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Saricaeli Saga #0.5
Ikarys the Damned
Ikarys is the Keeper of Record in the Academia Apocrypha. He takes pride in his work, gathering knowledge and lore while inviting scholars and learned people from all over the world to his library and center for study. In his world, he is in command. But his world is consumed by the politics of the city he lives in, Glentharis, and the gods the city holds dear. At one time, Ikarys too followed the guidance of the gods.
Jaded and scorned by the divinities he once devoted himself to, Ikarys seeks knowledge from other, less savory entities. On the morning of the Anointing Ritual, an ancient tradition, Ikarys is visited in his dreams by an unnamed figure that warns of devastation should Ikarys continue down the path he's on. After Ikarys dismisses the messenger, he discovers his library was ransacked in the night. The first of many oddities.
As the ritual unfolds and secrets come to light, Ikarys finds himself receiving everything he ever asked for, and so much more.
Jaded and scorned by the divinities he once devoted himself to, Ikarys seeks knowledge from other, less savory entities. On the morning of the Anointing Ritual, an ancient tradition, Ikarys is visited in his dreams by an unnamed figure that warns of devastation should Ikarys continue down the path he's on. After Ikarys dismisses the messenger, he discovers his library was ransacked in the night. The first of many oddities.
As the ritual unfolds and secrets come to light, Ikarys finds himself receiving everything he ever asked for, and so much more.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2025
9 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 9, 2025
First of all, I'd like to thank Taylor Hubbard for sending me a free copy of Ikarys and the Damned in exchange for my honest review.
In this dark fantasy, the focus is on Ikarys. The story is very character-driven, yet still offers intriguing lore and plot. I really enjoyed the world in which the story is set, and the depiction of the conflict between gods and humans as well as their differences and similarities. The religious side of all of this was just SO SO GOOD. I love the religious trauma trope and the author did really good job at showing how easy it is to corrupt someone who thirsts for the power a god can offer - and how far they're ready to go to get that power.
Ikarys is selfish, angry, and snarky. He's obsessed with his library and hungry for power,the only positive emotions he experiences are when he's in the presence of his one and only "friend". I really liked his character; he's the type of protagonist I enjoy reading about in dark fantasy. He’s not a good guy, nor is he the chosen one destined to save anyone. There's a deeply dark side to him, which only intensifies as the story unfolds.
"I was a devoted creature. Pitful"
I loved how the author made Ikarys feel progressively less "human" or "redeemable" as he became more influenced by his Muse. I also appreciated the way the Muse was portrayed; her manipulative tactics felt realistic, making it easy to understand why Ikarys would fall for them. As he isolates himself more from others, the impact of the ending makes it hurt more for the reader - and for Ikarys.
I really enjoyed Taylor Hubbard's writing style. It’s poetic and descriptive, creating vivid imagery and effectively making you feel all the emotions. However, the poetic nature of the writing sometimes made certain parts of the story feel a bit slow. I felt like we focused on some details that we didn't truly need to know so much about.
I absolutely love that the protagonist is a trans man, and it’s portrayed in such a matter-of-fact way. It’s not treated as shocking or extraordinary, nor does the MC or those around him make a big deal of it. He’s not treated any differently, and no one seems to care. It felt refreshing to see this normalcy represented.
"The gods have always tired of us. I do not blame them, for I tire of the Gods"
My main critique is that the story felt incomplete. I think the book should have been longer, or maybe split into two parts. While we’re told a lot of things—such as who the gods are, Ikarys’s disdain for them, his hatred for the God's champions, his love for his Muse, and his feelings for Sabiq—these elements are not fully explored or shown. We don’t get much insight into why Ikarys feels such intense loathing towards the Gods, nor do we learn much about his past or how he became the keeper. We’re told that his Muse is always with him and that she influences him, but we don’t know how she found him or why she chose him over someone else. I needed more background information to truly care. The relationship between Ikarys and Sabiq is difficult to invest in because of a time skip. We don’t know how much time has passed, and they go from strangers to somewhat friends in 2 chapters. We also learn nothing about Sabiq’s backstory.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read. I loved the author’s writing style, and I’ll definitely check out more of his work. This would be more of a 3.75 star rating for me but it's rounded up to 4 on Goodreads.
My fav quote: "The sheer intensity of my desires brought me to shame. My heart was an offensive thing, lonely and greedy."
In this dark fantasy, the focus is on Ikarys. The story is very character-driven, yet still offers intriguing lore and plot. I really enjoyed the world in which the story is set, and the depiction of the conflict between gods and humans as well as their differences and similarities. The religious side of all of this was just SO SO GOOD. I love the religious trauma trope and the author did really good job at showing how easy it is to corrupt someone who thirsts for the power a god can offer - and how far they're ready to go to get that power.
Ikarys is selfish, angry, and snarky. He's obsessed with his library and hungry for power,the only positive emotions he experiences are when he's in the presence of his one and only "friend". I really liked his character; he's the type of protagonist I enjoy reading about in dark fantasy. He’s not a good guy, nor is he the chosen one destined to save anyone. There's a deeply dark side to him, which only intensifies as the story unfolds.
"I was a devoted creature. Pitful"
I loved how the author made Ikarys feel progressively less "human" or "redeemable" as he became more influenced by his Muse. I also appreciated the way the Muse was portrayed; her manipulative tactics felt realistic, making it easy to understand why Ikarys would fall for them. As he isolates himself more from others, the impact of the ending makes it hurt more for the reader - and for Ikarys.
I really enjoyed Taylor Hubbard's writing style. It’s poetic and descriptive, creating vivid imagery and effectively making you feel all the emotions. However, the poetic nature of the writing sometimes made certain parts of the story feel a bit slow. I felt like we focused on some details that we didn't truly need to know so much about.
I absolutely love that the protagonist is a trans man, and it’s portrayed in such a matter-of-fact way. It’s not treated as shocking or extraordinary, nor does the MC or those around him make a big deal of it. He’s not treated any differently, and no one seems to care. It felt refreshing to see this normalcy represented.
"The gods have always tired of us. I do not blame them, for I tire of the Gods"
My main critique is that the story felt incomplete. I think the book should have been longer, or maybe split into two parts. While we’re told a lot of things—such as who the gods are, Ikarys’s disdain for them, his hatred for the God's champions, his love for his Muse, and his feelings for Sabiq—these elements are not fully explored or shown. We don’t get much insight into why Ikarys feels such intense loathing towards the Gods, nor do we learn much about his past or how he became the keeper. We’re told that his Muse is always with him and that she influences him, but we don’t know how she found him or why she chose him over someone else. I needed more background information to truly care. The relationship between Ikarys and Sabiq is difficult to invest in because of a time skip. We don’t know how much time has passed, and they go from strangers to somewhat friends in 2 chapters. We also learn nothing about Sabiq’s backstory.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read. I loved the author’s writing style, and I’ll definitely check out more of his work. This would be more of a 3.75 star rating for me but it's rounded up to 4 on Goodreads.
My fav quote: "The sheer intensity of my desires brought me to shame. My heart was an offensive thing, lonely and greedy."
November 12, 2024
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC from the author and am reviewing it voluntarily. This review will contain very minor spoilers.
This book was a really fascinating character study of Ikarys, a man whose hubris and unresolved trauma lead to the downfall of a civilization. Taylor Hubbard does an incredible job of characterizing Ikarys through his inner voice, and he really makes you care about and understand him, even if you know that the decisions he is making are perhaps not the wisest. Although he is a bit of an unreliable narrator, I found his snark relatable and almost endearing at times.
Ikarys’ recollection of his past and his fall from grace was one of my favorite parts of this book. The emotion with which he recounts it is so raw and visceral, I could feel it. This section is also filled with some moments of beautiful prose, which can be found throughout the book as well.
I really loved the world that Hubbard built here. The religious, magical, political aspects of this world are essential to the story and they were both interesting and cohesive. I would have loved to spend more time in Glentharis, learning all its hidden secrets.
As always with Hubbard’s books, I love that this is a story about a trans person where being trans is neither a problem in the story, nor is it a main part of the plot. As a trans person, seeing stories of other trans people being interesting and morally complex without that complexity having anything to do with their trans-ness is so refreshing and needed.
The main part of this book that I found a bit lacking was Ikarys’ relationships with the side characters, specifically the Muse and Sabiq. The two of them are juxtaposed against each other pretty early on, which I thought was very interesting and is a pretty big part of the story. However I feel like as the reader, I didn’t have enough context or reason to care about the Muse, and I wanted to see so much more from Sabiq. The focus just felt uneven, and I would have loved to see both relationships fleshed out a little more. I do think this flaw is likely due to the story itself only covering a very short span of time, so ultimately I do forgive it for that.
All in all, I really enjoyed my time with this book. I love this fucked up, grumpy little elf with religious trauma, and I will be defending him in his trans wrongs.
This book was a really fascinating character study of Ikarys, a man whose hubris and unresolved trauma lead to the downfall of a civilization. Taylor Hubbard does an incredible job of characterizing Ikarys through his inner voice, and he really makes you care about and understand him, even if you know that the decisions he is making are perhaps not the wisest. Although he is a bit of an unreliable narrator, I found his snark relatable and almost endearing at times.
Ikarys’ recollection of his past and his fall from grace was one of my favorite parts of this book. The emotion with which he recounts it is so raw and visceral, I could feel it. This section is also filled with some moments of beautiful prose, which can be found throughout the book as well.
I really loved the world that Hubbard built here. The religious, magical, political aspects of this world are essential to the story and they were both interesting and cohesive. I would have loved to spend more time in Glentharis, learning all its hidden secrets.
As always with Hubbard’s books, I love that this is a story about a trans person where being trans is neither a problem in the story, nor is it a main part of the plot. As a trans person, seeing stories of other trans people being interesting and morally complex without that complexity having anything to do with their trans-ness is so refreshing and needed.
The main part of this book that I found a bit lacking was Ikarys’ relationships with the side characters, specifically the Muse and Sabiq. The two of them are juxtaposed against each other pretty early on, which I thought was very interesting and is a pretty big part of the story. However I feel like as the reader, I didn’t have enough context or reason to care about the Muse, and I wanted to see so much more from Sabiq. The focus just felt uneven, and I would have loved to see both relationships fleshed out a little more. I do think this flaw is likely due to the story itself only covering a very short span of time, so ultimately I do forgive it for that.
All in all, I really enjoyed my time with this book. I love this fucked up, grumpy little elf with religious trauma, and I will be defending him in his trans wrongs.
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February 10, 2025Ikarys the Damned is a deliciously dark and gripping tale from start to finish. It was clear through every word that Hubbard crafted this book with passion.
October 15, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed the beginning of the book, the introduction to the worldbuilding, the magic system and the characters, the book had an aura kinda of D&D and dark academia mixed with Genshin Impact’s Sumeru Akademiya. As always, the representation was really important to me. Unfortunately, I think that the development was too slow and became really tiring to me at some point. I want to clarify that english isn't my mother tongue, so maybe that has a weight in my evaluation because I'm not used to labored writings.
I was really sad that the book didn't work for me like I was expecting. I like the theme, gods and demons and humans doing stupid things because of them. But then, I think that the writing was too poetic for me. I ended up tired of Ikarys thoughts, and wishing I could hear more of other characters point of view, especially Sabiq. I have grown fond of him, and wish I knew more about him.
My enthusiasm came back at the end of the book. I liked the way the things ended, the conflict of feelings between Ikarys and Sabiq, and seeing that, in the end, Ikarys, that wanted to give up his humanity, was defeated by it. Actually, gods, demons and humans have a lot in common, they’re not that different.
I didn't want to give the book a low rate, especially because I received an ARC and the book isn't even released, but I guess that giving an honest review is important. So, for me, Ikarys the Damned was a 3,5⭐.
I really enjoyed the beginning of the book, the introduction to the worldbuilding, the magic system and the characters, the book had an aura kinda of D&D and dark academia mixed with Genshin Impact’s Sumeru Akademiya. As always, the representation was really important to me. Unfortunately, I think that the development was too slow and became really tiring to me at some point. I want to clarify that english isn't my mother tongue, so maybe that has a weight in my evaluation because I'm not used to labored writings.
I was really sad that the book didn't work for me like I was expecting. I like the theme, gods and demons and humans doing stupid things because of them. But then, I think that the writing was too poetic for me. I ended up tired of Ikarys thoughts, and wishing I could hear more of other characters point of view, especially Sabiq. I have grown fond of him, and wish I knew more about him.
My enthusiasm came back at the end of the book. I liked the way the things ended, the conflict of feelings between Ikarys and Sabiq, and seeing that, in the end, Ikarys, that wanted to give up his humanity, was defeated by it. Actually, gods, demons and humans have a lot in common, they’re not that different.
I didn't want to give the book a low rate, especially because I received an ARC and the book isn't even released, but I guess that giving an honest review is important. So, for me, Ikarys the Damned was a 3,5⭐.
January 22, 2025
Disillusioned with the divine, Ikarys seeks to forge his own salvation. His quest for power blurs the lines between supplicant and god. This is Hubbard's best piece yet.
I adore Ikarys. His heart may be cold and conceited, but he is far from an unsympathetic character. I felt the sting of his past betrayals, the uncertain gnawing in his belly when he hesitates to trust again. His yearning for Sabiq warring with cynical self-preservation. I understood why he becomes the way he is. I couldn't help but want to see him thrive, hubris be damned.
This book is full of incredible sensory writing. I could picture the magic weaving between Ikarys's fingers, taste the tang of rot when he stands among horrors. Pair this with the rich lore that weaves into Hubbard's other stories, and you have one heck of an immersive story.
Ikarys surpassed my expectations... and I already had high expectations after reading Hubbard's other work. I'm grateful for the chance to check this ARC out for free. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
I adore Ikarys. His heart may be cold and conceited, but he is far from an unsympathetic character. I felt the sting of his past betrayals, the uncertain gnawing in his belly when he hesitates to trust again. His yearning for Sabiq warring with cynical self-preservation. I understood why he becomes the way he is. I couldn't help but want to see him thrive, hubris be damned.
This book is full of incredible sensory writing. I could picture the magic weaving between Ikarys's fingers, taste the tang of rot when he stands among horrors. Pair this with the rich lore that weaves into Hubbard's other stories, and you have one heck of an immersive story.
Ikarys surpassed my expectations... and I already had high expectations after reading Hubbard's other work. I'm grateful for the chance to check this ARC out for free. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
January 29, 2025
Ikarys the Damned is hugely readable with intentional prose and, if not always likable characters, certainly unique ones with strong motivations that make them interesting. Ikarys, in particular, was a fascinating character to follow, betrayed by his god and desperately thirsty for knowledge and power, he makes choices I couldn't always support and sometimes didn't like, the thoughts and ideas his mind wandered to carelessly dark. "Morally gray" would be putting it lightly. That being said, his steadfastness of character and loyalty to his one real friend who also, perhaps, might have been the love of his life, made Ikarys somewhat redeemable and an infinitely followable character.
Combined with how well the book was written and how smoothly and logically the story progressed, with secrets kept close to the chest all the way through to the explosive conclusion, this was a great story well worth the read, and I'm glad I got the chance to ARC read it. I've been meaning to read the author's other book for a while now, and, while I think it's quite different in levity from this one, I'm looking forward to diving into their writing again.
Combined with how well the book was written and how smoothly and logically the story progressed, with secrets kept close to the chest all the way through to the explosive conclusion, this was a great story well worth the read, and I'm glad I got the chance to ARC read it. I've been meaning to read the author's other book for a while now, and, while I think it's quite different in levity from this one, I'm looking forward to diving into their writing again.
December 20, 2024
I received an ARC for free! It was a fantastic fantasy and a reflection on a character that was "not so nice." I enjoyed myself so much!
There were erotic scenes scenes with the trans main character that were thrilling and awesome to read, too!
The character Ikarys was fun to live inside of for a while! The ending had me sobbing!!
There were erotic scenes scenes with the trans main character that were thrilling and awesome to read, too!
The character Ikarys was fun to live inside of for a while! The ending had me sobbing!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2025
elmo's suing
January 28, 2025
4.5 stars
This is such an amazing read, and I am so thankful to Taylor Hubbard for giving me the chance to read an advanced copy. This is proof of Taylor Hubbard's range as an author. This is a character driven dark fantasy featuring a morally grey MC. If you're looking for romance or an HEA, then this won't be it. BUT if you want intriguing character study, a not-so loveable but super interesting MC, and unique world-building, then this is the perfect read for you. Also, the trans rep gets 5 stars on its own. I love seeing a story with a pre-op trans character because we exist and are still valid in that presentation. My only qualm is I wish there had been a little more world building solely because I found it so interesting and just wanted some more time a focus to get more familiar with the universe this story is set in. All in all, this is absolutely great, and I'm not at all surprised from what I have read of Taylor Hubbard's other works. This is definitely worth checking out.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is such an amazing read, and I am so thankful to Taylor Hubbard for giving me the chance to read an advanced copy. This is proof of Taylor Hubbard's range as an author. This is a character driven dark fantasy featuring a morally grey MC. If you're looking for romance or an HEA, then this won't be it. BUT if you want intriguing character study, a not-so loveable but super interesting MC, and unique world-building, then this is the perfect read for you. Also, the trans rep gets 5 stars on its own. I love seeing a story with a pre-op trans character because we exist and are still valid in that presentation. My only qualm is I wish there had been a little more world building solely because I found it so interesting and just wanted some more time a focus to get more familiar with the universe this story is set in. All in all, this is absolutely great, and I'm not at all surprised from what I have read of Taylor Hubbard's other works. This is definitely worth checking out.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 1, 2025
Taylor Hubbard's done it again, Ikarys the Damned is a rollercoaster of emotion from start to bitter end. My attention was gripped from the first page, I was holding my breath as Ikarys wove his story into the very fabric of the universe. This is a story I will be revisiting again and again as I try to piece together what Ikarys' actions mean to the world Hubbard has so lovingly crafted.
January 22, 2025
Let me start with saying that I have never read anything like this before this was my first dark academia / Dark fantasy book that didn't have a romance based plot. This was also my first ARC read, and this is a voluntary review in each for a free advance review copy.
Taylor thank you for the opportunity to read this amazing story you've written. I am so excited for the wide release and will definitely be buying a shelf trophy of this in the future.
**very mild spoiler warning**
This book was dark and delicious and there was so much detail and intention put into each and every character and interaction and it was just beautiful. I loved seeing the representation, the tension, the dynamics is dynamics between Ikarys And the rest of the chosen champions of these gods in this story. I really believe that this has altered my brain chemistry and just I'm an amazing way I will be thinking about this book for a very very long time.
I think my review on this book is posted later than some of the other ARC reader, but I took so much time to read the story because it was so much deeper than anything else that I've read so far all of last year and ask my first book of 2025 I really wanted to take a time to genuinely absorb all of the context and just everything being given to us in this book.
As someone with religious trauma I relate to Ikarys in the way of not wanting to think about his connection to his previous God but but society culture and his own past and connection to that deity that it's almost linking him, almost calling to him him even after making the connection to his Muse.
I really went into this story kind of blind about the subgenres and contexts, I was for the longest time until about halfway through the story really aching for there to be a happy ending and when I realized that there wasn't, it almost hurt because I wanted so badly to see Ikarys' dreams fulfilled. But the way the story ended and sheer fact that the exact thing Ikarys feared the most because his fate.
It all ended is this sharp, dark beauty that you could almost feel clawing at your heart with the way you wanted something better for the characters.
For my first experience with dark academia, I have to give a sold 4.75 stars, rounding to 5 on Goodreads. The author's writing style builds such a wonderful visual, while pulling at heartstrings.
One of my favorite quotes: "I am made of something ethereal. Something new. I am weightless. I am timeless."
Taylor thank you for the opportunity to read this amazing story you've written. I am so excited for the wide release and will definitely be buying a shelf trophy of this in the future.
**very mild spoiler warning**
This book was dark and delicious and there was so much detail and intention put into each and every character and interaction and it was just beautiful. I loved seeing the representation, the tension, the dynamics is dynamics between Ikarys And the rest of the chosen champions of these gods in this story. I really believe that this has altered my brain chemistry and just I'm an amazing way I will be thinking about this book for a very very long time.
I think my review on this book is posted later than some of the other ARC reader, but I took so much time to read the story because it was so much deeper than anything else that I've read so far all of last year and ask my first book of 2025 I really wanted to take a time to genuinely absorb all of the context and just everything being given to us in this book.
As someone with religious trauma I relate to Ikarys in the way of not wanting to think about his connection to his previous God but but society culture and his own past and connection to that deity that it's almost linking him, almost calling to him him even after making the connection to his Muse.
I really went into this story kind of blind about the subgenres and contexts, I was for the longest time until about halfway through the story really aching for there to be a happy ending and when I realized that there wasn't, it almost hurt because I wanted so badly to see Ikarys' dreams fulfilled. But the way the story ended and sheer fact that the exact thing Ikarys feared the most because his fate.
It all ended is this sharp, dark beauty that you could almost feel clawing at your heart with the way you wanted something better for the characters.
For my first experience with dark academia, I have to give a sold 4.75 stars, rounding to 5 on Goodreads. The author's writing style builds such a wonderful visual, while pulling at heartstrings.
One of my favorite quotes: "I am made of something ethereal. Something new. I am weightless. I am timeless."
October 10, 2024
I had the pleasure of reading an ARC for this book! I finished it a couple days ago and can’t stop thinking about it.
Coming January 2025, I will absolutely be rereading it when it’s officially released! Review and possible mild spoilers below!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Taylor Hubbard has such a beautiful, visual way of writing, and I was so excited to see how his prose translated to this darker story. I felt so immersed in this book from the start, which for a story like this one is both captivating and painful. Despite the path that Ikarys was headed down, I still found myself rooting for him, hoping he’d start making the right choices, see the good things that he had right in front of him instead of wishing for more.
This story kept me guessing, and even when I thought I could see where things were going and how the events would unfold, they’d go and take a turn for the worse. Even when I reached the ending, I couldn’t bring myself to dislike Ikarys. His character was complicated and twisted, but so interesting. It was hard watching him make bad decision after bad decision, but I guess that’s the point of a tragic and well-written character, you love them despite their mistakes.
My favorite aspect of this story was definitely watching the relationship between Ikarys and Sabiq develop and shift and gain clarity. At the beginning it seems as though Ikarys’s interest in Sabiq is very surface level; he’s a rarity that Ikarys wants to keep around for his own gain. As the story unfolds it becomes clear that Ikarys trusts and values and cares for Sabiq, and sees him as a true friend, probably his only friend. I’m trying not to spoil too much, but I didn’t expect how much the ending of this was going to hurt. While I was prepared for a not happy ending, I wasn’t prepared for the enormity of the consequences of Ikarys’s actions. The moment he realized that he gave it all up for nothing, that everything he wanted was in front of him the whole time but he was just too blind to see it until it was too late. I’m a sucker for a character doomed by the narrative, destroyed by their own pride, and the idea of not truly appreciating what you have until it’s gone, but boy does it hurt.
That being said, I LOVED this. I loved it even though it hurt. I would have ate this up even if it was three times as long. I will absolutely be rereading this when it’s officially released!💜
Coming January 2025, I will absolutely be rereading it when it’s officially released! Review and possible mild spoilers below!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Taylor Hubbard has such a beautiful, visual way of writing, and I was so excited to see how his prose translated to this darker story. I felt so immersed in this book from the start, which for a story like this one is both captivating and painful. Despite the path that Ikarys was headed down, I still found myself rooting for him, hoping he’d start making the right choices, see the good things that he had right in front of him instead of wishing for more.
This story kept me guessing, and even when I thought I could see where things were going and how the events would unfold, they’d go and take a turn for the worse. Even when I reached the ending, I couldn’t bring myself to dislike Ikarys. His character was complicated and twisted, but so interesting. It was hard watching him make bad decision after bad decision, but I guess that’s the point of a tragic and well-written character, you love them despite their mistakes.
My favorite aspect of this story was definitely watching the relationship between Ikarys and Sabiq develop and shift and gain clarity. At the beginning it seems as though Ikarys’s interest in Sabiq is very surface level; he’s a rarity that Ikarys wants to keep around for his own gain. As the story unfolds it becomes clear that Ikarys trusts and values and cares for Sabiq, and sees him as a true friend, probably his only friend. I’m trying not to spoil too much, but I didn’t expect how much the ending of this was going to hurt. While I was prepared for a not happy ending, I wasn’t prepared for the enormity of the consequences of Ikarys’s actions. The moment he realized that he gave it all up for nothing, that everything he wanted was in front of him the whole time but he was just too blind to see it until it was too late. I’m a sucker for a character doomed by the narrative, destroyed by their own pride, and the idea of not truly appreciating what you have until it’s gone, but boy does it hurt.
That being said, I LOVED this. I loved it even though it hurt. I would have ate this up even if it was three times as long. I will absolutely be rereading this when it’s officially released!💜
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2025
I am a fan of Taylor Hubbard. I’ve read nearly all his work, and plan to continue reading all his work for the foreseeable future. With that said, wow, what a book! Ikarys the Damned surprised me in all the best ways. The story is loosely connected to the world of A Corruption of Souls, which I beta read a few months ago, which was a nice touch, and you can definitely feel the vast improvement of Hubbard’s writing from that book, to this one. With full confidence I can say, easily, this is his best work, and I’m so excited to see him develop more as an author in the future.
Ikarys the Damned is a little hard to talk about, because I want everyone to go into it knowing as little as possible. It’s fantastic, a story of hubris, egomania, hell and its demons, what could have beens, and downfall. Following a trans man obsessed with his Muse, Ikarys is uppity, snarky, rude, and I love him. He is wonderfully obnoxious, the kind of guy you can’t help but love as you watch him destroy everything around him. I can relate to him. I haven’t read very many stories about the grooming of religion and the trauma it gives you, how it shapes you into a person that you don’t recognize. How sometimes we don’t realize before it’s too late what we’ve become.
Of course, it’s not perfect. I do wish we knew more about the Keeper and Ikarys’ relationship. I wish we knew more about the Muse, since she’s such a big figure in Ikarys’ life, and I wish we knew more about Sabiq. There were sections I found a bit tiresome to read. Some plot points I found unnecessary or overexposed. Some not exposed enough. Though none of this enough to detract from my enjoyment; I really loved this, and can’t wait to add it to my shelves. I definitely recommend if you’re a fan of Taylor Hubbard, dark fantasy, academia, morally ambiguous bisexual trans men, or Baldur’s Gate 3’s Gale and Mystra.
I was provided an e-ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2025
I received an ARC from the author and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Ikarys the Damned was a really nice first read of the year.
It was really great to watch Ikarys being the center of the story. He is an interesting character to explore, with his open hatred and devotion to different things, his strong emotions and narration that was unreliable in many places. The way he interacted with other characters, albeit I wished there were more instances of those interactions, mainly with Sabiq and the Muse, showed his character traits and his motivations so well. He was sure of his goal, sure of the Gods' failures and lies, and even though I wasn't completedly impressed by the main thing he wished for in exchange in the contract, the writing was still engaging and showed enough to make it feel like it was really something important to Ikarys. And I really liked how his trans identity was treated in the story - as in, it wasn't this overwhelming weight, but a thing that was naturally part of Ikarys. I feel like as much as we need book where being trans is a central point, we also need stories like these, where it is not in the centre of it all, but still present.
If there was one thing I really enjoyed, it was definitely the worldbuilding - the Gods and monsters, the city and how it was run, Ikarys' position and Sabiq's otherness in relation to the world, and the magic system. All of these things really made the book feel really complex, despite the fact that it wasn't a doorstopper.
And if there's one thing I am a sucker for, it's a good tragic ending. There's something so good about ending a book exactly how it should and I really think it suited ItD to end like it did. I only wished the final confrontation of the story was longer, for more conflict between Ikarys and Sabiq, or the Muse, but I overall finished the book feeling safisfied with what was written.
Ikarys the Damned was a really nice first read of the year.
It was really great to watch Ikarys being the center of the story. He is an interesting character to explore, with his open hatred and devotion to different things, his strong emotions and narration that was unreliable in many places. The way he interacted with other characters, albeit I wished there were more instances of those interactions, mainly with Sabiq and the Muse, showed his character traits and his motivations so well. He was sure of his goal, sure of the Gods' failures and lies, and even though I wasn't completedly impressed by the main thing he wished for in exchange in the contract, the writing was still engaging and showed enough to make it feel like it was really something important to Ikarys. And I really liked how his trans identity was treated in the story - as in, it wasn't this overwhelming weight, but a thing that was naturally part of Ikarys. I feel like as much as we need book where being trans is a central point, we also need stories like these, where it is not in the centre of it all, but still present.
If there was one thing I really enjoyed, it was definitely the worldbuilding - the Gods and monsters, the city and how it was run, Ikarys' position and Sabiq's otherness in relation to the world, and the magic system. All of these things really made the book feel really complex, despite the fact that it wasn't a doorstopper.
And if there's one thing I am a sucker for, it's a good tragic ending. There's something so good about ending a book exactly how it should and I really think it suited ItD to end like it did. I only wished the final confrontation of the story was longer, for more conflict between Ikarys and Sabiq, or the Muse, but I overall finished the book feeling safisfied with what was written.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2025
"Afterall, what use was a heart when the power of gods thrummed through my veins?"
Ikarys is the Keeper of Record, a important role that he holds much pride in. Scholars and great minds around the world flock to his library and the knowledge that it holds. But many things in Glentharis, the city of the gods, get in his way. Be the the political games around him or the very gods themselves, one in particular who he use to seek guidance from before they went silent. As he searches for dangerous power through forbidden knowledge, he is warned of a great reckoning that is to come if he continues down this path. The questions isn't if he will go down this path, but how much he is willing to sacrifice to get to want he desires....
Ikarys was a fascinating protagonist. I enjoyed how at the start they seemed a very reasonable person to root for, there was a air of coldness around them but every so often there was moments of kindness for those Ikarys deemed worthy of that. However as Ikarys gets closer and closer to their goal, the kindness vanishes and his desire to get what he believes he is owed causes him to take some very deadly steps. I loved watching their descent, as they continue to make more and more justifications for their actions (with their "Muse" backing them up and contributing to their corruption). Ikarys is not the hero of this story and that made for a refreshing change of pace.
I enjoyed the side cast and in particulate I thought Sabiq was a great mirror to Ikarys. They have also faced so much pain / lose throughout their life but instead of become jaded and corrupted like Ikarys, they continue to do their best to save however they can, even at the risk of their own life.
I wished the book had been a bit longer and explore more of Ikarys history (seeing how they met their Muse and having a bit more downtime with Sabiq).
Overall I had a great time reading this and would recommend to anyone looking for some short dark fantasy.
Ikarys is the Keeper of Record, a important role that he holds much pride in. Scholars and great minds around the world flock to his library and the knowledge that it holds. But many things in Glentharis, the city of the gods, get in his way. Be the the political games around him or the very gods themselves, one in particular who he use to seek guidance from before they went silent. As he searches for dangerous power through forbidden knowledge, he is warned of a great reckoning that is to come if he continues down this path. The questions isn't if he will go down this path, but how much he is willing to sacrifice to get to want he desires....
Ikarys was a fascinating protagonist. I enjoyed how at the start they seemed a very reasonable person to root for, there was a air of coldness around them but every so often there was moments of kindness for those Ikarys deemed worthy of that. However as Ikarys gets closer and closer to their goal, the kindness vanishes and his desire to get what he believes he is owed causes him to take some very deadly steps. I loved watching their descent, as they continue to make more and more justifications for their actions (with their "Muse" backing them up and contributing to their corruption). Ikarys is not the hero of this story and that made for a refreshing change of pace.
I enjoyed the side cast and in particulate I thought Sabiq was a great mirror to Ikarys. They have also faced so much pain / lose throughout their life but instead of become jaded and corrupted like Ikarys, they continue to do their best to save however they can, even at the risk of their own life.
I wished the book had been a bit longer and explore more of Ikarys history (seeing how they met their Muse and having a bit more downtime with Sabiq).
Overall I had a great time reading this and would recommend to anyone looking for some short dark fantasy.
January 29, 2025
Ikarys The Damned by Taylor Hubbard - Book Review
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ [4.5/5 Stars]
Not the usual kind of story I would go for but damn did this book serve up some good food. The writing itself is just fantastic, every word creating such an imaginative picture that at several points through reading this I had to stop and say to whoever was next to me at the moment that this needs to be a movie or TV show. This story would lend itself so perfectly to a visual medium I can see it so vividly.
I never thought I'd like a story that focused on a villain mc with this almost eldritch-like horror element but I ate up every chapter of this. Speaking of chapters, the layout of this all taking place within the span of like 2 days with each chapter being another hour of events was so perfect for the build up of suspense.
I also loved the rep of a pre-op trans man simply just existing. Ikarys is simply just a man and other than personal anecdotes of how he views himself and some things he does his gender doesn't have any sort of massive effect on the plot. I love that.
The dynamic between all of these characters and the relations they have with the world building too is just so much fun. Not only are the dynamics interesting to read but I felt like a scholar myself learning about this world our author created and all of its lore and mythos.
Final thoughts
I loved this book and had a lot of fun reading it. I'm so excited to be reading more from Taylor Hubbard in the future and hopefully we get to see him write more like this because I will eat up more dark fantasy from him in an instant.
~~~~~~
Thank you so much to Taylor Hubbard letting me be one of your ARC readers! I had a lot of fun with this book and I've already got another one of yours on my tbr for this year. Be sure to go follow and support our amazing author here for more!♡
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ [4.5/5 Stars]
Not the usual kind of story I would go for but damn did this book serve up some good food. The writing itself is just fantastic, every word creating such an imaginative picture that at several points through reading this I had to stop and say to whoever was next to me at the moment that this needs to be a movie or TV show. This story would lend itself so perfectly to a visual medium I can see it so vividly.
I never thought I'd like a story that focused on a villain mc with this almost eldritch-like horror element but I ate up every chapter of this. Speaking of chapters, the layout of this all taking place within the span of like 2 days with each chapter being another hour of events was so perfect for the build up of suspense.
I also loved the rep of a pre-op trans man simply just existing. Ikarys is simply just a man and other than personal anecdotes of how he views himself and some things he does his gender doesn't have any sort of massive effect on the plot. I love that.
The dynamic between all of these characters and the relations they have with the world building too is just so much fun. Not only are the dynamics interesting to read but I felt like a scholar myself learning about this world our author created and all of its lore and mythos.
Final thoughts
I loved this book and had a lot of fun reading it. I'm so excited to be reading more from Taylor Hubbard in the future and hopefully we get to see him write more like this because I will eat up more dark fantasy from him in an instant.
~~~~~~
Thank you so much to Taylor Hubbard letting me be one of your ARC readers! I had a lot of fun with this book and I've already got another one of yours on my tbr for this year. Be sure to go follow and support our amazing author here for more!♡
January 30, 2025
If you like cute, fluffy and domestic, you're in the wrong neighbourhood if you pick this one up. However, if you're instead in the mood to pick up a read that will present subjects of deep want, horror with magic tunes, it will be right up in your alley.
Ikarys of the Damned is one of those stories that will snatch you right up and beggining on your knees for more, where you will find yourself having to drag your gaze from it to get the rest of your days' musts going. Instead of an overbearing and drawn-out explanation of the overall background to the storys' events, the author has done a well job in painting this aspect out with chapters from another characters point-out-view, adding an extra flow throughout the book.
Towards the end there is however a slight dip to this flow, where I wanted and needed more of the plot. But as a person that gets highly invested in my books it might be because I cannot get enough of them once I am deep in. It is however not something that I would determine as a downside to the story in it's entirety, more so it encourages the reader to look for more story between the lines and it also leaves one with a need to know more of what occurred after the events of the book.
The fact that Ikarys' autism/autistic traits wasn't allowed to "take up too much space" was refreshing. Especially for someone like me who is autistic myself and that is always looking for more books with an autistic representation that I can feel connected with.
Overall an amazing read by a talented writer, and I would gladly see more of the same kind coming from Taylor Hubbard in the future. 🌟
(To Taylor: Thank you for the chance of reading your ARC of Ikarys of the Damned and sorry for this review probably sounding very choppy.)
Ikarys of the Damned is one of those stories that will snatch you right up and beggining on your knees for more, where you will find yourself having to drag your gaze from it to get the rest of your days' musts going. Instead of an overbearing and drawn-out explanation of the overall background to the storys' events, the author has done a well job in painting this aspect out with chapters from another characters point-out-view, adding an extra flow throughout the book.
Towards the end there is however a slight dip to this flow, where I wanted and needed more of the plot. But as a person that gets highly invested in my books it might be because I cannot get enough of them once I am deep in. It is however not something that I would determine as a downside to the story in it's entirety, more so it encourages the reader to look for more story between the lines and it also leaves one with a need to know more of what occurred after the events of the book.
The fact that Ikarys' autism/autistic traits wasn't allowed to "take up too much space" was refreshing. Especially for someone like me who is autistic myself and that is always looking for more books with an autistic representation that I can feel connected with.
Overall an amazing read by a talented writer, and I would gladly see more of the same kind coming from Taylor Hubbard in the future. 🌟
(To Taylor: Thank you for the chance of reading your ARC of Ikarys of the Damned and sorry for this review probably sounding very choppy.)
January 24, 2025
This is an excellent, thought-provoking, and character-driven tale—a dark fantasy that masterfully combines complex characters, rich worldbuilding, and a gripping exploration of faith, power, and corruption. I haven’t read anything quite like this recently. Despite usually avoiding books with heavy themes of religious trauma, I found that Taylor Hubbard handled the topic with remarkable skill and sensitivity. The story delves deeply into how faith, devotion, and power can corrupt, and how someone like Ikarys can easily fall prey to manipulation and temptation.
Ikarys is an angry, deeply flawed, and selfish character, consumed by his own desires and traumas, which makes him utterly fascinating to follow. Some of his behaviors and quirks had me giggling and even thinking, “Wait… do I do that?” His relationship with his muse struck me as deeply codependent, which only added to the layers of religious trauma woven into the story. Even in the more intimate scenes, beautifully written as they were, I found myself low-key mumbling, “Boy, even if the sex is out of this world, your muse is no bueno for you.” (Maybe that's my own past traumas speaking!)
Overall, I enjoyed this story immensely. It took me some time to finish, as I had to set it down a few times to process the heavier topics and make peace with my own emotions. Still, I highly recommend it if you enjoy morally gray protagonists, dark themes, religious trauma, and a touch of the forbidden.
*Thank you, Taylor Hubbard, for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Ikarys is an angry, deeply flawed, and selfish character, consumed by his own desires and traumas, which makes him utterly fascinating to follow. Some of his behaviors and quirks had me giggling and even thinking, “Wait… do I do that?” His relationship with his muse struck me as deeply codependent, which only added to the layers of religious trauma woven into the story. Even in the more intimate scenes, beautifully written as they were, I found myself low-key mumbling, “Boy, even if the sex is out of this world, your muse is no bueno for you.” (Maybe that's my own past traumas speaking!)
Overall, I enjoyed this story immensely. It took me some time to finish, as I had to set it down a few times to process the heavier topics and make peace with my own emotions. Still, I highly recommend it if you enjoy morally gray protagonists, dark themes, religious trauma, and a touch of the forbidden.
*Thank you, Taylor Hubbard, for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2025
This is an ARC review but it was given to me in exchange for an honest review so all thoughts and comments are my own.
SO! I really wanted to like this book more than I did. I'm OBSESSED with The Flowered Blade and hearing that Hubbard was writing a dark fantasy had me so extremely hyped. Don't get me wrong it's far from bad, but there was a lot more that I wanted from it and I think because there was so much missing, it really knocked it down a few pegs.
I think this one is a solid 3 because it had a lot of potential but just under-delivered. I'll still happily read whatever the author puts out next but this one was a bummer for me. I loved the casual trans rep in it though and there needs to be so much more of that in books.
SO! I really wanted to like this book more than I did. I'm OBSESSED with The Flowered Blade and hearing that Hubbard was writing a dark fantasy had me so extremely hyped. Don't get me wrong it's far from bad, but there was a lot more that I wanted from it and I think because there was so much missing, it really knocked it down a few pegs.
I think this one is a solid 3 because it had a lot of potential but just under-delivered. I'll still happily read whatever the author puts out next but this one was a bummer for me. I loved the casual trans rep in it though and there needs to be so much more of that in books.
December 16, 2024
I was sent an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair review! Thank you for choosing me to read this lovely book!
And I did really love it. It took a bit to get into, and it's definitely MUCH more lore-heavy than Flowered Blade, but I loved it. Very much dark fantasy until you get to the end which is and I loved it. I enjoyed the world building, and I enjoyed Ikarys himself. He's snarky and selfish and I loved him. I deeply appreciated the detail of Ikarys being a pre-op trans man as well. There's not a lot of rep for that that I have seen.
My only downside is
Overall, if you like morally gray protags and dark fantasy, I would very much recommend. Thank you again for the ARC! I will definitely be reading all of Taylor Hubbard's work going forward.
And I did really love it. It took a bit to get into, and it's definitely MUCH more lore-heavy than Flowered Blade, but I loved it. Very much dark fantasy until you get to the end which is and I loved it. I enjoyed the world building, and I enjoyed Ikarys himself. He's snarky and selfish and I loved him. I deeply appreciated the detail of Ikarys being a pre-op trans man as well. There's not a lot of rep for that that I have seen.
My only downside is
Overall, if you like morally gray protags and dark fantasy, I would very much recommend. Thank you again for the ARC! I will definitely be reading all of Taylor Hubbard's work going forward.
January 30, 2025
5/5 ⭐
2/5 🌶️
5/5 🌈
A rebound hookup is a common occurrence after a breakup. But what if that break up was with your patron deity? What if that hookup has ulterior motives? What if YOU have ulterior motives? Ikarys the Damned is a gut wrenching tale of a selfish man fighting corruption not only within his own people but the deities beyond.
Ikarys is not a good man. This is not a happy story, but it is a meaningful one. The prose is deep and detailed and certainly heavier than previous works I have read from Taylor Hubbard. I will openly admit as a dyslexic reader after getting used to fluffy romantasies and contemporary dark romances I had to slow my reading down quite a lot to insure reading comprehension for this expansive and meticulous world.
Overall the book left me ugly crying into my kindle and having impossibly more hatred for the oligarchy. If you're the type of person that would fuck a god if given the chance while simultaneously dismantling a corrupt government, give Ikarys the Damned a try! Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
2/5 🌶️
5/5 🌈
A rebound hookup is a common occurrence after a breakup. But what if that break up was with your patron deity? What if that hookup has ulterior motives? What if YOU have ulterior motives? Ikarys the Damned is a gut wrenching tale of a selfish man fighting corruption not only within his own people but the deities beyond.
Ikarys is not a good man. This is not a happy story, but it is a meaningful one. The prose is deep and detailed and certainly heavier than previous works I have read from Taylor Hubbard. I will openly admit as a dyslexic reader after getting used to fluffy romantasies and contemporary dark romances I had to slow my reading down quite a lot to insure reading comprehension for this expansive and meticulous world.
Overall the book left me ugly crying into my kindle and having impossibly more hatred for the oligarchy. If you're the type of person that would fuck a god if given the chance while simultaneously dismantling a corrupt government, give Ikarys the Damned a try! Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
July 31, 2025
Considering the cover looks quite upbeat and YA-ish (the illustration style makes me with of The Edge Chronicles), the content is one dark D&AD campaign. And I mean graphic dark: body horror, gore, sex, violence. This is an adult novel.
I got the feeling it was D&AD related, and the author confirms it at the end. I wasn't always sure about the execution of the story, perhaps because it felt closer to an unplanned game narrative than a plotted novel. .
The characters, gods and magic were interesting additions to the usual D&AD schools. Ikarys is a dark and flawed character, and you're never sure if you want him to succeed or fail in his mission of gaining knowledge hidden by the gods. His relationships are... complicated to say the least. There's a subtlety to one in specific that kept me guessing until the end.
I'd check out more by this author as they're writing style kept me hooked throughout.
I got the feeling it was D&AD related, and the author confirms it at the end. I wasn't always sure about the execution of the story, perhaps because it felt closer to an unplanned game narrative than a plotted novel. .
The characters, gods and magic were interesting additions to the usual D&AD schools. Ikarys is a dark and flawed character, and you're never sure if you want him to succeed or fail in his mission of gaining knowledge hidden by the gods. His relationships are... complicated to say the least. There's a subtlety to one in specific that kept me guessing until the end.
I'd check out more by this author as they're writing style kept me hooked throughout.
December 14, 2024
Thank you very much to the author for the ARC! Of course, all opinions are my own.
All while reading this book, I kept thinking of it as a more adult, queer version of Margaret Rogerson's VESPERTINE, in terms of general environment and construction-- if you liked the world of that but was hoping for a little more vivid imagery with the muse and their host this will certainly scratch that itch.
However, as a character-driven reader it feels somewhat incomplete. There's pieces of what truly made Ikarys the way he is missing. We're told that he distrusts the gods and has given himself to a demon out of a love and lust for power, but there are no explicit windows into his past, no specific incident that made him this way or series of disappointments that build into such loathing. We never really see how he falls in enough love with the other main character to explicitly make him part of his bargains, just a sweet moment or two.
That said, it's not that it's not a good read, for what it is-- I just think its promise sells it short a bit.
All while reading this book, I kept thinking of it as a more adult, queer version of Margaret Rogerson's VESPERTINE, in terms of general environment and construction-- if you liked the world of that but was hoping for a little more vivid imagery with the muse and their host this will certainly scratch that itch.
However, as a character-driven reader it feels somewhat incomplete. There's pieces of what truly made Ikarys the way he is missing. We're told that he distrusts the gods and has given himself to a demon out of a love and lust for power, but there are no explicit windows into his past, no specific incident that made him this way or series of disappointments that build into such loathing. We never really see how he falls in enough love with the other main character to explicitly make him part of his bargains, just a sweet moment or two.
That said, it's not that it's not a good read, for what it is-- I just think its promise sells it short a bit.
February 13, 2025
I think this book had a lot of promise but unfortunately fell flat for me. I think the main problem was that it was overwritten in a lot of areas that weren’t actually important to the story or characters, but underwritten in the areas we needed to know more about to care.
A lot of focus was on purple prose and repetitive imagery. This created some atmosphere, but it was clear the characters should have been the focal point, and there was so much we didn’t know. Much of the character building was through implication, which can be totally fine, but I just didn’t have enough information to really care about the characters, or the plot for that matter. I wanted to feel completely taken in by Ikarys and his sick and twisted internal world, to feel dazzled by his desire for revenge and power, but I ended up just slightly bored.
There was a strong narrative voice and some truly beautiful moments of prose, but overall I felt pretty meh about this.
A lot of focus was on purple prose and repetitive imagery. This created some atmosphere, but it was clear the characters should have been the focal point, and there was so much we didn’t know. Much of the character building was through implication, which can be totally fine, but I just didn’t have enough information to really care about the characters, or the plot for that matter. I wanted to feel completely taken in by Ikarys and his sick and twisted internal world, to feel dazzled by his desire for revenge and power, but I ended up just slightly bored.
There was a strong narrative voice and some truly beautiful moments of prose, but overall I felt pretty meh about this.
Read
May 30, 2025Thank you for the ARC!! Leaving this review on my own accord!
Supporting trans rights and trans wrongs, one bad decision at a time.
This had such stunning worldbuilding and I loved getting to know Glentharis as well as Ikarys’ relationship with not just the city but also the people around him – especially Sabiq and the Muse. Those scenes with her were just so erotic and fantastic!! And everything revolving his relationship with Sabiq had me bracing for how it would end. Coming in, I knew I wasn’t expecting a happy ending but still. Still. It was heartwrenching to actually read. Ikarys is just a little (a lot) fucked up and I love him for it. I’m trying my best not to spoil anything but that ending – GOD that ending.
Definitely something to check out if you’re looking for something different from TFB or if you’re a dark fantasy buff.
Supporting trans rights and trans wrongs, one bad decision at a time.
This had such stunning worldbuilding and I loved getting to know Glentharis as well as Ikarys’ relationship with not just the city but also the people around him – especially Sabiq and the Muse. Those scenes with her were just so erotic and fantastic!! And everything revolving his relationship with Sabiq had me bracing for how it would end. Coming in, I knew I wasn’t expecting a happy ending but still. Still. It was heartwrenching to actually read. Ikarys is just a little (a lot) fucked up and I love him for it. I’m trying my best not to spoil anything but that ending – GOD that ending.
Definitely something to check out if you’re looking for something different from TFB or if you’re a dark fantasy buff.
May 9, 2025
I love everything about this book! It's beautiful, well written, and set in a fascinating world. The characters are touching and believable, the story tragic and gripping, the twisted gods are amazing and there are even some cute illustrations among the pages! It's perfect.
March 11, 2025
This was much more enjoyable than The Flowered Blade at least
Read
November 8, 2025Dnf 46% (chapter 13)
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