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The Void
A dark tale of self-discovery that will sweep you into a world of swords, secrets, snark, and sapphic love.
Kiera never fit in. Not on her aunt’s farm, not at her boring job, not with her ex-girlfriends. But she hasn’t given up hope of finding that elusive place to belong.
A freak storm leaves her stranded, alone in the office.
When something flashes past the upstairs window, the sarcastic voice in her head, Jiminy, insists it’s a figment of her imagination. But Kiera knows she didn’t imagine the flying pirate ship.
Or the dragon.
If she jumps on board—into a hidden world above the clouds—there’ll be no coming back. Is she ready for the quest of a lifetime, and the dark secrets beginning to unfurl?
Void is the first book in a dark steampunk fantasy series that skillfully blends thrilling adventure, snarky humour, and a sapphic slow-burn romance.
Kiera never fit in. Not on her aunt’s farm, not at her boring job, not with her ex-girlfriends. But she hasn’t given up hope of finding that elusive place to belong.
A freak storm leaves her stranded, alone in the office.
When something flashes past the upstairs window, the sarcastic voice in her head, Jiminy, insists it’s a figment of her imagination. But Kiera knows she didn’t imagine the flying pirate ship.
Or the dragon.
If she jumps on board—into a hidden world above the clouds—there’ll be no coming back. Is she ready for the quest of a lifetime, and the dark secrets beginning to unfurl?
Void is the first book in a dark steampunk fantasy series that skillfully blends thrilling adventure, snarky humour, and a sapphic slow-burn romance.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 14, 2023
19 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Neen Cohen
38 books86 followersNeen Cohen is a Sapphic Speculative Fiction author. Her debut novella, Cold as Hell was released in May 2021, with the sequel, Black as Day due out in November 2022.
She has a Bachelor of Creative Industries and is a member of the Springfield Writers Group.
Neen lives in Brisbane Australia with her partner, son, and fur babies. She loves to roam cemeteries, botanic gardens, and construction sites and can often be found writing while sitting against a tree or tombstone.
Check out her latest adventures here
https://linktr.ee/neencohen
She has a Bachelor of Creative Industries and is a member of the Springfield Writers Group.
Neen lives in Brisbane Australia with her partner, son, and fur babies. She loves to roam cemeteries, botanic gardens, and construction sites and can often be found writing while sitting against a tree or tombstone.
Check out her latest adventures here
https://linktr.ee/neencohen
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 7, 2023
The Void by Neen Cohen is everything it says on the tin: a dark, sapphic, steampunk fantasy with pirate ships, dragons, and women with swords.
The main character, Kiera, is swept into adventure when she sees a dragon swoop past the office block where she’s stranded waiting out a storm. Other fantastical elements come in quick succession: a flying pirate ship and an egg-shaped city in the clouds. Soon, Kiera is on board the Hesperus, and adventure is coming thick and fast. There are many twists and turns in this story, as Kiera tries to figure out who to trust, and then, deeper, who she really is, and who the real enemy is.
If you’ve read Neen’s horror, you’ll know she’s skilled at the bone-chilling stuff, and the gory stuff. There’s some of that in The Void, but the emphasis is also on world-building and relationships between the characters.
The writing is skillful and flows naturally, drawing you into the story and the characters. I love Kiera: her doubt about her situation, and her mistakes are believable. The sapphic love is light, but the seeds are there, and there’s enough deep-rooted conflict with Zarzy to keep this relationship interesting.
This is book 1 of a series. It’s definitely a TBC, with several hints (or maybe misdirections?) about where the story will go from here. It's satisfying to read by itself, though, and I’m looking forward to finding out how the story will continue.
The main character, Kiera, is swept into adventure when she sees a dragon swoop past the office block where she’s stranded waiting out a storm. Other fantastical elements come in quick succession: a flying pirate ship and an egg-shaped city in the clouds. Soon, Kiera is on board the Hesperus, and adventure is coming thick and fast. There are many twists and turns in this story, as Kiera tries to figure out who to trust, and then, deeper, who she really is, and who the real enemy is.
If you’ve read Neen’s horror, you’ll know she’s skilled at the bone-chilling stuff, and the gory stuff. There’s some of that in The Void, but the emphasis is also on world-building and relationships between the characters.
The writing is skillful and flows naturally, drawing you into the story and the characters. I love Kiera: her doubt about her situation, and her mistakes are believable. The sapphic love is light, but the seeds are there, and there’s enough deep-rooted conflict with Zarzy to keep this relationship interesting.
This is book 1 of a series. It’s definitely a TBC, with several hints (or maybe misdirections?) about where the story will go from here. It's satisfying to read by itself, though, and I’m looking forward to finding out how the story will continue.
December 15, 2023
3.5
Not a fantasy girly anymore. Don’t think I’ve enjoyed it as much as I should have.
And I know that cliff hanger was supposed to be super BAM like, but I didn’t feel that at all…
The writing, character and story building tho! Chef’s kiss ✨
Not a fantasy girly anymore. Don’t think I’ve enjoyed it as much as I should have.
And I know that cliff hanger was supposed to be super BAM like, but I didn’t feel that at all…
The writing, character and story building tho! Chef’s kiss ✨
Read
February 21, 2024It was hard to get into it. The world-building didn’t catch (for me) and the main character’s internal dialogue was too self deprecating.
August 15, 2023
A flying ship and a dragon. Not things that actually exist, right, even during a freak storm? Yet, Kiera has seen them, and as she throws herself into it all, it quickly becomes apparent that everything is not what it seems - even about herself.
Action packed and fast paced, this story has a lot going on. There is, after all, a lot for her to discover, about the other part of our world that she wasn't even aware of. We're thrown headfirst into it all, starting with a very creepy chapter from the perspective of the void, then a significant event in the past, and then Kiera as she talks to herself and readily entangles in it all. It is urban fantasy, though with a heavy focus on the fantasy aspect.
It is, very much, a highly enjoyable tale. The mystery of what is going on pulls you in, the characters interesting, and the setting very intriguing. And of course, there are the dragons. The void chapters are always creepy (and given that all her other stuff is horror, that's no surprise), and her interactions with Zarzy are adorable. Well, once they've started to thaw around each other.
Note, however, that this is the first book in the series. It leaves things wide open, and I am quite keen to see where the story goes from here.
Action packed and fast paced, this story has a lot going on. There is, after all, a lot for her to discover, about the other part of our world that she wasn't even aware of. We're thrown headfirst into it all, starting with a very creepy chapter from the perspective of the void, then a significant event in the past, and then Kiera as she talks to herself and readily entangles in it all. It is urban fantasy, though with a heavy focus on the fantasy aspect.
It is, very much, a highly enjoyable tale. The mystery of what is going on pulls you in, the characters interesting, and the setting very intriguing. And of course, there are the dragons. The void chapters are always creepy (and given that all her other stuff is horror, that's no surprise), and her interactions with Zarzy are adorable. Well, once they've started to thaw around each other.
Note, however, that this is the first book in the series. It leaves things wide open, and I am quite keen to see where the story goes from here.
August 27, 2023
Sapphic fantasy with lots of action and some self-discovery.
MC is well-rounded though somewhat unhinged, the reasons are spoilers so you'll have to read it to know more.
The romance is at its very beginning, not uttered yet, maybe in the next installment of the series.
The suspense is unrelenting, from one action scene to the next. There are very few reprieves in this book and those few are very short.
The same thing can be said for the MC herself, as she's trying to figure out her origins and the mysteries surrounding her. Secrets will be revealed, awful memories will resurface and beasts shall throw fear and darkness on the world. But the MC knows no bounds when it comes to the adrenalin rush, she's like one of those storm chasers, always looking for the next tornado.
The writing is intense, fast, almost frenzied, as is the plot. There's a lot of information to process but it is given in small doses so it's easy to understand and follow.
Supporting characters are well developed and the world-building, with its magic and creatures, is very well done.
Overall, the book is a great read for fantasy lovers. Please note that this is the 1st in a series and has a somewhat open end. I am sure the next installments will be just as good!
T&T:
Tropes: hidden identity, repressed memories, the Chosen One, apocalypse, ice queen
Triggers: violence (very graphic), death, murder, execution, torture & abuse of innocent living creatures
Rating: 4 stars
MC is well-rounded though somewhat unhinged, the reasons are spoilers so you'll have to read it to know more.
The romance is at its very beginning, not uttered yet, maybe in the next installment of the series.
The suspense is unrelenting, from one action scene to the next. There are very few reprieves in this book and those few are very short.
The same thing can be said for the MC herself, as she's trying to figure out her origins and the mysteries surrounding her. Secrets will be revealed, awful memories will resurface and beasts shall throw fear and darkness on the world. But the MC knows no bounds when it comes to the adrenalin rush, she's like one of those storm chasers, always looking for the next tornado.
The writing is intense, fast, almost frenzied, as is the plot. There's a lot of information to process but it is given in small doses so it's easy to understand and follow.
Supporting characters are well developed and the world-building, with its magic and creatures, is very well done.
Overall, the book is a great read for fantasy lovers. Please note that this is the 1st in a series and has a somewhat open end. I am sure the next installments will be just as good!
T&T:
Tropes: hidden identity, repressed memories, the Chosen One, apocalypse, ice queen
Triggers: violence (very graphic), death, murder, execution, torture & abuse of innocent living creatures
Rating: 4 stars
September 28, 2023
I loved The Void. Kiera’s story resonates so close to my own. It makes her a relatable character. Kiera is a great lead for The Void.
The Void is right up there in the list of my top favourite books. It is filled with just the right amount of humour, suspense and deliciously descriptive passages. I really enjoyed the command of language in The Void. This is definitely a series to follow and a book I will read again.
Absolutely loved it.
The Void is right up there in the list of my top favourite books. It is filled with just the right amount of humour, suspense and deliciously descriptive passages. I really enjoyed the command of language in The Void. This is definitely a series to follow and a book I will read again.
Absolutely loved it.
August 22, 2023
Neen Cohen’s skilful world building drew me into this fantasy adventure. Humour and terror blend together to create something quite unique. This book is packed with unexpected twists, turns, magic and dragons as the reader follows the feisty Keira on her journey of discovery. I really enjoyed the tension between Keira and Zarzy and look forward to seeing this develop in the next instalment. Cohen’s writing is effortlessly smooth and I was so totally immersed in her prose that the end of the book came as a complete surprise! Roll on book 2.
September 22, 2023
I recently read The Void (The Fang Ripper Series, #1) a steampunk fantasy novella by Australian author Neen Cohen.
The Void follows protagonist Kiera who lives in present-day Brisbane with allusions made early to her mental instability or repressed memories and self. Kiera lives a ‘normal’ life but the arrival of an otherworldly storm pulls Kiera from what she’d imagined was reality and into a new one of Skyan. Is this the strange connection she’d always felt was wrong with her?
Kiera’s journey into learning her true past begins when Blue crashes his sky ship to earth and the attractive but feminine Zarzy is injured battling an earth-magic dragon. To save Zarzy and prevent the darkly powerful Void from drvouring everything, Kiera must learn quickly as Blue takes the sky ship into Skyran with its floating cities, war and dangerous political machinations that threaten not just Blue and Zarzy who Kiera is undeniably attracted to. Into this complex battles of dragons and opposing invested interests, Kiera begins to learns her own truth.
Review
Cohen introduces a new take on urban fantasy with energetic prose and a mild sapphic romance. There’s a lot to unpack in this first novella and the word-building is fascinating and much more detail to follow. This is a genre-blending series of urban fantasy, steampunk and adventure. Cohen keeps it fast-paced with intriguing characters and innovative concepts.
Conclusion
A recommended new dark fantasy with mild sapphic romance, dragons, airships in a fresh take on urban fantasy!
The Void follows protagonist Kiera who lives in present-day Brisbane with allusions made early to her mental instability or repressed memories and self. Kiera lives a ‘normal’ life but the arrival of an otherworldly storm pulls Kiera from what she’d imagined was reality and into a new one of Skyan. Is this the strange connection she’d always felt was wrong with her?
Kiera’s journey into learning her true past begins when Blue crashes his sky ship to earth and the attractive but feminine Zarzy is injured battling an earth-magic dragon. To save Zarzy and prevent the darkly powerful Void from drvouring everything, Kiera must learn quickly as Blue takes the sky ship into Skyran with its floating cities, war and dangerous political machinations that threaten not just Blue and Zarzy who Kiera is undeniably attracted to. Into this complex battles of dragons and opposing invested interests, Kiera begins to learns her own truth.
Review
Cohen introduces a new take on urban fantasy with energetic prose and a mild sapphic romance. There’s a lot to unpack in this first novella and the word-building is fascinating and much more detail to follow. This is a genre-blending series of urban fantasy, steampunk and adventure. Cohen keeps it fast-paced with intriguing characters and innovative concepts.
Conclusion
A recommended new dark fantasy with mild sapphic romance, dragons, airships in a fresh take on urban fantasy!
October 25, 2023
A gripping story from start to finish and I can't wait for the next book in the series!
August 26, 2025
I bought this book at a pride festival and was super enticed by the blurb on the back! The Author was the most bubbly person and super sweet recommending her friends books as-well!
On a lower note this really did not live up to my expectations at all, which was quite surprising as I love quick sapphic fantasy reads.
In my opinion I think I am quite an immersive reader and dive very deep into the way the book is written characters developments and relationships. And reading this book I was trying so hard to not be critical, alas.
I felt like I was being told the personality’s of the characters and being told the relationships. I feel as though I could have been shown so much more with more descriptive writing and just more scenes instead of just “This is what she is like, this is what she does.” Along with the scenes I found myself not remembering where it set or not being explained how she’s moving from place to place or how people somehow show up behind her or leave.
My biggest dislike in this book was the amount of times the phrase “she laughed,” “a laugh bubbled up,” “a laugh slipped out.” It just felt so extremely repetitive I couldn’t look past it. Along with “Bile rising in her throat.”
There were some aspects in the book where my excitement began to rise again, around the Jayson and Keira being in the trials storyline and stuff around that. I think it was just skipped over quite a lot and I feel like if we learnt more about the trials and the world of the “Skyans” I would have liked it just that bit more. It seemed a bit as though we were supposed to already know this new world.
I believe this book had so much potential but it was just not done to its full capacity. Thank you Neen for the read😊
On a lower note this really did not live up to my expectations at all, which was quite surprising as I love quick sapphic fantasy reads.
In my opinion I think I am quite an immersive reader and dive very deep into the way the book is written characters developments and relationships. And reading this book I was trying so hard to not be critical, alas.
I felt like I was being told the personality’s of the characters and being told the relationships. I feel as though I could have been shown so much more with more descriptive writing and just more scenes instead of just “This is what she is like, this is what she does.” Along with the scenes I found myself not remembering where it set or not being explained how she’s moving from place to place or how people somehow show up behind her or leave.
My biggest dislike in this book was the amount of times the phrase “she laughed,” “a laugh bubbled up,” “a laugh slipped out.” It just felt so extremely repetitive I couldn’t look past it. Along with “Bile rising in her throat.”
There were some aspects in the book where my excitement began to rise again, around the Jayson and Keira being in the trials storyline and stuff around that. I think it was just skipped over quite a lot and I feel like if we learnt more about the trials and the world of the “Skyans” I would have liked it just that bit more. It seemed a bit as though we were supposed to already know this new world.
I believe this book had so much potential but it was just not done to its full capacity. Thank you Neen for the read😊
August 8, 2023
The Void is a spec/fic, fantasy, steampunk, slow burn romance and is the first book in the Fang Ripper series by author Neen Cohen. Jam-packed with action and adventure, this novel takes you on a journey riddled with magic, guardians, pirates, and dragons.
Kiera lives with her Aunt Em, who took her in after her parents died in a car crash. Kiera always looks for the next adventure, and a sense of belonging. An out-of-season storm puts Kiera in proximity to a pirate ship and its captain, Blue, who is hunting down a dragon. Kiera’s world is turned upside down as she joins Blue on the ship, setting sail to find the Healers for injured crewmate Winger after sustaining injuries. As Kiera navigates her way around the unknown world and learns more of the culture, all is not what it appears to be, or has been.
The world building is exquisite, as is the development and growth of the characters as the story unfolds. The cover designer has done an amazing job with The Void. It captures the story completely.
This book left me wanting more. I’m intrigued to find out what happens in book 2.
I received an ARC for my honest review.
Kiera lives with her Aunt Em, who took her in after her parents died in a car crash. Kiera always looks for the next adventure, and a sense of belonging. An out-of-season storm puts Kiera in proximity to a pirate ship and its captain, Blue, who is hunting down a dragon. Kiera’s world is turned upside down as she joins Blue on the ship, setting sail to find the Healers for injured crewmate Winger after sustaining injuries. As Kiera navigates her way around the unknown world and learns more of the culture, all is not what it appears to be, or has been.
The world building is exquisite, as is the development and growth of the characters as the story unfolds. The cover designer has done an amazing job with The Void. It captures the story completely.
This book left me wanting more. I’m intrigued to find out what happens in book 2.
I received an ARC for my honest review.
August 25, 2024
When Kiera, stuck in her office because of a storm, sees a flying pirate ship and a dragon she might be forgiven for thinking she was going a little mad. But when she steps outside (of her office and the box) she’s caught up in a world of adventure and a web of dark secrets. Visiting cities in the clouds, chasing down a dragon, and learning about Guardians, what will Kiera discover about herself and the shocking history of experiments performed on children?
I love Neen Cohen’s work. This one is a fast-paced rollercoaster that takes you on a wild ride. I was gripped from start to finish, eager to uncover every secret. It kept me on the edge of my seat! Each character is more fascinating than the next. I particularly enjoyed Zarzy and her grandmother as they added an element of calm to the chaos around them. As the secrets begin to unfold, the story becomes more and more engrossing. I’ll be first in line to pick up book 2 of this series when it’s released!
I love Neen Cohen’s work. This one is a fast-paced rollercoaster that takes you on a wild ride. I was gripped from start to finish, eager to uncover every secret. It kept me on the edge of my seat! Each character is more fascinating than the next. I particularly enjoyed Zarzy and her grandmother as they added an element of calm to the chaos around them. As the secrets begin to unfold, the story becomes more and more engrossing. I’ll be first in line to pick up book 2 of this series when it’s released!
August 17, 2023
Inventive and bold, Neen Cohen's The Void (and first book in the Fangripper Chronicles) is a heady mix of sapphic romance, urban fantasy, steampunk, pirates in the sky, family drama and dragons.
It really has it all.
Fast-paced and full of adventure in the sky and on the ground, there isn't anything I've really read that reminds me of Cohen's book. The closest thing I can think of is a modern-day Skies of Arcadia game on the Dreamcast, but with more dragons. Way more dragons.
If you're looking for something fresh and unique from an author you're not familiar with, I'd check this out.
It really has it all.
Fast-paced and full of adventure in the sky and on the ground, there isn't anything I've really read that reminds me of Cohen's book. The closest thing I can think of is a modern-day Skies of Arcadia game on the Dreamcast, but with more dragons. Way more dragons.
If you're looking for something fresh and unique from an author you're not familiar with, I'd check this out.
March 14, 2024
Pirates and Dragons, oh my!
This is a rollicking adventure, filled with all the fun stuff of fantasy. Hidden identity, magic, dragons, fae, and air ‘pirate’ ships populate this story. And, it is book one of the adventure, ending in a cliff hanger, because course it is. Darn, another fantasy book to read… as soon as it comes out...
This is a rollicking adventure, filled with all the fun stuff of fantasy. Hidden identity, magic, dragons, fae, and air ‘pirate’ ships populate this story. And, it is book one of the adventure, ending in a cliff hanger, because course it is. Darn, another fantasy book to read… as soon as it comes out...
September 20, 2024
4 stars. The world building was fantastic. The plot takes its time but then things got action packed and intense. I really enjoyed it. The main character Kiera was great and I liked her. There's a slow (and I mean sloooooooow) burn barely there romance but it was nice. I hope there will be more books to this because this world is so cool and I would love to see more of it.
Want to read
August 26, 2023A sapphic adventure with sky pirates and dragons? You have my attention …
January 1, 2024
Snag this one
Definitely a good story to grab and devour. Will be looking for the next as things were just getting figured out.
Definitely a good story to grab and devour. Will be looking for the next as things were just getting figured out.
September 15, 2025
Adventure Awaits
Can’t wait to read the next one! Lost myself in this wonderfully descriptive fantasy novel with dragons, flying ships and adventure!
Can’t wait to read the next one! Lost myself in this wonderfully descriptive fantasy novel with dragons, flying ships and adventure!
dnf
September 22, 2025DNFd by Chapter 5.
February 24, 2025
Fantasy isn’t my jam, but I loved this book! The writing is fantastic, the characters fascinating, and the story, oh my, the story pulled me in. I couldn’t put it down.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews