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Humans Don't Have Horns
In Amada, Lian, a Puresoul princess, has spent her life obeying the True Religion and the rules of her father’s court. But all that ends on the night of her marriage, when a raid shatters her future. Kidnapped by a ruthless Cursed One, marked for his sins with horns, Lian must navigate a realm of violence, prejudice, and forbidden truths.
Her captor, Daton, known to Puresouls as The Butcher, is supposed to be the monster she was raised to fear. So why is he the only one she feels she can trust? As danger closes in from every corner, forbidden attractions emerge, and the Puresoul princess begins to question everything she’s been about the Cursed Ones, about her own people, and about the man who should be her greatest enemy.
As their unlikely and fragile alliance unfolds, Lian and Daton must contend with man-eating monsters and mysterious prophecies. If they can trust each other to work together, they may be the only ones who can save all the races of Amada.
But when hate and trauma are woven into the fabric of their existence, can love truly overcome the scars both of them carry?
*Please review the trigger warnings before reading this dark romantasy, and don’t expect to root for the "good guys"—there aren’t any.
Her captor, Daton, known to Puresouls as The Butcher, is supposed to be the monster she was raised to fear. So why is he the only one she feels she can trust? As danger closes in from every corner, forbidden attractions emerge, and the Puresoul princess begins to question everything she’s been about the Cursed Ones, about her own people, and about the man who should be her greatest enemy.
As their unlikely and fragile alliance unfolds, Lian and Daton must contend with man-eating monsters and mysterious prophecies. If they can trust each other to work together, they may be the only ones who can save all the races of Amada.
But when hate and trauma are woven into the fabric of their existence, can love truly overcome the scars both of them carry?
*Please review the trigger warnings before reading this dark romantasy, and don’t expect to root for the "good guys"—there aren’t any.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 20, 2025
9 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
S.H. Schreiber
2 books14 followersS.H. Schreiber was born an ocean away but now calls the U.S. home.
A lifelong reader and hopeless romantic, she writes dark romantasy and shares her love for the genre, and the chaos of indie publishing, on her Substack blog.
When she’s not with her kids or with her husband, she’s walking her dog, chasing down the next great restaurant, or doing everything possible to avoid cooking.
A lifelong reader and hopeless romantic, she writes dark romantasy and shares her love for the genre, and the chaos of indie publishing, on her Substack blog.
When she’s not with her kids or with her husband, she’s walking her dog, chasing down the next great restaurant, or doing everything possible to avoid cooking.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 20, 2025
5 ⭐️ I ate this book up and left no crumbs behind! I was so intrigued with the story and the vibes were vibing. I really loved how descriptive and easy the writing was to follow. This book has everything you could possibly want in a dark fantasy romance. The world building was fantastic, the romance was filled with tension, the characters (main and side) were perfection and the plot line was so good!
I really loved how unique this book was. I feel like so many fantasy romance books are the same books with different covers, but this one really got me excited. My only complaint is that I'm now done with the book and I want to stay in this fantasy world/story! I can't wait for book 2. I'm hoping that it will be a little longer and give us more of the same amazing vibes as this book did.
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who wants a dark fantasy romance that will hook them from beginning to end. This was a 5 ⭐️ banger! Well done, S.H. Schreiber! 👏🏽 -ARC Review
I really loved how unique this book was. I feel like so many fantasy romance books are the same books with different covers, but this one really got me excited. My only complaint is that I'm now done with the book and I want to stay in this fantasy world/story! I can't wait for book 2. I'm hoping that it will be a little longer and give us more of the same amazing vibes as this book did.
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who wants a dark fantasy romance that will hook them from beginning to end. This was a 5 ⭐️ banger! Well done, S.H. Schreiber! 👏🏽 -ARC Review
November 24, 2025
4.5
I am absolutely obsessed! I need more of this world immediately. The rivalry between the people, the power the cursed hold, the love, the family burdens, every piece of it had me hooked. It took me a minute to warm up to Lian because she starts out weak but by the end I adored her. And Daton? He is the dark broody morally grey MMC we all live for.
Siean was a character I fully hated in the beginning but by the end… damn. The shift had me stunned in the best way. I cannot wait to see where this story goes next. If you love intense worlds, layered characters, and that perfect mix of darkness and heart, this one is a must read.
I am absolutely obsessed! I need more of this world immediately. The rivalry between the people, the power the cursed hold, the love, the family burdens, every piece of it had me hooked. It took me a minute to warm up to Lian because she starts out weak but by the end I adored her. And Daton? He is the dark broody morally grey MMC we all live for.
Siean was a character I fully hated in the beginning but by the end… damn. The shift had me stunned in the best way. I cannot wait to see where this story goes next. If you love intense worlds, layered characters, and that perfect mix of darkness and heart, this one is a must read.
July 6, 2025
Humans Don’t Have Horns isn’t the kind of book I typically reach for. Yes, it’s romantasy. Yes, the MMC is a powerful, horned warrior with a tragic past and a serious emotional repression problem, which is absolutely my type.
But the themes? They’re heavy. Sexual violence. Religious persecution. Systemic abuse. Survival under patriarchy so brutal it doesn’t feel dystopian; it feels familiar. These are things I usually avoid in my fiction.
However, I know (and love) the author. And when she told me why she wrote this book —because survivors don’t often see themselves in stories —I decided to give it a shot.
The story opens the night before Lian’s wedding with a sexual assault. It isn’t gratuitous or graphic, but it’s devastating. Her guard does nothing. Her society considers her ruined. When she’s kidnapped the next day by a horned Mongan warrior known as The Butcher, she assumes no one will come looking. And she’s right.
What follows is not a romance in the conventional sense. This isn’t “beauty softens the beast.” This is trauma stacked on trauma. This is a world where women are burned alive for surviving. Where child brides are married off at fifteen. Where warlords and priests compete to see who can dehumanize women faster. And Lian, a sheltered, obedient Puresoul princess raised to believe her worth depends on her purity, is thrown into the world with no weapons, no training, and no hope of rescue.
Daton—the MMC, our horned warrior—is not a safe man. He ties her to a war beast, denies her food, and doesn’t speak to her for days. When she begs him to kill her, he ignores her. He’s violent, cold, and emotionally shut down in the beginning. But as the story unfolds, so does he. His cruelty isn’t careless, it’s practiced. Built layer by layer from a life of grief, rage, and helplessness. He used to be a farmer. His wife was raped and murdered by nobles. His people were enslaved. He doesn’t trust kindness, and he doesn’t offer it unless he means it.
There are no shortcuts in their relationship. No magical healing sex. No fated mate bond. Just slow, brutal honesty between two people who have every reason not to trust each other, and who somehow, quietly, start to anyway.
This is an enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, trauma-drenched survival romance. And while it does contain love, the story’s core is not about healing each other. It’s about learning that you were never broken to begin with.
The worldbuilding here is dense and brutal. Religions are weaponized. Class systems are deadly. People hunt the Cursed Ones for their horn extract, which grants immortality. You read one chapter from a hunter’s POV—a man who kills children to save his daughter—and you’re horrified, but you understand. That kind of moral complexity is baked into every layer of this world.
And the detail? Impeccable. The Cursed Ones have their own language. The Renyans and Aldonians have religious aesthetics tied to eye and hair color. Social status is a whole ecosystem. There’s a reason every time a new man enters a scene, you tense up. This story trains you to expect violence. Not because the author is exploiting trauma, but because that’s what this world does to women. That’s what our world has done, too.
This book isn’t trauma porn. It’s just honest. There’s almost always a threat of sexual violence, but it’s never sexy. And when rape is mentioned, it’s treated with weight. With anger. With survivor energy. The kind that says, this shouldn’t happen to anyone—and if it happened to you, it wasn’t your fault.
That’s what stuck with me the most. That message. That quiet, brutal truth that what happened to you does not make you monstrous. That survivors don’t need redemption, they need room to exist.
Now, the romance. It’s subtle. Sparse. There are two sex scenes, including one that ends in media res. This isn’t a fantasy about perfect orgasms. It’s about emotional intimacy between people who weren’t supposed to survive long enough to feel anything at all.
Would I have liked more Daton POV chapters? Yes. Absolutely. But what we do get shows a man who lets Lian come to him. Who backs off when he’s triggered. Who believes her, protects her, and eventually starts to want more for himself than vengeance.
This book is heavy. And dark. And difficult in places. But if you can handle the themes and want a story that does not look away from the violence or the softness that follows, this is a rare gem. Found family, morally complex characters, hard-won tenderness.
It won’t work for everyone.
But it wasn’t written for everyone.
And for the people who do see themselves in it? It might be the first time they feel seen at all.
But the themes? They’re heavy. Sexual violence. Religious persecution. Systemic abuse. Survival under patriarchy so brutal it doesn’t feel dystopian; it feels familiar. These are things I usually avoid in my fiction.
However, I know (and love) the author. And when she told me why she wrote this book —because survivors don’t often see themselves in stories —I decided to give it a shot.
The story opens the night before Lian’s wedding with a sexual assault. It isn’t gratuitous or graphic, but it’s devastating. Her guard does nothing. Her society considers her ruined. When she’s kidnapped the next day by a horned Mongan warrior known as The Butcher, she assumes no one will come looking. And she’s right.
What follows is not a romance in the conventional sense. This isn’t “beauty softens the beast.” This is trauma stacked on trauma. This is a world where women are burned alive for surviving. Where child brides are married off at fifteen. Where warlords and priests compete to see who can dehumanize women faster. And Lian, a sheltered, obedient Puresoul princess raised to believe her worth depends on her purity, is thrown into the world with no weapons, no training, and no hope of rescue.
Daton—the MMC, our horned warrior—is not a safe man. He ties her to a war beast, denies her food, and doesn’t speak to her for days. When she begs him to kill her, he ignores her. He’s violent, cold, and emotionally shut down in the beginning. But as the story unfolds, so does he. His cruelty isn’t careless, it’s practiced. Built layer by layer from a life of grief, rage, and helplessness. He used to be a farmer. His wife was raped and murdered by nobles. His people were enslaved. He doesn’t trust kindness, and he doesn’t offer it unless he means it.
There are no shortcuts in their relationship. No magical healing sex. No fated mate bond. Just slow, brutal honesty between two people who have every reason not to trust each other, and who somehow, quietly, start to anyway.
This is an enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, trauma-drenched survival romance. And while it does contain love, the story’s core is not about healing each other. It’s about learning that you were never broken to begin with.
The worldbuilding here is dense and brutal. Religions are weaponized. Class systems are deadly. People hunt the Cursed Ones for their horn extract, which grants immortality. You read one chapter from a hunter’s POV—a man who kills children to save his daughter—and you’re horrified, but you understand. That kind of moral complexity is baked into every layer of this world.
And the detail? Impeccable. The Cursed Ones have their own language. The Renyans and Aldonians have religious aesthetics tied to eye and hair color. Social status is a whole ecosystem. There’s a reason every time a new man enters a scene, you tense up. This story trains you to expect violence. Not because the author is exploiting trauma, but because that’s what this world does to women. That’s what our world has done, too.
This book isn’t trauma porn. It’s just honest. There’s almost always a threat of sexual violence, but it’s never sexy. And when rape is mentioned, it’s treated with weight. With anger. With survivor energy. The kind that says, this shouldn’t happen to anyone—and if it happened to you, it wasn’t your fault.
That’s what stuck with me the most. That message. That quiet, brutal truth that what happened to you does not make you monstrous. That survivors don’t need redemption, they need room to exist.
Now, the romance. It’s subtle. Sparse. There are two sex scenes, including one that ends in media res. This isn’t a fantasy about perfect orgasms. It’s about emotional intimacy between people who weren’t supposed to survive long enough to feel anything at all.
Would I have liked more Daton POV chapters? Yes. Absolutely. But what we do get shows a man who lets Lian come to him. Who backs off when he’s triggered. Who believes her, protects her, and eventually starts to want more for himself than vengeance.
This book is heavy. And dark. And difficult in places. But if you can handle the themes and want a story that does not look away from the violence or the softness that follows, this is a rare gem. Found family, morally complex characters, hard-won tenderness.
It won’t work for everyone.
But it wasn’t written for everyone.
And for the people who do see themselves in it? It might be the first time they feel seen at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2025
The story begins the night before Lian’s wedding, when she’s assaulted and left ruined in the eyes of her society. The next day, she’s kidnapped by Daton, a horned warrior known as The Butcher, who has lost everything to nobles and priests who twisted religion into a weapon. From the start, the stakes are survival in a world where gods and faith are used to justify cruelty, violence, and oppression.
What follows is not a conventional romance. This isn’t “beauty softens the beast.” It’s trauma layered on trauma, two broken people with every reason not to trust each other. There are no shortcuts, no magical healing bonds just raw honesty, painful choices, and a slow, fragile build of trust. And yet, within all the brutality, there are moments of tenderness. Glimpses of kindness that break through the darkness, of emotional intimacy found when neither thought they’d survive long enough to feel anything at all.
The worldbuilding is breathtakingly complex, religion, politics, and class systems are all deadly tools, wielded by those in power to crush the vulnerable. It’s heavy, it’s violent, but it’s also layered with survivor strength, moral complexity, and hard-won connection.
This isn’t a book for everyone. But for those who connect with it, Humans Don’t Have Horns may be the first time they feel truly seen. Dark, devastating, and beautiful I absolutely loved it. Thanks to the author for the gifted arc
What follows is not a conventional romance. This isn’t “beauty softens the beast.” It’s trauma layered on trauma, two broken people with every reason not to trust each other. There are no shortcuts, no magical healing bonds just raw honesty, painful choices, and a slow, fragile build of trust. And yet, within all the brutality, there are moments of tenderness. Glimpses of kindness that break through the darkness, of emotional intimacy found when neither thought they’d survive long enough to feel anything at all.
The worldbuilding is breathtakingly complex, religion, politics, and class systems are all deadly tools, wielded by those in power to crush the vulnerable. It’s heavy, it’s violent, but it’s also layered with survivor strength, moral complexity, and hard-won connection.
This isn’t a book for everyone. But for those who connect with it, Humans Don’t Have Horns may be the first time they feel truly seen. Dark, devastating, and beautiful I absolutely loved it. Thanks to the author for the gifted arc
December 7, 2025
3.75 stars! I enjoyed this one. I love a fierce FMC and I love love loved the evolution an chemistry between Liam and Dayton.
July 29, 2025
Absolutely lovely! Schreiber has created an exciting plot, colorful world, and fantastic characters! Lots of yearning, great side characters, and rich world building.
June 30, 2025
Toxic who? I only fall for horned war criminals now
This book?? Unhinged in the best way. One minute I’m like, “Oh no, poor princess,” and the next I’m rooting for her to stab someone, kiss someone, or burn an empire down. Preferably all three.
Lian is THAT girl—traumatized, pissed, and way smarter than the men trying to control her. And Daton? Sir, you had no business being that emotionally wrecked and that hot. Who gave you permission??
The pacing is wild (I mean that lovingly), the world is sharp and dark, and the tension? Whew. It’s the kind that makes you forget to blink. There’s no insta-love, no fluff—just grit, longing, and two very broken people figuring out what survival actually means.
If you like your romantasy morally gray, emotionally devastating, and just a little bit feral—you’re gonna eat this up.
This book?? Unhinged in the best way. One minute I’m like, “Oh no, poor princess,” and the next I’m rooting for her to stab someone, kiss someone, or burn an empire down. Preferably all three.
Lian is THAT girl—traumatized, pissed, and way smarter than the men trying to control her. And Daton? Sir, you had no business being that emotionally wrecked and that hot. Who gave you permission??
The pacing is wild (I mean that lovingly), the world is sharp and dark, and the tension? Whew. It’s the kind that makes you forget to blink. There’s no insta-love, no fluff—just grit, longing, and two very broken people figuring out what survival actually means.
If you like your romantasy morally gray, emotionally devastating, and just a little bit feral—you’re gonna eat this up.
July 24, 2025
✨ ARC Review — thank you SH Schreiber for letting me read this early!! ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I had the chance to read an early copy of this dark romantasy debut, and let me just say: SH Schreiber is out here building massive, complex worlds that deserve so much love. This book opens with “I hold tight to the hilt of my dagger” and that sentence immediately pulled me in. This book is brutal, atmospheric, and full of layered characters and a strong voice.
The worldbuilding is one of this book’s biggest strengths. From sentient land to fungi that store history (!!), to kingdoms with deeply rooted religious and political tension, this world was so multilayered. I could tell how much care went into plotting it all out. If you love high-stakes political fantasy with original magic systems, this book has a lot to offer.
Lian, our main character, is more than just a princess. She’s a fierce survivor reclaiming her autonomy after enduring horrific trauma — I really admired her arc. In fact, some of her chapters made me cry because I understand her. I’m proud of her.
Let’s talk about our horned warrior Daton. I loved him. I have a soft spot for scary cinnamon rolls, so Daton with his murderous and broody vibes yet sugar-filled coffee absolutely did it for me. Also, the way he respects Lian’s agency? We love a patient and respectful man. Yes please. 😚
The side characters stole the show for me: Niska is such a badass, and Siean’s deadpan humor cracked me up constantly (“Nope, no tears.” Rolling). I hope to see more of them soon.
The romance does lean into insta-love, which isn’t usually my thing (I’m more of a slowest burn imaginable kind of gal), but Daton and Lian have a sweet, respectful dynamic that grew on me. I highlighted SO many of Daton’s quotes and I intend to go back and swoon over them some more after posting this. I do wish we had a bit more buildup or page time before the big emotional moments, but if you’re a fated-mates or fast-burn fan, I think you’ll enjoy it.
My biggest critique is that I wanted more time with this story. The plot setup was so strong, but some moments felt rushed or resolved too easily — there’s so much potential for this world and these characters to shine with a bit more room to breathe. That said, the series still feels like it’s laying the groundwork for something much bigger, and I’ll definitely be picking up book two to see where it all goes!!
⚠️ Trigger Warnings: This book is very dark and explores topics like abuse, violence, misogyny, and more — please check TWs before diving in.
🖤 Lastly, here’s the TLDR for my fellow skimmers haha: A strong debut from an indie author with a dark, intricate world, standout side characters, and a romance that will have you swooning. I’m so excited to see how this series continues — and I’ll be cheering SH Schreiber on every step of the way.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I had the chance to read an early copy of this dark romantasy debut, and let me just say: SH Schreiber is out here building massive, complex worlds that deserve so much love. This book opens with “I hold tight to the hilt of my dagger” and that sentence immediately pulled me in. This book is brutal, atmospheric, and full of layered characters and a strong voice.
The worldbuilding is one of this book’s biggest strengths. From sentient land to fungi that store history (!!), to kingdoms with deeply rooted religious and political tension, this world was so multilayered. I could tell how much care went into plotting it all out. If you love high-stakes political fantasy with original magic systems, this book has a lot to offer.
Lian, our main character, is more than just a princess. She’s a fierce survivor reclaiming her autonomy after enduring horrific trauma — I really admired her arc. In fact, some of her chapters made me cry because I understand her. I’m proud of her.
Let’s talk about our horned warrior Daton. I loved him. I have a soft spot for scary cinnamon rolls, so Daton with his murderous and broody vibes yet sugar-filled coffee absolutely did it for me. Also, the way he respects Lian’s agency? We love a patient and respectful man. Yes please. 😚
The side characters stole the show for me: Niska is such a badass, and Siean’s deadpan humor cracked me up constantly (“Nope, no tears.” Rolling). I hope to see more of them soon.
The romance does lean into insta-love, which isn’t usually my thing (I’m more of a slowest burn imaginable kind of gal), but Daton and Lian have a sweet, respectful dynamic that grew on me. I highlighted SO many of Daton’s quotes and I intend to go back and swoon over them some more after posting this. I do wish we had a bit more buildup or page time before the big emotional moments, but if you’re a fated-mates or fast-burn fan, I think you’ll enjoy it.
My biggest critique is that I wanted more time with this story. The plot setup was so strong, but some moments felt rushed or resolved too easily — there’s so much potential for this world and these characters to shine with a bit more room to breathe. That said, the series still feels like it’s laying the groundwork for something much bigger, and I’ll definitely be picking up book two to see where it all goes!!
⚠️ Trigger Warnings: This book is very dark and explores topics like abuse, violence, misogyny, and more — please check TWs before diving in.
🖤 Lastly, here’s the TLDR for my fellow skimmers haha: A strong debut from an indie author with a dark, intricate world, standout side characters, and a romance that will have you swooning. I’m so excited to see how this series continues — and I’ll be cheering SH Schreiber on every step of the way.
July 2, 2025
Humans Don’t Have Horns is a haunting, beautifully crafted romantasy that hooks you from its brutal opening and never lets go. A must-read for fans of lush worldbuilding and morally gray heroes.
June 19, 2025
Not your average fantasy—and that’s what makes it addictive.
I picked this up not knowing what to expect. What I got? A captive princess, a cursed horned warrior, and a broken empire built on lies. What kept me reading was the intensity. The plot moves fast—there’s no slow build or filler, just constant stakes, sharp turns, and emotional gut punches.
This isn’t just a love story or a revenge story—it’s both, wrapped in trauma, politics, and quiet acts of rebellion. The relationship doesn’t bloom easily; it claws its way out of fear, mistrust, and survival. And that makes it all the more powerful.
Bonus points for: no love triangle, deep emotional arcs, and the kind of fantasy that makes you question who the real monsters are.
I picked this up not knowing what to expect. What I got? A captive princess, a cursed horned warrior, and a broken empire built on lies. What kept me reading was the intensity. The plot moves fast—there’s no slow build or filler, just constant stakes, sharp turns, and emotional gut punches.
This isn’t just a love story or a revenge story—it’s both, wrapped in trauma, politics, and quiet acts of rebellion. The relationship doesn’t bloom easily; it claws its way out of fear, mistrust, and survival. And that makes it all the more powerful.
Bonus points for: no love triangle, deep emotional arcs, and the kind of fantasy that makes you question who the real monsters are.
June 20, 2025
"Humans don't have horns" was the antidote to my recent reading rut. Shreiber presents a fresh take on my favorite new genre and I'm already craving the sequel. Danger, love, and found family come from unexpected places in this debut novel and I may or may not have dropped my kindle on the floor in a rush of heat and fear...
August 21, 2025
Thank you to S.H. Schreiber for providing me with an advance reader's copy in exchange for an honest review. Dark romance and monster romance fans will find much to enjoy in Humans Don't Have Horns. The narrative follows multiple POV characters as they naviagate a world dominated by a misogyny-fueled religion that has been truly awful towards both Princess Lian and the Cursed One she falls for, Daton. The plot was exciting, featuring heart-stopping moments, lots of conflict, and sexy fun. Although I believe that the story would have benefitted from a stronger editorial team to balance out the ratio between showing and telling, this is a good start for a debut indie author.
June 28, 2025
I started reading “Humans Don’t Have Horns” not quite knowing what to expect. As a fan of immersive world-building in books like “The Lord of the Rings” and “Dune,” I was curious to see how a romantic dark fantasy would compare. I’m happy to say I was genuinely surprised by this novel.
The level of detail in the fantasy world is astonishing. The author doesn’t just sketch out new races and landscapes; they delve deep into the cultures, behaviors, and histories of the different groups and houses. This attention to detail made the world feel tangible and the characters truly alive—I found myself quickly becoming invested in their struggles and alliances.
The story itself is a gripping exploration of moral clarity set against a backdrop of complex historical burdens. The protagonist is constantly forced to navigate the murky waters between perception and reality, fighting to maintain her sanity and sense of right and wrong. This internal struggle adds real depth and tension to the narrative.
While the book is undeniably dark and explores themes and elements that are rarely found in mainstream fantasy, it’s precisely this uniqueness that makes it so compelling. I found myself wanting to step into this world, to experience its dangers and wonders firsthand.
Overall, “Humans Don’t Have Horns” is a bold and imaginative read that offers something truly different for fans of fantasy. If you’re looking for a book that challenges conventions and immerses you in a richly detailed, morally complex world, I highly recommend giving this one a try.
The level of detail in the fantasy world is astonishing. The author doesn’t just sketch out new races and landscapes; they delve deep into the cultures, behaviors, and histories of the different groups and houses. This attention to detail made the world feel tangible and the characters truly alive—I found myself quickly becoming invested in their struggles and alliances.
The story itself is a gripping exploration of moral clarity set against a backdrop of complex historical burdens. The protagonist is constantly forced to navigate the murky waters between perception and reality, fighting to maintain her sanity and sense of right and wrong. This internal struggle adds real depth and tension to the narrative.
While the book is undeniably dark and explores themes and elements that are rarely found in mainstream fantasy, it’s precisely this uniqueness that makes it so compelling. I found myself wanting to step into this world, to experience its dangers and wonders firsthand.
Overall, “Humans Don’t Have Horns” is a bold and imaginative read that offers something truly different for fans of fantasy. If you’re looking for a book that challenges conventions and immerses you in a richly detailed, morally complex world, I highly recommend giving this one a try.
August 10, 2025
"Humans Don't Have Horns" plunges you into a world where violence is the very air you breathe: horned "Cursed Ones" are hunted for immortality, and religions are wielded as weapons. Trauma isn't sensationalized, references to sexual violence pulse with survivor rage, and insists that suffering doesn't make you a monster. Survivors don't need redemption, but their ability to exist regardless of what they went through. Every time a new male was introduced in the book, you could imagine and feel how the females did in that world. The heavy concept of rape was not idealized either, it was always relayed in a raw and truthful manner, and it was respected and acknowledged to show that it isn't the survivor's fault that it happened, regardless of what the survivor has believed that whole time.
The world-building is wonderfully done and has sucked me in more than just once or twice. The descriptions of some lands and events were wild and kept me on the edge of my seat! I was always eager to learn more or see what else is different in this world.
The bond between Lian and Daton rejects the standard fairytale romance: no insta-love, just two broken souls carving out trust, protection, and desire beyond the demand of vengeance. With merciless pacing, razor-sharp tension, and morally complex characters, this dark, demanding novel finds grace in brutality and reminds us that worth isn't defined by what we endure.
The world-building is wonderfully done and has sucked me in more than just once or twice. The descriptions of some lands and events were wild and kept me on the edge of my seat! I was always eager to learn more or see what else is different in this world.
The bond between Lian and Daton rejects the standard fairytale romance: no insta-love, just two broken souls carving out trust, protection, and desire beyond the demand of vengeance. With merciless pacing, razor-sharp tension, and morally complex characters, this dark, demanding novel finds grace in brutality and reminds us that worth isn't defined by what we endure.
June 20, 2025
Bold, fast, and way deeper than you’d expect from a romantasy
Humans Don’t Have Horns hooked me from page one. It’s got the action and tension you’d want in a romantasy, but what really got me was how much it says. About power. About belief. About who gets to be called human—and who doesn’t.
Lian is one of the most compelling heroines I’ve read in a while. She’s not perfect, and that’s what makes her powerful. Watching her go from terrified and trapped to someone who starts to see the system she was raised in—and push back—is honestly so satisfying.
The worldbuilding hits hard. The religion and politics aren’t just set dressing—they matter. And Daton? Definitely not your standard dark love interest. There’s no “I can fix him”—just two people trying to survive, and maybe finding something real in the process.
This book moves fast, hits emotionally, and left me thinking long after I finished. Highly recommend if you like your romance messy, your worldbuilding sharp, and your heroes a little monstrous.
Humans Don’t Have Horns hooked me from page one. It’s got the action and tension you’d want in a romantasy, but what really got me was how much it says. About power. About belief. About who gets to be called human—and who doesn’t.
Lian is one of the most compelling heroines I’ve read in a while. She’s not perfect, and that’s what makes her powerful. Watching her go from terrified and trapped to someone who starts to see the system she was raised in—and push back—is honestly so satisfying.
The worldbuilding hits hard. The religion and politics aren’t just set dressing—they matter. And Daton? Definitely not your standard dark love interest. There’s no “I can fix him”—just two people trying to survive, and maybe finding something real in the process.
This book moves fast, hits emotionally, and left me thinking long after I finished. Highly recommend if you like your romance messy, your worldbuilding sharp, and your heroes a little monstrous.
August 7, 2025
"The stars know how much I wanted her. How much my heart is consumed by her. Even if I can't keep her, I will always be hers. She brought me back to life and marked me as hers."
This got 5 stars from me because it made me want to use all my PTO and ignore my kids (just kidding...kinda). It had me going through all the emotions.
The world building is unique with the multiple races and religions. The magic system was unique. All of the main characters had growth to them.
While this book has a lot of dark elements, S.H. does an amazing job at adding light heart moments that give joy and laughter.
Towards the end I totally thought it was going to give me that happy ending and she flipped the script on me! Great set up for the next book.
Genre: Dark Fantasy with Romance
Book of: 1 of ?
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 open door explicit
POV multiple but mainly MMC
Triggers! Make sure you read them.
Forbidden romance
Some forced proximity
Political intrigue
Multiple religions
Morally Grey MMC
This got 5 stars from me because it made me want to use all my PTO and ignore my kids (just kidding...kinda). It had me going through all the emotions.
The world building is unique with the multiple races and religions. The magic system was unique. All of the main characters had growth to them.
While this book has a lot of dark elements, S.H. does an amazing job at adding light heart moments that give joy and laughter.
Towards the end I totally thought it was going to give me that happy ending and she flipped the script on me! Great set up for the next book.
Genre: Dark Fantasy with Romance
Book of: 1 of ?
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 open door explicit
POV multiple but mainly MMC
Triggers! Make sure you read them.
Forbidden romance
Some forced proximity
Political intrigue
Multiple religions
Morally Grey MMC
July 13, 2025
I tore through *Humans Don’t Have Horns* in two late-night sittings and then spent the next morning half-asleep, still thinking about Lian and Daton. This is the kind of dark romantasy that isn’t afraid to show its teeth, yet amid the grime and grief, there’s so much heart. The slow-burn enemies-to-lovers arc delivers genuine tenderness (and a few blush-worthy moments), while the found-family thread made me want to hug the entire cast—horned warriors and all.
What sold me most was the texture of the world. Politics and religion tangle everywhere. It shapes everything from battlefield tactics to breakfast conversations. Even the side characters pop - unhinged as some of them are.
Bottom line: if you crave fantasy that balances morally gray heroes with actual growth, and a romance that heals instead of glosses over scars, snag this one. I’m pre-ordering book two the second it goes live.
What sold me most was the texture of the world. Politics and religion tangle everywhere. It shapes everything from battlefield tactics to breakfast conversations. Even the side characters pop - unhinged as some of them are.
Bottom line: if you crave fantasy that balances morally gray heroes with actual growth, and a romance that heals instead of glosses over scars, snag this one. I’m pre-ordering book two the second it goes live.
October 5, 2025
I loved this book from start to finish!! I enjoyed the character development throughout the book, especially towards the end as so many mysteries and build-ups were finally revealed. So many complexities within one book - I can’t wait for another one.
Any romantacy with a strong female lead has my interest piqued. It was beautiful and heartbreaking and powerful. On a deeper level there is so much to glean about assumptions and stereotypes, finding your tribe/family/home, the dangers of power from oppressing other people, socio-economic issues - I could go on and on. Despite being set in a vastly different place and time, some of the books messages transcended time and felt so relevant in today’s broken world.
I did find myself referring back to the “cast” page frequently (that’s why it’s there!) during the first few chapters as I got to know which characters belonged to which group of people.
Read this book and then tell your friends to read it too!
Any romantacy with a strong female lead has my interest piqued. It was beautiful and heartbreaking and powerful. On a deeper level there is so much to glean about assumptions and stereotypes, finding your tribe/family/home, the dangers of power from oppressing other people, socio-economic issues - I could go on and on. Despite being set in a vastly different place and time, some of the books messages transcended time and felt so relevant in today’s broken world.
I did find myself referring back to the “cast” page frequently (that’s why it’s there!) during the first few chapters as I got to know which characters belonged to which group of people.
Read this book and then tell your friends to read it too!
July 6, 2025
It took me a few chapters to really get into it, but once I did, I was hooked. It’s a rich, immersive world full of political intrigue, power struggles, and tension between different races. There’s a lot going on, from conflict and violence to moments of intimacy and love, and it all flows together in a way that feels natural and engaging.
What I really enjoyed was the way each chapter is told from a different character’s perspective. It gave me a deeper connection to the story and helped me understand the different sides of the conflicts. The romance felt real and emotional, but it never took over the story, it was just one part of a much bigger, well-crafted world.
For a debut novel, this is impressive. I’m honestly looking forward to whatever she writes next, hopefully there’s more to come.
What I really enjoyed was the way each chapter is told from a different character’s perspective. It gave me a deeper connection to the story and helped me understand the different sides of the conflicts. The romance felt real and emotional, but it never took over the story, it was just one part of a much bigger, well-crafted world.
For a debut novel, this is impressive. I’m honestly looking forward to whatever she writes next, hopefully there’s more to come.
August 17, 2025
The Puresoul princess Lian has always obeyed the True Religion and her father’s court. But on the night of her marriage, everything is shattered. During a raid, Daton, a ruthless warrior branded with horns, kidnapped her. Lian is thrust into a world of violence, prejudice, and forbidden truths with Dalton. Their alliance is tested, and the political powers may destroy them.
What to love about this book:
* A dark fantasy romance atmosphere.
* Worldbuilding in religion, prejudice, and prophecy.
* Well done tropes: forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers, and a brilliant, resilient FMC.
* Two emotionally scarred yet complex characters
* Underlying political intrigue that keeps the stakes high.
This one hooked me from start to finish. The romance smoldered, the world felt layered, and the story made me eager for more.
August 18, 2025
Such a unique and fast paced fantasy read! This was an easy 5 star rating for me.
It has
⚔️ TRUE enemies to lovers
👫 Forced proximity
✨ Chosen one
🧸 Secret softy MMC
🌎 Unique world building
💕 Perfect balance between plot v romance
One of the things that was amazing about this book is that we primarily are just following Lian on her journey but, intermittently, we’re getting POV chapters from different important political players to help us better understand the political movings happening within these 4 groups of people. And, while this world building this book is dense, that makes it SO digestible and keeps the story really fast paced.
It has
⚔️ TRUE enemies to lovers
👫 Forced proximity
✨ Chosen one
🧸 Secret softy MMC
🌎 Unique world building
💕 Perfect balance between plot v romance
One of the things that was amazing about this book is that we primarily are just following Lian on her journey but, intermittently, we’re getting POV chapters from different important political players to help us better understand the political movings happening within these 4 groups of people. And, while this world building this book is dense, that makes it SO digestible and keeps the story really fast paced.
July 19, 2025
What a great book!
Humans Don’t Have Horns is a dark, gripping romantasy that sinks its claws in from the first page. With a heroine who’s been through hell and a cursed warrior who’s more than he seems, this book delivers high-stakes survival, morally gray choices, and a slow-burn romance that feels both earned and electric. The worldbuilding is rich, the trauma is handled with care, and the found family subplot adds heart to the blood and magic. If you like your fantasy brutal, your romance redemptive, and your characters deliciously complicated—this one’s for you
Humans Don’t Have Horns is a dark, gripping romantasy that sinks its claws in from the first page. With a heroine who’s been through hell and a cursed warrior who’s more than he seems, this book delivers high-stakes survival, morally gray choices, and a slow-burn romance that feels both earned and electric. The worldbuilding is rich, the trauma is handled with care, and the found family subplot adds heart to the blood and magic. If you like your fantasy brutal, your romance redemptive, and your characters deliciously complicated—this one’s for you
September 15, 2025
You cannot read this book and remain unaffected or neutral.
Humans Don’t Have Horns is a dark fantasy romance book that doesn’t shy away from exploring heavy topics in a world where no one is the good guy.
Lian and Daton are a beautiful and heartbreaking pairing, and the rest of the family dynamics, found family vibes and kingdoms crumbling under lies and cruelty make this read a very rich and layered experience!
I finished book 1 yearning to find out what the rest of the trilogy was going to bring!!
Humans Don’t Have Horns is a dark fantasy romance book that doesn’t shy away from exploring heavy topics in a world where no one is the good guy.
Lian and Daton are a beautiful and heartbreaking pairing, and the rest of the family dynamics, found family vibes and kingdoms crumbling under lies and cruelty make this read a very rich and layered experience!
I finished book 1 yearning to find out what the rest of the trilogy was going to bring!!
July 3, 2025
Humans Don’t Have Horns is one of those pieces that sticks with you. It’s honest, sharp, and at times unexpectedly funny, all while digging into big themes like identity, masculinity, and what it means to be human. The writing feels personal without trying too hard, like someone telling you the truth they’ve been holding onto for a while. It’s the kind of story that makes you pause, think, and maybe see yourself a little differently by the end.
July 12, 2025
I couldn’t put this book down....
Humans Don’t Have Horns is dark, intense, and so emotional! I loved how the author made me care about characters who are rough and broken, but still so human.
The world is violent and cruel, but the story still finds moments of hope and connection. If you like fantasy romance that’s gritty and raw as much as I do, you should definitely read this.
Humans Don’t Have Horns is dark, intense, and so emotional! I loved how the author made me care about characters who are rough and broken, but still so human.
The world is violent and cruel, but the story still finds moments of hope and connection. If you like fantasy romance that’s gritty and raw as much as I do, you should definitely read this.
July 16, 2025
As a fantasy reader, I really enjoyed Humans Don’t Have Horns. The world is dark, with lots of politics and secrets. The power struggles and fights between kingdoms felt real. I liked how the religion is part of everything. The plot kept me hooked, and the characters are complex and flawed. If you want a fantasy with deep worldbulding political intrigue read this!
December 24, 2025
Love, love, love this book!!! Lian is a new favorite FMC and Daton is a new favorite MMC! Loved the different creatures in this book, the different beliefs and systems. The character growth in the book was amazing! What an amazing story, I need more right now. The betrayal in this story is awful, but oh the comeback! Wow, Im sorry the book ended I could have kept in reading!
December 26, 2025
Fan-freaking-tastic!!! And a 5 star read for me!! I loved the unique world and magic. The characters were outstanding, and I literally didn't put this book down once I got started! SH Schreiber... I need more books from you, please....and I am desperately asking for the next one in this series, lol!!
Highly highly recommend!!
Highly highly recommend!!
January 14, 2026
I think it was not for me
- multiple POV. But after 50% still no POV form the MMC… all those POV confused me a lot. I didn’t even know which one I was supposed to root for.
- MMC has a dead wife - when something bad happened he abandoned Lian as a result of his past trauma … do I want the MMC to be such a coward???
- the whole religion theme was ok but very cliché
- multiple POV. But after 50% still no POV form the MMC… all those POV confused me a lot. I didn’t even know which one I was supposed to root for.
- MMC has a dead wife - when something bad happened he abandoned Lian as a result of his past trauma … do I want the MMC to be such a coward???
- the whole religion theme was ok but very cliché
July 5, 2025
Great read for fantasy, action and romance lovers.
This book provides a combination of anticipation, mistrust, love story, hate story, relationships, twist in plot and more.
It’s an enticing and a luring read. A book you won’t want to put down.
Highly recommend!
This book provides a combination of anticipation, mistrust, love story, hate story, relationships, twist in plot and more.
It’s an enticing and a luring read. A book you won’t want to put down.
Highly recommend!
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