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4.2 AVERAGE
4.2 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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
funny
medium-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
Wow what a ride! It‘s been a while since I‘ve had a solid 5-star romantasy read. I raved through this book. Kinda saw the twists coming, but not in a bad way, it felt very satisfying. Good foreshadowing. Some people critiqued that the worldbuilding is not very strong in this one. I didn’t really mind, but hope that we‘ll dive a little further into the magic system in book 2. March 2026 cant come soon enough. I loved all the characters 🥹 Will def check out the author‘s other books.
Let’s start with the positives: the opening was strong. It pulled me in with mystery and intrigue right away. Lyra’s silver scars, Roark’s brooding silence, and the looming danger of the king’s obsession with magic? Yes, please!
The world building was interesting, and the writing itself was solid. Plus, the romance had that slow burn dynamic I usually eat up. However, the pacing dragged. The book slowed after the first 20 percent, and it didn’t pick up again until the last 10 percent.
The love story was sweet but not as emotionally gripping as I wanted it to be. The ending did shock me, but not in a way that made me desperate for the next book. It was one of those “Huh… okay” moments rather than an “OMG, I NEED THE SEQUEL NOW” reaction.
This story was solid, but I wanted more from Lyra's character.
The world building was interesting, and the writing itself was solid. Plus, the romance had that slow burn dynamic I usually eat up. However, the pacing dragged. The book slowed after the first 20 percent, and it didn’t pick up again until the last 10 percent.
The love story was sweet but not as emotionally gripping as I wanted it to be. The ending did shock me, but not in a way that made me desperate for the next book. It was one of those “Huh… okay” moments rather than an “OMG, I NEED THE SEQUEL NOW” reaction.
This story was solid, but I wanted more from Lyra's character.
I loved everything about this book. I’m starting to love any MMC that uses sign language, or in this case, hand speak. The FMC, Lyra, is one of my favorites. Shes strong and cares for her people. I also feel like she is open minded and listens to those around her, even apologizes when she is wrong. Now Roark, yummy! However, his backstory was one of my favorite parts of this book. You don’t figure it out until the end, a cliffhanger of course too involving him. The plot was also very good. I love the idea behind the magic or craft in the world, it’s very different from what we see in other fantasies. Very good spicy scenes too, we obviously don’t get a ton being book one, but they are satisfying! Overall, a great read and I highly recommend it! I need book 2 immediately!!
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
mysterious
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:
Yes
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really enjoy this author's writing. There is a good balance in world and the magic system building but it isn't too cumbersome or complicated. I'm disappointed to have to wait for the next book, the plot is very intriquing and there were twists I saw coming and others that I didn't see!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Gore, Misogyny, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail