Steelborn

The Steelborn Saga #1

by Taylor J. LaRue

Enter a world ruled by tyrants and thieves, where magic is outlawed, revolution brews, desire is dangerous, and an impossible cure may prove deadlier than the curse. This deluxe hardcover publication features stunning edges, illustrated endpapers, foil-stamped case cover, and special effects on the jacket.

Never run. Never bow. Never die.

Reya Connery became the Crimson Dagger, the most notorious thief in Rhiterra, by following a strict set of rules. There is no honor among thieves. A good blade is key to any negotiation. Only the dead keep secrets. And Reya has a secret that must be kept at all costs. But when a heist goes wrong on the eve of paying off her debt to a ruthless crime lord, Reya may need a new set of rules. And a lot of coin. Fast.

Enter Caelan Halcyon, an immortal warrior whose magic makes him a valuable target – if the curse inching closer to his heart doesn’t kill him first. There’s just one person who might be desperate enough to try and get their hands on the fabled cure in time to save his life, someone whose legend claims they can steal the Crimson Dagger. A male of honor, Caelan loathes everything the beautiful, cocky thief represents, yet knows that Reya is his last hope for survival.

Their search takes them to the edge of the known world, where Reya discovers that there is far more at stake than her and Caelan’s own lives. Now, Reya must confront deadly foes, her growing attraction to the immortal who is as lethal as his jawline is perfect, and the rage she’s spent a lifetime trying to bury. This time, her daggers aren’t going to cut it, and the fate of all magic-born hangs in the balance.

Introducing an epic, slow burn enemies-to-lovers romantasy novel about a heroine forged in steel and rage, and the cursed immortal who might turn out to be as much her salvation as she is his, perfect for fans of Danielle L. Jensen and Callie Hart.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Adult, Fantasy Romance, Fiction, Enemies To Lovers

432 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication August 4, 2026

About the author

Taylor J. LaRue began her career as a journalist in the Windy City. Now she lives in the Pacific Northwest with her high school sweetheart turned husband, their tiny human tyrant, and one very soggy puppy. Steelborn is her debut novel.

Reviews

[Sophie ❦]

✎ᝰ.┊ pre-read: I need to start this asap. I love enemies to lovers

⬫ ⬪ ⬫
Thank you to Booktrovert and the publisher for the arc!

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Or maybe love is fierce. When those we care for are in danger—maybe love has teeth.”

WHERE DO I EVEN BEGIN?! I truly would not be surprised if this is the romantasy of the year. When I tell you this was pure addiction on a page, I could NOT put this book down and basically dropped off the face of the earth and ignored everyone while I devoured this masterpiece lol.

It starts off w/ a bang, and continues to keep your attention the entire way through. There’s so much action, so much going on, and something that needs to be done, with very limited time. I couldn’t stop yapping about Caelan and all the theories that I was SO excited to talk about with my best friends, ( we literally STILL can’t stop talking about this book lol ).

Think Assassins Blade.. but if it were more. More everything, more action, more plot twists, a slow yearn and major tension buildup that has you pulling strands of hair just begging for a kiss lol. So many heartfelt moments, our fmc is SO SO resilient, and Caelan is definitely a new favorite book bf to add to the list.

Taylor is a genius, I need book two DESPERATELY lol.

NEVER RUN, NEVER BOW, NEVER DIE. I AM STEELBORN. ⚔️

[Freya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was non stop adventure, yearning, battles and betrayals. I mean some really deep betrayals. Not to mention all of the plot twists and reveals. You will be addicted to this high stakes romantasy, with a very fierce FMC, from the very first page. The world building and magic system is fascinating. There is so much that happens is this book and this is just book 1. I cannot wait for book 2.

