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Esprithean Trilogy #2
Duskbound
Fia Riftborne thought joining the Sidhe Guard was the hardest choice she'd ever make.
She was wrong.
Taken prisoner by the very shadows she was sworn to fight, Fia uncovers a devastating truth. The wraiths who brought destruction to the Isle's western border aren't monsters at all, but a race of people from a dying realm called the Kálfar, and they believe Fia's growing powers are tied to their survival.
As war looms on two fronts, Fia must navigate a world of shadow magic and political upheaval. A disgraced Kálfar lord builds an army in the south while tensions within Sídhe reach a breaking point. And the Void that gave Fia her power is calling—but answering it means betraying everyone she left behind.
The Guard. Her friends. Laryk.
In a war where nothing is as it seems, choosing the wrong side could cost her everything, including the brooding commander whose darkness seems to recognize her own.
She was wrong.
Taken prisoner by the very shadows she was sworn to fight, Fia uncovers a devastating truth. The wraiths who brought destruction to the Isle's western border aren't monsters at all, but a race of people from a dying realm called the Kálfar, and they believe Fia's growing powers are tied to their survival.
As war looms on two fronts, Fia must navigate a world of shadow magic and political upheaval. A disgraced Kálfar lord builds an army in the south while tensions within Sídhe reach a breaking point. And the Void that gave Fia her power is calling—but answering it means betraying everyone she left behind.
The Guard. Her friends. Laryk.
In a war where nothing is as it seems, choosing the wrong side could cost her everything, including the brooding commander whose darkness seems to recognize her own.
594 pages, Paperback
Published March 4, 2025
2603 people are currently reading
39700 people want to read
About the author
Bree Grenwich
9 books1,643 followersBree Grenwich and Parker Lennox are two platonic soulmates who have been nearly inseparable since meeting at 19. Their shared love of fantasy, badass heroines, and steamy romances fueled their dream of co-authoring a novel, which they've finally achieved with their debut, Riftborne. When they're not conjuring worlds filled with female empowerment and swoon-worthy relationships, they’re binge-watching reality TV or obsessing over the last Dungeons and Dragons session.
Bree enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, who she claims is indeed a man written by a woman. A true Pisces, Bree finds solace in weekends by the sea or lake, engrossed in a book with music drowning out the world. She also holds a fascination with the paranormal and all things witchy, a love that undeniably creeps into her writing.
Parker, on the other hand, splits her time between the Southern US and the beautiful wine-country of Bordeaux, France, where she visits her boyfriend (living proof that romance novels can mirror reality!). An artist at heart, Parker expresses her creativity through graphic design, photography, and delectable culinary adventures, always with a sourdough starter bubbling away in the background.
Together, they weave addictive Romantasy novels for the New Adult audience.
Bree enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, who she claims is indeed a man written by a woman. A true Pisces, Bree finds solace in weekends by the sea or lake, engrossed in a book with music drowning out the world. She also holds a fascination with the paranormal and all things witchy, a love that undeniably creeps into her writing.
Parker, on the other hand, splits her time between the Southern US and the beautiful wine-country of Bordeaux, France, where she visits her boyfriend (living proof that romance novels can mirror reality!). An artist at heart, Parker expresses her creativity through graphic design, photography, and delectable culinary adventures, always with a sourdough starter bubbling away in the background.
Together, they weave addictive Romantasy novels for the New Adult audience.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,764 reviews
May 4, 2025
“Rain poured. Thunder cracked. But all I felt was the sun.”
love love love love love love loved this. I need more!!!!!!! Better than book 1. 4.75 ⭐️
(ps. the recap at the start of the book summarising what happened in book 1 was genius. I wish more authors did this!)
love love love love love love loved this. I need more!!!!!!! Better than book 1. 4.75 ⭐️
(ps. the recap at the start of the book summarising what happened in book 1 was genius. I wish more authors did this!)
December 31, 2025
4.5🌟 EXQUISITE!!! I absolutely devoured this, the world building, court politics, new setting, new characters?! CHEFS KISS.
January 20, 2026
ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ✦ . ⁺ . 5 ☆ . ⁺ . ✦
ㅤ ㅤ ˋ°•*⁀➷ㅤmight contain spoilers ❗
ㅤ edit (20-Jan-2026): not the authors posting part of my review on their instagram HELLO???? MY GOD, YOU AMAZINGLY TALENTED LADIES MADE MY DAY!!!🥹🥹
┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ
ㅤ When it came to this book, I kept wondering if I should really give it a five-star rating because I thought there were a few little things that could have been done better, but you know what? Nothing remains for me to argue with because I had such a great time reading this and was completely engrossed in the action (it had me up until three in the morning, which isn't something that happens very often). Since I am always rating my books purely based on how they make me feel and how much they make me both scream and cry, this book definitely deserves its five stars. And I honestly have no idea why this series isn't way more popular.
ㅤ ㅤ “The thing about desperation is it makes you forget there might be other choices.”
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ short summary
ㅤ Duskbound by Bree Greenwich (with Parker Lennox) picks up where Riftborne left off—now Fia’s not just a reluctant soldier; she’s the captive of the Kálfar, a.k.a. the shadowy “villains” who might not be so villainous after all.
ㅤ As Fia unravels their secrets (and maybe her feelings for one broody commander named Aether), she’s forced to question everything—like who’s actually evil and whether her powers are a gift or a cosmic joke.
ㅤ And this time, the slow-burn romance delivers. Fia and Aether’s tension crackles with intensity, building into a smouldering, emotional payoff that’s well worth the wait. With deeper lore, moral chaos, and magic-fuelled drama, Duskbound is a darkly satisfying sequel that hits harder in all the right places.
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ honest thoughts
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ I don't think I've ever experienced before such an amazing glow-up for a second book in a series. With its slow-burning romance, reluctant heir, compelling plot, and highly relatable characters, this book offered everything you could possibly want. Reading this was such a delightful experience, and I haven't loved a book this much in quite some time.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ Was this book written in a flawless manner? I won't say that, I promise. However, I have no issues at all about the writing because it was so incredibly well suited to this plot and made the book feel so approachable and vibrant to read. The writing also did such an amazing job in building such a complex universe that you get to experience more and more with each new page without feeling overwhelmed by the amount of the newly discovered terms and aspects of the world. In other words, please just take me to this world already!!!!
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ I want to express my gratitude to these two authors once more for taking the time to write such a comprehensive glossary and for providing us with the ideal pronunciation guide for this book. I'm not sure whether you feel the same way, but it helps me respect all the effort that went into it, and reading is made much more pleasurable in some way knowing that you are pronouncing these characters and action parts right.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ What a great improvement the plot in this book had in comparison to the previous one. I was so engulfed in everything that was happening in this novel that even the parts of the plot where things were slowing down still felt pretty captivating. Although I may be a little biassed and this narrative may have struck a different chord with me, the premise was incredibly well-developed and it has so much potential for further growth.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ I've come to realise that my dissatisfaction with the romance in the first book was totally justified and accurate. This second novel marks the start of the series' real romance, and my goodness, what a lovely romance it is. Lately, I haven't really found any new MMC to actually make me blush and giggle, but everything be damned if Aether didn't just manage to make me squeal like a schoolgirl each time he was making the smallest appearance on the page. Once again, take my words with a pinch of salt, as maybe our tastes in fictional men are different, but I honestly need this man religiously right nowand very unreligiously too.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ I am not completely sure what words I could use to accurately characterise this book's ending, but if I had to choose just one, I would say that it was "heartbreaking". Even if the second book in this series doesn't have the same degree of crazy cliffhanger as the first, its conclusion still lays a solid groundwork for how the plot will evolve in the subsequent books. I cannot wait for the release of the next book, and I genuinely hope to get that announcement soon because I am not sure how I will survive otherwise.
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ characters
ㅤ I don't know if I want to be friends with these characters or just sleep with them... or even if I just want to BE them. But for sure, I think I just discovered my newest favourite found family.
ㅤ ✴︎ Fia - I was probably this character's biggest hater, despite slightly understanding where she was coming from in the first book. And I can't say that I wasn't slightly done with her in the first part of this book as well, but what a great growth she starts to have as the plot slowly progresses. She was so relatable in this novel, especially due to how she perfectly mirrors how easy it is for weak people to be exploited by corrupt power and how important it is to surround yourself with the correct people, capable of opening your eyes to the true evil happening in the world. I am really hoping to see a slightly vengeful side of her in the next book because I am really curious how an enraged version of this incredibly peaceful character would look like.
ㅤ ✴︎ Aether - If this man were to ask me for something, I would give it to him in an instant; anything he wants is on the table. I would have absolutely no regard for my safety, well-being or for myself in general. I am well-aware he would probably end my life if he were to be real, but, lord, if it wouldn't be the most perfect way to perish; I would genuinely go with a smile on my faceprobably while clinging to his pants too. I am definitely being biased right now, and you are free to take my opinions on this character with complete humour, but I am entirely and absolutely in love with him. He is your perfect broody, cold yet incredibly soft-hearted, tortured soul. I was having trouble breathing each and every time this man was doing the bare minimum, and I was going feral for how insanely complex he was constructed on the page. He definitely reminded me of a slightly darker Rowan Whitethorn.
ㅤ ✴︎ Vexa, Effie, Rethlyn, Raven, Lael - My sweet and gorgeous found-family... I don't have enough words to make it clear enough how much I absolutely loved these characters and what a great addition they were to this entire plot. I need to see them in the next book as well, and I am going to pray nothing happens to any of them...
ㅤ ✴︎ Laryk - Fuck you, Laryk.
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ should you read this?
ㅤ I don't know how to stress this enough to actually convince people, but you all definitely need to read this series and give it the attention it so greatly deserves. It is true that it probably has the same general plot direction that some other very popular series have, but it brings just the perfect amount of original ideas to make the story gripping and intriguing and to make it hard for you to put the book down. It definitely made me addicted to it.
ㅤ Now, all that is left for me to do is to beg both Bree Grenwich and Parker Lennox to announce the release of the next book sooner because I cannot live like this anymore!!
⊹₊┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ✿ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈₊⊹
ㅤ ᯓ ✿ pre-reading ⪼ ㅤ started ┆12-May-2025┆
ㅤ ㅤ ⤿ I feel that I need this book like I need air right now, so here we go!!! Aether, please be better than whatever General More-Bland-Than-Adam Kent was in that first book.
ㅤ ㅤ ˋ°•*⁀➷ㅤmight contain spoilers ❗
ㅤ edit (20-Jan-2026): not the authors posting part of my review on their instagram HELLO???? MY GOD, YOU AMAZINGLY TALENTED LADIES MADE MY DAY!!!🥹🥹
┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ
ㅤ When it came to this book, I kept wondering if I should really give it a five-star rating because I thought there were a few little things that could have been done better, but you know what? Nothing remains for me to argue with because I had such a great time reading this and was completely engrossed in the action (it had me up until three in the morning, which isn't something that happens very often). Since I am always rating my books purely based on how they make me feel and how much they make me both scream and cry, this book definitely deserves its five stars. And I honestly have no idea why this series isn't way more popular.
ㅤ ㅤ “The thing about desperation is it makes you forget there might be other choices.”
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ short summary
ㅤ Duskbound by Bree Greenwich (with Parker Lennox) picks up where Riftborne left off—now Fia’s not just a reluctant soldier; she’s the captive of the Kálfar, a.k.a. the shadowy “villains” who might not be so villainous after all.
ㅤ As Fia unravels their secrets (and maybe her feelings for one broody commander named Aether), she’s forced to question everything—like who’s actually evil and whether her powers are a gift or a cosmic joke.
ㅤ And this time, the slow-burn romance delivers. Fia and Aether’s tension crackles with intensity, building into a smouldering, emotional payoff that’s well worth the wait. With deeper lore, moral chaos, and magic-fuelled drama, Duskbound is a darkly satisfying sequel that hits harder in all the right places.
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ honest thoughts
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ I don't think I've ever experienced before such an amazing glow-up for a second book in a series. With its slow-burning romance, reluctant heir, compelling plot, and highly relatable characters, this book offered everything you could possibly want. Reading this was such a delightful experience, and I haven't loved a book this much in quite some time.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ Was this book written in a flawless manner? I won't say that, I promise. However, I have no issues at all about the writing because it was so incredibly well suited to this plot and made the book feel so approachable and vibrant to read. The writing also did such an amazing job in building such a complex universe that you get to experience more and more with each new page without feeling overwhelmed by the amount of the newly discovered terms and aspects of the world. In other words, please just take me to this world already!!!!
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ I want to express my gratitude to these two authors once more for taking the time to write such a comprehensive glossary and for providing us with the ideal pronunciation guide for this book. I'm not sure whether you feel the same way, but it helps me respect all the effort that went into it, and reading is made much more pleasurable in some way knowing that you are pronouncing these characters and action parts right.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ What a great improvement the plot in this book had in comparison to the previous one. I was so engulfed in everything that was happening in this novel that even the parts of the plot where things were slowing down still felt pretty captivating. Although I may be a little biassed and this narrative may have struck a different chord with me, the premise was incredibly well-developed and it has so much potential for further growth.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ I've come to realise that my dissatisfaction with the romance in the first book was totally justified and accurate. This second novel marks the start of the series' real romance, and my goodness, what a lovely romance it is. Lately, I haven't really found any new MMC to actually make me blush and giggle, but everything be damned if Aether didn't just manage to make me squeal like a schoolgirl each time he was making the smallest appearance on the page. Once again, take my words with a pinch of salt, as maybe our tastes in fictional men are different, but I honestly need this man religiously right now
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ I am not completely sure what words I could use to accurately characterise this book's ending, but if I had to choose just one, I would say that it was "heartbreaking". Even if the second book in this series doesn't have the same degree of crazy cliffhanger as the first, its conclusion still lays a solid groundwork for how the plot will evolve in the subsequent books. I cannot wait for the release of the next book, and I genuinely hope to get that announcement soon because I am not sure how I will survive otherwise.
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ characters
ㅤ I don't know if I want to be friends with these characters or just sleep with them... or even if I just want to BE them. But for sure, I think I just discovered my newest favourite found family.
ㅤ ✴︎ Fia - I was probably this character's biggest hater, despite slightly understanding where she was coming from in the first book. And I can't say that I wasn't slightly done with her in the first part of this book as well, but what a great growth she starts to have as the plot slowly progresses. She was so relatable in this novel, especially due to how she perfectly mirrors how easy it is for weak people to be exploited by corrupt power and how important it is to surround yourself with the correct people, capable of opening your eyes to the true evil happening in the world. I am really hoping to see a slightly vengeful side of her in the next book because I am really curious how an enraged version of this incredibly peaceful character would look like.
ㅤ ✴︎ Aether - If this man were to ask me for something, I would give it to him in an instant; anything he wants is on the table. I would have absolutely no regard for my safety, well-being or for myself in general. I am well-aware he would probably end my life if he were to be real, but, lord, if it wouldn't be the most perfect way to perish; I would genuinely go with a smile on my face
ㅤ ✴︎ Vexa, Effie, Rethlyn, Raven, Lael - My sweet and gorgeous found-family... I don't have enough words to make it clear enough how much I absolutely loved these characters and what a great addition they were to this entire plot. I need to see them in the next book as well, and I am going to pray nothing happens to any of them...
ㅤ ✴︎ Laryk - Fuck you, Laryk.
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ should you read this?
ㅤ I don't know how to stress this enough to actually convince people, but you all definitely need to read this series and give it the attention it so greatly deserves. It is true that it probably has the same general plot direction that some other very popular series have, but it brings just the perfect amount of original ideas to make the story gripping and intriguing and to make it hard for you to put the book down. It definitely made me addicted to it.
ㅤ Now, all that is left for me to do is to beg both Bree Grenwich and Parker Lennox to announce the release of the next book sooner because I cannot live like this anymore!!
⊹₊┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ✿ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈₊⊹
ㅤ ᯓ ✿ pre-reading ⪼ ㅤ started ┆12-May-2025┆
ㅤ ㅤ ⤿ I feel that I need this book like I need air right now, so here we go!!! Aether, please be better than whatever General More-Bland-Than-Adam Kent was in that first book.
December 17, 2025
complete and utter perfection ♾️♾️♾️
full review to come
full review to come
February 4, 2025
This book revitalized me. It gave me new life. I am not the same woman I was when I started this masterpiece of a book.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Grenwich and Lennox DO NOT MISS, Y’ALL. They gave me everything I want in a romantasy. A true SLOWBURN(!!!!!) romance with plenty of tension, and god, the banter was divine. I love this man, and I love Fia with my heart and soul.
We also had a fantastic plot that was digestible, but SO interesting. The political landscape was off the charts, I am completely addicted to this world. It is so unique, and fun, and the characters are so dynamic, the use of the found family was… chef’s kiss.
This was a piece of my soul, an incredible piece of work, and I already want to reread it.
I will give this book 7 stars, because it was fantastic, and I can rate how I see fit, okay?
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Grenwich and Lennox DO NOT MISS, Y’ALL. They gave me everything I want in a romantasy. A true SLOWBURN(!!!!!) romance with plenty of tension, and god, the banter was divine. I love this man, and I love Fia with my heart and soul.
We also had a fantastic plot that was digestible, but SO interesting. The political landscape was off the charts, I am completely addicted to this world. It is so unique, and fun, and the characters are so dynamic, the use of the found family was… chef’s kiss.
This was a piece of my soul, an incredible piece of work, and I already want to reread it.
I will give this book 7 stars, because it was fantastic, and I can rate how I see fit, okay?
March 25, 2025
- post read -
um… so i read that so quickly that i didn’t even have time to mark it as cr. help. frtc <3
- preread -
WHAT. which one of yall didn’t tell me this was released 👀 im reading it TODAY.
um… so i read that so quickly that i didn’t even have time to mark it as cr. help. frtc <3
- preread -
WHAT. which one of yall didn’t tell me this was released 👀 im reading it TODAY.
January 27, 2026
Edit: After The Ascended I can’t stop thinking about the series 😭
You know that rare feeling when you don’t want a book to end? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is a sweet slow burn + enemies to lovers mix done right.
Aether? 🧎♀️
Quiet, brooding, mean, determined, a loner (until…), mysterious - yet he perfectly captures that ideal balance of vulnerability.
What?? 🥵 Completely my type of perfect MMC. Shadow wielder — but also so much more. Ahhhh.
Even though the duskbound power is shadow wielding, it’s described in such an interesting, fresh way. I love the worldbuilding and the story itself. It’s a trilogy, so the next book is definitely going to be strong. And it won’t feel dragged out — I truly believe the tension will hold until the very end.
The betrayals. That ending. I don’t know… the end of the year feels so far away. 😭📖✨
You know that rare feeling when you don’t want a book to end? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is a sweet slow burn + enemies to lovers mix done right.
Aether? 🧎♀️
Quiet, brooding, mean, determined, a loner (until…), mysterious - yet he perfectly captures that ideal balance of vulnerability.
What?? 🥵 Completely my type of perfect MMC. Shadow wielder — but also so much more. Ahhhh.
Even though the duskbound power is shadow wielding, it’s described in such an interesting, fresh way. I love the worldbuilding and the story itself. It’s a trilogy, so the next book is definitely going to be strong. And it won’t feel dragged out — I truly believe the tension will hold until the very end.
The betrayals. That ending. I don’t know… the end of the year feels so far away. 😭📖✨
August 12, 2025
This book was definitely not for me. I’m so glad everyone enjoyed it & but I should have DNF’d.
No spoilers below but these are my overall thoughts:
The plot:
I did enjoy how much deeper the plot/world building went. But this book felt like a completely different book from Riftborne. In book 1, wraiths/shadow wielders were barely mentioned & weren’t a big enough threat for them to suddenly be so important in this book.
With that being said, Riftborne didn’t even need to be the first book? Like? The things that happened in the first book literally have no effect on the 2nd book. What was the point of Fia joining the military if she was going to forget about them the minute she went to the new realm?
I also did not enjoy Riftborne because I went in thinking it was a military academy but it wasn’t! There was barely any training/trials or any magic. So WHY was book one even made? Why make Fia join the military (that she was barely apart of) just to create a whole new plot/new realm?
Yeah I get it, her being in the military helped these new people understand who they’re up against & whatnot but Fia literally showed no character development from when she was there.
(Spoiler): Also the 6 weeks she spent in that tower was SO STUPID and definitely just to push the timeline forward. WHY didn’t she try harder to get out, to go home? Why did she forget about her friends SO easily?
Characters:
Fia felt like a completely different person in this book. She wasn’t necessarily complaining, but she made reckless decisions that came out of nowhere. I get it, in book one, she was made to feel small and considered her powers to be dangerous, but it made NO sense why she believed she could do things alone when she hadn’t really used her magic enough to know if she was capable.
Aether came out of nowhere and I have ZERO idea why he became the new love interest. There’s a right way to write a broody & mysterious man, but this was not it. He’s literally not important at all & I don’t understand why he fell in love with Fia.
Laryk, baby, I’ll protect you. Fia never deserved you because how did she change sides so quick? This man was trying to find you & believed you were alive and you’re over there fighting feelings for the man who kidnapped you and belittled you? Be FR!
Also, that ending was so dumb.
Overall thoughts:
NO idea why book 1 was made & NO idea why book 2 went in this direction. This was the first time I was rooting for the first love interest.
No spoilers below but these are my overall thoughts:
The plot:
I did enjoy how much deeper the plot/world building went. But this book felt like a completely different book from Riftborne. In book 1, wraiths/shadow wielders were barely mentioned & weren’t a big enough threat for them to suddenly be so important in this book.
With that being said, Riftborne didn’t even need to be the first book? Like? The things that happened in the first book literally have no effect on the 2nd book. What was the point of Fia joining the military if she was going to forget about them the minute she went to the new realm?
I also did not enjoy Riftborne because I went in thinking it was a military academy but it wasn’t! There was barely any training/trials or any magic. So WHY was book one even made? Why make Fia join the military (that she was barely apart of) just to create a whole new plot/new realm?
Yeah I get it, her being in the military helped these new people understand who they’re up against & whatnot but Fia literally showed no character development from when she was there.
(Spoiler): Also the 6 weeks she spent in that tower was SO STUPID and definitely just to push the timeline forward. WHY didn’t she try harder to get out, to go home? Why did she forget about her friends SO easily?
Characters:
Fia felt like a completely different person in this book. She wasn’t necessarily complaining, but she made reckless decisions that came out of nowhere. I get it, in book one, she was made to feel small and considered her powers to be dangerous, but it made NO sense why she believed she could do things alone when she hadn’t really used her magic enough to know if she was capable.
Aether came out of nowhere and I have ZERO idea why he became the new love interest. There’s a right way to write a broody & mysterious man, but this was not it. He’s literally not important at all & I don’t understand why he fell in love with Fia.
Laryk, baby, I’ll protect you. Fia never deserved you because how did she change sides so quick? This man was trying to find you & believed you were alive and you’re over there fighting feelings for the man who kidnapped you and belittled you? Be FR!
Also, that ending was so dumb.
Overall thoughts:
NO idea why book 1 was made & NO idea why book 2 went in this direction. This was the first time I was rooting for the first love interest.
May 7, 2025
This book has changed me…
Bought the physical book midway through reading this because I knew this was something I had to hold onto.
This is something so powerful in choosing a path that has so much resistance and to find out the truth. No matter how earth shattering it is to realize everything you’ve known has been a lie.
The sheer imagery of the void and the shadows in the book is absolutely artful. I am taken by the characters in the story and the connection between Aether and Fia. It felt unique in a world full of books trying to be like the next enemies-to-loves ACOTOR.
🤌🏻 A moment for the Plot and a moment for the love.
- processing a longer review.
Bought the physical book midway through reading this because I knew this was something I had to hold onto.
This is something so powerful in choosing a path that has so much resistance and to find out the truth. No matter how earth shattering it is to realize everything you’ve known has been a lie.
The sheer imagery of the void and the shadows in the book is absolutely artful. I am taken by the characters in the story and the connection between Aether and Fia. It felt unique in a world full of books trying to be like the next enemies-to-loves ACOTOR.
🤌🏻 A moment for the Plot and a moment for the love.
- processing a longer review.
October 26, 2025
WOW!!! I enjoyed Riftborne but this?? This was so so good.
I couldn't stop reading this. The way the entire plot unfolds is unreal. And the ending? How will we wait?! I cannot wait for more.
I absolutely love Fia and so many of these side characters. Effie is absolutely freaking hilarious and so is Osta. I love that Fia has two friends from different realms that are so similar. Also Aether is OBSESSIVE and I am here for it.
"I already told you. I'm with you. Always."
"I want to know every part of you. To breathe in every. single. piece."
And lastly...
"Go change the world, kid. Try not to burn it all down in the process." 😭😭
Counting down the days until Realmblade!
4.5⭐️
I couldn't stop reading this. The way the entire plot unfolds is unreal. And the ending? How will we wait?! I cannot wait for more.
I absolutely love Fia and so many of these side characters. Effie is absolutely freaking hilarious and so is Osta. I love that Fia has two friends from different realms that are so similar. Also Aether is OBSESSIVE and I am here for it.
"I already told you. I'm with you. Always."
"I want to know every part of you. To breathe in every. single. piece."
And lastly...
"Go change the world, kid. Try not to burn it all down in the process." 😭😭
Counting down the days until Realmblade!
4.5⭐️
December 23, 2025
I'm going to say this right now... I absolutely do not understand why not enough people are reading this! 🤯
Riftborne was great and set the tone for what was to come, but Duskbound DELIVERED ⚡️🌌
I really tried to sit and think about the things that may have wanted me to second-guess my rating, but nope, 5 ⭐️’s. Firstly, the authors give you a recap of the first book, which you don’t see often. Secondly, the writing is perfectly paced, it's emotionally riveting, and the world building is complex, yet it is explained thoroughly that I was not even doubting it at all. Lastly, The revelations had me gagged, everything was just aligning properly to unleash a massive secret, enough to shift people's attention.
Yes, there is a love triangle in here, but I promise you it’s worth it, the way these two react to her had me sat. The romance in the first book was enjoyable, but I definitely knew in my gut it was not giving what it needed to, because this one was everything. Both books have a slow burn, but I was not even fazed by it because the entire world, the magic, the politics, and the missions had me so intrigued.
A moment for Aether, this man is undoubtedly all things mysterious and divine. I need more of him now. I am seriously obsessed. This is written in first pov of the FMC, and for some, I know it can be quite difficult to understand or connect the MMC's true thoughts and feelings. However, the authors did a phenomenal job in serving us a platter filled with yearning, tension, banter, devotion, the kind of “her hurt and you will suffer”, and a love that instills meaning when things feel lost and hopeless but will stay by your side always.
As far as my thoughts on Fia, her character development was outstanding. Her intentions, fearlessness, and decisions left me in an audible gasp; she is stepping up into all her powers, and everyone knows she's not here to play.
I am so excited for book 3, the ending gave me so many butterflies, but also left me with utter chills with where this can possibly go since the stakes are higher. For now I guess you can send me into the void, because I’ll have to wait until November 2026 *cries internally*
Riftborne was great and set the tone for what was to come, but Duskbound DELIVERED ⚡️🌌
I really tried to sit and think about the things that may have wanted me to second-guess my rating, but nope, 5 ⭐️’s. Firstly, the authors give you a recap of the first book, which you don’t see often. Secondly, the writing is perfectly paced, it's emotionally riveting, and the world building is complex, yet it is explained thoroughly that I was not even doubting it at all. Lastly, The revelations had me gagged, everything was just aligning properly to unleash a massive secret, enough to shift people's attention.
Yes, there is a love triangle in here, but I promise you it’s worth it, the way these two react to her had me sat. The romance in the first book was enjoyable, but I definitely knew in my gut it was not giving what it needed to, because this one was everything. Both books have a slow burn, but I was not even fazed by it because the entire world, the magic, the politics, and the missions had me so intrigued.
A moment for Aether, this man is undoubtedly all things mysterious and divine. I need more of him now. I am seriously obsessed. This is written in first pov of the FMC, and for some, I know it can be quite difficult to understand or connect the MMC's true thoughts and feelings. However, the authors did a phenomenal job in serving us a platter filled with yearning, tension, banter, devotion, the kind of “her hurt and you will suffer”, and a love that instills meaning when things feel lost and hopeless but will stay by your side always.
As far as my thoughts on Fia, her character development was outstanding. Her intentions, fearlessness, and decisions left me in an audible gasp; she is stepping up into all her powers, and everyone knows she's not here to play.
I am so excited for book 3, the ending gave me so many butterflies, but also left me with utter chills with where this can possibly go since the stakes are higher. For now I guess you can send me into the void, because I’ll have to wait until November 2026 *cries internally*
August 28, 2025
Summary: 📝
Fia Riftborne thought joining the Sidhe Guard would be her hardest choice, until the shadows she swore to fight took her prisoner 🌑. The “monsters” at the border aren’t what they seem, and war looms on all sides. With shadow magic ✨ political games and a brooding commander 🖤 whose darkness mirrors her own, Fia must decide which side to fight for… before she loses everything 💔.
⸻
Vibes & Tropes: 💖
👥 found family
🌑 brooding MMC with hidden depths
✨ shadow magic & dangerous powers
🏛️ political intrigue & high stakes
⚔️ SO much tension
🔥 internal power struggle
🌍 war on multiple fronts
💔 betrayal & impossible choices
🖤 dark mysterious love interest
🌫️ moral grey zones
⸻
My review: ✍🏽
This is the second book in the Esprithean Trilogy, and can I just say… May 2026 cannot come fast enough 🙌🏽 This is how you build a world. Book two didn’t just deliver, it outshined the first (which I didn’t even know was possible) It’s captivating, twisty, and beautifully written without ever feeling confusing.
Getting more of Fia’s backstory? Loved it. The way everything tied back to what Aether said in the beginning? 👑 Chef’s kiss. It gave the whole story this perfectly rounded, “ohhh now it all makes sense” vibe.
And our MMC? 🖤 Bree and Parker absolutely NAILED him. And BABY the burn was SLOW! 🥹🥵 Watching his relationship with Fia Blossom shift from guarded tension to “All of those sleepless nights… it was so I could find you” was everything. That unwavering, soul-binding devotion? Chef’s kiss. When he says “I give myself to you… my life, my shadows, my loyalty” you feel it in your bones. It’s NOT just romance, it’s the kind of connection that makes the rest of the world fade out.
Fia’s magic system is one of the most unique I’ve read. Bree and Parker wove so many threads from book two together flawlessly while still leaving me dangling off a cliff for the finale.
Ashford’s return? COMPLETELY blindsided me. The ending? Yeah, didn’t see that coming either, and now I’m just here suffering until book three. 😭
⸻
✨There are so many favorite lines, but I’m going to add a few below ✨
For those who learned that darkness doesn't devour. It forges.
"I've spent my entire life being treated without dignity. What makes you think your threats mean anything to me?"
“What exactly do you think those towers of arcanite are for? You think they just grew up out of the ground like that? In those locations? Do any of you even know where it came from—”
“The rest of your minds glow silver, his glows golden.”
“No one survives a horde of shadows like that.”
I'd always known my focus was different—had spent years hiding just how different—but I'd assumed it was because I was broken in some way. Not because I was... what? Something else entirely?
“The Void isn’t just a place, it’s an absence—an emptiness that consumes not only matter but the very essence of being. To step into it is to be unmade.”
“Don’t get cocky. It’s still the only hit you’ll ever land.”
"That's the thing about power—it's not about controlling it perfectly. It's about choosing to keep fighting even when it feels impossible."
We would be the monsters they claim us to be if we needlessly kill the blind,"
I'd spent my life running from power, from desire, from anything that threatened to consume me. But the way he touched me now made me want to burn.
If this was how stars died—in fire and fury and perfect destruction—then let me blaze with them until there’s nothing left but the endless dark.
Fia Riftborne thought joining the Sidhe Guard would be her hardest choice, until the shadows she swore to fight took her prisoner 🌑. The “monsters” at the border aren’t what they seem, and war looms on all sides. With shadow magic ✨ political games and a brooding commander 🖤 whose darkness mirrors her own, Fia must decide which side to fight for… before she loses everything 💔.
