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Darker Than the Starless Night: An Epic Romantic Fantasy
A tale of gods and titans, the humans caught between them, and chemistry that binds it all together
Yom has found a simple solution to avoiding the obsessive thoughts that have haunted her since childhood: burying herself beneath powdered drugs, bodies, and coin. But when her gang’s leader demands loyalty at all costs, Yom’s position as the gang’s head chemist comes under threat. Forced to investigate, she crosses paths with a cagey royal archivist named Quia as they unearth a horrifying conspiracy to reopen the ancient war that ripped the world in two.
Quia offers a tenuous solution: cross the dangerous network of provinces to reach the queendom’s capitol, and seek the one mythical person capable of halting the forces of war. On the treacherous odyssey, Yom reckons with blood-thirsty crime lords, the queen’s personal guard, bounty hunters, forest spirits, old gods, and the specter of a friend she lost as a child—her first love—who might still be alive out there. The chemist must face her addiction to powder, her growing feelings for Quia, and the obsessive thoughts that threaten to tear her mind in two, lest she lose herself in her quest to save the world.
Yom has found a simple solution to avoiding the obsessive thoughts that have haunted her since childhood: burying herself beneath powdered drugs, bodies, and coin. But when her gang’s leader demands loyalty at all costs, Yom’s position as the gang’s head chemist comes under threat. Forced to investigate, she crosses paths with a cagey royal archivist named Quia as they unearth a horrifying conspiracy to reopen the ancient war that ripped the world in two.
Quia offers a tenuous solution: cross the dangerous network of provinces to reach the queendom’s capitol, and seek the one mythical person capable of halting the forces of war. On the treacherous odyssey, Yom reckons with blood-thirsty crime lords, the queen’s personal guard, bounty hunters, forest spirits, old gods, and the specter of a friend she lost as a child—her first love—who might still be alive out there. The chemist must face her addiction to powder, her growing feelings for Quia, and the obsessive thoughts that threaten to tear her mind in two, lest she lose herself in her quest to save the world.
442 pages, Paperback
Published July 15, 2025
28 people are currently reading
1291 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Brodkey
1 book45 followersRebecca Brodkey lives in the Chicago suburbs and spends most of her time hunched over a notebook, reading, and eating popcorn. She studied Physics and Mathematics at the University of Michigan and has been a lifelong Latin and mythology nerd. Darker Than the Starless Night is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews
October 20, 2025
what you were looking for was right in front of you all along but now it’s too late. I LOVE THIS SONGGGGG (tragedy, doomed characters, character regression, betrayal)
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July 28, 2025
I am in awe. Rebecca Brodkey, you have done it. You have STUNNED ME INTO SILENCE. 5 stars for DTTSN.
Darker Than The Starless Night is the perfect book for the book lovers who wanted Six of Crows vibes but with ✨magic powder✨ and two mc’s who bicker all the time.
The characters (Yom & Quia) are so beautifully complex it blew my mind from the PROLOGUE. Yom is so fierce and determined, it made me want to be best friends with her. You just KNOW she would go to the ends of the earth for you. Now Quia, every time Quia opened his mouth I was scared. Was it going to be teasing, sassy, or kind? He is literally PERFECT. I’m a little bit obsessed with him & the way he behaves.
The best part: THE WORLD✨🗺️ It was incredible. The way the gangs rule the city but the titans and gods are at the helm. I found it to be unique and startlingly fresh. Plus, a magic forest? Take me there rn!
The. Ending. Has. Me. Shook. I thought I knew where this book was going: WRONG. I’m so mad at myself but equally in awe of how I somehow missed it?! I need a reread right now. It’s that type of ending🤯
This book is absolutely incredible & I hope you all get the chance to read it. Thank you, Rebecca Brodkey for the advanced copy of this book. You kind of just changed my life?💖
Darker Than The Starless Night is the perfect book for the book lovers who wanted Six of Crows vibes but with ✨magic powder✨ and two mc’s who bicker all the time.
The characters (Yom & Quia) are so beautifully complex it blew my mind from the PROLOGUE. Yom is so fierce and determined, it made me want to be best friends with her. You just KNOW she would go to the ends of the earth for you. Now Quia, every time Quia opened his mouth I was scared. Was it going to be teasing, sassy, or kind? He is literally PERFECT. I’m a little bit obsessed with him & the way he behaves.
The best part: THE WORLD✨🗺️ It was incredible. The way the gangs rule the city but the titans and gods are at the helm. I found it to be unique and startlingly fresh. Plus, a magic forest? Take me there rn!
The. Ending. Has. Me. Shook. I thought I knew where this book was going: WRONG. I’m so mad at myself but equally in awe of how I somehow missed it?! I need a reread right now. It’s that type of ending🤯
This book is absolutely incredible & I hope you all get the chance to read it. Thank you, Rebecca Brodkey for the advanced copy of this book. You kind of just changed my life?💖
July 25, 2025
I really enjoyed this! the world/magic system is really cool, and I was vibing throughout. It's definitely heavy on plot, which I love. The romance side is light, but again, I find that I quite enjoy that.
however, the last 25% seemed both rushed and felt confusing, and it took me out of the story a bit. That being said, I still definitely want to pick up book 2!
**thank you to Tales & Teacups / Rebecca Brodkey for the ARC copy.
however, the last 25% seemed both rushed and felt confusing, and it took me out of the story a bit. That being said, I still definitely want to pick up book 2!
**thank you to Tales & Teacups / Rebecca Brodkey for the ARC copy.
July 15, 2025
4.5⭐️
this was such a great read; the characters felt real, world building felt fleshed out & intricate to the point where i was so immersed in this grim world and the writing style of this story in general truly had me in awe.
if you love enemies to lovers, adventurous quests, fierce women in stem (in a fun, fantasy setting), and two grumpy main characters, this one is absolutely for you! i instantly felt so drawn to our fmc yom and wanted to know what her next move was. her seeking more power as a chemist and trying to figure out the next step was addicting to read. the banter was also just SO much fun to read because it added that tension where it had me giggling & kicking my feet the whole time. their slow-burn was deliciously slow but oh so good 🤭
thank you rebecca brodkey for the ARC!
this was such a great read; the characters felt real, world building felt fleshed out & intricate to the point where i was so immersed in this grim world and the writing style of this story in general truly had me in awe.
if you love enemies to lovers, adventurous quests, fierce women in stem (in a fun, fantasy setting), and two grumpy main characters, this one is absolutely for you! i instantly felt so drawn to our fmc yom and wanted to know what her next move was. her seeking more power as a chemist and trying to figure out the next step was addicting to read. the banter was also just SO much fun to read because it added that tension where it had me giggling & kicking my feet the whole time. their slow-burn was deliciously slow but oh so good 🤭
thank you rebecca brodkey for the ARC!
June 30, 2025
Darker Than the Starless Night was nothing like I expected in the best possible way. The worldbuilding was intricate, the characters were gut-wrenchingly real, and the plot had me guessing until the very last page. I can't wait for other readers to fall in love with this gorgeous story!
Read if you like...
⚗️Enemies-to-lovers
✨Scary warrior accidentally adopts a child
⚗️Forgotten gods waking up
✨Six of Crows vibes but she's Kaz Brekker
⚗️Complex magic with clear boundaries
✨Forced proximity while on a quest (but they still hate each other)
⚗️Casual bisexual rep that is actually explored and shown
✨SLOWburn (I'm still waiting for the pay off)
⚗️Hidden identities
✨Magical trials and fights to the death
⚗️Incredibly vivid settings ranging from an industrial city to a Venetian palace to an enchanted forest
✨He's a cinnamon roll who absolutely could and would kill you
⚗️Grumpy x grumpy
✨They help heal each other
⚗️A haunted past that comes back to bite
Thank you to the Nerd Fam and Rebecca Brodkey for an e-ARC! All thoughts and opinions remain my own.
Read if you like...
⚗️Enemies-to-lovers
✨Scary warrior accidentally adopts a child
⚗️Forgotten gods waking up
✨Six of Crows vibes but she's Kaz Brekker
⚗️Complex magic with clear boundaries
✨Forced proximity while on a quest (but they still hate each other)
⚗️Casual bisexual rep that is actually explored and shown
✨SLOWburn (I'm still waiting for the pay off)
⚗️Hidden identities
✨Magical trials and fights to the death
⚗️Incredibly vivid settings ranging from an industrial city to a Venetian palace to an enchanted forest
✨He's a cinnamon roll who absolutely could and would kill you
⚗️Grumpy x grumpy
✨They help heal each other
⚗️A haunted past that comes back to bite
Thank you to the Nerd Fam and Rebecca Brodkey for an e-ARC! All thoughts and opinions remain my own.
July 15, 2025
*Beta Reader / Husband Review*
Darker Than The Starless Night is an epic romantic fantasy that sends Yom, a witty and dubious magic powder cook and Quia, a charming and secretive “library boy” on a journey across the continent of Arcadia to search for lost love and their destinies. Along the way, they encounter ruthless Titan overlords that force them through physical trials and spiritual tribulations and Gods that are conniving for world domination.
Having seen the thousands of hours that Rebecca poured into DTTSN, it is no wonder how deep the world-building goes or how mind-bending every twist and turn is. On our daily walks together, Rebecca would often share an insane plot twist she wrote that day, and I loved getting to see all those stories come together beautifully in her debut novel.
You crushed it and I love you!
Darker Than The Starless Night is an epic romantic fantasy that sends Yom, a witty and dubious magic powder cook and Quia, a charming and secretive “library boy” on a journey across the continent of Arcadia to search for lost love and their destinies. Along the way, they encounter ruthless Titan overlords that force them through physical trials and spiritual tribulations and Gods that are conniving for world domination.
Having seen the thousands of hours that Rebecca poured into DTTSN, it is no wonder how deep the world-building goes or how mind-bending every twist and turn is. On our daily walks together, Rebecca would often share an insane plot twist she wrote that day, and I loved getting to see all those stories come together beautifully in her debut novel.
You crushed it and I love you!
August 18, 2025
thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
i have to appreciate when an author very clearly puts time and effort into their world building and magic systems. and, to me, rebecca has made this world and its' systems of power feel so believable.
we’re following yom, a chemist, as she begins to uncover hidden secrets as a looming war draws ever closer. she teams up with a royal archivist, quia, who despite not getting along with her has (mostly) the same goals as yom. stopping the war between the realms. it was so interesting to see how broadkey developed the magic system, essentially using a elemental type system, where each person can tap into a specialty and learn about their power from the related god. but of course a lot of this magical system is lost to the common people and to yom.
being in yom’s head, as we learn about the world and it’s hidden magical systems with gods, titans, and this whole undercover magic system, it was interspersed so well. i felt like i learned just enough where i could guess (and did for the most part successfully) what the hidden secrets truly were attempting to reveal. but since yom is a cleaver and strong protagonist, she used these systems and her street knowledge to her advantage. and when she did, that was when she would genuinely surprise me with her actions. i appreciated her arc, especially in discussion with her addiction to the powders she created.
my main critic is that i don’t personally think it showed the detriment and dependency enough. she would state she *needed* a new powder or alcohol (or whatnot) to drown out her feelings. but whenever she did go longer than she probably would have been needed to keep her in a high state, we never really saw any withdrawal symptoms until her major detox later in the book. it’s my one personal wish that this was shown a bit more true to what would have actually likely happened given how reliant on the substance she was.
but besides that, i do think broadkey did an incredible job with this story. i was intrigued from page one and i think she did an incredible job expanding the world. where we left off at the end of the book, physically and relationship-wise between yom and quia has me very intrigued for where and how she will take the next book. i think this was an incredible debut and a great introduction into a series. i do hope we see more from quia’s perspective in book two. and with how messy she left some of these characters relations, i’m putting it out there that i NEED to see certain people form a polycule (please and thank you!).
i have to appreciate when an author very clearly puts time and effort into their world building and magic systems. and, to me, rebecca has made this world and its' systems of power feel so believable.
we’re following yom, a chemist, as she begins to uncover hidden secrets as a looming war draws ever closer. she teams up with a royal archivist, quia, who despite not getting along with her has (mostly) the same goals as yom. stopping the war between the realms. it was so interesting to see how broadkey developed the magic system, essentially using a elemental type system, where each person can tap into a specialty and learn about their power from the related god. but of course a lot of this magical system is lost to the common people and to yom.
being in yom’s head, as we learn about the world and it’s hidden magical systems with gods, titans, and this whole undercover magic system, it was interspersed so well. i felt like i learned just enough where i could guess (and did for the most part successfully) what the hidden secrets truly were attempting to reveal. but since yom is a cleaver and strong protagonist, she used these systems and her street knowledge to her advantage. and when she did, that was when she would genuinely surprise me with her actions. i appreciated her arc, especially in discussion with her addiction to the powders she created.
my main critic is that i don’t personally think it showed the detriment and dependency enough. she would state she *needed* a new powder or alcohol (or whatnot) to drown out her feelings. but whenever she did go longer than she probably would have been needed to keep her in a high state, we never really saw any withdrawal symptoms until her major detox later in the book. it’s my one personal wish that this was shown a bit more true to what would have actually likely happened given how reliant on the substance she was.
but besides that, i do think broadkey did an incredible job with this story. i was intrigued from page one and i think she did an incredible job expanding the world. where we left off at the end of the book, physically and relationship-wise between yom and quia has me very intrigued for where and how she will take the next book. i think this was an incredible debut and a great introduction into a series. i do hope we see more from quia’s perspective in book two. and with how messy she left some of these characters relations, i’m putting it out there that i NEED to see certain people form a polycule (please and thank you!).
July 17, 2025
4.5 beautiful stars!!!! Darker Than the Starless Night by Rebecca Brodkey is one of the most innovative, fresh and unique fantasy books I have read in a long time. In this jaw dropping debut, yes a debut, I am still in awe of this, we have a magical world caught in the midst of feud between titans and gods, a unique magic system that also includes the use of magical powders and potions,
an FMC in STEM and in a gang, yes you heard that right, a brooding, academic MMC, addiction and trauma rep, so much mythology, hidden identities, lgbtq+ rep, an epic quest, rivals to lovers to who knows, and so much more.
There are so many phenomenal aspects of this story, but a few things I want to point out in particular.
Yom's entire character arc is exceptional, moving and relatable on so many levels and I really wish there were more FMCs like her out there. Her entire journey was raw, realistic and inspiring. We see someone who is so conflicted and has struggled so much, deal with her past and go down the path of redemption. I really can't wait to see where the next book takes her.
I also loved the relationship between Quia and Yom. The pair, moreso Quia, started off really disliking each other and they were both hilarious and sassy and I adored every conversation they had. Their banter really added some lightheartedness to the heavier parts of this story, even though they definitely left things in a strange place to say the least so I am curious to see where that will go.
The final character shoutout is Misho, I didn't mention him because I don't want to spoil anything but his character is exceptionally written and heartbreaking. Misho truly is a morally grey anti hero you can’t help but want to root for.
And finally I just wanted to shout out how exceptional the worldbuilding, lore, history of the gods and titans and mythological aspects of this story are. This entire world was so well done, intricate and SO unique; it really is beyond impressive and I am still blown away.
The writing style of this story is also stunning and it matches the plot so well. The writing is incredibly vivid, immersive, and makes it so that you can picture everything happening throughout this book so clearly.
an FMC in STEM and in a gang, yes you heard that right, a brooding, academic MMC, addiction and trauma rep, so much mythology, hidden identities, lgbtq+ rep, an epic quest, rivals to lovers to who knows, and so much more.
There are so many phenomenal aspects of this story, but a few things I want to point out in particular.
Yom's entire character arc is exceptional, moving and relatable on so many levels and I really wish there were more FMCs like her out there. Her entire journey was raw, realistic and inspiring. We see someone who is so conflicted and has struggled so much, deal with her past and go down the path of redemption. I really can't wait to see where the next book takes her.
I also loved the relationship between Quia and Yom. The pair, moreso Quia, started off really disliking each other and they were both hilarious and sassy and I adored every conversation they had. Their banter really added some lightheartedness to the heavier parts of this story, even though they definitely left things in a strange place to say the least so I am curious to see where that will go.
The final character shoutout is Misho, I didn't mention him because I don't want to spoil anything but his character is exceptionally written and heartbreaking. Misho truly is a morally grey anti hero you can’t help but want to root for.
And finally I just wanted to shout out how exceptional the worldbuilding, lore, history of the gods and titans and mythological aspects of this story are. This entire world was so well done, intricate and SO unique; it really is beyond impressive and I am still blown away.
The writing style of this story is also stunning and it matches the plot so well. The writing is incredibly vivid, immersive, and makes it so that you can picture everything happening throughout this book so clearly.
August 22, 2024
5 STARS.
Darker Than the Starless Night is your next high fantasy, slow burn, enemies-to-lovers, romance you need in your life. The entire time I was reading this, I could not believe this was a beta read... the story was so beautifully curated and masterfully polished that it felt like I pulled the book right from the new fantasy arrival shelf in the bookstore. The moment I started this book, I fell hard and deep into Rebecca's artful writing that throws you into the world of Arcadia where bedtime stories of gods and titans come to life.
The story follows Yom, a talented chemist for a notorious urban gang, who live her days in a constant loop of magic powders (yes, you read right - there is a COOL magic system in this) and other vices trying to escape the childhood darkness that never seem to leave her mind. Dealing business for her gang, Yom starts to uncover a secret activity that threaten the future of her world. Along with Quia, a smart royal archivist who gets thrown into this mess, Yom must navigate her addiction to her darkest vices while preventing a start of a war that may destroy even the little hope that she lives for.
The world of Arcadia brings in story of gods and titans that weaves into the present day for Yom and Quia. The storytelling aspect of this book captured my heart from the beginning and kept me engaged the ENTIRE time. If gods and titans are your thing (Percy Jackson readers), this is IT!
The magic system was intriguing and fresh and the characters are fun and complex. The romance will have you gasping in the middle of the night at the faint grazing of their hands and the TENSION!!! The tension between the two characters was UNREAL. The story does a great job of pacing the plot and the last 100 pages of this book? Just brace yourselves. It was a WILD one in the best way possible.
I am dying to read the next book already! This book is a phenomenal start and I am so looking forward to the character growth and plot development in the future. I finished the book last night and I miss the world and the character so much already. After finishing another epic fantasy series (Throne of Glass) earlier this month, I wasn't looking to another fantasy series this month because I felt so empty, I didn't think anything could get me in the mood again. But this one got me craving fantasy again! I'm back baby!
This is a beta read review and I will be back with quotes and highlights in the future! Mark your goodreads everyone. You will want to keep tabs on this one (you're welcome hehe)!
Darker Than the Starless Night is your next high fantasy, slow burn, enemies-to-lovers, romance you need in your life. The entire time I was reading this, I could not believe this was a beta read... the story was so beautifully curated and masterfully polished that it felt like I pulled the book right from the new fantasy arrival shelf in the bookstore. The moment I started this book, I fell hard and deep into Rebecca's artful writing that throws you into the world of Arcadia where bedtime stories of gods and titans come to life.
The story follows Yom, a talented chemist for a notorious urban gang, who live her days in a constant loop of magic powders (yes, you read right - there is a COOL magic system in this) and other vices trying to escape the childhood darkness that never seem to leave her mind. Dealing business for her gang, Yom starts to uncover a secret activity that threaten the future of her world. Along with Quia, a smart royal archivist who gets thrown into this mess, Yom must navigate her addiction to her darkest vices while preventing a start of a war that may destroy even the little hope that she lives for.
The world of Arcadia brings in story of gods and titans that weaves into the present day for Yom and Quia. The storytelling aspect of this book captured my heart from the beginning and kept me engaged the ENTIRE time. If gods and titans are your thing (Percy Jackson readers), this is IT!
The magic system was intriguing and fresh and the characters are fun and complex. The romance will have you gasping in the middle of the night at the faint grazing of their hands and the TENSION!!! The tension between the two characters was UNREAL. The story does a great job of pacing the plot and the last 100 pages of this book? Just brace yourselves. It was a WILD one in the best way possible.
I am dying to read the next book already! This book is a phenomenal start and I am so looking forward to the character growth and plot development in the future. I finished the book last night and I miss the world and the character so much already. After finishing another epic fantasy series (Throne of Glass) earlier this month, I wasn't looking to another fantasy series this month because I felt so empty, I didn't think anything could get me in the mood again. But this one got me craving fantasy again! I'm back baby!
This is a beta read review and I will be back with quotes and highlights in the future! Mark your goodreads everyone. You will want to keep tabs on this one (you're welcome hehe)!
August 22, 2025
3.5
Darker Than the Starless Night hooked me from the very first line of its premise. A gang chemist teaming up with a secretive archivist to stop the next divine war? I was instantly intrigued. This is a gritty romantic fantasy that doesn’t shy away from big stakes—gods, titans, ancient wars, and the haunting weight of addiction—woven into a dense, almost tangible web of myth and survival. It’s the kind of story that feels dangerous and intimate all at once, and I couldn’t resist diving in.
What impressed me most was the worldbuilding. Brodkey crafts an intricate universe on both the macro and micro levels. From sprawling mythologies and queendoms steeped in spiritual lore to harrowing depictions of powder addiction and ruthless crime lords, every element of this world feels visceral and grounded in the struggles of humanity. The magical and political layers are not merely decorative; they resonate like raw nerves, amplifying the stakes for both the grander plot and the personal battles of the characters.
At the heart of the story is Yom, a fascinatingly flawed protagonist. She’s brilliant but broken, living on the knife’s edge of obsession and addiction. Her complexity lends authenticity to the narrative; however, I found myself at times struggling to fully connect with her on an emotional level. On the other hand, Quia, her enigmatic ally, initially felt too obscured—underdeveloped and inconsistent in tone. While his arc gains clarity toward the end, finally revealing his motivations and depth, I wish these insights had come sooner. Early emotional investment in him would have strengthened his presence in Yom’s journey.
The pacing of the book offered a mixed experience. The first half was gripping, packed with vivid imagery and moments of raw emotional intensity that had me glued to the page. However, as I moved into the second half, some cracks began to show—long chapters slowed momentum, repetitive details dampened the urgency, and occasional shifts between dialogue and narration felt disjointed. This was particularly noticeable during the forest scenes, where the story seemed to lose direction. The romantic tension hinted at in the beginning never truly bloomed; the narrative leaned heavily on darker themes and high-stakes events, leaving limited space for the chemistry between Yom and Quia to properly develop, and some threads remained underdeveloped.
Despite these challenges, Brodkey’s voice remains unmistakable throughout—a mark of a promising storyteller who thrives in weaving layered tales. With tighter pacing and more consistency in character development, this could have easily pushed into four-star territory for me. Nevertheless, I’d highly recommend it for readers drawn to dark, slow-burn fantasies brimming with psychological nuance, intricate lore, and a distinctly dangerous edge. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely worth exploring.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Darker Than the Starless Night hooked me from the very first line of its premise. A gang chemist teaming up with a secretive archivist to stop the next divine war? I was instantly intrigued. This is a gritty romantic fantasy that doesn’t shy away from big stakes—gods, titans, ancient wars, and the haunting weight of addiction—woven into a dense, almost tangible web of myth and survival. It’s the kind of story that feels dangerous and intimate all at once, and I couldn’t resist diving in.
