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Golden Queen
Aelia Lithaway refuses to serve as the virginal prize in a political alliance. So what does a sheltered princess do when she needs to dispense with her innocence? She sets out to have a reckless affair with a fae dragon rider, of course.
The tall, dark, and dangerous Amon Aldur seems like just the right choice to give the sheltered princess a taste of passion, magic, and adventure—if only she can convince him she’s not the innocent maiden she appears to be.
But perhaps the Lord of Darkwatch has some secrets of his own. For one, why would the guardian of the realm of the ancient druids carry a precious baby dragon across the continent as a gift for a princess in the middle of the human realm?
And what does he know about the Elven King of Penjan who’s sailing across the world with his wyvern host of shadow walkers and necromancers to collect his son’s promised bride?
As dark forces gather to threaten the human realm, Aelia of Windemere will learn the true threat doesn’t come from shadow magic or necromancy. The real danger lies in surrendering herself, body and soul, to a powerful Dragon Lord who can and will stand on the ashes of the world rather than let her go.
A desperate alliance, an earth-shattering secret, and an ancient prophecy that speaks of doom all find Aelia Lithaway on the cusp of her reign as the legendary Golden Queen of the Godsgrass Kingdom.
In the first installment of the Idrigard series, spicy romance meets high fantasy adventure in a world where not even the gods know what the tricky, fickle fates have in store.
The tall, dark, and dangerous Amon Aldur seems like just the right choice to give the sheltered princess a taste of passion, magic, and adventure—if only she can convince him she’s not the innocent maiden she appears to be.
But perhaps the Lord of Darkwatch has some secrets of his own. For one, why would the guardian of the realm of the ancient druids carry a precious baby dragon across the continent as a gift for a princess in the middle of the human realm?
And what does he know about the Elven King of Penjan who’s sailing across the world with his wyvern host of shadow walkers and necromancers to collect his son’s promised bride?
As dark forces gather to threaten the human realm, Aelia of Windemere will learn the true threat doesn’t come from shadow magic or necromancy. The real danger lies in surrendering herself, body and soul, to a powerful Dragon Lord who can and will stand on the ashes of the world rather than let her go.
A desperate alliance, an earth-shattering secret, and an ancient prophecy that speaks of doom all find Aelia Lithaway on the cusp of her reign as the legendary Golden Queen of the Godsgrass Kingdom.
In the first installment of the Idrigard series, spicy romance meets high fantasy adventure in a world where not even the gods know what the tricky, fickle fates have in store.
548 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 23, 2024
71 people are currently reading
706 people want to read
About the author
R.R. Elkins
1 book51 followersWife and mother of two spectacular kids who strives to someday channel all my energy into exploding into glitter and bats. I've been writing heaving-bosom-style romance in my mind since the first time I saw Superman pick up Lois Lane. When I found my first harlequin pirate romance hidden under my mother's vanity, it was all over for me.
I enjoy chasing supercell thunderstorms down the interstate in hopes that I'll one day live my ultimate dream of seeing a tornado (from a respectably safe distance.)
When I'm not reading, writing, or watching the sky for a likely updraft, you might find me in the garden, in a field of way too many pepper plants (a ridiculous amount of pepper plants) with my trusty mega-poodle, Beatrice, standing majestically at my side.
I want to write books you will enjoy. My ultimate goal is to make you feel something warm... perhaps a little delicious. I don't care if you can find deeper meaning in my words as long as you find yourself out of your world and into another one for a while. The cool, blessed relief of escape! That’s what romance is all about, after all; living vicariously through the actions and experiences of a character you like while they go on a grand adventure of love and discovery! If your bosom heaves a bit on the way, well, that’s precisely what this author was hoping for.
I enjoy chasing supercell thunderstorms down the interstate in hopes that I'll one day live my ultimate dream of seeing a tornado (from a respectably safe distance.)
When I'm not reading, writing, or watching the sky for a likely updraft, you might find me in the garden, in a field of way too many pepper plants (a ridiculous amount of pepper plants) with my trusty mega-poodle, Beatrice, standing majestically at my side.
I want to write books you will enjoy. My ultimate goal is to make you feel something warm... perhaps a little delicious. I don't care if you can find deeper meaning in my words as long as you find yourself out of your world and into another one for a while. The cool, blessed relief of escape! That’s what romance is all about, after all; living vicariously through the actions and experiences of a character you like while they go on a grand adventure of love and discovery! If your bosom heaves a bit on the way, well, that’s precisely what this author was hoping for.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
October 29, 2024
Y'ALL. THIS BOOK THIS BOOK THIS BOOK.
It took me 5 days to read (which is a long time for me) and not because I wasn’t into it, but because I wanted to savor it. I didn't want it to end!! This book might just make it into my top 5 reads of the year, idk idk.
Golden Queen has so many of my favorite things - DRAGONSSS, prophecy, a shadow daddy, and great banter. It also made me feel all the emotions - I cried, I laughed, and I was PIIISSED at one point 😂 The plot twist didn’t go at all how I expected.
Overall, I highly recommend!!
(I haven't stopped thinking about it since I finished it 😅)
"𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚,"
"𝙉𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙨... 𝙣𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙚 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙞𝙩, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙗𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚."
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆:
🐉 Dragons
🐉 High fantasy plot
🐉 Touch her and 💀
🐉 Curvy FMC
🐉 Shadow daddy MMC
This is a dark romantasy, so be sure to check the TW!
It took me 5 days to read (which is a long time for me) and not because I wasn’t into it, but because I wanted to savor it. I didn't want it to end!! This book might just make it into my top 5 reads of the year, idk idk.
