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The Hirathean Path #1
Web of Vows and Vengeance
Not yet published
Expected 27 Feb 26"They say vengeance is a blade best kept sharp, and my dagger has been honed with every betrayal."
Web of Vows and Vengeance is the first in a dark, spicy slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romantasy series, perfect for fans of Fourth Wing, The Serpent and the Wings of the Night, and Throne of Glass.
Tropes you’ll love:
Enemies to Lovers
Deadly Tournament
Slow-Burn Romance
Underdog Heroine
Brooding Royal MMC
Forced Proximity
Gods & Goddesses
----------------------------------------------------------
Stripped of power. Fuelled by vengeance.
She lost everything because of his lie. Now the only way to save her sister is to win a deadly competition that could cost her the only thing she has left: her life.
When Prince Kyor twisted the truth about his mother’s death, Rose paid the price. Her family was stripped of their magic, cast into the slums, and abandoned by the kingdom they once served. Now her parents are gone, and her younger sister’s future hangs in the balance.
Rose’s only hope is the Tournament of the Gifting, a brutal competition held once a century, where the victor earns a blessing from the Goddess of Life. The catch? Every other contender wields the very power she was robbed of.
And Prince Kyor is among them. Commander of the armies. Rider of a bonded dire wolf. Wielder of lightning. He doesn’t just want to win for vanity – he wants the gift for himself. But what could a man who has it all possibly want?
Thrown into a world of magic, monsters, and merciless trials, Rose must fight not only for survival but for the chance to reclaim her future. Along the way, she’ll find unlikely allies, ruthless rivals, and a dangerous connection with her greatest enemy – one that could ruin or remake her.
Web of Vows and Vengeance is a dark, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romantasy, set in a Nordic-inspired world, featuring deadly trials, found family, gods and goddesses, political intrigue, and an underdog heroine who refuses to stay broken.
This is a story of heartbreak, vengeance, and the kind of power that can never be taken.
Web of Vows and Vengeance is the first in a dark, spicy slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romantasy series, perfect for fans of Fourth Wing, The Serpent and the Wings of the Night, and Throne of Glass.
Tropes you’ll love:
Enemies to Lovers
Deadly Tournament
Slow-Burn Romance
Underdog Heroine
Brooding Royal MMC
Forced Proximity
Gods & Goddesses
----------------------------------------------------------
Stripped of power. Fuelled by vengeance.
She lost everything because of his lie. Now the only way to save her sister is to win a deadly competition that could cost her the only thing she has left: her life.
When Prince Kyor twisted the truth about his mother’s death, Rose paid the price. Her family was stripped of their magic, cast into the slums, and abandoned by the kingdom they once served. Now her parents are gone, and her younger sister’s future hangs in the balance.
Rose’s only hope is the Tournament of the Gifting, a brutal competition held once a century, where the victor earns a blessing from the Goddess of Life. The catch? Every other contender wields the very power she was robbed of.
And Prince Kyor is among them. Commander of the armies. Rider of a bonded dire wolf. Wielder of lightning. He doesn’t just want to win for vanity – he wants the gift for himself. But what could a man who has it all possibly want?
Thrown into a world of magic, monsters, and merciless trials, Rose must fight not only for survival but for the chance to reclaim her future. Along the way, she’ll find unlikely allies, ruthless rivals, and a dangerous connection with her greatest enemy – one that could ruin or remake her.
Web of Vows and Vengeance is a dark, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romantasy, set in a Nordic-inspired world, featuring deadly trials, found family, gods and goddesses, political intrigue, and an underdog heroine who refuses to stay broken.
This is a story of heartbreak, vengeance, and the kind of power that can never be taken.
- GenresFantasy
686 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 27, 2026
80 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
November 6, 2025
For most of this read I felt as though I had an entire herd of runaway cattle dashing around in my guts. This book starts off full of suspenseful tension, this was a book that took the wind out of my sails, this is a book that hit me square in the guts, time and again. This world is brutal. This world is grim. This world is so divided into "haves" and "have nots", social injustices and survival is a daily battle. The king, omnipotent, stripping magic as easily as underclothes. There are agendas within agendas, plots within plots, secrets within secrets, a less than benevolent goddess, politics, scheming, mystery and a slow burn that eclipses many enemies to lovers reads, friendships and found family, all tantalising, all very arousing, inflaming, adding to quickening of my pulse rate. The authors hardly gave me breathing space with the curveballs they kept hurling my way. This is a book that keeps on giving, churning emotions, raw anxiety, decimating my very soul! This is a book I couldn't let go of, this is a book I'll carry around forever in my heart. Or what's left of it....Oh dear heavens, THAT ending???
Cold, hungry, miserable Rose is desperate to get out of the slums, not so much for herself, for her sister Kay. Once, a long time ago, they were revered, part of the inner circle, until a lie, a falsehood, cast them out of privilege. Stripped of their magic, things went from bad to worse after the death of their mother. Rose, compassionate, kind , with a heart of gold, puts everything on the line to be part of the upcoming trials, called the Retterheld. To sneak into the temple and beg the goddess Etta for a chance to reclaim all that was taken from her and her family. Her chances to get past guard and wolf, slim to none, but she secretly does it anyway. So when her name is called, she has to face a very angry and hurt Kay who confronts her, her desperation is so tangible, " Why would you do this?’ ‘Why do you think? For the reward. The winner is gifted anything they want from Etta. Anything. We deserve to have our power and our position restored. I can ask Etta, and she can fix it all.’ And this determination, this love Rose has for her sister, shows the depth Rose is willing to go through, all for Kay. Now a Rettling, Rose needs to compete and complete the trials, which are deadly. Many don't make it. Together with her newfound friends, Rose does, but the time between trials is just as deadly, if not more. Zara deadly. Holden deadly. Just two who want her blood. Equally vile, equally abhorrent. But it's the final trial that nearly did me in. As I've mentioned, these authors tie the strands so tight, they put a constrictor knot to shame. They are fully in control of the narrative. And of me...
The pacing is so perfect. When I read a book and suddenly realise I've gotten a hundred pages in, not only is it because of the awesome pacing, but the plot, characters and the exceptional world building, which these authors managed to find the perfect balance. Everything 'fits', the pieces seamlessly sliding together. The world building and plot, the authors built it up superbly so when each piece DID slot in, a lot of the times completely unexpectedly, I sure was shocked! The way they concealed some truths, floored me. And characters? Oh my lordie, some of the best I've seen, intricate, complex, hidden behind a thousand veils and these talented authors made me flip, flop and flap like a fish out of water at the revelations! And the twists, oh heavens, they fell like icicles, piercing me full of holes. My brain shorted from the twists, can you hear the cells popping??? This book was both cognent and cryptic, fastidiously eloquent, piercing. I can't tell you how many times my heart lodged in my throat. How many times my heart was shattered, broken into a thousand pieces.
I find myself oddly lacking in adjectives to describe this magnificent read. Nothing seems adequate enough for the majestic tale that unfolded before me. Where the characters wrenched open my heart as though using a can opener, easily but leaving sharp edges that bled when touched. Like Benny, Jonas, Llinos, Zelle... I thought I had them all figured out; Benny kind, sweet and unflappable but very enigmatic; Jonas, affable, protective of Rose and all in all an awesome hunk; Llinos, completely non judgemental and a true friend; Zelle, fairness personified; Loch, who's so cool, and his quiet presence is so loud! Aside from Kyor and Rose, who completely engulfed me, I have a major soft spot for Benny and Zelle... together, they make up a strangely effective support system, becoming family as the tale progresses. But, guess what??? Yes, the authors soundly wagged their finger at me, all is NOT as it seems....This read is compelling, exciting, riveting, emotional, heartbreaking, outstanding! The progression is seamless, the twists completely unexpected, the spicy bit oh so yummy! I loved how the authors had me questioning motives, like Jonas, I went from liking him, to feeling sorry for him, to being angry at him. I felt every character's vulnerability. That's what I loved about this read, the flawed characters, we all make mistakes and it was portrayed almost effortlessly.
Kyor, the Prince, has a reputation that precedes him, not only does Rose loathe him for his explicit lie, that took everything away from her, he's a lout, a drunk and does whatever he wants, whenever he wants. But that's reputation... he's a character who's so morally grey he's almost charcoal. The authors laid out a compelling case against him but frek did he steal my heart! That's the eloquence of their storytelling, they "allowed" us to see beyond his reputation, to see an honourable man, to see a tortured soul, to see a man desperate for restitution and a man who's got more good in his baby toe than most in their entire being. The tortured soul arc is my favourite kinda guy and he's definitely that. This man had my knickers in a twist, this man has more layers to him than a slice of mille-feuille, each layer decadent, each layer delicious, each layer addictive. His feelings for Rose, again, so complex but the need for her, the want of her, my lordie, hot, steamy and ultra yummy! As her exposes himself more and more to Rise, my heart stuttered, when he told her, 'I didn’t have anywhere else to go,’ and her heart ached anew for him, hells, MY heart ached for Kyor! For both of them.
Rose, oh my word, Rose, I really loved the ease and matter of fact with which Rose allows her carnal pleasures prominence, to grab whatever joy one can. Her mental strength is palpable, her sibling love is off the charts amazing, even to her own detriment, placing herself in harms way time after time.And good golly, did she ever! I loved the growth in her character, when she slowly comes to the realisation that what she thought, what she experienced, is not as clear cut as she was so certain of. Her heart and conviction at odds, so many times. The undeniable draw to Kyor and "seeing the light", exceptionally portrayed. As Zelle said, 'A life lived in hate, is no life at all '. I adored her sense of right, even with everything stacked up against her, she doesn't give in to the 'easy solution', the one where it's simpler to end a life, she's honourable. Life has dealt her lemons but she's made the tastiest lemonade...
The atmosphere of the story is dark but hopeful, the desperation real. It's very easy to get lost in the story and I did. ALL the emotions are in this story, the despair, the anger, the love, the hatred. I feel it all, see it all! Whether it's in the slums where I feel how dejected the people are yet are giving of what little they have, to the nobles and how they live. Excellently description, the authors have given the characters and their surrounds real life, a credible realism that burrows deep. It's such a compelling read I found it hard to put down. Shoo! With each subsequent page, these brilliant authors upped the tension even more! My word, some scenes had my heart alternatively pound and stop, had my mouth drying out. The intrigue is so subtly added, I'm shocked when something hits me in the face, like Caz...my word... Every scene is awesomely vivid, whether it's emotions, thoughts or action. The action was incredibly real too, not only the fighty fights but the action of the heart, the actions of each character. I honestly felt it all, every slash, every wound, whether it was to the body, or the heart, or the psychi, or the soul...
This book is a lot of things. A lot of awesome. A lot of drama. A lot of action. A lot of emotions. A lot of compassion. A lot of evil. And best of all, a whole lot entertaining, immersive, captivating and utterly riveting. Did I experience swoon? Drool? Skipping heartbeat? Gut churning? Heck YES! All of it and then some! I'm still trying to process this book, it hasn't let go of me, the characters haven't let go of me, I find myself transported to this world time and again, it's got it's hooks in me and, guess what, I push the hooks in further and further... the more I read, the more embedded the hooks became. Just as I started to relax, just as I started to collect a sigh and sense of right, these authors shattered me all over again! This is an incredibly intricate tale, with immensely intricate cast of characters, all adding more discernment, multi dimensions and substance to every one of them. I know, I know, I'm rambling, blabbing away but hell, once you read it, you'll get it! This book is like an echo, or a boomerang, I can't get this book, nor Kyor and Rose out of my head! It's like an itch on my brain I can't scratch. I wish I had the skill and prowess to capture exactly how spectaculous this book is! Do I need more? Oh hells YES!!!!
Cold, hungry, miserable Rose is desperate to get out of the slums, not so much for herself, for her sister Kay. Once, a long time ago, they were revered, part of the inner circle, until a lie, a falsehood, cast them out of privilege. Stripped of their magic, things went from bad to worse after the death of their mother. Rose, compassionate, kind , with a heart of gold, puts everything on the line to be part of the upcoming trials, called the Retterheld. To sneak into the temple and beg the goddess Etta for a chance to reclaim all that was taken from her and her family. Her chances to get past guard and wolf, slim to none, but she secretly does it anyway. So when her name is called, she has to face a very angry and hurt Kay who confronts her, her desperation is so tangible, " Why would you do this?’ ‘Why do you think? For the reward. The winner is gifted anything they want from Etta. Anything. We deserve to have our power and our position restored. I can ask Etta, and she can fix it all.’ And this determination, this love Rose has for her sister, shows the depth Rose is willing to go through, all for Kay. Now a Rettling, Rose needs to compete and complete the trials, which are deadly. Many don't make it. Together with her newfound friends, Rose does, but the time between trials is just as deadly, if not more. Zara deadly. Holden deadly. Just two who want her blood. Equally vile, equally abhorrent. But it's the final trial that nearly did me in. As I've mentioned, these authors tie the strands so tight, they put a constrictor knot to shame. They are fully in control of the narrative. And of me...
The pacing is so perfect. When I read a book and suddenly realise I've gotten a hundred pages in, not only is it because of the awesome pacing, but the plot, characters and the exceptional world building, which these authors managed to find the perfect balance. Everything 'fits', the pieces seamlessly sliding together. The world building and plot, the authors built it up superbly so when each piece DID slot in, a lot of the times completely unexpectedly, I sure was shocked! The way they concealed some truths, floored me. And characters? Oh my lordie, some of the best I've seen, intricate, complex, hidden behind a thousand veils and these talented authors made me flip, flop and flap like a fish out of water at the revelations! And the twists, oh heavens, they fell like icicles, piercing me full of holes. My brain shorted from the twists, can you hear the cells popping??? This book was both cognent and cryptic, fastidiously eloquent, piercing. I can't tell you how many times my heart lodged in my throat. How many times my heart was shattered, broken into a thousand pieces.
I find myself oddly lacking in adjectives to describe this magnificent read. Nothing seems adequate enough for the majestic tale that unfolded before me. Where the characters wrenched open my heart as though using a can opener, easily but leaving sharp edges that bled when touched. Like Benny, Jonas, Llinos, Zelle... I thought I had them all figured out; Benny kind, sweet and unflappable but very enigmatic; Jonas, affable, protective of Rose and all in all an awesome hunk; Llinos, completely non judgemental and a true friend; Zelle, fairness personified; Loch, who's so cool, and his quiet presence is so loud! Aside from Kyor and Rose, who completely engulfed me, I have a major soft spot for Benny and Zelle... together, they make up a strangely effective support system, becoming family as the tale progresses. But, guess what??? Yes, the authors soundly wagged their finger at me, all is NOT as it seems....This read is compelling, exciting, riveting, emotional, heartbreaking, outstanding! The progression is seamless, the twists completely unexpected, the spicy bit oh so yummy! I loved how the authors had me questioning motives, like Jonas, I went from liking him, to feeling sorry for him, to being angry at him. I felt every character's vulnerability. That's what I loved about this read, the flawed characters, we all make mistakes and it was portrayed almost effortlessly.
Kyor, the Prince, has a reputation that precedes him, not only does Rose loathe him for his explicit lie, that took everything away from her, he's a lout, a drunk and does whatever he wants, whenever he wants. But that's reputation... he's a character who's so morally grey he's almost charcoal. The authors laid out a compelling case against him but frek did he steal my heart! That's the eloquence of their storytelling, they "allowed" us to see beyond his reputation, to see an honourable man, to see a tortured soul, to see a man desperate for restitution and a man who's got more good in his baby toe than most in their entire being. The tortured soul arc is my favourite kinda guy and he's definitely that. This man had my knickers in a twist, this man has more layers to him than a slice of mille-feuille, each layer decadent, each layer delicious, each layer addictive. His feelings for Rose, again, so complex but the need for her, the want of her, my lordie, hot, steamy and ultra yummy! As her exposes himself more and more to Rise, my heart stuttered, when he told her, 'I didn’t have anywhere else to go,’ and her heart ached anew for him, hells, MY heart ached for Kyor! For both of them.
Rose, oh my word, Rose, I really loved the ease and matter of fact with which Rose allows her carnal pleasures prominence, to grab whatever joy one can. Her mental strength is palpable, her sibling love is off the charts amazing, even to her own detriment, placing herself in harms way time after time.And good golly, did she ever! I loved the growth in her character, when she slowly comes to the realisation that what she thought, what she experienced, is not as clear cut as she was so certain of. Her heart and conviction at odds, so many times. The undeniable draw to Kyor and "seeing the light", exceptionally portrayed. As Zelle said, 'A life lived in hate, is no life at all '. I adored her sense of right, even with everything stacked up against her, she doesn't give in to the 'easy solution', the one where it's simpler to end a life, she's honourable. Life has dealt her lemons but she's made the tastiest lemonade...
The atmosphere of the story is dark but hopeful, the desperation real. It's very easy to get lost in the story and I did. ALL the emotions are in this story, the despair, the anger, the love, the hatred. I feel it all, see it all! Whether it's in the slums where I feel how dejected the people are yet are giving of what little they have, to the nobles and how they live. Excellently description, the authors have given the characters and their surrounds real life, a credible realism that burrows deep. It's such a compelling read I found it hard to put down. Shoo! With each subsequent page, these brilliant authors upped the tension even more! My word, some scenes had my heart alternatively pound and stop, had my mouth drying out. The intrigue is so subtly added, I'm shocked when something hits me in the face, like Caz...my word... Every scene is awesomely vivid, whether it's emotions, thoughts or action. The action was incredibly real too, not only the fighty fights but the action of the heart, the actions of each character. I honestly felt it all, every slash, every wound, whether it was to the body, or the heart, or the psychi, or the soul...
This book is a lot of things. A lot of awesome. A lot of drama. A lot of action. A lot of emotions. A lot of compassion. A lot of evil. And best of all, a whole lot entertaining, immersive, captivating and utterly riveting. Did I experience swoon? Drool? Skipping heartbeat? Gut churning? Heck YES! All of it and then some! I'm still trying to process this book, it hasn't let go of me, the characters haven't let go of me, I find myself transported to this world time and again, it's got it's hooks in me and, guess what, I push the hooks in further and further... the more I read, the more embedded the hooks became. Just as I started to relax, just as I started to collect a sigh and sense of right, these authors shattered me all over again! This is an incredibly intricate tale, with immensely intricate cast of characters, all adding more discernment, multi dimensions and substance to every one of them. I know, I know, I'm rambling, blabbing away but hell, once you read it, you'll get it! This book is like an echo, or a boomerang, I can't get this book, nor Kyor and Rose out of my head! It's like an itch on my brain I can't scratch. I wish I had the skill and prowess to capture exactly how spectaculous this book is! Do I need more? Oh hells YES!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC provided by Aria Ashbrook in exchange for honest review.
Wow! What an absolute rollercoaster ride Web of Vows and Vengeance was! Aria Ashbrook, take a bow!
Rose Kultavaris is barely scraping by. Stripped of her powers when the Crown Prince blamed her Mother for his Mother's death, she now lives in the slums with her only surviving family, her sister Kay. Desperate to protect her at all costs, Rose will do anything - and when she finds out a Retterheld is coming - a tournament where the prize is a gift from the goddess Etta, she doesn't hesitate to enter, even knowing there is every chance she will die trying to win. As the tournament begins, Rose finds both allies and enemies - and herself in the middle of a love triangle. Will she prevail and win the gifting? And what will happen to her heart in the process?
Rose is an absolute badass of an FMC. She is fierce, stubborn, brave, bold and feels deeply, be it love or hate. Her absolute goal is for Kay to have her powers and title returned to her, ensuring her safety and wellbeing for the future, but she doesn't expect to feel so deeply for some of her fellow contestants. Llinos and Benny are wonderful friends to her, friends like she's never had before. They epitomise safety, warmth and loyalty, and it quickly becomes clear that they are ride or die, true allies. Jonas knew Rose before she was stripped of her powers, and at first it looks like something will happen romantically between them - but someone else has caught her eye. Forbidden fruit. Crown Prince Kyor - the very same prince who condemned Rose's family to a life without their power, cast out in the slums.
Rose and Kyor are enemies-to-lovers in every sense, and it is a joy to watch their relationship unfold. Kyor recognises Rose instantly, seeming to despise her, but always hovering, watching and disguising concern with contempt. Rose is disgusted by the way her body responds to him, but when she discovers that things are not all they seem with him, walls start to break down. What I loved about Kyor was his insistence on sexual contact being for the right reasons, being honourable towards her. This seeming devil seems to have a very soft centre when it comes to her - but as always revelations will out, and the ending of this book had me devastated for our heroine on multiple fronts.
It would be remiss of me not to give mention to Zara. Zara is the ultimate bitch, launching into her role immediately and with aplomb. Her magic is cruel and vindictive, and she is the queen of spite. She is a fantastic villain throughout and you absolutely love to hate her!
This is a chunky novel, but it is paced perfectly. There are the peaks of the trials, action packed and almost cinematic in their imagery, but the troughs do not in any sense feel boring - stuffed with intrigue, betrayal, lust, alliances and discoveries. There is no point where I wasn't gripped.
Aria Ashbrook is not afraid to rip out your heart! There are two deaths that had me in tears (I don't quite know if I can forgive one!), one that gave me the most savage and primal joy, and multiple points that leave your mouth falling open in horror. They have embraced the Romantasy genre with open arms and created an opener to a series that promises to be every bit as good as some of the classics. It is left on the most brutal of cliffhangers. But you know that Rose Kultavaris is a survivor, a battler, a fierce warrior - and that she deserves the happy ending. I'm desperate to know what comes next for our heroine!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book!
Wow! What an absolute rollercoaster ride Web of Vows and Vengeance was! Aria Ashbrook, take a bow!
Rose Kultavaris is barely scraping by. Stripped of her powers when the Crown Prince blamed her Mother for his Mother's death, she now lives in the slums with her only surviving family, her sister Kay. Desperate to protect her at all costs, Rose will do anything - and when she finds out a Retterheld is coming - a tournament where the prize is a gift from the goddess Etta, she doesn't hesitate to enter, even knowing there is every chance she will die trying to win. As the tournament begins, Rose finds both allies and enemies - and herself in the middle of a love triangle. Will she prevail and win the gifting? And what will happen to her heart in the process?
Rose is an absolute badass of an FMC. She is fierce, stubborn, brave, bold and feels deeply, be it love or hate. Her absolute goal is for Kay to have her powers and title returned to her, ensuring her safety and wellbeing for the future, but she doesn't expect to feel so deeply for some of her fellow contestants. Llinos and Benny are wonderful friends to her, friends like she's never had before. They epitomise safety, warmth and loyalty, and it quickly becomes clear that they are ride or die, true allies. Jonas knew Rose before she was stripped of her powers, and at first it looks like something will happen romantically between them - but someone else has caught her eye. Forbidden fruit. Crown Prince Kyor - the very same prince who condemned Rose's family to a life without their power, cast out in the slums.
Rose and Kyor are enemies-to-lovers in every sense, and it is a joy to watch their relationship unfold. Kyor recognises Rose instantly, seeming to despise her, but always hovering, watching and disguising concern with contempt. Rose is disgusted by the way her body responds to him, but when she discovers that things are not all they seem with him, walls start to break down. What I loved about Kyor was his insistence on sexual contact being for the right reasons, being honourable towards her. This seeming devil seems to have a very soft centre when it comes to her - but as always revelations will out, and the ending of this book had me devastated for our heroine on multiple fronts.
It would be remiss of me not to give mention to Zara. Zara is the ultimate bitch, launching into her role immediately and with aplomb. Her magic is cruel and vindictive, and she is the queen of spite. She is a fantastic villain throughout and you absolutely love to hate her!
This is a chunky novel, but it is paced perfectly. There are the peaks of the trials, action packed and almost cinematic in their imagery, but the troughs do not in any sense feel boring - stuffed with intrigue, betrayal, lust, alliances and discoveries. There is no point where I wasn't gripped.
Aria Ashbrook is not afraid to rip out your heart! There are two deaths that had me in tears (I don't quite know if I can forgive one!), one that gave me the most savage and primal joy, and multiple points that leave your mouth falling open in horror. They have embraced the Romantasy genre with open arms and created an opener to a series that promises to be every bit as good as some of the classics. It is left on the most brutal of cliffhangers. But you know that Rose Kultavaris is a survivor, a battler, a fierce warrior - and that she deserves the happy ending. I'm desperate to know what comes next for our heroine!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
When I signed up for the ARC team of this book I was not very enthusiastic about
YET ANOTHER TRIALS book. Hasn’t this trope been hashed to death? Can’t they find something else to write about other than a bunch of women killing each other over some guy??? BOY WAS I WRONG!! I This is probably the best one since the Hunger Games series!! Totally enthralling - I couldn’t put it down! Then I got to THAT death, and had to take a pause to go sob hysterically!! Then I picked it right back up because, WOW, what is going to happen next????
Rose Kultavaris is an ex-aristocratic slum dweller whose family was stripped of their magic, wealth and possessions when the young prince lies about her mother’s role in the Queen’s death in childbirth. Cast out of the palace as a young girl, she watched her baby brother be killed in vengeance for the newborn prince her mother could not save. Her mother and father die slow deaths from heartbreak and poverty in the slums, leaving Rose responsible for her younger sister Acacia. When the call goes out for competitors in the Retterheld, a once-a-century competition for the chance to gain a favor from the Goddess of Life, Rose does not hesitate to enter. She plans to ask for restoration of everything stripped from her family. Little does she know that Prince Kyor, the instrument of her family’s fall, will also be a competitor.
The trials are just a backdrop for the many character stories in the book. Rose is one of 50 accepted into the Retterheld and arrives at the castle barracks to find that the other contestants are already assassinating each other. She must form alliances and make friends quickly or be eliminated before the trials even begin. Being from the capital city but an outcast, Rose must find friends from the other regions. She quickly discovers that the rot and corruption of the capital are exceeded only by the hatred of the king that dominates the other regions.
From this beginning, the story takes off at a breathtaking pace. The other contestants all wield magic and are trained fighters. Rose is magicless and has been fighting just to survive on the barest of rations in the slum. But what she lacks in those areas, Rose makes up in cunning, determination and trustworthiness, winning her some loyal teammates.
The trials are very well thought out and engrossing, although most of the action takes place outside of them. The infighting and rivalries between the contestants never lets up, with betrayals and danger at every turn. Zara, the leader of the contingent from Rowell, is particularly and delightfully nasty as Rose’s sworn enemy. The political maneuverings of the court adds even more flavor to the drama. And the romance - wow, it is sizzling. When she meets Prince Kyor, the attraction is just HOT!! But there is so much hatred, how could they ever work through all that?
The endgame is very nail-biting and ultimately extremely satisfying but what comes after the end of the trials just floored me. Just when it looks like there is a HEA, wow what a betrayal! I was left speechless and heartbroken at the cliffhanger ending. I just can’t believe the authors could do that to poor Rose!! NOOOOO!!! Now I have to wait for the next book to see what happens! Sob!!
YET ANOTHER TRIALS book. Hasn’t this trope been hashed to death? Can’t they find something else to write about other than a bunch of women killing each other over some guy??? BOY WAS I WRONG!! I This is probably the best one since the Hunger Games series!! Totally enthralling - I couldn’t put it down! Then I got to THAT death, and had to take a pause to go sob hysterically!! Then I picked it right back up because, WOW, what is going to happen next????
Rose Kultavaris is an ex-aristocratic slum dweller whose family was stripped of their magic, wealth and possessions when the young prince lies about her mother’s role in the Queen’s death in childbirth. Cast out of the palace as a young girl, she watched her baby brother be killed in vengeance for the newborn prince her mother could not save. Her mother and father die slow deaths from heartbreak and poverty in the slums, leaving Rose responsible for her younger sister Acacia. When the call goes out for competitors in the Retterheld, a once-a-century competition for the chance to gain a favor from the Goddess of Life, Rose does not hesitate to enter. She plans to ask for restoration of everything stripped from her family. Little does she know that Prince Kyor, the instrument of her family’s fall, will also be a competitor.
The trials are just a backdrop for the many character stories in the book. Rose is one of 50 accepted into the Retterheld and arrives at the castle barracks to find that the other contestants are already assassinating each other. She must form alliances and make friends quickly or be eliminated before the trials even begin. Being from the capital city but an outcast, Rose must find friends from the other regions. She quickly discovers that the rot and corruption of the capital are exceeded only by the hatred of the king that dominates the other regions.
From this beginning, the story takes off at a breathtaking pace. The other contestants all wield magic and are trained fighters. Rose is magicless and has been fighting just to survive on the barest of rations in the slum. But what she lacks in those areas, Rose makes up in cunning, determination and trustworthiness, winning her some loyal teammates.
The trials are very well thought out and engrossing, although most of the action takes place outside of them. The infighting and rivalries between the contestants never lets up, with betrayals and danger at every turn. Zara, the leader of the contingent from Rowell, is particularly and delightfully nasty as Rose’s sworn enemy. The political maneuverings of the court adds even more flavor to the drama. And the romance - wow, it is sizzling. When she meets Prince Kyor, the attraction is just HOT!! But there is so much hatred, how could they ever work through all that?
The endgame is very nail-biting and ultimately extremely satisfying but what comes after the end of the trials just floored me. Just when it looks like there is a HEA, wow what a betrayal! I was left speechless and heartbroken at the cliffhanger ending. I just can’t believe the authors could do that to poor Rose!! NOOOOO!!! Now I have to wait for the next book to see what happens! Sob!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Years ago, a lie surrounding the death of the queen and her newborn son resulted in the complete ruin of Rose Kultavaris’s family. Having etched out a hard living in the slums, stripped of her magical abilities, Rose is determined to gain back all that her family has lost. To do so, she enters the dangerous Retterheld, a series of deadly challenges in which the Goddess’s chosen gets to have any wish gifted to them. But Rose soon realizes that she is vastly outmatched by the other Rettlings. And even worse, the prince who ruined her life is competing, too. Can Rose make allies and gain back her powers?
Rose is determined but realistic about how stacked the deck is against her. She’s driven to get some justice for her family as well as provide a better life for her sister. However, these qualities cause her to be rather myopic and somewhat naive despite her streetwise ways. A lot of her character growth is physical in nature and confidence, and it’s fun to watch her find creative solutions.
Rose’s friendships clearly change her, and give her needed depth. While everyone has their own agenda, Rose has to balance her own needs with the need to be vulnerable with others long enough to be able to learn from them. She also is forced to gain some emotional maturity when she has to confront her long held beliefs and thoughts about Prince Kyor. I did, however, find the main three male characters to get a little repetitive, especially Jonas.
I really enjoyed the creativity in the designs of the different trials. The interplay between the trials and the court intrigue also helped allow for a lot of worldbuilding even when the characters were restricted for the Retterheld. The continued danger and treachery made for great tension throughout the book. Overall I found Web of Vows and Vengeance to be an engaging fantasy read and I look forward to seeing where the series goes next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Rose is determined but realistic about how stacked the deck is against her. She’s driven to get some justice for her family as well as provide a better life for her sister. However, these qualities cause her to be rather myopic and somewhat naive despite her streetwise ways. A lot of her character growth is physical in nature and confidence, and it’s fun to watch her find creative solutions.
Rose’s friendships clearly change her, and give her needed depth. While everyone has their own agenda, Rose has to balance her own needs with the need to be vulnerable with others long enough to be able to learn from them. She also is forced to gain some emotional maturity when she has to confront her long held beliefs and thoughts about Prince Kyor. I did, however, find the main three male characters to get a little repetitive, especially Jonas.
I really enjoyed the creativity in the designs of the different trials. The interplay between the trials and the court intrigue also helped allow for a lot of worldbuilding even when the characters were restricted for the Retterheld. The continued danger and treachery made for great tension throughout the book. Overall I found Web of Vows and Vengeance to be an engaging fantasy read and I look forward to seeing where the series goes next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is epic romantasy done right. It’s got that perfect blend of high stakes, tension, friendships, betrayals, heartbreak and a truly stellar enemies-to-lovers romance.
Rose, desperate to save her sister Kay, from a life in the slums takes a chance to enter the deadly Rettenhold, a once in a life-time contest to win a ‘gifting’ from the Goddess. And what is Rose competing for, the return of her magic, status and wealth that was stripped from her and her family as a girl as a result of Prince Kyor’s false accusation. And she HATES him. So it is with much dismay that she finds herself competing against him in the 5 trials of the Rettenhold. Oh and all the other candidates have magic.
Between monsters, political traps, and fellow competitors that feel as dangerous as the trials themselves, Rose has to claw her way toward a future she refuses to let be stolen.
I really liked Rose but it took me awhile to warm up to Kyor because yeah Rose’s reason for hating him was totally valid. Sure he was just a kid reeling from a devastating loss himself but he never seemed sorry. I loved the Eastern Isles folk and alliances and friendships that develop through the trials. I was frustrated by how Rose never directly questions Jonas though, even after multiple people including tell her he has lied to her.
I am really looking forward to the next one and I have lots of suspicions and thoughts about various characters and how the Gods and mythology are going to play out in the next book/s.
I received an ARC from the author but all views expressed are my own.
Rose, desperate to save her sister Kay, from a life in the slums takes a chance to enter the deadly Rettenhold, a once in a life-time contest to win a ‘gifting’ from the Goddess. And what is Rose competing for, the return of her magic, status and wealth that was stripped from her and her family as a girl as a result of Prince Kyor’s false accusation. And she HATES him. So it is with much dismay that she finds herself competing against him in the 5 trials of the Rettenhold. Oh and all the other candidates have magic.
Between monsters, political traps, and fellow competitors that feel as dangerous as the trials themselves, Rose has to claw her way toward a future she refuses to let be stolen.
I really liked Rose but it took me awhile to warm up to Kyor because yeah Rose’s reason for hating him was totally valid. Sure he was just a kid reeling from a devastating loss himself but he never seemed sorry. I loved the Eastern Isles folk and alliances and friendships that develop through the trials. I was frustrated by how Rose never directly questions Jonas though, even after multiple people including tell her he has lied to her.
I am really looking forward to the next one and I have lots of suspicions and thoughts about various characters and how the Gods and mythology are going to play out in the next book/s.
I received an ARC from the author but all views expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Peak romantasy right here. This book delivers on everything - high stakes, razor-sharp tension, betrayals left and right, found (and lost) family, broken hearts, emotional damage, incredible magic, and villains that are genuinely punchable. Add in a top-tier enemies-to-lovers romance and it's doing the absolute most in the best way.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rose is a strong, believable main character. She's smart, resourceful, and actually thinks things through. She looks for answers instead of jumping to wild conclusions, doesn't give up when things get hard, and while she does make mistakes, they make sense (unless you're playing Monday morning quarterback). She felt human, and I really appreciated that.
The slow burn with Kyor was chef's kiss. I loved their dynamic and was very happy with how the romance played out in this book. Also his wolf? Love her so much.
The secondary characters are excellent. Well developed, memorable, and I got emotionally attached to way too many of them. The villains are just as strong, from the Big Bad threats to the annoying mosquitos, all of them are handled really well.
The pacing and world-building are top notch. Everything flows, the world is intriguing and it's genuinely hard to put this book down. I had to stop reading a couple times because of life and because this book is long, but I absolutely did not want to.
If you're looking for your next great romantasy, get onboard the Aria Ashbrook train and you will not be disappointed.
⚔️ Epic romantasy with razor-sharp tension
🔥 Perfect enemies-to-lovers slow burn
🌍 Amazing world building that sucks you in
💔 Betrayals, love, and everything in between
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rose is a strong, believable main character. She's smart, resourceful, and actually thinks things through. She looks for answers instead of jumping to wild conclusions, doesn't give up when things get hard, and while she does make mistakes, they make sense (unless you're playing Monday morning quarterback). She felt human, and I really appreciated that.
The slow burn with Kyor was chef's kiss. I loved their dynamic and was very happy with how the romance played out in this book. Also his wolf? Love her so much.
The secondary characters are excellent. Well developed, memorable, and I got emotionally attached to way too many of them. The villains are just as strong, from the Big Bad threats to the annoying mosquitos, all of them are handled really well.
The pacing and world-building are top notch. Everything flows, the world is intriguing and it's genuinely hard to put this book down. I had to stop reading a couple times because of life and because this book is long, but I absolutely did not want to.
If you're looking for your next great romantasy, get onboard the Aria Ashbrook train and you will not be disappointed.
⚔️ Epic romantasy with razor-sharp tension
🔥 Perfect enemies-to-lovers slow burn
🌍 Amazing world building that sucks you in
💔 Betrayals, love, and everything in between
October 31, 2025
Some books grab you by the heart and don’t let you go. Web of Vows and Vengeance doesn’t just grip you it crushes you, revives you and crushes you again. This is truly is one of the best books I've ever laid eyes on. That said, I did have to put this book in time out after Chapter 41- be prepared for this book to rip your heart straight out of your chest!
How ever much I'm moaning about my fragile heart, all the brutality, twists, and turns made this book phenomenal. The trials they all endure, the journey Rose goes through literally pulling herself from the slums, her growth is remarkable, she is at such a disadvantage from the others and that only makes her strength shine more.
The world- building in Web of Vows and Vengeance is so on point it captures you and doesn’t let you go. I love the relationship between Llinos and Rose, Llinos never judges Rose like the others did, she is the bestie we all want Rose to have. I loved how she helped Rose get ready and made sure she had a knockout dress and wanted nothing in return. Friendship in its purest form. Benny is another firm favourite of mine in this book too.
The villains were so loathsome - they made for some fantastic scenes, the writing was so flawless I felt every moment personally!
And then there’s the spicy scenes they were… well let’s just say my soul left my body and it hasn’t returned yet! You’ll need a minute - and possibly a cold shower!
"I'm fresh out of reasons why he shouldn't pound me in two" had me howling!
10/10 would sacrifice my sanity to read again!
How ever much I'm moaning about my fragile heart, all the brutality, twists, and turns made this book phenomenal. The trials they all endure, the journey Rose goes through literally pulling herself from the slums, her growth is remarkable, she is at such a disadvantage from the others and that only makes her strength shine more.
The world- building in Web of Vows and Vengeance is so on point it captures you and doesn’t let you go. I love the relationship between Llinos and Rose, Llinos never judges Rose like the others did, she is the bestie we all want Rose to have. I loved how she helped Rose get ready and made sure she had a knockout dress and wanted nothing in return. Friendship in its purest form. Benny is another firm favourite of mine in this book too.
The villains were so loathsome - they made for some fantastic scenes, the writing was so flawless I felt every moment personally!
And then there’s the spicy scenes they were… well let’s just say my soul left my body and it hasn’t returned yet! You’ll need a minute - and possibly a cold shower!
"I'm fresh out of reasons why he shouldn't pound me in two" had me howling!
10/10 would sacrifice my sanity to read again!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a phenomenal storyline of the Realms of Moratha. Outcast to the slums, Rose and her sister Kay, stripped of their magic, barely survive, going without the basics most days. Rose Kultavaris, super protective of her sister and desperate not to let the slum life touch her, decided to take her chances to enter the Retterheld where the winner will receive a gift of her /his choice by the Goddess of Life, Etta. Kay was livid when she's chosen as Prince Kyor was also a chosen participant. Due to his lies, her mother was accused of being the queenkiller, her baby brother murdered and the Kultavaris family outcasts. She soon learns alliances are needed. Jonas is a friend of the past and smitten with her, but condescending. New friendships are formed as the Retterheld is not a glorious event, it's deadly, brutal and eliminating them as the trials progresses. Rose is the only magic less Retterling, but she determined to reach her ultimate goal, but still so full of compassion to help her friends survive. According to Zelle, the prince is atoning for his past sins. When her friendship with LLinos is "cut" because of Holden, I was devastated. The hate, but electrifying attraction between Rose and Kyor turned from smouldering into volcanic hot. The end came as one helluva shocker and left me swearing. The creative word and world building was absolutely, brilliantly captivating and to say I want book 2 asap is an understatement as I want it now.
I received an advanced review copy from the author and leave this review voluntary Thank you ❤️
I received an advanced review copy from the author and leave this review voluntary Thank you ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Amazing, Epic, and Heart-Wrenching! Rose Kultavaris lost everything, stripped of her magic, wealth, and most of her family, because of a lie. She and her sister Acacia are barely surviving, freezing and starving in the frigid slums of Wrohelm. Desperate to escape and make a better life for them, she enters the Retterheld, the Tournment of Gifting, a magical trial where Etta, the Goddess of Life, grants the winner a Blessing of any Gift they desire. The trials are filled with horrific monsters and repulsive, revolting mental magics. Rival candidates become vicious enemies and allies. Daggers, swords, and sorcery decimate the competitors. Rose is fighting for her very life! Can she win if her rivals all have magic and she has none? Will she get revenge on Prince Kyor, whose lies caused her downfall, all while his body and eyes captivate and entice her? Who will survive and win the ultimate Prize, their heart's Desire? This deliciously divine Romantasy novel is definitely a 5-star read!! arc read
Review of advance copy received from Author
It all began with a lie by a young Prince Kyor that changed everything. Now the only way for Rose to save her sister from the slums is a once a century Retterheld. If Rose can just win the Retterheld, she can restore her magic along with her sister’s magic, but will she die trying? Every one of the other contenders has the magic needs to win but will Etta, the Goddess of Life have mercy on her and grant her the gifting?
Enemies to lovers, found family and fantastic female characters.
This book grabs you by the heart and doesn’t let go, even in the ending! Both soul crushing and uplifting at the same time. I absolutely can’t wait to find out what happens next in the series! Fantastic adventures, slow burn hate to love, betrayal, found family, murder, magic, fantasy, spice, it has everything! Many story lines and side quests to keep you guessing! I can’t wait to see if some of my theories develop further in the series too! And the spice is fantastic! Love/hate characters and tears along the way.
Enemies to lovers, found family and fantastic female characters.
This book grabs you by the heart and doesn’t let go, even in the ending! Both soul crushing and uplifting at the same time. I absolutely can’t wait to find out what happens next in the series! Fantastic adventures, slow burn hate to love, betrayal, found family, murder, magic, fantasy, spice, it has everything! Many story lines and side quests to keep you guessing! I can’t wait to see if some of my theories develop further in the series too! And the spice is fantastic! Love/hate characters and tears along the way.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
When I found out that this author was writing a book, and I found out the name(s) behind it, I had to read this book. I knew that while reading this series opener, it would be hard to put down, and it really was. We meet Rose, whose family was stripped of their magic, money, and titles, and she’s bound and determined to get it back through a series of trials and win the Gifting from their Goddess. What follows is so many feelings, I don’t even know where to start. I both love and hate when authors make you feel a certain way and then turn that feeling around on you, and this book was full of that. However, this is a book that grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. And, after that ending, I’m angry and frustrated at both our main characters for many reasons I can’t go into because, you know, spoilers. Next book, please. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
Read
January 17, 2026This book had me hooked from the beginning. I even found the content advisory entertaining. “Characters were harmed in the making of this story. Emotional support tissues recommended.” I knew I would like her writing after reading that. This is a true enemies to lovers story with trials (both my favorites). When I say enemies to lovers, our MMC is responsible for all of Rose’s misfortunes. Prince Kyor lied when they were children about Rose‘s mother killing the queen. As punishment, the king killed her baby brother, and stripped her entire family of their magic and threw them to the slumps. Now in an attempt to give her sister a better life, Rose sneaks into a God‘s temple to plead her case to be placed in trials where they get a wish from the Goddess Etta. She is selected, despite having no magic, but so is the prince. The characters in this book are so well written- from the MC’s to the side characters and villains. I would recommend having that emotional support tissue available if you are a cryer. The ending felt a bit rushed and left so many things unanswered. Particularly one that is driving me crazy! I am grateful for receiving an ARC copy since it was a great book. These thoughts are my own. This is my first book by the authors, but will not be the last. I will definitely read some of their other books and continue this series.
Tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Forced proximity
Found family
Morally grey MC
Underdog heroine
Deadly tournament / trials
Gods and Goddess
Secrets and lies
Political tension
Tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Forced proximity
Found family
Morally grey MC
Underdog heroine
Deadly tournament / trials
Gods and Goddess
Secrets and lies
Political tension
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow this is a lot of book, it does not skimp on anything and I can't complain or can I? What was up with that ending, yes I know keep us on the edge of our seats for book 2, but my poor heart!
Kyor, I wish we got his point of view on things in this book as I know there is so much more to him than we got to see.
This book did not pull any punches and I certainly wouldn't advise anyone to form any attachments to characters cos you'll get your heart broken.
There was a lot of world building in this one, I would like to see a bit more character development but that's really hard when it's told in one POV. Our heroine let me down a bit in the end but I'm hoping she can be redeemed, in my eyes at least.
I know there is so much more to come and I cannot wait, am I the only one that thinks Jonas is hiding a lot
Kyor, I wish we got his point of view on things in this book as I know there is so much more to him than we got to see.
This book did not pull any punches and I certainly wouldn't advise anyone to form any attachments to characters cos you'll get your heart broken.
There was a lot of world building in this one, I would like to see a bit more character development but that's really hard when it's told in one POV. Our heroine let me down a bit in the end but I'm hoping she can be redeemed, in my eyes at least.
I know there is so much more to come and I cannot wait, am I the only one that thinks Jonas is hiding a lot
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advanced copy for my honest review, and WOW what a wild ride. What a spectacular tale this was. I couldn’t put this one down. This one was nonstop action, emotional roller coaster and a nail biter. Stripped of their magical powers, wealth and their home, they are thrown into the slums where they are desperately trying to scrape by without starving to death. A once in a lifetime opportunity has come their way to be given a gift of their asking, as long as they don’t die in the process. Can she win this challenge and finally get her sister out of the slums? Will she be killed by the others while trying? What will happen to her sister if she fails? She had promised her parents that she would take care of her after their horrible deaths. Does she have what it will take to win with the disadvantage of being the only one without magic?
January 12, 2026
Having read the urban fantasy books from one of this writing duo, I was expecting a similar style with a bit more spice but it’s very much different. Normally, it’s realistic but not too dark, and there’s a happy ish ending and everything is fade-to-black. Not here, definite spice level which develops the plot, rather than thrown in just because so very happy about that. The story is darker and since this is a survival game trope, don’t expect any character to be safe.
Very well written as always though I wouldn’t have been able to tell you it was the author, very different vibe. Though part of a series, all the main plot points were brought to a satisfying end but with a few hooks left open for the next book.
I enjoyed it but didn’t quite love it. It was a tad dark for my liking but it’s definitely a good book.
Very well written as always though I wouldn’t have been able to tell you it was the author, very different vibe. Though part of a series, all the main plot points were brought to a satisfying end but with a few hooks left open for the next book.
I enjoyed it but didn’t quite love it. It was a tad dark for my liking but it’s definitely a good book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
An absolute belter. This 1st in a new series has everything you need in a book. It's got angst, it's got betrayal, family, love, friendship a boat load of enemies and tension. It's also got a ton of depth. It's about the underdog but also how the threads of choices these characters make tie them to one another. You're rooting for them and are genuinely sad when things go bad. It's a definite page turner and I think the next installment is going to be even better. I don't think Lady Kultivaris is going to take this laying down, nu uh, she's going to bring all of those deserving of it to their knees and raise those from the slums while she's at it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advanced copy for my honest review. From the start of this book, I was so utterly captured I couldn't put it down until the last page, and then had a full case of a book hangover for the next few days because it was all I could think about. It was so exciting with lots of trials and adventures, and even though a completely new and complex world, the world-building felt natural and the characters realistic. It has Hunger Games vibes, but with magic and most definitely for adults. I truly cannot wait for the next book, this was such an amazing start to what I hope will be a great series!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book, and what an ending! I was like, “Nooo, why does it end like this? I need the next book!” Bravo to Aria — the story is captivating, set in an intriguing universe that hints at so many possibilities for development in future books. A touch of political intrigue on a backdrop of magic and an enemies-to-lovers romance. I can’t wait to follow the next adventures of Rose and Kyor!A Vow of Web and Vengeance lives up to the greatest names in the genre: if you enjoyed, among others, ACOTAR or the Blood and Ash series, this new book series is made for you!
Review of advance copy received from Author
OMG! this one book is going to be the book of the year!! and the second one is coming this same year!! High adventure, epic fantasy, slow burn enemy to lovers betrayal. IT...HAS...IT...ALL!!! read this book nonstop had an all nighter LOVE it!! Think hunger games and maze runner and Percy jackson mixed all in to one with more spice! Rose had everything stripped from her as a child because of a lie forced to basically raise her baby sister in poverty with no magic she is desperate to get her sister out of this and the only way is the Retterheld....
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am obsessed. OBSESSED!
I read this obsessively. I thought about this obsessively when not able to be reading it. Now that I have finished it, I will be mulling it over in my mind obsessively for a good long time, while eagerly awaiting the next book to obsess over. This story is intense, with all kinds of suspense and anticipation. I truly laughed, cried, and agonized over certain scenes. This book is so much more than the words "fantasy romance" suggest, although the fantasy and romance are amazing!
I read this obsessively. I thought about this obsessively when not able to be reading it. Now that I have finished it, I will be mulling it over in my mind obsessively for a good long time, while eagerly awaiting the next book to obsess over. This story is intense, with all kinds of suspense and anticipation. I truly laughed, cried, and agonized over certain scenes. This book is so much more than the words "fantasy romance" suggest, although the fantasy and romance are amazing!
January 2, 2026
Omg! I absolutely loved it! I read it start to finish it about 8 hours. The trials, the games, the friendships, the betrayals, it was immaculate. Watching her grow from wanting vengeance to only wanting what had been taken from her and her sister. Her loyalty and love, Rose is exceptional. I was not expecting the twists at the end though and I’m needing the next book.
Also, If he cannot stand up to his father, he does not deserve to be with her. Lastly Kay is a brat.
Also, If he cannot stand up to his father, he does not deserve to be with her. Lastly Kay is a brat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
My heart has ached so many times throughout this book, and by the end it was left with a gnawing pain and the frustration of having to wait for the next book. It was an epic story, a proper full novel the likes of which I don’t see as often these days. I knew I would enjoy it due to the authors involved, but I didn’t expect to be so engaged that I struggled to put it down at night even as my eyes refused to open one more time. It was heart wrenching, anxiety inducing, horrifying at times and amazingly brilliant.
If you enjoy a romantasy, with trials, enemies to lovers, action/battles and a seriously emotional journey - this has all that and more. Be prepared to feel like you read a fantastic stand alone only to remember that it isn’t when the cliffhanger hits you - it is a series and you have to wait to see what happens next!
If you enjoy a romantasy, with trials, enemies to lovers, action/battles and a seriously emotional journey - this has all that and more. Be prepared to feel like you read a fantastic stand alone only to remember that it isn’t when the cliffhanger hits you - it is a series and you have to wait to see what happens next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
"They say vengeance is a blade best kept sharp, and my dagger has been honed with every betrayal."
I knew I was going to love this book from the very first line. It had everything I could want in a romantasy: traumatic backstory, magic, found family, betrayal, and survival. I was a bit annoyed with the FMC for being so good and forgiving, even to her own detriment, but at the end you find that it was necessary to her story. I can't wait to see where this series goes next.
I knew I was going to love this book from the very first line. It had everything I could want in a romantasy: traumatic backstory, magic, found family, betrayal, and survival. I was a bit annoyed with the FMC for being so good and forgiving, even to her own detriment, but at the end you find that it was necessary to her story. I can't wait to see where this series goes next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I could not put it down!! I was a little nervous when I saw how long the book was, but let me tell you, it was absolutely fantastic and worth reading. The authors have outdone themselves with the start of this series!
Rose is a brilliant main character who truly grows throughout the book. Her relationships with the other characters are honest and genuine. Be prepared to laugh, cry, and experience all the emotions! If you’re remotely thinking about reading it, all I can say is go for it!
Rose is a brilliant main character who truly grows throughout the book. Her relationships with the other characters are honest and genuine. Be prepared to laugh, cry, and experience all the emotions! If you’re remotely thinking about reading it, all I can say is go for it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Brilliant !! Great first book in the series !! The authors have created an amazing world here. This book has everything, romance, tragedy, life long friendships, great world building, action and is an absolute page turner. I couldn't put this book down once I started it !! Can't wait for the next installment. An absolute must read for every Romantasy fan !!
Review of advance copy
Wow, what a great, great, great, fantastic read! Lucky me got the ARC from Aria Asbrook, the great duo behind that name I was already a fan of before in their own right, but together they've created this whole new world that hooked me from the start. To think this is the first of the series and there's more to look forward to, is a great start of this new year.
Read
January 10, 2026I just finished this at 1 am and all I can think about is what I’m going to do waiting for the next! It had enemies-to-lovers, touch her and die, he falls first and so much more. I have so many questions but all in the best way. It will rip your heart out with some deaths but that’s to be expected and the tension is top tier.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is an amazing start to a new series! Great world building without getting boring and very relatable characters. Captivating story that is hard to put down with excellent foreshadowing and a crazy twist with no real cliffhanger. Really enjoyed the book and characters.looking forward to the rest of the series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, what a debut! It gripped me, making me cry, angry and laugh. I adored Rose she wasn’t whiney or cocky, just real. Kyor was also great but he definitely needs to sort out his daddy issues. The pacing was perfect – not rushed but not dragging, which I love. The tension between them was incredible. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next one. Five stars!
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January 4, 2026Amazing new world. The level of emotion in this book is unreal, I felt everything she went through. Top notch writing that drags you in, sets hooks and doesn't let go. I can't wait for the next book im sure it will be just as good...and I NEED to know what happens next!
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