What impressed me most was the worldbuilding. Brodkey crafts an intricate universe on both the macro and micro levels. From sprawling mythologies and queendoms steeped in spiritual lore to harrowing depictions of powder addiction and ruthless crime lords, every element of this world feels visceral and grounded in the struggles of humanity. The magical and political layers are not merely decorative; they resonate like raw nerves, amplifying the stakes for both the grander plot and the personal battles of the characters.
At the heart of the story is Yom, a fascinatingly flawed protagonist. She’s brilliant but broken, living on the knife’s edge of obsession and addiction. Her complexity lends authenticity to the narrative; however, I found myself at times struggling to fully connect with her on an emotional level. On the other hand, Quia, her enigmatic ally, initially felt too obscured—underdeveloped and inconsistent in tone. While his arc gains clarity toward the end, finally revealing his motivations and depth, I wish these insights had come sooner. Early emotional investment in him would have strengthened his presence in Yom’s journey.
The pacing of the book offered a mixed experience. The first half was gripping, packed with vivid imagery and moments of raw emotional intensity that had me glued to the page. However, as I moved into the second half, some cracks began to show—long chapters slowed momentum, repetitive details dampened the urgency, and occasional shifts between dialogue and narration felt disjointed. This was particularly noticeable during the forest scenes, where the story seemed to lose direction. The romantic tension hinted at in the beginning never truly bloomed; the narrative leaned heavily on darker themes and high-stakes events, leaving limited space for the chemistry between Yom and Quia to properly develop, and some threads remained underdeveloped.
Despite these challenges, Brodkey’s voice remains unmistakable throughout—a mark of a promising storyteller who thrives in weaving layered tales. With tighter pacing and more consistency in character development, this could have easily pushed into four-star territory for me. Nevertheless, I’d highly recommend it for readers drawn to dark, slow-burn fantasies brimming with psychological nuance, intricate lore, and a distinctly dangerous edge. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely worth exploring.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2025
4.25 STARS!!
This one was a fantastic debut and honestly very different than any other fantasy I've read in awhile. Everything felt very unique and required a lot of careful attention to fully understand the magic in this world, but I liked that so much. The characters had a lot of real emotions, trauma, and secrets that kept you in your feels for a lot of this book and sometimes I felt like I was in a fever dream. There are a lot of themes so definitely understand your triggers before diving in here, especially if substance abuse, grief, depression and guilt are things you try to avoid.
The FMC and MMC in this story were not your cookie cutter personalities at all when you think of fantasy romance stories. I really loved how they had just an extreme struggle to trust each other throughout the book, yet couldn't stay away.
I also thought the writing was quite beautiful and man the twist and cliffhanger at the end has me hooked and anxious for the next book to come out. Looking forward to hearing more about this book as you all read! Enjoy as I did :)
Thank you to NetGalley, The Vibrant Machine Press, and Rebecca Brodkey for the eARC copy and the chance to provide my honest review.
This one was a fantastic debut and honestly very different than any other fantasy I've read in awhile. Everything felt very unique and required a lot of careful attention to fully understand the magic in this world, but I liked that so much. The characters had a lot of real emotions, trauma, and secrets that kept you in your feels for a lot of this book and sometimes I felt like I was in a fever dream. There are a lot of themes so definitely understand your triggers before diving in here, especially if substance abuse, grief, depression and guilt are things you try to avoid.
The FMC and MMC in this story were not your cookie cutter personalities at all when you think of fantasy romance stories. I really loved how they had just an extreme struggle to trust each other throughout the book, yet couldn't stay away.
I also thought the writing was quite beautiful and man the twist and cliffhanger at the end has me hooked and anxious for the next book to come out. Looking forward to hearing more about this book as you all read! Enjoy as I did :)
Thank you to NetGalley, The Vibrant Machine Press, and Rebecca Brodkey for the eARC copy and the chance to provide my honest review.
October 18, 2025
I didn’t want it to end! I was immediately pulled in by the epic world building and how visceral the emotional flaws of the characters felt. The themes of prophecy, mythology, and herbalism unravel the mystery of this world with a burning tension from start to finish.
July 15, 2025
4.5! Ambitious and filled with lore, magic and inspired by mythology, this is a deeply interesting debut! Give me a FMC riddled with angst and a haughty archivist MMC and I’m locked in
—
Thank you to Rebecca for providing me with an early copy! All thoughts are my own
I was so lucky to receive an early review copy of this totally ambitious debut, and at times I completely forgot that it was in fact a debut, such was the immersive high fantasy world building, the clever plot that kept ticking over, and the richness of the characters. I was entertained the whole time, riding alongside Yom and Quia, our main characters, along a winding-screw like investigation headed by Yom, the head chemist for her local gang, and which expands into a deeply entrenched conspiracy to re-kindle an ancient war which (literally) split the world as Yom knows it into two.
Fearing for her position as head chemist for her local gang, and under no illusion about the dubious and oppressive proceedings it undertakes to secure new recruits, Yom sets out to investigate a threat to her carefully constructed status quo. This brings her into sharp contact with Quia, a stuff royal archivist who seems to be dedicated to annoying (and insulting) Yom to an early grave.
However what follows is a tightly plotted journey from one end of the country to another, chasing down leads upon leads into a steadily evolving, stake-raising conspiracy involving gods, titans and a war which has been ranging for longer than anyone can remember. The threads of fate are truly brought into play here, with traumatic events in Yom’s childhood coming to light as both Yom and Quia journey deeper into a convoluted scheme which goes far beyond Yom’s position as head chemist.
There were a few moments when the scale of the plot could have done with a touch more clarity, however overall I was engaged and fully present, riding along with our MCs as they fight, ally, bicker and grow their way to a climax where identities are revealed, agenda’s illuminated and worlds hang in the balance.
Yom and Quia are delightful and flawed, and their chemistry is palpable - but they’re not the only characters you’ll love! This is also filled with a bounty of side characters that help the plot along, and which open up new aspects of Yom and Quia, to themselves and to each other.
I LOVED Yom, our FMC who is whip smart and flawed, anxious and battling demons. I loved her journey and can’t wait for more 🌱
This is the first in a fantasy book series, The Numenborn Saga, so buckle up for a delightfully (tense) romp through high stakes with Yom and Quia, magical forests with Ghibli-esque animal companions, gods and titans and myths coming to life and messing everything up for our main characters, fate and destiny and finding your own path. And that ending! I’m seated for the next instalment 🔮 plus did I mention bi panic??? 🙏
—
Thank you to Rebecca for providing me with an early copy! All thoughts are my own
I was so lucky to receive an early review copy of this totally ambitious debut, and at times I completely forgot that it was in fact a debut, such was the immersive high fantasy world building, the clever plot that kept ticking over, and the richness of the characters. I was entertained the whole time, riding alongside Yom and Quia, our main characters, along a winding-screw like investigation headed by Yom, the head chemist for her local gang, and which expands into a deeply entrenched conspiracy to re-kindle an ancient war which (literally) split the world as Yom knows it into two.
Fearing for her position as head chemist for her local gang, and under no illusion about the dubious and oppressive proceedings it undertakes to secure new recruits, Yom sets out to investigate a threat to her carefully constructed status quo. This brings her into sharp contact with Quia, a stuff royal archivist who seems to be dedicated to annoying (and insulting) Yom to an early grave.
However what follows is a tightly plotted journey from one end of the country to another, chasing down leads upon leads into a steadily evolving, stake-raising conspiracy involving gods, titans and a war which has been ranging for longer than anyone can remember. The threads of fate are truly brought into play here, with traumatic events in Yom’s childhood coming to light as both Yom and Quia journey deeper into a convoluted scheme which goes far beyond Yom’s position as head chemist.
There were a few moments when the scale of the plot could have done with a touch more clarity, however overall I was engaged and fully present, riding along with our MCs as they fight, ally, bicker and grow their way to a climax where identities are revealed, agenda’s illuminated and worlds hang in the balance.
Yom and Quia are delightful and flawed, and their chemistry is palpable - but they’re not the only characters you’ll love! This is also filled with a bounty of side characters that help the plot along, and which open up new aspects of Yom and Quia, to themselves and to each other.
I LOVED Yom, our FMC who is whip smart and flawed, anxious and battling demons. I loved her journey and can’t wait for more 🌱
This is the first in a fantasy book series, The Numenborn Saga, so buckle up for a delightfully (tense) romp through high stakes with Yom and Quia, magical forests with Ghibli-esque animal companions, gods and titans and myths coming to life and messing everything up for our main characters, fate and destiny and finding your own path. And that ending! I’m seated for the next instalment 🔮 plus did I mention bi panic??? 🙏
May 25, 2025
✨4.25 stars ✨
“I have a story for you. But I must warn you, most love stories do not end happily. Love is, by nature, finite.”
First off, thank you to The Vibrant Machine Press for approving me for an arc on netgalley! here is my honest review as always
What to expect in this
* Titans/gods
* Quest to save the world
* Hate to love
* Gangs head chemist
* Addiction
* Past guilt
* Hidden Identity
* Redemption
This was so action-packed and entertaining. I really loved the magic system and the storyline in this. It had you gripping your seat not know what was going to happen next.
I went into this blind, again I judged a book by its cover sue me, in this case it was a good judgement because this book was really good.
We have our main character, Yom, a chemist bound gang member with so much more up her sleeve than powders. The tragic beginning to her story that leads her into this life, the use of vices to cope, and her goal to find her childhood friend and first love. I loved her, watching her character unravel in this story was truly well done.
And then of course, we have Quia, a royal archivist with a lot of secrets. Can we talk about tension between these two, oh my lord.
I was genuinely intrigued through the story. I felt it truly had a unique storyline going on and it was quite enjoyable. I will say, it did take me a moment to truly catch on to the story and be fully drawn in but once I was in…I wasn’t coming out.
I really enjoyed the use of storytelling in this, especially the early use of bedtime stories of gods and titans being used to open up the idea in the storyline.
I also felt that the author had a really good writing style that fits well with the book. The characters were all truly interesting and I did not want to put the book down and I am desperate for the next book!
Check TWs and CWs
Happy reading 🩶
“I have a story for you. But I must warn you, most love stories do not end happily. Love is, by nature, finite.”
First off, thank you to The Vibrant Machine Press for approving me for an arc on netgalley! here is my honest review as always
What to expect in this
* Titans/gods
* Quest to save the world
* Hate to love
* Gangs head chemist
* Addiction
* Past guilt
* Hidden Identity
* Redemption
This was so action-packed and entertaining. I really loved the magic system and the storyline in this. It had you gripping your seat not know what was going to happen next.
I went into this blind, again I judged a book by its cover sue me, in this case it was a good judgement because this book was really good.
We have our main character, Yom, a chemist bound gang member with so much more up her sleeve than powders. The tragic beginning to her story that leads her into this life, the use of vices to cope, and her goal to find her childhood friend and first love. I loved her, watching her character unravel in this story was truly well done.
And then of course, we have Quia, a royal archivist with a lot of secrets. Can we talk about tension between these two, oh my lord.
I was genuinely intrigued through the story. I felt it truly had a unique storyline going on and it was quite enjoyable. I will say, it did take me a moment to truly catch on to the story and be fully drawn in but once I was in…I wasn’t coming out.
I really enjoyed the use of storytelling in this, especially the early use of bedtime stories of gods and titans being used to open up the idea in the storyline.
I also felt that the author had a really good writing style that fits well with the book. The characters were all truly interesting and I did not want to put the book down and I am desperate for the next book!
Check TWs and CWs
Happy reading 🩶
June 7, 2025
DTTSN by @rebeccabrodkeybooks
I cannot believe I am already done with this book. I mean I did lie to myself over the weekend with the JUST ONE MORE CHAPTER and ended up reading like 50% of the book. I cannot get over how much I loved it. I am attached to EVERYONE. I had laughter, heartbreak, I had anger, and I had hope. Our little duo Yom and Quia, the Chemist and the Royal Archivist are definitely an interesting combo, and I cannot ever forget about these two. In this book they went through so much together, and you feel it all alongside them. I was a part of this story. It saddens me that the book is done, I hit that 100% marker, and I have to wait for book 2. This book was just amazing. I love how everything was spun together and things that you maybe didn't quite think were one thing, turn out to be another. I had MIND BLOWN moments, and moments filled with excitement when I figured things out. I need this book on my shelf. This book releases on July 15, and if you love stories that take you all over the place, fill you with hope and bring out all of the feelings, are filled with wonderous Mythology that doesn't feel like anything is left out, has a reluctant duo who have great banter and get into some interesting mishaps along the way..... This book is for you. If you like to laugh, cry, be angry, and have hope to lose it all, to put your heart back together. This book is for you. The world itself is so well thought out, the characters so well developed, then crack this book open ASAP and dive straight in with them. You will not regret it.
I cannot believe I am already done with this book. I mean I did lie to myself over the weekend with the JUST ONE MORE CHAPTER and ended up reading like 50% of the book. I cannot get over how much I loved it. I am attached to EVERYONE. I had laughter, heartbreak, I had anger, and I had hope. Our little duo Yom and Quia, the Chemist and the Royal Archivist are definitely an interesting combo, and I cannot ever forget about these two. In this book they went through so much together, and you feel it all alongside them. I was a part of this story. It saddens me that the book is done, I hit that 100% marker, and I have to wait for book 2. This book was just amazing. I love how everything was spun together and things that you maybe didn't quite think were one thing, turn out to be another. I had MIND BLOWN moments, and moments filled with excitement when I figured things out. I need this book on my shelf. This book releases on July 15, and if you love stories that take you all over the place, fill you with hope and bring out all of the feelings, are filled with wonderous Mythology that doesn't feel like anything is left out, has a reluctant duo who have great banter and get into some interesting mishaps along the way..... This book is for you. If you like to laugh, cry, be angry, and have hope to lose it all, to put your heart back together. This book is for you. The world itself is so well thought out, the characters so well developed, then crack this book open ASAP and dive straight in with them. You will not regret it.
May 3, 2025
4.5
‘What a wondrous thing, she marveled, the magic that is passed between two people by touch.’
This definitely had similar vibes to six of crows so I understand the comparison however, this book is so different and unique in plot and lore and I enjoyed it so much.
The writing style is good without being too flowery but still having pretty quotes which I think sometimes it’s hard to have that balance but thats not the case with this book.
There was a lot I loved about the book including that there was an animal travelling companion (Sassa you are so cool). I also liked how Yom sometimes made questionable choices and I much prefer fmc who aren’t perfect rather than being the basic perfect character who makes all the right choices. Yom seemed so real. The scene of Yom forgiving herself and her younger self for that night I was in tears and I cannot believe Quia is mishos POET. Me and Quia are going to fight that ending was diabolical.
The fact that this is an arc and I’m going to have to wait extra long for a sequel pains me💔
Thank you tales and teacups and the author for the arc.
‘What a wondrous thing, she marveled, the magic that is passed between two people by touch.’
This definitely had similar vibes to six of crows so I understand the comparison however, this book is so different and unique in plot and lore and I enjoyed it so much.
The writing style is good without being too flowery but still having pretty quotes which I think sometimes it’s hard to have that balance but thats not the case with this book.
There was a lot I loved about the book including that there was an animal travelling companion (Sassa you are so cool). I also liked how Yom sometimes made questionable choices and I much prefer fmc who aren’t perfect rather than being the basic perfect character who makes all the right choices. Yom seemed so real. The scene of Yom forgiving herself and her younger self for that night I was in tears and I cannot believe Quia is mishos POET. Me and Quia are going to fight that ending was diabolical.
The fact that this is an arc and I’m going to have to wait extra long for a sequel pains me💔
Thank you tales and teacups and the author for the arc.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2025
⭐️4.5 Stars⭐️
Thank you so much to the beautiful Rebecca Brodkey for this amazing arc and getting me hooked on my new obsession! I really loved the writing style in this book and all the characters in this story!
I’m a sucker for a slow burn enemies to lovers fantasy book and this delivered it perfectly! I loved Yom and her story so much and getting to see her grow. It was so hard seeing her struggle with addiction and made you really feel for her character. The ending made me need book 2 immediately, I can’t wait to see what will happen next! Thank you again to the Amazing Rebecca Brodkey for providing me with a digital arc!💕📚
Thank you so much to the beautiful Rebecca Brodkey for this amazing arc and getting me hooked on my new obsession! I really loved the writing style in this book and all the characters in this story!
I’m a sucker for a slow burn enemies to lovers fantasy book and this delivered it perfectly! I loved Yom and her story so much and getting to see her grow. It was so hard seeing her struggle with addiction and made you really feel for her character. The ending made me need book 2 immediately, I can’t wait to see what will happen next! Thank you again to the Amazing Rebecca Brodkey for providing me with a digital arc!💕📚
July 14, 2025
This is such a sharp and compelling debut that is brimming with tension from the first page. This has great pacing, complex characters, wonderful queer representation, and fascinating world-building.
Our main trio of characters is pretty unforgettable, which honestly explains why I liked it immediately. I love it when stories aren't afraid to give their leads interesting backgrounds. Yom, a chemist struggling with addiction to her own creations. She’s sharp, resourceful, and self-destructive in a way that feels heartbreakingly real. Her dynamic with Quia, a broody academic who looks down on her as a criminal, is amazing. And of course, the last main character is one of the antagonists, who has a whole lot of secrets and is hunting both of the others. Every interaction between these three has a heaping of background and baggage to it that makes me giddy.
The world-building is super rich and I was fascinated by the divine lore; the war between gods and titans and how that has entangled humanity. The pacing moves fast without sacrificing emotional beats, which is no small feat for a story this layered.
That said, I did struggle at one point near the end: a secondary character experiences a traumatic event (handled semi-off-page and with compassion), but it still left me uneasy. It felt like that character, and one or two others, were there more to catalyze our protagonist’s journey than to have one of their own. It’s a testament to the author’s skill that I even cared so much about these side characters, but I hope future books give them the space and resolution they deserve.
Even so, this was an absolutely stellar debut. The ending set the stage for so much more, and with our main characters at odds in deeply personal ways, I can already tell the sequel is going to wreck me in the best possible sense.
Dark, addictive, and lingering, this story burns bright and promises even more in the next.
Thank you so much to The Nerd Fam and the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
Our main trio of characters is pretty unforgettable, which honestly explains why I liked it immediately. I love it when stories aren't afraid to give their leads interesting backgrounds. Yom, a chemist struggling with addiction to her own creations. She’s sharp, resourceful, and self-destructive in a way that feels heartbreakingly real. Her dynamic with Quia, a broody academic who looks down on her as a criminal, is amazing. And of course, the last main character is one of the antagonists, who has a whole lot of secrets and is hunting both of the others. Every interaction between these three has a heaping of background and baggage to it that makes me giddy.
The world-building is super rich and I was fascinated by the divine lore; the war between gods and titans and how that has entangled humanity. The pacing moves fast without sacrificing emotional beats, which is no small feat for a story this layered.
That said, I did struggle at one point near the end: a secondary character experiences a traumatic event (handled semi-off-page and with compassion), but it still left me uneasy. It felt like that character, and one or two others, were there more to catalyze our protagonist’s journey than to have one of their own. It’s a testament to the author’s skill that I even cared so much about these side characters, but I hope future books give them the space and resolution they deserve.
Even so, this was an absolutely stellar debut. The ending set the stage for so much more, and with our main characters at odds in deeply personal ways, I can already tell the sequel is going to wreck me in the best possible sense.
Dark, addictive, and lingering, this story burns bright and promises even more in the next.
Thank you so much to The Nerd Fam and the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
July 11, 2025
4.75 ⭐️
i heard this book was women in stem, bantering + bickering, and reluctant allies to lovers, and i went running! 🏃🏻♀️ i’m so glad i did bc this book was amazing. i immediately fell in love with rebecca’s writing style- her descriptions were incredibly vivid and yom instantly was someone i wanted to hang out with! i love yom sm and i’m so proud of her 🥹 also how do i get a large shifter wolf of my own!?
i’m so intrigued by this world! there’s so much mythology incorporated into the physical and political landscapes, and i love that we learned about the history as yom did. it’s my favourite way to learn about a world! and i may have nerded out when the myth of the lovers made an appearance 🤭
this book was constantly on my mind even when i wasn’t reading it and i love when a book makes me obsessed with it 🥰 the chapters were thick and jam packed with so much! i buddy read this with @anne.doesitfortheplot and @tothekateswho.read and constantly went between my kindle and fable to update them on all my thoughts! i had theories on theories on theories but i would never ever have guessed that ending 🤯 but don’t get me wrong, the messages of grief, trauma and healing were so strong in this story so be prepared for some tears 🥺
thank you @rebeccabrodkeybooks for trusting me with an advanced copy of your book! i cannot wait for the next one 😍 Darker Than The Starless Night releases July 15!
i heard this book was women in stem, bantering + bickering, and reluctant allies to lovers, and i went running! 🏃🏻♀️ i’m so glad i did bc this book was amazing. i immediately fell in love with rebecca’s writing style- her descriptions were incredibly vivid and yom instantly was someone i wanted to hang out with! i love yom sm and i’m so proud of her 🥹 also how do i get a large shifter wolf of my own!?
i’m so intrigued by this world! there’s so much mythology incorporated into the physical and political landscapes, and i love that we learned about the history as yom did. it’s my favourite way to learn about a world! and i may have nerded out when the myth of the lovers made an appearance 🤭
this book was constantly on my mind even when i wasn’t reading it and i love when a book makes me obsessed with it 🥰 the chapters were thick and jam packed with so much! i buddy read this with @anne.doesitfortheplot and @tothekateswho.read and constantly went between my kindle and fable to update them on all my thoughts! i had theories on theories on theories but i would never ever have guessed that ending 🤯 but don’t get me wrong, the messages of grief, trauma and healing were so strong in this story so be prepared for some tears 🥺
thank you @rebeccabrodkeybooks for trusting me with an advanced copy of your book! i cannot wait for the next one 😍 Darker Than The Starless Night releases July 15!
July 2, 2025
4.25/5
What a fantastic and gorgeous debut! I’ve been excited for this book the moment I heard about it and was not disappointed! The writing style is so smooth and the world-building was fascinating! The magic system based on powders was really interesting and cleverly set up. The fact that the FMC is a chemist was a huge selling point for me to pick this up. I admired how the author used the art of storytelling to lay out the overall lore of the titans and gods. It was very immersive and I was fully hooked in. It took me some time to absorb the details, so I still have some questions that I hope will be addressed in the sequel.
The characters were all written well with interesting backstories and I loved the multiple POVs. I wanted more interactions between everyone and I think there was still a good balance between the romance and plot with queer rep too. Mostly, I adored Yom and Quia! Their banter was everything and slow tension had me grasping at crumbs of their moments together. Their vulnerable moments were so soft!
My heart hurt for Yom and I wanted to wrap her up into the biggest hug. The healing process with her trauma was powerful and written so well. Quia, the lone archivist, is such a grump but he is so caring and I love how he grew close to Yom over the course of the story. He is a cinnamon roll with a sharp edge. I need more of them and I just want them to be happy, please😭 Misho’s character wasn’t what I expected because he also ended up having a place in my heart as well. I couldn’t help but root for him too when the snippets of his backstory were revealed.
The plot itself was easy to follow and paced very well. There were so many moments where I couldn’t put this down and didn’t want it to end. Even though I was able to predict some of the reveals, I was still blown away with how everything came together by the end. I’m excited to see how the next book will expand on everything because I’m genuinely invested in the series now. I need explanations ASAP because, seriously, what was that ending? JAIL😭
Thank you so much to Rebecca Brodkey for providing this ARC!
What a fantastic and gorgeous debut! I’ve been excited for this book the moment I heard about it and was not disappointed! The writing style is so smooth and the world-building was fascinating! The magic system based on powders was really interesting and cleverly set up. The fact that the FMC is a chemist was a huge selling point for me to pick this up. I admired how the author used the art of storytelling to lay out the overall lore of the titans and gods. It was very immersive and I was fully hooked in. It took me some time to absorb the details, so I still have some questions that I hope will be addressed in the sequel.
The characters were all written well with interesting backstories and I loved the multiple POVs. I wanted more interactions between everyone and I think there was still a good balance between the romance and plot with queer rep too. Mostly, I adored Yom and Quia! Their banter was everything and slow tension had me grasping at crumbs of their moments together. Their vulnerable moments were so soft!
My heart hurt for Yom and I wanted to wrap her up into the biggest hug. The healing process with her trauma was powerful and written so well. Quia, the lone archivist, is such a grump but he is so caring and I love how he grew close to Yom over the course of the story. He is a cinnamon roll with a sharp edge. I need more of them and I just want them to be happy, please😭 Misho’s character wasn’t what I expected because he also ended up having a place in my heart as well. I couldn’t help but root for him too when the snippets of his backstory were revealed.
The plot itself was easy to follow and paced very well. There were so many moments where I couldn’t put this down and didn’t want it to end. Even though I was able to predict some of the reveals, I was still blown away with how everything came together by the end. I’m excited to see how the next book will expand on everything because I’m genuinely invested in the series now. I need explanations ASAP because, seriously, what was that ending? JAIL😭
Thank you so much to Rebecca Brodkey for providing this ARC!
July 11, 2025
This was my first ARC and I’m beyond grateful I got to experience this story early. Darker Than the Starless Night completely exceeded my expectations — it felt like nothing I’d ever read before, yet still had all the Romantasy elements I adore.
The slow burn between Yom and Quia? I was bursting at the seams the whole time. Their chemistry, their longing — I couldn’t get enough. I’m already counting down the days to see how their connection deepens in the next installment.
And can we talk about Sassa?! I’m always a sucker for deep, magical bonds between characters and creatures, and this one hit so hard!
The slow burn between Yom and Quia? I was bursting at the seams the whole time. Their chemistry, their longing — I couldn’t get enough. I’m already counting down the days to see how their connection deepens in the next installment.
And can we talk about Sassa?! I’m always a sucker for deep, magical bonds between characters and creatures, and this one hit so hard!
July 19, 2025
I’m kinda between a 3 and 4 star on this review. First, thanks to @TheNerdFam & author for the eARC. It took me a bit to get through this book, much longer than it normally would for a book this size. The concept, mythology and magic system was interesting. Characters were a bit harder to get into. FMC strongly uses powders to stay out of mind due to guilt and livelihood within a gang. It was a bit hard to stay along with her decision making and her self deprecation. Names throughout were a bit hard to follow due to pronunciation difficulties, maybe the hard copy will have a publication guide? I was kind of hoping for a standalone novel, but it does leave off on a cliff hanger. Overall, wasn’t bad, just not sure if I’d read again.
June 25, 2025
A chemist, a scholar. A gang spread throughout the country. A gang leader who is so much more. An oath that is no more than a bound servitude. An array of secrets hidden deep down. And a path filled with innumerable dangers.
So, what connects a bound chemist and a royal archivist? Apart from similar goals and a shared mission? A simmering tension bursting from the seams.
What forces them apart? Their inner demons and their haunting pasts. But could those be the things to bring them closer? Possibly.
Rebecca Brodkey has written a devastatingly beautiful dark romantic fantasy set in a lush, grim world filled with intriguing and masterfully crafted characters. Darker Than the Starless Night is a fabulous introduction to a new fantasy world that will easily pull you in and make you explore and yearn to discover all its secrets.
It will pull you in and mesmerise you with a fine dust of powders. The powders may turn the picture a bit blurry, but Yom and Quia will do whatever it takes to dust the powders away and clear the picture and the path ahead.
Darker Than the Starless Night will offer you a story with
x Titans & Gods
x Quest to save the world
x Reluctant allies to...
x Gang's head chemist
x Struggling with addiction
x Past guilt and inner demons
x Hidden Identities
x Redemption
Thank you, Rebecca and The NerdFam, for gifting me this ARC; it was a pleasure!
So, what connects a bound chemist and a royal archivist? Apart from similar goals and a shared mission? A simmering tension bursting from the seams.
What forces them apart? Their inner demons and their haunting pasts. But could those be the things to bring them closer? Possibly.
Rebecca Brodkey has written a devastatingly beautiful dark romantic fantasy set in a lush, grim world filled with intriguing and masterfully crafted characters. Darker Than the Starless Night is a fabulous introduction to a new fantasy world that will easily pull you in and make you explore and yearn to discover all its secrets.
It will pull you in and mesmerise you with a fine dust of powders. The powders may turn the picture a bit blurry, but Yom and Quia will do whatever it takes to dust the powders away and clear the picture and the path ahead.
Darker Than the Starless Night will offer you a story with
x Titans & Gods
x Quest to save the world
x Reluctant allies to...
x Gang's head chemist
x Struggling with addiction
x Past guilt and inner demons
x Hidden Identities
x Redemption
Thank you, Rebecca and The NerdFam, for gifting me this ARC; it was a pleasure!
July 2, 2025
Darker Than the Starless Night was a story of Yom, a chemist avoiding her own past while navigating a world of gangs, mysterious politics, and ancient lore. I enjoyed the bisexual representation in this book and the journey of self discovery our FMC goes on! Parts of the book felt a bit slow in the middle but it picks up at the end in a big way with so many twists and turns!
June 21, 2025
This book takes a little bit to really get into so patience is key. The main relationship is SO complicated and filled with deep secrets and the author knows how to drag it out. The gods and titans are a whole other sub plot i feel and it blends well with the main couples goals but again secrets. It’s layered and has drama and it’s slow. I had to put this down a few times out of frustration but it was worth it in the end.
June 3, 2025
One of my favorite things about reading is when the descriptions are so vivid, I can play them out like a movie in my head. That’s what reading Darker Than The Starless Night by @rebeccabrodkeybooks was like.
A gritty fantasy that has themes of add!ct!on, hidden identities, women in stem but make it fantasy, and merciless gods. From the giggling at banter to the crying over loss, to imagining the world that was being traveled, I had a pretty full experience while reading this book.
The FMC Yom is probably one of my absolute new favorite FMCs. Something about her has just stuck with me and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.
Thank you so much for this ARC Rebecca! DTTSN releases July 15th!
A gritty fantasy that has themes of add!ct!on, hidden identities, women in stem but make it fantasy, and merciless gods. From the giggling at banter to the crying over loss, to imagining the world that was being traveled, I had a pretty full experience while reading this book.
The FMC Yom is probably one of my absolute new favorite FMCs. Something about her has just stuck with me and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.
Thank you so much for this ARC Rebecca! DTTSN releases July 15th!
July 15, 2025
Oh my goodness! WOW! What an amazing debut!
This book just sucks you in RIGHT away from the first page, and it does not let up the entire time, and you'll be racing to the end only to go WHAT?! at the last page. The world is incredibly nuanced, well thought out and vidid, harsh and cruel, and so real. I absolutely loved the mythology woven into this story and how important that and the gods and titans are who play a major part in this.
I absolutely loved Yom - my heart breaks for her childhood and harsh upbringing. But she is bad ass, resilient, and determined. And her reluctant alliance with Quia was a delicious slow burn, their banter and snark were so fun to read about. The slow lowering of walls and getting to know each other was so well done. It's kinda like grumpy/grumpier pairing LOL.
There is so much going on in the last 50 pages of this book leading up to the end - it's impossible to talk about without giving spoilers away. All I can say is- I cannot wait for the follow up to this. And I need it like NOW lol
I received an arc for an instagram tour. My thoughts are my own.
This book just sucks you in RIGHT away from the first page, and it does not let up the entire time, and you'll be racing to the end only to go WHAT?! at the last page. The world is incredibly nuanced, well thought out and vidid, harsh and cruel, and so real. I absolutely loved the mythology woven into this story and how important that and the gods and titans are who play a major part in this.
I absolutely loved Yom - my heart breaks for her childhood and harsh upbringing. But she is bad ass, resilient, and determined. And her reluctant alliance with Quia was a delicious slow burn, their banter and snark were so fun to read about. The slow lowering of walls and getting to know each other was so well done. It's kinda like grumpy/grumpier pairing LOL.
There is so much going on in the last 50 pages of this book leading up to the end - it's impossible to talk about without giving spoilers away. All I can say is- I cannot wait for the follow up to this. And I need it like NOW lol
I received an arc for an instagram tour. My thoughts are my own.
July 15, 2025
✨ ARC Review: Darker Than the Starless Night ✨
I was lucky enough to receive an early copy of Darker Than the Starless Night by Rebecca Brodkey, and wow—I was hooked from the first page! This book weaves together a rich tapestry of gods, titans, and tortured mortals in a world where loyalty, chemistry, and power collide.
The plot is absolutely gripping, full of twists, dark secrets, and edge-of-your-seat tension. Yom, the gang’s brilliant yet haunted head chemist, is a beautifully complex protagonist. Her struggle with addiction, grief, and growing feelings for the enigmatic Quia added so much emotional depth. I loved watching her unfold alongside the larger, high-stakes conspiracy threatening to plunge the kingdom back into war.
Rebecca Brodkey’s worldbuilding is phenomenal—layered, gritty, and immersive. Each province, each power player, and each shadowy corner of this realm felt tangible. And the mythology? Epic.
If you’re a fan of morally grey characters, dangerous journeys, and stories that blur the line between madness and magic, this one’s for you. It’s a bold, thrilling, and surprisingly tender read.
🌌 A dark fantasy with heart, mystery, and mythic weight—I absolutely loved it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#ARCReview #DarkerThanTheStarlessNight #RebeccaBrodkey #FantasyReads #BookReview
I was lucky enough to receive an early copy of Darker Than the Starless Night by Rebecca Brodkey, and wow—I was hooked from the first page! This book weaves together a rich tapestry of gods, titans, and tortured mortals in a world where loyalty, chemistry, and power collide.
The plot is absolutely gripping, full of twists, dark secrets, and edge-of-your-seat tension. Yom, the gang’s brilliant yet haunted head chemist, is a beautifully complex protagonist. Her struggle with addiction, grief, and growing feelings for the enigmatic Quia added so much emotional depth. I loved watching her unfold alongside the larger, high-stakes conspiracy threatening to plunge the kingdom back into war.
Rebecca Brodkey’s worldbuilding is phenomenal—layered, gritty, and immersive. Each province, each power player, and each shadowy corner of this realm felt tangible. And the mythology? Epic.
If you’re a fan of morally grey characters, dangerous journeys, and stories that blur the line between madness and magic, this one’s for you. It’s a bold, thrilling, and surprisingly tender read.
🌌 A dark fantasy with heart, mystery, and mythic weight—I absolutely loved it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#ARCReview #DarkerThanTheStarlessNight #RebeccaBrodkey #FantasyReads #BookReview
September 25, 2025
3,75⭐️
Darker Than the Starless Night to niesamowicie przyjemna fantastyka przygodowa w świecie pełnym tytanów, szemranych interesów i chemicznych zainteresowań. Rebecca Brodkey pisze swój debiut w sposób porządny, starając się znaleźć balans między akcją a relacjami między bohaterami. Czasami widać, że tekst jest do dopracowania (szczególnie, że jest to selfpub debiut z tego co wiem), że brakuje edytorskiej ręki, która by zredagowała tekst i przesiała niektóre błędy, natomiast jest w tym wszystkim dużo serca. Światotwórstwo nie stawia na przekombinowanie, a w swej prostocie okazuje się chwytliwe; bohaterowie dają się lubić, choć czasami narracja traktuje ich z lekka dziecinnie. Największą wadą jest chyba niezręczna ekspozycja, która chwilami wytrąca z immersji, ale znów – jestem w stanie to wybaczyć, biorąc pod uwagę okoliczności wydania tego tytułu. Jeżeli jakieś wydawnictwo zainteresuje się tekstem i weźmie je na swoje łamy, jak w przypadku Agajanian, to widzę bardzo duży potencjał. Pomimo tych wszystkich potyczek historia Yom oraz Quii jest niezwykle przyjemna i interesująca na tyle, by się z nia zapoznać.
Darker Than the Starless Night to niesamowicie przyjemna fantastyka przygodowa w świecie pełnym tytanów, szemranych interesów i chemicznych zainteresowań. Rebecca Brodkey pisze swój debiut w sposób porządny, starając się znaleźć balans między akcją a relacjami między bohaterami. Czasami widać, że tekst jest do dopracowania (szczególnie, że jest to selfpub debiut z tego co wiem), że brakuje edytorskiej ręki, która by zredagowała tekst i przesiała niektóre błędy, natomiast jest w tym wszystkim dużo serca. Światotwórstwo nie stawia na przekombinowanie, a w swej prostocie okazuje się chwytliwe; bohaterowie dają się lubić, choć czasami narracja traktuje ich z lekka dziecinnie. Największą wadą jest chyba niezręczna ekspozycja, która chwilami wytrąca z immersji, ale znów – jestem w stanie to wybaczyć, biorąc pod uwagę okoliczności wydania tego tytułu. Jeżeli jakieś wydawnictwo zainteresuje się tekstem i weźmie je na swoje łamy, jak w przypadku Agajanian, to widzę bardzo duży potencjał. Pomimo tych wszystkich potyczek historia Yom oraz Quii jest niezwykle przyjemna i interesująca na tyle, by się z nia zapoznać.
July 17, 2025
Review: Darker Than the Starless Night by Rebecca Brodkey
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)
Okay first of all… the cliffhanger 😭 I need more! I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to this story yet.
Now onto the real review: I loved this book. It’s a fantasy that had me absolutely entranced by the world Rebecca Brodkey created. The main character, Yom, is a fierce fighter and brilliant chemist, but she’s also haunted by memories she hasn’t forgiven herself for. That internal conflict adds so much depth to her journey.
The supporting characters? You’ll fall in love with some and loathe others — and a few will just live in your head the whole time you're reading. It’s one of those books where even the side characters leave a lasting impact.
The world is both beautiful and gritty, filled with tension, raw emotion, and haunting beauty. I wish I could just dive right back into it — I need more 😪
I’d recommend this to anyone who loves fantasy with a touch of darkness and emotional grit. It’s not just a story — it lingers.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)
Okay first of all… the cliffhanger 😭 I need more! I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to this story yet.
Now onto the real review: I loved this book. It’s a fantasy that had me absolutely entranced by the world Rebecca Brodkey created. The main character, Yom, is a fierce fighter and brilliant chemist, but she’s also haunted by memories she hasn’t forgiven herself for. That internal conflict adds so much depth to her journey.
The supporting characters? You’ll fall in love with some and loathe others — and a few will just live in your head the whole time you're reading. It’s one of those books where even the side characters leave a lasting impact.
The world is both beautiful and gritty, filled with tension, raw emotion, and haunting beauty. I wish I could just dive right back into it — I need more 😪
I’d recommend this to anyone who loves fantasy with a touch of darkness and emotional grit. It’s not just a story — it lingers.
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