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The Destiny of Terraqua Trilogy #1
Veins of Sapphire, Hearts of Steel
In a world divided by power and magic, two princesses—one arranged alliance—are bound by fate and a love that could change everything.
Step into the enchanting realm of Terraqua, where Princess Orla, a stoic and fierce warrior, collides with Princess Aurelia, a confident and compassionate visionary. They find themselves thrust into an arranged marriage that holds the fate of their kingdoms in the balance. As they grapple with their conflicting desires and the weight of duty, they must navigate treacherous political landscapes and looming threats of war.
Amidst the backdrop of a realm teeming with magic and enchanting characters, the two princesses embark on a captivating journey of love, magic, personal discovery, and the resilience needed to win a war deeper than the one at their borders.
While their alliance unfolds, magical forces intertwine, shaping destinies and forging unexpected bonds. They uncover hidden truths about themselves and the world around them, confronting powerful forces that seek to tear them apart.
Join Princess Aurelia and Princess Orla on a dark and epic adventure filled with intrigue, romance, and the timeless struggle for freedom in a world on the brink of change.
Step into the enchanting realm of Terraqua, where Princess Orla, a stoic and fierce warrior, collides with Princess Aurelia, a confident and compassionate visionary. They find themselves thrust into an arranged marriage that holds the fate of their kingdoms in the balance. As they grapple with their conflicting desires and the weight of duty, they must navigate treacherous political landscapes and looming threats of war.
Amidst the backdrop of a realm teeming with magic and enchanting characters, the two princesses embark on a captivating journey of love, magic, personal discovery, and the resilience needed to win a war deeper than the one at their borders.
While their alliance unfolds, magical forces intertwine, shaping destinies and forging unexpected bonds. They uncover hidden truths about themselves and the world around them, confronting powerful forces that seek to tear them apart.
Join Princess Aurelia and Princess Orla on a dark and epic adventure filled with intrigue, romance, and the timeless struggle for freedom in a world on the brink of change.
483 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 3, 2025
2 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 21, 2025
4.25 ⭐
"Veins of Sapphire, Hearts of Steel is a romantasy read that’s impossible to put down, you’ll be left wanting more!"
If you enjoy:
🌀 Arranged Marriage
🌀 Fated Mates
🌀 Strong Female Leads
🌀 Forced Proximity
🌀 Found Family
🌀 Worldbuilding
🌀Slowburn
🔥 Spice: 4/5
This book is for you!
I honestly can't believe this book isn't talked about more—it has everything you could want! I went in with no expectations, and it completely blew me away. The worldbuilding is phenomenal; the author created such a rich, immersive universe that even includes a detailed map and a glossary to help you navigate it all.
What stood out to me even more were the two strong female main characters. As the story unfolds, we see Aurelia and Orla grow—not just as a couple, but also individually—and I found that really beautiful. Their relationship evolves from a sense of duty into genuine love, and you can truly feel how deeply they care for each other.
I also have to mention the supporting characters. Normally, I find side characters a bit distracting or irrelevant, but that wasn’t the case here. I loved the friendship between Frank and Orla, and the dynamic between Cambria and Aurelia was equally compelling. Their support plays a huge role in helping the protagonists rise above everything they face.
The only downside? It’s part of a trilogy, so now I’m left with a million questions—especially after that cliffhanger! I seriously can’t wait to get my hands on the next book and find out what happens next.
"Veins of Sapphire, Hearts of Steel is a romantasy read that’s impossible to put down, you’ll be left wanting more!"
If you enjoy:
🌀 Arranged Marriage
🌀 Fated Mates
🌀 Strong Female Leads
🌀 Forced Proximity
🌀 Found Family
🌀 Worldbuilding
🌀Slowburn
🔥 Spice: 4/5
This book is for you!
I honestly can't believe this book isn't talked about more—it has everything you could want! I went in with no expectations, and it completely blew me away. The worldbuilding is phenomenal; the author created such a rich, immersive universe that even includes a detailed map and a glossary to help you navigate it all.
What stood out to me even more were the two strong female main characters. As the story unfolds, we see Aurelia and Orla grow—not just as a couple, but also individually—and I found that really beautiful. Their relationship evolves from a sense of duty into genuine love, and you can truly feel how deeply they care for each other.
I also have to mention the supporting characters. Normally, I find side characters a bit distracting or irrelevant, but that wasn’t the case here. I loved the friendship between Frank and Orla, and the dynamic between Cambria and Aurelia was equally compelling. Their support plays a huge role in helping the protagonists rise above everything they face.
The only downside? It’s part of a trilogy, so now I’m left with a million questions—especially after that cliffhanger! I seriously can’t wait to get my hands on the next book and find out what happens next.
October 26, 2025
Veins of Sapphire, Hearts of Steel by A.K. Neane, is my first read by this author and wow. Neane’s writing was fantastic, pacing was a little slow for me at first with all the political intrigue and world building, however, it didn’t take long before I was completely immersed into the story. If you’re into epic fantasy with a side of romance, magic, and some serious emotional depth, this one’s a ride.
The story centers on Princess Orla, a badass warrior, and Princess Aurelia, a thoughtful and compassionate leader. They’re forced into an arranged marriage to unite their kingdoms, which, as you can imagine, comes with a ton of tension, political drama, and personal struggles. But Neane makes it feel natural—none of the characters are one-dimensional, and their growth throughout the book is really satisfying.
The world-building is amazing. Terraqua feels real, with magic, politics, and enough intrigue to keep you hooked. And honestly, the characters? I cared so much about them. Their growth, the way they learn to trust each other, and just… all the emotional stuff hits hard.
Fair warning: it’s not light. This book doesn’t shy away from heavy themes. We’re talking graphic scenes, trauma, and some intense moments. So, if you’re looking for something light, maybe skip this one. But if you’re up for something immersive that makes you feel all the feels, this one’s worth it.
I’d say it’s one of those books that sticks with you. If you like epic fantasy with strong romance, layered characters, and a world that feels alive, this one’s for you. Definitely a 4.5/5 for me.
The story centers on Princess Orla, a badass warrior, and Princess Aurelia, a thoughtful and compassionate leader. They’re forced into an arranged marriage to unite their kingdoms, which, as you can imagine, comes with a ton of tension, political drama, and personal struggles. But Neane makes it feel natural—none of the characters are one-dimensional, and their growth throughout the book is really satisfying.
The world-building is amazing. Terraqua feels real, with magic, politics, and enough intrigue to keep you hooked. And honestly, the characters? I cared so much about them. Their growth, the way they learn to trust each other, and just… all the emotional stuff hits hard.
Fair warning: it’s not light. This book doesn’t shy away from heavy themes. We’re talking graphic scenes, trauma, and some intense moments. So, if you’re looking for something light, maybe skip this one. But if you’re up for something immersive that makes you feel all the feels, this one’s worth it.
I’d say it’s one of those books that sticks with you. If you like epic fantasy with strong romance, layered characters, and a world that feels alive, this one’s for you. Definitely a 4.5/5 for me.
December 24, 2024
Veins of Sapphire Hearts of Steel is a fantasy read full of intricate magic, powerful and formidable female main characters, and so much more. It follows Princess Aurelia and her betrothed Princess Orla as they learn about each other, fall in love, and learn how to navigate so many treacherous and dangerous people and situations in their realms.
VOSHOS was a great read from start to finish. It has fairly frequent spice, but didn’t have so much that it felt like it overshadowed the intriguing plot and character stories going on. Certainly a romantasy worth reading!
VOSHOS was a great read from start to finish. It has fairly frequent spice, but didn’t have so much that it felt like it overshadowed the intriguing plot and character stories going on. Certainly a romantasy worth reading!
March 9, 2025
I’ll start by saying this book got me out of a reading slump. The story sucked me in and I loved the character growth. There were several twists that I didn’t see coming and the ending literally had me gasping. I cannot wait to see what book two brings.
December 23, 2024
As an Alpha reader I was given the amazing opportunity to experience this fantastic fantasy novel.
It has adventures, banter, and so. . Much. . Spice.
I loved both FMC's and the supporting charters. I had my hair share of hate for a few but given the circumstances surrounding them it's valid.
PLEASE read the trigger warnings before reading. There is some pretty heavy topics but are needed for the story.
This has become one of my favorite books and I cannot wait for more from this author.
It has adventures, banter, and so. . Much. . Spice.
I loved both FMC's and the supporting charters. I had my hair share of hate for a few but given the circumstances surrounding them it's valid.
PLEASE read the trigger warnings before reading. There is some pretty heavy topics but are needed for the story.
This has become one of my favorite books and I cannot wait for more from this author.
December 23, 2024
Both FMC are amazing. I love both characters the banter the wit between them and all the other characters is amazing this book will keep you guessing. This book if a great read .
Please check the trigger warnings in the beginning of the book .
Book is now available for preorder
Please check the trigger warnings in the beginning of the book .
Book is now available for preorder
November 4, 2025
4.5 ⭐! This was my first sapphic romance!! I am so glad it was!
I have to say I had a hard time with Orla. I did have to remind myself that she had certain expectations for how she wanted her life to go and who she wanted to be portrayed as in her kingdom. I just hated that she fought so hard against Aure! I will say that tension was 😏👌Loved it and the spice EXCUSE me! so good! My heart broke a few times and I need to recover a bit ! Overall loved that this was my first sapphic romance!
Author A.K, did you have to leave us hanging like that?!
I have to say I had a hard time with Orla. I did have to remind myself that she had certain expectations for how she wanted her life to go and who she wanted to be portrayed as in her kingdom. I just hated that she fought so hard against Aure! I will say that tension was 😏👌Loved it and the spice EXCUSE me! so good! My heart broke a few times and I need to recover a bit ! Overall loved that this was my first sapphic romance!
Author A.K, did you have to leave us hanging like that?!
March 10, 2025
First I want to say a HUGE thank you to A.K. for trusting me enough to be an alpha reader for their book. It was an honor and a pleasure to read. They are such an amazing writer that is on their way to big things!! Now, for the book!
Veins of Sapphire Hearts of Steel is a dark sapphic fantasy that is so much more! There is arranged marriage, love,magic, kingdoms politics, sea dragons, siren, fae, dwarves, spice, fantastic world building, fantastic character building, secrets, tragedy, twists and turns—and this is only the first book!
VOSHOS is an absorbing, beautiful story that has two strong FMC’s, Princess Orla and Princess Aurelia. They find themselves forced into a marriage to save both Kingdoms from the impending war. You will follow them through their journeys of self-discovery and hidden truths. You will be transported into a fantastical world filled with magic, love, and tragedy and totally fall in love with some of the characters, hate some of the characters, and be suspicious of some of them! You will feel all the feelings while reading this book and you will feel like you are In Terraqua with them!
This book is perfect for readers who want to feel all the emotions practically chapter by chapter, loves fantasy worlds filled with magic, love, and tragedy, tons of epic journeys, and lots of jaw-dropping twists, this is a MUST READ!!! Buckle up and come along for a wild ride!!
Please check your trigger warnings, there are some heavy ones!
Veins of Sapphire Hearts of Steel is a dark sapphic fantasy that is so much more! There is arranged marriage, love,magic, kingdoms politics, sea dragons, siren, fae, dwarves, spice, fantastic world building, fantastic character building, secrets, tragedy, twists and turns—and this is only the first book!
VOSHOS is an absorbing, beautiful story that has two strong FMC’s, Princess Orla and Princess Aurelia. They find themselves forced into a marriage to save both Kingdoms from the impending war. You will follow them through their journeys of self-discovery and hidden truths. You will be transported into a fantastical world filled with magic, love, and tragedy and totally fall in love with some of the characters, hate some of the characters, and be suspicious of some of them! You will feel all the feelings while reading this book and you will feel like you are In Terraqua with them!
This book is perfect for readers who want to feel all the emotions practically chapter by chapter, loves fantasy worlds filled with magic, love, and tragedy, tons of epic journeys, and lots of jaw-dropping twists, this is a MUST READ!!! Buckle up and come along for a wild ride!!
Please check your trigger warnings, there are some heavy ones!
April 23, 2025
As a Beta Reader I was given this amazing opportunity to read this fantastic book. Every single chapter is filled with so much detail. It makes you feel like you are one of the characters in the story. It makes you want to read more. This book has so much spice that you will be blushing. This was my first fantasy book and I couldn’t put it down. There is so many hidden secrets so definitely check this book out. I love how strong and powerful the FMC are. The conversation and banter had me on the edge of my seat. Make sure you check out the triggers because it has some heavy topics and scenes. I’m craving more from this wonderful Author. I will reading every one of your books.
March 9, 2025
**FIrst off, I don't want to give away any spoilers**
This is a fantastic start of a new series. I can not rave enough about this High Fantasy Sapphic Novel about mythical creatures, magic, love and politics. The author does an amazing job at world building and the details and writing make you feel like you are in Terraqua as you are reading! You will fall in love with the main FMC's, Orla and Aure as well as their side companions as they navigate a world with arranged marriages, secrets, politics and magic while they try to figure out their relationship! This story will have you going through all the emotions...Happiness, Anger, Sadness and even laughter as the banter is great!
If you LOVE magic, mythical creatures, love, adventure, a touch of politics, banter and SPICE....then this is a must read!!
This is a fantastic start of a new series. I can not rave enough about this High Fantasy Sapphic Novel about mythical creatures, magic, love and politics. The author does an amazing job at world building and the details and writing make you feel like you are in Terraqua as you are reading! You will fall in love with the main FMC's, Orla and Aure as well as their side companions as they navigate a world with arranged marriages, secrets, politics and magic while they try to figure out their relationship! This story will have you going through all the emotions...Happiness, Anger, Sadness and even laughter as the banter is great!
If you LOVE magic, mythical creatures, love, adventure, a touch of politics, banter and SPICE....then this is a must read!!
March 10, 2025
I don't want to give any spoilers away, but this book is easily a 5 star read. I can't wait for book 2 to come out.