Reya is extremely impressive and tenacious. You will find yourself rooting for her through every challenge that this thrown at her. She feels cursed but our MMC, Caelan is actually cursed. Reya is known as the Crimson Dagger who is the most notorious thief in Rhiterra and Caelan needs her special skills. They both set off on a dangerous quest to find a very rare substance that will change both of their lives. If only the dread wolves and Blood watchers would stop hunting them. If magic born weren’t constantly being hunted. If only the impending war would just go away and if she didn’t have to wonder on how to save the magic born from Bladestone Prison where they are being experimented on. If only everyone would stop trying to take her sword!! And that is just a few of the problems. Then a few of Caelan’s friends show up and they have even more to pile on her shoulders. Not to mention, Reya is trying to figure out what is going between her and Caelan. So much tension and banter. She just wants to honor her father and open up a forge.

This barely touches what goes on in this story. Highly recommend reading this book!!

🗡️Slow Burn Romance
🔥Enemies to Lovers
🗡️Deadly Curses
🔥Tortured Immortal Hero
🗡️Secret identity
🔥Forced Proximity
🗡️Found Family
🔥Only One Saddle

Thank you to the author, @requited and @hachettebookgroup for this gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll prob write more when I can type on a computer, but I inhaled this book in 24 hrs. Thank you to NetGalley and Booktrovert for the eArc.

Fae, magic-born, and human? Pirates and kraken and sirens? I have no idea how, but this WORKED for me. I love the FMC and MMC, their dynamic, and the growth. The pacing - perfection. I had two small smut icks. I don’t need birth control morality in my fantasy and I’m unsure about getting busy on a moving horse. I could mark this down 4.5 for that. But I don’t want to because it the writing was otherwise solid and mature. And I have been trying lots of romantasy where I can’t look past the writing.

Also, I teared up during her hero’s journey. Which means they made me believe in her emotional world. This and Atmosphere are the only ones that made me cry so far in 2026

It is also quite graphic at times. I’d give it 3 🗡️🗡️🗡️ and 3 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️.

[mary stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review!! 💫 I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was reminiscent of Throne of Glass and Quicksilver in a number of ways, particularly Heir of Fire. That said, it was still its own thing and I appreciated that! I wouldn’t be surprised if this book does very well upon its release in August, and I’m very intrigued to see where the author takes the series. It left enough open and I’m curious about where some of the characters and the plot will go so I’m gonna tag along on the ride for now! The one bummer about reading an ARC is that now I have to wait even longer for the second book lol

[M.J. Kuhn · Rating 5 out of 5]

RTC but romantasy fans, watch for this one!

[Destinee · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You do not cower before anyone. Entire armies will cower before you.”

THIS IS HOW YOU DO ROMANTASY 👏🏼

I have not felt this way since reading Throne of Glass/Heir of Fire. Reya is a FORCE to be reckoned with. She is top tier bad*ss FMC that will take care of business 🙂‍↕️

This was action packed and high stakes throughout the book. It does not stop you get sucked into the world and it’s so easy to consume this book because it keeps you so intrigued on what is happening next.

And the slow burn yearning/tension from Reya and Caelan?! Enemies to reluctant allies to being so down bad for her?! Yes please I’ll take 15 of them.

“Because I will choose you. Because loving you would be apocalyptic.”

I cannot wait to see how this story unfolds in book two 🙌🏼

Thank you to Requited Hachette Books and Taylor for this eARC 💖

[Stephanie G · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was sooo good I can't wait to find out what happens next I do love a well written female thief/killer. Great romance too with a strong male lead while not taking anything from the strong female lead. Just fanrastic

[reverie ☁️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so happy I managed to get an ARC from BookCon as this was one of my most anticipated reads this year, and man did it not disappoint!

I would lean more towards 4.5 stars rather than 5 stars, simply for some pacing issues and typos (persimmon instead of permission made me laugh though, lol).

Reya is a badass FMC who clears her own path in the world and doesn't apologize for it. Caelan is an equally strong MMC and I loved their dynamic throughout the book. They had great synergy together and even more so with the side characters. The side characters themselves were very well developed and we got to know their personalities, their stories and really got to know them in general. The only thing I wish I would've seen more in terms of side characters would be more of the Bluehoods, as they don't really get any screen time and are pretty relevant to the story IMO.

The plot was jam packed full of adventure, banter, quests, magic, betrayal, a great love story, dynamic characters and a sprinkle of magical creatures. I really liked the writing style of this author as well, and I definitely plan on reading more books from her. I found it to be a little bit off pace in some areas, where it dragged on unnecessarily in one aspect of the plot and went too fast in other places.

I really appreciated that there was no cliffhanger and although I have questions and want the next book ASAP, I know it didn't leave me high and dry and cursing her name for ending the book in a horrible way. I feel like it was left perfectly for a continuation without it being overboard.

Overall, though, I had a blast reading this and am really happy I waited over an hour in line and was able to get this ARC - so worth it!!! Once it's published, I highly recommend anyone who loves fantasy romance books that have pirates, magical creatures, underground thieving societies, and unique magic systems to read it!

[looselipslibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steelborn is a great debut novel and one I think many romantasy readers will love. Full of action, adventure, romance with a great message that you are worthy.

Reya, the FMC is one of my favorite FMCs ever. She’s smart, a menace, arrogant (rightfully so) but with a good heart and a feisty spirit that made the banter with the MMC a lot of fun. Especially when she was threatening him. 😂 The push and pull of their relationship was great.

Caelan, the MMC, quickly became one of my favorite MMCs ever. I found myself highlighting so many things he said (I don’t want to spoil too much). He’s strong, guarded, smoking hot 🔥 & almost loyal to a fault. My favorite aspect of their relationship was his need to remind Reya that she is enough. No matter what she’s been told or has had to do to survive, she is worthy is happiness and love. And she always has been. He respects her enough to know that she can take care of herself but has her back while also reminding her that she doesn’t have to be alone.

Other things I liked:

- Likable side characters that I’m excited to see more of. There is so much potential for growth and found family.

- I appreciate that the ending wrapped a lot of things up nicely but also left so much more to be explored in the next book!

- Im excited to see more fantasy creatures going forward!

- The deluxe hardcover is SO beautiful and that’s what initially caught my eye. I can’t wait to get my hands on the physical copy.

Honestly, I had a lot of fun with this book and couldn’t put it down!

Some quotes I liked:

“Maybe love is fierce. When those you care for are in danger- maybe love has teeth.”

“She trusted no one with her heart, but she trusted Caelan with her life.”

“You do not cower before anyone. Entire armies will cower before you.”

“Never run. Never bow. Never die.”

“She loved this part. When at last they saw her for the menace she was.”

[QueenoftheBookDragons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t even know how to put into words how incredible this book was. And it’s Taylor Larue’s DEBUT??? My God, woman, you’ve just become an instant read author for me.

This book is rich, the world building and lore is captivating and so well done. Not too much but not too little either.
This is a deliciously slowwww burnnnnnn that is full of yearning between two people beholden to the oaths they’ve taken to their people and responsibilities on their shoulders.
Reya and Caelan’s journey is so satisfying and beautiful. The exact type of partnership I look for in my top tier FMC/MMC’s.

I cannot wait for the next books in this series!!!

Thank you thank you, Booktrovert.com for this arc opportunity. I can’t wait to get my hands on the audiobook eventually and listen to it all over again.

Absolutely amazing debut, Taylor 👌🏽😵👏🏽

Okay…gonna go sit in my slump corner and just live in the nothingness that an amazing book leaves you with 🫶🏼🥰

[Jessie (JessShelfAware) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of an advanced copy.

Who doesn’t love a slow burn 🔥

This book definitely had me eager to keep reading. I really enjoyed the characters and am excited to see where the author takes them in the next installments. I’m especially hoping for more backstory and time to watch their growth and development unfold. I also appreciated the magic system—it felt refreshing to see something beyond just fae, with a variety of mythical creatures that I hope will play a larger role as the story continues.

Also, for anyone like me who worry about throw the book across the room cliffhangers…this one is manageable. Think Quicksilver type cliffhanger.

[Annie M.]

this was so good!!!! very much looking forward to the rest of this series 🤩

[Elissa Fink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley

To begin - I quite literally LOVED this book. The fact that it’s Taylor J. LaRue’s debut novel has me shook, because there are many aspects of this book that would make me think otherwise.

Beginning with our FMC Reya, she is another strong baddie we love in these books. As soon as you start the book, you quickly learn that she is strong, brave, determined, all of the above. She quite literally kicks butt and takes names. With characters like this, I feel like sometimes it’s hard to have even more growth, but she really grows throughout the book. She definitely has walls built up that slowly come down as time goes on, and she faces things from her past with strength and determination.

CAELAN - perfection. He has definitely moved into my top book boyfriends. His character is one that steals your heart and early on. He constantly reminds Reya that she is enough, that she is strong, etc. We love a book boyfriend that respects the FMC and lifts her up, while never failing to have her back!

The way that this story unfolded was absolutely perfect for me. There were points when I could predict the outcome because the alternative wouldn’t make sense at that moment, there was nothing too deep or hard to understand, and the character growth and development of the relationships were exactly what I wanted them to be.

Anyone looking for a slow burn with enemies to lovers and a strong FMC - Steelborn is the one. I was in the 4.75-5 ⭐️ range, only because I’m not a huge fan of third person POVs. Sometimes I feel like things get too complicated, but that wasn’t the case with this book!

Definitely worth the read, and I will most definitely be buying when it comes out so it can sit on my shelf! I can’t wait to see what comes next!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for Steelborn!!!!!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘯 is an entertaining fantasy romance debut with engrossing prose and a valiant heroine - an epic, ambitious novel and a guaranteed hit!

Notorious thief, Reya, is on the cusp of freedom when a heist takes an unexpected turn. In large sums of debt to her employer, she's desperate for coin. When a handsome immortal asks her to steal the highly valuable cure to his life-threatening curse, she agrees to the quest that leads them across the world, and maybe even into each other's hearts.

I will instantly read any book blurbed by Rebecca Ross, so when I saw the beautiful cover design complete with her quote, I couldn't wait to escape between the pages. Taylor pens an enthralling start, and I was easily obsessed with the first few chapters. I quickly felt like there was a lot going on, possibly too much, but my enjoyment of the prose, despite some of the stereotypical "he's so tall" romantasy-style thoughts that I could go without, kept me reading.

𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘯 has an epic feel in Reya's adventurous quest venturing through dense forests with grand waterfalls and traversing vast seas with dangerous monsters lurking in their depths. Her resilience makes for an intriguing character to follow, and Caelan forces her growth, working his way into her heart while pushing the boundaries of her abilities. Their tension and rising interest adds a fun element amidst the high stakes story, and I had such a great time reading this book!

I'll certainly be eager to read the sequel once early copies become available!

Thank you to Requited, Hachette, and Booktrovert for the advance reading copy!

[Keily · Rating 5 out of 5]

The library I work for received an ARC from the publisher & I IMMEDIATELY snatched it up because I actually have this preordered (the perks of being a librarian 🥹)!

Going into this book, there are some similarities to a very popular & beloved series. I promise you this book is its own & you should keep reading!! I would call this a Fantasy Romance, not a Romantasy, because the plot/world/politics are what really drive the story & not the romance between the characters (but let me say, the way the romance between them was written??? GOLD).

As someone who reads for pure enjoyment & always needs some type of romance plot, this has been my absolute favorite read to date this year, hands down.

