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The Usher of Spring
- Dive into this Romantasy with both Greek and Norse Mythology -
“Despite my curse, we’re still family? Right?”
"Of course Maev, nothing will ever change that.”
In the frozen realm of Aringuard, the heart of an ancient god governs the seasons. Every four years, the goddess Erinyes chooses a new Usher of Spring; a young girl who must travel the lands carrying the immortal heart and spilling its blood so that Spring may bloom.
To be the Usher of Spring is the greatest honor.
But to be their servant is a death sentence. At the end of the four years, the Usher's servants are sacrificed so that she may be reborn as a goddess. Frida is chosen to be the Usher, but quickly learns that it is more than she bargained for. Then she is presented with a lose everything or doom everyone.
Immerse yourself in a dark romantasy series that weaves together the intrigue of Greek and Norse mythology. This spellbinding tale is perfect for readers who crave strong female leads, heart-wrenching betrayals, forbidden magic, star-crossed love, and enchanting mythical creatures. Fans of Fourth Wing, Quicksilver, A Fate Inked in Blood, Percy Jackson, and Once Upon a Broken Heart won’t want to miss this epic journey into a world of peril and passion.
“Despite my curse, we’re still family? Right?”
"Of course Maev, nothing will ever change that.”
In the frozen realm of Aringuard, the heart of an ancient god governs the seasons. Every four years, the goddess Erinyes chooses a new Usher of Spring; a young girl who must travel the lands carrying the immortal heart and spilling its blood so that Spring may bloom.
To be the Usher of Spring is the greatest honor.
But to be their servant is a death sentence. At the end of the four years, the Usher's servants are sacrificed so that she may be reborn as a goddess. Frida is chosen to be the Usher, but quickly learns that it is more than she bargained for. Then she is presented with a lose everything or doom everyone.
Immerse yourself in a dark romantasy series that weaves together the intrigue of Greek and Norse mythology. This spellbinding tale is perfect for readers who crave strong female leads, heart-wrenching betrayals, forbidden magic, star-crossed love, and enchanting mythical creatures. Fans of Fourth Wing, Quicksilver, A Fate Inked in Blood, Percy Jackson, and Once Upon a Broken Heart won’t want to miss this epic journey into a world of peril and passion.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 2, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
March 4, 2025
Wow - this is a dense, richly woven story that packs a huge emotional punch into its relatively brief pages. We follow three POVs:
Frida, a young girl chosen by the goddess Erinyes to become the Usher of Spring—a title that promises immense honor but has a dark side.
Maev, her cousin who has been cursed by a traitor god's markings and is chosen as one of the handmaidens on Frida's journey.
Ares, a young gladiator with a soft side seeking glory - and ultimately survival.
The intertwined narratives—especially the complicated relationship between the two cousins, one chosen by the gods and one condemned by them—add so many layers of depth and intimacy to the story. I especially loved the brief, insightful backstory scenes that fleshed out their bond, making the characters feel remarkably real despite their mythological setting. I particularly adored Maev, the underdog who takes charge of her destiny.
I really cannot stress how immersive this was—I could literally SEE the magic of spring unfold before my eyes, an experience that is rare for me. The prose is gorgeous, and the world-building draws deeply from both Greek and Norse mythology, creating a setting that is as enchanting as it is dark. The story is considerably darker than I anticipated—which is a major positive draw. I do think that this could be a much longer saga with even more depth - can't wait to see what happens!
Thanks so much to the author and R&R Booktours for the complimentary copy. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
Frida, a young girl chosen by the goddess Erinyes to become the Usher of Spring—a title that promises immense honor but has a dark side.
Maev, her cousin who has been cursed by a traitor god's markings and is chosen as one of the handmaidens on Frida's journey.
Ares, a young gladiator with a soft side seeking glory - and ultimately survival.
The intertwined narratives—especially the complicated relationship between the two cousins, one chosen by the gods and one condemned by them—add so many layers of depth and intimacy to the story. I especially loved the brief, insightful backstory scenes that fleshed out their bond, making the characters feel remarkably real despite their mythological setting. I particularly adored Maev, the underdog who takes charge of her destiny.
I really cannot stress how immersive this was—I could literally SEE the magic of spring unfold before my eyes, an experience that is rare for me. The prose is gorgeous, and the world-building draws deeply from both Greek and Norse mythology, creating a setting that is as enchanting as it is dark. The story is considerably darker than I anticipated—which is a major positive draw. I do think that this could be a much longer saga with even more depth - can't wait to see what happens!
Thanks so much to the author and R&R Booktours for the complimentary copy. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
March 1, 2025
4⭐️ | Fantasy | Norse Mythology
Frida has been chosen as the new Usher of Spring. Maeve was born to be condemned by her own people for something she cannot control. Ares was taken as a child to compete for survival. As the new Usher of Spring is selected and her journey across the lands to bring about Spring begins, can she face the truth of what she has done? Can Maeve go through with what she has been chosen for? Can Ares become a Champion? Each character has challenges they are facing, but some decisions could cause other characters to face a wrath more dangerous than they can imagine.
Tayloranne draws from Norse Mythology to create a sense of wonder and vision for the world of Aringuard. The storytelling in this book will have you unable to put it down and waiting on the edge of your seat to see what happens next. The characters are only beginning to be fleshed out in this story, and there is a hint at a romance to come. This story is for anyone who loves fantasy, potential romance, mythology, and adventure.
[Extra tidbit: The author is a meteorologist, so you better know your types of clouds☁️]
Frida has been chosen as the new Usher of Spring. Maeve was born to be condemned by her own people for something she cannot control. Ares was taken as a child to compete for survival. As the new Usher of Spring is selected and her journey across the lands to bring about Spring begins, can she face the truth of what she has done? Can Maeve go through with what she has been chosen for? Can Ares become a Champion? Each character has challenges they are facing, but some decisions could cause other characters to face a wrath more dangerous than they can imagine.
Tayloranne draws from Norse Mythology to create a sense of wonder and vision for the world of Aringuard. The storytelling in this book will have you unable to put it down and waiting on the edge of your seat to see what happens next. The characters are only beginning to be fleshed out in this story, and there is a hint at a romance to come. This story is for anyone who loves fantasy, potential romance, mythology, and adventure.
[Extra tidbit: The author is a meteorologist, so you better know your types of clouds☁️]
February 7, 2025
3.5⭐️
Okay I would like to start this off by saying this was more novella length than book length as it was only 170 pages. However it was an easy and quick read that had a lot going on!
I liked the 3 different POV’s and I am interested to see how they come together in the next book. Sadly I did not love love any of the characters but I also didn’t hate any of them lol. I did like how this book lets us get to know them individually though before they come together in future books.
The world building was described well and she painted a very good picture when describing scenes. I never felt confused or like I was missing something or pieces of information. The dialogue flowed well with the characters and so did the chapters for each character; it didn’t fell choppy at all in my opinion.
With the way the book ended I am interested to see how the story continues and what is going to happen with all of these characters!
Okay I would like to start this off by saying this was more novella length than book length as it was only 170 pages. However it was an easy and quick read that had a lot going on!
I liked the 3 different POV’s and I am interested to see how they come together in the next book. Sadly I did not love love any of the characters but I also didn’t hate any of them lol. I did like how this book lets us get to know them individually though before they come together in future books.
The world building was described well and she painted a very good picture when describing scenes. I never felt confused or like I was missing something or pieces of information. The dialogue flowed well with the characters and so did the chapters for each character; it didn’t fell choppy at all in my opinion.
With the way the book ended I am interested to see how the story continues and what is going to happen with all of these characters!
March 5, 2025
Now this book was tense! I loved it! A great mix between Greek Mythology and Norse Mythology!
The Usher of Spring is a wonderful start to something great, I can see this series getting quite popular. It is really a great start to this series, so the series definitely starts off strong and with a slight bang, you can say. I can't wait to see how this series will go and what us, the readers, are in store for, I have a feeling that it's gonna be epic.
The writing was so easy to read and the story really helps you get sucked into it. It was insanely easy to lose myself in this story. This was such a quick read. I absolutely can't wait for book 2! I need more! I'm so invested in this story and these characters.
I'm loving the three different characters POVs, each is unique and done quite well. I loved how the author wrote each of them, I need more, I need to know more of them and what's going to happen next.
I absolutely love where the story is going and it's keeping me at the edge of my seat in anticipation! I love how the author is including different gods/goddess and it's awesome tbh. I just love it! I won't say more, but you just gotta read this for yourself!
I highly recommend this book for Greek and Norse Mythology lovers, like myself! I honestly need book 2 asap! I need to know what happens next with these three!
The Usher of Spring is a wonderful start to something great, I can see this series getting quite popular. It is really a great start to this series, so the series definitely starts off strong and with a slight bang, you can say. I can't wait to see how this series will go and what us, the readers, are in store for, I have a feeling that it's gonna be epic.
The writing was so easy to read and the story really helps you get sucked into it. It was insanely easy to lose myself in this story. This was such a quick read. I absolutely can't wait for book 2! I need more! I'm so invested in this story and these characters.
I'm loving the three different characters POVs, each is unique and done quite well. I loved how the author wrote each of them, I need more, I need to know more of them and what's going to happen next.
I absolutely love where the story is going and it's keeping me at the edge of my seat in anticipation! I love how the author is including different gods/goddess and it's awesome tbh. I just love it! I won't say more, but you just gotta read this for yourself!
I highly recommend this book for Greek and Norse Mythology lovers, like myself! I honestly need book 2 asap! I need to know what happens next with these three!
February 10, 2025
Overall I enjoyed this for the Norse mythology but I haven't really connected to the characters yet. Since this is a short fast paced book following three different characters, we haven't had much time to flesh out the main characters. I'm hoping in the next books we will have the characters come together and start to get more form them. A lot is happening in this book and this series definitely has great potential!
March 9, 2025
I’m not going to lie—I almost DNF’ed this one at 75%. What made this such a conflicting read for me was that the writing is absolutely gorgeous. The descriptions, the atmosphere, the vivid imagery—it’s all so beautifully crafted that I wanted to love this book more than I did.
Told through multiple POVs, the story follows two cousins: one chosen to deliver a task and become a goddess, the other eternally cursed, and Ares, a gladiator bound by his own fate. There were fascinating themes of betrayal, fate, and sacrifice, and the complex cousin dynamic had the potential to be a truly compelling element. However, the execution fell flat for me. The plots felt disjointed, like separate stories that never fully wove together, and while I enjoyed the flashback sequences, they often felt randomly placed, disrupting the flow rather than enhancing it.
This book had all the ingredients of a dark, gripping romantasy—mythological inspiration, forbidden magic, high stakes—but ultimately, I just couldn’t connect with the story. If you’re someone who prioritizes lyrical prose and immersive world-building, this may be worth a read. But if you’re looking for a well-paced, cohesive plot, you might struggle like I did.
Would I recommend it? Maybe—but only for readers who love atmospheric writing enough to overlook a fragmented narrative.
Told through multiple POVs, the story follows two cousins: one chosen to deliver a task and become a goddess, the other eternally cursed, and Ares, a gladiator bound by his own fate. There were fascinating themes of betrayal, fate, and sacrifice, and the complex cousin dynamic had the potential to be a truly compelling element. However, the execution fell flat for me. The plots felt disjointed, like separate stories that never fully wove together, and while I enjoyed the flashback sequences, they often felt randomly placed, disrupting the flow rather than enhancing it.
This book had all the ingredients of a dark, gripping romantasy—mythological inspiration, forbidden magic, high stakes—but ultimately, I just couldn’t connect with the story. If you’re someone who prioritizes lyrical prose and immersive world-building, this may be worth a read. But if you’re looking for a well-paced, cohesive plot, you might struggle like I did.
Would I recommend it? Maybe—but only for readers who love atmospheric writing enough to overlook a fragmented narrative.
February 19, 2025
This book was full of everything you want from a fantasy book, minus the romance, without all the pages of a normal fantasy book. This book has a detailed and complex plot line filled with betrayal, secrets, deceit, heartache/loss and a vividly described world.
So this multi pov book focuses around maev, ares, and Friday as they navigate their lives under the gods. Maev and ares are descendants of thaetus (a god considered to be a traitor, who's imprisoned with his heart torn out and used to usher in spring and winter). Both shunned due to their markings and forced a life they didn't choose; maev is to be sacrificial lamb for the gods after doing her duty to travel with Frida (the chosen usher for spring), while ares is forced to fight in an arena for God/goddesses amusement.
So this multi pov book focuses around maev, ares, and Friday as they navigate their lives under the gods. Maev and ares are descendants of thaetus (a god considered to be a traitor, who's imprisoned with his heart torn out and used to usher in spring and winter). Both shunned due to their markings and forced a life they didn't choose; maev is to be sacrificial lamb for the gods after doing her duty to travel with Frida (the chosen usher for spring), while ares is forced to fight in an arena for God/goddesses amusement.
April 22, 2026
Wonderfully vivid descriptions
I had the pleasure of reading this ya fantasy novel by @Tayloranne Worley the Author called The Usher of Spring!! I absolutely loved it. The descriptions were so vivid and beautiful and earthy. I loved Frida. Maev, and Ares story and I can not wait for more!!!
I had the pleasure of reading this ya fantasy novel by @Tayloranne Worley the Author called The Usher of Spring!! I absolutely loved it. The descriptions were so vivid and beautiful and earthy. I loved Frida. Maev, and Ares story and I can not wait for more!!!
March 8, 2025
Love the world building, the descriptive writing style transported me vividly to this world. There are 3 POV, and it was not confusing moving between the 3 characters.
Let’s see what the next book brings!!
Let’s see what the next book brings!!
March 6, 2025
✧☾ | 5/5⭐️
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
✧☾ | The Usher of Spring (Blood of the Seasons Book 1)
✧ Publication Date: March 2, 2025
✧ Genre: Dark Romantasy
“Despite my curse, we’re still family? Right?”
"Of course Maev, nothing will ever change that.”
✧☾ | The Tropes
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
✧ Slow burn
✧ Sweet romance
✧ Greek and Norse mythology
✧ Gladiators
✧ Magical creatures
✧ Betrayal
✧ Forbidden magic
✧☾ | The Review
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
The Usher of Spring by Tayloranne Worley is a captivating and awe-inspiring novel that packs an emotional punch within its pages. With poetic, descriptive writing, the reader is able to dive into this whimsical and hauntingly beautiful world of the divine based on Greek and Norse mythology.
The lore and world building was phenomenal and the characters were expertly depicted and thought out. I’m a sucker for Greek and Norse mythology so I knew from the get go I would eat this up! I devoured it in under 2 hours and I’m left patiently waiting for the next book.
The opening paragraph was enthralling enough to immediately engage my hyperphantasia and I was fully immersed from that mere paragraph. It was simply beautiful and one of the most enthralling experiences I have read in a book. I am looking forward to more!
Thank you so much, Tayloranne and R&R Book Tours for the review copy!
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
✧☾ | The Usher of Spring (Blood of the Seasons Book 1)
✧ Publication Date: March 2, 2025
✧ Genre: Dark Romantasy
“Despite my curse, we’re still family? Right?”
"Of course Maev, nothing will ever change that.”
✧☾ | The Tropes
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
✧ Slow burn
✧ Sweet romance
✧ Greek and Norse mythology
✧ Gladiators
✧ Magical creatures
✧ Betrayal
✧ Forbidden magic
✧☾ | The Review
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
The Usher of Spring by Tayloranne Worley is a captivating and awe-inspiring novel that packs an emotional punch within its pages. With poetic, descriptive writing, the reader is able to dive into this whimsical and hauntingly beautiful world of the divine based on Greek and Norse mythology.
The lore and world building was phenomenal and the characters were expertly depicted and thought out. I’m a sucker for Greek and Norse mythology so I knew from the get go I would eat this up! I devoured it in under 2 hours and I’m left patiently waiting for the next book.
The opening paragraph was enthralling enough to immediately engage my hyperphantasia and I was fully immersed from that mere paragraph. It was simply beautiful and one of the most enthralling experiences I have read in a book. I am looking forward to more!
Thank you so much, Tayloranne and R&R Book Tours for the review copy!
March 24, 2025
We follow the story lines of 3 different characters with different povs. Frida , Maev, and Ares. And they are all intertwined.
Learning about the characters was interesting all three of them have fascinating stories. I love how they all grew throughout the book especially maev
The usher of spring has passed and it comes the time where the new one is selected. Her responsibility to protect the heart of a god. After the new usher of spring is selected she goes around and selects her servants and being a servant is a death sentence. Why did she choose who she did? But why does she select who she does? Why is she cursed with these markings? What is the connection? Following her journey was amazing and seeing how everything unfolded. I don’t want to give away to much because this book in my opinion should be one that you go into knowing little about. The ending of the book was perfect and a perfect open to the second book I can’t wait!
I don’t read much fantasy but I really enjoyed this one. It is a mix between Greek and Norse mythology and the perfect blend! The ending of the book does leave on a bit of a cliffhanger. This is the first book in a series and I can’t wait to find out what happens! I highly recommend this book and if you’re trying to get into fantasy I suggest this one!
Learning about the characters was interesting all three of them have fascinating stories. I love how they all grew throughout the book especially maev
The usher of spring has passed and it comes the time where the new one is selected. Her responsibility to protect the heart of a god. After the new usher of spring is selected she goes around and selects her servants and being a servant is a death sentence. Why did she choose who she did? But why does she select who she does? Why is she cursed with these markings? What is the connection? Following her journey was amazing and seeing how everything unfolded. I don’t want to give away to much because this book in my opinion should be one that you go into knowing little about. The ending of the book was perfect and a perfect open to the second book I can’t wait!
I don’t read much fantasy but I really enjoyed this one. It is a mix between Greek and Norse mythology and the perfect blend! The ending of the book does leave on a bit of a cliffhanger. This is the first book in a series and I can’t wait to find out what happens! I highly recommend this book and if you’re trying to get into fantasy I suggest this one!
May 18, 2026
Taylor Anne Worley’s The Usher of Spring was such an intriguing start to a romantasy series, especially with the blend of Greek and Norse mythology woven throughout the story. The world building was honestly the standout for me. Aringuard felt vivid, cold, dangerous, and layered with history in a way that made the setting come alive. The concept of the Usher carrying the immortal heart of an ancient god to bring Spring across the land was unique and haunting, and the darker sacrificial elements added a constant sense of tension.
The three POVs kept things interesting, though at times I almost felt like I had been dropped into the middle of the story instead of the beginning. There were moments where I wanted a little more grounding or explanation earlier on because it took me some time to fully settle into the world and understand certain dynamics.
That said, the ending helped connect a few dots while also opening the door to even more mysteries and questions. I’m definitely curious to see where things go next in The Usher of Summer, especially after some of the reveals near the end. If you enjoy darker romantasy stories with mythology, curses, sacrifice, and morally messy choices, this is absolutely worth picking up.
The three POVs kept things interesting, though at times I almost felt like I had been dropped into the middle of the story instead of the beginning. There were moments where I wanted a little more grounding or explanation earlier on because it took me some time to fully settle into the world and understand certain dynamics.
That said, the ending helped connect a few dots while also opening the door to even more mysteries and questions. I’m definitely curious to see where things go next in The Usher of Summer, especially after some of the reveals near the end. If you enjoy darker romantasy stories with mythology, curses, sacrifice, and morally messy choices, this is absolutely worth picking up.
March 8, 2025
This was such a great read. The story and world building was easy to follow. It’s only 170 pages but it is jam packed with so much content. The story follows three characters Frida (the chosen one), Maev (the cursed one), and Ares (also cursed).
I love that this story is told in 3 different perspectives. Because you get more information on what is going on. I also loved the little flashbacks between Frida and Maev. It helped me to connect with them a little more. You can see how close they really were.
Frida and Maev are both cousins, but things go south when Frida chooses Maev to be her hand maiden and help her embark on her journey to bring spring to the other parts of the world. It’s a great honor…with a dark cruel fate.
Ares is on the other side of the world, he is a gladiator trained to fight monsters for the favor of the gods. And once he is chosen he will stop at nothing to protect and save his friend from a cruel fate. He will do whatever he has to, to survive.
This book was so fast paced. I just wish we had more time to connect with the characters. I hope, we get to grow more of a connection with them in the second book.
I love that this story is told in 3 different perspectives. Because you get more information on what is going on. I also loved the little flashbacks between Frida and Maev. It helped me to connect with them a little more. You can see how close they really were.
Frida and Maev are both cousins, but things go south when Frida chooses Maev to be her hand maiden and help her embark on her journey to bring spring to the other parts of the world. It’s a great honor…with a dark cruel fate.
Ares is on the other side of the world, he is a gladiator trained to fight monsters for the favor of the gods. And once he is chosen he will stop at nothing to protect and save his friend from a cruel fate. He will do whatever he has to, to survive.
This book was so fast paced. I just wish we had more time to connect with the characters. I hope, we get to grow more of a connection with them in the second book.
March 6, 2025
I loved every second of The Usher of Spring! It’s rare for me to want a book to be longer, but the author’s worldbuilding and storytelling completely captivated me—I didn’t want it to end. The blend of Greek and Norse mythology, the haunting atmosphere, and the deeply emotional journey of Frida made this an unforgettable read.
The concept of the Usher, the chilling sacrifices, and the forbidden magic woven throughout kept me hooked. The writing is lush and immersive, the tension is palpable, and the romance is so sweet. I also really enjoyed Maeve and Ares—both characters added so much depth to the story and made me even more invested. This book felt like a dark, spellbinding myth come to life, and I couldn’t get enough.
If you love mythological-inspired fantasy with high stakes, rich worldbuilding, and a touch of sweet romance, this one is a must-read. Now excuse me while I impatiently wait for the next book!
Thank you to the author and R&R Book tours for the physical ARC 🥰🫶🏼!
The concept of the Usher, the chilling sacrifices, and the forbidden magic woven throughout kept me hooked. The writing is lush and immersive, the tension is palpable, and the romance is so sweet. I also really enjoyed Maeve and Ares—both characters added so much depth to the story and made me even more invested. This book felt like a dark, spellbinding myth come to life, and I couldn’t get enough.
If you love mythological-inspired fantasy with high stakes, rich worldbuilding, and a touch of sweet romance, this one is a must-read. Now excuse me while I impatiently wait for the next book!
Thank you to the author and R&R Book tours for the physical ARC 🥰🫶🏼!
February 28, 2025
Okay so first things first, dang this book was really short like I only had 200 and something pages, but I read it on my phone so lengths may vary! Lol but it was an easy read, once I picked it up I didn’t stop from liking or it being so short honestly can’t tell yet 🤷🏻♀️. I like how there are multiple povs, the world building was top tier! There was no romance though which I was okay with, I don’t mind a book without romance, but I know some people do and that’s okay! I loved the mythology, though I’ll be honest I can’t tell if it was Greek or Norse, maybe a little of both? 🤔 I can’t wait for the next one!
March 5, 2025
The Usher of Spring is the first installment of The Blood of the Seasons series and with it being a novella, it was extremely action packed! Book 1 brings you along 3 POV’s— Maev, Frida, and Ares. Each POV offers you a glimpse into the character’s lives and their development along the same timeline. I absolutely loved the world building. It was beautifully detailed and I felt the warmth of it. I also loved the tidbits of Greek and Norse Mythology that was sprinkled throughout. This book offers betrayal, sacrifice for the greater good, and sadness from lost lovers. The book ends on a great cliffhanger, leaving you wanting more. I am definitely looking forward to book 2!
March 6, 2025
This is the first in the blood of season series. I love the Greek and Norse mythology and the world building. It is a fast paced, short read only 170 pages that I enjoyed. It is told an alternate point of view of Maev, Frida and Ares. I liked this because it helps to learn more about each characters perspective. Frida is chosen as the usher of spring, and she chooses her cousin, Maeve, to be her servant which is a death sentence. Frida is put in the impossible position of losing everything or everyone. It ends on a cliffhanger and I’m excited to see what comes next.
March 4, 2025
I love mythology! Especially Greek and Norse. They blended so well in this story and I’m eager for more! This book is written with multiple POV’s that give so much insight into the world that Worley has built.
The concept of having mortals usher in the seasons is a new one to me and I love it. I’m excited to see what else is in store for Frida, Ares, and Maev. How will the gods influence the mortal realm?
The concept of having mortals usher in the seasons is a new one to me and I love it. I’m excited to see what else is in store for Frida, Ares, and Maev. How will the gods influence the mortal realm?
March 4, 2025
This was a quick read. Maev and Frida are cousins and close friends. when Frida is chosen as the new usher of spring she picks Maev to be her servant dooming her to die. Ares is fighting for favor in a blood thirsty world. This book was the start of a new series with more to come. It definitely left me hanging.
March 6, 2025
A wonderful novella with rich mythology and interesting characters.
The different perspectives lend to seeing so many facets of the story. Watching the story play out from not only the two cousins perspectives, but also that of the gladiator really adds to the world building and mythos of this authors world.
I’m really interested to see where this story leads
The different perspectives lend to seeing so many facets of the story. Watching the story play out from not only the two cousins perspectives, but also that of the gladiator really adds to the world building and mythos of this authors world.
I’m really interested to see where this story leads
June 24, 2025
I just... I don't understand? Don't get me wrong, it was so poetic, but dang was it hard to follow.
And the ending with no resolution? Just make it a whole book. And was there an editor? Because page 23 had a sentence missing an entire word.
And the ending with no resolution? Just make it a whole book. And was there an editor? Because page 23 had a sentence missing an entire word.
February 12, 2025
The Norse mythology tie-ins were fun. Needed more overall world building/development. Found a few random grammer errors but nothing major. The plot was definitely compelling and kept me interested.
February 20, 2025
This is fast paced, full of everything except romance. It's hard to put down, you won't get anything accomplished once you pick it up . It will definitely leave you wanting to read the next book.
March 9, 2025
Amazing book! It has great dark fantasy and sweet romance. There are plenty of greek and Norse myths too! The world's building is amazing! ANd the characters! Poor Frida!
March 8, 2025
May be an unpopular opinion, but I actually really enjoyed that this fantasy book (novella) was short AND part of a series! I really got into it, and I liked the lead up it left for the next book. I was curious how the two storylines were going to merge and the end answered it!
Also it’s a good way to world build without info dumping.
P.S. I was like wow this girl really knows her clouds, and then I read the “About the Author” 😂
Also it’s a good way to world build without info dumping.
P.S. I was like wow this girl really knows her clouds, and then I read the “About the Author” 😂
June 28, 2025
Absolutely wonderful!
I adored the writing style and the completely immersive world! Because it was short (more novella length) it was a bit difficult for me to get attached to any characters. However, Worley paints such a beautiful picture with this story that it’s impossible not to dive in and beg for more!
Such a great debut and I can’t wait to see what Worley crafts next!!! MORE PLEASE NOW THANKS!!
I adored the writing style and the completely immersive world! Because it was short (more novella length) it was a bit difficult for me to get attached to any characters. However, Worley paints such a beautiful picture with this story that it’s impossible not to dive in and beg for more!
Such a great debut and I can’t wait to see what Worley crafts next!!! MORE PLEASE NOW THANKS!!
March 9, 2025
Great job Tayloranne Worley! I was seriously impressed by the writing and world building! I love how descriptive the writing was, I could feel myself in the pages, something that is hard to accomplish.
The story follows 3 characters and the chapters are told from their POV. I love that we get to know each of the characters on their own terms before they come together later on in their series.
One of the characters is chosen and blessed by the Gods to carry out a mission where the reward is Godhood. The other two characters are cursed by the Gods to be servants, sacrifices and gladiators to further the missions of those chosen by the Gods.
The Gods have everything in hand…. But, what if one of the cursed won’t go without a fight? What if the cursed are not really cursed but blessed with powers they do not know about? Can they find a way to break the vicious cycle that tortures and punishes innocent people?
This is a quick read that will have you wanting more! I need to know what happens to Maev, Ares and Frieda. If you love fantasy with a great world building story with danger around every corner, this book is for you! I can’t wait to see how the story and the characters develop!
The story follows 3 characters and the chapters are told from their POV. I love that we get to know each of the characters on their own terms before they come together later on in their series.
One of the characters is chosen and blessed by the Gods to carry out a mission where the reward is Godhood. The other two characters are cursed by the Gods to be servants, sacrifices and gladiators to further the missions of those chosen by the Gods.
The Gods have everything in hand…. But, what if one of the cursed won’t go without a fight? What if the cursed are not really cursed but blessed with powers they do not know about? Can they find a way to break the vicious cycle that tortures and punishes innocent people?
This is a quick read that will have you wanting more! I need to know what happens to Maev, Ares and Frieda. If you love fantasy with a great world building story with danger around every corner, this book is for you! I can’t wait to see how the story and the characters develop!
February 9, 2025
4.5 Stars
I received an arc version of this book. And I am leaving an honest review.
First off I loved the world buildings and setting. The world was super immersive. I felt like I was there, breathing in the misty air of the fjords. But at the same time, it wasn't too over the top with descriptions. This book had the perfect balance.
I loved the characters, but I wanted to get to know them a little more. Other than Frida and Maev we don't see too much of a backstory. At least not in the perspective with flashbacks. However, it also didn't feel like it was lacking at all.
Another thing I loved, was the myths and obvious inspiration from Greek and Norse mythology. They were woven together in such a way that this story felt like its own. The myths were there but at the same time were their own new versions of said myths.
Overall I loved this book. I would give it 5 stars, but there were a couple of small typos (This did not take away from the reading experience and I highly recommend this book.) and I wanted to see more of some of the characters.
I received an arc version of this book. And I am leaving an honest review.
First off I loved the world buildings and setting. The world was super immersive. I felt like I was there, breathing in the misty air of the fjords. But at the same time, it wasn't too over the top with descriptions. This book had the perfect balance.
I loved the characters, but I wanted to get to know them a little more. Other than Frida and Maev we don't see too much of a backstory. At least not in the perspective with flashbacks. However, it also didn't feel like it was lacking at all.
Another thing I loved, was the myths and obvious inspiration from Greek and Norse mythology. They were woven together in such a way that this story felt like its own. The myths were there but at the same time were their own new versions of said myths.
Overall I loved this book. I would give it 5 stars, but there were a couple of small typos (This did not take away from the reading experience and I highly recommend this book.) and I wanted to see more of some of the characters.
March 2, 2025
An interesting blend of Norse and Greek mythology, with complex characters, and high stakes. But I warn you, this will leave you wanting more. The imagery is very vivid, and really immerses you in the story. We get multiple POVs, and I admit the first two chapters were quite dark and heartbreaking. But they do an excellent job of capturing your interest, wondering where the story will lead the MCs next. While the characters are complex and interesting, I just couldn’t find that connection I normally do when I get invested in a story. The story itself is intense, and has good pacing. I like getting to see things unfold from various POVs, it gives more depth to the story. If you’re looking for a YA fantasy that merges various mythologies and is a bit dark, then you’re going to love this!
July 30, 2025
I really wish there was a way to give partial stars but alas there is not. I would give this a solid 3.5. It is the first of a series, the rest of which are not yet available, so it leaves a lot open and doesn’t feel complete as far as the ending of the first installment. Otherwise, it does go back and forth between the three povs to try to set things up which I feel could have been better done just going between 2 of the 3 characters and leaving the third out completely in favor of that character being presented in the next installment. That is purely my own opinion, but I also do not know the direction the author is going in the next installment. I did enjoy it regardless and will be looking forward to the other installments in the future!
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