Golden Queen has so many of my favorite things - DRAGONSSS, prophecy, a shadow daddy, and great banter. It also made me feel all the emotions - I cried, I laughed, and I was PIIISSED at one point 😂 The plot twist didn’t go at all how I expected.
Overall, I highly recommend!!
(I haven't stopped thinking about it since I finished it 😅)
"𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚,"
"𝙉𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙨... 𝙣𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙚 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙞𝙩, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙗𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚."
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆:
🐉 Dragons
🐉 High fantasy plot
🐉 Touch her and 💀
🐉 Curvy FMC
🐉 Shadow daddy MMC
This is a dark romantasy, so be sure to check the TW!
August 9, 2025
5⭐️
3🌶️
They’ve been telling me for months, and it’s true, everyone needs to read this book right now! Golden Queen is at its core an epic fantasy novel with all the aspects you would expect from one. Intricate world building, court & kingdom politics, various fantastical species including fae, elves, dwarves and more. And of course dragons 🐉 🔥 But it also has such a beautiful forbidden love story and I am still not ok after that ending. I will forever cherish the mascara stain on my pillowcase as a reminder of the many tears shed 🥲
But seriously, this book is amazing. If you love all of those fantasy elements I mentioned with forbidden romance and angst, you will love this book. I have now joined the group of those chomping at the bit for any crumbs of book 2. In the meantime, I will trust the process, as painful as that process may be 😅😮💨
3🌶️
They’ve been telling me for months, and it’s true, everyone needs to read this book right now! Golden Queen is at its core an epic fantasy novel with all the aspects you would expect from one. Intricate world building, court & kingdom politics, various fantastical species including fae, elves, dwarves and more. And of course dragons 🐉 🔥 But it also has such a beautiful forbidden love story and I am still not ok after that ending. I will forever cherish the mascara stain on my pillowcase as a reminder of the many tears shed 🥲
But seriously, this book is amazing. If you love all of those fantasy elements I mentioned with forbidden romance and angst, you will love this book. I have now joined the group of those chomping at the bit for any crumbs of book 2. In the meantime, I will trust the process, as painful as that process may be 😅😮💨
January 19, 2025
Best Book of 2025!
Hands down, she can take ALL OF THE STARS because the 5 they have on here isn’t enough! ♾️ 🌟
I don’t even know how to function right now. I’ll come back with a review in a little while. The biggest takeaway is that this book is f*cking amazing! The banter is *chef’s kiss.” The shadow daddy dragon rider will have you swooning IRL. The spice is there and it’s 🥵 and the chemistry between the characters is on point. The world building is immersive and I think it’ll appeal to those that need a little more plot with their romance.
I’ll be talking about this one for awhile! 🥺
Hands down, she can take ALL OF THE STARS because the 5 they have on here isn’t enough! ♾️ 🌟
I don’t even know how to function right now. I’ll come back with a review in a little while. The biggest takeaway is that this book is f*cking amazing! The banter is *chef’s kiss.” The shadow daddy dragon rider will have you swooning IRL. The spice is there and it’s 🥵 and the chemistry between the characters is on point. The world building is immersive and I think it’ll appeal to those that need a little more plot with their romance.
I’ll be talking about this one for awhile! 🥺
October 4, 2024
This is the best fantasy book I have read in a long time! It's been living in my mind rent-free since I finished it three days ago!
Fantasy has always been my first love. It was what first made me love reading and books.
However, finding adult fantasy that I enjoy has been tough the last few years.
This beautiful story turned it all around. Aelia is a strong, amazing FMC, and the love that is shared between her and Amon is beautiful. The side characters and world-building are absolutely phenomenal. This book never slowed down, kept me on my toes, broke my heart, made me swoon, and intrigued me the whole way through. A definite must-read!
Fantasy has always been my first love. It was what first made me love reading and books.
However, finding adult fantasy that I enjoy has been tough the last few years.
This beautiful story turned it all around. Aelia is a strong, amazing FMC, and the love that is shared between her and Amon is beautiful. The side characters and world-building are absolutely phenomenal. This book never slowed down, kept me on my toes, broke my heart, made me swoon, and intrigued me the whole way through. A definite must-read!
May 27, 2024
5 stars!!!
This book is AWESOME!!! I had the chance to beta read it and I've been waiting to share it with others since then.
Very basic summary (I'll expand on this later): Aelia is a princess and she is just barely treated better than a breeding mare - except by his cousin who is one of my favorite men in the book.
But she is not the type who takes this lying down, so when she meets and all but kills a sexy stranger, she allows herself to fall in lust with him. At first. As you might guess it turns into love and what a love!
The book is long and fast paced, so a great many things happen, as it is so much more than simply a love story set in a fantasy world, (there are dragons. Have I mentioned the dragons?) but I don't want to be giving too much of the plot away. Let's just say they both more than they seem to be and greatness always comes with reaponsibility, so there will be plenty of challanges to fight through.
As I said, I find the plot really intriguing and the worldbuilding is well developed. Their struggles are believable as their abilities have their limits even when you would like to see the absolute opposite of that.
But the real gems are the characters. Aelia and Io are just the perfect couple, building up each other every chance they get.
And Io is simply awesome. I am usually more into morally gray characters and Io is a good guy (well, it really depends how you define 'good guy' I guess) but he totally stole my heart. He just respects Aelia so much and supports her in a way that is beautiful. That doesn't mean he is not tough and a badass, the author just managed to find the perfect mix of hard and gentle. For which I will be forever grateful!
Then there are the cast of supporting characters who really give another layer of flavor to the story. I would point out who my favorite is but to this very day I can't decide. The cousin maybe. But then there is... Never mind, just read it and decide for yourself.
I really shouldn't forget to mention the spice. IT IS HOT. The kind of hot that makes sigh and green with envy. Or that might be just me.
Golden queen is the first book in an amazing series (I also had the chance to beta read the second book and oh my gosh! Is it delicious?!) so if you like badass heroines, high stakes and swoon worthy heroes coated in just the right amount of smut, this book is definitely fo you!
This book is AWESOME!!! I had the chance to beta read it and I've been waiting to share it with others since then.
Very basic summary (I'll expand on this later): Aelia is a princess and she is just barely treated better than a breeding mare - except by his cousin who is one of my favorite men in the book.
But she is not the type who takes this lying down, so when she meets and all but kills a sexy stranger, she allows herself to fall in lust with him. At first. As you might guess it turns into love and what a love!
The book is long and fast paced, so a great many things happen, as it is so much more than simply a love story set in a fantasy world, (there are dragons. Have I mentioned the dragons?) but I don't want to be giving too much of the plot away. Let's just say they both more than they seem to be and greatness always comes with reaponsibility, so there will be plenty of challanges to fight through.
As I said, I find the plot really intriguing and the worldbuilding is well developed. Their struggles are believable as their abilities have their limits even when you would like to see the absolute opposite of that.
But the real gems are the characters. Aelia and Io are just the perfect couple, building up each other every chance they get.
And Io is simply awesome. I am usually more into morally gray characters and Io is a good guy (well, it really depends how you define 'good guy' I guess) but he totally stole my heart. He just respects Aelia so much and supports her in a way that is beautiful. That doesn't mean he is not tough and a badass, the author just managed to find the perfect mix of hard and gentle. For which I will be forever grateful!
Then there are the cast of supporting characters who really give another layer of flavor to the story. I would point out who my favorite is but to this very day I can't decide. The cousin maybe. But then there is... Never mind, just read it and decide for yourself.
I really shouldn't forget to mention the spice. IT IS HOT. The kind of hot that makes sigh and green with envy. Or that might be just me.
Golden queen is the first book in an amazing series (I also had the chance to beta read the second book and oh my gosh! Is it delicious?!) so if you like badass heroines, high stakes and swoon worthy heroes coated in just the right amount of smut, this book is definitely fo you!
February 22, 2025
SERA AND IO, MY PRECIOUS BABIES 🥹
“You are not afraid." "Should I be?" His lips curved, imperceptibly upwards at my response. "No, Sera. Never."
This book gets all of my love!!!
5 endless ⭐️’s! You know when the FMC stabs the MMC in their first meeting it’s bound to be a good read 😏 These characters are so special. I cannot wait to get more from the amazing secondary characters in book 2. Io easily earns his ranks as book boyfriend material. He has the shadows and fire & many other magics to back it up 🔥🔥 Sera, our fierce yet sweet queen is a phenomenal FMC. Seeing her break free from the confines of the life she’s had to live before leaving Windemere was satisfying and I’m dying to see what she does with her power in book 2!!! The ending ripped my heart out and crushed me in all the satisfying ways a good book can with the most delicious cliff hanger. Kudos to RR Elkins for writing this world and giving us this beautifully dark, sexy story.
Readers that love any of the widely popular romantasy series out there will surely find this to be one NOT to miss out on! I need to see praise for this perfect indie fantasy (with dragons!) all over social media.
“You are not afraid." "Should I be?" His lips curved, imperceptibly upwards at my response. "No, Sera. Never."
This book gets all of my love!!!
5 endless ⭐️’s! You know when the FMC stabs the MMC in their first meeting it’s bound to be a good read 😏 These characters are so special. I cannot wait to get more from the amazing secondary characters in book 2. Io easily earns his ranks as book boyfriend material. He has the shadows and fire & many other magics to back it up 🔥🔥 Sera, our fierce yet sweet queen is a phenomenal FMC. Seeing her break free from the confines of the life she’s had to live before leaving Windemere was satisfying and I’m dying to see what she does with her power in book 2!!! The ending ripped my heart out and crushed me in all the satisfying ways a good book can with the most delicious cliff hanger. Kudos to RR Elkins for writing this world and giving us this beautifully dark, sexy story.
Readers that love any of the widely popular romantasy series out there will surely find this to be one NOT to miss out on! I need to see praise for this perfect indie fantasy (with dragons!) all over social media.
August 16, 2024
Big fan! The story building was so good and it kept my attention. When reading a lot of books like this they can be very predictable and this one definitely did not feel that way! Love love love it and so excited for the next!
September 22, 2024
WOW
I need the second book NOW. I preordered it immediately after reading this.
I'm not usually a fan of epic fantasy, but this one stole my heart from the very first line. The world building in this book is incredible. It is detailed and vivid in a way few books are. The characters? Iconic. The spice? It is spicing. The romance? SWOON.
I am always here for a story of feminine power and rage, and this dark epic fantasy has it.
This book has
✨ Spice
✨ Dragons!
✨ A powerful, strong queen
✨ A shadow daddy (hello Io, my new book boyfriend, it's oh so nice to meet you)
✨ So many incredible side characters
✨ Prophesy
✨ HIGH stakes
✨ An ending that made me actually throw my kindle (not kidding - iykyk)
I cannot wait to find out what happens to Aelia of Windemere. I love her. I'm mad at her, but I love her.
I need the second book NOW. I preordered it immediately after reading this.
I'm not usually a fan of epic fantasy, but this one stole my heart from the very first line. The world building in this book is incredible. It is detailed and vivid in a way few books are. The characters? Iconic. The spice? It is spicing. The romance? SWOON.
I am always here for a story of feminine power and rage, and this dark epic fantasy has it.
This book has
✨ Spice
✨ Dragons!
✨ A powerful, strong queen
✨ A shadow daddy (hello Io, my new book boyfriend, it's oh so nice to meet you)
✨ So many incredible side characters
✨ Prophesy
✨ HIGH stakes
✨ An ending that made me actually throw my kindle (not kidding - iykyk)
I cannot wait to find out what happens to Aelia of Windemere. I love her. I'm mad at her, but I love her.
September 21, 2024
Loved this book! It has got everything, all the tropes, a plot that plots, lots of dragon-time, twists and turns. Oh and spice. It’s an adventure. Can’t wait for the next book!
January 31, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 5 stars
"I'll do it for you, Sera. I'll burn the whole world if you ask me to."
"I love you! I love you so much it's making me fucking crazy. I can't think around how much I want you. I can't think of anything but staying with you, and I want it so badly I'm considering letting them all die to have it."
Review:
A dark romantasy book with Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones vibes, and a whole lot of spice.
If you love a good fast burn, steamy and romantic high fantasy book, and don't mind darker themes and a little heartbreak, then add this one to your list right now!
I don't always enjoy fast-burn romances, but this author did an amazing job of keeping the tension high from start to finish.
In the very first chapters, the tension between the main characters was already on fire, and I loved it.
The plot was also gripping. At first, everything felt pretty predictable during the first 25%, but I was so wrong. And I do love some good plot twists!
I cried, laughed, and kicked my feet. This book definitely gave me all the feels.
I'm hoping book 2 will be released very soon!
I think that one might be dual or mutli pov with a possible new enemies to lovers plotline? Already excited.
- Dark romantasy
- High fantasy
- Prophecy
- Spicy
- Possessive MMC
('mine')
- Curvy FMC
- Dragons
- Forbidden love
- Forced proximity
- Heartbreaking
- Political intrigue
- Check TW's
"I'll do it for you, Sera. I'll burn the whole world if you ask me to."
"I love you! I love you so much it's making me fucking crazy. I can't think around how much I want you. I can't think of anything but staying with you, and I want it so badly I'm considering letting them all die to have it."
Review:
A dark romantasy book with Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones vibes, and a whole lot of spice.
If you love a good fast burn, steamy and romantic high fantasy book, and don't mind darker themes and a little heartbreak, then add this one to your list right now!
I don't always enjoy fast-burn romances, but this author did an amazing job of keeping the tension high from start to finish.
In the very first chapters, the tension between the main characters was already on fire, and I loved it.
The plot was also gripping. At first, everything felt pretty predictable during the first 25%, but I was so wrong. And I do love some good plot twists!
I cried, laughed, and kicked my feet. This book definitely gave me all the feels.
I'm hoping book 2 will be released very soon!
I think that one might be dual or mutli pov with a possible new enemies to lovers plotline? Already excited.
- Dark romantasy
- High fantasy
- Prophecy
- Spicy
- Possessive MMC
('mine')
- Curvy FMC
- Dragons
- Forbidden love
- Forced proximity
- Heartbreaking
- Political intrigue
- Check TW's
February 28, 2025
I'll start by saying this is not my typical genre. I am a heavy reader of sci-fi and fantasy, but romantasy, especially with explicit sexual content, has not been my typical fare. That said, this is a very well-written and entertaining book. Elkins does a great job of spinning a solid and compelling story, creating characters in which I could get invested, and including intimate content that was explicit but tastefully depicted rather than graphic or gratuitous. I found it easy to root for the main characters and wish the worst for the villains in a world that's well-crafted and engaging. Elkins does a great job of world-building as she goes, creating a vivid and dynamic worldscape without getting bogged down in the details. For those who appreciate romantasy with a couple of chili peppers worth of spice, this book is a great read, and I'm looking forward to book 2.
February 22, 2025
I discovered this book on Threads and I am SO VERY GLAD I picked it up. After a series of reading flops, this was a delightful breath of fresh air. The writing is so good with excellent pacing and full of emotive language without the prose being too 'flowery'. I was absolutely blown away by the obvious attraction and flirting between the FMC and MMC right from the get go. No "I hate him because I'm attracted to him" which seems to be all the rage atm, no silly games, no miscommunication. It was so refreshing to see a FMC on a mission to deflower herself before whatever arranged marriage she had to enter into. Chefs kiss!
Aelia: Plus size represent! I loved that not only was she curvy, she was also taller than average and working on building muscle too. She also knew her limitations! She knew she was sheltered and didn't have a full grasp on what was happening in her world, she knew she was outmatched in fights and actually stayed out of the way when told to. And she never, ever seemed weak for it! It was a great twist on the "suddenly a badass" FMC who knows all. I loved her character so much! My only complaint was that I feel like her trauma from her torture midway through the book was very downplayed. She got over the sexual nature of it almost immediately despite the absolutely devastating line:
Despite this... it was barely a chapter or two later that they were back in bed together. And I love that whilst their relationship survived her trauma, it would have been good to see them actually talk about it and navigate through it together instead of poor Amon going in (ha!) blind.
Amon: SOMEONE NEEDS TO GIVE THIS BOY A HUG. I loved how enamoured he was with Aelia right from the beginning and how fun/flirty he was. I also really enjoyed him asking Aelia for her help instead of cutting her out of his plans and keeping things from her. Again, such a refreshing relationship between these two! I also adored that despite his childhood and despite his shadow daddy powers, he could still laugh (and laugh at himself too when his comrades were telling stories of his youth) and without spoiling too much... the ending? With the mating bond? And the departure? Dear Gods, someone just love this boy. That's all he wants.
Writing
I had a few minor complaints about the language at times during the book. For instance, one side character refers to himself as gay. This felt very modern in a "sword and sorcery" type book and ruined the immersion for me momentarily. I think the way another side character was described later of 'having a preference for men' would have read better here too.
Aelia also uses the term 'first dibs' at one point and it was again very immersion breaking with how modern the phrasing was. But again, minor complaints.
There was also some minor spelling (caught a Dragon dider instead of rider) and description repetition in placed (the phrase deep purple grass(es) was used about 3x times in the span of a page).
The chapters also felt very long at times. 23mins to read a chapter (according to my Kindle) at times! Wild! This book was around 550 pages and I can normally read a 700-800 page book in about 2-3 days but this took me nearly a week, and not through lack of interest! Something about it just made it feel very long and all I can chalk it up to is the chapter length, as the last 25% I finished in a couple of hours and the chapters were much shorter towards the end.
Pet Peeve
For the love of everything... I could not figure out what the author felt the need to give the characters two names. I understand Sera (Aelia) to an extent being a Princess sneaking out into the city to get into mischief and with a name tied to a prophecy that half the women in the kingdom also shared, but Io (Amon) had no reason to be called Io (or Amon) as far as I could tell. Yes, they said it was his 'inner circle' that called him Io but why? There wasn't a big deal about fae and true names... he wasn't hiding his identity like Aelia... it served nothing to the plot except to make the reader confused when someone randomly called him Amon instead of Io that we saw for 90% of the book.
All in all, 4.5 stars and one of the best books I have read this year! Definitely check it out and I am very keen on the next book... which was supposed to be out in December according to the back of the first book but I don't see it yet! Hopefully soon!
Aelia: Plus size represent! I loved that not only was she curvy, she was also taller than average and working on building muscle too. She also knew her limitations! She knew she was sheltered and didn't have a full grasp on what was happening in her world, she knew she was outmatched in fights and actually stayed out of the way when told to. And she never, ever seemed weak for it! It was a great twist on the "suddenly a badass" FMC who knows all. I loved her character so much! My only complaint was that I feel like her trauma from her torture midway through the book was very downplayed. She got over the sexual nature of it almost immediately despite the absolutely devastating line:
"The part of me that had always burned for him was gone. It died in the dungeons of Albiyn castle..."
Despite this... it was barely a chapter or two later that they were back in bed together. And I love that whilst their relationship survived her trauma, it would have been good to see them actually talk about it and navigate through it together instead of poor Amon going in (ha!) blind.
Amon: SOMEONE NEEDS TO GIVE THIS BOY A HUG. I loved how enamoured he was with Aelia right from the beginning and how fun/flirty he was. I also really enjoyed him asking Aelia for her help instead of cutting her out of his plans and keeping things from her. Again, such a refreshing relationship between these two! I also adored that despite his childhood and despite his shadow daddy powers, he could still laugh (and laugh at himself too when his comrades were telling stories of his youth) and without spoiling too much... the ending? With the mating bond? And the departure? Dear Gods, someone just love this boy. That's all he wants.
Writing
I had a few minor complaints about the language at times during the book. For instance, one side character refers to himself as gay. This felt very modern in a "sword and sorcery" type book and ruined the immersion for me momentarily. I think the way another side character was described later of 'having a preference for men' would have read better here too.
Aelia also uses the term 'first dibs' at one point and it was again very immersion breaking with how modern the phrasing was. But again, minor complaints.
There was also some minor spelling (caught a Dragon dider instead of rider) and description repetition in placed (the phrase deep purple grass(es) was used about 3x times in the span of a page).
The chapters also felt very long at times. 23mins to read a chapter (according to my Kindle) at times! Wild! This book was around 550 pages and I can normally read a 700-800 page book in about 2-3 days but this took me nearly a week, and not through lack of interest! Something about it just made it feel very long and all I can chalk it up to is the chapter length, as the last 25% I finished in a couple of hours and the chapters were much shorter towards the end.
Pet Peeve
For the love of everything... I could not figure out what the author felt the need to give the characters two names. I understand Sera (Aelia) to an extent being a Princess sneaking out into the city to get into mischief and with a name tied to a prophecy that half the women in the kingdom also shared, but Io (Amon) had no reason to be called Io (or Amon) as far as I could tell. Yes, they said it was his 'inner circle' that called him Io but why? There wasn't a big deal about fae and true names... he wasn't hiding his identity like Aelia... it served nothing to the plot except to make the reader confused when someone randomly called him Amon instead of Io that we saw for 90% of the book.
All in all, 4.5 stars and one of the best books I have read this year! Definitely check it out and I am very keen on the next book... which was supposed to be out in December according to the back of the first book but I don't see it yet! Hopefully soon!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2025
I’m so disappointed :-( I think the reviews hyped it up waaayyyyyyy too much!!! I was very bored at the end and skimmed a lot. I was enjoying at the start but as I kept reading I found I was less and less interested. IMO Aelia is not a strong FMC. I do love how it’s not an enemies to lovers, but also there is actually no substance to Aelia and Io’s relationship? They just fuck? I love some smut, but this has way too much. And it was anti-climactic them not being mates. They can’t have this earth crushing love for eachother and not. Be. Mates. Because how can you turn it around now to make Aelia a mate with someone else?
Idk I think I probably will read the second book to see where it goes but overall I’m so disappointed with how this turned out
Idk I think I probably will read the second book to see where it goes but overall I’m so disappointed with how this turned out
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2025
I'm only 4 months in and I already know this is going to be my #1 book of 2025 because there is no way any other book can top this. This book is beyond PHENOMENAL and I honestly don't understand how no one is talking about it. We've got a stabby, warrior FMC and the MMC puts Rhysand from ACOTAR to shame! The world building and magic system is really interesting in this book and the author does a good job of providing everything you need to know without infodumping.
Sera is my perfect FMC. She is strong, independent, has a wicked sense of humor, but still has a conscience and strong morals. Io is my perfect MMC with his grey morals, possessive yet supportive obsession with Sera, and the fact that he gets aroused every time Sera outmatches him. They are couple goals for me because their relationship is realistic, not some fairy tale depiction where they never fight and nothing goes wrong ever. They both learn from their mistakes and grow together, which made me love them even more.
I feel like this book gave me everything I was missing from the big romantasy books that are popular now. No characters are whiny or childish, the conflict is very real instead of being contrived or based on miscommunication, and the relationship between the MCs is endgame. I honestly could write a 20-page essay on how phenomenal this book is. RR Elkins, WHERE IS BOOK TWO?!?!?!?! How do I sign up for an ARC because I need it NOW!!!
Thank you to RR Elkins and StuffWithFantasy for the free ebook.
Sera is my perfect FMC. She is strong, independent, has a wicked sense of humor, but still has a conscience and strong morals. Io is my perfect MMC with his grey morals, possessive yet supportive obsession with Sera, and the fact that he gets aroused every time Sera outmatches him. They are couple goals for me because their relationship is realistic, not some fairy tale depiction where they never fight and nothing goes wrong ever. They both learn from their mistakes and grow together, which made me love them even more.
I feel like this book gave me everything I was missing from the big romantasy books that are popular now. No characters are whiny or childish, the conflict is very real instead of being contrived or based on miscommunication, and the relationship between the MCs is endgame. I honestly could write a 20-page essay on how phenomenal this book is. RR Elkins, WHERE IS BOOK TWO?!?!?!?! How do I sign up for an ARC because I need it NOW!!!
Thank you to RR Elkins and StuffWithFantasy for the free ebook.
March 6, 2025
I read this book because the author is funny on Threads. Seriously.
I was absolutely blown away. It was such a welcome, beautifully written, gorgeous suprise. The plot relies on traditional tropes found in fantasy, but the strength of the dialogue and emotion in the writing makes for a really exciting, heart-wrenching, and satisfying first book in a series. I didn't want it to be over, I'm a little mad at where it left off and pissed at the character's choices, and absolutely SALIVATING for the next one.
I highly recommend it. It's familiar in all the best ways, comfortable for those of us die-hard romantasy readers, but still has enough depth and distinction to be absolutely standout. Excellent character arcs, strong FMC, an MMC who is poised to be in my top 5 of the year, and a prophecy that asbolutely NO ONE is happy with. Everyone should read this immediately.
I was absolutely blown away. It was such a welcome, beautifully written, gorgeous suprise. The plot relies on traditional tropes found in fantasy, but the strength of the dialogue and emotion in the writing makes for a really exciting, heart-wrenching, and satisfying first book in a series. I didn't want it to be over, I'm a little mad at where it left off and pissed at the character's choices, and absolutely SALIVATING for the next one.
I highly recommend it. It's familiar in all the best ways, comfortable for those of us die-hard romantasy readers, but still has enough depth and distinction to be absolutely standout. Excellent character arcs, strong FMC, an MMC who is poised to be in my top 5 of the year, and a prophecy that asbolutely NO ONE is happy with. Everyone should read this immediately.
August 13, 2024
I usually read books with more reviews, but I saw the author post about this book in one of my Facebook groups and figured I should check it out. And OH MY GOD! I am seriously in love with this book!!! I found every little bit of this book to be so captivating. There were no dull parts that I had to push through to get to the good stuff because everything was fast-paced and to the point. The twists and turns in this story had me on the edge of my seat! I would recommend this story to romantasy fans looking for their next obsession because that's what I am now... obsessed🙃
Aelia is the fmc I have been searching for my whole life! She is Daenerys Targaryen 2.0, in my opinion. Especially since her main motivation is love for her people and kingdom, not revenge. Her sacrifices had my heart breaking for her.
Io is a funny, supportive, and hot shadow daddy who ranks in the top 5 book boyfriends of all time! With all the shadow daddies out there nowadays, it's hard to find one who stands out, but RR Elkins has delivered and restored my faith in tall, dark, and mysterious men.
My only complaint is that I have to wait until December for the next book. This book was like Crack, and now I'm addicted.
Aelia is the fmc I have been searching for my whole life! She is Daenerys Targaryen 2.0, in my opinion. Especially since her main motivation is love for her people and kingdom, not revenge. Her sacrifices had my heart breaking for her.
Io is a funny, supportive, and hot shadow daddy who ranks in the top 5 book boyfriends of all time! With all the shadow daddies out there nowadays, it's hard to find one who stands out, but RR Elkins has delivered and restored my faith in tall, dark, and mysterious men.
My only complaint is that I have to wait until December for the next book. This book was like Crack, and now I'm addicted.
December 4, 2024
I saw the author post on Threads about this book and she mentioned baby dragons. I knew I had to check it out and am I so happy I did! There are dragons, prophecy, banter, spicy scenes that are hot, a curvy, tall, sexy FMC and an extremely hot shadow MMC.
Aelia/Sera is that princess that is stuck with her abusive uncle who is reagent. Aelia is poorly treated and has no power until she marries. I love how she makes decisions without jumping to crazy conclusions. She slowly learns how much the uncle has lied and learns more about her family secrets. She falls for the sexy stranger she accidentally stabbed.
Amon/Lo is that sexy stranger who turns into this very intense passionate love. He is possessive and feral, but his entire world evolves around her. “Angry at you and angry at myself for wanting you—for needing you.”
I never wanted to stop reading. I kept turning page after page. I was right there in the book watching it unfold. I will have them living in my mind for awhile. The spice was hot especially Chapter 8 “Not like this, Sera. Not with all their eyes on you.” This book had me in tears a few times but the final decision for Aelia has pulled my heart strings. I was upset that it ended, and I must wait for the second book. This will go on my rereads list.
Aelia/Sera is that princess that is stuck with her abusive uncle who is reagent. Aelia is poorly treated and has no power until she marries. I love how she makes decisions without jumping to crazy conclusions. She slowly learns how much the uncle has lied and learns more about her family secrets. She falls for the sexy stranger she accidentally stabbed.
Amon/Lo is that sexy stranger who turns into this very intense passionate love. He is possessive and feral, but his entire world evolves around her. “Angry at you and angry at myself for wanting you—for needing you.”
I never wanted to stop reading. I kept turning page after page. I was right there in the book watching it unfold. I will have them living in my mind for awhile. The spice was hot especially Chapter 8 “Not like this, Sera. Not with all their eyes on you.” This book had me in tears a few times but the final decision for Aelia has pulled my heart strings. I was upset that it ended, and I must wait for the second book. This will go on my rereads list.
June 20, 2024
Beginning of an epic new high fantasy/romantsy from a new author!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🔥🔥🔥🔥/5
💧💧💧💧/5
👑🐉🧚🏰🧙🔮
This novel quickly became one of my top two favorite reads this year! Once I got sucked into the first couple of chapters, it was un-put-downable. All I wanted to do was continue the story and I finished the book in two days.
Our FMC, Aelia, is gilded-cage queen who has no true power in her own kingdom until married off to the most advantageous bidder. She doesn't initially show her strength but learns to be more openly assertive as the story unfolds. Amon, our MMC, is recognizably strong (physically, magically, and politically) by all other characters. His interest and support helps Aelia to begin recognize her own strengths. They, and many of the other characters, are dynamic and evolving and I cannot wait to see where the end up.
The storyline is epic and has refreshing elements, while still staying true to the romantsy plots that we love. It is filled with magic, danger, intrigue, spice, and so much more!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🔥🔥🔥🔥/5
💧💧💧💧/5
👑🐉🧚🏰🧙🔮
This novel quickly became one of my top two favorite reads this year! Once I got sucked into the first couple of chapters, it was un-put-downable. All I wanted to do was continue the story and I finished the book in two days.
Our FMC, Aelia, is gilded-cage queen who has no true power in her own kingdom until married off to the most advantageous bidder. She doesn't initially show her strength but learns to be more openly assertive as the story unfolds. Amon, our MMC, is recognizably strong (physically, magically, and politically) by all other characters. His interest and support helps Aelia to begin recognize her own strengths. They, and many of the other characters, are dynamic and evolving and I cannot wait to see where the end up.
The storyline is epic and has refreshing elements, while still staying true to the romantsy plots that we love. It is filled with magic, danger, intrigue, spice, and so much more!
June 15, 2024
I absolutely love this book so much. It took me through every emotion and I think the plot was so well written. I really enjoyed that there were breadcrumbs along the way to plot reveals so I could try to guess at what was going to happen. A few things did truly shock me that I didn’t expect and I LOVED it. I definitely think this will be in my top 5 for the year.
I need book 2 asapppp
***spoiler section***
Omg how are they not mates?!?! Can mate bonds be one sided? I’m really hoping that they are mates but the binding process that happened in the dungeon is blocking the bond. It would make sense because she was having the strange nightmares for a while.
I need book 2 asapppp
***spoiler section***
Omg how are they not mates?!?! Can mate bonds be one sided? I’m really hoping that they are mates but the binding process that happened in the dungeon is blocking the bond. It would make sense because she was having the strange nightmares for a while.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2024
“I would have traded it all-dragons, my kingdom, the entire sky, and all the land below it, just to belong to him.”
This book was so amazing! I’m highly recommending it if you are a lover of romantasy. Just when I thought I knew where the story was going Rachael throws a twist in there that I did not see coming! The spice was good and plenty of it. I absolutely love Aelia and Io together! The world building was great and the story flowed perfectly.
This book was so amazing! I’m highly recommending it if you are a lover of romantasy. Just when I thought I knew where the story was going Rachael throws a twist in there that I did not see coming! The spice was good and plenty of it. I absolutely love Aelia and Io together! The world building was great and the story flowed perfectly.
November 8, 2024
Enchanting
Forever will I recommend this book! Every thing was spectacular the complexity of World Building, the Characters relationships. The Story was so captivating I know it will be a reread for sure! I’ve never felt so emotionally invested in a story and cannot wait to read the next book. Do yourself a favor and give this a read
Forever will I recommend this book! Every thing was spectacular the complexity of World Building, the Characters relationships. The Story was so captivating I know it will be a reread for sure! I’ve never felt so emotionally invested in a story and cannot wait to read the next book. Do yourself a favor and give this a read
April 30, 2025
Ummmm FROTH WORTHY! All the good things in one book… dragons, shadow daddy, great banter, hidden magic, plot twists, terrific spice level, the perfect dark romantacy! Highly highly recommend! I’m so surprised this hasn’t taken off yet!!!
My only gripe is that the 2nd book hasn’t been released yet… I’m left with an epic book hangover 😵💫
My only gripe is that the 2nd book hasn’t been released yet… I’m left with an epic book hangover 😵💫
December 8, 2024
I raced through the end of this book! Sera and Io have a beautiful love story and that love is tested with politics and looming war. There’s dragons and magic and a FMC who takes shit from no one.
Now I’m anxiously awaiting book 2!!
Now I’m anxiously awaiting book 2!!
June 1, 2024
A must read
New author Rachel Elkins nailed it!
Loved the book! page turning spicy. Can't wait to read book 2.
Hurry up and get that editing done so we can see what happens next.
New author Rachel Elkins nailed it!
Loved the book! page turning spicy. Can't wait to read book 2.
Hurry up and get that editing done so we can see what happens next.
June 6, 2024
I loved this book! I couldn’t quit reading. I’m eagerly waiting for the next one.
April 16, 2025
Well all my theories seem to be debunked. I originally thought Io was the shadow prince somehow but that doesn't really fit anymore. Not sure where this is going to go. I was so sure...
Can't help but feel the shadow prince, Refaedon (sp?), will end up being her mate and throw a wrench in the works. And also curious about this Behr and whether he will be awful too...
Poor Aelia. Never seen a love triangle with so many unwilling participants 😂
Can't help but feel the shadow prince, Refaedon (sp?), will end up being her mate and throw a wrench in the works. And also curious about this Behr and whether he will be awful too...
Poor Aelia. Never seen a love triangle with so many unwilling participants 😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2025
RR Elkins blew me away with this captivating story. I adored the characters, the romance, and the plot equally. This book is every bit deserving for my 5 star rating!
October 18, 2024
OMG WHAT A RIDE!
I saw a thread from the author, and thought, "sure, I can read a page or two see what it's about". I was NOT expecting to find my new addiction. The story keeps you wanting more and more and it had a bit of everything! Drama, adventure, spice, dragons, magic, badass FMC , spice, sexy dark MMC, really GOOD villains and, did I mention spice? I help my breath through entire chapters and slowed down a bit at the end cause I could deal with finishing.
Can't wait for book 2! I may have to read it again in the meantime :)
I saw a thread from the author, and thought, "sure, I can read a page or two see what it's about". I was NOT expecting to find my new addiction. The story keeps you wanting more and more and it had a bit of everything! Drama, adventure, spice, dragons, magic, badass FMC , spice, sexy dark MMC, really GOOD villains and, did I mention spice? I help my breath through entire chapters and slowed down a bit at the end cause I could deal with finishing.
Can't wait for book 2! I may have to read it again in the meantime :)
February 7, 2025
Caught off guard by an SA and torture scene in the middle but the storyline is riveting. Actually only 1 star bc book two was supposed to be out Dec 2024 and I can't find it on kindle UGH
May 14, 2025
At 52% and considering DNF-ing. I am so disappointed. This started off sooooo well! The romance was the make you feel giddy kinds, the FMC was young and naive but in a realistic way of an 18 year old, the MMC was very well described, there was a hint of strong side characters, there seemed to be a complex plot. And then somewhere around the 30% mark, it lost ALL of that! How??!!! The author has just thrown the kitchen sink of all things romantasy on this. Here are some examples:
1. The FMC is bound to a majestic horse AND a dragon
2. There are humans, fae, elves, necromancers, witches, dragons and anything you can think of in fantasy.
3. The MMC is a shadow daddy, but also fae, has not just shadow powers but also light AND air AND healing. Also he scares everyone but her. He also loses control only with her.
4. The FMC is a princess AND a powerful Fae of some sorts?!
5. There are so many villains- there is the uncle, then some Penja guys? And all are in the story at the same time?!
I mean I am all for inspiration but could you be more obvious in plagiarising and mashing up ACOTAR and Fourth wing!
It's also highly erratic in both plot and characterization. The MMC is possessive after meeting her once. Then immediately stops being so when she is betrothed to his brother and accepts it? But then later he decides she is his again. Randomly there is a war that starts in the middle of the story without any clarity or built up of the why. The FMC has so many random internal dialogues- she is going out to meet her MMC but then crosses a painting of her parents and starts reminiscing about that. Entire book feels schizophrenic. And don't even get me started on the drama- it's so over the top it's giving hindi soap Operas a run for their money. They screw each other a couple of times and suddenly she is soooo in love with him she will let the world burn, then there is a weird and extreme mutilation scene post which she tries to commit suicide but then thinks "oh I didn't mean it". He scares everyone with his scary shadow powers but she isn't afraid of him...oh my god insaneee! Urgh...frustrating. Trying to get through the book.
1. The FMC is bound to a majestic horse AND a dragon
2. There are humans, fae, elves, necromancers, witches, dragons and anything you can think of in fantasy.
3. The MMC is a shadow daddy, but also fae, has not just shadow powers but also light AND air AND healing. Also he scares everyone but her. He also loses control only with her.
4. The FMC is a princess AND a powerful Fae of some sorts?!
5. There are so many villains- there is the uncle, then some Penja guys? And all are in the story at the same time?!
I mean I am all for inspiration but could you be more obvious in plagiarising and mashing up ACOTAR and Fourth wing!
It's also highly erratic in both plot and characterization. The MMC is possessive after meeting her once. Then immediately stops being so when she is betrothed to his brother and accepts it? But then later he decides she is his again. Randomly there is a war that starts in the middle of the story without any clarity or built up of the why. The FMC has so many random internal dialogues- she is going out to meet her MMC but then crosses a painting of her parents and starts reminiscing about that. Entire book feels schizophrenic. And don't even get me started on the drama- it's so over the top it's giving hindi soap Operas a run for their money. They screw each other a couple of times and suddenly she is soooo in love with him she will let the world burn, then there is a weird and extreme mutilation scene post which she tries to commit suicide but then thinks "oh I didn't mean it". He scares everyone with his scary shadow powers but she isn't afraid of him...oh my god insaneee! Urgh...frustrating. Trying to get through the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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