Sacred Struggle

Tales of the Vanir #1

by Rochelle Wilcox

An elf hiding from a malicious queen.
A rider whose dragon will be tortured if he chooses his fated mate.
What will they risk when forbidden love threatens everything else?

In the land of Vanatia, Sifa’s doomed to the elven prison if she’s found.

Desperate to unearth the queen’s secrets, Sifa’s chasing answers by doing the city overseer’s dirty work. But when her boss sends her with a dangerously handsome dragon rider to the brutal prison she barely escaped years ago, she fights desire even as she confronts demons she’s still battling.

Fhord’s torn between his dragon and fated mate.

When Sifa joins him on a job, he spurns their bond because in Vanatia, dragons suffer when their riders sin. If he flouts his oath to the crown by harboring an elf, Fhord won’t be able to shield his beast from the queen’s wrath.

Terrified Fhord will discover her secret and betray her to the monarchy, Sifa battles their growing passion. And though Fhord’s dragon will pay the price if he falls for Sifa, his need for his mate may outweigh the risk.

Can Sifa and Fhord overcome their yearning for each other as they journey toward the prison that could threaten her freedom and his bond with his dragon?

Sacred Struggle is the enthralling start of Tales of the Vanir, a complete fantasy romance series. If you enjoy fated mates, forbidden love, and slow-burn romance, with dragon riders, found family and quirky sidekicks, you’ll adore this page-turning tale of lovers learning sometimes it’s futile to fight fate.

Sacred Struggle has an HFN ending with a mild cliffhanger, and will appeal to readers of Fourth Wing (Rebecca Yarros), Crescent City (Sarah J. Maas) and When the Moon Hatched (Sarah A. Parker).

Sacred Struggle has dark elements, including violence and graphic torture of people and dragons, as well as sexual assault and depravity (but not between the main characters), and genocide (of elves). It includes open-door spice and frequent profanity.

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons, Romantasy, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Forced Proximity, Fantasy Romance

434 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 22, 2025

About the author

Rochelle Wilcox was born and raised in Las Vegas, where she learned at an early age the value of fantasy and escape. Raised by a single mom — one of the first women trained to deal poker in the early 70's — Rochelle spent more time in casinos than most adults. She and her husband decided to leave the desert behind and raise their sons in Northern California, where they spent as much time on the water with their boys as they could.

Despite her lifelong passion for story-telling, Rochelle's path took her to law school and then to a practice focused on media law and appeals. But her love of writing wasn't sated with briefs bound by legal principles and a fealty to facts. And so she set to paper the story that had been playing in her mind for years, based on the Norse mythology she loved as a child. Rochelle retired from her legal practice in 2022 to travel and write.

She released her first book, Lost Long, Book I of The Road to Ragnarök, in 2012, and the rest of that four-book series in 2022. Book IV, Heavy Heart, was named N. N. Light's Book Heaven's Best Romantic Fantasy of 2022, and it was one of three finalists for Best Indie Book of 2022.

Her current series, Tales of the Vanir, is fully drafted and is being rapid released this summer: Sacred Struggle on May 22; Frenzied Fate on June 26; Divine Dilemma on July 31; and Mythical Menace on September 5.

Reviews

[Kylie ve · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy Dragons, Elves and magic then i would definitely recommend this gorgeous book! This hooked me from the very beginning! I love that the book was mainly in Sifa's POV but the few chapters that were in Fhord's POV were perfect!! The chemistry between the main characters was really good and you could definitely feel the tension. This is going to be such a fun series and i cant wait to read the next book!

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this, and I meant to take my time reading it but I ended up pretty much finishing it in one sitting.

Starting with the plot, it was pretty fast paced. It’s a huge part of why it held my interest because there was always something happening. I wasn’t completely a fan of where it all ended, but I’m curious and interested enough that I’ll definitely read the next book when it comes out.

I’m a sucker for dragons, so they were absolutely my favourite characters and I wish we’d had a bit more of them.

Sifa and Fhord were an interesting relationship to explore. Their chemistry was something I really enjoyed and I loved watching the development and I was happy with where things left off with them.

An interesting concept, and a fun and quick read. I look forward to the sequel.

If I could do decimals, I’d call this one 3.75 stars.

[BlaireReadsTheThings · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so glad to be part of the ARC team for this. Let's ignore the fact that I'm late. I have a full-time job and not as much time for reading as I would like. But I digress....

Sifa has a secret. Ok, so like, lots of secrets. She is working hard to collect other secrets. The most important is how to get herself and her friend back to the world that they came from. She is tired of being displaced and even more tired of her elf body aging like that of a human. She has to get back home. Enter, Fhord, a very mysterious dragon rider dripping distain and hotness.

This series is quite fun so far. I'm really intrigued to learn more about our characters and the world that they live in. And, of course, the dragons are super neat and quite the characters themselves. I love the bonds that the dragons have with their riders and each other. I'm excited to continue the series.

🌶️🤺🐲🩸

[Heather Mynx · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ☆ rounded to 5.

I loved the relatively quick pace of this book. I was sucked in and really kept wishing that I didn't have other real life things pulling me in so many directions cause I WANTED to finish it in one sitting. The plot felt really balanced between the action moving the story along, letting you get to know and understand the characters, and the brewing relationship between Sifa and Fhord. The world felt layered and immersive and the world building was gradual which I also appreciated.

I loved how badass Sifa was and how she always seems to follow her heart. Her journey hit hard because she's endured so much but still manages to be unequivocally herself and keep pushing towards her goals. I found her character inspiring. I also loved that Fhord can see how much of a badass she is and how much he struggles to deny their fated mate bond to protect his dragon. He was also an interesting character and there's some mystery around him still to be solved that I am really curious about. The yearning between Sifa and Fhord was well done and I liked that they handled their attraction to each other like adults. You could feel the tension but it didn't overpower the characters' individuality. I loved the relationship between Fhord and his dragon and it broke my heart that they can't just take to the skies and be together as much as they want to. The concept of the bonds between dragons and riders being forced on the dragons vs chosen freely broke my heart, but it was a nice spin compared to other dragon rider books I've read.

I should also say: please check the trigger warnings for this book (the author has them mentioned in the book description)!! It was darker than I expected, and while I don't get triggered by books, some of the scenes, especially towards the end are very detailed and would definitely be triggering for some.

The book ends on a mild cliffhanger and I still have questions I really want the answers to!! Honestly the cliffhanger and some of the unanswered questions is why this book wasn't a perfect 5 ☆ read for me. I'm really looking forward to book 2 in this series so I can find out what happens next and I'm glad it's only a month(ish) away.

My many many thanks to the author and Literary Inspired for the chance to read this as an ARC! While I did receive an ARC of this book, all thoughts and opinions are, as always, 100% my own.

May 29:
OK, we finally kicked my migraine/lingering headache so it's review time!!

May 23:
I unfortunately have a migraine though, so RTC this weekend when looking at my screen doesn't hurt. 😭

[GheridenTheBookBard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one pulled me in fast and held me in that perfect space between tension and hope. Sacred Struggle delivers a fantasy full of quiet power, slow burning danger, and a romance that never once feels easy but absolutely feels earned.

Sifa’s journey hit hard. She’s endured so much, and you feel every layer of that trauma as she fights to survive, adapt, and protect the spark of who she is. Her strength isn’t loud. It’s built from every choice to keep going even when she’s forced into silence. Fhord brings his own kind of weight. Stoic, bound by duty, and carrying the burden of leadership and expectation, he’s not the kind of hero who charges in with a sword blazing, but he’s the one who stays. Their chemistry is laced with restraint, fear, and longing and it works.

The pacing holds a steady grip, never dragging. It builds slowly but with purpose, letting the tension grow with every chapter. You always feel the threat hovering, and nothing ever feels safe, especially as secrets start to crack through the surface.

Worldbuilding feels immersive and layered. There’s a strong sense of history, a magic system that matters, and political danger woven into every interaction. The way magic connects to consequences for the characters adds weight to every decision, and I loved that.

This is a story about survival, resistance, and finding something worth holding on to even when the world says you shouldn’t. Sacred Struggle doesn’t come in loud. It simmers. And sometimes that quiet burn hits the hardest.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sacred Struggle is the first book in a new series, and if you love dragons, hidden identities, fated mates, and more secrets than you can shake a stick at then this is the book for you.
Safir is an elf in hiding. She escaped a prison that was meant to hold her until she spilled her secrets, but escape she did. But she didn't escape alone. Now she is a spy and a good one at that. She gathers information for her employer and plays the guardian when needed. Safir has been through a lot in her life, but when a young girl's mother tells her of a vision she has seen...well, Safir is skeptical. A choice she want to make, but will have to because it will be the right thing to do? Sounds pretty vague, right? Well, fate is a funny thing...and it strikes with a twist every time.
The storyline is engaging overall. I was swept up in the first half of the story. Gradually, the story slows down, and it became a little more difficult to stay engaged. It's okay though because there are just enough elements to keep me coming back for more. Once the story regains its footing ,I'm pulled back in with unique elements. This book brings in some pretty dark themes, so please read the warnings. It's only fair.
The steamy level...pretty low, but you do get a couple of deliciously steamy scenes. would have loved more, but we're hopeful that the steamy level will rise with future books.
Mild cliffhanger, so no yowling over here this time. LOL! But, we are still eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

First off, I did appreciate that the book held my interest from beginning to end. It doesn’t really lag since there’s something constantly going on, pushing the characters into desperate and dangerous situations. If you’re looking for a book that doesn’t feel like a long read, this is a good one for you.

All my other opinions about the book had me frustrated by the end… so spoiler warning.

The world building left me feeling lost, confused, and not really caring to learn more about it in the end. If you hate male/female being used constantly as genders, this is not the book for you. Occasionally the author uses man and woman, but it’s mostly male and female down to even a “male’s height” being a unit of measurement. It makes sense for a patriarchal society, but then the Drottning is a woman. I don’t know if she’s the first woman leader, but I think it was mentioned that she’s been the leader for a very long time. It makes me wonder why women are still so subdued by the men in this society. When I tell you that most of the men mentioned in this book are the worst scum of the earth, I mean it. Nearly all of them r word women, are pedos, or just delight in torturing. A good chunk of this book just reads as misery p0rn as a result.

Our lead girl Sifa borders of being a bit of a Mary Sue, in my opinion. She’s super tough, deadly, and clever until the plot seemingly doesn’t want her to be anymore so that she can get tortured and then rescued. All the men find her hot and grope on her through the entire book. I had a hard time getting a read on her. Naturally, I could see why she would be incredibly untrusting of most people given her backstory, but she has several moments of just blindly trusting people on a whim. With Fhord she’s hot and cold with him too rapidly. I felt like after her second round in the Nest, it would have been reasonable for her to be unable to fully trust him a long while after being freed. Even if she wanted to trust him, maybe her trauma wouldn’t allow for it to immediately happen, but she does trust him right after all the horrific things she experienced because he left her there.

I don’t know who Fhord is. Worse than Sifa for me, he came off as very generic and lacking a real personality. I felt like I didn’t really know all that much about him.

I felt like too much was kept secret in general about our characters and it probably lead me to my indifferent feelings towards them. We don’t know Sifa’s true goals. Sure, she wants to go back to her “worlds” but we have no real context for what that is. She wants to protect someone else who came with her and Toffer into this world, but we don’t know why she feels the need to protect them or why. And based on the fact that she came to this world with a manacle on??? Was she a prisoner in her old worlds? No idea. I don’t even know why she used world in the plural.

Fhord is the same way. We don’t know what he’s been doing behind the Drottning’s back other than he has a group of people who seem against her. He keeps referring to this “savage” inside him as if he’s a shifter of some kind, but we’re never told what that’s about. I also hate that word. It sounds so weird in this book like it doesn’t fit and is only there to help mask what kind of a shifter he is or something. We don’t know what the connection between him and the Drottning is either. My first thought is that she’s his mom or something, but we’re not told.

There are so many secrets to the point that nothing really gets revealed to us and it creates this wedge between the reader and the characters. It felt forced and unnecessary.

Then there was the ending. It leaves off at such an awkward spot that it felt like the book was unfinished. And I knew it was going to be a cliffhanger ending at the start, but I figured it might end at a better spot? Maybe dropping a secret or two bombshell before our couple is forced apart or something? That way the reader feels more compelled to read the next book. But it leaves off after they have sex and there’s a short epilogue in Tindera’s pov… like the ending gave us smut, but I felt like it didn’t really pay off like I hoped it would after all the sexual tension. Probably because all the torture and sexual assault in the Nest took the spice right out of me. It also made me laugh a bit when Fhord mentions his savage in that sex scene to Sifa as if she knows what that is. Does she know what it is??

Also, for a dragon rider book, it’s really lacking in the dragon riding department. There was, what? Like one scene where a main character rode a dragon? Tindera and the guy dragon whose name I can’t think of now are unable to fly through most of the story. Which makes for a disappointing dragon rider book.

I’m summary, the romance was meh. Dragons themselves seemed neat, but hardly any dragon riding! Good fast pacing. Too many secrets. Ends weird.

[Moe Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A runaway elf. A rule-bound dragon rider. One hell of a forbidden bond.

Sacred Struggle is a slow-burn fantasy romance that hits like a punch wrapped in silk. Sifa’s been hiding from a vicious queen, digging for secrets while doing dirty work for the city's overlords. Fhord’s the brooding, duty-locked rider torn between loyalty and desire—because if he claims Sifa, his dragon suffers.

When these two are forced to journey together (to the prison Sifa barely survived), sparks fly, secrets crack open, and tension simmers like a fuse just waiting to blow.

The romance? Deliciously doomed. The danger? Always close. The world? Layered, magical, and merciless.

This story doesn’t gallop—it prowls. If you like fated mates, forbidden love, dragons, slow-burn ache, and high-stakes emotional carnage, Sacred Struggle delivers.

Remember to check your trigger warnings as this contains graphic violence, torture (of people and dragons), sexual assault (not involving main characters) and elven genocide.

This book is not loud. It lingers. And it burns. 🔥 🔥 So prepared to feel that HEAT!

Thank you, Rochelle and @literaryinspired for the ARC! I was drawn right into this world and struggled to leave.

[Logan Killen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely DEVOURED this book! Thank you for the ARC, this was one pleasure of a read! If you love a strong female lead, some dragons, fated mates, and fantastic writing, you'll be in heaven. I was so pleasantly surprised with the writing style and overall plot that I could not put it down - just the perfect balance of a slow burn fantasy romance that leaves you with just enough mystery that you'll be begging for the next book. Seriously, give this author and book a shot and you won't regret it!

[Brita Mackay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sifa is an elf, she's an elf who to protect herself, to keep herself safe and save her own life, is hiding from a cruel and malicious queen.

Fhord is a dragon rider who has the hardest choice of his life to make, he can turn his back on his fated mate to keep his dragon safe or he can choose his fated mate, choose love and happiness, and leave his dragon to be tortured.

What are they willing to risk, when a forbidden love is offered to them but to accept that love threatens everything else they love and care about?

In the beautiful land of Vanatia, Sifa knows that if she is ever caught, she'll be thrown into the elven prison if she's ever found. So she stays in the shadows, moving quietly, always hiding.

Sifa is always chasing answers and now she is desperate to unearth the queen of Vanatia's secrets. Now she's working for the city overseer doing their dirty work chasing their dirty work knowing this is going to bring her one step closer to her ultimate goal of getting to the queen's secrets. It's when her boss sends her off with a dangerously handsome dragon rider to the very dark and brutal prison that she'd hardly escaped and slipped away from years ago. This new mission now forces Sifa to face her own personal demons that she's been battling for years.

Fhord's caught between a rock and a hard place. He has two choices and no matter the choice he makes, it's going to cause him pain. If he chooses his dragon, he has to turn his back on his fated mate. If he chooses his fated mate, he has to let go of his dragon, knowing he's dooming his dragon to torture.

Fhord is sent on a dangerous job with Sifa, he knows right away that she's his fated mate and he turns his back right away on that bond as he knows that in Vanatia, the dragon is the one who suffers when their rider sins. And it's worse if a ride flouts his oath to the crown by shielding an elf, and Fhord knows that he will never be able to protect his dragon from the queen's anger if she knew his mate was an elf and she was with him now.

Sifa is beyond terrified Fhord will find out her secret and if he finds out what she's hiding he will betray her to the queen, even as Sifa herself battles their growing mate bond passion. Fhord knows that his dragon will be the one to suffer if her falls for Sifa, his need for his mate continues to outweigh the risk.

Will Sifa and Fhord be able to overcome their growing desire for each other as they journey toward the prison that threatens Sifa's very freedom and Fhord's bond with his dragon?

Sacred Stuggle is the first book in the enthralling new series Tales of the Vanir. This is a fantasy romance series that has a rapid release starting on May 22, 2025. If you love fated mates, forbidden love, and a slow-burn romance, with dragon riders, found family, and quirky sidekicks, then you will adore this page-turning tale of lovers learning sometimes it's futile to fight fate.

Sacred Struggle will have an HFN ending with a mild cliffhanger. It will appeal to readers of Fourth Wing (Rebecca Yarros), Cresent City (Sarah J. Maas), and When the Moon Hatched (Sarah A. Parker).

YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and know the triggers. Some of the triggers include but are not limited to: violence, graphic torture of people and dragons, sexual assault and depravity (not between the main characters) genocide (of elves), open-door spice, and frequent profanity. Please don't take the triggers lightly as your mental health is more important than reading a book.

I love the tropes that were used in this book: grumpyxgrumpy, fated bonds, enemies-to-lovers, touch-her-and-unalive.

Sacred Struggle is the first book in the new series Tales of the Vanier A Dragon Rider Fantasy Romance by Rochelle L. Wilcox. Oh, how I loved this book. I couldn't believe how this book just drew me in and didn't let me go till the very end. And I just loved everything about this stunning book.

I adored Sifa, she is a kickass woman who is so much stronger than she appears to be. She has had to endure so much more than anyone should ever have to go through. And yet through it all, she keeps within her a deadly secret that she can't let a single person know. Sifa has been working in the shadows with Bevin, the one person who should never be crossed.

Sifa quietly agrees to do a few jobs for him, jobs that could have gone terribly wrong and have her nearly running into a person who she doesn't know and yet, for a reason she can't point yet, they appear to be familiar to her. He calls to her silently, and as her curiosity is peaked, she feels as though she has this need to get to know him and her curiosity starts to drag her deeper in. Despite all the feelings she has towards him, her repulsion towards him is the greatest feeling of them all, and in that moment she decides that she has no other choice but to stay as far away from him as she can be.

But, staying away from him isn't that easy and fate keeps playing out events that keep bringing them together over and over again until the day that Bevin informs her that Sifa and the dragon rider Fhord will be going out on a mission to the very prison that Sifa had once barely escaped years ago and suddenly her past comes slamming back into her mind, haunting her once more, and it refuses to release her, and suddenly the one secret she's kept hidden in the darkest depths of her abilities, and she knows that this could very well risk everyone who is or gets involved with her.

Fhord is a dragon rider who is known for his fierce demeanor and he's built up his reputation that everyone dragon rider, tradesman, and everyday person knows by name alone and they tremble at the mention of his very name. He knows that he's stubborn but he knows that it helps him in staying away from Sifa, he has to because he's not willing to give up the life that he's built up for himself. But, as they travel together, he feels the pull of their bond pulling them closer and closer.

I loved Sifa and Fhord, I loved their characters, I loved the bond they formed together, and I loved watching their journey together. I loved the way everything that happened between them throughout the entire book. I loved the character development and the character arcs. Everything with the characters was so perfectly created and crafted. The tension and angst between Sifa and Fhord was so on par. I found it to be sweet agonizing torture.

The plot was perfectly crafted and merged perfectly with the storyline and you were always wondering what was going to happen next, where Sifa and Fhord were going to go next. This plot is still living in my head and I can't help but wonder what is going to happen next in the next book.

And the world-building, matched the plot perfectly. You could tell that Rochelle took her time with creating this world-building. And I have no idea where Rochelle got the idea for her dragon names. I love them.

I can't wait for book 2 in this series so I can finally find out what happens next. The light cliffhanger wasn't bad but I still can't wait to see what happens after that. There's still so much to come and so much to have happen. There are so many unanswered questions that I need answers to.

This book is a great read for anyone who loves forbidden love, stubborn but strong FMCs, Fierce and Loyal MMCs, beautiful dragons, and impossible situations. If this appeals to you then Sacred Struggle is going to be a MUST READ for you. This is such an AMAZING read!

[Cecilia Zu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of Sacred Struggle—a big thank you to the author for the opportunity! This review is based on that early copy.

What a fantastic read for dragon lovers and fans of star-crossed lovers! It is a richly imaginative world that unfolds piece by piece, growing more vivid and detailed as the story progresses. I found myself completely drawn into the story within just a few chapters. For a highlight was the female main character as she is strong, self-aware, and refreshingly mature. Unlike many heroines in this genre, she’s not a teenager or a woman in her early twenties. She knows who she is (or thinks she does) and carries a mysterious past that adds incredible depth to her character.

The romance in the story is a slow-burn ‚enemies‘ (enemies but not)to lovers. The tension, the emotional push and pull, and the gradual shift in their relationship are written beautifully, keeping the stakes high. What was a bit negative for me was the a bit to much back and forth in relationship between the FMC and the MMC in the sense of ‚we shouldnt…‘ but not really sticking to it for long.

All in all a fun read and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Alexis Sinclair · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like fantasy romance with dragons this is the book for you!

I got this as an ARC and I’m so happy I did. This was fast paced enough that the world building wasn’t boring or difficult to understand. There is a glossary but it’s small and not intimidating. I was able to read it once and not have to reference it again.

I really enjoyed this take on fated mates and how it compares to bonding with a dragon. You could really feel the love and yearning between the characters.

I also liked how these dragon have feathers. I hadn’t read a book with this before and I really enjoyed it. The way they were described I was able to visualise exactly how the dragons would look.

I am definitely going to continue the series. If I could do decimals I would rate this a 3.75.

[Molly Mizzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐5/5 – My Heart? Stolen by a Dragon Rider and an Elf⭐️

Sacred Struggle swept me into a world of danger, magic, and a romance that burned. Sifa is fierce yet vulnerable, and Fhord? A brooding, loyal dragon rider who had me swooning from the start. Their connection is slow-burn perfection with just enough angst to make you yell at your book.

The emotions hit hard, but Rochelle Wilcox balances the intensity with moments of warmth, humor, and hope. I binged this book in one sitting I couldn’t stop. If you love fated mates, forbidden love, and dragons (who doesn’t?), this book will absolutely enchant you. I didn’t just read it I felt every second.

~this was an ARC read for an honest review~

[Talia Gotel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ - I was lucky enough to read this book before its official release and I loved it!! I went into this book knowing nothing about this author and I will definitely be continuing this series! Dragons, elves, fated mates, dragon mates, secrets this book was SO good I loved the longing of the MMC and I can’t wait to see where the next book takes us and learn the secrets I was desperate to learn in this book!

[Shreya · Rating 4 out of 5]

QUICK STATS

Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Tropes: GrumpyxGrumpy, Fated Bond, Enemies-to-Lovers, Touch-her-and-D!e
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
Trigger Warnings: Graphic scenes of violence, mentions of assault, sexual content

╚══ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══╝

Sacred Struggle is a fantastical, amazing tale of strength, bravery, wit and trust. The plot is moving, filled with mystery, passion, and intrigue, and the world that Wilcox has created is easy to follow but also full of depth. The story follows Sifa, an elf mercenary working for Bevin, trying to gain information about the Drottning, which is what Wilcox calls the Queen. Through a quest, she goes on a mission with Fhord, a grumpy, brutish dragon rider to the Nest, where they meet old foes and friends.

CHARACTERS

SIFA: Sifa is the protagonist, an elf who escaped the clutches of the Nest and works as a mercenary for Bevin, gathering information about the Drottning. It's not made clear that Sifa is a mercenary, but judging by the work that she does, I made the assumption that she is one. Sifa is brave, bold, and slightly arrogant. She doesn't put up with anyone's crap and knows her worth, though she can be reckless at times. She keeps her elven ancestry a secret and is determined to return home. Sifa is a dynamic character, though I felt her love for Fhord was more of a lustful type of attraction? Perhaps this will be further established in the books, but from what I noticed, it felt like only their bond made Sifa attracted to Fhord. Despite that, I loved her intense loyalty and dedication. She wasn't about to let the world stop her from achieving her goals, and I liked that even though she was tough, she allowed herself to feel emotions, especially when she was captured in the Nest. What I especially love about Sifa is that when Fhord seemingly betrayed her she didn't turn completely cold on him and forget the many things he'd done for her. She became angry, yes, but it wasn't annoying like I usually see in fantasy books. She genuinely appreciated the time they shared, despite what happened.

FHORD: Fhord is a dragon-rider who is arrogant, rude, but also a caring and intelligent person who is immediately smitten with Sifa. He is recruited by Bevin and joined by Sifa to go to the Nest, and from the very beginning he holds a mix of animosity and lust toward Sifa, often commenting about how hard she makes him. I enjoyed Fhord's character more than Sifa's, because his reactions to her provocations felt realistic, while to me, Sifa came off as just permanently annoyed. He's the type of man who would do anything for Sifa, even kill anyone who hurt her, and I loved that about him! Fhord is absolutely a new book-boyfriend of mine.

THE PLOT

The plot follows a journey between Fhord and Sifa to the Nest, but sprinkled in the beginning is also Sifa's work with Bevin, her work in the brothel with Ulfheid, and more, leading up to her being paired with Fhord. I enjoyed the fast pace of the plot, and I'm intriuged to learn more about the dragons! I wish we got more lore about them apart from Sifa and Fhord's dragons and their mateship, but I'm excited to see what the next books in the series hold!

One thing I'd like to note was that there was a lot of spitting, hardening, and snapping, and the words became very repetitive. Fhord mentioned his ahem penis several times in his chapters, which threw me off a bit. There was also quite a bit of telling instead of showing, particularly in the beginning with Sifa and when Fhord talked about the dragons. However, I do like that Wilcox kept us invested with Fhord and Sifa's secrets. Who is the woman Sifa is protecting? Why can't Fhord be with Sifa? All these questions are swarming in my mind!

THE SPICE

I'll admit, I loved seeing Sifa and Fhord's relationship progress naturally, and while there were many times when Fhord really, really wanted to make love (I'm being nice lol) to Sifa, I appreciate that the author didn't rush it. When they do eventually have sex, it's organic and a mix of lust and love. Apart from that, there's not much spice to the book. There are scenes of other characters engaging in sexual acts, but our main couple doesn't do much until the end.

THE TRIGGERS

There are some particularly disturbing scenes that may trigger some readers toward the end of the book, right around Sifa's time in the Nest. The Drottning is ruthless, and while I appreciate that she doesn't hold back her fury, there are some scenes like when she cuts off a man's nipples and penis that are particularly disturbing, even if they grow back.

╚══ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══╝

Overall, for those of you who love dragons and fantasy and a dash of enemies-to-lovers, this book is for you!! I highly recommend it and encourage you to keep a lookout for the author's upcoming books that continue Sifa and Fhord's story!

[Toni Babcock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sacred Struggle
Book 1 of the Tales of Vanir Series
ARC Review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5

- Enemies(ish) to lovers
- Dragons, Dragon Riders, & Dragon Bonds
- Elves
- Multiple worlds
- Fated Mates
- Forced Proximity
- Touch Her & Die
- Dual POV
- Multiple worlds

⚠️ Make sure to check the Content Warning!!! This book contains some dark themes and has some graphic scenes.

I finished this book in less than a day and could not put it down once I started! I also loved the dictionary of terms at the beginning. I appreciate when authors do this as sometimes I feel like getting the definition of a term during the story when it’s first used takes away from my goal of becoming immersed. I cannot wait to read the rest of this series and am so anxious to see where the story goes! I’ve seen a couple of comments about the terms used for the genders of the characters and I wanted to address it. The author uses “female” and “male” when referencing gender of characters in many different areas of the book. It’s common for those two terms to be used in fantasy novels when talking about the gender of characters who are not “human” and with human characters it’s man and woman that’s used. I would have to reread thoroughly to be 100% sure, but through my first read this is the context in which I understood these terms were being used.

I absolutely love our FMC, Sifa! She’s strong, quick-witted, smart, and overall a total badass! You have to be when you’re a spy. She’s been through a lot on her journey and cares deeply for her friends. I like that she has close friends to lean on. So many times I come across FMCs that are alone, with no friends or anyone else they can count on or receive support from. I see it so often that it feels like it’s starting to become its own trope. This was a fresh reprieve from that which I deeply enjoyed.

Our MMC Fhord is super broody and totally hot for our FMC and is completely irresistible. The jealous, touch her and die attitude is absolutely delicious! Touch her and die MMC’s are my fave! 🫠 His personal monologue of constantly yearning and internal battle for her is everything. My only complaint about him is his nickname for her. LOL To me the nickname just doesn’t fit our FMC and feels out of place. That said, I absolutely love this book so it’s very easy for me to glaze over and will continue to do so through the rest of the series.

THE SPICE! 🌶️🌶️.5 The are few spicy scenes throughout the book. A few are on the minimal side but still contain a ton of delectable sexual tension. There is one really good scene and it’s written very well.

Things I would have preferred more of:
- By the end of Book 1 our MMC is still mostly a mystery, even with First Person POV chapters from him. I understand that this is only Book 1 of 4 and we’ll be getting a lot more in the future books but I would have loved a little more detail about him in this one too.
- I wouldn’t call the build up of their relationship a slow burn but I wouldn’t call it fast paced either. It came at relatively reasonable pace that I enjoyed. I only wish we could have had a little more banter, a little more internal monologue from each of them as their feelings developed.

Bring on the rest of the series! I’m ready!

[Emma Balcers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC from Netgalley for an honest review!💙

And Oh my goodness! i ADORED this book!😍

Sifa is a hardened badass who has endured a lot within her life with a deadly secret noone must know. She’s working behind the scenes with Bevin, a person that should not be crossed. She agrees to do some jobs which inevitably ends up with her crossing paths with someone who seems familiar to her.. She wants to get to know him as her curiosity drags her deeper, but is somehow also repulsed by him at the same time and decides she wants to be far away from him as possible. As she tries to stay away from him events keeping happening which draws them together for unknown reasons multiple times until Bevin forces her and her mysterious dragon rider together for a job that needs to be done only by the best but with the risk of sending her back to a prison she barely escaped years ago will the past come back to haunt her and release her long kept secret that could risk her and everyone involved with her.

Fhord is a fierce dragon rider who is known by everyone and even more so by his dragons name, people tremble hearing the name of his bonded dragon. He’s stubborn and does everything possible to stay away from Sifa because he knows what it will cost him if he gives in to the temptation. But yet again the journey they are sent on and the events that happen ALWAYS seem to drag them closer together.

Throughout the book we see the usual amazing tropes of forbidden love, forced proximity, he falls first and touch her and d*e🔥😍

Okay, i absolutely ADORED Sifa and Fhord’s journey together, along with everything that happens in between, i was hooked on the plot always wondering what will happen next! When i didn’t have the book in my hands i was still thinking about it! And MY GOD THE TENSION BETWEEN THESE TWO. I loved every tortuous second of it😂😍🔥

The world building and plot itself was incredible! Constant progression throughout with the characters themselves and the world that has been created by Rochelle. Along with all of the other characters, Toffee is adorable he makes my heart clench! And Astarot and Tindera are now on my favourite dragons list forever🥹 I enjoyed every second of this book and i can’t WAIT for the next books in this series to see what happens! The ending was beautiful but also crazy and still overshadows a lot of the plot still yet to come that i can’t WAIT to read!

If you love everything about forbidden love, stubborn but strong FMC’s, Fierce and Loyal MMC’s, beautiful dragons and impossible situations that keep you on the edge of your set then you MUST read Sacred Struggle! It was INCREDIBLE.😍🔥

Beautifully written by Rochelle and i can’t WAIT to read the next one! SIGN ME UPPPPP😍🥰🔥

[Anna Sarsfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

Not for the faint of heart.

Sacred Struggle is book 1 out of 4 in the Tales of Vanir series by Rochelle L. Wilcox where a hidden elf most work along side an enemy's dragon rider bound by duet, little does she know that they are destined to be together.

This book is fast paced, the love interest is introduced quickly.

The FMC, Sifa, is a tough cookie, she's endured terrifying hardships including torture. Sifa is a badass, a spy that does what needs to be done. Sifa is lost, in a world she doesn’t belong, she’s endlessly searching for a way back home.

The MMC, Fhord, is a possessive man. Fhord is a powerful man, hiding many secrets. Fhord is an idiotic man, refusing to acknowledge the fated bond drawing him to the hidden elf with skills of an assassin.

Includes multiple POVs.

This book is very much more romance oriented that action oriented, like wise to ACOTAR, book 1 is all about the main characters and their acceptance of the mating bond whilst the threats build in the back ground.

This is your typical fantasy story; mating bond they try to fight and ignore, low-key enemies to lovers, graphic scenes not always between main characters, world of creatures (dragons and trolls and elves), forced journey together which encourages them to get to know each other as more that an annoyance and an asshole, secrets revealed like the mating bond and their alliances, everything comes to head and duh duh duh…

‘“I also have never seen anything prettier.” The words spill out before I can stop them, my gaze still holding hers. “My little rabbit,” slips out to join my treacherous blathering, filling the air between us as I try- and fail- to wrest my eyes away.’

“I didn’t know she’d be so f*cking beautiful. Or that she’d be such a pain in the ass. Or that she would be my gods-damned male. Who I can never, ever claim as my own.”

However, be warned be cause there are lot of mentions of SA and torture both on page and in references to the past, there’s also moments of murder and violence including a FMC getting revenge for all the suffering she went through so be certain to check your triggers before reading this book because it does get extremely graphic and disturbing at times.

It also has adorable moments like “You are my sun, my other half of my soul.”

Perfect for fans of: Fourth Wing, When the Moon Hatched and Crescent City

Fantasy lovers, get this on your TBR now!

[Sam Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and found it a real page turner. It had me intrigued from the start. It’s a really unique story with dragons, dragon riders, elves, intrigue and magic. It’s one of those types of books that had me asking questions and wanting to know the answers all the way through, but in a good way!

I thought this was a great start to this series and has really set the scene for the following books. I enjoyed the world building, especially the prison scenes, although I am hoping we get to see more of this in depth as the series continues as I’d love to know more about this world.

I loved the two MCs - Sifa and Fhord - and enjoyed seeing how their relationship developed. From the initial mistrust to having to work together and build trust, while both are keeping secrets from each other. I found their relationship a bit odd to begin with as they were both drawn to each other but in true enemies to lovers style can’t seem to stand each other. Fhord seems to appear initially out of nowhere. It’s not until first chapter from Fhord’s pov that we find out why and everything starts to slot into place. IYKYK!

We get to find out some of Sifa’s background which is traumatic and covers some dark issues. Fhord however, remains a bit of a mystery. He has some sort of connection with the evil Queen and is obviously one of her dragon riders, but he has secrets that haven’t been revealed yet. I can’t wait to see how the intrigue and mystery unravels in the next book.

There are lots of side characters introduced throughout the book but we don’t really get to see much of their personalities or get to know them fully. I’m hoping this will develop as the series continues.

This book is fast paced and has lots of action and adventure. There are lots of twists and turns throughout the story and while some questions are answered there is still plenty to be unravelled by the end of the book.
There is a cliffhanger ending as you would probably expect. It’s the type where you feel a bit of relief/respite from the tension, but also where we know there are HUGE things still to come!
I had the pleasure of read in an advanced copy of this book, so thank you to Rochelle Wilcox and her team. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Gabrielle (belle.bookcorner) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 3.5⭐

Sacred Struggle is a fantasy romance packed with fated mates, forbidden love, forced proximity, found family, and slow-burn tension—all set in a rich world of elves, shifters, and monarchy intrigue.

⚠️ Fair warning: some of the torture scenes get pretty intense. I wasn’t expecting them to be that graphic, and they definitely caught me off guard.

The story follows Sifa, an elf on the run from a ruthless queen, and Fhord, a dragon rider struggling between duty and the undeniable pull toward his fated mate.
Their journey leads them into the depths of a brutal prison, forcing them to face their pasts while navigating the complicated bond between them.

Right from the start, I was hooked. The dynamic between Fhord and Sifa kept me engaged, especially their banter as they were thrown together on a mission that unravels layers of secrets.

That said, there were a few aspects I wished had more room to breathe.
The pacing started strong but felt uneven—everything flowed well until the middle, but near the end, things sped up drastically. A lot of new elements were introduced, making it feel like I barely had time to process one revelation before jumping to the next.
By the final pages, I still had lingering questions, especially about Fhord’s true identity and his connection to the queen.

I also hoped for deeper exploration into the dragons and their riders, as well as the history of the elves. It looks like those elements will be expanded in the next book, especially with Sifa’s new bond with Astarot, which I’m excited to see unfold.

Overall, Sacred Struggle was quite an enjoyable read, and despite a few bumps along the way, I’m definitely invested enough to continue the series.
The world-building has a lot of potential, and I’m eager to get more answers in the sequel!

I received a review copy through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!

⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: torture, physical abuse, rape, body horror, gore, sexism, murder, sexual harassment, sexual assault, brief mention of genocide.

[Courtney (Bookish Blonde Barista) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sacred Struggle by Rochelle Wilcox is an enthralling start to what promises to be a richly layered fantasy romance series. From the very first chapter, I was pulled into the world of Vanatia—a place teetering on the edge of political collapse, where dragons bond with their riders and an elven rebellion simmers just beneath the surface.

The story centers around Sifa, a fierce and resourceful elf who’s been forced into hiding by a tyrannical queen. She walks a fine line between secrecy and survival, carrying out dangerous missions to uncover the truth behind the crown’s violent purges. When her latest assignment pairs her with Fhord, a brooding dragon rider bound by an oath that punishes his dragon for his mistakes, the stakes suddenly rise. Their chemistry is undeniable, but the danger of their connection is just as potent.

What stood out most to me was the emotional depth Wilcox brings to her characters. Both Sifa and Fhord are burdened with past traumas and moral dilemmas, yet their growth throughout the story feels genuine and earned. Their relationship develops with tension, trust, and vulnerability—never rushed, and always with purpose. Readers who enjoy strong, complex protagonists will find much to love here.

The world-building is exceptional. From the political undercurrents to the unique bond between rider and dragon, every detail feels intentional and immersive. The writing is cinematic and lyrical, with action scenes that are intense and emotional moments that hit hard.

That said, the book does not shy away from darker themes—there are mentions of violence, torture, and trauma, so readers should be aware of potential triggers. However, these elements are handled with care and serve the narrative’s emotional and thematic weight.

If you’re a fan of fantasy series like Fourth Wing or Crescent City, you’ll likely fall in love with this world. Sacred Struggle offers a perfect balance of romance, suspense, and magic—with a touch of danger that makes every moment feel earned.

I cannot wait for the next book in the Tales of the Vanir series. Rochelle Wilcox has crafted something truly special.

[Nova McCormack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sifa is in hiding. Being an Elf is punishable by death under the queen’s brutal rule, so she does whatever it takes to stay alive—which means carrying out the city overseer’s dirty work. When she’s sent on a mission to the torturous Nest, she's forced to work alongside Fhord—a ruthless dragon rider believed to be loyal to the very queen hunting her kind. But in this world, loyalties aren’t always what they seem.

Fhord wears his hatred like armor, and it all seems aimed at Sifa, keeping her firmly at arm’s length. But the fire in his eyes tells another story—one of yearning, of something deeper, and far more dangerous. As they travel together, walls begin to crack, secrets unravel, and Sifa is forced to ask the most terrifying question of all: who is Fhord, really? And why does being near him stir something in her that feels like fate?

This world has completely hooked me. So many questions remain unanswered, and so many delicious building blocks have already been laid. I’m giddy thinking about the possibilities. I need more—more dragons, more magic, more of everything. I'm fully at the mercy of this series, and I cannot wait to see where it goes next.

And can we talk about the angst? The relationship between Sifa and Fhord gave me emotional whiplash in the best way. The push and pull, the unbearable tension of being bound to someone you can’t have—especially when your dragon’s life is on the line. The slow burn was absolutely delicious. I couldn’t get enough.

I was also enamored with the majestic depiction of dragons. I can’t wait to delve deeper into their bond with their riders. I live for that dynamic.
And the villain? A true, devilish villain. And I cannot wait to watch her fall.

Thank you NetGalley and Rochelle Wilcox for this gifted e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like dragons, elves, trolls and magic then this is the book for you! Throw in fated mates, forced proximity, and an epic journey, you have the recipe for one amazing Romantasy!

Sifa is an elf, who finds herself trapped in another world. She escaped a torturous prison and is living a life of obscurity as a spy. She finds herself in a precarious position that brings her back to the place she was imprisoned. Through her spy work she feels and meets Fhord. They keep finding each other, until they are forced into an epic journey together. Enter magic and dragons! The push and pull between Sifa and Fhord is intense. They have to trust each other, when trust is hard to come by. I don’t want to go too much further in, because I don’t want to spoil it for you. But trust me, this one is worth the read!

This book is going to be a series. There are a lot of unknowns, and they do not all resolve by the end of the book. It certainly makes me want to continue reading. I love the dynamic between Sifa and Fhord. I do feel like Fhord softens a bit too much towards the end, but it is understandable. I wish there was more information about the Queen and her relationship with Fhord. This is one of those unknowns.

I really wanted to take my time and take great notes. My only note besides plot elements was “man, I love this book soooo much!” Once I got past the vocabulary I didn’t know (there is a glossary, but with digital reading it’s a headache to go back and forth), I did not want to put my kindle down. But you know, work, life, duty calls, lol. You do figure out the vocabulary and it does not take away from your understanding of the book. I can not wait until the next book comes out. I need more Sifa and Fhord and above all, I need more dragons!!!!

Although I did receive an E-ARC, all of the opinions are my own. Thank you Literary Inspired and Rochelle L. Wilcox.

[Bri (meadow_poppy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a wonderful time reading this and kept wondering "what next".
Sifa and Fhord are both badass leads set in their ways with soooo many secrets! The pages flew by!

Sifa and Fhord were fun! Both saying "this can never happen" wayyy too often! It got a little out of control. Did they act like they hated each other? Eh, sort of, but not believable enough. Hard as a reader to be told one thing but truly believe the exact opposite. A case of the author denying too much??
Some notes:
• They resist the mate bond so well throughout the book. Sifa doesn't know what she's feeling & Fhord keeps quiet about it
• They're both reluctant to work together, but do so well together! I thoroughly enjoyed their bickering and thought process when it came to executing their mission and outsmarting those that got in their way.
• The world building didn't truly build (I'm sure it'll expand much more as the series continues). I kept waiting for answers to things mentioned early on in the book only to never get there.
• I'm hopeful for expansion on races, how the worlds work, how the queen can control so much with no checks and balances! The next book should answer the things we spent the entirety of book 1 questioning.
• The Queen and her ultimate power blow my mind. How did she surpass gods?! I don't get it. And I have ZERO clue what race she is when she's lived so long. The only comparison we get is Sifa being a long lived elf.

||My biggest peeve is the plot hole of "we can't be together or my dragon bond dies." Protests the entire time and yet caves at the very end... "I have a secret I NEED to tell her because it changes EVERYTHING" NEVER TELLS HER!! Like, what?? No, not okay...||

I'll be continuing with this series because I had a good time, enjoyed the story, and seriously need some answers to better understand what is happening in this mysterious world.

**Check the trigger warnings!! Several mentions and scenes of SA, törture, and r*pe.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A breathtaking fusion of fantasy, fate, and forbidden love

Sacred Struggle is an enthralling, emotional, and powerfully written fantasy romance that immerses you in a world of dragons, danger, and desire. Rochelle Wilcox delivers a spellbinding start to the Tales of the Vanir series a lush, layered universe where every choice burns with consequence and every bond is both a blessing and a curse.

From the moment Sifa’s story begins, readers are plunged into Vanatia’s perilous beauty a land ruled by a cruel queen and haunted by the remnants of a brutal war. Sifa’s resilience is magnetic; she’s an outlawed elf surviving in the shadows, constantly balancing courage against fear. Her chemistry with Fhord, the noble dragon rider bound by impossible duty, crackles with tension and heartbreak. Their slow-burn romance unfolds like a storm fierce, forbidden, and beautifully tragic.

Wilcox’s prose is rich and cinematic. The worldbuilding is intricate yet organic, with dragon lore that feels as tactile and lived-in as the emotional landscapes of her characters. The scenes of flight, fury, and passion soar, while the moments of vulnerability remind you that even in fantasy, love is the greatest risk of all.

