What do you think?
Rate this book
The Stories #1
The Book of Cin
IF YOU BELIEVE IN THE GODS, PRAY NOW. THEIR PROTECTION ENDS HERE.
At Asrai’s Academy for Orphans, Hyacinth stands at a crossroads. Torn between the safety of the only home she has ever known and leaving it all behind for a chance at a new life—for freedom. But when a mysterious messenger appears, whispering rumors of a God among Fae, everything Hyacinth thought she knew about the Realms comes crashing down.
Thrust into a deadly game of power and greed, Hyacinth discovers dormant magic within her that may hold the key to survival—or mark her for death. With her friends beside her, Hyacinth must navigate through murderous realms of vicious creatures, lethal betrayals and prophecies of old.
Secrets unravel, bonds are tested, and romance decays and blossoms amidst the looming promise of war. As alliances shift and enemies close in, her only hope lies in reaching the fabled safe haven of Locdragoon—but reaching it may cost her everything she loves.
“The Book of Cin” is a high fantasy tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of friendship. Embark on an epic adventure where courage meets destiny—and magic, sacrifice, and hope are the threads that bind us.
At Asrai’s Academy for Orphans, Hyacinth stands at a crossroads. Torn between the safety of the only home she has ever known and leaving it all behind for a chance at a new life—for freedom. But when a mysterious messenger appears, whispering rumors of a God among Fae, everything Hyacinth thought she knew about the Realms comes crashing down.
Thrust into a deadly game of power and greed, Hyacinth discovers dormant magic within her that may hold the key to survival—or mark her for death. With her friends beside her, Hyacinth must navigate through murderous realms of vicious creatures, lethal betrayals and prophecies of old.
Secrets unravel, bonds are tested, and romance decays and blossoms amidst the looming promise of war. As alliances shift and enemies close in, her only hope lies in reaching the fabled safe haven of Locdragoon—but reaching it may cost her everything she loves.
“The Book of Cin” is a high fantasy tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of friendship. Embark on an epic adventure where courage meets destiny—and magic, sacrifice, and hope are the threads that bind us.
477 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 6, 2025
1021 people are currently reading
20292 people want to read
About the author
H.M. Wolfe
4 books2,242 followersH. M. Wolfe writes with her heart wide open, chasing the thrill of chaos and the sting of heartbreak on every page. Based in Central Florida, she shares her days with her husband and three loyal dogs—her writing partners and adventure crew through every twist of her literary journey.
Wolfe crafts stories where romance tangles with fantasy and unforgettable characters drive the action, inviting readers to disappear into worlds brimming with magic and meaning. She’s fiercely passionate about mental health advocacy and the messy, powerful work of self-discovery, believing deeply that everyone deserves to see themselves represented in the stories they love.
As you turn the final page of her books, Wolfe hopes you’ll find a new kind of strength—ready to take on the world and own your story like the warrior she knows you are.
Wolfe crafts stories where romance tangles with fantasy and unforgettable characters drive the action, inviting readers to disappear into worlds brimming with magic and meaning. She’s fiercely passionate about mental health advocacy and the messy, powerful work of self-discovery, believing deeply that everyone deserves to see themselves represented in the stories they love.
As you turn the final page of her books, Wolfe hopes you’ll find a new kind of strength—ready to take on the world and own your story like the warrior she knows you are.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 669 reviews
August 28, 2024
4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"You." He paused, letting his eyes slide over my mouth before meeting my gaze again. "Will bring realms to their knees".
✨Chosen Family
✨Lovers to Enemies
✨Magic
✨Romantasy
✨Morally grey MMC
✨Spice
✨Touch her and die
wow! I honestly don't know where to start. You need to add this book to the TBR immediately. This is such a unique fantasy romance, it flips all of the traditional troupes and storylines on its head. I loved the realms, the types of magic and can we take a minute for the character development of all the characters? There's no side characters with no backstory here. The world building is well written and easy to understand and there’s a guide of how to pronounce the character names and places included in the book⚔️ The bonds between all the characters are so well written, the mental health reputation in this book is chef's kiss, the FMC is relatable and feels real. I laughed, I sobbed and I kicked my feet and giggled, what more do you want in a book?! 😭
A quick mention to double check your trigger warnings before reading this book.
Spoilers below:🚨🚨🚨
Overall Summary of the book:
We begin our story on Hyacinth (or Cin) our FMC's choice day (where she can make the decision to leave her realm as she has turned 21). Cin lives in Asrai's Academy for Orphans which is the only home she has ever had as she was orphaned. We are introduced to her bestie Ata . It is so refreshing for a FMC to have solid friendship's already established that doesn't get immediately killed off (which is usually what happeneds). I absolutely love Cin and Ata's friendship, the way they back each other 100% and are always there for each other is amazing the bond they have is so real and continues to strengthen throughout the book.
We are also introduced to Taft who is Cin's current boyfriend who gave me red flags 🚩 from the start as I noticed Ata didn't like him, I was like girl if your bestie doesn't like him there's a reason and boy was there multiple reasons not to like this man (which I shall expand on later). Ardan and Wren our are other main characters who are also close friends of Cin and Ata and the bonds they all have with each other are just everything. Ardan and Ata are so cute, you can tell that Ardan absolutely adores her and she feels the same too she just doesn't want to admit it to herself. Cin and Ardan's sister/brother bond is also just the best. I love the group and how they interact together, it really is a chosen family 🥺
After a what you think is going to be a 'cute' breakfast organised by Taft but is actually Taft trying to convince Cin not to leave and then trying to control what she eats and put her down (she wanted to eat a croissant and this man has the audacity to say she can't have it as she needs to watch her figure) they are quickly called into the office as a note has been left pre-warning of an attack on the academy. This kick starts the quest where Cin must use her newly found magic to navigate through the realms to try and reach the safe haven of Locgragoon.
Enter Landers (our smoking hot green eyed, dark haired 400 year old fae😮💨) MMC, Prianaan (Pri) and Andrues who have been working with Wren undercover to gather information for Asrai and they help our inner circle escape the academy during the attack who join forces to help navigate the realms to Locgragoon.
During the journey we discover how Taft has been controlling Cin and physically and emotionally abusing her during their relationship. We see Cin grapple with her feelings for Taft but with the support of her friends, Cin uses her strength to slowly stand up to him and kick him to the curb.
Cin and Landers relationship starts to grow as he allows her to see how a real man should treat a women as he always allows Cin to make her own decisions, never controls her and lifts her up and supports her at any opportunity. Landers begins training Cin in secret to use her magic (as Taft wouldn't let Cin train). Can I also say how refreshing it is to have a FMC that can wield shadows? Why is it always men? Not anymore! 🫡
This book was very fast paced, and action pact. Each chapter I was wondering what was going to happen next. When Pri and Ata were separated and we found that Ata had been kidnapped I felt like I couldn't put the book down as I needed to know what happened next. The way Cin sacrificed herself for Ata was so bad arse and I really enjoyed the scenes where she was separated from the group because it allowed her to see how strong she could be by herself as she couldn't rely on the others and her bonding a dragon? absolute slay🐉. The whole scene where Ardan sacrificed himself for Cin had me absolutely sobbing. I loved their brother and sister bond and I was praying he wasn't actually going to die (but also hats off to the author for not being afraid to kill off main characters - it's so unrealistic when everyone makes it). His last words for Ata just made everything so much more sad😭😭😭😭
I also loved Cin's friendship with Andrues. Cin and Andrues can just be in each others company and just be. They seem to get each other in a different way than anyone else and I just love them. Also, when Andrues was healing Cin and he told her sternly that she couldn't just go off making decisions and sacrificing herself they were allowed to look after her too. I'm also lowkey shipping Andrues and Ata?! 🤭
Cin and Landers I did absolutely love these two. I love how supportive Landers was of Cin and how he looked after her. I liked Landers from the start the moment he appeared and was so cool and laidback and was like the only one I'm bothered about is Cin the rest of you I just rescued because you happened to be here - I was like yes okay sold. From the get go he reinforced that Cin should make her own decisions "You do not own her, you do not speak for her" and he always stood his ground against Taft. I did like how they grew and do absolute love them together My only negativity and why this is not a 5 star read is I wanted abit more slow burn between Cin and Landers. It felt slightly rushed at the start and I felt the I love you's were slightly too quick? I would have preferred more of a build up and more of a slower romance between them both as it felt like she went from Taft to Landers a-bit quickly and everything was abit sudden.
The ending of this book is *chefs kiss*. We get some pretty big reveals including Landers being revealed as King (which I did suspect from the beginning and was hoping) Cin is the child in the prophecy (the child of a god which will hopefully reunited the realms) and Taft has been betraying them and was the reason Ata was kidnapped. At this reveal of Taft betraying this group we get Cin at her absolute best showing how strong and her 'take no shit' attitude showcasing her power I bloody loved this scene 😭
And can we please take a minute for this line: "The stories will remember this day," "The day a queen was born. The day a God returned to the realms. The day the first words in The Book of Cin were written"😮💨
I honestly just loved all the characters and their relationships with each other. I liked Wren and Pri and getting to know more of their story and seeing them interact together. I can't wait to see what happeneds next, can I have the next book now please?!
My favourite quotes
"The old prophecies speak of a child saviour, one who will unite the realms and bring peace to our carnage wrought lands"
"He was exquisite. And it was infuriating."
"You do not need a man to protect you, nor do you need to be saved by one. Anyone who tells you otherwise wants to keep you weak. Want to keep you bound to that weakness so they don't have to fear you".
"Death is the only thing waiting for you if you ever lay a hand on her again"
"You." He paused, letting his eyes slide over my mouth before meeting my gaze again. "Will bring realms to their knees".
