The Reader

by Hope E. Davis

Perfect for fans of the plot of Quicksilver and the magic system of One Dark Window, The Reader is an adult romantsy with dystopian themes written for those who feel powerless in life because of their stature, position, or gender.

I was born into this life only to walk another
Until the front lines began to falter
The viscount came and knocked on my door
Demanding that my brother join the war.
I disguised myself and volunteered in his stead
Only to discover I wasn’t the person they thought they had.

Forced to pass on magic, I lived my life in chains
But little does the viscount know…
I’m the biggest threat to his unending reign.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance

Unknown Binding

Expected publication January 15, 2026

About the author

When Hope isn’t writing her next novel, she is busy traveling the world, trying new foods, or hanging out with friends. A graduate from Metropolitan State University, Hope grew up in Colorado, USA, but currently calls the Netherlands her home. To find information about her other or future novels, follow Hope on TikTok or Instagram: @hopeedavisauthor.

Reviews

[Kimmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Reader by Hope E. Davis
Release Date: January 15, 2026

I honestly could not put this book down once I started it, I finished it within 24 hours across just two days. The world-building was solid, and the scope expanded naturally as Runa was forced to venture beyond her small town. I personally love this kind of progression because it lets you discover the world alongside the main character. With so many magic-users killed during the Purge, Runa knows very little about her own powers, and as she unravels the truth, we learn right along with her.

The magic system was fascinating and felt refreshingly unique. I’ve never read anything quite like it, and I really enjoyed the idea that a Reader could be the most powerful person in the room. I’m excited to see Runa grow into a truly kickass FMC.

Overall, this was a fantastic read for anyone who loves fantasy with a strong thread of romance especially if you enjoy a slightly morally grey male lead.

Thank you so much to Hope E. Davis and MTMCTours for the gifted copy.

[Ceacea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Hope E. Davis for the gift of this eARC.
Genre: Fantasy Romance
⭐️4/5
🌶2/5
🧠3/10
Cliffhanger: 7/10
Noteworthy: Book 1 of an incomplete trilogy. Single first-person POV. Publication date is 1/15/2026.

This book has some unique aspects for the genre. Two kingdoms at war for reasons that seem to be as vast as they are unknown. It's full of secrets we haven't even scratched the surface of in this relatively short first book. Magic has been purged and is forbidden. but to what extent is the question. Our main girl Runa was born a twin which is forbidden not just because of a one child rule, but also her family's covens superstitions. Instead of giving her up to die or be sent into service, her parents make her and her brother share the same life under his name. Keeping them looking as much a like as possible. A day comes when Runa is no longer able to hide who she is and is thrust into the war without allegiance to either side. Chaos issues!

The pacing in this book is really nice. The mysteries and secrets seemed to be just stacked on top of each other. The plot seems to be only partially revealed in this first installment keeping us waiting and wanting more knowledge of what is actually going on. There is a love triangle here but it's shorter on one side if that makes sense. 😂 I wish we had time to establish more depth for the side characters so they were more than just tools to move the plot along. Hopefully they keep getting development throughout the series.

Overall all this is a very quick, good fantasy romance read that will have you wishing is was longer. Beware the cliffhanger!

[Unleishd_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Runa is the chaos I crave!
Magic, rebellion, and a girl who refuses to be underestimated. The Reader delivers dystopian romantasy with sharp teeth and a heroine who’s done playing nice. Hope E. Davis understood the assignment!

[Serrendippiet · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anyone who has ever wished that reading was a magic power.
Born into this life, only to walk it in the shoes of another. Will Runa ever be free to be herself or will she be stuck as a pawn in a war she didn't sign up for?

The Reader takes you on a striking adventure full of lies, secrets and betrayals. The plot was perfectly paced with genuine, non-stop suspense, there was always something happening or being revealed that kept it easy to continue reading well into the early morning. I liked that while The Reader had great depth, it also had simple and easy to understand world-building. The Reader felt like a book that was well thought-out with a dark, mysterious history. However, it never felt confusing and explanations on the why, what and when felt like they were seamlessly integrated into story without info-dumping. The book is filled with complex, emotionally charged characters that leave you wondering their true intentions the whole time. There were plenty of times my heart really broke for Runa, the girl can't seem to catch a break when all she wanted was a quiet life to be herself. Instead, it seems, life in Heimland has greater plans for her and with a cliffhanger like that, I can't wait for the second book, The Seeker.

This book was a rollercoaster with high-stakes and a heroine literally fighting for her own life. The Reader is the perfect introduction to the trilogy!

[Summer Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! There's magic, fantasy, adventure, and so much more! Hope E. Davis creates a world to fall in love with. There's a strong FMC who blooms into her true self with every turn of the page. A slow burn that keeps you wanting more!

[Carli.Reads.A.Latte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm still processing WHAT

[J White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Davis has created a beautiful, magical world. The characters' personalities are each unique and crafted in a way that adds to the storyline. For me, some explanations are not well created, but overall, this is a fun world to get lost into!

[Erin Arkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

The Reader by Hope E. Davis is a solid entry into the adult romantasy genre, offering a unique magic system set in a world grappling with dystopian control and secrets. The novel has strong core concepts and a fast-paced plot that keeps the pages turning, establishing a compelling foundation for what promises to be an intense series.

The story is set in a kingdom where magic is outlawed and controlled, existing only in whispers and ancient texts following a violent "Purge." The stakes are immediately high for our protagonist, Runa. Born a twin in a society where having more than one child is strictly forbidden—and the second child often claimed by the King for servitude—Runa and her twin brother, Milo, have been forced to share a single life, constantly living under the guise of the sole male child. This setup provides an immediate, high-tension premise that is both brave and heartbreaking.

The fragile secret shatters when Runa is forced to volunteer in her brother’s stead on the front lines of a brewing war. Thrust out of her sheltered existence, she begins to uncover truths about her family, the Purge, and the terrifying power she unknowingly holds as a "Reader." This specific magic—the ability to harness power through texts and the act of reading—is truly original, grounding the fantasy in a concept that resonates deeply with anyone who loves books. As the plot unfolds and Runa’s secret is inevitably compromised, she finds herself caught between two kingdoms, two strong male leads, and the destiny of her world.

The biggest highlight of the book is the gradual unfolding of the world-building and the mysteries surrounding the forbidden magic. The complex web of secrets, betrayals, and political machinations kept me hooked, eager to see the next twist.

However, the book's main obstacle for me was the execution of Runa's character arc. While she is introduced with incredible potential—a character physically strong, highly intelligent, and capable of wielding immense power—her behavior often felt frustratingly wishy-washy. Runa is repeatedly put in situations where she is underestimated, bullied, or manipulated, and her reaction often felt passive rather than proactive. Despite the immense power she begins to access and the high stakes of her circumstances, Runa frequently allowed secondary characters to walk all over her, failing to leverage her intellect or new-found magical prowess to defend herself or seize agency. For a heroine fighting for her life and identity, her lack of assertive self-preservation throughout crucial parts of the narrative made it difficult to fully connect with her journey and root for her success.

The Reader delivers a genuinely imaginative concept and an engrossing plot with plenty of political tension, slow-burn romance, and solid fantasy elements. The world-building around the magic system is fantastic, and the dual-identity trope adds compelling emotional weight.

While the story itself is a strong piece of fantasy, my struggle with Runa’s consistent passivity prevents me from fully embracing the series. The massive cliffhanger certainly demands a sequel, and the unresolved mysteries about the war and the king’s secrets are tantalizing. However, my desire to continue hinges entirely on seeing Runa evolve from a reluctant pawn into the powerful, kickass heroine the synopsis promises she will become. If the next book, The Seeker, features a Runa who actively fights back, trusts her own instincts, and stops letting others dictate her life, I would happily return to this world. As it stands, I am pausing here, hopeful but uncertain about where her character journey will lead next.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Stina Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cliffhangers should come with warning labels, because The Reader by Hope E. Davis ends with one that nearly ended me. When I saw “Seeker August 2025” at the end, I genuinely thought the sequel was already available. Discovering that it won’t release until next August felt like emotional sabotage. Once I recovered from that heartbreak, I realized the book itself was worth every bit of the chaos it caused.
The Reader offers a gripping premise set in a world where families are restricted to only one child. Runa, however, is a hidden twin, forced to live her entire life pretending to be her brother Milo. She dresses like him, talks like him, and essentially becomes him in order to protect her family from harsh consequences. The fragile lie starts to crumble when her parents overlook one crucial rule: every firstborn son must enlist in a brutal, never-ending war. That moment marks the end of Runa’s disguise and the beginning of her true story, one shaped by sacrifice, danger, and a world far more intricate than she ever realized.
Runa herself is an incredibly compelling protagonist. She’s selfless in that classic romantasy-heroine way, strong, loyal, and willing to give everything for the people she loves, and that very trait makes it all too easy for others to take advantage of her. Her relationship with Milo is especially frustrating; he is selfish, oblivious, and frankly undeserving of the protection she’s given him all her life. In contrast, side characters like Friar and Astrid absolutely shine. They add heart, humor, and depth to every scene they’re in, and I sincerely hope they play an even bigger role in the next book.
While the pacing slows in places, much of that stems from the complexity of the magic system, which demands close attention. The worldbuilding is layered and detailed, and the relationships, both romantic and familial, are messy, morally gray, and emotionally charged. The family dynamics in particular are uncomfortable in a way that feels intentional, highlighting just how much Runa has been forced to sacrifice.
By the time I reached the final pages, I was furious in the best, most emotionally invested way possible. The ending is bold, dramatic, and guaranteed to linger in your mind. I have a long list of questions I desperately hope will be answered in book two, along with one very firm opinion about the love interest I’m rooting for. From his first appearance, he became the one for me. He deserves so much more than he’s gotten so far, and if Runa doesn’t appreciate him properly, I absolutely will. He can be my Weighted mate any day.
Despite the agony of waiting for the sequel, The Reader is a powerful and compelling beginning to a series with rich worldbuilding and unforgettable characters. I’ll be counting the days until the next installment arrives.

[love, Mona · Rating 3 out of 5]

A truly imaginative and unique world and magical system in a kingdom where magic is forbidden and on the edge of war.

Runa is a twin in a society where having more than one child is against the law. She grows up hiding, sharing a life with her twin brother and pretending to be him. She is thrust into the front lines of the war when her brother is conscripted and she is taken in his place. There she begins to uncover the truth of her heritage and her power as a Reader - the ability to give magic to individuals by the act of reading magical books. In a kingdom where magic is outlawed and exists only in the cautionary tales of the Purges, Runa’s heritage is uncovered and she finds herself thrust into a precarious position.

I really enjoyed the premise of this book and felt it had a lot of potential but something fell short for me in the execution unfortunately. I think this was due to a factor of character development and the use of the world building.

Runa had the potential to be a strong and compelling protagonist but her character arc unfortunately didn’t allow for this in my eyes. She is capable of wielding and granting magic and is resilient and strong due to her upbringing. Despite all these strong traits, she lets other characters frequently walk over her and diminish her. I found this incredibly frustrating as it wasn’t an area of development for her but almost a permeant trait. I felt that she never took control of her own story and let every move be dictated by others. Even, getting to shed the persona of pretending to be Milo, didn’t change her personal arc and I felt that there were many missed moments where she could have decided to take agency but didn’t and this made the plot feel rather flat as well as I couldn’t connect with her properly.

The world building and magical system had many great elements to it and this was a definite highlight. However, there were areas that I felt could have been further developed and felt a little two dimensional without this development. This is rather a hard point to describe but I felt that the bones of the world were really strong and had a lot of potential but it wasn’t fleshed out in a convincing way for me?

There were certainty a lot of tantalising questions left unanswered and an ending which leaves an interesting direction for the sequel. I feel that the series has potential if the future books show a more compelling character arc and flesh out the world to make it more convincing for the reader and allow them to become engrossed in the world.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hope E.Davis for the opportunity to read the arc.

[Em Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series has so much potential and I loved the beginning. I thought the magic element was fresh, I enjoyed the sacrificed twin aspect, and was really excited to see the character growth. I felt like the foundation to be great was there but the execution just missed the mark for me.
My biggest holdups were:
The characters and descriptions - I need more than just hair color, eye color, and tall. I couldn't picture the characters a lot of the time and was confused when everyone suddenly believed throwing a dress on "Milo" completely changed him into Runa.
Collum's sudden personality change, what's the basis, is she good or not? Why do we act like she was a mother figure to 15 year olds. 15 year olds are old enough to remember more and have more opinions than what was being portrayed.
Based on Runa's initial description, she is physically strong, gifted with potions/herbs, and studying engineering. Why do we see none of these attributes at play throughout the book? She is a weakling "male" with zero fighting skills, she never uses her potion prowess except in mention and towards the very end (which was comically written that she was hurrying to heal her cousin's fever so she makes a potion but then is too tired to give it to her, and when she takes the time to make the "pepper gas" which was only used on the soldiers who broke into the room she was working in; that made no sense.) And its never shown that she has any bit of a sharp mind or cleverness.
The Transitions - I felt like there was a lot of "and suddenly he appeared" type scenarios. Do these men have teleportation powers? Because it sure seems like it. I found it tough to get through the meat of the book - it just felt like a whole lot of nothing to me unfortunately.
The magic - where is it??? It's such a cool concept yet it is barely integrated into the story.
I did enjoy the ending and I felt like that potential picked back up from where I felt it missing in the middle.
But what do I know, I certainly could never write a book, so take my opinions with a grain of salt.

[Mels · Rating 3 out of 5]

★★★⯪☆ 3.5

*Sort of spoilers ahead*

We start learning about Ralheim in snippets at the beginning, so the world is discovered throughout the book alongside Runa, our magical second twin protagonist. Seems that because we have to know the world asap to understand upcoming events, Runa is kidnapped again and again and again and so we are thrusted into different settings in a short period of time and we meet A LOT of characters, which overall made the plot feel rushed and the world-building feeble; I hope the over explanations we are given when Runa is going from place to place so goddamn quick are to expand the Seid history and the information on Salheim on the next book.
There was information given on the main character’s family which got me going “huh?!” i.e. a lot of contradictions regarding MC’s feelings towards her cousin and the magic they read, she doesn’t feel like she is on her side but later wants to save her? There are more instances like this in which Runa contradicts her feelings without justification but for something we find out later on.

For the romance I feel conflicted, usually dark romances are a little more intense on the psychological or physical aspect, but this is pretty light on the dark tbh. Although most of the book I felt the romantic relationships were one dimensional and forced, it started making sense towards the end of the book which in all honesty I really liked, so for me it was more of a “give it time” book since most of what had been learned and well, what I’d felt regarding some characters, starts to connect.

This is an entertaining reading if you like magic, if you read and liked Inkheart, and if you are patient to find the answers to the questions that may come up while reading this book which I do recommend.

Thank you Victory Editing and NetGalley for the eARC!

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Reader: A Fun & Frustrated Review (4/5 Stars)
👯 The Plot Starter: "I Can Totally Pass for My Twin Brother" – Our heroine, Runa, makes the tactical genius move of replacing her twin brother in the military draft. Because why just hide when you can risk execution by committing military impersonation? It’s bold, but honestly, the fact this worked for longer than a minute proves that Ralheim’s recruitment system is flawless.
✍️ The Draft Twist: "The War Needs... A Linguist?" – Before Runa can even load a rifle, she’s judged "too thin" and conscripted into service at the Viscount's palace. This is peak military efficiency: rejecting a soldier for being slight, but immediately forcing them into high-stakes espionage because they know the magical equivalent of Latin.
👑 The Viscount: The Grumpy CEO of War – Viscount Adis is your classic morally gray anti-hero. He's cold, he's powerful, and he wants Runa's magic to win his "petty war." He’s the boss who assigns you a project that will decide the fate of the nation on a Friday afternoon.
✨ The Magic System: Grammar Is Power – The magic revolves entirely around a specific language. This book will make every English major feel truly powerful. Runa isn't fighting dragons with swords; she's fighting tyrants with well-structured clauses. It's truly revolutionary.
🧐 Overall Vibe: "This Is Above My Pay Grade" – A delightfully intense romantasy that constantly reminds the reader that Runa is just one misplaced magical modifier away from chaos. A highly fun read, despite the obvious lack of a union for magical conscripts.
💌 Acknowledgments
Thank you to the NetGalley Editor for the chance to review, and to the brilliant writer, Hope E. Davis, for this imaginative, word-powered adventure!

[Dayna Smith]

A Dark, Addictive Fantasy Full of Secrets, Betrayals, and Heart

The Reader by Hope E. Davis takes you on a striking adventure overflowing with lies, secrets, and betrayals. From the first page, I was hooked. The pacing is perfect — genuine, non-stop suspense where something is always happening or being revealed. It’s the kind of story that keeps you saying, “just one more chapter,” until you realize it’s 2 a.m.

What I loved most was the balance between depth and clarity. The world-building in The Reader is rich and mysterious, yet never overwhelming. Everything — the magic, the politics, the dark history of Heimland — feels well thought out and seamlessly explained, without ever slipping into info-dumping.

The characters are another highlight. They’re complex, flawed, and emotionally charged — every one of them left me questioning their true intentions. My heart broke more than once for Runa; she’s a heroine who simply wanted a quiet life but instead is forced into a world that demands her strength and courage. Watching her navigate that reality made me deeply invested in her journey.

This book truly felt like a rollercoaster — high-stakes, emotional, and full of tension. The final chapters had me holding my breath, and that cliffhanger! I can’t wait to dive into book two, The Seeker.

The Reader is the perfect introduction to what promises to be a gripping, emotional, and powerfully written trilogy. Highly recommend for fans of dark fantasy, morally gray characters, and heroines who refuse to give up no matter the odds.

[Cinnamon&Pine · Rating 3 out of 5]

When reading aloud becomes power

Runa grows up in a city where both the state and the local coven have a problem with more than one child aka twins. Thanks to loving parents, she survives hidden, taking turns pretending to be her brother. That works out—until her 25th birthday, when said brother is due to be conscripted. Cue disaster.
Dragged off under the wrong name and believed to be a man, Runa’s unusual ability to read aloud books of magic makes her a valuable tool—and a target.
What follows is an escape attempt that spirals into a love triangle, a handful of betrayals, and enough impulsive decisions to make you wince.

My favorite MMC fell first (of course he did), but she fell for the other one. What a mess.


It’s for you if you like
• Love triangles
• The concept of reading as magic
• One moody, broody MMC who practically drips intensity


Not for you if you don’t like
• Love triangles (for obvious reasons)
• Impulsive, naïve heroines who confuse attention and love and trust everyone
• Cliffhangers
• “Using your body to reach your goals” moments
• Worldbuilding with city names like Salheim, Malheim, Walheim
• More questions than answers at the end


⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)
A solid concept with some frustrating choices and a heroine I want to shake—repeatedly. But the idea that reading is magic and the emotionally tangled MMCs kept me going. Just… brace yourself for that cliffhanger.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Natalie Lapointe · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a read! I had the pleasure of reading this as an Advanced Reader and I can’t wait for this to drop in January 2026!

The plot gave Mulan vibes with a woman taking the place of her male family member in a war, but boy, you cannot mix Runa up with Mulan. Runa might cut you. Rather than being sent to the barracks to be trained as a soldier, Runa ends up as “The Reader” to a Viscount looking for magic power so he can take over other Viscount’s territory.

This was the start of a great fantasy series. You have a very likable yet somewhat naive FMC, Viscounts fighting for power and rewriting maps to fit their narrative, and an entire population that was “purged” because they knew magic. What more could you want? Oh…yeah…ROMANCE! The weirdest love triangle (and it being the weirdest makes it the most unique).

The love triangle plays off of the idea the higher powers that be have fated people to be together but there is no “official” sign here. I was thrown back and forth between rooting for Leif and Otho. This seriously could be the next Edward/Jacob fiasco.

Overall, this was a book I wanted to take my time with. I was enthralled from the beginning, and as I got closer and closer to the end, I was more and more on the edge of my seat. I needed to know what was gonna happen. And now that I know, I wish I could scrub the memories from my brain and start again. I will be rather impatiently waiting for the second and third installments!

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5


Runa nació sentenciada a muerte. En Ralheim, los gemelos son considerados portadores de magia oscura y uno debe morir al nacer. Pero sus padres decidieron desafiar la ley y ocultar que Milo tenía una hermana. Así, Runa creció viviendo la vida de su hermano, escondida detrás de vendas, imitaciones y miedo constante a ser descubierta.

A punto de cumplir veinticinco años, el engaño se rompe cuando los soldados del Viscount Adis llegan exigiendo el servicio militar obligatorio de Milo. Para proteger a su hermano y darle la libertad que ella nunca tuvo, Runa toma su lugar y es llevada al palacio del Viscount.

Allí descubre un secreto aún más peligroso: el Viscount está obsesionado con recuperar la magia perdida de los Seid, la misma magia que costó la vida de sus padres y miles más en las purgas. Runa posee la clave para despertarla: cada palabra que lee en un antiguo libro prohibido libera poder. Pero ese poder no se queda solo en Adis… también empieza a despertar dentro de ella.

Ahora Runa debe sobrevivir ocultando su identidad, sus crecientes habilidades y un fuego interior que podría convertirse en su única salida o en su condena.


__

Espero se pueda romper el vínculo.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Reader, Hope E. Davis conjures a world where magic is language, rebellion is survival, and power is never what it seems. Set against the backdrop of a petty war in Ralheim, this adult romantasy unfurls with quiet intensity and lyrical grace. Runa, a twin bound by love and defiance, steps into her brother’s place, only to find herself conscripted not to the battlefield, but to the Viscount’s palace—a gilded cage where secrets and sorcery simmer beneath the surface.

Davis’s prose is both haunting and poetic, weaving a tapestry of memory, sacrifice, and the fragile strength of connection. The magic system—reminiscent of One Dark Window—is uniquely intimate, rooted in language and emotion. Runa’s journey is not just one of survival, but of self-discovery, as she navigates a world that seeks to exploit her gifts while she learns to wield them on her own terms.

What lingers most is the atmosphere: a blend of dystopian tension and old-world enchantment, threaded with slow-burn stakes and aching beauty. Fans of Quicksilver will find echoes in the plot’s clever turns, while those drawn to stories of quiet rebellion and dangerous magic will be utterly captivated.

The Reader is a love letter to those who find solace in stories—and a reminder that true power often lies in the words we dare to speak.

With thanks to Hope E Davis, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.

[Ewok_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of secrets and mysteries. I spent half the book with more questions than answers, but it was not frustrating—it just motivated me more to finish. The pacing of the book was perfect, and it was easy to read and understand the politics.

The world-building is compelling: there are two kingdoms at war, magic is being purged and is forbidden, and there is a harsh law where each household is allowed to have only one child.

This single-child rule sets up the central, heartbreaking conflict. The main female character (FMC) is a twin, and instead of her family giving her up or abandoning her, she is forced to share the same life as her sister. The core question driving the narrative is, "Will Runa ever be free to just be herself?" For most of the book, she is a pawn in her kingdom, and when she can no longer hide her identity, she is thrust directly into a war.

There was a love triangle in this book, and I wish the story was a little bit longer so that I could get to know the romantic interests and all the other side characters more deeply. But overall, this was an awesome read, and an amazing fantasy romance to fall into.

A quick heads-up: Make sure you enter this world with the mindset that this is Book 1 in a series—it ends in a brutal cliffhanger. I will be sitting here staring at my wall until the next book comes out.

[Kate B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Adult Fiction
⭐️4/5
🌶2.5/5

PROS:
Runa and her twin brother are raised in a place where siblings are not allowed so Runa was raised to "be" her twin brother. Runa (acting as her brother) is taken by the viscount for his duty to serve in the war but is quickly demoted to servant. Instead of war service, Runa is forced to help the viscount win the war, or so he thinks. In this book, Runa's life went from boring and hopeless to thrilling and uplifting. The resiliency Runa faces in this story is admirable. The lesson I learned from this book is even though you think you are small, you can do big things.

This book is a fast-paced, on your toes fantasy book with magic and found families. Runa is presented as a nobody who believes her duty in life is to protect her brother, even if it means being a servant forever. The Reader is full of twists that you didn't see coming and a HUGE cliffhanger that leaves you wanting more.

CONS:
I wish this book had deeper world and character building as it was difficult to picture what the scenes and characters looked like at times. There were chapters that were intense and then ended abruptly, leaving me wanting more.

[Allie DeMars · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The Reader is a fresh and unique addition to the romantasy genre and with the spice level being low, with only two open door scenes that are not overly detailed, it's a great option for people who don't love to read open door romance scenes.

The real strength of this book is the plot. I loved the twist of the FMC being a hidden twin in a kingdom where having more than one child is forbidden. The idea that the second child must be given to the king for servitude adds an immediate layer of tension, and the way her parents managed to hide her felt both brave and heartbreaking.

As an adult, watching her juggle the role of pretending to be her brother while still trying to live her own life was one of my favorite parts of the book. The stakes rise quickly once she is sent to the front lines and begins to uncover the truth about the king. The world building and the unraveling of these secrets kept me turning pages.

My only real complaint is the male love interest. His behavior often felt forceful and unsettling, and not in a way that added to the romance. It pulled me out of the story at times because it did not match the tone or the emotional growth happening elsewhere. But I also wonder if that will be addressed in book 2 and I look forward to finding out!

Overall, The Reader is a compelling, imaginative story with a strong premise and an unforgettable heroine. Despite my issues with the romance, I still enjoyed the journey and would recommend it to anyone who loves creative world building and character driven fantasy.

[Anika · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Runa and her twin brother lead the same life as the same person—no one must ever find out that they are actually twins. Their secret remained safe—until her brother was drafted into the military for war on her 25th birthday. Due to her ability to read magical books, Runa attracts a lot of attention, which also makes her a target. It doesn't take long before her secret is no longer safe, and she finds herself caught between the fronts of a war and the attention of two men.

The Reader is a fast-paced story with magic, romance, betrayal, and war. The magic system was refreshingly new and original, and I have a soft spot for women who have to pretend to be men. The love triangle was nice, but not quite as suspensefully balanced as one would expect for the trope, and I really liked the two MMCs and the intensity, even though I did have a favorite, of course.
Overall, this was a nice start to the series, and the cliffhanger definitely leaves you wanting more. I hope the second part will answer a few more questions.

For fans of Mulan, love triangles, and fated mates.

Many thanks to Davis and NetGalley for the free e-ARC.

[Elin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Hope E. David for the eARC ❤️

Really fast pacing. So much so that I thought that the world building suffered. The first half of the book I thought that the world building was non existent and I really couldn’t see the places in my head. It got better throughout the book, but I wouldn’t say it was great.

What I liked about the characters was that they were flawed and morally grey. You really didn’t know who was on Runas side or not. The description of the characters though was abysmal. There was literally nothing expect hair colour, eye colour and how tall/short they were.
Side note: I did not like the romance aspect at all and all these feelings that stemmed from nowhere was really frustrating to read, because you didn’t get any explanation.

The magic system was the most interesting part! Very unique and something I haven’t seen before. It’s was refreshing to see that writing and books are magic and that everyone can have it (under the right circumstances).

All in all, it was an ok book and I wish we had a bit more depth to it. But maybe that will happen with the second book (yes there was a cliffhanger).

[Liz | ᥫ᭡reakawayreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

wo kingdoms are at war for reasons that are still mostly a mystery, and magic has been purged and forbidden—but that doesn’t stop Runa from discovering just how powerful she really is. I finished it in two days because I was completely sucked in. I loved how the story lets you explore the world right alongside her as she’s forced out of her small town and into chaos.

Runa’s story broke my heart more than once. She was born a twin—a forbidden act under both her family’s superstitions and the kingdom’s rules—and had to live in her brother’s shadow. When she can’t hide who she is anymore, she’s thrown into a war with no side to call her own. The stakes are huge, and her courage and growth are just incredible to watch.

The characters are messy, complex, and emotionally charged. I was constantly second-guessing everyone’s intentions, and I loved it. The magic system is unlike anything I’ve read before, and the tension had me holding my breath, especially in the last chapters.

[Jaz Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
I’m actually crying over this ending!!!
Ugh but for real this entire book is insanely good the world building and banter and slow burn this new take on witchcraft and a darker version of the witch trials this book is insanely good and I couldn’t put it down nor could I stop thinking about it when I wasn’t reading it. The plot twists caught me off guard but at the same time I saw it coming and hoped for it and I freaking loved it!! The ending tho was so intense I was literally hunched over my kindle like a goblin on the verge of feral freak out while all hell broke loose and it ended on a devastating cliffhanger ! I don’t post spoilers but holy freaking cow I absolutely can’t wait for the second and third books!! Best freaking Dark Romantasy I’ve ever read 10/10 this author ticked all the boxes!

[Chelsea Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Reader by Hope E. Davis is a compelling start to a new dark romantasy series. The Mulan-inspired plot follows Runa, who disguises herself as a man to enlist in the army in place of her brother. This decision drives a narrative rich with tension, political intrigue, and a subtle magic system.

The strength of the novel lies in its complex characters and the slow-burn romance. Runa is a compelling protagonist whose struggle with identity and survival is well-executed. The "hero" is suitably gray, promising an exciting enemies-to-lovers dynamic. While the pacing sags slightly in the middle, the vivid writing and emotional depth make for an immersive experience.

Overall, it’s a strong entry in the genre that handles themes of war and identity with depth. I highly recommend it for fans of fantasy with high stakes and a strong heroine, and I'm eager for the sequel.

[Kristie Kieffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Reader by Hope E. Davis is a beautifully written, haunting, and deeply emotional story that completely captivated me. From the very first chapter, I was drawn in by the lyrical writing and the quiet intensity of the characters. Davis crafts a story that feels both intimate and profound — it’s about stories, memory, and the power of connection.

The pacing is thoughtful, the world feels vivid and immersive, and every scene is infused with emotion. What stood out most to me was the author’s ability to weave together heartbreak, hope, and the quiet magic of words and storytelling. It’s the kind of book that lingers with you long after you finish.

Poetic, moving, and unforgettable — The Reader is a love letter to those who find solace in stories. I absolutely loved it.

[Brielle Weber · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I fight for myself. It was a whisper in my mind and then suddenly, I knew it was true.”

I honestly went into this book blind and found it to be really unique. It had some Mulan with magic vibes. I have always been really interested in twins, but have never read a twin story like this. Throughout the book, the main character, Runa, kept mentioning how she had these shoes that were too small and didn’t fit, which paralleled to her life living as a foil for her brother, her time as a reader, and then also with the army. However, Runa really starts to find her footing and herself throughout the book. It was really enjoyable to start to see her find herself and I hope to see her grow more in the next two books.

✨3.5 stars rounded up.

Thank you NetGalley and Hope E. Davis for this arc. The Reader comes out January 15., 2026.

[mystical_reads_booknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsessed!!!
The world building was fantastic! The characters were beautifully written and the character development was perfection!
This book was thrilling, filled with unexpected surprises, betrayal, lies, deceit, deception and so many unknowns-I’m ready for book 2!

Runa, bless her little heart, has dealt with so much! Trading one prison for the next, and again after throughout the entire book. I love that her heart never dies. That fire and passion, I just have a feeling we’ve seen nothing yet!

Otho….. oh my heart! He’s hands down my favorite character of the entire book!!!

The ending was insane, but that cliffhanger left me feeling dizzy!!! So much to be said, so many theories running through my mind…. I loved every second of this book!

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5 round up.

Thank you Hope for an ARC copy of The Reader.
I walked into this thinking it was a stand alone so that was my mistake that I realized about 85% into the book. (woops)
I thought the concept was super cool and the majority of the book was easily enjoyable, but I found not knowing what Runa actually looked like threw me off. I had assumed her as Milo she had short hair but later in the book her hair is down to her waist. She gave me strong FMC vibes in the beginning but it quickly dwindled

I think not seeing more actual war combat made the stakes not feel high especially when Runa was rescued 3x quickly so the "direness of the situations" were quickly resolved- and Leif was able to get close to her numerous times unnoticed.