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Of Hollowed Pacts
Soraya Kaide, the last of the winged Rhyïan, has already earned her infamy.
Branded a murderer, a traitor, and a monster, she sits in a prison cell awaiting execution with nothing left but resolve. Revenge was worth the cost, even if her name is cursed across the fae realm. But when a desperate fae officer offers her freedom in exchange for her help, Soraya must return to the world she thought she’d left behind.
Ancient relics – keys forged from the remains of a god of decay – have begun to surface. Once locked away by Soraya’s extinct people, these keys are the only things standing between the living and an army of the Hollowed dead. As the Shattered Court rises to reclaim their forgotten god, Soraya and her reluctant ally must navigate a land plagued by monsters, uncover long-buried truths, and face something far more dangerous than war – each other.
Branded a murderer, a traitor, and a monster, she sits in a prison cell awaiting execution with nothing left but resolve. Revenge was worth the cost, even if her name is cursed across the fae realm. But when a desperate fae officer offers her freedom in exchange for her help, Soraya must return to the world she thought she’d left behind.
Ancient relics – keys forged from the remains of a god of decay – have begun to surface. Once locked away by Soraya’s extinct people, these keys are the only things standing between the living and an army of the Hollowed dead. As the Shattered Court rises to reclaim their forgotten god, Soraya and her reluctant ally must navigate a land plagued by monsters, uncover long-buried truths, and face something far more dangerous than war – each other.
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Published August 1, 2025
24 people want to read
About the author
Madison P. Crow
5 books17 followersMadison is a fantasy/romance writer, a wife, equestrian, and the mother of three beautiful girls. When she isn't chasing the fairies who have "squandered" away her household forks with her little girls, she can be found between the pages of a book or the back of a horse.
Hailing from a small town in Texas, Madison graduated from NCTC with a degree in Equine Science. Having first stepped in the saddle at a young age, she has spent a majority of her life in the equine and livestock industry. Moving into her adulthood, she decided to pursue a degree relating to her passion and became a horse trainer outside of college. Life had other plans of course, and after having children, she leapt into the adventure of being a stay at home mom.
In her free time she enjoys writing, creating digital art, painting, working horses, and reading. Some of the genre's you might find her reading are fantasy, dark romance, and a cross somewhere between the two.
Hailing from a small town in Texas, Madison graduated from NCTC with a degree in Equine Science. Having first stepped in the saddle at a young age, she has spent a majority of her life in the equine and livestock industry. Moving into her adulthood, she decided to pursue a degree relating to her passion and became a horse trainer outside of college. Life had other plans of course, and after having children, she leapt into the adventure of being a stay at home mom.
In her free time she enjoys writing, creating digital art, painting, working horses, and reading. Some of the genre's you might find her reading are fantasy, dark romance, and a cross somewhere between the two.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 22, 2025
✨Of Hollowed Pacts✨
Author: Madison Crowe
Release: August 1, 2025
Holy smokes, this book was PHENOMENAL. A stay up all night, un-put-downable read for me. Hilarious from the very start. Moving. Aching. I cried and laughed and shook my kindle. It was all so good for me.
OHP follows a dual 1st person POV from our FMC, Soraya, and MMC, Hael. Soraya is the very last of her kind. After her entire family and people are destroyed, she plots for years to avenge them by murdering the prince who killed them all. She has spiraled deeply from the archivist she once was to a murderous, sarcastic, assassin, now imprisoned for her deeds. But when Commander Hael releases her from prison to help him find the keys to keep the god of rot from destroying the realms, Soraya finds herself on a journey of not only redemption but destruction.
As we travel to the 12 key locations, we get to dive so deep in history and the past that created the Soraya of today who hides behind sarcasm and low blows. The banter and arguing are delightful and I love seeing how it slowly transforms into more. We have an unlikely found family and a slow burn that is heated and full of yearning. There was never a moment I was bored and the plot twists were so fun. And I’m SO EAGER to see what happens next- plot wise, but also with Ray and Hael. I can’t wait to see so much more of them as they continue to grow and open up.
Tropes you may find in OHP are grumpy x feral (and hilariously so), forced proximity, reluctant allis to lovers, soldier x prisoner, he falls first and so hard, all the banter, no spice just slooooow burn to kisses so far, lots of tension and yearning, meddling gods and bargains, hidden identities, plot twists, soft cliffhanger, a variety of species (fae, orc, etc), and runes & magic.
Thank you so much, Madison, for letting me be an arc reader for you. I am so invested and eager to continue this series with you!
Author: Madison Crowe
Release: August 1, 2025
Holy smokes, this book was PHENOMENAL. A stay up all night, un-put-downable read for me. Hilarious from the very start. Moving. Aching. I cried and laughed and shook my kindle. It was all so good for me.
OHP follows a dual 1st person POV from our FMC, Soraya, and MMC, Hael. Soraya is the very last of her kind. After her entire family and people are destroyed, she plots for years to avenge them by murdering the prince who killed them all. She has spiraled deeply from the archivist she once was to a murderous, sarcastic, assassin, now imprisoned for her deeds. But when Commander Hael releases her from prison to help him find the keys to keep the god of rot from destroying the realms, Soraya finds herself on a journey of not only redemption but destruction.
As we travel to the 12 key locations, we get to dive so deep in history and the past that created the Soraya of today who hides behind sarcasm and low blows. The banter and arguing are delightful and I love seeing how it slowly transforms into more. We have an unlikely found family and a slow burn that is heated and full of yearning. There was never a moment I was bored and the plot twists were so fun. And I’m SO EAGER to see what happens next- plot wise, but also with Ray and Hael. I can’t wait to see so much more of them as they continue to grow and open up.
Tropes you may find in OHP are grumpy x feral (and hilariously so), forced proximity, reluctant allis to lovers, soldier x prisoner, he falls first and so hard, all the banter, no spice just slooooow burn to kisses so far, lots of tension and yearning, meddling gods and bargains, hidden identities, plot twists, soft cliffhanger, a variety of species (fae, orc, etc), and runes & magic.
Thank you so much, Madison, for letting me be an arc reader for you. I am so invested and eager to continue this series with you!
June 2, 2025
I absolutely ate this book UP! Soraya is my spirit animal, everything I am and SO much more! I was hooked from the very beginning and could not put this book down! The DEDICATION was PERFECT:
"For all the girls who would light the match and happily burn the entire kingdom to the ground. And those who like their MFC just a little unhinged-because me to" ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Some other quotes from the book that hit home for me are:
"Tools have a fickle way of cutting the hand that wields them, and I've been told I'm the nastiest blade in the arsenal". YESSSSS QUEEN
"Necessity had bred skill, and it had gifted me survival. It was time I remembered how to use it"
"I have crafted such an excellent mask in the waking world and beyond the privacy of my own thoughts". SAME GIRL SAME ❤️
I can't WAIT for the next book to come out and I can't wait to be and to purchase a physical copy of this book so I can read it over and over!! IT'S THAT GOOD!
"For all the girls who would light the match and happily burn the entire kingdom to the ground. And those who like their MFC just a little unhinged-because me to" ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Some other quotes from the book that hit home for me are:
"Tools have a fickle way of cutting the hand that wields them, and I've been told I'm the nastiest blade in the arsenal". YESSSSS QUEEN
"Necessity had bred skill, and it had gifted me survival. It was time I remembered how to use it"
"I have crafted such an excellent mask in the waking world and beyond the privacy of my own thoughts". SAME GIRL SAME ❤️
I can't WAIT for the next book to come out and I can't wait to be and to purchase a physical copy of this book so I can read it over and over!! IT'S THAT GOOD!
July 27, 2025
ARC review | Of Hollowed Pacts | 5 ⭐️
Soraya Kayde is the last of the Rhyians & one of the deadliest assassins. “An assassin with more blood on her hands than half of the royal battalion combined.” She just lies in wait in a prison to meet her end. That is until Hael, a desperate officer in the fae army offers her a deal. Her freedom, but only if she aids him in finding and destroying keys linked to Thrax, the god of decay. To achieve this, Soraya must face her past. Her people once locked these away & Soraya is the one who can uncover the mysteries of where they lay. The fate of the entire realm falls into her hands. Will she be able to save herself as well as the realm?
I immediately fell in love with Soraya. Her past is riddled with tragedy and sacrifice. She wears a mask of sarcasm and humor to hide the sorrow and pain that she carries. With that being said, the banter between her and Hael is CHEFS KISS. Banter will really make or break a book for me!! Definitely attribute that to the 5 ⭐️ rating. I would frequently giggle at the fact that the banter would continue all while slaying the Hollowed (zombie adjacent. They’re cooler) like it is a random Tuesday. Easy peasy if you will.
I loved learning Soraya’s backstory. It flowed very well with the plot. As we gathered more plot info as readers, it felt as though we learned more about the characters. This book is full of love, banter, discovery, lethal missions, and those other worldly fantasy experiences. I’m already not so patiently waiting for book 2!!
Soraya Kayde is the last of the Rhyians & one of the deadliest assassins. “An assassin with more blood on her hands than half of the royal battalion combined.” She just lies in wait in a prison to meet her end. That is until Hael, a desperate officer in the fae army offers her a deal. Her freedom, but only if she aids him in finding and destroying keys linked to Thrax, the god of decay. To achieve this, Soraya must face her past. Her people once locked these away & Soraya is the one who can uncover the mysteries of where they lay. The fate of the entire realm falls into her hands. Will she be able to save herself as well as the realm?
I immediately fell in love with Soraya. Her past is riddled with tragedy and sacrifice. She wears a mask of sarcasm and humor to hide the sorrow and pain that she carries. With that being said, the banter between her and Hael is CHEFS KISS. Banter will really make or break a book for me!! Definitely attribute that to the 5 ⭐️ rating. I would frequently giggle at the fact that the banter would continue all while slaying the Hollowed (zombie adjacent. They’re cooler) like it is a random Tuesday. Easy peasy if you will.
I loved learning Soraya’s backstory. It flowed very well with the plot. As we gathered more plot info as readers, it felt as though we learned more about the characters. This book is full of love, banter, discovery, lethal missions, and those other worldly fantasy experiences. I’m already not so patiently waiting for book 2!!
June 16, 2025
"I refuse to believe I am broken. I'm not. I may be tarnished, a little banged up, and bruised in places that'll never heal, but I am not broken."
These words...These words have wormed their way into the very depths of my heart and soul. Because they are true. We may all be less or more bruised or banged up, worn down by life events and circumstances, but we will decide when or if ever we will break. Each and every one of us carries some pieces of Soraya, the FMC from Madison Crow's Of Hollowed Pacts, Book 1 of her Shattered Oaths series. Each of us is a bit tarnished, but are we ever broken?
Of Hollowed Pacts is more than a fantasy story. It is a tale of a girl who was forced to become someone she never thought she could be. Forced by power-hungry men and vengeful gods. Deemed a monster. But was she ever one? A monster to many, but simply Soraya to a select few.
Was she ever a monster in my eyes? No. She was a girl set on a path of destruction and self-loathing, deemed a monster in her own eyes. It took a broody commander along with a couple of (un)expected companions to make her see she was more. It took a certain commander to finally make her seen.
A monster to many. A friend to her perfectly imperfect found family. And a beautiful menace to Commander Hael. And to me? A beacon of hope, strength, and a need to survive. To survive and to live.
I'm honoured I had the privilege to read and experience this story as one of Madison's ARC readers. And, if deemed worthy, it would be a privilege to continue this journey with her.
These words...These words have wormed their way into the very depths of my heart and soul. Because they are true. We may all be less or more bruised or banged up, worn down by life events and circumstances, but we will decide when or if ever we will break. Each and every one of us carries some pieces of Soraya, the FMC from Madison Crow's Of Hollowed Pacts, Book 1 of her Shattered Oaths series. Each of us is a bit tarnished, but are we ever broken?
Of Hollowed Pacts is more than a fantasy story. It is a tale of a girl who was forced to become someone she never thought she could be. Forced by power-hungry men and vengeful gods. Deemed a monster. But was she ever one? A monster to many, but simply Soraya to a select few.
Was she ever a monster in my eyes? No. She was a girl set on a path of destruction and self-loathing, deemed a monster in her own eyes. It took a broody commander along with a couple of (un)expected companions to make her see she was more. It took a certain commander to finally make her seen.
A monster to many. A friend to her perfectly imperfect found family. And a beautiful menace to Commander Hael. And to me? A beacon of hope, strength, and a need to survive. To survive and to live.
I'm honoured I had the privilege to read and experience this story as one of Madison's ARC readers. And, if deemed worthy, it would be a privilege to continue this journey with her.
June 7, 2025
One of the best books I have read! Soraya is the best assassin and has major snark. She can kill and annoy her companions at the same time. It's so cool. Hael is a cool headed leader of a calvary unit tasked with taking Soraya to aquire the keys needed to keep a God detained. It's an amazing adventure with excessive snark. It's worth every minute of reading. I didn't want this book to end. Great character and world building. Elves, high elves, dragons (kinda), and much more. Can't wait for book two.
June 9, 2025
Man, what a ride. the world building was on point. I felt like I was right there with them. I could feel the love that Madison poured into these characters. While I do love me some spice and banter, the only thing I love more is feeling like these characters are my best friends. I absolutely will be stalking her socials for a book 2 announcement!
August 4, 2025
Wow. I am sitting here having JUST finished reading and my mind is reeling. What an adventure.
I was instantly drawn into the story with its devastating beginning. You really feel for and empathize with Soraya and the unfortunate cards she has been dealt - so many times I wanted to cry for her. I love both versions of Soraya - who she used to be before and who she is now…. Even though I really think she is much the same just a little rougher around the edges.
I really loved Hael as well… and am so glad he wasn’t who Soraya first thought him to be. I feel like there is so much more to him that I want to learn (and yes I cannot wait to meet his bondmate) and cannot wait to continue the story!
I really fell in love with Hesk, Mika and Drax- they’re the oddest group but I loved watching their relationship with Soraya grow and it was one of my most favorite things.
This book had some of the most beautiful imagery… the descriptions were so vivid and I feel like I could clearly picture the surroundings. If you’re looking for an epic Romantasy filled with bargains with the gods, action, adventure, hatred turned love and so much more… Of Hollowed Pacts is that and so much more!
Thank you Madison for the opportunity to be read an advanced copy of your novel!
I was instantly drawn into the story with its devastating beginning. You really feel for and empathize with Soraya and the unfortunate cards she has been dealt - so many times I wanted to cry for her. I love both versions of Soraya - who she used to be before and who she is now…. Even though I really think she is much the same just a little rougher around the edges.
I really loved Hael as well… and am so glad he wasn’t who Soraya first thought him to be. I feel like there is so much more to him that I want to learn (and yes I cannot wait to meet his bondmate) and cannot wait to continue the story!
I really fell in love with Hesk, Mika and Drax- they’re the oddest group but I loved watching their relationship with Soraya grow and it was one of my most favorite things.
This book had some of the most beautiful imagery… the descriptions were so vivid and I feel like I could clearly picture the surroundings. If you’re looking for an epic Romantasy filled with bargains with the gods, action, adventure, hatred turned love and so much more… Of Hollowed Pacts is that and so much more!
Thank you Madison for the opportunity to be read an advanced copy of your novel!
August 13, 2025
Okay this was kinda fuckin awesome????
I had some slight problems with it - namely the lack of build up to the journey at the beginning, the frequent use of modern language, and the fact that some of the “action” scenes were glossed over - but overall the story is fresh and fun. I enjoyed the writing style, and the banter between our MCs was electric. 10/10. I’m excited to get to the fire isles and meet DRAGONS!
Will definitely pick up the next one 🫶🏻
EDIT*** also, she’s the one with wings!!!!!!!! A trope I didn’t know I needed 🥹
I had some slight problems with it - namely the lack of build up to the journey at the beginning, the frequent use of modern language, and the fact that some of the “action” scenes were glossed over - but overall the story is fresh and fun. I enjoyed the writing style, and the banter between our MCs was electric. 10/10. I’m excited to get to the fire isles and meet DRAGONS!
Will definitely pick up the next one 🫶🏻
EDIT*** also, she’s the one with wings!!!!!!!! A trope I didn’t know I needed 🥹
July 15, 2025
Thank you Madison for giving me the opportunity to ARC read Of Hollowed Pacts.
This book had me feeling so many different things. Banter between the MC’s, especially when it’s snarky between enemies or reluctant allies, just makes me giddy. Maybe that’s because I’m a snarky grumpy person, or maybe because characters are getting to say things I would like to say, but either way I love it. It’s a dual POV, which I’ve been iffy on in the past. While I like to get inside the mind of the MCs, I don’t like seeing the same things from two different points of view. This story progresses regardless of which POV you’re reading, so it doesn’t feel like the story is stalled when the POV changes. This is dual POV done right, at least in my mind.
Soraya has a lot of rough and sharp edges, but her tongue is the sharpest of all. She doesn’t take crap from anyone. She doesn’t let anyone in. The story starts out with her jabbering nonstop, not because she wants to talk, but because she is trying to keep herself sane. A side benefit of her constant talking is it drives every guard to quit and irritates other people in the process. Like I said, she had sharp edges.
Throughout the book you learn more about Soraya, what she’s been through, and her thought process. You get to know Hael, though not as throughly as you do Soraya. I hope that we get to know more about Hael in the next book. He does, however, have my favorite line in the book: “I don’t think we share the same definition of rimming.”
Ultimately I wholeheartedly recommend this book. I’ve already been telling people I know about the boom (no spoilers) including when it comes out. The final thing I want to say about this book is that the end of this book is why I reread books. I need more, and the next isn’t out yet. The solution to getting more is to reread, waiting for the next to come out. I can’t wait to read more from Madison Crow.
This book had me feeling so many different things. Banter between the MC’s, especially when it’s snarky between enemies or reluctant allies, just makes me giddy. Maybe that’s because I’m a snarky grumpy person, or maybe because characters are getting to say things I would like to say, but either way I love it. It’s a dual POV, which I’ve been iffy on in the past. While I like to get inside the mind of the MCs, I don’t like seeing the same things from two different points of view. This story progresses regardless of which POV you’re reading, so it doesn’t feel like the story is stalled when the POV changes. This is dual POV done right, at least in my mind.
Soraya has a lot of rough and sharp edges, but her tongue is the sharpest of all. She doesn’t take crap from anyone. She doesn’t let anyone in. The story starts out with her jabbering nonstop, not because she wants to talk, but because she is trying to keep herself sane. A side benefit of her constant talking is it drives every guard to quit and irritates other people in the process. Like I said, she had sharp edges.
Throughout the book you learn more about Soraya, what she’s been through, and her thought process. You get to know Hael, though not as throughly as you do Soraya. I hope that we get to know more about Hael in the next book. He does, however, have my favorite line in the book: “I don’t think we share the same definition of rimming.”
Ultimately I wholeheartedly recommend this book. I’ve already been telling people I know about the boom (no spoilers) including when it comes out. The final thing I want to say about this book is that the end of this book is why I reread books. I need more, and the next isn’t out yet. The solution to getting more is to reread, waiting for the next to come out. I can’t wait to read more from Madison Crow.
July 15, 2025
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. In exchange for an honest review all thoughts and words are my own .
#ofhallowedpacts #thenerdfam @thenerdfam
This book is savage and breathtaking from start to finish. The writing is richly descriptive, pulling you right into every scent of sweat, every streak of blood, every breath that tastes of iron and rot. It’s filthy in the best way, wrapping around you until you’re living each clash and stumble alongside the characters. The fight scenes are graphic, intoxicating, almost obscene with how real they feel.
And beneath all that raw aggression, there’s an unmistakable tenderness. It shows up in stolen moments and soft brushes of touch, making these otherwise dangerous characters feel startlingly human. That contrast brutal and gentle all at once is what really lingers.
I loved how it digs into the idea of building walls around your thoughts: the harsh necessity of it, the sorrow tangled up in keeping yourself locked tight. And the aching, near-desperate longing for wings to tear free, to rise above all the carnage and grief is woven through so well it practically seeps off the page.
This story is raunchy, ruthless, gorgeously written, and impossible to turn away from. It sticks under your skin in the best, most twisted way
#ofhallowedpacts #thenerdfam @thenerdfam
This book is savage and breathtaking from start to finish. The writing is richly descriptive, pulling you right into every scent of sweat, every streak of blood, every breath that tastes of iron and rot. It’s filthy in the best way, wrapping around you until you’re living each clash and stumble alongside the characters. The fight scenes are graphic, intoxicating, almost obscene with how real they feel.
And beneath all that raw aggression, there’s an unmistakable tenderness. It shows up in stolen moments and soft brushes of touch, making these otherwise dangerous characters feel startlingly human. That contrast brutal and gentle all at once is what really lingers.
I loved how it digs into the idea of building walls around your thoughts: the harsh necessity of it, the sorrow tangled up in keeping yourself locked tight. And the aching, near-desperate longing for wings to tear free, to rise above all the carnage and grief is woven through so well it practically seeps off the page.
This story is raunchy, ruthless, gorgeously written, and impossible to turn away from. It sticks under your skin in the best, most twisted way
June 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First of all Madison is my favorite author hands down okay? Like just give her the 5 stars and walk away because she earns it every single time. I don’t even need to read the blurb. I just know I’m gonna lose sleep and enjoy every second.
She doesn’t just write stories. She builds whole worlds and then drops me in there like “good luck babe” and I eat it up. Enemies to lovers? YES PLEASE. The banter in this one had me cackling. It’s sassy it’s sharp it’s feral and our girl brings the chaos in the best way possible. These two argue like it’s foreplay and I was giggling like a menace the whole time.
The plot? So smooth. So juicy. Unputdownable. You blink and suddenly it’s 3am and you have no regrets. And can we talk about the side characters? Because Madison always delivers. They’re chaotic they’re lovable they deserve their own books immediately.
Found family? Yes. Plot twists? So good I was side-eyeing everyone including my cat. I need book two like yesterday. This book is straight-up addictive and I’m not even sorry.
First of all Madison is my favorite author hands down okay? Like just give her the 5 stars and walk away because she earns it every single time. I don’t even need to read the blurb. I just know I’m gonna lose sleep and enjoy every second.
She doesn’t just write stories. She builds whole worlds and then drops me in there like “good luck babe” and I eat it up. Enemies to lovers? YES PLEASE. The banter in this one had me cackling. It’s sassy it’s sharp it’s feral and our girl brings the chaos in the best way possible. These two argue like it’s foreplay and I was giggling like a menace the whole time.
The plot? So smooth. So juicy. Unputdownable. You blink and suddenly it’s 3am and you have no regrets. And can we talk about the side characters? Because Madison always delivers. They’re chaotic they’re lovable they deserve their own books immediately.
Found family? Yes. Plot twists? So good I was side-eyeing everyone including my cat. I need book two like yesterday. This book is straight-up addictive and I’m not even sorry.
July 16, 2025
Thank you so much for letting me a part of ur ARC reader to Madison P Crow
I loved Soraya for everything she stood for and the courage. I could relate to Soraya as she was a talker. I enjoyed the banter between the MC’s I would definitely recommend this book to my friends. I can’t wait to see more of Hael
I loved Soraya for everything she stood for and the courage. I could relate to Soraya as she was a talker. I enjoyed the banter between the MC’s I would definitely recommend this book to my friends. I can’t wait to see more of Hael
July 14, 2025
THIS WAS READ AS AN ARC READ:
Everything about this book I loved. Morally grey characters? Check. Sarcastic, smart mouth characters? Check. Tension so thick you need to cut it through with a sword? Check. Emotionalness? Quadruple check.
I absolutely loved everything about this book. Soraya is a smart ass and not ashamed of that. I loved characters like that, so reading her chapters was a dang blast; and that was putting it mildly. Soraya seems tough, and comes with a tragic backstory, but she is more than what she shows to people and seeing all the different crevices of her hiding behind those walls was a beautiful journey to experience. To many in this world, she is seen as a monster – and she is by no means innocent – but seeing her past and all that she had to deal with makes me feel so much for her. She has a tragicness to her that makes her so real, but a strength that so many of us want.
To me, Soraya was never a monster. After losing all that she did, it came as no surprise she took the path she did. I do not blame her because who can say how we would react and would we not react in a similar way? It was sad to see her fall into a dark, lonely path due to the travesties, but it took an equally snarky stuck up commander and some friends to help bring her out of that dark hole she was in.
Hael, the man of my own heart. I do love a man who gives as much snark as he receives. It’s so amusing and a hoot to see him go back and forth with Soraya like a married couple who comes to care about each other. Seeing his eventual falling for her was adorable. Seeing a character like him – a man who seemingly has it all and a golden life – drawing close to a person who is as far from him as one can get - a seemingly honorless, murderous assassin who lost everything and deserves everything in the world.
Seeing them fight their attractiveness was annoying in the cutest way. I kept yelling at them to just admit it and kiss. I love this development of a relationship. I cried about three times in reading this and to make me do that in a book, that just shows how much went into making this story and the characters. I am so happy that I had a chance to read this as an ARC reader.
While it ended on an evil cliffhanger, I cannot wait for the book to when it eventually comes out. If you love fantasy with snarky characters, a romance that will potentially break your heart, and morally grey characters then this story is for you. You’ll fall in love with them all just as much as I did.
I hope I would be so fortunate to be a part of the ARC reading for book 2 and if not, I will definitely be getting my hands on it when it comes out.
Everything about this book I loved. Morally grey characters? Check. Sarcastic, smart mouth characters? Check. Tension so thick you need to cut it through with a sword? Check. Emotionalness? Quadruple check.
I absolutely loved everything about this book. Soraya is a smart ass and not ashamed of that. I loved characters like that, so reading her chapters was a dang blast; and that was putting it mildly. Soraya seems tough, and comes with a tragic backstory, but she is more than what she shows to people and seeing all the different crevices of her hiding behind those walls was a beautiful journey to experience. To many in this world, she is seen as a monster – and she is by no means innocent – but seeing her past and all that she had to deal with makes me feel so much for her. She has a tragicness to her that makes her so real, but a strength that so many of us want.
To me, Soraya was never a monster. After losing all that she did, it came as no surprise she took the path she did. I do not blame her because who can say how we would react and would we not react in a similar way? It was sad to see her fall into a dark, lonely path due to the travesties, but it took an equally snarky stuck up commander and some friends to help bring her out of that dark hole she was in.
Hael, the man of my own heart. I do love a man who gives as much snark as he receives. It’s so amusing and a hoot to see him go back and forth with Soraya like a married couple who comes to care about each other. Seeing his eventual falling for her was adorable. Seeing a character like him – a man who seemingly has it all and a golden life – drawing close to a person who is as far from him as one can get - a seemingly honorless, murderous assassin who lost everything and deserves everything in the world.
Seeing them fight their attractiveness was annoying in the cutest way. I kept yelling at them to just admit it and kiss. I love this development of a relationship. I cried about three times in reading this and to make me do that in a book, that just shows how much went into making this story and the characters. I am so happy that I had a chance to read this as an ARC reader.
While it ended on an evil cliffhanger, I cannot wait for the book to when it eventually comes out. If you love fantasy with snarky characters, a romance that will potentially break your heart, and morally grey characters then this story is for you. You’ll fall in love with them all just as much as I did.
I hope I would be so fortunate to be a part of the ARC reading for book 2 and if not, I will definitely be getting my hands on it when it comes out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2025
This book was easily a 4.5 ⭐️ for me!!
When a fantasy romance book packs so much angst & banter, with such a beautifully heated slow-burn, it literally cannot get any better. 👏🏻
The back & forth banter between Soraya, the deadly assassin , & Hael, the always serious commander, kept the story alive.
The feelings came excruciatingly slow, as they had no choice but to deal with each other & grow on one another. I actually had to fight back the tears at how far they’d come & the growing love amongst all of the tension. The emotion poured from the pages!
Soraya is a warrior & the world see’s a monster. But Hael, he see’s the real her. I loved every second of this book!!
My fave quotes: 🖤🗡️
“Careful, Commander. Tools have a fickle way of cutting the hand that wields them. And I’ve been told I’m the nastiest blade in the arsenal.”
“You think I don’t know the risks of what I have done? I don’t care, Soraya. You’re not a burden I’m carrying. You’re the finality I’m fighting for.” ❤️🔥
“I died a long time ago, Hael. I died the day my people died, but I wish you could have known her. The me that once was.” ❤️🩹
When a fantasy romance book packs so much angst & banter, with such a beautifully heated slow-burn, it literally cannot get any better. 👏🏻
The back & forth banter between Soraya, the deadly assassin , & Hael, the always serious commander, kept the story alive.
The feelings came excruciatingly slow, as they had no choice but to deal with each other & grow on one another. I actually had to fight back the tears at how far they’d come & the growing love amongst all of the tension. The emotion poured from the pages!
Soraya is a warrior & the world see’s a monster. But Hael, he see’s the real her. I loved every second of this book!!
My fave quotes: 🖤🗡️
“Careful, Commander. Tools have a fickle way of cutting the hand that wields them. And I’ve been told I’m the nastiest blade in the arsenal.”
“You think I don’t know the risks of what I have done? I don’t care, Soraya. You’re not a burden I’m carrying. You’re the finality I’m fighting for.” ❤️🔥
“I died a long time ago, Hael. I died the day my people died, but I wish you could have known her. The me that once was.” ❤️🩹
July 2, 2025
If there was one word to describe Madison, it would be "Talented". From the way she writes deeply beautiful and tragic stories and characters that make you feel every emotion imaginable to her stunning art (Have you SEEN her character art?!), she has more talent than I can even comprehend. I could read her grocery list and be brought to tears. 😅
This book is absolutely no exception. I was sucked in from the very beginning and couldn't wait to see what hells the FMC was going to ring down on our swoon worthy MMC. Their relationship from enemies to lovers was the perfect slow burn that had me practically screaming near the end to "Just Be Together!" and made that moment just SO much more satisfying.
The whole plot was one that had me just itching to know what would happen next and if a happy ending would be possible. This book had me laughing, crying, feet kicking, gasping, and deep in my feels. A must read, for sure!
This book is absolutely no exception. I was sucked in from the very beginning and couldn't wait to see what hells the FMC was going to ring down on our swoon worthy MMC. Their relationship from enemies to lovers was the perfect slow burn that had me practically screaming near the end to "Just Be Together!" and made that moment just SO much more satisfying.
The whole plot was one that had me just itching to know what would happen next and if a happy ending would be possible. This book had me laughing, crying, feet kicking, gasping, and deep in my feels. A must read, for sure!
July 25, 2025
🗡️ ARC review 🗡️
Of hollowed pacts by @madisonpcrow_author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
First, I’d like to say thank you for allowing me to be a part of your BETA team and getting to read this first. I was OBSESSED from the very beginning. It hooked me in and its dig its claws into me. I love the characters and the BANTER is top tier. The way they fight or is it flirting 🤭 I cannot get enough. If I am this hooked, I can only imagine what book 2 is going to do to me. I am so happy to be a part of this team and to read such a uniquely written book. It was an absolute privilege to get a chance to be a part of this 💥
Of hollowed pacts by @madisonpcrow_author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
First, I’d like to say thank you for allowing me to be a part of your BETA team and getting to read this first. I was OBSESSED from the very beginning. It hooked me in and its dig its claws into me. I love the characters and the BANTER is top tier. The way they fight or is it flirting 🤭 I cannot get enough. If I am this hooked, I can only imagine what book 2 is going to do to me. I am so happy to be a part of this team and to read such a uniquely written book. It was an absolute privilege to get a chance to be a part of this 💥
December 2, 2025
This one hit me hard! Soraya Kaide is the last of her kind. She sits in a cell waiting for her execution. She who has been labelled as a traitor, assassin and a monster. Enter Hael the Fae Commander who is desperate to find and collect ancient keys that are going to help them in the war between the living and the hollowed.
And oh boy do they hate each other. Soraya has it out to make Hael’s life a living hell. Just because she thinks it fun. And Hael (who is now easily in my top five book boyfriends) sees her and all of her faults and slams you with “You’re not the burden I’m carrying, you’re the finality i’m Fighting for.” AGH my heart!
And oh boy do they hate each other. Soraya has it out to make Hael’s life a living hell. Just because she thinks it fun. And Hael (who is now easily in my top five book boyfriends) sees her and all of her faults and slams you with “You’re not the burden I’m carrying, you’re the finality i’m Fighting for.” AGH my heart!
June 11, 2025
I loved this book the mfc is bad a55 the mmc also one bad a55. The banter between them is hilarious the adventure they go on searching for keys to save there world, with the other characters is just like family. Family just being there for each other and I loved every minute. This book is so well written it’s a page turner. Definitely my favorite book this year. I can’t wait for book 2.
July 7, 2025
Wow! I was able to an ARC reader and I cannot wait for the next installment! Madison brought the characters and world to life from page one. I laughed, I cried, I am entirely invested in these characters!
May 31, 2025
Despite the tears streaming down my face right now, I really do love this story. Its emotionally impactful as well as brilliantly written. The characters are amazing! I cannot wait for the next one!
July 1, 2025
omggg I freaking loved Soraya the most
This book had all my attention and I couldn’t get enough of it
I received this as an arc and am leaving an honest review
This book had all my attention and I couldn’t get enough of it
I received this as an arc and am leaving an honest review
July 15, 2025
THIS BOOK!!! let me say it again, THIS BOOK OMG !!!
It gave me TOG vibes and it kept me on the edge of my seat❤️
It gave me TOG vibes and it kept me on the edge of my seat❤️
July 12, 2025
I had the wonderful opportunity to read the ARC and I loved every second of it. I was hooked right from the first line of the prologue.
The banter between Soraya and Hael was perfect and their slow burn was even more so.
I cried. I laughed. I felt every emotion alongside Soraya. It was a beautiful story that touched so many deep and emotional points.
I can’t wait for the release. I will definitely be buying my own copy and can’t wait for the next book. The ending was heart wrenching and heart warming.
The banter between Soraya and Hael was perfect and their slow burn was even more so.
I cried. I laughed. I felt every emotion alongside Soraya. It was a beautiful story that touched so many deep and emotional points.
I can’t wait for the release. I will definitely be buying my own copy and can’t wait for the next book. The ending was heart wrenching and heart warming.
September 14, 2025
I’m obsessed with everything that Madison writes. Of Hollowed Pacts is everything I wished it would be and more. Soraya’s character growth was phenomenal and I loved following her on her journey!
The slow burn with Hael was made even better with witty banter and true enemies to lovers. These two HATE each other, and for good reason!
These depth of emotions, the world building, the plot, and the characters were top notch.
I can’t wait for book 2!
The slow burn with Hael was made even better with witty banter and true enemies to lovers. These two HATE each other, and for good reason!
These depth of emotions, the world building, the plot, and the characters were top notch.
I can’t wait for book 2!
August 4, 2025
Thank you to the author for an ARC copy!
I really enjoyed this one! I loved the flirting/banter between the main characters and the slow burn to get here. The world building is intriguing, and I can't wait for book two to explore a different area (spoilers limited! staying vague!) of the map!
I really grew to love the different cast of side characters. This is sure to be a huge hit in the Romantasy crowd!
I really enjoyed this one! I loved the flirting/banter between the main characters and the slow burn to get here. The world building is intriguing, and I can't wait for book two to explore a different area (spoilers limited! staying vague!) of the map!
I really grew to love the different cast of side characters. This is sure to be a huge hit in the Romantasy crowd!
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