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A Tale of Love & Bones: The Daughters of the Keeper Book One

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Love can withstand time, but can it withstand fate?

Bria

For five years I’ve sucked it up, done my duty and kept my head down. But not anymore.

Ripped from my family, my father killed in cold blood in front of me. Hunted for years for being different, hidden from those who would take my magic and use it for their own sick purposes.

One half of the prophecy whispered for the last century. But when the other half, my baby sister, is taken from the safety of her bed, I’ll stop at nothing to get her back. Even if it means losing the love of my life.

After all, loving him is doomed anyway.

Evander

I survived months in the capital. Participated in countless murders and torture sessions. Drifted through endless nights riddled with guilt over the innocent lives I’ve taken. All to get back to the rebels. To her.

She is the most powerful woman to walk this earth in a hundred years. The outcome of the kingdom, the destiny of a people, the future of the world as we know it, all rests in her hands.

I can’t have her, but it doesn’t matter.

I will follow her to the ends of the earth if I need to. Prophecy be damned.

Author's This book contains a list of content/trigger warnings and is the first part in a series, it does end with cliffhangers. For a detailed list please visit the author's website.

Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2023

38 people are currently reading
589 people want to read

About the author

Allie Maddox

7 books76 followers
Allie lives in Massachusetts with her husband, two children and two dogs. She is a lover of all books, especially romance, sci-fi/fantasy/paranormal and thriller books. A Tale of Love & Bones is her debut novel and the first in the Daughters of the Keeper series.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica.
326 reviews35 followers
November 27, 2023
Amazing story! 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If I could give it 10 stars, I would! The world building is amazing. The forbidden love story is sooo good! I love a slow, angsty burn. I love how much family means to the FMC. We only get a small glimpse into their sisterly bond, but I feel like it will be even better in book 2. Evander is the definition of swoonworthy 😍. His description, his family background, his warrior/fighting abilities, not to mention how sweet he is with Bria. Excellent character development. Definite cliffhanger! Need book #2!!! Wonderful debut novel for Allie!!! ❤️🤌
Profile Image for Rachel.
413 reviews17 followers
December 29, 2023
Okay. Wow. When I first looked up this book, I saw that there were mostly 5 star reviews and assumed it was just people the author knew. I now realize it was because this IS a 5 ⭐️ book.

I am so impressed by this author. What a killer debut! I cannot wait for book 2.

What I loved: (no spoilers)
🖤 the world
such great world building and an intriguing backstory that keeps you wanting to learn more. I love the magic and lore!
🖤 the FMC
in her 20s, selfless, super strong-willed, fierce, witty, empathetic, had to grow up too quickly. I adored her.
🖤 the MMC
loyal to a fault, absolutely obsessed with the FMC, tall dark and swoony, jealous 😬, everything you could ask for in a book boyfriend
🖤 the side characters
I adored all of them. Bria’s little found family is everything! I also liked the mystery surrounding some of the “bad guys.”
🖤 the spice 🌶️
The sloooowest burn, but it felt natural to me.
🖤 dual POV
perspectives from both the FMC/MMC
🖤 the tropes
Not only did this book include some of my favorite tropes, they were done SO WELL that the usual issues I have with them were nonexistent
- he falls first
- friends to lovers
- forced proximity
- fake betrothal
- slow burn
- found family
- chosen one & prophecies
- doomed romance
🖤 the pacing
I read this with an awesome group of ladies, and a good majority of them read ahead of schedule because they just couldn’t stop. One even read it TWICE. 😂 I was surprised that it was 500 pages, it didn’t feel that long to me!
🖤 the last few chapters were a WHIRLWIND of action and emotion
🖤 No cliffhanger but SO much potential for book 2.

🩶 Did the FMC make some stupid decisions? Yes. Did the MMC’s jealousy rub me the wrong way at times? Yes. Should the MMC have told her something ahead of time? Yes. Did it take me a second to get really into the book? Yes.

Did any of this change my opinion of the book? Absolutely not. 5 stars.

(And in all honesty, I would probably make the exact same stupid decisions the FMC made for her loved one.)

Side note: I saw that this has been called “dark fantasy romance” and I want to clarify: The fantasy is dark, not the romance.

⚠️ Trigger Warnings
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vi0lence
mxrder
t0rture
insinuation of rxpe
Profile Image for DanielDayaoReads.
26 reviews2 followers
May 1, 2024
I judge a book by its cover. I admit it. I'm guilty. I've strolled down aisles of bookstores and skipped past books not even giving them a second look BECAUSE of the cover.

So, when I saw this book, I was intrigued. I didn't know what to expect. And I am so glad I had an opportunity to read it. It hits hard and makes a dent in your heart.

This book gave me everything I love in a fantasy book. A prophecy. A strong character discovering her powers. A childhood love. And a suicide mission. All wrapped up in a "Dual POV."

*Chef's Kiss*

If this book was a meal, even Bobby Flay would say it took him to "flavor town."

Ok, I watch too much Food Network.

The book took me in directions I never thought it would. And in true SJM fashion, the last 150 pages are INTENSE. I did not expect how affected I was by this book. Once I finished it, I had to sit and process it all. I sat in my puddle of tears and quickly downloaded the next one faster than you can say "extra fries, please." I loved it so much. And I cannot wait to see where this series takes me!

If you are a fan of Sarah J. Maas or Rebecca Yarros, this book is perfect for you.

4.7 out of 5 stars for this book.
2 reviews
July 31, 2023
Friends to Lovers! Slow Burn! Steamy scenes! Magic!

It combines all of my favorite tropes into one book. I thought the author did an excellent job of developing the world and the characters. I love stories where I get invested in more than just the main characters, e.g. SJM Universe, and this book does that plus some. It's hard to put down once you get started. Can't wait to find out what happens to Bria, Ev and the gang next.
Profile Image for Fictionbookfrenzy.
48 reviews29 followers
May 22, 2024
This is a very interesting fantasy book.
I have not read book like this before they do have a unique magic system also the dark magic vibes. (Raising the dead’s)

I enjoyed reading this book. I went in blindly to be honest. But it’s a good read. I would give it an almost 3.75 ⭐️

💀ARC Book Review 💀

Bria suffers with the knowledge that she can not have what she is fighting for an opportunity for magic bloodlines, a family, and her first love. Evander no longer cares that everybody thinks he is a distraction from Bria’s fate - he needs her more than anything. Together, they are unstoppable rather than apart. Evander is the definition of swoon-worthy 😍 😇His depiction, his family Issues, his fighter/battling skills, also the way he cares for Bria. Excellent character development.

Even though the book’s story and world are good, some parts could be better. In some chapters, it feels like the story is going too fast and it will end too soon, but then I have to remind myself this is a 3 book series, as a debut author this is a beautiful story about love and sacrifice. I do want this story to be more detailed and long for some reason, I can’t wait to read book 2.

Did I mention this was a forbidden love?
Friends to Lovers! Slow Burn! Steamy scenes! Magic!

Overall, “A Tale of Love and Bones” is a fun read for people who like fantasy stories, even though it has some problems. Its cool setting and love stories make it worth reading.

Thank you Literary Media Tours for ARC.

Thank you, Partner @LiteraryMediaTours @authoralliemaddox

#ATaleofLoveandBones #LiteraryMediaTours #BookTour #bookstagram #fypシ #reader #bookreviewing #bookaday #bookcommunity #booksaccountsfollow #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations #bookreviewer #booktok #bookblogger #arcbookreviews #arcreaders #fyp
Profile Image for Mandy Beyers.
Author 5 books88 followers
May 13, 2024
4.5 🌟 If you enjoy fantasy books with a dark side, chosen one/prophecy tropes, and friends to lovers with a he falls first component, this is a fabulous choice. In a world where magic and those born with it in their bloodlines have been hunted by the royal family for a hundred years, a noble family with a secret has had two daughters that will fulfill a prophecy: Dark and Light, one dying to save them all while the other brings a new day to their world. Bria suffers with the knowledge that she can not have what she is fighting for: freedom for magic bloodlines, a family, and the love of her life. Evander no longer cares that everyone thinks he is a distraction from Bria's destiny - he wants her more than anything. Together, they end up stronger than apart, and the end of the first book in the trilogy is 🤌! It feels like a complete story while setting up for more in their future fight. Their relationship has a ton of push and pull, with fantastic friends and deliciously dark enemies. The magic system is unique, and the sprinkling of their mythology is throughout the book rather than an early info dump. I can not wait to read on in their saga and see how things change as they run from the king.
Profile Image for Janae McGinnis.
304 reviews7 followers
August 7, 2023
Roses:
When I say I absolutely loved this story, I mean it! First off, I’m shocked this is Allies first book. It was written in such an expert way. This was meticulously thought through and didn’t show any missing pieces in it. I felt like I was reading a story from an author that had multiple books under their belt. Nothing was over done or lacked the necessary information. So yay Allie!! 😊
Let’s talk story shall we? We are introduced to Bria, Quinn, Ash and Evander as they are at the same rebel camp in the north. Evander and Quinn are soldiers trying to make sure the camp stays hidden but more importantly Bria. Bria has unbelievable powers that are a key to survival for herself but also their people. You come to find out more about her younger sister and mother who she is separated from and their importance to a greater picture. Ugh Evander and Bria. I love them together 😫💕 their love story was executed perfectly. It was slow but I thought had a good reason to be but when it came together, you’re so excited about it. But Evander is the star of this first book in my opinion sure I enjoyed Bria (which is shocking cause I normally don’t connect 100% with the lead females) but Evander was a standout to me. He has all my favorite attributes that I love in other characters like Casteel and Rhysand that make you root for them and swoon for them too. I am absolutely so excited for book 2 and this book deserves a lot of hype. Trust it’s that good. It will leave you with all of the wonderings and questions you are dying to know about. It’s a true 5 star read!

Thorns:
I have absolutely no thorns with this book!
Profile Image for Samantha (bookstasamm).
1,014 reviews87 followers
April 29, 2024
While fantasy isn’t a genre I read often, I did enjoy this story. The book started off a bit of a slow burn while we get to know the characters and the world building, and I did struggle to get into it at first. But it picked up once the main character Bria leaves the rebel camp in search for her sister. At that point, I found the book hard to put down.

Maddox did a nice job of fleshing out the characters, and I loved that we got both Bria and Evander’s perspectives. This helped with the romantasy aspect as we got to understand the feelings these two had for each other while knowing what fate had in store for them. I was rooting for these two from page one, and I liked seeing their relationship progress.

I liked the use of magic in this story, and that our heroine was kind of dark! Her magic was frightening, and even knowing what she could do, Ev still loved her. This is what makes a good romance in my opinion, and Maddox nailed it!

This book ends on a cliffhanger so be forewarned you are going into a series if you read this one. I’m excited to see where book two, A Journey Through Dark & Ember will take us, and can’t wait to see what happens with Ev, Bria, and her sister, Nimai. I also hope we get to see more of some of the secondary characters including Quinn, Ashbel, and Silas.

Thank you Literary Media Tours for a gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Cocobeans.
155 reviews8 followers
April 29, 2024
“𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝓂𝑜𝑜𝓃 𝓈𝒽𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝒹𝒾𝑒, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓈𝓊𝓃 𝓈𝒽𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝑔𝒾𝓋𝑒 𝒷𝒾𝓇𝓉𝒽 𝓉𝑜 𝒶 𝓃𝑒𝓌 𝒹𝒶𝓎”
📕 A Tale of Love and Bones
🧚‍♂️ Allie Maddox
📚 Daughters of the Keeper
If you’re suffering from a withdrawal of #TOG, You NEED to read this one!
The story starts off with our FMC -Bria- honing her magic! And other deadly skills!!! She is a warrior! Massively Powerful! And Blessed by the Gods!
If this not giving you Aelin Vibes yet, wait till you realise theres a ‘prophecy’ foreshadowing her future, linking her fate with that of the world!!
Our MMC is the sweet Evander, unabashedly in love-with Bria- since childhood, and with serious Family Drama!
Their Love is obvious, its not a question of ‘will they’ but ‘when will they’! She is a ball of fire, and he is the only thing which centres her, calms her!
Bria is ready to risk evrything to save her sister, Nimai- the other half of the prophecy! Even voluntarily ventures into the enemies lair!
The world-building is beautiful, the magic is addictive and The ending is beautiful!
#gifted @LiteraryMediaTours @authoralliemaddox
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PS. Move over ‘Shadow-daddys’, Its time for the SHADOW QUEEN💜
#ATaleofLoveandBones #LiteraryMediaTours
#BookTour #Romantasy #Prophecy #Briasaldhene #Ev #Evander #bookseries #trilogy #bookreview #lovetoread #cocobeans #bookstagram #tog #fiercefemales #sisterlove #crazyparents #shadowqueen
Profile Image for Braylie Walsh.
52 reviews2 followers
September 7, 2024
A tale of love and bones by Allie Maddox

I’ve been on a journey to read more indie authors because after one of my worst fantasy romance reading slumps, they have managed to reignite my passion for this genre. This story was amazing, I honestly have nothing negative to say about it. It was perfectly paced, the plot was constantly developing and leaving you flipping to the next page to see what was going to happen,not once did I feel like it was slow or too long. The slow burn romance was so well done and left you angsty for more! The friends-lovers dynamic was so good since they have recently been reunited after some tense circumstances. Evander is a swoon worthy love interest who is down bad for his lady. Bria is an admirable FMC who is navigating life knowing that her time is limited. I loved their chemistry and it’s undeniable that they are meant for each other. The reveals of everything Evander went through to find his way back to Bria was heartbreaking and a testament to his love and character.

After that ending, I am so eager to discover what their future holds for them. I instantly opened the second book to continue reading.

“I love her. I have always loved her. I loved her then, and now, and all of the time in between”

“I love her. Fiercely. I want desperately to tell her, to show her with my hands, my lips, my tongue and teeth.”

5/5⭐️
2/5🌶️
Profile Image for Marian Pattechat.
Author 9 books81 followers
January 23, 2024
A dark fantasy romance that will give you all the feels and make you swoon! Passion, kickass magic, and action abound in this gripping story of prophesies, love, family, and revenge. The world building is great, you feel immersed in this world from the get-go. The characters have rich personalities, and their interactions are enjoyable to see. The intimate scenes are to fan yourself over ;) Can't wait to see where the adventure will take our heroes in the next book!
Profile Image for Miranda Reilly.
56 reviews1 follower
August 12, 2023
Wow. Just wow. If you didn’t tell me this was the authors debut novel, I never would have guessed. Allie’s writing is beautiful and immaculate. This book had such an interesting magic system and I couldn’t wait to learn more about Bria. One of the best slow burns I’ve ever read about and it was so beautifully written and progressed so naturally. I was in tears by then end because I felt so connected to all the characters. And not just the main characters. The side characters felt just as important and had equally interesting story lines. I can’t wait to get my hands on the second book!!
Profile Image for SuzReadsALot.
127 reviews1 follower
September 14, 2023
awesome debut!
4.5⭐️
This book was such a fun and twisty ride!! I am obsessed with the world and the magic 😍
I wish there was a little more character development for the MMC but overall I loved it
Profile Image for Christine Fay.
1,045 reviews49 followers
January 20, 2025
For fans of Sarah Maas, this series is for you! A well written story of love, magic, mystery and action.
Profile Image for rissys.bookshelf.
170 reviews1 follower
November 28, 2023
✨ A Tale of Love & Bones ✨

~ Slowburn
~ Friends to lovers
~ Forbidden/Doomed romance

✨ My thoughts ✨
What a crazy journey. I absolutely devoured this book. I love how the world is built. I love when authors write or describe a world and truly feel like you are there. This book does exactly that. I absolutely love the found family you get this book as well. I loved all the magic too. Bira is 100% a badass. The romance felt real. The slowburn was worth it. I love getting dual POV. The ending plow twists had my jaw on the floor. I am excited to see what happens next. I have so many questions that need answers.

A Tale of Love & Bones is book one the Daughter of the Keeper series. This book is on the darker side. Recommended for 18+. As always please check TW before reading. This is Allie's debut novel. I can't recommend this one enough to those who love a darker fantasy.

✨ I want to give a huge thank you to Allie for sending me a physical copy of the book. These are my own true thoughts ✨
Profile Image for Clara (bookish_clara).
408 reviews25 followers
November 29, 2023
4.5⭐️

For a debut book this was developed so well, I’m not usually a fan of the Friends to Lovers trope but I must admit this one was done in a way that worked, slow burn romance, the magic system was superb and so well described that you had a clear picture of what was happening and really well thought out world building that you can easily immerse yourself into.

