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The Cave of Swords
The Red Threads will call, and those with bonds woven brightest will take the helm.
A darkness is growing and a war is on the horizon. An old evil has arisen, lurking in the shadows, and she will stop at nothing to burn Ilphemoura to ashes. An old prophecy foretells of a way to stop the oncoming tide—an ancient sword the color of sunlit skies, rumored to possess incredible magic and the power to defeat gods. Guarded by a great beast and long protected by a mythical forest, five brave souls will travel together to uncover the blade.
Made up of a thief, a weapon’s master, a cartographer, a witch, and a thread reader; the unlikely crew must navigate the depths of the Forbidden Forest. A forest long since lost to memory and thought to be a myth—with strange creatures, unnatural trees, and a darkness that permeates to your very bones.
Pushed to the breaking point and haunted by bloody visions of battles against ruthless creatures and poisoned by a darkness so dense it could swallow her whole, Laira has no choice but to put her faith in the prophecy and hunt for the mystical sword, because doing anything else could leave her mind, and everyone she cares about, nothing but dust.
With an impossible task set before them, there is no room for failure. They must navigate the ancient forest of Daer e’ Mista and find the sword, or it may very well be more than just Laira’s sanity that is lost…
For fans of Vox Machina, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, and Lord of the Rings, this debut fantasy romance will have you swooning over a sweet slow burn romance, a dark and moody forest, chaos & banter, and a cozy found family that’ll make your heart sing.
A darkness is growing and a war is on the horizon. An old evil has arisen, lurking in the shadows, and she will stop at nothing to burn Ilphemoura to ashes. An old prophecy foretells of a way to stop the oncoming tide—an ancient sword the color of sunlit skies, rumored to possess incredible magic and the power to defeat gods. Guarded by a great beast and long protected by a mythical forest, five brave souls will travel together to uncover the blade.
Made up of a thief, a weapon’s master, a cartographer, a witch, and a thread reader; the unlikely crew must navigate the depths of the Forbidden Forest. A forest long since lost to memory and thought to be a myth—with strange creatures, unnatural trees, and a darkness that permeates to your very bones.
Pushed to the breaking point and haunted by bloody visions of battles against ruthless creatures and poisoned by a darkness so dense it could swallow her whole, Laira has no choice but to put her faith in the prophecy and hunt for the mystical sword, because doing anything else could leave her mind, and everyone she cares about, nothing but dust.
With an impossible task set before them, there is no room for failure. They must navigate the ancient forest of Daer e’ Mista and find the sword, or it may very well be more than just Laira’s sanity that is lost…
For fans of Vox Machina, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, and Lord of the Rings, this debut fantasy romance will have you swooning over a sweet slow burn romance, a dark and moody forest, chaos & banter, and a cozy found family that’ll make your heart sing.
454 pages, ebook
Published September 10, 2025
4 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Taylor Lust
2 books16 followersBorn and raised in the Pacific Northwest, I have a deep love for forests, rainy weather, and the perfect iced coffee. A Taurus down right to my bones, I am an incredibly grounded individual who values the family we decide for ourselves, kindness & acceptance above all else, and… a fun tattoo every now and then!
My debut Fantasy Romance book, The Cave of Swords, is releasing Summer 2025 and I cannot be more excited! I dreamed of being an author (and at one point, an editor) as a child and it is the best thing ever that I get to finally high-five my younger self and say, “we did it!”. This story is incredibly close to my heart. With anxiety representation pulled from my own experiences and a found family that will (hopefully) make your heart sing— this book is everything to me. And I hope it brings you as much joy to read as it did for me to write.
My debut Fantasy Romance book, The Cave of Swords, is releasing Summer 2025 and I cannot be more excited! I dreamed of being an author (and at one point, an editor) as a child and it is the best thing ever that I get to finally high-five my younger self and say, “we did it!”. This story is incredibly close to my heart. With anxiety representation pulled from my own experiences and a found family that will (hopefully) make your heart sing— this book is everything to me. And I hope it brings you as much joy to read as it did for me to write.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 19, 2025
4.5/5 stars
I received this book as an ARC and enjoyed it! I love the found family aspect and how real and relatable the characters are! The FMC, Laira, has a lot of anxiety that is displayed and written well. It makes her feel real and not a perfect heroine. She also has hobbies and interests that I also have, and I love being able to relate to characters!
The book was action packed and reminded me a lot of D&D! Each character on the journey had a different skill set and magical abilities that complemented each other well! I am excited to see where the series goes.
I received this book as an ARC and enjoyed it! I love the found family aspect and how real and relatable the characters are! The FMC, Laira, has a lot of anxiety that is displayed and written well. It makes her feel real and not a perfect heroine. She also has hobbies and interests that I also have, and I love being able to relate to characters!
The book was action packed and reminded me a lot of D&D! Each character on the journey had a different skill set and magical abilities that complemented each other well! I am excited to see where the series goes.
September 25, 2025
Actual rating: 4.25 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
In this kickoff of the Threads Of Fate series we meet 5 unlikely friends who are tied together by a prophecy.
At the center of it all is the half fae Laira, your average woman with a odd ability to see the threads that tie people together (e.g. through love, friendship). She is haunted by the wounds of her past just as much as by crippling anxiety. About her pet raven skeleton can help her. But when she isn’t crippled by her past or the darkness that is trying to devour her, she is a confident woman with a great sense of humor, decent sword skills and the biggest heart imaginable.
Her fellow companions are just as interesting with their own demons that haunt them. But in their quest to find a magical sword they also learn to love, help and accept each other.
The author chose to write in multiple POV, which added a lot of flavor to the story 😊
The world is so much fun. Truly it is worldS (plural) since we start out in a small town in the human realm (which we eventually leave to follow the quest) and at the halfway point move on to a magical Forrest which our little group needs to navigate to find an ancient cave. The author did such an amazing job describing it all. She made it come alive in my imagination. Now when I think of magical forests, I think of little glowing mushrooms with eyes 👀 watching you, trees that move to make your journey harder 🌲 and the lagoon of your dreams ⛲️
The magic system is all over the place, but in a good way (hear me out):
We have all types of different creatures (fae, witches, shifters etc) and each possess a different ‘accent’ of magic. It is never fully explained (as the author doesn’t info dump), but we see through our little party that the witch can communicate with plants, the fae communicates with animals and our FMC can see threads. All very interesting an left me excited for more details which will surely follow in book two.
The quest (based on a randomly found prophecy) feels ridiculous at first and developed into something quite serious over the course of the book.
The slow burn (which never goes beyond longing glances and one kiss) is truly slow. With an obvious ‘He falls first’ trope I found it very enjoyable to read (and not even a little cringy, which is hard to master).
My major criticism is that the book has a very slow start. It takes at least 100 pages for things to truly start moving.
To sum up:
⭐️ fun characters
⭐️ a strong FMC that feels different
⭐️ a slow burn (almost) romance where he truly falls first
⭐️ Dungeon and dragons style quest
⭐️ found family
⭐️ healing from trauma
If you like the above then you will most likely enjoy this book 😊
In this kickoff of the Threads Of Fate series we meet 5 unlikely friends who are tied together by a prophecy.
At the center of it all is the half fae Laira, your average woman with a odd ability to see the threads that tie people together (e.g. through love, friendship). She is haunted by the wounds of her past just as much as by crippling anxiety. About her pet raven skeleton can help her. But when she isn’t crippled by her past or the darkness that is trying to devour her, she is a confident woman with a great sense of humor, decent sword skills and the biggest heart imaginable.
Her fellow companions are just as interesting with their own demons that haunt them. But in their quest to find a magical sword they also learn to love, help and accept each other.
The author chose to write in multiple POV, which added a lot of flavor to the story 😊
The world is so much fun. Truly it is worldS (plural) since we start out in a small town in the human realm (which we eventually leave to follow the quest) and at the halfway point move on to a magical Forrest which our little group needs to navigate to find an ancient cave. The author did such an amazing job describing it all. She made it come alive in my imagination. Now when I think of magical forests, I think of little glowing mushrooms with eyes 👀 watching you, trees that move to make your journey harder 🌲 and the lagoon of your dreams ⛲️
The magic system is all over the place, but in a good way (hear me out):
We have all types of different creatures (fae, witches, shifters etc) and each possess a different ‘accent’ of magic. It is never fully explained (as the author doesn’t info dump), but we see through our little party that the witch can communicate with plants, the fae communicates with animals and our FMC can see threads. All very interesting an left me excited for more details which will surely follow in book two.
The quest (based on a randomly found prophecy) feels ridiculous at first and developed into something quite serious over the course of the book.
The slow burn (which never goes beyond longing glances and one kiss) is truly slow. With an obvious ‘He falls first’ trope I found it very enjoyable to read (and not even a little cringy, which is hard to master).
My major criticism is that the book has a very slow start. It takes at least 100 pages for things to truly start moving.
To sum up:
⭐️ fun characters
⭐️ a strong FMC that feels different
⭐️ a slow burn (almost) romance where he truly falls first
⭐️ Dungeon and dragons style quest
⭐️ found family
⭐️ healing from trauma
If you like the above then you will most likely enjoy this book 😊
September 4, 2025
Classic Quest Fantasy With Dark Atmosphere and High Stakes
Taylor Lust’s The Cave of Swords delivers a rich, traditional fantasy adventure brimming with prophecy, peril, and a diverse band of companions thrust together by fate. With its blend of mythic forests, ancient magic, and creeping darkness, it scratches the itch for readers who love epic quests filled with danger, mystery, and the bonds forged along the way.
At the heart of the story is Laira, a heroine driven to the edge of her sanity by visions of blood and the suffocating presence of a world-blanketing darkness. Her desperation and grit make her compelling, and her choice to trust the prophecy—and risk herself for the hope of salvation—anchors the novel with emotional weight.
The fellowship of five adds vibrancy and variety to the tale. A Thief, a Sword-Master, a Cartographer, a Green Witch, and a Thread-Reader—each member brings unique skills, perspectives, and tensions that make their journey through the Forbidden Forest of Daer e’mista dynamic and unpredictable. From the witch’s earthy magic to the cartographer’s knowledge of the forgotten, Lust crafts a group that feels both archetypal and fresh, and watching them grow under pressure is one of the book’s greatest strengths.
The forest itself is a triumph of atmosphere—strange creatures, twisted trees, and a sense of dread that clings to every page. Lust’s descriptions make the environment feel alive, dangerous, and alien, a character in its own right. Combined with the looming promise of a sword powerful enough to kill gods, the setting heightens both wonder and unease.
Where the novel falters slightly is in its use of familiar quest tropes. Prophecies, chosen weapons, and dark evils bent on destruction are staples of the genre, and though they’re executed well, veteran fantasy readers may find themselves craving sharper subversions or surprises. That said, the strength of the character dynamics and the immersive worldbuilding more than compensate, keeping the journey fresh and engaging.
Taylor Lust’s The Cave of Swords delivers a rich, traditional fantasy adventure brimming with prophecy, peril, and a diverse band of companions thrust together by fate. With its blend of mythic forests, ancient magic, and creeping darkness, it scratches the itch for readers who love epic quests filled with danger, mystery, and the bonds forged along the way.
At the heart of the story is Laira, a heroine driven to the edge of her sanity by visions of blood and the suffocating presence of a world-blanketing darkness. Her desperation and grit make her compelling, and her choice to trust the prophecy—and risk herself for the hope of salvation—anchors the novel with emotional weight.
The fellowship of five adds vibrancy and variety to the tale. A Thief, a Sword-Master, a Cartographer, a Green Witch, and a Thread-Reader—each member brings unique skills, perspectives, and tensions that make their journey through the Forbidden Forest of Daer e’mista dynamic and unpredictable. From the witch’s earthy magic to the cartographer’s knowledge of the forgotten, Lust crafts a group that feels both archetypal and fresh, and watching them grow under pressure is one of the book’s greatest strengths.
The forest itself is a triumph of atmosphere—strange creatures, twisted trees, and a sense of dread that clings to every page. Lust’s descriptions make the environment feel alive, dangerous, and alien, a character in its own right. Combined with the looming promise of a sword powerful enough to kill gods, the setting heightens both wonder and unease.
Where the novel falters slightly is in its use of familiar quest tropes. Prophecies, chosen weapons, and dark evils bent on destruction are staples of the genre, and though they’re executed well, veteran fantasy readers may find themselves craving sharper subversions or surprises. That said, the strength of the character dynamics and the immersive worldbuilding more than compensate, keeping the journey fresh and engaging.
September 9, 2025
If you're into classic quest fantasy with a modern twist, you've got to check out The Cave of Swords by Taylor Lust. This book grabs you from the get-go with a kingdom on the brink of war, a mysterious prophecy, and a group of five wildly different characters you can't help but fall for.
Found Family & Fantastic Banter
What makes this book a standout is the incredible cast. The five main companions—a Thief, a Sword-Master, a Green Witch, and more—are all so unique, and getting to read from multiple points of view really lets you connect with their individual struggles. The "found family" vibe is on point and feels so cozy and real. And let's not forget the romance! The slow-burn banter between Laira and Sebastian is a solid 10/10.
Laira, the main heroine, is super relatable. She's not some perfect hero; her anxiety is a big part of her character, and it's written so well that you feel for her and cheer her on. She's tough and resilient, and you'll love watching her journey.
A D&D-Style Adventure
The world-building is another major win, especially the Forbidden Forest of Daer e’mista. The descriptions are so vivid that the forest feels like a character itself—alive, dangerous, and full of strange creatures. The action is constant and feels just like an actual Dungeons & Dragons campaign, with each character using their unique skills to complement the others.
While the story uses some familiar fantasy tropes like prophecies, the strong characters and immersive atmosphere make it feel fresh and new. It ends on a killer cliffhanger that will leave you desperate for the next book. If you love a good high-stakes fantasy with a rich world and an unforgettable found family, The Cave of Swords is a must-read.
Found Family & Fantastic Banter
What makes this book a standout is the incredible cast. The five main companions—a Thief, a Sword-Master, a Green Witch, and more—are all so unique, and getting to read from multiple points of view really lets you connect with their individual struggles. The "found family" vibe is on point and feels so cozy and real. And let's not forget the romance! The slow-burn banter between Laira and Sebastian is a solid 10/10.
Laira, the main heroine, is super relatable. She's not some perfect hero; her anxiety is a big part of her character, and it's written so well that you feel for her and cheer her on. She's tough and resilient, and you'll love watching her journey.
A D&D-Style Adventure
The world-building is another major win, especially the Forbidden Forest of Daer e’mista. The descriptions are so vivid that the forest feels like a character itself—alive, dangerous, and full of strange creatures. The action is constant and feels just like an actual Dungeons & Dragons campaign, with each character using their unique skills to complement the others.
While the story uses some familiar fantasy tropes like prophecies, the strong characters and immersive atmosphere make it feel fresh and new. It ends on a killer cliffhanger that will leave you desperate for the next book. If you love a good high-stakes fantasy with a rich world and an unforgettable found family, The Cave of Swords is a must-read.
September 1, 2025
ARC review
(no spoilers)
I received this book as an ARC, so I'd like to thank the author for choosing me in the first place.
I truly enjoyed this story from start to finish. In some ways, it felt like I was reading Lauren Roberts' Powerless series, which I absolutely loved. I found so many similarities and enjoyed every single page for an entire week.
First of all, I loved the entire setting of the journey into the forest. I don't know why, but when I read fantasy books in general, I always end up immersed in the authors' descriptions of the natural environments. I feel like I can visualize what the forest is really like in the author's mind, as if it existed in reality, as if I had been there in another life.
Another aspect I really liked about this story from the beginning was the group of people involved. Especially Laira, the female protagonist. What I loved was her resilient nature, who doesn't listen to anything or anyone and always puts the well-being of others before herself. I was also immediately drawn in by her playful banter and flirting with the "thief" Sebastian.
Obviously, we're only at the beginning of the whole story, as the book ends on a cliffhanger, and I can't wait to see what happens to the entire team and whether they'll be able to prevent a major war in the future. I'm also curious to know more about the other characters, as I don't think we know much about each character's personal history yet, and I think it's always important when you have a group of people present to understand where they come from and what they've been through in their lives that has led them to this point.
(no spoilers)
I received this book as an ARC, so I'd like to thank the author for choosing me in the first place.
I truly enjoyed this story from start to finish. In some ways, it felt like I was reading Lauren Roberts' Powerless series, which I absolutely loved. I found so many similarities and enjoyed every single page for an entire week.
First of all, I loved the entire setting of the journey into the forest. I don't know why, but when I read fantasy books in general, I always end up immersed in the authors' descriptions of the natural environments. I feel like I can visualize what the forest is really like in the author's mind, as if it existed in reality, as if I had been there in another life.
Another aspect I really liked about this story from the beginning was the group of people involved. Especially Laira, the female protagonist. What I loved was her resilient nature, who doesn't listen to anything or anyone and always puts the well-being of others before herself. I was also immediately drawn in by her playful banter and flirting with the "thief" Sebastian.
Obviously, we're only at the beginning of the whole story, as the book ends on a cliffhanger, and I can't wait to see what happens to the entire team and whether they'll be able to prevent a major war in the future. I'm also curious to know more about the other characters, as I don't think we know much about each character's personal history yet, and I think it's always important when you have a group of people present to understand where they come from and what they've been through in their lives that has led them to this point.
October 27, 2025
“We are all lost for a time.”
“But now you are found.”
The Cave of Swords is described by the author as a new fantasy story with a nod towards Frieren and D&D. If you know a thing or two about either of these, you’ll realize that Laira’s story is exactly what is promised.
Like every campaign, this story begins with a call to action. Laira is haunted by a strange prophecy found in an ancient tome from her bookshop and has this feeling she needs to fulfill it. As she begins this quest, she wrangles together a crew comprised of five individuals the prophecy calls for.
There’s so much to enjoy as Laira’s crew goes on their epic journey. There’s found family, slow burn and angst, cozy yet exciting atmosphere (very similar to Frieren), animal companions, and so much more.
This story is not so much about the greater evil threatening Laira’s world, but more about the journey and the connections she makes along the way. My favorite quote from the book is listed above, and it encapsulates this feeling so well.
I love when an author gets their tropes just right. The ones I enjoyed most in TCOS were: found family, prophecy, unique magic system, and one bed. With so much to love, what I appreciated most was the author’s ability to represent anxiety and the strength it takes to not only overcome it, but to come out better because of it.
I would recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a cozy journey with epic stakes, and a preference towards character-centric storytelling. If that’s your jam, you’ll absolutely fall in love with this book.
“But now you are found.”
The Cave of Swords is described by the author as a new fantasy story with a nod towards Frieren and D&D. If you know a thing or two about either of these, you’ll realize that Laira’s story is exactly what is promised.
Like every campaign, this story begins with a call to action. Laira is haunted by a strange prophecy found in an ancient tome from her bookshop and has this feeling she needs to fulfill it. As she begins this quest, she wrangles together a crew comprised of five individuals the prophecy calls for.
There’s so much to enjoy as Laira’s crew goes on their epic journey. There’s found family, slow burn and angst, cozy yet exciting atmosphere (very similar to Frieren), animal companions, and so much more.
This story is not so much about the greater evil threatening Laira’s world, but more about the journey and the connections she makes along the way. My favorite quote from the book is listed above, and it encapsulates this feeling so well.
I love when an author gets their tropes just right. The ones I enjoyed most in TCOS were: found family, prophecy, unique magic system, and one bed. With so much to love, what I appreciated most was the author’s ability to represent anxiety and the strength it takes to not only overcome it, but to come out better because of it.
I would recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a cozy journey with epic stakes, and a preference towards character-centric storytelling. If that’s your jam, you’ll absolutely fall in love with this book.
September 25, 2025
[4.5 stars]
The found family in this book absolutely stole the show! Seeing the unconditional bonds of friendship develop and strengthen between our characters was so heartwarming. Each character is unique and has their own journey of personal growth to overcome. Laira and Willow’s friendship especially was adorable. Ooo the FLIRTY BANTER between Laira and Sebastian had me giggling. I cannot wait to see their relationship evolve! Thelas and Faldorn I wanted to give a big hug. I’m so excited to see Thelas’s other form emerge 👀.
The world building was easy to follow and introduced slowly so as not to overwhelm. I LOVED the skeletal familiars! The plot is so intriguing and I have countless theories already. The author did a fantastic job of laying breadcrumbs and hints throughout the quest for a magical sword to keep readers engaged. This is a fantastic fantasy debut that lays the groundwork for an epic series to follow! Thanks so much to Taylor for the ARC!
The found family in this book absolutely stole the show! Seeing the unconditional bonds of friendship develop and strengthen between our characters was so heartwarming. Each character is unique and has their own journey of personal growth to overcome. Laira and Willow’s friendship especially was adorable. Ooo the FLIRTY BANTER between Laira and Sebastian had me giggling. I cannot wait to see their relationship evolve! Thelas and Faldorn I wanted to give a big hug. I’m so excited to see Thelas’s other form emerge 👀.
The world building was easy to follow and introduced slowly so as not to overwhelm. I LOVED the skeletal familiars! The plot is so intriguing and I have countless theories already. The author did a fantastic job of laying breadcrumbs and hints throughout the quest for a magical sword to keep readers engaged. This is a fantastic fantasy debut that lays the groundwork for an epic series to follow! Thanks so much to Taylor for the ARC!
August 28, 2025
5 ⭐
"Nightmares are for children who are afraid of the dark, not for fully grown adults who should have enough common sense to dismiss any irrational fears"
Thank you so much Taylor for the Advance Reader Copy, I am so grateful 🥹
What do you get when you blend a kingdom teetering on the brink of war, five wildly different characters each wrestling with their own inner demons, and a prophecy that binds their fates together?
You get a gripping fantasy tale that will have you hooked from the very first page, a journey of destiny, danger, and unforgettable heroes and compainions!
I absolutely adored this book! From the story, to the characters, the banter and interactions between the characters!
The pacing was amazing, it felt as though I was reading a DND campaign, like you could see when someone would roll a good number or not for their character!
The Cave of Swords could have been 100 pages longer and I would have eaten it up, I found myself kicking my feet throughout majority of the story!
I loved each character so much! Although, I felt stronger connections to come over others. Being able to read the story through multiple POVs was such a good choice as you are really able to connect with the character and see their struggles.
There is a romance 👀.
Slowwwwww burn and the banter is 10/10 🤭😍
My absolute favourite thing about it though is the found family, if you need a book to understand found family I highly recommend this one!
Highly recommend if you love:
🐦 Undead animal companions
❤️ Slow burn romance and banter
✨ Found Family
🌿 Cozy Adventure Fantasy
🧙 Vox Machina vibes
🧝♀️ Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
🗡️ Character-driven adventure with hear
If you need another reason, Kel, the little bone bird on the cover, is obsessed with muffins, what more convincing do you need? 🤭
"Nightmares are for children who are afraid of the dark, not for fully grown adults who should have enough common sense to dismiss any irrational fears"
Thank you so much Taylor for the Advance Reader Copy, I am so grateful 🥹
What do you get when you blend a kingdom teetering on the brink of war, five wildly different characters each wrestling with their own inner demons, and a prophecy that binds their fates together?
You get a gripping fantasy tale that will have you hooked from the very first page, a journey of destiny, danger, and unforgettable heroes and compainions!
I absolutely adored this book! From the story, to the characters, the banter and interactions between the characters!
The pacing was amazing, it felt as though I was reading a DND campaign, like you could see when someone would roll a good number or not for their character!
The Cave of Swords could have been 100 pages longer and I would have eaten it up, I found myself kicking my feet throughout majority of the story!
I loved each character so much! Although, I felt stronger connections to come over others. Being able to read the story through multiple POVs was such a good choice as you are really able to connect with the character and see their struggles.
There is a romance 👀.
Slowwwwww burn and the banter is 10/10 🤭😍
My absolute favourite thing about it though is the found family, if you need a book to understand found family I highly recommend this one!
Highly recommend if you love:
🐦 Undead animal companions
❤️ Slow burn romance and banter
✨ Found Family
🌿 Cozy Adventure Fantasy
🧙 Vox Machina vibes
🧝♀️ Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
🗡️ Character-driven adventure with hear
If you need another reason, Kel, the little bone bird on the cover, is obsessed with muffins, what more convincing do you need? 🤭
October 23, 2025
this was 3.5-4 stars for me!
I really enjoyed the D&D vibes the plot gave as that's something I feel many people enjoy playing and being involved with. The dynamics between the characters and the found family feels was well done. I thought Laira was relatable as a character and the whole progression of her growth was well developed and displayed. The pacing of the first half of this book was a bit slow but once it got it's traction, I feel the plot and pace flowed easier. Overall, this book was enjoyable and the progression of the story and characters development was well thought out and presented.
I really enjoyed the D&D vibes the plot gave as that's something I feel many people enjoy playing and being involved with. The dynamics between the characters and the found family feels was well done. I thought Laira was relatable as a character and the whole progression of her growth was well developed and displayed. The pacing of the first half of this book was a bit slow but once it got it's traction, I feel the plot and pace flowed easier. Overall, this book was enjoyable and the progression of the story and characters development was well thought out and presented.
December 5, 2025
The good news is Book 2 is being drafted, the bad news is book 2 is being drafted...because I can't wait that long! I absolutely enjoyed this, I love a classic quest fantasy. But I also appreciated the fresh spin on it with tropes such as found family, only one bed, and plenty of banter. I also really loved the anxiety rep because I feel like a lot of fantasies will often just show stoic MCs whereas here we get a wholly related MC who struggles with all the worries that we do, and that's super refreshing to read. What I didn't like was that it ended on a cliffhanger because I don't know how I'm supposed to wait patiently to find out about the thing! IYKYK.
August 18, 2025
I received this as an ARC and absolutely loved it!
The found family dynamic of the five main characters was so engaging and cosy, each POV revealing more of their inner thoughts and feelings so you really had chance to connect with them individually.
The banter and chemistry between Laira and Sebastian was 10/10!
The found family dynamic of the five main characters was so engaging and cosy, each POV revealing more of their inner thoughts and feelings so you really had chance to connect with them individually.
The banter and chemistry between Laira and Sebastian was 10/10!
November 2, 2025
4.5*
"To see yourself in someone else's story is both magical and bewildering"
I absolutely adored this story!
I've been following Tay for years on here and followed her journey for her Debut book!
This is story of Humans, Witches, Fae, Monsters, Magic, Prophecy and more importantly found family 🥹
This book is a slow cozy fantasy which really draws you in 🥰
Each of the main characters are loved for all different reasons, as they each bring their own unique qualities with them and purpose in the story. Without spoiling anything I'm being vague about the characters 😅
These characters slowly wormed their way into my heart and stuck there 🥹
Some books I can relate to the main character but in this story I related at times so much to each character...whether it be what's going on with them now or in the their past.
It's a tale of survival in a world where different sanctions have different beliefs... some use humor as a coping method others use their skills to try and fit in. Fighting to protect their homes and people.
I loved the magic system in this story and THE ANIMALS (Nyradonn) so so much 🥰 Check out the Kel Stickers I got 😅
I cant wait to see where this series goes and I'm so excited for the next installment....
"To see yourself in someone else's story is both magical and bewildering"
I absolutely adored this story!
I've been following Tay for years on here and followed her journey for her Debut book!
This is story of Humans, Witches, Fae, Monsters, Magic, Prophecy and more importantly found family 🥹
This book is a slow cozy fantasy which really draws you in 🥰
Each of the main characters are loved for all different reasons, as they each bring their own unique qualities with them and purpose in the story. Without spoiling anything I'm being vague about the characters 😅
These characters slowly wormed their way into my heart and stuck there 🥹
Some books I can relate to the main character but in this story I related at times so much to each character...whether it be what's going on with them now or in the their past.
It's a tale of survival in a world where different sanctions have different beliefs... some use humor as a coping method others use their skills to try and fit in. Fighting to protect their homes and people.
I loved the magic system in this story and THE ANIMALS (Nyradonn) so so much 🥰 Check out the Kel Stickers I got 😅
I cant wait to see where this series goes and I'm so excited for the next installment....
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