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The Aelfyn Archives #1
The Aspect of Essence
Scorching slowburns, sharp tongues.
Morally gray, feral tension.
Fated bonds, ruinous magic.
Step into a shadow-drenched realm where starlight and elemental magic reign, where bonds feel like fate until they burn, plot twists bruise, and banter cuts.
Across the series, slowburn romances unfold—beginning MF in Books 1–2, deepening into MFM by Book 3, with a separate MM arc that kindles quiet and burns deep in Book 3.
She was never meant to rule. A half-breed princess, torn from her throne and thrown into a brutal military academy—where a shadow-wielding commander targets her the moment she arrives.
He was never meant to be free. A healer bound to serve in a system built to break him—until his servitude twists into something darker than duty.
He was never meant to survive. A villain harboring secrets of the realm’s forgotten magic—willing to raze kingdoms to save his race.
A thousand years ago, the elves colonized the mortal realm and reduced humans to labor and breeding stock. But now, centuries later, their magic has turned on them, leaving their bloodlines sterile and their legacy fading.
An elven half-breed, Jassyn has spent his life trapped between roles—researcher of the fertility crisis, and unwilling contributor to its solution. His body is property. His brilliance, weaponized. When he’s sent to the human realm to “tutor” a half-breed princess, it feels like a temporary reprieve. Until he learns the truth behind the assignment.
Serenna, Jassyn's new pupil, has spent her life clawing toward a single goal—elevation into the elven courts. But after her twenty-fifth birthday, everything fractures. A monstrous race emerges, unraveling the lies. Half-breeds like her and Jassyn aren’t powerless, they were bred for magic and war.
Instead of a throne, she’s handed a uniform and conscripted to a military academy where half-breeds are forged into weapons. Her survival depends on awakening her magic, enduring the training, and surviving the relentless gaze of its commander: Prince Vesryn, a shadow-wielding prince with too many secrets, too much power, and a tongue that cuts sharper than his blades.
With war looming, Serenna must rise while Vesryn’s attention shifts from threat to fixation. But as Jassyn fights to protect her from the prince’s influence, his own chains tighten. And the path he takes may destroy more than just himself.
Loved A Court of Thorns and Roses, Crowns of Nyaxia, Throne of Glass, or The Empyrean?
If you admired Sansa Stark and Nesta’s evolution, fell hard for Rhysand’s charm in A Court of Mist and Fury, or can’t resist an anti-hero with Kylo Ren’s dark allure, The Aspect of Essence is your next obsession.
Reading guidance and detailed content notes are available in the sample preview.
While there’s no explicit content in The Aspect of Essence, the series features developing romantic relationships with increasing spice beginning in The Chains of Fate.
412 pages, ebook
First published October 16, 2023
7559 people are currently reading
63551 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Amstutz
7 books380 followersSamantha Amstutz is the author of the Aelfyn Archives based in South Carolina with roots in Indiana. She is inspired by Wheel of Time, World of Warcraft, The Elder Scrolls Online, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Stargate, Star Trek, and the entire romantasy genre. In her novels, you can expect (multiple) immersive magic systems, different races, plot and intrigue, slow-burn romance, diversity and inclusion, and believable characters with flaws.
She is honored and beyond thrilled you're reading her work and she hopes something in her created world resonates with yours.
She is honored and beyond thrilled you're reading her work and she hopes something in her created world resonates with yours.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,004 reviews
March 26, 2025
2025 - 3rd re read.
Looking back at the first arc I ever received, with love. It’s still just as amazing as the first time I read it, better in fact, because I know more now. I was so incredibly lucky that I got to read this early. I’ll forever love these characters, and this world. 🥹
I received an ARC of this book. And THANK GOD I DID!
I’m OBSESSED!
I’m going to need book two… RIGHT. NOW.
This book took over my life. It owned me. When I wasn’t reading it, all I was thinking about was reading it. And when I was reading it, I was completely enthralled, and engrossed in the story. The entire world around me ceased to exist. The world building was beautiful. The author did it in a way that wasn’t overbearing, and I really appreciated that! When the story started, I thought I knew where it was heading… and I was wrong. I freaking love being wrong 😅 By chapter 7 I was second guessing everything, and SERIOUSLY enjoying myself!
This book was everything I could want in a book.
Slow burn romance…
A complex (but not too hard to follow) magic system…
Multiple POV…
Imperfect main characters…
Morally grey MMC… 😏
Enemies to lovers…
Mentor/mentee…
Magical “academy” setting…
Not easy to predict…
And can we talk about the SERIOUSLY HOT sexual tension?! There is not any hard core spice in this book, but I can see where it’s heading… 😏
Spice rating - 🫑
Check your content warnings, but OMG do yourself a favor and read this book! I have a feeling it will blow up, and I can’t believe I was lucky enough to read it before it came out! I will be buying a physical copy the SECOND it comes out, because it’s a new favorite! 🙌🏼
Thank you for such an amazing experience! I can’t wait to read more of this amazing story!
Looking back at the first arc I ever received, with love. It’s still just as amazing as the first time I read it, better in fact, because I know more now. I was so incredibly lucky that I got to read this early. I’ll forever love these characters, and this world. 🥹
I received an ARC of this book. And THANK GOD I DID!
I’m OBSESSED!
I’m going to need book two… RIGHT. NOW.
This book took over my life. It owned me. When I wasn’t reading it, all I was thinking about was reading it. And when I was reading it, I was completely enthralled, and engrossed in the story. The entire world around me ceased to exist. The world building was beautiful. The author did it in a way that wasn’t overbearing, and I really appreciated that! When the story started, I thought I knew where it was heading… and I was wrong. I freaking love being wrong 😅 By chapter 7 I was second guessing everything, and SERIOUSLY enjoying myself!
This book was everything I could want in a book.
Slow burn romance…
A complex (but not too hard to follow) magic system…
Multiple POV…
Imperfect main characters…
Morally grey MMC… 😏
Enemies to lovers…
Mentor/mentee…
Magical “academy” setting…
Not easy to predict…
And can we talk about the SERIOUSLY HOT sexual tension?! There is not any hard core spice in this book, but I can see where it’s heading… 😏
Spice rating - 🫑
Check your content warnings, but OMG do yourself a favor and read this book! I have a feeling it will blow up, and I can’t believe I was lucky enough to read it before it came out! I will be buying a physical copy the SECOND it comes out, because it’s a new favorite! 🙌🏼
Thank you for such an amazing experience! I can’t wait to read more of this amazing story!
December 11, 2025
March 2025 - I have read this book 3 times now and I still want to give it more than 5 stars! Its so much fun to dive into the first time after reading book 2 last summer (just finished it again) and also knowing the titles of book 3 and 4. I picked up on more things this read through and I was excited jumping in my seat. I still love how the character development is growing! I think I love the history and lore the author has in place even more after rereading book 2 also. THIS IS BOOK IS WHAT I LOVE ABOUT FANTASY! THIS DELIVERS!
June 2024 - This was my 2nd reading this year! The audiobook was so good!!
January 2024 -
"You don't get to touch any more of me until you kiss me first." Vesryn's eyes narrowed on hers before his nostrils flared. Serenna sensed a whiff of irritation
and a gust of desire breeze through the bond. Her heart bolted when the prince's mouth hovered over hers. Taunting. "Summon your power, then."
I felt like I walked into my favorite city in my favorite PC game. Then, at the end of the book, the author mentions World of Warcraft as an inspiration, and I flipped out with excitement. The elven world was stunning.
The world building, magic system, and character development is 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩 This is what I want in my epic fantasy books. This delivered! I loved the whole book, and that last 30% had me on the edge of my seat! The slow burn was perrrrrfect!
The FMC was my favorite, I love a character that developed so well. I know it's not everyone favorite to read the whiny princess, but it's her story of who she becomes that is so good!! I'm excited about book 2! And I will be reading this one again.
June 2024 - This was my 2nd reading this year! The audiobook was so good!!
January 2024 -
"You don't get to touch any more of me until you kiss me first." Vesryn's eyes narrowed on hers before his nostrils flared. Serenna sensed a whiff of irritation
and a gust of desire breeze through the bond. Her heart bolted when the prince's mouth hovered over hers. Taunting. "Summon your power, then."
I felt like I walked into my favorite city in my favorite PC game. Then, at the end of the book, the author mentions World of Warcraft as an inspiration, and I flipped out with excitement. The elven world was stunning.
The world building, magic system, and character development is 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩 This is what I want in my epic fantasy books. This delivered! I loved the whole book, and that last 30% had me on the edge of my seat! The slow burn was perrrrrfect!
The FMC was my favorite, I love a character that developed so well. I know it's not everyone favorite to read the whiny princess, but it's her story of who she becomes that is so good!! I'm excited about book 2! And I will be reading this one again.
October 10, 2023
Wow!! I received an arc of this dark fantasy romance novel and it was so good, I stopped reading it for a little bit because I didn’t want the book to end because the sequel comes out in late spring next year.
This book have multiple POVs. The first is a female character Serenna, an elven blooded princess whose life turns upside down when instead of being introduced to potential suitors she is sent to a military academy to learn how to use her magic against the elves enemy the wraith. The second POV is a male elven blooded character named Jassyn a healer whose life choices are limited by the elven council due to his bloodline and his breeding potential. The third POV is from Lykor the wraiths leader. He is an interesting character that we learn more about as the book goes on he is not just a wraith he shares his body with another that sometimes takes over when he is asleep. This other presence also allows him to wield essence like the elves.
If you like dark fantasy romance with shadow daddies, military academies, elves, and forced proximity than you should add this book to your TBR.
This book have multiple POVs. The first is a female character Serenna, an elven blooded princess whose life turns upside down when instead of being introduced to potential suitors she is sent to a military academy to learn how to use her magic against the elves enemy the wraith. The second POV is a male elven blooded character named Jassyn a healer whose life choices are limited by the elven council due to his bloodline and his breeding potential. The third POV is from Lykor the wraiths leader. He is an interesting character that we learn more about as the book goes on he is not just a wraith he shares his body with another that sometimes takes over when he is asleep. This other presence also allows him to wield essence like the elves.