I did find it to be slow paced in some parts and it did take me a while to really get into but when I did I was completely engrossed in the world and the characters the author has created. The last few chapters were so good it was action packed with twist and turns that makes me look forward to book two.

Just some of the things you can expect:
-Dual POV
-Chosen one and Prophecies
-Friends To Lovers
- He Falls First
-Forced Proximity
-Fake Betrothal
-Slow Burn
-Found Family
-Descriptive Magic System
124 reviews4 followers
September 14, 2023
This book is by far one of my favorites that I've read this year. I NEVER, in a million years, would've guessed this was the author's first book. The world building was incredible without being too heavy. I absolutely loved meeting the characters and seeing how their friendships guided their actions and decisions. It's a slow burn, but IT'S WORTH IT 🥵. Ev is a warrior marshmallow, and Bria is a BAMF to the nth degree. I can't wait for book 2 to come out to find out where this story goes next!!!
Profile Image for Kata.
535 reviews49 followers
March 30, 2025
4,5 ⭐️

I really enjoyed this book the first time I read it, and I loved it even more the second time.

The writing was captivating, making me feel like I was in the middle of the story with Bria and Evander, and I think the dual-POV storytelling fit the plot perfectly.

I really liked Bria as an FMC. She and her sister were two halves of a prophecy (even though Bria hated being called that) with Bria being the dark side and her sister, Nimai, being the light.

The magic system was really interesting and unique. I loved reading about Bria’s magical training and can’t wait to see how powerful she truly is and what she’s capable of. I’m also excited to learn more about Nimai and her powers.

The relationship development and slow burn between Bria and Evander were great, and I can’t wait to see what happens to their relationship after the events at the end of this book.


“For someone who is supposed to save our world, you sure are a pain in my ass.”
“Bria Saldhene, the Mistress of Nightmares. It has a nice ring to it, though a bit macabre for my taste.”
“I’m a walking corpse, a nightmare set to leave a path of death and destruction in my wake.”
“Give me your shadows, your darkness, your everything, Bria. Give me you.”
“No one will ever hear my shadows or bones coming for them. Not until it’s too late.”
Profile Image for Stacey.
186 reviews22 followers
May 27, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️

Fantastic read for anyone who’s a lover of fantasy novels.

✨Fantasy
✨Magic
✨He falls first
✨Friends to lovers
✨Slow burn


Loved the world building that the author has created, I liked the FMC Bria, she seemed like she could be a total badass in book 2! Ev, the MMC was cute and very likeable 😊

Very little spice in this book, which sometimes I actually like. With all the smut I read, it’s a nice change of pace!

Really looking forward to the next book, when it comes out to find out, what happens next. It gets left on, somewhat of a cliffhanger, but nothing too drastic 😁

Would definitely recommend this book to all my fantasy, magic loving readers out there 😁
Profile Image for Bookshelfenigma.
71 reviews
August 11, 2024
OK, so I had not read this book when the second one was about to come out. I wanted to read that one, so I had to read this one, obviously! I read it in one sitting! If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would. I loved the world-building, the characters, and Allie's excellent storytelling. She makes you feel like you are right there, in the pages. Also, Evander...well, he is just...Whew!

Now, I am off to read book 2!
Profile Image for Shabana K.
98 reviews4 followers
April 30, 2024
✨️A Tale of Love and Bones| Book Tour Review✨️

"The reaches of winter have not relinquished their tight grip on the mountains just yet, despite the early kiss of spring that touches the earth around us." ~ Allie Maddox

My thoughts:
Wow, this was such an incredible read! I was completely drawn in by the characters and storyline. I love the relationship dynamics between Bria and Ash, Evander and Quinn, and Bria and Evander. It was interesting to read how these characters interacted with one another, especially since they were children who grew up together and now are part of the rebels' cause to win the impending war. I can't wait to see what happens in book two, especially with this cliffhanger ending!
Thank you, #gifted @LiteraryMediaTours @authoralliemaddox

Blurb:
Love can withstand time, but can it withstand fate?
Bria
For five years I’ve sucked it up, done my duty, and kept my head down. But not anymore.
Ripped from my family, my father killed in cold blood in front of me. Hunted for years for being different, hidden from those who would take my magic and use it for their own sick purposes.
One half of the prophecy whispered for the last century. But when the other half, my baby sister, is taken from the safety of her bed, I’ll stop at nothing to get her back. Even if it means losing the love of my life.
After all, loving him is doomed anyway.
Evander
I survived months in the capital. Participated in countless murders and torture sessions. Drifted through endless nights riddled with guilt over the innocent lives I’ve taken. All to get back to the rebels. To her.
She is the most powerful woman to walk this earth in a hundred years. The outcome of the kingdom, the destiny of a people, the future of the world as we know it, all rests in her hands.
I can’t have her, but it doesn’t matter.
I will follow her to the ends of the earth if I need to. Prophecy be damned.

#literarymediatours #ataleofloveandbones #alliemaddox #booktour #booktourreview #fantasyreaders #fantasyreadersofinstagram #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookreviewsofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookishpost
Profile Image for Caitlin (cottagewitchreads).
131 reviews9 followers
April 29, 2024
A fresh fantasy romance that you don’t want to miss!

Bria is the prophecy. Destined to save her kingdom, doomed to make the ultimate sacrifice to achieve peace. Her sister is also the prophecy. They make two halves of a whole. But when Bria’s sister is taken, the peace they promise is threatened. With the help of her friend, Evander, Bria must navigate the capital and get her sister back before it’s too late. But with complications along the way, and the forbidden love Evander and Bria share, the kingdom holds its breath for the peace it is promised.

This was a good friends to lovers story full of action, heartache, and grit. I found that this story had a lovely message as it showed that people can and will love someone wholly – dark parts and all. The relationship between Bria and her friends and family showed us this continually, especially Evander and Ashbel. Ashbel and Bria’s friendship was my personal favourite, I love it when the FMC gets a real friendship! I am not the biggest fan of friends to lovers but this was written so well. Their relationship had me craving their next interaction every time.

The magic system was a big part of this story and it was interesting. People with magic are feared and revered, bound yet free (within reason – spoilers!). How magic is used and misused was very interesting – Bria’s powers are frightening.

The world in which this is set is large and vast. Many stories, legends, and myths are touched upon and some explained in depth. Sometimes the information was given in hints and glimpses through what was happening to the characters, and other times it would be written in great detail when characters were thinking. There was a lot of information to convey and I think Allie did it well.

If chosen one, found family, and fake betrothal is your cup of tea, then this book might be for you!

Thank you, Partner Literary Media Tours and Allie for the book in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Gils.
502 reviews
May 9, 2025
3.75 stars
Bria has spent her life knowing what her purpose is, but the last 5 years have been spent training and honing her gift. As a descendent of the Keeper of life and death, a descendent of his daughter Lilith, she has been give the gift of shadows and wielding the dead. Bria and Her sister, Nimai were separated 5 years ago as her sister has yet to come into her power. With Nimai’s birthday approaching, a plan to reunite the sisters is in place when Bria begins having dreams of Nimai being tortured. With the help of her childhood friend, Evander, Bria embarks on a journey filled with unknown dangers to find her sister and rescue her and the land from those who would harm them.

This book had a really refreshing take on fantasy and magic. Bria’s shadow wielding ability and the ability to manipulate the remains of the dead was very well written and a different take on the typical shadow-wielding storylines that fantasy books are full of these days. The slow-burn romance between Bria and Evander was delicious though sometimes a bit repetitive. I felt that there were many parts that felt a bit drawn out and repetitive which is why I didn’t give it a full 4 stars. However, I still really liked it and will be reading the next one right away. I read this as my local indie bookstore is featuring the author at a book club and was able to meet the author at that same bookstore’s fantasy author signing a short time ago. I am looking forward to reading more about Bria and Evander.
Profile Image for valerie pinon.
240 reviews4 followers
September 27, 2023
If you love Jennifer L armentrout's books you're going to love this author. Allie is a new to me author and I'm so glad that I was able to get one of her books and read it.

Lately I've been interviewing some but this book definitely helped pull me out of it.
Is adventure, action, steamy romance, and friendship.

Bria has the world on her shoulders and she is set to save the world and everybody in it from evolve that wants to prevail. Her dark magic is supposed to save everybody from a tragic fate.

Her sister is coming into her own magic scene which is light magic. But one night for your friends that her sister has been taken and she sets off on a journey to go save her.

Her bodyguard and best friend Evander has been falling for her for a long time. There's so much love between them and Stevie moments throughout the book I definitely didn't notice that it was a slow Burn.

Like all fantasy books this one had some great world building and I can't wait to get into more of the land as our heroes travel on another journey in the next installment.

✨I will definitely be recommending this book to all of my romantasy girlies.🗡️

Tropes:
Best friends
Forbidden
World building
Found family
Adventure
On the rode
Magic
On the run
Shadow Mommy
Fierce FMC
Body guard MMC
Necromancy
Fate
Evil hierarchy
The rite
Evil religion
Visions/dreams
Fighting
Sisters
Dark/light powers
Profile Image for Heather.
135 reviews10 followers
November 28, 2023
Read If You Enjoy
🦴 Steamy Friends to Lovers Romance 
🦴 Dark Fantasy 
🦴 Prophecy & Suspence

Bria is burdened by a prophecy that foretells her demise. She was separated from her family for the last five years and is learning how to harness her magic. When she hears of the kidnapping of her sister, she will stop at nothing until she is safe.

I devoured this book. The vivid and immersive world building is so beautifully written and easy to follow. I loved exploring all the beautiful places in Azudora as they traveled through the lands in search of Bria's sister. There is lots of action and suspense along the way that makes this a book that is really hard to put down. 

I loved Bria's character and unique magic. She is strong, fierce, and never backs down. She possesses a unique dark magic that I enjoyed so much. Bria's childhood friend to more, Evander, is loyal and protective, and their witty banter and exchanges were steamy and tension filled. The romance has a forbidden feel from the prophecy that looms over Bria (all the pining). I really enjoyed the supporting characters as well and the found family vibe they have with Bria and Evander.

If you enjoy dark romantasy you don't want to miss this one. I loved this book from the first page to the last, and I can't wait to see where book two in the series takes these characters. 
6 reviews10 followers
May 17, 2024
In the world of Azudora, magic and those born with it in their bloodlines have been hunted by the royal family for a hundred years. We follow Bria, who is a Prohecy. She has a sister, Nimai who is the other half of the prophecy. Bria is Dark while Nimai is Light. Bria is bound to sacrifice her life to save the world while Nimai is known to bring light. But one day when Nimai is taken by King Braddock, Bria will stop at nothing to save her sister.

This is an angsty, slow-burn romantasy. I was hooked from the first page! I love the world building. This reminds me a lot of Shatter Me X Beautiful Chaos.

Although this is a 500-page read, it is fast paced. I read nearly 60% of it in one sitting. It didn't feel lengthy and I love every single moment of this book.

Some parts are hilarious and I love Maddox's writing. Her choice of words are beautiful and I was invested in all the characters.

This is a dark romance with a few of my favourite romance tropes. Among them are forbidden romance, he falls first and harder, friends to lovers and fake betrothal.

This is definitely a book worth spending your time reading. Thank you so much #gifted @literarymediatours for this book in exchange for an honest review.

I'm now looking forward to Book 2 after the cliffhanger of an ending!
𝓜𝔂 𝓻𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5
Profile Image for Christina DiCenzo.
11 reviews
December 7, 2025
The plot is interesting enough that now I’ve finished the book, I want to know what happens to the characters in the sequel. Which is frustrating, because overall I really didn’t like the writing.

It is a standard romantasy with typical protagonists. I can adore the same variation of a plot over and over again, but here’s why this book didn’t work for me:

- The writing is painful in spots. Every reaction or thought a character has is analyzed in excruciating detail and repeated constantly. Like, if someone says something derogatory to the MC and the MC scowls, you don’t have to follow up with two sentences telling me why she scowled! It’s obvious! As a reader, you will not be asked to think at all.

- The two POVs we switch between are not distinctive. Sometimes I forget if I’m reading a FMC or MMC chapter. Different characters should think differently, use different words, observe different things, etc.

- We learn at the beginning of the book that the MMC spent years being forced to torture prisoners. While it’s suggested this was extremely traumatizing for him, it seems to have no effect on his identity throughout the entire book. Maybe he overcame his trauma, but that’s not really addressed either, and so it adds nothing to his character

Again, frustrating, because now I want to know what happens to them!
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