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Etrios
Raised in a quiet town by her mother with the help of her uncle, Emilia never expected her life to be anything but ordinary. But after she turns eighteen, a mandatory test reveals the impossible, she's a Nex, born with the most dangerous and outlawed magic in existence.
Her powers are sealed. Her freedom stripped. Her work at the elite Aetheris Academy or be sent to the mines, where people are worked till, they die.
At Aetheris, Emilia finds an unexpected ally in Rin, a fellow Nex user who's learned how to survive without magic. With his help, she begins to navigate this strange new world, one filled with power struggles, secrets, and ancient rules that don't favor people like her.
But nothing could prepare her for the four men who would shatter the silence inside Aqueous, Teryn, Igneous, and Airwyn. She feels drawn to them, not by choice, but by some force older than time. It’s more than attraction, it’s need, deep and aching and written into her bones.
But something sinister is stalking the halls of Aetheris, and if Emilia can’t uncover the truth in time, she fears it could be the ones she loves, who are next.
Her magic is forbidden. Her heart is fractured. Her destiny is only beginning.
Book One in the Mark of the Numae Series, a darkly magical reverse harem full of elemental powers, slow-burn romance, and deadly secrets.
Trigger Warning – Sexual
Chapter 21 in this book depicts sexual activity where clear consent is not established. It may be upsetting or triggering to survivors or sensitive readers.
Please approach with care and skip the scene if necessary.
Her powers are sealed. Her freedom stripped. Her work at the elite Aetheris Academy or be sent to the mines, where people are worked till, they die.
At Aetheris, Emilia finds an unexpected ally in Rin, a fellow Nex user who's learned how to survive without magic. With his help, she begins to navigate this strange new world, one filled with power struggles, secrets, and ancient rules that don't favor people like her.
But nothing could prepare her for the four men who would shatter the silence inside Aqueous, Teryn, Igneous, and Airwyn. She feels drawn to them, not by choice, but by some force older than time. It’s more than attraction, it’s need, deep and aching and written into her bones.
But something sinister is stalking the halls of Aetheris, and if Emilia can’t uncover the truth in time, she fears it could be the ones she loves, who are next.
Her magic is forbidden. Her heart is fractured. Her destiny is only beginning.
Book One in the Mark of the Numae Series, a darkly magical reverse harem full of elemental powers, slow-burn romance, and deadly secrets.
Trigger Warning – Sexual
Chapter 21 in this book depicts sexual activity where clear consent is not established. It may be upsetting or triggering to survivors or sensitive readers.
Please approach with care and skip the scene if necessary.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 16, 2025
1 person is currently reading
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 18, 2025
I'm invested, obsessed, and a little bit feral about it... But let’s talk.
I devoured this book in a single night, finishing at 3 am, and I regret nothing. Etrios pulled me in with its elemental magic, intriguing political undercurrents, with a reverse harem romance. But I also have notes. So buckle up.
❤️🔥 What I Loved:
Characters: Airy is the cinnamon roll I’d die for. Igneous? Silent protector, total “touch her and die” vibes. Their dynamic with Emilia? Delicious.
World Intrigue: The political and class tension between the Nex and everyone else is a chef’s kiss. It gave just enough to pique my interest, even if it didn't fully bloom yet.
Pacing (sort of): I flew through this. The plot kept moving. But…
Potential: There is so much room for this world and cast to grow. And I’ll absolutely be back for it.
But Also…
Pacing & Time Whiplash: It went from morning to evening from the beginning of one conversation to the end of the same conversation or scenes multiple times. It also felt like 1 week at the academy, tops? But it didn't. Time passing was mentioned a bit, but nothing changed or happened during that time. She didn't go back to work or do anything. I constantly felt like I missed chunks of time that could have been better off with building the plot, world, or characters. Let us breathe with the characters. Let us live there. Walk us through the school with her.
Because of this, it didn't feel like a slow burn but more of insta love.
Worldbuilding Gaps: A floating island was mentioned after the fact. We never see real school life beyond a single class and a lunchroom. No uniforms, no structure, no real insight into the Nex’s culture, oppression, or magic system. There was mention of a glowing book that felt like it was calling to her? Where did that go? what was in it? Tour us around. Immerse us. Show us what’s at stake.
Character Arcs: All the boys are spoiled brats (and I say this with love), but their growth needs to be earned. Emilia, I need you to challenge them more, teach them to lead, not just to lust. But girl you also need to stand up for yourself more with them. You aren't curious enough with them OR yourself. You never heard about what a nex is or why they are hated so much. You don't imagine your power or the fact that the guys are afraid of you.
Aqueous… No. Just no. What he did was rape, and it was not handled with the gravity it deserved. His rock bottom never came, and he got away with too much. He needs to grovel, suffer, and earn redemption. When Emilia yelled at him for what he did to her mom, I cheered for Emilia. She stood up against him and his treatment of others. Is that what you want to see in your partner? Someone who treats others like they are the scum of the earth? No, but his apology was a Band-Aid.
All of the characters need to grow and be better and not be the spoiled brats that their parents want them to be. That's not what we want to see them as when they start to lead their factions.
Poly Dynamics Need Work: As someone who is polyamorous, the lack of communication between the guys made the whole thing feel like chaos. They all tug at Emilia like she’s a prize, not a partner. And she needs to be more honest with them—especially if she senses a sixth is coming. Otherwise, it just reads like cheating(which she already did). Let’s get intentional polyamory, not just messy lust.
Overall:
Think Zodiac Academy meets Ouran High School Host Club with a splash of Bella Lore's Mortal, but make it darker, spicier, and politically tense. It’s underbaked in some areas, but the flavor? Addictive. I’m rooting for this series to level up in book two.
And I will 100% be back for more chaos, powers, and (hopefully) redemption arcs.
I devoured this book in a single night, finishing at 3 am, and I regret nothing. Etrios pulled me in with its elemental magic, intriguing political undercurrents, with a reverse harem romance. But I also have notes. So buckle up.
❤️🔥 What I Loved:
Characters: Airy is the cinnamon roll I’d die for. Igneous? Silent protector, total “touch her and die” vibes. Their dynamic with Emilia? Delicious.
World Intrigue: The political and class tension between the Nex and everyone else is a chef’s kiss. It gave just enough to pique my interest, even if it didn't fully bloom yet.
Pacing (sort of): I flew through this. The plot kept moving. But…
Potential: There is so much room for this world and cast to grow. And I’ll absolutely be back for it.
But Also…
Pacing & Time Whiplash: It went from morning to evening from the beginning of one conversation to the end of the same conversation or scenes multiple times. It also felt like 1 week at the academy, tops? But it didn't. Time passing was mentioned a bit, but nothing changed or happened during that time. She didn't go back to work or do anything. I constantly felt like I missed chunks of time that could have been better off with building the plot, world, or characters. Let us breathe with the characters. Let us live there. Walk us through the school with her.
Because of this, it didn't feel like a slow burn but more of insta love.
Worldbuilding Gaps: A floating island was mentioned after the fact. We never see real school life beyond a single class and a lunchroom. No uniforms, no structure, no real insight into the Nex’s culture, oppression, or magic system. There was mention of a glowing book that felt like it was calling to her? Where did that go? what was in it? Tour us around. Immerse us. Show us what’s at stake.
Character Arcs: All the boys are spoiled brats (and I say this with love), but their growth needs to be earned. Emilia, I need you to challenge them more, teach them to lead, not just to lust. But girl you also need to stand up for yourself more with them. You aren't curious enough with them OR yourself. You never heard about what a nex is or why they are hated so much. You don't imagine your power or the fact that the guys are afraid of you.
Aqueous… No. Just no. What he did was rape, and it was not handled with the gravity it deserved. His rock bottom never came, and he got away with too much. He needs to grovel, suffer, and earn redemption. When Emilia yelled at him for what he did to her mom, I cheered for Emilia. She stood up against him and his treatment of others. Is that what you want to see in your partner? Someone who treats others like they are the scum of the earth? No, but his apology was a Band-Aid.
All of the characters need to grow and be better and not be the spoiled brats that their parents want them to be. That's not what we want to see them as when they start to lead their factions.
Poly Dynamics Need Work: As someone who is polyamorous, the lack of communication between the guys made the whole thing feel like chaos. They all tug at Emilia like she’s a prize, not a partner. And she needs to be more honest with them—especially if she senses a sixth is coming. Otherwise, it just reads like cheating(which she already did). Let’s get intentional polyamory, not just messy lust.
Overall:
Think Zodiac Academy meets Ouran High School Host Club with a splash of Bella Lore's Mortal, but make it darker, spicier, and politically tense. It’s underbaked in some areas, but the flavor? Addictive. I’m rooting for this series to level up in book two.
And I will 100% be back for more chaos, powers, and (hopefully) redemption arcs.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2025
Title: Etrios: Mark of the Numae (Book 1)
Author: Maddy Child
Genre: Urban Fantasy / Paranormal Romance
Pages: 307
Rating: 5⭐️/5
“To bestow upon their divine right, and see if any are worthy to take their place among the elite…or if they are simply—forever common.”
Emilia grew up as the daughter of an outcast, living quietly and far from power, with no father in sight and a mother who kept to herself. When she turned 18, instead of awakening a normal elemental gift—Etrios, Myros, Geysos, or Atmos—black smoke revealed that she’s a Nex, someone rare and feared for being able to steal others’ powers. Sent to Aetheris Academy to serve the elite, Emilia is ordered to stay low and steer clear of the four most powerful nobles: Teryn, Aqueous, Airwyn, and Igneous. But as Emilia feels an ancient, magnetic pull toward the four, she begins to realize her fate might be far different—than anyone ever expected.
The plot? Wildly unique. That’s not just good writing—it’s pure talent. And our girl Emilia? OMG. Etrios honestly feels like reading a pickle-minded, “why choose when I can have a little bit of everything” Gemini—two completely different personas wrapped into one wild, amazing ride. One side is wholesome, with coming-of-age moments and hidden identities; the other is full of intense power plays, danger, and total “WTF just happened” energy. And somehow, it all works perfectly. The writing is smooth, informative without dumping, and the story keeps that relaxed-but-intense, spicy balance I didn’t even know would blend well. The nobles are ridiculously tempting (Teryn and Airwyn, I see you.), but seriously—if Rin gets emotionally hurt, it’s over for me. And don’t even get me started on Teryn’s strawberry time tantrum—I was cracking up! Can’t wait to learn more about Ky! Etrios is a solid 5⭐️ for me, all the way!
A big thanks to Maddy Child for providing me with a digital ARC of this book!
Such a great treat this Gemini szn!
Releasing on my birthday, 06/16/25, on Amazon, KU and paperback.
E-book pre-orders are available NOW.
—
#AdvancedReaderCopy
Author: Maddy Child
Genre: Urban Fantasy / Paranormal Romance
Pages: 307
Rating: 5⭐️/5
“To bestow upon their divine right, and see if any are worthy to take their place among the elite…or if they are simply—forever common.”
Emilia grew up as the daughter of an outcast, living quietly and far from power, with no father in sight and a mother who kept to herself. When she turned 18, instead of awakening a normal elemental gift—Etrios, Myros, Geysos, or Atmos—black smoke revealed that she’s a Nex, someone rare and feared for being able to steal others’ powers. Sent to Aetheris Academy to serve the elite, Emilia is ordered to stay low and steer clear of the four most powerful nobles: Teryn, Aqueous, Airwyn, and Igneous. But as Emilia feels an ancient, magnetic pull toward the four, she begins to realize her fate might be far different—than anyone ever expected.
The plot? Wildly unique. That’s not just good writing—it’s pure talent. And our girl Emilia? OMG. Etrios honestly feels like reading a pickle-minded, “why choose when I can have a little bit of everything” Gemini—two completely different personas wrapped into one wild, amazing ride. One side is wholesome, with coming-of-age moments and hidden identities; the other is full of intense power plays, danger, and total “WTF just happened” energy. And somehow, it all works perfectly. The writing is smooth, informative without dumping, and the story keeps that relaxed-but-intense, spicy balance I didn’t even know would blend well. The nobles are ridiculously tempting (Teryn and Airwyn, I see you.), but seriously—if Rin gets emotionally hurt, it’s over for me. And don’t even get me started on Teryn’s strawberry time tantrum—I was cracking up! Can’t wait to learn more about Ky! Etrios is a solid 5⭐️ for me, all the way!
A big thanks to Maddy Child for providing me with a digital ARC of this book!
Such a great treat this Gemini szn!
Releasing on my birthday, 06/16/25, on Amazon, KU and paperback.
E-book pre-orders are available NOW.
—
#AdvancedReaderCopy
June 13, 2025
I found Maddy Child on Threads in a bookish post and was lucky enough to receive an ARC of her new book Etrios!
Etrios is a book full of elemental magic and intriguing characters. The FMC is a sweet, sheltered girl due to a past mostly unknown to her. Upon turning 18 she learns about herself and a tiny bit about her mother after her initiation test is completed. She’s immediately sent off to an academy to work. She makes a new friend, meets a few broody love interests and the story is a roller coaster from there. It’s a tale with reverse harem slow-burn romances (yes, plural!), and hidden truths for Emilia to uncover. We end on a little bit of a cliffhanger. I can’t wait for BOOK TWO!
Etrios is a book full of elemental magic and intriguing characters. The FMC is a sweet, sheltered girl due to a past mostly unknown to her. Upon turning 18 she learns about herself and a tiny bit about her mother after her initiation test is completed. She’s immediately sent off to an academy to work. She makes a new friend, meets a few broody love interests and the story is a roller coaster from there. It’s a tale with reverse harem slow-burn romances (yes, plural!), and hidden truths for Emilia to uncover. We end on a little bit of a cliffhanger. I can’t wait for BOOK TWO!
July 12, 2025
I absolutely enjoyed this book! The plot twists kept me on my toes, especially the reverse harem elements — it was full of unexpected turns that I won't spoil, but trust me, they're worth it.
Having read the author's previous work, The Hybrid Series, it's been amazing to see how far she’s come. The shift from writing for a young adult audience to creating a mature, adult-focused story really showcases her versatility as a writer. Her storytelling has grown richer, the characters more layered, and the stakes even higher.
I can't wait for the next installment — this series has definitely hooked me.
Having read the author's previous work, The Hybrid Series, it's been amazing to see how far she’s come. The shift from writing for a young adult audience to creating a mature, adult-focused story really showcases her versatility as a writer. Her storytelling has grown richer, the characters more layered, and the stakes even higher.
I can't wait for the next installment — this series has definitely hooked me.
June 13, 2025
This book will have you angry and rolling your eyes to grinning ear to ear and kicking your feet and back again!
Elemental powers reign in this romantasy. As Emilia comes into her powers, they are not what she expects, and her world turns upside down as she's thrust into a new, overwhelming world with some of the strongest wielders, but not in the way she ever thought it would be. Who can she trust? Who can she love? And who will she choose?
Elemental powers reign in this romantasy. As Emilia comes into her powers, they are not what she expects, and her world turns upside down as she's thrust into a new, overwhelming world with some of the strongest wielders, but not in the way she ever thought it would be. Who can she trust? Who can she love? And who will she choose?
October 10, 2025
Unfortunately, I really didn’t enjoy this book. The relationships went from 0 to 100 with nothing connecting the two. I wish there had been more buildup to the romance, but instead, we got insta-love before the characters even had a single conversation. The whole book felt underdeveloped and lacked sufficient world-building. I also caught a few grammatical mistakes. I think this world and magic system have the potential to be very interesting, but the execution fell short.
July 21, 2025
I’ll give it a 3.5 I liked plot. I want to know more about her powers.
Not very detailed on the spicy scenes but many spicy scenes. I love how when you are mated to someone you get their runes. Looking forward to seeing more from this series!
- urban fantasy
- touch her and 💀
- one POV
- banter
Not very detailed on the spicy scenes but many spicy scenes. I love how when you are mated to someone you get their runes. Looking forward to seeing more from this series!
- urban fantasy
- touch her and 💀
- one POV
- banter
June 15, 2025
I loved it! The love between characters are so strong. I cant wait to read what's next in the series!
October 17, 2025
I absolutely loved it!! The characters, the story, everything about it is incredible!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews