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The Court of Infinites #1
Realm of Shadows and Flame
Throne of Glass and Red Queen meets It Ends With Us in a tantalizing new world of gods and fae. Realm of Shadows and Flame brings a new twist to mythology you’ve never seen before and will leave you begging for more.
Myths of the Sun and the Moon have circulated for millennia throughout Albionne. They were the stories Renata Orion was raised on. But the day Fynn Tirich fell from the sky, chosen as the new Phoenix, those stories became more than legends.
Along with her sister and friends, Renata is selected to train for the Ira Deorum. An ancient, elite force. Together, they must face the king's trials and question where their loyalties truly lie.
As they continue their journey together secrets are uncovered, lies are told, and betrayal lurks around the corner. Renata must decide on who to trust and what to believe.
Are the legends truly just stories told at bedtime, or is Renata doomed to repeat the fate of the past?
Myths of the Sun and the Moon have circulated for millennia throughout Albionne. They were the stories Renata Orion was raised on. But the day Fynn Tirich fell from the sky, chosen as the new Phoenix, those stories became more than legends.
Along with her sister and friends, Renata is selected to train for the Ira Deorum. An ancient, elite force. Together, they must face the king's trials and question where their loyalties truly lie.
As they continue their journey together secrets are uncovered, lies are told, and betrayal lurks around the corner. Renata must decide on who to trust and what to believe.
Are the legends truly just stories told at bedtime, or is Renata doomed to repeat the fate of the past?
388 pages, Hardcover
Published October 21, 2022
455 people are currently reading
6582 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
December 30, 2023
I’m ngl this was terrible. I tried to convince myself it was ok but it really wasn’t, the characters are so under-developed and cringey- the fmc Renata was honestly one of the stupidest leads I’ve came across in a long time. The mmc was essentially a duller version of Carden/Rhysand. The side characters were there to provide an inspirational quote every now and again and to show that the fmc was likeable. It didn’t work.
The romance was supposed to be enemies to lovers. They talk maybe 3 times and when I say talk I mean a snippy comment which lasts half a page- then all of sudden there’s ‘tension’ and ‘heat’. I promise you, there wasn’t. Ugh what a waste of energy.
I don’t recommend but you do you💫
The romance was supposed to be enemies to lovers. They talk maybe 3 times and when I say talk I mean a snippy comment which lasts half a page- then all of sudden there’s ‘tension’ and ‘heat’. I promise you, there wasn’t. Ugh what a waste of energy.
I don’t recommend but you do you💫
November 1, 2022
This is a hard one. I think, as a debut book, it was alright and I wouldn't be surprised if it would be the next hyped-beyond-reason talk of booktok. However, I personally didn't like/enjoy some most of the in-between-the-lines messages and ideas this book was trying to make. For me, these messages are the backbone of how I end up feeling about a book in the end.
It is marketed as a TOG wanna-be, but it had more ACOTAR vibes. Two dudes, one blond, one dark, but oh no, blond is evil and dark is secretly a softy. Nevermind he legit tortured the heroine for fun. Yeah, it wasn't my cup of tea the first time around and it's definitely not my cup of tea for the hundredth time either. At some point I was despising both guys to their guts, so the romancecheating was.. not the star of the show for me.
The other, more technical problem I had was the fact it was a little too convenient, both in plot and events. The events didn't feel organic, they just happened to conveniently move the plot between rough spots where it felt stagnating.
In short, if you liked ACOTAR, you'll probably like this one as well.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Smut Scale: 🌶️.5
Heat Scale: idk 🔥, maybe?!
It is marketed as a TOG wanna-be, but it had more ACOTAR vibes. Two dudes, one blond, one dark, but oh no, blond is evil and dark is secretly a softy. Nevermind he legit tortured the heroine for fun. Yeah, it wasn't my cup of tea the first time around and it's definitely not my cup of tea for the hundredth time either. At some point I was despising both guys to their guts, so the romance
The other, more technical problem I had was the fact it was a little too convenient, both in plot and events. The events didn't feel organic, they just happened to conveniently move the plot between rough spots where it felt stagnating.
In short, if you liked ACOTAR, you'll probably like this one as well.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Smut Scale: 🌶️.5
Heat Scale: idk 🔥, maybe?!
September 23, 2022
Okay I'm obsessed
I read this book in two days, it consumed me so much.
Be sure to check trigger warnings, this book is deep. I loved the world building, it really transported me into the story.
"I had followed their rules, and they called me complacent. I broke them, and they murdered my friend. But one thing they’ll never call me again… is weak."
I want to avoid spoilers but omg did this book made me so giddy at times!! This story is everything, it made me cry, it made me laugh, it made me swoon!
The characters are so well developed. They each have their own unique personality that shines, their stories are thought out and the relationships between them all are so precious.
The main character goes through so much growth while coming into her own and I related to her so strongly. I resonated with the way she learns to start trusting herself.
The plot and the mystery around everything kept me on the edge of my seat. I have a major book hangover now and I need the next book like yesterday.
I read this book in two days, it consumed me so much.
Be sure to check trigger warnings, this book is deep. I loved the world building, it really transported me into the story.
"I had followed their rules, and they called me complacent. I broke them, and they murdered my friend. But one thing they’ll never call me again… is weak."
I want to avoid spoilers but omg did this book made me so giddy at times!! This story is everything, it made me cry, it made me laugh, it made me swoon!
The characters are so well developed. They each have their own unique personality that shines, their stories are thought out and the relationships between them all are so precious.
The main character goes through so much growth while coming into her own and I related to her so strongly. I resonated with the way she learns to start trusting herself.
The plot and the mystery around everything kept me on the edge of my seat. I have a major book hangover now and I need the next book like yesterday.
September 10, 2022
I was gifted an arc in exchange for an honest review: guys. I’m shocked at how good this book was.
This is a real & raw telling of the human experience; of grief; of joy; of pain; of everything. It resonated with me in the realest sense and had my in tears for most of it.
The way the author deals with mental health is powerful and necessary.
The MC of this book is who we all hope to be—resilient in the face of trauma yet never yielding ideals of mercy and humanity in spite of hardship.
The fantasy & plot are wonderful. My only complaint is that the first 10% of this book is information dump & in a way that just tells you the main characters thoughts rather than watching the world unfold through action.
The relationships in the story are beautiful and gut wrenching and necessary. Wonderful. Highly recommend.
This is a real & raw telling of the human experience; of grief; of joy; of pain; of everything. It resonated with me in the realest sense and had my in tears for most of it.
The way the author deals with mental health is powerful and necessary.
The MC of this book is who we all hope to be—resilient in the face of trauma yet never yielding ideals of mercy and humanity in spite of hardship.
The fantasy & plot are wonderful. My only complaint is that the first 10% of this book is information dump & in a way that just tells you the main characters thoughts rather than watching the world unfold through action.
The relationships in the story are beautiful and gut wrenching and necessary. Wonderful. Highly recommend.
November 17, 2022
I was graciously given an Arc for this book and for a first time author I give her big props. However the book wasn’t my cup of tea I obviously found this author on booktok and was actually really excited to read her book. It was being advertised as like the next Sarah j maas book and I can definitely see that she got some ideas from ACOTAR AND TOG. But if you started reading this expecting to get all the feelings you had when you read those books I wouldn’t suggest reading it. To be honest I almost quit reading it and I feel so terrible for saying it but I was mostly bored throughout the beginning to middle of the book. I really only enjoyed the ending. I really only came to read this book for one specific quote that turned out not to even been in the book… the quote gave me bad a** woman warrior vibes which I love. But the female mc definitely gave confused/always emotional and crying vibes I’m hoping the second book is better. I also often found it to be confusing at times the mc would act like they’d been training for months and then she’d say it’s only been one day since I got here. The timelines were just very confusing for me
October 15, 2022
Thank you to Britt for the ARC!!
This may actually be my favorite read of the year...
READ READ READ this book when it comes out October 21st, I beg you all.
For a debut, self-published author, Realm of Shadows and Flame knocked it out of the park, blew me away, had me screaming crying throwing up.
This book follows Renata Orion as she— along with her five friends— is selected by the king of Albionne to become part of an illustrious guard, the Ira Deorum, an elite force that protects the Phoenix, a Fae being that has the soul of the God of Day in him. Fynn, her partner, had be chosen as the Phoenix, and she follows him to the capital city to learn how to protect him at all costs. As she trains with the others selected to be part of the Ira Deorum, secrets emerge and Renata's world threatens to spin off its axis as those secrets come to light.
I loved everything about this book. I can't even compare it to others because it was so uniquely its own. It could stand against ACOTAR or FBAA in my opinion. The lore, the plot, the magic, everything was like nothing I'd read before and it was so refreshing. The Fae trope doesn't get old, but there comes a point where it feels like it repeats itself but not in the case of Realm of Shadows and Flame. B.L. Talley creates her own world and it was easy to follow along with the history and geography of Albionne.
Renata is easily already a favorite character of mine. Watching her grow into who she's meant to be had me rooting for her the whole time. She developed extremely well on page and had many facets to her that made her relatable and made you sympathize with her. To come out from under the shadow of others, to come into herself and her power, reminded me so much of Feyre from ACOTAR and Aelin from Throne Of Glass and I rooted for her so hard.
I can't wait to see what else B.L. Talley has up her sleeve because I'm already craving for more.
This may actually be my favorite read of the year...
READ READ READ this book when it comes out October 21st, I beg you all.
For a debut, self-published author, Realm of Shadows and Flame knocked it out of the park, blew me away, had me screaming crying throwing up.
This book follows Renata Orion as she— along with her five friends— is selected by the king of Albionne to become part of an illustrious guard, the Ira Deorum, an elite force that protects the Phoenix, a Fae being that has the soul of the God of Day in him. Fynn, her partner, had be chosen as the Phoenix, and she follows him to the capital city to learn how to protect him at all costs. As she trains with the others selected to be part of the Ira Deorum, secrets emerge and Renata's world threatens to spin off its axis as those secrets come to light.
I loved everything about this book. I can't even compare it to others because it was so uniquely its own. It could stand against ACOTAR or FBAA in my opinion. The lore, the plot, the magic, everything was like nothing I'd read before and it was so refreshing. The Fae trope doesn't get old, but there comes a point where it feels like it repeats itself but not in the case of Realm of Shadows and Flame. B.L. Talley creates her own world and it was easy to follow along with the history and geography of Albionne.
Renata is easily already a favorite character of mine. Watching her grow into who she's meant to be had me rooting for her the whole time. She developed extremely well on page and had many facets to her that made her relatable and made you sympathize with her. To come out from under the shadow of others, to come into herself and her power, reminded me so much of Feyre from ACOTAR and Aelin from Throne Of Glass and I rooted for her so hard.
I can't wait to see what else B.L. Talley has up her sleeve because I'm already craving for more.
September 12, 2022
Well if the five star review wasn’t enough, let me just say that I received this ARC yesterday afternoon and I am already finished! I couldn’t put it down, from the very first page in the first chapter the storyline began to unfold. The character development, history of the lands and suspense flowed flawlessly throughout the entirety of the book. It was full of family legacy, betrayal and a love story that I honestly didn’t see coming! I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Renata in book two!
February 27, 2025
The synopsis said it’s TOG meets it ends with us and I was intrigued.
It did not disappoint. There is Fae. There are Gods. There is drama and trauma and found family and secrets and even a lil 🌶️ spice at one point.
It did not disappoint. There is Fae. There are Gods. There is drama and trauma and found family and secrets and even a lil 🌶️ spice at one point.
October 19, 2022
"Why did the moon have to disappear to let the sun shine? Why did the moon only glow in the aftermath of the sun's warmth? Why was it that the moon was never respected in the ways the sun was?"
Stars: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
Spice: 🌶️/5
Tension: ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥/5
If you enjoy:
-Hidden Agendas
-Enemies to Lovers
-Plot Twists
-Strong FCs
-Morally Gray Characters
-Found Families
-Division Between Realms
You need to get yourself a copy of Realm of Shadows and Flame!
Realm of Shadows and Flame is book one in the Court of Infinities series and I really really enjoyed this book! The beginning felt a little slow at first but that's to be expected when you're reading about a new world. I am freaking obsessed!
In the Realm of Shadows we meet Renata and Archer who are sisters. At a young age, they end up losing their parents in a devastating fire. As the older sister, Renata felt a high sense of responsibility in taking care of Archer. Together; Renata, Archer, Emryn, Kaede, Skye, and Senna became a family inwhich they became one within the Inner Circle.
We also meet Fynn who is in a relationship with Renata . Fynn becomes the Sun phoenix and loyalties become questioned.
I freaking loved how B.L. Talley showed us the vulnerability within Renata and her relationship with Fynn. It was real and raw with the reality of how it could be. I know many people have their opinions on a character. "Why didn't she do this, why did she allow this to happen?" Well, even though I was screaming at the book, I freaking understood her. I felt that connection. I saw myself in her. The fact that she was able to write of her own struggles through her character made it so much better for me as a reader to relate.
"Don't let the bitterness of the pain be the only thing you allow to enter your heart. Feel the pain -honor it- but don't allow it to make a home in your heart"
Archer is such an old soul. I love her and everything that she is.
The strong do not falter. Mercy is not weakness, but the strong do not falter."
Okay, my love for Callax is everything. I have had lots of theories surrounding him and I'm pretty sure I'm right about some things.
Yes yes, spoiler time! If you don't want to read them skip this part:
I don't even know how the heck I'm going to wait until the next book comes out.
Thank you B.L. Talley for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Stars: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
Spice: 🌶️/5
Tension: ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥/5
If you enjoy:
-Hidden Agendas
-Enemies to Lovers
-Plot Twists
-Strong FCs
-Morally Gray Characters
-Found Families
-Division Between Realms
You need to get yourself a copy of Realm of Shadows and Flame!
Realm of Shadows and Flame is book one in the Court of Infinities series and I really really enjoyed this book! The beginning felt a little slow at first but that's to be expected when you're reading about a new world. I am freaking obsessed!
In the Realm of Shadows we meet Renata and Archer who are sisters. At a young age, they end up losing their parents in a devastating fire. As the older sister, Renata felt a high sense of responsibility in taking care of Archer. Together; Renata, Archer, Emryn, Kaede, Skye, and Senna became a family inwhich they became one within the Inner Circle.
We also meet Fynn who is in a relationship with Renata . Fynn becomes the Sun phoenix and loyalties become questioned.
I freaking loved how B.L. Talley showed us the vulnerability within Renata and her relationship with Fynn. It was real and raw with the reality of how it could be. I know many people have their opinions on a character. "Why didn't she do this, why did she allow this to happen?" Well, even though I was screaming at the book, I freaking understood her. I felt that connection. I saw myself in her. The fact that she was able to write of her own struggles through her character made it so much better for me as a reader to relate.
"Don't let the bitterness of the pain be the only thing you allow to enter your heart. Feel the pain -honor it- but don't allow it to make a home in your heart"
Archer is such an old soul. I love her and everything that she is.
The strong do not falter. Mercy is not weakness, but the strong do not falter."
Okay, my love for Callax is everything. I have had lots of theories surrounding him and I'm pretty sure I'm right about some things.
Yes yes, spoiler time! If you don't want to read them skip this part:
I don't even know how the heck I'm going to wait until the next book comes out.
Thank you B.L. Talley for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 28, 2024
I wanted to punch the main character. I usually always finish books but I CANNOT finish this one. The plot of the story had a good foundation, but…
September 11, 2022
Received an Arc copy from the author*
So much fun. Check your TW. This is not a fairytale romance. There’s death, sadness, grief, and more. I cannot wait to see what happens next for Renata and Callax. I was so excited the last two chapters were from Callax’s pov. Great world building as well as character growth. The last few chapters are intense 😳 buckle up. All the characters were relatable and I loved them! I felt a lot of emotions while reading this book. Hint of spice. Cute banter. Lots of action.
My only complaint would be the first part of the book was a huge amount of information that didn’t seem to flow well at times.
Thank you to the author for the chance to read this amazing Arc of Realm Of Shadows And Flame! 🔥
So much fun. Check your TW. This is not a fairytale romance. There’s death, sadness, grief, and more. I cannot wait to see what happens next for Renata and Callax. I was so excited the last two chapters were from Callax’s pov. Great world building as well as character growth. The last few chapters are intense 😳 buckle up. All the characters were relatable and I loved them! I felt a lot of emotions while reading this book. Hint of spice. Cute banter. Lots of action.
My only complaint would be the first part of the book was a huge amount of information that didn’t seem to flow well at times.
Thank you to the author for the chance to read this amazing Arc of Realm Of Shadows And Flame! 🔥
October 31, 2022
2⭐️ Unfortunately the first 10% of this book was verrrry slow. So slow- bc it was basically a huge info dump- that it was almost a dnf for me!
There were some really jarring interactions and rough points in the plot that didn’t pan out too. Some characters that acted very out of character all of a sudden and we had no idea why.
Characters that were very moral, did and said nothing about the blatant injustices towards innocents. Where are those hard confrontational conversations? People wouldn’t just let that go! They wouldn’t still continue to be training to fight for the king without a plan on getting out.
There were enjoyable moments but they just weren’t really believable bc we have no idea why a character flipped a 180.
**Warning: attempted sexual assault**
Worth the read?: NO
Reread?: NO
Read if you like:
-enemies to lovers
-fae
-hidden identity
-slow burn
There were some really jarring interactions and rough points in the plot that didn’t pan out too. Some characters that acted very out of character all of a sudden and we had no idea why.
Characters that were very moral, did and said nothing about the blatant injustices towards innocents. Where are those hard confrontational conversations? People wouldn’t just let that go! They wouldn’t still continue to be training to fight for the king without a plan on getting out.
There were enjoyable moments but they just weren’t really believable bc we have no idea why a character flipped a 180.
**Warning: attempted sexual assault**
Worth the read?: NO
Reread?: NO
Read if you like:
-enemies to lovers
-fae
-hidden identity
-slow burn
September 27, 2022
*I was gifted an ARC for my honest review.*
I’d like to begin by saying this book is most definitely worth the read! You can tell a lot of blood, sweat, and tears went into writing this story. It feels like peeking into the window of the author’s mind, heart, and soul.
Things I really liked:
1. The character development is great. All the characters are unique and well fleshed-out.
2. The world-building is equally detailed.
3. I liked the main character Renata and could relate to her easily. (This really helps with being first person POV)
Main thing I felt could use some improvement:
1. There were some parts that I wish she would have shown us instead of told us. There is a LOT going on in this book so it’s understandable that in an attempt to cover everything, it can be quicker to narrate that an event happened. But as a reader, it’s much more immersive to experience it as an unfolding event.
a. Without giving any spoilers, an example of this would be in the beginning, she described a cultural norm within this realm, but could have easily shown the same dynamic by interactions with one of the characters who fit into the outliers of that norm.
And while this is not a formal complaint, I would like to point out that I wouldn’t consider this book spicy per se. There is one scene that could mildly register on the spicy scale, but otherwise, there are only moments of grey-area, flirtatious build-up with no actual fruition.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the sequel!
I’d like to begin by saying this book is most definitely worth the read! You can tell a lot of blood, sweat, and tears went into writing this story. It feels like peeking into the window of the author’s mind, heart, and soul.
Things I really liked:
1. The character development is great. All the characters are unique and well fleshed-out.
2. The world-building is equally detailed.
3. I liked the main character Renata and could relate to her easily. (This really helps with being first person POV)
Main thing I felt could use some improvement:
1. There were some parts that I wish she would have shown us instead of told us. There is a LOT going on in this book so it’s understandable that in an attempt to cover everything, it can be quicker to narrate that an event happened. But as a reader, it’s much more immersive to experience it as an unfolding event.
a. Without giving any spoilers, an example of this would be in the beginning, she described a cultural norm within this realm, but could have easily shown the same dynamic by interactions with one of the characters who fit into the outliers of that norm.
And while this is not a formal complaint, I would like to point out that I wouldn’t consider this book spicy per se. There is one scene that could mildly register on the spicy scale, but otherwise, there are only moments of grey-area, flirtatious build-up with no actual fruition.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the sequel!
October 6, 2022
I received a beta copy/ARC of this book and I am SO glad to have gotten the opportunity to read it! This is B.L. Talley's debut novel and has a ton of fantastic elements that 'romantasy' readers look for. Some themes include found family, training/competition, family secrets, healing from trauma, magic, and (sort of spoilers?) the start of a GORGEOUS enemies-to-lovers plotline. The writing really allows you to feel the fmc's emotions and heal alongside her, as well as relish in the friendships/relationships she develops throughout the book. This book ends on a cliffhanger that has me so excited for the next one; I can't wait to see what comes next in this world!
October 16, 2022
I was gifted an ARC of this book and I am so glad I was. The rollercoaster this book takes you on will leave you wanting more. The main character goes through so much but she owns it. Watching her come into herself in unexpected ways was beautiful. The characters are well developed. The plot and story line leave you guessing but are well developed I need book two like yesterday. Please check trigger warnings before reading. This is not your everyday fairytale romance. There is grief, sadness, betrayal and utter heartbreak but it makes for a gripping can’t put down story.
July 18, 2025
absolutely amazing!!
I absolutely adored this debut novel from Brittnee!! I was hooked in from the beginning and could not put it down. The characters are compelling and easily likable (or loathed, lol). The story is a refreshing rendition of a classic tale that involved found family and the importance of love amongst loss and grief. The enemies to lovers are enemies to lovering. Just please read. You won’t be disappointed!
I absolutely adored this debut novel from Brittnee!! I was hooked in from the beginning and could not put it down. The characters are compelling and easily likable (or loathed, lol). The story is a refreshing rendition of a classic tale that involved found family and the importance of love amongst loss and grief. The enemies to lovers are enemies to lovering. Just please read. You won’t be disappointed!
October 18, 2022
Check trigger warnings. Some triggers are mention of attempted SA and mentioned of grief and loss.
This book was so incredibly good!! It was so hard to put it down so I could be an adult! The growth the main character goes through was amazing!
I want to describe everything perfectly but I fear if I do I will be giving things away so let me just say prepare yourself. Prepare yourself for laughs, for tears, for wanting to scream and slap people around. This book will make you feel that and more. Prepare yourself for despair, for angst, for betrayal. It kept me at the edge of my seat and when I thought something would happen, BOOM, something else was thrown my way.
Let me just say I’m Callax all the way!!
Til the Night rises!!
Can’t wait for the next book!!
I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion
This book was so incredibly good!! It was so hard to put it down so I could be an adult! The growth the main character goes through was amazing!
I want to describe everything perfectly but I fear if I do I will be giving things away so let me just say prepare yourself. Prepare yourself for laughs, for tears, for wanting to scream and slap people around. This book will make you feel that and more. Prepare yourself for despair, for angst, for betrayal. It kept me at the edge of my seat and when I thought something would happen, BOOM, something else was thrown my way.
Let me just say I’m Callax all the way!!
Til the Night rises!!
Can’t wait for the next book!!
I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion
November 11, 2023
I found the book and its storyline enjoyable. While the plot is captivating, I noticed occasional grammatical and spelling issues. Nevertheless, the emotional impact, with tear-inducing moments and spine-tingling scenes, made it a compelling read. With improved grammar and spelling, it would easily earn a 5-star rating from me.
September 28, 2022
What can I possibly say. This book left me SPEECHLESS. I was not expecting much, let me tell you. The beginning seemed to drag on for me, but once you got through it to the good parts, THEY WERE GOOD PARTS. This book portrays grief so authentically, I was crying at multiple parts. Then after crying, I was giddy with glee at the banter between characters (because who doesn’t love enemies to lovers?). I’m so excited I received this ARC copy and I am ENTIRELY looking forward to the next one!
October 15, 2022
I received an ARC for this, and I am obsessed!! First of all, thanks for making me add more book boyfriends to my ever growing list because WHOA. A certain prince sure made it. Honestly SUCH a good read, I highly recommend it!! They ending left me SHOOKETH, and I need that next book ASAP.
August 7, 2023
Ahh, okayyyyy. Ready for the next one please. 👀
October 27, 2023
dnf 40% I really tried but maybe im just that illiterate
December 6, 2022
I recieved this as an ebook ARC and I signed up because the world sound interesting. I started reading this when I first got it and while it's always a little hard to get into a book and new world especially since I was engrossed in other books at the time I read a little bit at a time and I thought it was pretty decent. Once I got about 30% in I was hooked. The story picked up and became quite interesting from there all the way until the end. I did not stop reading it once I got over half way through and finished the last 50% of the book in two days. I feel as of the world really developed very well throughout the middle of the book and there was lore and legends that made it come alive, and I absolutely loved the slow burn relationship. I am very much looking forward to the next book and will be picking up a physical copy of this book to add to my shelf!
October 27, 2022
This was a debut book for this author, and it definitely shows in certain areas. It started pretty slow for me, but picks up a bit in the second half. There is some pretty obvious influence from other well known fantasy series, and a number of typos that had me stumbling over sentences as I read. The plot was also pretty predictable, and everything I anticipated happening, did happen. There were a few surprises that caught me off guard, and a predictable plot is not necessarily a negative, but no huge plot twists or curve balls here.
That being said, and keeping in mind that this was the author’s first publish, it was a decent start. I will probably continue with the second book when it comes out just to see how things progress. I did find myself becoming more invested in Ren and Callax’s story. I also appreciated the care the author gave to Ren’s character development… while a little confusing at times, the girl overcomes a lot. She’s someone I think we can all relate to at some point in our lives.
That being said, and keeping in mind that this was the author’s first publish, it was a decent start. I will probably continue with the second book when it comes out just to see how things progress. I did find myself becoming more invested in Ren and Callax’s story. I also appreciated the care the author gave to Ren’s character development… while a little confusing at times, the girl overcomes a lot. She’s someone I think we can all relate to at some point in our lives.
November 20, 2022
not impressed at all. I saw this on book tok and was very excited to read it but the writing jazz médiocre. Childish. It has all the aspects of books that I hate - MC denying her birthright, horrible buildup to the ending and love interest. I honestly suffered through this one. I enjoyed the story itself, just not the writing.
December 15, 2023
The story could be interesting if the characters were developed at all. Everything important happens so quickly but the first 2/3 of the book is info dump nonsense. There was clearly no editor to compose the story and there are SO MANY spelling and grammar errors. Wish I would've DNF'ed
March 4, 2023
While I am barely past half of it and stayed up until 4AM to read, here are my thoughts before I come back and edit :)
First off the writing is phenomenal. I found that it managed to pull me into the story more than most books could, and it's the author's first book too! I found myself impressed every time I turned the page
And not to mention the characters and the world building, but especially the relationship between each one of them. They were so well crafted, and so in depth. It's rare actually, to see characters that feel human and realistic, instead of something like a daydream with carefully crafted personas, up to the point of it actually taking away from the characters themselves. And you could just see and feel more and more for the each of them, from the get go. It usually takes time to build up, but I found myself laughing along from the first chapter. Like meeting an old friend, or revisiting fond memories from the past. Kind of nostalgic. It's how I felt when I read their interactions every timel
Now here is the reason why it didn't get 5 stars
It was very slow in the begining, until it picked up after being 170 ish pages in. It's a beautiful one don't get me wrong and I enjoyed which is rare, I usually feel the need for everything to be fast and quick, but here it all seemed like how it should have been. Yet, for us impatient people, I wanted to rip my eyes out because I was screaming at Flynn to get away from there
And I wanted some action, and finally to get to the badass part
Mainly that actually. And I was frustrated SO much
Then the scenes like fighting, or very intense ones, sometimes get drowned out with the heavy description
So, I can't really speak about this book with anything but love. Trust me I tried. It litterly got me back into reading
Also, the way the author expressed the raw relationship between Renata and Flynn was like a breath of fresh air in fiction. For once, I felt like I was reading something real, not a made up fantasy. Not every relationship that is repeated throughout each book. It set the tone for how a real one usually is, and could turn out to be
I adored their little touches, especially how he rubbed her hands or just the general vibe between them, until he was corrupted, and let's be honest we all expected it
I'm still having mixed feelings over Callax, but man does he make you fold like no other
Seriously the whole thing with pinning against the wall makes me want to cheer for Renata to rip his throat out and kiss him at the same time. Not sure if that was the intention but yeah, it worked. What better reason to love enemies to lovers slow burn 😌
Anyways I'm finishing this here, and hopefully will remember to come back and add some stuff when I'm done
October 16, 2022
I received this book as an ARC before it’s release in exchange for an honest review.
The main character Renata Orion starts out with a tight knit group of friends and boyfriend.
Her past is full of grief and pain, that she seems to suppress and has taught her to not trust her gut instincts.
The world building was good and each character felt like it had a place, that there wasn’t too many people to know and understand.
The rapport between Kaede and Ren seems an unnecessary story line. Other than it provided a further reason for Kaede’s anger in his grief.
The character growth for Renata I felt happened in a realistic pace; I thought it was good that she didn’t automatically succeed at every trial she face off the bat. But that she struggled. Painfully. It’s a realistic turn you don’t often see with heroines in fantasy novels.
I wish we could have seen more growth amongst the other characters who fought the same trials she did. Or rather that Renata would have recognized their growth as well.
The ending with Fynn seemed a little rushed. I would have imagined more inner turmoil.
This isn’t really “spicy” there are a few scenes that get steamy but it’s a bit of a tease.
That being said I do think based on those moments their will be more spice in the next book.
It was slow paced for me in the first half of the book and it really picked up for me the half.
I appreciated the trigger warning she left at the beginning of the chapter that included SA scenes. It was milder than most but still made my blood boil and served more hatred for certain characters; it took them from assholes to monsters.
There was one moment towards the end that had me confused; the “apology for 10 years ago.”
I went back in the book to try and understand this exchange between Ren and Callax, because in the very beginning she states she had never laid eyes on the princes.
Also the mention of matching rings; but I have a feeling that is a bit of foreshadowing that we’ll see in book two.
This book was a great debut and I can’t wait for the second! The acknowledgments had me choked up! Congratulations Britt Talley on your accomplishment! Well done!
The main character Renata Orion starts out with a tight knit group of friends and boyfriend.
Her past is full of grief and pain, that she seems to suppress and has taught her to not trust her gut instincts.
The world building was good and each character felt like it had a place, that there wasn’t too many people to know and understand.
The rapport between Kaede and Ren seems an unnecessary story line. Other than it provided a further reason for Kaede’s anger in his grief.
The character growth for Renata I felt happened in a realistic pace; I thought it was good that she didn’t automatically succeed at every trial she face off the bat. But that she struggled. Painfully. It’s a realistic turn you don’t often see with heroines in fantasy novels.
I wish we could have seen more growth amongst the other characters who fought the same trials she did. Or rather that Renata would have recognized their growth as well.
The ending with Fynn seemed a little rushed. I would have imagined more inner turmoil.
This isn’t really “spicy” there are a few scenes that get steamy but it’s a bit of a tease.
That being said I do think based on those moments their will be more spice in the next book.
It was slow paced for me in the first half of the book and it really picked up for me the half.
I appreciated the trigger warning she left at the beginning of the chapter that included SA scenes. It was milder than most but still made my blood boil and served more hatred for certain characters; it took them from assholes to monsters.
There was one moment towards the end that had me confused; the “apology for 10 years ago.”
I went back in the book to try and understand this exchange between Ren and Callax, because in the very beginning she states she had never laid eyes on the princes.
Also the mention of matching rings; but I have a feeling that is a bit of foreshadowing that we’ll see in book two.
This book was a great debut and I can’t wait for the second! The acknowledgments had me choked up! Congratulations Britt Talley on your accomplishment! Well done!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2022
I would first like to thank the author for providing me with an ARC and allowing me to give my honest opinion on the book.
This was quite the roller coaster ride for me. I felt so many things reading and I feel like I definitely have to go back and re-read just to process what happened.
The story follows Renata and her group of friends as they attempt to become members of the Kings legion to protect the newly discovered Phoenix but everything that the Kingdom does and stands for comes into question. Our group of heroes must now battle between complacency for survival and morality.
Let me begin by saying that this is one of the few books that contain Fae in them and have the FMC be that from the get go at least from what I have read so far. The world building was done quite nicely in my opinion and my only issue would be the occasional info dump at the beginning. However, that aside I love the way the world is broken up and the establishment of politics in the realms.
I really enjoyed Renata as a MC and I did find myself getting slightly frustrated with her when it came to Fynn, but I think that is what makes her human and relatable.I simply could not stand Fynn from the minute he was introduced and I desperately wanted better for Renata. Thinking from the perspective of growth and beauty in imperfection, I realized that I loved her character and she is honestly so strong. Poor Renata has been through so much and if I were in her position, I am not confident on my ability to keep going.There are some pretty gory scenes and even a scene where SA happens so please make sure to read the trigger warnings and proceed with caution.Renata really is that girl and she must be protected at all costs. She really changes from beginning to end and I am quite excited to see what happens to her in book 2.
The found family aspect of this book was so heartwarming. I especially am a fan of Renata's relationship with her sister. As a sister myself there is nothing I wouldn't do for my siblings so to see that reflected in their relationship was beautiful.
The romance with Callax is most definitely a slow burn but I loved every scene with them together. All his confession to her was probably one of the most romantic things I have ever read. Like I had to pause while reading and bawl my eyes out for a cool minute. I have my suspicions about their connection and I really hope that I am proven right in the next book.
That cliffhanger was ridiculous and I am so sad that we have to wait long for the next one. However, I am confident that the author will start the next book with a bang and the story will only continue to get better. If the author wants to show me the manuscript, there is nothing in this world I wouldn't bake for her.
This was quite the roller coaster ride for me. I felt so many things reading and I feel like I definitely have to go back and re-read just to process what happened.
The story follows Renata and her group of friends as they attempt to become members of the Kings legion to protect the newly discovered Phoenix but everything that the Kingdom does and stands for comes into question. Our group of heroes must now battle between complacency for survival and morality.
Let me begin by saying that this is one of the few books that contain Fae in them and have the FMC be that from the get go at least from what I have read so far. The world building was done quite nicely in my opinion and my only issue would be the occasional info dump at the beginning. However, that aside I love the way the world is broken up and the establishment of politics in the realms.
I really enjoyed Renata as a MC and I did find myself getting slightly frustrated with her when it came to Fynn, but I think that is what makes her human and relatable.I simply could not stand Fynn from the minute he was introduced and I desperately wanted better for Renata. Thinking from the perspective of growth and beauty in imperfection, I realized that I loved her character and she is honestly so strong. Poor Renata has been through so much and if I were in her position, I am not confident on my ability to keep going.There are some pretty gory scenes and even a scene where SA happens so please make sure to read the trigger warnings and proceed with caution.Renata really is that girl and she must be protected at all costs. She really changes from beginning to end and I am quite excited to see what happens to her in book 2.
The found family aspect of this book was so heartwarming. I especially am a fan of Renata's relationship with her sister. As a sister myself there is nothing I wouldn't do for my siblings so to see that reflected in their relationship was beautiful.
The romance with Callax is most definitely a slow burn but I loved every scene with them together. All his confession to her was probably one of the most romantic things I have ever read. Like I had to pause while reading and bawl my eyes out for a cool minute. I have my suspicions about their connection and I really hope that I am proven right in the next book.
That cliffhanger was ridiculous and I am so sad that we have to wait long for the next one. However, I am confident that the author will start the next book with a bang and the story will only continue to get better. If the author wants to show me the manuscript, there is nothing in this world I wouldn't bake for her.
October 20, 2022
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book. If you love fantasy adventures and enemies-to-lovers trope you are going to enjoy this book! Renata is a badass protagonist that has been through a tough childhood and has to learn to navigate a completely new world she is thrust into when her boyfriend reincarnates into an all-powerful Phoenix not seen in the kingdom for centuries. She is sent to the royal palace with a group of her closest friends to train to become an elite unit whose job is to assist the Phoenix. Renata will have to go through grueling training, deal with bullies and those secretly against her, as well as an emotionally abusive relationship. I was able to connect to a lot of the emotional hardships Renata had to endure and B.L. Talley did a great job explaining her thoughts and feelings as she dealt with demons from both her past and the present. There is plenty of action and adventure in this novel as well, but I have to say that I really connected with the emotional side of the book. Overall, I was taken by the story and it will be in my brain for a bit. I cannot wait for the next book to find out what happens next!
Before I go, I did want to mention to please be aware of the TRIGGER WARNINGS. There is a trigger warning at the beginning of the book. There is also an additional warning written before the chapter that contains especially triggering content which I appreciated! Here is a list of the triggers mentioned by the author: heavy amounts of emotional abuse and self-loathing, grief and loss of loved ones, attempted sexual assault, mature content, and swearing.
Before I go, I did want to mention to please be aware of the TRIGGER WARNINGS. There is a trigger warning at the beginning of the book. There is also an additional warning written before the chapter that contains especially triggering content which I appreciated! Here is a list of the triggers mentioned by the author: heavy amounts of emotional abuse and self-loathing, grief and loss of loved ones, attempted sexual assault, mature content, and swearing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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