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karly_rose_reads's reviews
226 reviews
Visions & Shadows by Michelle Heard
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
eARC Review—I try to give every book I read a fair shot, especially if it's a debut, but Visions & Shadows ultimately missed the mark for me.
I've noodled on this over a week, but it came down to the romance wasn't believable, for me. It may have been that the story began in high school and it gave off Twilight vibes—but I could never "buy into" the romance. It fell flat, and the dialogue didn't resonate.
As a result, I put a lot more focus on the fantasy aspects of this book. These also fell short, but this is semi expected since this is a fantasy romance. The pacing, world development and magic system felt rushed and underdeveloped (even for a first book in a series).
This book is very fast paced (as many reviewers note), but I think that came at the sacrifice of the story. It felt like we were continuously jumping from one point to the next and it made the story choppy.
I also really struggled with the 10 chosen—there is little to no rationalization why these people were chosen. I was even more confused that some of them were related since they're supposed to repopulate their species.
This book feels like a vibe read—it either hits for you or it doesn't, and this just didn't do it for me.
I am curious to see where the author takes this storyline—it has all the ingredients for a really interesting story even with all of my conflicting feelings—so I'll likely continue this series. the execution is where I struggled most.
Thank you to Chasing Books PR for an eARC of this book ahead of its release.
I've noodled on this over a week, but it came down to the romance wasn't believable, for me. It may have been that the story began in high school and it gave off Twilight vibes—but I could never "buy into" the romance. It fell flat, and the dialogue didn't resonate.
As a result, I put a lot more focus on the fantasy aspects of this book. These also fell short, but this is semi expected since this is a fantasy romance. The pacing, world development and magic system felt rushed and underdeveloped (even for a first book in a series).
This book is very fast paced (as many reviewers note), but I think that came at the sacrifice of the story. It felt like we were continuously jumping from one point to the next and it made the story choppy.
I also really struggled with the 10 chosen—there is little to no rationalization why these people were chosen. I was even more confused that some of them were related since they're supposed to repopulate their species.
This book feels like a vibe read—it either hits for you or it doesn't, and this just didn't do it for me.
I am curious to see where the author takes this storyline—it has all the ingredients for a really interesting story even with all of my conflicting feelings—so I'll likely continue this series. the execution is where I struggled most.
Thank you to Chasing Books PR for an eARC of this book ahead of its release.
Riftborne by Parker Lennox
dark
emotional
inspiring
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? It's complicated
4.0
I can already tell that I will be thinking about Riftborne by Grenwich & Lennox for a while, especially after THAT ENDING.
I’ve truly been fortunate to read some fantastic debut romantasy books this year, and this book is officially part of that list.
If you like romantasy books set in a darker world filled with power struggles and a healthy dose of tension (especially if it’s a forbidden one), then you should add Riftborne to your TBR.
What to expect:
✨ New adult dark romantasy series (incomplete)
✨ 1st person, single POV
✨ Magical special ops
✨ Class divide
✨ Found family // female friendships
✨ Forbidden romance
✨ Slowwww burn
Available on KU ✨
The atmosphere of this book is perfection — I love that everything feels cloaked in shadows, especially the way the FMC (Fia) is described (white hair, ghostly complexion, haunting eyes). She would easily fit into a Tim Burton movie (in the best ways).
I LOVE that Fia is the focal point of this book. I’m used to reading books where it’s 50/50 with the FMC and MMC, but this was refreshing where it felt Fia was given center stage so I could get to know her and emotionally invest in her character. Don’t get me wrong, the General is a babe with his face scar, but I definitely am going to continue this series for Fia.
My reasonings for giving this a 4/5 are due to writing style and dialogue choices (aka very subjective reasons), so I won’t go into more detail than that. Absolutely recommend reading this book!
A sincere thank you to the authors for gifting me a physical copy of the book. I chose to switch between reading my physical copy and KU to further support the authors 💚
I’ve truly been fortunate to read some fantastic debut romantasy books this year, and this book is officially part of that list.
If you like romantasy books set in a darker world filled with power struggles and a healthy dose of tension (especially if it’s a forbidden one), then you should add Riftborne to your TBR.
What to expect:
✨ New adult dark romantasy series (incomplete)
✨ 1st person, single POV
✨ Magical special ops
✨ Class divide
✨ Found family // female friendships
✨ Forbidden romance
✨ Slowwww burn
Available on KU ✨
The atmosphere of this book is perfection — I love that everything feels cloaked in shadows, especially the way the FMC (Fia) is described (white hair, ghostly complexion, haunting eyes). She would easily fit into a Tim Burton movie (in the best ways).
I LOVE that Fia is the focal point of this book. I’m used to reading books where it’s 50/50 with the FMC and MMC, but this was refreshing where it felt Fia was given center stage so I could get to know her and emotionally invest in her character. Don’t get me wrong, the General is a babe with his face scar, but I definitely am going to continue this series for Fia.
My reasonings for giving this a 4/5 are due to writing style and dialogue choices (aka very subjective reasons), so I won’t go into more detail than that. Absolutely recommend reading this book!
A sincere thank you to the authors for gifting me a physical copy of the book. I chose to switch between reading my physical copy and KU to further support the authors 💚
The Starlight Heir by Amalie Howard
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
fast-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
4.5
I couldn't put this book down & read it within 24 hours!
If you enjoy fast-paced romantasy with a deadly contest, a stabby FMC, an epic quest, and Persian & Indian mythology, then you should add The Starlight Heir by Amalie Howard to your TBR.
What to expect:
️🔥 Romantasy
️🔥 1st person, dual POV
️🔥 Deadly contest for a bride
️🔥 Epic quest
️🔥 Witty banter
️🔥 Forced proximity
️🔥 Persian mythology
I believe fans of Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J. Tuli will also love this book.
This story is action-packed with self discovery, secrets, and twists and turns. I thought the world building was easy to follow, and I love the character growth of Suraya, our FMC. I'm excited to see where Amalie takes this story, ESPECIALLY after that epilogue.
Quick synopsis:
Suraya, a 25 year old blacksmith and commoner, is invited to compete as a potential bride for the crown prince. This stabby FMC decides to enter into this contest in hopes to see the palace her late mother dearly loved...but she quickly realizes this contest is a veiled hunt for the prophesied "starbringer." Fearing this may be her and not wanting to be used as a weapon of destruction, Suraya ends up joining forces with Roshan, the b*stard prince after rebels attack the castle during the contest and end up on the run.
A sincere thank you to Avon Books for gifting me a physical ARC of The Starlight Heir.
If you enjoy fast-paced romantasy with a deadly contest, a stabby FMC, an epic quest, and Persian & Indian mythology, then you should add The Starlight Heir by Amalie Howard to your TBR.
What to expect:
️🔥 Romantasy
️🔥 1st person, dual POV
️🔥 Deadly contest for a bride
️🔥 Epic quest
️🔥 Witty banter
️🔥 Forced proximity
️🔥 Persian mythology
I believe fans of Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J. Tuli will also love this book.
This story is action-packed with self discovery, secrets, and twists and turns. I thought the world building was easy to follow, and I love the character growth of Suraya, our FMC. I'm excited to see where Amalie takes this story, ESPECIALLY after that epilogue.
Quick synopsis:
Suraya, a 25 year old blacksmith and commoner, is invited to compete as a potential bride for the crown prince. This stabby FMC decides to enter into this contest in hopes to see the palace her late mother dearly loved...but she quickly realizes this contest is a veiled hunt for the prophesied "starbringer." Fearing this may be her and not wanting to be used as a weapon of destruction, Suraya ends up joining forces with Roshan, the b*stard prince after rebels attack the castle during the contest and end up on the run.
A sincere thank you to Avon Books for gifting me a physical ARC of The Starlight Heir.
The Rose in the Shadows by Arcadia Rayne
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
4.5
Just added this book to my list of "fantastic debuts I've read in 2024" ✍️✍️
If you love a romantasy book with a forbidden love (coupled with a SLOW burn), lost memories, court intrigue, and twists & betrayals—then this is the book for you!
What to expect:
🌹 Fantasy romance
🌹 Primarily 1st person, single POV
🌹 Lost memories
🌹 Forbidden love
🌹 Court intrigue
🌹 Slow burn
🌹 Dragon shifters
🌹 Found family
Available on KU ✨
I'm a sucker for a forbidden romance, so this book had me hooked! I love the dynamic between the FMC and MMC—the banter had me giggling & kicking my feet—along with the various side characters.
I also loved that our FMC is figuring out things as we do (since she lost her memories)—it added a layer of mystery and made the twists that much more surprising.
I will absolutely be continuing this series, especially after that ending!!
If you love a romantasy book with a forbidden love (coupled with a SLOW burn), lost memories, court intrigue, and twists & betrayals—then this is the book for you!
What to expect:
🌹 Fantasy romance
🌹 Primarily 1st person, single POV
🌹 Lost memories
🌹 Forbidden love
🌹 Court intrigue
🌹 Slow burn
🌹 Dragon shifters
🌹 Found family
Available on KU ✨
I'm a sucker for a forbidden romance, so this book had me hooked! I love the dynamic between the FMC and MMC—the banter had me giggling & kicking my feet—along with the various side characters.
I also loved that our FMC is figuring out things as we do (since she lost her memories)—it added a layer of mystery and made the twists that much more surprising.
I will absolutely be continuing this series, especially after that ending!!
Tale of the Heart Queen by Nisha J. Tuli
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
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? It's complicated
5.0
What an incredible ending to an incredible series—Artefacts of Ouranos is officially one of my new favorite fantasy romances!
This book really takes you on a roller coaster of emotions, packed with twists and turns coupled with tear-jerking moments. I can't believe everything that happened within this book, but I couldn't get enough of it. I finished it in two days because I literally couldn't put it down—Nisha J. Tuli's writing is addicting.
Nisha J. Tuli did a magnificent job developing these characters and a unique world—so much so that I'm truly sad to leave them. While it's bittersweet that this series is over, I could not have asked for a better ending. I love the attention that Nisha J. Tuli not only gave to our main characters' endings, but our beloved side characters' endings as well.
A sincere thank you to Forever Pub for gifting me an early reader copy of this book ahead of its release.
This book really takes you on a roller coaster of emotions, packed with twists and turns coupled with tear-jerking moments. I can't believe everything that happened within this book, but I couldn't get enough of it. I finished it in two days because I literally couldn't put it down—Nisha J. Tuli's writing is addicting.
Nisha J. Tuli did a magnificent job developing these characters and a unique world—so much so that I'm truly sad to leave them. While it's bittersweet that this series is over, I could not have asked for a better ending. I love the attention that Nisha J. Tuli not only gave to our main characters' endings, but our beloved side characters' endings as well.
A sincere thank you to Forever Pub for gifting me an early reader copy of this book ahead of its release.
Fate of the Sun King by Nisha J. Tuli
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
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? It's complicated
5.0
I am UNWELL after that ending!! My heart goes out to all readers who had to wait for the fourth and final book after finishing this book.
This series has me in a chokehold. I can’t say I was bored for a single second when reading this book — the secrets? Plot twists? New POVs?!
I LOVE the growth of Lor’s character throughout these books. I also love the development of side characters, such as Gabriel.
I will be immediately starting book 4 as soon as I stop crying.
This series has me in a chokehold. I can’t say I was bored for a single second when reading this book — the secrets? Plot twists? New POVs?!
I LOVE the growth of Lor’s character throughout these books. I also love the development of side characters, such as Gabriel.
I will be immediately starting book 4 as soon as I stop crying.
Rule of the Aurora King by Nisha J. Tuli
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-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
5.0
I love when the main characters hate each other but are also wildly attracted to each other. I EAT IT UP EVERY TIME. Especially when there's phenomenal, witty banter.
Lor put us through it in this book—she's very back and forth with her feelings ON TOP of being super headstrong. I can't count the number of times I yelled at my Kindle in frustration because of her, BUT that's also a clear sign I've bought into her character. I can't wait to see how Nisha continues to grow this character.
Nadir is a consent king. Period. I love this man and his patience for Lor Is he perfect? No. But neither is Lor, and I love how these characters compliment one another.
I think this slow burn may kill me at this point if they don't do it in book 3.
Ending this quick review with Serce sucks.
Onto book 3!
Lor put us through it in this book—she's very back and forth with her feelings ON TOP of being super headstrong. I can't count the number of times I yelled at my Kindle in frustration because of her, BUT that's also a clear sign I've bought into her character. I can't wait to see how Nisha continues to grow this character.
Nadir is a consent king. Period. I love this man and his patience for Lor Is he perfect? No. But neither is Lor, and I love how these characters compliment one another.
I think this slow burn may kill me at this point if they don't do it in book 3.
Ending this quick review with Serce sucks.
Onto book 3!
Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J. Tuli
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0
This is your sign to start Trial of the Sun Queen (if you haven't already) because it deserves every bit of hype & praise it receives—I could not put it down! #gifted
If you love a high-stakes romantasy set in a fae world with deadly trials, court intrigue, and forced proximity, then this is the book for you.
I love when you can dive straight into a book because the world building is seamless and the writing is fast-paced. The FMC, Lor is also super relatable and resilient, so I loved following her as the primary POV.
👑 Fantasy romance
✨ Dual POV (1st & 3rd person)
👑 High-stakes, deadly trials
✨ Fae world with court intrigue
👑 Action-packed
✨ Revenge
👑 Forced proximity // slow burn
⚠️ Read CW
Available on KU ✨
I'm so happy I started this series ahead of the November 26, 2024 release of Tale of the Heart Queen (the fourth and final installment to this series, Artefacts of Ouranos) because I will be binge reading the rest of this series ASAP. Books in this series are:
1️⃣ Trial of the Sun Queen
2️⃣ Rule of the Aurora King
3️⃣ Fate of the Sun King
4️⃣ Tale of the Heart Queen
A sincere thank you to Forever Pub for gifting me a copy of Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J. Tuli (I am a part of Discover Forever, Forever’s Early Reader Program).
If you love a high-stakes romantasy set in a fae world with deadly trials, court intrigue, and forced proximity, then this is the book for you.
I love when you can dive straight into a book because the world building is seamless and the writing is fast-paced. The FMC, Lor is also super relatable and resilient, so I loved following her as the primary POV.
👑 Fantasy romance
✨ Dual POV (1st & 3rd person)
👑 High-stakes, deadly trials
✨ Fae world with court intrigue
👑 Action-packed
✨ Revenge
👑 Forced proximity // slow burn
⚠️ Read CW
Available on KU ✨
I'm so happy I started this series ahead of the November 26, 2024 release of Tale of the Heart Queen (the fourth and final installment to this series, Artefacts of Ouranos) because I will be binge reading the rest of this series ASAP. Books in this series are:
1️⃣ Trial of the Sun Queen
2️⃣ Rule of the Aurora King
3️⃣ Fate of the Sun King
4️⃣ Tale of the Heart Queen
A sincere thank you to Forever Pub for gifting me a copy of Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J. Tuli (I am a part of Discover Forever, Forever’s Early Reader Program).
Vesselless by Cortney L. Winn
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
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? It's complicated
4.75
She's a fierce heiress to a stolen throne (his throne)...he's now a vengeful half-ghost trying to steal her soul..and I'm utterly obsessed with both of them.
VESSELLESS is an incredible debut & start to The Merciless Realms series by Cortney L. Winn. Cortney's writing style is addictive, and this book kept me entertained from start to finish.
🖤 Dark fantasy romance
🖤 1st person, dual POV
🖤 Warring realms
🖤 Fierce, stabby FMC
🖤 Vengeful, morally MMC
🖤 Unique magic system
🖤 Paranormal romance
🖤 Slow burn with some spice
🖤 Touch her & 💀
🖤 Banter & tension
⚠️ Read TW/CW
Available on KU ✨
I very much enjoyed being transported into this, surprisingly modern (cars, guns, etc.), world. Nizzara is such a complex but relatable FMC. Dagen is tormented and flirtatious (my favorite combo). I ate up all the banter & tension between these two, and I can't wait to see what happens in book 2.
Absolutely recommend reading this debut!
VESSELLESS is an incredible debut & start to The Merciless Realms series by Cortney L. Winn. Cortney's writing style is addictive, and this book kept me entertained from start to finish.
🖤 Dark fantasy romance
🖤 1st person, dual POV
🖤 Warring realms
🖤 Fierce, stabby FMC
🖤 Vengeful, morally MMC
🖤 Unique magic system
🖤 Paranormal romance
🖤 Slow burn with some spice
🖤 Touch her & 💀
🖤 Banter & tension
⚠️ Read TW/CW
Available on KU ✨
I very much enjoyed being transported into this, surprisingly modern (cars, guns, etc.), world. Nizzara is such a complex but relatable FMC. Dagen is tormented and flirtatious (my favorite combo). I ate up all the banter & tension between these two, and I can't wait to see what happens in book 2.
Absolutely recommend reading this debut!
The Book Of Cin by H.M. Wolfe
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
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? It's complicated
5.0
I knew about 30% into this book that it would be a 5-star read because of how invested I was in Hyacinth's (Cin's) story.
The Book of Cin is the first book in an incomplete, dark romantasy series by H.M. Wolfe, and the author's debut novel. To say I'm impressed would be an understatement!
If you love a corrupt realm, a shadow MOMMY with feminine rage, a morally grey man down bad for his woman, and a group of friends that feel like family—then you should add this to your TBR immediately.
What to expect:
🖤 Dark romantic fantasy
⚔️ Book 1 in incomplete series
🖤 1st person, single POV
⚔️ Corrupt, magical realm
🖤 Prophecy
⚔️ Shadow mommy // Morally grey MMC
🖤 Touch her & 💀
⚔️ Feminine rage
🖤 Slow burn & open door spice
⚔️ Fae, witches, dragons & more
⚠️ Read TWs
Available on KU ✨
Cin is a force to be reckoned with, and her self discovery and growth is one you can't help but root for. The friendship between her, Ata, and Pri is EVERYTHING.
"Death is the only thing waiting for you if you ever lay a hand on her again" I have never added a MMC to my book boyfriend list so fast over a line. AND his nickname for her?! “Hello, Darkness.” I'm obsessed.
I'll absolutely be continuing this series once the next book comes out!
The Book of Cin is the first book in an incomplete, dark romantasy series by H.M. Wolfe, and the author's debut novel. To say I'm impressed would be an understatement!
If you love a corrupt realm, a shadow MOMMY with feminine rage, a morally grey man down bad for his woman, and a group of friends that feel like family—then you should add this to your TBR immediately.
What to expect:
🖤 Dark romantic fantasy
⚔️ Book 1 in incomplete series
🖤 1st person, single POV
⚔️ Corrupt, magical realm
🖤 Prophecy
⚔️ Shadow mommy // Morally grey MMC
🖤 Touch her & 💀
⚔️ Feminine rage
🖤 Slow burn & open door spice
⚔️ Fae, witches, dragons & more
⚠️ Read TWs
Available on KU ✨
Cin is a force to be reckoned with, and her self discovery and growth is one you can't help but root for. The friendship between her, Ata, and Pri is EVERYTHING.
"Death is the only thing waiting for you if you ever lay a hand on her again" I have never added a MMC to my book boyfriend list so fast over a line. AND his nickname for her?! “Hello, Darkness.” I'm obsessed.
I'll absolutely be continuing this series once the next book comes out!