If you like dark fantasy romance with shadow daddies, military academies, elves, and forced proximity than you should add this book to your TBR.
September 20, 2023
OK, I will be honest this book was written by a friend so I was nervous about writing an honest review if I didn't like it but I didn't need to... BECAUSE I LOVED THIS BOOK.
First: there is a lot of info/ names/ places that you need to take in the first couple of chapters but I settled into the world really quick. Definitely not hard to, but enough that I needed to make a little effort, which isn't unusual for the first book in a series. Her writing is descriptive and distinctive (in a good way!) but not overly so to cause any distractions.
I definitely saw where she pulled her inspiration from: Mistborn, wheel of time, Sarah j mass, I even got a tiny bit of Harry Potter vibe when she described the dorms.
Honestly, if you're a fan of fae, Sarah j mass, or fourth wing, YOU WILL LOVE THIS BOOK. But it's different enough that it will keep you reading! Pretty sure I finished this book in 4 days (while working!) I loved it so much. I will be buying a physical copy when it comes out for sure! One of my favorite reads of the year!
First: there is a lot of info/ names/ places that you need to take in the first couple of chapters but I settled into the world really quick. Definitely not hard to, but enough that I needed to make a little effort, which isn't unusual for the first book in a series. Her writing is descriptive and distinctive (in a good way!) but not overly so to cause any distractions.
I definitely saw where she pulled her inspiration from: Mistborn, wheel of time, Sarah j mass, I even got a tiny bit of Harry Potter vibe when she described the dorms.
Honestly, if you're a fan of fae, Sarah j mass, or fourth wing, YOU WILL LOVE THIS BOOK. But it's different enough that it will keep you reading! Pretty sure I finished this book in 4 days (while working!) I loved it so much. I will be buying a physical copy when it comes out for sure! One of my favorite reads of the year!
July 25, 2024
THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I’VE READ ALL YEAR.
I will be screaming from the rooftops about this book for the rest of my life. I did not expect to love it as much as I did but holy crap. It was amazing. I’m shocked this is a debut novel. It had absolutely everything I love in a book. The story building, character development, and pacing was perfect.
THE BANTER. Ya’ll the banter😳 Soooo freaking good. I was kicking my feet and squealing every time Vesryn and Serenna were together. This is a slow burn romance with so much delicious tension. They literally only kiss once and it was everything🥵 I cannot wait to see how things develop in book 2.
There were some heavy themes in this book that really broke my heart. *please check the TW* I will protect Jassyn at all costs. Every time I read his POV, I just wanted to shield him from the world. I’m so scared to see what is going to happen to him.
Lykor was such an intriguing character and I loved getting a peak inside the “bad guy’s” head. I’m excited to see more of him and the wraith.
I still can’t wrap my head around how amazing this book was. I already want to read it again. Thank you so much to the author for sending me an arc to review!
This book is perfect if you love..
🖤dark fantasy romance
🖤magic training
🖤BANTER
🖤shadow daddy
🖤enemies to lovers
🖤slow burn
🖤tending to wounds
🖤magical military academy
🖤fated bonds
I will be screaming from the rooftops about this book for the rest of my life. I did not expect to love it as much as I did but holy crap. It was amazing. I’m shocked this is a debut novel. It had absolutely everything I love in a book. The story building, character development, and pacing was perfect.
THE BANTER. Ya’ll the banter😳 Soooo freaking good. I was kicking my feet and squealing every time Vesryn and Serenna were together. This is a slow burn romance with so much delicious tension. They literally only kiss once and it was everything🥵 I cannot wait to see how things develop in book 2.
There were some heavy themes in this book that really broke my heart. *please check the TW* I will protect Jassyn at all costs. Every time I read his POV, I just wanted to shield him from the world. I’m so scared to see what is going to happen to him.
Lykor was such an intriguing character and I loved getting a peak inside the “bad guy’s” head. I’m excited to see more of him and the wraith.
I still can’t wrap my head around how amazing this book was. I already want to read it again. Thank you so much to the author for sending me an arc to review!
This book is perfect if you love..
🖤dark fantasy romance
🖤magic training
🖤BANTER
🖤shadow daddy
🖤enemies to lovers
🖤slow burn
🖤tending to wounds
🖤magical military academy
🖤fated bonds
February 12, 2025
How can one even begin to describe the perfection that is The Aspect of Essence? I don't know if there are words strong enough to express all the emotions I've experienced while reading this dark epic fantasy.
The Aspect of Essence is book 1 in The Aelfyn Achives series by Samantha Amstutz. I saw the author's profile and several posts describing the book and I felt a pull toward it. I think at first it was the intriguing title and then the blurb. All I can say is I am so so happy I stumbled upon this series, and Samantha now has a true admirer of her work.
The Aspect of Essence is a dark fantasy, perhaps the darkest one I've read so far. It targets various difficult topics (I recommend going through TW), but I feel like the author digs deep into these serious issues and handles them with care and understanding.
The world building is just miraculous, it is so vast and intricate, and leaves still many mysteries to be solved in later books.
We see three main characters, and a fourth one who, I'm sure, will be a central character in the following books. There is no spice, but there is some tension and a bit of steam. That doesn't bother at all, because the story unfolding between FMC and MMC leaves space for so much more in their relationship. The MMC, Vesryn, really shows how everything is not as black & white as it may seem at first. The FMC, Serenne, tries to build herself and differentiate from her role of a spoiled princess, not without issues or hard life lessons. And Jassyn, the other MMC...This book is breaking my heart anytime Jassyn is involved, and if he doesn't get at least a sliver of happiness, I don't know what I will do. He's possibly the most broken character I've read and I just want him to be happy. I love the story in general and how it's progressing, other MCs too, but I would fight tooth and nails for Jassyn. Samantha has written their characters so well that you have to feel and experience everything they go through.
The Aspect of Essence is a true 5 star book that I won't stop recommending for years to come. Now, I will patiently wait for book 2 that will surely be another masterpiece.
The Aspect of Essence is book 1 in The Aelfyn Achives series by Samantha Amstutz. I saw the author's profile and several posts describing the book and I felt a pull toward it. I think at first it was the intriguing title and then the blurb. All I can say is I am so so happy I stumbled upon this series, and Samantha now has a true admirer of her work.
The Aspect of Essence is a dark fantasy, perhaps the darkest one I've read so far. It targets various difficult topics (I recommend going through TW), but I feel like the author digs deep into these serious issues and handles them with care and understanding.
The world building is just miraculous, it is so vast and intricate, and leaves still many mysteries to be solved in later books.
We see three main characters, and a fourth one who, I'm sure, will be a central character in the following books. There is no spice, but there is some tension and a bit of steam. That doesn't bother at all, because the story unfolding between FMC and MMC leaves space for so much more in their relationship. The MMC, Vesryn, really shows how everything is not as black & white as it may seem at first. The FMC, Serenne, tries to build herself and differentiate from her role of a spoiled princess, not without issues or hard life lessons. And Jassyn, the other MMC...This book is breaking my heart anytime Jassyn is involved, and if he doesn't get at least a sliver of happiness, I don't know what I will do. He's possibly the most broken character I've read and I just want him to be happy. I love the story in general and how it's progressing, other MCs too, but I would fight tooth and nails for Jassyn. Samantha has written their characters so well that you have to feel and experience everything they go through.
The Aspect of Essence is a true 5 star book that I won't stop recommending for years to come. Now, I will patiently wait for book 2 that will surely be another masterpiece.
June 20, 2024
Thank you Samantha Amstutz for an ARC copy of The Aspect of Essence!
This is a truly exceptional beginning to a fantasy series, I am absolutely OBSSESSED!
AoE covers complex topics such as world politics, race superiority, complicated relationship dynamics, all while spinning a beautiful and emotional story. We follow a young woman coming into her power, a beat down healer forced into sexual servitude who is also struggling with addiction, a callous prince who may not be all he seems, as well as a wraith that may not be the enemy we suspect. The characters will have you zig zagging between loving them and loathing them within a few pages. Not to mention the magic systems are mysterious and complex. I cannot wait to continue this series!
This is a truly exceptional beginning to a fantasy series, I am absolutely OBSSESSED!
AoE covers complex topics such as world politics, race superiority, complicated relationship dynamics, all while spinning a beautiful and emotional story. We follow a young woman coming into her power, a beat down healer forced into sexual servitude who is also struggling with addiction, a callous prince who may not be all he seems, as well as a wraith that may not be the enemy we suspect. The characters will have you zig zagging between loving them and loathing them within a few pages. Not to mention the magic systems are mysterious and complex. I cannot wait to continue this series!
July 24, 2024
2.5 ⭐️ This is definitely one of those books that had so much potential in the beginning but ended up falling extremely flat for me. There were definitely some aspects of this book that were done really well, but the story as a whole was just lacking… that’s really the only way I can put it into words, it felt like a big piece of the puzzle was missing for me.
What I enjoyed:
- the magic system was really unique and well thought out. Magic is referred to as “essence” and has 8 categories: Force, telepathy, illusion, mending, rending, shielding, illumination, portaling.
- Excellent world building
- Magical military academy setting
- Jassyn carried this book for me personally, this poor man must be protected at all costs. This was multi pov and he’s the only character I liked unfortunately.
What I wasn’t a fan of:
- though I love books written in the third person, I absolutely hate it when every other paragraph you get the main characters first person inner thoughts in italicized letters. This is just a personal pet peeve of mine but it just makes the writing in the third person seem pointless if you’re just going to interject the characters thoughts about every single tiny detail. This honestly started to drive me absolutely insane.
- Our FMC… this girl made me want to rip every single last strand of hair out of my head. I cannot even begin to explain how annoying she was, if this wasn’t multi pov I would not have finished this book because her inner monologue infuriated me so much.
- The romance lacked any and all substance for me personally. I just felt zero chemistry between our main couple and their feelings for each other just seemed very unbelievable.
- Vesryn our MMC gave me ick so bad I’m SORRY JUST SOMETHING ABOUT HIM MADE ME CRINGE!!
- The pacing was extremely slow, things didn’t really pick up until around the 30% mark but then at around the halfway point things got very slow again and literally nothing happened until like the last 5% of the book. Honestly I was painfully bored…. I just felt very underwhelmed.
All in all this book had a lot of potential and I can see why some people may enjoy this, but it just wasn’t for me at the end of the day and I will not be continuing this series.
What I enjoyed:
- the magic system was really unique and well thought out. Magic is referred to as “essence” and has 8 categories: Force, telepathy, illusion, mending, rending, shielding, illumination, portaling.
- Excellent world building
- Magical military academy setting
- Jassyn carried this book for me personally, this poor man must be protected at all costs. This was multi pov and he’s the only character I liked unfortunately.
What I wasn’t a fan of:
- though I love books written in the third person, I absolutely hate it when every other paragraph you get the main characters first person inner thoughts in italicized letters. This is just a personal pet peeve of mine but it just makes the writing in the third person seem pointless if you’re just going to interject the characters thoughts about every single tiny detail. This honestly started to drive me absolutely insane.
- Our FMC… this girl made me want to rip every single last strand of hair out of my head. I cannot even begin to explain how annoying she was, if this wasn’t multi pov I would not have finished this book because her inner monologue infuriated me so much.
- The romance lacked any and all substance for me personally. I just felt zero chemistry between our main couple and their feelings for each other just seemed very unbelievable.
- Vesryn our MMC gave me ick so bad I’m SORRY JUST SOMETHING ABOUT HIM MADE ME CRINGE!!
- The pacing was extremely slow, things didn’t really pick up until around the 30% mark but then at around the halfway point things got very slow again and literally nothing happened until like the last 5% of the book. Honestly I was painfully bored…. I just felt very underwhelmed.
All in all this book had a lot of potential and I can see why some people may enjoy this, but it just wasn’t for me at the end of the day and I will not be continuing this series.
December 7, 2023
DNF at 20%. The writing seems fine, the world build is a little jumbled but I just assume it evens out over the book. I can not stomach another chapter of the FMC. Just can’t do it. I thought she might get better after a supremely humbling experience, but I can’t hang out till then. Just wasn’t for me.
Edit: I just want to say that I saw this book on tik tok and it said for fans of ACOTAR and TOG… people need to stop with that.. just because a book has some elves/fae does not mean it’s for fans of those books. This is NOTHING like those books.
Edit: I just want to say that I saw this book on tik tok and it said for fans of ACOTAR and TOG… people need to stop with that.. just because a book has some elves/fae does not mean it’s for fans of those books. This is NOTHING like those books.
August 1, 2024
I’m really trying to figure out how so many people made it past the first five chapters. I have it until 7 and just couldn’t tolerate it any longer. The main female was obnoxious and the male spent to many chapters of internal monologue letting us know he’s contracted out for sex and baby making. This book just gave me the ick. It’s ick. TikTok, you bamboozled me. I wanna say never again but it’s probably gunna happen again.
dnf
May 17, 2025I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. If I am being honest this book has held me up for my other ARCs. I have books to read for my English class so I can only really read one fun book at a time. It takes a lot for me to DNF, and it’s very rare I do however, I disliked the FMC so much I couldn’t continue reading it.
The FMC is extremely obnoxious, whiney, spoiled, believes everyone and everything is beneath her, immature to the point I’ve seen toddlers more mature, obsessed with the idea of getting in a relationship, and just down right aggravating.
I’m not sure if she gets better as the book goes on, and I truly tried to get past it but I just could not stomach her behavior.
I got to chapter 10, and the every single chapter that was from her POV was her obsessing over getting in a relationship, looking down on others, and almost being too obsessed with a man she had never even met.
The biggest reason I DNF’d this book is because when she finds out that she’s only built herself up to be special in her mind, and no one else views her as above everyone else and the world does not revolve around her, she went into a fit of rage and threw a massive tantrum like a spoiled child.
However, that man she has never met that she’s so obsessed with and wants to get into a relationship with? Yea, when she finds out that he’ll be apart of the project she’s being forced into, she’s immediately fine with it and perfectly happy about her fate like she wasn’t just screaming her rage at the top of her lung two pages back. In fact, she immediately goes back to her obsessive state over a non existent relationship and the man she never met.
I really was excited for this book, and wanted to like it. So not liking a character so much I decided to DNF the book makes me sad.
The FMC is extremely obnoxious, whiney, spoiled, believes everyone and everything is beneath her, immature to the point I’ve seen toddlers more mature, obsessed with the idea of getting in a relationship, and just down right aggravating.
I’m not sure if she gets better as the book goes on, and I truly tried to get past it but I just could not stomach her behavior.
I got to chapter 10, and the every single chapter that was from her POV was her obsessing over getting in a relationship, looking down on others, and almost being too obsessed with a man she had never even met.
The biggest reason I DNF’d this book is because when she finds out that she’s only built herself up to be special in her mind, and no one else views her as above everyone else and the world does not revolve around her, she went into a fit of rage and threw a massive tantrum like a spoiled child.
However, that man she has never met that she’s so obsessed with and wants to get into a relationship with? Yea, when she finds out that he’ll be apart of the project she’s being forced into, she’s immediately fine with it and perfectly happy about her fate like she wasn’t just screaming her rage at the top of her lung two pages back. In fact, she immediately goes back to her obsessive state over a non existent relationship and the man she never met.
I really was excited for this book, and wanted to like it. So not liking a character so much I decided to DNF the book makes me sad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2024
Jassyn, Serenna, and Vesryn all play an important part in this incredible story.
One not being afraid to stand up for what they believe and hold dear.
The other changes for the good but keeping the charm that makes one smile worth the watch.
And the other, is starting to find his way in his new life amongst humans and elf.
The chemistry between 2 of the main characters is breath taking.
And the battle they are training for has just begun...
Loved it!
One not being afraid to stand up for what they believe and hold dear.
The other changes for the good but keeping the charm that makes one smile worth the watch.
And the other, is starting to find his way in his new life amongst humans and elf.
The chemistry between 2 of the main characters is breath taking.
And the battle they are training for has just begun...
Loved it!
February 21, 2025
Ok so reels got me once again with this one. And this book would have been a 4 star if it wasn’t for the beginning. This book took FOREVER to start, the plot didn’t really begin till 30% into it. BUT once it started she didn’t stop and we can thank our main man Vesryn for that.
This book gave some fourth wing vibes with the military academy and small underestimated girlie with the big bad most powerful man in the realm and I ATE IT UP. But also some SJM vibes with the multiple povs and plot lines happening at once. If girlie can keep up the momentum I feel like this series could be ok.
“Fight for me” 🧝♂️🪶🪄🔮🔪🦅
This book gave some fourth wing vibes with the military academy and small underestimated girlie with the big bad most powerful man in the realm and I ATE IT UP. But also some SJM vibes with the multiple povs and plot lines happening at once. If girlie can keep up the momentum I feel like this series could be ok.
“Fight for me” 🧝♂️🪶🪄🔮🔪🦅
January 18, 2024
I understand those who DNF this book at 25% because I didn’t start liking it until about 70%. It’s strange to have such dark themes and also have an insufferable fmc acting like a 13 yo. I’m glad that Serenna finally started to have some character development and that’s the only reason I’m going to read the second book… the last 30% of the book actually makes me excited to read it!! The tension is great and the lingering questions left a great cliffhanger.
January 13, 2024
DNF-first book for a while I haven’t finished. Didn’t like the characters and the pace was very slow.
July 10, 2024
I succumbed to the tiktok marketing and it was SO WORTH IT ✧˖*°࿐
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice: 🌶️.5
Tropes:
💫Found Family
💫Elven Military Academy
💫Slow burn Romance
💫Magic Training
💫Multiple magic systems
💫Epic dark fantasy
💫Banter
💫Wound tending
YALL BOOK 2 CANNOT COME FAST ENOUGH - I'm not even kidding this book needs more people to read it because I think it could blow up 💜
Let me walk you through some of the microtropes / scenarios that had me in a near cataclysmal state, something more intense than a mere CHOKEHOLD:
- Two words: SHADOW. RESTRAINTS 😏
- Mentor - Mentee that gives Aelin and Rowan in HOF vibes
- A new spin on fated bonds
- he pins her to a tree
-T.E.N.S.I.O.N.
- He takes away her pain (by taking it himself)
-multiple plots progressing at once (some many mysteries and things to be uncovered)
-she is trying to heal him but he passes out, so she slaps him to wake him up- he wakes up asking to be slapped again *GASPS*
Some other things to note:
- a sign of a good author is a character with flaws - but a sign of a great author is creating characters with meaningful flaws that evolve and are addressed / develop throughout the book
- there are a bunch of names thrown at you at at the beginning just push through it's worth it (and the author gave us a little outline at the beginning to help)
- same thing can be said about the FMC - I found her slightly aggravating at the beginning but trust me, remember that whole point I made about flaws?... the FMC gets much better I promise
- check trigger warnings as some of the characters do deal with some heavy topics (PROTECT JASSYN AT ALL COSTS)
- I loved how developed all the characters were, and how it was clear there was more to everyone than it first seemed
-I am SO curious about the whole conspiracy / mystery plotline, there is alot to uncover with Lykor and i am EXCITED
- The enemies to lovers did start off a little mean, but there were enough scenes where his actions had me giggling and swooning so i forgive him.
-What's up with the shamans, and what do you know ELASHOR you evil turd
any whooo, that's all friends - super excited for the next one to come out 💜💜
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice: 🌶️.5
Tropes:
💫Found Family
💫Elven Military Academy
💫Slow burn Romance
💫Magic Training
💫Multiple magic systems
💫Epic dark fantasy
💫Banter
💫Wound tending
YALL BOOK 2 CANNOT COME FAST ENOUGH - I'm not even kidding this book needs more people to read it because I think it could blow up 💜
Let me walk you through some of the microtropes / scenarios that had me in a near cataclysmal state, something more intense than a mere CHOKEHOLD:
- Two words: SHADOW. RESTRAINTS 😏
- Mentor - Mentee that gives Aelin and Rowan in HOF vibes
- A new spin on fated bonds
- he pins her to a tree
-T.E.N.S.I.O.N.