My first 5 star read in a long time. The pacing was perfect, I didn’t find myself bored and wanting to skip ahead. ALL of the characters were so interesting to me & I wanted to learn more about the side characters we’re introduced to. The dynamic between our MCs was PERFECT (in my opinion), & I can’t wait to see the progression of their relationship.

I found myself emotional in various parts of this book & actually shed tears during some chapters. Overall, this book literally hit all my marks in what I love in a Fantasy Romance/Romantasy, & I’m walking away from this book feeling a void left behind from these characters I’ve gotten so attached to.

Definitely keeping my preorder because I want to throw my money at LaRue and her wonderful writing (she deserves it)!!

I am hungrily anticipating book 2!!

[Girlzgottaread · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did I just read one of the best books of the year already? Is this my god tier book of 2026!? Because I think it might actually be. When I tell you I lost sleep, I was reading at red lights, I was reading at the car rental, in the drive thru, on the couch at my mama's house!? I was absolutely gagged for this book. When I tell you I locked in??? I LOCKED IIIIINNNNN! INFINITY Stars! It's like Throne of Glass and Blood & Steel had a perfect baby!!!
This was the adventure of my dreams!! It started with a bang. My heart was pumping and bada bumpin from page ONE. And maybe the pounding slowed but the falling head over heels didn't. I fell so hard for these characters. Our fmc is so powerful and yet struggled so much with understanding her worth y'all. Her worth😭 . Our MMC is so powerful too but struggled with the weight of guilt and clock tick tick ticking away on him😭 But wow did the fmc astound me with her resilience! Her innate goodness even if she didn't recognize it and the mmc with his protectiveness and his constant affirming of her. His encouragement 🥹 and don't even get me started on the chemistry between these two. I'm wrecked!!!! You must read this book ASAP! Request it or on release day run!!! And thank me later 🙌🏽😂

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** I received an advance copy of this book from Booktrovert, in exchange for my honest review. ***

So, just wow! This is a debut novel and if this is an example of the author’s talent at this stage of her career, we can expect great things. Our story follows a demi-sage (half human/half magical) who has kept her magical side hidden for a decade. She lives in a land where magic wielders are hated & hunted. She has a tragic backstory, which we only glimpse in small reveals. I hope more of that is revealed in later books. There is no small dose of feminine rage, but it is tempered with humor and will they/won’t they tension. The MMC is (of course) 1000 years old and HUGE! But he is also one of the strongest magic wielders with a heart of gold. He has his own tragic backstory. There’s an opportunistic mentor, an evil king, a female pirate and assorted friends & frenemies along the way. There’s spice, but not til about the 80% mark, but worth the wait, the teasing, the flirting. There was a point (about 40%) where things slowed down a bit and I worried that it might have lost its momentum. But it was brief and then the story took off again & never let up. I don’t know how many books are planned, but I can’t wait for the next installment.

[Shiyanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW RECEIVED BY BOOKTROVERT. Thank you!

This book was so amazing! I admit it was a bit of a slow start for me but by chapter 10 I was all in.
The pining!!!! The slow burn!!! This is exactly what I look for. I love when we get a MMC who respects the FMC he honors her and lets her be her own strength. And then a woman who just because she finds a guy doesn’t lose herself and all of a sudden can’t fight her own battles and is helpless. Reya was just a badass!! Sorry she just was. She had a hard life and still managed even in the hardest time to just keep going. She puts herself behind everyone even if they aren’t deserving. Caelan!!!! Sir sir sir!! All women need to find a woman who is worshipped the way he did Reya!

And the ending! It hopefully sets up well for book 2. The Taylor Larues writing gave me all the feels. I wanted to cry, I was angry, I felt pride! Soo good. I can’t say it enough. If you want to feel passion and strength, perseverance, resilience just well written work this is it!!

And let me just leave this quote I mean there were so many more but jeez and it wasn’t too spicy maybe 🌶️.5 if that. Which is perfect for me!

“In five centuries, I’ve not seen anything more likely to be the death of me than you damp in nothing but a towel.”

[Merlinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delivered everything I love in a fantasy read: rich worldbuilding, emotionally layered characters, relentless tension, and a story that completely consumed me from beginning to end.

What stood out most was the atmosphere and depth woven into every chapter. The writing feels immersive without being overwhelming, balancing brutal action with quieter emotional moments that made the characters feel incredibly real. Every relationship carried weight, every betrayal landed hard, and every victory felt earned. The characters themselves were easily the heart of the story — flawed, resilient, and impossible not to become attached to. Their growth throughout the book felt natural and compelling, and the chemistry between the cast kept me fully invested the entire time.

The plot unfolds with perfect pacing, constantly raising the stakes while still giving space for emotional development and worldbuilding. There were multiple moments that genuinely surprised me, and the ending left me desperate for more.

If you love epic fantasy with strong character work, gripping conflict, and a world that feels alive long after you finish reading, Steelborn is absolutely worth picking up. Easy 5 stars from me.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

"There is no part of you that is not worthy of the rest. That is why you are strong. Never run. Never bow. Never die."
---------------------------------

5 thousand stars!!! Steelborn was amazing from start to finish. I loved everything about it! Where to even begin!?

The writing was immaculate. It was easy to follow, and the pacing was excellent. I never wanted to put it down. The combination of heart-wenching storylines along with humor was perfect. I felt everything these characters went through.

And speaking of the characters. I grew to care for and love all of them thanks to the amazing storytelling, from the MCs to the found family and all the side characters. The way everything started to come together by the end?!

This is one of those books that keeps you on your toes, never able to guess what's coming next. It's not predictable at all, which is so refreshing. If you loved Throne of Glass or Blood & Steel, this book is for you. I'm going to be on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book in this series.

Thank you Booktrovert/NetGalley, Requited/Hatchette, and Taylor J. LaRue for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

[Elora Maxwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨
4.5 Stars

What an absolute treat this novel is. A stunning blend of the early Throne of Glass novels with a sprinkle of Game of Thrones and spectacle set pieces to rival Pirates of the Caribbean.

Steelborn sets up a world so full that I cannot wait to read the next installment and explore more of it. I love how there are so many different creatures because it sets this novel apart from so many romantasy novels out there.

Speaking of the romance, I usually deviate from enemies to lovers but this one totally worked for me. The banter between them sizzled and the way that the romance could take a back seat to the driving plot when needed kept me invested throughout the entirety of the book. The romance is so intwined into who the characters are and there are still so many secrets left to uncover that I cannot wait to see the second book.

This is a really great debut novel with memorable characters, incredible action sequences and romance to make you sigh. I could not put it down once I started reading.

[L. Duggs (duggintoreading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I claimed my eARC of Steelborn through Booktrovert because I was intrigued by the blurb and oh my stars - I am SO glad I did!

Steelborn is the best book I have read in a long time. It has everything I love in a romantasy and the action and adventure seriously never let up even until the very end. I purposely tried to slow myself down to not finish it in oje day because I knew I would be sad when it was over.

Steelborn follows Reya, a notorious thief as she teams up with Caelan on a magical quest to look for a cure. They get themselves into a lot of trouble while slowly burning in their feelings for one another. The non-stop action wraps in a satisfying conclusion that makes you yearn for Book Two.

Seriously- infinity stars - this book better get some mainstream hype - because it deserves it!

Read Steelborn if you like:

- Magical Quests
- Stabby FMCs
- Mythical creatures
- Intriguing plot
- Slow burn and yearrrrnnniinnnggg

Happy Reading!

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear this is going to be the next Romantasy of the year! I ate this book up but I think it finished me.. 😅

Steelborn was such a unique action packed Romantasy that was so hard to put down! My bestie I buddy read this with couldn’t stop voice messaging each other because we were literally OBSESSED! I promise you will be hooked from beginning to end leaving you speechless!

I fear it’s going to be hard to pick up another Romantasy for a bit because Steelborn was a masterpiece that will live rent free in my head! It will have you question everything and my goodness Caelan… that man was everything!! I’m telling you he will be your next book boyfriend 🖤 filled with tension and yearning!

And our bb Reya 🥹 loved her character so much in this book! The things she goes through really shows how strong she is and a lil baddie!

I absolutely need the 2nd book like it’s an absolute NEED!

Never run, never bow, never die! Step into this world with us so we can be Steelborn!! 🖤⚔️

[Anna Page · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lil intro for you: a thief and assassin struggles to pay back the steep debt she owns the crime lord that took her in when she was young and trained her. As she’s completing missions to earn her freedom, she bargains with a fae warrior who agrees to pay her debts if she helps him find the cure for his curse.

Read this if you’re in the mood for…
- chosen one in hiding
- Found family
- Adventures and missions
- Fated mates??
- Enemies to lovers

I’m struggling to decide how I feel about this because it felt SO similar to the Throne of Glass series but with the plot mixed up and faster paced. I enjoyed it but I was also side eyeing the similarities the whole time.

Unsure if I’d recommend because I’d just tell you to read Throne of Glass…

[Tabitha P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This ARC was provided by Requited via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review!

Steelborn by Taylor J. Larue follows Reya, a thief known as the Crimson Dagger. When a seemingly normal heist goes terribly wrong, Reya is forced to take desperate measures to earn her freedom. That choice leads her into an uneasy alliance with a mysterious man named Caelan. Together, they work to uncover a cure for him, while Reya races against time to secure her own freedom.


While reading this book, I couldn’t help but be reminded of The Assassin’s Blade. Steelborn feels like it’s destined to be the next big fantasy hit, making it all the more impressive that this is the author’s debut novel!

[Keles Wyntor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from Barnes and noble book fest in NYC. I LOVED reading Steelborn. It hooked me right in, starting off in the middle of a heist. As an Aries, I love a chaotic, independent, strong willed, badass FMC. Reya was the ultimate FMC. I also loved Reya and Caelans dynamic. The will they won’t they left me not wanting the story to end. While I do not usually care for action portions of romantasy I thought Taylor J. LaRue did a great job creating face paced, intriguing action. Great Debut novel, can’t wait to see what comes next! Reminded me of Heartless Hunter!

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When this comes out in August it’s going to be your next 5 star read! Our FMC, Reya is a fearless thief with a kind heart buried under the rough exterior she shows, I just really loved her character and what she went through to become known as the Crimson Dagger.

And Caelan?!! Perfect👏🏻 The chemistry between them was insane and the slow burn was smouldering throughout the book👀

I enjoyed reading their journey together and at one point it was giving Pirates and the Caribbean vibes and I was here for it🤩

It had everything I look for in a fantasy book and I cannot wait to see what happens in book 2🫶🏻

Big thank you to the publisher for sending me an ARC to review!

[Hannah Kate Rimmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

NEVER RUN. NEVER BOW. NEVER DIE.

Woweeeeee LOVED LOVED LOVED this debut fantasy. It has absolutely everything that I love in a fantasy book; a sizzling romance, magic, pirates, action, magical creatures and a fiercely brilliant heroine.

I cannot wait for this next book to see this adventure continue and see more from the brilliant magical twins Thance and Omira and the amazing pirate heiress Kalúe Voláni.

That ending was just so so so deeply satisfying and also promises so much more to come!

[Rebecca Muniz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.75

I had such a great time reading this book!! The fantasy elements were very interesting and entertaining while the plot itself was so fast paced. This is a true EPIC fantasy! Something was happening at all times and I never felt bored once. The tension was also so delicious, I loved all of the fmc and mmc’s scenes together. The twins were also such a great part of the book and I hope we get more of them in the other books!