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Song of the Broken #1
Peppermint and Ash
Blood was always her currency. Now it’s the only thing keeping her alive.
Kyit Vale was meant to die on the execution block.
Instead, the Empire sentenced her to something worse: a suicide mission into the haunted mountains, chained to the knights who would bleed her dry before offering mercy.
Among them is Harrow—the silent, silver-eyed knight who watched her fall and did nothing. The one whose hands hold her life now more than the blade at her throat.
In a world where memories become monsters and loyalty is a weapon, Kyit must survive betrayal, starvation, and the terrifying hunger of her enemies—and her allies.
But survival costs more than blood.
It costs secrets. Names. Trust.
And when forbidden magic stirs inside her veins, and the soulbond myths wake from the ruins, Kyit faces a terrible choice:
Save the Empire that broke her—
Or burn it with the one knight she was never meant to love.
Kyit Vale was meant to die on the execution block.
Instead, the Empire sentenced her to something worse: a suicide mission into the haunted mountains, chained to the knights who would bleed her dry before offering mercy.
Among them is Harrow—the silent, silver-eyed knight who watched her fall and did nothing. The one whose hands hold her life now more than the blade at her throat.
In a world where memories become monsters and loyalty is a weapon, Kyit must survive betrayal, starvation, and the terrifying hunger of her enemies—and her allies.
But survival costs more than blood.
It costs secrets. Names. Trust.
And when forbidden magic stirs inside her veins, and the soulbond myths wake from the ruins, Kyit faces a terrible choice:
Save the Empire that broke her—
Or burn it with the one knight she was never meant to love.
- GenresParanormalFantasy
419 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2025
25 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 19, 2025
This is a funny one for me as I really enjoyed the story as a whole, the characters were interesting and well described and I loved the dark romance between the two main characters that simmered before exploding. My issues weren’t even with the writing style which I found quite intriguing but more in regards to continuity. The story seems to fall into the past all of a sudden with no warning a couple of times, leaving me skipping back through chapters to see if I’d missed something and then doing it again as characters seem to disappear one minute than appear again another or not at all. Like what happened to Nox? Aurenne? That said, because I enjoyed the story as a whole, I will return to the series as I’d like to know how it ends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2025
This was a new type of read for me. I’ve read fantasy before, but this book really drew me in. From the beginning to the very end. It just it was a really good story and I constantly felt like I was wondering what would happen next.
Kyit.. the witch. The thief. The girl who just wanted to be seen. The girl who for so long disappeared because that’s what she was best at, finally stayed. Stayed because thinking of losing that love was worse than her fear of staying. I just knew when the Silence let her run with the dagger that he was already taken with her. When I think of the Silence - I immediately picture the Witcher. And I love every second of that image.
I feel like there were several loose ends and that it cut off suddenly but hopefully can be answered in Lavender & Iron. Thanks again for letting me be an arc reader.
Kyit.. the witch. The thief. The girl who just wanted to be seen. The girl who for so long disappeared because that’s what she was best at, finally stayed. Stayed because thinking of losing that love was worse than her fear of staying. I just knew when the Silence let her run with the dagger that he was already taken with her. When I think of the Silence - I immediately picture the Witcher. And I love every second of that image.
I feel like there were several loose ends and that it cut off suddenly but hopefully can be answered in Lavender & Iron. Thanks again for letting me be an arc reader.
December 13, 2025
"The mountain did not give back what it stole, and Kyit had just agreed to walk inside..”
***spoilers***
I loved the writing, such beautiful language and sentence composition. It was almost poetic and definitely fit the gothic, dark themes the author was going for. The characters and the quickness of their deaths was another great feature, simply another thing to pass in this cruel setting rather than a massive event, but the weight of their deaths lasts for so long which is a feature I loved. There's definitely a focus on the reoccurring themes and it fits with this sort of text as well.
The overall lack of speech was a very well suited feature, silence is such a key part of this book that having that obviously missing enabled you to feel more immersed in the story. All the actual speech stood out and felt more important, like the characters words cost them, held a part of their souls and were earned rather than freely given.
I'm just struggling with the romance. I'm not the biggest fan of instalust, I like there to be a build up. And whilst Kyit definitely fights her feelings for a long time, and the build is good, I don't know if I can identify the changes along the journey that brought her and Harrow together. I just knew from the beginning they would spend the whole book pinning, and the other characters noticed too. Not to say their connection isn't good, just expected. There was no doubt in my mind they would have chemistry.
Going back and forth definitely confused me a bit at first but I also think it works in this sort of story. You don't need to have all these scenes in the moment and sometimes the memory coming back later has more of an effect. Still threw me though, sometimes I didn't know where I was in the plot, who was alive or dead, etc
Sometimes the pacing felt a bit muddled and I got lost. I honestly don't know where I stand with this book, there were bits I loved and bits that didn't work for me. I don't fully know where we stand at the end of this first book but I also know I cannot wait to read the second because the hauntingly beautiful writing style is definitely unique and refreshing, and I'm not done with this universe, Kyit or Harrow yet.
"Tell your ghosts they’d better start listening. Because the living are starving. And we don’t kneel anymore."
3.5/5
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
***spoilers***
I loved the writing, such beautiful language and sentence composition. It was almost poetic and definitely fit the gothic, dark themes the author was going for. The characters and the quickness of their deaths was another great feature, simply another thing to pass in this cruel setting rather than a massive event, but the weight of their deaths lasts for so long which is a feature I loved. There's definitely a focus on the reoccurring themes and it fits with this sort of text as well.
The overall lack of speech was a very well suited feature, silence is such a key part of this book that having that obviously missing enabled you to feel more immersed in the story. All the actual speech stood out and felt more important, like the characters words cost them, held a part of their souls and were earned rather than freely given.
I'm just struggling with the romance. I'm not the biggest fan of instalust, I like there to be a build up. And whilst Kyit definitely fights her feelings for a long time, and the build is good, I don't know if I can identify the changes along the journey that brought her and Harrow together. I just knew from the beginning they would spend the whole book pinning, and the other characters noticed too. Not to say their connection isn't good, just expected. There was no doubt in my mind they would have chemistry.
Going back and forth definitely confused me a bit at first but I also think it works in this sort of story. You don't need to have all these scenes in the moment and sometimes the memory coming back later has more of an effect. Still threw me though, sometimes I didn't know where I was in the plot, who was alive or dead, etc
Sometimes the pacing felt a bit muddled and I got lost. I honestly don't know where I stand with this book, there were bits I loved and bits that didn't work for me. I don't fully know where we stand at the end of this first book but I also know I cannot wait to read the second because the hauntingly beautiful writing style is definitely unique and refreshing, and I'm not done with this universe, Kyit or Harrow yet.
"Tell your ghosts they’d better start listening. Because the living are starving. And we don’t kneel anymore."
3.5/5
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2025
A slow-burning fire, soaked in blood, ash, and forbidden desire.
Peppermint and Ash by Grace of Darkness 🥰
Some books lodge themselves in the softest parts of you. Peppermint and Ash is one of them. This is not a sweet romantasy full of shimmering magic and rescuing princes – this is a raw, blood-drenched descent into guilt, survival, and forbidden longing. And yet… it tastes addictive.
Protagonist Kyit Vale is immediately intriguing. Not because she is especially heroic, but precisely because she is broken, stubborn, and sometimes downright cruel to herself and others. From the execution block to an almost certain death in the cursed mountains, her “rescue” is worse than death itself. The cruelty of the Empire hangs as a constant threat over every page.
And then there is Harrow.
Silent. Cold. Unreadable.
The kind of character who doesn’t try to be likable, and for that very reason remains so dangerously fascinating. The slow burn between him and Kyit is painfully gradual, full of tension, mistrust, and unfinished sentences. Every glance, every touch feels like a risk. Fortunately, the book avoids cheap romance: what grows here is toxic, deep, and inescapable.
What truly sets Peppermint and Ash apart is the atmosphere. The mountains feel alive, as if they are following, watching, and slowly devouring the characters. Memories become monsters, magic is forbidden and dangerous, and blood is not a symbol but a currency, a fuel, a boundary.
At times the story is heavy. Dark. Relentless. But it is precisely in that that its strength lies. Grace of Darkness writes with an almost poetic cruelty that perfectly suits the gothic vibes. There is no escape from the moral gray zones, no easy choice between good and evil, only survival or ruin.
Peppermint and Ash is a book for readers who like their romantasy dark, sharp, and emotionally complex. Expect no comfort, expect obsession, pain, desire, and a protagonist who is just as dangerous as the world she lives in.
Peppermint and Ash by Grace of Darkness 🥰
Some books lodge themselves in the softest parts of you. Peppermint and Ash is one of them. This is not a sweet romantasy full of shimmering magic and rescuing princes – this is a raw, blood-drenched descent into guilt, survival, and forbidden longing. And yet… it tastes addictive.
Protagonist Kyit Vale is immediately intriguing. Not because she is especially heroic, but precisely because she is broken, stubborn, and sometimes downright cruel to herself and others. From the execution block to an almost certain death in the cursed mountains, her “rescue” is worse than death itself. The cruelty of the Empire hangs as a constant threat over every page.
And then there is Harrow.
Silent. Cold. Unreadable.
The kind of character who doesn’t try to be likable, and for that very reason remains so dangerously fascinating. The slow burn between him and Kyit is painfully gradual, full of tension, mistrust, and unfinished sentences. Every glance, every touch feels like a risk. Fortunately, the book avoids cheap romance: what grows here is toxic, deep, and inescapable.
What truly sets Peppermint and Ash apart is the atmosphere. The mountains feel alive, as if they are following, watching, and slowly devouring the characters. Memories become monsters, magic is forbidden and dangerous, and blood is not a symbol but a currency, a fuel, a boundary.
At times the story is heavy. Dark. Relentless. But it is precisely in that that its strength lies. Grace of Darkness writes with an almost poetic cruelty that perfectly suits the gothic vibes. There is no escape from the moral gray zones, no easy choice between good and evil, only survival or ruin.
Peppermint and Ash is a book for readers who like their romantasy dark, sharp, and emotionally complex. Expect no comfort, expect obsession, pain, desire, and a protagonist who is just as dangerous as the world she lives in.
August 4, 2025
Peppermint and Ash" is a masterfully crafted novel that invites readers on an exhilarating journey through a world where memory functions as a weapon and monstrous beings, veiled in human guise, coexist with us. This intriguing realm reveals that love itself can prove as perilous as the sharpest blade. From the very first chapter, I found myself utterly entranced; the atmosphere is a haunting blend of gothic elegance, poetic beauty, and an unsettling intimacy. The romance unfolds in a delightfully dark manner, intricately woven with themes of betrayal, obsession, and forbidden magic—transforming every interaction into a thrilling dance along a razor's edge.
One aspect I truly admired was the worldbuilding; the magic system is both distinct and rich with consequences, which I found particularly engaging. That said, I occasionally yearned for a bit more clarity concerning its rules and lore.
The main characters are wonderfully nuanced and magnetic, especially the enigmatic love interest, whose presence leaps off the pages with a mesmerizing intensity. Their relationship is beautifully toxic yet tender, offering a captivating exploration that might not be suited for the faint-hearted, but is undoubtedly a treasure for aficionados of morally complex dynamics.
Why 4 stars? While the writing is often breathtaking, there are moments where it can feel a touch overly elaborate, and some emotional scenes could have landed with greater impact through grounding. Nonetheless, this novel leaves an indelible impression, lingering in your thoughts like the sharpness of ash or the sweetness of peppermint—utterly unforgettable.
#DarkRomantasy
#RomantasyReads
#FantasyBooks
#Bookstagram
#BookLovers
#Bookish
#FantasyRomance#BookTokMadeMeReadIt
#CurrentlyReading
#TBRList
#BookRecommendation
#ReadingVibes
One aspect I truly admired was the worldbuilding; the magic system is both distinct and rich with consequences, which I found particularly engaging. That said, I occasionally yearned for a bit more clarity concerning its rules and lore.
The main characters are wonderfully nuanced and magnetic, especially the enigmatic love interest, whose presence leaps off the pages with a mesmerizing intensity. Their relationship is beautifully toxic yet tender, offering a captivating exploration that might not be suited for the faint-hearted, but is undoubtedly a treasure for aficionados of morally complex dynamics.
Why 4 stars? While the writing is often breathtaking, there are moments where it can feel a touch overly elaborate, and some emotional scenes could have landed with greater impact through grounding. Nonetheless, this novel leaves an indelible impression, lingering in your thoughts like the sharpness of ash or the sweetness of peppermint—utterly unforgettable.
#DarkRomantasy
#RomantasyReads
#FantasyBooks
#Bookstagram
#BookLovers
#Bookish
#FantasyRomance#BookTokMadeMeReadIt
#CurrentlyReading
#TBRList
#BookRecommendation
#ReadingVibes
November 8, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ARC Review:
“Blood was always her currency. Now it’s the only thing keeping her alive.” — if that line doesn’t grab you by the throat, nothing will. This book sounds like a brutal, haunting masterpiece drenched in desperation, forbidden magic, and slow-burning ruin.
Kyit Vale is the kind of heroine I crave—flawed, furious, and fighting tooth and nail in a world designed to see her bleed. Her survival isn’t born of destiny, but of sheer defiance, and that makes her story feel all the more human and raw. The Empire that condemned her, the cursed mountains, the hollow-eyed knights—it all creates this claustrophobic, gothic atmosphere where every heartbeat feels like a countdown.
And then there’s Harrow. The silent, silver-eyed knight whose restraint feels like both punishment and promise. The tension between him and Kyit practically hums through the description—a mix of guilt, danger, and an attraction neither of them can afford. That “enemies bound by blood and survival” dynamic? Absolute perfection for anyone who loves pain-laced devotion and impossible choices.
What really stands out is how visceral this world sounds. Blood as currency. Memories turning into monsters. Hunger—emotional and literal—woven through every interaction. It’s grim and intoxicating, and the promise of soulbonds and ancient magic rising from the ashes only makes it richer.
In short:
🩸 Brutal, poetic, and devastatingly romantic
⚔️ Enemies forced to trust or destroy each other
🔥 A slow burn that promises heartbreak and redemption
🌙 Dark fantasy with gothic soul and emotional bite
It’s the kind of story that leaves you breathless, aching, and a little bit ruined—in the best way possible.
ARC Review:
“Blood was always her currency. Now it’s the only thing keeping her alive.” — if that line doesn’t grab you by the throat, nothing will. This book sounds like a brutal, haunting masterpiece drenched in desperation, forbidden magic, and slow-burning ruin.
