Silent Assassin, until a job went too far for her and she refused to kill anymore…and retired.
Nemoris recently requested and purchased the Silent Assassin to help with locating the kidnapped first Princess Ofnemoris, Amarilyss. So, she not only has been purchased and is now owned by another land and people, but has to travel with an odd bunch to where the Princess was last seen to save her.
This is a long book and A LOT of thought went into this world, the people, the magic system, and I always appreciate that. I loved learning about the world, there’s a lot to it with Patrons, and Nulls, etc. There is a magic system, but it wasn’t really the focus, and so I didn’t learn as much about it as I would have liked. It may be expounded on in the next book.
There is an adorable found family in this book that I couldn’t get enough of. Beans the fatherly figure, Bitty that unruly teenager(except he’s in his 20s, but I’d be excited to go on an adventure too!), Riley the drunk, and Tovi the rather grumpy, suspicious of everyone, warrior gal. And mix in the Silent Assassin, Mika, and they made for an interesting bunch. Mika who has never truly experienced being in a family, experiences it full force and its humorous and heartbreaking at the same time. They were seriously such an odd and ridiculous bunch, and you’re stuck with them the entire book 😆
Because it’s a group of people traveling together, it kind of made me think of Lord of the Rings. A group of random people traveling together on an adventure trying to find someone and they slowly develop into a family.
Mika has had a lot of trauma and to see her be forced into a position to work with others was definitely something to see. She’s angry, doesn’t like to be touched and prefers to work alone. Oh did I mention she’s angry and has a lot of rage? The rage, I totally get. This girl has been through stuff and I just say “rage girl!”. She deserves to be angry with the world and people. She’s been betrayed so many times, it’s understandable to not trust anyone ever. And to be scared to even try.
Her growth was a long one in this one. Slowly learning to trust these people, to also allow a slow burn romance to develop(although she really fought this and I’ll get into it later), and even when betrayed, she learns to still love and forgive. It’s quite the growth she goes through.
Now a couple things, I really did enjoy the long journey these had and you really get to know them and see the relationships develop naturally. I do think it dragged on a bit too long. At one point, I paused and thought to myself “what are they supposed to be doing again?” 🤔 At that point, I knew this was going on for too long. Not that there is anything necessarily wrong with that, there was so much detail that it was riveting to read, but things should have happened along the way to make it more interesting and exciting, which there was like one, but I needed more to keep my mind on track.
This book is basically about Mika and her learning to deal with her past trauma and to learn to not only trust others again and let them in, but to love and accept herself. That’s the book in a nutshell. And, well, it got a bit annoying after awhile.
And because the entire book was about Mika and her just not accepting love from anyone or refusing it, the romance honestly made no sense to me. It just randomly developed. She was horrible to him, and I get it, she went through stuff that I know wouldn’t want to trust a man. My issue was that, she clearly did not want a relationship to develop, but you can’t go and just play with his feelings because she clearly felt feelings, but didn’t want to acknowledge them, and instead messed with his and then would push him away saying “we can’t be together!”. It was very childish, and to me, if you don’t actually want to develop feelings, it’s not that hard to just keep them at an arms distance. It’s called self-control, which she should have being the Silent Assassin, but Mika kind of turned into a different person as the book went on and lost skills as an assassin(if that makes sense), despite some growth she went through.
I will say I appreciate Riley because he could see right past Mika and the way she acted. He was the adult in this relationship and I appreciate his patience and kindness towards Mika, knowing there was more there with her, she was just being prideful and stubborn, but he could see past that. I need his patience 😅
So, it’s a long book with a lot of detail of the world and the food they ate(THAT got annoying real fast 😅), developing found family and relationships and mainly about Mika and her growth. The last 1/4 of the book turned into a completely different book with a lot of stuff happening and action and random stuff that got thrown in there about the world and the kingdom they were in that I wondered why wasn’t this discussed at the start of the book, but it’s fine. It made for a climactic ending, for sure.
I’ve been waffling between 3 ⭐️ and 4 ⭐️, so I guess I’ll say this is 3.5 ⭐️ for me. I still am having a hard time deciding if I loved it or not. I loved it up to a point and the last part of the book just sounded like a different story that I would give its own rating, but I’ll just stick with an overall 3.5 ⭐️.
I highly recommend this one because I know many will love this book!
I received a gifted e-arc to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
“Mika, if we constantly let the awful things that happen darken the sun, then we would never see the light again.”
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
(but like so much sexual tension!)
Wow! This much anticipated read did not disappoint! Unless you count having to wait to know what happens next of course…because that ending!!
We kick off being introduced to Mika, the feisty firecat of a heroine as she transitions into the next unknown chapter of her life. Formerly known as the feared Silent Assassin, Mika is sold to another kingdom for her particular set of skills to aid in a special mission. Once an assassin, always an assassin as they say….
As she and her new companions set off, Mika is full of rage, recipes, and relatable inner monologues that have solidified her as one of my new favorite perfectly imperfect FMCs. She’s so compelling and complex (and deeply traumatized) yet she is still able to connect with those around her and see the beauty in the natural world despite her own jaded nature and the roiling rage within her. A rage so deeply a part of her being that it threatens to overtake her at any moment.
Traversing beautifully imagined landscapes and sidestepping many twists, turns, and losses along the way, Mika and her companions must find strength in their bonds with each other while navigating their own complicated pasts, mistakes, and imperfections (except for Beans who is perfect in every way and has never done a thing wrong a day in his life).
I found this book to be thrilling and totally unique while masterfully weaving in some of the genre’s best tropes. I felt comfort in the familiarity of those tropes, while being completely at a loss for what to expect next (in a good way!). I loved that the plot kept me guessing all the way til the very end! I was on the edge of my seat one second then giddily kicking my feet the next, and occasionally bursting into tears.
Null & Void is an explosive debut fantasy novel from R. Moody that is perfect for fans of Throne of Glass, The Assassins Blade, and Crown of Midnight (and dare I say, X-Men…? That is probably just a me thing lol). From the moment you open it up to the stunning map, pronunciation guide, AND glossary, Null & Void is sure to have you hooked from the very first page. Adventure, intrigue, and a steamy dash of romance will have you laughing, crying, hungry (literally for the food in this book), and turning pages faster than you can say “Beans”!
Thank you Rae for selecting me to be a part of your street team and providing me with an advanced ereader copy! But most of all, thank you for sharing your Gift with us!
🚨 Readers Be Aware! Please always check the content warnings. In this case, they are provided by the author in the text before diving in to the story itself. While this book is amazing and I highly recommend it, some content may not be for everyone, and that’s ok! Take care of yourself!
Thoughts and review are honest and entirely my own. 🫶
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Kidnapping, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Physical abuse, Slavery, Excrement, Vomit, Trafficking, Grief
Minor: Domestic abuse, Racism, Blood, Medical trauma
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Null & Void is one of those rare gems that pulls you in from the very first page and refuses to let go. The cover itself radiates the raw emotion contained within this story, and it perfectly mirrors the journey of our main character, Mika—a young woman who has been betrayed, used, and cast aside by a world that should have protected her. She and her broken stray-cat-like self will forever live in my heart.
The writing style also makes this debut novel stand out. It feels like you’re inside Mika’s head, experiencing every thought, every emotion, every doubt, and every flicker of hope she has as she navigates through her tumultuous life. The story initially unfolds almost like a slice of life, with Mika and her companions traveling together, but the pacing and action are much quicker, making it impossible to put down. And darkness lurks in these pages - make sure you check your trigger warnings on the author's website.
The found family dynamics are beautifully crafted, resonating deeply with anyone who has ever found solace in friendships that feel more like family. Mika’s relationship with Riley is everything—top-tier romance that is both heartwarming and heartwrenching. These characters are broken and vulnerable, yet they are fiercely protective of one another, and that bond is the beating heart of the story. But it’s the emotional depth of this book that truly sets it apart. You feel every ounce of Mika’s pain, her rage, and her desperate hope for something better. The romance is beautifully developed, with moments that will make your heart ache in the best way possible.
The world-building is intriguing, with a harsh, kind of grimdark fantasy feel. The political intrigue and plot are complex and the morally grey characters keep you constantly questioning their motivations, making the story all the more compelling.
This is an absolutely phenomenal debut. It’s packed with fascinating world-building, deeply flawed and complex characters, and a story that will leave you begging for the next book. If you’re a fan of intense, emotionally charged fantasy with a strong focus on character development and relationships, this is a must-read. I’m already desperate for the sequel—this series is going to be something truly special.
Thanks to the author and R&R Booktours for the opportunity to read a review. This review is based on a complimentary pre-released copy and it is voluntary. All opinions are my own.
The writing style also makes this debut novel stand out. It feels like you’re inside Mika’s head, experiencing every thought, every emotion, every doubt, and every flicker of hope she has as she navigates through her tumultuous life. The story initially unfolds almost like a slice of life, with Mika and her companions traveling together, but the pacing and action are much quicker, making it impossible to put down. And darkness lurks in these pages - make sure you check your trigger warnings on the author's website.
The found family dynamics are beautifully crafted, resonating deeply with anyone who has ever found solace in friendships that feel more like family. Mika’s relationship with Riley is everything—top-tier romance that is both heartwarming and heartwrenching. These characters are broken and vulnerable, yet they are fiercely protective of one another, and that bond is the beating heart of the story. But it’s the emotional depth of this book that truly sets it apart. You feel every ounce of Mika’s pain, her rage, and her desperate hope for something better. The romance is beautifully developed, with moments that will make your heart ache in the best way possible.
The world-building is intriguing, with a harsh, kind of grimdark fantasy feel. The political intrigue and plot are complex and the morally grey characters keep you constantly questioning their motivations, making the story all the more compelling.
This is an absolutely phenomenal debut. It’s packed with fascinating world-building, deeply flawed and complex characters, and a story that will leave you begging for the next book. If you’re a fan of intense, emotionally charged fantasy with a strong focus on character development and relationships, this is a must-read. I’m already desperate for the sequel—this series is going to be something truly special.
Thanks to the author and R&R Booktours for the opportunity to read a review. This review is based on a complimentary pre-released copy and it is voluntary. All opinions are my own.
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Null and Void is such a great, unique fantasy read. I loved all the characters, and I especially thought the side characters were well developed. The magic system was reminiscent of Graceling, but had enough differences to make it really interesting, and the political system surrounding eye colors creates a complex world for the characters to move around in. The romance was a little inconsistent at first, with the FMC swooning over the MMC and then “hating” him the next moment, but by the end of the book I was rooting for them. I can’t wait for the sequel!