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Perilous
The Vallin Empire is cut off from the rest of the world, separated by a dark and depthless chasm. On one side are the draithen. Savage, blood-hungry beasts that will stop at nothing to kill.
On the other side, stands Arden Forger.
Stuck in a world ruled by the descendants of the nine gods, Arden poses little threat. She intends to change that swiftly. By claiming to be the descendant of Odrin, the healing god, Arden infiltrates the Crimson Wing. The emperor’s elite.
In her journey to take revenge after her brother’s murder, she finds herself consumed by her thirst for vengeance. She must decide how much of herself she’s willing to sacrifice for it. Because the more she seeks justice, the further she slips into darkness.
On the other side, stands Arden Forger.
Stuck in a world ruled by the descendants of the nine gods, Arden poses little threat. She intends to change that swiftly. By claiming to be the descendant of Odrin, the healing god, Arden infiltrates the Crimson Wing. The emperor’s elite.
In her journey to take revenge after her brother’s murder, she finds herself consumed by her thirst for vengeance. She must decide how much of herself she’s willing to sacrifice for it. Because the more she seeks justice, the further she slips into darkness.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2025
35 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
About the author
Jacee Kaye
2 books19 followersJacee Kaye is a debut fantasy author. When she is not at her day job, you’ll find her cozied up at home with a video game, lost in a book, or watching shows like Naruto, which inspired her love of storytelling. She lives with her just-as-nerdy partner and their three cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 6, 2025
Such a refreshing read. The drama, politics, love triangle, and deception had me flipping through pages until the middle of the night🤧The world building was beautifully done— making me feel like I was walking around in their world. Castle’s charm had me smirking and blushing, probably too often. Arden’s mystery and underlying wickedness kept me wondering if I even knew the full extent to her plans. My jaw was on the floor more than once and I laughed more than I expected. Overall, great read and I am already growing impatient for the second book.
June 18, 2025
I need the next book yesterday
May 3, 2025
I actually had the pleasure to read this book before it came out. And I will say, I loved it beginning to end. I am super excited to read through again because there were lots of new changes I know that got added in. And I need the 2nd book ASAP
May 9, 2025
I couldn’t put it down! The storyline gave you enough mystery to keep you wanting to know more. I loved the characters and how they interacted with one another. I definitely can’t wait for more love triangle drama. It would also be interesting to see more into each character’s point of view. I’m used to reading multiple perspectives, which allows you to see how each character is feeling. Overall, I think it’s worth reading. Looking forward to the next book.
July 3, 2025
Thank you for letting me ARC read this book 💞
3/5 because last 5% had me hooked !!
So first of all, while I was reading I thought I’d give it a 2/5 max. I only started getting interested at around 82% and the ending…. AHHHH
So why was I bored?
well, the action was not that good. it was predictable and some events were so random…
even the sentences, literally there was a sentence about our fmc not wanting to go somewhere and wanting to turn back, when the sentence right after it was “the guard didn’t want to let her go”
alright?? thank you??
also - DESCRIPTIONS - why do I need to read how’s everyone dressed all the time?? i mean i’m not here for it, i want ACTIONNNNN (well good action)
now onto our characters
- Arden: girl i get it, stron main female character and stuff, and when i appreciate that’s she’s 25 and not 18, i couldn’t stand her 😭 she acted like she was 15
girl really, get a grip and start using your brain bc whatthehelly
(tho i also liked that she was not „the chosen one” 🤓)
and ahhh how i hate it when a fmc is picking between two love interest…. girl we all know who you’ll end up with so no need to pretend
and so onto the love interest….
CASTLE
okay bby what in the shadow daddy thing??? he was mean mean and Arden was still very very obsessed (alright girle me too but at least don’t expect him to be kind???)
he had his stuff going on, and my poor baby was alone in it….
i love him
anywayssssssss
Ren….. i did like him at first, he was so nice, but he was too nice and i knew we don’t know something about that fella. but at least he gave her some stability ??? or empathy???
OTHERSSSSS
Sorine my baby 🥹 i love the mean at first and the not-so-mean „let’s settle on well-acquainted” girly. and i love Moth (obvi) and well, she’s just badass
the rest of Crimson Wing - alright, i do not even remember their names rn so 🤓☝️
and my fav emperor ofc. he felt like a little boy playing in the sandbox all the time, „uuuu gimme my dragon” „ummm i just wanted to see you defeated” and well i think we can agree on he who laughs last, laughs best
what elseeeeee
oh! the whole thing with this little kid being a descendant locked up in a cage?? idk it’s just the next thing that felt so so random??
also what were they doing all the time?? beside TRAINING ofc because our amazing strong Crimson Wing members (the other wing too ig) have to train 😱
well besides that they were mostly scheming and locking themselves in a broom storage 🫠
ALSO WHY WAS ARDEN BEING SO BIPOLAR??? i mean her „relationship” with Castle was like ping-pong tbh 💀 but girl no need to make those two rip their throats apart
the curse on the other hand??? well it was obvious very very much, BUTTTTT it breaks my heart
and the whole murdering thing?? why were we so focused on that???? it was not the main part of the book, but it felt like it 😐😐😐😐
ANYWAYYYYS THE LAST 5%
THIS HAD ME
READING
our fmc is a total badass here and oh my poor Castle 😭😭😭
also Ren, your part was really not needed, but thank you for your participation ig???
and the gods??? i don’t like them. „ummm you don’t have a say in this girly lololololo” oh yeah amazing.
and because of the last page, i’ll probably read the next part 😔 (well depends on when it’ll be published bc i’ll probably forget about this book in a month or so)
3/5 because last 5% had me hooked !!
So first of all, while I was reading I thought I’d give it a 2/5 max. I only started getting interested at around 82% and the ending…. AHHHH
So why was I bored?
well, the action was not that good. it was predictable and some events were so random…
even the sentences, literally there was a sentence about our fmc not wanting to go somewhere and wanting to turn back, when the sentence right after it was “the guard didn’t want to let her go”
alright?? thank you??
also - DESCRIPTIONS - why do I need to read how’s everyone dressed all the time?? i mean i’m not here for it, i want ACTIONNNNN (well good action)
now onto our characters
- Arden: girl i get it, stron main female character and stuff, and when i appreciate that’s she’s 25 and not 18, i couldn’t stand her 😭 she acted like she was 15
girl really, get a grip and start using your brain bc whatthehelly
(tho i also liked that she was not „the chosen one” 🤓)
and ahhh how i hate it when a fmc is picking between two love interest…. girl we all know who you’ll end up with so no need to pretend
and so onto the love interest….
CASTLE
okay bby what in the shadow daddy thing??? he was mean mean and Arden was still very very obsessed (alright girle me too but at least don’t expect him to be kind???)
he had his stuff going on, and my poor baby was alone in it….
i love him
anywayssssssss
Ren….. i did like him at first, he was so nice, but he was too nice and i knew we don’t know something about that fella. but at least he gave her some stability ??? or empathy???
OTHERSSSSS
Sorine my baby 🥹 i love the mean at first and the not-so-mean „let’s settle on well-acquainted” girly. and i love Moth (obvi) and well, she’s just badass
the rest of Crimson Wing - alright, i do not even remember their names rn so 🤓☝️
and my fav emperor ofc. he felt like a little boy playing in the sandbox all the time, „uuuu gimme my dragon” „ummm i just wanted to see you defeated” and well i think we can agree on he who laughs last, laughs best
what elseeeeee
oh! the whole thing with this little kid being a descendant locked up in a cage?? idk it’s just the next thing that felt so so random??
also what were they doing all the time?? beside TRAINING ofc because our amazing strong Crimson Wing members (the other wing too ig) have to train 😱
well besides that they were mostly scheming and locking themselves in a broom storage 🫠
ALSO WHY WAS ARDEN BEING SO BIPOLAR??? i mean her „relationship” with Castle was like ping-pong tbh 💀 but girl no need to make those two rip their throats apart
the curse on the other hand??? well it was obvious very very much, BUTTTTT it breaks my heart
and the whole murdering thing?? why were we so focused on that???? it was not the main part of the book, but it felt like it 😐😐😐😐
ANYWAYYYYS THE LAST 5%
THIS HAD ME
READING
our fmc is a total badass here and oh my poor Castle 😭😭😭
also Ren, your part was really not needed, but thank you for your participation ig???
and the gods??? i don’t like them. „ummm you don’t have a say in this girly lololololo” oh yeah amazing.
and because of the last page, i’ll probably read the next part 😔 (well depends on when it’ll be published bc i’ll probably forget about this book in a month or so)
May 5, 2025
The best book I’ve read in years! Every page left me wanting more. I love the main character and all the struggles she was going through and all the twist and turns! I 100% recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun story with romance and a great twist on power!
July 24, 2025
I received an ARC of this book, which does not affect my review. Thank you to the author and Booksirens for the chance to read this book.
This book was nearly impossible to put away, though I will admit I got a slower start to it than I wanted. However, once I really settled into the fantasy world, so much unfolded. There is political intrigue, tension, and you never know what will come next. I for the most part really clicked with Arden, though I will say there were a fair few times where I wondered how she had gotten so far given some of the things she says or choices she makes in impulse.
Despite their being a love triangle, it was a bit predictable who Arden would ultimately choose. I did not really mind that, especially since I had a clear favorite too. Sometimes the inclusion of love triangles makes me wonder though because there is rarely a time where I am legitimately torn over who the, usually female main character, will go for. Arden might not have known but I sure did.
There were a couple of times where I had to get more used to, or overlook, the writing style. It was only in small moments, not a massive thing. Like when a character says something that’s clearly arrogant, and it’s clarified that their tone was arrogant. Or when a character “snaps” and it is clarified they’re frustrated by telling. However this is so minor. And the plot, characters, and flow of the book did for the most part keep me very intrigued, so much so that like I said, it was hard to put down.
I thought it was very cool this book had dragons! That always is an exciting piece of fantasy I enjoy. Another character of note is the emperor. It was always fun when he was on the page.
The ending, however, was my favorite part of the book. I usually am unsure of cliffhangers, but in this case, I just need to know what’s going to happen with Arden. Talk about ending with a bang! If the first chunk of the book is about tension, training, and falling in love with the characters and their antics, then the last part of the book is putting everything to the test. And wow are characters tested! Arden and Castle are both in such different places at the end of the book than they are in the beginning, and I’m so curious how their fates will play out. Especially Arden, who is living a literal nightmare at the end of this book. I don’t know if it’s just me but that is actually one of my biggest fears, to be controlled in that way internally. Poor Arden. But I have faith in her to be able to withstand it. When I tell you I wish the next book was published so I could read on, I am not kidding. I also am just very curious to follow this author, which is what I love about reading arcs, is that I get to uncover new authors to see how they grow and what they’ve written and/or will write (in this case will write because this was a debut book). And for a debut, I overall very much enjoyed it. It’s pure romantasy with the additions of dragons, gods, and so much lore, and I feel this serious will unfold in the best of ways.
This book was nearly impossible to put away, though I will admit I got a slower start to it than I wanted. However, once I really settled into the fantasy world, so much unfolded. There is political intrigue, tension, and you never know what will come next. I for the most part really clicked with Arden, though I will say there were a fair few times where I wondered how she had gotten so far given some of the things she says or choices she makes in impulse.
Despite their being a love triangle, it was a bit predictable who Arden would ultimately choose. I did not really mind that, especially since I had a clear favorite too. Sometimes the inclusion of love triangles makes me wonder though because there is rarely a time where I am legitimately torn over who the, usually female main character, will go for. Arden might not have known but I sure did.
There were a couple of times where I had to get more used to, or overlook, the writing style. It was only in small moments, not a massive thing. Like when a character says something that’s clearly arrogant, and it’s clarified that their tone was arrogant. Or when a character “snaps” and it is clarified they’re frustrated by telling. However this is so minor. And the plot, characters, and flow of the book did for the most part keep me very intrigued, so much so that like I said, it was hard to put down.
I thought it was very cool this book had dragons! That always is an exciting piece of fantasy I enjoy. Another character of note is the emperor. It was always fun when he was on the page.
The ending, however, was my favorite part of the book. I usually am unsure of cliffhangers, but in this case, I just need to know what’s going to happen with Arden. Talk about ending with a bang! If the first chunk of the book is about tension, training, and falling in love with the characters and their antics, then the last part of the book is putting everything to the test. And wow are characters tested! Arden and Castle are both in such different places at the end of the book than they are in the beginning, and I’m so curious how their fates will play out. Especially Arden, who is living a literal nightmare at the end of this book. I don’t know if it’s just me but that is actually one of my biggest fears, to be controlled in that way internally. Poor Arden. But I have faith in her to be able to withstand it. When I tell you I wish the next book was published so I could read on, I am not kidding. I also am just very curious to follow this author, which is what I love about reading arcs, is that I get to uncover new authors to see how they grow and what they’ve written and/or will write (in this case will write because this was a debut book). And for a debut, I overall very much enjoyed it. It’s pure romantasy with the additions of dragons, gods, and so much lore, and I feel this serious will unfold in the best of ways.
July 31, 2025
little slow to start but the ending had me hooked
August 16, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received an ARC of this one and devoured it. The Vallin Empire is ruled by a ruthless yet powerful emperor seeking the obedience and alliance of the descendants of the Gods as he seeks power (oh, and a friggin dragon) to prepare for war. With a chasm on one side and a forest full of savage beasts known as draithen on the other - who is the one that will stand in the middle? Arden friggin Forger, that's who!
Arden has claimed to be a descendent of Odrin, the healing god, in order to gain access to the emperor to avenge the murder of her twin brother who WAS the true descendant of Odrin. She takes the whole fake-it-til-ya-make-it to the next level and when she's placed in the Crimson Wing (the emperor's elite), the hackles on the others are raised.
I loved this book so much! I love that Arden is legit out for blood to avenge her brother so she’s just gonna waltz into the emperor’s palace like she belongs there…
But then…
She does JUST THAT!
The audacity and the HELL YEAH! You go girl! I mean – look at my excessive use of exclamation points!!!!! They’re warranted.
I love the slow burn love triangle. I LOVE the emperor is a savage tyrant that no one likes but everyone fears yet we see some underhanded shenanigans afoot. I love the scheming, secrets, betrayals, creatures…. I LOVE Castle and the mind fuck he brings to the table. He’s the morally grey shadow daddy… yeah, we want him.
The world building, evolving angst, necessary trials, unexpected alliances and revelations…. And then the ending! WHOA! Yes please.
Bring on the next one! LOVE LOVE LOVE!
Everything you want in a fantasy.
And sidenote – I LOVE the cover. I love dragons… so it’s like… is this a comforting exciting thing or is this ominous? You’ll have to read it to find out. And trust me, you want to!
Appreciate the ARC of this one. So so good.
#perilous #fivestarreads #fantasybooks
I received an ARC of this one and devoured it. The Vallin Empire is ruled by a ruthless yet powerful emperor seeking the obedience and alliance of the descendants of the Gods as he seeks power (oh, and a friggin dragon) to prepare for war. With a chasm on one side and a forest full of savage beasts known as draithen on the other - who is the one that will stand in the middle? Arden friggin Forger, that's who!
Arden has claimed to be a descendent of Odrin, the healing god, in order to gain access to the emperor to avenge the murder of her twin brother who WAS the true descendant of Odrin. She takes the whole fake-it-til-ya-make-it to the next level and when she's placed in the Crimson Wing (the emperor's elite), the hackles on the others are raised.
I loved this book so much! I love that Arden is legit out for blood to avenge her brother so she’s just gonna waltz into the emperor’s palace like she belongs there…
But then…
She does JUST THAT!
The audacity and the HELL YEAH! You go girl! I mean – look at my excessive use of exclamation points!!!!! They’re warranted.
I love the slow burn love triangle. I LOVE the emperor is a savage tyrant that no one likes but everyone fears yet we see some underhanded shenanigans afoot. I love the scheming, secrets, betrayals, creatures…. I LOVE Castle and the mind fuck he brings to the table. He’s the morally grey shadow daddy… yeah, we want him.
The world building, evolving angst, necessary trials, unexpected alliances and revelations…. And then the ending! WHOA! Yes please.
Bring on the next one! LOVE LOVE LOVE!
Everything you want in a fantasy.
And sidenote – I LOVE the cover. I love dragons… so it’s like… is this a comforting exciting thing or is this ominous? You’ll have to read it to find out. And trust me, you want to!
Appreciate the ARC of this one. So so good.
#perilous #fivestarreads #fantasybooks
August 9, 2025
A stunning debut! Jacee Kaye is a new author to watch out for.
I don’t often write reviews, but this book stayed in my mind for days after. In fact, I had to read it a second time, just a few months after my first read. 😅
I was so impressed by the way Perilous blended a futuristic setting with an old gods/monarchy backdrop. The world building was sprinkled in like seasoning, enough to flavor every page without overwhelming me with long explanations. That’s a rare skill, even among seasoned fantasy authors, and Jacee Kaye pulled it off as an indie author.
Arden, our fierce and unapologetic main character, easily pulled me along in her journey of revenge. Our poor girl has grown up in a harsh world and it shows. She is laser focused on exacting her revenge, and romance is mostly seen as just another weapon in her arsenal.
That said, the love triangle between Arden, Castle, and Ren had me fully invested! I’m a huge sucker for a love triangle 😍
Castle is sexy, mysterious, and understands the darkness in Arden better than anyone. But I couldn’t help rooting for Ren who draws out a softness in her that no one else can. After everything Arden has endured, it was bittersweet to catch glimpses of who she might have been if she’d been allowed a gentle life.
I also have to shout out Sorine! Like Arden, she doesn’t have special abilities, but she’s in Crimson Wing through sheer skill and determination. The rivalry between her and Arden felt organic, and watching their relationship shift over time was deeply satisfying.
The political intrigue and layered plot kept me hooked from start to finish, and that ending sealed the deal. I am absolutely foaming at the mouth for book two! 😩
There’s no doubt in my mind, this author has what it takes to craft exceptional fantasy. I’m impatiently waiting to see where she takes Arden, Castle, and REN next.
I don’t often write reviews, but this book stayed in my mind for days after. In fact, I had to read it a second time, just a few months after my first read. 😅
I was so impressed by the way Perilous blended a futuristic setting with an old gods/monarchy backdrop. The world building was sprinkled in like seasoning, enough to flavor every page without overwhelming me with long explanations. That’s a rare skill, even among seasoned fantasy authors, and Jacee Kaye pulled it off as an indie author.
Arden, our fierce and unapologetic main character, easily pulled me along in her journey of revenge. Our poor girl has grown up in a harsh world and it shows. She is laser focused on exacting her revenge, and romance is mostly seen as just another weapon in her arsenal.
That said, the love triangle between Arden, Castle, and Ren had me fully invested! I’m a huge sucker for a love triangle 😍
Castle is sexy, mysterious, and understands the darkness in Arden better than anyone. But I couldn’t help rooting for Ren who draws out a softness in her that no one else can. After everything Arden has endured, it was bittersweet to catch glimpses of who she might have been if she’d been allowed a gentle life.
I also have to shout out Sorine! Like Arden, she doesn’t have special abilities, but she’s in Crimson Wing through sheer skill and determination. The rivalry between her and Arden felt organic, and watching their relationship shift over time was deeply satisfying.
The political intrigue and layered plot kept me hooked from start to finish, and that ending sealed the deal. I am absolutely foaming at the mouth for book two! 😩
There’s no doubt in my mind, this author has what it takes to craft exceptional fantasy. I’m impatiently waiting to see where she takes Arden, Castle, and REN next.
September 16, 2025
Thank you to BookSirens and Jacee Kaye for the opportunity to read an advanced review copy for free. This review is voluntarily and fully my opinions.
Let’s start with the positives. I really enjoyed the inclusion of God’s and the magic system of descendants having their gifts. Books with some magic are always better. Arden, our FMC, had a tragic backstory which made sense as the driving factor for her motivations in the book. The last 20% was enjoyable to read and the pace/action really picked up.
But unfortunately overall this book fell flat for me. The characters felt really one dimensional, dialogue and interactions felt really choppy and I didn’t feel the tensions or relationship developments like I would have wanted. It felt like there was the idea of a love triangle meant to be present but it just didn’t feel fully developed for me. Furthermore, Arden will go from saying/doing one thing to doing the opposite without a full explanation. I think I also struggled with understanding the world as a whole - my brain struggled with the dichotomy of a society that has the power/knowledge to have security drones but also need a dragon to try and win a war that is vaguely referenced throughout the book. I think the story could have taken more time to develop more details and stronger plot line / character arc for me to have enjoyed it more.
Did I enjoy reading it? Mostly. Will I continue with the series? Highly unlikely.
Let’s start with the positives. I really enjoyed the inclusion of God’s and the magic system of descendants having their gifts. Books with some magic are always better. Arden, our FMC, had a tragic backstory which made sense as the driving factor for her motivations in the book. The last 20% was enjoyable to read and the pace/action really picked up.
But unfortunately overall this book fell flat for me. The characters felt really one dimensional, dialogue and interactions felt really choppy and I didn’t feel the tensions or relationship developments like I would have wanted. It felt like there was the idea of a love triangle meant to be present but it just didn’t feel fully developed for me. Furthermore, Arden will go from saying/doing one thing to doing the opposite without a full explanation. I think I also struggled with understanding the world as a whole - my brain struggled with the dichotomy of a society that has the power/knowledge to have security drones but also need a dragon to try and win a war that is vaguely referenced throughout the book. I think the story could have taken more time to develop more details and stronger plot line / character arc for me to have enjoyed it more.
Did I enjoy reading it? Mostly. Will I continue with the series? Highly unlikely.
November 19, 2025
I was so close to making this a DNF at multiple times throughout the first 80% of the book.
I don’t understand how or why people are rating it so highly. It definitely had potential, but it felt like I was reading the rough draft of the first half of a book.
The writing style was the hardest thing for me to push past. It felt like fan fiction. It was so poorly edited. Some things were over-explained while other key elements of the world building were missing. The dialogue didn’t always feel necessary and the pacing was so slow.
The author has also thrown standard story structuring out the window. By the time I hit 80%, it’d just started to pick up and I was trying to work out how I was 80% of the way through when it felt like I was about 50% of the way through the story. The climax was at around 95% and then it just ended. It didn’t even feel like a cliffhanger, it just made me feel like I’d read this entire book for 5 minutes of anything vaguely interesting.
I’m calling it at 2⭐️ because the last part of the book did have me hooked, and I was looking forward to see how it panned out. But it was like trudging through mud to get there.
Also I’m an avid Baldurs Gate 3 player and I saw another review that mentioned Astarion quotes and can confirm, there are a lot of similarities. Although imo ‘Castle’ is a terrible name for a fantasy character.
I don’t understand how or why people are rating it so highly. It definitely had potential, but it felt like I was reading the rough draft of the first half of a book.
The writing style was the hardest thing for me to push past. It felt like fan fiction. It was so poorly edited. Some things were over-explained while other key elements of the world building were missing. The dialogue didn’t always feel necessary and the pacing was so slow.
The author has also thrown standard story structuring out the window. By the time I hit 80%, it’d just started to pick up and I was trying to work out how I was 80% of the way through when it felt like I was about 50% of the way through the story. The climax was at around 95% and then it just ended. It didn’t even feel like a cliffhanger, it just made me feel like I’d read this entire book for 5 minutes of anything vaguely interesting.
I’m calling it at 2⭐️ because the last part of the book did have me hooked, and I was looking forward to see how it panned out. But it was like trudging through mud to get there.
Also I’m an avid Baldurs Gate 3 player and I saw another review that mentioned Astarion quotes and can confirm, there are a lot of similarities. Although imo ‘Castle’ is a terrible name for a fantasy character.
September 27, 2025
I received this as an advanced reader copy for free and I voluntarily am leaving an honest review.
Arden ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Castle⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ren⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Deimena ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Emperor ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is probably the strangest format I’ve given for leaving a review but honestly my thoughts and feelings are all over the place from this book. Our main FMC I was underwhelmed with because even though she was an older FMC, her actions made her feel younger. I wanted her to act more mature and that wasn’t what I got. She is an underestimated character with flaws but that only makes the ending so much more surprising. Our MMC wields shadows and is mean. I liked that he didn’t give in like many MMCs and soften for her. It’s a strange dynamic but it works and leaves you wanting more. I found the book moving a little slow for me and didn’t really start moving faster until 70% of the way in. Overall, I just wanted and needed more. I needed more world building early on and I needed to know more about these characters. I am curious to how the story will develop in the next book but because I was left wanting more I could only give 4 stars. Thank you again for the ARC. I love a shadow wielder!
Arden ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Castle⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ren⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Deimena ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Emperor ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is probably the strangest format I’ve given for leaving a review but honestly my thoughts and feelings are all over the place from this book. Our main FMC I was underwhelmed with because even though she was an older FMC, her actions made her feel younger. I wanted her to act more mature and that wasn’t what I got. She is an underestimated character with flaws but that only makes the ending so much more surprising. Our MMC wields shadows and is mean. I liked that he didn’t give in like many MMCs and soften for her. It’s a strange dynamic but it works and leaves you wanting more. I found the book moving a little slow for me and didn’t really start moving faster until 70% of the way in. Overall, I just wanted and needed more. I needed more world building early on and I needed to know more about these characters. I am curious to how the story will develop in the next book but because I was left wanting more I could only give 4 stars. Thank you again for the ARC. I love a shadow wielder!
October 9, 2025
**Booksirens ARC**
This book was such a great start to a series. Although the book started off slow. The world building, plot, politics and general flow kept me intrigued and made me want to keep reading.
The FMC Arden seemed a bit naive at times, although it is noted that she is in her twenties.
The chemistry between Arden and Castle is top tier. Even though it's supposed to be a love triangle situation. I was a bit confused as to the purpose of the crimson wing beside training, not sure if i missed the overall goal. Was it to capture the dragon?
I'm curious as to how the rest of the series will play out given the ending. This is so good for a debut novel, and I am definitely looking forward to book 2.
I have received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily
This book was such a great start to a series. Although the book started off slow. The world building, plot, politics and general flow kept me intrigued and made me want to keep reading.
The FMC Arden seemed a bit naive at times, although it is noted that she is in her twenties.
The chemistry between Arden and Castle is top tier. Even though it's supposed to be a love triangle situation. I was a bit confused as to the purpose of the crimson wing beside training, not sure if i missed the overall goal. Was it to capture the dragon?
I'm curious as to how the rest of the series will play out given the ending. This is so good for a debut novel, and I am definitely looking forward to book 2.
I have received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily
August 28, 2025
Notes:
Slow start, wasn’t sure I was enjoying it
The world building personally gave me sci fi vibes, a little like Star Wars aesthetic mixed with cyberpunk
Descendants harness powers of the Gods of Drell; life, death, fire, hearts, time, fate, wind/ice, lightning/tides, unsure how these or why these powers were specifically chosen
Sprinkling of romance with love triangle story line
Still unsure the reason behind the war, maybe I missed it
Drama and deception becomes exciting towards the end
Looking forward to next book
Contents:
Revenge plot
Elemental powers
Gods/religion
Court politics
Death of a loved one, twin brother
Violence/murder
Family abuse/drama
Dragons
Cursed creatures
Cliffhanger ending
Morally grey shadow daddy??
Slow start, wasn’t sure I was enjoying it
The world building personally gave me sci fi vibes, a little like Star Wars aesthetic mixed with cyberpunk
Descendants harness powers of the Gods of Drell; life, death, fire, hearts, time, fate, wind/ice, lightning/tides, unsure how these or why these powers were specifically chosen
Sprinkling of romance with love triangle story line
Still unsure the reason behind the war, maybe I missed it
Drama and deception becomes exciting towards the end
Looking forward to next book
Contents:
Revenge plot
Elemental powers
Gods/religion
Court politics
Death of a loved one, twin brother
Violence/murder
Family abuse/drama
Dragons
Cursed creatures
Cliffhanger ending
Morally grey shadow daddy??
June 27, 2025
4 and a half stars rounded up
I literally finished this in half a day because I could not put it down. Arden was a great fmc and I really enjoyed getting to see the darkness in her come to the fore, castle’s arrogance worked perfectly, loved the character building and relationships with secondary characters, and the world building was great. The twists and turns genuinely surprised me, and that ending? Insane! Very excited to see where the story goes and can’t wait for the next one.
I received a free copy in return for an honest review.
I literally finished this in half a day because I could not put it down. Arden was a great fmc and I really enjoyed getting to see the darkness in her come to the fore, castle’s arrogance worked perfectly, loved the character building and relationships with secondary characters, and the world building was great. The twists and turns genuinely surprised me, and that ending? Insane! Very excited to see where the story goes and can’t wait for the next one.
I received a free copy in return for an honest review.
May 29, 2025
Okay wow! This book was an outstanding read that captured my attention from the very first sentence. The storyline and world-building are both richly developed and thoroughly engaging. What truly impressed me was how refreshingly unique it felt compared to other fantasy novels I’ve read. I LOVE how Castle calls Arden “angel” since he is the descendant of death. It just fits so well.
July 3, 2025
I read this book in a day, and would have sat and read it all the way through in one sitting if my silly life didn't get in the way. I absolutely ate it up! I loved the FMC and MLC so much, as a big fan of BG3, it made it that more desirable. The tension, the unique magic system, the female rage, the ENDING OMG!! Loved everything!!!
August 6, 2025
This book hooked me. I really enjoyed it and couldn't put it down. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book and hope that there is even more character growth. I also hope that the next one is twice as long so we can spend as much time with these characters as possible!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 12, 2025
I really liked this story as I got sucked into Arden's vengeance quest and the world she lives in. Great characters to like and hate, lots of drama, and secrets and a wild world ruled by descendants of gods. It made me laugh, groan and keep reading to see what would happen in the next chapter. So hard to put down and written to kept me glued to the end.
May 22, 2025
This book was so good!! The ending was not at all what I was expecting and simply blew my mind. I am so intrigued to learn more about the universe and the characters and watch it all come to life! I also really hope our main character and a certain man get together 🤎
June 11, 2025
As soon as I started this I could not put it down, mad that I had to sleep instead of reading from start to finish!! I cannot WAIT for the second book, I’m so invested in this story and I need MORE!!!!
July 27, 2025
Can't tell how good the plot is as the book is unreadably poorly written. It desperately needs an editor, as currently it reads like mediocre fan fiction. There's clearly promise, but the author needs to put a lot more work into her prose and plots.
September 22, 2025
this was a good book ..kinda a slow start tbh...but . I liked it ... the whole mystery aspect of it ..not knowing who what where when or why/how had me ...I don't normally go for third person POV which maybe why it wasn't a 5 star read for me .. but it was good...
June 22, 2025
Omg lovedddd !! Need the next book rn
June 30, 2025
Absolutely loved it (and now anxiously awaiting the next book)!
July 18, 2025
hetslop at it’s finest: now with 50% more astarion! (no seriously how did this get past publishing it even has astarion dialogue from game) (camp though)
July 19, 2025
This book was really entertaining to read and much more complex than I anticipated and I loved it! I am super excited to see what happens in the next book. 🤩
August 1, 2025
Um… ARE YOU SERIOUS?? I have to wait for the second book??!? I cannot wait for the next one to come out, please release it soon!!!! This was so good, more people need to read this!!!
September 6, 2025
Great concept
Great concept with the gods having descendants that reincarnate and the twist at the end was nice. Was hoping for more romance though
Great concept with the gods having descendants that reincarnate and the twist at the end was nice. Was hoping for more romance though
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