The Library of Amorlin

The Age of Beasts #1

by Kalyn Josephson

Former con artist Kasira expected to spend her life as a soldier, miserably working off her prison sentence by hunting down magical creatures for the fanatical kingdom of Kalthos. But when the Kalish ambassador arrives with a non-negotiable assignment, Kasira finds herself swept into the biggest con of her life: infiltrating the Library of Amorlin. 

As the heart of all magic and the protector of magical creatures throughout the six kingdoms, the Library is historically politically neutral. Kasira is meant to pose as the new Assistant to spy for the ambassador and destabilize the Library from the inside, clearing the way to dethrone its Librarian. 

But when she arrives, Kasira learns that the Library is not all she was told it would be. Neither is the prickly, handsome Librarian, Allaster, whose own monstrous secrets are about to catch up with him. 

Swept into the enchanting world of the Library, Kasira’s reluctant con is jeopardized by her growing affection for the wondrous life the Library promises…and by her complicated, burgeoning attraction to Allaster. As the ambassador’s game closes in, Kasira must decide where her loyalties lie: to her newfound home, or to her own survival? 

Genres: Fantasy, Adult, Romance, Romantasy, Fiction, Fantasy Romance, Adult Fiction

448 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication March 3, 2026

About the author

Kalyn Josephson is the NYT bestselling author of THE STORM CROW duology, RAVENFALL series, and upcoming THIS DARK DESCENT. By day, she's a Technical Writer, which leaves room for too many bad puns about technically being a writer. She lives in the Bay Area with two black cats (who are more like a tiny dragon and an even tinier owl).

Reviews

[vxmpslibrary [hiatus] · Rating 3 out of 5]

.Did not Finish. @175
💝 .3 stars.

.my thoughts.
I have never dnf'ed an arc before, so I just feel so bad dnfing this but this book is so heavy on plot and actually kind of boring I would say. i might come back soon enough to finish this, but I don't really think so.

don't let my ratings fool your judgement or make you hesitant to grab it. i just finished my exams so I can't take heavy books for now.

I loved the magic even if it was confusing for me, the characters were well written too. our main FMC is a second version of Kaz Brekker if he was a female. don't get me wrong, she's a strategist, a planner, just way more off track than kaz was.

moving on, Allaster was a great character too, I just didn't loved him like I was supposed to since I was having a hard time trying to really understand him.

I may pick it up again afterwards, but that is not today.

.pre read.
🍓- I got the arc! I'm gonna read this after exams🗣️

[Mai ༊*·˚]

Why is trying to keep my NetGalley score above 80% a full-time job?

Anyway, I’m excited!

____________

Thank you to Erewhon Books for the ARC.

[S.A. MacLean · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Library of Amorlin is the kind of fantasy book that reignites my love for the entire genre.

The world is engulfing, fantastical, I want to leap into the pages just to live in every nook and cranny. I could get lost exploring the grand halls of the library, snuggling with the menagerie of gorgeous/adorable/horrific beasts (even if some of them would rip my face off, that's fine, I forgive them), enjoying tea and scones made by a kind but cryptic snow leopard spirit.

Kesira is my favorite kind of FMC: fierce, clever, complex. I'm constantly pleading for more messy FMCs that make mistakes, and oh boy, Kasira makes so many ruthlessly intentionally awful decisions that knowingly harm the people she's coming to care for, but I can't even be angry at her because, yeah girl, you're in this hole so deep already that you've just got to keep digging until you tunnel your way through the molten core of the earth, I hate this for you, but I get it.

Watching Kesira lie and manipulate her way out of increasingly chaotic scenarios is like a car crash you can't look away from, and yet there's always an opponent ready to throw something even more ruthless at her. I lost count of the number of times these plot twists left me reeling.

And then there's Allaster. My beloved, angsty, immortal librarian. My pouty little sad boi genius who loves animals, wears guyliner and a million sexy rings, and is steadily descending into a beast with claws and fangs . . . like, HELLO? I have never had so many boxes checked IN MY LIFE.

The slow burn between Kasira and Allaster progresses at the speed of angsty molasses, like dropping two antisocial alley cats into a room and watching them hiss at each other from opposite corners, and I devoured every emotionally stilted second of it.

Thank you to Erewhon Books and Kalyn Josephson for the ARC.

[Kalyn Josephson]

ARCs of Amorlin are beginning to enter the world <3 This is a story I hold very dear to my heart, one that explores the ways in which the world often forces us to forget our dreams and the magic that once enthralled us, and so while I would put it in the category of cozy high fantasy, there are some trigger warnings to be aware of:
- Animal death and violence
- PTSD, anxiety, and panic attacks
- Sexual themes
- Violence, trauma, and death
- Threat of SA (once, vaguely implied)
- Alcoholism
- Chronic pain

[Jessica Brusven · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant story filled with complex characters, world building and a fast moving plot. The library itself feels like more than just a setting and takes on meaningful characterization. While this is a fun fantasy read, it also unpacks some timely topics that feel applicable to our current world. Specifically the large debate on the role of beasts brings up some ethical and political questions that are relatable. The writing is stunning and the plot kept me wanting to pick it back up. Really excited for more from this series!

[Meredith Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a breath of fresh air and I loved everything about it. It’s the type of magical fantasy that has you transported right into the story alongside the characters.

Kasira is a con-artist turned prisoner turned beast slayer. She has spent her entire life in the kingdom Kalthos, the only kingdom where magical beasts are feared and constantly hunted. She is an incredibly flawed main character and is constantly making misguided and selfish choices. Becoming the assistant librarian gives her the opportunity to deconstruct the prior indoctrination and begin to understand the truths of the six kingdoms and the magic within.

Allaster is the head Librarian of the Library of Amorlin. He has devoted his entire life researching, understanding, and protecting the magical creatures of the six kingdoms. He is another flawed main character, constantly trying to shield his mages and Kasira from some of the dark truths lurking beneath the library’s surface. The dual POV allows us to see the different dynamics and relationships developing between the characters.

The world building is excellent. There is enough discussion of the six kingdoms to gain a basic understanding of the political relationships and set up for the series to continue. The descriptions of the library create such a cozy and magical atmosphere that I wish I could curl up there with a book myself. I’m so excited that there will be more to the series and already can’t wait for the next one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Erewhon Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Bazia · Rating 2 out of 5]

i wanted to like this book, but the execution didn’t hold up…

after multiple bloody lashes, FMC somehow walks for hours, disguises herself, infiltrates a new place without suspicion, changes her own bandages with ease and shows no real consequences of her injuries… also she can also stand her ground against an experienced MMC who instantly recognizes strength and training…
it felt so unrealistic and convenient

plot-helpers appears out of nowhere, information is dumped in overwhelming amounts and despite detailed descriptions i struggled to connect with the characters
ironically, kasira’s past was far more interesting than the main storyline
interesting concept, but disappointing delivery

thank you to kensington books and netgalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review💘

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this is what I imagined when I pursued a career in library sciences.

Somehow packed with equal parts cozy-vibes and high fantasy style intrigue, this was one of those books that I knew I would love from the moment I read the first paragraph. Filled with wholly realized and flawed characters that I would die for; a detailed setting I would spend the rest of my life in; and a world that was complex and constantly moving. Kasira is one of my favorite kinds of FMCs (messy) and Allaster is the perfect level of angsty. And the beasts?! I want them all. The politics?! I was hooked. The shifting motivations and constant internal struggles and character development?! Superbly done.

The plot was fast moving, the romance was the best kind of burn, and the set up for future book(s) has me on my knees for more (though I think I would have been begging even without the promise of a second). Truly a feast from beginning to end.

[Brielle Weber · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Library of Amorlin explores themes like protecting magical creatures, reclaiming one’s future, and discovering wonder. In this story, the physical location of the library is the center of six nations. It is considered a neutral midpoint of international politics that governs the treatment of beasts and magic.

Kasira is a con woman turned prisoner on work release to a solider turned spy undercover as an assistant at a library. She is put in place by an ambassador with a weird religious vibe who is super anti beast. Allaster is the head librarian. He’s immortal, crabby, and very distrustful (honestly, for good reasons).

Josephson describes this book on her Instagram as a “cozy fantasy with Ring of Power vibes.” I did not find this story very cozy (like for example, how The Spellshop felt like a warm hug and fresh bread with jam), but it did have great fantasy elements. Lots of beasts, magic, and mages, even more political intrigue and secrets. So many secrets. Everyone was keeping secrets for some reason or another from each other. I found it maybe a little more Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them coded. Then add in a one woman Six of Crows con job that went wrong.

This story did not really keep my interest in the beginning as well as I would have liked and the political intrigue was confusing at first. However, with patience, the world building does start to come together and you start the get more of that high fantasy feel as you go. The end was much engaging for me, but I still did not feel entirely invested in the characters and story regretfully.

✨3 stars, support your local library!

Thank you Netgalley and Erewhorn for this arc. The Library of Amorlin comes out March 3, 2026.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75?

She was a former con-artist. He is the head librarian at the magical Library of Amorlin. She's given a chance at freedom if she can get intel on the library, but this proves to be more difficult than she anticipated as her feelings for the world of Amorlin and the Librarian himself begin to grow.

Sooo. I'm not sure where I want to land rating wise- I'm giving this a 3.75 rounded up for the time being but honestly, I leaned a bit more towards a 3 as I was reading. The plot sounded promising; I'm just not sure that it fully delivered. 

No spoilers here, I know this review will likely sound a bit vague, but I felt like I was presented with several characters/plot points that weren't always pertinent to the story as a whole. I kept trying to figure out how certain things were tied together or why other things were even mentioned at all. And my biggest issue with the entire book was the FMC. I've read other reviews that felt the same way, so I know I'm not alone in saying this, but she was very unlikeable. She was like a self-detonating bomb who kept hurting everyone around her and lied at LEAST 5,000 times to benefit herself at the expense of others.  Let me just say the Librarian is a better man than I would've ever been because I would have yeeted her straight off the library roof from the get-go. 

All of that aside, I did enjoy parts of it, enough so that I would likely read the sequel whenever it comes out. The bones are good, the execution could just use a little work.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the advanced digital copy.  

[Book.Dragon.Page1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a beautiful world! A magic library but with it's own troubles and beasts! I would have loved to see more beasts!
Our fmc is a piece of work. But also very much a product of what her world made her. I would love to learn more about where she came from! And the librarian! Just give me more!

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with this earlycopy. All opinions are my own.

[Miroslava Berghauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book! Exciting from start to finish,with a lot of plot twists and turns... I really liked the main characters ( and some side characters), and rooted for them!
I think this is a start of a beautiful saga.

[léa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky to get to read an early copy through my publishing internship and this was such a fun ride! Kasira is an interesting, well flesh out out protagonist, who’s not afraid to do what she had to in order to survive, and the plot is both original and compelling: although I was told I didn’t have to read the whole thing I devoured it in less than three days. Even if it’s not yet published I already can’t wait for book 2!!

[Katryna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Library of Amorlin by Kalyn Josephson

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

(marginal spoilers – just general vibes, nothing major!)

I want to start this off by saying that I would give this book 10/5 stars if it were possible from a coding perspective. I can also say with certainty that my partner can probably recite the plot of this book as well as I can at this point because I did not shut up about this book for the entire time I was reading it.

One day, I’ll develop a more systematic way of structuring my reviews, BUT TODAY IS NOT THAT DAY, so we’re just going to throw stuff at the screen and see what sticks.

The world building: bro what the hell this was SO GOOD? The world is incredibly fascinating and also everything makes sense – there’s an appropriate amount of conflict, you can see the reasoning behind specific kingdoms doing what they do, you can see where everyone fits on a particular issue, and you can also fully make sense of why any character from a particular kingdom is going to behave in the way they do. – even when their motivations/perspectives differ. There is also genuine tension that can’t be easily resolved when you weigh all of the political interests against each other (not even factoring in the characters as only a single data point within a larger system). ALSO: naming conventions? I don’t know what the author did but they are literally all FIRE.

The magic system: it’s not super fleshed out and that would normally bother me but it...didn’t here? I was able to just suspend my disbelief and just accept that “okay sure yeah, library.” Plus, since I know this is a planned series, the conflict and general vibe of this one did not focus on understanding and exploring the magic, whereas the second or third book will likely have far more space for that. There was nothing internally inconsistent (that I found) and I have a strong feeling – especially considering the probing discussions of beasts and humans and the world – that it will all be explained in detail in subsequent books. I also really liked the limits of the magic – nothing is worse than over-powered, context-specific magic that acts as a fix all until the plot doesn’t call for it.

Characters: omg dude okay, so, gonna stream of consciousness this maybe, bear with me. Kasira: so I have such a love hate relationship with her – which feels apt because I think that’s the point and also the mark of a fantastically written character. My take on Kasira’s character development left me self-reflecting for....a while. She’s had it super rough for her whole life and is doing what she can to survive. She does a bunch of super crappy things but justifies it to herself and you, the reader, as what is necessary for survival. She tells herself, and you, that she had to, that there was no other option, and maybe, an implicit “I’ve suffered enough.” As the reader, you come to understand and empathize with her. It’s hard to actually picture yourself in these fantasy scenarios, but we can imagine being backed into a corner; and in Kasira’s case, locked in a windowless, soundless cell, deep in a castle’s dungeon – complete solitary confinement for three years and I can say, with certainty, I would do anything I could possibly do to escape returning to that. The reader empathizes, rationalizes, and thinks: “yeah, I would do the same thing.” And then suddenly you’re faced with the consequences of those choices. Kasira is directly confronted with someone telling her that she (ultimately) is selfish, and as the reader...you can’t disagree. It makes you genuinely question your view of personal moral action.

I was furious with Kasira repeatedly but ultimately, I got it, I understood why she did what she did, even though I (with my completely unrelated perspective) may have done something else. But then ultimately, I found myself asking if I was furious with myself. I’m not really sure where I ended up on that scale ultimately but it definitely resulted in a Mike’s Hard Look in the Mirror.

Side characters: absolutely fantastic, I was invested in the characters we knew and even the characters we didn’t. It can be difficult to write characters purely from a character’s memory but Josephson did a phenomenal job of this.

Absolute 10/10 or 5/5 doesn’t matter what scale, I loved this book and I will be harasssing every friend who enjoys fantasy to read this!!!

[Emelie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

I’m genuinely blown away by this book. Like... sit-back-and-stare-at-the-wall-for-a-bit blown away. It hit me at exactly the right moment, after a streak of reads that just weren’t doing it for me (too BookTok-coded, too predictable, too much spice instead of actual chemistry or emotional depth and FMCs who felt more loud than layered). This book reminded me why I love reading in the first place.

At its core, The Library of Amorlin is everything I crave in fantasy: political intrigue, deeply rooted traditions and belief systems, hidden truths and a world that feels painfully real.
The way humanity’s relationship with beasts has shifted over time from reverence and respect to fear, exploitation, and outright persecution is heartbreaking and so reflective of real-world patterns. The idea that even sympathizing with beasts marks someone as a criminal? Devastating. Brilliant. Uncomfortable in the best way.

And then there’s Kasira, one of the best FMCs I’ve read in a long while. Her story is layered, clever and emotionally complex. Watching her navigate her con while slowly, almost against her will, growing attached to the Library and its inhabitants was fascinating. She’s competent, intelligent and good at what she does and the book never undermines that.
I loved how we, as readers, are constantly being played right alongside everyone else. Every time a reveal happened and I realized Kasira had been pulling the strings all along, I just had to sit there like, oh… she got me again.

Her internal struggle "pretending not to care while very much caring", trying not to form bonds and failing, made her feel incredibly human. And her relationship with Gievra was one of the most bittersweet parts of the book. Trust not given freely, healing that takes time, consequences that don’t just disappear. It mirrored Kasira’s own journey in such a powerful way.

Allaster, the Librarian, absolutely stole my heart. A man who has devoted 120 years of his life to protecting the Library and its beasts, who is blamed for caring too much when that is literally his purpose. Learning about his past, his brother Amberic and the former Librarian Mora it all added so much weight to who he is. He never gives up, never lies, never bends when it matters. And yes, he knew Kasira was trouble from the start and he was right. Watching him slowly, cautiously come to trust her despite knowing she was working against him was incredible.

Their partnership? Perfection. I cannot stress enough how grateful I am that this was not a front-and-center romance. What they build is something far more meaningful: a bond forged through shared responsibility, quiet moments and mutual understanding. By the end, when everything is laid bare the way they understand each other makes whats to come feel even more heartbreaking and complicated.

The side characters deserve just as much love. May was an incredible friend and First Mage, torn between duty and personal relationships. Nyelle was one of Allaster’s truest, most loyal allies. Mira, though gone, lingered powerfully through the memories of those who loved her. Revna and Elyae added so much emotional weight, too. And Elyae especially grew on me in ways I didn’t expect. She better return in book two and deserves far more than just an apology.
And of course....Iylis, talking snow leopard spirit. An instant favorite. The Library genuinely felt incomplete without him.

Overall, this book is a masterclass in worldbuilding, character work, and quiet, devastating storytelling.
The Library itself feels alive! A neutral ground under constant pressure, hiding dangerous secrets, balancing survival against truth. The scheming, the cons, the betrayals, the question of who’s playing whom… it’s all so beautifully woven together.

And that ending? Absolutely bittersweet. Knowing the truth, knowing what’s coming and realizing what it will cost left me emotional, thoughtful, and desperate for what’s next.

This book didn’t just work for me, it meant something to me. And I won’t be forgetting it anytime soon.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s start with the cover 😍. The cover of The Library of Amorlin: Deluxe Limited Edition is absolutely fantastic! Here in Portugal, I haven’t seen a single book with sprayed edges… and on top of that, these beautiful editions are way too expensive—my wallet definitely can’t handle buying so many gorgeous books. Even though I don’t have the physical copy (which looks incredible), I absolutely loved reading the digital version. Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read it for free!

But But a book is so much more than its cover… so let’s talk about the content!

Let's start with the World-Building:

The world-building in The Library of Amorlin is genuinely impressive. The library isn’t just a cool setting—it feels alive. It has history, rules, politics, and consequences, and you can feel that weight in every scene. There’s magic in the architecture itself, beasts with purpose (and danger), and timelines that are clearly hiding answers we’re not ready for yet.

What I loved most is that the book doesn’t overexplain. You’re not spoon-fed information—you figure things out as you go, and it makes everything more satisfying. The magic system feels logical, but never boring, and the ethical questions about power, knowledge, and how the beasts are treated are woven naturally into the story. I didn’t expect to be stressed and morally conflicted while reading, but here we are.

I couldn't miss the Characters:

Kasira Vitalis is not an easy character to love—and that’s exactly why she works. She lies constantly, makes awful decisions, and digs herself deeper every time you think she might stop. It’s frustrating to read… but also painfully believable. Every lie feels like survival, even when it’s clearly going to blow up in her face. Her arc is messy, emotionally exhausting, and completely intentional.

Allaster St. Archer is the perfect contrast to her chaos. He’s controlled, reserved, deeply principled, and clearly holding back about a thousand emotions at all times. His development is quiet but powerful, and I loved how slowly his internal conflict unfolds. Nothing about him feels rushed, and every emotional shift feels earned.

Their dynamic is tense in the best way. This isn’t enemies-to-lovers for the aesthetic—it’s built on distrust, restraint, and two people who really shouldn’t rely on each other but have no choice. Watching that tension slowly evolve was painful. I loved it.

The side characters actually matter, which I really appreciated. They don’t feel like background decoration—they push the story forward, reinforce themes, and challenge the main characters. Gievra especially stood out. The bond there feels important, symbolic, and like it’s going to hurt me later.

The Pacing: OMG😜😜😜

This is a slow burn, and it knows it. The first half takes its time building the world, the atmosphere, and the characters, and while it’s measured, it never felt pointless to me. Once the stakes become clear, though, the story tightens fast. The tension ramps up, and suddenly I was reading way faster than I planned.

It’s not a “finish in one sitting” book—it’s a sink into it book. And honestly, that worked in its favor.

Who doesn't love a book with a good Structural Depth?

Everything connects. Character choices make sense within the rules of the world. The magic system reinforces the themes. The lies, secrets, and withheld truths all feed into the larger structure of the story. Nothing feels accidental.

By the end, there are a lot of unanswered questions—but they feel intentional, not frustrating. Very clear “this is only the beginning” energy.

My Final thoughts 😊😊😊

The Library of Amorlin is layered, emotionally demanding fantasy that trusts the reader to pay attention. It’s slow without dragging, complex without being confusing, and clearly setting up something even bigger.

I’m already impatient for Book 2.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic Beasts but make it high fantasy and set in a library...

The Library of Amorlin is the first book in a fantasy series overflowing with political intrigue, magical creatures, and hints of romance. I had really high expectations for it, considering it's supposed to be a con in a library filled with magical creatures, and that concept is incredibly intriguing. Unfortunately, it fell a bit flat for me; I think the book is way more politically focused than the blurb makes it sound, and I've also seen some other readers say they went into this expecting more of a romantasy, while there's hardly romance in this book at all. I did enjoy it, but I almost wish it had been a different protagonist or a different storyline set in the same world because the beasts didn't play that much of a role, nor did the library, honestly. I liked the vibes, but the execution was just a bit disappointing for me, which could also be the expectations I had for it.

If Kasira wants to avoid returning to prison, she'll need to infiltrate the Library of Amorlin - a neutral, magical institution that protects the creatures of the world - and convince the Librarian to share his magic with her so she can bring the library crumbling down. However, the con ends up being more layered than she expects, with subtle political moves and her own biases toward the beasts, plus the fact that the Librarian may be harboring mysterious secrets of his own. The plot is a bit slow, especially at the beginning, focusing mostly on politics and Kasira's con. The lies consistently pile up, building tension and suspense. There's not much action, which is something I admittedly expected more of. I didn't find anything too unpredictable, but the dual-POV set-up kind of eliminated any secrets from the reader. I liked the tension in the second half and found the ending to be enjoyable in suspense. I like the set-up for whatever comes next, which I think I might enjoy more. As some other reviewers have noted, this book has a bit of a cozier feel to it, but it's mostly political intrigue and espionage, so don't go into it expecting a romantasy or creature-focused adventure.

I think the main reason I struggled with this book was that I didn't like Kasira. I'm usually fine with unlikeable characters, but she consistently made poor decisions, and I felt like she didn't experience the growth it seemed like she was going to. Her lies just kept building and building, and it was hard to root for her. I liked Allaster a little more, but we only got about 1 of his POVs for every 5 of Kasira's. He was the brooding, mysterious, secret bookworm that I think a lot of readers will like, but I found him to be a bit too passive and just couldn't love him. Most of the supporting cast was fine; I didn't like them initially because I was told there would be a spy and was extra suspicious of everyone. May grew on me over time, as did Elyae (though it was more of a Stina from KOTLC...if you know you know). I think I would've enjoyed this book a lot more if I had been able to root for the characters from the beginning, or if they at least provided the complexity I enjoy in unlikeable characters.

The Library of Amorlin is the first book in a fantasy series (probably NA in age range) for readers who enjoy political intrigue, cozy settings, and subtle hints of romance.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!

3.5/5

[Miranda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher for the ARC! This was AMAZING—so unique and magical. As a library employee and soon to be librarian, the title of the book immediately intrigued me. The story inside its pages ended up being better than I possibly could’ve imagined. It’s somehow cozy while also being extremely suspenseful and action packed. There was a perfect balance between the serenity and magic of the library and the viciousness of Kasira’s past, along with high stakes and political intrigue. There is also a true, perfectly done slow burn romance. I’m often disappointed in books that promise a “slow burn” (as they often aren’t really), but this book delivered. Allaster St. Archer 🥵 (how could I not be weak for a bookish man who wears eyeliner, jewelry, and blushes so easily—plus he has wings and a tail) & Kasira Vitalis are the definition of a power couple. I want nothing more than their absolute happiness and if they don’t get it I might riot.

The magic system and the worldbuilding are unlike anything I’ve read before. It was a joy getting to learn about this world & how it operates. There are lots of things I want to know more about, and so many questions I still have, especially about Avaria and the library’s mysterious origins. Luckily, there will be a book 2! I got so happy when I got to the last page and saw that a second book is coming. I need more of these characters like I need air to breathe. I also need more of Gievra! I absolutely love animal bonds. We’ve only just scratched the surface of the bond between Kas and Gievra, and I look forward to seeing it deepen.

I will admit that it was difficult for me to not get frustrated with Kasira at times—due to her trauma and circumstances, she makes certain decisions that I would rather she not have made. Reading about her constant betrayal and deception towards these characters we grow to love got depressing; I wish she would have come to certain realizations about herself sooner in the story so that the entire book wasn’t spent with her deceiving Allaster. However, I understand that this was necessary to the plot and in line with her characterization. It was just sad & frustrating to read. I look forward to seeing the dynamic between Kasira & Allaster in book 2, without any secrets between them.

I will be anxiously awaiting book 2! (I don’t know how I’m going to wait 😢)

[Bookjunky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Library of Amorlin should absolutely be added to your 2026 TBR. Josephson brings a fresh and delightfully unique voice to the fantasy genre with fantastic world-building, strong characters, and a good plot.

The magic system is a little generic, there are some slight inconsistencies in the plot and pacing, but overall this was a really enjoyable read.

Kasira is a con artist who's lost everything and is willing to give up even more for a chance to be free of her past. She strikes a deal to infiltrate the Library of Amorlin and bring it down from the inside in return for that freedom. What she didn't expect was to find something better than freedom inside those walls.

She starts off as a strong female lead and only gets better from there, I think. Strong minded, clever, sneaky, and unapologetic about it. She's done awful things in her past and will do more awful things, but what I really loved about her character was there was no waffling or whining. Once she committed to a plan, she followed it through and didn't waste a bunch of time crying and worrying about who was going to get hurt. That was extremely refreshing among the usual Violets and Feyres. Kasira understands and accepts that there will be fallout, people will get hurt, and there's only so much she can do to minimize the damage... but it has to be done, so she gets it done.

There are hints of romance between Kasira and Allister, but happily it's not the main focus. In fact, if anything, it's an obstacle for Kasira at a couple key points and she never lets it stand in the way of her endgame.

The magic system is a little generic, kind of a general "snap your fingers" and do magic, but the connection between magic and the Library itself is interesting and new. The beasts were something new and I really enjoyed the cultural and religious beliefs built around them.

The conclusion is pretty satisfying and ends with a little bit of uncertainty for Kasira and Allister, which is more than enough to bring me back for book two. This was a great read!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A captivating fantasy debut with rich worldbuilding, political machinations, and slow-burn intrigue.

Kalyn Josephson’s The Library of Amorlin is an enchanting start to The Age of Beasts series, blending political scheming, magical creatures, and a reluctant con artist heroine

Former con artist Kasira, forced into service by the kingdom of Kalthos, is tasked with infiltrating the legendary Library of Amorlin; a neutral sanctuary that protects magic and its creatures across six kingdoms. What begins as a dangerous assignment quickly evolves into something more complicated, as Kasira discovers the Library is far more wondrous than she was led to believe.

The Library itself is a standout element of the novel. Josephson’s worldbuilding is lushly imagined, politically charged, and brimming with magical lore. The political machinations between kingdoms add layers of tension, showing how fragile alliances and hidden agendas can shape the fate of both people and beasts. Kasira is a compelling protagonist, torn between self-discovery, survival, and belonging, and her chemistry with Allaster adds tension without overshadowing the larger stakes. The novel also explores loyalty, identity, and the blurred lines between duty and desire.

That said, the pacing occasionally falters, especially in the middle, where the heavy focus on political maneuvering slows the momentum. Some secondary characters could have been more fleshed out to match the vibrancy of Kasira and Allaster, leaving certain plot threads less impactful than they might have been.

Overall, The Library of Amorlin is a strong, imaginative fantasy debut that sets the stage for an exciting series. Fans of fantasy with a bit of romance and magical intrigue will find much to love here, especially those who enjoy stories where political machinations drive the stakes as much as magic itself. I’ll be eagerly awaiting the next installment.

Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing | Erewhon Books for this ARC copy of The Library of Amorlin in exchange for an honest review.

[Embeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for access to an arc!

"You're far too good at all of this...it's like you were born for it"
"She could have laughed at that. The only thing she had been born for was survival...You might as well say I was born to be damned."

"She wondered what it was like to stay."

If you loved libraries and stories of magic as a child/now PLEASE pick up this book. (Also if you have attachment/avoidant issues but that's neither here nor there...)

I absolutely loved this book. I finished it in one sitting, so thank you Kalyn Josephson for helping bring back the excitement of staying up late to read a story.

Things I loved:
1. The characters- They were so well fleshed out, even side characters. I truly felt like I knew them and while I was screaming at them to make different choices, every decision they made felt authentic to their character. ALSO character growth!!! Thank goodness for multi-dimensional characters who grow as the story deepens
2. POV spacing- Absolutely loved a majority of FMC chapters because sometimes I don't want to know every single the mmc is doing/thinking. However, his POVs added wonderfully and helped progress the story. When I absolutely needed his thoughts I got them, but the story was so much more interesting because his POV chapters were spread out.
3. World building and political aspects- SO creative as well as intriguing to the plot, and I can't wait to see where the story takes me next. LOVED that it was not just the con we were introduced to but also all of the motivations for the different characters/nations and the library. All I have to say is I have lots of theories about where book 2 will go.

This was a wonderful story painting the beauty and importance of libraries and sparking conversation on the choices we make to survive and their effect on everything/everyone around us.

4.5/5 stars rounded up!

[Jenny · Rating 1 out of 5]

Beware: the male lead has red/copper hair.

This was....boring. I'm disappointed because the premise seemed like it'd deliver but then when I started reading I was met with a lot of nothing. Oddly enough, it seems more inclined to the politics side of the plot than it does the fantasy/magic. The library is this magical place that does what? i don't have a clue really, because we're just kinda thrown in there and the main character, Kasira, spends a lot of time not doing much in it. And Allaster, our not dark haired male lead, is the librarian who, again, idk what he does because we're essentially just told hey there's magic here, and he's got magic, and he's also probably really old, and something's wrong with the library. and that's at the halfway point.

Kasira being a "con artist" is rather funny imo. Well, in the way of, that's how we're prefacing the start of the story. it tickles me in a bad way when we're told that a character is something and then we're never given the chance for them to actually display it, because well, I'm certainly not going to believe you even though I should, because that's how the book is supposed to go. Instead, Kasira is showing us her fighting skills, which she seemingly develops as penance for her crimes. said crimes i don't care about because we're given very sloppy work of being told about her past. and the constant 'this of a con' 'that of a con' is very trite. we know how cons work. the word itself feels out of place as well... there were just so many other ways we could've prefaced Kasira's nature and this plot to get to the library.

I can't say I care too much about the story, and the cast of characters do not carry the lack of a good plot enough for me to.

thank you to netgalley and Erewhon Books for the eARC!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who is it for?
Fans of morally-gray characters and people who like medium weight political fantasy with magical elements and a hinted at slow-burn romance. It IS NOT for people who are looking for a romance forward fantasy book with magical creatures.

What did I like? I thought the world-set up and the main concepts were excellent and unique to anything else I’ve read. The main character Kasira is essentially blackmailed at the very beginning of the book into spying on the library, during her efforts, she discovers all is not as it seems, something may be wrong with the library's magic. The concept of a magical library being the magical and political center of a world is good, but the layers built into it through deception, magical animals, a mysterious magical problem, and interpersonal tension made it great. Kasira has an interesting background and is written as very morally grey, and she is fairly unlikable at times, however it was done in a way that felt intentional and kept me engaged.

What didn’t I like? I am being kind of nitpicky here, I could have used 30% less of the FMC internally justifying her actions. She was written as a morally-gray character and I was okay with that, in my opinion her guilt ridden justification past a certain amount diluted her character a bit, and I would have preferred to see more of the external pressures forcing her to make decisions, that did happen at the end, so I wish it had happened more in the middle. I would have enjoyed slightly more world-building and exploration of the magical beasts, however as it is the first book in a series I’m not judging it too harshly on that as i expect future books will explore it.

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

🩷 Book Review 🩷
📚 The Library of Amorlin
✒️ Kayln Josephson
💫💫💫💫💫

Thank you to Negalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

If I could give this book 6 stars, I would. It started out a little slow for me but then about the 10% mark it felt like a snowball and I could not put it down. I was hooked, I was chasing the next chapter but also did not want it to end.

This is a story of a con artist and a secretive librarian that collide in a world of magic and wonder.

Kesira is strong, fierce, clever and above all complex. She is a con artist and she absolutely lies her way through chaotic situations. She is a car crash you can't seem to turn away from. But it works, her development is huge in this book, especially once she meets Allaster. He is pure angst and immortal, so he has YEARS of it stashed away inside him. He is slowly descending into the secret he is hiding; a beast with claws and fangs.

Reluctantly to work together results in one of the slowest burns I have ever read. I was smashing the pages together in the hopes they would finally kiss. Cause that works right? But once the stars aligned, they collided and I ate it up.

This is a book of patience, you must push through the heavy first few chapters to get to the part that sweeps you away. Trust me, please add this to your TBR!

[Annabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mystical library, magical creatures, vivid world building with interesting magical system and a complex political system leading to intrigue, and that is even before we get into the main characters...just about everything about The Library of Amorlin ticks the boxes of what I enjoy in a fantasy novel. As far as the main character, Kasira is not the most likeable character but her motivations are clear: she wants to get out of prison and stay out. The other central character, the librarian, Allaster, is a bit more mysterious and perhaps more sympathetic. As they work together, Kasira and Allaster unfold the story of the library for the read while they soften to their circumstances, but neither of them softens enough to reveal their biggest secrets. When the plot progresses and those secrets are exposed, the story just becomes more complicated and we find that this intriguing book is only the start of the saga. I was so invested in this tale and its characters that I can't wait to continue it in the sequel.
I received access to this eARC thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Kensington Publishing - Erewhon Books) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

[thebookaerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am thrilled to finish off the year with a unique and true fantasy book!

The Library of Amorlin is rich in fantastical storytelling, intriguing characters, strong leads, magical beasts and a bit of political volleying. I was instantly drawn into Kasira’s story, her life as a con artist and her new predicament with trading a con for her freedom. I love her character’s journey and I found myself worrying for her, being mad at her, but hoping and trusting she’d not only be successful but true to her heart.

The Librarian Allaster is one I for sure would love to spend countless days with. His dedication to the Library and the magical beasts is so endearing. Being a girly who loves the natural world and all our animal friends, it only makes sense I’d love this man who dedicates his life to protecting and caring for the beasts and other magical wonders the library holds.

There’s just enough political intrigue in this, and does not overwhelm at all. It in fact draws some very slight parallels to current world affairs, just told through a story of magical beasts and the part they play, and where they truly belong and if they are to be accepted.

Absolutely loved this and highly recommend it for a great 2026 read!

[Terri Hart-Lancaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Library of Amorlin follows Kasira, a former con artist who is offered her freedom in exchange for infiltrating and destabilising the Library of Amorlin. Disguised as the new Assistant Librarian, she sets in motion a long con to bring down the prickly and secretive Librarian, Allaster.

I found myself quickly invested in Kasira. She’s battle-scarred, self-interested, and ruthlessly focused on survival, and the book gives her the space to be all of those things without rushing her towards redemption. Watching her move from being haunted by her past to slowly recognising that she isn’t okay, but wants to be, was quietly affecting.

Allaster’s own damage and desperation make the dynamic between them even more complicated. You want him to trust her and tell her everything, but you’re never quite sure whether he should.

The Library itself carries a real sense of possibility, not because we see everything it can do, but because we’re aware of how much remains hidden. That sense of scale and secrecy lays strong groundwork for what comes next.

I was particularly impressed by the ending. Even late in the book, I still wasn’t sure how it was going to end, and that uncertainty kept me slightly on edge. When it did come together, it felt earned.

[katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"This is MY definition of a slow-burn fantasy romance."

First off, thank you Kalyn for the ARC of The Library of Amorlin!

I went into this read pretty much blind, thinking oh! its about a library, it'll fit in nicely with my "cozy fantasy" November reading theme. After reading through it, I can confidently say this is does NOT fit my definition of cozy reading. However, it was an AMAZING fantasy read.

Reading through this, you can't help but feel bad for the MCs and their impossible situations. Every time you think the hole their digging themselves into can't get any worse... well. I'll let the story speak for itself. There were times I found Kasira hard to sympathize with, even with her traumatic backstory. Mostly due to her continued lies throughout the book. I'm curious to see if that trait continues into book two, or if that piece of Kasira is settled.

The world itself, the magic, the beasts, and politics were all very well done and relatively easy to follow throughout the book as well. Definitely recommend giving The Library of Amorlin a read when it comes out in March!

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5 stars

I was super excited to read this book once I read the premise and I feel like the author really delivered. I was fully invested in the story and the characters by the end of this book and I cannot wait to read the next installment in the series.

I feel like the beginning of the book was a little slow and clunky. The world was very detailed, but I felt like how we were introduced to the backstory of Amorlin was a little confusing. We were introduced to a lot of unique terms and phrases that weren't explained as clearly as they could have been. I feel like at times, I definitely struggled to keep various names of beasts and places straight in my head. That being said, I do feel like the world-building was very immersive and I felt myself getting easily lost in the world.

I feel like once Kasira really integrated herself into the Library, the book really took off and I was hooked. I always love a good con or heist and love when all of the twists and turns get revealed. I really liked how the author pieced together all of the different parts of the plot and all of the character arcs. I also felt like the author did a good job exploring all of the emotional turmoil that Kasira and Allastar faced and definitely felt like I was getting punched in the gut during difficult times during the book.

[Abby L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Initially, I found this book to be more slow-paced than I prefer. It did finally pick up, but only for about the last 20%. There were times I found myself wanting to throw the book across the room in a rage if Kesira wouldn't stop being so selfish, but her brokenness is what makes her feel human and relatable. Despite my internal battles regarding the FMC, my frustrations with her are what makes her character so well written. The author did a great job in her writing at making me, as the reader, have big feelings on all the characters, both good and bad. I felt their every bit of sadness, anger, and anguish.

I appreciate that the storyline is unique in both magic and setting. Who doesn't love a mysterious, magical library?! I'm looking forward to discovering more of its secrets in book 2. Despite the initial slow pace, I ended up really enjoying this book and am desperate to find out how the story continues. There are many unresolved mysteries that have me hooked!