- He takes away her pain (by taking it himself)
-multiple plots progressing at once (some many mysteries and things to be uncovered)
-she is trying to heal him but he passes out, so she slaps him to wake him up- he wakes up asking to be slapped again *GASPS*
Some other things to note:
- a sign of a good author is a character with flaws - but a sign of a great author is creating characters with meaningful flaws that evolve and are addressed / develop throughout the book
- there are a bunch of names thrown at you at at the beginning just push through it's worth it (and the author gave us a little outline at the beginning to help)
- same thing can be said about the FMC - I found her slightly aggravating at the beginning but trust me, remember that whole point I made about flaws?... the FMC gets much better I promise
- check trigger warnings as some of the characters do deal with some heavy topics (PROTECT JASSYN AT ALL COSTS)
- I loved how developed all the characters were, and how it was clear there was more to everyone than it first seemed
-I am SO curious about the whole conspiracy / mystery plotline, there is alot to uncover with Lykor and i am EXCITED
- The enemies to lovers did start off a little mean, but there were enough scenes where his actions had me giggling and swooning so i forgive him.
-What's up with the shamans, and what do you know ELASHOR you evil turd
any whooo, that's all friends - super excited for the next one to come out 💜💜
October 15, 2023
Thank you so much Samantha for the opportunity to read this ARC! It was just as great as I had anticipated!
Overall I really liked Serenna and Vesryn, but Jassyn was my favorite character. The things he was being subjected to for the so-called good of the realm really left him so vulnerable and broken and I wanted to give him the biggest hug 🥹 he was such a good protector of a friend to Serenna as well ❤️ I for sure thought Vesryn was a douche at first but grew to love him and his methods for getting Serenna to hone in to her essence. He really cares about her even if he has a slightly unconventional way of showing it. The end was technically a cliffhanger but not one that left you upset or angry. I can’t wait to see this series continue and continue learning more about the Elves, Wraith (and their leader), the Druids and the Dracovae.
Overall I really liked Serenna and Vesryn, but Jassyn was my favorite character. The things he was being subjected to for the so-called good of the realm really left him so vulnerable and broken and I wanted to give him the biggest hug 🥹 he was such a good protector of a friend to Serenna as well ❤️ I for sure thought Vesryn was a douche at first but grew to love him and his methods for getting Serenna to hone in to her essence. He really cares about her even if he has a slightly unconventional way of showing it. The end was technically a cliffhanger but not one that left you upset or angry. I can’t wait to see this series continue and continue learning more about the Elves, Wraith (and their leader), the Druids and the Dracovae.
April 13, 2025
So many words yet I still have no clue what was going on 🫠
September 23, 2025
Oh hey, another why choose that was not in fact marketed that way (you get the first inkling of it at the end of book 2) 💀
Authors. Please. Do better.
Authors. Please. Do better.
September 17, 2023
ARC reader! I JUST finished and I am OBSESSED!!!!! Samantha you have written a BEAUTIFUL story. I am so sad the next book won’t be released until next spring 😭😭
THAT BEING SAID- I am actually blown away. I love our FMC, Serenna’s, story. Her emotions are written so well, and absolutely believable. I FELT them with her.
And our MMCs!! Ahhhhhh!!!! Jassyn deserves the whole entire world 😭! And Vesryn! I cannot wait to learn more about him! And EXCUSE ME LYKOR!
The twists and turns and heart wrenching writing. Perfectly balance with humor. I’m living for the insults thrown and will definitely be using them myself.
I love the world building, I fully understand what’s happening without having too much/irrelevant info thrown my way. The magic systems are SO COOL and make sense. My only complaint is that I need to wait so long for book two.
This story is perfectly written. This is my first ARC read and I’m so glad I actually loved this story.
THAT BEING SAID- I am actually blown away. I love our FMC, Serenna’s, story. Her emotions are written so well, and absolutely believable. I FELT them with her.
And our MMCs!! Ahhhhhh!!!! Jassyn deserves the whole entire world 😭! And Vesryn! I cannot wait to learn more about him! And EXCUSE ME LYKOR!
The twists and turns and heart wrenching writing. Perfectly balance with humor. I’m living for the insults thrown and will definitely be using them myself.
I love the world building, I fully understand what’s happening without having too much/irrelevant info thrown my way. The magic systems are SO COOL and make sense. My only complaint is that I need to wait so long for book two.
This story is perfectly written. This is my first ARC read and I’m so glad I actually loved this story.
February 23, 2024
I cannot recommend this book enough. I am BEGGING you all to go read it. Like… I don’t even know what to do with myself after finishing this book. I read it to pull myself out of the Iron Flame slump and pull me out it did.. with a whole new book boyfriend. I fell in LOVE with these characters. (Mostly Vesryn because I can’t help but love the morally gray man..every single time 🤪😩) There is so much growth within all of them throughout the book. The banter, the found family.. it is so beautifully written and easy to follow for a fantasy book.
February 14, 2024
3.5 rating. Third pov annoys me but I’ll be reading the next book only to read vesryn tell serenna to slap him again LOL.
July 21, 2025
- 1 ⭐️ for the toenail scene. That is all 😭😭
November 11, 2025
Ik had echt moeite om in dit boek te komen, maar ik heb me door het eerste deel heen gesleept en it did not disappoint🙌🏼
Het verhaal is nog wel beetje in opstartende fase (al is er wel actie geweest) maar love the humor en love de potentie van deze serie👏🏼
Het verhaal is nog wel beetje in opstartende fase (al is er wel actie geweest) maar love the humor en love de potentie van deze serie👏🏼
March 2, 2025
I would highly recommend this book! The world building was amazing and I will be getting the next book ASAP!
July 9, 2024
It wasn’t perfect, but it hit perfectly! Current fav romantasy
4.5⭐️
4.5⭐️
June 20, 2024
This book was exactly what I needed & I enjoyed every second. Was this the best book you’ve ever read? No. Was it entertaining as all hell? Yes. There were several twists I did NOT see coming and I totally adored the character development. I have a few specific flaws/shortcomings that held it from my 5⭐️ category but I CANNOT wait until the next book in this series! Have not been this attached to a TRUE romantasy in a while!
For Cliterature: 2.69 🦄 (but 10/10 horniness)
For Cliterature: 2.69 🦄 (but 10/10 horniness)
May 5, 2024
Het verhaal kwam echt veeeeel te langzaam op gang. Ik eindig dit boek nog steeds in de war over een heeeel erg groot deel van het verhaal... het idee van het verhaal is gaaf maar, voor mij, is de uitvoering helaas tegen gevallen.
June 20, 2024
I LOVED THIS BOOK! 🫶
I waited a few days after finishing before writing my review. I had to come to terms with the fact that I have to wait until SEPTEMBER to read the next one. I devoured this story. Aspect of Essence is an epic fantasy that should be on every romantasy reader's TBR. It's such an engaging story with interesting characters and great plot development.
***This is dark fantasy and should be approached as such. I recommend looking at the TWs because there are some darker elements to this that readers need to be aware of.***
🖤 The world building is phenomenal, making this book a really easy and engaging read that had me turning the pages to find out more.
🖤 The characters are interesting and endearing. Initially, I disliked the FMC but she grew on me. She started off as a spoiled brat and I found her incredibly childish and annoying. BUT...she changes, becomes more empathetic and finds her purpose and strength. By the end of the book, I really liked her. She is relatable in that she expresses her emotions fully and doesn't hold back. I did find her sudden maturity/change a little abrupt. She spent her life being sheltered from the secrets of her legacy and heritage (only to have a glorious melt down moment when she found out) to then being fully onboard and a wholly new person within a few chapters.
🖤 The MMC’s are complex, there's a lot to like, and a lot to dislike. There is a lot of room for development in the next book and I can't wait to see how the relationships unfold. The tensionnnnnn... 🤌 it was so much fun and had me kicking my legs (sigh). There isn’t any smut/spice (maybe one mild scene), but the story didn't need it right now. It was engaging enough and I loved the tension and the small sexy moments.
🖤 One character really goes through it. It's hard to read his chapters and I hope that he finds happiness in the next book because he absolutely breaks my heart. His trauma is awful to read and is often overlooked because he is so kind 💔 Again, read the TWs.
I waited a few days after finishing before writing my review. I had to come to terms with the fact that I have to wait until SEPTEMBER to read the next one. I devoured this story. Aspect of Essence is an epic fantasy that should be on every romantasy reader's TBR. It's such an engaging story with interesting characters and great plot development.
***This is dark fantasy and should be approached as such. I recommend looking at the TWs because there are some darker elements to this that readers need to be aware of.***
🖤 The world building is phenomenal, making this book a really easy and engaging read that had me turning the pages to find out more.
🖤 The characters are interesting and endearing. Initially, I disliked the FMC but she grew on me. She started off as a spoiled brat and I found her incredibly childish and annoying. BUT...she changes, becomes more empathetic and finds her purpose and strength. By the end of the book, I really liked her. She is relatable in that she expresses her emotions fully and doesn't hold back. I did find her sudden maturity/change a little abrupt. She spent her life being sheltered from the secrets of her legacy and heritage (only to have a glorious melt down moment when she found out) to then being fully onboard and a wholly new person within a few chapters.
🖤 The MMC’s are complex, there's a lot to like, and a lot to dislike. There is a lot of room for development in the next book and I can't wait to see how the relationships unfold. The tensionnnnnn... 🤌 it was so much fun and had me kicking my legs (sigh). There isn’t any smut/spice (maybe one mild scene), but the story didn't need it right now. It was engaging enough and I loved the tension and the small sexy moments.
🖤 One character really goes through it. It's hard to read his chapters and I hope that he finds happiness in the next book because he absolutely breaks my heart. His trauma is awful to read and is often overlooked because he is so kind 💔 Again, read the TWs.
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