If you like slow burn, sapphic novels, arranged marriage. It has spice, drama, twists and turns, and witty banter as well. The author did a fantastic job of world building, and the depth of the story and characters is fantastic. It is almost like you know them in real life. You follow Princess Aure, and Princess Orla as they go on a journey to find themselves and save their kingdoms.
This story will have you feeling all of the feels, from happiness to anger to sadness, this is a must read!
This has been one of my top reads of 2025, and I can't wait to read more
Please make sure to check read and check your trigger warnings before reading
If you like slow burn, sapphic novels, arranged marriage. It has spice, drama, twists and turns, and witty banter as well. The author did a fantastic job of world building, and the depth of the story and characters is fantastic. It is almost like you know them in real life. You follow Princess Aure, and Princess Orla as they go on a journey to find themselves and save their kingdoms.
This story will have you feeling all of the feels, from happiness to anger to sadness, this is a must read!
This has been one of my top reads of 2025, and I can't wait to read more
Please make sure to check read and check your trigger warnings before reading
January 16, 2025
This book was AMAZING. I didn't 100% know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. I am not typically into sapphic romance, but it was really really good, absolutely no regrets. This follows the story of Orla and Aurelia as they are forced into uncomfortable situations throughout the entire story, but they come together and overcome. The book is left off at the end for another book, so it does leave you on a cliffhanger, and it is one heck of a cliffhanger! So just a fair warning there. World building is there, character building is there, relationships are made, and you get attached to the characters. It had everything I look for in a good book. Truly enjoyed!
January 28, 2025
𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘈.𝘒. 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺.
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘍𝘔𝘊 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘣���𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘥𝘰𝘮𝘴. 𝘈𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘖𝘳𝘭𝘢 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥. 𝘎𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘐 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘋𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥.
𝘛𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘴:
𝘓𝘎𝘉𝘛𝘘 𝘳𝘦𝘱
𝘚𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘴, 𝘧𝘢𝘦𝘴 & 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤
𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘦
𝘗𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴
December 24, 2024
4.5✨!! Thank you to A.K. Neane for letting me beta this amazing story!
The world and characters that have been created as so diverse and wonderful. It is a Sapphic love story splashed across regency, magic, and war.
I can’t wait for this to be out in the world and for everyone to get to love Orla and Aure like I do.
Read if you love
- Strong female characters
- complex magic systems
- Romantasy
- so many twists and turns
The world and characters that have been created as so diverse and wonderful. It is a Sapphic love story splashed across regency, magic, and war.
I can’t wait for this to be out in the world and for everyone to get to love Orla and Aure like I do.
Read if you love
- Strong female characters
- complex magic systems
- Romantasy
- so many twists and turns
January 19, 2025
I was honored to have been able to read this as an arc.
I honestly loved the characters and the plot. Plus the story had me questioning certain characters. I would love to read more from this author
-PinkyReads89
I honestly loved the characters and the plot. Plus the story had me questioning certain characters. I would love to read more from this author
-PinkyReads89
July 28, 2025
This is a debut novel? What an awesome ride!!
A.K NAILED this! The writing was well written. The plot was thick. The twist turned. Doesn’t dwell on world building, so quick paced and intensifying the whole time! Thank you for such an amazing book! Can’t wait for the second one!
A.K NAILED this! The writing was well written. The plot was thick. The twist turned. Doesn’t dwell on world building, so quick paced and intensifying the whole time! Thank you for such an amazing book! Can’t wait for the second one!
August 1, 2025
This book was amazing! I was sucked in from beginning to end and I am D Y I N G to know what's going to happen next. The world building and lore are interesting, the characters, character development, and plot are fantastic. I love this story and the characters and can't wait to see where it goes.
January 8, 2025
I enjoyed reading this. It's got fae and sirens, plot twists and action.
March 21, 2025
This is a must a read! I love the banter, spice, connections, writing and the ending wow. This is absolutely amazing book. I 1000% recommend wonderful job AK!
March 25, 2025
Thank you A.K Neane for allowing me to be apart of the arc team. This was truly an amazing fantasy read that I think everyone should read. Well written and so unique.
September 14, 2025
Amazing book to read especially if you love fantasy
December 24, 2024
I read this as an alpha reader and was blown away. Hands down the best wlw fantasy book I've ever read. Epic is an understatement. I LOVED it.
March 11, 2025
Wow. I had the privilege to be an arc reader for this book. This book combines all my favorite things lgbtq+ concepts and dark romance, with cheeky side characters. This book will take you on the adventure of a lifetime, and if you ever grew up wanting to see beautiful queer representation well going on adventure this is the book for you.
September 10, 2025
I absolutely loved this book ! I loved the world building ! I loved the characters ! I loved the emotion and the quotes ! I loved it ! It’s my all time favorite book ! This book gave me a book hangover because of how good it was. It cannot compare to any other book! Top tier ! If you haven’t read a book by this author please do! The author is incredible and can write a book in any genre and make it good.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews