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4.22 AVERAGE
4.22 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
tense
slow-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
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This was my first time reading Julie Soto, but also her first fantasy book, and let me tell you I am hooked. I was instantly pulled into this story. I love the magic system and how it works and is determined by country, but also heart vs mind. It is so simple, but also complex and thought out, including the differences between how they work, feel, and are used. The plot is very strong, with great political aspects. I am usually not a fan of heavy politics in a book, but this does not feel heavy, although the politics are often mentioned and a large part of the story. There is a nice plot twist / cliff hanger at the end to keep you ready for the next novel.
I did think this was a romantasy book due to the cover, but I would call this fantasy with romantic aspects. The romantic storyline is hinted at, and intertwined in the story, but is not very strong. It seems as though it is setting up the romance to be later throughout the trilogy, but that is just a guess.
I do wish there was a stronger backstory on the prophecy that is mentioned in the beginning, and throughout the book. The reader learns the prophecy early on, but I would like to know more.
I really enjoyed the third person writing style, strictly following the FMC. The writing style was very easy to read and follow.
The book definitely has a lot of dark aspects, especially in the beginning half or so. Please read the trigger warnings if you are interested in reading.
I did think this was a romantasy book due to the cover, but I would call this fantasy with romantic aspects. The romantic storyline is hinted at, and intertwined in the story, but is not very strong. It seems as though it is setting up the romance to be later throughout the trilogy, but that is just a guess.
I do wish there was a stronger backstory on the prophecy that is mentioned in the beginning, and throughout the book. The reader learns the prophecy early on, but I would like to know more.
I really enjoyed the third person writing style, strictly following the FMC. The writing style was very easy to read and follow.
The book definitely has a lot of dark aspects, especially in the beginning half or so. Please read the trigger warnings if you are interested in reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment
Moderate: Sexual assault, Slavery
Minor: Rape
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
slow-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:
No
Oh yes—this book didn’t just land, it waltzed in wearing a crown of thorns and a knowing smirk, and I was helpless to resist. I expected to be wrecked, but this story? It wove itself into my bones and whispered, “You weren’t ready.” And I wasn’t.
First things first: thank you to Forever Publishing, Hachette Audio, NetGalley, and the darkly brilliant author behind this magic for the audiobook copy. They gave me the keys to the kingdom, and I ran straight into the storm— every thought below is mine, honest and a little feral.
Now let’s talk performance: Ella Lynch? You devoured this narration. Clear, sharp, electric. When the book said Raven’s voice grated… I was already thinking it, and then you nailed it. You didn’t just read Toven, you became him. That portrayal is going to live rent-free in my head for a long, long time. And the sound quality? As expected from Hachette Audio, top-tier, crystal-clear, and polished to perfection.
⚠️ Trigger warnings front and center. This story pulls no punches. It tackles grief, rage, trauma, identity, and survival without flinching. But here’s the thing— it balances that darkness with snappy banter, dry humor, and just enough light to keep your heart pounding. If you’re craving a real dark romantasy, one that leans in and dares you to look deeper? This one delivers.
On the surface, you’ve got an epic, action-packed tale of a heroine who’s fallen hard, but refuses to stay down. Her rage is fierce, her heart unyielding, and the world she moves through? Lush, war-torn, and hauntingly magical. The imagery? Breathtaking. And the forbidden love subplot? Oh, it’s the slow-burn, ache-in-your-chest kind that feels like touching a flame just to see if it burns.
But beneath the sword fights and spellwork is something deeper. This book made me pause and ask: How many of my choices were truly mine? And how many were handed to me with a smile and an expectation? It’s not just a story—it’s a mirror held up to everything we’re told to be, and everything we quietly are.
I’m the kind of reader who loves going in blind— no spoilers, no summaries, just vibes and a whisper of tropes. And this book? It rewards that trust. Read the trigger warnings, of course. But if you’re in the right headspace? Let the story take you. Let it crack something open.
Now let’s talk spice. Is it steamy? A little. But the real seduction? That delicious, delicious tension. The kind that hums just beneath the surface, tight as a wire stretched between cliff edges. You could walk across it with bare feet and beg to do it again.
And yes, I’ve already pre-ordered the deluxe edition. Because obviously. Book two cannot get here fast enough… I’m ready, I’m waiting, and I’m bringing emotional armor this time. (Probably not tho.)
In short? This book is stunning. Challenging. Visceral. Thought-provoking. And absolutely unforgettable.
First things first: thank you to Forever Publishing, Hachette Audio, NetGalley, and the darkly brilliant author behind this magic for the audiobook copy. They gave me the keys to the kingdom, and I ran straight into the storm— every thought below is mine, honest and a little feral.
Now let’s talk performance: Ella Lynch? You devoured this narration. Clear, sharp, electric. When the book said Raven’s voice grated… I was already thinking it, and then you nailed it. You didn’t just read Toven, you became him. That portrayal is going to live rent-free in my head for a long, long time. And the sound quality? As expected from Hachette Audio, top-tier, crystal-clear, and polished to perfection.
⚠️ Trigger warnings front and center. This story pulls no punches. It tackles grief, rage, trauma, identity, and survival without flinching. But here’s the thing— it balances that darkness with snappy banter, dry humor, and just enough light to keep your heart pounding. If you’re craving a real dark romantasy, one that leans in and dares you to look deeper? This one delivers.
On the surface, you’ve got an epic, action-packed tale of a heroine who’s fallen hard, but refuses to stay down. Her rage is fierce, her heart unyielding, and the world she moves through? Lush, war-torn, and hauntingly magical. The imagery? Breathtaking. And the forbidden love subplot? Oh, it’s the slow-burn, ache-in-your-chest kind that feels like touching a flame just to see if it burns.
But beneath the sword fights and spellwork is something deeper. This book made me pause and ask: How many of my choices were truly mine? And how many were handed to me with a smile and an expectation? It’s not just a story—it’s a mirror held up to everything we’re told to be, and everything we quietly are.
I’m the kind of reader who loves going in blind— no spoilers, no summaries, just vibes and a whisper of tropes. And this book? It rewards that trust. Read the trigger warnings, of course. But if you’re in the right headspace? Let the story take you. Let it crack something open.
Now let’s talk spice. Is it steamy? A little. But the real seduction? That delicious, delicious tension. The kind that hums just beneath the surface, tight as a wire stretched between cliff edges. You could walk across it with bare feet and beg to do it again.
And yes, I’ve already pre-ordered the deluxe edition. Because obviously. Book two cannot get here fast enough… I’m ready, I’m waiting, and I’m bringing emotional armor this time. (Probably not tho.)
In short? This book is stunning. Challenging. Visceral. Thought-provoking. And absolutely unforgettable.
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Yay dramione!! I really enjoyed the school stuff and the new magic system. It was a bit slow though but I look forward to the next!
Briont is princess of Evermore, her brother Rory is heir. He gets killed by Mallow. Briony gets auctioned off to Toven to be his heartspring, along with other Eversuns. Theres mind magic, and heart magic. While mind magic uses the mind, heart magic drains the body. Heart magicians use heartsprings as extra sources of magic. Toven never uses Briony, he keeps her safe, removes her virginity magically instead of raping her. They kiss one time after she kills someone to protect herself (him). It ends with Toven potentially being moved to 2nd in command, Briony asking to work together, Rory being alive, and Mallow's dragon familiar not being bonded to her and favouring Rory.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book set back Feminism by about 50 years…
It's just 640 pages of Stockholm Syndrome. End my suffering now, I am begging you -_-
It's very obvious this used to be a fanfiction. In the worst way possible. It reads like one of those terrible stereotypical wattpad stories. Listen, I love me a good fanfiction (emphasis on GOOD), but this trend of professionally publishing them is the downfall of literature. I blame TikTok. And please, for the love of everything, if you must publish your fanfic to capitalize off of it, at least bother with changing the main characters name to something more creative than from "Hermione" to "Briony". And at least don't make all the characters look the exact same - From the cover art alone you can tell those two used to be Draco and Hermione. Like, get a bit creative, at least. This was honestly one of the worst things I've read in a while.
Sadly, I was entertained and could not put it down, hence why I'm giving it at least 1.5 stars. I know, I'm disappointed in myself too.
It's just 640 pages of Stockholm Syndrome. End my suffering now, I am begging you -_-
It's very obvious this used to be a fanfiction. In the worst way possible. It reads like one of those terrible stereotypical wattpad stories. Listen, I love me a good fanfiction (emphasis on GOOD), but this trend of professionally publishing them is the downfall of literature. I blame TikTok. And please, for the love of everything, if you must publish your fanfic to capitalize off of it, at least bother with changing the main characters name to something more creative than from "Hermione" to "Briony". And at least don't make all the characters look the exact same - From the cover art alone you can tell those two used to be Draco and Hermione. Like, get a bit creative, at least. This was honestly one of the worst things I've read in a while.
Sadly, I was entertained and could not put it down, hence why I'm giving it at least 1.5 stars. I know, I'm disappointed in myself too.