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Noctis Rising: Blood & Magic, Book 1
THEY DON’T WANT HER DEAD.
THEY WANT HER TO KNEEL.
In the hidden city of Noctis, where eldritch horrors stir beneath cobblestone streets and magic is bartered like blood, Serena Morrigan wanted only one to escape and stay gone. Fate had other plans. Born of forbidden power and hunted for what lives in her bones, Serena is dragged into a prophecy she never asked for and soul-bond she doesn't understand.
Gabriel Cade was supposed to be detached, professional, lethal. But Noctis doesn’t breed clean exits, and the bond he shares with Serena, raw and entirely unexpected, might be the only thing keeping them both alive. He was sworn to protect her; he never expected to need her. She's dangerous, defiant, and nothing like he expected, and she might be the only person alive who can stand against what's coming.
Secrets have teeth in Noctis. Trust is earned in blood. And love? That's the deadliest magic of all.
Together, they'll face death cults, cursed magic, a sentient city, and the twisted legacy of her father. But the deeper they delve into Noctis's shadows, the more Serena begins to remember who she truly is, and what she was born to become.
SHE’S NOT THE GIRL THEY EXPECTED.
SHE’S THE STORM THEY NEVER SAW COMING.
Perfect for fans of Hailey Edwards, Carissa Broadbent, and K.F. Breene - where dark magic, deadly prophecy, and explosive romance collide in a city that doesn’t forgive—or forget.
THEY WANT HER TO KNEEL.
In the hidden city of Noctis, where eldritch horrors stir beneath cobblestone streets and magic is bartered like blood, Serena Morrigan wanted only one to escape and stay gone. Fate had other plans. Born of forbidden power and hunted for what lives in her bones, Serena is dragged into a prophecy she never asked for and soul-bond she doesn't understand.
Gabriel Cade was supposed to be detached, professional, lethal. But Noctis doesn’t breed clean exits, and the bond he shares with Serena, raw and entirely unexpected, might be the only thing keeping them both alive. He was sworn to protect her; he never expected to need her. She's dangerous, defiant, and nothing like he expected, and she might be the only person alive who can stand against what's coming.
Secrets have teeth in Noctis. Trust is earned in blood. And love? That's the deadliest magic of all.
Together, they'll face death cults, cursed magic, a sentient city, and the twisted legacy of her father. But the deeper they delve into Noctis's shadows, the more Serena begins to remember who she truly is, and what she was born to become.
SHE’S NOT THE GIRL THEY EXPECTED.
SHE’S THE STORM THEY NEVER SAW COMING.
Perfect for fans of Hailey Edwards, Carissa Broadbent, and K.F. Breene - where dark magic, deadly prophecy, and explosive romance collide in a city that doesn’t forgive—or forget.
479 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2025
1 person is currently reading
10 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 1, 2025
✨️ARC✨️
Noctis Rising kept me glued to my seat from the very first page to the very last! The city of Noctis is incredibly eerie and physically ever-changing, definitely a spooky realm of shifting nightmares. Serena, the fierce female main character, returns home to carve her own path. While many outside forces try to carve it for her. She is undeniably strong, determined, and resilient, even when she discovers that much of what she believed is so different from what she thought. I appreciated that despite her immense power, she only resorted to using it as a last resort, never to take the easy way out. However, her abilities do come with a cost, so maybe using it wasn't the easy way. Serena fought hard to write her own narrative and refused to become what anyone else expected of her. With help from the male main character, Gabriel, who was wonderfully supportive and protective without being overbearing or condescending.
Now, let’s talk about my absolute favorite character, Riot! From the start, it was clear he was more than just a canine companion to Serena. I adored his personality; he communicated so much without uttering a single word. And when he did speak, it was *chef's kiss*! He’s sassy, protective, strong, loving, loyal, and undeniably a badass, complete with a super cool eldritch horror form. I can hardly wait to see what unfolds for Noctis, Serena, Gabriel, and Riot in the next book!
Thank You A.L. Richard's and BookFunnel for the opportunity to read this book early!
Noctis Rising kept me glued to my seat from the very first page to the very last! The city of Noctis is incredibly eerie and physically ever-changing, definitely a spooky realm of shifting nightmares. Serena, the fierce female main character, returns home to carve her own path. While many outside forces try to carve it for her. She is undeniably strong, determined, and resilient, even when she discovers that much of what she believed is so different from what she thought. I appreciated that despite her immense power, she only resorted to using it as a last resort, never to take the easy way out. However, her abilities do come with a cost, so maybe using it wasn't the easy way. Serena fought hard to write her own narrative and refused to become what anyone else expected of her. With help from the male main character, Gabriel, who was wonderfully supportive and protective without being overbearing or condescending.
Now, let’s talk about my absolute favorite character, Riot! From the start, it was clear he was more than just a canine companion to Serena. I adored his personality; he communicated so much without uttering a single word. And when he did speak, it was *chef's kiss*! He’s sassy, protective, strong, loving, loyal, and undeniably a badass, complete with a super cool eldritch horror form. I can hardly wait to see what unfolds for Noctis, Serena, Gabriel, and Riot in the next book!
Thank You A.L. Richard's and BookFunnel for the opportunity to read this book early!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2025
This book is weird in the best way possible.
In a cursed city (literally though) our FMC is trying to outrun a legacy she never asked for. But fate, and/or something darker, has other plans. With dangerous power in her veins and a stranger sworn to protect her, our FMC is forced to face what she is, what the city wants from her, and what she might become.
From the start, it felt like someone wrote a book about what it would actually be like to live in Shadesmar from Stormlight Archive. It’s eerie, intense, and just a little creepy in a way that really worked for me. I found it super refreshing. This didn’t feel like anything I’ve read before.
The main character is sarcastic, independent, and fierce, and I loved how relatable she was right away. She’s powerful, but haunted by the fear that she might be as monstrous as her father. That tension adds so much depth to her journey. The love interest is sworn to protect her, but he has his own demons, and their dynamic is full of tension and slow-burn intensity.
Some things that I loved:
-The author doesn’t waste time on long-winded exposition, the world-building is sprinkled in naturally and never slows the pace.
-There’s dual POV!!!!
-He falls first!! And there is so much yearning
-There’s also a badass, overprotective dog who is fiercely loyal to the FMC, and honestly, that alone would’ve sold me.
The magic system is genuinely cool. It’s rooted in the idea of parallel universes and layered realities, which adds this extra sense of mystery and danger to everything. I was fascinated by how it all worked and I definitely want to learn even more about it in future books.
Overall, this was dark, strange, and totally unique. If you’re feeling burned out on fantasy that feels the same, give this one a try. It’s doing something different and did an excellent job at it.
In a cursed city (literally though) our FMC is trying to outrun a legacy she never asked for. But fate, and/or something darker, has other plans. With dangerous power in her veins and a stranger sworn to protect her, our FMC is forced to face what she is, what the city wants from her, and what she might become.
From the start, it felt like someone wrote a book about what it would actually be like to live in Shadesmar from Stormlight Archive. It’s eerie, intense, and just a little creepy in a way that really worked for me. I found it super refreshing. This didn’t feel like anything I’ve read before.
The main character is sarcastic, independent, and fierce, and I loved how relatable she was right away. She’s powerful, but haunted by the fear that she might be as monstrous as her father. That tension adds so much depth to her journey. The love interest is sworn to protect her, but he has his own demons, and their dynamic is full of tension and slow-burn intensity.
Some things that I loved:
-The author doesn’t waste time on long-winded exposition, the world-building is sprinkled in naturally and never slows the pace.
-There’s dual POV!!!!
-He falls first!! And there is so much yearning
-There’s also a badass, overprotective dog who is fiercely loyal to the FMC, and honestly, that alone would’ve sold me.
The magic system is genuinely cool. It’s rooted in the idea of parallel universes and layered realities, which adds this extra sense of mystery and danger to everything. I was fascinated by how it all worked and I definitely want to learn even more about it in future books.
Overall, this was dark, strange, and totally unique. If you’re feeling burned out on fantasy that feels the same, give this one a try. It’s doing something different and did an excellent job at it.
September 15, 2025
3.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
2/5 🌶🌶
"This wasn’t surrender. It might be sacrifice, but for him, I would make it. Every. Single. Time."
This world was so unique and perfectly magical while simultaneously ominous. I love the premise of a time-warped underworld connected to ours that is shrouded in "could've beens" and prophecy. I did find myself very confused at times, this read like a sequel and I had to do some jumping around and assuming to piece everything together. I would have appreciated more details on concepts and higher powers overall, but still really enjoyed the read! The yearning and romance was very good, if a little insta-lovey, but still something I'd recommend!
Thank you for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review, Noctis Rising was a good, entertaining book I'd recommend to anyone who loves spooky, otherworldly fantasy romance!
2/5 🌶🌶
"This wasn’t surrender. It might be sacrifice, but for him, I would make it. Every. Single. Time."
This world was so unique and perfectly magical while simultaneously ominous. I love the premise of a time-warped underworld connected to ours that is shrouded in "could've beens" and prophecy. I did find myself very confused at times, this read like a sequel and I had to do some jumping around and assuming to piece everything together. I would have appreciated more details on concepts and higher powers overall, but still really enjoyed the read! The yearning and romance was very good, if a little insta-lovey, but still something I'd recommend!
Thank you for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review, Noctis Rising was a good, entertaining book I'd recommend to anyone who loves spooky, otherworldly fantasy romance!
July 23, 2025
I read Noctis Rising as an early reader. The author has an amazing prose to her writing. It is an immersive world, and I felt like I was watching Serena, Gabriel, and Riot's journey step by step at all angles. I believe this series would be an excellent video game, and I applaud Richards for unintentionally making me want to develop a video game just so I can play it.
I don't have time for that. 😂
So, if you appreciate strong female leads, cinematic prose, and a world you can melt within, pick up Noctis Rising.
I don't have time for that. 😂
So, if you appreciate strong female leads, cinematic prose, and a world you can melt within, pick up Noctis Rising.
January 30, 2026
I don’t even know how to write this review. This is a very unique magic system, in a magical town that writes its own rules. And changes said rules. Serena and Gabriel are definitely put to the test. A.L. Richards paints a very vivid picture. The battles, the self reflect, the character builds, all moments are consistent and engulfing. I don’t know how to reflect on what I took away from this story without giving things away. But I do know this will be kept on my shelf and reread many times in my future.
July 22, 2025
Excellent storyline! I wasn't much in to this genre until I read this book. Suspense, drama, action, and romance… I found it hard to put down. Enough detail is provided the reader to allow Noctis and the characters to come to life in the mind’s eye, each tailored to how the reader visualizes them. I absolutely enjoyed reading this one and will definitely read it again. Looking forward to where this one goes in the future
August 19, 2025
This book grabbed me by the throat and didn’t let go.
I don’t even know where to start. The atmosphere of Noctis is chef’s kiss grimy, magical, alive in the most unsettling way. Serena is everything I want in a heroine: sharp, stubborn, flawed, but with this raw power simmering under her skin. Gabriel Dangerous cinnamon roll. The tension between them is electric. The bond trope enemies-to-trust dynamic is perfection. And the line between horror and fantasy here Deliciously dark.
I don’t even know where to start. The atmosphere of Noctis is chef’s kiss grimy, magical, alive in the most unsettling way. Serena is everything I want in a heroine: sharp, stubborn, flawed, but with this raw power simmering under her skin. Gabriel Dangerous cinnamon roll. The tension between them is electric. The bond trope enemies-to-trust dynamic is perfection. And the line between horror and fantasy here Deliciously dark.
July 31, 2025
Wow! Every bit of this story is absolutely amazing. The world building was detailed without info dumping. The characters were deep and so wonderfully well written.
October 10, 2025
I wish I had read this sooner! Magic and danger, all within our world. The high stakes of the end of the world combined with romance kept me
turning the pages. And the "dog", Riot, stole my
heart.
turning the pages. And the "dog", Riot, stole my
heart.
October 10, 2025
The story line had me hooked,I enjoyed this story so much. I couldnt put this down.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews