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What Blooms From Death #1
What Blooms From Death
Princess Bellanova has spent years surviving on her own, forced to flee her palace in order to escape the curse that put the rest of her royal family into a death-like slumber and set their lands to rotting. After spending her exile honing her thievery skills alongside her innate necromancy powers, Nova has earned a reputation as one of the fiercest outlaws the kingdom has ever suffered.
But soon she’ll be the fiercest outlaw who ever died.
A death that will be on purpose.
For rumor has it that the true cause of her family’s demise—Luminor, the Blade of Light—is buried deep in the belly of the underworld. Stealing that blade back into the realm of the living will mean a chance at undoing the curses it left, restoring her family, her reputation, and her kingdom to life.
The only things standing in her way are the endless twists and turns of the underworld, its terrifying monsters, unpredictable magic…and Aleksander, the infamous Light King himself—keeper of the blade, and the one who wielded it on the night of her family’s ruin.
King Aleks has spent nearly a decade trapped in the underworld, a phantom of his former self, unable to truly die. When Nova crash lands into his purgatory—an inexplicably bright and lively being in a sea of endless dead things—he begins to dream of the world above for the first time in ages.
He needs her to get him back to that world above. She needs him to undo the curse. But as the two form a reluctant alliance that soon blooms into something dangerously deeper, they find themselves unraveling ancient magic and dark secrets that will have greater consequences than either of them could have ever imagined...
But soon she’ll be the fiercest outlaw who ever died.
A death that will be on purpose.
For rumor has it that the true cause of her family’s demise—Luminor, the Blade of Light—is buried deep in the belly of the underworld. Stealing that blade back into the realm of the living will mean a chance at undoing the curses it left, restoring her family, her reputation, and her kingdom to life.
The only things standing in her way are the endless twists and turns of the underworld, its terrifying monsters, unpredictable magic…and Aleksander, the infamous Light King himself—keeper of the blade, and the one who wielded it on the night of her family’s ruin.
King Aleks has spent nearly a decade trapped in the underworld, a phantom of his former self, unable to truly die. When Nova crash lands into his purgatory—an inexplicably bright and lively being in a sea of endless dead things—he begins to dream of the world above for the first time in ages.
He needs her to get him back to that world above. She needs him to undo the curse. But as the two form a reluctant alliance that soon blooms into something dangerously deeper, they find themselves unraveling ancient magic and dark secrets that will have greater consequences than either of them could have ever imagined...
674 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2025
615 people are currently reading
8549 people want to read
About the author
S.M. Gaither
28 books2,054 followersI don't check Goodreads regularly, but you're welcome to send me an email (smgaitherbooks@gmail.com) anytime!
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As a kid, S.M. Gaither spent way too much time playing video games like Final Fantasy and reading every book she could get her hands on instead of doing silly things like her assigned homework. As an adult…Well, not much has changed. Her goal is to write books that distract others from their life’s obligations, too, thus creating an army of fellow procrastinators over which she can reign supreme. These days, her personal favorite places to procrastinate are in the mountains near her North Carolina home, in the company of her husband, their daughter, and their very spoiled dog.
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As a kid, S.M. Gaither spent way too much time playing video games like Final Fantasy and reading every book she could get her hands on instead of doing silly things like her assigned homework. As an adult…Well, not much has changed. Her goal is to write books that distract others from their life’s obligations, too, thus creating an army of fellow procrastinators over which she can reign supreme. These days, her personal favorite places to procrastinate are in the mountains near her North Carolina home, in the company of her husband, their daughter, and their very spoiled dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 331 reviews
May 20, 2025
3.5 stars. Solid start to a romantasy series with lots of future potential. The characters felt a little one dimensional in parts, and the world-building is interesting but was a little rushed, as was the romantic development. I'm definitely interested in seeing where the story goes, I just hope everything's a little more fleshed out in the process.
August 16, 2025
Sleeping Beauty, but the Princess escaped.
Princess Bellanova was forced to flee her palace in order to escape the curse that put everyone else into a death-like slumber and set their lands to rotting. She is determined to venture to the underworld to lift the curse with her shadows and semi-necromantic powers.
Prince Aleks was trapped in the underworld, a phantom of his former self, unable to truly die. The beloved Light King, and the one who wielded it on the night of Nova’s family’s ruin.
This felt like A Songbird and a Heart of Stone meets Heavenly Bodies.
It is classic romantasy, banter-laced, and easily bingeable (I read the whole book on my train ride, yes the 650 pages….).
Oh, and there’s a snarky phantom dog.
People were complex, after all paintings made up of all different shades, strokes of light and dark that created depth on a canvas.
Whilst I found most of it predictable (I actually called it at page 37, spilling my guesses to my mum next to me - sorry for that!), it was kept refreshing and I didn’t find any of the character actions truly stupid or immature which I often find in romantasies.
There was a bit of repetition of thoughts, sentiments, and dialogue; but this makes it perfect if you’re scared of chonky books because it flies by.
Saying that, the reception of the word ‘Chaos’ as a nickname and in description did start to get on my nerves.
Despite its size, I almost read it like a palette cleanser.
Physical arc gifted by Del Rey.
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Princess Bellanova was forced to flee her palace in order to escape the curse that put everyone else into a death-like slumber and set their lands to rotting. She is determined to venture to the underworld to lift the curse with her shadows and semi-necromantic powers.
Prince Aleks was trapped in the underworld, a phantom of his former self, unable to truly die. The beloved Light King, and the one who wielded it on the night of Nova’s family’s ruin.
This felt like A Songbird and a Heart of Stone meets Heavenly Bodies.
It is classic romantasy, banter-laced, and easily bingeable (I read the whole book on my train ride, yes the 650 pages….).
Oh, and there’s a snarky phantom dog.
People were complex, after all paintings made up of all different shades, strokes of light and dark that created depth on a canvas.
Whilst I found most of it predictable (I actually called it at page 37, spilling my guesses to my mum next to me - sorry for that!), it was kept refreshing and I didn’t find any of the character actions truly stupid or immature which I often find in romantasies.
There was a bit of repetition of thoughts, sentiments, and dialogue; but this makes it perfect if you’re scared of chonky books because it flies by.
Saying that, the reception of the word ‘Chaos’ as a nickname and in description did start to get on my nerves.
Despite its size, I almost read it like a palette cleanser.
Physical arc gifted by Del Rey.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
March 13, 2025
✨What Blooms From Death✨
How am I supposed to write this review after that ending?! Even though she warned us 😂 waiting is going to be EXCRUCIATING. However, this story… YALL. Innovative! Creative! Morbidly whimsical! I loved every single minute. I smiled soooo much.
In WBFD, SM’s newest series, we find ourselves following two 1st person POVs: Nova, our shadow mommy set on a mission of vengeance that begins with a descent into “hell” to kill her former betrothed who murdered her father, AND Aleksander, our delicious King of Light, who has been cursed to the shadow realm for seven years since his betrothal went wrong. Together, Nova and Aleks must go from enemies to tenuously reluctant allis as they traverse the land of the dead in search of a sword and answers. But what they find is far from what they were told or what the history books taught them. Everything leading up to now has been a lie… but where does truth begin?
I enjoyed this book SO MUCH. The banter between Nova and her shadow pet, Phantom, as well as with the side characters is SO relatable and snarky. SM is a master at bringing a grin to my lips. And GOOD GOLLY. I thought the banter between our side characters was delicious but WAIT UNTIL NOVA MEETS ALEKS. That. Is. Down. Right. Yummy. I swooned so very much through these pages.
