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Flame Cursed Fae #1
Of Blades and Wings
If I am to survive Valkyrie training, I must earn my wings. If I am to survive Kain, I must make a choice that could burn our world to ash.
I’m broken. My fae magic doesn’t work and nobody knows I exist.
My sister, on the other hand, is bound for glory. She has been selected to train to be a Valkyrie at the mythical Featherblade Hall. I am destined to die alone, in my tower.
Only, when the Valkyrie come to collect my sister, they take me instead.
I’m not the only one who thinks they’ve made a terrible mistake. Every other fae here is waiting for me to die.
Except one.
Kain, the disgraced fire-fae combat trainer. The gods took his wings away, he can’t leave Featherblade, and he makes no secret of his blazing desire for revenge.
And somehow, he knows I’m the only one who can help him. He doesn’t know my secret, thank the fates, but his burning gaze never leaves me.
I know I should avoid him. I can’t think straight when he’s near me, and he’s as lethal as Featherblade is.
But, the only thing harder than earning my wings and becoming a Valkyrie?
Conquering my searing obsession with the unhinged fire-fae, before it gets everyone killed.
Fae Vikings meet romantasy in this enemies to lovers series in an academy/war college setting. If you love villain gets the girl stories and obsessive burn-the-world-down-for-her MMCs then this is for you.
The spice is deliciously slow-burn and builds with each book.
I’m broken. My fae magic doesn’t work and nobody knows I exist.
My sister, on the other hand, is bound for glory. She has been selected to train to be a Valkyrie at the mythical Featherblade Hall. I am destined to die alone, in my tower.
Only, when the Valkyrie come to collect my sister, they take me instead.
I’m not the only one who thinks they’ve made a terrible mistake. Every other fae here is waiting for me to die.
Except one.
Kain, the disgraced fire-fae combat trainer. The gods took his wings away, he can’t leave Featherblade, and he makes no secret of his blazing desire for revenge.
And somehow, he knows I’m the only one who can help him. He doesn’t know my secret, thank the fates, but his burning gaze never leaves me.
I know I should avoid him. I can’t think straight when he’s near me, and he’s as lethal as Featherblade is.
But, the only thing harder than earning my wings and becoming a Valkyrie?
Conquering my searing obsession with the unhinged fire-fae, before it gets everyone killed.
Fae Vikings meet romantasy in this enemies to lovers series in an academy/war college setting. If you love villain gets the girl stories and obsessive burn-the-world-down-for-her MMCs then this is for you.
The spice is deliciously slow-burn and builds with each book.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 22, 2024
7377 people are currently reading
70377 people want to read
About the author
Eliza Raine
39 books2,555 followersEliza Raine writes Greek mythology inspired fantasy that is fast paced, full of new worlds and creatures and sprinkled with a healthy dose of romance. She lives near Reading in England with her husband, three cats and outrageously cute puppy. She has a BA Hons in History and has a deep-rooted passion for mythology and stories about women who don't need rescuing.
She can usually be found reading fairytale retellings, playing board games or binge-watching Netflix shows.
You can read some of Eliza's stories for free by visiting her website at www.elizaraine.com
She can usually be found reading fairytale retellings, playing board games or binge-watching Netflix shows.
You can read some of Eliza's stories for free by visiting her website at www.elizaraine.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,170 reviews
July 15, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
Even though my TBR is over 300, I randomly downloaded and read this yesterday because ✨vibes✨
I know this is a mood rating for me but I don’t care - this was FUN. It’s about a Fae Princess Madivia “Maddy” Verglas. A princess with an illness that causes her to faint. Maddy has little magic and is pretty much a lost cause. So when the Ice Fae Palace gets a call to say Princess Verglas is being summoned by the Gods for Valkyrie training, everyone just assumes it’s her sister Freya. Especially since Maddy has pretty much been hidden all her life and no one knows about her. Imagine her surprise when they realise the call is for her?!
There’s a bunch of secrets involving hidden powers, hidden magic blah blah blah. Loads of riddles and mysteries blah blah blah. A morally Grey hero - this fire fae who’s been punished and lost his wings but is still incredibly powerful blah blah blah…the usual fantasy romance stuff.
It was good…but I just loved this for Maddy 😂😭. Maddy trying to increase her fitness but literally feeling like she’s going to throw up after running two laps➡️ The running is no easier than it was the day before, and I'm almost certain one more lap would finish me off. 😂😭 Maddy trying to learn how to grow muscles➡️ "I had a look at the training room, and it was just filled with heavy stuff," ….
You guys know I love a strong badass female MC, but this was just too good. I’m so used to Fae characters having all these muscles and being described as super lean and fit. But that is NOT Maddy and I love her for it.
The romance was decent, it’s definitely a slow burn which I’m assuming picks up in the following books. And I do like Kain as the morally grey hero, he’s a well written character.
Very annoyed at book 1 ending JUST LIKE THAT though. Right in the middle of a scene???? EXCUSE ME? RUDE.
Even though my TBR is over 300, I randomly downloaded and read this yesterday because ✨vibes✨
I know this is a mood rating for me but I don’t care - this was FUN. It’s about a Fae Princess Madivia “Maddy” Verglas. A princess with an illness that causes her to faint. Maddy has little magic and is pretty much a lost cause. So when the Ice Fae Palace gets a call to say Princess Verglas is being summoned by the Gods for Valkyrie training, everyone just assumes it’s her sister Freya. Especially since Maddy has pretty much been hidden all her life and no one knows about her. Imagine her surprise when they realise the call is for her?!
There’s a bunch of secrets involving hidden powers, hidden magic blah blah blah. Loads of riddles and mysteries blah blah blah. A morally Grey hero - this fire fae who’s been punished and lost his wings but is still incredibly powerful blah blah blah…the usual fantasy romance stuff.
It was good…but I just loved this for Maddy 😂😭. Maddy trying to increase her fitness but literally feeling like she’s going to throw up after running two laps➡️ The running is no easier than it was the day before, and I'm almost certain one more lap would finish me off. 😂😭 Maddy trying to learn how to grow muscles➡️ "I had a look at the training room, and it was just filled with heavy stuff," ….
You guys know I love a strong badass female MC, but this was just too good. I’m so used to Fae characters having all these muscles and being described as super lean and fit. But that is NOT Maddy and I love her for it.
The romance was decent, it’s definitely a slow burn which I’m assuming picks up in the following books. And I do like Kain as the morally grey hero, he’s a well written character.
Very annoyed at book 1 ending JUST LIKE THAT though. Right in the middle of a scene???? EXCUSE ME? RUDE.
May 2, 2024
Young Adult as in NOT ADULT. No steam, very high school drama, naive FC, playboy MC, superficial conflicts, pretty much your stereotypical YA romantacy you see on TikTok. This book has nothing new to add in the growing list of YA but being sold as NA or A romantasy books with a list of checkmarked tropes to earn the big bucks.
I honestly don’t think any one of the raving reviews are from actual people who bought this book, like me who spent my hard earned money on…. This. Scratch that, they are all ARC reviewers. So believe what you may in that.
If this is still something you like or enjoy, which of course there is a market for these book types, seeing how authors are coming out of their Etsy shops in droves to hop on the easy cash romantacy bandwagon, then read it. My review is simply stating that this book was sold as something it is not, and that something I do not like. In fact I hate it. I hate the way the FC was written and her superficial world with high school drama. That’s not something I like at all. So if you, like me, are in a book slump and jumping at anything new, or if you were thinking this was more adult as it was described, then buy at your own discretion. Because It is absolutely not.
Also not sure how this was villain gets the girl. The MC was your WB character style “villain” meaning he wasn’t.
Also x2, what was the purpose of the plot? There really was none.
I honestly don’t think any one of the raving reviews are from actual people who bought this book, like me who spent my hard earned money on…. This. Scratch that, they are all ARC reviewers. So believe what you may in that.
If this is still something you like or enjoy, which of course there is a market for these book types, seeing how authors are coming out of their Etsy shops in droves to hop on the easy cash romantacy bandwagon, then read it. My review is simply stating that this book was sold as something it is not, and that something I do not like. In fact I hate it. I hate the way the FC was written and her superficial world with high school drama. That’s not something I like at all. So if you, like me, are in a book slump and jumping at anything new, or if you were thinking this was more adult as it was described, then buy at your own discretion. Because It is absolutely not.
Also not sure how this was villain gets the girl. The MC was your WB character style “villain” meaning he wasn’t.
Also x2, what was the purpose of the plot? There really was none.
April 8, 2024
DNF at 68%. I’ve been debating for a while whether I should DNF this book or not, especially since it was an ARC (for which I am thankful for!) and I’m not a fan of not finishing books that I’ve started but this is just not for me.
I tried to give it a fair chance, which is why I persevered until this late into the book, but my TBR is too long to keep on reading lol - time is precious!
Theres too much tell and no show. The plot focuses on a once fae princess, Maddy, who has a terminal condition, meaning she blacks out periodically. She has a special power that allows her to store information in her mind by transforming it into ice sculptures. She is chosen to be trained as Valkyrie instead of her sister, in an exclusive Valkyrie school. Everyone hates her and the ‘mysterious’ fire-fae has his eyes on her and it’s obvious why. We see Maddy learning to be a Valkyrie, attending lessons and fighting but we actually do not learn much about her. There’s a lot of plot points that would probably be answered in the end but nothing about the story made me root for the characters and I was just dragging myself through it all.
The characters feel an exact copy of the Shadow Bound Queen series, the plot is laid out so clearly that there’s no anticipation. Biggest pet peeve was the high school bully atmosphere that added little to the story apart from showing me that I’m probably not the intended audience for this. The prose has the same lacklustre feel as the author’s other books, it just feels like she had this great idea and *described* it instead of explored it. It’s a shame because it could be good and I was excited to read it, but personally - it just wasn’t for me.
I tried to give it a fair chance, which is why I persevered until this late into the book, but my TBR is too long to keep on reading lol - time is precious!
Theres too much tell and no show. The plot focuses on a once fae princess, Maddy, who has a terminal condition, meaning she blacks out periodically. She has a special power that allows her to store information in her mind by transforming it into ice sculptures. She is chosen to be trained as Valkyrie instead of her sister, in an exclusive Valkyrie school. Everyone hates her and the ‘mysterious’ fire-fae has his eyes on her and it’s obvious why. We see Maddy learning to be a Valkyrie, attending lessons and fighting but we actually do not learn much about her. There’s a lot of plot points that would probably be answered in the end but nothing about the story made me root for the characters and I was just dragging myself through it all.
The characters feel an exact copy of the Shadow Bound Queen series, the plot is laid out so clearly that there’s no anticipation. Biggest pet peeve was the high school bully atmosphere that added little to the story apart from showing me that I’m probably not the intended audience for this. The prose has the same lacklustre feel as the author’s other books, it just feels like she had this great idea and *described* it instead of explored it. It’s a shame because it could be good and I was excited to read it, but personally - it just wasn’t for me.
September 2, 2025
This was a fun super quick read! 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ good time & a duet audiobook which is always extra great.
PLOT
Maddy is the hidden princess of the ice fae kingdom with a fainting illness slated to kill her eventually. The only person who watches after her — her sister — is about to leave for Valkyrie training when something happens & she is sent instead. This book has
- Valkyrie & north mythology inspiration
- fae courts & elements + other types of magic
- not a physically strong FMC but she’s got some backbone
- broody MMC with a mysterious past
- trainer/trainee
- slow burn
- no real spice yet but def gearing up
PROS
- SUCH a quick read; easy to follow world & plot.
- Kain is hot idc. I like his style of MMC where this isn’t enemies to lovers or reluctant allies. One of them wants something & the other is super hesitant to. I’m interested in learning more about him.
- Maddy might frustrate people but I’m actually excited for her character growth because she’s definitely starting out as the physical weak link & she undersells herself but she’s putting in the effort. I like that she’s starting at a deficit & we get to see her build up.
- Valkyrie training is fun!
- REALLY into the “gallery”. A very unique magical ability & I really like it.
MIDS
- Not particularly challenging in any way. That’s not necessarily a bad thing but this is definitely great entry level romantasy.
CONS
- Rather light in the world building.
Excited to keep going!
PLOT
Maddy is the hidden princess of the ice fae kingdom with a fainting illness slated to kill her eventually. The only person who watches after her — her sister — is about to leave for Valkyrie training when something happens & she is sent instead. This book has
- Valkyrie & north mythology inspiration
- fae courts & elements + other types of magic
- not a physically strong FMC but she’s got some backbone
- broody MMC with a mysterious past
- trainer/trainee
- slow burn
- no real spice yet but def gearing up
PROS
- SUCH a quick read; easy to follow world & plot.
- Kain is hot idc. I like his style of MMC where this isn’t enemies to lovers or reluctant allies. One of them wants something & the other is super hesitant to. I’m interested in learning more about him.
- Maddy might frustrate people but I’m actually excited for her character growth because she’s definitely starting out as the physical weak link & she undersells herself but she’s putting in the effort. I like that she’s starting at a deficit & we get to see her build up.
- Valkyrie training is fun!
- REALLY into the “gallery”. A very unique magical ability & I really like it.
MIDS
- Not particularly challenging in any way. That’s not necessarily a bad thing but this is definitely great entry level romantasy.
CONS
- Rather light in the world building.
Excited to keep going!
April 4, 2025
nothing happens. she goes to class.
March 31, 2024
My main beef with this book is that it fully ended in the middle of the story. Like the story finally started picking up and just cut off (and not in a cliffhanger-y way). Also there are sooo many open plot points. But I enjoyed it :) and I will be reading book two.
July 21, 2024
“The gods chose you. Prove them right.”
Our FMC Maddy has been hidden within her sister's shadow her entire life. Despite being an ice fae princess, her health condition deems her a liability to the throne.
“They just… gave up trying to save me once they realized that the very thing killing me is possibly the most valuable asset the Ice Court has.”
The gods, however, have a different plan and select Maddy to train at Featherblade to become a powerful Valkyrie.
Once she arrives, all eyes are on her... but one particular pair may just set her on fire. Hello, Kain, our mysterious fire fae 🔥
“He stares at me, then runs his tongue over his lips…. I am playing with fire, literally.”
This book is for you, If you love:
⚔️ Training academies
🧊🔥Elemental magic
🐺 Bonded animal companions
🏡 Sentient house
My two major issues were that the MMC felt like a side character and the abrupt ending. I’m all for a good cliffhanger that leaves me pining for book 2, but this felt like the author stopped writing mid-book.
Our FMC Maddy has been hidden within her sister's shadow her entire life. Despite being an ice fae princess, her health condition deems her a liability to the throne.
“They just… gave up trying to save me once they realized that the very thing killing me is possibly the most valuable asset the Ice Court has.”
The gods, however, have a different plan and select Maddy to train at Featherblade to become a powerful Valkyrie.
Once she arrives, all eyes are on her... but one particular pair may just set her on fire. Hello, Kain, our mysterious fire fae 🔥
“He stares at me, then runs his tongue over his lips…. I am playing with fire, literally.”
This book is for you, If you love:
⚔️ Training academies
🧊🔥Elemental magic
🐺 Bonded animal companions
🏡 Sentient house
My two major issues were that the MMC felt like a side character and the abrupt ending. I’m all for a good cliffhanger that leaves me pining for book 2, but this felt like the author stopped writing mid-book.
March 27, 2024
I found the story and plot to be fun and kept me turning the pages! I loved the MMC, but he felt more like a side character who popped out and beat people up occasionally, and then we wouldn't hear about him from a while. The FMC wasn't my favorite. I just found being inside her head unenjoyable because she's always trying to memorize and over analyze every detail to store later in her archives. I think it was interesting enough to make me want to read book 2.
July 19, 2025
Hadi beeee! O son neydi öyle ya! Süper aksiyon vardı ve birden her şey sarpa sardı 🔥
Kitabın genel konusu kız kardeşinin gölgesinde yaşamış hasta bir prensesin ait olduğu dünyada en önemli savaşçıların yetiştirildiği akademiye çağırılması ile başlıyor. Aslında bu çağrının kız kardeşi için olduğu sanılıyor çünkü çok güçlü ama bizim kızımızın da nadir bir gücü var, kimse bunu bilmese dahi tanrılar biliyormuş gibi gözüküyor.
Böylece büyüsü çok az ve fiziksel gücü gelişmemiş olsa dahi akademiye alınıyor. En sevdiğim kısımsa yetişkin bir kadın olarak eksiklerinin farkında ama fazlalıklarını da kullanmayı bilerek kendini geliştiriyor 😎
Mady çok tatlı bir kız, onu şimdiden sevdim diyebilirim.
Kain ise öfkeye düşmüş, intikam isteyen bir erkek, bakalım onları nasıl bir gelecek bekliyor 🔥
İkinci kitabı aşırı merak ettiğim için hemen başlıyorum ❤️🔥
Kitabın genel konusu kız kardeşinin gölgesinde yaşamış hasta bir prensesin ait olduğu dünyada en önemli savaşçıların yetiştirildiği akademiye çağırılması ile başlıyor. Aslında bu çağrının kız kardeşi için olduğu sanılıyor çünkü çok güçlü ama bizim kızımızın da nadir bir gücü var, kimse bunu bilmese dahi tanrılar biliyormuş gibi gözüküyor.
Böylece büyüsü çok az ve fiziksel gücü gelişmemiş olsa dahi akademiye alınıyor. En sevdiğim kısımsa yetişkin bir kadın olarak eksiklerinin farkında ama fazlalıklarını da kullanmayı bilerek kendini geliştiriyor 😎
Mady çok tatlı bir kız, onu şimdiden sevdim diyebilirim.
Kain ise öfkeye düşmüş, intikam isteyen bir erkek, bakalım onları nasıl bir gelecek bekliyor 🔥
İkinci kitabı aşırı merak ettiğim için hemen başlıyorum ❤️🔥
April 12, 2024
4.62 stars
*post with annotations to be posted on my bookstagram: @diagon.alie *
As soon as I read the description for this book, I was immediately intrigued. The story follows Maddy, an ice fae princess who has been kept secret due to her mysterious ailment. Maddy is suddenly sent to train in the prestigious Valkyrie academy, Featherblade. Upon arrival, she is met with the feared fire fae, Kain. He is a Valkyrie, yet he has lost his wings.
I finished this book in one. day. One day! It's relatively short, which I wish it wasn't because I thought it was good! I thought this books strong suit was definitely the story and plot, and lacked in (take this lightly) the way it was written. I gave this a five because I really like the vibes, and that's ultimately what I read for- a good time. However, I do think that there were many things that could've benefitted from the book being longer, because I felt we were left with little to no closure, some things weren't explained thoroughly enough, or some scenes were left short and lacking depth. The writing was good but not addictive- the story was definitely the thing that encouraged me to continue reading rather than the writing.
Going into this book, I thought it would be more romance-based, and it's definitely a real slow-burn which I appreciate because so many times books are marketed as slow burns and are actually not. I'd actually go so far as to not even consider this first book a romance even if the series is, because the romance was really more of a subplot (yet was able to be just as captivating). My favorite genre is fantasy with a subplot of romance and this is exactly that- or at least the first book in the series is.
My favorite parts were definitely the parts with Sara and just the small details (witty quips, possible foreshadowing, wholesome moments) and whenever Maddy would get back at anybody who wronged her. I FELT that satisfaction along with her. I always appreciate mythology worked into stories and I think this was done well, but again, I wish the book was longer so we had everything more in-depth and it really would've made it perfect.
If you were a fan of Fourth Wing, I think you'd like this book! I love how this book included more modern personalities and language in a fantasy world. I actually think in terms of story, Of Blades and Wings might be the stronger of the two. I really do wish it had been longer though!
To sum it all up: I really liked it story-wise, it was a great experience and the cliffhanger... I NEED the next book! It was definitely a good fantasy with a strong romance subplot. The fantasy had a lot of modern influences and the romance was a good slow-burn and held a lot of intrigue and tension. I think the book was rather short and would've benefitted from being a bit longer, but it was also great as is! I gave it a five for the experience of it- it was one of those stories that has a sort of nostalgia when you're reading it. I think no matter what types of books you read, you'll love something in this one.
Thank you so much to Eliza Raine and The Nerd Fam for the gifted book and PR package!
*post with annotations to be posted on my bookstagram: @diagon.alie *
As soon as I read the description for this book, I was immediately intrigued. The story follows Maddy, an ice fae princess who has been kept secret due to her mysterious ailment. Maddy is suddenly sent to train in the prestigious Valkyrie academy, Featherblade. Upon arrival, she is met with the feared fire fae, Kain. He is a Valkyrie, yet he has lost his wings.
I finished this book in one. day. One day! It's relatively short, which I wish it wasn't because I thought it was good! I thought this books strong suit was definitely the story and plot, and lacked in (take this lightly) the way it was written. I gave this a five because I really like the vibes, and that's ultimately what I read for- a good time. However, I do think that there were many things that could've benefitted from the book being longer, because I felt we were left with little to no closure, some things weren't explained thoroughly enough, or some scenes were left short and lacking depth. The writing was good but not addictive- the story was definitely the thing that encouraged me to continue reading rather than the writing.
Going into this book, I thought it would be more romance-based, and it's definitely a real slow-burn which I appreciate because so many times books are marketed as slow burns and are actually not. I'd actually go so far as to not even consider this first book a romance even if the series is, because the romance was really more of a subplot (yet was able to be just as captivating). My favorite genre is fantasy with a subplot of romance and this is exactly that- or at least the first book in the series is.
My favorite parts were definitely the parts with Sara and just the small details (witty quips, possible foreshadowing, wholesome moments) and whenever Maddy would get back at anybody who wronged her. I FELT that satisfaction along with her. I always appreciate mythology worked into stories and I think this was done well, but again, I wish the book was longer so we had everything more in-depth and it really would've made it perfect.
If you were a fan of Fourth Wing, I think you'd like this book! I love how this book included more modern personalities and language in a fantasy world. I actually think in terms of story, Of Blades and Wings might be the stronger of the two. I really do wish it had been longer though!
To sum it all up: I really liked it story-wise, it was a great experience and the cliffhanger... I NEED the next book! It was definitely a good fantasy with a strong romance subplot. The fantasy had a lot of modern influences and the romance was a good slow-burn and held a lot of intrigue and tension. I think the book was rather short and would've benefitted from being a bit longer, but it was also great as is! I gave it a five for the experience of it- it was one of those stories that has a sort of nostalgia when you're reading it. I think no matter what types of books you read, you'll love something in this one.
Thank you so much to Eliza Raine and The Nerd Fam for the gifted book and PR package!
July 14, 2024
Here we go. I hope you’re hungry… FOR NOTHING!
The entirety of this book could have been condensed to 10 pages maximum because genuinely NOTHING happened. The slow burn was more like no burn because the FMC barely interacted with the MMC and it was all very surface level. Besides nothing happening plot or romance wise, the characters were also shallow and one dimensional and the worldbuilding was very minimal. I genuinely only finished this because I am delusional and had hope that something exciting might happen, but other than the last two pages of the book, not a single thing happened. Also on top of this being a drag to read, the book high key kept body shaming the FMC for not being extremely muscular and skinny, which just isn’t the vibe (it’s 2024, let’s stop with the fatphobia).
Unless you enjoy reading almost 300 pages of filler, I wouldn’t recommend.
1/5 stars
The entirety of this book could have been condensed to 10 pages maximum because genuinely NOTHING happened. The slow burn was more like no burn because the FMC barely interacted with the MMC and it was all very surface level. Besides nothing happening plot or romance wise, the characters were also shallow and one dimensional and the worldbuilding was very minimal. I genuinely only finished this because I am delusional and had hope that something exciting might happen, but other than the last two pages of the book, not a single thing happened. Also on top of this being a drag to read, the book high key kept body shaming the FMC for not being extremely muscular and skinny, which just isn’t the vibe (it’s 2024, let’s stop with the fatphobia).
Unless you enjoy reading almost 300 pages of filler, I wouldn’t recommend.
1/5 stars
April 14, 2024
***rant***
My main problem with this book is that the summary didn’t match the contents at all. The mmc is barely a part of the book until the last few chapters and when he was he wasn’t encouraging like I thought he would be based on the summary he was actually kind of a dick. I think the summary would’ve been better described as a grumpy/sunshine kind of trope and even that would be pushing it because honestly not a lot happens in this book. The idea really intrigued me but I feel like the first book was a bunch of filler and nothing is actually gonna start happening until at least the second or third book. I would’ve loved at least a hint of improvement in our fmc but it really felt like she ended the book the same as she started. Idk if I’ll continue the series tbh
My main problem with this book is that the summary didn’t match the contents at all. The mmc is barely a part of the book until the last few chapters and when he was he wasn’t encouraging like I thought he would be based on the summary he was actually kind of a dick. I think the summary would’ve been better described as a grumpy/sunshine kind of trope and even that would be pushing it because honestly not a lot happens in this book. The idea really intrigued me but I feel like the first book was a bunch of filler and nothing is actually gonna start happening until at least the second or third book. I would’ve loved at least a hint of improvement in our fmc but it really felt like she ended the book the same as she started. Idk if I’ll continue the series tbh
July 19, 2025
Fantasy fae / Valkyrie and honestly immaculate vibes.
The FMC has been hidden away, deemed weak, until one day she unexpectedly ends up thrown into Valkyrie training. No one expects her to survive, (and that’s before they realize she frequently blacks out) but she’s determined to give it her all.
Kain is the delightfully morally grey “villain”, that you can’t help but want more of.
If that’s not persuasive enough, it’s 300 PAGES, so easily doable without a major commitment which my mood reading heart thoroughly appreciates.
I had such a fun time reading this and can’t wait to finish the series.
The FMC has been hidden away, deemed weak, until one day she unexpectedly ends up thrown into Valkyrie training. No one expects her to survive, (and that’s before they realize she frequently blacks out) but she’s determined to give it her all.
Kain is the delightfully morally grey “villain”, that you can’t help but want more of.
If that’s not persuasive enough, it’s 300 PAGES, so easily doable without a major commitment which my mood reading heart thoroughly appreciates.
I had such a fun time reading this and can’t wait to finish the series.
June 4, 2024
I am ✨unwell✨
This was fabulous! A FMC who has been perceived as “weak” her whole life & hidden away- who actually does something to change that instead of whining about it?! Please!
I need Kain the Ruinous to ruin me, please.
Seriously one of my fave reads this year! I may cease to exist before book 2 is released.
Thank you so so so much to the precious author and The Nerd Fam for this gifted copy! These opinions are 100% my own.
This was fabulous! A FMC who has been perceived as “weak” her whole life & hidden away- who actually does something to change that instead of whining about it?! Please!
I need Kain the Ruinous to ruin me, please.
Seriously one of my fave reads this year! I may cease to exist before book 2 is released.
Thank you so so so much to the precious author and The Nerd Fam for this gifted copy! These opinions are 100% my own.
May 24, 2025
honestly this book had so much potential for me, I thought the world building and setting was so cool and a fresh take. The way the magic works through staffs, and even the way the animal companions work. But I just feel like it was very surface level and never really got into it.
Also hard to say it’s a romantasy when the male character is a side character 😂 like we rarely see him. But when we do I do like him 😍
All that being said I did enjoy reading this it was easy and I was intrigued.
I recommend binging this series because book one does not feel like a complete book at all. It ends on a “cliffhanger” but more like the book just abruptly stops.
Also hard to say it’s a romantasy when the male character is a side character 😂 like we rarely see him. But when we do I do like him 😍
All that being said I did enjoy reading this it was easy and I was intrigued.
I recommend binging this series because book one does not feel like a complete book at all. It ends on a “cliffhanger” but more like the book just abruptly stops.
May 3, 2024
DNF @ 30% almost halfway through it and nothing is happening. It’s in first person but everything reads like a third person story that’s being told. There is no connection to any characters the plot is weak and I’m bored.
May 11, 2025
So this was mildly entertaining. She’s basically the Harry Potter in a Valkyrie class full of Slytherins. Lots of world building. A mildly spicy self pleasure scene. And the most action in the book is the last chapter 😅.. that being said I’m intrigued and hoping it progresses!!!
March 13, 2024
NEED BOOK 2 NOW !
Oh my gosh, that cliffhanger. So damn good, but damn it's gonna be torture waiting to see what happens next. 😅
I really enjoyed Maddy and her character. The struggles and the interesting power she has, that no one knows about....well besides her parents and sister.
I got a mixer of divergent, hunger games, fourth wing vibes mixed with different fae unique powers.
If you've read The Shadow Bound Queen series, this is in the same world. Which I really enjoyed. I kinda wonder if Reyna and Maz will make an appearance.
Oh gosh, but Kain, ugh the "villian" who everyone should stay away from. Yea....I wouldn't stay away from him either Maddy 🤣
I mean how could you after all you've seen.
Thank you so much Eliza for the arc, I really enjoyed this.
Oh my gosh, that cliffhanger. So damn good, but damn it's gonna be torture waiting to see what happens next. 😅
I really enjoyed Maddy and her character. The struggles and the interesting power she has, that no one knows about....well besides her parents and sister.
I got a mixer of divergent, hunger games, fourth wing vibes mixed with different fae unique powers.
If you've read The Shadow Bound Queen series, this is in the same world. Which I really enjoyed. I kinda wonder if Reyna and Maz will make an appearance.
Oh gosh, but Kain, ugh the "villian" who everyone should stay away from. Yea....I wouldn't stay away from him either Maddy 🤣
I mean how could you after all you've seen.
Thank you so much Eliza for the arc, I really enjoyed this.
May 13, 2024
Not sure how this book got 4.3 stars. I was patient, pushing on to see when it would finally it the 4 stars part. However, we ended on a cliffhanger right as things were getting good. Perhaps the author should have finished "book 2" first and release the combined version?
Was the world interesting? Yes. However, I felt like I had wasted my time reading about all the training montage and the bullying when they all ended up going nowhere.
As another review pointed out, our MMC felt like more of a side character and the supposed between the FMC and him felt very forced.
Btw, despite being categorized as a fantasy romance, and the blurb hinting at romance, there was absolutely 0 romance. Not even any sexual tension. The FMC's reaction to seeing his body once again felt very forced.
Was the world interesting? Yes. However, I felt like I had wasted my time reading about all the training montage and the bullying when they all ended up going nowhere.
As another review pointed out, our MMC felt like more of a side character and the supposed between the FMC and him felt very forced.
Btw, despite being categorized as a fantasy romance, and the blurb hinting at romance, there was absolutely 0 romance. Not even any sexual tension. The FMC's reaction to seeing his body once again felt very forced.
July 3, 2025
Sadly i wasn't connecting with the story or the characters and it was quite boring for me🫤 idk if i should continue this series🤷🏻♀️
October 25, 2025
The beginning of this book was boring but then it picked up and I thanked God I didn't dnf it 😮💨. This is like a filler to what's to come next in the series and I can't wait to start the second book 🙂♥️🎀
May 14, 2025
3 ⭐️ I truly don’t know if I enjoyed the book or not
September 19, 2025
this is so underrated!! no you don’t understand…sweet princess + tortured fighter instructer. LIKE YEAAAAAAAAAA
March 23, 2025
It had a slow start and the FMCs constant complaining and belittling of herself got on my nerves. I debated DNFing it but, miraculously got to the end. And it left me intrigued. Maybe this series can be salvaged in the sequel.
July 14, 2025
I felt this was a lengthy introduction that showcased the series' potential. However, I really hope the rest will deliver more in terms of depth and development.
March 13, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
Another amazing book from Eliza Raine. Of Blades and Wings is the first book in a new series. This series is set in the same world as The Shadow Bound Queen series.
I was invested in Maddy’s story from the very beginning. She is quite the feisty loveable headstrong character. I found myself rooting for her success throughout the entire book. Her perseverance to make the best of all the situations she is faced with is admirable; to say the least! I enjoyed having a FMC that is “broken” and vulnerable. The MMC, Kain, is a fiery enigmatic villain all wrapped up in a deliciously Fea package! I can’t wait to get more from these two!
If you like viking meets fae fantasy, Norse mythology, slow burn with delicious tension, touch her and ☠️, and academy settings; this is THE book for you!
Another amazing book from Eliza Raine. Of Blades and Wings is the first book in a new series. This series is set in the same world as The Shadow Bound Queen series.
I was invested in Maddy’s story from the very beginning. She is quite the feisty loveable headstrong character. I found myself rooting for her success throughout the entire book. Her perseverance to make the best of all the situations she is faced with is admirable; to say the least! I enjoyed having a FMC that is “broken” and vulnerable. The MMC, Kain, is a fiery enigmatic villain all wrapped up in a deliciously Fea package! I can’t wait to get more from these two!
If you like viking meets fae fantasy, Norse mythology, slow burn with delicious tension, touch her and ☠️, and academy settings; this is THE book for you!
January 12, 2025
Fourth Wing, but making it Viking fae. 🗡️🛡️❄️😆 But really. I know I’ve had Fourth Wing on the brain (reading this book clearly came at a bad time), but the similarities in this first book are uncanny.
She gets called away to train at a Viking academy, but she’s clearly the underdog. She’s described as weak and with a physical condition that makes her blackout. She’s also followed around by a broody, angry, mysterious warrior. Maddy is targeted by the other students, and literally called the “weakest link” by her peers (hello Violet from Fourth Wing!).
Setting similarities aside, if you read this at a different time, I’m sure it’d be enjoyable. However, never trust a 300 page fantasy novel. 😏 This series is a set of 3 books, each around 300 pages. It would have been more satisfying to see this split into two books. Upon finishing book 1, I felt like we were barely getting into the story. Three hundred pages just isn’t enough time to flush out a fantasy world and characters with powers, etc.
Nevertheless, I was curious about the storyline, as it picks up towards the end of this book. There’s so many loose ends, that curiosity was getting the better of me, and I started book 2. Which I can say, is a more satisfying read.
If you’re wanting an easy fantasy, a quick read, something not quite vampires, shadow daddies, or bat boys, but with TONS of Viking lore, this would be a great one! I would recommend committing to reading them back-to-back-to-back, and thinking of it as one big story.
She gets called away to train at a Viking academy, but she’s clearly the underdog. She’s described as weak and with a physical condition that makes her blackout. She’s also followed around by a broody, angry, mysterious warrior. Maddy is targeted by the other students, and literally called the “weakest link” by her peers (hello Violet from Fourth Wing!).
Setting similarities aside, if you read this at a different time, I’m sure it’d be enjoyable. However, never trust a 300 page fantasy novel. 😏 This series is a set of 3 books, each around 300 pages. It would have been more satisfying to see this split into two books. Upon finishing book 1, I felt like we were barely getting into the story. Three hundred pages just isn’t enough time to flush out a fantasy world and characters with powers, etc.
Nevertheless, I was curious about the storyline, as it picks up towards the end of this book. There’s so many loose ends, that curiosity was getting the better of me, and I started book 2. Which I can say, is a more satisfying read.
If you’re wanting an easy fantasy, a quick read, something not quite vampires, shadow daddies, or bat boys, but with TONS of Viking lore, this would be a great one! I would recommend committing to reading them back-to-back-to-back, and thinking of it as one big story.
June 15, 2025
3.5 Stars- Rounding up for Goodreads!! BUT BOY WAS THIS FUN!!
If you're looking for a short, silly, goofy read, with a cliff hanger ending that will help throw you right into the second book, then READ THIS! I binged this book in one day. It's only 300ish pages so it's a quick read. The world is super interesting and has a unique magic system that I find intriguing. I loved this and I think you will too!!
warning- is this a literary work of art?! NO. But if you're in it for the vibes than this ends up being such a fun read <3
Thats all for now Bookies!!
If you're looking for a short, silly, goofy read, with a cliff hanger ending that will help throw you right into the second book, then READ THIS! I binged this book in one day. It's only 300ish pages so it's a quick read. The world is super interesting and has a unique magic system that I find intriguing. I loved this and I think you will too!!
warning- is this a literary work of art?! NO. But if you're in it for the vibes than this ends up being such a fun read <3
Thats all for now Bookies!!
May 15, 2025
3,5 ⭐️
It was indeed fun! I’ve been wanting to read this book for a while, and I finally got into it. If you’re looking for an easy and well-paced book, it’s worth reading.
Maddy was a bit frustrating for me because she’s definitely quite weak. At the same time, I like how she sees the world and how she’s trying to be the best she can be. I enjoyed the character development, but I’m frustrated that we’re still in the dark about her “power.”
Kain was very mysterious and moody — still a lot of questions around him as well. I like what I see, though…
"You're pale."
"I'm an ice-fae. I'm supposed to be pale."
It was indeed fun! I’ve been wanting to read this book for a while, and I finally got into it. If you’re looking for an easy and well-paced book, it’s worth reading.
Maddy was a bit frustrating for me because she’s definitely quite weak. At the same time, I like how she sees the world and how she’s trying to be the best she can be. I enjoyed the character development, but I’m frustrated that we’re still in the dark about her “power.”
Kain was very mysterious and moody — still a lot of questions around him as well. I like what I see, though…
"You're pale."
"I'm an ice-fae. I'm supposed to be pale."
February 9, 2025
This had a lot of potential but was just lacking the depth that I need to keep reading the series.
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