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Of Blood & Stone
A standalone adult romantasy for readers who enjoy magic with consequences, reluctant allies-to-lovers, and a dangerous quest in the throes of a cult kingdom.
Favored by her goddess, Sylzenya must use her divine magic to keep her kingdom’s lands fertile and stave off the famine sweeping the continent. But when her father poisons her and renders her powerless, Sylzenya seeks out her goddess who graces her with a vision: find the mythical healing willow, or lose her power and people forever.
Elnok knows nothing but thievery and the pain of hunger. But when his friend contracts the plague sweeping the land, the only option is one he swore he’d never take—accept aid from his abusive brother and travel to a kingdom rumored to carry a healing tree.
Sylzenya is just as unimpressed with Elnok’s roguish nature as he is with her piousness, but they have no choice than to forge an unlikely alliance to accomplish their goal. But when they uncover the nefarious plans of an evil, ancient god, Sylzenya and Elnok must race against time—and their growing feelings—to find the goddess’ willow…
…or else risk the extinction of humanity.
This book contains adult content & themes and is meant for readers 18+.
Favored by her goddess, Sylzenya must use her divine magic to keep her kingdom’s lands fertile and stave off the famine sweeping the continent. But when her father poisons her and renders her powerless, Sylzenya seeks out her goddess who graces her with a vision: find the mythical healing willow, or lose her power and people forever.
Elnok knows nothing but thievery and the pain of hunger. But when his friend contracts the plague sweeping the land, the only option is one he swore he’d never take—accept aid from his abusive brother and travel to a kingdom rumored to carry a healing tree.
Sylzenya is just as unimpressed with Elnok’s roguish nature as he is with her piousness, but they have no choice than to forge an unlikely alliance to accomplish their goal. But when they uncover the nefarious plans of an evil, ancient god, Sylzenya and Elnok must race against time—and their growing feelings—to find the goddess’ willow…
…or else risk the extinction of humanity.
This book contains adult content & themes and is meant for readers 18+.
450 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 9, 2025
68 people are currently reading
942 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Braun
2 books36 followersWith a master’s degree social work, A.J. Braun loves to explore how people make sense of their world, relationships, and themselves. This, in combination with their deep love for the fantasy genre, inspired Braun to start their storytelling journey on the written page. When they’re not writing, you can also find Braun hanging out with their spouse and friends, cuddling their two black cats, participating in local sport leagues, and playing D&D into the wee hours of the night.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
December 30, 2024
"I want to remember you like a new scar running along my body, opening whenever I think about you. I want to remember how, in these past few days during my darkest moments, you inspired me to live."
And I, I want to remember this story for the rest of my days. Of Blood and Stone, an adult fantasy standalone by A.J. Braun, will forever be imprinted in my body and soul. I am still feeling the after-effects, and I am still recovering from the masterpiece that is Of Blood and Stone.
"There were parts of him he’d always kept hidden, and yet she saw them; he wanted her to see them."
Reading this story felt like witnessing two broken people finally finding what they were searching for, maybe even unknowingly—a true home. A home that isn't a place but a person. A safe haven for them to heal, cry, rage, and do whatever is needed to find a way forward.
A.J. Braun has written a story that will resonate with many. A story of breaking the chains of everything you once thought pure and divine. A story of opening your eyes and soul and seeing all those hidden truths. A story of finding your own truth, your freedom, and your choices. A story of finding your truth.
"He wanted to live a life with her. Damn it, he really did, didn’t he? He wanted it more than anything in his short, sad life."
Will Elnok and Sylzenya find that? Will they find their happy ever after amid everything falling apart? Well, wait until January 9th and discover yourself.
Discover a story that will unravel you, leave you an emotional puddle on the floor. And still, all the pain and all the hurt will be worth it, trust me.
And I, I want to remember this story for the rest of my days. Of Blood and Stone, an adult fantasy standalone by A.J. Braun, will forever be imprinted in my body and soul. I am still feeling the after-effects, and I am still recovering from the masterpiece that is Of Blood and Stone.