Kyit Vale is the kind of heroine I crave—flawed, furious, and fighting tooth and nail in a world designed to see her bleed. Her survival isn’t born of destiny, but of sheer defiance, and that makes her story feel all the more human and raw. The Empire that condemned her, the cursed mountains, the hollow-eyed knights—it all creates this claustrophobic, gothic atmosphere where every heartbeat feels like a countdown.
And then there’s Harrow. The silent, silver-eyed knight whose restraint feels like both punishment and promise. The tension between him and Kyit practically hums through the description—a mix of guilt, danger, and an attraction neither of them can afford. That “enemies bound by blood and survival” dynamic? Absolute perfection for anyone who loves pain-laced devotion and impossible choices.
What really stands out is how visceral this world sounds. Blood as currency. Memories turning into monsters. Hunger—emotional and literal—woven through every interaction. It’s grim and intoxicating, and the promise of soulbonds and ancient magic rising from the ashes only makes it richer.
In short:
🩸 Brutal, poetic, and devastatingly romantic
⚔️ Enemies forced to trust or destroy each other
🔥 A slow burn that promises heartbreak and redemption
🌙 Dark fantasy with gothic soul and emotional bite
It’s the kind of story that leaves you breathless, aching, and a little bit ruined—in the best way possible.
November 19, 2025
Haunting, Heart-Wrenching, and Deliciously Dark
Peppermint and Ash is the kind of romantasy that sinks its claws in slowly, then refuses to let go. From the opening chapters, the atmosphere is thick with unease—monsters lurking in the shadows, memories that don’t quite add up, and a forbidden power humming beneath every interaction. It’s a world where beauty and brutality are constantly intertwined, and that contrast is part of what makes the book so gripping.
The emotional core of the story absolutely gutted me. The relationships—whether tender, fractured, or outright toxic—feel painfully real. The theme of broken bonds is handled with raw sincerity, and the betrayals hit with that perfect blend of shock and inevitability. Even when I wanted to scream at the characters, I understood them, and that’s a testament to the author’s talent for crafting flawed, human motivations in the midst of all the darkness.
The romance is unapologetically intense, sometimes soft like a whispered secret and sometimes sharp enough to draw blood. It walks a narrow line between longing and danger, and that tension kept me turning pages well past midnight.
My only reason for holding back from a full five stars is that a few sections felt slightly rushed—I wanted just a little more time to sit with certain emotional revelations before the story plunged ahead. But honestly, that’s more a sign of how invested I was than a true flaw.
Overall, Peppermint and Ash is a brutal, seductive, beautifully written tale of monsters—both literal and internal—and I’m already itching for the next installment. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves their romantasy dark, atmospheric, and emotionally devastating in the best possible way.
Peppermint and Ash is the kind of romantasy that sinks its claws in slowly, then refuses to let go. From the opening chapters, the atmosphere is thick with unease—monsters lurking in the shadows, memories that don’t quite add up, and a forbidden power humming beneath every interaction. It’s a world where beauty and brutality are constantly intertwined, and that contrast is part of what makes the book so gripping.
The emotional core of the story absolutely gutted me. The relationships—whether tender, fractured, or outright toxic—feel painfully real. The theme of broken bonds is handled with raw sincerity, and the betrayals hit with that perfect blend of shock and inevitability. Even when I wanted to scream at the characters, I understood them, and that’s a testament to the author’s talent for crafting flawed, human motivations in the midst of all the darkness.
The romance is unapologetically intense, sometimes soft like a whispered secret and sometimes sharp enough to draw blood. It walks a narrow line between longing and danger, and that tension kept me turning pages well past midnight.
My only reason for holding back from a full five stars is that a few sections felt slightly rushed—I wanted just a little more time to sit with certain emotional revelations before the story plunged ahead. But honestly, that’s more a sign of how invested I was than a true flaw.
Overall, Peppermint and Ash is a brutal, seductive, beautifully written tale of monsters—both literal and internal—and I’m already itching for the next installment. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves their romantasy dark, atmospheric, and emotionally devastating in the best possible way.
July 23, 2025
Okaaaay, let me say this: the book was not what I expected and not like anything I’ve read before. At the beginning I struggled with the peculiar writing style, it took me about 1/3 of the book to feel comfortable with it, but after that it was a delight. The book has a dark, gloomy atmosphere you could feel in your bones, a good description of angst and mistrust, wich is absolutely fine in a gothic fantasy, and understandable in the light of the Empire’s oppression. First a few words of the story: we follow Kyit, a street thief and a group of 4 fellow thieves and 5 knights of the Empire, in a quest to retreive the Blood Lord’s daughter, who fled her father’s castle. The group travels through dangerous territory in order to reach the mountains, fighting off terrifying creatures. Kyit is broken and betrayed, but with an ironclad will to survive. She doesn’t let anybody in, but find herself helpless as her walls starts crumbling because of Harrow, the silent knight.
I absolutely loved the worldbuilding, the names chosen for potions, for the cities and for the characters, the strange creatures they fight, but I struggled to connect to the majority of the characters, they appeared sketchy and not well developed. Also, I had a lot of questions remained unanswered, but I have hope they will be answered in the following books (the author plans a trilogy or even a quartet).
A big thank you to Caroline aka Grace of Darkness for thinking of me and including me in the advanced reading.
I absolutely loved the worldbuilding, the names chosen for potions, for the cities and for the characters, the strange creatures they fight, but I struggled to connect to the majority of the characters, they appeared sketchy and not well developed. Also, I had a lot of questions remained unanswered, but I have hope they will be answered in the following books (the author plans a trilogy or even a quartet).
A big thank you to Caroline aka Grace of Darkness for thinking of me and including me in the advanced reading.
July 31, 2025
I was kindly given a copy of this book as an E-Arc by the author in exchange for a honest review.
So reading the blurb this dark Romantasy instantly gave me Plated Prisoner/The Serpent and the Wings of the Night vibes. The writing style was a bit different to what I was expecting and took me a while to get into it/adjust but I didn’t dislike the way it was written. I felt it was rather fitting with overall perspective of the book giving it a moody, haunting, atmospheric feel.
I loved the main protagonist: Kyit (my fave tropes: strong, independent and never backs down) and how she negotiates her life/survival in an world where unquestioned obedience is the expected and whoever does not conform is sentenced to a very public execution. The danger vibes throughout the initial segments of the book were paramount in setting the atmosphere and unease and I felt it was very well done by the author.
I also adored Kyit’s initial interaction with the Silence (well known knight who is widely feared) and ends up stealing a relic which ends up throwing her in prison. It was a great start to a delightful slow burn romance which eventually sizzles into a crescendo. I really enjoyed the relationship development and it was incredibly satisfying.
This book is great if you are a fan of the following:
* Dark Fantasy
* Enemies to Lovers
* Forbidden Magic
* Survival in a brutal & dark world
So reading the blurb this dark Romantasy instantly gave me Plated Prisoner/The Serpent and the Wings of the Night vibes. The writing style was a bit different to what I was expecting and took me a while to get into it/adjust but I didn’t dislike the way it was written. I felt it was rather fitting with overall perspective of the book giving it a moody, haunting, atmospheric feel.
I loved the main protagonist: Kyit (my fave tropes: strong, independent and never backs down) and how she negotiates her life/survival in an world where unquestioned obedience is the expected and whoever does not conform is sentenced to a very public execution. The danger vibes throughout the initial segments of the book were paramount in setting the atmosphere and unease and I felt it was very well done by the author.
I also adored Kyit’s initial interaction with the Silence (well known knight who is widely feared) and ends up stealing a relic which ends up throwing her in prison. It was a great start to a delightful slow burn romance which eventually sizzles into a crescendo. I really enjoyed the relationship development and it was incredibly satisfying.
This book is great if you are a fan of the following:
* Dark Fantasy
* Enemies to Lovers
* Forbidden Magic
* Survival in a brutal & dark world
October 20, 2025
Peppermint and Ash follows Kyit, a thief of the Empire, as she navigates capture and reluctant service to those she despises. Kyit is resilient and fiercely guarded—bent but not broken. Her instinct is almost always to run, yet through her struggles she slowly begins to grow, and she doesn’t do it alone.
Her counterpart, Harrow—known as The Silence—is a blade for the Empire, sworn to obedience and forbidden from love. Yet despite everything, he’s drawn to Kyit. The way he offers her kindness and empathy, when she’s known so little of either, makes their slow-burn connection all the more powerful.
The world-building shines, with Imperial Epigraphs and Rebel Graffiti at the start of each chapter adding depth to the tension and oppression the characters face. Between monsters, magic, and rebellion, there’s no shortage of action.
This book ends on a cliffhanger and does include a few intimate scenes, though the romance is very much a slow burn, with Kyit fighting against her own attraction. Overall, I really enjoyed this read—it’s engaging, layered, and sets the stage for so much more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Her counterpart, Harrow—known as The Silence—is a blade for the Empire, sworn to obedience and forbidden from love. Yet despite everything, he’s drawn to Kyit. The way he offers her kindness and empathy, when she’s known so little of either, makes their slow-burn connection all the more powerful.
The world-building shines, with Imperial Epigraphs and Rebel Graffiti at the start of each chapter adding depth to the tension and oppression the characters face. Between monsters, magic, and rebellion, there’s no shortage of action.
This book ends on a cliffhanger and does include a few intimate scenes, though the romance is very much a slow burn, with Kyit fighting against her own attraction. Overall, I really enjoyed this read—it’s engaging, layered, and sets the stage for so much more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 31, 2025
Peppermint and ash is a dark romantasy from Grace of Darkness.
The only thing that's keeping her alive is her blood, that once was her currency.
Kyit Vale was meant to die on the execution block. But the Empire sentenced her to something worse: chained to the knights who would bleed her dry before offering her mercy, she had to go to the haunted mountains on a suicide mission. She has to survive, betrayel, starvation and the terrifying hunger of her enemies- and allies.
Survival costs more then blood, it costs secrets, names and trust. Kyit stands before a terrible choice when the forbidden magic in her veins starts to stir.
What wil she do?
From page one the author nows how to hold you're attention. Her writing is mixed with poetry style. The describing of places, characters and all that's happening is very good detailed, so you can imagine how everything and everybody looks. The build up is good. Its a slow burn romantasy with some trigger warnings.
I enjoyed the book from beginning till end. Just love the way she writes. If you like dark romans mixed with fantasy you gonne love this one for sure. Can not wait to read more from her.
The only thing that's keeping her alive is her blood, that once was her currency.
Kyit Vale was meant to die on the execution block. But the Empire sentenced her to something worse: chained to the knights who would bleed her dry before offering her mercy, she had to go to the haunted mountains on a suicide mission. She has to survive, betrayel, starvation and the terrifying hunger of her enemies- and allies.
Survival costs more then blood, it costs secrets, names and trust. Kyit stands before a terrible choice when the forbidden magic in her veins starts to stir.
What wil she do?
From page one the author nows how to hold you're attention. Her writing is mixed with poetry style. The describing of places, characters and all that's happening is very good detailed, so you can imagine how everything and everybody looks. The build up is good. Its a slow burn romantasy with some trigger warnings.
I enjoyed the book from beginning till end. Just love the way she writes. If you like dark romans mixed with fantasy you gonne love this one for sure. Can not wait to read more from her.
July 17, 2025
I really enjoyed Peppermint and Ash. I found the story to be more of a young adult book but with touches of some mature themes. I wouldnt go as far as saying it's dark although that is quite subjective so would recommend reading the trigger warnings at the start of the book but bear in mind they overcompensate in my opinion as the story itself didn't seem to warrant them.
I really loved how the author set an atmosphere of a broken empty and corrupt world. I could almost smell the smoke and see the fog, ruin and devestation in my mind. The sign of a truly amazing author!
Kyit a young thief finds herself on a perilous journey along with 4 other thieves and 5 knights to save The Blood Lords daughter. As they progress through this suicidal mission she finds herself having forbidden feelings for The Silence, a mysterious Knight.
Peppermint and Ash is full of danger, magic and slow burning romance. I really liked the range of characters and loved the author's monstrous creations.
I would definitely read the second book and will look forward to it's release.
I really loved how the author set an atmosphere of a broken empty and corrupt world. I could almost smell the smoke and see the fog, ruin and devestation in my mind. The sign of a truly amazing author!
Kyit a young thief finds herself on a perilous journey along with 4 other thieves and 5 knights to save The Blood Lords daughter. As they progress through this suicidal mission she finds herself having forbidden feelings for The Silence, a mysterious Knight.
Peppermint and Ash is full of danger, magic and slow burning romance. I really liked the range of characters and loved the author's monstrous creations.
I would definitely read the second book and will look forward to it's release.
November 6, 2025
Kyit is the kind of heroine you root for instantly—tough, clever, and defiant in a world where obedience is survival. After she’s caught stealing a powerful relic, she’s thrown into the heart of the Empire she despises. That’s where she crosses paths with Harrow, known as The Silence—a weapon of the crown, feared by all, and forbidden from love. Their dynamic is a slow, smoldering dance of power, trust, and reluctant connection that builds beautifully across the story.
The world is brutal yet fascinating, with clever touches like Imperial Epigraphs and Rebel Graffiti setting the tone for rebellion and control. Between magic, monsters, and a society built on fear, the tension never lets up.
This is very much a slow burn that builds toward a payoff—romance, rebellion, and emotion all tangled together. It ends on a cliffhanger (of course), but it sets up what feels like a truly epic series ahead. Perfect for readers who love dark fantasy, enemies-to-lovers, forbidden magic, and strong heroines who refuse to break.
The world is brutal yet fascinating, with clever touches like Imperial Epigraphs and Rebel Graffiti setting the tone for rebellion and control. Between magic, monsters, and a society built on fear, the tension never lets up.
This is very much a slow burn that builds toward a payoff—romance, rebellion, and emotion all tangled together. It ends on a cliffhanger (of course), but it sets up what feels like a truly epic series ahead. Perfect for readers who love dark fantasy, enemies-to-lovers, forbidden magic, and strong heroines who refuse to break.
November 4, 2025
Blood, Betrayal, and Redemption
Peppermint and Ash by Grace of Darkness is a gripping dark romantasy that excels on multiple levels.
The plot plunges you into the harsh reality of Kyit Vale, a protagonist sentenced to a brutal fate: chained to knights who would bleed her dry on a desperate mission. The author maintains tension with poetic, deeply detailed writing, creating an immersive atmosphere for this slow-burn enemies-to-lovers dynamic.
Beyond the thrilling surface of forbidden magic and survival horror, the narrative offers a powerful story of redemption and hope. It places the reader inside Kyit's fractured mind, struggling with trauma and grief. While the journey is raw and intentionally uncomfortable, her path toward healing makes the emotional investment well worthwhile.
This is an unforgettable, powerful read for those who appreciate deep character work alongside thrilling dark fantasy.
Peppermint and Ash by Grace of Darkness is a gripping dark romantasy that excels on multiple levels.
The plot plunges you into the harsh reality of Kyit Vale, a protagonist sentenced to a brutal fate: chained to knights who would bleed her dry on a desperate mission. The author maintains tension with poetic, deeply detailed writing, creating an immersive atmosphere for this slow-burn enemies-to-lovers dynamic.
Beyond the thrilling surface of forbidden magic and survival horror, the narrative offers a powerful story of redemption and hope. It places the reader inside Kyit's fractured mind, struggling with trauma and grief. While the journey is raw and intentionally uncomfortable, her path toward healing makes the emotional investment well worthwhile.
This is an unforgettable, powerful read for those who appreciate deep character work alongside thrilling dark fantasy.
August 1, 2025
A Worthwhile Read
Peppermint and Ash bills itself as a “dark romantasy of blood, betrayal, and broken bonds,” featuring execution, forbidden magic, blood-drinking survival horror, and an enemies-to-lovers dynamic. And yes—those elements are all present. But that’s not what stayed with me.
Readers willing to look deeper, to pay attention to how the story is constructed, will find something more profound and impactful.
This is a story of redemption and hope, told in an unusual style that places the reader squarely inside the fractured mind of a woman crushed by her world and teetering on the edge of oblivion. The narrative is dizzying—intentionally jarring—as she struggles with addiction, grief, and trauma. But her journey toward healing makes the experience well worth the time and emotional investment.
It’s not always comfortable. But it is powerful.
Peppermint and Ash bills itself as a “dark romantasy of blood, betrayal, and broken bonds,” featuring execution, forbidden magic, blood-drinking survival horror, and an enemies-to-lovers dynamic. And yes—those elements are all present. But that’s not what stayed with me.
Readers willing to look deeper, to pay attention to how the story is constructed, will find something more profound and impactful.
This is a story of redemption and hope, told in an unusual style that places the reader squarely inside the fractured mind of a woman crushed by her world and teetering on the edge of oblivion. The narrative is dizzying—intentionally jarring—as she struggles with addiction, grief, and trauma. But her journey toward healing makes the experience well worth the time and emotional investment.
It’s not always comfortable. But it is powerful.
November 4, 2025
I know that the information stated it was a romantasy but the writing made this book amazing to me. I'm not someone who really reads romantasy books or fantasy books in general. But the imagery of this book was amazing. I loved the details that are given so that it can place you there with Kyit. You could see everywhere she traveled and all she seen and felt. This book gave so much in the FMC build up - her past trauma, her addiction to her potions, her need/want to always be alone because she believed that there was no one that she could trust. She lost herself to the drugs that she took in order to survive in her world. Hope that you see what the author brings forth in this book. You won't be disappointed. Amazing book!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 1, 2025
My first time reading a Gothic romance fantasy, which took me some time to get used to, but I found it not difficult because of the storyline, so compellingly page-turning. It's one of those stories that draws readers in and refuses to let go because any reader could relate and/or be adept.
I like the author's writing style, which is readily showcased in a Gothic romance. Gothic-style writing is not easy, but the author seemed to accomplish it with style, grace, and technique. The story of frequent betrayals could cause anyone to be distrustful of others, but the author made the character Kyit a resilient overcomer and conqueror of all the traumatic turmoil she's encountered, and she overcame through true resilience.
I like the author's writing style, which is readily showcased in a Gothic romance. Gothic-style writing is not easy, but the author seemed to accomplish it with style, grace, and technique. The story of frequent betrayals could cause anyone to be distrustful of others, but the author made the character Kyit a resilient overcomer and conqueror of all the traumatic turmoil she's encountered, and she overcame through true resilience.
August 30, 2025
I really enjoyed this brilliantly written book.
What struck me the most was the evolution of the characters, as well as how the writing itself changes alongside Kyit, our heroine.
The enemy to lovers tension feels real without any explicit scenes, the chemistry is conveyed through a simple touch or a glance.
The world-building is so vivid and well described that it feels like you’re actually there.
What I especially loved is how the author lets us guess certain things, leaving room for interpretation and unspoken truths.
This first book clearly paves the way for a much-anticipated sequel.
What struck me the most was the evolution of the characters, as well as how the writing itself changes alongside Kyit, our heroine.
The enemy to lovers tension feels real without any explicit scenes, the chemistry is conveyed through a simple touch or a glance.
The world-building is so vivid and well described that it feels like you’re actually there.
What I especially loved is how the author lets us guess certain things, leaving room for interpretation and unspoken truths.
This first book clearly paves the way for a much-anticipated sequel.
July 31, 2025
I honestly feel that this book has a phenomenal story in it. There was adventure and mystery with well thought out characters. My biggest qualm with the book was the writing style. The paragraphing was difficult to get used to and it did not leave me wanting to come back to what was an intriguing plot. Overall, I think that there is more positive than negative about the book if you can get past the writing style :).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 22, 2025
I really enjoyed the book, Kyit is a likeable character and her journey with 4 other thieves and the knights was compelling.
I did however have issues with what seemed like characters suddenly disappearing and me not knowing how!
It felt like I had missed something.
Their journey is a dark and a dangerous task to rescue Elen, the Blood lords daughter.
I do look forward to the second instalment Lavender and Iron
I did however have issues with what seemed like characters suddenly disappearing and me not knowing how!
It felt like I had missed something.
Their journey is a dark and a dangerous task to rescue Elen, the Blood lords daughter.
I do look forward to the second instalment Lavender and Iron
August 14, 2025
The writing style is more epic poem than story so there's repetition and lots of stunted sentences. Once you get your head used to that, you can try and get into the story. It's dark and brutal but also emotional and you do end up caring about Kyit. The formatting of the book also bothered me with large spaces between each small stanza. I liked the potions and the idea of a smoke thief, vampire knights was a twist for sure.
October 13, 2025
I loved this story it wasn't just a regular love story. There was so much pain, anguish, suspense, and trials along the way. And it feels like Kyit's story is not over. I want to know more. I love her personally and how she is as a person. She doesn't tell doesn't give in she grew up with a chip on her back and it shows. You can't just walk all over her. I can't wait for more and to see Kyit and Harrow's ( the silence) story.
November 15, 2025
Peppermint and Ash
Kyit is a fierce heroine, who is so tough, that it seems impossible for her will to survive. This book has you hooked from the beginning to the end. There is so much danger and tension. The poetic writing is a wonderful balance to the brutal survival.
This book is…
*Dark Fantasy
*Forbidden Magic
*Enemies to Lovers
Can’t wait for “Lavender and Lace”.
Thank you, Grace for Darkness, for providing this as an E Advanced Reader Copy.
Kyit is a fierce heroine, who is so tough, that it seems impossible for her will to survive. This book has you hooked from the beginning to the end. There is so much danger and tension. The poetic writing is a wonderful balance to the brutal survival.
This book is…
*Dark Fantasy
*Forbidden Magic
*Enemies to Lovers
Can’t wait for “Lavender and Lace”.
Thank you, Grace for Darkness, for providing this as an E Advanced Reader Copy.
July 5, 2025
I love everything about this story. Kyit has been given to knights that are so mean to her.
Harrow is silent - but is he more than just a knight?
While trying to escape from the knights she discovers magic.
Should she try to save the empire or let it fall? Like they wanted her to fall?
I received an advance review copy at no cost and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Harrow is silent - but is he more than just a knight?
While trying to escape from the knights she discovers magic.
Should she try to save the empire or let it fall? Like they wanted her to fall?
I received an advance review copy at no cost and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 22, 2025
3.5 stars for me with this one.
I am new to romantasy and I am enjoying the genre, I found the main characters to be a good mix of intriguing and a good slow burn with an explosive feel. I did however sometimes struggle with the authors writing style, jumping back at times had me feeling like I had missed something and it kind of pulled me out of the story
I am new to romantasy and I am enjoying the genre, I found the main characters to be a good mix of intriguing and a good slow burn with an explosive feel. I did however sometimes struggle with the authors writing style, jumping back at times had me feeling like I had missed something and it kind of pulled me out of the story
September 24, 2025
I was hooked just from reading the little bit you get as a teaser. This is a dark book but with a good story line to stick with. Some of the characters I wish would had lasted a bit longer but I get it and I can not wait for another.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 7, 2025
This book was my biggest fear personalized with the awful writing. Introduces so many characters and places with minimal description, no context, no introductions backgrounds or anything. every sentence is a metaphor. and as if that wasn't enough, sometimes (often), there were two metaphors back-to-back in a single sentence.
metaphors are not what make a good sounding fantasy book!
metaphors are not what make a good sounding fantasy book!
July 8, 2025
I really enjoyed this book.
The characters were interesting and I like how you feel there is still more to know about them.
Kyit is our FMC, Silence (Harrow) is our Mmc and they both have more layers than an onion.
Can’t wait for book two to see how this goes.
The characters were interesting and I like how you feel there is still more to know about them.
Kyit is our FMC, Silence (Harrow) is our Mmc and they both have more layers than an onion.
Can’t wait for book two to see how this goes.
July 26, 2025
Shattered. This book is lyrical, in places poetic. I don't know how to describe this book, except to say I want to read it again for the first time. It's raw, with horrors, but I couldn't put it down.
November 1, 2025
Overall I enjoyed the book. The writing style took a little bit of time to get used to but once I had, I sped through the book.
I found the characters and plot engaging, I just wish it hadn't ended so quickly. I wanted more!
I found the characters and plot engaging, I just wish it hadn't ended so quickly. I wanted more!
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