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Devour
I hoped for mercy in the form of death. Instead, I found him.
The death cult known as Drak’yn have devastated everything west of the Morterres desert, with a reputation of violence and cruelty.
And I have just been captured.
I am bound and dragged inside the caverns that make up the death cult’s underground city, where I expect to be sacrificed to their demon goddess.
Instead, I am claimed by one of the warriors— a massive man covered in scars and hiding beneath a black mask. He takes me into his personal den, deep below the skeleton filled catacombs.
I am now his.
Yet, despite the blood of the innocent crusted beneath his nails, despite the scars covering his strong body, and horrifying black magic he wields— he is kind.
There may be something different about this specific monster, but that won’t stop me from doing anything in my power to escape this nightmare dungeon.
They’ve stolen more than just my freedom. They’ve taken me from the last person I care about.
I will do whatever it takes to protect her—even if it means carving my way through this warrior’s heart.
Get swept away by this new epic romantasy! If you love Fourth Wing, Dawn of Onxy and Us Dark Few, you'll love this new series!
The death cult known as Drak’yn have devastated everything west of the Morterres desert, with a reputation of violence and cruelty.
And I have just been captured.
I am bound and dragged inside the caverns that make up the death cult’s underground city, where I expect to be sacrificed to their demon goddess.
Instead, I am claimed by one of the warriors— a massive man covered in scars and hiding beneath a black mask. He takes me into his personal den, deep below the skeleton filled catacombs.
I am now his.
Yet, despite the blood of the innocent crusted beneath his nails, despite the scars covering his strong body, and horrifying black magic he wields— he is kind.
There may be something different about this specific monster, but that won’t stop me from doing anything in my power to escape this nightmare dungeon.
They’ve stolen more than just my freedom. They’ve taken me from the last person I care about.
I will do whatever it takes to protect her—even if it means carving my way through this warrior’s heart.
Get swept away by this new epic romantasy! If you love Fourth Wing, Dawn of Onxy and Us Dark Few, you'll love this new series!
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 24, 2025
12 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Stacey Trombley
18 books265 followersStacey Trombley is the author of several fantasy romance series including WICKED FAE and SHADOW HILLS ACADEMY. Her places to travel list is almost as long as her to-be-read list. Most recently, she spent 9 months living in a van with her family, traveling the US and Mexico. She has many more adventures in mind, both on Earth and in her imagination.
Follow her journey on Instagram and Tiktok @StaceyTrombleyAuthor and learn more about her books at www.StaceyTrombley.com
Follow her journey on Instagram and Tiktok @StaceyTrombleyAuthor and learn more about her books at www.StaceyTrombley.com
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 7, 2025
I was so freaking sat for this honestly. The obsessiveness was so delicious like who doesn't want to be the sole reason a man exists 😌.
October 9, 2025
Oh hello new book obsession! I could not put this book down! Basically read it in 2 sittings, I absolutely loved this.
First, I gotta talk about the world building. It's SO well done, it's definitely unlike other romance fantasy books I have read this year. This is a bleak, desolate world that we are introduced to right at the start when Lina and Astella are on the run. Toxic sands are taking over the continent, forcing people to flee their villages.
When Lina is captured and she's thrown into a cult, she now faces new dangers from dragon-like wingless lizards, priestesses, and her new captor and those opposed to him. Haze, is stern, stoic, and deathly dangerous. Oh, and he's also kinda obsessed with her - in a good way LOL. I think I love him lol, he is very much only soft for her, obsessed, and "I'll kill anyone who touches you" vibes.
I really loved Lina. She is resilient, doesn't give up despite all obstacles working against her, and determined to get out and get back to her friend. I think that the progression between her and Haze was written very well, like it took its time and I really liked that. I wish we'd maybe had a bit more from Haze's POV (he does have his own POV chapters as well) because there is still SO MUCH I feel like we don't know about him, his past, and his place in all of this.
The last 50 pages of this book is just non-stop action and danger for our two MCs. I'm adding a bit of a summary for myself so that I can refresh my mind when the next book in this series is out !
I Loved this book and WOW I cannot wait for the next one!
First, I gotta talk about the world building. It's SO well done, it's definitely unlike other romance fantasy books I have read this year. This is a bleak, desolate world that we are introduced to right at the start when Lina and Astella are on the run. Toxic sands are taking over the continent, forcing people to flee their villages.
When Lina is captured and she's thrown into a cult, she now faces new dangers from dragon-like wingless lizards, priestesses, and her new captor and those opposed to him. Haze, is stern, stoic, and deathly dangerous. Oh, and he's also kinda obsessed with her - in a good way LOL. I think I love him lol, he is very much only soft for her, obsessed, and "I'll kill anyone who touches you" vibes.
I really loved Lina. She is resilient, doesn't give up despite all obstacles working against her, and determined to get out and get back to her friend. I think that the progression between her and Haze was written very well, like it took its time and I really liked that. I wish we'd maybe had a bit more from Haze's POV (he does have his own POV chapters as well) because there is still SO MUCH I feel like we don't know about him, his past, and his place in all of this.
The last 50 pages of this book is just non-stop action and danger for our two MCs. I'm adding a bit of a summary for myself so that I can refresh my mind when the next book in this series is out !
I Loved this book and WOW I cannot wait for the next one!
September 22, 2025
Thank you so much for the arc!!!
Honestly, I am not shocked this is a 5 star read. I absolutely loved and devoured her other series. Her stories are always so unique and captivating, and this one was not different.
"Hope is a dangerous creature. It is a disease that slithers into your veins and seeps into your bones, yearning for escape where there is none"
The world building had me hooked! In this world their is the death cult that no one wants to be a part of.
Our fmc is on the run with her friend, but they consider themselves close as sisters. Well, she has some family still alive they are trying to make it to when they are found by the death cult, the very people they didn't want to be captured by. Her friend gets away, but she isn't lucky.
Now our fmc has to navigate this new world she finds herself in and do her best not to die and make it back to her friend and their journey.
Our fmc will do anything to get herself out, including kill people. Our fmc will kill anyone to save her.
Our mmc has no hope or joy in his life until her. (swoon) "Kill me. Slice me open. Lay my soul bare. My life is yours."
I absolutely love the fmc and Mmc, the world building, and I can't wait for the next book!
Definitely for fans of
*he falls first
*he would burn the world down for her
*touch her and die
*brave fmc
*unique fantasy world
*cliffhanger
*witches
Honestly, I am not shocked this is a 5 star read. I absolutely loved and devoured her other series. Her stories are always so unique and captivating, and this one was not different.
"Hope is a dangerous creature. It is a disease that slithers into your veins and seeps into your bones, yearning for escape where there is none"
The world building had me hooked! In this world their is the death cult that no one wants to be a part of.
Our fmc is on the run with her friend, but they consider themselves close as sisters. Well, she has some family still alive they are trying to make it to when they are found by the death cult, the very people they didn't want to be captured by. Her friend gets away, but she isn't lucky.
Now our fmc has to navigate this new world she finds herself in and do her best not to die and make it back to her friend and their journey.
Our fmc will do anything to get herself out, including kill people. Our fmc will kill anyone to save her.
Our mmc has no hope or joy in his life until her. (swoon) "Kill me. Slice me open. Lay my soul bare. My life is yours."
I absolutely love the fmc and Mmc, the world building, and I can't wait for the next book!
Definitely for fans of
*he falls first
*he would burn the world down for her
*touch her and die
*brave fmc
*unique fantasy world
*cliffhanger
*witches
September 24, 2025
Thank you to the author for a free copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
This book is so close to rivaling the Shadow Hills Academy series and its only book one! I have always thought the author does such a great job at writing her characters to be dynamic and multi-layered and her world building is complex but understandable. This remains true within this new series as well. I was so intrigued by this new book, especially with the way that a huge portion of it is focused on friendship and resilience in the face of danger.
The death cult is sooooo curious. They are very much a wolf in sheep's clothing, though they don't really try to hide it. They have a way of making everyone feel like they are safety when in reality if you make one wrong move, you forfeit your life. Life in the cult, at least for a chosen companion of the warriors, seems peaceful and safe, nothing at all that Lina thought it would be aside from the initial death ritual she witnessed her very first night. Granted, most of her safety comes from her chosen, Haze. However, there are moments when the curtains get lifted that show that everything is not all as it seems.
Lina is desperate to escape and to get back to her best friend, Astella. She had sacrificed herself so that Astella would survive and stay out of the death cult's clutches. However, it was nice to see Lina struggle to accept her new comforts and reality as well as fight against what she knows the cult to be. It felt very realistic and believable that she wanted to give in to the mirage they were showing and just accept her new life, though that nagging voice in the back of her head refused to allow it.
I do wish that we would have gotten more of Haze's chapters. I feel like this would have helped flesh out the cult moreso than just what Lina sees, but I also understand the way it was written was to keep parts of the story a secret. The author had to balance a fine line of giving us information and keeping us in the dark along with Lina, which was well handled. Haze's bond with his dragonesque creature though was one of the most intriguing parts of the story, especially considering an event that happens towards the end of the book. I can not wait to explore that connection in the coming book and hope the creatures that were introduced get more screentime.
I did guess one of the twists, but the author does a good job at burying it. Granted, we don't have a confirmation yet in this book so I MAY be wrong, and if I am, more power to the author.
This book is so close to rivaling the Shadow Hills Academy series and its only book one! I have always thought the author does such a great job at writing her characters to be dynamic and multi-layered and her world building is complex but understandable. This remains true within this new series as well. I was so intrigued by this new book, especially with the way that a huge portion of it is focused on friendship and resilience in the face of danger.
The death cult is sooooo curious. They are very much a wolf in sheep's clothing, though they don't really try to hide it. They have a way of making everyone feel like they are safety when in reality if you make one wrong move, you forfeit your life. Life in the cult, at least for a chosen companion of the warriors, seems peaceful and safe, nothing at all that Lina thought it would be aside from the initial death ritual she witnessed her very first night. Granted, most of her safety comes from her chosen, Haze. However, there are moments when the curtains get lifted that show that everything is not all as it seems.
Lina is desperate to escape and to get back to her best friend, Astella. She had sacrificed herself so that Astella would survive and stay out of the death cult's clutches. However, it was nice to see Lina struggle to accept her new comforts and reality as well as fight against what she knows the cult to be. It felt very realistic and believable that she wanted to give in to the mirage they were showing and just accept her new life, though that nagging voice in the back of her head refused to allow it.
I do wish that we would have gotten more of Haze's chapters. I feel like this would have helped flesh out the cult moreso than just what Lina sees, but I also understand the way it was written was to keep parts of the story a secret. The author had to balance a fine line of giving us information and keeping us in the dark along with Lina, which was well handled. Haze's bond with his dragonesque creature though was one of the most intriguing parts of the story, especially considering an event that happens towards the end of the book. I can not wait to explore that connection in the coming book and hope the creatures that were introduced get more screentime.
I did guess one of the twists, but the author does a good job at burying it. Granted, we don't have a confirmation yet in this book so I MAY be wrong, and if I am, more power to the author.
October 15, 2025
I found myself easily immersed in this dark story. The world-building was easy to follow and wasn't confusing. There was enough mystery to keep me intrigued all along, and our characters were fun to follow. Also, I'm a sucker for short chapters, so I was in heaven with this one.
I loved that Lina is not the badass FMC we often see in fantasy, she is courageous but has a softer side and gets scared (like we would all TBH).
The forced proximity in this one was so enjoyable, and I adored Haze's possessiveness and obsession with Lina. He's my favourite character and I know he's hiding a lot, so I'm looking forward to learning more about him!
We didn't get as many answers as I wished for, but that's the thing with series, you have to be patient. I have some theories, but we'll see! I'm definitely looking forward to the next instalment!
Thanks to MTMC Tours and the author for the review copy. All opinions are my own.
I loved that Lina is not the badass FMC we often see in fantasy, she is courageous but has a softer side and gets scared (like we would all TBH).
The forced proximity in this one was so enjoyable, and I adored Haze's possessiveness and obsession with Lina. He's my favourite character and I know he's hiding a lot, so I'm looking forward to learning more about him!
We didn't get as many answers as I wished for, but that's the thing with series, you have to be patient. I have some theories, but we'll see! I'm definitely looking forward to the next instalment!
Thanks to MTMC Tours and the author for the review copy. All opinions are my own.
September 29, 2025
I am currently at 57% but I am beginning to lose interest because not much has happened. The beginning was interesting and kept me hooked. I hope it’s not one of those books that only really starts at 80%. I really liked the Shadow Hills Academy series so I will keep going. But as of now it feels more like a chore :(
October 4, 2025
Devour has such an interesting concept, with great world building, and really interesting characters! I loved Lina and Haze! The world was super interesting, I definitely want to learn more and am excited to do more exploring. I’d for sure recommend this book, it was so unique and I’m so excited to see where the story goes! Such a great start to a series!
October 12, 2025
I enjoyed this read so much! The world building was so interesting. Also, who doesn't love a man obsessed? The characters are complex and I can't wait to know more about Haze's backstory.
"Fear does terrible things to people. It changes them."
That ending? Phew ! When it book 2 coming out?!
September 21, 2025
I am sooo appreciative to get to read this ARC ❤️ I loved the MMC and his obsession 😍 A very good first installment to the series
September 20, 2025
Devour by Stacey Trombley
Hope is a dangerous creature
An incredibly intriguing read, with compelling characters and complex worldbuilding, I haven't read anything quite like it before. I wasn't always clear on the distinction between drak, draken, drakai and dray'kn, but the death cult was an excellent mix of evil and death (like the rumors say), juxtaposed with perceived safety and friendship. Other than the initial violent, blood soaked ritual of Lina's arrival and her claiming by Haze (not sexual), life in the den seems peaceful, almost happy. The slightest hints that something is not-quite-right linger in the background, apparent to Lina because she is so on edge she appears to notice every flinch and eye twitch of those around her. Lina's desire to both flee and sink into the imaginary comforts after a harsh life of barely surviving were incredibly believable. Her disgust with herself every time she thought about staying, about seeing the good in the den, was well done. As was her slowly changing regard for Haze. He did the best thing he possibly could have to win her over; leave her alone. Despite the fact that I would have loved more interaction between them, this worked with the story.
The moment her hard gaze falls on me, a blinding rush of panic floods my body in such staggering agony, I think my heart might stop in an instant....She should not be here....My heart continued to beat only because she lived free of this terrible darkness.
It took me until nearly mid-way through the book to realize Haze's identity. At first I thought he dreamed of Lina, as an unknown woman in the wilds, like a prophetic vision or something, but he clearly knew her. It prevented their first meeting from coming across too much like insta-love. And the slow non-reveal was well done, as was his complete devotion to her.
I also loved the devotion between Lina and Astella, and that we were able to see some of it before Lina was captured and they were separated. It certainly helped sell Lina's determination to get back to her and protect her at all costs.
I loved the idea of the Shadowscelp, and that there was something both humans and drak feared, though I would have liked to see more of them and really understand what they are and what they do. I'm confident most of my questions will be answered in subsequent books, as the unraveling of draken culture was expertly done. Such as Helena's place in the den not being immediately apparent to me, and the hierarchy explanation was intriguing.
I have always been numb. Always been less than the others. Half here, half elsewhere. My soul bleeds, but the Dray'kn people have never noticed. Or cared.
No one has ever noticed-except him, my draken companion.
The relationship between Haze and Mavros was another especially intriguing element that I would have liked more of. Something else I didn't catch until part-way through was that at certain times, the voice in Haze's head was Mavros. Unfortunately, I'm still unclear in which instances it was the creature, and in which it was merely Haze's mind. Likewise, the presence inside of him, that connects to the magic, is something I look forward to further exploring in subsequent books.
Overall, I would have liked more Haze pov chapters to better understand the nihilim magic and culture of the Dray'kn people, as they are both compelling and complex, but given the way aspects were revealed in this book, I am hopeful those answers will come. I loved the developing relationship between Lina and Haze, and I find Haze a particularly interesting protagonist whose story I'm invested in, and I'm eager for the next installment. This is a recommended read.
Possible Trigger warnings include (but are not limited to)
Threats of SA (not between MCs)
Blood and Gore (including the consumption of blood)
Cultlike rituals and behaviors
Imprisonment/kidnapping
Suicide ideation
Famine
Loss of loved ones
Past torture (such as whipping)
Death and murder
This is a dark fantasy with one mildly spicy scene
I was fortunate to receive an Advanced Review Copy of this novel from the author, all thoughts are my own and left voluntarily.
Hope is a dangerous creature
An incredibly intriguing read, with compelling characters and complex worldbuilding, I haven't read anything quite like it before. I wasn't always clear on the distinction between drak, draken, drakai and dray'kn, but the death cult was an excellent mix of evil and death (like the rumors say), juxtaposed with perceived safety and friendship. Other than the initial violent, blood soaked ritual of Lina's arrival and her claiming by Haze (not sexual), life in the den seems peaceful, almost happy. The slightest hints that something is not-quite-right linger in the background, apparent to Lina because she is so on edge she appears to notice every flinch and eye twitch of those around her. Lina's desire to both flee and sink into the imaginary comforts after a harsh life of barely surviving were incredibly believable. Her disgust with herself every time she thought about staying, about seeing the good in the den, was well done. As was her slowly changing regard for Haze. He did the best thing he possibly could have to win her over; leave her alone. Despite the fact that I would have loved more interaction between them, this worked with the story.
The moment her hard gaze falls on me, a blinding rush of panic floods my body in such staggering agony, I think my heart might stop in an instant....She should not be here....My heart continued to beat only because she lived free of this terrible darkness.
It took me until nearly mid-way through the book to realize Haze's identity. At first I thought he dreamed of Lina, as an unknown woman in the wilds, like a prophetic vision or something, but he clearly knew her. It prevented their first meeting from coming across too much like insta-love. And the slow non-reveal was well done, as was his complete devotion to her.
I also loved the devotion between Lina and Astella, and that we were able to see some of it before Lina was captured and they were separated. It certainly helped sell Lina's determination to get back to her and protect her at all costs.
I loved the idea of the Shadowscelp, and that there was something both humans and drak feared, though I would have liked to see more of them and really understand what they are and what they do. I'm confident most of my questions will be answered in subsequent books, as the unraveling of draken culture was expertly done. Such as Helena's place in the den not being immediately apparent to me, and the hierarchy explanation was intriguing.
I have always been numb. Always been less than the others. Half here, half elsewhere. My soul bleeds, but the Dray'kn people have never noticed. Or cared.
No one has ever noticed-except him, my draken companion.
The relationship between Haze and Mavros was another especially intriguing element that I would have liked more of. Something else I didn't catch until part-way through was that at certain times, the voice in Haze's head was Mavros. Unfortunately, I'm still unclear in which instances it was the creature, and in which it was merely Haze's mind. Likewise, the presence inside of him, that connects to the magic, is something I look forward to further exploring in subsequent books.
Overall, I would have liked more Haze pov chapters to better understand the nihilim magic and culture of the Dray'kn people, as they are both compelling and complex, but given the way aspects were revealed in this book, I am hopeful those answers will come. I loved the developing relationship between Lina and Haze, and I find Haze a particularly interesting protagonist whose story I'm invested in, and I'm eager for the next installment. This is a recommended read.
Possible Trigger warnings include (but are not limited to)
Threats of SA (not between MCs)
Blood and Gore (including the consumption of blood)
Cultlike rituals and behaviors
Imprisonment/kidnapping
Suicide ideation
Famine
Loss of loved ones
Past torture (such as whipping)
Death and murder
This is a dark fantasy with one mildly spicy scene
I was fortunate to receive an Advanced Review Copy of this novel from the author, all thoughts are my own and left voluntarily.
October 6, 2025
Wow. I did not expect to be so thoroughly sucked into this book, but here I am—sacrificing sleep like a fool, flipping pages into the ungodly hours of the night, desperate to find out what happens next.
The magical system? Intense. Deliciously complex. And yes, I have questions—so many questions—but like our girl Lina, we’re mostly left in the dark for now. I’m dying to dig deeper into this world and uncover all the twisted secrets of the Drak’yn death cult. You can feel that this book is just the opening act to something truly epic and I am so here for it.
Let’s talk Lina: soft-hearted, morally conflicted and absolutely not afraid to stab a man if needed—aka, the perfect FMC. That’s a hard balance to pull off, but Trombley nails it. Watching Lina struggle to hold onto her light in a world that keeps getting darker? Relatable. Compelling. She’s easy to root for and I love her more than I expected to. There's clearly more to her story and I am on edge waiting to find out exactly who—and what—she is.
And then we have Haze. Oh, Haze. A full-blown disaster of an MMC wrapped in a dangerously attractive bow. He’s equal parts mystery and vulnerability, and I was caught in a constant loop of “I trust him” and “he’s definitely going to betray everyone.” But THE YEARNING OF THIS MAN! Let me tell you, it’s absolutely yummy! He’s layered, he’s messy and I need to know what’s really driving him. I sense a twist coming and honestly? I am practically frothing at the mouth for book two. That cliffhanger was rude in the best way possible.
If you’re into complex characters, stabby heroines with heart and morally gray men who make you question your judgment, definitely give this one a go—especially if you liked The Cat’s Eye Chronicles or The Cruel Prince. This one sets the stage for something big and I’m already buckled in for the ride.
The magical system? Intense. Deliciously complex. And yes, I have questions—so many questions—but like our girl Lina, we’re mostly left in the dark for now. I’m dying to dig deeper into this world and uncover all the twisted secrets of the Drak’yn death cult. You can feel that this book is just the opening act to something truly epic and I am so here for it.
Let’s talk Lina: soft-hearted, morally conflicted and absolutely not afraid to stab a man if needed—aka, the perfect FMC. That’s a hard balance to pull off, but Trombley nails it. Watching Lina struggle to hold onto her light in a world that keeps getting darker? Relatable. Compelling. She’s easy to root for and I love her more than I expected to. There's clearly more to her story and I am on edge waiting to find out exactly who—and what—she is.
And then we have Haze. Oh, Haze. A full-blown disaster of an MMC wrapped in a dangerously attractive bow. He’s equal parts mystery and vulnerability, and I was caught in a constant loop of “I trust him” and “he’s definitely going to betray everyone.” But THE YEARNING OF THIS MAN! Let me tell you, it’s absolutely yummy! He’s layered, he’s messy and I need to know what’s really driving him. I sense a twist coming and honestly? I am practically frothing at the mouth for book two. That cliffhanger was rude in the best way possible.
If you’re into complex characters, stabby heroines with heart and morally gray men who make you question your judgment, definitely give this one a go—especially if you liked The Cat’s Eye Chronicles or The Cruel Prince. This one sets the stage for something big and I’m already buckled in for the ride.
October 28, 2025
What a book! This book is a lot darker then her other books, but it's evenly addicting as the rest.
This book starts immediately mysterious with a sense of danger, what makes you want to read further. And these dangers and mysteries follow you the whole book long, slowly they will get a bit clearer but not all of them.
This story was set in a dangerous world were the desert is poisonous, the forest holds dangerous creatures and the drak'yn, a dangerous group of people (or monsters as the main character would say) who ride big lizard dragons and hunt people.
This book contains a double POV. Lina, the female lead, is a strong, rebellious and caring character. Who cares so much for her little friend Estrella, for all the people even though she doesn't know them. Who fights for what's right even if it endangers herself. Who keeps believing in hope.
Haze, the male lead, is a bit of a mysterious character. We don't get a lot of chapters in his POV, so he stays a bit mysterious. What we do know is that he is different from the rest of the drak'yn. And while he may not show it, he cares a lot about Lina, even more then his own life.
The story was original some sort of death cult who rides lizard dragons, creatures who claim there riders. Dark magic and a place without hope, or so they believe...
I am very excited to know how this story will continue (especially after that ending) and to get to know these characters even more.
Last but not least I want to thank the author for providing me with an earc.
This book starts immediately mysterious with a sense of danger, what makes you want to read further. And these dangers and mysteries follow you the whole book long, slowly they will get a bit clearer but not all of them.
This story was set in a dangerous world were the desert is poisonous, the forest holds dangerous creatures and the drak'yn, a dangerous group of people (or monsters as the main character would say) who ride big lizard dragons and hunt people.
This book contains a double POV. Lina, the female lead, is a strong, rebellious and caring character. Who cares so much for her little friend Estrella, for all the people even though she doesn't know them. Who fights for what's right even if it endangers herself. Who keeps believing in hope.
Haze, the male lead, is a bit of a mysterious character. We don't get a lot of chapters in his POV, so he stays a bit mysterious. What we do know is that he is different from the rest of the drak'yn. And while he may not show it, he cares a lot about Lina, even more then his own life.
The story was original some sort of death cult who rides lizard dragons, creatures who claim there riders. Dark magic and a place without hope, or so they believe...
I am very excited to know how this story will continue (especially after that ending) and to get to know these characters even more.
Last but not least I want to thank the author for providing me with an earc.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2025
I absolutely flew through this one, it was so good and the setting was fantastic: a world with a post-apocalyptic feel to it where a de@th cult is living in an underground city. We get spiritual creatures, priestesses and masked warriors with drakai familiars (basically wingless dragons). The book felt fresh and unique with great world building.
The FMC Lina is kind, thoughtful and resilient. The story really kicks off when she gets captured by the feared de@th cult and one of the masked warriors claims her as his own. This puts her in a very dark place, but she’s determined to get out and help others in the process. I really liked her.
Our MMC Haze is a little tortured soul and a very layered character. He’s absolutely obsessed with Lina right from the start and this man just knows how to yearn 🙌 He would do absolutely anything to keep her safe.
This was a highly entertaining read and I already have some theories for the next installment. The book ended with an awesome cliffhanger and I will be definitely reading the next one as well.
Thank you so much to the author and MTMC Tours for the gifted review copy! 🫶🏼
The FMC Lina is kind, thoughtful and resilient. The story really kicks off when she gets captured by the feared de@th cult and one of the masked warriors claims her as his own. This puts her in a very dark place, but she’s determined to get out and help others in the process. I really liked her.
Our MMC Haze is a little tortured soul and a very layered character. He’s absolutely obsessed with Lina right from the start and this man just knows how to yearn 🙌 He would do absolutely anything to keep her safe.
This was a highly entertaining read and I already have some theories for the next installment. The book ended with an awesome cliffhanger and I will be definitely reading the next one as well.
Thank you so much to the author and MTMC Tours for the gifted review copy! 🫶🏼
October 6, 2025
I rounded down to two because I was so close to DNFing for like the first 2/3rds of the book. Idk, maybe I’m not one for a true enemies to lovers arc and it’s more of a me problem vs a book problem, and obviously this is going to be the slowest of slow burns, but the execution did not hit. I wanted to like him and it gave me crumbs of like “oh he’s actually a good person trapped in this horrible situation and he’s been traumatized”which I usually eat up but for some reason whatever else we got, or didn’t get, just made it not work for me at all. And then I did not like the FMC at all, she couldn’t decide if she wanted to be a child or a grown up, and I couldn’t stand her. Overall I really needed more background on the characters and more world building.
September 28, 2025
This is very fragile. Everyone is dancing on the edge of the abyss, and so am I.
Originally, I naively thought that this book would be relaxing. I haven't been this tense and nervous about a book in a long time. An amazing and dark read that gave me hope and then took it away...
An amazing MMC (really, really good) and a very fearful FMC. I prefer tougher heroines, but I could live with this one.
It will be very, very difficult to wait for the next installment.
Note (more for me 5/5):
Story: 🫀5
Spice: 🔥2
Action: 🥷 5 and above
Magic: 🧚4
Worldbuilding: 🌋5
FMC: 👰4.5
MMC: 🫅10
Other characters: 🧟🥷🧌🦹🦸4
Originally, I naively thought that this book would be relaxing. I haven't been this tense and nervous about a book in a long time. An amazing and dark read that gave me hope and then took it away...
An amazing MMC (really, really good) and a very fearful FMC. I prefer tougher heroines, but I could live with this one.
It will be very, very difficult to wait for the next installment.
Note (more for me 5/5):
Story: 🫀5
Spice: 🔥2
Action: 🥷 5 and above
Magic: 🧚4
Worldbuilding: 🌋5
FMC: 👰4.5
MMC: 🫅10
Other characters: 🧟🥷🧌🦹🦸4
October 15, 2025
"I hoped for mercy in the form of deäth. Instead, I found him."
if you love a tortured / brooding mmc, you'll love this! (It's me, I love this. give me a broody mmc all day everyday.) & the fmc, Lina, is so resilient even when everything is going against her.
the world is so unlike any other fantasy I've read, so that was really refreshing & I definitely recommend! I'm excited for book two and to dive deeper into this world. 🙂↕️
more to expect :
- romantasy
- (wingless) dragon riders
- he's obsessed
- sweet girl
- touch her and 💀
- cult
- captor / captive
- dual pov
- masked warriors
thank you so much to MTMC Tours & Stacey for gifting me a copy!
if you love a tortured / brooding mmc, you'll love this! (It's me, I love this. give me a broody mmc all day everyday.) & the fmc, Lina, is so resilient even when everything is going against her.
the world is so unlike any other fantasy I've read, so that was really refreshing & I definitely recommend! I'm excited for book two and to dive deeper into this world. 🙂↕️
more to expect :
- romantasy
- (wingless) dragon riders
- he's obsessed
- sweet girl
- touch her and 💀
- cult
- captor / captive
- dual pov
- masked warriors
thank you so much to MTMC Tours & Stacey for gifting me a copy!
October 3, 2025
“Fear does terrible things to people. It changes them.”
An apocalyptic fantasy story on survival and gut wrenching scenes of pain, death and hope. It was soo good! From start to finish it has hold of you and im trying to figure out whats end game. Who is the real villain and the purpose.. and then bam! what!? that ending ?? 😱 holy smokes! I NEED TO KNOW MORE!!!
“We do not give up,” I tell her. “If this world takes us, so be it. But while we have life, we have hope. And when we have hope, we fight for it.” 💪
October 6, 2025
Coincidentally I devoured this book in one day!
The pacing of this book is perfect. The story progression, character development & attraction, and societal intrigue are very well developed and I significantly enjoyed the world building which was unlike any other I’ve read. I was constantly on edge as the characters regularly flirt with danger while protecting themselves and those they secretly care about all while navigating the inner structure of the death cult and its mysteries!
The cliffhanger left me reeling and I cannot wait for Book 2!
The pacing of this book is perfect. The story progression, character development & attraction, and societal intrigue are very well developed and I significantly enjoyed the world building which was unlike any other I’ve read. I was constantly on edge as the characters regularly flirt with danger while protecting themselves and those they secretly care about all while navigating the inner structure of the death cult and its mysteries!
The cliffhanger left me reeling and I cannot wait for Book 2!
October 13, 2025
Ahh guys, if you like dark romantasy that’s on the gory spooky side, I think you should add this to your TBR!
Did I devour this book, or did it devour me? Perfect spooky mysterious vibes, at times gory, high stakes danger, this was such an addictive read, it took me by surprise! This book felt so unique and the world building and plot so intriguing! I gobbled this one up so fast I couldn’t stop reading.
I loved the possessive MMC who’s secretly obsessed with with woman he holds captive. He will literally do anything for her. He also wears a mask (hot). The FMC was also badass and trying to find hope in a hopeless situation, she tries to do what it takes to survive, and sometimes what she does had me on the edge of my seat! This had all all the tension and yearning with a splash of danger. The ending was WILD and I need book 2 asap.. I have some many questions that need answering.
Did I devour this book, or did it devour me? Perfect spooky mysterious vibes, at times gory, high stakes danger, this was such an addictive read, it took me by surprise! This book felt so unique and the world building and plot so intriguing! I gobbled this one up so fast I couldn’t stop reading.
I loved the possessive MMC who’s secretly obsessed with with woman he holds captive. He will literally do anything for her. He also wears a mask (hot). The FMC was also badass and trying to find hope in a hopeless situation, she tries to do what it takes to survive, and sometimes what she does had me on the edge of my seat! This had all all the tension and yearning with a splash of danger. The ending was WILD and I need book 2 asap.. I have some many questions that need answering.
October 9, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
You guys!!! This book was oh so good! I kid you not I felt EVERY emotion when I was reading this. The story kept me intrigued the whole time. The main characters had so much tension I was dying. And then THE ENDING!! Talk about rivaling metal slinger with craziest ending because ohmygod! I went from shocked. To angry and filled with hate. To saying what the actual f*ck. To just sitting there staring at a wall thinking about what the hell i just read. So many questions, I’ll be waiting for answers when book 2 comes along.
You guys!!! This book was oh so good! I kid you not I felt EVERY emotion when I was reading this. The story kept me intrigued the whole time. The main characters had so much tension I was dying. And then THE ENDING!! Talk about rivaling metal slinger with craziest ending because ohmygod! I went from shocked. To angry and filled with hate. To saying what the actual f*ck. To just sitting there staring at a wall thinking about what the hell i just read. So many questions, I’ll be waiting for answers when book 2 comes along.
September 17, 2025
A strong start to the series! This book pulled me in right away and left me eager to see what happens next. The emotions come through so vividly, making it easy to connect with the story and characters. I can’t wait to dive into the next installment!
Want to read
September 29, 2025HOOK: village girl is captured by a death cult, but a cult warrior claimed her in order to protect her
October 11, 2025
I am OBSESSED! Absolutely let the book decour me.and that ending left me spiraling. I need book 2 immediately!!
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