What do you think?
Rate this book
The Stormbringer Saga #1
Unraveled
All that is unseen will be revealed.
All that binds can also break.
And all that burns shall rise again.
Reina and Meiryn only want to begin anew in southern, shining Ashuma, unburdened by the cruelty they’ve suffered in Ver Signia. But when Reina is wrongly accused of setting a fire-breathing dragon upon a woodland city, plans for escape go by the wayside.
Now captive to the dragon slayers of the Silver Order, a ghost from Reina’s past unwittingly throws her down a path that causes her to awaken a storm dragon’s lethal power—one that was always hers to wield. But Reina must hide this ancient magic from the Order’s watchful eye, or she risks becoming the kingdom’s newest target.
Meiryn has always sought comfort and security in the company of others, but Reina’s capture forces her to seek the help of the Hunters Guild, roguish rivals to the Silver Order. However, plans of rescue quickly fall to a darker scheme of vengeance as Meiryn watches the heroes of her childhood night tales become the very force that stops her from saving her friend.
Told in alternating perspectives, Unraveled is the fast-paced debut in an upcoming fantasy series about identity, hidden powers, and truths that are just as empowering as they are damning.
All that binds can also break.
And all that burns shall rise again.
Reina and Meiryn only want to begin anew in southern, shining Ashuma, unburdened by the cruelty they’ve suffered in Ver Signia. But when Reina is wrongly accused of setting a fire-breathing dragon upon a woodland city, plans for escape go by the wayside.
Now captive to the dragon slayers of the Silver Order, a ghost from Reina’s past unwittingly throws her down a path that causes her to awaken a storm dragon’s lethal power—one that was always hers to wield. But Reina must hide this ancient magic from the Order’s watchful eye, or she risks becoming the kingdom’s newest target.
Meiryn has always sought comfort and security in the company of others, but Reina’s capture forces her to seek the help of the Hunters Guild, roguish rivals to the Silver Order. However, plans of rescue quickly fall to a darker scheme of vengeance as Meiryn watches the heroes of her childhood night tales become the very force that stops her from saving her friend.
Told in alternating perspectives, Unraveled is the fast-paced debut in an upcoming fantasy series about identity, hidden powers, and truths that are just as empowering as they are damning.
442 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2025
4 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 16, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing, and Kit Aldridge for providing me with an ARC of Unraveled in exchange for my honest review.
Let’s get into it.
First and foremost, the opening was executed fantastically and that first sentence captured my attention immediately. I absolutely loved how it started with an action sequence right off the bat. It really sets the tone for the rest of the book. When you start off with such a gruesome sight, the story shouldn’t falter as it progresses and even though the plot does slow down for a bit, that heart thumping uncertainty is still present.
The book is heavily plot driven, and the world building was great. I did not feel like I was getting too much information at once. Although, I did have some unanswered questions, but I’m sure as the series progresses they will be answered. Although, I think they should have been answers considering the length of the book. If I’m being honest, I liked the beginning of the book more than the rest. The high stakes during the first few chapters was fantastic.
I do want to commend our author Kit in regard to the writing style and the language. The description of the fight scenes and battles is so articulate and carefully curated that I felt like I was there, a fly on the wall. I love when an author is able to transport me into the world with such precise details.
As for the characters, there were definitely a few that I connected with immediately and some I didn’t connect with at all, but that’s okie. The comic relief character is great. I would love to see a spin off with them as the main character. However, I’m sad to say that I didn’t really feel connected with the main characters. I’m not sure what it was. But I couldn’t get into them as much as the other characters.
Okie, now let’s talk about the flow. I’ve always been such a stickler when it comes to the flow of books. I thought it was too long. There were some scenes and settings, I felt, that shouldn’t have been added, but it didn’t distract from the main goal of the characters. There was a beginning and there was an end, but the middle was meek at best.
Overall, I did enjoy the book. And I do want to see how the story progresses in the rest of the series.
Let’s get into it.
First and foremost, the opening was executed fantastically and that first sentence captured my attention immediately. I absolutely loved how it started with an action sequence right off the bat. It really sets the tone for the rest of the book. When you start off with such a gruesome sight, the story shouldn’t falter as it progresses and even though the plot does slow down for a bit, that heart thumping uncertainty is still present.
The book is heavily plot driven, and the world building was great. I did not feel like I was getting too much information at once. Although, I did have some unanswered questions, but I’m sure as the series progresses they will be answered. Although, I think they should have been answers considering the length of the book. If I’m being honest, I liked the beginning of the book more than the rest. The high stakes during the first few chapters was fantastic.
I do want to commend our author Kit in regard to the writing style and the language. The description of the fight scenes and battles is so articulate and carefully curated that I felt like I was there, a fly on the wall. I love when an author is able to transport me into the world with such precise details.
As for the characters, there were definitely a few that I connected with immediately and some I didn’t connect with at all, but that’s okie. The comic relief character is great. I would love to see a spin off with them as the main character. However, I’m sad to say that I didn’t really feel connected with the main characters. I’m not sure what it was. But I couldn’t get into them as much as the other characters.
Okie, now let’s talk about the flow. I’ve always been such a stickler when it comes to the flow of books. I thought it was too long. There were some scenes and settings, I felt, that shouldn’t have been added, but it didn’t distract from the main goal of the characters. There was a beginning and there was an end, but the middle was meek at best.
Overall, I did enjoy the book. And I do want to see how the story progresses in the rest of the series.
January 13, 2025
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher & the author for allowing me to read this early!
Wow, Unraveled was such a ride! I was completely hooked. The fast pacing immediately pulled me in, and I was fully invested before I even hit the 10% mark. This book wastes no time throwing you into the action, and I loved every second of it. I know it’s early into the year but please believe me when I say this is the best thing I have read so far!
First of all, let’s talk about the weapons. Retractable whip-blades? Flaming swords? YES. PLEASE. Kit Aldridge, I need a behind-the-scenes feature on how you came up with these because they are the coolest things ever. Every battle felt like something straight out of an epic RPG, and I kept imagining the characters in an epic quest from the likes of Skyrim or Dragon Age: Inquisition.
Speaking of RPG vibes, this entire story felt like playing one of those epic fantasy games. The worldbuilding, the characters, their quests—it all gave me that same sense of adventure and excitement. I even started listening to the How to Train Your Dragon and Skyrim soundtracks while reading, and let me tell you, it elevated the entire experience, highly recommend!
Now, onto the characters. Reina absolutely stole the show for me. Her dynamic with her estranged brother Aaron and his second-in-command Reiko? Chef’s kiss. I was cackling every time Reiko subtly defied Aaron’s orders while clearly harboring feelings for Reina. And let’s be honest, Aaron is kind of an asshole, so Reiko being a secret Reina stan just made me love him more. Also the quote “What in the six hells were you thinking?”—if this wasn’t written with Astarion from Baldur’s Gate 3 in mind, I’ll eat my (metaphorical) hat because I had to laugh so hard, my rating went up to 5-stars immediately.
Meiryn’s storyline was good too, but I’ll admit that every time her chapters came up, I was itching to get back to Reina. That’s no shade to Meiryn—her story adds so much depth to the plot, especially once the two narratives start weaving together. The way the storylines merged toward the end was brilliant! There were so many moments where clues from one storyline became pivotal for the other, and I loved putting the pieces together.
The ending was absolute chaos, but in the best way possible. It felt like the final boss battle of a game where everything explodes (literally and figuratively), and you’re left on the edge of your seat wondering what’s next. I’m so curious about where the saga will go from here!
If I have one tiny critique, it’s that I wish there was more romance. There were a few tantalizing sprinkles—like, are Lukas and Meiryn going to get together? Or are we going to get an enemies-to-lovers moment with her and Faun? I am still sobbing over the fact that two cuties are never going to end up together although I now wish she’s going to end up with a certain someone that she knows from her past. The absence of a full-blown romance didn’t detract from the story, but I’m holding out hope for some romantic subplots in future installments!
Overall, Unraveled was such an epic and fun read. It’s like stepping into your favorite fantasy RPG with characters you can’t help but root for and action sequences that make your heart race. I can’t wait to see where this series goes next, and I’ll be first in line for the sequel!
Wow, Unraveled was such a ride! I was completely hooked. The fast pacing immediately pulled me in, and I was fully invested before I even hit the 10% mark. This book wastes no time throwing you into the action, and I loved every second of it. I know it’s early into the year but please believe me when I say this is the best thing I have read so far!
First of all, let’s talk about the weapons. Retractable whip-blades? Flaming swords? YES. PLEASE. Kit Aldridge, I need a behind-the-scenes feature on how you came up with these because they are the coolest things ever. Every battle felt like something straight out of an epic RPG, and I kept imagining the characters in an epic quest from the likes of Skyrim or Dragon Age: Inquisition.
Speaking of RPG vibes, this entire story felt like playing one of those epic fantasy games. The worldbuilding, the characters, their quests—it all gave me that same sense of adventure and excitement. I even started listening to the How to Train Your Dragon and Skyrim soundtracks while reading, and let me tell you, it elevated the entire experience, highly recommend!
Now, onto the characters. Reina absolutely stole the show for me. Her dynamic with her estranged brother Aaron and his second-in-command Reiko? Chef’s kiss. I was cackling every time Reiko subtly defied Aaron’s orders while clearly harboring feelings for Reina. And let’s be honest, Aaron is kind of an asshole, so Reiko being a secret Reina stan just made me love him more. Also the quote “What in the six hells were you thinking?”—if this wasn’t written with Astarion from Baldur’s Gate 3 in mind, I’ll eat my (metaphorical) hat because I had to laugh so hard, my rating went up to 5-stars immediately.
Meiryn’s storyline was good too, but I’ll admit that every time her chapters came up, I was itching to get back to Reina. That’s no shade to Meiryn—her story adds so much depth to the plot, especially once the two narratives start weaving together. The way the storylines merged toward the end was brilliant! There were so many moments where clues from one storyline became pivotal for the other, and I loved putting the pieces together.
The ending was absolute chaos, but in the best way possible. It felt like the final boss battle of a game where everything explodes (literally and figuratively), and you’re left on the edge of your seat wondering what’s next. I’m so curious about where the saga will go from here!
If I have one tiny critique, it’s that I wish there was more romance. There were a few tantalizing sprinkles—like, are Lukas and Meiryn going to get together? Or are we going to get an enemies-to-lovers moment with her and Faun? I am still sobbing over the fact that two cuties are never going to end up together although I now wish she’s going to end up with a certain someone that she knows from her past. The absence of a full-blown romance didn’t detract from the story, but I’m holding out hope for some romantic subplots in future installments!
Overall, Unraveled was such an epic and fun read. It’s like stepping into your favorite fantasy RPG with characters you can’t help but root for and action sequences that make your heart race. I can’t wait to see where this series goes next, and I’ll be first in line for the sequel!
January 11, 2025
Unraveled by Kit Aldridge was a story of a girl trying to find her place in the world. Haunted by pain of the past, Reina cast off her identity and disappears. After years spent hiding she is captured. Reina now has to face head-on family, friends, enemies, dragons and herself. Will she be able learn who she is or die trying?
January 22, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing, and Kit Aldridge for providing me with an ARC of Unraveled in exchange for my honest review.
Let’s dive in.
First, the opening of Unraveled was a triumph. The first sentence gripped me instantly, launching right into an action-packed, high-stakes moment that set the tone for the entire story. The brutal, heart-pounding scenes from the start established a world of tension and danger. While the pace slowed slightly after the beginning, the underlying suspense remained palpable throughout the plot.
The worldbuilding was immersive and detailed, striking a fine balance between providing context and avoiding overwhelming exposition. However, I did find myself with a few lingering questions that I hope will be addressed in future installments of the series. Given the book’s length, I wish some of these loose ends had been tied up within this volume.
Kit Aldridge’s writing style truly stood out. The descriptions of the battle scenes were breathtakingly vivid, making me feel like I was right there in the chaos. The language was precise and evocative, pulling me deeper into this richly crafted world.
The characters were a mixed bag for me. While some, like the comic relief character, resonated instantly, I found it harder to connect with the main protagonists. That said, the relationships and dynamics between certain characters, especially those filled with tension or humor, added an enjoyable layer of depth. I would love to see a spin-off focusing on the standout comic relief character—they brought a refreshing levity to the story.
One of my critiques is the pacing. While the beginning and the end were strong, the middle sections felt a bit drawn out. Certain scenes and settings could have been trimmed or omitted without detracting from the narrative's impact.
Overall, Unraveled was an enjoyable read, blending action, intrigue, and a well-built world. While not perfect, it left me eager to see how the story progresses in the next installment. If you’re a fan of action-driven fantasy with intricate battles and a compelling world, this one’s worth picking up!
Let’s dive in.
First, the opening of Unraveled was a triumph. The first sentence gripped me instantly, launching right into an action-packed, high-stakes moment that set the tone for the entire story. The brutal, heart-pounding scenes from the start established a world of tension and danger. While the pace slowed slightly after the beginning, the underlying suspense remained palpable throughout the plot.
The worldbuilding was immersive and detailed, striking a fine balance between providing context and avoiding overwhelming exposition. However, I did find myself with a few lingering questions that I hope will be addressed in future installments of the series. Given the book’s length, I wish some of these loose ends had been tied up within this volume.
Kit Aldridge’s writing style truly stood out. The descriptions of the battle scenes were breathtakingly vivid, making me feel like I was right there in the chaos. The language was precise and evocative, pulling me deeper into this richly crafted world.
The characters were a mixed bag for me. While some, like the comic relief character, resonated instantly, I found it harder to connect with the main protagonists. That said, the relationships and dynamics between certain characters, especially those filled with tension or humor, added an enjoyable layer of depth. I would love to see a spin-off focusing on the standout comic relief character—they brought a refreshing levity to the story.
One of my critiques is the pacing. While the beginning and the end were strong, the middle sections felt a bit drawn out. Certain scenes and settings could have been trimmed or omitted without detracting from the narrative's impact.
Overall, Unraveled was an enjoyable read, blending action, intrigue, and a well-built world. While not perfect, it left me eager to see how the story progresses in the next installment. If you’re a fan of action-driven fantasy with intricate battles and a compelling world, this one’s worth picking up!
dnf
January 24, 2025DNF at 45%
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the early edition of this book!
Sad to say this one just wasn't for me. Not a bad book, but at almost halfway through I had no drive or interest in finishing it, even is spite of some really beautiful prose! It was much more plot-driven than character-driven, which is really not the kind of book I typically enjoy, so if you are a plot-forward reader you may like this more than I did! I did like the world-building, and I thought this perspective on a post-genocide world was very interesting.
But I didn't finish it, and here is why:
I found the dual perspectives here really hard. I normally love having multiple POVs in a book, but in this one, Reina's story was SO much more interesting than Meiryn's. I found myself rushing through Meiryn's chapters to get back to Reina's.
It doesn't help that Mieryn's story felt a bit forced. In the chapters that they spend together, I did not get any sense that two of them were particularly close or even cared about each other more than as a means of survival. Reina almost immediately, post-kidnapping, assumes that she'll never see Meiryn again because she can't imagine Meiryn will come after her. And frankly, I don't know why Meiryn does. Again, they don't seem to like each other.
Another issue with the split perspectives is that, because they are SO separated, you end up with two separate ensemble casts. There are far too many characters here, and they kind of flatten out. In Meiryn's story particularly, where we keep adding more and more. Ok, you have Fern and Lucas. Ok, now we add the healerwoman and Elder. And now we've added Gray. And now we've added Nona's siblings. Too many people and too much going on and nobody actually has any depth. This was, again, something that was not as much of an issue in Reina's story, because we start with an ensemble and get to know them over time.
If this was just Reina's story, I almost certainly would have finished it. But Meiryn dragged the whole thing down, and even liking Reina's story wasn't strong enough motivation for me to finish it.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the early edition of this book!
Sad to say this one just wasn't for me. Not a bad book, but at almost halfway through I had no drive or interest in finishing it, even is spite of some really beautiful prose! It was much more plot-driven than character-driven, which is really not the kind of book I typically enjoy, so if you are a plot-forward reader you may like this more than I did! I did like the world-building, and I thought this perspective on a post-genocide world was very interesting.
But I didn't finish it, and here is why:
I found the dual perspectives here really hard. I normally love having multiple POVs in a book, but in this one, Reina's story was SO much more interesting than Meiryn's. I found myself rushing through Meiryn's chapters to get back to Reina's.
It doesn't help that Mieryn's story felt a bit forced. In the chapters that they spend together, I did not get any sense that two of them were particularly close or even cared about each other more than as a means of survival. Reina almost immediately, post-kidnapping, assumes that she'll never see Meiryn again because she can't imagine Meiryn will come after her. And frankly, I don't know why Meiryn does. Again, they don't seem to like each other.
Another issue with the split perspectives is that, because they are SO separated, you end up with two separate ensemble casts. There are far too many characters here, and they kind of flatten out. In Meiryn's story particularly, where we keep adding more and more. Ok, you have Fern and Lucas. Ok, now we add the healerwoman and Elder. And now we've added Gray. And now we've added Nona's siblings. Too many people and too much going on and nobody actually has any depth. This was, again, something that was not as much of an issue in Reina's story, because we start with an ensemble and get to know them over time.
If this was just Reina's story, I almost certainly would have finished it. But Meiryn dragged the whole thing down, and even liking Reina's story wasn't strong enough motivation for me to finish it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing, and Kit Aldridge for providing me with an e-book ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This one has:
💛Stakes
🖤Action
💞Dual POV
💚Did I mention Dragons?
💜Deep worldbuilding
If a D&D Campaign was a book. I could be bias... And it might just be my nerd flag flying but this read like a D&D adventure in the best way possible. The action was actioning, the stakes were high and the characters were jiving! And the ending-wow! There was so much going on that I barely had time to miss the romance. As someone who predominantly enjoys romatasy this was a refreshing that eft the door open to explore relationships further perhaps in the next book? 👀
I will be honest I haven't read much high fantasy but this is by far some of the best action writing I've read-ever. The battles felt breathlessly real as we're caught up in the whirlwind. It's a plot forward story of two best friends grappling with their past and trying to find their way back to one another.
This one has:
💛Stakes
🖤Action
💞Dual POV
💚Did I mention Dragons?
💜Deep worldbuilding
If a D&D Campaign was a book. I could be bias... And it might just be my nerd flag flying but this read like a D&D adventure in the best way possible. The action was actioning, the stakes were high and the characters were jiving! And the ending-wow! There was so much going on that I barely had time to miss the romance. As someone who predominantly enjoys romatasy this was a refreshing that eft the door open to explore relationships further perhaps in the next book? 👀
I will be honest I haven't read much high fantasy but this is by far some of the best action writing I've read-ever. The battles felt breathlessly real as we're caught up in the whirlwind. It's a plot forward story of two best friends grappling with their past and trying to find their way back to one another.
July 25, 2025
Unraveled is an action-packed, high-stakes YA fantasy that delivers on every front—especially if you’re here for badass characters and jaw-dropping weapons. Retractable whip-blades and flaming swords? Yes. Absolutely yes. Kit Aldridge brings fight scenes to life with such vivid intensity, you can practically hear the clash of steel.
Reina and Meiryn are powerful leads, fighting not just for survival but for freedom and healing. The world-building is fresh, the stakes are high, and the pacing never lets up. Add in a wrongful accusation, a dragon, and a quest to escape the past—and you’ve got a fantasy that crackles with fire and heart.
A strong debut that blends grit, emotion, and epic weaponry in all the right ways.
Reina and Meiryn are powerful leads, fighting not just for survival but for freedom and healing. The world-building is fresh, the stakes are high, and the pacing never lets up. Add in a wrongful accusation, a dragon, and a quest to escape the past—and you’ve got a fantasy that crackles with fire and heart.
A strong debut that blends grit, emotion, and epic weaponry in all the right ways.
January 9, 2025
3 ⭐️
The story follows Reina and Meiryn, two unlikely best friends trying to create a new life for themselves. However things are never that easy, and their world would soon get turned upside down. How will they escape with all they hold dear?
I really struggled to get into this book. The premise and description had me super excited (especially the dragons) but for me the story just dragged and took me forever to get through.
There was a lot of action throughout and the world building was thorough and well done. I really felt like i bonded with a few of the characters and was invested in their stories, the book was just maybe a little too long for me.
Still a good read regardless!
The story follows Reina and Meiryn, two unlikely best friends trying to create a new life for themselves. However things are never that easy, and their world would soon get turned upside down. How will they escape with all they hold dear?
I really struggled to get into this book. The premise and description had me super excited (especially the dragons) but for me the story just dragged and took me forever to get through.
There was a lot of action throughout and the world building was thorough and well done. I really felt like i bonded with a few of the characters and was invested in their stories, the book was just maybe a little too long for me.
Still a good read regardless!
August 7, 2025
Wowww. I have just finished Unraveled and I am floored. The plot choices were surprising and twisted. Bits of it reminiscent of many of my favorite movies, books, and shows. The interactions between the characters was the most intriguing aspect of the book, especially seeing how the same characters are utilized differently in the opposing perspective. At times the writing felt too similar from both character’s perspectives, I think more can be done to distinguish them from one another in terms of language. Also, I’m excited to read more world building in the future books. Other than that very enjoyable read, immersive storytelling, and intriguing characters.
October 26, 2025
Unraveled by Kit Aldridge is a striking fantasy debut that stands out for its emotional depth, dynamic pacing, and dual-perspective storytelling. Aldridge weaves a vivid world filled with dragons, power struggles, and moral complexity, but it’s the humanity of her protagonists that truly drives the narrative. The alternating viewpoints of Reina and Meiryn create a rich balance of vulnerability and strength, revealing how trauma and redemption intertwine. While some familiar fantasy tropes appear, Aldridge’s execution feels fresh and immersive, setting the stage for a promising new saga that blends high-stakes action with genuine emotional resonance.
September 2, 2025
This story pulls you in with its sweeping world and the promise of adventure around every corner. The mix of magic, danger, and shifting loyalties creates a sense of constant momentum. The characters feel layered, each driven by choices that don’t always have easy answers, which adds to the tension. With its rich atmosphere and gripping twists, this opener sets the stage for an epic saga that’s hard to put down.
February 17, 2025
What an amazing debut novel! Stong yet relatable female main characters, dragons, battles, and a surprising twist at the end. Aldridge is a master of description that you won't have the urge to skim over. I can't wait to read the next installment and have already put an extra copy out in my Little Free Library.
Side note: The cover is perfect in every way. When you know, you know.
Side note: The cover is perfect in every way. When you know, you know.
January 29, 2025
An action-packed fantasy novel with immersive world building and unique characters. Kit Aldridge did an amazing job catching readers attention from page one while touching on issues relevant to today’s world. Amazing debut novel!!
January 23, 2025
This is a MUST READ for all fantasy lovers. The characters are well developed and the story will leave you wanting more.
April 6, 2025
A fast paced and captivating debut fantasy novel, the first in a series. Can't wait to read more.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews