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Kingdoms of the Compass #1
Crown of War and Shadow
Not yet published
Expected 17 Feb 26An outcast burdened with a curse and a mercenary who's out for himself collide in this star-crossed, slow-burn, high-stakes romantic fantasy from #1 New York Times bestseller J. R. Ward.
In the dead of night, passions rise and empires fall.
Welcome to Kingdoms of the Compass.
The Fulcrum is failing, and demons are slipping into the mortal world, stalking the night.
No one is safe.
Especially not Sorrel. An orphan and an outcast, she’s spent her whole life within the walls of her small village, ostracized for her mystical abilities. She wants to survive…and maybe find somewhere she can call her true home. But Fate has other plans.
Sorrel has been chosen. Cursed.
She must cross the Badlands to return the Queen's crown and convince the fearsome female to save their world from destruction.
Well aware she’s no brave hero, Sorrel makes a dangerous deal with Merc, a brooding, commanding mercenary known only by his unscrupulous profession.
The deal? A night in his bed that she will never forget, in exchange for her safe passage.
But Merc has secrets of his own, and even though passion runs hot between them, enemies are around every corner, and danger and betrayal threaten at every turn.
Crown of War and Shadow is the first book in the Kingdoms of the Compass series.
Crown of War and Shadow
*Forced proximity/Only one bed
*Chosen mates
*Dark mercenary
*Who did this to you?
*Touch her and die
*I'll die for you
*Hidden magic
“Absolutely unputdownable.” - Jennifer Armentrout, #1 New York Times bestselling author
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
In the dead of night, passions rise and empires fall.
Welcome to Kingdoms of the Compass.
The Fulcrum is failing, and demons are slipping into the mortal world, stalking the night.
No one is safe.
Especially not Sorrel. An orphan and an outcast, she’s spent her whole life within the walls of her small village, ostracized for her mystical abilities. She wants to survive…and maybe find somewhere she can call her true home. But Fate has other plans.
Sorrel has been chosen. Cursed.
She must cross the Badlands to return the Queen's crown and convince the fearsome female to save their world from destruction.
Well aware she’s no brave hero, Sorrel makes a dangerous deal with Merc, a brooding, commanding mercenary known only by his unscrupulous profession.
The deal? A night in his bed that she will never forget, in exchange for her safe passage.
But Merc has secrets of his own, and even though passion runs hot between them, enemies are around every corner, and danger and betrayal threaten at every turn.
Crown of War and Shadow is the first book in the Kingdoms of the Compass series.
Crown of War and Shadow
*Forced proximity/Only one bed
*Chosen mates
*Dark mercenary
*Who did this to you?
*Touch her and die
*I'll die for you
*Hidden magic
“Absolutely unputdownable.” - Jennifer Armentrout, #1 New York Times bestselling author
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
480 pages, ebook
Expected publication February 26, 2026
96 people are currently reading
26989 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Ward
181 books52.6k followersJ.R. Ward is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of numerous novels, including the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. She lives in the South her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
January 22, 2026
This dark romantacy was an unputdownable book! I really loved the story, the characters and the world building! It also comes with a magnificent beautiful cover. This is my first book that I have read by this author. I will definitely be reading more of this author’s books, because this one was just breathtaking. Some of the themes that I noticed in this book were fate versus choice, trust and betrayal, secrecy and survival!
This is a forced proximity, hidden magic novel. I found that the characters in the story were strongly developed and it came with vivid imagery! The world building in this book is phenomenal. I love that this book had twists in it, that I did not expect. I would consider this a slow burn romance and it being more of a subplot in the book. Overall, I give this novel a 4 out of 5 stars rating! This book gave me The Lord of The Rings movie vibes!
Thank you to NetGalley, author J.R. Ward and Tor Publishing Group | Bramble for this great eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review and feedback. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is set to be released on February 17, 2026!
This is a forced proximity, hidden magic novel. I found that the characters in the story were strongly developed and it came with vivid imagery! The world building in this book is phenomenal. I love that this book had twists in it, that I did not expect. I would consider this a slow burn romance and it being more of a subplot in the book. Overall, I give this novel a 4 out of 5 stars rating! This book gave me The Lord of The Rings movie vibes!
Thank you to NetGalley, author J.R. Ward and Tor Publishing Group | Bramble for this great eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review and feedback. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is set to be released on February 17, 2026!
Want to read
August 14, 2025I'm sorry, am I to understand that the MMC is a mercenary called *checks notes* ...Merc?
Currently reading
January 13, 2026Intimidated by this book's length lmao, but I am ready 🫡😗
___________
Thank you to Tor Books for the ARC and to Macmillan Audio for the ALC.
___________
Thank you to Tor Books for the ARC and to Macmillan Audio for the ALC.
January 30, 2026
Rating: 4/5 ⭐
I received an ARC of Crown and War Shadows and overall, it was a really good Romantasy read! I loved the dynamic between Sorrel and Merc—they’re both great characters, and I was rooting for them most of the time. The world-building was also solid.
I think the book could have benefited from some more editing in certain spots to help the flow, but it didn't stop me from enjoying the story. Can’t wait for the sequeL!
Thanks Netgalley and Tor for the advance copy!
I received an ARC of Crown and War Shadows and overall, it was a really good Romantasy read! I loved the dynamic between Sorrel and Merc—they’re both great characters, and I was rooting for them most of the time. The world-building was also solid.
I think the book could have benefited from some more editing in certain spots to help the flow, but it didn't stop me from enjoying the story. Can’t wait for the sequeL!
Thanks Netgalley and Tor for the advance copy!
September 2, 2025
I always love J.R. Ward books, but I especially loved this beginning of a new series. There were some twists I saw and some I didn't. Very much already looking forward to the next installment. Welcome addition to the world of fantasy/romantasy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for access to the ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for access to the ARC.
January 28, 2026
4.5 stars! Thank you NetGalley and J.R. Ward for the introduction to this amazing world.
This really feels like the start of something special.
Crown of War and Shadow pulled me in fast with its mix of magic, danger, and slow-burn romance. What I loved most was the character growth. Instead of an instantly badass FMC, we actually get to watch Sorrell find her strength, which made everything feel more real and earned.
Sorrell and Merc’s relationship builds naturally, with tension, trust, and emotion that never feels rushed. Every chapter felt purposeful, the worldbuilding had depth without being overwhelming, and even the side characters mattered.
By the end, I was already frustrated that I have to wait for book two because I’m fully invested.
This really feels like the start of something special.
Crown of War and Shadow pulled me in fast with its mix of magic, danger, and slow-burn romance. What I loved most was the character growth. Instead of an instantly badass FMC, we actually get to watch Sorrell find her strength, which made everything feel more real and earned.
Sorrell and Merc’s relationship builds naturally, with tension, trust, and emotion that never feels rushed. Every chapter felt purposeful, the worldbuilding had depth without being overwhelming, and even the side characters mattered.
By the end, I was already frustrated that I have to wait for book two because I’m fully invested.
November 11, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and Tor Publishing for the gifted copy of this eARC.
Genre: Romantic Fantasy
⭐️ 3.5/5
🌶 2/5
🧠 4/10
Cliffhanger: 3/10
Noteworthy: Book 1 of an incomplete series. Single first-person POV. There are some darker elements in this story. Publication date 2/17/2026.
This was a big book for a first in a series. It feels like a lot happens but also not a lot. Probably because we spend a lot of time with the two main characters but there are parts of the story that feel a little stuck in the mud. The world itself gave me midevil Witcher vibes. Everything feels like it has a layer of grit on it. Nothing ever felt comfortable at any point. There is so much mystery surrounding our FMC Sorrel and MMC Merc. Some twists you may see coming but probably not everything.
The romance feels very much like a subplot that teases a lot. For me, Merc does not give us a classic Romantacy MMC. It felt like even the reader is kept at arms length with his hot and cold routine but it only adds to the air of mystery surrounding him. The plot is a little clunky in spots. At points it seems to drag and others it moves at lightning speed when it should have slowed a bit to add to story. But I really did like this book enough to want to continue the series. I would like to see how these characters continue to develop and where the story is going.
Genre: Romantic Fantasy
⭐️ 3.5/5
🌶 2/5
🧠 4/10
Cliffhanger: 3/10
Noteworthy: Book 1 of an incomplete series. Single first-person POV. There are some darker elements in this story. Publication date 2/17/2026.
This was a big book for a first in a series. It feels like a lot happens but also not a lot. Probably because we spend a lot of time with the two main characters but there are parts of the story that feel a little stuck in the mud. The world itself gave me midevil Witcher vibes. Everything feels like it has a layer of grit on it. Nothing ever felt comfortable at any point. There is so much mystery surrounding our FMC Sorrel and MMC Merc. Some twists you may see coming but probably not everything.
The romance feels very much like a subplot that teases a lot. For me, Merc does not give us a classic Romantacy MMC. It felt like even the reader is kept at arms length with his hot and cold routine but it only adds to the air of mystery surrounding him. The plot is a little clunky in spots. At points it seems to drag and others it moves at lightning speed when it should have slowed a bit to add to story. But I really did like this book enough to want to continue the series. I would like to see how these characters continue to develop and where the story is going.
November 30, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Crown of War and Shadow Book 1 in the Kingdom of the Compass series
This first book in the Kingdom of the Compass series pulled me in right from the start. We’re introduced to Sorrel, our MFC, an outcast the villagers rely on in times of need but refuse to truly see. I immediately connected with her resilience and quiet strength. Then there’s Merc, our MMC… and let me just say, the “shadow daddy” energy is real. J.R. Ward paints him in a way that feels dark, powerful, and magnetic without ever overpowering the world around him. The world building is rich. This story leans into Romantasy with a slow burn pull and an almost impossible quest that forces the characters into growth, tension, and vulnerability. The romantic angst? Absolutely perfect. It never felt rushed, and every moment added to the emotional heartbeat of the book. I also really loved the additions of Thale and the Inn, great characters who brought depth and personality while expanding the world, especially the Southern Outpost. I’m genuinely hoping we’ll see more from that part of the map in future installments. Overall, the book gave me total Witcher vibes, but with J.R. Ward’s unmistakable flair. Her writing style remains one of my favorites, immersive, emotional, and sharp.
Thank you to @netgalley, @torbooks, and @jrwardauthor for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Mark your calendars. Pub Date: February 17,2026
If you love romantasy or J.R. Ward, you’re going to want this on your shelf.
#CrownOfWarAndShadow #JRWard #KingdomOfTheCompass #RomantasyBooks #FantasyRomance #SlowBurnRomance #BookReview #ARCReview #NetGalleyARC #TorBooks #Bookstagram #Bookish #ReadersOfInstagram #BookTok #FantasyBookTok #RomantasyTok #WitcherVibes #ShadowDaddyEnergy #BookRecommendations #UpcomingReleases #2026Books #MustReadFantasy
Crown of War and Shadow Book 1 in the Kingdom of the Compass series
This first book in the Kingdom of the Compass series pulled me in right from the start. We’re introduced to Sorrel, our MFC, an outcast the villagers rely on in times of need but refuse to truly see. I immediately connected with her resilience and quiet strength. Then there’s Merc, our MMC… and let me just say, the “shadow daddy” energy is real. J.R. Ward paints him in a way that feels dark, powerful, and magnetic without ever overpowering the world around him. The world building is rich. This story leans into Romantasy with a slow burn pull and an almost impossible quest that forces the characters into growth, tension, and vulnerability. The romantic angst? Absolutely perfect. It never felt rushed, and every moment added to the emotional heartbeat of the book. I also really loved the additions of Thale and the Inn, great characters who brought depth and personality while expanding the world, especially the Southern Outpost. I’m genuinely hoping we’ll see more from that part of the map in future installments. Overall, the book gave me total Witcher vibes, but with J.R. Ward’s unmistakable flair. Her writing style remains one of my favorites, immersive, emotional, and sharp.
Thank you to @netgalley, @torbooks, and @jrwardauthor for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Mark your calendars. Pub Date: February 17,2026
If you love romantasy or J.R. Ward, you’re going to want this on your shelf.
#CrownOfWarAndShadow #JRWard #KingdomOfTheCompass #RomantasyBooks #FantasyRomance #SlowBurnRomance #BookReview #ARCReview #NetGalleyARC #TorBooks #Bookstagram #Bookish #ReadersOfInstagram #BookTok #FantasyBookTok #RomantasyTok #WitcherVibes #ShadowDaddyEnergy #BookRecommendations #UpcomingReleases #2026Books #MustReadFantasy
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I made myself mad after I finished this book because I realized I'd now have to wait a whole year+ for the next book in this series to come out. I got on Goodreads to write my review and got even more mad when I remembered this book technically isn't out yet either! I read the ARC. 😭
What an incredibly strong beginning to a fantasy series! All plot points were beautifully tied together, the call-backs were clever, and the story is one I'll remember forever. I struggle with large reads because I lose interest fast, but that was not the case for this one. Every single chapter added important progression to the story. EVERY SINGLE ONE... while keeping the story interesting. The chapters were small and didn't feel overwhelming.
The love felt genuine between our two main characters because it had a chance to grow with authenticity. Each additional character played important roles, even the ones that felt insignificant in the beginning later came back to add really good plot twists. The story overall was well written with a beautiful ending that will throw us gracefully into the next book.
I am really happy to begin my year with a five star read. It was an emotional ride I honestly was not prepared for but I'm grateful for it. Thanks for letting me be able to read this book before its official release. I will most definitely be grabbing the second as soon as it is available to me.
What an incredibly strong beginning to a fantasy series! All plot points were beautifully tied together, the call-backs were clever, and the story is one I'll remember forever. I struggle with large reads because I lose interest fast, but that was not the case for this one. Every single chapter added important progression to the story. EVERY SINGLE ONE... while keeping the story interesting. The chapters were small and didn't feel overwhelming.
