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The Thorns We Inherit
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Expected 7 Apr 26This lush dark gothic fantasy debut weaves haunting worldbuilding, goddess-blessed magic, and an aching slow-burn romance into a story of legacy, devotion, and survival. Perfect for fans of V.E. Schwab, Rachel Gillig, and Hannah Whitten—and for readers who crave gothic fantasy steeped in tension, magic, and emotional depth.
Aurelia Moirae never asked for power—or for the gods who carved her bloodline to come calling.
When her world collapses, Aurelia is dragged into Nyxarra, a mist-shrouded city ruled by blood bargains, ancient grudges, and magic long thought buried. What begins as a desperate attempt to save her brother quickly unravels into something far more dangerous.
With a haunted warrior at her side and a beautiful monster at her throat, Aurelia must face the stories etched into her blood—and the cost of daring to rewrite them.
Power is a curse. Love is a risk. And survival may cost her everything she has left.
“The thorns we inherit do not ask permission. They prick, they scar, they remind us that beauty was never meant to be harmless. And neither were we.”
532 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 7, 2026
1655 people want to read
About the author
Lindsey A. Hart
1 book77 followersLindsey is a writer who’s been reading and storytelling for as long as she can remember. Originally from the Midwest, she now lives in Southern California with her son, partner, and two cats. When she’s not mom-ing, working in tech, or reheating her coffee, she’s writing gothic fantasy and stories full of tension, magic, and characters who don’t always make the right choices—but she loves them anyway.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
February 23, 2026
thank you to netgalley and the publishers for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
that plot twist at the end with the cliffhanger still has me thinking about it a week later, it was so terrible but so good and completely unexpected. i'm already craving book two.
this book shows so many scars and emotions and show, sometimes weakness is a strength and taking care of others can be our biggest downfall but still make us the best person in our own unique way.
the world building in this was beautiful, you feel like you are in Nyxarra with the characters right along for the journey.
i also loved the lyrical writing style to this. it kept me entranced in the book and absolutely hated when i had to put it down.
that plot twist at the end with the cliffhanger still has me thinking about it a week later, it was so terrible but so good and completely unexpected. i'm already craving book two.
this book shows so many scars and emotions and show, sometimes weakness is a strength and taking care of others can be our biggest downfall but still make us the best person in our own unique way.
the world building in this was beautiful, you feel like you are in Nyxarra with the characters right along for the journey.
i also loved the lyrical writing style to this. it kept me entranced in the book and absolutely hated when i had to put it down.
Review of advance copy received from Author
if you are looking for a unique, thought-provoking, character-driven gothic fantasy story with well-explored lore and lush worldbuilding that will intrigue and shock you while the romantic subplot keeps you giggling and on your TOES?!
Put this on your 2026 release radar IMMEDIATELY (or go sign up for an ARC!)
Tropes/themes:
✨goddess/universe creation lore
✨prophecy/chosen one
✨journey to heal one’s family
✨diverse cast/found family
✨forced proximity
✨mental health rep
✨vampyres & goddess blessed magic
✨slow burn & potential love triangle? (This ones not a real trope im kinda manifesting)
I’ve had the privilege of being one of Lindsey’s beta readers since her first concepts and it’s been an honor and a wonderous experience to see her story grow to the incredible book that it is today. From her very first renditions, it was so glaringly obvious that Lindsey was TALENTED and now in its ARC form, I truly believe it wil be a Fantasy romance story that fully stands out as a unique reader favorite when it debuts.
Her prose is so poetic; think a mix of V.E. Schwab and Sarah A. Parker. The descriptions and attributes she so eloquently delivers in her stories really showcase a style of writing you don’t see enough in recent publications. You can FEEL so many of the character’s emotions and turmoils; i feel more sensitive readers could even start tearing up within the first few chapters (looking at a few friends here hehe).
This is definitely a Fantasy romance, not a romantasy, meaning you should noooot go into this book expecting a fast paced spicy story - the development is a little slower paced in the first half of the story, particularly when it comes to our character development and worldbuilding. The world slowly reveals itself to you, while our character motivations are explored from the get-go, but its these foundations that make any romantic moments or high-stakes action in the second half of the story all the more exciting.
I’d say the spice rating is 1🌶️ from the few scenes we had, with mild suggestives here and there.
Aurelia is a badass main character who’s always relied on her strength and growing that strength to protect her hardened heart so SHE can protect her only loved ones - but our girl’s got a soft heart to her too. And a fierce mouth…maybe a temper too HAHA but that led to some very amusing moments. If you like a fiery fmc who doesn’t cower easily, you’ll definitely like her.
Malachi and Kaelith are our MMCs and even though Lindsey is my friend, I’m not convinced she’s not gaslighting me about who our MMC is. I think both of them are very droolworthy even though they might have some VERY questional opposing morals, kind of like a sun vs night personality here.
Our side characters also all had their own moments and I’m excited to see where some of their paths go in future books.
If you’re a gothic fantasy, dark fantasy, lover of healing journeys, fan of baddie fmcs, or just overall want a unique story to add to your 2026 tbr, I promise you this one won’t disappoint.
Put this on your 2026 release radar IMMEDIATELY (or go sign up for an ARC!)
Tropes/themes:
✨goddess/universe creation lore
✨prophecy/chosen one
✨journey to heal one’s family
✨diverse cast/found family
✨forced proximity
✨mental health rep
✨vampyres & goddess blessed magic
✨slow burn & potential love triangle? (This ones not a real trope im kinda manifesting)
I’ve had the privilege of being one of Lindsey’s beta readers since her first concepts and it’s been an honor and a wonderous experience to see her story grow to the incredible book that it is today. From her very first renditions, it was so glaringly obvious that Lindsey was TALENTED and now in its ARC form, I truly believe it wil be a Fantasy romance story that fully stands out as a unique reader favorite when it debuts.
Her prose is so poetic; think a mix of V.E. Schwab and Sarah A. Parker. The descriptions and attributes she so eloquently delivers in her stories really showcase a style of writing you don’t see enough in recent publications. You can FEEL so many of the character’s emotions and turmoils; i feel more sensitive readers could even start tearing up within the first few chapters (looking at a few friends here hehe).
This is definitely a Fantasy romance, not a romantasy, meaning you should noooot go into this book expecting a fast paced spicy story - the development is a little slower paced in the first half of the story, particularly when it comes to our character development and worldbuilding. The world slowly reveals itself to you, while our character motivations are explored from the get-go, but its these foundations that make any romantic moments or high-stakes action in the second half of the story all the more exciting.
I’d say the spice rating is 1🌶️ from the few scenes we had, with mild suggestives here and there.
Aurelia is a badass main character who’s always relied on her strength and growing that strength to protect her hardened heart so SHE can protect her only loved ones - but our girl’s got a soft heart to her too. And a fierce mouth…maybe a temper too HAHA but that led to some very amusing moments. If you like a fiery fmc who doesn’t cower easily, you’ll definitely like her.
Malachi and Kaelith are our MMCs and even though Lindsey is my friend, I’m not convinced she’s not gaslighting me about who our MMC is. I think both of them are very droolworthy even though they might have some VERY questional opposing morals, kind of like a sun vs night personality here.
Our side characters also all had their own moments and I’m excited to see where some of their paths go in future books.
If you’re a gothic fantasy, dark fantasy, lover of healing journeys, fan of baddie fmcs, or just overall want a unique story to add to your 2026 tbr, I promise you this one won’t disappoint.
Read
February 2, 2026Here's my blurb:
What an incredible gothic fantasy debut from Lindsey Hart! The Thorns We Inherit is atmospheric and sexy, with unfolding mysteries that kept me turning the page long into the night. With lush world building, a sizzling slow burn romance, and a loathsome villain, it is perfect for romantasy readers!
What an incredible gothic fantasy debut from Lindsey Hart! The Thorns We Inherit is atmospheric and sexy, with unfolding mysteries that kept me turning the page long into the night. With lush world building, a sizzling slow burn romance, and a loathsome villain, it is perfect for romantasy readers!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Lindsey Hart and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
4.5 / 5 ⭐️
This book was soooo beautifully written. At first I didn't know how I would feel given it's more poetic writing style, but I really enjoyed it. It was magical, character-driven, and overall just so unique.
Aurelia, our FMC... She's so strong. She's not afraid to take chances, but that being said, she isn't impulsive or reckless either. I loved that she was motivated, and ready to do whatever it took.. but also thought about her decisions first!
I loved the slow burn romance with Malachi, our MMC. This man is SUCH a top tier yearner. His chapters were so good to read, because each one made me fall in love with him more as he fell for Aurelia. It was that good.
I cannot wait to see what Lindsey Hart has in store for this series, because needless to say, I am hooked.
♡ pre-read ♡
RAAAH I LOVE DARK FANTASY ROMANCE!
4.5 / 5 ⭐️
This book was soooo beautifully written. At first I didn't know how I would feel given it's more poetic writing style, but I really enjoyed it. It was magical, character-driven, and overall just so unique.
Aurelia, our FMC... She's so strong. She's not afraid to take chances, but that being said, she isn't impulsive or reckless either. I loved that she was motivated, and ready to do whatever it took.. but also thought about her decisions first!
I loved the slow burn romance with Malachi, our MMC. This man is SUCH a top tier yearner. His chapters were so good to read, because each one made me fall in love with him more as he fell for Aurelia. It was that good.
I cannot wait to see what Lindsey Hart has in store for this series, because needless to say, I am hooked.
♡ pre-read ♡
RAAAH I LOVE DARK FANTASY ROMANCE!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
DNF at 55%
First of all: thank you to the publisher for the ARC.
I really appreciated the ambition and atmosphere. The gothic tone is strong and I can see what the book is aiming for in terms of mood and intensity. But for me the writing style ultimately became the biggest barrier to enjoyment.
The writing felt like reaching; constantly leaning towards something poetic or profound, but often landing in unusual phrasing or awkward wording instead. There are many fragmented and stumpy sentences that felt almost telegraphed. Stop. Start. Emote. Pause. It pulled me out of the story instead of getting into the flow of things.
There’s also a strong emphasis on physical reactions and shadow imagery, which ties into the magic and lore, but it occasionally felt repetitive. I found myself wishing for more immersive worldbuilding woven organically into the narrative, as it felt delivered in rather large, forced pieces than naturally told throughout.
There’s clearly ambition here, but I wanted more layering, more gradual build-up, more depth of connections. Instead, it felt underdeveloped, and paired with the writing style, I found it hard to stay invested. So unfortunately this this just wasn't the right fit for me.
First of all: thank you to the publisher for the ARC.
I really appreciated the ambition and atmosphere. The gothic tone is strong and I can see what the book is aiming for in terms of mood and intensity. But for me the writing style ultimately became the biggest barrier to enjoyment.
The writing felt like reaching; constantly leaning towards something poetic or profound, but often landing in unusual phrasing or awkward wording instead. There are many fragmented and stumpy sentences that felt almost telegraphed. Stop. Start. Emote. Pause. It pulled me out of the story instead of getting into the flow of things.
There’s also a strong emphasis on physical reactions and shadow imagery, which ties into the magic and lore, but it occasionally felt repetitive. I found myself wishing for more immersive worldbuilding woven organically into the narrative, as it felt delivered in rather large, forced pieces than naturally told throughout.
There’s clearly ambition here, but I wanted more layering, more gradual build-up, more depth of connections. Instead, it felt underdeveloped, and paired with the writing style, I found it hard to stay invested. So unfortunately this this just wasn't the right fit for me.
January 15, 2026
ARC Review
A beautifully written gothic fantasy, I thoroughly enjoyed The Thorns We Inherit. This book has trauma, magic, goddesses, vampyres, hidden realms, a tough as nails FMC, a broody MMC, and more.
I appreciated the time that the author, Lindsey Hart, took to develop the characters and their world, while moving the story forward. The FMC, Aurelia, is tough. She has suffered immensely and continues to fight for what she loves even with the odds stacked against her.
I’m truly invested in the characters, and the ending has left me hanging for more. I look forward to seeing where the next book takes us!
4.5 🌟
Thank you Lindsey for allowing me an ARC read.
A beautifully written gothic fantasy, I thoroughly enjoyed The Thorns We Inherit. This book has trauma, magic, goddesses, vampyres, hidden realms, a tough as nails FMC, a broody MMC, and more.
I appreciated the time that the author, Lindsey Hart, took to develop the characters and their world, while moving the story forward. The FMC, Aurelia, is tough. She has suffered immensely and continues to fight for what she loves even with the odds stacked against her.
I’m truly invested in the characters, and the ending has left me hanging for more. I look forward to seeing where the next book takes us!
4.5 🌟
Thank you Lindsey for allowing me an ARC read.
March 6, 2026
5⭐️
I think this fantasy romance is perfect for fans of Sarah A Parker’s writing style. I thought the storytelling in here was very whimsical very lush yet the fantasy world itself was very dark and ominous. I found the writing also very poetic at times and overall very beautiful.
You have a strong central FMC character Aurelia that’s connected to this prophecy and as you read, you learn of the meaning behind that prophecy and her destiny. She is very protective of the ones she loves and she would do anything for her brother. She has been through her share of trauma, but through it all she is very resilient. I love when books have a really good mental health rep and the author did it very well in here.
Our male characters are very different in here Malachi gave major Elijah/Marcel vibes from the originals (I swoon everytime he says little dove)
and Kaeliths character gave cocky Loki energy that toes a very morally grey line. I’m not quite sure who the MC is, but I have predictions that I shall keep to myself…
I loved the banter in here as well with some of the side characters and this book has a really sweet found family trope. I thought the magic system in here was very unique as well and I found how the vampyres “transition” was a very original take I don’t think I’ve read a book that did it quite like this one. This one does end on a cliffhanger and I’m very excited for the next book.
Thank you to Lindsey for the chance to read this ARC as well
Tropes
Vampyres
Mental health rep
Goddesses
Diverse characters
Found family
Strong FMC
Prophecy involving our FMC
Yearning
I think this fantasy romance is perfect for fans of Sarah A Parker’s writing style. I thought the storytelling in here was very whimsical very lush yet the fantasy world itself was very dark and ominous. I found the writing also very poetic at times and overall very beautiful.
You have a strong central FMC character Aurelia that’s connected to this prophecy and as you read, you learn of the meaning behind that prophecy and her destiny. She is very protective of the ones she loves and she would do anything for her brother. She has been through her share of trauma, but through it all she is very resilient. I love when books have a really good mental health rep and the author did it very well in here.
Our male characters are very different in here Malachi gave major Elijah/Marcel vibes from the originals (I swoon everytime he says little dove)
and Kaeliths character gave cocky Loki energy that toes a very morally grey line. I’m not quite sure who the MC is, but I have predictions that I shall keep to myself…
I loved the banter in here as well with some of the side characters and this book has a really sweet found family trope. I thought the magic system in here was very unique as well and I found how the vampyres “transition” was a very original take I don’t think I’ve read a book that did it quite like this one. This one does end on a cliffhanger and I’m very excited for the next book.
Thank you to Lindsey for the chance to read this ARC as well
Tropes
Vampyres
Mental health rep
Goddesses
Diverse characters
Found family
Strong FMC
Prophecy involving our FMC
Yearning
March 31, 2026
5 star debut fantasy alert!!!! ⚠️
This book is absolutely phenomenal. Lindsey’s storytelling is so poetic, descriptive, and beautiful. I felt like I was watching a movie with how vivid her writing is. She has a powerful ability to weave words together perfectly and I cannot wait to experience more of her future books!
The Thorns we Inherit is a dark gothic fantasy romance in which our FMC goes on a journey in search of something to help her little brother and is sucked into a hauntingly beautiful world full of twists and turns.
A masterpiece. 10/10. Highly recommend. I’ll be thinking about this book for weeks!
This book is absolutely phenomenal. Lindsey’s storytelling is so poetic, descriptive, and beautiful. I felt like I was watching a movie with how vivid her writing is. She has a powerful ability to weave words together perfectly and I cannot wait to experience more of her future books!
The Thorns we Inherit is a dark gothic fantasy romance in which our FMC goes on a journey in search of something to help her little brother and is sucked into a hauntingly beautiful world full of twists and turns.
A masterpiece. 10/10. Highly recommend. I’ll be thinking about this book for weeks!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of advance copy received from Author
My flabbers were gasted, that plot twist smacked me, and here goes my trust issues again. WHAT DO WE DO, AURELIA?!
TTWI is a beautiful, lush, gothic fantasy romance- a weaving tale that doesn't just tell a story, it creates a full sensory experience, and then leaves its mark on you. It reminds you that the scars you carry do not break you, they shape you & they make you powerful. 🥀
“The thorns we inherit do not ask permission. They prick. They scar. They remind us that beauty was never meant to be harmless. And neither were we.”
The writing is so lyrically crafted in the world-building and magic system that I was completely captivated. This book spoke to my soul and somehow felt healing- I highlighted an insane amount. There’s a profusion of lore woven into every page, which kept me theorizing.
I found myself savoring each page, pacing it, but fully immersed in the prose, and deeply invested in every character including the side characters!
It has meddling goddesses, vampires, blood oaths, a forced marriage, and prophecies. It's heavily fantasy and plot-driven, yet still screams yearning on both sides. It’s raw, emotionally charged, and the slow burn is achingly good.
Aurelia is so fiercely loyal to her sibling, carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. She’s the embodiment of emotion, wrapped in scars that tell the story of her resilience. She doesn’t cower, doesn’t flinch, and will definitely pack a punch. Her feminine rage and self-discovery are empowering. 🖤✨
And the MMC’s? Morally gray, forged in dark secrets, mischievous, & all around magnetic. I’m at the point where why choose? Why do I fall for the villain every single time, too? I am in a predicament for Aurelia, I’m not the best matchmaker here or maybe I am. I know who I've decided on.
If you are seeking a dark gothic fantasy with romance, a fierce FMC, rich mythological lore, and a plot-driven story, I recommend this.
It was such a pleasure to read this as an ARC. Thank you, Lindsay Hart, for allowing me to read your baby. I look forward to seeing where this journey takes us next!
My flabbers were gasted, that plot twist smacked me, and here goes my trust issues again. WHAT DO WE DO, AURELIA?!
TTWI is a beautiful, lush, gothic fantasy romance- a weaving tale that doesn't just tell a story, it creates a full sensory experience, and then leaves its mark on you. It reminds you that the scars you carry do not break you, they shape you & they make you powerful. 🥀
“The thorns we inherit do not ask permission. They prick. They scar. They remind us that beauty was never meant to be harmless. And neither were we.”
The writing is so lyrically crafted in the world-building and magic system that I was completely captivated. This book spoke to my soul and somehow felt healing- I highlighted an insane amount. There’s a profusion of lore woven into every page, which kept me theorizing.
I found myself savoring each page, pacing it, but fully immersed in the prose, and deeply invested in every character including the side characters!
It has meddling goddesses, vampires, blood oaths, a forced marriage, and prophecies. It's heavily fantasy and plot-driven, yet still screams yearning on both sides. It’s raw, emotionally charged, and the slow burn is achingly good.
Aurelia is so fiercely loyal to her sibling, carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. She’s the embodiment of emotion, wrapped in scars that tell the story of her resilience. She doesn’t cower, doesn’t flinch, and will definitely pack a punch. Her feminine rage and self-discovery are empowering. 🖤✨
And the MMC’s? Morally gray, forged in dark secrets, mischievous, & all around magnetic. I’m at the point where why choose? Why do I fall for the villain every single time, too? I am in a predicament for Aurelia, I’m not the best matchmaker here or maybe I am. I know who I've decided on.
If you are seeking a dark gothic fantasy with romance, a fierce FMC, rich mythological lore, and a plot-driven story, I recommend this.
It was such a pleasure to read this as an ARC. Thank you, Lindsay Hart, for allowing me to read your baby. I look forward to seeing where this journey takes us next!
March 23, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for letting me read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I unfortunately had to DNF at 18% and it sucks because the premise of the story and the tropes are all things that I like and love but, this story just was not doing it for me.
I think the world building and setting were very eerie and moody, perfect for a gothic romantasy. And I was truly immersed in those vibes especially with the authors prose. The writing although very beautiful and lyrical, it was bit too much. I sometimes felt like I was reading in riddles and often found myself confused on what was happening in the story. It would take me out of the scene and I would have to read the paragraph over again just to remember what was actually happening. It was difficult to focus on the story and the characters cause I was too confused.
I know others would love this book and would not have as much trouble with the writing as I did; so I would definitely recommend this moody, gothic romantasy to anyone who love those vibes.
I unfortunately had to DNF at 18% and it sucks because the premise of the story and the tropes are all things that I like and love but, this story just was not doing it for me.
I think the world building and setting were very eerie and moody, perfect for a gothic romantasy. And I was truly immersed in those vibes especially with the authors prose. The writing although very beautiful and lyrical, it was bit too much. I sometimes felt like I was reading in riddles and often found myself confused on what was happening in the story. It would take me out of the scene and I would have to read the paragraph over again just to remember what was actually happening. It was difficult to focus on the story and the characters cause I was too confused.
I know others would love this book and would not have as much trouble with the writing as I did; so I would definitely recommend this moody, gothic romantasy to anyone who love those vibes.
February 18, 2026
“the thorns we inherit do not ask permission. they prick. they scar. they remind us that beauty was never meant to be harmless. and neither were we.”
—
this was a unique, dark, gothic, fantasy romance that completely pulled me in. between vampyres, meddling gods, hidden magic, and morally complicated characters, i was able to devour this in 24 hours.
aurelia’s entire motivation is saving her brother, which was heartbreaking seeing what he was dealing with. she’s definitely willing to sacrifice everything, including her future.
malachi though… the yearning. elite. that man is down bad and i loved every second of it. this is a true slow burn, heavy on the tension and buildup, which worked really well!
the writing is very descriptive in the best way. the settings felt vivid and atmospheric, and the darker gothic vibes really came through. i could clearly picture everything. the magic system is also unique and feels like it has so much room to expand in future books.
also the side characters?? santiago, lysara, and gabriel were so amazing, and i genuinely loved them. kaelith on the other hand… i hate him so much.
overall this was a strong start to the series. the pacing leans slower, but it allows the world and magic system to fully settle in. i’m definitely curious to see where the next book goes.
thank you so much haus of hart & netgalley for this e-arc! ♥︎
“𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒏 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏.”
—
this was a unique, dark, gothic, fantasy romance that completely pulled me in. between vampyres, meddling gods, hidden magic, and morally complicated characters, i was able to devour this in 24 hours.
aurelia’s entire motivation is saving her brother, which was heartbreaking seeing what he was dealing with. she’s definitely willing to sacrifice everything, including her future.
malachi though… the yearning. elite. that man is down bad and i loved every second of it. this is a true slow burn, heavy on the tension and buildup, which worked really well!
the writing is very descriptive in the best way. the settings felt vivid and atmospheric, and the darker gothic vibes really came through. i could clearly picture everything. the magic system is also unique and feels like it has so much room to expand in future books.
also the side characters?? santiago, lysara, and gabriel were so amazing, and i genuinely loved them. kaelith on the other hand… i hate him so much.
overall this was a strong start to the series. the pacing leans slower, but it allows the world and magic system to fully settle in. i’m definitely curious to see where the next book goes.
thank you so much haus of hart & netgalley for this e-arc! ♥︎
“𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒏 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏.”
March 8, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and the author for this eARC!
Seriously, what a beautifully written dark, gothic fantasy. This world of vampyres, gods/goddesses, blood bargains and oaths, prophecies, politics and the chosen one was captivating from the start and remained relentless until the emotionally damaging, heart pounding, white-knuckling my kindle, ending. I was pacing 😮💨
Our FMC, Aurelia, is on the hunt for a flower with healing properties to help her brother suffering from mental illness (love this rep 🫶🏼). Her parents were killed for their bloodline and she was decided to be “of no concern” with the scar to prove it. Well, she’s actually of great concern, and two brothers (technically cousins by our family dynamics, but call each other brother) recognize it immediately and want her for different reasons that will further their own opposing agendas. She’s forced to marry one while the other is essentially her bodyguard (and honestly I would love a why choose here..and one doesn’t mind sharing so ya know who knows 🤷🏻♀️😆😮💨) Oh and then there’s her best friend who’s trained her and protected her her whole life who also wants to shoot his shot. I’ll keep it spoiler free, but we’re probably going to see big things in his future (that plot twist!? 🥵)
As amazing as all of those things are (and trust me- they are- everyone yearns for our girl) I feel it’s a subplot to Aurelia’s journey of self discovery, what her magic means and it’s truth, and how it ties to the war fought and lost to the King she’s made a bargain with to save her brother. There’s also very interesting dynamics in her found family. The world building is so immersive, the writing style poetic with a dual POV. I’m looking forward to continuing this story! 🌙🗡️💖
Seriously, what a beautifully written dark, gothic fantasy. This world of vampyres, gods/goddesses, blood bargains and oaths, prophecies, politics and the chosen one was captivating from the start and remained relentless until the emotionally damaging, heart pounding, white-knuckling my kindle, ending. I was pacing 😮💨
Our FMC, Aurelia, is on the hunt for a flower with healing properties to help her brother suffering from mental illness (love this rep 🫶🏼). Her parents were killed for their bloodline and she was decided to be “of no concern” with the scar to prove it. Well, she’s actually of great concern, and two brothers (technically cousins by our family dynamics, but call each other brother) recognize it immediately and want her for different reasons that will further their own opposing agendas. She’s forced to marry one while the other is essentially her bodyguard (and honestly I would love a why choose here..and one doesn’t mind sharing so ya know who knows 🤷🏻♀️😆😮💨) Oh and then there’s her best friend who’s trained her and protected her her whole life who also wants to shoot his shot. I’ll keep it spoiler free, but we’re probably going to see big things in his future (that plot twist!? 🥵)
As amazing as all of those things are (and trust me- they are- everyone yearns for our girl) I feel it’s a subplot to Aurelia’s journey of self discovery, what her magic means and it’s truth, and how it ties to the war fought and lost to the King she’s made a bargain with to save her brother. There’s also very interesting dynamics in her found family. The world building is so immersive, the writing style poetic with a dual POV. I’m looking forward to continuing this story! 🌙🗡️💖
January 27, 2026
“Truth is not a blade—it’s a mirror. But some people still bleed when they see themselves in it.”
This isn’t a story you devour—it’s a story you marinate in. Lindsey’s writing is deeply lyrical and richly descriptive, the kind that sinks its teeth into you and refuses to let go until the final page. And even then, it leaves a mark.
The lore is unlike anything I’ve read before. Goddesses and vampyres coexist alongside a hauntingly poetic take on zombies. Shadow elves. Hidden realms. Secrets layered so deeply they feel alive. Every element of this world feels intentional and immersive.
The FMC, Aurelia, is dealt a devastating hand—forced into a role she never would have chosen for herself, yet accepts to save the ones she loves. She is powerful in the quietest way, carrying the weight of the world without letting it show. And while she bears it well, you can feel the seams of her identity stretching… fraying… becoming something that may not be recognizable in the books to come. Cue the feminine rage.
If you love stories that are thought-provoking and steeped in lore, rich character development, found family, intricate world-building, and political intrigue, this absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR.
Beautifully woven but heavy with tragedy and heartbreak—please check the full trigger warnings on the author’s website before diving in.
This isn’t a story you devour—it’s a story you marinate in. Lindsey’s writing is deeply lyrical and richly descriptive, the kind that sinks its teeth into you and refuses to let go until the final page. And even then, it leaves a mark.
The lore is unlike anything I’ve read before. Goddesses and vampyres coexist alongside a hauntingly poetic take on zombies. Shadow elves. Hidden realms. Secrets layered so deeply they feel alive. Every element of this world feels intentional and immersive.
The FMC, Aurelia, is dealt a devastating hand—forced into a role she never would have chosen for herself, yet accepts to save the ones she loves. She is powerful in the quietest way, carrying the weight of the world without letting it show. And while she bears it well, you can feel the seams of her identity stretching… fraying… becoming something that may not be recognizable in the books to come. Cue the feminine rage.
If you love stories that are thought-provoking and steeped in lore, rich character development, found family, intricate world-building, and political intrigue, this absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR.
Beautifully woven but heavy with tragedy and heartbreak—please check the full trigger warnings on the author’s website before diving in.
March 2, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and the author for the ARC read♥️
If you love:
- forced marriage
- curses
- political intrigue
- found family
- vampyres
- forced proximity
- gods
- prophecies
Then this will definitely be for you!
The writing is good and it’s immersive. The array of characters I thoroughly enjoyed because each one had such fun, unique personalities.
Aurelia is set off to a kingdom that grows a rare flower that can save her brother who’s fighting the darkness in his mind. Once she arrives to Nyxarra, she discovers a lot of herself, her bloodline, and her connection to the balance of her realm.
The world building is unique. The way the vampyres are weaved with the gods’ origins was really neat. The Keepers and Shadow Elves were my favorite element to the story and the curses that bind them. Which brings me to Malachi! He is a great MMC. His maturity, his guard, his demeanor, the veil & dream walking, and his yearning. It’s perfectly done!
Aeryn and Aurelia’s relationship had me weak. That family bond was so strong and difficult to read without tearing. I can’t wait for the next book.
This book has it all and so many secrets waiting to be discovered. Its pacing is well done. It’s thought provoking. Has juicy romance. A lot of Betrayal. And it’s Powerful.
Definitely add to your TBR!
If you love:
- forced marriage
- curses
- political intrigue
- found family
- vampyres
- forced proximity
- gods
- prophecies
Then this will definitely be for you!
The writing is good and it’s immersive. The array of characters I thoroughly enjoyed because each one had such fun, unique personalities.
Aurelia is set off to a kingdom that grows a rare flower that can save her brother who’s fighting the darkness in his mind. Once she arrives to Nyxarra, she discovers a lot of herself, her bloodline, and her connection to the balance of her realm.
The world building is unique. The way the vampyres are weaved with the gods’ origins was really neat. The Keepers and Shadow Elves were my favorite element to the story and the curses that bind them. Which brings me to Malachi! He is a great MMC. His maturity, his guard, his demeanor, the veil & dream walking, and his yearning. It’s perfectly done!
Aeryn and Aurelia’s relationship had me weak. That family bond was so strong and difficult to read without tearing. I can’t wait for the next book.
This book has it all and so many secrets waiting to be discovered. Its pacing is well done. It’s thought provoking. Has juicy romance. A lot of Betrayal. And it’s Powerful.
Definitely add to your TBR!
April 4, 2026
Wow, what a special book. I absolutely loved this!!! I think this would be perfect for people who loved Quicksilver, it gave off such similar vibes to me.
This is such a beautifully atmospheric, gothic fantasy. If you love vampyres, court politics, slow-burn tension, found family, hidden identities, and a feisty, fiercely loyal female main character, you need this on your TBR.
The story follows Aurelia, who is forced into the mysterious and dangerous city of Nyxarra in a desperate attempt to save her brother. Once there, she begins uncovering dangerous truths about herself while caught between a bloodthirsty prince and a deeply scarred warrior.
This story feels haunting so haunting. It’s moody, immersive, and completely captivating. The writing is stunning, filled with rich, lyrical prose that brings the world to life so vividly. There are a lot of different fantasy elements, but it never felt overwhelming or confusing and everything blended together so well.
Aurelia is such a strong FMC. She’s fiercely loyal, willing to sacrifice everything for the people she loves. Watching her grow and learn all these new things about herself throughout the story was one of my favorite parts.
I could yap all day about it but trust me!!! Read this book.
Thank you to the author for an early release copy for an honest review!
This is such a beautifully atmospheric, gothic fantasy. If you love vampyres, court politics, slow-burn tension, found family, hidden identities, and a feisty, fiercely loyal female main character, you need this on your TBR.
The story follows Aurelia, who is forced into the mysterious and dangerous city of Nyxarra in a desperate attempt to save her brother. Once there, she begins uncovering dangerous truths about herself while caught between a bloodthirsty prince and a deeply scarred warrior.
This story feels haunting so haunting. It’s moody, immersive, and completely captivating. The writing is stunning, filled with rich, lyrical prose that brings the world to life so vividly. There are a lot of different fantasy elements, but it never felt overwhelming or confusing and everything blended together so well.
Aurelia is such a strong FMC. She’s fiercely loyal, willing to sacrifice everything for the people she loves. Watching her grow and learn all these new things about herself throughout the story was one of my favorite parts.
I could yap all day about it but trust me!!! Read this book.
Thank you to the author for an early release copy for an honest review!
January 30, 2026
ARC Review.
Quicks Points:
* Tropes: Slowburn, Gothic, traumantasy, unique magic system, vampyres, gods/goddesses, found family, political intrigue.
* Spice: 🌶️
* PLEASE check TW’s! (full list on authors website)
I loved everything about this book. It gave me chills, laughs, tears, anger, etc. You name the emotion and I felt it. I feel like the writing style was beautifully unique while also being familiar in all the right ways. Lindsey pays SUCH attention to detail and therefore, it’s more like a movie in your head than with any other story. The world building and the characteristics of every single thing/character is just so meticulous while also drawing you further and further into the story.
Aurelia, our FMC who goes through all of this development within such a short amount of time and I only see her character growth getting stronger and bigger from here. I was able to connect with Aurelia so much because of the amount of love she has for those that she cares for. The way she only wants to do whatever is right for them and by them.
Malachi, our MMC, is this Vampyre who fights the battles within himself for the greater good while also yearning over Aurelia. You fall in love with him falling for Aurelia.
Our main characters are amazing, but even the side characters really catch your attention.
Lindsey, you truly have gone and created this beautiful story that I am so grateful I get to read early. I am so excited to see where this series leads!
Quicks Points:
* Tropes: Slowburn, Gothic, traumantasy, unique magic system, vampyres, gods/goddesses, found family, political intrigue.
* Spice: 🌶️
* PLEASE check TW’s! (full list on authors website)
I loved everything about this book. It gave me chills, laughs, tears, anger, etc. You name the emotion and I felt it. I feel like the writing style was beautifully unique while also being familiar in all the right ways. Lindsey pays SUCH attention to detail and therefore, it’s more like a movie in your head than with any other story. The world building and the characteristics of every single thing/character is just so meticulous while also drawing you further and further into the story.
Aurelia, our FMC who goes through all of this development within such a short amount of time and I only see her character growth getting stronger and bigger from here. I was able to connect with Aurelia so much because of the amount of love she has for those that she cares for. The way she only wants to do whatever is right for them and by them.
Malachi, our MMC, is this Vampyre who fights the battles within himself for the greater good while also yearning over Aurelia. You fall in love with him falling for Aurelia.
Our main characters are amazing, but even the side characters really catch your attention.
Lindsey, you truly have gone and created this beautiful story that I am so grateful I get to read early. I am so excited to see where this series leads!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received this book as an ARC(advance readers copy) and I found the story incredibly interesting, leaving on a cliffhanger that I found slightly too vague. Leaving me with too little context that what I believe should be given with a proper cliffhanger. Throughout the book there did seem to be small lapses of context. Where things or people seemingly appeared without prior acknowledgement. Overall The Thorns We Inherit is a wonderful dark Gothic read for anyone who likes a lighter romance, slow burn, moral dilemmas, alternative magic systems with many twists and shadow powers😏😉 with more than one character being able to wield them, allowing for many interesting encounters and development.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What do I do with my life after getting a sneak peek..🫠
I finally have my hands on the ARC😍 not getting any sleep tonight!
**FINAL REVIEW**
This book was an absolutely captivating journey, and I feel genuinely honored to have been selected as an ARC reader!! Thank you for this incredible opportunity🥹 Let’s get started with the review!
I wanna say Malachi quickly became one of my standout MMCs. He’s broody, dreamy, and fiercely protective, yet he also serves as the steady, grounding presence within the group, an irresistible combination!
Aurelia is a powerhouse of a heroine💪🏽 She’s strong, resilient, and unwaveringly loyal, having fought tirelessly for both herself and her brother. Her compassion and determination make her an unforgettable FMC.
The twists throughout this story left me slack‑mouthed more than once. My only true complaint is that I wanted more, I wasn’t ready to leave this world or these characters behind. Lindsey has officially become an instant‑read author for me.
🤌🏽
I finally have my hands on the ARC😍 not getting any sleep tonight!
**FINAL REVIEW**
This book was an absolutely captivating journey, and I feel genuinely honored to have been selected as an ARC reader!! Thank you for this incredible opportunity🥹 Let’s get started with the review!
I wanna say Malachi quickly became one of my standout MMCs. He’s broody, dreamy, and fiercely protective, yet he also serves as the steady, grounding presence within the group, an irresistible combination!
Aurelia is a powerhouse of a heroine💪🏽 She’s strong, resilient, and unwaveringly loyal, having fought tirelessly for both herself and her brother. Her compassion and determination make her an unforgettable FMC.
The twists throughout this story left me slack‑mouthed more than once. My only true complaint is that I wanted more, I wasn’t ready to leave this world or these characters behind. Lindsey has officially become an instant‑read author for me.
🤌🏽
Review of advance copy received from Author
Original and beautiful
The Thorns We Inherit opens with a beautifully lyrical beginning that instantly pulls you in. The imagery is divine, the characters are rich with depth, and the pacing feels absolutely perfect. And then there’s that ending; completely unexpected. I wanted to scream, I was furious, and I cannot believe we were left like that… which only proves this is the start of what will be a truly fantastic series.
Thank you to the author for the arc ❤️
The Thorns We Inherit opens with a beautifully lyrical beginning that instantly pulls you in. The imagery is divine, the characters are rich with depth, and the pacing feels absolutely perfect. And then there’s that ending; completely unexpected. I wanted to scream, I was furious, and I cannot believe we were left like that… which only proves this is the start of what will be a truly fantastic series.
Thank you to the author for the arc ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC Review
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a lush, dark fantasy that completely pulled me into its thorn-covered world.
The Thorns We Inherit drops us into Nyxarra — a kingdom steeped in old magic, blood-bound legacies, and dangerous court politics. The story follows a fiercely determined FMC who has inherited more than just a name… she’s inherited secrets, enemies, and a power that could either save her realm or destroy it. As ancient magic begins to stir and long-buried truths surface, she’s forced into a deadly game of alliances, betrayals, and survival.
Let’s talk about the FMC — because she absolutely carries this story. She’s strong without being reckless, sharp-minded, and emotionally layered. I loved that her strength isn’t just physical — it’s strategic, resilient, and rooted in her refusal to be controlled by the legacy she’s been handed. Watching her navigate court politics while grappling with the darker side of her inheritance was one of the strongest aspects of the book.
The worldbuilding is rich and atmospheric. Nyxarra feels ancient — full of whispered myths, blood-oaths, serpent symbolism, and magic that feels both beautiful and dangerous. The lore unfolds gradually, which I appreciated, and the tension between old power and new rule is woven throughout the story. The political maneuvering adds depth without overwhelming the emotional core.
Tropes you’ll love:
Strong FMC
Court politics
Dark inheritance / hidden legacy
Found family elements
Slow-burn tension
Morally grey characters
Touch her and you die vibes
The romance is woven into the larger plot rather than overpowering it, and I enjoyed the tension and emotional stakes. There’s a quiet intensity between the characters that builds beautifully across the story.
The pacing did feel a little slow in the middle while the political threads tightened, but it paid off in the final stretch. The ending absolutely raises the stakes and leaves you wanting more.
Some favourite quotes:
> “We are not born monsters. We are forged.”
> “A crown of thorns still draws blood.”
> “If I must inherit ruin, I will make it kneel.”
Overall, this is a dark, atmospheric fantasy with a powerful heroine and a world that feels dangerous and alive. If you love lush settings, serpentine symbolism, political tension, and strong women reclaiming power, this one is worth picking up.
I’ll definitely be continuing this series.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a lush, dark fantasy that completely pulled me into its thorn-covered world.
The Thorns We Inherit drops us into Nyxarra — a kingdom steeped in old magic, blood-bound legacies, and dangerous court politics. The story follows a fiercely determined FMC who has inherited more than just a name… she’s inherited secrets, enemies, and a power that could either save her realm or destroy it. As ancient magic begins to stir and long-buried truths surface, she’s forced into a deadly game of alliances, betrayals, and survival.
Let’s talk about the FMC — because she absolutely carries this story. She’s strong without being reckless, sharp-minded, and emotionally layered. I loved that her strength isn’t just physical — it’s strategic, resilient, and rooted in her refusal to be controlled by the legacy she’s been handed. Watching her navigate court politics while grappling with the darker side of her inheritance was one of the strongest aspects of the book.
The worldbuilding is rich and atmospheric. Nyxarra feels ancient — full of whispered myths, blood-oaths, serpent symbolism, and magic that feels both beautiful and dangerous. The lore unfolds gradually, which I appreciated, and the tension between old power and new rule is woven throughout the story. The political maneuvering adds depth without overwhelming the emotional core.
Tropes you’ll love:
Strong FMC
Court politics
Dark inheritance / hidden legacy
Found family elements
Slow-burn tension
Morally grey characters
Touch her and you die vibes
The romance is woven into the larger plot rather than overpowering it, and I enjoyed the tension and emotional stakes. There’s a quiet intensity between the characters that builds beautifully across the story.
The pacing did feel a little slow in the middle while the political threads tightened, but it paid off in the final stretch. The ending absolutely raises the stakes and leaves you wanting more.
Some favourite quotes:
> “We are not born monsters. We are forged.”
> “A crown of thorns still draws blood.”
> “If I must inherit ruin, I will make it kneel.”
Overall, this is a dark, atmospheric fantasy with a powerful heroine and a world that feels dangerous and alive. If you love lush settings, serpentine symbolism, political tension, and strong women reclaiming power, this one is worth picking up.
I’ll definitely be continuing this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I want to make a point to say that this is my very first time reviewing a book, and on top of this, I am new to reading and to reading romantasy. Definitely not advanced in this subject, and just sharing my personal thoughts.
My overall rating is 3.5/5 stars, but is rounded up to 4 due to half stars not being an option here.
A TLDR; I was very excited to read this book based on the description and advertising. I enjoyed the characters and themes, however, some aspects such as the writing and character actions left me personally feeling unsure.
**Spoilers pass here**
For me, the most enjoyment I got from reading this book came from the characters. I think the supporting characters were endearing and fun to love/love to hate. I think Santigo and Lysara have a great side romance going on, and at times I enjoyed it more than the main romance pairings. Kaelith is also an easy-to-hate, yet too sexy not love villain. Honestly, I'm a sucker for men with silver hair and an "I'll have what I want" attitude. So being questionably enamored with him was oh so fun for my girlish heart!
I enjoy the themes of creation lore, and vampires (of course), the most. They definitely helped keep me in even when the parts I was unsure about came around.
On the opposite side, I'm afraid to say that there are a few parts of this book that just didn't work for me, personally.
I do agree with most that I am also a fan of flowy, lyrical writing. Unfortunately, I do think there are some times when vague, prophetic writing can actually hurt the story. It is mostly during parts where the author is trying to describe parts of their world-building. Even now, I still couldn't explain to someone what exactly the Veil is in this world. Was it the mist around Nyxarra? Or something else entirely separate?
I was also constantly frustrated when there was the continued vagueness around Aurelia and what she really is. There was constant talk of her being extremely powerful and having "the power to balance the realm", but this was never very well explained, even when characters that would be thought to have more knowledge on this show up. I'll give some benefit of the doubt and say that maybe this vagueness is intentional? Either way, it left me personally unable to connect with the story at these parts.
The next thing that I did not enjoy much was some of the actions of our FMC. Unfortunately, Aurelia was the character I think I enjoyed the least, as I found some of the things she did to just not make sense.
There is a point when she is at the castle in Nyxarra that she is told about how special her bloodline is, and I questioned her neutral reaction to it. Maybe she and I are different people, but I don't know why she wouldn't immediately question and seek out the answers as to what that means. It could be argued that maybe she didn't care and only wanted to focus on saving her brother, but there are many points where it is described that Aurelia has trained and learned that she needs to stay ahead of her enemies.
Wouldn't having her blow off this new information go against her very ideals on how to survive this quest?
Another moment that was very frustrating for me was towards the end. During the whole story, Aurelia is constantly talking about how she needs to get back to her brother. When she and her group arrive back in her hometown, no one knows where her brother is, so you would think she would immediately go straight off to track him down.
However, she first decides there is time to sit by a seaside cliff with a friend and have a side chat. What? What about your brother?
Then as she finally gets into town to search she is stopped by some villains from her past, which is fine, villains will villain. Once she's done with that she suggests going to a friend's shop to see if she knows where her brother is. I thought the obvious first thing to do would be to say "Hey, is my brother here? Have you seen him?"
This is not what happens, and instead, she stops to learn some backstory about her childhood friend from this character. This is a cool development for the childhood friend, but aren't we supposed to be finding her brother????
I don't know, maybe I'm focusing too hard on this, but this just didn't make sense for Aurelia to make time for that when it was made to seem like finding her brother was super dire in the moment.
There is another part where she claims to need to go out for some air, but somehow almost lets herself wander into the dangerous mist outside the castle? She is described as being smart, but this out-of-character action just seemed like an excuse to create a scene with Kaelith.
These were just some of the questionable things I did not expect from an FMC who is supposed to be pretty capable about all this.
To give some slack, I will say that this was the first ebook I've ever read fully. I do not have a traditional reading device, and had to read from my phone. I want to highlight this, because I think I came to discover that I don't enjoy reading electronically while reading this book. I do wonder if the parts of this book I had trouble with might have been clearer to me if I had read it physically?
I suppose it will be something to keep in mind for next time.
Overall, I think like all art, the opinion of the viewer is subjective. I can definitely see who would love this book completely and why. I could not say why I had so much trouble here, as I'm normally pretty open-minded and lenient with parts of a story I'm confused about. I'm definitely interested in seeing if some of my questions are answered a bit more in the next parts, despite everything.
That being said, if you think you'll enjoy this book, I definitely would say to give it a read, because you probably will. 💙
Thank you again to the author for the eARC, and for letting me speak my thoughts.
My overall rating is 3.5/5 stars, but is rounded up to 4 due to half stars not being an option here.
A TLDR; I was very excited to read this book based on the description and advertising. I enjoyed the characters and themes, however, some aspects such as the writing and character actions left me personally feeling unsure.
**Spoilers pass here**
For me, the most enjoyment I got from reading this book came from the characters. I think the supporting characters were endearing and fun to love/love to hate. I think Santigo and Lysara have a great side romance going on, and at times I enjoyed it more than the main romance pairings. Kaelith is also an easy-to-hate, yet too sexy not love villain. Honestly, I'm a sucker for men with silver hair and an "I'll have what I want" attitude. So being questionably enamored with him was oh so fun for my girlish heart!
I enjoy the themes of creation lore, and vampires (of course), the most. They definitely helped keep me in even when the parts I was unsure about came around.
On the opposite side, I'm afraid to say that there are a few parts of this book that just didn't work for me, personally.
I do agree with most that I am also a fan of flowy, lyrical writing. Unfortunately, I do think there are some times when vague, prophetic writing can actually hurt the story. It is mostly during parts where the author is trying to describe parts of their world-building. Even now, I still couldn't explain to someone what exactly the Veil is in this world. Was it the mist around Nyxarra? Or something else entirely separate?
I was also constantly frustrated when there was the continued vagueness around Aurelia and what she really is. There was constant talk of her being extremely powerful and having "the power to balance the realm", but this was never very well explained, even when characters that would be thought to have more knowledge on this show up. I'll give some benefit of the doubt and say that maybe this vagueness is intentional? Either way, it left me personally unable to connect with the story at these parts.
The next thing that I did not enjoy much was some of the actions of our FMC. Unfortunately, Aurelia was the character I think I enjoyed the least, as I found some of the things she did to just not make sense.
There is a point when she is at the castle in Nyxarra that she is told about how special her bloodline is, and I questioned her neutral reaction to it. Maybe she and I are different people, but I don't know why she wouldn't immediately question and seek out the answers as to what that means. It could be argued that maybe she didn't care and only wanted to focus on saving her brother, but there are many points where it is described that Aurelia has trained and learned that she needs to stay ahead of her enemies.
Wouldn't having her blow off this new information go against her very ideals on how to survive this quest?
Another moment that was very frustrating for me was towards the end. During the whole story, Aurelia is constantly talking about how she needs to get back to her brother. When she and her group arrive back in her hometown, no one knows where her brother is, so you would think she would immediately go straight off to track him down.
However, she first decides there is time to sit by a seaside cliff with a friend and have a side chat. What? What about your brother?
Then as she finally gets into town to search she is stopped by some villains from her past, which is fine, villains will villain. Once she's done with that she suggests going to a friend's shop to see if she knows where her brother is. I thought the obvious first thing to do would be to say "Hey, is my brother here? Have you seen him?"
This is not what happens, and instead, she stops to learn some backstory about her childhood friend from this character. This is a cool development for the childhood friend, but aren't we supposed to be finding her brother????
I don't know, maybe I'm focusing too hard on this, but this just didn't make sense for Aurelia to make time for that when it was made to seem like finding her brother was super dire in the moment.
There is another part where she claims to need to go out for some air, but somehow almost lets herself wander into the dangerous mist outside the castle? She is described as being smart, but this out-of-character action just seemed like an excuse to create a scene with Kaelith.
These were just some of the questionable things I did not expect from an FMC who is supposed to be pretty capable about all this.
To give some slack, I will say that this was the first ebook I've ever read fully. I do not have a traditional reading device, and had to read from my phone. I want to highlight this, because I think I came to discover that I don't enjoy reading electronically while reading this book. I do wonder if the parts of this book I had trouble with might have been clearer to me if I had read it physically?
I suppose it will be something to keep in mind for next time.
Overall, I think like all art, the opinion of the viewer is subjective. I can definitely see who would love this book completely and why. I could not say why I had so much trouble here, as I'm normally pretty open-minded and lenient with parts of a story I'm confused about. I'm definitely interested in seeing if some of my questions are answered a bit more in the next parts, despite everything.
That being said, if you think you'll enjoy this book, I definitely would say to give it a read, because you probably will. 💙
Thank you again to the author for the eARC, and for letting me speak my thoughts.
January 23, 2026
I am absolutely obsessed with this book!!! Lindsey you did your big one, the way it ended has me DYING to read more!!
Tropes:
⭐️ slow burn romance
⭐️ yearning
⭐️political intrigue
⭐️meddling gods
⭐️forced proximity
⭐️vampyers / goddesses
Spice: 🌶️
A dark gothic fantasy , where a sister is willing to go to the ends of the earth to save her brother from himself (relatable). The world building is written beautifully in this book! It had me drawn in from page 1!!! The plot, the mystery, the secrets that were perfectly hidden within the story. The romance?! It had me giggling and kicking my feet, the slow burn just perfect building up to that moment.
Aurelia is truly a badass the way she relied on her instinct and willpower to get through her journey to Nyxarra, she was a warrior before the story even began. Still trying to figure out if our MMC is Malachi or Kaelith 👀 although I wouldn’t mind either.
Plot: Aurelia & her brother Aeryn have always been very close since their parents died when they were younger, murdered I should say. Aurelia and Aeryn were outcasts in their town synnex , Aeryn was suffering with something neither of them understood, he was getting worse having episodes frequently where it was like he changed into someone else, but Aurelia has a solution, and that solution was to go Nyxarra to get etherblooms which will heal her brother’s mind. the only problem was there was a forest full of things you’d never want to see, a place where most never return, and she has to go through it to get to Nyxarra to save her brother.. what could go wrong??
Lindsey you have truly written a beautiful story and I am honored to have read it early!!! Thank you for giving us this beautiful book! I can’t wait for more!! 🥰🥰💖
Top Quotes:
“The moon does not hate the sun, it always comes back to the light. They chase each other across the sky, always separate but never free of each other”
“ what had shamed me grew beautiful again in his hands” chefs kiss
“You will not rise alone.Look at who stands with you, let their love root you when the wind starts tearing things loose”
“The thorns we inherit do not ask permission. They prick. They scar. They remind us that beauty was never meant to be harmless. And neither were we.”
Tropes:
⭐️ slow burn romance
⭐️ yearning
⭐️political intrigue
⭐️meddling gods
⭐️forced proximity
⭐️vampyers / goddesses
Spice: 🌶️
A dark gothic fantasy , where a sister is willing to go to the ends of the earth to save her brother from himself (relatable). The world building is written beautifully in this book! It had me drawn in from page 1!!! The plot, the mystery, the secrets that were perfectly hidden within the story. The romance?! It had me giggling and kicking my feet, the slow burn just perfect building up to that moment.
Aurelia is truly a badass the way she relied on her instinct and willpower to get through her journey to Nyxarra, she was a warrior before the story even began. Still trying to figure out if our MMC is Malachi or Kaelith 👀 although I wouldn’t mind either.
Plot: Aurelia & her brother Aeryn have always been very close since their parents died when they were younger, murdered I should say. Aurelia and Aeryn were outcasts in their town synnex , Aeryn was suffering with something neither of them understood, he was getting worse having episodes frequently where it was like he changed into someone else, but Aurelia has a solution, and that solution was to go Nyxarra to get etherblooms which will heal her brother’s mind. the only problem was there was a forest full of things you’d never want to see, a place where most never return, and she has to go through it to get to Nyxarra to save her brother.. what could go wrong??
Lindsey you have truly written a beautiful story and I am honored to have read it early!!! Thank you for giving us this beautiful book! I can’t wait for more!! 🥰🥰💖
Top Quotes:
“The moon does not hate the sun, it always comes back to the light. They chase each other across the sky, always separate but never free of each other”
“ what had shamed me grew beautiful again in his hands” chefs kiss
“You will not rise alone.Look at who stands with you, let their love root you when the wind starts tearing things loose”
“The thorns we inherit do not ask permission. They prick. They scar. They remind us that beauty was never meant to be harmless. And neither were we.”
April 1, 2026
3.5⭐️, 1.5 🌶️
I have a bit much to say, so let’s jump into it:
To start off with the world building, it was definitely there but I felt like so many fluffy words were used to describe the gods and the darkness versus shadows that it confused me a little bit. I felt like one of them was described as light but they both are darkness terms in my mind so I just feel like there could’ve been more straight forward explanations of the world itself. I felt the same way when powers and the vampires were described as well. However I do think the major goddess (mother of darkness) and her children were described well enough. However I do think the world and magic system is cool and hope we get more into it in future books.
As for the plot there were times I was very engaged, and times where it felt slower. The pacing felt off in many parts of the story and the relationship building between the characters (mains and sides) did not seem organic at all times. I felt like we would jump from one thing to another without it feeling natural and a flow of things, but slightly forced. There were also times during the plot I was slightly confused on where were going and what should be the main focus of the story.
As for the characters I’m not sure I really liked any of them?? They weren’t bad characters necessarily, but I felt like sometimes their personalities were inconsistent and I didn’t feel myself really connecting with any of them. Also I feel like we jumped into love very fast with the mains, and it did not flow well for me personally.
After the ending I think I am even more confused about it all and I’m very interested to see where this story goes ! I do think she had good components of the story and I think some things just need to be more fine tuned with the editing.
I have a bit much to say, so let’s jump into it:
To start off with the world building, it was definitely there but I felt like so many fluffy words were used to describe the gods and the darkness versus shadows that it confused me a little bit. I felt like one of them was described as light but they both are darkness terms in my mind so I just feel like there could’ve been more straight forward explanations of the world itself. I felt the same way when powers and the vampires were described as well. However I do think the major goddess (mother of darkness) and her children were described well enough. However I do think the world and magic system is cool and hope we get more into it in future books.
As for the plot there were times I was very engaged, and times where it felt slower. The pacing felt off in many parts of the story and the relationship building between the characters (mains and sides) did not seem organic at all times. I felt like we would jump from one thing to another without it feeling natural and a flow of things, but slightly forced. There were also times during the plot I was slightly confused on where were going and what should be the main focus of the story.
As for the characters I’m not sure I really liked any of them?? They weren’t bad characters necessarily, but I felt like sometimes their personalities were inconsistent and I didn’t feel myself really connecting with any of them. Also I feel like we jumped into love very fast with the mains, and it did not flow well for me personally.
After the ending I think I am even more confused about it all and I’m very interested to see where this story goes ! I do think she had good components of the story and I think some things just need to be more fine tuned with the editing.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Thorns We Inherit is a beautiful story - a gothic, lyrical piece of writing that reads like poetry unfolding on the pages.
There is a depth to this writing, with emotion and magic woven within the words, creating a piece of true artistry that lingers long after the final page is turned. The world building is lush and atmospheric with incredibly detailed lore and divine imagery. I found myself rereading paragraphs to embed them in my soul, to truly consider the words I was consuming.
The sentient world dragged me deeply into the pages... but it was the characters that kept me there.
There's a weight to these characters, a sadness that feels bone deep... magnetic. I wanted to know more about them, what creeps beneath Aeryn's skin, more of Malachi's history and Aurelia's buried power, why Gabriel is so drawn to her. Santiago added a much needed touch of levity to lighten the heavier tones.
There is an aching slow burn, with a deep yearning and simmering hunger between Aurelia and Malachi that culminates in raw and emotional scenes written so beautifully, heavy with meaning.
The ending left me urgently flipping the page, hoping for more, only to see the epilogue and realising I'm going to have to wait to see if redemption comes.
The Thorns We Inherit is a haunting, lyrical read that you should add to your tbrs if you crave just that little bit ✨️more✨️ when reading. Something with depth and layers, that requires you to slow down to absorb the meaning... something that feels like folklore.
Thankyou so much Lindsey Hart for the opportunity to be one of your early readers.
There is a depth to this writing, with emotion and magic woven within the words, creating a piece of true artistry that lingers long after the final page is turned. The world building is lush and atmospheric with incredibly detailed lore and divine imagery. I found myself rereading paragraphs to embed them in my soul, to truly consider the words I was consuming.
The sentient world dragged me deeply into the pages... but it was the characters that kept me there.
There's a weight to these characters, a sadness that feels bone deep... magnetic. I wanted to know more about them, what creeps beneath Aeryn's skin, more of Malachi's history and Aurelia's buried power, why Gabriel is so drawn to her. Santiago added a much needed touch of levity to lighten the heavier tones.
There is an aching slow burn, with a deep yearning and simmering hunger between Aurelia and Malachi that culminates in raw and emotional scenes written so beautifully, heavy with meaning.
The ending left me urgently flipping the page, hoping for more, only to see the epilogue and realising I'm going to have to wait to see if redemption comes.
The Thorns We Inherit is a haunting, lyrical read that you should add to your tbrs if you crave just that little bit ✨️more✨️ when reading. Something with depth and layers, that requires you to slow down to absorb the meaning... something that feels like folklore.
Thankyou so much Lindsey Hart for the opportunity to be one of your early readers.
April 4, 2026
“remember—silence is not weakness. it is where storms begin. and when it comes, do not speak as the girl who feared the dark. speak as the woman who learned to hunt inside it.”
i thoroughly enjoyed this book, though there were moments where it did not quite land for me. at times, the pacing left me pausing to piece together what was happening, and i even found myself flipping back to regain my bearings. some scenes felt weighed down by heavy description, while others, especially the more important ones, passed too quickly and left me wanting more clarity and depth.
that said, the atmosphere is where this story truly shines. it is steeped in a haunting gothic fantasy tone, filled with shadow, ancient magic, and a lingering sense of unease. the world feels rich with history, from the vampryes to the magic and goddesses, and the slow burn elements add to the dark, romantic tension throughout the story.
i found myself especially curious about aurelia’s bloodline and what it truly means. it feels like there is something powerful just beneath the surface that has not been fully explored yet. i also wish the story had gone deeper into dream walking and her abilities, since it is such a compelling concept. and while i loved the dynamic between malachi and aurelia, especially their banter, i could not help but wish for more moments between them.
at its core, this is a story about trauma, devotion, prophecy, and the weight of legacy, all told through a beautifully dark and immersive lens. even with a few shortcomings, it left me intrigued and excited to see where the next book will take these characters.
i thoroughly enjoyed this book, though there were moments where it did not quite land for me. at times, the pacing left me pausing to piece together what was happening, and i even found myself flipping back to regain my bearings. some scenes felt weighed down by heavy description, while others, especially the more important ones, passed too quickly and left me wanting more clarity and depth.
that said, the atmosphere is where this story truly shines. it is steeped in a haunting gothic fantasy tone, filled with shadow, ancient magic, and a lingering sense of unease. the world feels rich with history, from the vampryes to the magic and goddesses, and the slow burn elements add to the dark, romantic tension throughout the story.
i found myself especially curious about aurelia’s bloodline and what it truly means. it feels like there is something powerful just beneath the surface that has not been fully explored yet. i also wish the story had gone deeper into dream walking and her abilities, since it is such a compelling concept. and while i loved the dynamic between malachi and aurelia, especially their banter, i could not help but wish for more moments between them.
at its core, this is a story about trauma, devotion, prophecy, and the weight of legacy, all told through a beautifully dark and immersive lens. even with a few shortcomings, it left me intrigued and excited to see where the next book will take these characters.
Did not finish
March 26, 2026aurelia moirae never asked for the power that hums in her blood. desperate to save her brother from that which haunts him, she travels to in nyxarra - a shadowy, magic-fueled land ruled by bargains and blood. but as the truth of aurelia's heritage comes to light, she finds herself in a much more dangerous game.
I unfortunately chose not to finish this one and put it down at 40%. while the premise was intriguing and the elements were everything I'm usually interested in, the execution was not there. the writing style was choppy, with minimal dialogue, lots of flowery language (sometimes excessively so), and no less than six em dashes on every page, making for a less than comfortable reading experience.
the plot and setting were also confusing. during aurelia's travel to nyxarra, I had to reread the chapter a few times to try and understand what was going on. the dream sequences were unclear. as a result, it made the story hard to follow and not immersive.
on a positive note, the characters seemed strong and the gothic atmosphere was described well.
this was not the book for me, though I do hope it is able to find its readers.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.
I unfortunately chose not to finish this one and put it down at 40%. while the premise was intriguing and the elements were everything I'm usually interested in, the execution was not there. the writing style was choppy, with minimal dialogue, lots of flowery language (sometimes excessively so), and no less than six em dashes on every page, making for a less than comfortable reading experience.
the plot and setting were also confusing. during aurelia's travel to nyxarra, I had to reread the chapter a few times to try and understand what was going on. the dream sequences were unclear. as a result, it made the story hard to follow and not immersive.
on a positive note, the characters seemed strong and the gothic atmosphere was described well.
this was not the book for me, though I do hope it is able to find its readers.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.
March 30, 2026
*Arc read and review*
The Thorns We Inherit is a beautifully written gothic fantasy following the story of Aurelia. After an incident that leaves them orphaned, Aurelia has the task of looking after her younger brother, Aeryn. When he starts to be ‘weak of mind’ she finds herself on a quest for the rare Etherbloom flowers that will save him. Travelling to the neighbouring kingdom of Nyxarra, to retrieve the flowers, she meets new friends, lovers, Vampyre’s and Goddesses, Aurelia will never be the same again. She learns that her last name holds secrets and power she is only just beginning to discover. Who can she trust? How much power does she possess?
I absolutely loved this arc read! I fell in the love the characters instantly and was fully invested in their storyline’s. Aurelia is such a strong FMC, I can’t wait for the second book to read more of her story. The ending had me shocked and wanting more!
Thank you for much to Lindsey Hart for the opportunity to arc review this book
The Thorns We Inherit is a beautifully written gothic fantasy following the story of Aurelia. After an incident that leaves them orphaned, Aurelia has the task of looking after her younger brother, Aeryn. When he starts to be ‘weak of mind’ she finds herself on a quest for the rare Etherbloom flowers that will save him. Travelling to the neighbouring kingdom of Nyxarra, to retrieve the flowers, she meets new friends, lovers, Vampyre’s and Goddesses, Aurelia will never be the same again. She learns that her last name holds secrets and power she is only just beginning to discover. Who can she trust? How much power does she possess?
I absolutely loved this arc read! I fell in the love the characters instantly and was fully invested in their storyline’s. Aurelia is such a strong FMC, I can’t wait for the second book to read more of her story. The ending had me shocked and wanting more!
Thank you for much to Lindsey Hart for the opportunity to arc review this book
Review of advance copy received from Author
This rating is based on the eARC copy of the book
January 22, 2026
ARC Review - 4.75 stars
"If he weren't such a monster, I thought bitterly, he might have been beautiful."
I want to start by extending a tremendous thank you to @authorlindseyhart for selecting me as one of the ARC readers for her debut, The Thorns We Inherit. The prologue of this book immediately had me SAT and sobbing. The struggles that you see Aeryn express reminded me so much of my journey with major depressive disorder and suic-dal ideation. (I don't know what words can get me banished) The world building was done well and I imagine we will get even more in depth as the series continues. The magic system is interesting and there's still so much to unpack with it, but I loved the combination of gods, goddesses, vampires, elves, and the various other character creatures. Speaking of characters... side characters truly stand out. Lysara and Santi are my precious angel babies. 🥹 Kaelith gives hardcore Joffrey from GOT vibes and I might actually hate him. 🤨
All in all, this was an enjoyable read that I could barely put down. Make sure to pre-order for the April 7 release!
"If he weren't such a monster, I thought bitterly, he might have been beautiful."
I want to start by extending a tremendous thank you to @authorlindseyhart for selecting me as one of the ARC readers for her debut, The Thorns We Inherit. The prologue of this book immediately had me SAT and sobbing. The struggles that you see Aeryn express reminded me so much of my journey with major depressive disorder and suic-dal ideation. (I don't know what words can get me banished) The world building was done well and I imagine we will get even more in depth as the series continues. The magic system is interesting and there's still so much to unpack with it, but I loved the combination of gods, goddesses, vampires, elves, and the various other character creatures. Speaking of characters... side characters truly stand out. Lysara and Santi are my precious angel babies. 🥹 Kaelith gives hardcore Joffrey from GOT vibes and I might actually hate him. 🤨
All in all, this was an enjoyable read that I could barely put down. Make sure to pre-order for the April 7 release!
March 14, 2026
Okayyyyy I am not well after that ending and I need book 2 immediately. Let me tell you, this book had me HOOKED and STRESSED- but in the best way. This story had me thinking about it even when I wasn’t reading because I wanted to know what was going to happen.
First of all, Lindsey’s writing is so beautifully engaging and lyrical. I highlighted so many seemingly random sentences just because of how beautifully they were written.
The characters of this book are complex in a way that makes you want to uncover every layer of them. I was so invested in Aurelia’s story- and Malachi was 🔥🥵 in such a casual but intriguing way. Lindsey has written a dark and enchanting tale and I cannot wait to see where this story goes.
First of all, Lindsey’s writing is so beautifully engaging and lyrical. I highlighted so many seemingly random sentences just because of how beautifully they were written.
The characters of this book are complex in a way that makes you want to uncover every layer of them. I was so invested in Aurelia’s story- and Malachi was 🔥🥵 in such a casual but intriguing way. Lindsey has written a dark and enchanting tale and I cannot wait to see where this story goes.
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