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This Dark Heart
A sweeping YA romantasy perfect for fans of Sabaa Tahir and Tahereh Mafi. The evocative world of Agraal is a stunning backdrop for this extraordinary love story. In a world where the shadow-like ‘ daayan’ stalk the night, the mages of Agraal are the only ones able to defend the realm. So, when Princess Thiya discovers she has the extraordinary powers of a healing mage, she captures the attention of earth mage Isaac. In order to lure Thiya to the frontline to help defeat the daayan, Isaac does the unthinkable, he takes Thiya’ s true love Amara hostage. Thiya must make a perilous journey to rescue Amara. But not everything is as it seems and the powers at work behind Amara’ s abduction might come from the darkest heart of them all.
279 pages, Paperback
First published March 18, 2025
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289 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 10, 2024
This Dark Heart ♥️ is a great YA romantasy with the perfect amount of magic ✨ . I enjoyed the elemental magic system, it was well introduced, making this a great entry book into fantasy for younger readers.
In terms of plot terrifying shadow like creatures are stalking the kingdom at night and cause carnage. These scenes were well written and thrilling. The battle ⚔️ for the realm is high stakes and the pacing fast making for a quick read. Within this there’s political intrigue, arranged marriages 💍 and family secrets aplenty.
I loved the world-building, which is Indian 🇮🇳 inspired and absolutely beautiful, the food 🥘 descriptions had me salivating.
The FMC is likeable and motivated by love 💓, the romance is very sweet 🍬 and sapphic. The forbidden element and yearning is well portrayed. There’s side characters that are both likeable and unlikable, with some good banter. I love to dislike characters! I really enjoyed reading 📖 their journey.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.
In terms of plot terrifying shadow like creatures are stalking the kingdom at night and cause carnage. These scenes were well written and thrilling. The battle ⚔️ for the realm is high stakes and the pacing fast making for a quick read. Within this there’s political intrigue, arranged marriages 💍 and family secrets aplenty.
I loved the world-building, which is Indian 🇮🇳 inspired and absolutely beautiful, the food 🥘 descriptions had me salivating.
The FMC is likeable and motivated by love 💓, the romance is very sweet 🍬 and sapphic. The forbidden element and yearning is well portrayed. There’s side characters that are both likeable and unlikable, with some good banter. I love to dislike characters! I really enjoyed reading 📖 their journey.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.
December 17, 2024
*3.5
When Thiya’s girlfriend is taken hostage by one of the mages, Thiya sets out on a journey to get her back. It turns out to be an adventure with dangerous hurdles to overcome and figuring out her own mind now that she found out she might be a mage herself.
I don’t often see stories where the romantic relationship is already firmly established at the start of a book. It is refreshing to not have a book be all about tension and build up, but about the lengths a person is willing to go to save their loved one. There were difficult choices to be made between the love for a person, herself and the love for her country. I thought this book was very fluently written with a compelling story and I’m excited to see what else Gosrani will come up with.
When Thiya’s girlfriend is taken hostage by one of the mages, Thiya sets out on a journey to get her back. It turns out to be an adventure with dangerous hurdles to overcome and figuring out her own mind now that she found out she might be a mage herself.
I don’t often see stories where the romantic relationship is already firmly established at the start of a book. It is refreshing to not have a book be all about tension and build up, but about the lengths a person is willing to go to save their loved one. There were difficult choices to be made between the love for a person, herself and the love for her country. I thought this book was very fluently written with a compelling story and I’m excited to see what else Gosrani will come up with.
August 26, 2024
A desi YA romantasy with lesbians?? Gimme it!! The release of This Dark Heart is more than a year away but somehow I got the chance to read it early, and you know that? I am really glad that I did. The first chapter serves as the perfect introduction to this world, give just the right amount of explanations of the magic and the monsters (the daayans) without being too exposition-y (lol). I enjoyed meeting Thiya and seeing her pine after Amara, and be so intensely in love, was just amazing.
The story takes you on a sweeping adventure across the kingdom of Agraal as Thiya races against time to rescue Amara against forces who only want to harm her. While this book falls more into the younger YA category and may not seem to be a read for people who are more used to the intensity of adult romantasy, I’d say This Dark Heart is a pretty worthwhile read and I am going to be reading it again once it releases!
Thank you Firefly Press for the e-ARC!
The story takes you on a sweeping adventure across the kingdom of Agraal as Thiya races against time to rescue Amara against forces who only want to harm her. While this book falls more into the younger YA category and may not seem to be a read for people who are more used to the intensity of adult romantasy, I’d say This Dark Heart is a pretty worthwhile read and I am going to be reading it again once it releases!
Thank you Firefly Press for the e-ARC!
July 30, 2025
This was so good! I did not expect all the twists at all! I love a good sapphic romantasy 🤭
December 18, 2024
*3.5 Stars*
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I liked this. It was a very fast read and I was pretty into it. I wanted to read it as fast as possible. It did feel a little two-dimensional though. I didn't really feel the romance. I didn't understand most of the MC's decisions. But I really liked the world and the magic system and the writing.
This didn't fully work for me but I did like it overall and I'm looking forward to seeing whatever Zeena Gosrani writes next.
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I liked this. It was a very fast read and I was pretty into it. I wanted to read it as fast as possible. It did feel a little two-dimensional though. I didn't really feel the romance. I didn't understand most of the MC's decisions. But I really liked the world and the magic system and the writing.
This didn't fully work for me but I did like it overall and I'm looking forward to seeing whatever Zeena Gosrani writes next.
December 4, 2024
'Maybe I do think before I act. I just believe some acts are worth the punishment.'
Clearly, this book is longer than 1 page. Which means I can say at least something about it.
I won't say it's superoriginal, but Zeena Gosrani does know how to weave a good story with some good characters, plot lines and twists, and worldbuilding. Only the writing itself wasn't that superb.
What I noticed right away was that, on the cover, Amara is the centrepiece of it all: at the top and much bigger with her gown than Thiya, the main character. That's original! I don't really like the shadows coming out of Thiya's hand, though...
Thiya is a fine character with a lot of development, and the same goes for Kayan, Lochan and - surprise! - Ravi, who makes his first appearance at the start . In that sense, he might have been my favourite. On the downside, it's a bit of a shame that we see so little of Amara. I also felt the reason why she has been kidnapped wasn't very believable. Isaac was annoying, but that's to be expected of course.
The bangles were a very original aspect of the world, the daayan less so - they reminded me a bit of the Druun in Raya and the Last Dragon (although that is an incredibly good film!). I also liked the magic: Not too difficult but still fun enough. One thing that did trigger me, was that a lot of the names in the story are based on... Indian (I think?) culture and society, while the names of the five types of mages are clearly based on Latin. That was odd.
At its heart, this book may be a love story, but most of This Dark Heart deals with entirely other stuff. I had no idea for the longest time how everything was going to come together and be resolved, so Gosrani did a good job with that. The ending is a bit sudden; that could have been one or two chapters longer.
7.5/10
Clearly, this book is longer than 1 page. Which means I can say at least something about it.
I won't say it's superoriginal, but Zeena Gosrani does know how to weave a good story with some good characters, plot lines and twists, and worldbuilding. Only the writing itself wasn't that superb.
What I noticed right away was that, on the cover, Amara is the centrepiece of it all: at the top and much bigger with her gown than Thiya, the main character. That's original! I don't really like the shadows coming out of Thiya's hand, though...
Thiya is a fine character with a lot of development, and the same goes for Kayan, Lochan and - surprise! - Ravi, who makes his first appearance at the start . In that sense, he might have been my favourite. On the downside, it's a bit of a shame that we see so little of Amara. I also felt the reason why she has been kidnapped wasn't very believable. Isaac was annoying, but that's to be expected of course.
The bangles were a very original aspect of the world, the daayan less so - they reminded me a bit of the Druun in Raya and the Last Dragon (although that is an incredibly good film!). I also liked the magic: Not too difficult but still fun enough. One thing that did trigger me, was that a lot of the names in the story are based on... Indian (I think?) culture and society, while the names of the five types of mages are clearly based on Latin. That was odd.
At its heart, this book may be a love story, but most of This Dark Heart deals with entirely other stuff. I had no idea for the longest time how everything was going to come together and be resolved, so Gosrani did a good job with that. The ending is a bit sudden; that could have been one or two chapters longer.
7.5/10
August 25, 2024
Not my usual genre but reading an ARC in return for my review.
This title is described as an Indian-inspired romantasy and the Indian theme is strong throughout. The book tells the story of Princess Thiya and her assistance in the battle against the ‘daayan’ (evil forces which reminded me of the Dementors) and is perhaps a fairly typical quest style story. Thiya is a ‘mage’ with magical powers and together with Kaayan (another mage) and her brother Lochan, Thiya sets off to battle the dayan and secure the safety of the kingdom. Only, that’s not the real reason why Thiya is keen to go on this journey. Her motivation is to rescue her true love, Amara, who has been taken captive by another mage… Essentially, this is a battle between good and evil and a journey to rescue our heroine’s girlfriend.
In one sense this is all that happens…and maybe that is a very typical story arc but I couldn’t get more out of this: I found it really confusing. I’m not usually a fantasy reader so don't really have much to compare it to, but I don’t think that the world-building or characterisation was very clear. I understand that the story is heavily influenced by Indian folklore, but I know nothing of that and there just wasn’t sufficient explanation of key ideas within this story for it to make sense. I would have liked a bit more explanation of the ideas of daayan and mages to make this story accessible to readers without any prior knowledge of Indian folklore.
Beyond the Indian setting, nothing about this felt original. Lovers of fantasy might feel differently, but I can’t recommend this.
Not my usual genre but reading an ARC in return for my honest review. Not a title I would recommend.
This title is described as an Indian-inspired romantasy and the Indian theme is strong throughout. The book tells the story of Princess Thiya and her assistance in the battle against the ‘daayan’ (evil forces which reminded me of the Dementors) and is perhaps a fairly typical quest style story. Thiya is a ‘mage’ with magical powers and together with Kaayan (another mage) and her brother Lochan, Thiya sets off to battle the dayan and secure the safety of the kingdom. Only, that’s not the real reason why Thiya is keen to go on this journey. Her motivation is to rescue her true love, Amara, who has been taken captive by another mage… Essentially, this is a battle between good and evil and a journey to rescue our heroine’s girlfriend.
In one sense this is all that happens…and maybe that is a very typical story arc but I couldn’t get more out of this: I found it really confusing. I’m not usually a fantasy reader so don't really have much to compare it to, but I don’t think that the world-building or characterisation was very clear. I understand that the story is heavily influenced by Indian folklore, but I know nothing of that and there just wasn’t sufficient explanation of key ideas within this story for it to make sense. I would have liked a bit more explanation of the ideas of daayan and mages to make this story accessible to readers without any prior knowledge of Indian folklore.
Beyond the Indian setting, nothing about this felt original. Lovers of fantasy might feel differently, but I can’t recommend this.
Not my usual genre but reading an ARC in return for my honest review. Not a title I would recommend.
March 21, 2025
I know this came out as 3.5 stars using the CAWPILE method, but I feel it only did so because it was easy to read.
However, I’m also left feeling like the pacing was off, characters were underdeveloped and on the whole it felt like trying to cram an epic fantasy into 300 pages, when in fact it’d have benefitted from being at least a duology. That is not to say it was bad, it was good - and I would love to see what else the author releases.
The book has 3 parts: 100 pages spent on setting up the world and conflict. 160 pages trying to get to the love interest and save the world, and 50 pages for the actual conflict and main fight itself and then some 10 odd pages for an Epilogue
The positives
Indian inspired mythology and setting
Sapphic relationship - but also a budding gay one!
The writing style was pleasant and easy to consume
The negatives
Not enough world building - yes there were references to food and fashion, but I also wanted more in terms of buildings and rituals etc.
Main love interest was very 1 dimensional and I think there were less than 10 interactions between the main character and her love interest.
Side characters had more development than the main love interest, but just barely
Magic system felt derivative as it’s elemental based
Pacing was off
The ending was rushed
Spoiler
The idea of this black void and the shadow creatures daayan felt very derivative of the Grishaverse, but without the sweeping epic setting and setup that this kind of requires.
However, I’m also left feeling like the pacing was off, characters were underdeveloped and on the whole it felt like trying to cram an epic fantasy into 300 pages, when in fact it’d have benefitted from being at least a duology. That is not to say it was bad, it was good - and I would love to see what else the author releases.
The book has 3 parts: 100 pages spent on setting up the world and conflict. 160 pages trying to get to the love interest and save the world, and 50 pages for the actual conflict and main fight itself and then some 10 odd pages for an Epilogue
The positives
Indian inspired mythology and setting
Sapphic relationship - but also a budding gay one!
The writing style was pleasant and easy to consume
The negatives
Not enough world building - yes there were references to food and fashion, but I also wanted more in terms of buildings and rituals etc.
Main love interest was very 1 dimensional and I think there were less than 10 interactions between the main character and her love interest.
Side characters had more development than the main love interest, but just barely
Magic system felt derivative as it’s elemental based
Pacing was off
The ending was rushed
Spoiler
The idea of this black void and the shadow creatures daayan felt very derivative of the Grishaverse, but without the sweeping epic setting and setup that this kind of requires.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2024
THIS DARK HEART is a thrilling adventure full of magic, shadowy creatures, and some great character dynamics.
I really liked the interactions between Lochan, Kayan, and Thiya. Lochan is one of Thiya's brothers and both protective and willing to help at once - the "I won't stop you but I'll come with you to help" sort. I really like this combination, where protectiveness is not seen as limiting and a problem, but a form of love (in a non-toxic way - there is a toxic form of protectiveness.)
Kayan is a mage and pushes Thiya to confront the truth of the world - the problem's her family is at best ignoring and at worst has caused. They have a sparking conflict, which in another book would be the start of a romance but I really liked that here it was the start of a friendship.
There are five types of magic in this world - the elements including aether - and a shadowy creature plaguing the world. There is plenty of chance for the magic to be shown off with the action sequences as well a some nice training sequences as Thiya wrestles with the reality of her power.
The romance is one of "what would you do to save the person you love?" Thiya and Amara have very little on page time together, thanks to Amara being kidnapped. It's a story of defying the world to protect someone and to defeat those who hurt people to get at others.
I really liked the interactions between Lochan, Kayan, and Thiya. Lochan is one of Thiya's brothers and both protective and willing to help at once - the "I won't stop you but I'll come with you to help" sort. I really like this combination, where protectiveness is not seen as limiting and a problem, but a form of love (in a non-toxic way - there is a toxic form of protectiveness.)
Kayan is a mage and pushes Thiya to confront the truth of the world - the problem's her family is at best ignoring and at worst has caused. They have a sparking conflict, which in another book would be the start of a romance but I really liked that here it was the start of a friendship.
There are five types of magic in this world - the elements including aether - and a shadowy creature plaguing the world. There is plenty of chance for the magic to be shown off with the action sequences as well a some nice training sequences as Thiya wrestles with the reality of her power.
The romance is one of "what would you do to save the person you love?" Thiya and Amara have very little on page time together, thanks to Amara being kidnapped. It's a story of defying the world to protect someone and to defeat those who hurt people to get at others.
August 31, 2025
This is an exciting YA romantasy with a fresh take on magic and a unique world. In a world of magic, the kingdom is terrorised by Dayaan at night, dark shadow creatures created by an incredibly powerful mage, Thiya's aunt. Thiya is the princess and when her girlfriend Amara is kidnapped, she will do anything in her power to get her back safely.
It turns out that Thiya is a mage too and as she works to control and strengthen her magic, she and a group venture on a path to save Amara and the kingdom. I really liked all of the characters in this story and thought the magic element was intriguing. There are also plenty of fight scenes which were tense and exciting and I was rooting for them to succeed on this quest.
I did think that Thiya was a little selfish and naive at times. She didn't even care about saving the world, she only focused on saving Amara which made it seem like she didn't care about the people of the kingdom so long as she was happy.
Overall, this is a good fantasy with a cute sapphic romance about the lengths Thiya is willing to go to for love and to save the kingdom. This is a good debut novel and I am looking forward to seeing what Gosrani writes next.
It turns out that Thiya is a mage too and as she works to control and strengthen her magic, she and a group venture on a path to save Amara and the kingdom. I really liked all of the characters in this story and thought the magic element was intriguing. There are also plenty of fight scenes which were tense and exciting and I was rooting for them to succeed on this quest.
I did think that Thiya was a little selfish and naive at times. She didn't even care about saving the world, she only focused on saving Amara which made it seem like she didn't care about the people of the kingdom so long as she was happy.
Overall, this is a good fantasy with a cute sapphic romance about the lengths Thiya is willing to go to for love and to save the kingdom. This is a good debut novel and I am looking forward to seeing what Gosrani writes next.
August 22, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this e-Arc.
This was a great quick read for a sick day in bed, hooking me enough that I forgot to feel like death for a few hours. Plus, there were lesbians so it's always going to be a good time.
The main character, Thiya, is the princess of Agraal. A bit of a tomboy, she faces the criticism of her mother for not wanting to wear lehengas and the suffocating traditions of court. By this, I mean that she has to watch her girlfriend being courted by just about every man in the kingdom.
None of that lasts long, though, as the pair are discovered in bed together, and Amara is quickly shipped away with literally the first man to propose to her. As with all rushed marriages, there are some serious issues here. And so begins Thiya's journey to rescue her beloved featuring newfound magical abilities, one brother you like, another you don't, and a long dead aunt's hoarde of demons.
I liked this one a lot, and it's definitely right up the YA/fantasy genre. It even has a good message (if painful for teens). Definitely recommend.
This was a great quick read for a sick day in bed, hooking me enough that I forgot to feel like death for a few hours. Plus, there were lesbians so it's always going to be a good time.
The main character, Thiya, is the princess of Agraal. A bit of a tomboy, she faces the criticism of her mother for not wanting to wear lehengas and the suffocating traditions of court. By this, I mean that she has to watch her girlfriend being courted by just about every man in the kingdom.
None of that lasts long, though, as the pair are discovered in bed together, and Amara is quickly shipped away with literally the first man to propose to her. As with all rushed marriages, there are some serious issues here. And so begins Thiya's journey to rescue her beloved featuring newfound magical abilities, one brother you like, another you don't, and a long dead aunt's hoarde of demons.
I liked this one a lot, and it's definitely right up the YA/fantasy genre. It even has a good message (if painful for teens). Definitely recommend.
August 12, 2025
This book had me hooked from page one!
We’ve got a dangerous world, morally grey decisions, and a love story that will rip your heart out. It was such a fun read and was easy to follow.
In Agraal, shadowy creatures called daayan stalk the night, and only mages can stop them. Princess Thiya, newly awakened to her healing mage powers, is just starting to understand her magic when she’s pulled into a dangerous game. Earth mage Isaac kidnaps her true love, Amara, to lure Thiya to the frontlines.
What follows is a perilous rescue mission, a tangled web of loyalty and betrayal, and a romance so intense it pulses under every page.
The world building is lush and cinematic (I could practically feel the danger in the air) and the magic system is both fascinating and terrifying.
If you love your YA romantasy with high stakes, complicated characters, and an undercurrent of yearning that makes you want to scream into your pillow… this is it.
We’ve got a dangerous world, morally grey decisions, and a love story that will rip your heart out. It was such a fun read and was easy to follow.
In Agraal, shadowy creatures called daayan stalk the night, and only mages can stop them. Princess Thiya, newly awakened to her healing mage powers, is just starting to understand her magic when she’s pulled into a dangerous game. Earth mage Isaac kidnaps her true love, Amara, to lure Thiya to the frontlines.
What follows is a perilous rescue mission, a tangled web of loyalty and betrayal, and a romance so intense it pulses under every page.
The world building is lush and cinematic (I could practically feel the danger in the air) and the magic system is both fascinating and terrifying.
If you love your YA romantasy with high stakes, complicated characters, and an undercurrent of yearning that makes you want to scream into your pillow… this is it.
February 5, 2025
2.5 Stars?
so I really liked the set up of this book. the plot, the characters and relationships were great. an indian romantasy, i was so excited, but it didn’t live up to the expectations.
first of all, with a third left of the book, this theory was introduced about how the villain wasn’t the villain, but the king was. but we never really found out what happened? sure we hear yeshas version of things, but we get no way of knowing if its true? it also makes no sense why isaac would follow her, and still be on her side when he saw her getting freed and immediately killing mages?
my biggest problem with the book is how underwritten it is. every emotional/big scene falls flat because of the writing.
so I really liked the set up of this book. the plot, the characters and relationships were great. an indian romantasy, i was so excited, but it didn’t live up to the expectations.
first of all, with a third left of the book, this theory was introduced about how the villain wasn’t the villain, but the king was. but we never really found out what happened? sure we hear yeshas version of things, but we get no way of knowing if its true? it also makes no sense why isaac would follow her, and still be on her side when he saw her getting freed and immediately killing mages?
my biggest problem with the book is how underwritten it is. every emotional/big scene falls flat because of the writing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2024
LOVE LOVE LOVE. I love the mix of Indian culture with the fantasy and elemental magic, the queer romances with the family sagas…this was a fast-paced read with loads of action and throughly enjoyable. Possibly my favourite book of the year.
I’m hoping this is the first in the series because I really want to know what happened with the king and find out his intentions…I’m now following Zeena Gosrani so I can read her next books as soon as they come out. What a Rani she is!
Thanks to NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I’m hoping this is the first in the series because I really want to know what happened with the king and find out his intentions…I’m now following Zeena Gosrani so I can read her next books as soon as they come out. What a Rani she is!
Thanks to NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2024
*Thank you NetGalley for this free eARC in exchange for this review*
Very cute quick YA romantasy with some queer PG-13 spice. Grosani does a lovely job world building and exploring a non-white space with authenticity whilst balancing explaining an element based magic system.
Not my favourite read and nothing that gripped me but definitely a lovely book.
Very cute quick YA romantasy with some queer PG-13 spice. Grosani does a lovely job world building and exploring a non-white space with authenticity whilst balancing explaining an element based magic system.
Not my favourite read and nothing that gripped me but definitely a lovely book.
August 15, 2024
(Arc)
This is definitely a YA book that should be on people's radars for 2025. Not only did it have a gripping plot for me but I enjoyed Gosrani's writing style. Certain areas ran slow for me but it didn't take away from the overall atmosphere.
This is definitely a YA book that should be on people's radars for 2025. Not only did it have a gripping plot for me but I enjoyed Gosrani's writing style. Certain areas ran slow for me but it didn't take away from the overall atmosphere.
October 1, 2024
I always love a fast fantasy read to can I quickly enjoy. I liked the world and magic system as well as the desi and sapphic rep in this book. This book is filled with adventure which I couldn’t put down. This is definitely a good read that I would recommend.
April 16, 2025
I’m not crying you’re crying. I truly wish there was more of this book I need to know how Kayan and lochan are on the farm? Do Thiya and Amara get their cottage in the mountains? I need an epilogue to the epilogue
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2025
3.5 stars... I'm not the biggest fan of YA, but I got into the story as it went on. There was one part where it seemed like the author sort of dodged explaining how the characters escaped from a certain situation. Overall an easy and enjoyable read.
June 18, 2025
I inhaled this. I loved that it was told in third person and do wish it was a little longer but the world was vibrant and magical in the best way. I wanted to immerse myself in this world.
August 5, 2025
Such a lovely inclusion of queer love in an exciting fantasy plot of action and adventure <3
October 19, 2025
3.5
Good story but the ending was far too rushed
Good story but the ending was far too rushed
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2026
I really enjoyed this romantasy adventure with its fusion of influences, and think I would have got even more from it if I'd known more about some the folklore inspirations, though that's down to me to research, and it's great to be introduced to unfamiliar legends. The Daayan (demonic zombie/vampire type beings who can possess humans and hunger for their flesh) are suitably horrifying, and there is magic and adventure galore, with a strong female lead, sister/brother sibling rivalry and sapphic romance with a little spice. I'd love to read more from Zeena Gosrani in the future.
October 4, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the relationship between Thiya and Amina, I enjoyed the journey to Tumassi and Thiya exploring her magic and I enjoyed the rich, cultured setting. If I had to criticise, I would say that some of the fight scenes were a bit too jumpy, with a lot happening at once, but other than that, it was really good.
I really liked the fact that Thiya and Amina were in an already established relationship. We see a lot of new beginnings in Romance and Romantasy and even in other genres, so it was nice to see a book that had them already in a romance. It’s good to get different perspectives on things sometimes.
I did feel that there wasn’t much point having the fire mage along, since most of the magic training he gave was “trust your instincts” but he came in useful a couple of times, I liked his romance arc and he gave some good conversations so I’ll forgive him for that.
Overall an enjoyable read.
I received this gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to thewhisperingofthepages.co.uk
I really liked the fact that Thiya and Amina were in an already established relationship. We see a lot of new beginnings in Romance and Romantasy and even in other genres, so it was nice to see a book that had them already in a romance. It’s good to get different perspectives on things sometimes.
I did feel that there wasn’t much point having the fire mage along, since most of the magic training he gave was “trust your instincts” but he came in useful a couple of times, I liked his romance arc and he gave some good conversations so I’ll forgive him for that.
Overall an enjoyable read.
I received this gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to thewhisperingofthepages.co.uk
September 1, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! I absolutely loved the dynamic between the characters especially between the characters especially with the siblings.
I found the final fight to be a bit boring as the characters just kept going back and forth fighting. I understand that it is a big plot point and moral dilemma that I thought went on for too long. It didn’t help that the main characters got a little annoying with her beliefs. I wish it had got sorted quicker so that it didn’t get tedious.
However, I loved the sapphic romance that was at the center of the story as well as the other gay side romance. Due to not getting many interactions between the main couple, I did prefer the brother's romance. They were so cute! I loved the inner dialogue as she spoke about her girlfriend.
This book honestly was just amazing and I loved the suspense.
I found the final fight to be a bit boring as the characters just kept going back and forth fighting. I understand that it is a big plot point and moral dilemma that I thought went on for too long. It didn’t help that the main characters got a little annoying with her beliefs. I wish it had got sorted quicker so that it didn’t get tedious.
However, I loved the sapphic romance that was at the center of the story as well as the other gay side romance. Due to not getting many interactions between the main couple, I did prefer the brother's romance. They were so cute! I loved the inner dialogue as she spoke about her girlfriend.
This book honestly was just amazing and I loved the suspense.
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