Fans of Fourth Wing, Crescent City, and From Blood and Ash will feel right at home but Sacred Struggle stands firmly on its own, a bold, romantic epic that balances heart and high stakes with elegance and grit. By the time the story closes on its heart-fluttering HFN, you’ll already be desperate for the next chapter in Sifa and Fhord’s dangerous dance with destiny.

A stunning debut to what promises to be one of the most emotionally charged and visually spectacular romantasy series of the year.

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sifa is a hunted woman, hiding her true identity. Fhord is wickedly handsome, even if he is a dragon rider. Sifa is drawn to him, yet she doesn’t understand why. Together, they risk life and limb on a dangerous mission. Can they resist the temptation of forbidden love or will one of them have to forfeit their life for the other?

Sacred Struggle is a dark romantasy with forbidden love, high stakes, and thrilling action scenes. After I finished reading, all I could say to myself for several minutes was, “Wow.” Rochelle L. Wilcox has written one of the best dark romantasy novels I’ve ever read. The plot moves at a quick pace. The dual POVs allow the reader a deep dive into the minds of both Sifa and Fhord. The emotional tension and stakes are dramatic and will give readers an epic book hangover.

The characters are reason enough to drop what you’re doing and read Sacred Struggle. Sifa is our dark heroine with impressive knife skills. She knows how to protect herself and those she cares about. She’s also tormented by her past, and with good reason.

Fhord broke my heart over and over again. Imagine knowing your fated mate but realizing if you act upon the forbidden love, you will sacrifice too much. He tries to stay away from her but it’s an inner war he’s losing.

If you’re like me and love reading romantasy with ass-kicking action, high stakes, and forbidden love, pick up Sacred Struggle today. It’s book one in a brand-new series by Rochelle L. Wilcox. I can’t wait for book two.

My Rating: 5++ stars

Reviewed by: Nancy

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[Sabrina Mordini · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're into dragons, fated mates, and a sprinkle of Norse mythology—but you're tired of the same old formula—this book might be right up your alley.

One of the things that really stood out to me was the worldbuilding. Even though the story doesn't take place on Earth, the subtle nods to Norse mythology added a layer of familiarity and depth I really appreciated. The dragon lore is also refreshing: not all dragon riders are good, and that moral grey area added a nice twist.

The romance? A slow burn, surprisingly, even with a fated mates setup—which I loved. The tension and emotional growth between the main characters felt earned. The FMC is brave and idealistic, always running toward danger if it means standing up for what she believes in. The MMC starts off playing the villain, but slowly reveals himself to be anything but. Their dynamic was one of my favorite parts of the book.

That said, the plot takes a while to find its footing. The first 20% felt heavy on backstory and light on momentum. It’s possible that groundwork will pay off in the next books, but for now, the beginning felt a bit unsure of itself.

Still, by the end, I was fully into the story and invested in the characters. The unique world, the slow-burn tension, and the mix of danger, dragons, and emotional stakes definitely won me over.

I’m curious to see how the story and characters develop in the next installment. Recommended for fans of character-driven fantasy romance, especially those who enjoy slow burns with strong heroines and morally gray heroes.

[Josephine McNabb · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

This book started off strong. Sifa is hiding in plain sight and she doesn't shy away from violence. Which I loved.
Sifa meets Fhord, but doesn't recognise their connection, but Fhord does and it terrifies him.
The things I liked: Sifa is a survivor. She's strong and courageous. She loves her troll. And her cat. The basis of Norse mythology. The ghosts! Loved them! The violence, it makes the world building so real. It hammers in how Sifa's time in the nest was before, how it traumatised her. It gave her character more depth. The bond between Fhord and his dragon, the lengths he was willing to go to to keep her safe.
The things I didn't like: The secrets. It was like pulling teeth. He knew her secret, she knew none of his. I liked Fhord better before he fell for Sifa. There more they said they shouldn't be together, the more annoyed I became. Also, I don't know much more now I've finished than I did halfway through. Don't know where Sifa came from, how she made it to Fhord's world, who the person who came through with her is.
The world building and character development was good. The journey was enjoyable. The promise of dragons isn't fulfilled in this book, but may be a bigger part of the following books. I'm not sure about how I feel in regards to the romance, there is chemistry, but the secrets, the resistance and the 'betrayals' made it feel less authentic for me.
Not a bad first book with plenty of room for development

[Victoria Oefner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dragons, Elves and Dragon Riders? When I read that in the blurb I was hooked. Now this is a very fast paced fantasy book, which I personally really enjoyed and I think was the reason for me reading this in one sitting.

For a Book that advertises that we have Dragon Riders in it I did find it a bit lacking of the actual riding. Mainly also just because I really love that aspect of books with dragons in it.

The world building in itself was okay. I wouldn‘t necessarily say it was perfect as sometimes I wish we would have gotten even more descriptions, more just plot from the world around out characters in order for us readers to dive even deeper into the book.
The book also touches on subjects of gender inequality, especially men treating woman as object to own and have rather than human beings. It was sometimes hard to read but I think it was necessary in order for us to understand just how bad of a queen the Drottning just is, allowing all that to happen in her lands.

The MMC and FMC were both badasses. But there were SO MANY secrets from both characters that had my brain reeling and unfortunately made me disconnect a bit from them. However the tension between them was god tier and throwing in the mate trope was absolutely delicious to read.

Finishing the book left me with more questions than before and i‘m incredibly thankful the following books will her rapid released.

All in all it was a fun read and i‘m grateful that i got sent the ARC!

[Jess Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sifa is many things… an elf, a spy, and a very powerful mind walker.

Fhord has avoided his fated mate for years as he serves the Drottning as a dragon rider.

When fate has plans, the ones involved are powerless to stop them.

Sacred Struggle is the first book of the Tales of the Vanir Series and starts the things off with a serious bang.

From world and character building to storylines, Wilcox delivers a tale that will catch the readers interest and hold it until the end. The world of Vanatia is robust in both the landscape and the characters that inhabit it. It’s a world where elves and dragons suffer where they once ruled.

The characters in Sacred Struggle are well written and strong throughout the story. Sifa and Fhord are both dynamic characters and struggle with the connection they have. Their banter and tension adds a great layer throughout the story as they encounter a lot of twists in the plot line. The side characters are introduced and will likely add more as this series develops. The characters ranging from magical beings to humans each have an important part in the story whether it is helping the MCs or contributing to their obstacles.

Some of my favorite parts in this story come from the tension between Sifa and Fhord as well as the bonds between dragons and true dragon riders. If you’re a fan of dragons and enemies to lovers with a hint of mythology, you are going to love the start to this new series.