And it wasn’t just the whimsy that brought my heart goodness; it was the slow development of the magical bond and relationship. The ability to sit with each other’s darkness and in their darkness. To see the rough edges and to hold them without fear of being hurt by them. The sweetness of no longer being alone through hard things. Bravo. Bravo.
Tropes you may find in WBFD are “you came”, magical bonds, shadow pet, “I’ve got you”, dark and light, unique world building, reluctant hero, plot twists, hidden identities, wound tending, betrayals, medium-high spice but with a slow burn, unique world building, found family, mental health rep, enemies to lovers, opposites attract, shadow mommy & light daddy, and grumpy x sunshine. WBFD releases March 27!
I am sooo very much invested in this series! Thank you for this gifted arc. It’s a pleasure to arc read for you again.
How am I supposed to write this review after that ending?! Even though she warned us 😂 waiting is going to be EXCRUCIATING. However, this story… YALL. Innovative! Creative! Morbidly whimsical! I loved every single minute. I smiled soooo much.
In WBFD, SM’s newest series, we find ourselves following two 1st person POVs: Nova, our shadow mommy set on a mission of vengeance that begins with a descent into “hell” to kill her former betrothed who murdered her father, AND Aleksander, our delicious King of Light, who has been cursed to the shadow realm for seven years since his betrothal went wrong. Together, Nova and Aleks must go from enemies to tenuously reluctant allis as they traverse the land of the dead in search of a sword and answers. But what they find is far from what they were told or what the history books taught them. Everything leading up to now has been a lie… but where does truth begin?
I enjoyed this book SO MUCH. The banter between Nova and her shadow pet, Phantom, as well as with the side characters is SO relatable and snarky. SM is a master at bringing a grin to my lips. And GOOD GOLLY. I thought the banter between our side characters was delicious but WAIT UNTIL NOVA MEETS ALEKS. That. Is. Down. Right. Yummy. I swooned so very much through these pages.
And it wasn’t just the whimsy that brought my heart goodness; it was the slow development of the magical bond and relationship. The ability to sit with each other’s darkness and in their darkness. To see the rough edges and to hold them without fear of being hurt by them. The sweetness of no longer being alone through hard things. Bravo. Bravo.
Tropes you may find in WBFD are “you came”, magical bonds, shadow pet, “I’ve got you”, dark and light, unique world building, reluctant hero, plot twists, hidden identities, wound tending, betrayals, medium-high spice but with a slow burn, unique world building, found family, mental health rep, enemies to lovers, opposites attract, shadow mommy & light daddy, and grumpy x sunshine. WBFD releases March 27!
I am sooo very much invested in this series! Thank you for this gifted arc. It’s a pleasure to arc read for you again.
March 25, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ Thank you to the nerd fam and S.M. Gaither for the gifted arc!! S.M. Gaither never misses!! This took me a little longer to finish than usual because I’ve had such a busy week, but I was constantly looking forward to picking this up.
This is genuinely SUCH a unique romantasy! I simply love the worlds that S.M. Gaither creates. I was so engrossed in the lore of this world and its magic system. This is definitely one of those books where everything is not as it seems.
I loved Nova as a FMC. She’s been through A LOT, but she’s such an optimist and a bright light. And I loved Aleksander despite me feeling very ??? at the beginning. They had delicious chemistry and banter, although I do wish their enemies phase had lasted longer.
I’m soooo excited to see where this story goes! Waiting for the next book after that cliffhanger is going to be BRUTAL
This is genuinely SUCH a unique romantasy! I simply love the worlds that S.M. Gaither creates. I was so engrossed in the lore of this world and its magic system. This is definitely one of those books where everything is not as it seems.
I loved Nova as a FMC. She’s been through A LOT, but she’s such an optimist and a bright light. And I loved Aleksander despite me feeling very ??? at the beginning. They had delicious chemistry and banter, although I do wish their enemies phase had lasted longer.
I’m soooo excited to see where this story goes! Waiting for the next book after that cliffhanger is going to be BRUTAL
June 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶🌶.5
🔥🔥🔥🔥.5
S.M. Gaither is a solid high fantasy writer, that has pretty good şmüt for fantasy. With the tension, the spice definitely paid off 🥵🥵🥵 *let's be honest, fantasy şmüt can be lack luster from a dark romance, but this delivers*
Now that that's out of the way…
We're introduced to Nova and Aleksander in their youth, at a royal ball where Aleks is meant to announce his arranged engagement to Nova—a union designed to bring peace between their kingdoms. Nova wields necromantic shadow magic, while Aleks commands light and life—forces that couldn’t be more opposed. But just as Aleks is about to make the announcement, Nova witnesses him stab and kill her father. In a desperate attempt to protect her mother, she unleashes a powerful surge of shadow magic, opening a massive rift, cursing everyone into a frozen stasis, and fleeing to safety.
Seven years later, Nova descends into the world below, determined to find the sword that killed her father and restore balance to her world above. What she doesn’t expect is to find Aleks, still frozen in time—right in her path. She certainly never meant to wake him. He insists he didn’t kill her father, but Nova refuses to believe it. Still, she needs his help to survive the underworld and reach the sword, and he needs her magic to claim the weapon that he believes rightfully belongs to his family—with every intention of leaving her behind once he gets it.
Working with your enemy is never easy. Yet the more time she spends with Aleks, the more she relies on him—and the more she begins to question what she thought she knew. Can she trust him when he says he’s innocent? And will she let herself believe that he’s truly on her side—and maybe even in her heart—as they fight to make things right?
The world-building is one of the book’s strongest elements. Gaither excels at crafting vivid, immersive scenes that are easy to picture. The balance between setting, plot, romance, and character development is superb and deserves special recognition.
🚨🚨🚨Spoilers🚨🚨🚨
All in all, I’m so excited to see what happens next—I’m definitely ready for book two!
⟣Tropes⟢
✅ Touch her and 💀 vibes
✅ Light Daddy
✅ Shadow Mommy
✅ Stabby/Badass Heroine
✅ Banter *chef’s kiss*
✅ Sassy FMC
✅ Betrayal
✅ Dual POV’s (first person)
✅ Enemies-to-Lovers
✅ No OW/OM drama
✅ FMC not Virgin
✅ Found Family
✅ 🔥 Slow Burn 🔥
✅ MINE
✅ Cliff
🌶🌶🌶.5
🔥🔥🔥🔥.5
S.M. Gaither is a solid high fantasy writer, that has pretty good şmüt for fantasy. With the tension, the spice definitely paid off 🥵🥵🥵 *let's be honest, fantasy şmüt can be lack luster from a dark romance, but this delivers*
Now that that's out of the way…
We're introduced to Nova and Aleksander in their youth, at a royal ball where Aleks is meant to announce his arranged engagement to Nova—a union designed to bring peace between their kingdoms. Nova wields necromantic shadow magic, while Aleks commands light and life—forces that couldn’t be more opposed. But just as Aleks is about to make the announcement, Nova witnesses him stab and kill her father. In a desperate attempt to protect her mother, she unleashes a powerful surge of shadow magic, opening a massive rift, cursing everyone into a frozen stasis, and fleeing to safety.
Seven years later, Nova descends into the world below, determined to find the sword that killed her father and restore balance to her world above. What she doesn’t expect is to find Aleks, still frozen in time—right in her path. She certainly never meant to wake him. He insists he didn’t kill her father, but Nova refuses to believe it. Still, she needs his help to survive the underworld and reach the sword, and he needs her magic to claim the weapon that he believes rightfully belongs to his family—with every intention of leaving her behind once he gets it.
Working with your enemy is never easy. Yet the more time she spends with Aleks, the more she relies on him—and the more she begins to question what she thought she knew. Can she trust him when he says he’s innocent? And will she let herself believe that he’s truly on her side—and maybe even in her heart—as they fight to make things right?
The world-building is one of the book’s strongest elements. Gaither excels at crafting vivid, immersive scenes that are easy to picture. The balance between setting, plot, romance, and character development is superb and deserves special recognition.
🚨🚨🚨Spoilers🚨🚨🚨
All in all, I’m so excited to see what happens next—I’m definitely ready for book two!
⟣Tropes⟢
✅ Touch her and 💀 vibes
✅ Light Daddy
✅ Shadow Mommy
✅ Stabby/Badass Heroine
✅ Banter *chef’s kiss*
✅ Sassy FMC
✅ Betrayal
✅ Dual POV’s (first person)
✅ Enemies-to-Lovers
✅ No OW/OM drama
✅ FMC not Virgin
✅ Found Family
✅ 🔥 Slow Burn 🔥
✅ MINE
✅ Cliff
March 29, 2025
I love SM's writing - she balances romance and fantasy SO well.
This is opposites attract, enemies to lovers, slow burn, shadow mommy, I ate it up!!!! And the ending has me reeling, I'll be (not so) patiently waiting for the next one.
Thank you to SM for an early coppy!
This is opposites attract, enemies to lovers, slow burn, shadow mommy, I ate it up!!!! And the ending has me reeling, I'll be (not so) patiently waiting for the next one.
Thank you to SM for an early coppy!
April 28, 2025
THE CLIFFHANGER CLIFFHANGERED
I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
March 9, 2025
In true SM fashion, this was a story rich in dense world building, but in the best way. The enemies to reluctant allies hit so hard, and the way I’m obsessed with Aleks is likely not healthy. Honestly probably my fav work by her so far and I’ll be ITCHING for book 2!!!
December 16, 2025
What Blooms From Death had me in a complete chokehold.
The vibes are dark, moody, and intoxicating, with rich, immersive worldbuilding that makes the balance of light and shadow feel powerful and intentional. The atmosphere is thick with magic, danger, and tension, and once you’re in, there’s no escaping it.
The banter is excellent it’s sharp, charged, and perfectly placed to cut through the darkness without breaking the tone. It adds so much chemistry and makes the slow-burn enemies to lovers arc feel even more electric. Every interaction feels loaded and meaningful.
The magic system, the lore, and the emotional stakes unfold in a way that keeps you completely invested. It’s dramatic, swoony, intense, and deeply addictive, with twists that land and tension that never lets up.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Immaculate vibes. Incredible tension. Elite banter. I need the next book immediately.
The vibes are dark, moody, and intoxicating, with rich, immersive worldbuilding that makes the balance of light and shadow feel powerful and intentional. The atmosphere is thick with magic, danger, and tension, and once you’re in, there’s no escaping it.
The banter is excellent it’s sharp, charged, and perfectly placed to cut through the darkness without breaking the tone. It adds so much chemistry and makes the slow-burn enemies to lovers arc feel even more electric. Every interaction feels loaded and meaningful.
The magic system, the lore, and the emotional stakes unfold in a way that keeps you completely invested. It’s dramatic, swoony, intense, and deeply addictive, with twists that land and tension that never lets up.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Immaculate vibes. Incredible tension. Elite banter. I need the next book immediately.
May 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Fantasy Romance | ARC Review
“For a few blissful minutes, it didn't matter which magic was which—I was his, he was mine, and the world around us blurred, all its different sides and divisions undone by the sheer force of us.”
This book wrecked me. I devoured it, then sat in a stunned, slightly unwell haze for a week trying to process what I’d just read. I suspected the cliffhanger coming, but that didn’t make it any less brutal—and brilliant.
At first, I was intimidated by the length, especially with a towering ARC list staring me down. I expected fluff and filler. Instead? I got lush, atmospheric writing, rich characters, layered political intrigue, gods and goddesses, a beautiful magic system, a deadly curse, and an enemies to lovers romance that simmers and burns.
The story follows a princess and a prince from opposing kingdoms, betrothed for peace. But when he murders her father and her magic explodes—literally cursing the land and ripping the realms apart—everything changes. Labeled the princess who cursed the world, she goes into hiding, desperate to master her magic and undo what’s been done… even if it means descending into hell itself.
“This was also the woman who had put ‘descend into hell’ on her f***ing to-do list.”
This book is romantasy perfection. The tension. The BANTER. The mutual pining. The fated, magical connection. The ancient gods and cursed creatures. The freaking mythical pet sidekick that reminded me of Zero. It had everything. I loved how the world above and the world below were woven together, how their magic needs one another, and how the romance unfolded in the midst of chaos.
How to describe our FMC:
"Annoying, abhorrent, abysmal creature of death and chaos". I looooooove that her nickname is Chaos. It suits her.
“Such a chaotic, beautiful little beast.”
Some quotes I'm still thinking about:
“Unless you and your cock are offering to warm me up, do me a favor and go away.”
"you aren't difficult to keep track of, considering you move with all the grace and subtlety of an injured bear"
Descriptive AF writing? ✔️
Epic slow burn? ✔️
Enemies to lovers? ✔️
Blood, battle, betrayal, and fate-bound magic? ✔️✔️✔️
Truly, how will any other romantasy top this? If you love detailed worldbuilding, introverted chaos queens, broody kings, fate-fused magic, and jaw-dropping writing, do yourself a favor—read this.
"Some things bloom brighter in the darkness." 🌑🌸
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC!
📚 Find me on Booksta + BookTok + Tome: @bookishsirensong – always down to scream about fantasy romances & ocean magic with fellow readers 💬🌊
“For a few blissful minutes, it didn't matter which magic was which—I was his, he was mine, and the world around us blurred, all its different sides and divisions undone by the sheer force of us.”
This book wrecked me. I devoured it, then sat in a stunned, slightly unwell haze for a week trying to process what I’d just read. I suspected the cliffhanger coming, but that didn’t make it any less brutal—and brilliant.
At first, I was intimidated by the length, especially with a towering ARC list staring me down. I expected fluff and filler. Instead? I got lush, atmospheric writing, rich characters, layered political intrigue, gods and goddesses, a beautiful magic system, a deadly curse, and an enemies to lovers romance that simmers and burns.
The story follows a princess and a prince from opposing kingdoms, betrothed for peace. But when he murders her father and her magic explodes—literally cursing the land and ripping the realms apart—everything changes. Labeled the princess who cursed the world, she goes into hiding, desperate to master her magic and undo what’s been done… even if it means descending into hell itself.
“This was also the woman who had put ‘descend into hell’ on her f***ing to-do list.”
This book is romantasy perfection. The tension. The BANTER. The mutual pining. The fated, magical connection. The ancient gods and cursed creatures. The freaking mythical pet sidekick that reminded me of Zero. It had everything. I loved how the world above and the world below were woven together, how their magic needs one another, and how the romance unfolded in the midst of chaos.
How to describe our FMC:
"Annoying, abhorrent, abysmal creature of death and chaos". I looooooove that her nickname is Chaos. It suits her.
“Such a chaotic, beautiful little beast.”
Some quotes I'm still thinking about:
“Unless you and your cock are offering to warm me up, do me a favor and go away.”
"you aren't difficult to keep track of, considering you move with all the grace and subtlety of an injured bear"
Descriptive AF writing? ✔️
Epic slow burn? ✔️
Enemies to lovers? ✔️
Blood, battle, betrayal, and fate-bound magic? ✔️✔️✔️
Truly, how will any other romantasy top this? If you love detailed worldbuilding, introverted chaos queens, broody kings, fate-fused magic, and jaw-dropping writing, do yourself a favor—read this.
"Some things bloom brighter in the darkness." 🌑🌸
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC!
📚 Find me on Booksta + BookTok + Tome: @bookishsirensong – always down to scream about fantasy romances & ocean magic with fellow readers 💬🌊
December 20, 2025
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. My opinions are my own.
cw: Violence, Gore, Death, Betrayal, Mental Health struggles (depression/anxiety)
This is my first S.M. Gaither book, believe it or not, and my jaw is on the floor. This was so awesome, so delicious, so compelling!!!!! I couldn't stop reading!! Like Helen Scheurer's books, What Blooms From Death has a perfect balance of fantasy and romance (with some spice!), and I am sooooo in love with this book and the romance of Nova and Aleksander!
Nova was born a princess, but before you start thinking how privileged she is, I have to tell you that she didn't have it easy. She was shunned for her Shadow magic, whispered and gossipped about. Something went wrong, it was her magic's fault. So when tragedy happened, it was very easy to convince everyone that it was Nova's fault, overthrowing her claim to the throne and becoming regents. Orin, the person who raised her afterward, gave her bracelets to help control her magic, but most people called it shackles, and they aren't wrong. She learned that at some point, too. Nova is stubborn and fierce, and she just forges on her path no matter the consequences. She doesn't care much about her life, as long as she can break the curse on her kingdom and free her mother from the endless sleep. And oh how she hates Aleksander who was last seen holding the sword that killed her father.
Aleksander, our Light King, is such a closed-off but witty character. He's made of light, but you'd think he is ice incarnate from his blank expression and intense gaze. Even though he was a prince and a king, oh how traumatized he is. And severelly abused, both physically and mentally. They wanted him contained, but Aleksander persevered and shone so, so bright. I love how cautious but also how kind he is. He is literally so good and so strong in all ways. He has the strongest mind fortitude I've seen since Thea in The Legends of Thezmarr. He is dependable and inspiring. He fights for goodness, justice, and for our girl.
The worldbuilding is insanely good!!! The context the wars and years of conflict between the countries is multi-layered and has deep roots. The different kinds of magic and affinities just made your jaw drop even lower on the floor. Everything was amazing, not overwhelming and not underwhelming either. I just loved every second and every new detail I came across.
The romance was stunning and sizzling. Holy moly, their banter was SCORCHING!!!! The comebacks, the nicknames, the intense gazing, the teasing, the yearning, HOLY MOLY YOU NEED TO READ THIS SO YOU CAN EXPERIENCE IT!!!!
What Blooms From Death is A MUST-READ IF YOU LIKE ROMANTASY. Perfect blend of deep and lush fantasy worldbuilding, magic fighting, artefact hunting, delicious banter that was as spicy as the spice itself! ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!! It sort of reminded me of Nisha J. Tuli's Artefacts of Ouranos series for the awesomess of the banter.
cw: Violence, Gore, Death, Betrayal, Mental Health struggles (depression/anxiety)
This is my first S.M. Gaither book, believe it or not, and my jaw is on the floor. This was so awesome, so delicious, so compelling!!!!! I couldn't stop reading!! Like Helen Scheurer's books, What Blooms From Death has a perfect balance of fantasy and romance (with some spice!), and I am sooooo in love with this book and the romance of Nova and Aleksander!
Nova was born a princess, but before you start thinking how privileged she is, I have to tell you that she didn't have it easy. She was shunned for her Shadow magic, whispered and gossipped about. Something went wrong, it was her magic's fault. So when tragedy happened, it was very easy to convince everyone that it was Nova's fault, overthrowing her claim to the throne and becoming regents. Orin, the person who raised her afterward, gave her bracelets to help control her magic, but most people called it shackles, and they aren't wrong. She learned that at some point, too. Nova is stubborn and fierce, and she just forges on her path no matter the consequences. She doesn't care much about her life, as long as she can break the curse on her kingdom and free her mother from the endless sleep. And oh how she hates Aleksander who was last seen holding the sword that killed her father.
Aleksander, our Light King, is such a closed-off but witty character. He's made of light, but you'd think he is ice incarnate from his blank expression and intense gaze. Even though he was a prince and a king, oh how traumatized he is. And severelly abused, both physically and mentally. They wanted him contained, but Aleksander persevered and shone so, so bright. I love how cautious but also how kind he is. He is literally so good and so strong in all ways. He has the strongest mind fortitude I've seen since Thea in The Legends of Thezmarr. He is dependable and inspiring. He fights for goodness, justice, and for our girl.
The worldbuilding is insanely good!!! The context the wars and years of conflict between the countries is multi-layered and has deep roots. The different kinds of magic and affinities just made your jaw drop even lower on the floor. Everything was amazing, not overwhelming and not underwhelming either. I just loved every second and every new detail I came across.
The romance was stunning and sizzling. Holy moly, their banter was SCORCHING!!!! The comebacks, the nicknames, the intense gazing, the teasing, the yearning, HOLY MOLY YOU NEED TO READ THIS SO YOU CAN EXPERIENCE IT!!!!
What Blooms From Death is A MUST-READ IF YOU LIKE ROMANTASY. Perfect blend of deep and lush fantasy worldbuilding, magic fighting, artefact hunting, delicious banter that was as spicy as the spice itself! ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!! It sort of reminded me of Nisha J. Tuli's Artefacts of Ouranos series for the awesomess of the banter.
December 29, 2025
Genre: Romantacy
⭐️ 4/5
🌶 2/5
🧠 5/10
Cliffhanger: 8/10
Noteworthy: Book 1 of an incomplete trilogy. Dual first-person POV. Available on KU.
This book started off feeling pretty surface level to me. I had trouble connecting to the characters at first and thought about DNFing about 15% in. But I'm really glad I stuck it out. Once the plot really got going I was so drawn in. Once the stakes were fully established there was no turning back. The twists were a little predictable but still enjoyable. That 'I knew it' moment can be just as fun as being surprised sometimes. The cliffhanger is a doozy so be prepared.
This book feels like the most Romantacy a Romantacy book has ever Romantacied. So if you like a high fantasy world full of big stakes and an even bigger desire to see a villain pay for his sins, this is a perfect trilogy for you!
⭐️ 4/5
🌶 2/5
🧠 5/10
Cliffhanger: 8/10
Noteworthy: Book 1 of an incomplete trilogy. Dual first-person POV. Available on KU.
This book started off feeling pretty surface level to me. I had trouble connecting to the characters at first and thought about DNFing about 15% in. But I'm really glad I stuck it out. Once the plot really got going I was so drawn in. Once the stakes were fully established there was no turning back. The twists were a little predictable but still enjoyable. That 'I knew it' moment can be just as fun as being surprised sometimes. The cliffhanger is a doozy so be prepared.
This book feels like the most Romantacy a Romantacy book has ever Romantacied. So if you like a high fantasy world full of big stakes and an even bigger desire to see a villain pay for his sins, this is a perfect trilogy for you!
May 16, 2025
4.5⭐️.
Thank you to S.M. Gaither, Rachel and The Nerd Fam for allowing me the privilege of starting this early! Finishing way late due to life getting in the way, but still so thankful to have been given the opportunity to receive an ARC.
This book was so great! It has everything you could want in a romantasy without being too overwhelming: slow burn, enemies to lovers, shadow wielding FMC (!!!), animal companions.. the list goes on.
Watching Nova find herself throughout the book was so nice to read about. I’m glad her journey wasn’t fully dependent on the MMC and she could have her individuality without making an insane sacrifice. Aleks took a while to grow on me but once he did… *chefs kiss*.
All in all, the book was such a unique twist on a magic/kingdom system and that ending?! Criminal. Just when you think you’re safe…
Excited to read book two and can’t wait to see theories and speculations in the meantime!
Thank you to S.M. Gaither, Rachel and The Nerd Fam for allowing me the privilege of starting this early! Finishing way late due to life getting in the way, but still so thankful to have been given the opportunity to receive an ARC.
This book was so great! It has everything you could want in a romantasy without being too overwhelming: slow burn, enemies to lovers, shadow wielding FMC (!!!), animal companions.. the list goes on.
Watching Nova find herself throughout the book was so nice to read about. I’m glad her journey wasn’t fully dependent on the MMC and she could have her individuality without making an insane sacrifice. Aleks took a while to grow on me but once he did… *chefs kiss*.
All in all, the book was such a unique twist on a magic/kingdom system and that ending?! Criminal. Just when you think you’re safe…
Excited to read book two and can’t wait to see theories and speculations in the meantime!
April 17, 2025
✨𝒜𝑅𝒞 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌 ✨
📖 What Blooms From Dēath (What Blooms From Dēath, Book 1)
“𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘥𝘺”
An exiled princess, a king frozen in time. The battle between light and darkness ensues.
Seven years after the night of her kingdom’s ruin, Nova is close to enacting her plan to reach the underworld in search of a sword to lift the curse plaguing her family and kingdom.
But in the underworld, she encounters more than just monsters, her course colliding with the very Light King responsible for her kingdom’s demise. A reluctant alliance is formed and Nova learns of hidden truths and hones her unpredictable magic. Will she embrace or be consumed by her darkness?
Tropes to expect:
🚫enemies-to-lovers
🖤shadow mommy
🐾 feisty animal sidekick
↔️ opposites attract
🪄 magical bonds
🌶️: moderate
S.M. Gaither is a master of world building, complicated characters, and tension-filled enemies to lovers stories. I fell fast and hard in love with this world of unique light/shadow and death magic. This book kept my heart racing and eyes glued to the pages with each reveal. I was gifted with another favorite sassy animal sidekick with a twist!
Nova has been through so much in her short life and even prior to the fall of her kingdom, has never fully felt accepted because of her strange magic. Aleks has also been haunted by a painful past and has been manipulated. Perhaps these two need each other in more ways than one.
With its lush world, suspenseful plot, and sizzling slow burn romance, What Blooms From Dēath is a beautifully imagined tale that draws out all your emotions and leaves you aching for the next book!
So grateful to the author and The Nerd Fam for the gifted ARC! This is my honest and voluntary review.
📖 What Blooms From Dēath (What Blooms From Dēath, Book 1)
“𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘥𝘺”
An exiled princess, a king frozen in time. The battle between light and darkness ensues.
Seven years after the night of her kingdom’s ruin, Nova is close to enacting her plan to reach the underworld in search of a sword to lift the curse plaguing her family and kingdom.
But in the underworld, she encounters more than just monsters, her course colliding with the very Light King responsible for her kingdom’s demise. A reluctant alliance is formed and Nova learns of hidden truths and hones her unpredictable magic. Will she embrace or be consumed by her darkness?
Tropes to expect:
🚫enemies-to-lovers
🖤shadow mommy
🐾 feisty animal sidekick
↔️ opposites attract
🪄 magical bonds
🌶️: moderate
S.M. Gaither is a master of world building, complicated characters, and tension-filled enemies to lovers stories. I fell fast and hard in love with this world of unique light/shadow and death magic. This book kept my heart racing and eyes glued to the pages with each reveal. I was gifted with another favorite sassy animal sidekick with a twist!
Nova has been through so much in her short life and even prior to the fall of her kingdom, has never fully felt accepted because of her strange magic. Aleks has also been haunted by a painful past and has been manipulated. Perhaps these two need each other in more ways than one.
With its lush world, suspenseful plot, and sizzling slow burn romance, What Blooms From Dēath is a beautifully imagined tale that draws out all your emotions and leaves you aching for the next book!
So grateful to the author and The Nerd Fam for the gifted ARC! This is my honest and voluntary review.
March 24, 2025
This book was...fine.
I really, really wanted to love this book, but it never *quite* made it.
We have lots of the same, popular tropes, but not done in a way that is new or different.
Enemies to lovers? Lost princess coming into her powers? Band of misfits?
Check, check, and check.
Speaking of enemies to lovers, I never felt any connection with Nova and Aleksander.
They hate each other at the beginning, but it all just felt lukewarm? Like, "yeah we hate each other but also let's go on this adventure together and not actually discuss why we hate each other?"
A lot of the book felt way too fast- like, in the beginning Nova keeps saying she's some badass fugitive but we never actually see that. I guess we're taking her word for it?
This book had a lot of potential, but mostly just fell flat to me.
Maybe I'll pick it up and try again when the rest of the series is out.
Thanks to the NerdFam for my review copy of What Blooms From Death in exchange for my honest review.
I really, really wanted to love this book, but it never *quite* made it.
We have lots of the same, popular tropes, but not done in a way that is new or different.
Enemies to lovers? Lost princess coming into her powers? Band of misfits?
Check, check, and check.
Speaking of enemies to lovers, I never felt any connection with Nova and Aleksander.
They hate each other at the beginning, but it all just felt lukewarm? Like, "yeah we hate each other but also let's go on this adventure together and not actually discuss why we hate each other?"
A lot of the book felt way too fast- like, in the beginning Nova keeps saying she's some badass fugitive but we never actually see that. I guess we're taking her word for it?
This book had a lot of potential, but mostly just fell flat to me.
Maybe I'll pick it up and try again when the rest of the series is out.
Thanks to the NerdFam for my review copy of What Blooms From Death in exchange for my honest review.
April 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
“Your magic. His magic. They seem to have a profound effect on one another, no?”
What Blooms from Death is an incredible romantasy that follows our Shadow Mommy, Nova, and the Light King, Aleksander. S.M. Gaither is one of my top indie author recs and this is by far my favorite of all of her books.
This story takes place in a kingdom full of secrets, old deals broken, and the parallels between light and dark. There is a beautifully intricate magic system, banter, and tension, and swoony romance.
I had the honor and privilege of beta and arc reading this book. If you love fantasy and romance this should definitely be on your TBR.
🌶️🌶️.5
“Your magic. His magic. They seem to have a profound effect on one another, no?”
What Blooms from Death is an incredible romantasy that follows our Shadow Mommy, Nova, and the Light King, Aleksander. S.M. Gaither is one of my top indie author recs and this is by far my favorite of all of her books.
This story takes place in a kingdom full of secrets, old deals broken, and the parallels between light and dark. There is a beautifully intricate magic system, banter, and tension, and swoony romance.
I had the honor and privilege of beta and arc reading this book. If you love fantasy and romance this should definitely be on your TBR.
November 8, 2025
"And so no--no, I don't consider us a tragedy. At all."
I will admit, it took me forever to begin What Blooms From Death, simply because it is nearly 700 pages long but I am glad I finally decided to read it, because this book left me breathless from start to finish. Filled with lush, atmospheric world building with a gothic flair, rich and complex characters, layered political intrigue, a deadly curse and dying world, utterly unique shadow and light magic, and a true enemies to lovers romance that sizzles with tension and delicious banter. This book was perfection and I loved the strong female lead, Bellanova (Nova) who struggles to find her own place in the world knowing she harbours dangerous shadow magic that more often makes her an outcast, but someone who really embraced that darkness and shone because of it. I also loved the dual switching points of view between Nova and Aleksander as this is something that I find often lacks in romantasy.
The narrative follows Princess Nova, who, on her 18th birthday is betrothed to her childhood acquaintance from the kingdom of Light/Elarith to unite her kingdom with his...But when he "murders" her father and her shadow magic explodes as a result--literally cursing the people in a frozen stasis and ripping the realm apart--everything changes. 7 years later we find Nova on a perilous journey to the world below to find Luminor , the Blade of Light, and right the wrongs including undoing the curse and seeking out revenge against Aleksander...But in the world below, she encounters more than just deadly shades and restless wraiths--her path crosses with the Light King himself, Aleks, and the two become reluctant allies as something dangerous and yet beautiful blossoms between them. As they work together, Nova uncovers truths and secrets that have been hidden from her her whole life, including the discovery of an entirely new yet decaying world in the below, one that may be the key to her tangled past...
Even though this book nearly reached 700 pages, no part of it felt boring or dragged for me. I was hooked from start to finish and the cliffhanger left me anxiously awaiting the second book. This is the perfect romantasy with a beautiful slow burn romance, snarky banter, tension that simmers and burns and a few spice scenes that are fire! But it is also balanced with a unique story of two different worlds--one above and one below--ancient light and dark magic, and two souls destined to work together but whose opposing kingdoms threatens to turn them into a "tragedy."
5 stars.
I will admit, it took me forever to begin What Blooms From Death, simply because it is nearly 700 pages long but I am glad I finally decided to read it, because this book left me breathless from start to finish. Filled with lush, atmospheric world building with a gothic flair, rich and complex characters, layered political intrigue, a deadly curse and dying world, utterly unique shadow and light magic, and a true enemies to lovers romance that sizzles with tension and delicious banter. This book was perfection and I loved the strong female lead, Bellanova (Nova) who struggles to find her own place in the world knowing she harbours dangerous shadow magic that more often makes her an outcast, but someone who really embraced that darkness and shone because of it. I also loved the dual switching points of view between Nova and Aleksander as this is something that I find often lacks in romantasy.
The narrative follows Princess Nova, who, on her 18th birthday is betrothed to her childhood acquaintance from the kingdom of Light/Elarith to unite her kingdom with his...But when he "murders" her father and her shadow magic explodes as a result--literally cursing the people in a frozen stasis and ripping the realm apart--everything changes. 7 years later we find Nova on a perilous journey to the world below to find Luminor , the Blade of Light, and right the wrongs including undoing the curse and seeking out revenge against Aleksander...But in the world below, she encounters more than just deadly shades and restless wraiths--her path crosses with the Light King himself, Aleks, and the two become reluctant allies as something dangerous and yet beautiful blossoms between them. As they work together, Nova uncovers truths and secrets that have been hidden from her her whole life, including the discovery of an entirely new yet decaying world in the below, one that may be the key to her tangled past...
Even though this book nearly reached 700 pages, no part of it felt boring or dragged for me. I was hooked from start to finish and the cliffhanger left me anxiously awaiting the second book. This is the perfect romantasy with a beautiful slow burn romance, snarky banter, tension that simmers and burns and a few spice scenes that are fire! But it is also balanced with a unique story of two different worlds--one above and one below--ancient light and dark magic, and two souls destined to work together but whose opposing kingdoms threatens to turn them into a "tragedy."
5 stars.
April 17, 2025
"
Some things bloom brighter in the darkness."
~ Nova and Aleks’ relationship is all about blooming in darkness! ~
This book destroyed me in the best way! From start to finish, it was both magical and emotional. Hang on to the edge of your seat because you’re in for a wild ride!
The world building is phenomenal, and the magic system is unique. S.M. Gaither masterfully creates vivid descriptions of both while shaping characters you’ll love and hate, and I couldn’t get enough!
Things are not what they seem in the Above, and life turns dark for Nova on the eve of her potential engagement to King Aleks.
For her whole life, Nova's been on the outside looking in, desperately yearning for a place to belong. She's learned to be an eternal optimist to avoid disappointment, especially after being ousted from her home and forced to hide from those who've taken over her kingdom.
If you’re looking for a shadow mommy full of brightness, Nova’s your girl! However, beware, it doesn’t extend to Aleks, whom she hates, for good reason, with the passion of a thousand burning suns.
Aleks seems to have it all, but he’s kept the darkness of his past a secret, allowing no one close enough to discover the truth.
When Nova finds him frozen in the Below, she wants to destroy him. However, they need to work together or returning to the Above will be impossible.
I adore Aleks and how he looks out for Nova, protecting her, lifting her up, wanting what's best for her, and willingly sacrificing for her, no matter what it costs him.
I don’t want to spoil anything, so I will leave you in suspense. Just be warned, you’ll fall in love with Aleks, Nova, and the beautifully crafted story of What Blooms From Death! Oh, and the cliff hanger is killer!
Quotes:
• “Part of me still thinks letting you kill me would be preferable to subjecting myself to more of your company. So, by all means: If you are going to stab, aim for an artery.”
• I shouldn’t have been surprised by her nonchalant tone, I supposed—this was also the woman who had put descend into hell on her fucking to-do list. Such a chaotic, beautiful little beast.
• I was his, he was mine, and there was no questioning it. Mine.
• Out of everything we’d done and said and survived together, something about those words he’d just spoken shattered me—and then reformed me—more than anything else. He didn’t simply accept my shadows. He found…comfort in them.
• I didn’t regret any of it. Not for a second. We were not a tragedy…even if it was, I would have lived that tragedy over and over and over, in a thousand different lifetimes, if it meant I had a chance to meet her again.
Themes/Tropes:
• Unique magic system
• Enemies to lovers
• Magical bonds
• Fiercely loyal animal sidekick
• Banter
• Dual POV
Final thought: Even when safeguards are put into place to protect people/countries/worlds, evil stops at nothing to try and find a way to twist things to their desired outcome.
~ Nova and Aleks’ relationship is all about blooming in darkness! ~
This book destroyed me in the best way! From start to finish, it was both magical and emotional. Hang on to the edge of your seat because you’re in for a wild ride!
The world building is phenomenal, and the magic system is unique. S.M. Gaither masterfully creates vivid descriptions of both while shaping characters you’ll love and hate, and I couldn’t get enough!
Things are not what they seem in the Above, and life turns dark for Nova on the eve of her potential engagement to King Aleks.
For her whole life, Nova's been on the outside looking in, desperately yearning for a place to belong. She's learned to be an eternal optimist to avoid disappointment, especially after being ousted from her home and forced to hide from those who've taken over her kingdom.
If you’re looking for a shadow mommy full of brightness, Nova’s your girl! However, beware, it doesn’t extend to Aleks, whom she hates, for good reason, with the passion of a thousand burning suns.
Aleks seems to have it all, but he’s kept the darkness of his past a secret, allowing no one close enough to discover the truth.
When Nova finds him frozen in the Below, she wants to destroy him. However, they need to work together or returning to the Above will be impossible.
I adore Aleks and how he looks out for Nova, protecting her, lifting her up, wanting what's best for her, and willingly sacrificing for her, no matter what it costs him.
I don’t want to spoil anything, so I will leave you in suspense. Just be warned, you’ll fall in love with Aleks, Nova, and the beautifully crafted story of What Blooms From Death! Oh, and the cliff hanger is killer!
Quotes:
• “Part of me still thinks letting you kill me would be preferable to subjecting myself to more of your company. So, by all means: If you are going to stab, aim for an artery.”
• I shouldn’t have been surprised by her nonchalant tone, I supposed—this was also the woman who had put descend into hell on her fucking to-do list. Such a chaotic, beautiful little beast.
• I was his, he was mine, and there was no questioning it. Mine.
• Out of everything we’d done and said and survived together, something about those words he’d just spoken shattered me—and then reformed me—more than anything else. He didn’t simply accept my shadows. He found…comfort in them.
• I didn’t regret any of it. Not for a second. We were not a tragedy…even if it was, I would have lived that tragedy over and over and over, in a thousand different lifetimes, if it meant I had a chance to meet her again.
Themes/Tropes:
• Unique magic system
• Enemies to lovers
• Magical bonds
• Fiercely loyal animal sidekick
• Banter
• Dual POV
Final thought: Even when safeguards are put into place to protect people/countries/worlds, evil stops at nothing to try and find a way to twist things to their desired outcome.
April 17, 2025
✨ "Some things bloom brighter in the dark" ✨
What Blooms in Death by is inspired by Hades and Persephone with opposites attract, magical bonds and the FMC is the one with shadow powers. I always love S.M's beautiful writing and the way it captures your attention from the start, the world building is rich in every vivid detail and description and the intriguing plot just makes this book phenomenal. The balance between fantasy and romance is amazing!
S.M writes the best characters and these two might just be my favourite yet. This is enemies to lovers to reluctant allies at its finest, Nova and Aleksander are true enemies as they have hated each other for years ever since the night of Princess Nova's 19th birthday her then betrothed killed Nova's father, leaving her mother cursed and her lands rotting, She has vowed to travel to the world below to take her revenge on the light king but what she finds once she gets there is that all may not be what it seems and instead they become reluctant allies.
This is the perfect slow burn romance with the best banter and delicious chemistry but it is also balanced within a story of two different worlds, ancient magic, and two souls destined to work together but always remain apart. There is even a feisty animal sidekick in Phantom, Nova's shadow pet who she communicates with by telepathy.
Thank you so much to the author for the opportunity to read and review this amazing book before publication. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
What Blooms in Death by is inspired by Hades and Persephone with opposites attract, magical bonds and the FMC is the one with shadow powers. I always love S.M's beautiful writing and the way it captures your attention from the start, the world building is rich in every vivid detail and description and the intriguing plot just makes this book phenomenal. The balance between fantasy and romance is amazing!
S.M writes the best characters and these two might just be my favourite yet. This is enemies to lovers to reluctant allies at its finest, Nova and Aleksander are true enemies as they have hated each other for years ever since the night of Princess Nova's 19th birthday her then betrothed killed Nova's father, leaving her mother cursed and her lands rotting, She has vowed to travel to the world below to take her revenge on the light king but what she finds once she gets there is that all may not be what it seems and instead they become reluctant allies.
This is the perfect slow burn romance with the best banter and delicious chemistry but it is also balanced within a story of two different worlds, ancient magic, and two souls destined to work together but always remain apart. There is even a feisty animal sidekick in Phantom, Nova's shadow pet who she communicates with by telepathy.
Thank you so much to the author for the opportunity to read and review this amazing book before publication. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
December 28, 2025
Later 2025:
Audio/physical read 5/5 stars
I did the audio for the first half of this book and it was a dual narration. While I liked the Female narrator's voice, I wasn't a big fan of the Male narrator's. I actually preferred the female narrating the male characters better. I did run out of time with my audiobook due to family being around, so I finished up the book physically reading and it was definitely still as good as I remember it.
The angst and tension between Nova and Alek's is just so delicious.
I picked up more details about the story and the plot this time and was happy I did a reread before book 2. I'm so excited to start that one and this is still one of my favorite reads of this year!
2025:
ARC read 5/5 stars
I have about 100 highlighted lines in this book.
The writing was so great, so visual. I could imagine it all playing out in my head and yet, I sill want art of at least half the scenes.
Nova and Aleks have some of the BEST banter! I was absolutely giggling and kicking my feet most of the time when they interacted. The spice was done so well and dragged out that the slow burn was so good!
The story had me captivated and the ending left me feeling and slightly destroyed. Book 2 cannot come soon enough!
Read if you love:
-Shadow and light powers
-Other realms
-Enemies to lovers
-Animal sidekick
-Magical bonds
-Banter that will make you kick your feet
Thank you to the author and The Nerd Fam for the eARC. My thoughts are entirely my own.
Audio/physical read 5/5 stars
I did the audio for the first half of this book and it was a dual narration. While I liked the Female narrator's voice, I wasn't a big fan of the Male narrator's. I actually preferred the female narrating the male characters better. I did run out of time with my audiobook due to family being around, so I finished up the book physically reading and it was definitely still as good as I remember it.
The angst and tension between Nova and Alek's is just so delicious.
I picked up more details about the story and the plot this time and was happy I did a reread before book 2. I'm so excited to start that one and this is still one of my favorite reads of this year!
2025:
ARC read 5/5 stars
I have about 100 highlighted lines in this book.
The writing was so great, so visual. I could imagine it all playing out in my head and yet, I sill want art of at least half the scenes.
Nova and Aleks have some of the BEST banter! I was absolutely giggling and kicking my feet most of the time when they interacted. The spice was done so well and dragged out that the slow burn was so good!
The story had me captivated and the ending left me feeling and slightly destroyed. Book 2 cannot come soon enough!
Read if you love:
-Shadow and light powers
-Other realms
-Enemies to lovers
-Animal sidekick
-Magical bonds
-Banter that will make you kick your feet
Thank you to the author and The Nerd Fam for the eARC. My thoughts are entirely my own.
April 18, 2025
SM Gaither does it again.
Book one of this new trilogy and I’m obsessed with the unique story and characters. Light king, shadow mommy. I’m here for it. She did not play with those powers either.
I am never disappointed by this author and I cannot wait to see where the rest of this trilogy will go. I’ll probably relisten on audio because I already miss it.
Book one of this new trilogy and I’m obsessed with the unique story and characters. Light king, shadow mommy. I’m here for it. She did not play with those powers either.
I am never disappointed by this author and I cannot wait to see where the rest of this trilogy will go. I’ll probably relisten on audio because I already miss it.
April 28, 2025
If there's one thing S.M. Gaither does well, it's create incredible, beautiful, magical worlds, that you feel like you can just step into the pages of the book and live in! And similar to her previous Flame and Sparrow duology which I absolutely LOVED, this book is no different! I CANNOT wait until Book 2 comes out, because WOW!!! I need to know what happens!!!
The first 10% of the book is a little slow, but then it really picks up! Once you get to the 75% mark, just cancel all your plans because you won't want to put the book down past that point.
The character development was fantastic. The banter was great (the banter in chapter 15 was exceptionally great, I even noted it down. ha!). I think my only issue, and why I didn't give this book a solid 5 stars, was because some (very few - one or two) of the parts involving a lot of magic just went over my head, but I think that's just me and really not the book's fault at all. There were also just a couple spots that were slightly slow paced, but definitely still kept my interest!
The cover also needs to be mentioned - It is perfection! *chef's kiss*. Once you read the book you realize how even more perfect it is!
Bring on Book 2!!
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC! #whatbloomsfromdeath #thenerdfam
The first 10% of the book is a little slow, but then it really picks up! Once you get to the 75% mark, just cancel all your plans because you won't want to put the book down past that point.
The character development was fantastic. The banter was great (the banter in chapter 15 was exceptionally great, I even noted it down. ha!). I think my only issue, and why I didn't give this book a solid 5 stars, was because some (very few - one or two) of the parts involving a lot of magic just went over my head, but I think that's just me and really not the book's fault at all. There were also just a couple spots that were slightly slow paced, but definitely still kept my interest!
The cover also needs to be mentioned - It is perfection! *chef's kiss*. Once you read the book you realize how even more perfect it is!
Bring on Book 2!!
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC! #whatbloomsfromdeath #thenerdfam
April 2, 2025
SMG knows how to write Romantasy. I have no idea how long this series is or what to expect, but I am 100% committed. AND THE COVER!! After reading the story, I appreciate the cover so much more!
The tension, the banter, the will they/ won't they! The slow burn!! So freaking good.
I loved the light/shadow combination with a focus on balance. I am a little sick of the "like calls to like" at the moment and this is very refreshing.
It was nice learning more about Nova. She is a very relatable character and not an immediate "everything clicks" kind of heroine. We get to watch her struggle, doubt, and learn.
The cliffhanger was BRUTAL! But at least that means more is coming. Trying to find the bright side.
The tension, the banter, the will they/ won't they! The slow burn!! So freaking good.
I loved the light/shadow combination with a focus on balance. I am a little sick of the "like calls to like" at the moment and this is very refreshing.
It was nice learning more about Nova. She is a very relatable character and not an immediate "everything clicks" kind of heroine. We get to watch her struggle, doubt, and learn.
The cliffhanger was BRUTAL! But at least that means more is coming. Trying to find the bright side.
March 20, 2025
“You’d be surprised how quickly knowledge can erode when the wrong people manage to put themselves in charge.”
S.M. Gaither knows how to write Romantasy. The world and magic system is intricate and beautiful. The romance pulls at your heart strings, gives butterflies, makes you blush. Nova and Aleks are so sweet.
And the twists are twisting. I never knew what was coming next. Phantom the dog is of course the stand out character.
Looking forward to books 2 and 3!!
Be warned: there’s a cliffhanger.
“Eyes on me motherfucker” may be my favorite line from this book.
“I would have lived that tragedy over and over and over, in a thousand different lifetimes, if it meant i had a chance to meet her again.”
Thank you so so so much for the ARC!!
S.M. Gaither knows how to write Romantasy. The world and magic system is intricate and beautiful. The romance pulls at your heart strings, gives butterflies, makes you blush. Nova and Aleks are so sweet.
And the twists are twisting. I never knew what was coming next. Phantom the dog is of course the stand out character.
Looking forward to books 2 and 3!!
Be warned: there’s a cliffhanger.
“Eyes on me motherfucker” may be my favorite line from this book.
“I would have lived that tragedy over and over and over, in a thousand different lifetimes, if it meant i had a chance to meet her again.”
Thank you so so so much for the ARC!!
April 26, 2025
Thank you to the author for providing me with e-ARC of the book. I am choosing to leave a review, and all my thoughts are my own honest ones.
Two things SM Gaither is always going to deliver is a unique world and give us such a swoon worthy romance. I had so much fun reading this start to finish and the ending had me biting my nails.
I am going to try to keep this review short because I simply do not want to spoil the twists and turns of the story and trust me when I say that there are plenty!
Nova is such a wonderful FMC. Complex, kind, and badass. The literal holy trinity. She is also my first shadow mommy and let me just say that we need more of them in fantasy! I liked that Nova is this exiled princess set out on securing justice for the transgressions against her family, but yet she is so soft and empathetic at all times. I absolutely adore her relationship with all of the different characters in the story and especially I love her bond with Phantom. Ugh Phantom is the cutest little animal companion that I would seriously hug and never let go.
Aleks my love. He is the light contrast to Nova and that opposition makes their dynamic perfect. Grumpy pessimist despite his magic was such a nice form of duality. He may seem like the perfect prince but there is always more darker shadow behind the blinding light. I would also just like to add that I love the nickname "Chaos" that he give Nova so much. It's their unique thing and that's so precious.
The romance is so swoon worthy. I love how it developed from shy young acquaintances to dislike to reluctant allies to lovers. The banter between them was perfect and even better were the moments of soft vulnerability. The spice was done just right and I love the dynamic between these two so much. I can't see what trials they will face in the next book and how they will persevere together.
This one ended in a cliffy and I am going to try my best to patiently wait for the next book!
Two things SM Gaither is always going to deliver is a unique world and give us such a swoon worthy romance. I had so much fun reading this start to finish and the ending had me biting my nails.
I am going to try to keep this review short because I simply do not want to spoil the twists and turns of the story and trust me when I say that there are plenty!
Nova is such a wonderful FMC. Complex, kind, and badass. The literal holy trinity. She is also my first shadow mommy and let me just say that we need more of them in fantasy! I liked that Nova is this exiled princess set out on securing justice for the transgressions against her family, but yet she is so soft and empathetic at all times. I absolutely adore her relationship with all of the different characters in the story and especially I love her bond with Phantom. Ugh Phantom is the cutest little animal companion that I would seriously hug and never let go.
Aleks my love. He is the light contrast to Nova and that opposition makes their dynamic perfect. Grumpy pessimist despite his magic was such a nice form of duality. He may seem like the perfect prince but there is always more darker shadow behind the blinding light. I would also just like to add that I love the nickname "Chaos" that he give Nova so much. It's their unique thing and that's so precious.
The romance is so swoon worthy. I love how it developed from shy young acquaintances to dislike to reluctant allies to lovers. The banter between them was perfect and even better were the moments of soft vulnerability. The spice was done just right and I love the dynamic between these two so much. I can't see what trials they will face in the next book and how they will persevere together.
This one ended in a cliffy and I am going to try my best to patiently wait for the next book!
June 24, 2025
This book was everything I needed and more. The tension, the banter, the development between Nova & Aleks? INCREDIBLE.
The last 30 pages I was in a chokehold.
I will be needing book 2 asap… all the stars.
No notes.
The last 30 pages I was in a chokehold.
I will be needing book 2 asap… all the stars.
No notes.
May 5, 2025
Bryce when you see this I have one question: why did you do this to me
But also thank you
But also thank you
April 25, 2025
I had such high hopes for this, but ultimately it was just too forgettable. Even with a bunch of tropes that I usually love, it fell flat for me.
July 6, 2025
There are so many things I loved about this book. The fantasy world is unique, and the magic system and its complications are not something I’ve read before. It’s also hard not to love our main character Nova. Her cavalier approach to life and death means she’s brazen in her quest for revenge. The dynamic with Aleksander is a perfect I-hate-you-but-I-want-you relationship. They both have everything to lose, but their current dire situation means they are living for the present and will deal with the consequences tomorrow.
My main challenge with this book is the pacing. I got bored around 75% into the book and really struggled to find the motivation to finish. The plot movement slowed substantially while the characters learned about the world and magic, and at times it felt a bit like an info dump.
There’s a lot of potential to this series, and I imagine the coming books will have war, betrayal, and many revelations. If you are a big fantasy reader, I definitely recommend giving it a try.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)
My main challenge with this book is the pacing. I got bored around 75% into the book and really struggled to find the motivation to finish. The plot movement slowed substantially while the characters learned about the world and magic, and at times it felt a bit like an info dump.
There’s a lot of potential to this series, and I imagine the coming books will have war, betrayal, and many revelations. If you are a big fantasy reader, I definitely recommend giving it a try.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)
April 1, 2025
Thank you NerdFam for the gifted ARC for this book. Unfortunately, I had to DNF at 30%
With that being said, I think this book has potential; the world is unique and the magic system seems cool…..My main struggle was a lack of connection with the characters. They felt very one dimensional in addition to the rushed world building.
With that being said, I think this book has potential; the world is unique and the magic system seems cool…..My main struggle was a lack of connection with the characters. They felt very one dimensional in addition to the rushed world building.
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