The love felt genuine between our two main characters because it had a chance to grow with authenticity. Each additional character played important roles, even the ones that felt insignificant in the beginning later came back to add really good plot twists. The story overall was well written with a beautiful ending that will throw us gracefully into the next book.
I am really happy to begin my year with a five star read. It was an emotional ride I honestly was not prepared for but I'm grateful for it. Thanks for letting me be able to read this book before its official release. I will most definitely be grabbing the second as soon as it is available to me.
January 27, 2026
**ARC READ**
3.75⭐️
2/5🌶️
First person/single POV
Book 1 in a multi-book series
Format: ALC
Mild spoilers ahead
The FMC carried the show
A huge thank you to NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to read one of my most anticipated releases of 2026 as an ALC! I’m so very grateful for this listen.
In all honesty, JRW’s BDB series was not for me no matter how much I really wished it was. So when she announced that she’s writing a romantasy, I figured this is my chance to join the JR Ward world because this genre is more my style. But…. I’m kinda disappointed in this.
As a writer, she truly reigns supreme; I now see why readers go so hard for her. Because everything that I look for in a romantasy is here except unfortunately, for the romance.
The plot was plotting. The pacing was perfection. The fantasy world/magic system is original enough. World building is slow & steady throughout. Even the language was on par for how people should speak in a fantasy setting with the ideal vocabulary & everything. The way she writes is clear & concise; almost sharp. & also, on occasion with some sexy/sultry undertones to it.
& the opening: I love the brutality it foreshadowed. The start helped paint such a harsh but all to real look at the struggles of life for a woman & children. The beginning really pulled on my heartstrings.
The strongest element of this book/The star of this show is the FMC. She is presented to us as someone who’s been sheltered & could be naive but we quickly learn that she knows how to stand up for herself & others with equal fervor. She’s resilient & tenacious & a fighter for what she believes is just even though she has always been the town’s pariah. I fell in love with her by the end of her quest.
Now for the weakest element of this story: the MMC (& subsequently the relationship.) He is just not it as a love interest. When we initially meet him, I got excited because I love how he’s described as someone less than perfect physically. He’s got long black hair in braids with beads on them🤮 with one eye scarred & white. & with the tops of his pinky fingers missing. Not the looks of a standard male love interest although just as huge & built. But then we get to know him…. & there isn’t a drop of charisma to him or charm or anything for that matter, good or bad. He’s as dry as a cracker. The way he behaves/the way he treats her uch & not in a hehe wink wink bully romance/dark romance kinda way. More of in a despicable kinda way.
Cherry on top: we get insta-lust from them both. Ok, her I can understand a bit because she’s this innocent virgin. But what was the purpose, story wise, for him to be treating her like a whore he can pay?? Every time he is on page, I lost interest. They don’t have a drop of chemistry. How did they get to spice by the 50% mark I’m baffled when all they have going for them is miscommunication. & that first sex scene was just ich!! (Don’t wanna spoil to much as to why.)
I love that the majority of the time, she pulled her own & didn’t need him because he was off page wounded & needed saving or sleeping with whores or who knows what. She was busy saving herself or the situation. He is almost never attune to her being hurt or needing assistance. Like, idk how to explain this!!! He’s got nothing attractive as a love interest. So I’m confused as to why he was given such a significant part of the story in book 1 when it’s a 4 book series & could have been stretched out till later somehow. Maybe this could have benefited with his POV who knows. Maybe next book.
I also noticed how repetitive it gets sometimes; with thoughts & dialogue. Which brings me to add that this could have been significantly shaved down page wise. It was just unnecessarily too long & way too overdrawn in many areas.
But a great ending with some truly unexpected plot twists.
Audio: obsessed with this narrator! One of my new favs. All her different voices (male/female) were so damn good except for the MMC. She just could not voice a good job with this character.
**Releases 2/17/2026**
3.75⭐️
2/5🌶️
First person/single POV
Book 1 in a multi-book series
Format: ALC
Mild spoilers ahead
The FMC carried the show
A huge thank you to NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to read one of my most anticipated releases of 2026 as an ALC! I’m so very grateful for this listen.
In all honesty, JRW’s BDB series was not for me no matter how much I really wished it was. So when she announced that she’s writing a romantasy, I figured this is my chance to join the JR Ward world because this genre is more my style. But…. I’m kinda disappointed in this.
As a writer, she truly reigns supreme; I now see why readers go so hard for her. Because everything that I look for in a romantasy is here except unfortunately, for the romance.
The plot was plotting. The pacing was perfection. The fantasy world/magic system is original enough. World building is slow & steady throughout. Even the language was on par for how people should speak in a fantasy setting with the ideal vocabulary & everything. The way she writes is clear & concise; almost sharp. & also, on occasion with some sexy/sultry undertones to it.
& the opening: I love the brutality it foreshadowed. The start helped paint such a harsh but all to real look at the struggles of life for a woman & children. The beginning really pulled on my heartstrings.
The strongest element of this book/The star of this show is the FMC. She is presented to us as someone who’s been sheltered & could be naive but we quickly learn that she knows how to stand up for herself & others with equal fervor. She’s resilient & tenacious & a fighter for what she believes is just even though she has always been the town’s pariah. I fell in love with her by the end of her quest.
Now for the weakest element of this story: the MMC (& subsequently the relationship.) He is just not it as a love interest. When we initially meet him, I got excited because I love how he’s described as someone less than perfect physically. He’s got long black hair in braids with beads on them🤮 with one eye scarred & white. & with the tops of his pinky fingers missing. Not the looks of a standard male love interest although just as huge & built. But then we get to know him…. & there isn’t a drop of charisma to him or charm or anything for that matter, good or bad. He’s as dry as a cracker. The way he behaves/the way he treats her uch & not in a hehe wink wink bully romance/dark romance kinda way. More of in a despicable kinda way.
Cherry on top: we get insta-lust from them both. Ok, her I can understand a bit because she’s this innocent virgin. But what was the purpose, story wise, for him to be treating her like a whore he can pay?? Every time he is on page, I lost interest. They don’t have a drop of chemistry. How did they get to spice by the 50% mark I’m baffled when all they have going for them is miscommunication. & that first sex scene was just ich!! (Don’t wanna spoil to much as to why.)
I love that the majority of the time, she pulled her own & didn’t need him because he was off page wounded & needed saving or sleeping with whores or who knows what. She was busy saving herself or the situation. He is almost never attune to her being hurt or needing assistance. Like, idk how to explain this!!! He’s got nothing attractive as a love interest. So I’m confused as to why he was given such a significant part of the story in book 1 when it’s a 4 book series & could have been stretched out till later somehow. Maybe this could have benefited with his POV who knows. Maybe next book.
I also noticed how repetitive it gets sometimes; with thoughts & dialogue. Which brings me to add that this could have been significantly shaved down page wise. It was just unnecessarily too long & way too overdrawn in many areas.
But a great ending with some truly unexpected plot twists.
Audio: obsessed with this narrator! One of my new favs. All her different voices (male/female) were so damn good except for the MMC. She just could not voice a good job with this character.
**Releases 2/17/2026**
January 27, 2026
This audiobook was an absolute standout listening experience. With a single narrator, Stina Nielsen, handling every voice, she delivers a phenomenal performance, effortlessly shifting between male and female characters without ever pulling me out of the story. Each character felt distinct, grounded, and emotionally true, which made the listening experience seamless and immersive.
The writing itself is poetic and lyrical, and the audio format truly brings that style to life. Hearing the prose aloud adds weight and beauty to the story in a way that enhances every emotional beat. The narrator’s pacing and tone elevate the language, making the quieter moments just as powerful as the high-stakes ones.
The worldbuilding is deep, rich, and intricate, and on audio it feels fully realized. I was completely immersed in every scene…from tense, intimate moments to dangerous, fate-driven encounters. When you are reading/listening to the first book in a high fantasy series, it can take a bit to get through the world building and character development and I felt a bit of that with this novel as well. But do not be deterred. The payoff is so worth it. The atmosphere is heavy, dark, and layered, and the narration makes the world feel alive rather than overwhelming.
I also loved how the ending was handled. It answers a lot of lingering questions and provides satisfying closure to this part of the story, while still leaving you desperate for the next book. There is clearly more of this story to tell, and this audiobook does an excellent job of wrapping up key threads without losing that sense of anticipation for what comes next in this series.
The MMC, Merc, is dark and gruff and the author takes risks with this character in how he is portrayed, especially around the intimate scenes. The FMC, Sorrel, is also written in a way that is not your usual FMC and it’s enjoyable to be in her head as she works through this epic adventure. The character flaws and development through the story are refreshingly different, especially for this genre.
If you enjoy dark, immersive fantasy romance with lyrical writing and top-tier narration, Crown of War and Shadow is absolutely worth experiencing on audio. I received an advance listening copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC.
The writing itself is poetic and lyrical, and the audio format truly brings that style to life. Hearing the prose aloud adds weight and beauty to the story in a way that enhances every emotional beat. The narrator’s pacing and tone elevate the language, making the quieter moments just as powerful as the high-stakes ones.
The worldbuilding is deep, rich, and intricate, and on audio it feels fully realized. I was completely immersed in every scene…from tense, intimate moments to dangerous, fate-driven encounters. When you are reading/listening to the first book in a high fantasy series, it can take a bit to get through the world building and character development and I felt a bit of that with this novel as well. But do not be deterred. The payoff is so worth it. The atmosphere is heavy, dark, and layered, and the narration makes the world feel alive rather than overwhelming.
I also loved how the ending was handled. It answers a lot of lingering questions and provides satisfying closure to this part of the story, while still leaving you desperate for the next book. There is clearly more of this story to tell, and this audiobook does an excellent job of wrapping up key threads without losing that sense of anticipation for what comes next in this series.
The MMC, Merc, is dark and gruff and the author takes risks with this character in how he is portrayed, especially around the intimate scenes. The FMC, Sorrel, is also written in a way that is not your usual FMC and it’s enjoyable to be in her head as she works through this epic adventure. The character flaws and development through the story are refreshingly different, especially for this genre.
If you enjoy dark, immersive fantasy romance with lyrical writing and top-tier narration, Crown of War and Shadow is absolutely worth experiencing on audio. I received an advance listening copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC.
January 20, 2026
4-4.5⭐️
I feel this is the start of a fantastic new series!! 😆
It has mystery, action, romance and originality.
As much as I love a FMC who is such a badass right from the start, in this book, our FMC doesn’t start off with this energy and it’s such a refresher to have character development and actual questions going on in my head!!
For me this isn’t a typical romantasy and actually has a very interesting world and depth which has me wanting book 2 so bad!
I loved it! Absolutely recommend 🫶
I feel this is the start of a fantastic new series!! 😆
It has mystery, action, romance and originality.
As much as I love a FMC who is such a badass right from the start, in this book, our FMC doesn’t start off with this energy and it’s such a refresher to have character development and actual questions going on in my head!!
For me this isn’t a typical romantasy and actually has a very interesting world and depth which has me wanting book 2 so bad!
I loved it! Absolutely recommend 🫶
January 19, 2026
Crown of War and Shadow by J.R. ward is the first in her new series, Kingdoms of the Compass and one I can’t wait to read more of. I love J. R. Ward’s other series so when I saw this one I coy wait to read it and I so was not disappointed. It has rich world building and very well developed characters and it’s definitely a slow burn romantasy so what’s not to like! The characters have to go on an impossible quest that has many twist and turns. I loved how they both showed vulnerability and growth, while the story conveys the tension that kept me not wanting to put this book down. I want to thank @NetGallery @torbooks and @jrwardauthor for this chance to review this ARC for an honest review. And I’m definitely getting the physical book once it comes out February 17th!
Want to read
August 16, 2025I literally CANNOT WAIT to read this. JR Ward has been one of my fav authors since 2008!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5/5 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I am a huge fan of a J.R. Ward and was excited to listen to Crown of War and Shadow.
MI didn’t really know what to expect and it did start off a little slow for me. Once I was invested in Sorrel & Merc and what was going on around them that was it for me.
I loved getting to learn about Sorrel and Merc. They are both keeping secrets from each other about their pasts and the reason for them being on this journey, but even Sorrel doesn’t learn some of her truths until closer to the end.
Tropes:
*Forced proximity/Only one bed
*Chosen mates
*Dark mercenary
*Who did this to you?
*Touch her and die
*I'll die for you
*Hidden magic
I really, really, like Crown of War and Shadow and I can’t wait for J.R. Ward to give us more from the Kingdoms of the Compass series!
If you are a fan of J.R. Ward or Romantasy then I am sure this is a book for you! I would definitely recommend!
Audiobook was narrated by Stina Nielsen
I received an Advance Listener Copy from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an honest review.
3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I am a huge fan of a J.R. Ward and was excited to listen to Crown of War and Shadow.
MI didn’t really know what to expect and it did start off a little slow for me. Once I was invested in Sorrel & Merc and what was going on around them that was it for me.
I loved getting to learn about Sorrel and Merc. They are both keeping secrets from each other about their pasts and the reason for them being on this journey, but even Sorrel doesn’t learn some of her truths until closer to the end.
Tropes:
*Forced proximity/Only one bed
*Chosen mates
*Dark mercenary
*Who did this to you?
*Touch her and die
*I'll die for you
*Hidden magic
I really, really, like Crown of War and Shadow and I can’t wait for J.R. Ward to give us more from the Kingdoms of the Compass series!
If you are a fan of J.R. Ward or Romantasy then I am sure this is a book for you! I would definitely recommend!
Audiobook was narrated by Stina Nielsen
I received an Advance Listener Copy from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an honest review.
December 21, 2025
✨ Thank you to J.R. Ward, Bramble, Tor Publishing, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. ✨
I screamed and danced a little when I saw the approval for this book in my inbox. I was incredibly curious about J.R. Ward’s new series—especially since it leans more into fantasy—and eager to see how this story would unfold from her imagination to the page.
When a magical barrier protecting the world begins to crumble, unleashing demons into the mortal realm, an outcast woman named Sorrel is thrust into a destiny she never wanted. Branded as dangerous for her magic and blamed for tragedy, she’s tasked with an impossible mission: crossing the deadly Badlands, reclaiming a stolen crown, and convincing a powerful queen to save a dying world. Her only chance at survival lies with Merc, a ruthless mercenary whose loyalty is as dangerous as his secrets. What begins as a desperate bargain soon becomes something far more perilous—love, trust, and fate colliding amid war and shadow.
Sorrel pulled me in immediately with her resilience and strength. Watching her navigate fear, survival, and impossible choices made her easy to root for from the start. Her dynamic with Merc adds tension and intrigue, especially as their journey forces long-buried secrets from both of their pasts to surface. With darkness closing in around them, they must decide whether they can trust themselves—and each other—to survive.
A thrilling start to a dark romantasy series, Crown of War and Shadow blends peril, magic, and a slow-burn romance that will keep you hooked. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next.
#CrownofWarandShadow #Bramble #TorPublishing #NetGalley #FantasyBooks
I screamed and danced a little when I saw the approval for this book in my inbox. I was incredibly curious about J.R. Ward’s new series—especially since it leans more into fantasy—and eager to see how this story would unfold from her imagination to the page.
When a magical barrier protecting the world begins to crumble, unleashing demons into the mortal realm, an outcast woman named Sorrel is thrust into a destiny she never wanted. Branded as dangerous for her magic and blamed for tragedy, she’s tasked with an impossible mission: crossing the deadly Badlands, reclaiming a stolen crown, and convincing a powerful queen to save a dying world. Her only chance at survival lies with Merc, a ruthless mercenary whose loyalty is as dangerous as his secrets. What begins as a desperate bargain soon becomes something far more perilous—love, trust, and fate colliding amid war and shadow.
Sorrel pulled me in immediately with her resilience and strength. Watching her navigate fear, survival, and impossible choices made her easy to root for from the start. Her dynamic with Merc adds tension and intrigue, especially as their journey forces long-buried secrets from both of their pasts to surface. With darkness closing in around them, they must decide whether they can trust themselves—and each other—to survive.
A thrilling start to a dark romantasy series, Crown of War and Shadow blends peril, magic, and a slow-burn romance that will keep you hooked. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next.
#CrownofWarandShadow #Bramble #TorPublishing #NetGalley #FantasyBooks
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 STARS
Let's see: what can Sorrel do and what can she do that she has never done before? And what can she do that she was born with?
Well, she can predict when and how someone will die. She can reanimate someone/animals who are very near death, save near-dead babies, and those are just for starters.
Along her journey, she learns that she can control fire, ride like the wind, swim like a fish, and be saved by dragons. She can fall in love with someone who thinks she is whore, and, of course, Merc (yes, that is short for Mercenary) is a tall muscular, dark, brooding man with a sort of eye problem, and long dark hair (remind you of anyone we know?) who must be waiting for the right woman to fall in love with him so he can pull out from under that dark cloud of broodiness!
Now tossed into this salad is a Dark King who has demons running amok at his beck and call. Well he isn't called the Dark King for nothing! Dollars to donuts (and just what the heck does that mean?), he might also go to look for the woman who will love him and tame his inner demons, but I really, really doubt it! You have to read it to see what I mean.
Since this is the first book in this series, we can probably guess that she is going to be able to pull other tricks out of thin air. ( I was going to say - pull out of her ass, but that wouldn't be very ladylike now, would it!)
This book is a Kindle Unlimited book, so if you have Prime, it will be free to borrow...and may I say that this is a very good thing. It gives you a chance to see if you are going to like/love it and want the rest of the series, or hate/dislike it and not be out of any hard-earned cash.
Now, as for me, my thoughts are that Ms Ward managed to blend typical tropes with a lot, and I do mean a lot of inner dialogue, pondering, wishing, whining, on Sorrell's part, we never hear from Merc and thank goodness for that. Sorrel seems misread Merc every time she turns around.
We do have a fascinating twist in the plot that leaves me curious as to how we are going to get
Sorrel and Merc's collective butts out of the fire. Then again, it's not all it seems with these two.
*ARC wassupplied by the publisher Bramble, an imprint of Tor Publishing Group, and Macmillan, the author, and NetGalley.
Let's see: what can Sorrel do and what can she do that she has never done before? And what can she do that she was born with?
Well, she can predict when and how someone will die. She can reanimate someone/animals who are very near death, save near-dead babies, and those are just for starters.
Along her journey, she learns that she can control fire, ride like the wind, swim like a fish, and be saved by dragons. She can fall in love with someone who thinks she is whore, and, of course, Merc (yes, that is short for Mercenary) is a tall muscular, dark, brooding man with a sort of eye problem, and long dark hair (remind you of anyone we know?) who must be waiting for the right woman to fall in love with him so he can pull out from under that dark cloud of broodiness!
Now tossed into this salad is a Dark King who has demons running amok at his beck and call. Well he isn't called the Dark King for nothing! Dollars to donuts (and just what the heck does that mean?), he might also go to look for the woman who will love him and tame his inner demons, but I really, really doubt it! You have to read it to see what I mean.
Since this is the first book in this series, we can probably guess that she is going to be able to pull other tricks out of thin air. ( I was going to say - pull out of her ass, but that wouldn't be very ladylike now, would it!)
This book is a Kindle Unlimited book, so if you have Prime, it will be free to borrow...and may I say that this is a very good thing. It gives you a chance to see if you are going to like/love it and want the rest of the series, or hate/dislike it and not be out of any hard-earned cash.
Now, as for me, my thoughts are that Ms Ward managed to blend typical tropes with a lot, and I do mean a lot of inner dialogue, pondering, wishing, whining, on Sorrell's part, we never hear from Merc and thank goodness for that. Sorrel seems misread Merc every time she turns around.
We do have a fascinating twist in the plot that leaves me curious as to how we are going to get
Sorrel and Merc's collective butts out of the fire. Then again, it's not all it seems with these two.
*ARC wassupplied by the publisher Bramble, an imprint of Tor Publishing Group, and Macmillan, the author, and NetGalley.
November 26, 2025
Even though I’m not a huge fan of romantasy and prefer urban fantasy/paranormal thrillers, when I saw this series-opener by an author I’ve enjoyed in the past, I had to give it a try. We meet Sorrel, a girl who’s not in a good situation. Along comes Merc who becomes her guide to a new life. I have a lot of mixed feelings about this book. First off, I think it could have been condensed or tightened up a little bit as it dragged a little bit at times. Also, I didn’t feel I got to know Sorrel and Merc as much as we could have, and we really should have considering how long this book is. However, I did enjoy most of this even if it isn’t my favorite genre. 3 ½ stars rounded up to 4 since it’s the first book in a series. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
September 28, 2025
Title: Crown of War and Shadow
Author: J.R. Ward
Series: Kingdoms of the Compass #1
What to expect:
*Forced proximity
*Touch her & ☠️ vibes
*Chosen mates
The ebook version of this book just wasn’t for me, when the audio version is released I will try again and adjust my rating accordingly. I do love this author and everything that she writes!!
Format: NetGalley ebook
Genre: Paranormal romance
Overall Score:⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Characters: Sorrel (FMC) & Merc (MMC)
Author: J.R. Ward
Series: Kingdoms of the Compass #1
What to expect:
*Forced proximity
*Touch her & ☠️ vibes
*Chosen mates
The ebook version of this book just wasn’t for me, when the audio version is released I will try again and adjust my rating accordingly. I do love this author and everything that she writes!!
Format: NetGalley ebook
Genre: Paranormal romance
Overall Score:⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Characters: Sorrel (FMC) & Merc (MMC)
Want to read
December 31, 2025I must remember to read this before it's out in February. I have the ARC on my stack next to my bed.
November 30, 2025
I've been reading JR Ward for years. I was so excited to hear that she was stepping outside of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series to start a new romantasy quartet. I've enjoyed her books since I was a young adult and (having read several dozen of her novels), I feel like I am very familiar with her writing style. I'm struggling with this review, because this book did not feel like the author I know.
Sorrel lives a hard life. Orphaned and birth and possessing of secret magic that has made her an outcast, she scrapes by a living in the local tavern while performing small miracles for desperate people at night. When her villagers turn on her, believing her magic to be the cause of the failing gates keeping the demons and evil at bay, she makes a desperate bargain with a traveling mercenary. One night with him in exchange for safe passage to the next city. Before she departs, Sorrel is tasked with a mysterious quest from her supposedly long dead mother, involving a black crown and a magic compass. As Sorrel and Merc set upon their journey, questions about their pasts begin to arise. As demons and dark close in around them, they must trust themselves and each other if they hope to survive.
There is an interesting plot in here, but this book was not what I hoped it would be. The chemistry between the characters was rushed, the connection felt lacking and there were too many unbelievable elements in the story. Coupled with an exhausting number of deux-ex-machina moments, I unfortunately felt this ARC did not live up to its full potential. I know Ms. Ward is amazing at writing tension, yearning and slow burns. I'm disappointed we didnt get to see that here. I never felt any emotional investment into Merc and Sorrel. That being said, I didn't see see the twist ending coming and there is a lot of potential here. I am optimistic with some editorial work, the sequel will bring some clarity and cohesiveness the initial novel was lacking.
Thank you to TOR and Bramble for the opportunity to review this advanced copy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sorrel lives a hard life. Orphaned and birth and possessing of secret magic that has made her an outcast, she scrapes by a living in the local tavern while performing small miracles for desperate people at night. When her villagers turn on her, believing her magic to be the cause of the failing gates keeping the demons and evil at bay, she makes a desperate bargain with a traveling mercenary. One night with him in exchange for safe passage to the next city. Before she departs, Sorrel is tasked with a mysterious quest from her supposedly long dead mother, involving a black crown and a magic compass. As Sorrel and Merc set upon their journey, questions about their pasts begin to arise. As demons and dark close in around them, they must trust themselves and each other if they hope to survive.
There is an interesting plot in here, but this book was not what I hoped it would be. The chemistry between the characters was rushed, the connection felt lacking and there were too many unbelievable elements in the story. Coupled with an exhausting number of deux-ex-machina moments, I unfortunately felt this ARC did not live up to its full potential. I know Ms. Ward is amazing at writing tension, yearning and slow burns. I'm disappointed we didnt get to see that here. I never felt any emotional investment into Merc and Sorrel. That being said, I didn't see see the twist ending coming and there is a lot of potential here. I am optimistic with some editorial work, the sequel will bring some clarity and cohesiveness the initial novel was lacking.
Thank you to TOR and Bramble for the opportunity to review this advanced copy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 22, 2025
Be still my Romantasy lovin' heart, the supernatural romance queen herself, JR Ward, has entered the ring and given us the first in a series that ticks all the boxes. Young orphaned heroine wit a mysterious origin story? Check. A dark, dangerous, sexy and tortured warrior? Check. A perilous journey filled with deadly creatures and death defying obstacles at every turn? Check. Magic? Check. Dragons! Check. A scary villain back to conquer the realm and well, just be evil? Check.
Loved every second of it. Great storytelling, worldbuilding and characters. Plus romantic angst, profound revelations and a fantastic ending that left me wanting more.
Loved every second of it. Great storytelling, worldbuilding and characters. Plus romantic angst, profound revelations and a fantastic ending that left me wanting more.
Currently reading
October 24, 2025I literally opened the book, read the first few sentences, realized it was in first person, and closed it. I can't do first person! So disappointed.
January 31, 2026
5 stars ⭐️
ARC review
A big thank you to Bramble for providing me with a physical ARC (my first ever!!) in exchange for an honest review.
First five star read of 2026! This was one of my most anticipated releases of the year and it met my expectations. J.R Ward is in a league of her own because this was phenomenal, especially as it’s her first official romantasy novel. The Black Dagger Brotherhood has been my favorite series for over 10 years and to read something different from the Warden herself feels like a blessing. The plot, characters, swooning romance and the unexpected twists kept me well on the edge of my seat throughout the book and never was I not glued to the page. Ward is a storyteller through and through and this just proves that point.
I loved Sorrel, our FMC. She was strong, fearless and so selfless. She cares so much for the people around her and always sees the good in people. And for that, it’s hard not to adore her for it.
And Merc, our mysterious MMC, is everything you could possibly want in a hero. He’s a scarred, broody warrior who will kill for Sorrel. He also has a good sense of humor a well. What’s not to like?? I mean he even washes her hair and comforts her after a nightmare. He’s the definition of a swoon worthy hero. I absolutely love him!
Sorrel and Merc’s relationship is everything but a straight line. They have to overcome so many obstacles their way, one of them being trust and loyalty. Can they truly trust one another? Can they show their true vulnerability to each other? Their romance for sure kept me captivating. I love them so much!
I can’t really say too much but know that this book left me sobbing, flabbergasted and so excited for what’s coming. Can’t wait for the next book! You definitely don’t want to miss out on this book when it releases on February 17th if you love fantasy romance with magic, mystical creatures, danger, and both love and loss.
ARC review
A big thank you to Bramble for providing me with a physical ARC (my first ever!!) in exchange for an honest review.
First five star read of 2026! This was one of my most anticipated releases of the year and it met my expectations. J.R Ward is in a league of her own because this was phenomenal, especially as it’s her first official romantasy novel. The Black Dagger Brotherhood has been my favorite series for over 10 years and to read something different from the Warden herself feels like a blessing. The plot, characters, swooning romance and the unexpected twists kept me well on the edge of my seat throughout the book and never was I not glued to the page. Ward is a storyteller through and through and this just proves that point.
I loved Sorrel, our FMC. She was strong, fearless and so selfless. She cares so much for the people around her and always sees the good in people. And for that, it’s hard not to adore her for it.
And Merc, our mysterious MMC, is everything you could possibly want in a hero. He’s a scarred, broody warrior who will kill for Sorrel. He also has a good sense of humor a well. What’s not to like?? I mean he even washes her hair and comforts her after a nightmare. He’s the definition of a swoon worthy hero. I absolutely love him!
Sorrel and Merc’s relationship is everything but a straight line. They have to overcome so many obstacles their way, one of them being trust and loyalty. Can they truly trust one another? Can they show their true vulnerability to each other? Their romance for sure kept me captivating. I love them so much!
I can’t really say too much but know that this book left me sobbing, flabbergasted and so excited for what’s coming. Can’t wait for the next book! You definitely don’t want to miss out on this book when it releases on February 17th if you love fantasy romance with magic, mystical creatures, danger, and both love and loss.
January 17, 2026
The Crown of War and Shadow
J. R. Ward
Book snippet…
In the dead of night, passions rise and empires fall. Welcome to Kingdoms of the Compass.
The Fulcrum is failing, and demons are slipping into the mortal world, stalking the night.
No one is safe.
Especially not Sorrel. An orphan and an outcast, she’s spent her whole life within the walls of her small village, ostracized for her mystical abilities. She wants to survive…and maybe find somewhere she can call her true home. But Fate has other plans.
Sorrel has been chosen. Cursed.
She must cross the Badlands to return the Queen’s crown and convince the fearsome female to save their world from destruction.
Well aware she’s no brave hero, Sorrel makes a dangerous deal with Merc, a brooding, commanding mercenary known only by his unscrupulous profession.
The deal? A night in his bed that she will never forget, in exchange for her safe passage.
But Merc has secrets of his own, and even though passion runs hot between them, enemies are around every corner, and danger and betrayal threaten at every turn.
Crown of War and Shadow is the first book in the Kingdoms of the Compass series.
TROPES:
Forced proximity/Only one bed
Chosen mates
Dark mercenary
Who did this to you?
Touch her and die
I’ll die for you
Hidden magic
J.R. Ward is exceptionally good at what she does. Giving us worlds and characters that are out of this world. Her ability to transport us into her world and make us feel at home. Make us feel as if we have met these characters personally and known them our whole lives. To build a world that immerses us fully. Then just as we get comfortable with what we are experiencing, she flips a switch and plot twist! The warden I now realize has the ability to go from writing third person in The BDB series to writing first person in the Kingdoms of the Compass. Most people can’t do either. Some are lucky to be able to do one or the other. J.R. Wards writing, story, and world building is unparalleled.
From the moment I started reading The Crown of War and Shadow, I couldn’t put it down. I was sucked into the Fulcrum (so to speak). I fell in love with Sorrel and Merc. They are unlike any character I’ve read about. To me they are opposite but yet they are exactly alike. If I continue I will spoil things…So If you enjoy reading about the Brothers you will enjoy The Kingdoms of the Compass .
J. R. Ward
Book snippet…
In the dead of night, passions rise and empires fall. Welcome to Kingdoms of the Compass.
The Fulcrum is failing, and demons are slipping into the mortal world, stalking the night.
No one is safe.
Especially not Sorrel. An orphan and an outcast, she’s spent her whole life within the walls of her small village, ostracized for her mystical abilities. She wants to survive…and maybe find somewhere she can call her true home. But Fate has other plans.
Sorrel has been chosen. Cursed.
She must cross the Badlands to return the Queen’s crown and convince the fearsome female to save their world from destruction.
Well aware she’s no brave hero, Sorrel makes a dangerous deal with Merc, a brooding, commanding mercenary known only by his unscrupulous profession.
The deal? A night in his bed that she will never forget, in exchange for her safe passage.
But Merc has secrets of his own, and even though passion runs hot between them, enemies are around every corner, and danger and betrayal threaten at every turn.
Crown of War and Shadow is the first book in the Kingdoms of the Compass series.
TROPES:
Forced proximity/Only one bed
Chosen mates
Dark mercenary
Who did this to you?
Touch her and die
I’ll die for you
Hidden magic
J.R. Ward is exceptionally good at what she does. Giving us worlds and characters that are out of this world. Her ability to transport us into her world and make us feel at home. Make us feel as if we have met these characters personally and known them our whole lives. To build a world that immerses us fully. Then just as we get comfortable with what we are experiencing, she flips a switch and plot twist! The warden I now realize has the ability to go from writing third person in The BDB series to writing first person in the Kingdoms of the Compass. Most people can’t do either. Some are lucky to be able to do one or the other. J.R. Wards writing, story, and world building is unparalleled.
From the moment I started reading The Crown of War and Shadow, I couldn’t put it down. I was sucked into the Fulcrum (so to speak). I fell in love with Sorrel and Merc. They are unlike any character I’ve read about. To me they are opposite but yet they are exactly alike. If I continue I will spoil things…So If you enjoy reading about the Brothers you will enjoy The Kingdoms of the Compass .
January 27, 2026
This review is for Crown of War and Shadow by J.R. Ward which releases in the UK on the 17th February! Thanks so much to Netgalley and Little Brown Book Group UK/Piatkus for giving me an eArc copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I absolutely loved Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series, so was super excited to know they were writing a romantasy!! I had high expectations, but it did fall a little flat for me unfortunately.
I did love the setting though, it felt very Witcher-y with all the demon creatures and the villages. I especially loved the dragons (obviously) and I hope we get to see more of them later in the series as well.
However the pacing felt a little rushed in some places and then too slow in others. Th relationship between Merc and Sorrel just felt a bit stilted and I didn’t feel much chemistry, especially after they ended up doing the deed.
The storyline with the twists and turns did keep me interested though, some of them I couldn’t even predict!! I think I’ll likely definitely read the rest of the series though, as I can’t wait to see what happens with Sorrel and the revelations about herself. 👀 (I’m trying so hard to not write any spoilers hahah)
This first book definitely felt like a setup for the rest of the series and getting the plot points in place, so cannot wait to see what they do with the rest of the series. Would recommend this to the fantasy readers out there, but maybe more so when the other books in the series come out.
I absolutely loved Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series, so was super excited to know they were writing a romantasy!! I had high expectations, but it did fall a little flat for me unfortunately.
I did love the setting though, it felt very Witcher-y with all the demon creatures and the villages. I especially loved the dragons (obviously) and I hope we get to see more of them later in the series as well.
However the pacing felt a little rushed in some places and then too slow in others. Th relationship between Merc and Sorrel just felt a bit stilted and I didn’t feel much chemistry, especially after they ended up doing the deed.
The storyline with the twists and turns did keep me interested though, some of them I couldn’t even predict!! I think I’ll likely definitely read the rest of the series though, as I can’t wait to see what happens with Sorrel and the revelations about herself. 👀 (I’m trying so hard to not write any spoilers hahah)
This first book definitely felt like a setup for the rest of the series and getting the plot points in place, so cannot wait to see what they do with the rest of the series. Would recommend this to the fantasy readers out there, but maybe more so when the other books in the series come out.
October 20, 2025
I was very fortunate to receive an ARC of this book, releasing in Feb 2026.
This is a high fantasy/romantasy story that is centered around Sorrel. A girl shunned and hidden her whole life, but who spends her life secretly helping others. Sorrel has knowledge and powers that are they intertwined in healing and death. Her curse is that if she looks someone in the eyes, she will see and experience their death. Near her village lies the Fulcrum, a gateway of light slowly being overtaken by the dark. This is from when “the Savior” banished and prisoned the dark demon king away - but he is gaining strength and his demons are coming through. After that evil comes to town one night, Sorrel is blamed. And she must flee the only home she has known, with the help of a mysterious mercenary named Merc. Before she leaves she is told that she has a destiny - that she is more than she knows. With a magical compass and crown, she goes on a quest - at first for survival, then to try and rally other kingdoms help in the war against the dark king. All with Merc by her side. As their tension and chemistry grows, Sorrel finds herself constantly thrown off by the hot/cold rollercoaster that is Merc. But she must instead focus on the upcoming battle between bad and good, and the internal pull she also feels towards the evil.
This is a high fantasy/romantasy story that is centered around Sorrel. A girl shunned and hidden her whole life, but who spends her life secretly helping others. Sorrel has knowledge and powers that are they intertwined in healing and death. Her curse is that if she looks someone in the eyes, she will see and experience their death. Near her village lies the Fulcrum, a gateway of light slowly being overtaken by the dark. This is from when “the Savior” banished and prisoned the dark demon king away - but he is gaining strength and his demons are coming through. After that evil comes to town one night, Sorrel is blamed. And she must flee the only home she has known, with the help of a mysterious mercenary named Merc. Before she leaves she is told that she has a destiny - that she is more than she knows. With a magical compass and crown, she goes on a quest - at first for survival, then to try and rally other kingdoms help in the war against the dark king. All with Merc by her side. As their tension and chemistry grows, Sorrel finds herself constantly thrown off by the hot/cold rollercoaster that is Merc. But she must instead focus on the upcoming battle between bad and good, and the internal pull she also feels towards the evil.
October 21, 2025
ARC Review
Sorrel has always helped those in need, but now finds herself in need of help. When her powers and notoriety make her the focus of an angry mob, she must rely on the help of a strange mercenary in order to escape. This is a good start to a series with a unique magic system and interesting world building. The relationship between Sorrel and Merc is solid, engaging and didn't overpower the rest of the plot (which I find is often a problem within the genre). I do wish there had been a larger cast of characters, but that will probably be addressed in future books
Unfortunately for me, this book is written in present tense. I find that present tense prevents me from being fully engaged with a book because my brain keeps telling me the sentence structures are wrong for a story. I've read books before in present tense, but they have to be exceptional for my brain to bypass this stumbling block.
I think for readers who don't mind present tense, this could be a great romantasy for you. For me, the book didn't pull me in enough to overcome the tense, thus my rating.
Thank you NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for the ARC!
Sorrel has always helped those in need, but now finds herself in need of help. When her powers and notoriety make her the focus of an angry mob, she must rely on the help of a strange mercenary in order to escape. This is a good start to a series with a unique magic system and interesting world building. The relationship between Sorrel and Merc is solid, engaging and didn't overpower the rest of the plot (which I find is often a problem within the genre). I do wish there had been a larger cast of characters, but that will probably be addressed in future books
Unfortunately for me, this book is written in present tense. I find that present tense prevents me from being fully engaged with a book because my brain keeps telling me the sentence structures are wrong for a story. I've read books before in present tense, but they have to be exceptional for my brain to bypass this stumbling block.
I think for readers who don't mind present tense, this could be a great romantasy for you. For me, the book didn't pull me in enough to overcome the tense, thus my rating.
Thank you NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for the ARC!
January 21, 2026
Solid 4 stars!
This was definitely an exciting beginning to this new series. I’ll admit it did take me a bit to find my groove, but once I did, I couldn’t stop reading. I’m so used to the BDB series I had to change my way of thinking about this Romantasy. I think that was my problem. The romance seemed a bit insta, but not in a “Brother” type, so it wasn’t what I was used to. A little more forward than I expected. But it was fine. And it worked.
I definitely missed a few of the signs until the very end but I’m glad I did. The twists and turns kept me reading as fast as I could, and even WAY past my bedtime. I needed to know what was going to happen!
The journey that she was on seems horribly sad and lonely and my heart broke for her. I really hope there’s some type of discovery in the next one that will bring her joy.
Luckily this book ended in a way that keeps us wanting more but without all the screaming and freaking out. I’m sure that’ll be in the next book. 🫠
Thank you, Tor and Netgalley, for the ARC.
This was definitely an exciting beginning to this new series. I’ll admit it did take me a bit to find my groove, but once I did, I couldn’t stop reading. I’m so used to the BDB series I had to change my way of thinking about this Romantasy. I think that was my problem. The romance seemed a bit insta, but not in a “Brother” type, so it wasn’t what I was used to. A little more forward than I expected. But it was fine. And it worked.
I definitely missed a few of the signs until the very end but I’m glad I did. The twists and turns kept me reading as fast as I could, and even WAY past my bedtime. I needed to know what was going to happen!
The journey that she was on seems horribly sad and lonely and my heart broke for her. I really hope there’s some type of discovery in the next one that will bring her joy.
Luckily this book ended in a way that keeps us wanting more but without all the screaming and freaking out. I’m sure that’ll be in the next book. 🫠
Thank you, Tor and Netgalley, for the ARC.
January 28, 2026
DNF at 25%
No one is more disappointed than I am with my rating. I’m very familiar with JR Ward’s books and writing style. I love her BDB series and was thrilled when this book was announced. Despite this having a very exciting premise, it was a very boring book.
I got a little over 5 hours into the audiobook and very very little had happened. I wasn’t really excited by the book or the storyline. It could’ve been really cool but it just didn’t deliver. After five hours I knew little about our two main characters or their goals.
The narrator was a poor choice as well. She used a veryyy slow, melodic tone of voice, which I wasn’t a fan of and it didn’t match the character. If I were to just rate her I’d probably give 2/5.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
No one is more disappointed than I am with my rating. I’m very familiar with JR Ward’s books and writing style. I love her BDB series and was thrilled when this book was announced. Despite this having a very exciting premise, it was a very boring book.
I got a little over 5 hours into the audiobook and very very little had happened. I wasn’t really excited by the book or the storyline. It could’ve been really cool but it just didn’t deliver. After five hours I knew little about our two main characters or their goals.
The narrator was a poor choice as well. She used a veryyy slow, melodic tone of voice, which I wasn’t a fan of and it didn’t match the character. If I were to just rate her I’d probably give 2/5.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
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