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Anarchist Underground
King Saban of Dunwyn is dead. They say his son Bryn is the one who killed him. They say Prince Bryn is an anarchist.
Commander Aela Rinn is the hero of a war she wishes had never ended. She no longer recognises the country she gave up everything for. Driven into exile, she discovers a man with blood on his hands.
Across Dunwyn’s border, Nielle is stirring, on the cusp of re-igniting two centuries of hostility between enemy nations. But the rules of the game are changing. If Aela wants to bring Dunwyn back from the brink of destruction, she will have to overcome the impossible: trusting a person whose treachery has destroyed everything she loves.
With Aela’s life unravelling and the fate of a nation at stake, all roads seem to lead to the same place, the insidious criminal underbelly of Dunwyn. Anarchist Underground.
Commander Aela Rinn is the hero of a war she wishes had never ended. She no longer recognises the country she gave up everything for. Driven into exile, she discovers a man with blood on his hands.
Across Dunwyn’s border, Nielle is stirring, on the cusp of re-igniting two centuries of hostility between enemy nations. But the rules of the game are changing. If Aela wants to bring Dunwyn back from the brink of destruction, she will have to overcome the impossible: trusting a person whose treachery has destroyed everything she loves.
With Aela’s life unravelling and the fate of a nation at stake, all roads seem to lead to the same place, the insidious criminal underbelly of Dunwyn. Anarchist Underground.
466 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2024
17 people are currently reading
1674 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Rowles
2 books39 followersNicole Rowles is an epic fantasy author. Her debut novel, Anarchist Underground, released in 2024.
Nicole writes stories she loves to read - immersive, character-driven and gritty fantasy novels with political intrigue, fast-paced action and adventure and a touch of romance.
Based in Brisbane, Australia Nicole has lived many lives, having worked as a professional dancer, TV journalist and media and communications adviser. She balances her passion for writing with her love of adventure sports like rock climbing, kayaking and canyoning, and wishes there were more hours in the day!
Nicole writes stories she loves to read - immersive, character-driven and gritty fantasy novels with political intrigue, fast-paced action and adventure and a touch of romance.
Based in Brisbane, Australia Nicole has lived many lives, having worked as a professional dancer, TV journalist and media and communications adviser. She balances her passion for writing with her love of adventure sports like rock climbing, kayaking and canyoning, and wishes there were more hours in the day!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
September 14, 2024
4.5 ☆ rounded to 5.
I really really enjoyed this one! It honestly surprised me how much because when I think of my favorite fantasy books I think magic or mythical creatures. This book had neither of those but I devoured this book!
The characters feel very real and complex and so unique from one another. I loved that Aela was a badass who always tried to do the right thing. I loved how the relationship built between she and Bryn and the found family dynamic between Bryn and Bowie. Bowie was hands down my favorite character.
This book was full of adventure, action, fight scenes, mystery, intrigue, and secrets. There was a lot of travel in the book and I thought that was super well done! I've read books where I'm bored because it feels like nothing happens while they're traveling but that is not this book. The setting of the world where two countries used to be one but are now two and at war with each other and the nature of those two countries felt unique.
So why would I take off half a star?
The plot twists were solid but a smidge predictable (for me). I also didn't feel the romantic connection between Aela and Bryn for a significant part of the book. I felt her conflict about him and his actions in the past not matching up with the person she learns he is, but it was written in a way I didn't think there was going to be a romance subplot (which I was totally ok with). So when the romantic relationship starts it took me by surprise.
Overall though, I ate this book up and I would 100% recommend it. My many thanks to the author for reaching out to me to read her book. 💜
I really really enjoyed this one! It honestly surprised me how much because when I think of my favorite fantasy books I think magic or mythical creatures. This book had neither of those but I devoured this book!
The characters feel very real and complex and so unique from one another. I loved that Aela was a badass who always tried to do the right thing. I loved how the relationship built between she and Bryn and the found family dynamic between Bryn and Bowie. Bowie was hands down my favorite character.
This book was full of adventure, action, fight scenes, mystery, intrigue, and secrets. There was a lot of travel in the book and I thought that was super well done! I've read books where I'm bored because it feels like nothing happens while they're traveling but that is not this book. The setting of the world where two countries used to be one but are now two and at war with each other and the nature of those two countries felt unique.
So why would I take off half a star?
The plot twists were solid but a smidge predictable (for me). I also didn't feel the romantic connection between Aela and Bryn for a significant part of the book. I felt her conflict about him and his actions in the past not matching up with the person she learns he is, but it was written in a way I didn't think there was going to be a romance subplot (which I was totally ok with). So when the romantic relationship starts it took me by surprise.
Overall though, I ate this book up and I would 100% recommend it. My many thanks to the author for reaching out to me to read her book. 💜
June 25, 2024
If you love the Sarah J Mass universe, then you will dig Anarchist Underground.
All of the ingredients are here; royalty, scheming, betrayal, revenge... and my personal favourite, enemies to lovers.
Nicole weaves a brilliant story that is written so beautifully. I love it when I can easily visualise characters and the world, and Nicole does this vividly. The pace of the story is fast, peppered with danger and sexual tension, and just when you think you know what's going on, spoiler alert: you don't!
There are some unreal plot twists that I didn't see coming, but were so satisfying to read. I'm also all for a badass FMC, and Aela ticks all the badass boxes and then some.
If you're new to the fantasy genre or a seasoned connoisseur, Anarchist Underground is for you. A very fun, very wild, action packed original adventure, that will have you guessing until the very end!
Anarchist Underground, 10/10 read and has left me wanting more!
October 6, 2024
A new breath of danger that thrilled me every chapter.
Anarchist Underground was a captivating read with a solid plot from this debut author. Providing a variety of emotionally different characters, forming this misfit group of Aela, Bryn, and the lovable Bowie.
Nothing about this novel was formulaic, which made it refreshing with intense fight scenes, political schemes, misguided trust, and twists of royally unique mysteries unraveled. For those looking for a book filled with spice, this was at least a 1.5/5.
With the unexpected transition from the bustling city to large points of expansive traveling, the moments of survival between them felt complimentary and justified as the war at their home was consistently addressed and developed through the trio's misfortune or glory.
I would recommend this book to anyone and can't wait for more from this author.
Anarchist Underground was a captivating read with a solid plot from this debut author. Providing a variety of emotionally different characters, forming this misfit group of Aela, Bryn, and the lovable Bowie.
Nothing about this novel was formulaic, which made it refreshing with intense fight scenes, political schemes, misguided trust, and twists of royally unique mysteries unraveled. For those looking for a book filled with spice, this was at least a 1.5/5.
With the unexpected transition from the bustling city to large points of expansive traveling, the moments of survival between them felt complimentary and justified as the war at their home was consistently addressed and developed through the trio's misfortune or glory.
I would recommend this book to anyone and can't wait for more from this author.
September 7, 2024
Absolutely give this a go!
I asked ChatGPT of all things to recommend a political intrigue fantasy romance and this is what it came up with. It delivered in spades! I read this in a day. Not sure if I would have found it otherwise but I’m so glad I did. I absolutely loved the main characters, the writing style and the twists and turns. Also, quite refreshing that it’s a stand alone novel and it was not dragged over 3 books, which is the norm nowadays. I am really looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
I asked ChatGPT of all things to recommend a political intrigue fantasy romance and this is what it came up with. It delivered in spades! I read this in a day. Not sure if I would have found it otherwise but I’m so glad I did. I absolutely loved the main characters, the writing style and the twists and turns. Also, quite refreshing that it’s a stand alone novel and it was not dragged over 3 books, which is the norm nowadays. I am really looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
November 30, 2024
This is the story of a Commander who devoted her life to a King - only to find that he's been overthrown when she returns after her victory and she's "rewarded" with retirement. Having no idea what to do with herself, she is soon embroiled in the gritty criminal underbelly of the city - with her beloved King's suspected murderer.
I was shocked at how complete this story was and how intricate the world-building ended up being. That tends to be a problem for the standalones I've read in the past. I actually forgot this one was a stand-alone at all until the end. Perhaps that's because the relationship seemed far more natural and fit into the story itself rather than being the sole focus. I really thought this was an incredible book with amazing characters. Bowie owns my entire heart and he's not even the main character. His sacrifice and the darker heart of his story really made him a standout character.
Incredible story, great world-building, amazing characters. I consumed this book at an incredible speed and was completely satisfied with the ending. Highly recommend!
Thanks to the author & R&R booktours for the opportunity to read and review!
I was shocked at how complete this story was and how intricate the world-building ended up being. That tends to be a problem for the standalones I've read in the past. I actually forgot this one was a stand-alone at all until the end. Perhaps that's because the relationship seemed far more natural and fit into the story itself rather than being the sole focus. I really thought this was an incredible book with amazing characters. Bowie owns my entire heart and he's not even the main character. His sacrifice and the darker heart of his story really made him a standout character.
Incredible story, great world-building, amazing characters. I consumed this book at an incredible speed and was completely satisfied with the ending. Highly recommend!
Thanks to the author & R&R booktours for the opportunity to read and review!
November 25, 2024
4.5 Stars 🫶🏼
WHERE DO I START?! This book had everything and I’m so sad that it had to come to an end. Aela Rinn is our strong FMC thrust into the middle of warring kingdoms and criminal gangs, navigating plotting and betrayals from all sides. The plot was fast paced, with twists and turns at every corner.
"𝒊𝒕 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒂𝒔 𝒊𝒇 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒑𝒆𝒓, 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒖𝒏𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆. 𝑶𝒓 𝒎𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔𝒏'𝒕 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒊𝒕𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇, 𝒎𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒆𝒓"
If you loved books like Throne of Glass or The Bridge Kingdom (two of my favs!!), then this is perfect for you. Anarchist Underground is a stand-alone romantic fantasy political intrigue, AND it has no magic. I feel like I don’t see too many fantasy books at the moment that don’t feature magical/mystical elements, but I LOVE IT. I’m a massive sucker for political intrigue, it’s probably my favourite aspect of fantasy books, and Anarchist Underground DELIVERED. The world building drew me in and I really felt like I was part of this world.
I was really attached to these characters and I’m sad to let them go. It’s been a while since I’ve really felt connected to side characters, and I think it was the found family aspect that really made me feel attached. We had some amazing side characters like Bowie, a badass 9-year-old boy who stole my heart.
Also, Nicole writes banter like no other. I was giggling out loud multiple times throughout this book, it was so much fun.
"𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓'𝒔 𝒖𝒏𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕"
"𝒔𝒐'𝒔 𝒂 𝒃𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒆𝒚𝒆, 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒉 𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒖𝒄𝒌 𝒖𝒑"
This book features everyone’s favourite trope: enemies to lovers. We see this a lot, but this felt believable to me, where in other books it sometimes does not. There was so much tension building up and I loved the way their relationship developed. Bryn is my new book boyfriend, I love him because he is so sensitive to others and caring. We do have some spicy scenes in this!
"𝑰'𝒗𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒌𝒏𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝑼𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅. 𝑫𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒎𝒐𝒗𝒆, 𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕"
"𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒆'𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒃𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒍 𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒔. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒇 𝒎𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒆 𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒕 𝒃𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕, 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒊𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒅𝒚 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒍𝒚 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔."
Gobsmacking for a debut if you ask me. Defs recommend.
WHERE DO I START?! This book had everything and I’m so sad that it had to come to an end. Aela Rinn is our strong FMC thrust into the middle of warring kingdoms and criminal gangs, navigating plotting and betrayals from all sides. The plot was fast paced, with twists and turns at every corner.
"𝒊𝒕 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒂𝒔 𝒊𝒇 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒑𝒆𝒓, 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒖𝒏𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆. 𝑶𝒓 𝒎𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔𝒏'𝒕 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒊𝒕𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇, 𝒎𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒆𝒓"
If you loved books like Throne of Glass or The Bridge Kingdom (two of my favs!!), then this is perfect for you. Anarchist Underground is a stand-alone romantic fantasy political intrigue, AND it has no magic. I feel like I don’t see too many fantasy books at the moment that don’t feature magical/mystical elements, but I LOVE IT. I’m a massive sucker for political intrigue, it’s probably my favourite aspect of fantasy books, and Anarchist Underground DELIVERED. The world building drew me in and I really felt like I was part of this world.
I was really attached to these characters and I’m sad to let them go. It’s been a while since I’ve really felt connected to side characters, and I think it was the found family aspect that really made me feel attached. We had some amazing side characters like Bowie, a badass 9-year-old boy who stole my heart.
Also, Nicole writes banter like no other. I was giggling out loud multiple times throughout this book, it was so much fun.
"𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓'𝒔 𝒖𝒏𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕"
"𝒔𝒐'𝒔 𝒂 𝒃𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒆𝒚𝒆, 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒉 𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒖𝒄𝒌 𝒖𝒑"
This book features everyone’s favourite trope: enemies to lovers. We see this a lot, but this felt believable to me, where in other books it sometimes does not. There was so much tension building up and I loved the way their relationship developed. Bryn is my new book boyfriend, I love him because he is so sensitive to others and caring. We do have some spicy scenes in this!
"𝑰'𝒗𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒌𝒏𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝑼𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅. 𝑫𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒎𝒐𝒗𝒆, 𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕"
"𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒆'𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒃𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒍 𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒔. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒇 𝒎𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒆 𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒕 𝒃𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕, 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒊𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒅𝒚 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒍𝒚 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔."
Gobsmacking for a debut if you ask me. Defs recommend.
January 16, 2025
✨𝐵𝑜𝑜𝓀 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫
The war is over but commander Aela Rinn returns home to find that everything has changed during her absence. Unable to cope after being honorably dismissed and exiled, she finds herself entangled in the underbelly of a criminal society led by a ruthless man. Can she come to terms with the truths she discovers?
Tropes:
⚔️Stɑׁׅ֮bby FMC
🫂Forced proximity
🧑🧑🧒🧒Found family
🫥Hidden identities
🤫Betrayal & secrets
🏰Political intrigue
🙌 HEA
🌶️: mild to moderate
It’s not often that I stumble upon a fantasy romance without magic that is also a standalone! Anarchist Underground is both and delivers a phenomenal story centered on some beautifully complex characters making due with sudden unexpected circumstances and deep betrayals.
I adored Aela and Bryn and their paths of redemption, healing, and love. Both come from different backgrounds and while their common goals align, the build of trust is slow.
In rival kingdoms on the cusp of war, long standing beliefs and loyalties are tested. Uncovered secrets and discoveries force Allea to question everything she thought she knew about her world and herself. This story kept me guessing with delightful twists and turns!
In Anarchist Underground, the author weaves a breathtaking story filled with heart-pounding action, a gradual romance, and rich characters you can’t help but fall in love with. I am so thrilled about this debut and cannot wait to see what Nicole has in store next!
Huge thanks to Nicole for the review copy! This is my honest and voluntary review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫
The war is over but commander Aela Rinn returns home to find that everything has changed during her absence. Unable to cope after being honorably dismissed and exiled, she finds herself entangled in the underbelly of a criminal society led by a ruthless man. Can she come to terms with the truths she discovers?
Tropes:
⚔️Stɑׁׅ֮bby FMC
🫂Forced proximity
🧑🧑🧒🧒Found family
🫥Hidden identities
🤫Betrayal & secrets
🏰Political intrigue
🙌 HEA
🌶️: mild to moderate
It’s not often that I stumble upon a fantasy romance without magic that is also a standalone! Anarchist Underground is both and delivers a phenomenal story centered on some beautifully complex characters making due with sudden unexpected circumstances and deep betrayals.
I adored Aela and Bryn and their paths of redemption, healing, and love. Both come from different backgrounds and while their common goals align, the build of trust is slow.
In rival kingdoms on the cusp of war, long standing beliefs and loyalties are tested. Uncovered secrets and discoveries force Allea to question everything she thought she knew about her world and herself. This story kept me guessing with delightful twists and turns!
In Anarchist Underground, the author weaves a breathtaking story filled with heart-pounding action, a gradual romance, and rich characters you can’t help but fall in love with. I am so thrilled about this debut and cannot wait to see what Nicole has in store next!
Huge thanks to Nicole for the review copy! This is my honest and voluntary review.
January 18, 2025
Such an easy read and one that you cannot but enjoy. The character development was *chefs kiss*.
I felt Aela was perfect but I do wish that Bryn was just a little more ‘moody’. Bowie I felt should have been a little older, maybe 12 or 13 I just felt being 9 years old was just very hard to believe and understand as I was reading.
I did feel that the storyline was somewhat predictable but one that is enjoyable nonetheless, I would have LOVED a dramatic plot twist that would have made me gasp for oxygen and maybe slapping my bed with disbelief. I so desperately wish there was more world building to really gauge the understanding of the different nations. Like many readers I’m sure, I vision myself as the FMC but I just could not do that without knowing the settings.
I also felt that the action scenes were over extremely quickly and absolutely could give us triple the quantity of pages for these.
This next point does not alter the review at all or the quality of the book, but a personal preference of mine. I cannot stand a MMC with blonde hair, for some reason just gives me massive ick 😂
I felt Aela was perfect but I do wish that Bryn was just a little more ‘moody’. Bowie I felt should have been a little older, maybe 12 or 13 I just felt being 9 years old was just very hard to believe and understand as I was reading.
I did feel that the storyline was somewhat predictable but one that is enjoyable nonetheless, I would have LOVED a dramatic plot twist that would have made me gasp for oxygen and maybe slapping my bed with disbelief. I so desperately wish there was more world building to really gauge the understanding of the different nations. Like many readers I’m sure, I vision myself as the FMC but I just could not do that without knowing the settings.
I also felt that the action scenes were over extremely quickly and absolutely could give us triple the quantity of pages for these.
This next point does not alter the review at all or the quality of the book, but a personal preference of mine. I cannot stand a MMC with blonde hair, for some reason just gives me massive ick 😂
November 9, 2024
4.5/5 🤩 It’s really hard to put this book down and go to bed. I find myself saying one more chapter and the chapters are long 🤭
The gang rivalry, territory wars over goods, true anarchy with no rulers, but the most influential persons are feared and intimidate any new upcoming gangs, taking care of their own squabbles— this gives me peaky blinders vibes.
Why I took 0.5 star:
The plot at times was predictable and took some of the suspense away at the end. But it was still a unique storyline and kept my interest.
There was a small amount of romance in between the fights. It was kinda awkward at times and Aela and Bryn had a weird trust/loyalty to one another that just didn’t flow right to me. Idk 🤷🏼♀️ The romance didn’t romance for me, lol I can’t put my finger on specifics. I just didn’t vibe with their connection.
The gang rivalry, territory wars over goods, true anarchy with no rulers, but the most influential persons are feared and intimidate any new upcoming gangs, taking care of their own squabbles— this gives me peaky blinders vibes.
Why I took 0.5 star:
The plot at times was predictable and took some of the suspense away at the end. But it was still a unique storyline and kept my interest.
There was a small amount of romance in between the fights. It was kinda awkward at times and Aela and Bryn had a weird trust/loyalty to one another that just didn’t flow right to me. Idk 🤷🏼♀️ The romance didn’t romance for me, lol I can’t put my finger on specifics. I just didn’t vibe with their connection.
March 16, 2025
I loved this - I wasn't sure about a no magic fantasy but once I started reading it, I was hooked. Aela is a great character, someone who's lost faith in the system that she dedicated her life to. After her king dies and she is 'retired' from the army as a hero, she's not sure what to do with herself and soon finds herself in Anarchist Underground, hiding from the people who used to be her friends and colleagues. She happens upon Bryn, the son of the king and the man accused of his murder. Throughout the book, Aela has to decide whether she can forgive Bryn for what he has done, and whether she can work with him to keep the kingdom of Dunwyn from descending into anarchy too. I also love the supporting characters, especially Bowie, he's just the best. Can't wait to read more from Nicole and honestly kicking myself that it took me so long to finally read this after picking it up in November!
June 4, 2024
Nicole Rowles' first outing is a compelling narrative filled with twists and turns that keep a reader guessing and constantly wanting more. Her core trio of main characters feel complex and real, inviting the reader to invest in their lives and ultimately their fates. Aela is such a strong and intriguing female protagonist, and her unyielding desire to do the right thing by her king, country and people easily makes her my favourite female protagonist I've ever read in this kind of fiction.
If you're looking for a story with gripping intrigue, dynamic action, slow-burning romance, and characters you're going to fall in love with, you'd be hard-pressed to find better than Anarchist Underground.
If you're looking for a story with gripping intrigue, dynamic action, slow-burning romance, and characters you're going to fall in love with, you'd be hard-pressed to find better than Anarchist Underground.
November 20, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
If you like reads that have a strong FMC who is a badass and doesn't need a man to save her, then this is the book for you!
I absolutely loved this book, it's not often you find a book that isn't revolved around magic these days. The world building was fantastic, the banter was on point. The FMC and the MMC were lovable. Especially little Bowie. It has enemies to lovers, found family and tension. There is spice, though only a small amount. But it's beautifully written. All I can say is the scene as the inn, 🥵
Amazing story, I'm just sad that it's a standalone. I need more of them 😂
🌶🌶
If you like reads that have a strong FMC who is a badass and doesn't need a man to save her, then this is the book for you!
I absolutely loved this book, it's not often you find a book that isn't revolved around magic these days. The world building was fantastic, the banter was on point. The FMC and the MMC were lovable. Especially little Bowie. It has enemies to lovers, found family and tension. There is spice, though only a small amount. But it's beautifully written. All I can say is the scene as the inn, 🥵
Amazing story, I'm just sad that it's a standalone. I need more of them 😂
June 3, 2024
From the very first page I was hooked! This book covers issues that can be present in the real world and Nicole has done this cleverly and beautifully. The first half of the book was a slow burn but then the pace quickened and I could not put it down. There were plot twists upon plot twists that drove the story forward and were just thrown in the book for the sake of putting a plot twist, this was super appreciated as a reader. The world building was also very nicely done. I enjoyed this book so much!
April 6, 2025
Anarchist Underground is a rare creature - a stand-alone in the world of Fantasy.
I can say with all honesty it is one of the best I've read and if I could give it more than 5 stars, I would.
I was invested from the first page, Aela is not to be messed with and I enjoyed watching her and Bryn grow. I also enjoyed the relationship the two had. Bowie had my heart too. This book is full of wonderful and not so wonderful characters. You might think you've got them all figured out; But you don't.
I can say with all honesty it is one of the best I've read and if I could give it more than 5 stars, I would.
I was invested from the first page, Aela is not to be messed with and I enjoyed watching her and Bryn grow. I also enjoyed the relationship the two had. Bowie had my heart too. This book is full of wonderful and not so wonderful characters. You might think you've got them all figured out; But you don't.
July 19, 2024
fantastic read, couldn’t put it down
If you need a gorgeous fantasy with a strong female lead, action and some romance this is your book! Aela is an amazing, complicated heroine and the action doesn’t stop coming. Can’t wait for more from this author.
If you need a gorgeous fantasy with a strong female lead, action and some romance this is your book! Aela is an amazing, complicated heroine and the action doesn’t stop coming. Can’t wait for more from this author.
November 3, 2024
I can’t tell you how refreshing it was to read a fantasy book that wasn’t based on magic or make-believe beings (faeries, dragons, witches). No shadow daddies, no winged men, no fangs. Instead we have exceptionally well written human characters with all their flaws and hopes and desires on display and it was such a pleasure to witness their evolution through such a wonderfully well written story. It’s fantasy realism and it’s because it explores human nature that makes it such a compelling, satisfying and emotionally damaging read.
It’s easy to connect to these characters. Truly relatable themes of love, loyalty, loss and betrayal mixed with some of my favourite tropes including enemies to lovers, found family, political conflict, court intrigue and an excruciating slow burn make this book one of the most enjoyable reads of 2024 for me.
Thriller fans will also enjoy this book. If you love being on the edge of your seat and that butterflies-in-the-tummy feeling and plot twists that twist so hard they double back on themselves and then twist some more, this book is for you.
If you loved the political instability of The Cruel Prince, the grittiness of Throne of Glass or the exquisite writing of the Glacian Trilogy, you’re going to love Anarchist Underground.
*an honest and sincere review of an arc that I was very grateful to receive.
It’s easy to connect to these characters. Truly relatable themes of love, loyalty, loss and betrayal mixed with some of my favourite tropes including enemies to lovers, found family, political conflict, court intrigue and an excruciating slow burn make this book one of the most enjoyable reads of 2024 for me.
Thriller fans will also enjoy this book. If you love being on the edge of your seat and that butterflies-in-the-tummy feeling and plot twists that twist so hard they double back on themselves and then twist some more, this book is for you.
If you loved the political instability of The Cruel Prince, the grittiness of Throne of Glass or the exquisite writing of the Glacian Trilogy, you’re going to love Anarchist Underground.
*an honest and sincere review of an arc that I was very grateful to receive.
May 22, 2024
Bad ass female character that can hold her own - Tick! Romance - Tick! Intrigue, action & anticipation - Tick! I could go on...
I loved this story. A fantasy that is realistic in setting is my kinda jam - the people were brought to life through Nicole's amazing story telling, their stories kept me involved from start to finish, guessing along the way with twists and turns and epic battles on the way. Highly recommend. 🥰
I loved this story. A fantasy that is realistic in setting is my kinda jam - the people were brought to life through Nicole's amazing story telling, their stories kept me involved from start to finish, guessing along the way with twists and turns and epic battles on the way. Highly recommend. 🥰
December 9, 2024
3.75 stars
The Assassin’s Blade meets The Bridge Kingdom in this fantasy standalone. Anarchist Underground features a no-magic world with political intrigue and lots of action. I was heavily invested in these characters and the romance carried this book for me. I love a tortured and emotional man who tries his hardest to be her enemy but eventually fails and the male main character was this to a tee. I appreciated how nicely this wrapped up and left no questions unanswered by the end along with some hope for the future. I really enjoyed my time reading this one and I’m excited to read anything the author writes in the future.
The Assassin’s Blade meets The Bridge Kingdom in this fantasy standalone. Anarchist Underground features a no-magic world with political intrigue and lots of action. I was heavily invested in these characters and the romance carried this book for me. I love a tortured and emotional man who tries his hardest to be her enemy but eventually fails and the male main character was this to a tee. I appreciated how nicely this wrapped up and left no questions unanswered by the end along with some hope for the future. I really enjoyed my time reading this one and I’m excited to read anything the author writes in the future.
December 8, 2024
A fantasy political romance set in the aftermath of a brutal war between two nations that used to be one. Although the war is over, the battle for peace has just begun. With twists and turns aplenty, no one is truly who they appear to be.
I really enjoyed the entire story, and although the spice wasn't scorching, the slow burn forbidden love between the mmc and fmc was great.
I really enjoyed the entire story, and although the spice wasn't scorching, the slow burn forbidden love between the mmc and fmc was great.
November 16, 2024
“You have no idea what it does to me, hearing you beg like that. I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want you, Aela Rinn. I’ll give you more. I’ll give you everything.”
4.75/5 ⭐️ My goodness this book is fantastic, and I absolutely loved it. I’m not normally a fantasy book with no magic kind of gal but this story had me in its grip.
Anarchist Underground is the debut fantasy novel from Nicole Rowles, filled with political intrigue, underground criminal gangs, betrayal, and enemies to lovers with forced proximity. We follow Aela Rinn, the ‘Reaper of Dunwyn’, who single-handedly ended the war and came back to her city a hero. Except for the fact that the King is dead, supposedly killed by his own son, and the Steward who now sits on the throne, shakes things up in all the wrong ways. Aela finds herself stood down from the army and soon cast out of Dunwyn entirely, looking to Anarchist Underground for refuge.
Bryn Ryland, King Saban’s only son, and an alleged murderer. He’s spoiled and arrogant, but Aela soon finds there is more than meets the eye with the Prince. Bryn is a part of the gang that Aela unexpectedly finds herself wound up in, and she needs to come to terms quickly with the man that killed the king she adored. Bowie is a young boy raised for the streets, and packs a punch for a child. Bowie is loyal to his own king, and is a fierce protector of Bryn, one of the only people who has ever fought for him. The trio are a bundle of fun to read about, getting up to mischief and in way over their heads when they uncover a sinister plot orchestrated to take over both kingdoms from the inside.
This is a slow burn with lots of witty banter. I genuinely laughed at some of the snarky remarks traded between the characters, and I love that Aela and Bryn adopted Bowie as their own on the journey to uncover the truth and save the realm. This book is more plot than spice, but there are a few scenes that are just under 🌶️🌶️/5. This book is so well written and is a tribute to Nicole Rowles as an author, highlighting a promising future for her writing! The FMC is a badass with a strong mind, body, and spirit, and I love the exploration of the grief and character’s flaws as they develop relationships with one another throughout the story. I genuinely loved this book and there were some huge plot twists - some I saw coming and others that were a complete surprise. I knocked it down a tiny bit because at times there was an overload of information and it slowed the book down a little for me, but it was so well explained which really adds to the political intrigue trope.
Thank you so much to Nicole for the e-ARC of this book! 💕
4.75/5 ⭐️ My goodness this book is fantastic, and I absolutely loved it. I’m not normally a fantasy book with no magic kind of gal but this story had me in its grip.
Anarchist Underground is the debut fantasy novel from Nicole Rowles, filled with political intrigue, underground criminal gangs, betrayal, and enemies to lovers with forced proximity. We follow Aela Rinn, the ‘Reaper of Dunwyn’, who single-handedly ended the war and came back to her city a hero. Except for the fact that the King is dead, supposedly killed by his own son, and the Steward who now sits on the throne, shakes things up in all the wrong ways. Aela finds herself stood down from the army and soon cast out of Dunwyn entirely, looking to Anarchist Underground for refuge.
Bryn Ryland, King Saban’s only son, and an alleged murderer. He’s spoiled and arrogant, but Aela soon finds there is more than meets the eye with the Prince. Bryn is a part of the gang that Aela unexpectedly finds herself wound up in, and she needs to come to terms quickly with the man that killed the king she adored. Bowie is a young boy raised for the streets, and packs a punch for a child. Bowie is loyal to his own king, and is a fierce protector of Bryn, one of the only people who has ever fought for him. The trio are a bundle of fun to read about, getting up to mischief and in way over their heads when they uncover a sinister plot orchestrated to take over both kingdoms from the inside.
This is a slow burn with lots of witty banter. I genuinely laughed at some of the snarky remarks traded between the characters, and I love that Aela and Bryn adopted Bowie as their own on the journey to uncover the truth and save the realm. This book is more plot than spice, but there are a few scenes that are just under 🌶️🌶️/5. This book is so well written and is a tribute to Nicole Rowles as an author, highlighting a promising future for her writing! The FMC is a badass with a strong mind, body, and spirit, and I love the exploration of the grief and character’s flaws as they develop relationships with one another throughout the story. I genuinely loved this book and there were some huge plot twists - some I saw coming and others that were a complete surprise. I knocked it down a tiny bit because at times there was an overload of information and it slowed the book down a little for me, but it was so well explained which really adds to the political intrigue trope.
Thank you so much to Nicole for the e-ARC of this book! 💕
October 25, 2024
Anarchist Underground Review:
Aela Rinn, was one of the only Borderlanders to join the Kings army, quickly rising to be the youngest Commander in history. She desperately wants to help in this war between her homeland and the neighboring country that has been savagely killing her people for as long as she can remember.
Bryn Ryland, King Saban’s only son and heir, is spoiled, indulgent and selfish, with sarcasm dripping from every word… is now a wanted fugitive. Wanted… for murdering his own father, King Saban, in his bed while he slept. He’s on the run…
Bowie (my absolute favorite character in a long time!) is a huge character in a pint sized package. He is equal parts: smart mouthed, never know what side he’s on, incredibly deep and heartbreakingly sweet and yet still very stabby!
“The Reaper of Dunwyn” single-handedly put an end to the war. Aela should be coming home to a parade, but what she sees upon their arrival home is even more heartbreaking than the entirety of the war… her beloved King has been murdered. The Steward sits on the Dunwyan throne instead of the Prince. What is going on???
Secrets, lies and betrayal are everywhere. But they all lead to a place no soldier has the right to go… Anarchist Underground. The part of the city that was lost to crime and a blue line was drawn to warn both sides to not cross into the other.
This debut book from author Nicole Rowles has it all. Court Intrigue and Politics. Romance and Spice. Found Family and bitter Enemies to Lovers. The FMC is a strategic mastermind and yet it’s her humanity and loyalty that I fell in love with! The MMC is perfectly and beautifully broken and flawed. Inner demons play a role for all three star characters in this epic adventure!
Everyone should have this on their wishlist and then push it straight to the top of your TBR! Anarchist Underground was such a surprise in so many ways. The world building is beautiful. The conflicts are real enough that your heart will be racing. Spice is about a 🌶️.5 but the tension builds on a grand scale. I honestly can’t wait to see what Nicole Rowles writes next!
Aela Rinn, was one of the only Borderlanders to join the Kings army, quickly rising to be the youngest Commander in history. She desperately wants to help in this war between her homeland and the neighboring country that has been savagely killing her people for as long as she can remember.
Bryn Ryland, King Saban’s only son and heir, is spoiled, indulgent and selfish, with sarcasm dripping from every word… is now a wanted fugitive. Wanted… for murdering his own father, King Saban, in his bed while he slept. He’s on the run…
Bowie (my absolute favorite character in a long time!) is a huge character in a pint sized package. He is equal parts: smart mouthed, never know what side he’s on, incredibly deep and heartbreakingly sweet and yet still very stabby!
“The Reaper of Dunwyn” single-handedly put an end to the war. Aela should be coming home to a parade, but what she sees upon their arrival home is even more heartbreaking than the entirety of the war… her beloved King has been murdered. The Steward sits on the Dunwyan throne instead of the Prince. What is going on???
Secrets, lies and betrayal are everywhere. But they all lead to a place no soldier has the right to go… Anarchist Underground. The part of the city that was lost to crime and a blue line was drawn to warn both sides to not cross into the other.
This debut book from author Nicole Rowles has it all. Court Intrigue and Politics. Romance and Spice. Found Family and bitter Enemies to Lovers. The FMC is a strategic mastermind and yet it’s her humanity and loyalty that I fell in love with! The MMC is perfectly and beautifully broken and flawed. Inner demons play a role for all three star characters in this epic adventure!
Everyone should have this on their wishlist and then push it straight to the top of your TBR! Anarchist Underground was such a surprise in so many ways. The world building is beautiful. The conflicts are real enough that your heart will be racing. Spice is about a 🌶️.5 but the tension builds on a grand scale. I honestly can’t wait to see what Nicole Rowles writes next!
November 16, 2024
A huge thank you goes to Nicole Rowles, for letting me read a copy of Anarchist Underground before the physical release of her romantasy standalone! Truthfully I've been meaning to do a review of this beauty for weeks now, but it's so very hard to sum up my love for this incredible fantasy...
Arriving home from a hard-fought war, Aela Rinn expected to be greeted with fanfare. Instead, the Reaper of Dunwyn is met with the news that King Saban has been murdered by his own son, Prince Bryn. Although Aela's determined to bring him to justice, her own life soon falls apart when she's discharged from her post as Commander. Now exiled, Aela's safety lies amongst the anarchists. The very same people harbouring the traitorous prince. Can Aela restore the prosperity of Dunwyn from her place in the Underground? Is there any chance at long-lasting peace, with Nielle set on war against the kingdom? How can she work with the very same man who killed her mentor & set off this chain of events?
Anarchist Underground is positively brimming with fierce characters who are simultaneously full of fire & vulnerabilities. I adore how Nicole illuminates the complex trauma her characters experience, highlighting just how hard it is to face the demons within you. Their journey isn't smooth, & at no point do we get the feeling that it's being brushed aside.
This is a journey fraught with peril, trauma & staggering revelations. But even at its darkest, we get moments of respite thanks to the found family Aela forms with fellow anarchists. Nicole has such an incredible ability to weave darkness & hope together, is it any wonder she's an auto-buy author for me now?!
You can see my FULL REVIEW on my blog: https://www.immersedinbooks.com/anarc...
Arriving home from a hard-fought war, Aela Rinn expected to be greeted with fanfare. Instead, the Reaper of Dunwyn is met with the news that King Saban has been murdered by his own son, Prince Bryn. Although Aela's determined to bring him to justice, her own life soon falls apart when she's discharged from her post as Commander. Now exiled, Aela's safety lies amongst the anarchists. The very same people harbouring the traitorous prince. Can Aela restore the prosperity of Dunwyn from her place in the Underground? Is there any chance at long-lasting peace, with Nielle set on war against the kingdom? How can she work with the very same man who killed her mentor & set off this chain of events?
Anarchist Underground is positively brimming with fierce characters who are simultaneously full of fire & vulnerabilities. I adore how Nicole illuminates the complex trauma her characters experience, highlighting just how hard it is to face the demons within you. Their journey isn't smooth, & at no point do we get the feeling that it's being brushed aside.
This is a journey fraught with peril, trauma & staggering revelations. But even at its darkest, we get moments of respite thanks to the found family Aela forms with fellow anarchists. Nicole has such an incredible ability to weave darkness & hope together, is it any wonder she's an auto-buy author for me now?!
You can see my FULL REVIEW on my blog: https://www.immersedinbooks.com/anarc...
December 4, 2024
this book was a ride 🎢—and one I didn’t want to get off. From page one, I was pulled into Dunwyn’s shadowy streets, unraveling secrets and betrayals alongside Aela. Her journey hit hard. She’s fierce, flawed, and a total war-torn badass 🗡️, but there’s such a raw, human side to her that made me feel everything she went through.
The twists? Oh, they landed. 👀 Did I see a few coming? Yeah, because overthinking every breadcrumb an author drops is kind of my thing (call it a bookworm superpower 🧠📚), but that didn’t stop me from loving the tension. Aela’s choices hit me right in the feels 💔, especially her struggle to reconcile the Bryn she thought she knew with the Bryn she’s forced to work with now. It’s complicated in the best way.
Now about Aela and Bryn…their dynamic had me biting my nails for most of the book 💥. The tension was so thick, and her conflict about him was SO well written that I didn’t even expect a romantic subplot—like, at all. And honestly? I was okay with that. So when things did take a romantic turn, it threw me for a loop. I wasn’t mad about it, but I was more invested in their partnership and that constant push-pull of trust (or lack of it) 🫣.
The world-building, though? Chef’s kiss 👌. The gritty underbelly of Dunwyn felt alive—the smoky bars, the whispers of rebellion, and the heavy weight of every decision these characters made. It’s dark, chaotic, and delicious.
Would I recommend this? Heck yes! 💯 It’s raw, morally complex, and full of twists that’ll keep you guessing. If you love tension-filled stories with characters who don’t play by the rules, this one’s for you. Major thanks to Nicole Rowles for letting me dive into this world—now I’m lowkey desperate for more. 🙌💜
The twists? Oh, they landed. 👀 Did I see a few coming? Yeah, because overthinking every breadcrumb an author drops is kind of my thing (call it a bookworm superpower 🧠📚), but that didn’t stop me from loving the tension. Aela’s choices hit me right in the feels 💔, especially her struggle to reconcile the Bryn she thought she knew with the Bryn she’s forced to work with now. It’s complicated in the best way.
Now about Aela and Bryn…their dynamic had me biting my nails for most of the book 💥. The tension was so thick, and her conflict about him was SO well written that I didn’t even expect a romantic subplot—like, at all. And honestly? I was okay with that. So when things did take a romantic turn, it threw me for a loop. I wasn’t mad about it, but I was more invested in their partnership and that constant push-pull of trust (or lack of it) 🫣.
The world-building, though? Chef’s kiss 👌. The gritty underbelly of Dunwyn felt alive—the smoky bars, the whispers of rebellion, and the heavy weight of every decision these characters made. It’s dark, chaotic, and delicious.
Would I recommend this? Heck yes! 💯 It’s raw, morally complex, and full of twists that’ll keep you guessing. If you love tension-filled stories with characters who don’t play by the rules, this one’s for you. Major thanks to Nicole Rowles for letting me dive into this world—now I’m lowkey desperate for more. 🙌💜
January 28, 2025
🪶 Enemies to lovers
🪶 Political intrigue
🪶 Secret identities
🪶 Betrayal and revenge
🪶 Action adventure
🪶 Found family
🪶 Super stabby FMC
Aela is the commander of Dunwyn's army, returned from winning the war between the lands of Dunwyn and Nielle to discover her King is dead. Removed from her ranking she is lost and looking for a fight. Bryn is the prince who killed the King, his father, and has been hiding out in the criminal enclave in the city known as Anarchist Underground ever since. Under King Saban the Anarchist Underground had been allowed to operate within their defined border, but with the King dead the Steward in charge has other ideas. All is not as it appears however and as Aela and Bryn, along with child spy and genius Bowie, set off to investigate what is really going on they find more than they bargained for.
The world building in this story was so good and I loved the motivations behind the characters, even the "bad" guys. I also love a good political intrigue story and this had me guessing how it would end. I thought I had foreseen a twist, only to find another twist right around the corner! The banter between the characters was fantastic, the romance was top notch, but it was really the found family aspect that warmed my heart and made me love these characters so much.
This is a fantasy that doesn't have magic, or faeries, which is a nice change. It has brilliant and complex characters who grow throughout the story. My heart repeatedly broke, especially for Bowie who is so wise beyond his years but circumstance has not been kind to him. He was hands down my favourite part of the book, every time he appeared to save the day I cheered! Without spoiling anything I'm so glad he had Bryn and Aela.
I'm seriously on a roll with amazing reads from debut authors, I'm so excited to read more from Nicole in the future
🪶 Political intrigue
🪶 Secret identities
🪶 Betrayal and revenge
🪶 Action adventure
🪶 Found family
🪶 Super stabby FMC
Aela is the commander of Dunwyn's army, returned from winning the war between the lands of Dunwyn and Nielle to discover her King is dead. Removed from her ranking she is lost and looking for a fight. Bryn is the prince who killed the King, his father, and has been hiding out in the criminal enclave in the city known as Anarchist Underground ever since. Under King Saban the Anarchist Underground had been allowed to operate within their defined border, but with the King dead the Steward in charge has other ideas. All is not as it appears however and as Aela and Bryn, along with child spy and genius Bowie, set off to investigate what is really going on they find more than they bargained for.
The world building in this story was so good and I loved the motivations behind the characters, even the "bad" guys. I also love a good political intrigue story and this had me guessing how it would end. I thought I had foreseen a twist, only to find another twist right around the corner! The banter between the characters was fantastic, the romance was top notch, but it was really the found family aspect that warmed my heart and made me love these characters so much.
This is a fantasy that doesn't have magic, or faeries, which is a nice change. It has brilliant and complex characters who grow throughout the story. My heart repeatedly broke, especially for Bowie who is so wise beyond his years but circumstance has not been kind to him. He was hands down my favourite part of the book, every time he appeared to save the day I cheered! Without spoiling anything I'm so glad he had Bryn and Aela.
I'm seriously on a roll with amazing reads from debut authors, I'm so excited to read more from Nicole in the future
November 30, 2024
🚨 Sword fights, tension, and betrayal—oh my! 🚨
When I say Anarchist Underground had me hooked from page one, I mean it.
This standalone fantasy delivers political intrigue, a badass FMC, and the kind of enemies-to-lovers tension that’ll have you screaming, “JUST KISS ALREADY!” 🔥✨
Let’s talk characters: 💥 Aela Rinn: The ultimate heroine who carries the weight of her kingdom on her (very capable) shoulders. Between navigating warring kingdoms and taking names in underground battles, she’s the reaper everyone should fear. 💥 Bryn: Oh, Prince Bryn. Murder suspect? Traitor? Secret softie? All I know is he’s got layers, and peeling them back was chef’s kiss. (Bonus: His banter with Aela is next-level perfection.) 💥 Bowie: This 9-year-old stole my heart. Found family vibes? YES PLEASE.
The plot twists? I thought I was prepared, but no. Nicole kept me guessing with each chapter, and every reveal made me clutch my metaphorical pearls.
Highlights include: 🗡️ Tension-filled sword fights 👀 Banter that’ll make you cackle and swoon 🌍 World-building so vivid, I could smell the city streets 💔 Betrayal, revenge, and all the feels
If you’re a fan of Throne of Glass or The Bridge Kingdom, Anarchist Underground will hit all your favorite notes. There’s no magic, but trust me, you won’t miss it with all the political scheming, criminal gangs, and fiery romance.
“I’ve wanted to get on my knees for you ever since you held that knife to my throat...” 😳 Yeah, Bryn, SAME.
📚 Grab this book if you love:
✨ Enemies to lovers (+ spice) ✨ Found family feels ✨ Fast-paced action with twists galore
Bryn is officially my new book boyfriend, and Aela’s the queen of my heart.
When I say Anarchist Underground had me hooked from page one, I mean it.
This standalone fantasy delivers political intrigue, a badass FMC, and the kind of enemies-to-lovers tension that’ll have you screaming, “JUST KISS ALREADY!” 🔥✨
Let’s talk characters: 💥 Aela Rinn: The ultimate heroine who carries the weight of her kingdom on her (very capable) shoulders. Between navigating warring kingdoms and taking names in underground battles, she’s the reaper everyone should fear. 💥 Bryn: Oh, Prince Bryn. Murder suspect? Traitor? Secret softie? All I know is he’s got layers, and peeling them back was chef’s kiss. (Bonus: His banter with Aela is next-level perfection.) 💥 Bowie: This 9-year-old stole my heart. Found family vibes? YES PLEASE.
The plot twists? I thought I was prepared, but no. Nicole kept me guessing with each chapter, and every reveal made me clutch my metaphorical pearls.
Highlights include: 🗡️ Tension-filled sword fights 👀 Banter that’ll make you cackle and swoon 🌍 World-building so vivid, I could smell the city streets 💔 Betrayal, revenge, and all the feels
If you’re a fan of Throne of Glass or The Bridge Kingdom, Anarchist Underground will hit all your favorite notes. There’s no magic, but trust me, you won’t miss it with all the political scheming, criminal gangs, and fiery romance.
“I’ve wanted to get on my knees for you ever since you held that knife to my throat...” 😳 Yeah, Bryn, SAME.
📚 Grab this book if you love:
✨ Enemies to lovers (+ spice) ✨ Found family feels ✨ Fast-paced action with twists galore
Bryn is officially my new book boyfriend, and Aela’s the queen of my heart.
November 27, 2024
"She was the Reaper of Dunwyn. She was death in steel, avenger of the king. She would have justice"
Welcome to Anarchist Underground: a quick-witted, standalone well-paced adventure, dripping in political intrigue, warring kingdoms, hidden identities, criminal gangs, underground rebellion and a strong theme of belonging and loyalty. I was already messaging Nicole from page 5 with how much I loved this story from the get go and now I've finished, I can't recommend this book enough. It has easily become one of my favourite reads of the year and Aela Rinn has fast become my favourite FMC. A strong, independent woman who was born for war, and fiercely loyal to a King that has been murdered by his son. The action and combat scenes through the story are fast-paced and frantic with a real sense of danger with a few scenes raising hairs on my arms as I feared for the outcome of the FMC and the family she chooses along the way.
The character of Bowie will have your heart singing and a real desire to protect. A small boy caught up in a war with secrets to protect. I just wanted to hold him and the relationship he develops with Slate is so beautifully written and heart-warming. There is danger at every turn, betrayals, revenge and a spicy enemies to lovers that will captivate you. I need a Bowie POV so desperately Miss Rowles!
Thank you to @rrbooktours and @nicolerowles_writing for the PR package and the opportunity to read Anarchist Underground. A incredibly tense story with a beautiful ending. I can't wait to see what is next.
Welcome to Anarchist Underground: a quick-witted, standalone well-paced adventure, dripping in political intrigue, warring kingdoms, hidden identities, criminal gangs, underground rebellion and a strong theme of belonging and loyalty. I was already messaging Nicole from page 5 with how much I loved this story from the get go and now I've finished, I can't recommend this book enough. It has easily become one of my favourite reads of the year and Aela Rinn has fast become my favourite FMC. A strong, independent woman who was born for war, and fiercely loyal to a King that has been murdered by his son. The action and combat scenes through the story are fast-paced and frantic with a real sense of danger with a few scenes raising hairs on my arms as I feared for the outcome of the FMC and the family she chooses along the way.
The character of Bowie will have your heart singing and a real desire to protect. A small boy caught up in a war with secrets to protect. I just wanted to hold him and the relationship he develops with Slate is so beautifully written and heart-warming. There is danger at every turn, betrayals, revenge and a spicy enemies to lovers that will captivate you. I need a Bowie POV so desperately Miss Rowles!
Thank you to @rrbooktours and @nicolerowles_writing for the PR package and the opportunity to read Anarchist Underground. A incredibly tense story with a beautiful ending. I can't wait to see what is next.
March 13, 2025
As someone who is new to the fantasy genre I am not sure how much my rating means but I did love this book!
At first I wasn't sure, I felt like there was a lot going on in the beginning and I was missing stuff but as I read further along everything became more clear. (This is me who has previously complained about how other books have too much fluff in them) Also being a standalone I can't imagine creating an entire world in your mind and all these intricate characters and then having to make it all fit into one book!
I loved the characters, Aela is a badass female lead who is incredibly capable, confident and values driven. Bryn's growth throughout the book was great to follow but Bowie hands down was my favourite character! Intriguing from the first moment he is introduced. I love how all the characters are emotionally different but blend together perfectly, supporting each others strengths but importantly loving each others weaknesses.
Nicole as an adventurer herself knows exactly how to make the travel scenes (which can notoriously be boring) exciting and fill the mundane of getting from A to B with great explanation of scenery and dialogue that helps the characters grow, just like a good long walk in real life does for people.
I came to love the fast paced style of the book, the twists and turns had my jaw on the floor!
My only beef is that I didn’t really feel the romance between the two of them but I think that’s just me and maybe that Bryn is blonde...
Can't wait to see what else Nicole comes up with!
At first I wasn't sure, I felt like there was a lot going on in the beginning and I was missing stuff but as I read further along everything became more clear. (This is me who has previously complained about how other books have too much fluff in them) Also being a standalone I can't imagine creating an entire world in your mind and all these intricate characters and then having to make it all fit into one book!
I loved the characters, Aela is a badass female lead who is incredibly capable, confident and values driven. Bryn's growth throughout the book was great to follow but Bowie hands down was my favourite character! Intriguing from the first moment he is introduced. I love how all the characters are emotionally different but blend together perfectly, supporting each others strengths but importantly loving each others weaknesses.
Nicole as an adventurer herself knows exactly how to make the travel scenes (which can notoriously be boring) exciting and fill the mundane of getting from A to B with great explanation of scenery and dialogue that helps the characters grow, just like a good long walk in real life does for people.
I came to love the fast paced style of the book, the twists and turns had my jaw on the floor!
My only beef is that I didn’t really feel the romance between the two of them but I think that’s just me and maybe that Bryn is blonde...
Can't wait to see what else Nicole comes up with!
October 17, 2024
I was extremely grateful to be given the chance to read Anarchist Underground in its arc form for an honest review.
Nicole has such an engaging style of writing that draws you in, makes you feel safe and warm, and then throws you around until you're uncertain which way is up and what day it is. You become engrossed in her world building, her larger than life characters, the plot, the romance, the tension... the everything!
Aela's story is compelling from the moment you meet her; she's a soldier with no war, a woman without purpose and has more fight in her little finger than I'll ever have in my entire lifetime. But it's the small hints of her mentality, who she is, where she's from and the mystery surrounding her that is so cleverly weaved into the narrative, that it makes her feel so much more than just a character in a book.
Add in the delicious tension (all the kinds) with the ruggedly gorgeous, but tourtured Bryn, throw in a swathe of political intrigue that could overthrow a kingdom, then meet a nine year old kid that steals the show - and you have one of the best stand alone fantasy novels I have ever read.
I don't want to give the story away because I want people to enjoy how it unravels across the pages - but if you're in the market for:
🗡 incredibly strong MFC
🗡 found family
🗡 banter
🗡 forced proximity
🗡 enemies to lovers
🗡 politics and scheming
🗡 betrayals
🗡 twists and turns
Then I urge you to pick up this book. You won't regret it.
Nicole has such an engaging style of writing that draws you in, makes you feel safe and warm, and then throws you around until you're uncertain which way is up and what day it is. You become engrossed in her world building, her larger than life characters, the plot, the romance, the tension... the everything!
Aela's story is compelling from the moment you meet her; she's a soldier with no war, a woman without purpose and has more fight in her little finger than I'll ever have in my entire lifetime. But it's the small hints of her mentality, who she is, where she's from and the mystery surrounding her that is so cleverly weaved into the narrative, that it makes her feel so much more than just a character in a book.
Add in the delicious tension (all the kinds) with the ruggedly gorgeous, but tourtured Bryn, throw in a swathe of political intrigue that could overthrow a kingdom, then meet a nine year old kid that steals the show - and you have one of the best stand alone fantasy novels I have ever read.
I don't want to give the story away because I want people to enjoy how it unravels across the pages - but if you're in the market for:
🗡 incredibly strong MFC
🗡 found family
🗡 banter
🗡 forced proximity
🗡 enemies to lovers
🗡 politics and scheming
🗡 betrayals
🗡 twists and turns
Then I urge you to pick up this book. You won't regret it.
November 21, 2025
This world?? This atmosphere?? I was living for it.
Aela what a refreshing FMC, she is a morally grey soilder that I LOVED! Brutally strong, proficient in killing, layered, . She’s fierce and deeply shaped by the war-torn trauma of her world that every where every choice hits hard.
And Bryn… A sweet sarcastic anarchist. He cares so deeply, even when he pretends he doesn’t. He’s is a tortured man with shadows that follow him. I loved watching him try to figure out who he is and wants to be.
And then Bowie… Ughhh Bowie STOLE my whole heart and did not give it back. Just a kid stuck in the middle of a war not even 10yrs old! Bowie is the character highlight for me for so many reasons and I don't think I will ever forget him.
The found family vibes! I am a sucker for this. The kind of bonds that punch you in the feelings and then hug you after. Loved every second of it.
The plot twists were literally PLOT TWISTING. Alliances shifting every five minutes, nobody to trust, everyone lying, everyone scheming!! My brain was doing laps trying to keep up in the best way.
Death, blood, gore, the raw cost of war, it’s all there. You see how power warps people, what drives someone to start a war, and what it takes to survive one.
The writing is so vivid I swear I was on the battle field, I could smell the fumes and hear the battle cries. The world is dark, violent, heartbreaking… and I ate it UP.
Aela what a refreshing FMC, she is a morally grey soilder that I LOVED! Brutally strong, proficient in killing, layered, . She’s fierce and deeply shaped by the war-torn trauma of her world that every where every choice hits hard.
And Bryn… A sweet sarcastic anarchist. He cares so deeply, even when he pretends he doesn’t. He’s is a tortured man with shadows that follow him. I loved watching him try to figure out who he is and wants to be.
And then Bowie… Ughhh Bowie STOLE my whole heart and did not give it back. Just a kid stuck in the middle of a war not even 10yrs old! Bowie is the character highlight for me for so many reasons and I don't think I will ever forget him.
The found family vibes! I am a sucker for this. The kind of bonds that punch you in the feelings and then hug you after. Loved every second of it.
The plot twists were literally PLOT TWISTING. Alliances shifting every five minutes, nobody to trust, everyone lying, everyone scheming!! My brain was doing laps trying to keep up in the best way.
Death, blood, gore, the raw cost of war, it’s all there. You see how power warps people, what drives someone to start a war, and what it takes to survive one.
The writing is so vivid I swear I was on the battle field, I could smell the fumes and hear the battle cries. The world is dark, violent, heartbreaking… and I ate it UP.
April 15, 2025
Accused of regicide and branded an anarchist, Prince Bryn crosses paths with exiled war hero Aela Rinn—who must decide if she can trust the man blamed for tearing her world apart, as rising tensions and a shadowy underground threaten to ignite a war that could destroy Dunwyn forever.
It took me a little while to get into this book, especially since it’s a no-magic fantasy—a genre I hadn’t really explored before. But once I got into the story, I completely fell in love with it.
I became really attached to Aela and admired her deep love and devotion to the people around her. Bryn had this quiet, mysterious vibe that instantly drew me in, and I could sense his potential right from the start. But Bowie? Hands down my favorite. His resilience, resourcefulness, and unwavering loyalty absolutely won me over.
I’m a huge fan of the found family trope, and this book delivered that beautifully. The banter, the humor, the genuine bond between the characters—it all felt so real. And don’t even get me started on the slow burn romance! It was everything I hoped for.
The ending wrapped things up perfectly. It left my heart full, and I’m honestly so sad it’s over. What a journey!
Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more.
It took me a little while to get into this book, especially since it’s a no-magic fantasy—a genre I hadn’t really explored before. But once I got into the story, I completely fell in love with it.
I became really attached to Aela and admired her deep love and devotion to the people around her. Bryn had this quiet, mysterious vibe that instantly drew me in, and I could sense his potential right from the start. But Bowie? Hands down my favorite. His resilience, resourcefulness, and unwavering loyalty absolutely won me over.
I’m a huge fan of the found family trope, and this book delivered that beautifully. The banter, the humor, the genuine bond between the characters—it all felt so real. And don’t even get me started on the slow burn romance! It was everything I hoped for.
The ending wrapped things up perfectly. It left my heart full, and I’m honestly so sad it’s over. What a journey!
Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more.
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