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House of Hyrax #1
The Rose in the Shadows
"I was not created to back down"
The Descendants of Hyrax, God of the Dead, had long ago died out - that is, until Theadora Moore showed up on the steps of the Athenian Palace without any memories of her past life. She does, however, have magic in her veins and a mark on her chest that brands her the last living Descendant of Hyrax.
Desperate to use her to ensure peace in his kingdom, Prince Clayton Vail forces her to play a role she doesn’t want at court. When mysterious attacks start happening at the castle, though, it becomes clear that not everyone is happy with the return of House Hyrax.
If Thea wants to stay alive long enough to uncover the secrets of her past, she’s going to need to master her powers, navigate complicated politics, and figure out who to trust. In a castle filled with the children of the Gods... that might be easier said than done.
The House of Hyrax series is an action-packed slow-burn romance filled with magic and political intrigue, perfect for fans of From Blood and Ash and Red Queen.
The Descendants of Hyrax, God of the Dead, had long ago died out - that is, until Theadora Moore showed up on the steps of the Athenian Palace without any memories of her past life. She does, however, have magic in her veins and a mark on her chest that brands her the last living Descendant of Hyrax.
Desperate to use her to ensure peace in his kingdom, Prince Clayton Vail forces her to play a role she doesn’t want at court. When mysterious attacks start happening at the castle, though, it becomes clear that not everyone is happy with the return of House Hyrax.
If Thea wants to stay alive long enough to uncover the secrets of her past, she’s going to need to master her powers, navigate complicated politics, and figure out who to trust. In a castle filled with the children of the Gods... that might be easier said than done.
The House of Hyrax series is an action-packed slow-burn romance filled with magic and political intrigue, perfect for fans of From Blood and Ash and Red Queen.
412 pages, Paperback
First published April 11, 2024
266 people are currently reading
4699 people want to read
About the author
Arcadia Rayne
5 books135 followersArcadia Rayne is a fantasy romance author based in Boston, Massachusetts.
Originally from Baltimore, MD, Arcadia developed a passion for storytelling from a young age. After receiving her Bachelors Degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland she went on to pursue a Master's and PhD at Boston University.
Arcadia is passionate about creating fantastical worlds with strong characters. She loves all the tropes. When she's not writing, Arcadia enjoys binging reality tv and crocheting.
Originally from Baltimore, MD, Arcadia developed a passion for storytelling from a young age. After receiving her Bachelors Degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland she went on to pursue a Master's and PhD at Boston University.
Arcadia is passionate about creating fantastical worlds with strong characters. She loves all the tropes. When she's not writing, Arcadia enjoys binging reality tv and crocheting.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 260 reviews
September 21, 2025
I’m honestly baffled why this book isn’t more popular. I’ve been picking up so many hyped fantasy reads lately and not getting along with them… but with this one…I get it.. I’m slightly obsessed.
The heroine's entrance was chaos. Full-blown explosion of power, demolishing a bridge. If you’re going to arrive, arrive dramatically, and she nailed it. It was an accident, but still. I support the vibe.
We’re introduced to the main character entirely through Iris’s (the cousins') third-person perception. Everyone is seen in this slanted, outsider’s view before the actual introductions happen, almost like being a spectator peeking in. Loved that. It then goes to first-person dual pov, so the third person is only a single chapter. That is the limit of third-person I can take anyway.
Now, confession: I wasn’t sold on the hero at first. My kryptonite is a banter-y, smug, slightly jokey male lead, and he is not that guy. He’s stoic, controlled, all buttoned-up. But, plot twist, I actually preferred him that way. Because when that facade cracks? When he shows affection or slips into this soft exterior. Top tier. This man was her constant shadow, fighting his feelings but always there to catch her.
Also… when we hit the 50% mark? Hello, one-bed tavern moment. Suddenly, I understood the hype around him really fast. Add in a classic “Who did this to you?” scene and I was fully feral. This book is a slow burn, but the tension was electric. However, the actual spice is going to be the next book.
Their dynamic was less witty banter, more relentless bickering, but honestly? Hilarious. He’s never met a woman who looks past his title as a prince, and she quite literally does not give a single f*ck. She had bigger problems. Both bound by duty, but to different causes.
Speaking of tension…Clay and Thea:
“I should have known you would ruin me the first time you wore your hair down so freely.”
“And have I—” my breath caught, “ruined you?”
“Not yet, princess. But you might be the only one in the kingdom with the power to do so.”
I accept …
Beyond the romance, the found-family vibes really hit. Watching her carve out belonging in this group, feeling less alone, was heartwarming.
And then… the ending. Did my heart get ripped out multiple times? Yes. Did I cry? Obviously (I cry at everything). But every twist, betrayal, and heartbreak elevated the story and showed how differently each character processed it. By the last chapters, my heart was basically confetti.
Overall: I haven’t instantly loved a book like this in a while, and I devoured it. There were tiny reminders of From Blood and Ash, but the story still felt wholly unique. Edge-of-my-seat pacing, a gut-punch ending, and oh my god, that cliffhanger.
Thank every deity the next book is already out 🙌😩
The heroine's entrance was chaos. Full-blown explosion of power, demolishing a bridge. If you’re going to arrive, arrive dramatically, and she nailed it. It was an accident, but still. I support the vibe.
We’re introduced to the main character entirely through Iris’s (the cousins') third-person perception. Everyone is seen in this slanted, outsider’s view before the actual introductions happen, almost like being a spectator peeking in. Loved that. It then goes to first-person dual pov, so the third person is only a single chapter. That is the limit of third-person I can take anyway.
Now, confession: I wasn’t sold on the hero at first. My kryptonite is a banter-y, smug, slightly jokey male lead, and he is not that guy. He’s stoic, controlled, all buttoned-up. But, plot twist, I actually preferred him that way. Because when that facade cracks? When he shows affection or slips into this soft exterior. Top tier. This man was her constant shadow, fighting his feelings but always there to catch her.
Also… when we hit the 50% mark? Hello, one-bed tavern moment. Suddenly, I understood the hype around him really fast. Add in a classic “Who did this to you?” scene and I was fully feral. This book is a slow burn, but the tension was electric. However, the actual spice is going to be the next book.
Their dynamic was less witty banter, more relentless bickering, but honestly? Hilarious. He’s never met a woman who looks past his title as a prince, and she quite literally does not give a single f*ck. She had bigger problems. Both bound by duty, but to different causes.
Speaking of tension…Clay and Thea:
“I should have known you would ruin me the first time you wore your hair down so freely.”
“And have I—” my breath caught, “ruined you?”
“Not yet, princess. But you might be the only one in the kingdom with the power to do so.”
I accept …
Beyond the romance, the found-family vibes really hit. Watching her carve out belonging in this group, feeling less alone, was heartwarming.
And then… the ending. Did my heart get ripped out multiple times? Yes. Did I cry? Obviously (I cry at everything). But every twist, betrayal, and heartbreak elevated the story and showed how differently each character processed it. By the last chapters, my heart was basically confetti.
Overall: I haven’t instantly loved a book like this in a while, and I devoured it. There were tiny reminders of From Blood and Ash, but the story still felt wholly unique. Edge-of-my-seat pacing, a gut-punch ending, and oh my god, that cliffhanger.
Thank every deity the next book is already out 🙌😩
March 25, 2025
Wowwww!! 😭❤️ This was such an intricate and fascinating book! I’m so glad I was approved for the ARC of this and the second book. Thank you sooo much to NetGalley and author Arcadia Rayne for the ARCs in exchange for an honest review.
Book 1 of this series was absolutely amazing! My heart broke for Thea and Clay at different points, as well as for their entire friend group, especially Iris 😭
I really hope Iris can heal from everything she endured emotionally. The world building was incredibly easy to follow. It made it super easy to picture Athenia in my mind.
While the plot, premise, and ideas do follow what most fantasy books are about (magic, forbidden love, a kingdom in need of a new ruler, a secret enemy, etc.) the author truly made Athenia and the characters stand out as its own unique world. The descriptive imagery was stunning, and I felt so connected to the characters. I’m so excited to learn more about Thea and her family history!
I can’t wait to continue this series and see where the story goes next. Hoping for a HEA for Thea and Clay! 🤞
Book 1 of this series was absolutely amazing! My heart broke for Thea and Clay at different points, as well as for their entire friend group, especially Iris 😭
I really hope Iris can heal from everything she endured emotionally. The world building was incredibly easy to follow. It made it super easy to picture Athenia in my mind.
While the plot, premise, and ideas do follow what most fantasy books are about (magic, forbidden love, a kingdom in need of a new ruler, a secret enemy, etc.) the author truly made Athenia and the characters stand out as its own unique world. The descriptive imagery was stunning, and I felt so connected to the characters. I’m so excited to learn more about Thea and her family history!
I can’t wait to continue this series and see where the story goes next. Hoping for a HEA for Thea and Clay! 🤞
April 11, 2024
If you like From Blood and Ash and The Red Queen with a touch of Percy Jackson, then the chances you will like this are relatively high.
PLOT SUMMARY
In the realm of Athenia, a mysterious woman appears and starts attacking the kingdom. She is knocked unconscious and when she comes to, she does not remember anything. Interrogated relentlessly by the cold, calculative yet charming Crown Prince Clayton (Clay) Vail of House Zion, King of the Gods, who I may add can transform into a terrifying dragon, she chooses a random name Theadora (Thea).
It is discovered through a tattoo on her chest that she is a Descendant – someone who possesses the blood of one of the Gods in their bodies, giving them an advantage in speed and strength – of the House Hyrax, the God of the Underworld. The very last of her line, in fact, as House Hyrax was believed to have been extinct a while ago. The last known descendant is Zacharia Moore, so she goes by Thea Moore. She is presented to the court where Clayton’s father, aka the Dragon Vyncent, King of Athenia desires to use her as the means of bringing peace across the realms.
As Thea settles in and befriends many including Clay, her enemies are also closing in seeking her demise. As attempts on her life increase, so does her confusion. Who could be behind these plots? Can she ever abandon duty for love? And who is the stranger that frequents her dreams?
This is told from the first-person past-tense point of view of Theadora. The first and last chapters are told via Iris and Camilla respectively.
OVERALL OPINIONS
This was a great book. For a debut novel, Arcadia is deserving of the praise she receives! With plenty of magic, found family, enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn, angst, twists and betrayals, this story never failed to keep my interest. It had the perfect blend of unique characterisation, world-building and political intrigue, as well as delving into realistic issues of abuse, objectification and grief. A lot of the description was gorgeous and sophisticated.
The romance was a more secondary aspect to the novel and the fantasy itself takes the centre stage which, for me, I would have hoped for more of the former. My favourite scenes had to be the balcony scene, Clay picking out Thea’s dress, the ballroom and the shared bed.
<< Positives >>
🠚 Visually, the rose as a paragraph divider is such a gorgeous idea, and I love the chapter heading designs with different roses too.
🠚 I really enjoyed the mystery vibes of this story as Theadora tries to uncover who is behind the plots against her life. This had to be one of the best aspects of the story.
🠚 A very clever aspect of the book is the names of the Gods begin with the same letter as their Greek counterpart: Hyrax is equivalent to Hades God of the Underworld; Zion is equivalent to Zeus King of the Gods. It is also rather fitting and poetic that Thea is from the House of Hyrax God of the Dead, when the House has been “dead” for years, believed to be extinct.
🠚 I loved the characters, especially Thea, Clay and Iris. Theadora is a strong character and seeing her growth as a character was great to see: I cannot wait to see where her story takes us next! Clayton is a sweetheart beneath the hard exterior and I love the way he looks after Thea, escorts her, and opens up to her. It’s also really cool he likes mystery books. Iris is so lovely and considerate, but it was interesting to see the different more broken side of her later on in the story.
<< Negatives >>
🠚 It was incredible having all the different Houses, it really set the scene, however I would have liked a thorough list of the Houses/Gods and what their powers were so I could understand more clearly. There was probably around a handful out of a dozen that I actually knew what they did.
🠚 The same goes for the creatures. Nearly all mythical beings are mentioned in this book but do not actually feature, such as mermaids, werewolves etc. though hopefully they will feature in upcoming books as this is part of the House of Hydrax series.
🠚 I thoroughly enjoyed the plot twists at the end and one of the betrayals I did not see coming. The main twist unfortunately felt rather obvious and I was hoping it would not be them for that very reason. Changing it to someone else would have made it feel more realistic in my opinion.
FAV QUOTES
• in that moment, her fear met her memories, and together they held her in an iron grasp.
• It wasn’t hard to acknowledge that he was attractive, but attractive men weren't always trustworthy.
• The ballgown was ostentatious at best, atrocious in truth.
• “Strength is sometimes noticed, but weakness is never forgotten.”
• “The trials I go through are very different, Miss Moore, but do not make the mistake of assuming they are easy.”
• “Who did that, Thea?”His voice was like death, or at least the promise of it.
• All I could think of was how this man saw me. Clay saw me as a woman, not just a pawn or a princess. He saw me and he embraced who I was instead of what I represented.
══════════ ⋆★⋆ ══════════
I am honoured to have been selected as an ARC reader for this book, and I’d like to thank Arcadia Rayne for the opportunity. This has not affected my opinion in any way.
I was a Descendant of House Hyrax. I was *the* Descendant of House Hyrax. And if someone was determined to end my line once and for all, I would not make it easy for them.[ Contains some spoilers ]
PLOT SUMMARY
In the realm of Athenia, a mysterious woman appears and starts attacking the kingdom. She is knocked unconscious and when she comes to, she does not remember anything. Interrogated relentlessly by the cold, calculative yet charming Crown Prince Clayton (Clay) Vail of House Zion, King of the Gods, who I may add can transform into a terrifying dragon, she chooses a random name Theadora (Thea).
It is discovered through a tattoo on her chest that she is a Descendant – someone who possesses the blood of one of the Gods in their bodies, giving them an advantage in speed and strength – of the House Hyrax, the God of the Underworld. The very last of her line, in fact, as House Hyrax was believed to have been extinct a while ago. The last known descendant is Zacharia Moore, so she goes by Thea Moore. She is presented to the court where Clayton’s father, aka the Dragon Vyncent, King of Athenia desires to use her as the means of bringing peace across the realms.
As Thea settles in and befriends many including Clay, her enemies are also closing in seeking her demise. As attempts on her life increase, so does her confusion. Who could be behind these plots? Can she ever abandon duty for love? And who is the stranger that frequents her dreams?
This is told from the first-person past-tense point of view of Theadora. The first and last chapters are told via Iris and Camilla respectively.
OVERALL OPINIONS
This was a great book. For a debut novel, Arcadia is deserving of the praise she receives! With plenty of magic, found family, enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn, angst, twists and betrayals, this story never failed to keep my interest. It had the perfect blend of unique characterisation, world-building and political intrigue, as well as delving into realistic issues of abuse, objectification and grief. A lot of the description was gorgeous and sophisticated.
The romance was a more secondary aspect to the novel and the fantasy itself takes the centre stage which, for me, I would have hoped for more of the former. My favourite scenes had to be the balcony scene, Clay picking out Thea’s dress, the ballroom and the shared bed.
<< Positives >>
🠚 Visually, the rose as a paragraph divider is such a gorgeous idea, and I love the chapter heading designs with different roses too.
🠚 I really enjoyed the mystery vibes of this story as Theadora tries to uncover who is behind the plots against her life. This had to be one of the best aspects of the story.
🠚 A very clever aspect of the book is the names of the Gods begin with the same letter as their Greek counterpart: Hyrax is equivalent to Hades God of the Underworld; Zion is equivalent to Zeus King of the Gods. It is also rather fitting and poetic that Thea is from the House of Hyrax God of the Dead, when the House has been “dead” for years, believed to be extinct.
🠚 I loved the characters, especially Thea, Clay and Iris. Theadora is a strong character and seeing her growth as a character was great to see: I cannot wait to see where her story takes us next! Clayton is a sweetheart beneath the hard exterior and I love the way he looks after Thea, escorts her, and opens up to her. It’s also really cool he likes mystery books. Iris is so lovely and considerate, but it was interesting to see the different more broken side of her later on in the story.
<< Negatives >>
🠚 It was incredible having all the different Houses, it really set the scene, however I would have liked a thorough list of the Houses/Gods and what their powers were so I could understand more clearly. There was probably around a handful out of a dozen that I actually knew what they did.
🠚 The same goes for the creatures. Nearly all mythical beings are mentioned in this book but do not actually feature, such as mermaids, werewolves etc. though hopefully they will feature in upcoming books as this is part of the House of Hydrax series.
🠚 I thoroughly enjoyed the plot twists at the end and one of the betrayals I did not see coming. The main twist unfortunately felt rather obvious and I was hoping it would not be them for that very reason. Changing it to someone else would have made it feel more realistic in my opinion.
FAV QUOTES
• in that moment, her fear met her memories, and together they held her in an iron grasp.
• It wasn’t hard to acknowledge that he was attractive, but attractive men weren't always trustworthy.
• The ballgown was ostentatious at best, atrocious in truth.
• “Strength is sometimes noticed, but weakness is never forgotten.”
• “The trials I go through are very different, Miss Moore, but do not make the mistake of assuming they are easy.”
• “Who did that, Thea?”His voice was like death, or at least the promise of it.
• All I could think of was how this man saw me. Clay saw me as a woman, not just a pawn or a princess. He saw me and he embraced who I was instead of what I represented.
══════════ ⋆★⋆ ══════════
I am honoured to have been selected as an ARC reader for this book, and I’d like to thank Arcadia Rayne for the opportunity. This has not affected my opinion in any way.
December 15, 2024
(4.5/5) Just added this book to my list of "fantastic debuts I've read in 2024" ✍️✍️
If you love a romantasy book with a forbidden love (coupled with a SLOW burn), lost memories, court intrigue, and twists & betrayals—then this is the book for you!
What to expect:
🌹 Fantasy romance
🌹 Primarily 1st person, single POV
🌹 Lost memories
🌹 Forbidden love
🌹 Court intrigue
🌹 Slow burn
🌹 Dragon shifters
🌹 Found family
Available on KU ✨
I'm a sucker for a forbidden romance, so this book had me hooked! I love the dynamic between the FMC and MMC—the banter had me giggling & kicking my feet—along with the various side characters.
I also loved that our FMC is figuring out things as we do (since she lost her memories)—it added a layer of mystery and made the twists that much more surprising.
I will absolutely be continuing this series, especially after that ending!!
If you love a romantasy book with a forbidden love (coupled with a SLOW burn), lost memories, court intrigue, and twists & betrayals—then this is the book for you!
What to expect:
🌹 Fantasy romance
🌹 Primarily 1st person, single POV
🌹 Lost memories
🌹 Forbidden love
🌹 Court intrigue
🌹 Slow burn
🌹 Dragon shifters
🌹 Found family
Available on KU ✨
I'm a sucker for a forbidden romance, so this book had me hooked! I love the dynamic between the FMC and MMC—the banter had me giggling & kicking my feet—along with the various side characters.
I also loved that our FMC is figuring out things as we do (since she lost her memories)—it added a layer of mystery and made the twists that much more surprising.
I will absolutely be continuing this series, especially after that ending!!
August 16, 2024
I was lucky enough to be chosen as an ARC reader for The Rose in the Shadows and i am SO HAPPY that I was because this book was such an amazing read!! literally devoured it in 2 days. The plot was fast paced and full of fantasy, mystery, and betrayal. i was HOOKED from the prologue. the characters were very likeable (esp the MMC🤭) and well written. while there was a romance aspect, this book was definitely more of a fantasy than romantasy! there is a lot of mystery around the FMC which was really fun, but also made it a little difficult for me to connect to her as much as I would have liked. i found the ending a tad abrupt, but with that being said, i think it sets up the next book in this series for some AMAZING reveals. overall, it was a super fun read and i can’t wait for more 🫶🏼
November 17, 2024
Okay WOW I LOVED THIS!!
If you’re looking for a greek mythology inspired fantasy (note: I truly mean inspired, not retelling!!), PICK THIS ONE!! We’ve got gods, witches, dragons, court politics—truly something for everyone.
Thea’s arc is what I wanted Auren’s to be in The Plated Prisoner series. And it’s very eldest daughter coded. She GOES THROUGH it in this book—from total amnesia, to people pleasing, to the trauma, to finding her own strength. I loved it and I love her.
The last 25% of the book is WILD and I’m itching for the second book already! Part of the twist was obvious to everyone except Thea (and it’s meant to be!), but everything else? Not so much. There is SO much action at the end of this, I started getting stressed out.
So…I’m going to need book 2 STAT, kthxbye.
If you’re looking for a greek mythology inspired fantasy (note: I truly mean inspired, not retelling!!), PICK THIS ONE!! We’ve got gods, witches, dragons, court politics—truly something for everyone.
Thea’s arc is what I wanted Auren’s to be in The Plated Prisoner series. And it’s very eldest daughter coded. She GOES THROUGH it in this book—from total amnesia, to people pleasing, to the trauma, to finding her own strength. I loved it and I love her.
The last 25% of the book is WILD and I’m itching for the second book already! Part of the twist was obvious to everyone except Thea (and it’s meant to be!), but everything else? Not so much. There is SO much action at the end of this, I started getting stressed out.
So…I’m going to need book 2 STAT, kthxbye.
September 9, 2024
Percy Jackson for adults
This book is INCREDIBLE. Arcadia gave me everything I needed as an adult Percy Jackson fan. This was a little sweet, a little spicy and a whole lot of fun, I can't wait to read her next book and definitely recommend this to anyone who loves mythology and witty banter!
This book is INCREDIBLE. Arcadia gave me everything I needed as an adult Percy Jackson fan. This was a little sweet, a little spicy and a whole lot of fun, I can't wait to read her next book and definitely recommend this to anyone who loves mythology and witty banter!
Read
March 10, 2025This book respectfully wasn’t a good match for me at this time, I may come back to it at some point in the future to give it a second shot.
The arc ebook had an odd format of a grey background with white italic font that was honestly throwing me off the entire time and the writing felt to me a little juvenile, however going off all the rave reviews it does appear that I am the outlier here so don’t let my initial thoughts deter you from trying this book if it sounds interesting to you.
If I end up reading more I will update these opinions at a later date! Thank you for the gifted copy!
The arc ebook had an odd format of a grey background with white italic font that was honestly throwing me off the entire time and the writing felt to me a little juvenile, however going off all the rave reviews it does appear that I am the outlier here so don’t let my initial thoughts deter you from trying this book if it sounds interesting to you.
If I end up reading more I will update these opinions at a later date! Thank you for the gifted copy!
July 15, 2024
The Rose in the Shadows
5/5 Stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
•••Spoiler free review below•••
Whether you’re a seasoned fantasy reader or looking for the perfect read to welcome you to the genre, TRITS is the pick for you! We follow Thea, a girl who wakes with no memory of who she is but with a mark that names her the last descendent of a powerful house. She must learn to use her powers and navigate court politics all without angering The Dragon who rules Athenia. Attacks on her life make her question who she really was before she woke up and conflicting feelings for The Dragon’s son make this a captivating read. You’ll be wishing for book 2 as you fly through the pages!
Read this book if you like:
-found family
-interesting magic structure
-court politics
-star crossed lovers
-slow burn romance
The Rose in the Shadows is OUT NOW with the prequel, To the Edge of Athenia releasing on August 22nd. If it's not already on your tbr, it should be!
.
.
Review on Instagram
5/5 Stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
•••Spoiler free review below•••
Whether you’re a seasoned fantasy reader or looking for the perfect read to welcome you to the genre, TRITS is the pick for you! We follow Thea, a girl who wakes with no memory of who she is but with a mark that names her the last descendent of a powerful house. She must learn to use her powers and navigate court politics all without angering The Dragon who rules Athenia. Attacks on her life make her question who she really was before she woke up and conflicting feelings for The Dragon’s son make this a captivating read. You’ll be wishing for book 2 as you fly through the pages!
Read this book if you like:
-found family
-interesting magic structure
-court politics
-star crossed lovers
-slow burn romance
The Rose in the Shadows is OUT NOW with the prequel, To the Edge of Athenia releasing on August 22nd. If it's not already on your tbr, it should be!
.
.
Review on Instagram
March 30, 2025
4.5 ⭐
Awoken with no memory, Theadora Moore can only rely on the mark inked on her for answers. Thea learns her mark represents that she is the last Descendant of Hyrax, the God of the Dead, a house thought to be extinct. Thea becomes engrained in the politics of Athenia, destined to become a member of the Royal Council, and now has magical powers she must learn to control. With assassination attempts and threats from the Dragon king become common occurrences, she turns to Prince Clayton Vail, crown prince of the kingdom, for guidance. Will the prince ensure her survival or will he be her downfall?
I was incredibly impressed that this was Arcadia's debut novel as it is more than just a romantasy - it touches upon grief, PTSD, addiction, mental health, and shows readers that you are never truly powerless (even when you feel like you might be). Thea's strength of acknowledging her weaknesses and struggles while still pushing to do the right thing, carry on with her duties, and being the best version of herself is inspiring. I think we all face moments when we think the pressures of the world fall on our shoulders like Thea. This story shows that when you believe in yourself and confide in a support system, you are stronger than you could have ever imagined. Thea's resilience to oppressive authority and sticking up for her beliefs is admirable. I loved her character, especially how brave she was despite not knowing her past or her own strength.
Clay quickly stole a piece of my heart with his intentions, caring soul, and his complex backstory. The slow burn forbidden romance filled with yearning, subtle gestures to show affection, and heartbreaking twists had my soul aching. I am excited to see where their love story will go (and it best be in the right direction!). The secondary characters were all complex as well. Thea, alone in this new world, manages to surround herself with friends that become her family. There were many betrayals that occurred by the end of the book, and each one pierced new holes in my heart. I grew attached to many of Thea and Clay's friends in ways that I didn't expect. I wonder if and when the betrayers will be able to find a way back into Thea's life.
The world building was intricate, in a non overwhelming, digestible way. I love how elements of the lore are a play on Greek mythology. As the reader, it was fun learning about the world as Thea was learning the history and piecing together parts of her past.
Overall, I cannot wait to read the second installment in this series. This book is perfect for those that enjoy:
✨ slow burn romance
✨ interesting world building
✨ amnesia
✨ magic and shifters
✨ badass FMC
✨ royals and politics
✨ one bed
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Awoken with no memory, Theadora Moore can only rely on the mark inked on her for answers. Thea learns her mark represents that she is the last Descendant of Hyrax, the God of the Dead, a house thought to be extinct. Thea becomes engrained in the politics of Athenia, destined to become a member of the Royal Council, and now has magical powers she must learn to control. With assassination attempts and threats from the Dragon king become common occurrences, she turns to Prince Clayton Vail, crown prince of the kingdom, for guidance. Will the prince ensure her survival or will he be her downfall?
I was incredibly impressed that this was Arcadia's debut novel as it is more than just a romantasy - it touches upon grief, PTSD, addiction, mental health, and shows readers that you are never truly powerless (even when you feel like you might be). Thea's strength of acknowledging her weaknesses and struggles while still pushing to do the right thing, carry on with her duties, and being the best version of herself is inspiring. I think we all face moments when we think the pressures of the world fall on our shoulders like Thea. This story shows that when you believe in yourself and confide in a support system, you are stronger than you could have ever imagined. Thea's resilience to oppressive authority and sticking up for her beliefs is admirable. I loved her character, especially how brave she was despite not knowing her past or her own strength.
Clay quickly stole a piece of my heart with his intentions, caring soul, and his complex backstory. The slow burn forbidden romance filled with yearning, subtle gestures to show affection, and heartbreaking twists had my soul aching. I am excited to see where their love story will go (and it best be in the right direction!). The secondary characters were all complex as well. Thea, alone in this new world, manages to surround herself with friends that become her family. There were many betrayals that occurred by the end of the book, and each one pierced new holes in my heart. I grew attached to many of Thea and Clay's friends in ways that I didn't expect. I wonder if and when the betrayers will be able to find a way back into Thea's life.
The world building was intricate, in a non overwhelming, digestible way. I love how elements of the lore are a play on Greek mythology. As the reader, it was fun learning about the world as Thea was learning the history and piecing together parts of her past.
Overall, I cannot wait to read the second installment in this series. This book is perfect for those that enjoy:
✨ slow burn romance
✨ interesting world building
✨ amnesia
✨ magic and shifters
✨ badass FMC
✨ royals and politics
✨ one bed
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
April 3, 2025
This is such a wonderful debut novel. From the very beginning, we are thrown right into the story. Every chapter continued to be fast paced and action packed. At some points, I really struggled to put this book down!
I loveddddd the magic system. As a long time fan of Percy Jackson, I am a sucker for stories involving gods and allllll the drama that comes with them.
Our FMC, Theadora, has wonderful character development throughout the book and by the end, I couldn’t help but truly admire her strength and resilience. Did she make all the right decisions? Of course not. But watching our characters make mistakes and learn and grow is my favorite part of a story!
“But I did it then. I bowed to my people. Because who is it that truly rules a land, if not the people within it?” I seriously had CHILLS reading this part.
This is a very slow burn romance. And a forbidden one at that. I am rooting so hard for Thea and Clay.
“I wanted so much, but above all, I wanted him.”
And let’s not forget to mention that ending?! I genuinely did not see it coming. I love when a book can surprise me. I just know the next book is going to be insane in the best way.
Thank you so much to Netgalley for this ARC!
I loveddddd the magic system. As a long time fan of Percy Jackson, I am a sucker for stories involving gods and allllll the drama that comes with them.
Our FMC, Theadora, has wonderful character development throughout the book and by the end, I couldn’t help but truly admire her strength and resilience. Did she make all the right decisions? Of course not. But watching our characters make mistakes and learn and grow is my favorite part of a story!
“But I did it then. I bowed to my people. Because who is it that truly rules a land, if not the people within it?” I seriously had CHILLS reading this part.
This is a very slow burn romance. And a forbidden one at that. I am rooting so hard for Thea and Clay.
“I wanted so much, but above all, I wanted him.”
And let’s not forget to mention that ending?! I genuinely did not see it coming. I love when a book can surprise me. I just know the next book is going to be insane in the best way.
Thank you so much to Netgalley for this ARC!
March 21, 2024
Ladies and gentleman this book missed the mark…. because it EXCEEDED THE MARK!!! Talk about a unique book, world and plot! Also, did I mention there’s male dragon shifters… yup sign me up please! I love how unique the powers that were showcased in this book instead of the typical fire, wind and ice powers we see so often. If you are looking for a book that quite literally grabs you by the b@lls from page one and holds your attention, then this is the book for you. If you are looking for fun, relatable and lovable characters to follow and fall in love with… yup you guessed it, then this is the book for you. ALSO THE MULTIPLE (yes multiple) TWISTS HAD MY NECK DOING 360 TURNS LIKE AN OWL!!! My husband had to keep telling me to shush and stop putting him on edge from all the gasping and screaming because of all the TWIST!! Also, did I mention there’s gods mentioned heavily in this. Buckle up and enjoy the ride with this one because I was fully satisfied to the point that I need book 2 asap!! Have fun with Clayton and Thea ;)
May 20, 2025
4.5⭐️ I’m honestly surprised I haven’t seen more hype about this book. It starts with a bang and ends with a surprise and in the middle is, in my opinion, a well written fantasy adventure with interesting lore, found family, slow burn romance, a dragon shifter MMC and truly vile villains. I particularly liked the fact that the FMC has lost her memory and is pretty much clueless, dragging the clueless reader along with her. It was much darker than I expected but I’m here for it and am absolutely continuing with the series.
April 5, 2025
2.5 stars?
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC of this book and I'm really sorry I didn't like it! <3
I dnf'd at 51%
This review is going to be a bit brutal but is intended for readers not the author.
I'm in the minority here from what I can see but oh my lord this wasn't good. Personally, it was so generic and the love interest Clay....I want him as far away from me as possible.
Take a shot every time he says 'I am your prince'. This man had such a superiority complex it was insane. He really pushed her up against a wall and shouted in her face after she'd almost died all because she said he could leave if her undressing distressed him. He was like a light switch, one second he'd be calm and chill and making jokes or pretending he wanted more freedom for her and a better life. The next he'd be just like everyone else, forcing her to behave a certain way that pleased him. He clearly didn't care about her as a person but rather just wanted to seem like he did. This man is a villainnnnn. Exactly like his father. How can you take her out of the palace, breaking the rules, have a fun and relaxing night with her and yet the second she says anything he doesn't want to hear or that implies she's anything but happy with him, he calls rank. Any man who has to constantly pull rank and say 'I am your prince' is no real man. Get this dude so far away from me please. He was also just grabbing her at times and even when they were in the inn and just by themselves, she dared to joke that he was arrogant and such (which he is) and he pulled rank AGAIN. Like you can tell he likes having authority over her because there was no one else there for then to keep up appearances? There was no need to be formal. Once again GET THIS MAN AWAY FROM ME. Also saying someone is attractive doesn't make them attractive, Clay had about as much attractiveness as a pile of stinging nettles. I'd choose the nettles over that man any day. Any man who can't handle criticism, who gets angry at the slightest expression of opinion or unhappiness, is a toxic man who should be avoided at all cost. It was hypocritical and disgusting.
Thea: She was fine...I didn't feel much towards her except pity because she was surrounded by toxic men who deserve the death penalty. And even her love interest is toxic, so my girl is never gonna get a happy because she's stuck with him. She was also just weird with her priorities because somehow she seemed to warm up to being at court eventhough that's literally the last place she should want to be. And she doesn't owe anyone anything to be honest. She spoke about having to repopulate and how she owed it to her dad (I've forgot his name) and her people but like girl NO. Just run away and live peacefully where Clay can't get you. I didn't understand how her priorities just changed.
The plot: what actually is the plot? Because nothing is really happening and it's soooo boring. I've read this plot about 10000 times and I'm so sorry but when the romance is lacking and I want to strangle the love interest....what is there to keep me reading? She's just got memory loss and she's this long lost heir and needs to repopulate her...realm? I don't even know but it sucks.
The friend group was cute, I honestly preferred any of the guys mentioned there over Clay. In fact I think I'd choose an actual dragon over that dragon wannabe. (Can you tell I despise that man?)
Iris was fine. Honestly she'd be a more interesting character to follow, she seemed to have stuff going on and atleast CLAY WOULDNT BE THE LOVE INTEREST.
Camilla: honestly what a baddie. I know we're supposed to hate her but pop off queen, I'd rather follow you're story with the witches. In fact as I write this I realise how utterly bland Thea is that I'd rather be following ANYONE else. (Except Clay). They tried to pull the classic mean girl trope with Camilla by making her super generic and of course it's over a boyyyy, because what other conflict could there be between women other than a mannnn? Give it a rest. Camilla I'm rooting for you queen.
The guard who's name I've forgotten...dimitri? Feels right. He seemed cool and I'd rather the romance be with him to be honestly. I'd rather Thea gets with a broom than Clay but here we are.
Ummm I've forgotten the friendgroups names but they were all chill. Also doesn't bode well for Clay that even his friends are scared of him. What a great guy!
The king was generically evil with no real motivation other than power and a villain I've seen in many books. In fact, the amount of noncy men should be studied because I swear it was just thrown in there to make Clay look better because at least he's not a creep righttttt. Nope he's just your regular toxic man.
Anyway this is a weird review and I feel bad because I was gifted this arc but honestly this wasn't for me. I'm clearly in the minority so feel free to give it a go but I'm quite happy to pretend this book doesn't exist. Xx
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC of this book and I'm really sorry I didn't like it! <3
I dnf'd at 51%
This review is going to be a bit brutal but is intended for readers not the author.
I'm in the minority here from what I can see but oh my lord this wasn't good. Personally, it was so generic and the love interest Clay....I want him as far away from me as possible.
Take a shot every time he says 'I am your prince'. This man had such a superiority complex it was insane. He really pushed her up against a wall and shouted in her face after she'd almost died all because she said he could leave if her undressing distressed him. He was like a light switch, one second he'd be calm and chill and making jokes or pretending he wanted more freedom for her and a better life. The next he'd be just like everyone else, forcing her to behave a certain way that pleased him. He clearly didn't care about her as a person but rather just wanted to seem like he did. This man is a villainnnnn. Exactly like his father. How can you take her out of the palace, breaking the rules, have a fun and relaxing night with her and yet the second she says anything he doesn't want to hear or that implies she's anything but happy with him, he calls rank. Any man who has to constantly pull rank and say 'I am your prince' is no real man. Get this dude so far away from me please. He was also just grabbing her at times and even when they were in the inn and just by themselves, she dared to joke that he was arrogant and such (which he is) and he pulled rank AGAIN. Like you can tell he likes having authority over her because there was no one else there for then to keep up appearances? There was no need to be formal. Once again GET THIS MAN AWAY FROM ME. Also saying someone is attractive doesn't make them attractive, Clay had about as much attractiveness as a pile of stinging nettles. I'd choose the nettles over that man any day. Any man who can't handle criticism, who gets angry at the slightest expression of opinion or unhappiness, is a toxic man who should be avoided at all cost. It was hypocritical and disgusting.
Thea: She was fine...I didn't feel much towards her except pity because she was surrounded by toxic men who deserve the death penalty. And even her love interest is toxic, so my girl is never gonna get a happy because she's stuck with him. She was also just weird with her priorities because somehow she seemed to warm up to being at court eventhough that's literally the last place she should want to be. And she doesn't owe anyone anything to be honest. She spoke about having to repopulate and how she owed it to her dad (I've forgot his name) and her people but like girl NO. Just run away and live peacefully where Clay can't get you. I didn't understand how her priorities just changed.
The plot: what actually is the plot? Because nothing is really happening and it's soooo boring. I've read this plot about 10000 times and I'm so sorry but when the romance is lacking and I want to strangle the love interest....what is there to keep me reading? She's just got memory loss and she's this long lost heir and needs to repopulate her...realm? I don't even know but it sucks.
The friend group was cute, I honestly preferred any of the guys mentioned there over Clay. In fact I think I'd choose an actual dragon over that dragon wannabe. (Can you tell I despise that man?)
Iris was fine. Honestly she'd be a more interesting character to follow, she seemed to have stuff going on and atleast CLAY WOULDNT BE THE LOVE INTEREST.
Camilla: honestly what a baddie. I know we're supposed to hate her but pop off queen, I'd rather follow you're story with the witches. In fact as I write this I realise how utterly bland Thea is that I'd rather be following ANYONE else. (Except Clay). They tried to pull the classic mean girl trope with Camilla by making her super generic and of course it's over a boyyyy, because what other conflict could there be between women other than a mannnn? Give it a rest. Camilla I'm rooting for you queen.
The guard who's name I've forgotten...dimitri? Feels right. He seemed cool and I'd rather the romance be with him to be honestly. I'd rather Thea gets with a broom than Clay but here we are.
Ummm I've forgotten the friendgroups names but they were all chill. Also doesn't bode well for Clay that even his friends are scared of him. What a great guy!
The king was generically evil with no real motivation other than power and a villain I've seen in many books. In fact, the amount of noncy men should be studied because I swear it was just thrown in there to make Clay look better because at least he's not a creep righttttt. Nope he's just your regular toxic man.
Anyway this is a weird review and I feel bad because I was gifted this arc but honestly this wasn't for me. I'm clearly in the minority so feel free to give it a go but I'm quite happy to pretend this book doesn't exist. Xx
July 31, 2024
5 ⭐️ wow wow wow! I have been struggling to find a good romantasy book and this one DELIVERED! Or as the kids say…it ate 😂 I loved all the characters: the badass Thea, sweet but spicy Clay, Iris and her fierceness, Rankor and his humor, etc. I loved how easy it was to follow the world building and all the twists and turns! The ending 🤯 and now I have to wait 😫 to find out what happened. Also DRAGON SHIFTER. Need I say more? This book was addicting - I seriously couldn’t put it down. If you’re looking for a new romantasy book - do me a favor and pick this up ASAP
February 20, 2024
I was lucky to be chosen for an ARC copy of this debut novel and it did not disappoint! Honestly, I loved this book the action started immediately. I was addicted right away and couldn't put it down. I love that the action kept a good pace and there weren't many slow parts to this book.
The world building and character development were good and really easy to follow. This would be a good intro to fantasy for someone who hasn't read a fantasy book before. It's super easy to follow and captivating.
Of course it ends on a cliffhanger and leaves us all needing to know what happened! I love that there was a bonus chapter for the second book "The Crown of the Dark Prince". I can't wait to read it and find out what happens with Thea!.. and Clay ;)
The world building and character development were good and really easy to follow. This would be a good intro to fantasy for someone who hasn't read a fantasy book before. It's super easy to follow and captivating.
Of course it ends on a cliffhanger and leaves us all needing to know what happened! I love that there was a bonus chapter for the second book "The Crown of the Dark Prince". I can't wait to read it and find out what happens with Thea!.. and Clay ;)
February 20, 2024
I love how the book starts with Thea having no memory so that we go on the journey with her to find out who she is. Will she get her memories back?! How did she end up on that bridge?
There are a few villains in this book.. one that I did not suspect at all! The world building and descriptions of the characters are top notch. I’m excited for the next one.. this one is minimal spice but “spicier” is in the description for book two! I really can’t predict where the story will go which makes it that much more exciting for the next one!
There are a few villains in this book.. one that I did not suspect at all! The world building and descriptions of the characters are top notch. I’m excited for the next one.. this one is minimal spice but “spicier” is in the description for book two! I really can’t predict where the story will go which makes it that much more exciting for the next one!
March 9, 2025
4.25/5
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, this book was addictive! I was hooked from the first page.
The Rose in the Shadows perfectly blends politics, romance, friendships, and struggles.
I really like Thea as a character and think she grew a lot throughout the book.
Some things happened that I wasn't expecting, and I love that!
Such a great book, I'm so excited to read the ARC for book 2! Can't wait to see more of Clayton!!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, this book was addictive! I was hooked from the first page.
The Rose in the Shadows perfectly blends politics, romance, friendships, and struggles.
I really like Thea as a character and think she grew a lot throughout the book.
Some things happened that I wasn't expecting, and I love that!
Such a great book, I'm so excited to read the ARC for book 2! Can't wait to see more of Clayton!!
March 3, 2024
This is my first ever ARC review and I’m honestly so glad it was this book! Never once was a bored or didn’t feel like reading. Right from the beginning it pulls you into this world with so many questions that you just want more! Thea is everything we need in a badass FMC! Finding her strength while also realizing what would be considered weaknesses aren’t always weaknesses. Currently need the second book because I cannot stop thinking about Athenia!
February 16, 2025
Oh boy is this a slow burn!! Imagine waking up with no recollection of anything, and you’re up against execution for something you apparently did.
But behold— there is a magic mark on your chest naming you as the last heir it what was thought to be an extinct line (think like heir of Hades). This saves Thea and she goes through training to take up her place as council member.
But there’s Clayton, a prince who she’s really drawn to but he’s from another line and therefore they can’t be together. Talk about a forbidden love. Even when they cave, they have to back up, and he seems more willing to risk more towards the end. But then what happens at the end… woah!!! What a twist.
Thank you R&R Book Tours for the copy.
But behold— there is a magic mark on your chest naming you as the last heir it what was thought to be an extinct line (think like heir of Hades). This saves Thea and she goes through training to take up her place as council member.
But there’s Clayton, a prince who she’s really drawn to but he’s from another line and therefore they can’t be together. Talk about a forbidden love. Even when they cave, they have to back up, and he seems more willing to risk more towards the end. But then what happens at the end… woah!!! What a twist.
Thank you R&R Book Tours for the copy.
October 19, 2024
4.5 - ah i loved this!! Imagine just accidentally using powers you didn’t know you had and then forgetting your entire existence previous to that? Like what!? This was really good. I loved the magic system, and the tension between our two main characters 🔥 i would like book two now please lol
March 22, 2024
The intertwining of the gods and the dragons and the witches created quite a unique storyline. The main FMC is perfectly poised and insecure and brave at all the right moments. I didn't really feel the chemistry she was trying to portray between the FMC and the MMC, but I did love the wide variety of the cast of characters. I can't wait to see where the story goes in the next book.
March 30, 2025
I received this book as an ARC along from Netgalley - I really enjoyed this book and looking forward to the second one!
August 26, 2025
First thoughts-
Well, I ended up finishing the book tonight because I just couldn’t put it down!
I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for this debut novel. I try to come into debut novels with a lot of grace cause first books tend to not be the authors best work, however, I was pleasantly surprised at how good this was!! The characters, world building, and lore. All easy to understand and follow along, without being too obscure or too detailed. I felt it was just right. I also thought the writing got better as the story progressed. Pacing was good and I didn’t feel like the book was too long or short. All in all, I was hooked and I’m excited to continue reading the story!
Tropes-
Ugh had so many good tropes! Enemies to lovers, who did this to you, one bed, amnesia, lost/last heir, political intrigue.
Summary of the story-
Our main female character arrives on the scene with and explosion of magic in the kingdom of Athenia. She causes destruction and death until she is knocked unconscious. She wakes in an infirmary with no memory of who she is, what she is and where she is. In this world we are dealing with gods and descendants. Each descendant has a mark signifying which house of god they descended from. Thea, the main character, is the last heir of the house of hyrax god of the underworld. We see her as she grapples with finding who she is, finding her confidence and strength as a princess and upcoming member of the council and how she firs in with kingdom politics. The story keeps you interested as there are murder attempts from a mysterious enemy.
In conclusion, I was really wowed by this debut book. The story was intriguing and kept me hooked, made me fall in love with the characters, and has me foaming at the mouth for the next book!
Please be advised there are trigger warnings and dark themes.
Well, I ended up finishing the book tonight because I just couldn’t put it down!
I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for this debut novel. I try to come into debut novels with a lot of grace cause first books tend to not be the authors best work, however, I was pleasantly surprised at how good this was!! The characters, world building, and lore. All easy to understand and follow along, without being too obscure or too detailed. I felt it was just right. I also thought the writing got better as the story progressed. Pacing was good and I didn’t feel like the book was too long or short. All in all, I was hooked and I’m excited to continue reading the story!
Tropes-
Ugh had so many good tropes! Enemies to lovers, who did this to you, one bed, amnesia, lost/last heir, political intrigue.
Summary of the story-
Our main female character arrives on the scene with and explosion of magic in the kingdom of Athenia. She causes destruction and death until she is knocked unconscious. She wakes in an infirmary with no memory of who she is, what she is and where she is. In this world we are dealing with gods and descendants. Each descendant has a mark signifying which house of god they descended from. Thea, the main character, is the last heir of the house of hyrax god of the underworld. We see her as she grapples with finding who she is, finding her confidence and strength as a princess and upcoming member of the council and how she firs in with kingdom politics. The story keeps you interested as there are murder attempts from a mysterious enemy.
In conclusion, I was really wowed by this debut book. The story was intriguing and kept me hooked, made me fall in love with the characters, and has me foaming at the mouth for the next book!
Please be advised there are trigger warnings and dark themes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2025
The Rose in the Shadows completely swept me off my feet. I picked it up thinking I’d get a dark fairytale vibe, but what I got was so much more—heartache, healing, slow-burn tension, and a romance that made me feel everything.
Thea was such a beautifully written main character. I loved how strong and determined she was, but also how deeply human she felt. She wasn’t afraid to feel things, to fight for what mattered to her, and I found myself constantly rooting for her. And Clay?? Ugh, my brooding dragon shifter. He had this quiet strength and softness to him that completely undid me. Their dynamic was so tender and intense, and the way their connection grew had me kicking my feet like an unhinged book gremlin.
The plot had just the right amount of twists to keep me hooked, and the pacing was spot on. Every chapter added something meaningful, and I was so emotionally invested I may or may not have gasped out loud a few times.
Also the side characters?? I adored them all. They added so much heart and depth to the story without ever feeling like background noise. I have to say, Rankor completely stole my heart. Every scene with him was a little highlight for me.
This book felt like it was written for romantasy lovers that crave a bit of angst, a lot of heart, slow-burn magic, and characters who genuinely feel like they live beyond the pages.
Solid 5 stars. I already want to reread it and can’t wait for book 2
Thea was such a beautifully written main character. I loved how strong and determined she was, but also how deeply human she felt. She wasn’t afraid to feel things, to fight for what mattered to her, and I found myself constantly rooting for her. And Clay?? Ugh, my brooding dragon shifter. He had this quiet strength and softness to him that completely undid me. Their dynamic was so tender and intense, and the way their connection grew had me kicking my feet like an unhinged book gremlin.
The plot had just the right amount of twists to keep me hooked, and the pacing was spot on. Every chapter added something meaningful, and I was so emotionally invested I may or may not have gasped out loud a few times.
Also the side characters?? I adored them all. They added so much heart and depth to the story without ever feeling like background noise. I have to say, Rankor completely stole my heart. Every scene with him was a little highlight for me.
This book felt like it was written for romantasy lovers that crave a bit of angst, a lot of heart, slow-burn magic, and characters who genuinely feel like they live beyond the pages.
Solid 5 stars. I already want to reread it and can’t wait for book 2
March 29, 2024
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to Arcadia and her team for including me in the ARC experience. It has been a pleasure!
I would honestly give the book a rating of 3.5 stars, but Goodreads doesn’t allow for that and I believe 3 would be too low.
In her debut novel, Arcadia has created a world based loosely on Greek mythology, which was fairly easy to grasp the similarities as a reader (who admittedly knows a lot about the subject). She has created characters who are relatable and was able to elicit emotion about their well-being and the situations they were put into. I
It is clear that there is more to be revealed about this world, as well as the depth of the characters, as the series continues and I am looking forward to learning more about Thea and her world.
The book contains a good mix of fantasy elements without feeling as if there is too much to keep track of. There are fairly minor threads of romance, but I have a feeling that will change as the series progresses.
The House of Hyrax series is an action-packed slow-burn romance filled with magic and political intrigue, perfect for fans of From Blood and Ash and Red Queen.
I would honestly give the book a rating of 3.5 stars, but Goodreads doesn’t allow for that and I believe 3 would be too low.
In her debut novel, Arcadia has created a world based loosely on Greek mythology, which was fairly easy to grasp the similarities as a reader (who admittedly knows a lot about the subject). She has created characters who are relatable and was able to elicit emotion about their well-being and the situations they were put into. I
It is clear that there is more to be revealed about this world, as well as the depth of the characters, as the series continues and I am looking forward to learning more about Thea and her world.
The book contains a good mix of fantasy elements without feeling as if there is too much to keep track of. There are fairly minor threads of romance, but I have a feeling that will change as the series progresses.
The House of Hyrax series is an action-packed slow-burn romance filled with magic and political intrigue, perfect for fans of From Blood and Ash and Red Queen.
April 13, 2024
When I first found out about this book I was so excited to read! It is a great start to a series and I cannot wait to read the next one already! If you want a book that will keep you guessing and have a bunch of unexpected twist but a Romantasy this one it for you!
Theodora doesn’t remember a single thing about her past, she doesn’t even know her real name. But she does have a mark that hasn’t been seen in a long time. The mark of Hyrax, and she seems to be the last know descendent of that house. But the mysteries of her past seem to haunt her and she is now in danger. But who is her real enemy?
If you love:
♥️Slow Burns
♥️Strong FMC
♥️Betrayals
♥️Magic
♥️Gods and Goddesses
♥️Angst
You need to check out this book!
Theodora doesn’t remember a single thing about her past, she doesn’t even know her real name. But she does have a mark that hasn’t been seen in a long time. The mark of Hyrax, and she seems to be the last know descendent of that house. But the mysteries of her past seem to haunt her and she is now in danger. But who is her real enemy?
If you love:
♥️Slow Burns
♥️Strong FMC
♥️Betrayals
♥️Magic
♥️Gods and Goddesses
♥️Angst
You need to check out this book!
September 15, 2025
I ate this up!! This is what I mean when I say I want an enemies to lovers. The yearning! The tension! Absolutely stunning. The magic + royalty system was so incredibly well-written and clearly very thought out. Thea is such a motivating main character and there is so much complexity within her.
February 9, 2025
Actual Rating: 4.5⭐
The Rose in the Shadows is a stunning Romantasy debut, perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers, forbidden love and found family tropes. The author combines court intrigue and betrayals with a compelling narrative.
The story begins with a strong opening following Thea, who wakes up without her memories and has to learn about her powers as well as navigate herself in a strange new world she's currently in.
Through every exploration of Aethenia's backstory and the mysterious figure that Thea keeps meeting in her dreams, the plot remains engaging and exciting.
I absolutely adore the friendship Thea created with Clay’s friends such as Iris, Kent, Lorelei and others. They welcome her warmly, guiding her through the complexities of navigating the castle and the Council.
As for the romance, Thea and Clay's relationship starts on the wrong foot, sparking the classic enemies-to-lovers tension.
I enjoyed watching their relationship slowly progress into something more as they began to open up to each other. However, I found Thea's indecisiveness about her feelings a bit frustrating at times.
Overall, this is a fantastic start to a fantasy romance series. Great writing style and lovable characters make this book a true page-turner!
The last few chapters are particularly intense, featuring a huge betrayal and an unexpected twist that leaves me eagerly anticipating the upcoming sequel!
Thank you to RR Book Tour, author and publisher for giving me an e-ARC of the book and for having me on this book tour. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!
⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: This story includes scenes of sexual content, violence, memory loss,
physical abuse, threats of physical/sexual harm, sexual harassment, adult language,
depictions of grief, and depictions of addiction.
The Rose in the Shadows is a stunning Romantasy debut, perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers, forbidden love and found family tropes. The author combines court intrigue and betrayals with a compelling narrative.
The story begins with a strong opening following Thea, who wakes up without her memories and has to learn about her powers as well as navigate herself in a strange new world she's currently in.
Through every exploration of Aethenia's backstory and the mysterious figure that Thea keeps meeting in her dreams, the plot remains engaging and exciting.
I absolutely adore the friendship Thea created with Clay’s friends such as Iris, Kent, Lorelei and others. They welcome her warmly, guiding her through the complexities of navigating the castle and the Council.
As for the romance, Thea and Clay's relationship starts on the wrong foot, sparking the classic enemies-to-lovers tension.
I enjoyed watching their relationship slowly progress into something more as they began to open up to each other. However, I found Thea's indecisiveness about her feelings a bit frustrating at times.
Overall, this is a fantastic start to a fantasy romance series. Great writing style and lovable characters make this book a true page-turner!
The last few chapters are particularly intense, featuring a huge betrayal and an unexpected twist that leaves me eagerly anticipating the upcoming sequel!
Thank you to RR Book Tour, author and publisher for giving me an e-ARC of the book and for having me on this book tour. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!
⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: This story includes scenes of sexual content, violence, memory loss,
physical abuse, threats of physical/sexual harm, sexual harassment, adult language,
depictions of grief, and depictions of addiction.
February 14, 2025
✨𝐵𝑜𝑜𝓀 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌✨
📖: The Rose in the Shadows (House of Hyrax, Book 1)
🌹: Out now & on KU
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. 💫
"𝘐 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘦…”
She stands accused of causing destruction and dêath yet has no memories of her past or even her own name. All that is certain is the mark on her chest, distinguishing her as the last Descendant of Hyrax, the God of the Dêad.
Theadora Moore finds herself thrust into a dangerous court who seeks to bend her to their will and political machinations.
But as secrets are slowly uncovered, she finds that her survival may depend on the ruthless Prince she doesn’t trust.
Tropes:
🔥Slow-Burn
⚠️Enemies-to-lovers
🛏️One bed
🚫Touch her & 💀
📜Prophecies
💫Magical battles
🐉Dragon Shifters
🧑🧑🧒🧒Found family
🏺Children of the Gods
⛔️Forbidden Love
Theadora is plagued by the loss of her memories and by vivid dreams. Her journey of self-discovery is fraught with heartache, betrayal, and danger. I admired her perseverance and determination in regaining her memories, controlling her magic, and accepting her duty.
Will she discover the secrets of her past and forge her own destiny and the future of the realm?
Clayton is well…hello hot broody [redacted] daddy!? 🙋🏻♀️🔥. I loved getting to know this ruthless and powerful prince and the experiences that shaped him. Can he control his hot temper and fiery yearning for something that he can’t have?
The Rose in the Shadows is a spellbinding fantasy with a marvelous melding of rich mythology, thrilling magic, and a tantalizing forbidden romance. I am counting down the days until the next book, The Crown of the Dark Prince!
Huge thanks to the author and RR Book tours for the review copy. This is my honest and voluntary review
📖: The Rose in the Shadows (House of Hyrax, Book 1)
🌹: Out now & on KU
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. 💫
"𝘐 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘦…”
She stands accused of causing destruction and dêath yet has no memories of her past or even her own name. All that is certain is the mark on her chest, distinguishing her as the last Descendant of Hyrax, the God of the Dêad.
Theadora Moore finds herself thrust into a dangerous court who seeks to bend her to their will and political machinations.
But as secrets are slowly uncovered, she finds that her survival may depend on the ruthless Prince she doesn’t trust.
Tropes:
🔥Slow-Burn
⚠️Enemies-to-lovers
🛏️One bed
🚫Touch her & 💀
📜Prophecies
💫Magical battles
🐉Dragon Shifters
🧑🧑🧒🧒Found family
🏺Children of the Gods
⛔️Forbidden Love
Theadora is plagued by the loss of her memories and by vivid dreams. Her journey of self-discovery is fraught with heartache, betrayal, and danger. I admired her perseverance and determination in regaining her memories, controlling her magic, and accepting her duty.
Will she discover the secrets of her past and forge her own destiny and the future of the realm?
Clayton is well…hello hot broody [redacted] daddy!? 🙋🏻♀️🔥. I loved getting to know this ruthless and powerful prince and the experiences that shaped him. Can he control his hot temper and fiery yearning for something that he can’t have?
The Rose in the Shadows is a spellbinding fantasy with a marvelous melding of rich mythology, thrilling magic, and a tantalizing forbidden romance. I am counting down the days until the next book, The Crown of the Dark Prince!
Huge thanks to the author and RR Book tours for the review copy. This is my honest and voluntary review
Displaying 1 - 30 of 260 reviews