"There were parts of him he’d always kept hidden, and yet she saw them; he wanted her to see them."
Reading this story felt like witnessing two broken people finally finding what they were searching for, maybe even unknowingly—a true home. A home that isn't a place but a person. A safe haven for them to heal, cry, rage, and do whatever is needed to find a way forward.
A.J. Braun has written a story that will resonate with many. A story of breaking the chains of everything you once thought pure and divine. A story of opening your eyes and soul and seeing all those hidden truths. A story of finding your own truth, your freedom, and your choices. A story of finding your truth.
"He wanted to live a life with her. Damn it, he really did, didn’t he? He wanted it more than anything in his short, sad life."
Will Elnok and Sylzenya find that? Will they find their happy ever after amid everything falling apart? Well, wait until January 9th and discover yourself.
Discover a story that will unravel you, leave you an emotional puddle on the floor. And still, all the pain and all the hurt will be worth it, trust me.
December 3, 2024
I am sure that this will be a book many will enjoy. It has a very unique world and system of magic that felt refreshing and revitalising. The characters were intriguing and fought for my heart.
There is just something about the book that kept me from completely engaging with it so I did find it a little hard to keep picking up and it was never a page turner for me. I have spent a lot of time thinking about why though as there was nothing I really disliked about the book. I think in the end it just comes down to my personal likes and preferences and it just wasn’t quite what I like in books. Because of this, though, I feel like many others will completely enjoy this book and love it.
Another thing is that the pacing was a bit funny. It was very different to what you would usually see and whilst this isn’t necessarily a bad thing it did make a few things in the plot feel a little odd. Mostly this just related to the overall timeline of a book (happening in what I think is meant to be like a week?). It also meant you knew the main drama and it was the focus from like 50% into the book and it was go go go from then on when it still felt like we were only just getting into the setting and the story.
Overall, whilst this book personally just didn’t engage me as much as I had really hoped it would, I do see the potential for it to spark love in other readers and I would recommend it to them.
(I would like to acknowledge that I did receive this book as an ARC and am leaving this review of my own accord).
There is just something about the book that kept me from completely engaging with it so I did find it a little hard to keep picking up and it was never a page turner for me. I have spent a lot of time thinking about why though as there was nothing I really disliked about the book. I think in the end it just comes down to my personal likes and preferences and it just wasn’t quite what I like in books. Because of this, though, I feel like many others will completely enjoy this book and love it.
Another thing is that the pacing was a bit funny. It was very different to what you would usually see and whilst this isn’t necessarily a bad thing it did make a few things in the plot feel a little odd. Mostly this just related to the overall timeline of a book (happening in what I think is meant to be like a week?). It also meant you knew the main drama and it was the focus from like 50% into the book and it was go go go from then on when it still felt like we were only just getting into the setting and the story.
Overall, whilst this book personally just didn’t engage me as much as I had really hoped it would, I do see the potential for it to spark love in other readers and I would recommend it to them.
(I would like to acknowledge that I did receive this book as an ARC and am leaving this review of my own accord).
November 29, 2024
So happy to have got this ARC because it was SO GOOD! I was sold by the magic system and it Delivered !!!
The pace is fast yet take the time to dig into the characters thoughts and developments. It feels natural and in context. The plot twist are 😈😈, that’s all I’m gonna say ^^
I love the world building, especially the magic system is 👌🏻👌🏻
The pace is fast yet take the time to dig into the characters thoughts and developments. It feels natural and in context. The plot twist are 😈😈, that’s all I’m gonna say ^^
I love the world building, especially the magic system is 👌🏻👌🏻
January 4, 2025
3.75 ⭐️ - rounding up.
1.5 🌶️
I thought this was a solid romantasy stand alone. The plot is different from a lot of Romantasy books which was refreshing. The magic system is unique and different. It has a slow start, it took me longer to read this book than it usually takes me. Part of that was a busy schedule but it was also that the story didn’t hook me until almost half way through. Still, I enjoyed the story and the second half was much more intense and exciting. It’s also nice to read a Romantasy standalone every once in a while so you don’t have to suffer from a cliffhanger 😅
My favorite aspects of the book:
The dual POV, I always like getting the mmc’s pov.
The MMC has Flynn Wilder vibes.
The twists and turns in the second half.
The banter between the love interests.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy. I think a lot of Romantasy fans will enjoy this book!
1.5 🌶️
I thought this was a solid romantasy stand alone. The plot is different from a lot of Romantasy books which was refreshing. The magic system is unique and different. It has a slow start, it took me longer to read this book than it usually takes me. Part of that was a busy schedule but it was also that the story didn’t hook me until almost half way through. Still, I enjoyed the story and the second half was much more intense and exciting. It’s also nice to read a Romantasy standalone every once in a while so you don’t have to suffer from a cliffhanger 😅
My favorite aspects of the book:
The dual POV, I always like getting the mmc’s pov.
The MMC has Flynn Wilder vibes.
The twists and turns in the second half.
The banter between the love interests.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy. I think a lot of Romantasy fans will enjoy this book!
December 29, 2024
I saw the heart the author put into every page and admire the dedication and hard work that they poured into this debut novel.
The magic system is awesome! What an amazing and unparalleled idea! It was also a great approach to weave in important messages about life as we know it.
The representation will for sure help readers who go through similar trauma. I really respect writers who create stories that can bring light into people’s lives by making them feel seen and heard.
Thank you again to the author A.J. Braun for sharing their art and providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The magic system is awesome! What an amazing and unparalleled idea! It was also a great approach to weave in important messages about life as we know it.
The representation will for sure help readers who go through similar trauma. I really respect writers who create stories that can bring light into people’s lives by making them feel seen and heard.
Thank you again to the author A.J. Braun for sharing their art and providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 5, 2024
I love this type of story telling. As a reader, you learn things with the characters in the book, there's no exposition dump. Even the magic system is explained a bit later. So, there's a little bit of mystery and curiosity of the unknown, which was so fresh and acts as an easy hook to keep flipping the pages, at least it did for me!
The characters here actually have that ‘tortured’ sense to them - and are written in a way that it was very easy to empathise with their arcs. There are some dark elements too, especially around addiction, which was all handled really well. The best fantasy characters for me are those that feel like humans, and here, they absolutely do. Their choices are difficult and we know it, we feel it, we are not just "told" that they are going through a struggle.
Also, I doubt I have read any book that is as uniformly paced as this one. For a book that is relatively fast paced, often times ending either slows down or has too much happening, but AJ has managed to avoid that. The pace is maintained even till the epilogue.
I'm so happy that I got to read this masterpiece, can't believe that this is a debut novel. It was written with so much care and maybe obsession. :D Would definitely recommend it!
The characters here actually have that ‘tortured’ sense to them - and are written in a way that it was very easy to empathise with their arcs. There are some dark elements too, especially around addiction, which was all handled really well. The best fantasy characters for me are those that feel like humans, and here, they absolutely do. Their choices are difficult and we know it, we feel it, we are not just "told" that they are going through a struggle.
Also, I doubt I have read any book that is as uniformly paced as this one. For a book that is relatively fast paced, often times ending either slows down or has too much happening, but AJ has managed to avoid that. The pace is maintained even till the epilogue.
I'm so happy that I got to read this masterpiece, can't believe that this is a debut novel. It was written with so much care and maybe obsession. :D Would definitely recommend it!
Read
April 8, 2025I give up & accept this isn’t for me.
Perhaps it picked up, but with the 30% I read I was bored out of my mind & was honestly getting tired of the repetitive cult mantras of “praise Aretta this” & “hail Aretta that.” I wasn’t connecting to or intrigued by the story nor characters.
Perhaps it picked up, but with the 30% I read I was bored out of my mind & was honestly getting tired of the repetitive cult mantras of “praise Aretta this” & “hail Aretta that.” I wasn’t connecting to or intrigued by the story nor characters.
Want to read
February 14, 2025✨Preread
Admittedly the cover sucked me into trying this one.
Admittedly the cover sucked me into trying this one.
January 7, 2025
"She smiled, and damn it all if it didn't bring him to his knees"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🌟
Wow I am such a sucker for... literally everything that happened in this book.
This was a masterpiece.
Elnok is my precious broken boy; Sylzenya is also broken in her own way. These two help each other heal and find where they belong; and it was truly magical to witness.
The magic system was also unlike any I've seen in any other book; I was invested in learning how everything worked and loved seeing it all come together.
This book has so many underlying messages to the reader; and I guarantee that it will speak to many who read it. Find your truth. Find your home.
It had me kicking my feet, smiling, crying, on the edge of my seat, cheering, and feeling melancholic.
Thank you, A.J. Braun for the opportunity to read this eARC!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🌟
Wow I am such a sucker for... literally everything that happened in this book.
This was a masterpiece.
Elnok is my precious broken boy; Sylzenya is also broken in her own way. These two help each other heal and find where they belong; and it was truly magical to witness.
The magic system was also unlike any I've seen in any other book; I was invested in learning how everything worked and loved seeing it all come together.
This book has so many underlying messages to the reader; and I guarantee that it will speak to many who read it. Find your truth. Find your home.
It had me kicking my feet, smiling, crying, on the edge of my seat, cheering, and feeling melancholic.
Thank you, A.J. Braun for the opportunity to read this eARC!
January 31, 2025
ok so. two broken people, who lean on each other, cry with each other and want to be better for each other???? literal dreams. also a MMC that actually has feelings right from the beginning? yes. A MMC that loves his friends and talks about how he loves his friends? yes.
magic system is unique and speaks to current socioeconomic issues - love.
the only reason I'm not giving this book 5 stars is because I was able to predict the ending. I love love loved the characters, the unique world, the magic.. literally everything. This story will live in my brain for a long time to come.
magic system is unique and speaks to current socioeconomic issues - love.
the only reason I'm not giving this book 5 stars is because I was able to predict the ending. I love love loved the characters, the unique world, the magic.. literally everything. This story will live in my brain for a long time to come.
December 6, 2024
I was very fortunate to be chosen as an ARC reader for this incredible debut romantasy novel!
Of Blood & Stone is an entertaining and thought-provoking story about blind faith and the nature of good and evil. It has a very interesting magic system whereby certain revered females, called Kreenas, are the sources of sustenance for an entire nation, but the price of using this magic of creation is an ever present physical wound. I found this very interesting, especially when many male characters had access to a more destructive magical force without experiencing physical pain to harness it.
The FMC Sylzenya is poised to be the most powerful Kreena in the territory when something goes awry and events are set in motion that lead her to question everything she has grown up believing.
Part of the catalyst for Sylzenya’s change is the arrival of Elnok, a snarky but wounded thief with a past full of secrets and a very versatile rope. (Side note: Elnok is babygirl, and I will protect him at all costs.)
Both characters learn and change as they see bits of themselves in one another, and they team up to try and right their wrongs before it’s too late. Along the way, they have some fun banter that had me giggling and spicy moments that had me fanning my face.
This was a well-paced read with world building nicely woven into the story without feeling overwhelming. The last third of the book moved very quickly with the action keeping me reading chapter after chapter to find out what happened.
This was an awesome read, and I feel very lucky to have been an ARC reader. I can’t wait to see what A. J. has up their sleeve for future books!
Of Blood & Stone is an entertaining and thought-provoking story about blind faith and the nature of good and evil. It has a very interesting magic system whereby certain revered females, called Kreenas, are the sources of sustenance for an entire nation, but the price of using this magic of creation is an ever present physical wound. I found this very interesting, especially when many male characters had access to a more destructive magical force without experiencing physical pain to harness it.
The FMC Sylzenya is poised to be the most powerful Kreena in the territory when something goes awry and events are set in motion that lead her to question everything she has grown up believing.
Part of the catalyst for Sylzenya’s change is the arrival of Elnok, a snarky but wounded thief with a past full of secrets and a very versatile rope. (Side note: Elnok is babygirl, and I will protect him at all costs.)
Both characters learn and change as they see bits of themselves in one another, and they team up to try and right their wrongs before it’s too late. Along the way, they have some fun banter that had me giggling and spicy moments that had me fanning my face.
This was a well-paced read with world building nicely woven into the story without feeling overwhelming. The last third of the book moved very quickly with the action keeping me reading chapter after chapter to find out what happened.
This was an awesome read, and I feel very lucky to have been an ARC reader. I can’t wait to see what A. J. has up their sleeve for future books!
December 28, 2024
Of Blood & Stone by A.J. Braun
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Media Type: EBook
This book was absolutely captivating! It's a standalone story with a unique focus on a religious cult, adding a fresh twist to the fantasy genre, keeping me hooked and even shouting at the brainwashed FMC at times. The story was intriguing and checked every box: compelling characters, intertwining plots, dual POVs, romance, witty banter, the classic "one-room inn" trope, and just the right amount of spice. It struck the perfect balance and delivered on all fronts. I highly recommend it
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Media Type: EBook
This book was absolutely captivating! It's a standalone story with a unique focus on a religious cult, adding a fresh twist to the fantasy genre, keeping me hooked and even shouting at the brainwashed FMC at times. The story was intriguing and checked every box: compelling characters, intertwining plots, dual POVs, romance, witty banter, the classic "one-room inn" trope, and just the right amount of spice. It struck the perfect balance and delivered on all fronts. I highly recommend it
December 6, 2024
I enjoyed this book. Because of the early world building necessary to understand the main plot, it felt a little slow to start. However, you quickly get into the more juicy bits, and it keeps the pages turning. I think for a debut novel, this was great 👌
I did receive an eARC copy of this, but I am leaving this review purely of my own volition.
I did receive an eARC copy of this, but I am leaving this review purely of my own volition.
December 10, 2024
The premise of the magic system is truly the standout of this book. Magic where the power of life and creation comes at the cost of physical pain and blood for the women in this universe? Plot twists that center around the way magic and power is used in universe? Character growth as a result of these magical revelations? Glowing stones and magical vegetation? Gotta be some of my favourite things to see in a fantasy book.
At times some of the side characters felt two dimensional and more plot devices to me. I didn’t really feel their connections to our two main characters (though it was told to us). The overall timeline of the book (a week or so?) did feel a bit rushed in hindsight, but if you’re a fan of characters bonding really fast in a short span of time then you’ll still enjoy this book.
I received this book as an ARC!
At times some of the side characters felt two dimensional and more plot devices to me. I didn’t really feel their connections to our two main characters (though it was told to us). The overall timeline of the book (a week or so?) did feel a bit rushed in hindsight, but if you’re a fan of characters bonding really fast in a short span of time then you’ll still enjoy this book.
I received this book as an ARC!
December 22, 2024
This stand-alone romantasy was such a pleasant read. The magic system was unlike anything I have ever read yet so easy to comprehend. This writing style stitched together the world building, magic system, and main character development seamlessly.
Any book with an evil god against a goddess, dangerous quest, magic with a price, and a race against time to save humanity is always going to keep up way past my bedtime but Of Blood & Stone was so worth it!
Any book with an evil god against a goddess, dangerous quest, magic with a price, and a race against time to save humanity is always going to keep up way past my bedtime but Of Blood & Stone was so worth it!
November 23, 2024
LOVED THIS! I was captivated by this book’s magic system from a reel the author had posted on Instagram. (This reel: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DB9Amk... )
It took me a while to get used to the dual POV but still using second person pronouns, BUT once I got into this book, I demolished this book within a few hours.
It did get a bit overused where both characters were nearly dead constantly after the 60% mark however I think that’s just me being finicky, and it didn’t subtract from the story, if anything contrary to that.
The romance romanced for me, even though it was semi instalove/instalust. Elnok was 🤌 for me, especially with his rope comment, iykyk. 👀
Braun has the knack for writing and I hope they continue to do so in future, I really loved the idea that prompted this book and loved reading this book.
Received an eARC from the author, thank you so much! 🩶
It took me a while to get used to the dual POV but still using second person pronouns, BUT once I got into this book, I demolished this book within a few hours.
It did get a bit overused where both characters were nearly dead constantly after the 60% mark however I think that’s just me being finicky, and it didn’t subtract from the story, if anything contrary to that.
The romance romanced for me, even though it was semi instalove/instalust. Elnok was 🤌 for me, especially with his rope comment, iykyk. 👀
Braun has the knack for writing and I hope they continue to do so in future, I really loved the idea that prompted this book and loved reading this book.
Received an eARC from the author, thank you so much! 🩶
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2024
Holy freaking cow, this book is SO. GOOD. i love adventurous fantasy books, and usually I like fantasy series, but this standalone had me hooked from the very beginning.
Elnok gives strong Flynn Rider vibes from the very start and i could not get enough of it. He made me laugh out loud, cry, pant, and swoon throughout the entire book.
Sylzenya showed us that females can be powerful and believe in themselves after years of being brainwashed, lied to, and beaten down psychologically. She just needed someone to believe in her for HER and not her power.
Kharis is the loveable bear daddy we all need in our lives.
Also, huge props to Lhaal Forest for giving me anxiety nightmares because of the creatures in it. Arachnis? No freaking thank you. Serpentum? gtfo with that bullshit.
If you want fantasy with adventure, love, heartbreak, and people choosing each other while also saving the world, this book is for you.
Elnok gives strong Flynn Rider vibes from the very start and i could not get enough of it. He made me laugh out loud, cry, pant, and swoon throughout the entire book.
Sylzenya showed us that females can be powerful and believe in themselves after years of being brainwashed, lied to, and beaten down psychologically. She just needed someone to believe in her for HER and not her power.
Kharis is the loveable bear daddy we all need in our lives.
Also, huge props to Lhaal Forest for giving me anxiety nightmares because of the creatures in it. Arachnis? No freaking thank you. Serpentum? gtfo with that bullshit.
If you want fantasy with adventure, love, heartbreak, and people choosing each other while also saving the world, this book is for you.
February 26, 2025
I really enjoyed some of the underlying themes in this book but I did have a hard time connecting to the characters and specifically the MMC. He has an extremely traumatic past so I don’t want to say at times he felt dramatic…but at times his dialogue made him sound dramatic and quite honestly an asshole tbh 😂
I think also the fact this book is like the time span of 7 days was hard for me to grasp as well. It’s a lot for a week lol.
What I did love is the FMC. Things unravel for her pretty quickly but she stays resilient and truly tries to do what’s right. The magic here is interesting and there’s so much we uncover about their goddess/god which have a very interesting (and a lil icky) backstory. Overall, if you love traumatic backstories, forced proximity, religious themes, and quests then give it a go.
I think also the fact this book is like the time span of 7 days was hard for me to grasp as well. It’s a lot for a week lol.
What I did love is the FMC. Things unravel for her pretty quickly but she stays resilient and truly tries to do what’s right. The magic here is interesting and there’s so much we uncover about their goddess/god which have a very interesting (and a lil icky) backstory. Overall, if you love traumatic backstories, forced proximity, religious themes, and quests then give it a go.
December 27, 2024
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I honestly didn’t go into it with any expectations as I’ve been having a rough reading month. The fact that I devoured it in 2 days is really a testament to the fact that it is good. Sylzenya, the FMC is extremely likable. Her journey of realizing her personal power is always a favorite of mine. The MMC also was great, although there were a couple times I wanted to strangle him. The pacing was inconsistent. Super slow, then lightning fast, and sometimes I did find myself feeling skimming. This is what kept me from giving it 5 stars. However, the world building was very well done. The premise of the book, as well as the power/magic is very unique and original. I enjoyed that most of all. I want to thank AJ for the opportunity to be on her ARC team in exchange for my honest review. Make sure to get your copy on January 9th.
Read if you like: secret identity, royal romance, gods/goddesses, warriors, acolytes, forced proximity, found family, political intrigue, who did this to you, LGBTQI+ rep
Read if you like: secret identity, royal romance, gods/goddesses, warriors, acolytes, forced proximity, found family, political intrigue, who did this to you, LGBTQI+ rep
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2025
This book is very unique!! It is based heavily on religious trauma and coping with changes in your beliefs. It also contains a very unique magic system! I really enjoyed that the book is a standalone and you don’t have to wait a million years to get more of the story. It starts and ends in one book. Love it!
Sylzenya is an incredible female lead. She embodies strength and power. It was amazing to watch her progression throughout the book.
Elnok was my favorite character. You’ll love him too if you like tall, dark, and handsome men. He definitely has his flaws, but don’t we all! LOL
In conclusion, I would recommend this book to anyone who likes books such as When the Moon Hatched, Throne of Glass, and Fourth Wing.
Sylzenya is an incredible female lead. She embodies strength and power. It was amazing to watch her progression throughout the book.
Elnok was my favorite character. You’ll love him too if you like tall, dark, and handsome men. He definitely has his flaws, but don’t we all! LOL
In conclusion, I would recommend this book to anyone who likes books such as When the Moon Hatched, Throne of Glass, and Fourth Wing.
January 1, 2025
This book was everything you want in a Romantasy and bonus points because it is a standalone, which is always a refreshing change of pace between series!
The world building and magic system is so unique, and its hidden meaning makes it all that much more incredible. Truly fascinating! The action and adventure was perfect, I feel like A.J. strikes such a perfect balance between the plot, the world and character development in this book. There were twists, some expected and some that took me by surprise but I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Gobbled this one up QUICK!
I really loved both the main characters, the FMC is powerful and resilient. She really turns out to be a badass. The MMC is mysterious, tall, dark and handsome, and such a simp 🙂↕️ The banter was excellent and their chemistry was palpable. So naturally I was giggling and kicking my feet, but I was also driven to tears a couple times - was definitely an emotional read and I absolutely loved that!!
Thank you A.J. Braun for sharing this beautiful story with me!
The world building and magic system is so unique, and its hidden meaning makes it all that much more incredible. Truly fascinating! The action and adventure was perfect, I feel like A.J. strikes such a perfect balance between the plot, the world and character development in this book. There were twists, some expected and some that took me by surprise but I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Gobbled this one up QUICK!
I really loved both the main characters, the FMC is powerful and resilient. She really turns out to be a badass. The MMC is mysterious, tall, dark and handsome, and such a simp 🙂↕️ The banter was excellent and their chemistry was palpable. So naturally I was giggling and kicking my feet, but I was also driven to tears a couple times - was definitely an emotional read and I absolutely loved that!!
Thank you A.J. Braun for sharing this beautiful story with me!
December 29, 2024
This was the best standalone fantasy read I had this year. The book is flawless starting from the characters to storytelling, pacing and editing, basically from the first sentence to the last.
It was evident the author spent a lot of time polishing this book, it is truly worthy of the five stars rating.
I hope everyone who likes fantasy sprinkled with romance, a good story and a unique magic system will read this book because I’m sure they will love it.
I don’t want to spoil too much since the book is coming out in January 9th, but it was exciting book to read. It has a little mystery, history of God wars, rich characters and arcs. The world building is also *chef’s kiss*.
I enjoyed every minute of it and I will be re-reading it soon.
It was evident the author spent a lot of time polishing this book, it is truly worthy of the five stars rating.
I hope everyone who likes fantasy sprinkled with romance, a good story and a unique magic system will read this book because I’m sure they will love it.
I don’t want to spoil too much since the book is coming out in January 9th, but it was exciting book to read. It has a little mystery, history of God wars, rich characters and arcs. The world building is also *chef’s kiss*.
I enjoyed every minute of it and I will be re-reading it soon.
June 27, 2025
Stand-alones are so hard to find in the fantasy genre. I really loved the characters in this book. I think that the magic and world and plot was super unique and different. It was a bit confusing starting out trying to learn the magic system, but again very unique.
I think the build up with the MMC and FMC was really done well. I loved that it wasn’t super insta-love which I don’t like but find hard to do with stand alone books. This was an okay read, I enjoyed it. It was a little hard at some parts just with the history of the magic and world being kind of confusing that I was just having a hard time getting through it and staying interested in the story line.
I think the build up with the MMC and FMC was really done well. I loved that it wasn’t super insta-love which I don’t like but find hard to do with stand alone books. This was an okay read, I enjoyed it. It was a little hard at some parts just with the history of the magic and world being kind of confusing that I was just having a hard time getting through it and staying interested in the story line.
December 20, 2024
Honestly there is so much I love about this book!
From the harsh themes that life is pain which resonates with me as a chronically ill individual who understands the inner struggles of being used to pain, to the addition of never meet your gods? Perfection
I have read many fantasy novels and I have never before given a 5 star review. I’m doing so now. The emotions this book evoked in me has earned it a place on my shelf. It reminds me so much of many things I have lived through (parents being toxic anyone?).
I am advocating for everyone to read this masterpiece!
From the harsh themes that life is pain which resonates with me as a chronically ill individual who understands the inner struggles of being used to pain, to the addition of never meet your gods? Perfection
I have read many fantasy novels and I have never before given a 5 star review. I’m doing so now. The emotions this book evoked in me has earned it a place on my shelf. It reminds me so much of many things I have lived through (parents being toxic anyone?).
I am advocating for everyone to read this masterpiece!
January 3, 2025
A.J. Braun’s debut novel is a testament to creativity and heart. The worldbuilding is vibrant and full of life, and the magic system feels refreshingly unique—such a cool, concept! It’s the kind of creativity that sticks with you.
You can tell how much heart went into crafting this story, especially with the way it tackles important themes and offers representation that will mean a lot to readers.
I can’t wait for more people to experience this one. It’s such a unique and heartfelt debut, and I’m sure it will find its home in the hearts of many.
Thank you to the author for sharing this incredible journey with us and for providing me with an ARC—I’m so glad to have had the chance to experience this story.
You can tell how much heart went into crafting this story, especially with the way it tackles important themes and offers representation that will mean a lot to readers.
I can’t wait for more people to experience this one. It’s such a unique and heartfelt debut, and I’m sure it will find its home in the hearts of many.
Thank you to the author for sharing this incredible journey with us and for providing me with an ARC—I’m so glad to have had the chance to experience this story.
December 12, 2024
What a wonderful world that has been created. From the very first page you are taken on a magical journey, learning new lore and meeting a variety of characters along the way.
This story is written in such a way that the reader can identify with the characters and different parts through imagery and metaphors.
I enjoyed the characters evolving relationships and beliefs.
Thank you A.J Braun
This story is written in such a way that the reader can identify with the characters and different parts through imagery and metaphors.
I enjoyed the characters evolving relationships and beliefs.
Thank you A.J Braun
December 12, 2024
What an adventure! The pacing was perfect for a stand-alone, the characters were dynamic and flawed, and the magic/universe were, for lack of a better word, really cool. Thank you for the ARC ✨
December 9, 2024
I love a good standalone story. This book was nicely paced that it seemed longer than 450 pages. So much happened and I grew so attached to the characters. I wish we had more time with Elnok and Sylzenya and even Nyla. I loved the unique magic system and original storyline. It was so refreshing reading such an original fantasy story. Great debut!
February 1, 2025
This book was so good! This struck a perfect balance of world building and character development. I loved the twists and the magical system. I loved Elnok's snarky attitude and Sylvenia’s quick transformation. Sometimes it’s just great to read a one and done!
December 23, 2024
"To the readers who left everything they believed in to find themselves: may this story, in all its meagerness, reflect even an ounce of your bravery."
I love seeing maps in fantasy books. I literally love the cover on this book. It was fast paced but i love how it takeks time to dig into characters ...... i love the plot twist ... you will need to read to find out ... No spoliers here ... I cant wiat till i read more of A.J's books .
I love seeing maps in fantasy books. I literally love the cover on this book. It was fast paced but i love how it takeks time to dig into characters ...... i love the plot twist ... you will need to read to find out ... No spoliers here ... I cant wiat till i read more of A.J's books .
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