The Secrets We Save

by Kel E. Fox

Expelled from university after an accident stripped her of magic, Ursa Torpalfab returns home gutted. The spectacular career she'd envisioned flying among the stars is over – unless her father, a powerful magician, can help her get her magic back. But when she goes to meet him, he's missing, and her family can't – or won't – tell her where he is.

Disavowed spy Del Fevre is hiding from his former agency, painting illusions to pay the bills. But the charmed art that keeps food on his table is illegal, so when his latest piece is stolen, he scrambles to find it before the illicit painting can be traced back to him, revealing him and his illusion magic to the agents hunting him.

Despite finding each other unbearably rude, Ursa and Del agree to work together when they learn that the missing man and stolen art might be connected. As they get closer to each other and the truth, their inquiries become more dangerous. If they don't find answers soon, Ursa won't just have lost her magic for good, but her father too. And with the secrets he knows, Del will not be left alive.

For fans of Witchmark and Caraval, The Secrets We Save is the first in the Whisperers series, a queer MF romantic gaslamp fantasy full of mystery, intrigue and witty banter. Immerse yourself in a world of beautiful art and magical lies.

Genres: Fantasy

277 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 14, 2025

About the author

Kel E Fox is a fantasy author based in Perth, Australia, who loves reading, writing, ballroom dancing and gaming. Kel and their partner live with a cheeky Alaskan Malamute and a pair of diabolical orange cats.

Reviews

[Sue Miz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sometimes, too much is tooooooooooo much

I always give myself the 50% mark before DNFing a book...but I couldn't even get past the 35%

This reminded me of a weird dream you have where everything is changed and characters are strange..then you wake up and try to describe it, miserably, to others while they look at you like you've just lost your mind.

The world-building needs a book of its own as a glossary just to figure out what is what
Every line has new information
It's like the author didn't want to use any word from our dictionary,
but somehow horses and gaslamps are OK?!

Nothing of this world is understandable even though with every new word, there is a detailed explanation!!!

So, apparently, humans have evolved into stages?! And become fifth-stage !!!! They don't get sick or feel hungry but still eat, they can conjure clothes?! And strangely, they retain their past lives????

before her past life memories came in and while she still had the impertinent curiosity of the very young,

There is a huge effort to present this world as kind and accepting
For example, trying to justify why the main FMC has a maid
Now Natala was a student at Whitestone Institute for Subtle Mastery, which meant she had to serve terms as a maid with the Society families. It was a neat solution to the problem of how to keep servants in a world where people no longer died of starvation, exposure or illness, where they could pursue any occupation they liked: make service mandatory for aspiring subtle conjurers.

What?!

The book needs heavy editing, and I don't mean the Australian words. The first 20% is littered with mistakes, grammatical errors, and misused punctuation...

Weird words
Telorb : i think it's a device for communication
An-stiffening: like freezing someone?!

Netgalley ARC

[vxmpslibrary [mental health break] · Rating 3 out of 5]

.2.5 stars.

Thank you NetGalley for this beautiful arc💕

.short review.
This book follows two characters, Ursa and Del, from their own perspective in third person as they navigate through their journeys. One trying to find her father that is missing and nobody's ready to tell her, and one who's painting which is precious to him is stolen.

He would do anything to get his painting back, and she would do anything to find her father. But when they both team up together realising it might lead to the same person, things are not as they seem.

the writing style was not for me. I think that was why it was a mere disconnection from me where I was blank the whole time and I didn't know whether to raise my hand in proudness for going through or in shame that I didn't get to enjoy it as I hoped. Otherwise, it was actually interesting with the realm and characters, I liked going through them.♥️

[♡Molly♡ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rating-
1.5/5 stars
(Rounded One)

Genre-
Fantasy

Age Rating For It-
15+ because there is a good amount of violence, some mental health themes and also some language and stuff in it. Romance wise thought there's nothing explicit and barely any kissing or anything either. (sadly)

Thoughts/Would I Recommend This?-
I was honestly so confused throughout this whole book about the world and the people and powers and everything. I thought that the world building and stuff in it definitely needed some work because I didn’t understand much about the world or what was even going on. I didn’t feel it explained the world or the magic system well and was left wondering what a lot of what they said even meant and what the whole power system was and how a lot of things worked. This made it, so I didn’t love reading it much at all and was left with more questions and wondering what the frick is going on than answers about the entire book and plot. So, If you want to be confused and left wondering about everything that is going on in a book than I would recommend this, but otherwise I would not recommend this book.

(Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review)

[Cierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up for me.

First I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this ARC.

I really enjoyed getting into this story. I thought the world building was quite beautiful and while I’ve seen others say the writing felt too complicated or too clunky but I thought quite the opposite.

I read a lot of high fantasy so I’m pretty used to feeling a bit confused at first when starting a new series that involves a lot of world building. I absolutely loved how new this book felt compared to so many others I’ve read. I really enjoyed learning a bit more about the characters as the book moved on and the different magics of the world.

Once I hit a certain part in the book I honestly couldn’t put it down. I was dying to know what was going on.

I really look forward to reading the rest of the series when it is finished.

While i don’t think this is for everyone i do believe those who enjoy high fantasy and are looking for something that feels new and not overdone will really enjoy this world Kel E. Fox has started to create!

My one big point of feedback is that I think this book would benefit from a glossary to explain some of the types of magic, the world, the religions and things like that. I think with one of those it would be more enjoyable to more people than just people who are used to this style of writing. I think it would help people understand the world faster by having a reference to remind themselves with.

[Sara Virasami · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 11%

Thank you to NetGalley but just not feeling any pull to continue this.

[Fiona Tewson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in The Whisperers series. The author herself describes this series as a 'romantic gaslight fantasy mystery with a teeny bit of sci-fi'.

Well, it's all of those things and more. It starts with the sci fi element as Ursa (a V magician) pilots herself through the sky- although she's not as she's coming home to Acrusi as a disgraced magician who has lost her powers, and when she returns home, has lost her fiance and one of her three parents.

Del Fevre is a magical artist, who can inmmbue paintings with magical feelings, which the Guikd hacpve outlawed. His latest painting has been stolen and he is trying to find it before the magic in it is her loose.

So how do there two disparate people meet? It took me a while to get to that point and into the book, but once I had, I couldn't put it down! I really wanted to find out about the mysterious Lightlords and how they were trying to control the people and get rid of magic, and how Ursa, Del and his friends Santo could help each other.

There are twists and turns in the book, some I saw coming, others I didn't. The magic is excellent and there are many types, the world building and description of the places is good and believable.

The book ended setting up the next in the series well. Fortunately this is in the pipeline, so there shouldn't be (fingers crossed) too much of a wait.

Kel E Fox's writing doesn't seem reminiscent of anyone else I've read. She brings a new and fresh look into fantasy and I for one can't wait to read more.

I received an ARC from the author via NetGalley, all thoughts are my own.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the next release in this series. I think you will like it too if you like futuristic fantasy, magic, multiple lifetimes, mysteries and a bit of romance.

What I didn't like was some unexplained cultural and political structures. Children have a parent trio - but I'm not sure why. The people appear to be pansexual, and the parent trio may be all of one sex or a combination of both. The author has done a very good job of making the non-traditional (to us) family unit unremarkable, but I feel like an explanation of why humans have developed this family structure would fill in some blanks for me (loose ends leave me distracted from the very good story).

When I finished the book, I discovered that there is a prequel novella available for free download from the author's website. I had hoped it would provide some of the answers to the loose ends. It did describe an incident that is referenced in this book and you may want to read it first. Don't be dissuaded from reading "The Secrets We Save" based on the novella. I liked the book much more than the novella, but it does provide some background story.

Finally, this book really doesn't stand alone. It makes not that it is the first in the series but, in my experience, at least one major question is answered by the end of the book. Nothing is really resolved, but the story is so good that I'm willing to wait for the next installment. I'm hoping that some of my nagging questions will be answered as the series continues.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tabbys Bookish Realm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow,what a ride! The Secrets We Save kicks off Fox’s Whisperers series with a perfect blend of urban grit and magical intrigue. We meet our protagonist (who’s instantly relatable) as she’s thrust into a hidden world where nothing is quite what it seems. From the steam-train–meets-star-flight opener to heart-pounding twists around every corner, the pacing never lets up Secrets We Save.

You’ll love how Fox weaves in “invisible scars” (both literal and emotional) and layers of mystery around a man whose past, and power, are equally compelling and dangerous. The world-building is lush without ever slowing the story: one moment you’re racing through shadowy alleys, the next you’re drawn into whispered magic that feels fresh and alive Secrets We Save.

Fox’s writing sparkles with dry Aussie wit, and her heroine is anything but passive, she tackles every new threat head-on, scars and all. There’s a dash of romance, but it’s the bond of found-family and the secrets everyone keeps that really had me hooked.

Minor quibble: a couple of plot threads hint at deeper lore (the “first magician,” mysterious griefs) that left me hungry for more back-story. But that only makes me even more excited to dive into Book 2.

Bottom line: if you’re after a fast-paced urban fantasy with heart, magic and a heroine who refuses to stay down, grab The Secrets We Save ASAP. And keep a flashlight handy, some secrets are best uncovered after dark!

Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spicy 🌶️

[elena₊⊹. ݁ · Rating 1 out of 5]

***ARC provided by NetGalley***

The Secrets We Save is a queer MF romantic gaslamp fantasy and is the first book in the Whisperers Series. It follows two main protagonists. Uraa, an expelled university student who, very quickly after losing her magic, discovers that her father has also gone missing, and Del,a disavowed spy, who’s hiding from his former agency who, in his free time, creates illegal paintings and it just so happens that his most recent commission has gone missing as well.

Im not quite sure how to say this other than, this was difficult to get through. You’d think I could recite the world building in my sleep with the way this book info dumps!!! It was confusing and a bit boring and the writing style was just not for me.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this ARC!

[A.M. Obst · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story, which is underpinned by refreshing and intriguing world-building and magic system. They are both intricate, which leads to a fair bit of explaining, but it's not a big info-dump and I didn't feel it was over the top, but rather added to the depth of the world the author has created. Also, a lot of the world-building is important for readers' understanding of the story.

The main characters are likeable and flawed, and the focus on the use of magic art to influence politics was different. That’s not to say it doesn’t have it’s scary, edge-of-the-seat scenes.

There are many poignant moments, too, that add depth and pathos to the plot and the characters as they struggle to be themselves in a world that seems set against them.

A fun start to a series that should be interesting to continue.

[Raeleane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start to a new series by Kel E Fox and she did not disappoint. I loved this story from the first page. The fmc Ursa returns home from the academy afterwards a accident that takes away her magic. She finds that her home town is being changed and not allowing magic and one of her parent trio is missing. Her character is well written and engaging. The mmc Del a also a magician living in Acrusi, but has to keep his pamavianda magic secret because of the lightholders. His character is also well written and likable. And the world Building as always with Kel E Fox is brilliantly and magically woven throughout the entire story. I absolutely recommend reading this book!

After reading some of the other posts, I have to really strongly suggest reading the Lightless Prophecy series by Kel E Fox before reading this series. It may make a lot more sense.

[Abbie Riddle · Rating 2 out of 5]

The title is captivating - the actual read is lacking. I am assuming this is a debut novel by an Indie author who did not have the best First readers and Beta Readers and certainly lacked a talented editor. The book uses Australian words - which is not a big deal for me, but it's the other words used to describe things that detract from the book. The world building is complicated and difficult to follow, instead of falling into a new world and being able to enjoy the journey the characters are on I found myself struggling to truly understand what was going on at all. Eventually I set this aside, because I try not to DNF a book until I've rested from reading it and given it another chance. Unfortunately for this one - every time I came back and slogged through more I would put it aside for a time.

I wanted to like this book - maybe because I loved the title and the cover.

[BackwardsBookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Secrets We Save is the first in the Whisperers series and the first novel I have read by Kel E Fox. The bones of the novel were there, unfortunately I had a hard time to connect and understand some points of the narrative and worldbuilding magic system. As mentioned from another reviewer a glossary would have been beneficial as there are so many points of interest that if they had more of a expanded explanation off page the tempo of the narrative would have kept me intrigued instead of trying to figure aspects out. I am rating 3.5/5 as I am intrigued to see where the story continues in the next novel. I hope for growth within the series as I continue reading.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read.

[Donna King · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were parts of this book I loved: the mysteries the two main characters needed to solve were well conceived enough and in places the world the characters inhabited was beautifully constructed so that I needed to get to the end of the story. The ending did feel a touch incomplete, but I suppose is to be expected when the book is part of a sequence.

Around the great parts of the book however, there was a lot of noise. Some of the descriptions, particularly of characters didn't necessarily add anything to the story. I'm not sure for example, we needed to see the breakup at the beginning, as I can count on one hand the number of times that relationship was referred back to.

[Sara Spicer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I checked a few times to make sure there wasn’t a book before this one. As far as I could tell this is the first in the series. It really felt like I was missing some information though which caused a huge disconnect for me. At the same time, the world building happens so quickly. It’s a lot of info in a short amount of time. It was hard to digest all of it. Especially with the unique world the story takes place in. I also didn’t feel a connection to the characters or the mysteries they were trying to solve. The ending seemed better and it holds out some promise for the next book but I probably won’t be continuing the series unfortunately.

[booklovingcat222 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Although I initially struggled to get into it, I'm grateful I persevered because it turned out to be an exceptional read. The world-building was captivating, and the main characters were compelling. I appreciated the blend of mystery and romance. The different forms of magic added an intriguing layer, and the steampunk-inspired fashion was beautifully described. I'm eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.

A glossary would be a helpful addition to navigate the unique world presented.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Stephie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a bit of a slow start for me. I think that had more to do with the complicated character names & learning the world building. The complex magic system is actually very interesting & something new.

*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is my honest feedback about the book as an avid reader.*

❤️‍🔥 Slow Burn
🔮 Magic
🔍 Spies
📿 Conspiracies
🔎 Mystery

I really enjoyed this book once I got the hang of the magical system. I would absolutely love to read the next one! I was kind of sad it left of where it did, but it is a great set up for book 2. 💜 I just want more. 😂

[AndaReadsTooMuch · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this but I felt like I got plopped into a world I should have been familiar with and wasn’t. It made me feel like I needed to catch up and I couldn’t. The premise is great, but I needed more world-building and background to connect with the story. There were so many names and things within the first chapter that I struggled to understand what was happening. I want to connect to the world, tell me more about it! Writing style came across clinical and unemotional, characters felt flat and boring.

Many thanks to Book Sirens for the opportunity. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Interesting book with magic, spacefaring humans, steampunk elements, and more. The main characters have lots of baggage to unpack. Throughout the book previous events come out and it seemed as if this was a book 2 in a series, not book 1. However, this didn't take away too much from the story. The next installment in the series should be very interesting.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Morgan Buerke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the world-building in this book! It was amazing to be whisked away to a world with very specific kinds of magic that I haven't seen anywhere else. There are hints of mystery and romance throughout as you switch between two main characters with personalities and backstories of their own. I love the parent trios and the subtle inclusion of bisexuality without the associated discrimination. Would definitely recommend for all fans of fantasy!

[Becki · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled to get into this story, and to finish reading it. At times it left me feeling confused. It was not a book that I found myself being pulled into. I really wanted to like this book, possibly because I was originally drawn to the front cover of it. I did manage to finish reading it, although it was a struggle.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Daniella · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm honestly a bit disappointed.
I tried soooo hard to love it, but it just wasn't it.
There was so much going on and the lack of a glossary definitely didn't help.
The chapters didn't flow so cleanly or smoothly.
There was a lot of weird information that made no sense.
I liked the idea and there was so much hope, but it just didn't make it, unfortunately.

Thank you, NetGally, the author, & BooksGoSocial for providing me with this ARC for my honest review.

[Sophy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story—it has magic, weird cult-like people, and a mystery to solve! From the very beginning, I was hooked. I loved the two different points of view, as they provided a broader perspective on what was happening. She’s searching for her dad, he’s looking for his painting, and their paths are deeply interconnected.

Such a fun and quick read—I really enjoyed it!

[Bookish Venturess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This world is so interesting. I love the aspects of magic and them fighting to overcome the new government. The characters are so good and interesting. I also enjoyed the story line and all the different things that were going on in their investigations. I can't wait to see what happens next.

[Karen Stevenson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you netgallery for the arc i did enjoyed it all the characters and the world building i was getting right into and realised it only half of the book im looking forward when it comes out and read the rest overall 3.5 stars may go up when I finish reading all of it

[Macy]

DNF @45%
Nothing wrong with the book.
I just couldn't get invested, and it being 3rd person POV didn't help

[s.elle.books · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this ARC, but the chapters were too long, so it was really hard to focus, and I felt like the storyline was a bit repetitive.

[DarkS · Rating 3 out of 5]

The world-building in this book was absolutely stunning! From the first page, I was transported into a universe with a magic system that felt completely fresh and unique—unlike anything I’ve read before. The story weaves together elements of mystery and romance, keeping you engaged as it unfolds through the perspectives of two distinct, well-developed main characters, each with their own histories and personalities.

One of my favorite aspects was the dynamic parent trios, which added an unexpected but brilliant layer to the world. I also really appreciated the effortless inclusion of bisexuality, presented naturally and without any of the usual struggles or prejudices often depicted in fiction. It was just there, as it should be, and that representation made the story even more special.

If you're a fantasy lover looking for something immersive, character-driven, and refreshingly different, this is definitely one to pick up!