⸻
Vibes & Tropes: 💖
👥 found family
🌑 brooding MMC with hidden depths
✨ shadow magic & dangerous powers
🏛️ political intrigue & high stakes
⚔️ SO much tension
🔥 internal power struggle
🌍 war on multiple fronts
💔 betrayal & impossible choices
🖤 dark mysterious love interest
🌫️ moral grey zones
⸻
My review: ✍🏽
This is the second book in the Esprithean Trilogy, and can I just say… May 2026 cannot come fast enough 🙌🏽 This is how you build a world. Book two didn’t just deliver, it outshined the first (which I didn’t even know was possible) It’s captivating, twisty, and beautifully written without ever feeling confusing.
Getting more of Fia’s backstory? Loved it. The way everything tied back to what Aether said in the beginning? 👑 Chef’s kiss. It gave the whole story this perfectly rounded, “ohhh now it all makes sense” vibe.
And our MMC? 🖤 Bree and Parker absolutely NAILED him. And BABY the burn was SLOW! 🥹🥵 Watching his relationship with Fia Blossom shift from guarded tension to “All of those sleepless nights… it was so I could find you” was everything. That unwavering, soul-binding devotion? Chef’s kiss. When he says “I give myself to you… my life, my shadows, my loyalty” you feel it in your bones. It’s NOT just romance, it’s the kind of connection that makes the rest of the world fade out.
Fia’s magic system is one of the most unique I’ve read. Bree and Parker wove so many threads from book two together flawlessly while still leaving me dangling off a cliff for the finale.
Ashford’s return? COMPLETELY blindsided me. The ending? Yeah, didn’t see that coming either, and now I’m just here suffering until book three. 😭
⸻
✨There are so many favorite lines, but I’m going to add a few below ✨
For those who learned that darkness doesn't devour. It forges.
"I've spent my entire life being treated without dignity. What makes you think your threats mean anything to me?"
“What exactly do you think those towers of arcanite are for? You think they just grew up out of the ground like that? In those locations? Do any of you even know where it came from—”
“The rest of your minds glow silver, his glows golden.”
“No one survives a horde of shadows like that.”
I'd always known my focus was different—had spent years hiding just how different—but I'd assumed it was because I was broken in some way. Not because I was... what? Something else entirely?
“The Void isn’t just a place, it’s an absence—an emptiness that consumes not only matter but the very essence of being. To step into it is to be unmade.”
“Don’t get cocky. It’s still the only hit you’ll ever land.”
"That's the thing about power—it's not about controlling it perfectly. It's about choosing to keep fighting even when it feels impossible."
We would be the monsters they claim us to be if we needlessly kill the blind,"
I'd spent my life running from power, from desire, from anything that threatened to consume me. But the way he touched me now made me want to burn.
If this was how stars died—in fire and fury and perfect destruction—then let me blaze with them until there’s nothing left but the endless dark.
February 3, 2026
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this one about the same as book one. I think the beginning was just really slow so I didn't become invested early, so when the big stuff started happening, I didn't care as much. The romance is a lot better in this one, but again, I just had a harder time connecting. I do plan to continue the series, because I like the world building we got in this, but I'm hoping the pacing/depth will be better. Things just always felt too easy and big battles were "fade to black."
I enjoyed this one about the same as book one. I think the beginning was just really slow so I didn't become invested early, so when the big stuff started happening, I didn't care as much. The romance is a lot better in this one, but again, I just had a harder time connecting. I do plan to continue the series, because I like the world building we got in this, but I'm hoping the pacing/depth will be better. Things just always felt too easy and big battles were "fade to black."
March 30, 2025
Probably a 4.5 so rounding up! This was realllllly fun & good with lots of good tension & turns & worldbuilding out the ass (complimentary). Definitely going up from book 1 as well! Pros, cons, & thoughts below 👇🏼
PLOT
After the end of book 1, Fia ends up having to learn a lot about the world beyond her home. & learn she does. I feel like I can’t share much plot without totally spoiling this but here are some gems 👇🏼
- slowwwwww burn & tension & love triangle(ish)
- animal sidekick
- headstrong but giving FMC
- found family
- forced proximity
- new magic to explore
- trials
- low/med spice — not a lot but descriptive & IT GIVES
PROS
- Aether & Fia’s tension was giving.
- I realllllllllly like the found family introduced here!
- The plot was really good. I liked where we went & what we learned.
- Learning about more of the realms’ magic was cool!
- What went down in the trials was wild. & then the result of it. Woooooow.
- New villain introductions were COOOOOOL.
- I really liked the world expanding how it did. We were so limited in book 1 & this was great.
- Hot spice tbh.
- Good twist!
MIDS
- I tend not to love limitless magic & I’m not sure how Fia’s works yet. Limits kind of only seemed to apply to her at random?
CONS
- Fia was annoying me a bit for awhile with her contradictions & felt a bit hypocritical at times, which was a lil frustrating to read. It gave Violet in Iron Flame where you know she’s smart as hell but she’s being defiant & hypocritical in areas that don’t need that.
⚠️ SPOILERS ⚠️
.
.
.
.
.
No really
.
.
.
.
.
- I was POSITIVE something was going to happen to Ma 😭
- Osta I love her so much I was so happy to see her return
- Aether is hot & the spice slapped + their mid-spice banter was so fun
- The Soleils being a part of a rebellion was a very fun surprise. Knew something was up with them but didn’t know what & that was cool.
- Question - if Fia can imbue arcanite with magic why can’t she just… transfer her essence into the ground? Like if a siphon can shift it, but she makes raw essence, why can she not just take it directly to the dying earth? This part kinda threw me a little but maybe I didn’t absorb this being explained?
PLOT
After the end of book 1, Fia ends up having to learn a lot about the world beyond her home. & learn she does. I feel like I can’t share much plot without totally spoiling this but here are some gems 👇🏼
- slowwwwww burn & tension & love triangle(ish)
- animal sidekick
- headstrong but giving FMC
- found family
- forced proximity
- new magic to explore
- trials
- low/med spice — not a lot but descriptive & IT GIVES
PROS
- Aether & Fia’s tension was giving.
- I realllllllllly like the found family introduced here!
- The plot was really good. I liked where we went & what we learned.
- Learning about more of the realms’ magic was cool!
- What went down in the trials was wild. & then the result of it. Woooooow.
- New villain introductions were COOOOOOL.
- I really liked the world expanding how it did. We were so limited in book 1 & this was great.
- Hot spice tbh.
- Good twist!
MIDS
- I tend not to love limitless magic & I’m not sure how Fia’s works yet. Limits kind of only seemed to apply to her at random?
CONS
- Fia was annoying me a bit for awhile with her contradictions & felt a bit hypocritical at times, which was a lil frustrating to read. It gave Violet in Iron Flame where you know she’s smart as hell but she’s being defiant & hypocritical in areas that don’t need that.
⚠️ SPOILERS ⚠️
.
.
.
.
.
No really
.
.
.
.
.
- I was POSITIVE something was going to happen to Ma 😭
- Osta I love her so much I was so happy to see her return
- Aether is hot & the spice slapped + their mid-spice banter was so fun
- The Soleils being a part of a rebellion was a very fun surprise. Knew something was up with them but didn’t know what & that was cool.
- Question - if Fia can imbue arcanite with magic why can’t she just… transfer her essence into the ground? Like if a siphon can shift it, but she makes raw essence, why can she not just take it directly to the dying earth? This part kinda threw me a little but maybe I didn’t absorb this being explained?
July 15, 2025
this slow burn was amazing!! the world?? obsessed with. the characters? absolutely loveee
i enjoyed every part of this book and will be thinking about Aether until book 3
oh and that ending… PAIN
~🖤 all of those decades spent here, all of the sleepless nights searching for any kind of meaning to my existence, it was so that I could find you 🖤~
i enjoyed every part of this book and will be thinking about Aether until book 3
oh and that ending… PAIN
~🖤 all of those decades spent here, all of the sleepless nights searching for any kind of meaning to my existence, it was so that I could find you 🖤~
February 6, 2025
4.75 🌟
Releases: March 4, 2025
“𝘐𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘥—𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘶𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯—𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘻𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘦𝘧𝘵 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬.”
Duskbound was a rollercoaster!! The stakes? Sky high. The emotions? Gut-wrenching. The plot twists? Had me reeling.
I loved how immersive the worldbuilding was!! From the politics to the war talks/plans, every piece of new information made this world feel even richer. Even during the slower moments, I wasn’t bored because of how well-crafted this was. And Fia!! My baby 💫 Seeing her go from a fragile girl hiding in the shadows to this absolute force of nature was the best. You can’t say there wasn’t any character development because seeing Fia step into her confidence was a main focus and was everythingg!!
The found family vibes?? Amazing. The side characters shined, and I loved how their relationships deepened in the midst of all the insanity. Aether especially, stole the show (ifykyk) hehe There was this scene toward the end that had me holding my breath AND kicking my feet 🤭 It definitely cemented my love for him (you’ll have to read and find out which it is, no spoilers here).
My small complaint, though, was the romance. It was sweet and I was invested but I did want more passion and more…fire? I kept waiting for the moment when I’d truly feel it pull my heartstrings, but it didn’t quite reached that level for me. Still, there were other emotions that this book brought out from me throughout that made up for it!! The balance of heartbreak, hope, and those rare soft moments made me feel even more connected to everything about Duskbound 🥹
And the ending??? I needed book 3 yesterday. The foreshadowing was so well done that once the big twists hit, I couldn’t believe I didn’t see them coming. Not to mention the fact that they were CRAZY good!
Duskbound was bigger, darker, and more intense than its predecessor in all the best ways!! 🔥
Thank you to the authors for gifting me this ARC, in exchange for my honest review.
Releases: March 4, 2025
“𝘐𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘥—𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘶𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯—𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘻𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘦𝘧𝘵 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬.”
Duskbound was a rollercoaster!! The stakes? Sky high. The emotions? Gut-wrenching. The plot twists? Had me reeling.
I loved how immersive the worldbuilding was!! From the politics to the war talks/plans, every piece of new information made this world feel even richer. Even during the slower moments, I wasn’t bored because of how well-crafted this was. And Fia!! My baby 💫 Seeing her go from a fragile girl hiding in the shadows to this absolute force of nature was the best. You can’t say there wasn’t any character development because seeing Fia step into her confidence was a main focus and was everythingg!!
The found family vibes?? Amazing. The side characters shined, and I loved how their relationships deepened in the midst of all the insanity. Aether especially, stole the show (ifykyk) hehe There was this scene toward the end that had me holding my breath AND kicking my feet 🤭 It definitely cemented my love for him (you’ll have to read and find out which it is, no spoilers here).
My small complaint, though, was the romance. It was sweet and I was invested but I did want more passion and more…fire? I kept waiting for the moment when I’d truly feel it pull my heartstrings, but it didn’t quite reached that level for me. Still, there were other emotions that this book brought out from me throughout that made up for it!! The balance of heartbreak, hope, and those rare soft moments made me feel even more connected to everything about Duskbound 🥹
And the ending??? I needed book 3 yesterday. The foreshadowing was so well done that once the big twists hit, I couldn’t believe I didn’t see them coming. Not to mention the fact that they were CRAZY good!
Duskbound was bigger, darker, and more intense than its predecessor in all the best ways!! 🔥
Thank you to the authors for gifting me this ARC, in exchange for my honest review.
November 4, 2025
3⭐️ way overhyped
Here are my biggest peeves about the book. Spoiler warning ⚠️
-The writing really bothered me. I wasted so much time backtracking because they got to places so quickly that I was like “when did we get here?” I would have liked more descriptive writing about that.
-I felt like a lot of the important plot moments happened off page and the fmc was just told about it after.
-Parts of the story just didn’t feel believable to me. She was kidnapped and then they didn’t give her barely any information, just showed her (after weeks of being there) a land that was poor and expected her to change sides. She spent 6 weeks in complete isolation with no issue??
-The way she went to the library once, read one book and immediately solved decades of conflict was a little…lame. Especially since she spent the next 50% of the book telling everyone as if it was known fact but it was really just a speculation.
-Damphyres? Did we really need that? This just opens more questions for me.
-The dream powers being used to fill in the gaps for the plot was weird and confusing.
-And finally, the fmc should really go see a healer or medic because her heart fluttered, twisted, pounded, slammed, stopped and threatened to crack her ribs 114 times in the book.
Here are my biggest peeves about the book. Spoiler warning ⚠️
-The writing really bothered me. I wasted so much time backtracking because they got to places so quickly that I was like “when did we get here?” I would have liked more descriptive writing about that.
-I felt like a lot of the important plot moments happened off page and the fmc was just told about it after.
-Parts of the story just didn’t feel believable to me. She was kidnapped and then they didn’t give her barely any information, just showed her (after weeks of being there) a land that was poor and expected her to change sides. She spent 6 weeks in complete isolation with no issue??
-The way she went to the library once, read one book and immediately solved decades of conflict was a little…lame. Especially since she spent the next 50% of the book telling everyone as if it was known fact but it was really just a speculation.
-Damphyres? Did we really need that? This just opens more questions for me.
-The dream powers being used to fill in the gaps for the plot was weird and confusing.
-And finally, the fmc should really go see a healer or medic because her heart fluttered, twisted, pounded, slammed, stopped and threatened to crack her ribs 114 times in the book.
March 16, 2025
I have a lot to say about this book, and it is all positive. The authors really took every trope and theme that I LOVE in a book and put every single one in this book. I really liked the first book, I think the concept was fairly creative and it was a great start to however many books there will be in this series. Fia is a really great main character to follow, she is strong, but it has also been fun to watch her confidence grow. In this book we start at the cliffhanger from the last book. Fia was whisked away by the Shadow Wraiths and taken to another realm. Fia meets Aether and Vexa, she is unable to leave this tower until she is cooperative. Aether and Vexa are certain that Fia is instrumental to reviving their realm.
Basically, Fia is in a realm called Umbrathia. Fia has been told her whole life that those from Umbrathia are shadow wraiths and not real people, but most importantly, that they are the enemy. Fia slowly learns that Sidhe, in her realm, has been stealing the essence of Umbrathia for over a decade. Their realm is completely desolate and on the verge of collapse. Aether thinks that the power Fia showed at the ball could possibly fix it. We follow Fia learning all about this new realm and finding her place in it. New pieces of information were unveiled at the perfect speed, the general pacing of this book was really well done. Fia becomes so close with Aether, Vexia, Effie, Rethlyn, and many other characters. There is a very heartwarming found family trope, which always gets me.
Moving on to the love interest. The last book had General Laryk Ashford as the male love interest. I found him to be fine in the first book, but was really hopeful that relationship improved, or we got something better. BOY DID WE GET SOMETHING BETTER. Fia had been dreaming about Aether's eyes before she ever met him. Aether is our very mysterious character, both in his background and his power. His character was unveiled so beautifully and also at the perfect pace. We slowly watched the hard exterior crumble, and him no longer wanting to experience complete loneliness because of Fia. He also felt so different from other love interests because (spoiler) we learn that Aether was found in the Void thirty years prior. The Void is a large part of Umbrathia's culture. Those looking to be soldiers or join that elite team enter the Void. They either die, become a vessel, or becomes a Duskbound (a true shadow wielder). Aether was simply found in the void looking the same age he always did, with no prior memories. A lot of the feelings he experiences for Fia are a first for him, in this realm and body. He is also a real yearner by the end of this book, it is truly a treat (I wish nice men were actually real <3).
We learn so much through this book about the reality of Sidhe and Riftredmar. We learn about Fia's powers and Fia's heritage which is really interesting. We get to watch a very awkward run in with Fia and Laryk. We also have a massive cliffhanger that was really well done. I cannot wait for the next book. Everything about this book itself worked for me. While we had fantastic enemies to lovers fated romance, we also had a really well thought out complex and intricate fantasy world. There was a very interesting plot on top of the many beloved characters. Please send me an arc of the next book when it is out because I am the Esprithean Trilogy's biggest fan!!
Basically, Fia is in a realm called Umbrathia. Fia has been told her whole life that those from Umbrathia are shadow wraiths and not real people, but most importantly, that they are the enemy. Fia slowly learns that Sidhe, in her realm, has been stealing the essence of Umbrathia for over a decade. Their realm is completely desolate and on the verge of collapse. Aether thinks that the power Fia showed at the ball could possibly fix it. We follow Fia learning all about this new realm and finding her place in it. New pieces of information were unveiled at the perfect speed, the general pacing of this book was really well done. Fia becomes so close with Aether, Vexia, Effie, Rethlyn, and many other characters. There is a very heartwarming found family trope, which always gets me.
Moving on to the love interest. The last book had General Laryk Ashford as the male love interest. I found him to be fine in the first book, but was really hopeful that relationship improved, or we got something better. BOY DID WE GET SOMETHING BETTER. Fia had been dreaming about Aether's eyes before she ever met him. Aether is our very mysterious character, both in his background and his power. His character was unveiled so beautifully and also at the perfect pace. We slowly watched the hard exterior crumble, and him no longer wanting to experience complete loneliness because of Fia. He also felt so different from other love interests because (spoiler) we learn that Aether was found in the Void thirty years prior. The Void is a large part of Umbrathia's culture. Those looking to be soldiers or join that elite team enter the Void. They either die, become a vessel, or becomes a Duskbound (a true shadow wielder). Aether was simply found in the void looking the same age he always did, with no prior memories. A lot of the feelings he experiences for Fia are a first for him, in this realm and body. He is also a real yearner by the end of this book, it is truly a treat (I wish nice men were actually real <3).
We learn so much through this book about the reality of Sidhe and Riftredmar. We learn about Fia's powers and Fia's heritage which is really interesting. We get to watch a very awkward run in with Fia and Laryk. We also have a massive cliffhanger that was really well done. I cannot wait for the next book. Everything about this book itself worked for me. While we had fantastic enemies to lovers fated romance, we also had a really well thought out complex and intricate fantasy world. There was a very interesting plot on top of the many beloved characters. Please send me an arc of the next book when it is out because I am the Esprithean Trilogy's biggest fan!!
October 15, 2025
4.5⭐️ !!!!!!! I cannot get over how much better this was than book 1??!!
December 30, 2025
Osta, Effie, and Vexa are my absolute favorite characters 😭😂 They had me laughing nonstop. Fia and my baby Aether are literally everything he is a far better man than Laryk. If that bitch hurts him, I will personally fuck Fia up.
I genuinely didn’t expect to cry while reading this maybe I’m just extra emotional right now but the way he protected her completely shattered me 😭 It touched my heart so deeply. The plot twists had me absolutely HOOKED, and honestly, Fia is a straight up badass bitch.
I really wish I didn’t have to wait for the third book, but I’m more than ready to dive into The Ascended!
I genuinely didn’t expect to cry while reading this maybe I’m just extra emotional right now but the way he protected her completely shattered me 😭 It touched my heart so deeply. The plot twists had me absolutely HOOKED, and honestly, Fia is a straight up badass bitch.
I really wish I didn’t have to wait for the third book, but I’m more than ready to dive into The Ascended!
September 12, 2025
That ending!!!! 😭 are you kidding?! These cliffhangers are going to be the death of me.
This book was better than the first and I really enjoyed it. Honestly Aether made the whole book worth it with his character and arc alone!
I really enjoyed learning more about Umbrathia and its people. There was more adventure and plot in this book which I really appreciated. The stakes were higher for our characters and you could feel the fear and tension throughout the whole story. Fia is obviously adjusting to her new surroundings after being kidnapped, however it doesn’t take too long for her to form fast friendships and begin to care for the people of Umbrathia. After seeing the decimation of the world, Fia of course can’t help but stick around to try to save its people. This book had:
- Enemies to lovers (again, but better)
- Found family
- Magical creatures
- Trials
- A hidden lineage
- Prophecies
- Slow Slow SLOW burn romance
- Vampires
- Shadow magic
Fia and her relationship with Aether was such a joy to read about. It was incredibly slow burn, like I don’t think they even kissed until 80% of the way in. This wasn’t a very spicy book but the two scenes near the end were worth it for the detail and intimacy. They form a connection first and begin to rely on each other. I am so curious what Aether’s backstory is and I have a feeling we will learn more about that next book. I highly recommend this and I’m already missing these characters. 💔
This book was better than the first and I really enjoyed it. Honestly Aether made the whole book worth it with his character and arc alone!
I really enjoyed learning more about Umbrathia and its people. There was more adventure and plot in this book which I really appreciated. The stakes were higher for our characters and you could feel the fear and tension throughout the whole story. Fia is obviously adjusting to her new surroundings after being kidnapped, however it doesn’t take too long for her to form fast friendships and begin to care for the people of Umbrathia. After seeing the decimation of the world, Fia of course can’t help but stick around to try to save its people. This book had:
- Enemies to lovers (again, but better)
- Found family
- Magical creatures
- Trials
- A hidden lineage
- Prophecies
- Slow Slow SLOW burn romance
- Vampires
- Shadow magic
Fia and her relationship with Aether was such a joy to read about. It was incredibly slow burn, like I don’t think they even kissed until 80% of the way in. This wasn’t a very spicy book but the two scenes near the end were worth it for the detail and intimacy. They form a connection first and begin to rely on each other. I am so curious what Aether’s backstory is and I have a feeling we will learn more about that next book. I highly recommend this and I’m already missing these characters. 💔
March 8, 2025
This was a weak story with a slow simmer romance. I can't even call it a slow burn because there was no burn. Mediocre on all accounts.
The sex scenes made me yawn and cringe. Aether was so boring I wished Red Flag Laryk was back. Fia became so special she faced literally no obstacles. It's her speshulness or her boyfriend that got them out of every trouble. Everything was just so puddle-deep without any believable escalation.
The sex scenes made me yawn and cringe. Aether was so boring I wished Red Flag Laryk was back. Fia became so special she faced literally no obstacles. It's her speshulness or her boyfriend that got them out of every trouble. Everything was just so puddle-deep without any believable escalation.
October 3, 2025
3.5⭐️ y’all i have so many thoughts on this series LOL this will be a long one.
Spice: 🌶️.5
Obviously slight spoiler warning if you haven’t read Riftborne yet.
I want to start by emphasizing that I DO think the authors are very talented and have so much potential; the writing, worldbuilding, and most of the lore was very compelling. This is a good romantasy series if you are very new to the genre or just want to vibe read… but I do not fit either of those categories currently.
I did enjoy this read and it was easy to get sucked into, but there were a handful of things between both books that I just couldn’t ignore, making this series unable to breach the 4⭐️ territory for me.
The biggest thing that I just couldn’t wrap my head around was the pacing and plot structure. Simply put - Riftborne and Duskbound feel like individual starts to individual series. Duskbound literally invalidates over half of the plot of Riftborne; we have a new love interest AND new found family with barely any regard to the old ones, new trials to join a new elite squad, and new character development plotlines of “okay THIS is how I’m really taking back my own power now.”
On that note, I did like Fia as an FMC, but I feel like a lot of her inner development is repeatedly told to the reader, rather than being shown it. She felt like the same person throughout both books, but I knew she was “evolving” in some way because it was constantly being innermonologued to me about her rediscovering her own strengths and purposes. It made some of her decision development feel a little whiplashy too.
I just don’t understand what the point of Riftborne was to so heavily change everything we learned about this series in the second book. I had barely started to care about and bond with the Riftborne crew by the end of book 1, and now I am expected to just be okay with never hearing about them again as I learn and have to care about a whole new cast of characters. As a reader, I’m struggling to differentiate between all of the side characters at this point; all I know are Ma and Osta and maybe Lael.
Genuinely, I think I could have enjoyed myself so much more if Riftborne was contained to half the characters and training arcs, and just swapped in as the first half of Duskbound.
Normally, I do a tropes list for my reviews, but that was actually another sore point for me - Duskbound has just about every single popular romantasy trope that Riftborne was missing. Shadow daddy, enemies to lovers (which was eh in actuality), slow burn (another eh), lost heir, a second found family(?!), magical animal bonding, and the FMC being basically the only solution to everything just because of who she is.
So, to someone that binged both books in a row, it kinda seems like the authors might have just thrown a bunch or popular tropes in there to make the series more appealing?
Finally (i know im sorry i told you i had a lot to say), we have the romance. As I mentioned, most of the Riftborne characters were moot in this book and that mostly included our boy Laryk. He was completely villanized in this book, despite the only actions we saw from him coming from a place of care for Fia, and I won’t stand for it! Laryk wasn’t the most nontoxic workplace romance but also AETHER LOCKED HER IN AN ISOLATED TOWER FOR SIX WEEKS TO BREAK HER WILL AT THE VERY BEGINNING AND WE ARE JUST ALL GOING TO GLOSS PAST THAT FACT?? WE NEVER EVEN GOT AN APOLOGY!!!!
I’m sorry, but Fia was totally in the wrong and Laryk had every right to react as he did. I also thought Fia and Laryk’s slowburn was done way better, sue me.
Aether is a fascinating character aside from the romance though, his origins are very compelling and I hope to discover more on that front! The ending 20% was my favorite part because I actually thought that the main villain reveal was very clever and their plot development overall improved in book 2.
Again, I had a good time for the most part but I just feel like a lot of things left me really confused. I will still be finishing this trilogy when Realmblade releases! I’m hoping more time with these characters in book 3 will help me finish it strong and maybe it will all tie together and i will eat my words.
Spice: 🌶️.5
Obviously slight spoiler warning if you haven’t read Riftborne yet.
I want to start by emphasizing that I DO think the authors are very talented and have so much potential; the writing, worldbuilding, and most of the lore was very compelling. This is a good romantasy series if you are very new to the genre or just want to vibe read… but I do not fit either of those categories currently.
I did enjoy this read and it was easy to get sucked into, but there were a handful of things between both books that I just couldn’t ignore, making this series unable to breach the 4⭐️ territory for me.
The biggest thing that I just couldn’t wrap my head around was the pacing and plot structure. Simply put - Riftborne and Duskbound feel like individual starts to individual series. Duskbound literally invalidates over half of the plot of Riftborne; we have a new love interest AND new found family with barely any regard to the old ones, new trials to join a new elite squad, and new character development plotlines of “okay THIS is how I’m really taking back my own power now.”
On that note, I did like Fia as an FMC, but I feel like a lot of her inner development is repeatedly told to the reader, rather than being shown it. She felt like the same person throughout both books, but I knew she was “evolving” in some way because it was constantly being innermonologued to me about her rediscovering her own strengths and purposes. It made some of her decision development feel a little whiplashy too.
I just don’t understand what the point of Riftborne was to so heavily change everything we learned about this series in the second book. I had barely started to care about and bond with the Riftborne crew by the end of book 1, and now I am expected to just be okay with never hearing about them again as I learn and have to care about a whole new cast of characters. As a reader, I’m struggling to differentiate between all of the side characters at this point; all I know are Ma and Osta and maybe Lael.
Genuinely, I think I could have enjoyed myself so much more if Riftborne was contained to half the characters and training arcs, and just swapped in as the first half of Duskbound.
Normally, I do a tropes list for my reviews, but that was actually another sore point for me - Duskbound has just about every single popular romantasy trope that Riftborne was missing. Shadow daddy, enemies to lovers (which was eh in actuality), slow burn (another eh), lost heir, a second found family(?!), magical animal bonding, and the FMC being basically the only solution to everything just because of who she is.
So, to someone that binged both books in a row, it kinda seems like the authors might have just thrown a bunch or popular tropes in there to make the series more appealing?
Finally (i know im sorry i told you i had a lot to say), we have the romance. As I mentioned, most of the Riftborne characters were moot in this book and that mostly included our boy Laryk. He was completely villanized in this book, despite the only actions we saw from him coming from a place of care for Fia, and I won’t stand for it! Laryk wasn’t the most nontoxic workplace romance but also AETHER LOCKED HER IN AN ISOLATED TOWER FOR SIX WEEKS TO BREAK HER WILL AT THE VERY BEGINNING AND WE ARE JUST ALL GOING TO GLOSS PAST THAT FACT?? WE NEVER EVEN GOT AN APOLOGY!!!!
I’m sorry, but Fia was totally in the wrong and Laryk had every right to react as he did. I also thought Fia and Laryk’s slowburn was done way better, sue me.
Aether is a fascinating character aside from the romance though, his origins are very compelling and I hope to discover more on that front! The ending 20% was my favorite part because I actually thought that the main villain reveal was very clever and their plot development overall improved in book 2.
Again, I had a good time for the most part but I just feel like a lot of things left me really confused. I will still be finishing this trilogy when Realmblade releases! I’m hoping more time with these characters in book 3 will help me finish it strong and maybe it will all tie together and i will eat my words.
October 21, 2025
Yes 👏👏
Now we get into more of the world and
I’m loving the originality!!
The romance is also fabulous, the connection was 🤌
If you were thinking about starting this series, do it!
Absolutely did not want to put the second book down✨
Very excited to see what’s to come, especially after that ending!! 😆😆
Now we get into more of the world and
I’m loving the originality!!
The romance is also fabulous, the connection was 🤌
If you were thinking about starting this series, do it!
Absolutely did not want to put the second book down✨
Very excited to see what’s to come, especially after that ending!! 😆😆
November 2, 2025
the romance in this book is WAY better than the one in book 1. I like fia and aether’s relationship 🙏🏻. also, the found family in this book is great.
January 3, 2026
Genre: Romantic Fantasy
⭐️ 5/5
🌶 2/5
🧠 5/10
Cliffhanger: 6/10
Noteworthy: Book 2 of an incomplete trilogy (Connected to The Aesymarean duet). Single first-person POV. Content warnings provided. Available on KU.
Yes, it is as good as everyone says it is. After I read Riftborne I felt like I could take or leave this series. It was a solid 3.5 star read for me and gave me ACOTAR vibes with the way I felt reading it. It's funny how your perspective can change so quickly. This 2nd book is incredible. The pacing alone is masterful. I could not put it down.
The new characters are exactly what this series needed. The mysteries will have you guessing the whole time just trying to unravel things. And the romance is really good. Aether is broody and standoffish, but also has this playful side to him and dare I say even an air of innocence at times. He almost feels vulnerable which is crazy for such a powerful character. I enjoyed Fia so much more in this book too! Her growth was really needed. The supporting cast has a lot to do with her growth. I'm interested to learn more about her family's backstory. I can't wait to see where this ends up in book 3!
⭐️ 5/5
🌶 2/5
🧠 5/10
Cliffhanger: 6/10
Noteworthy: Book 2 of an incomplete trilogy (Connected to The Aesymarean duet). Single first-person POV. Content warnings provided. Available on KU.
Yes, it is as good as everyone says it is. After I read Riftborne I felt like I could take or leave this series. It was a solid 3.5 star read for me and gave me ACOTAR vibes with the way I felt reading it. It's funny how your perspective can change so quickly. This 2nd book is incredible. The pacing alone is masterful. I could not put it down.
The new characters are exactly what this series needed. The mysteries will have you guessing the whole time just trying to unravel things. And the romance is really good. Aether is broody and standoffish, but also has this playful side to him and dare I say even an air of innocence at times. He almost feels vulnerable which is crazy for such a powerful character. I enjoyed Fia so much more in this book too! Her growth was really needed. The supporting cast has a lot to do with her growth. I'm interested to learn more about her family's backstory. I can't wait to see where this ends up in book 3!
May 7, 2025
I tried but I just couldn’t get into this :’) I ended up skim reading through for like half of it.
The frustrating thing is I can totally see why people love this series and this book in particular, but it just didn’t do it for me.
Aether was the only saving grace for me, Fia annoyed me to no end in this one, and I was burnt out with all the new characters.
Again, totally see lots of reasons why people would love this but sadly me and this series are gonna have to part ways for good.
The frustrating thing is I can totally see why people love this series and this book in particular, but it just didn’t do it for me.
Aether was the only saving grace for me, Fia annoyed me to no end in this one, and I was burnt out with all the new characters.
Again, totally see lots of reasons why people would love this but sadly me and this series are gonna have to part ways for good.
February 9, 2025
• trainer/trainee
• magical creatures
• world war
• found family
Ugh I love being immersed in this world! Fia continued to grow so much in book 2 of the Esprithean Trilogy and I am SO proud of our girl. I cannot wait to see her in her new era in book 3. 🤩
• magical creatures
• world war
• found family
Ugh I love being immersed in this world! Fia continued to grow so much in book 2 of the Esprithean Trilogy and I am SO proud of our girl. I cannot wait to see her in her new era in book 3. 🤩
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