"Do you think me a gentleman? A soft loving creature? I am a monster.. if you think what I did was bad, then you need to run far, far away from me. Because it will happen again. I will decimate anyone who tries to hurt you, anyone who lays a hand on you". 😮💨😮💨
"I have killed hundreds of men far more important than you. Do not mistake my kindness for weakness".
"please don't forget me". "Not even the gods could tear the memory of you from my soul"
⚔️🤍
"to death?" I asked. "To death".
Reading updates ࿐ ࿔*:･
Oh my god I hate Taft so much he’s a walking 🚩 I can’t wait until Cin kicks him to the curb. How dare he not allow her to eat and try control her like that 😡
Pre-reading ࿐ ࿔*:･
Ahh my arc just arrived I’m so excited to read this!! Also how stunning is this cover?!
"You." He paused, letting his eyes slide over my mouth before meeting my gaze again. "Will bring realms to their knees".
✨Chosen Family
✨Lovers to Enemies
✨Magic
✨Romantasy
✨Morally grey MMC
✨Spice
✨Touch her and die
wow! I honestly don't know where to start. You need to add this book to the TBR immediately. This is such a unique fantasy romance, it flips all of the traditional troupes and storylines on its head. I loved the realms, the types of magic and can we take a minute for the character development of all the characters? There's no side characters with no backstory here. The world building is well written and easy to understand and there’s a guide of how to pronounce the character names and places included in the book⚔️ The bonds between all the characters are so well written, the mental health reputation in this book is chef's kiss, the FMC is relatable and feels real. I laughed, I sobbed and I kicked my feet and giggled, what more do you want in a book?! 😭
A quick mention to double check your trigger warnings before reading this book.
Spoilers below:🚨🚨🚨
Overall Summary of the book:
We begin our story on Hyacinth (or Cin) our FMC's choice day (where she can make the decision to leave her realm as she has turned 21). Cin lives in Asrai's Academy for Orphans which is the only home she has ever had as she was orphaned. We are introduced to her bestie Ata . It is so refreshing for a FMC to have solid friendship's already established that doesn't get immediately killed off (which is usually what happeneds). I absolutely love Cin and Ata's friendship, the way they back each other 100% and are always there for each other is amazing the bond they have is so real and continues to strengthen throughout the book.
We are also introduced to Taft who is Cin's current boyfriend who gave me red flags 🚩 from the start as I noticed Ata didn't like him, I was like girl if your bestie doesn't like him there's a reason and boy was there multiple reasons not to like this man (which I shall expand on later). Ardan and Wren our are other main characters who are also close friends of Cin and Ata and the bonds they all have with each other are just everything. Ardan and Ata are so cute, you can tell that Ardan absolutely adores her and she feels the same too she just doesn't want to admit it to herself. Cin and Ardan's sister/brother bond is also just the best. I love the group and how they interact together, it really is a chosen family 🥺
After a what you think is going to be a 'cute' breakfast organised by Taft but is actually Taft trying to convince Cin not to leave and then trying to control what she eats and put her down (she wanted to eat a croissant and this man has the audacity to say she can't have it as she needs to watch her figure) they are quickly called into the office as a note has been left pre-warning of an attack on the academy. This kick starts the quest where Cin must use her newly found magic to navigate through the realms to try and reach the safe haven of Locgragoon.
Enter Landers (our smoking hot green eyed, dark haired 400 year old fae😮💨) MMC, Prianaan (Pri) and Andrues who have been working with Wren undercover to gather information for Asrai and they help our inner circle escape the academy during the attack who join forces to help navigate the realms to Locgragoon.
During the journey we discover how Taft has been controlling Cin and physically and emotionally abusing her during their relationship. We see Cin grapple with her feelings for Taft but with the support of her friends, Cin uses her strength to slowly stand up to him and kick him to the curb.
Cin and Landers relationship starts to grow as he allows her to see how a real man should treat a women as he always allows Cin to make her own decisions, never controls her and lifts her up and supports her at any opportunity. Landers begins training Cin in secret to use her magic (as Taft wouldn't let Cin train). Can I also say how refreshing it is to have a FMC that can wield shadows? Why is it always men? Not anymore! 🫡
This book was very fast paced, and action pact. Each chapter I was wondering what was going to happen next. When Pri and Ata were separated and we found that Ata had been kidnapped I felt like I couldn't put the book down as I needed to know what happened next. The way Cin sacrificed herself for Ata was so bad arse and I really enjoyed the scenes where she was separated from the group because it allowed her to see how strong she could be by herself as she couldn't rely on the others and her bonding a dragon? absolute slay🐉. The whole scene where Ardan sacrificed himself for Cin had me absolutely sobbing. I loved their brother and sister bond and I was praying he wasn't actually going to die (but also hats off to the author for not being afraid to kill off main characters - it's so unrealistic when everyone makes it). His last words for Ata just made everything so much more sad😭😭😭😭
I also loved Cin's friendship with Andrues. Cin and Andrues can just be in each others company and just be. They seem to get each other in a different way than anyone else and I just love them. Also, when Andrues was healing Cin and he told her sternly that she couldn't just go off making decisions and sacrificing herself they were allowed to look after her too. I'm also lowkey shipping Andrues and Ata?! 🤭
Cin and Landers I did absolutely love these two. I love how supportive Landers was of Cin and how he looked after her. I liked Landers from the start the moment he appeared and was so cool and laidback and was like the only one I'm bothered about is Cin the rest of you I just rescued because you happened to be here - I was like yes okay sold. From the get go he reinforced that Cin should make her own decisions "You do not own her, you do not speak for her" and he always stood his ground against Taft. I did like how they grew and do absolute love them together My only negativity and why this is not a 5 star read is I wanted abit more slow burn between Cin and Landers. It felt slightly rushed at the start and I felt the I love you's were slightly too quick? I would have preferred more of a build up and more of a slower romance between them both as it felt like she went from Taft to Landers a-bit quickly and everything was abit sudden.
The ending of this book is *chefs kiss*. We get some pretty big reveals including Landers being revealed as King (which I did suspect from the beginning and was hoping) Cin is the child in the prophecy (the child of a god which will hopefully reunited the realms) and Taft has been betraying them and was the reason Ata was kidnapped. At this reveal of Taft betraying this group we get Cin at her absolute best showing how strong and her 'take no shit' attitude showcasing her power I bloody loved this scene 😭
And can we please take a minute for this line: "The stories will remember this day," "The day a queen was born. The day a God returned to the realms. The day the first words in The Book of Cin were written"😮💨
I honestly just loved all the characters and their relationships with each other. I liked Wren and Pri and getting to know more of their story and seeing them interact together. I can't wait to see what happeneds next, can I have the next book now please?!
My favourite quotes
"The old prophecies speak of a child saviour, one who will unite the realms and bring peace to our carnage wrought lands"
"He was exquisite. And it was infuriating."
"You do not need a man to protect you, nor do you need to be saved by one. Anyone who tells you otherwise wants to keep you weak. Want to keep you bound to that weakness so they don't have to fear you".
"Death is the only thing waiting for you if you ever lay a hand on her again"
"You." He paused, letting his eyes slide over my mouth before meeting my gaze again. "Will bring realms to their knees".
"Do you think me a gentleman? A soft loving creature? I am a monster.. if you think what I did was bad, then you need to run far, far away from me. Because it will happen again. I will decimate anyone who tries to hurt you, anyone who lays a hand on you". 😮💨😮💨
"I have killed hundreds of men far more important than you. Do not mistake my kindness for weakness".
"please don't forget me". "Not even the gods could tear the memory of you from my soul"
⚔️🤍
"to death?" I asked. "To death".
Reading updates ࿐ ࿔*:･
Oh my god I hate Taft so much he’s a walking 🚩 I can’t wait until Cin kicks him to the curb. How dare he not allow her to eat and try control her like that 😡
Pre-reading ࿐ ࿔*:･
Ahh my arc just arrived I’m so excited to read this!! Also how stunning is this cover?!
March 6, 2025
4.5 ⭐ omfg what a ride that was!!!! I loved it so so much. RTC
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
➳ 𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅ this is one of the BOTM I have with my besties I can't wait to read it!
the blurb, yes.
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
➳ 𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅ this is one of the BOTM I have with my besties I can't wait to read it!
the blurb, yes.
September 17, 2024
DNF at page 180.
✖️This felt like a watered down version of Rhys, Feyre & Tamlin.
✖️The FMC was spineless and cried constantly- even tho she’s supposed to be this highly trained warrior at whatever academy she was at.
✖️The love interest was fine, but all he did was smirk, chuckle and protect the Fmc- you gotta give me SOMETHING ElSE
I’m bored. I don’t care. no.
✖️This felt like a watered down version of Rhys, Feyre & Tamlin.
✖️The FMC was spineless and cried constantly- even tho she’s supposed to be this highly trained warrior at whatever academy she was at.
✖️The love interest was fine, but all he did was smirk, chuckle and protect the Fmc- you gotta give me SOMETHING ElSE
I’m bored. I don’t care. no.
February 4, 2026
this book ripped me to shreds & miss wolfe will be hearing from my lawyers
this definitely is a debut novel, so the pacing can sometimes be a bit off, and character development can be a bit clunky.
however!!!!!!! i still really enjoyed this read! hyacinth, the fmc, grows so much over the course of this book, i am SO excited to see her in book 2. she already ate down the house boots- but i know my girl is gonna be stepping on NECKS in book 2
i felt like the romance with the mmc was a *bit* rushed but i still really liked where we landed with him. he’s kind, he’s confident, and most importantly, DOESN’T TAKE AWAY HER AUTONOMY!!! thank u hm wolfe for ur service with that one!!
overall, as far as a first book goes, this was so impressive and i can’t wait for book 2. i need more of this found family (that is now my family), and this world.
4 stars!!
this definitely is a debut novel, so the pacing can sometimes be a bit off, and character development can be a bit clunky.
however!!!!!!! i still really enjoyed this read! hyacinth, the fmc, grows so much over the course of this book, i am SO excited to see her in book 2. she already ate down the house boots- but i know my girl is gonna be stepping on NECKS in book 2
i felt like the romance with the mmc was a *bit* rushed but i still really liked where we landed with him. he’s kind, he’s confident, and most importantly, DOESN’T TAKE AWAY HER AUTONOMY!!! thank u hm wolfe for ur service with that one!!
overall, as far as a first book goes, this was so impressive and i can’t wait for book 2. i need more of this found family (that is now my family), and this world.
4 stars!!
Read
October 5, 2024Until the day I die, I will always love and thrive off of supporting badass debut indie authors! This is the quote that made me put my ARC hiatus on hold and need this book like air:
"Do you think me a gentlemen? A soft, loving creature? I am a monster... If you think what I did was bad, then you need to run far, far away from me. Because it will happen again. I will decimate anyone who tries to hurt you, anyone who lays a hand on you..."🧎♀️
I am counting down the days until this book is in my hands!
"Do you think me a gentlemen? A soft, loving creature? I am a monster... If you think what I did was bad, then you need to run far, far away from me. Because it will happen again. I will decimate anyone who tries to hurt you, anyone who lays a hand on you..."🧎♀️
I am counting down the days until this book is in my hands!
February 10, 2026
I knew about 30% into this book that it would be a 5-star read because of how invested I was in Hyacinth's (Cin's) story.
The Book of Cin is the first book in an incomplete, dark romantasy series by H.M. Wolfe, and the author's debut novel. To say I'm impressed would be an understatement!
If you love a corrupt realm, a shadow MOMMY with feminine rage, a morally grey man down bad for his woman, and a group of friends that feel like family—then you should add this to your TBR immediately.
What to expect:
🖤 Dark romantic fantasy
⚔️ Book 1 in incomplete series
🖤 1st person, single POV
⚔️ Corrupt, magical realm
🖤 Prophecy
⚔️ Shadow mommy // Morally grey MMC
🖤 Touch her & 💀
⚔️ Feminine rage
🖤 Slow burn & open door spice
⚔️ Fae, witches, dragons & more
⚠️ Read TWs
Available on KU ✨
Cin is a force to be reckoned with, and her self discovery and growth is one you can't help but root for. The friendship between her, Ata, and Pri is EVERYTHING.
"Death is the only thing waiting for you if you ever lay a hand on her again" I have never added a MMC to my book boyfriend list so fast over a line. AND his nickname for her?! “Hello, Darkness.” I'm obsessed.
I'll absolutely be continuing this series once the next book comes out!
The Book of Cin is the first book in an incomplete, dark romantasy series by H.M. Wolfe, and the author's debut novel. To say I'm impressed would be an understatement!
If you love a corrupt realm, a shadow MOMMY with feminine rage, a morally grey man down bad for his woman, and a group of friends that feel like family—then you should add this to your TBR immediately.
What to expect:
🖤 Dark romantic fantasy
⚔️ Book 1 in incomplete series
🖤 1st person, single POV
⚔️ Corrupt, magical realm
🖤 Prophecy
⚔️ Shadow mommy // Morally grey MMC
🖤 Touch her & 💀
⚔️ Feminine rage
🖤 Slow burn & open door spice
⚔️ Fae, witches, dragons & more
⚠️ Read TWs
Available on KU ✨
Cin is a force to be reckoned with, and her self discovery and growth is one you can't help but root for. The friendship between her, Ata, and Pri is EVERYTHING.
"Death is the only thing waiting for you if you ever lay a hand on her again" I have never added a MMC to my book boyfriend list so fast over a line. AND his nickname for her?! “Hello, Darkness.” I'm obsessed.
I'll absolutely be continuing this series once the next book comes out!
September 18, 2024
This book was…incredibly disappointing.
I’ve been following the author for a while and was so excited to get this as an ARC read because from what I had seen from her promotions and the description of the book, it should be something I totally love. Right??
Wrong. I was so so wrong.
Let’s start with the storyline first. I totally the book begins by talking about a war that occurred and the set of tomes that were written to document everything. These are altered but it feels like we are being set up to look at the unraveling of the period after the Wars.
As the book progresses it’s harder and harder to figure out what the actual PLOT is ? It’s said that there is a child being hunted that has magical God like powers but then why are people coming to find this child so randomly ? Is this prophecy part of the wars? What was the point of the wars again? Even though there are mildly decent fight scenes there’s a bunch of random stories that don’t flow together at all and it leaves you feeling lost like what did I read?
The main characters 1. There are a TON, 2. This book would have done better with multiple POVs because looking at it from out FMC was exhausting the whole time and 3. Even as the main characters progress I have no idea how this is related to the plot.
The main FMC is literally the worst. She’s whiny and meek and that’s fine and all but her character development is terrible. She’s supposedly in an abusive relationship which is poorly represented and as she “asserts” herself it’s only because there’s another man there that’s caught her eye. The love triangle that is formed is super cringe and uncomfortable and doesn’t make much sense. It seems to me she’s just latching onto this new guy who treats her somewhat better and dumping all her trauma on him.
The side characters could have been more relevant as well and again this goes back to the wish for multiple POVs. It felt like she was setting all of them up for something but never executing it either.
The main male character who is supposed to be the love interest? GAG. There’s literally no generation of chemistry and he’s supposedly a King and it makes no sense. It’s such a turn off for me that I barely could stand the spicy scenes.
Overall with the books ending it feels haphazard and unsatisfying. I’m deeply disappointed because I really want to support this author but I can’t put out a fake review or be like yay you tried. Like you did and props to her for publishing but it just wasn’t for me at all.
I’ve been following the author for a while and was so excited to get this as an ARC read because from what I had seen from her promotions and the description of the book, it should be something I totally love. Right??
Wrong. I was so so wrong.
Let’s start with the storyline first. I totally the book begins by talking about a war that occurred and the set of tomes that were written to document everything. These are altered but it feels like we are being set up to look at the unraveling of the period after the Wars.
As the book progresses it’s harder and harder to figure out what the actual PLOT is ? It’s said that there is a child being hunted that has magical God like powers but then why are people coming to find this child so randomly ? Is this prophecy part of the wars? What was the point of the wars again? Even though there are mildly decent fight scenes there’s a bunch of random stories that don’t flow together at all and it leaves you feeling lost like what did I read?
The main characters 1. There are a TON, 2. This book would have done better with multiple POVs because looking at it from out FMC was exhausting the whole time and 3. Even as the main characters progress I have no idea how this is related to the plot.
The main FMC is literally the worst. She’s whiny and meek and that’s fine and all but her character development is terrible. She’s supposedly in an abusive relationship which is poorly represented and as she “asserts” herself it’s only because there’s another man there that’s caught her eye. The love triangle that is formed is super cringe and uncomfortable and doesn’t make much sense. It seems to me she’s just latching onto this new guy who treats her somewhat better and dumping all her trauma on him.
The side characters could have been more relevant as well and again this goes back to the wish for multiple POVs. It felt like she was setting all of them up for something but never executing it either.
The main male character who is supposed to be the love interest? GAG. There’s literally no generation of chemistry and he’s supposedly a King and it makes no sense. It’s such a turn off for me that I barely could stand the spicy scenes.
Overall with the books ending it feels haphazard and unsatisfying. I’m deeply disappointed because I really want to support this author but I can’t put out a fake review or be like yay you tried. Like you did and props to her for publishing but it just wasn’t for me at all.
January 6, 2026
- preread -
loved daggermouth so of course i'm reading this one too <3
loved daggermouth so of course i'm reading this one too <3
February 9, 2026
3.75-4 stars. Loved the characters. Loved the concept. The pacing was a little wonky, especially with the romance but overall really excited to see where it goes!!
August 31, 2024
a refreshing fantasy story, with a focus on found family and self growth.
i loved reading how cin stepped into her role as the strong woman she’s always been, but was never allowed to embrace. i loved the friendships & how they unapologetically stood up for one another. i loved how the love interest devoted his time to giving space for cin to be HERSELF!
h.m. wolfe really put her all into this book. you can see it in the way the story is written, the lore and world building… i endlessly admire the hard work on this debut.
tropes:
🖤 lovers to enemies
🖤 found family
🖤 slow burn
received as an arc in exchange for an honest review <3✨
i loved reading how cin stepped into her role as the strong woman she’s always been, but was never allowed to embrace. i loved the friendships & how they unapologetically stood up for one another. i loved how the love interest devoted his time to giving space for cin to be HERSELF!
h.m. wolfe really put her all into this book. you can see it in the way the story is written, the lore and world building… i endlessly admire the hard work on this debut.
tropes:
🖤 lovers to enemies
🖤 found family
🖤 slow burn
received as an arc in exchange for an honest review <3✨
August 31, 2024
I haven't read many of the most popular fae/dragon books out there, so I can't speak to The Book of Cin making a splash in this genre or whether or not it's doing something that hasn't been done before. However, I can say I had a lot of fun with this and overall enjoyed it quite a lot! I found the overall plot to be captivating, interesting, cohesive, and strong. The overall world building made a lot of sense and I thought places seemed very to-life and real. However, there were a number of things that made this…less enjoyable for me.
First, this is a debut. It means that it has a lot of typical "he smirked," "she sighed/cried," liquids sliding down throats, words caressing lips and tongues, and some of the most unfortunate language in the spicy scenes when it came to describing "manhood" and "darkest, most sensitive places." But this would have been easy to ignore if it hadn't been…so frequent. Each of the things I mentioned happened quite a bit and they took me out of the story each time. However, Wolfe is a clearly skilled storyteller, and I believe that the more she writes, the better the writing will be—as is the case for most writers! I wish that some of the mundane interactions had been cut instead of us getting summaries like "we trained all day today" but the reader doesn't get to see what these trainings entail or what was learned, which is decidedly much more interesting. Sometimes the prose was really formal, and then in the next paragraph there would be two sentences with contractions in it. I couldn't quite place the time period for this story—or what country/continent the locale is based off of—because of this.
I also found Cin to be frustrating and underdeveloped in some areas. While I've heard people complain about the typical badass, strong girlboss FMCs in fantasy, Wolfe overcorrects this trope by making Cin extremely teary, overwrought, and downright childish at times. She struggles a lot with her self esteem and self image because she was—in her mind—abandoned by her parents and then found herself in an abusive relationship where she was being torn down constantly. However, she never grew out of the "womp, womp, I don't deserve love, I am nothing and no one, I have nothing to live for," mindset, and that was disappointing to see, especially since she grew a lot physically and spiritually over the course of the novel. There are some scenes where she seems really cool and sure of herself, but that is not consistent as the story goes on.
I didn't care for Landers. That might be an unpopular opinion, but I like himbos with substance—he was also quite underdeveloped to me. His overall backstory didn't make sense to either in my opinion. Unless I missed something—which is totally possible, this is a chunky mama—I don't get how it's possible that he is important (I don't want to spoil anything by saying more than that) AND someone who grew up in a shack with a piano as a prized possession. I would have liked if he and Cin were friends for a longer period of time.
I liked the action scenes a LOT. That is because I really enjoyed the scenes where magic was being used, and that typically happened in the scenes where things were getting active. The fights all seemed very clear to imagine and were executed in super cool ways that kept me engaged.
I loved the found family aspect of this story. Ata, Wren, Pri, Anders, and Ardan were all lovely. I can say that with absolute certainty because I remembered their names without checking, and I typically don't remember side characters lol.
I didn't like the way Taft is written. I really struggled not to find it problematic that Taft is written to be darker skinned (again, unless I missed something) and that he is abusive, jealous, conniving, and a clear villain throughout the narrative, and that Cin leaves an abusive situation with him and ends up in Landers' arms relatively quickly. I think I don't speak for myself when I say that it's, at the very least, done too many times, when the Bad Guy is dark skinned and the protagonist leaves them for a lighter (or whiter) character. For a villain his actions are mostly unclear and there is, I suspect, an aspect of Taft and his true identity that remains a plot hole in this story.
If there is another book after this one, I will race to read it because I'd love to see how things turn out now that Cin knows who she is! Like I said, overall, I really enjoyed this, and I look forward to reading more from Wolfe.
Thank you so very much to H. M. Wolfe for providing me with an ARC! I have preordered a special edition copy of this story, and I can't wait to have this beautiful cover on my shelves. I am hoping that since this is an ARC, some of the things I dislike will have been addressed by the time my SE copy comes in. ;)
3.75 ⭐️s
1.5 🌶️
🚨 Pub Date: 09/14/24
First, this is a debut. It means that it has a lot of typical "he smirked," "she sighed/cried," liquids sliding down throats, words caressing lips and tongues, and some of the most unfortunate language in the spicy scenes when it came to describing "manhood" and "darkest, most sensitive places." But this would have been easy to ignore if it hadn't been…so frequent. Each of the things I mentioned happened quite a bit and they took me out of the story each time. However, Wolfe is a clearly skilled storyteller, and I believe that the more she writes, the better the writing will be—as is the case for most writers! I wish that some of the mundane interactions had been cut instead of us getting summaries like "we trained all day today" but the reader doesn't get to see what these trainings entail or what was learned, which is decidedly much more interesting. Sometimes the prose was really formal, and then in the next paragraph there would be two sentences with contractions in it. I couldn't quite place the time period for this story—or what country/continent the locale is based off of—because of this.
I also found Cin to be frustrating and underdeveloped in some areas. While I've heard people complain about the typical badass, strong girlboss FMCs in fantasy, Wolfe overcorrects this trope by making Cin extremely teary, overwrought, and downright childish at times. She struggles a lot with her self esteem and self image because she was—in her mind—abandoned by her parents and then found herself in an abusive relationship where she was being torn down constantly. However, she never grew out of the "womp, womp, I don't deserve love, I am nothing and no one, I have nothing to live for," mindset, and that was disappointing to see, especially since she grew a lot physically and spiritually over the course of the novel. There are some scenes where she seems really cool and sure of herself, but that is not consistent as the story goes on.
I didn't care for Landers. That might be an unpopular opinion, but I like himbos with substance—he was also quite underdeveloped to me. His overall backstory didn't make sense to either in my opinion. Unless I missed something—which is totally possible, this is a chunky mama—I don't get how it's possible that he is important (I don't want to spoil anything by saying more than that) AND someone who grew up in a shack with a piano as a prized possession. I would have liked if he and Cin were friends for a longer period of time.
I liked the action scenes a LOT. That is because I really enjoyed the scenes where magic was being used, and that typically happened in the scenes where things were getting active. The fights all seemed very clear to imagine and were executed in super cool ways that kept me engaged.
I loved the found family aspect of this story. Ata, Wren, Pri, Anders, and Ardan were all lovely. I can say that with absolute certainty because I remembered their names without checking, and I typically don't remember side characters lol.
I didn't like the way Taft is written. I really struggled not to find it problematic that Taft is written to be darker skinned (again, unless I missed something) and that he is abusive, jealous, conniving, and a clear villain throughout the narrative, and that Cin leaves an abusive situation with him and ends up in Landers' arms relatively quickly. I think I don't speak for myself when I say that it's, at the very least, done too many times, when the Bad Guy is dark skinned and the protagonist leaves them for a lighter (or whiter) character. For a villain his actions are mostly unclear and there is, I suspect, an aspect of Taft and his true identity that remains a plot hole in this story.
If there is another book after this one, I will race to read it because I'd love to see how things turn out now that Cin knows who she is! Like I said, overall, I really enjoyed this, and I look forward to reading more from Wolfe.
Thank you so very much to H. M. Wolfe for providing me with an ARC! I have preordered a special edition copy of this story, and I can't wait to have this beautiful cover on my shelves. I am hoping that since this is an ARC, some of the things I dislike will have been addressed by the time my SE copy comes in. ;)
3.75 ⭐️s
1.5 🌶️
🚨 Pub Date: 09/14/24
November 10, 2024
♾️ stars.
If you’re not running to read this you don’t deserve this beautiful story. 🥲
If you’re not running to read this you don’t deserve this beautiful story. 🥲
January 14, 2026
4.5⭐️ absolutely incredible!! HM Wolfe is easily becoming one of my favorite authors.
The fact that this was her debut?! A dark fantasy romance with incredible found family. The way I already care so much for these characters is a little scary because I’m worried what will happen to them. All badass female characters and men who will support and protect them no matter what (except for one who I hate iykyk).
This actually reminded me a little of the lady of darkness series which makes me so happy! The mmc is so Sorin coded 😭
Beyond excited to read book 2!
• dark fantasy romance
• fmc with shadow magic
• found family
• dragons
• badass female characters
The fact that this was her debut?! A dark fantasy romance with incredible found family. The way I already care so much for these characters is a little scary because I’m worried what will happen to them. All badass female characters and men who will support and protect them no matter what (except for one who I hate iykyk).
This actually reminded me a little of the lady of darkness series which makes me so happy! The mmc is so Sorin coded 😭
Beyond excited to read book 2!
• dark fantasy romance
• fmc with shadow magic
• found family
• dragons
• badass female characters
September 15, 2024
“𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘢 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 - 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨| 🌶️🌶️
The Book of Cin follows Hyacinth, an orphan who finds herself at a crossroads as a deadly game of power and greed begins across the Realms. With her friends, she is forced to choose between staying who she’s always been and stepping into her own power.
I loved this book!! It was an easy read and I was able to enjoy the story without the mental gymnastics that often come with fantasy. Hyacinth was such a relatable heroine, especially with her struggles with anxiety. 🥹 I think so many of us will be able to see ourselves in Cin, and that was such a beautiful thing. 💕 The storyline moved at a good pace and I found myself not wanting to put it down. Her personal journey was incredible and the romance was the cherry on top 🍒💕 My only regret was waiting to start - going back to work definitely killed the vibe because I couldn’t binge it! 😅
𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕚𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖:
⚔️ fmc finding her strength
⚔️ romantasy
⚔️ found family
⚔️ shadow powers
⚔️ anxiety representation
⚔️ there’s also a dragonnnnn 😍
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨| 🌶️🌶️
The Book of Cin follows Hyacinth, an orphan who finds herself at a crossroads as a deadly game of power and greed begins across the Realms. With her friends, she is forced to choose between staying who she’s always been and stepping into her own power.
I loved this book!! It was an easy read and I was able to enjoy the story without the mental gymnastics that often come with fantasy. Hyacinth was such a relatable heroine, especially with her struggles with anxiety. 🥹 I think so many of us will be able to see ourselves in Cin, and that was such a beautiful thing. 💕 The storyline moved at a good pace and I found myself not wanting to put it down. Her personal journey was incredible and the romance was the cherry on top 🍒💕 My only regret was waiting to start - going back to work definitely killed the vibe because I couldn’t binge it! 😅
𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕚𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖:
⚔️ fmc finding her strength
⚔️ romantasy
⚔️ found family
⚔️ shadow powers
⚔️ anxiety representation
⚔️ there’s also a dragonnnnn 😍
July 13, 2024
It was a fresh take on high fantasy. Such beautiful, relatable characters. Most of which you love, some you hate. The characters are well explained so as to love or hate them. And are complex so there are moments of both love and hate. I love Hyacinth’s character development. I love the underlying plot of mental health. There was a depth to the story while keeping it full of light. There were moments full of emotion. I cried. The ending was the perfect blend of a finish and giving you the excitement of what’s to come in the next book. I finished it in a few days. I couldn’t put it down.
My one overall criticism was the pacing felt a bit fast. BUT I acknowledge that my reading pace may have affected how the pacing felt to me. 🙃
It was extremely well written with lovely relationships, a beautiful story, and far off places. 💛
My one overall criticism was the pacing felt a bit fast. BUT I acknowledge that my reading pace may have affected how the pacing felt to me. 🙃
It was extremely well written with lovely relationships, a beautiful story, and far off places. 💛
May 12, 2025
Title: The Book of Cin
Author: H.M. Wolfe
I am both devastated and enthralled. Overall, I love this story. I am excited to continue reading and see how this all plays out. The characters ALL have such growth. There is depth, there is realism. There is absolutely heartbreak. I have TOO MANY highlighted sections in this book. I really love it all. I’m honestly upset with myself for not reading this book immediately.
The writing is so smooth flowing and paints a beautiful picture with all of the details. I never felt bored or like I wanted to skip to a good part. The pacing was perfect. Truly, cannot say enough good things.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Spoiler-y & trigger warning-y:
I really appreciated how the abuse was explained and represented in this story. As someone who has experienced abuse in a relationship, it’s so hard to share why you continue to stay. Gods, one of my favorite quotes from Pri:
“What I am trying to tell you is if you believe you deserve pain, you will attract people who want to inflict it. They will manipulate you until they break you down into an empty shell, or until you decide you’ve had enough.”
I felt so seen. I loved the strength that women gave other women.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Landers is definitely giving all the green flags and am I calling him my book boyfriend? Yeah, yeah I am. This man, this beautiful man. Not only does he respect what people want, sticks to his word, trusts people, defends his own. MY GOODNESS… I love a fictional man written by a female.
“I will follow you anywhere.”
“To death?”
“To death.”
Author: H.M. Wolfe
I am both devastated and enthralled. Overall, I love this story. I am excited to continue reading and see how this all plays out. The characters ALL have such growth. There is depth, there is realism. There is absolutely heartbreak. I have TOO MANY highlighted sections in this book. I really love it all. I’m honestly upset with myself for not reading this book immediately.
The writing is so smooth flowing and paints a beautiful picture with all of the details. I never felt bored or like I wanted to skip to a good part. The pacing was perfect. Truly, cannot say enough good things.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Spoiler-y & trigger warning-y:
I really appreciated how the abuse was explained and represented in this story. As someone who has experienced abuse in a relationship, it’s so hard to share why you continue to stay. Gods, one of my favorite quotes from Pri:
“What I am trying to tell you is if you believe you deserve pain, you will attract people who want to inflict it. They will manipulate you until they break you down into an empty shell, or until you decide you’ve had enough.”
I felt so seen. I loved the strength that women gave other women.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Landers is definitely giving all the green flags and am I calling him my book boyfriend? Yeah, yeah I am. This man, this beautiful man. Not only does he respect what people want, sticks to his word, trusts people, defends his own. MY GOODNESS… I love a fictional man written by a female.
“I will follow you anywhere.”
“To death?”
“To death.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2024
✨The Book of Cin✨
Wow. Simply wow. The rep and support for mental health in this book, particularly becoming victorious from gaslighting and self-deprecation, is phenomenal and achingly beautiful, but also the navigating through loss literally brought me to tears with its gentility. The found family and encouragement system in this book is just DIVINE. Their love so true.
Which brings me to: what’s this book even about then, Meg?! Well, in BOC, we begin our story at an academy for orphans ran by a historically famed warrior. We follow the first person POV of Hyacinth (Cin), a shadow mommy who has to hide her powers because greater magic is illegal, and has just turned of age to leave and find her purpose. But of COURSE things go awry and she finds herself and her chosen family escaping alongside 3 mysterious newcomers. Cin, Ata, Arden, Wren, and Taft now must rush to the island of travelers with Landers, Andrues, and Pri before they are captured.
Most of this story, while fantastic in plot and world building, is focused on chosen family, healing, finding freedom from abuse, and supporting and encouraging each other when we feel alone, worthless, and ashamed.
I’ve only read a handful of stories that are as heart moving and full of true compassion and wisdom that not only leads to a good adventure but can transcend and transform a reader’s life as this one. While I suggest you read the triggers, I also support that this book would bring hope to those who relate to these circumstances AND hopefully empower them- to know they’re worthy and to seek chosen families who cherish that worth.
Tropes you may find in TBOC are “stay with me”, forced proximity, strangers to friends to lovers, lovers to enemies, angsty training scenes, lots of tension and slow burn, banter, super strong FCs, male warriors unafraid of emotions, hidden identities, fae and witches, lots of cool magic, spice 2/5, touch her and ☠️, “what did he do to you”, and betrayals!
The ending wraps up nicely while open for book two WHICH I NEED.
Thank you so much for this gifted arc. This book is easily a favorite of mine.
Wow. Simply wow. The rep and support for mental health in this book, particularly becoming victorious from gaslighting and self-deprecation, is phenomenal and achingly beautiful, but also the navigating through loss literally brought me to tears with its gentility. The found family and encouragement system in this book is just DIVINE. Their love so true.
Which brings me to: what’s this book even about then, Meg?! Well, in BOC, we begin our story at an academy for orphans ran by a historically famed warrior. We follow the first person POV of Hyacinth (Cin), a shadow mommy who has to hide her powers because greater magic is illegal, and has just turned of age to leave and find her purpose. But of COURSE things go awry and she finds herself and her chosen family escaping alongside 3 mysterious newcomers. Cin, Ata, Arden, Wren, and Taft now must rush to the island of travelers with Landers, Andrues, and Pri before they are captured.
Most of this story, while fantastic in plot and world building, is focused on chosen family, healing, finding freedom from abuse, and supporting and encouraging each other when we feel alone, worthless, and ashamed.
I’ve only read a handful of stories that are as heart moving and full of true compassion and wisdom that not only leads to a good adventure but can transcend and transform a reader’s life as this one. While I suggest you read the triggers, I also support that this book would bring hope to those who relate to these circumstances AND hopefully empower them- to know they’re worthy and to seek chosen families who cherish that worth.
Tropes you may find in TBOC are “stay with me”, forced proximity, strangers to friends to lovers, lovers to enemies, angsty training scenes, lots of tension and slow burn, banter, super strong FCs, male warriors unafraid of emotions, hidden identities, fae and witches, lots of cool magic, spice 2/5, touch her and ☠️, “what did he do to you”, and betrayals!
The ending wraps up nicely while open for book two WHICH I NEED.
Thank you so much for this gifted arc. This book is easily a favorite of mine.
September 13, 2024
Goodness…. Where to start… let’s talk characters. We are literally THROWN into a world with these characters who we JUST met and 4 chapters in we are already preparing for war? I don’t even know the main characters motives nor the friends she has.
Cin, weakest female lead I’ve ever read about. Even Violet Sorrengail has fucking potential within book 1, but at least we got some development.
Ata, the best friend meh. Like am I re-reading Iron Flame right now because that’s what it felt like.
Taft…. What a piece of shit. Like sure he’s Cin’s trauma but like cmon the last two chapters…. Girly we saw that coming WAAAAY too soon.
Landers, the main love interest. Sorry again you cannot play mr dark brooding male giving Rhys energy in the WEAKEST way possible. As soon as he entered the novel I said cool he’s the main interest and it’s CLEAR as day.
All the other side characters are not memorable.
LETS TALK PLOT
WHAT PLOT!? We kept moving to different parts of this world… keep in mind that wasn’t really well painted… and all we are worried about is Redelvtum’s wards falling…. WHO CARES. Oh that’s right Cin cares…. That’s it.
And then we add a dragon towards the end of the novel… if I wanted to read Fourth Wing again I would’ve. At least the dragons would’ve kept me going.
THE “SPICE”
You get 🌶️ and that’s simply for trying. I get better spice in romance novels than I did reading this attempt. I knew it was going to be a weak attempt since you give us closed door sex within the first THREE chapters.
As a first time ARC reader I am EXTREMELY disappointed in this debut novel. Y’all who are giving it “⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️” are way too generous and kind. There needs to be opinions that differ from one another. I felt like I was reading the writing of Rebecca Yarros solely in Iron Flame(this is not a compliment as I hated iron flame)The attempt was cute but I had so many expectations of this novels and sadly I will NOT be continuing on this journey.
Cin, weakest female lead I’ve ever read about. Even Violet Sorrengail has fucking potential within book 1, but at least we got some development.
Ata, the best friend meh. Like am I re-reading Iron Flame right now because that’s what it felt like.
Taft…. What a piece of shit. Like sure he’s Cin’s trauma but like cmon the last two chapters…. Girly we saw that coming WAAAAY too soon.
Landers, the main love interest. Sorry again you cannot play mr dark brooding male giving Rhys energy in the WEAKEST way possible. As soon as he entered the novel I said cool he’s the main interest and it’s CLEAR as day.
All the other side characters are not memorable.
LETS TALK PLOT
WHAT PLOT!? We kept moving to different parts of this world… keep in mind that wasn’t really well painted… and all we are worried about is Redelvtum’s wards falling…. WHO CARES. Oh that’s right Cin cares…. That’s it.
And then we add a dragon towards the end of the novel… if I wanted to read Fourth Wing again I would’ve. At least the dragons would’ve kept me going.
THE “SPICE”
You get 🌶️ and that’s simply for trying. I get better spice in romance novels than I did reading this attempt. I knew it was going to be a weak attempt since you give us closed door sex within the first THREE chapters.
As a first time ARC reader I am EXTREMELY disappointed in this debut novel. Y’all who are giving it “⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️” are way too generous and kind. There needs to be opinions that differ from one another. I felt like I was reading the writing of Rebecca Yarros solely in Iron Flame(this is not a compliment as I hated iron flame)The attempt was cute but I had so many expectations of this novels and sadly I will NOT be continuing on this journey.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2025
Pop all the way off, Cin. Female empowerment 10/10. We don’t need NO MAN, sis.
I am obsessed with every female character in this book. Ata, Cin & Pri are all iconic and prime examples of feminine rage and girlhood. Currently sending applications to join their group.
Book of Cin did not have a dull moment. I read chapter one on Thursday night, had a fever all day yesterday (Friday) so I didn’t have a chance to read, but was thinking about this story nonstop. Today, I finally had energy to read and laid in bed all day and read (in between my many naps). I could not put this story down.
Most of the world building is built into the plot in a way you don’t even realize you’re reading about it. It just feels like knowledge you inherently gained through reading the story, and not having tons of lore dropped on you.
It was amazing seeing Cin go from being so meek and afraid of disappointing others, to stepping up and OUT. The support and love this friend group has for each other is incredible. I also love how they refuse to let each other experience pain alone 🥹
I have so many good things to say about this book. I look forward to getting more of my friends in book two ☺️
I am obsessed with every female character in this book. Ata, Cin & Pri are all iconic and prime examples of feminine rage and girlhood. Currently sending applications to join their group.
Book of Cin did not have a dull moment. I read chapter one on Thursday night, had a fever all day yesterday (Friday) so I didn’t have a chance to read, but was thinking about this story nonstop. Today, I finally had energy to read and laid in bed all day and read (in between my many naps). I could not put this story down.
Most of the world building is built into the plot in a way you don’t even realize you’re reading about it. It just feels like knowledge you inherently gained through reading the story, and not having tons of lore dropped on you.
It was amazing seeing Cin go from being so meek and afraid of disappointing others, to stepping up and OUT. The support and love this friend group has for each other is incredible. I also love how they refuse to let each other experience pain alone 🥹
I have so many good things to say about this book. I look forward to getting more of my friends in book two ☺️
August 21, 2024
Thanks for the ARC. This is one of those books that has been hard for me to review because I don’t want to spoil anything but I want to yap about it to anyone who will listen. I felt so close to Hyacinth from an interpersonal standpoint. From not knowing one’s worth to coping mechanisms like apologizing all the time. Seeing Cin develop and grow not only her magic and strength but her self love is so healing for me.
Most of the characters are all orphans, so the found family trope is so strong. None of the relationships are taken for granted. This made all of ties feel even stronger.
The action sequences felt believable. Nothing seemed out of place or awkward. The magic systems while simple to follow was still well thought out and pretty in depth. I really enjoyed the different magics for different realms. Makes me want to come back and explore more locations.
I am so glad that the romance that did bloom, did not overpower the personal growth of Hyacinth. I love seeing her be loved but as an equal not as a woman that needs protection of a man.
By the end of the book my jaw was on the floor. It’s been a few days and I think it’s still on the floor. I am so glad this book exists and I can’t wait for the next one!
Most of the characters are all orphans, so the found family trope is so strong. None of the relationships are taken for granted. This made all of ties feel even stronger.
The action sequences felt believable. Nothing seemed out of place or awkward. The magic systems while simple to follow was still well thought out and pretty in depth. I really enjoyed the different magics for different realms. Makes me want to come back and explore more locations.
I am so glad that the romance that did bloom, did not overpower the personal growth of Hyacinth. I love seeing her be loved but as an equal not as a woman that needs protection of a man.
By the end of the book my jaw was on the floor. It’s been a few days and I think it’s still on the floor. I am so glad this book exists and I can’t wait for the next one!
March 6, 2025
This was a really solid debut!! It was fast-paced with a great diverse cast of characters. This was a really good setup for the rest of the series, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes!
Hyacinth was a complex FMC that I feel like many women (myself included) can relate to in one way or another. Her character growth from the beginning to the end of the book was phenomenal. I loved seeing her evolve from insecure and meek to strong and confident.
The difference between the two love interests in this book are night and day. It wasn’t a love triangle per se, but Hyacinth is with Taft at the start of the book and the love interest switches to Landers. For Taft, I wish absolutely nothing but the worst. Taft embodies so many men that all of us have unfortunately crossed paths with in our lives. Landers is supportive and empowering. He gives Hyacinth the agency and confidence to make her own choices, and we love him for that.
The found family in this was wonderful. One thing I really loved is that when Cin’s friends found out about Taft’s abuse, they supported her no questions asked.
The reason this wasn’t 5 stars for me was that I did find in predictable since it followed the generic romantasy outline. I do believe that there is a lot of potential for growth in future installments. It was well-written and engaging, and I’m looking forward to the next book!
Hyacinth was a complex FMC that I feel like many women (myself included) can relate to in one way or another. Her character growth from the beginning to the end of the book was phenomenal. I loved seeing her evolve from insecure and meek to strong and confident.
The difference between the two love interests in this book are night and day. It wasn’t a love triangle per se, but Hyacinth is with Taft at the start of the book and the love interest switches to Landers. For Taft, I wish absolutely nothing but the worst. Taft embodies so many men that all of us have unfortunately crossed paths with in our lives. Landers is supportive and empowering. He gives Hyacinth the agency and confidence to make her own choices, and we love him for that.
The found family in this was wonderful. One thing I really loved is that when Cin’s friends found out about Taft’s abuse, they supported her no questions asked.
The reason this wasn’t 5 stars for me was that I did find in predictable since it followed the generic romantasy outline. I do believe that there is a lot of potential for growth in future installments. It was well-written and engaging, and I’m looking forward to the next book!
December 23, 2025
4.5 the girlhood in this book is *chefs kiss*. The character growth was done so well. I can’t lie I was really nervous about something in the book and soooooo glad it worked itself out. This found family is the definition of ride or die. I can’t wait to jump into book 2
March 6, 2026
4.25 stars
the book of cin is a beautifully woven tale following a close-knit group of friends — witches, warlocks, and fae alike — and the journey of escaping a town destroyed by a group of people in search of a certain person with special magic. hyacinth, or cin, starts this journey side by side with taft, the only boy she's ever loved and known to feel safe with. cracks in the illusion of safety begin when she meets landers (the main critique about him is his name. it is so ugly to me, even though he's hot in my mind), the headstrong, tortured, brutally honest MMC, who shows her that love isn't shown through emotional and physical abuse, that the sign of love is having trust in them and encouraging them to grow. he is a big touch her and you die type of guy with a lot of restraint because if it weren't for cin, taft would be gone 30 pages in.
p.s. big time trigger warnings for anyone who's been in an emotionally or physically abusive relationship, because taft's behavior in this book was sickening. the number of times i wanted him booted out of the book, slain by lander's hand or taken away by a demon, is far too many to count.
the plot is gripping, existing, filled with twists and turns. there is some semblance of hope in this story. it doesn't completely feel hopeless, no matter the number of hardships, injuries, and losses they face. what makes this story special is the group of travelers that not only become friends, but family at the end of the book. the most poignant backstory that haunts me is how pri and wren found each other. this story is steeped in deception and heartbreak, but they have the strongest relationship out of everyone. andrues is one of the healers, and he's known to be introverted, incredibly stoic, and is an acts of service type of man. ardan is the other healer who is the foil of andrues — he's empathetic, loves loudly, and continues to love ata even though she's been holding back for years. we don't know much about wren, so i'm waiting to learn more about him in the next book.
the ending? oh boy. tears, and more tears is all i can say. three phrases to describe it without giving it away: my girl is a BOSS, what did you expect??, i'm so smad (sad + mad).
i haven't cried this hard over a book in god knows how long. not that crying is an indicator of good writing, but this shows how powerful h.m. wolfe's writing is, that not only is it crafted elegantly, weaving characters in their respective superfluous storylines, tying everything together in a perfect knot. all for it to unravel like a beautiful, yet disastrous masterpiece. i discovered h.m. wolfe through daggermouth (easy five stars), and to learn that the book of cin was her debut novel is beyond the aptitude that i would expect an author to produce on their first try, especially one as complex as a romance fantasy that requires extensive world building from scratch.
“It will be an honor to fight at your side.”
the book of cin is a beautifully woven tale following a close-knit group of friends — witches, warlocks, and fae alike — and the journey of escaping a town destroyed by a group of people in search of a certain person with special magic. hyacinth, or cin, starts this journey side by side with taft, the only boy she's ever loved and known to feel safe with. cracks in the illusion of safety begin when she meets landers (the main critique about him is his name. it is so ugly to me, even though he's hot in my mind), the headstrong, tortured, brutally honest MMC, who shows her that love isn't shown through emotional and physical abuse, that the sign of love is having trust in them and encouraging them to grow. he is a big touch her and you die type of guy with a lot of restraint because if it weren't for cin, taft would be gone 30 pages in.
p.s. big time trigger warnings for anyone who's been in an emotionally or physically abusive relationship, because taft's behavior in this book was sickening. the number of times i wanted him booted out of the book, slain by lander's hand or taken away by a demon, is far too many to count.
[Landers] sees me, truly sees me; beyond any facade or superficial layer.” A loving sigh escaped her lips before she turned back to us. “I think, even if I had no beauty to offer him, he would still look at me the way he does now.”
“You could have killed him, Landers!” I protested. “You threatened to kill him!” “And I meant it,” Landers snarled, his eyes glinting dangerously. “If he so much as breathes in your direction again without your permission, I will not hesitate to make good on that promise.”
I did not take your pain because you were incapable of bearing it.” He studied my eyes as warmth flowed back into his. “I shouldered your pain, not as a testament to your weakness, but because my own strength crumbled in the face of your suffering. I could not stand idle while I listened to screams of agony come from another woman I care for. It was not my place to take that from you, yet I would do it again, for a thousand more hours, if that meant you did not have to suffer even a second longer.”
“Well”—[Landers] pushed off the wall—“ would you like me to kill [Taft]?” I blinked at him, but his expression remained stoic, his eyes cold and unamused as I realized he meant it. “You can’t be serious,” I said, sniffing away the remaining tears. “Death would be a suitable consequence for the abuse he inflicted on you. No?” He raised a brow, and I scoffed at him.
“You are so fucking beautiful and brilliant in the way you exist . . . in the way you battle through life with unmatched elegance and graceful violence. Your love, it is your most valuable asset, despite it being abused, overlooked, and taken for granted by a coward.”
I want the shell of you. I want the broken, scattered shards. I want the tears, the nightmares, the pain. I want you. All of you. The fear, and every fragmented piece of your blackened soul; I want those parts too.”
“You are mine,” he said the words, not with possession, but in devotion. “You do not belong to me, but I . . . I belong to you.”
“I will follow you anywhere,” he whispered, his breath rustling my curls. And though he had said the words only hours before, they fell on my heart differently this time; resonating in a place of hope I did not know still existed in me. “To death?” I asked. “To death.”
the plot is gripping, existing, filled with twists and turns. there is some semblance of hope in this story. it doesn't completely feel hopeless, no matter the number of hardships, injuries, and losses they face. what makes this story special is the group of travelers that not only become friends, but family at the end of the book. the most poignant backstory that haunts me is how pri and wren found each other. this story is steeped in deception and heartbreak, but they have the strongest relationship out of everyone. andrues is one of the healers, and he's known to be introverted, incredibly stoic, and is an acts of service type of man. ardan is the other healer who is the foil of andrues — he's empathetic, loves loudly, and continues to love ata even though she's been holding back for years. we don't know much about wren, so i'm waiting to learn more about him in the next book.
“You told me that I matter. It was the first time anyone had ever said those words to me, yet somehow—you knew I needed to hear them. You told me that I matter, Ardan. And every single second since that moment, you have shown me that I do.”
the ending? oh boy. tears, and more tears is all i can say. three phrases to describe it without giving it away: my girl is a BOSS, what did you expect??, i'm so smad (sad + mad).
“The woman before you now, she is a force to be reckoned with. She stands tall, unflinching, and unafraid of your violence. No longer will I cower from your fists or back down in fear. Instead, I will meet your fists with my own; each blow as fierce and unforgiving as the last. And when I’m done, I’ll dance on your beaten and bloodied body.”
“You once told me I would be the death of you, and I intend to grant that wish.”
i haven't cried this hard over a book in god knows how long. not that crying is an indicator of good writing, but this shows how powerful h.m. wolfe's writing is, that not only is it crafted elegantly, weaving characters in their respective superfluous storylines, tying everything together in a perfect knot. all for it to unravel like a beautiful, yet disastrous masterpiece. i discovered h.m. wolfe through daggermouth (easy five stars), and to learn that the book of cin was her debut novel is beyond the aptitude that i would expect an author to produce on their first try, especially one as complex as a romance fantasy that requires extensive world building from scratch.
“The Stories will remember this day,” he said with unrelenting clarity. “The day a queen was born. The day a God returned to the realms. The day the first words in The Book of Cin were written.”
August 31, 2024
I received this book as an ARC copy. As someone who has not read any fantasy lately, and has had a really hard time getting back into it, I truly loved reading this book. The last half of the book was such an emotional twist. For those that are fantasy readers, or those who love a good high fantasy, slow burn romantasy, with mild spice, and a strong FMC, I would highly recommend checking this one out.🕊️
This book will be released to the public September 14th, so go add it to your immediate TBR. ✨
𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗤𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀:
“𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒅𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒖𝒓𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖; 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒂 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖.”
“𝑫𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒂𝒚 𝒂 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏.”
“𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒂 𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒏𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒔 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝑰 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒘𝒆 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔.”
⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️ Spice: 🌶️🌶️
This book will be released to the public September 14th, so go add it to your immediate TBR. ✨
𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗤𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀:
“𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒅𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒖𝒓𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖; 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒂 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖.”
“𝑫𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒂𝒚 𝒂 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏.”
“𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒂 𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒏𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒔 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝑰 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒘𝒆 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔.”
⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️ Spice: 🌶️🌶️
February 14, 2026
Wow! 4.5 ⭐️ A beautiful debut and I cannot wait to immediately dive into book 2. I was captivated by this book and the emotions that these characters pulled from me was incredible. How Wolfe can write characters that I loathe so much and ones that are so loving and worn a place into my heart is so beautiful. Please do yourself a favor and pick this book up.
The only thing I wanted more of was just a little more insight into the world and magic, but I have a feeling I will get it in book 2.
The only thing I wanted more of was just a little more insight into the world and magic, but I have a feeling I will get it in book 2.
September 20, 2024
This book was one of my most anticipated releases and quickly became one of my favorite books of the year! It exceeded my expectations! I LOVE high fantasy. Add in a romance subplot and I’m sold! But to have a character that you can relate to so much is such a refreshing bonus! The mental health and trauma rep in this book was perfectly plotted. As a DV survivor, I felt Hyacinth’s pain and my heart broke for her, but I was also yelling and screaming cheering her on throughout the book!
Living in an academy for orphans, Hyacinth was torn between making a life changing decision to find out who she really is and staying with the only family she knows. The decision is stolen from her when a war breaks out at the academy and Hyacinth becomes hunted by another realm and creatures she didn’t even know existed. Through trauma, betrayal, love, friendship, loss, and determination, Hyacinth embarks on a journey to find her true self and learn the truth of her past, even if it becomes the hardest thing she has ever done.
I laughed, cried, and screamed at this book. Definitely read if you like emotional damage from books that have:
🖤 Fantasy romance
🖤Slow burn with a little spice
🖤Touch her and ☠️
🖤Found family
🖤Morally grey MMC
🖤Trauma rep
🖤Mental health rep
🖤Forced proximity
🖤Lovers to enemies
🖤Magic
🖤Dragons
Living in an academy for orphans, Hyacinth was torn between making a life changing decision to find out who she really is and staying with the only family she knows. The decision is stolen from her when a war breaks out at the academy and Hyacinth becomes hunted by another realm and creatures she didn’t even know existed. Through trauma, betrayal, love, friendship, loss, and determination, Hyacinth embarks on a journey to find her true self and learn the truth of her past, even if it becomes the hardest thing she has ever done.
I laughed, cried, and screamed at this book. Definitely read if you like emotional damage from books that have:
🖤 Fantasy romance
🖤Slow burn with a little spice
🖤Touch her and ☠️
🖤Found family
🖤Morally grey MMC
🖤Trauma rep
🖤Mental health rep
🖤Forced proximity
🖤Lovers to enemies
🖤Magic
🖤Dragons
September 3, 2024
My heart is so full🥹 I felt all of the emotions! H.M. Wolfe did such an incredibly, amazing job at describing what healing looks like after a manipulative and abusive relationship.
The beginning seemed a little slower than the rest of the book, but it set everything up so perfectly. I wouldn't have been as invested in everyone the other 70% of the book if not for the beginning.
It's been a hot minute since a book has left me completely speechless on what to say afterwards lol. I have SO much I want to say and express, but I don't want to give too much away because it was such an emotional and "sucks you in" read. I couldn't put it down once I started. I just need everyone to read The Book of Cin so y'all can know who that woman IS. Because she is IT. Hyacinth goes through so much personal growth and finds a village to rally behind her. Cin grows from hating herself because of a "man" to being the baddest bitch there is and I am here for it! And the way Landers and Ata have her back? Yes😍 Get you a man who supports you in everything and a best friend who would go to the end with you.
I'm so grateful to have received an ARC from the author. Especially since this will be my new Roman Empire book. I need more of them. I need to see how Hyacinth continues to grow into who she was meant to be🥺🖤
🗡️FAVORITE QUOTES🗡️
For my readers. For the ones who suffer silently. You will not break.
“Loyalty through hardship is one thing, Hyacinth. But loyalty through cruelty is another.”
“What are you, girl?” ... “A woman to fear.”
“You are mine. You do not belong to me, but I . . . I belong to you.”
"I will die before I let innocent people of the realms suffer at the hands of men like you. If I must become a killer or a monstrous entity, if I must become the very God of Hell itself, then so be it.”
The beginning seemed a little slower than the rest of the book, but it set everything up so perfectly. I wouldn't have been as invested in everyone the other 70% of the book if not for the beginning.
It's been a hot minute since a book has left me completely speechless on what to say afterwards lol. I have SO much I want to say and express, but I don't want to give too much away because it was such an emotional and "sucks you in" read. I couldn't put it down once I started. I just need everyone to read The Book of Cin so y'all can know who that woman IS. Because she is IT. Hyacinth goes through so much personal growth and finds a village to rally behind her. Cin grows from hating herself because of a "man" to being the baddest bitch there is and I am here for it! And the way Landers and Ata have her back? Yes😍 Get you a man who supports you in everything and a best friend who would go to the end with you.
I'm so grateful to have received an ARC from the author. Especially since this will be my new Roman Empire book. I need more of them. I need to see how Hyacinth continues to grow into who she was meant to be🥺🖤
🗡️FAVORITE QUOTES🗡️
For my readers. For the ones who suffer silently. You will not break.
“Loyalty through hardship is one thing, Hyacinth. But loyalty through cruelty is another.”
“What are you, girl?” ... “A woman to fear.”
“You are mine. You do not belong to me, but I . . . I belong to you.”
"I will die before I let innocent people of the realms suffer at the hands of men like you. If I must become a killer or a monstrous entity, if I must become the very God of Hell itself, then so be it.”
Did not finish
March 13, 2026DNF 30%
I’m bored 😴😴. I fell into an H.M. Wolfe spiral after Daggermouth and started reading this one, but it’s very obvious that this is her first book. The FMC has no backbone and can’t stand up for herself, which is something I personally struggle with. The love interest doesn’t make me feel anything... he just smirks and doesn’t do much more than that 😅.
Unfortunately, I don’t feel any desire to keep reading it.
I’m bored 😴😴. I fell into an H.M. Wolfe spiral after Daggermouth and started reading this one, but it’s very obvious that this is her first book. The FMC has no backbone and can’t stand up for herself, which is something I personally struggle with. The love interest doesn’t make me feel anything... he just smirks and doesn’t do much more than that 😅.
Unfortunately, I don’t feel any desire to keep reading it.
July 1, 2025
⭐⭐2/5 stars – 🌶️🌶️2/5 chili peppers
Spoilers ahead!
Like most of my summer reads, The Book of Cin by H.M. Wolfe was a social media recommendation. I was genuinely excited when I first started—it had all the makings of a great fantasy: a badass FMC, a magical academy for orphaned warriors, and an exciting realm-hopping premise. I was hooked... until the story hit the safehouse in Redelvtum. That’s when things started unraveling for me.
Hyacinth—Cin to her friends—initially gave strong female lead energy. Trained to survive the wastelands or defend Redelvtum, she stood out as rebellious, elite, and fiercely capable. Her battle against dragon-like creatures during the academy attack had me on the edge of my seat. I really thought I was in for an epic ride.
Then came the safehouse—and the mess. Suddenly, Cin starts crying. A lot. Like… full-on sobbing for an hour with her friend Ardan. And don’t get me wrong, emotional depth is great, but it started to feel like a complete mismatch with how she was first presented. Can she be a hardened, top-tier academy graduate and someone who constantly needs to be comforted?
Let’s talk Taft. He’s Cin’s boyfriend, old-fashioned and dominant, which already felt at odds with her fiercely independent persona. I didn’t love his vibe, but I did appreciate that he respected her Choice Day decision, even if he didn’t agree with it. That said, when Landers entered the story, it felt like the author needed a quick pivot for a new love interest. Instead of a natural transition, Taft got completely railroaded. His friends (and Cin's!) Ata, Wren, and Ardan suddenly turned on him with zero buildup. The whiplash was real.
What really made me uncomfortable, though, was how domestic abuse was used as a plot device to justify the shift. Taft, while flawed and controlling, was suddenly rebranded as outright abusive with little nuance. It felt forced and a bit irresponsible. There were so many ways to write an emotionally complex breakup or reveal incompatibility—this just felt lazy and insensitive.
And then there’s the Sillands arc. Cin offers herself in exchange for Ata, spends five days in captivity, and has to save herself. Which, cool, women saving themselves? Yes. But what happened to Landers and the whole "touch her and die" energy? What were her ride-or-die friends doing while she was collared like a dog? It felt like a major letdown on all fronts.
By the end, I had to force myself through it. The initial hype didn’t hold up, and I was left more frustrated than satisfied. I really wanted to love this—but it just didn’t deliver.
Spoilers ahead!
Like most of my summer reads, The Book of Cin by H.M. Wolfe was a social media recommendation. I was genuinely excited when I first started—it had all the makings of a great fantasy: a badass FMC, a magical academy for orphaned warriors, and an exciting realm-hopping premise. I was hooked... until the story hit the safehouse in Redelvtum. That’s when things started unraveling for me.
Hyacinth—Cin to her friends—initially gave strong female lead energy. Trained to survive the wastelands or defend Redelvtum, she stood out as rebellious, elite, and fiercely capable. Her battle against dragon-like creatures during the academy attack had me on the edge of my seat. I really thought I was in for an epic ride.
Then came the safehouse—and the mess. Suddenly, Cin starts crying. A lot. Like… full-on sobbing for an hour with her friend Ardan. And don’t get me wrong, emotional depth is great, but it started to feel like a complete mismatch with how she was first presented. Can she be a hardened, top-tier academy graduate and someone who constantly needs to be comforted?
Let’s talk Taft. He’s Cin’s boyfriend, old-fashioned and dominant, which already felt at odds with her fiercely independent persona. I didn’t love his vibe, but I did appreciate that he respected her Choice Day decision, even if he didn’t agree with it. That said, when Landers entered the story, it felt like the author needed a quick pivot for a new love interest. Instead of a natural transition, Taft got completely railroaded. His friends (and Cin's!) Ata, Wren, and Ardan suddenly turned on him with zero buildup. The whiplash was real.
What really made me uncomfortable, though, was how domestic abuse was used as a plot device to justify the shift. Taft, while flawed and controlling, was suddenly rebranded as outright abusive with little nuance. It felt forced and a bit irresponsible. There were so many ways to write an emotionally complex breakup or reveal incompatibility—this just felt lazy and insensitive.
And then there’s the Sillands arc. Cin offers herself in exchange for Ata, spends five days in captivity, and has to save herself. Which, cool, women saving themselves? Yes. But what happened to Landers and the whole "touch her and die" energy? What were her ride-or-die friends doing while she was collared like a dog? It felt like a major letdown on all fronts.
By the end, I had to force myself through it. The initial hype didn’t hold up, and I was left more frustrated than satisfied. I really wanted to love this—but it just didn’t deliver.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2024
What an amazingly enjoyable and easily digestible fantasy. Hyacinth (Cin) is a young woman on the brink of a life-changing decision: staying within the safety of Asrai's Academy for Orphans or venturing into the wider world for a chance at freedom? Once she leaves, she will not be welcome in her city any longer - and that means leaving her friends behind.
One of the standout aspects of this novel is its handling of a toxic relationship. The portrayal is perhaps a bit heavy-handed at times, but it feels authentic to the nature of domestic violence—hidden in plain sight, layered with apologies, and fraught with emotional complexity. This approach is a strength, showing how damaging and pervasive these dynamics can be and how often they lead to harmful mental processes. This is very central to Cin’s journey, highlighting her struggles and the courage required to confront them. And it provides an opportunity for a far healthier relationship to follow.
The world-building is just enough to keep the fantasy elements engaging without bogging down the plot with too many details. It's a good balance that allows the narrative to remain fast-paced and accessible. Some moments do feel rushed, making them seem unearned at first, but there are reveals later in the book to provide clarity, adding a sense of satisfaction. It’s a pleasant surprise how these pieces fall into place, making the story feel even more rewarding as it unfolds.
The romance is another highlight. I appreciate that Landers gives Cin the space to make her own choices while still being a supportive presence. It’s a refreshing take on a relationship in a fantasy setting, where both partners maintain their independence and personal growth. The dynamic between them is sweet and tender. And spicy. The side characters also shine, particularly Hyacinth's friend group, who bring humor, camaraderie, and a sense of found family.
While the twists in the plot aren't particularly shocking or unexpected, they don’t detract from the overall enjoyment. This is a book that knows what it is—fun, fast-paced, and filled with familiar tropes that it handles well. If you’re in the mood for a story that is both entertaining and accessible, this is a great pick. It’s an easy, enjoyable read that offers just enough complexity to keep you engaged. Cannot wait to see what happens next!
Thanks to the author and R&R Booktours for the opportunity to read and review. This review is based on a complimentary pre-released copy and it is voluntary. All opinions are my own.
One of the standout aspects of this novel is its handling of a toxic relationship. The portrayal is perhaps a bit heavy-handed at times, but it feels authentic to the nature of domestic violence—hidden in plain sight, layered with apologies, and fraught with emotional complexity. This approach is a strength, showing how damaging and pervasive these dynamics can be and how often they lead to harmful mental processes. This is very central to Cin’s journey, highlighting her struggles and the courage required to confront them. And it provides an opportunity for a far healthier relationship to follow.
The world-building is just enough to keep the fantasy elements engaging without bogging down the plot with too many details. It's a good balance that allows the narrative to remain fast-paced and accessible. Some moments do feel rushed, making them seem unearned at first, but there are reveals later in the book to provide clarity, adding a sense of satisfaction. It’s a pleasant surprise how these pieces fall into place, making the story feel even more rewarding as it unfolds.
The romance is another highlight. I appreciate that Landers gives Cin the space to make her own choices while still being a supportive presence. It’s a refreshing take on a relationship in a fantasy setting, where both partners maintain their independence and personal growth. The dynamic between them is sweet and tender. And spicy. The side characters also shine, particularly Hyacinth's friend group, who bring humor, camaraderie, and a sense of found family.
While the twists in the plot aren't particularly shocking or unexpected, they don’t detract from the overall enjoyment. This is a book that knows what it is—fun, fast-paced, and filled with familiar tropes that it handles well. If you’re in the mood for a story that is both entertaining and accessible, this is a great pick. It’s an easy, enjoyable read that offers just enough complexity to keep you engaged. Cannot wait to see what happens next!
Thanks to the author and R&R Booktours for the opportunity to read and review. This review is based on a complimentary pre-released copy and it is voluntary. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 669 reviews