Daughter of the Void: Chains of Fate Trilogy: Book One

by H.R. Cole

Her power holds the promise of unraveling the fabric of the world, but using it will chain her fate to the gods.In a world where tendrils of magic envelop all things, Raelyn discovers she’s one of the last of her kind: a warden. As a conduit of the gods capable of creating holes in the fabric of magic, she is a daughter of the void. Forced to flee as her city burns and her best friend is kidnapped, she finds herself in an unexpected partnership with Laris, a mage whose abrasive personality hides a desire to keep her safe. The pair is chased deep into the Vast, a treacherous mountain range filled with hostile feyfolk, where Raelyn grows ever closer to her companion and learns the consequences of being directly connected to the gods.

Guided by the spirit of the last Holy King and unknowingly hunted by Saraht, an enemy warden with a personal vendetta of her own, Raelyn and Laris embark on a journey to seek answers. Along the way, they must confront the growing threat of war and the knowledge of Raelyn’s true purpose: a devastating power she will need to embrace to defeat Saraht, but one that will alter her fate forever.

Genres: Fantasy

435 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 5, 2025

About the author

A Pennsylvania native, H.R. Cole grew up immersed in fantasy books and completed her first novel (handwritten) when she was twelve.

Her love of reading and writing fantasy continued through a career in the veterinary field, where she managed a four-doctor hospital, and later set her up for a successful writing career in medical journalism.

In her creative writing, Cole addresses common inner dialogues related to self-worth and insecurity. She loves to forge her characters through hardship while representing inner growth in a realistic way.

Cole lives with her husband, dogs, and cats in the mountains of Upstate New York.

Reviews

[Michelle | the_unexpected_reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review: Daughter of the Void
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 1/2🌶️

Daughter of the Void by H.R. Cole drops readers into a richly imagined world where magic literally threads through reality—and one girl has the power to tear it apart.

Raelyn, our feisty and determined FMC, learns she’s a rare warden, a conduit of the gods with the dangerous ability to unravel magic itself. After tragedy strikes and her city falls, she’s forced to flee into the perilous Vast with Laris, a mage who starts off as a complete grump but slowly evolves into a protective (and slightly broody) companion. Their dynamic is a classic slow burn with some well-earned emotional payoff.

The story delivers on tension and lore, though the pacing can be uneven in parts—quick bursts of action sometimes give way to slower stretches of heavy world-building. The multiple POVs add depth but can be slightly disorienting, especially since the narrative doesn’t always clearly label whose head you’re in. Told in third-person multi-POV, it requires a bit of attention to keep track, but the reward is a broader view of the stakes at play—including the looming war, a vengeful enemy warden, and Raelyn’s terrifying connection to the gods.

Overall, Daughter of the Void is a solid entry for fans of high fantasy who love immersive world-building, morally grey powers, and enemies-to-allies vibes with just enough romance to keep you rooting for more. There’s plenty of setup here for a gripping series, and I’m definitely intrigued to see where Raelyn’s fate leads next.

Thank you to @goldenscalespublishing and H R Cole @hidden.gems.books for sending me an ARC to review!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spice: 1

Tropes:
Grumpy x Sunshine
Slow Burn
Forced Proximity
The Chosen One
Magic
Gods
Political Intrigue

Daughter of the Void is an epic fantasy full of quests, magic, mythical creatures, political intrigue, slow burn, and questionable alliances. The story follows two main story-lines: one of Raelynn/Laris and the other of Ellisand/Saraht.

Raelynn and Ellisand are best friends- one a nobleman's daughter, the other the commander of the guard's daughter. They go everywhere together. However, one night, they sneak out of the castle for a bit of fun in the village and Ellisand is kidnapped while the castle is attacked, setting the two best friends on different paths.

Raelynn finds herself allied with Laris, a solider and transcendent- a person with magic. Raeylnn soon discovers secrets were kept from her and she is one of the last wardens in the world- someone who can equalize or neutralize magic. Together, Raelynn and Laris must find their way to the capital to find the lost Sundered Gate all the while fighting against the creatures that have been sent after them.

Ellisand has been kidnapped and delivered to Saraht. Saraht is also a warden and she has big plans to re-release a god back into the mortal realm with the idea that the matriarchy must take over. I mean the girl's thoughts that women should be in power aren't off lol. But her morals and behaviors are questionable. She convinces Ellisand to see things from her point of view and together, they plan on restoring a Queen to the throne.

A lot is going on in this story but it wouldn't be an epic fantasy if there wasn't. I loved both stories that are happening and I love how strong the women are in Daughter of the Void. Women are the forefront of the action and pushing the story forward and I think that's special in a fantasy book! I enjoyed all the characters, even the ones you aren't suppose to root for (Saraht). That cliffhanger though.... I can ONLY imagine where this story is going to go next because that was wild. Did I see it coming? Not until the last second and I was happily surprised at that. I can't wait to read the next one!

[Madeleine Berges · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Rounded Up!

<3 Thank you to @bookedwiththeemilys @goldenscalespublishing & H.R. Cole for the PR Box & Daughter of the Void!

I really enjoyed Daughter of the Void by H.R. Cole! I thought the augthor did a great job with building the world to be easy enough to understand, but trying to give some uniqueness to the story.

It was well paced in my opinion and give a great start to the series! It was left with a cliffhanger that has you intrigued enough to keep reading the next book when it comes out as well.

I think my favorite part of the book was the character development. I felt like the characters were changing and evolving throughout the story. It really enjoyed that as the story went on you had to pay attention to who was doing what and how opinions/thoughts might be changing.

Our, FMC, Raelyn was a little bit of a firecracker. I loved that about her. She was devoted to learning to do better and know more, but also stubborn to not stay behind. Laris is down bad. LOL. :) We all love a man who falls hard.

This was a SLOW burn which I adore. :)

Other Tropes you will see:
Grumpy + Sunshine
Enemies to Lovers
Slow Burn
Forced Proximity
Opposites Attract
Morally Grey Lover
The Chosen One
Strong Heroine
Elemental Magic

[The Page Ladies Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daughter of the Void by H.R. Cole is giving magical chaos, reluctant chosen one energy, and just the right amount of tension-filled banter to keep you hooked.

Raelyn thought she was just another girl trying to survive until her city burns, her best friend is taken, and surprise she’s one of the last wardens: a conduit of the gods with the power to tear holes in the fabric of magic itself 😳 No pressure or anything!

Now she’s on the run with Laris, a grumpy mage who has zero chill but might secretly be a softie, don’t tell him I said that! Their journey takes them through the treacherous Vast, think epic feyfolk danger and magical wilds, guided by the ghost of a dead king, and stalked by an enemy warden with a deadly grudge.

It’s a story of gods and fate, found connection, and the terrifying cost of power. Raelyn’s not just trying to survive, she has to decide if she’s willing to embrace the void within her to save a world that’s ready to unravel.

✨ If you love high fantasy with emotional stakes, enemies-turned-allies, and heroines who do not want to be chosen but rise anyway, this one’s for you.

⚡️Thank you Booked with the Emily's, Golden Scale Publishing, Hidden Gem Books and H.R. Cole for sharing this book with me!

[Marissa | Readswith_marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and @bookedwiththeemilys and @goldenscalespublishing for the #gifted PR box and book!

What an epic fantasy ride this one was! I loved all the twists and turns along the way and with all the different POVs we got to really get a well rounded story.

All of the women in this story, good and bad, are remarkable! The pure strength each of them holds is nothing short of admirable. Raelyn being my clear favorite. I loved not only the strength she possessed, but her willingness to learn and adapt as her adventure continued. Her humor also helped keep things light and funny throughout the story. I disliked Saraht (intentionally) but the whit about her and the pure knowledge she exudes is commendable.

I adored Laris and his clever way of always finding a way out when it was needed. The slow burn love story was executed to perfection. I also have to give a little notice to Jackson. Although we didn’t see much of him, I loved his unwavering alliance and friendship to Raelyn.

Daughter of the Void is book one of three and leaves off at a cliffhanger and I am so excited to see where H.R. Cole takes us next. I have such high hopes for this series and absolutely devoured this book! I’d highly recommend to all my epic fantasy/Romantasy lovers!

[Renee]

DNF at 20%

The MMC had only just met her and was SO MEAN to her (and I’ve read and loved Mariana Zapata grumps so YOU KNOW it’s rough) and then the author tries to create some attraction? It made me uncomfortable. Our FMC is also spontaneous and thoughtless (I *struggle* so hard with this character type) but also she gets blamed for more than she’s responsible for and she just takes it. It was infuriating. I was frustrated with her and for her. There was an interesting plot shift around 15% and we were getting more POVs but I just wasn’t feeling it enough to continue reading.

I did enjoy the medieval vibes and the magic seemed like it was going to be interesting. I picked this up for the premise and because I’m always on the look out for low spice/closed door romantasy. Alas, this one was not for me.

Thank you to HR Cole and Booked with the Emilys for the early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Tabatha_Reads_Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great epic fantasy full of action and adventure! I love that this is written in different point of view, as it adds a layer of depth to the story. This is definitely a book that requires your full attention while you read, but it is well worth it as you scale the treacherous mountains and await the looming war that’s brewing.

This book is for fans of epic/high fantasy with vast world building, beautiful prose that doesn’t require crazy vocabulary, and characters that are easy to love and root for.

This book is a great set up to what could be an awesome series! I can’t wait to see what she writes next!

[Jaymie Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thoughts 💭 If you love a fantasy filled with enemies to lovers, slow burn, forced proximity, and an epic adventure, this is for you! I loved the writing style and found myself not wanting to put this book down. It was easy to follow, with great world building. Just the right amount of romance, without taking over the plot. The cliffhanger? Sheesh. Can’t wait to get my hands on the next installment of this trilogy!!

[Brittany Rolph]

DNF for now at 50%. Thank you to Booked With The Emily's & the author for the opportunity to read this! I think I will go back to this at another time. I don't feel in the right mood to fully enjoy it!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book review of H.R. Cole’s Daughter of the Void: Chains of Fate Trilogy: Book One.
Thank you to Golden Scales Publishing, BookedwiththeEmilys, and H.R. Cole for my gifted book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5/5 stars)

There’s a unique kind of magic in the books that catch you off guard—the ones that start with a flicker of interest and slowly pull you deeper, page by page, until you’re completely immersed. That’s what Daughter of the Void did for me. It’s a fantasy debut that doesn’t just check boxes—it creates its own space. Intimate and fierce, cozy and epic, it blends character-driven storytelling with a world brimming with ancient magic, divine consequences, and quiet moments that linger.

Raelyn is one of the last wardens, born with the ability to tear holes in the fabric of magic itself. That power is as dangerous as it sounds—not just to her enemies, but to herself. This isn’t a story about a girl discovering power and becoming invincible. It’s about what happens when power isolates you, when it makes people fear you, and when it chains you to forces you don’t understand. The way H.R. Cole handles Raelyn’s gift—as something mysterious, burdensome, and deeply tied to the gods—gives the story a weight that never feels forced.

The book opens in fire. Raelyn’s city is burning, her best friend is taken, and she’s forced to run for her life. From that moment, the pace doesn’t let up, but it also never rushes. Raelyn isn’t given a moment to breathe, yet the story finds space for quiet reflection, for flickers of hope and connection—even in the midst of danger. That balance is what makes the book shine.

Her reluctant companion, Laris, is one of the most compelling parts of this story. At first glance, he’s arrogant and short-tempered. But there’s a tenderness beneath the surface, one that Cole reveals slowly, in offhand comments, protective gestures, and moments of honest vulnerability. Their relationship isn’t romantic fluff—it’s a slow, sometimes painful process of learning to trust someone else when everything inside you screams not to. And honestly? That made me love them more.

The setting of the Vast—an untamed, snow-covered mountain range full of feyfolk and ancient threats—feels like its own character. It’s cold, brutal, beautiful, and steeped in myth. The fey creatures aren’t just magical flourishes; they’re dangerous, deeply rooted in the world’s lore, and unpredictable. As Raelyn and Laris travel deeper into it, their journey becomes as much about emotional survival as physical.

What surprised me the most was how cozy this book managed to feel despite the high stakes. Maybe it’s because Cole gives space to the human parts of the journey—the shared meals, the stolen moments of peace, the tension that slowly melts into understanding. The spirit of the last Holy King, who acts as a mysterious guide to Raelyn, adds a layer of haunting warmth to her path. He’s more than a voice from the past—he’s a reminder of legacy, of responsibility, and of all the paths that came before.

And then there’s Saraht, the enemy warden with a vendetta that isn’t driven by mindless rage but by painful history. She’s complex, dangerous, and at times, heartbreakingly sympathetic. Raelyn’s conflict with her isn’t just about good vs. evil—it’s personal, messy, and deeply rooted in shared trauma. That kind of nuance makes the book stand out in a crowded fantasy genre.

Cole’s prose is clean and confident. She doesn’t rely on overly elaborate language to build her world; instead, she grounds it in feeling. Her descriptions are vivid without being overwhelming, and her dialogue rings true—especially in those emotionally charged moments between Raelyn and Laris. There’s a restraint in the writing that actually makes the emotions hit harder.

What I also appreciated was the clear structure and pacing. At 435 pages, the book feels neither too short nor too long. Every scene moves the story forward, and yet it still finds room for the small, personal moments that make you care. By the time I reached the end, I felt like I’d not only read an incredible fantasy story—I’d walked a journey with people I knew, people I wanted to protect.

If I had any small critique, it’s that I would’ve loved a bit more time with Raelyn’s life before it all fell apart. Getting to know her world just a little better might have made her losses hit even harder. But that’s a minor note in what is otherwise a beautifully crafted first installment.

Daughter of the Void is a book about gods and magic, yes—but more than that, it’s about people. About the way pain shapes us, how trust is earned, and how sometimes, choosing to care is the bravest thing we can do. It’s about finding light in the places we least expect it.

This is a debut that reads like the work of a seasoned author. H.R. Cole has given us a world that feels lived-in, a cast of characters that feel real, and a story that blends action with emotion in just the right measure. I will absolutely be reading the next installment the second it’s available.

[Monika · Rating 3 out of 5]

The beginning was interesting as I figured out all of the characters and the world was built, but somewhere in the middle it slowed down and I started to lose interest. Things picked up again as the end approached and ultimately left things on a cliffhanger in preparation of the next book. Read if you love exploring new fantasy worlds and enjoy reading a series.

[Kenz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Booked with the Emily's, Golden Scales Publishing, and H.R. Cole for the gifted copy of this book!

Elemental magic. A knight in mage’s robes. A reluctant heroine who sees the stars even in darkness.

Daughter of the Void by H.R. Cole delivered the high fantasy elements I crave, wrapped in vivid prose and emotional depth. For romantasy readers seeking an expansive world, this one is for you.

𓆩⟡𓆪

The pacing struck a perfect balance - steadily building tension without dragging and offering rich worldbuilding without ever feeling overwhelming.

Much of the book is spent on the road, with our characters facing both mortal danger and moments of self-discovery. My heart belongs to stories like this: where the journey matters, where things aren’t rushed, and where conflict isn’t resolved in a single scene.

Initially, the tone gave me upper-YA vibes - but as the story darkened, my obsession grew. That shift, as the lore deepened and the world became more dangerous, was exactly what I crave.

Raelyn may be 23, but she’s spent most of her life shielded, giving her an air of naivety and self-doubt. She knows what she doesn’t know, and that awareness feeds into a lack of confidence. But beneath it all, there’s a peacefulness to her. A calm, steady strength.

As I’m usually drawn to fiery heroines, Raelyn surprised me. I found myself rooting for her right out of the gate. Smiling at her ability to face life-or-death moments and still notice the stars. Still name the magic in the moon.

She’s our reluctant chosen one, but she wants to learn. There are no shortcuts. She isn’t trained in two chapters, and you’ll be uncovering the mystery of her connection to the gods right alongside her. She may be an unexpected heroine, but she quickly became one of my most beloved.

Now, Laris. Our abrasive MMC.

Not gonna lie, I was not Team Laris at the beginning. And you may not be either. Is there a reason for this? Of course - but you’ll need to read on. And then you’ll likely find yourself loving him as much as I did.

This stoic man is a mage with the soul of a knight, and after my last couple of five-star reads this summer featuring morally gray knights, he hit all the right notes for me.

And the slow-burn romance while traveling through hostile territory? I’d hate to spoil that for anyone, so I’ll just say: well done.

As the story unfolds mostly through two POVs - Raelyn and Saraht, our enemy warden - I’d be remiss not to mention my appreciation for a morally gray villain with a personal vendetta. Saraht’s backstory is layered and easy to empathize with. As a woman, I found her motivation painfully relatable.

Be prepared to sit with some conflicting emotions, as her story weaves in reflections on gender, freedom, and what it means to exist in a world not built for you.

𓆩⟡𓆪

Raelyn’s quiet strength builds into something fierce - and by the end, she’s owning her journey. You’re rewarded with an epic, high-stakes finale that delivers on everything the book builds toward. You’ll be left wanting the second book immediately.

As you'd expect in a romantasy with high fantasy elements, the cast is expansive - featuring Raelyn’s closest comrades, Ellisand (a major presence) and Jackson, plus a circle of gods and a host of fascinating creatures.

Since this is a spoiler-free (and relatively short? 😉) review, I’ll have to wait until more readers find their way to this book before diving deeper. And believe me, I can’t wait to talk about it.

Daughter of the Void releases August 5, 2025, and is available for pre-order now!

[Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

H.R. Cole’s Daughter of the Void, the first book in the Chains of Fate trilogy, follows Raelyn, a young woman caught between duty and destiny in a divided world haunted by magic, war, and forgotten secrets. The story begins with a forbidden excursion that sets the tone for an epic unraveling of personal identity, looming war, and hidden powers. As political alliances form and dangerous truths bubble to the surface, Raelyn must navigate complex relationships and a growing sense of her own magical abilities, all while being tethered to a prophecy and a mysterious past that could remake the world.

I was completely pulled into this world. The writing is smooth, but not overly polished. H.R. Cole has a talent for atmosphere. You feel the chill of ancient forests, the oppressive silence of stone castles, and the heat of tension between characters who know more than they let on. Raelyn as a protagonist isn’t perfect, and that’s what makes her work. She’s sharp but hesitant, brave but emotionally guarded. The relationships, especially between Raelyn and Ellisand, felt raw and real. And Laris—well, he’s complicated in all the best and worst ways. Their interactions were electric, uncomfortable, and often intense, and I honestly didn’t know how I wanted things to turn out. That kind of uncertainty kept me turning the pages, though.

But it’s not all sunshine and sword fights. A few scenes in the middle of the book lingered longer than needed I think. And while the world-building is strong, there are many moving parts—factions, magical laws, military structures—and some of it felt like it was waiting for the next book to really pay off. That said, there’s no shortage of intrigue. Secrets hang over every chapter like storm clouds. I found myself rereading certain passages just to catch all the foreshadowing. And the way Cole threads emotional stakes through the political drama? Honestly, it got me more than once.

In the end, Daughter of the Void is a slow-burn fantasy adventure with a lot of heart and a sharp edge. It’s for readers who like complex women, moral gray zones, and stories that aren’t afraid to bruise their characters a little. If you enjoy the emotional tension of Kristin Cashore’s Graceling or the slow, layered world-building of The Queen’s Thief, this book will be perfect for you. I’m already hungry for book two.

[Casey Bainter · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know those books that tell a great story, while also making you think? DOTV seamlessly walks the line, weaving a gorgeous and multifaceted story while also taking a hard look at the gender-imbalance of power and agency. All this while having one of my favorite MMCs in a while!

I absolutely LOVE the dichotomy of the main characters - we are shown so many instances of two sides of the same coin. Warden and mage is such a fascinating dynamic - the interplay and opposition between the absence and presence of power makes for a really compelling story (both love and otherwise!)

Raelyn is just the right blend of inexperienced/untrained, and persistent/determined. She feels super relatable in both her uncertainty and her drive to learn and master the powers she never knew she had. Her insecurity speaks to my heart, and I loved cheering her on throughout her various journeys, both internal and external. Each win for her felt like a small win for me, in a way.

Laris. Steadfast, earnest, wonderful Laris - the mage I didn’t know I needed! In a sea of MMCs who are protective to a fault, or aggressively possessive, or frustratingly cryptic, Laris is so refreshingly honest and open. He doesn’t play games, but neither is he aloof or disinterested. I love the way he communicates with Raelyn about strategies, plans, and expectations, and knows when to stand up for her and when to let her stand on her own. The way he cares for her… whew.

“I won’t be parted from you … wherever you call home is where I’ll call home.”

I MEAN!!

The dual POV with Saraht is so compelling - the Other Warden, with her own dreams and plans of ending the patriarchy and completely rebuilding the System. She’s got some really good points, honestly, and the complexity of both rooting for and against her is a personal growth exercise in itself, haha.

Overall, I really liked this book, and it will live rent-free in my head for a long time. The adventure is great, the love story is flawless, and the social commentary/exploration is super on-point without feeling heavy-handed. If you liked Red Queen or Powerless, you’ll love Daughter of The Void. Excellent work, H.R. Cole!

[Marie Girulat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to @hidden.gems.books @goldenscalespublishing and @bookedwiththeemilys for the #gifted book and goodies.

This exhilarating first installment in the Chains of Fate trilogy is nothing short of exceptional.

Set in a captivating magical realm, we follow Raelyn, one of the last remaining wardens capable of wielding magic. When her city is engulfed in flames and her best friend, Ellisand, is abducted, Raelyn forges an alliance with Laris, a fiercely protective mage. Together, they embark on a treacherous journey through the Vast Mountains, guided by the spirit of a fallen king, all while being relentlessly pursued by Saraht, a vengeful rival warden. Raelyn must master her burgeoning powers to confront Saraht and reshape her destiny.

This slow-burn fantasy adventure is infused with emotion and grit. The world-building is expertly crafted, drawing readers into its depths. Each chapter is infused with mounting tension, compelling you to read on as you're kept on the edge of your seat. The magic system is brilliantly articulated and effortlessly comprehensible.

Character development is nothing short of remarkable. The evolution of Raelyn, from a naive girl to a formidable woman, is thrilling to witness. Ellisand’s transformation, as she learns from Saraht, shifts her from a sheltered princess to an ambitious contender for the throne. The intense friendship between Raelyn and Ellisand is both powerful and tested as circumstances change.

The slow-burn romance between Raelyn and Laris adds another layer of intrigue as they navigate the challenges of survival while grappling with their undeniable connection.

The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of Raelyn and Saraht, offering a fascinating glimpse into Saraht's backstory as it interweaves with the main plot. The compelling ending sets the stage for the next book, leaving readers eager to see how the journeys of Raelyn and Ellisand will unfold.

If you cherish epic fantasy rich in lore, nuanced slow-burn romance, and immersive world-building, this book is an absolute must-read. It is available now.

[KMart Vet · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars

This was such an intriguing medieval-style fantasy with immersive worldbuilding and a unique magic system. The concept of people born as wardens (mortals chosen by the gods with the power to limit magic; think Rogue from X-Men, but she doesn't have to touch them) immediately hooked me, and the feyfolk-filled mountain setting created some gorgeously atmospheric scenes. The pacing stayed tight throughout, balancing political tension, godly meddling, and bursts of action that kept me turning the pages.

What stood out most for me was the complexity of the antagonists. The main villain wasn't just an obstacle; they had sympathetic motives and a certain tragic depth that made them feel almost as compelling as the leads. That said, I did find one choice puzzling: the villain advocating for a matriarchy. I couldn’t tell if this was meant as a nuanced twist or as a critique of feminist ideals, and the ambiguity left me unsure what the book was trying to say thematically. I'm not sure that it was trying to argue either way, but I wanted a little bit more heavy-handed message. I just wanted it to be a little bit clearer in its messaging.

The romance never fully landed with me. Laris is playful, flirty, and clearly invested, but Raelyn often feels passive in their relationship; accepting his attention without ever really reciprocating or even seeming to want it. It made the dynamic feel a bit one-sided and made consent feel a little tricky at times. Similarly, I was surprised at how quickly one of Raelyn’s closest friendships unraveled, given the years of history between them. Those threads could have been more deeply developed, especially since the emotional fallout was such a big part of her arc.

Still, the writing itself is strong, the worldbuilding is layered and captivating, and the magic system alone makes this worth reading.

Thank you, Booked with the Emilys, Golden Scales Publishing, and the lovely author for the beautiful PR package and physical copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.

[Dani (dtieds_allbookedup) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to @bookedwiththeemilys, @goldenscalespublishing, and @hidden.gems.books for the #gifted copy of this book.

"I want to see more of you." He stooped and kissed her lightly. "You're beautiful, Raelyn. Let me worship you."

Summary: After some major events, Raelyn discovers that she is one of the last of her kind: a warden. This means that she is a conduit of the gods with the ability to create holes within the magic around her. After the tragedy that forced her out of her city, she made it her mission to find her best friend after she was kidnapped. The grumpy mage, Laris, unexpectedly joins her journey, much to Raelyn's dismay. But through all the twists and turns of their journey, they start to discover a connection between the two of them that they can't deny. At the journey's end, Raeylyn must choose her destiny. Failure risks her world falling to unknown foes.

My Thoughts: Rating: 4.5/5⭐️
Whoa!! This new romantasy from H.R. Cole is absolutely captivating.From page one, I was utterly immersed, and Laris and Raelyn's dynamic quickly became a delightful obsession. The magic system in this book was intriguing to learn, especially with the power of Raelyn being a warden and how it affected the mage. Their journey was full of so many twists and turns along the way that it wasn't surprising that their feelings began to turn from dislike to more. I loved all of the different creatures and people they met along the way. It was enchanting to observe Raelyn transform, her confidence and inner strength blooming with Laris's unwavering support. Hendrel, Raelyn's will-o'-wisp, served as her unwavering guiding light and a steadfast friend throughout her journey.

I loved the fact that we not only got the strong heroine's POV but also the villain's POV with Saraht. It added to this story because Saraht had some big ideas and dreams, along with helping provide history to the reader of this world. In addition, the reader knew what was happening to Raelyn's friend Ellisand throughout her journey to the capital through Saraht.

That ending left me reeling; the need for book two is immediate! I cannot wait to see where this story goes from here.

What You'll Find:
⛅️Grumpy + Sunshine
❤️‍🔥Enemies to Lovers
🔥Slow Burn
🤩Forced Proximity
😘Opposites Attract
🙌🏻The Chosen One
💖Bad Boy/Good Girl
✨Elemental Magic

[Jen O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and PR team for this gifted eARC copy!

I was pleasantly surprised by this book! To be honest, the description confused me and I thought that language was very clunky and difficult to get through but the book's actual contents were anything but that!

Daughter of the Void reminded me of Dance of Thieves and a better written version of Powerless. I'd highly recommend to fantasy/romantasy fans who enjoy magical kingdoms, slow burn, and forced proximity as our chosen one FMC and protector MMC have to journey together to stay alive and save the kingdom.

The prose was incredible, and the immersive descriptions and world building of a unique magic and mythology system loosely based on physics of matter drew me in. It was well explained so that I understood the basics of the system but there's still more to discover!

One aspect that made this book so special to me was the immersion into the villain's perspective. While this did eliminate a bit of the suspense, I found it to be extremely compelling and a great addition to the story. I find that for many fantasy series, the first book is for the hero to discover her powers and the big bad isn't revealed until the end of book 1. This was not the case here as we get POVs from our hero and villain. Sometimes the villain sections drew me in a bit more! Enough mystery and suspense remains for the rest of the series that I am captivated and ready for the next book even though the first one isn't even officially released yet!

Daughter of the Void is available August 5 and available for pre-orders now.

[Olivia]

DAUGHTER OF THE VOID is an interesting medieval-style fantasy read. The story primarily follows Raelyn, a girl who is frequently finding herself in trouble with her best friend, Ellisand. However, everything changes when her city falls and her friend is kidnapped. Now, Raelyn finds herself on the run with Laris, a surly mage, with whose bad side she always seems to be on. As they venture into the Vast filled with feyfolk, they will find themselves growing closer, for better or worse, as they try to survive.

This was an engaging read with a solid pace that carries the reader into this historical seeming world teeming with magic. The action/adventure parts of the book keep up a level of suspense and wondering what will happen next as they venture into the Vast and must escape Saraht. In terms of the romance, it was a slow burn that turns from distrust/dislike into respect and something more throughout the story. While they seemed ill-suited at first, both characters grow and change as they face adversity, and they grew together in a way.

The magic elements were intriguing and new with some unexpected elements that grow during the story. While some aspects of magic in this world will be familiar to readers, it felt fresh in the details. The world-building was strong with enough information to fully follow along with the story - and be excited to see what we will learn in the next book of the series.

Overall, DAUGHTER OF THE VOID was an engaging medieval-style fantasy read with a slow-burn romance and plenty of action/adventure. Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

THANK YOU to @hidden.gems.books and @goldenscalespublishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚘𝚠𝚗:
When Raelyn’s best friend is kidnapped & her home is attacked, she sets off to rescue her. Aided by the brooding Laris as her protector, the two must find their way while fighting against creatures that have been sent after them.

𝙼𝚢 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎:
A girl who doesn’t know she has magic & a brooding mage who swears to protect her? Sign. Me. Up.

Raelyn is inexperienced & untrained, but she is also persistent and determined. Laris is grumpy & honestly a bit mean at times, but he also doesn’t play games & helps Raelyn to grow from a sheltered princess to a woman stepping into her power.

I loved that we got the POV of Saraht, who is our villain. Including the villain’s perspective is such a fun way to not only learn more about the villain but also find out more about her motivations.

Overall I think this was a really great start & I’m excited to see where book two goes! If you love high fantasy with emotional stakes, enemies-turned-allies, and heroines who do not want to be chosen but rise anyway, this one’s for you.

𝙵𝚊𝚟𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚀𝚞𝚘𝚝𝚎𝚜:

💕“𝙄 𝙬𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙗𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙍𝙖𝙚𝙡𝙮𝙣. 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙄’𝙡𝙡 𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚.”

💕“𝙄𝙛 𝙀𝙢𝙗𝙡𝙚𝙢 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚’𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙮 𝙮𝙤𝙪…𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙢 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙢𝙚.”

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗴𝗲𝘁:
✨Grumpy + Sunshine
✨Enemies to Lovers
✨Slow Burn
✨Forced Proximity
✨Opposites Attract
✨The Chosen One
✨Elemental Magic

[Krista Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who loves a slow burn romantasy, this book was right up my alley! I loved following the budding romance and tension between the daughter of a commander FMC Raelyn and a commander from another lord Laris and their journey together throughout this book. Raelyns journey to discover more about herself through their travels and also becoming closer and trusting a man like Laris had me hooked into this book.

I also enjoyed the multiple POVs and storylines that this book followed. Seeing the inner workings of the minds of the people who captured Raelyns closet friend and daughter of the lord Ellisand, and seeing all that they planned and had in mind was a fun way to hint at future battles to come. I also saw a side to the “enemy” and it was reasonable why some may be swayed to their side with the pretty pictures of the future they painted.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The magic system was unique while also based in some understanding of elemental type wielding and there were also lots of new magical creatures along the way to encounter and dealings with gods which made the world building very immersive. My rating overall is 4.8/5!

Thank you to the author, @bookedwiththeemilys and @goldenscalespublishing for the gifted arc of this book, all opinions are my own.

[Erin Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review 5 ⭐️

Wow! HR Cole has created a magic world full of mystical creatures, powerful mages, and beautiful landscapes. Throughout the book you will feel completely immersed in magical forests, rugged mountains, and grasslands.

In a world of political unrest, Ell, daughter of the duke, and Raelyn the commanders daughter are the best of friends always getting into trouble. During an attack on their city, Ell is captured and the two are separated and find very different travel companions with very different agendas. Raelyn finds herself paired with Laris, a powerful transcendent, who happens to hate her. Ell is paired with Saraht, a powerful warden, who is determined to put Ell on the throne. Over their journey to the capital, powers are discovered, mysteries revealed, alliances made and love will be put to the test.

I loved how Raelyn and Laris learned to work together to overcome obstacles, build trust and learn to support one another. They have hilarious banter with one another that made this slow burn romance feel authentic. Laris is so supportive of her and I loved seeing him encourage her to be herself. One of my favorite things about the book was seeing Raelyn work through her anxiety and learn to trust herself and her abilities. The twists and turns of this book had me on the edge of my seat! Daughter of the Void is a dual POV in third person which created great suspense and excitement throughout the book. The ending was perfect and I’m so excited to see where HR Cole takes these characters in the next book!

[Amara F · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I was given this book as an eArc but my review is based solely on my own thoughts and opinions*

It leans very heavy towards men’s suck and ruin the world but…they aren’t wrong haha. In a time where women are useless and used as pawns, there once was a time where women ruled and all was peace. It is time to reign again.

The story is advanced, complex and intricate. At times for me personally it was hard to keep up and stay knowledgeable about everything mentioned, there’s a lot happening, mentioned and being explained. The storytelling is beautiful and well written.

As mentioned previously from other reviewers, it bounces between characters and storylines, it would have been nice to have their name at the top of the chapter to know what storyline is happening and what is going on. There are multiple point of views happening so any clarification is appreciated.

There is no warmth to Laris, the mmc, but all he’s known is war and bloodshed, he’s had a rough life. There are flickers of something else to him, which makes me hold out hope for him and I’m I’m drawn to him. It’s a good slow burn but I would have liked more to keep me invested, like idk more touches, lingering, touch her and die 🤷‍♀️. I do like how forward he is and he states what’s on his mind. It was a long slow burn but totally worth it.

4-4.5 stars

[Jakki (BizzyBookNook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this. Every once in a while, I am lucky enough to find a book that restores my faith in the future of the fantasy genre. This is one of those. The world building is lovely and I adored the different faefolk and villages that they journeyed through on their way to the capital. The characters were really well done. I loved the dynamic in Realyn and Ellisand's friendship and enjoyed when they were separated and we got to follow their different paths. Saraht even with all her anger and scheming really was a relatable character even when I wanted to hate her I just couldn't. I also really loved the slow burn between Realyn and Laris. It really was done in a way that I thought felt more organic. It's really refreshing to come across a high fantasy book that has a strong stance on women rising up and bucking the system. Saraht's entire focus and plan was something that I could really get behind and if I was a character in this world I would immediately feel called to the cause. The ending was an absolute edge of my seat ride and the cliffhanger really had me just staring at the wall. I cannot wait to read book two and see where it takes these characters.

Thank you to @bookedwiththeemilys @goldenscalespublishing and H R Cole @hidden.gems.books for sending me an ARC to review!

[Effy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a refreshing fantasy read with world building that absolutely blew me away with how immersive and vast it was, and presented in such a way that never felt info-dumpy. The protagonist, Raelyn is a headstrong, morally driven woman with a kind heart that rivals the her true purpose that connects her to the will of the gods. On the otherhand, the antagonist, Saraht is less of a villain and more of a righteous vigilante, also harboring the same terrible purpose as Raelyn but with different plans for it.

The plot twisted with action around every corner and the threads of friendship are forged and tested throughout the trials the protagonists go through. Even the romance subplot was sweet without distracting from the plot, only adding to it in ways I didn’t expect. Lastly, I loved that each woman in this story was strong in their own way, all refusing to be victims.

This book is out August 5th, so RUN to add this one to your Goodreads and pre-order your copy today! A huge thank you to @bookedwiththeemilys @goldenscalespublishing  for my #gifted ARC. It’s a tragic day when I’m already yearning for the sequel and the first one hasn’t even released yet. Well done @hidden.gems.books, this was an absolutely fantastic read!!

[Mia N. Gleason · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. 5 star read for this debut. STUNNING.

We first meet our lady Rae and honestly…I had to just trust the process with any book 1 in a new romantasy series and HOLY so-not-disappointed. We meet our dark love interest early on, we learn our magic systems early on, we get our big “oh no!” Moment early on…everything was so clear and beautifully written to be fast-paced and plot-driven in a way that held natural progression.

Laris. May be added to my list of fave book BFs.

There’s banter, unspoken prophecy, fate, war, love - all the amazing things!

The slow burn though….SLLLOOOOWWWWWW and WORTH 👏 IT 👏

Also…INN WITH ONE BED. Iykyk

I loved how the author split the POV and that we saw everything come together the way they did. Lots of twists and “AHA!” Moments. Just. Wow. I haven’t been blown away by a romantasy read in a minute and this one just TAKES the damn cake.

Notes to readers: pay attention to details and characters early on. That’s all I’m going to say.

Is it too selfish to already be pining for book 2? Asking for a friend…maybe. lol

Huge THANK YOU to Golden Scales Publishing for the early ARC! And to the author for such a great book 1 of a stellar series!

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Be careful. Be wise. When the Capital is ours, send word, and I'll come. Make sure he suffers." <\b>
The world building, the pacing, the determination of the FMC with a medieval-style twist. Daughter of the Void was fantastic! You have magic, mythical creatures, slow burn and quests! It was a high fantasy delight.

You follow different POVs of Raelynn, Laris, Ellisand, Saraht. Mainly in Raelynn and Saraht's POV, I thought it was so different to be in the mind of the enemy.

Raelyn's city falls and she is forced to realize that she is not normal, she is in fact one of the last wardens, one who is born with the ability to tear holes in magic. It is a magic that is not only held to a great standard but is also terrifying to others.
Raelyn finds herself on the run with Laris who is a grumpy mage on the outside but has a sweet inner self. Together they go on an adventure to try and get back Raelynn's best friend, Ellisand.

With this just being the beginning of the Fate Trilogy I look forward to the rest of the series!

Tropes:
Grumpy x Sunshine
Slow Burn
Forced Proximity
The Chosen One
Magic
Gods
Political Intrigue

[Sam Bartley · Rating 4 out of 5]

HUGE thank you to @bookedwiththeemilys @goldenscalespublishing and @hidden.gems.books for letting me dive into this absolute beauty of a read!

If you’ve been craving:

✨ Grumpy Sunshine that will make you yell “JUST KISS ALREADY”

✨ Enemies to lovers with all the delicious tension

✨ The slooooowest (but oh-so-worth-it) burn you’ve ever experienced

✨ Morally grey characters that make questionable choices and you still root for them

✨ Elemental magic that feels fresh and exciting

…then pals, this book is basically calling your name.

From page one, it sweeps you up into a magical adventure that does not let go. The multiple POVs keep you guessing (and gasping) the whole way through, and the character growth? chef’s kiss perfection. You can tell every twist, every moment, and every bit of banter was crafted with care.

Honestly, by the time I finished, I was half ready to reread it just to relive the tension and magic all over again.

Make sure you snag a copy of this one ASAP before everyone else is talking about it and you get FOMO.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review: 4 stars
Chains of Fate trilogy - Book One

Thank you to Booked with the Emily's and Goldenscale publishing for a copy of this eArc.

This book swept me into a richly woven world. Raelyn's journey from uncertain fugitive to reluctant chosen one is compelling, with stakes that feel both epic and deeply personal.

The story hits the ground running from the start with danger and an unexpected alliance between the two MCs, Raelyn and Laris. Laris is a mage with secrets of his own. Their dynamic is one of my favorite aspects. Equal parts tension, banter and quiet protectiveness. If you are a sucker for slow burn, grumpy x determined trope...then you are in for a treat.

There is an eerie atmosphere that the book portrays due to The Vast. I loved how the higher powers feel just out of reach - powerful, and never entirely trustworthy.

While I did wish for a bit more clarity in the lore at times, the pay off is worth it. I am excited to read book 2!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in the Chains of Fate Trilogy has arrived and it is sure to please romantasy fans looking for a well written story with excellent world building, compelling characters, and plenty of action.

DAUGHTER OF THE VOID poses the question of destiny versus duty when Raelyn finds herself on the run with Laris, a surly mage. Raelyn is shocked to find herself one of the last wardens who serve as conduits of the gods. It’s not just her survival that’s at stake; it’s the world’s.

The slow burn fantasy features political intrigue, forced proximity, and elemental magic. Told through multiple POV; including the villain, Saraht, the reader is transported to a richly drawn world where enemies become lovers and a strong heroine emerges whose fate will be changed forever.

Thank you to Booked With The Emilys, Golden Scale Publishing, and the author for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.