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An Age of War and Prophecy #3
And So The Breaking Begins: Mindbreaker Duet, Book 1
Duty. Desire. Defiance.
Sylaira has spent her entire life running from the visions that torment her—and the crown who would cage her to control them. Her prophecies could decide life or death in the Angels’ war against the Demons.
But Sylaira wants no part in the bloodshed.
When the Angel monarchs send the realm’s deadliest killer to capture her, she knows the weaponization that awaits if she’s taken.
Because her first vision was of him.
Vaeron, the Mindbreaker. The monster sent to hunt her down. Her fated mate.
Yet no matter how fast she flees, Sylaira can’t outrun destiny or the male bound to her.
When Vaeron drags her to the Angel court, Sylaira learns its glitter hides a battlefield. And their bond is the sharpest weapon on it.
She’d rather die than trust the male who stole her freedom. But Vaeron is the only one standing between her and those determined to exploit her Sight—even if protecting her means betraying everything he’s sworn to.
The Goddess didn’t pair the most powerful Seer in centuries with the Mindbreaker out of mercy.
In the midst of war, one of them must break.
And So The Breaking Begins is the first book in the Mindbreaker Duet, a slow burn, enemies to lovers, high stakes dark fantasy romance with a villainous MMC and a fiery FMC. Perfect for fans of Carissa Broadbent, Raven Kennedy, and Sarah A Parker.
An Age of War and Prophecy is a series of interconnected duets and standalones with each book or duet having its own romance plot. The war plot requires full series commitment. You can start the series with either the Mindbreaker Duet or the Deathcaller Duet.
AAOWAP contains mature, dark themes that some readers might find disturbing. A full TW list is available on the author’s website.
Sylaira has spent her entire life running from the visions that torment her—and the crown who would cage her to control them. Her prophecies could decide life or death in the Angels’ war against the Demons.
But Sylaira wants no part in the bloodshed.
When the Angel monarchs send the realm’s deadliest killer to capture her, she knows the weaponization that awaits if she’s taken.
Because her first vision was of him.
Vaeron, the Mindbreaker. The monster sent to hunt her down. Her fated mate.
Yet no matter how fast she flees, Sylaira can’t outrun destiny or the male bound to her.
When Vaeron drags her to the Angel court, Sylaira learns its glitter hides a battlefield. And their bond is the sharpest weapon on it.
She’d rather die than trust the male who stole her freedom. But Vaeron is the only one standing between her and those determined to exploit her Sight—even if protecting her means betraying everything he’s sworn to.
The Goddess didn’t pair the most powerful Seer in centuries with the Mindbreaker out of mercy.
In the midst of war, one of them must break.
And So The Breaking Begins is the first book in the Mindbreaker Duet, a slow burn, enemies to lovers, high stakes dark fantasy romance with a villainous MMC and a fiery FMC. Perfect for fans of Carissa Broadbent, Raven Kennedy, and Sarah A Parker.
An Age of War and Prophecy is a series of interconnected duets and standalones with each book or duet having its own romance plot. The war plot requires full series commitment. You can start the series with either the Mindbreaker Duet or the Deathcaller Duet.
AAOWAP contains mature, dark themes that some readers might find disturbing. A full TW list is available on the author’s website.
638 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2026
1396 people are currently reading
13942 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 339 reviews
March 24, 2026
one of THE best romantasy books of 2026.
March 29, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ first half was fantastic, I thought it would be a 5 star read. but unfortunately the middle of the book was highly repetitive and it felt like nothing was happening. and I didn’t like Sylaira and didn’t understand her at all. like you’re the most powerful among your kind yet you don’t do anything but watch how your best friend and mate suffer for you. also she is so naive it pissed me off. she got her shit together at the end, but it was too late for me
March 23, 2026
Thank you to Lacey Lehotzky and Grey’s Promotions for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
✨ “In the midst of war, one of them must break.”
This one frustrated me… but in a way that still kept me emotionally invested.
And by the end, I’m really glad I stayed.
Set in the same world as the Deathcaller Duet, this story shifts away from the demon-POV battlefield warfare and instead dives into the angel POV, palace politics, corruption, and the cost of blind loyalty.
The cliffhanger ending had my jaw on the floor.
─────────────────────────
📖 The Details
⭐ Rating: 3.5/5
🌶 Spice Level: 3/5
📚 Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance
🔮 Tropes: Enemies to lovers, captive/captor, fated mates, forced proximity, banter, political intrigue, morally grey MMC, slow burn, touch her and die, light daddy, feminine rage, secrets and betrayals
⚠ Content / Trigger Warnings:
Graphic violence, genocidal war, death of loved ones, chasing/hunting, non-consensual imprisonment and forced captivity, psychological and emotional manipulation and abuse, references to past trauma and torture, PTSD flashbacks, religious fanaticism.
─────────────────────────
💭 My Reading Experience
This story opens strong and intense, with heavy worldbuilding that throws you directly into angel hierarchy, magic systems, and religious structure. There’s a lot of terminology early on, but I didn’t mind piecing it together as the story unfolded.
Where the Deathcaller Duet centered on active warfare and battlefield survival, this book focuses on a different kind of danger: the corruption festering behind palace walls.
The war is still happening, but the true tension lies within the monarchy.
The king and queen claim they are carrying out the Goddess’s will, yet they sacrifice and hunt their own angels to maintain power. Soldiers are treated as expendable. Their armies are left starving. Loyalty is demanded while leaders hoard wealth and cling to the throne.
Faith becomes a weapon. Devotion becomes control.
That betrayal adds emotional weight to the story. The threat isn’t just demons across the battlefield — it’s rulers manipulating their own people from within.
The first portion of the book moves quickly, especially during the hunt for Sylaira. That tension pulled me in immediately.
However, the middle section slows significantly. The travel stretch to the palace, and even after they arrive, feels repetitive, with a lot of internal back-and-forth that stalls momentum. This is where the slow-burn romance felt more frustrating than tense.
But the final portion of the book absolutely delivers.
The political stakes escalate. Loyalties fracture. And Sylaira finally begins stepping into her strength instead of running from it. The last stretch reminded me why I love this world so much.
─────────────────────────
🖤 Characters
Sylaira
Sylaira is a powerful seer who views her gift as a curse. After witnessing countless deaths, she suppresses her abilities and lives on the run to avoid becoming a pawn in the monarchy’s war.
For much of the book, she struggles internally, torn between fear, duty, resentment, and a bond she never wanted. At times, her indecision frustrated me, especially during the slower middle section.
But when she finally stops running and starts standing her ground, her growth becomes satisfying. Watching her shift from survival mode to quiet defiance felt earned.
Her strength shows most when she refuses to kneel — not just physically, but emotionally.
“If the Korona wanted my power, I would give it to her — but she would choke on it. I would wield my agony like strikes of lightning, charring everything in my path.”
──
Vaeron
Vaeron carried this book for me.
Raised to be a weapon and emotionally stripped of choice, he serves a crown he doesn’t believe in. His power makes him feared, but his internal conflict makes him compelling.
He understands he’s a puppet. He knows his sister and the king manipulate faith for control. And yet he’s trapped in a role he was molded into since childhood.
The contrast between his ruthless reputation and the quiet ways he protects Sylaira adds depth to his character. His loyalty isn’t blind — it’s burdened.
His arc feels like a man slowly realizing he deserves more than being used.
“For the first time, I saw exactly who Iaoth had become. And in that same broken shard, who I had allowed myself to be. A good dog, waiting on his next command.”
─────────────────────────
💖 What Worked For Me
• The morally complex portrayal of religious and political corruption
• Vaeron’s emotional depth and character arc
• The palace intrigue and manipulation behind the throne
• High emotional stakes in the final portion
• Returning to a familiar world from a fresh perspective
─────────────────────────
⚡ What Didn’t Fully Work For Me
• The middle section drags and feels repetitive
• Sylaira’s internal conflict sometimes stalls her character growth
• The term “mate” is used so frequently it loses emotional impact
─────────────────────────
🔥 Standout Moments
Favorite dynamic: Vaeron quietly protecting Sylaira while pretending emotional detachment
Scene that lingered: The final betrayal
Quote: “You are a storm, Sylaira. The only one I’ve ever walked into willingly.”
─────────────────────────
🌙 Final Thoughts
This story explores what happens when faith is weaponized, loyalty is exploited, and leaders sacrifice their own people to cling to power.
It’s darker in theme, heavier in politics, and more emotionally conflicted than its predecessors.
If you enjoy morally grey characters, slow-burn tension, corrupt monarchies, and fantasy worlds where the real danger lurks behind the throne, this is worth continuing the series for.
And if you already loved this universe, seeing the angel realm from the inside adds a compelling new layer.
✨ “In the midst of war, one of them must break.”
This one frustrated me… but in a way that still kept me emotionally invested.
And by the end, I’m really glad I stayed.
Set in the same world as the Deathcaller Duet, this story shifts away from the demon-POV battlefield warfare and instead dives into the angel POV, palace politics, corruption, and the cost of blind loyalty.
The cliffhanger ending had my jaw on the floor.
─────────────────────────
📖 The Details
⭐ Rating: 3.5/5
🌶 Spice Level: 3/5
📚 Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance
🔮 Tropes: Enemies to lovers, captive/captor, fated mates, forced proximity, banter, political intrigue, morally grey MMC, slow burn, touch her and die, light daddy, feminine rage, secrets and betrayals
⚠ Content / Trigger Warnings:
Graphic violence, genocidal war, death of loved ones, chasing/hunting, non-consensual imprisonment and forced captivity, psychological and emotional manipulation and abuse, references to past trauma and torture, PTSD flashbacks, religious fanaticism.
─────────────────────────
💭 My Reading Experience
This story opens strong and intense, with heavy worldbuilding that throws you directly into angel hierarchy, magic systems, and religious structure. There’s a lot of terminology early on, but I didn’t mind piecing it together as the story unfolded.
Where the Deathcaller Duet centered on active warfare and battlefield survival, this book focuses on a different kind of danger: the corruption festering behind palace walls.
The war is still happening, but the true tension lies within the monarchy.
The king and queen claim they are carrying out the Goddess’s will, yet they sacrifice and hunt their own angels to maintain power. Soldiers are treated as expendable. Their armies are left starving. Loyalty is demanded while leaders hoard wealth and cling to the throne.
Faith becomes a weapon. Devotion becomes control.
That betrayal adds emotional weight to the story. The threat isn’t just demons across the battlefield — it’s rulers manipulating their own people from within.
The first portion of the book moves quickly, especially during the hunt for Sylaira. That tension pulled me in immediately.
However, the middle section slows significantly. The travel stretch to the palace, and even after they arrive, feels repetitive, with a lot of internal back-and-forth that stalls momentum. This is where the slow-burn romance felt more frustrating than tense.
But the final portion of the book absolutely delivers.
The political stakes escalate. Loyalties fracture. And Sylaira finally begins stepping into her strength instead of running from it. The last stretch reminded me why I love this world so much.
─────────────────────────
🖤 Characters
Sylaira
Sylaira is a powerful seer who views her gift as a curse. After witnessing countless deaths, she suppresses her abilities and lives on the run to avoid becoming a pawn in the monarchy’s war.
For much of the book, she struggles internally, torn between fear, duty, resentment, and a bond she never wanted. At times, her indecision frustrated me, especially during the slower middle section.
But when she finally stops running and starts standing her ground, her growth becomes satisfying. Watching her shift from survival mode to quiet defiance felt earned.
Her strength shows most when she refuses to kneel — not just physically, but emotionally.
“If the Korona wanted my power, I would give it to her — but she would choke on it. I would wield my agony like strikes of lightning, charring everything in my path.”
──
Vaeron
Vaeron carried this book for me.
Raised to be a weapon and emotionally stripped of choice, he serves a crown he doesn’t believe in. His power makes him feared, but his internal conflict makes him compelling.
He understands he’s a puppet. He knows his sister and the king manipulate faith for control. And yet he’s trapped in a role he was molded into since childhood.
The contrast between his ruthless reputation and the quiet ways he protects Sylaira adds depth to his character. His loyalty isn’t blind — it’s burdened.
His arc feels like a man slowly realizing he deserves more than being used.
“For the first time, I saw exactly who Iaoth had become. And in that same broken shard, who I had allowed myself to be. A good dog, waiting on his next command.”
─────────────────────────
💖 What Worked For Me
• The morally complex portrayal of religious and political corruption
• Vaeron’s emotional depth and character arc
• The palace intrigue and manipulation behind the throne
• High emotional stakes in the final portion
• Returning to a familiar world from a fresh perspective
─────────────────────────
⚡ What Didn’t Fully Work For Me
• The middle section drags and feels repetitive
• Sylaira’s internal conflict sometimes stalls her character growth
• The term “mate” is used so frequently it loses emotional impact
─────────────────────────
🔥 Standout Moments
Favorite dynamic: Vaeron quietly protecting Sylaira while pretending emotional detachment
Scene that lingered: The final betrayal
Quote: “You are a storm, Sylaira. The only one I’ve ever walked into willingly.”
─────────────────────────
🌙 Final Thoughts
This story explores what happens when faith is weaponized, loyalty is exploited, and leaders sacrifice their own people to cling to power.
It’s darker in theme, heavier in politics, and more emotionally conflicted than its predecessors.
If you enjoy morally grey characters, slow-burn tension, corrupt monarchies, and fantasy worlds where the real danger lurks behind the throne, this is worth continuing the series for.
And if you already loved this universe, seeing the angel realm from the inside adds a compelling new layer.
May 3, 2026
I LOVED the beginning of this book, and I was very excited to keep reading as I haven’t found a good 5-star read in a while. Unfortunately, as some other reviewers also mentioned, the middle got repetitive and slow. So much more could have happened, and it ultimately ended up disappointing. Still a good book and will definitely be reading the rest of the series, but I wish it was a 5!
March 31, 2026
Started fine then turned into a telenovela. I'm probably not going to finish at this point. Stopped at Part 5, somewhere around 80%.
For me personally it's a huuuge turn off when the mmc is forced into a corner or dumb situations cuz the plot = relationship drama. In this formula all the tension and story pivots revolve around the draama and 90% of the time, this plot structure kills the integrity of the main characters for me. It usually turns the mmc into a weak, spineless pawn of the evil guys cuz how else are we gonna have tension and move the story along? In turn, the FMC loses all dignity and finds excuses to forgive all the shit that happens instead of finding a non problematic dude that doesn't stress her out.
Not my cuppa. I like when there's more to a book than the main couple lusting for each other for 500 pages with a sprinkle of superficial obstacles and caricature villains.
For me personally it's a huuuge turn off when the mmc is forced into a corner or dumb situations cuz the plot = relationship drama. In this formula all the tension and story pivots revolve around the draama and 90% of the time, this plot structure kills the integrity of the main characters for me. It usually turns the mmc into a weak, spineless pawn of the evil guys cuz how else are we gonna have tension and move the story along? In turn, the FMC loses all dignity and finds excuses to forgive all the shit that happens instead of finding a non problematic dude that doesn't stress her out.
Not my cuppa. I like when there's more to a book than the main couple lusting for each other for 500 pages with a sprinkle of superficial obstacles and caricature villains.
April 4, 2026
3.5 rounded up
This book had a strong start, but unfortunately I found it harder to stay engaged around the halfway point. The FMC was difficult to connect with, and the story started to feel a bit repetitive.
This book had a strong start, but unfortunately I found it harder to stay engaged around the halfway point. The FMC was difficult to connect with, and the story started to feel a bit repetitive.
March 20, 2026
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
ARC READ
Objectively, this was a good book. For some reason, I just wasn’t gripped by it. I felt like there were some inconsistencies or something that threw me off. For example, it didn’t seem like there was much electricity (and maybe there was, and I just didn’t pick up on it), but randomly, there was a fan in the bedchambers? And the whole story is about the Angel Realm versus the Demon Realm, but then another Realm was randomly mentioned in passing. Where is that Realm?
I do think the plot is interesting, and I like the tropes. It’s a complex world with 2 interconnected duologies to complete the war plot. I wasn’t thrilled with the ending, and I’m sure I’d have to read the second book of this duology to understand the reasons why. I’m not sure I’ll go back for the rest of this series though, personally.
However, don’t count this out on the basis of my review. Like I said, I do objectively think this has the makings of a good book and a good series. If I had read it last year when I had more time and mental capacity, I think I would’ve been a little more gripped by it.
So, if you like enemies-to-lovers, touch her and die, political intrigue, high stakes fantasy, and feminine rage; this might be a great book for you!
ARC READ
Objectively, this was a good book. For some reason, I just wasn’t gripped by it. I felt like there were some inconsistencies or something that threw me off. For example, it didn’t seem like there was much electricity (and maybe there was, and I just didn’t pick up on it), but randomly, there was a fan in the bedchambers? And the whole story is about the Angel Realm versus the Demon Realm, but then another Realm was randomly mentioned in passing. Where is that Realm?
I do think the plot is interesting, and I like the tropes. It’s a complex world with 2 interconnected duologies to complete the war plot. I wasn’t thrilled with the ending, and I’m sure I’d have to read the second book of this duology to understand the reasons why. I’m not sure I’ll go back for the rest of this series though, personally.
However, don’t count this out on the basis of my review. Like I said, I do objectively think this has the makings of a good book and a good series. If I had read it last year when I had more time and mental capacity, I think I would’ve been a little more gripped by it.
So, if you like enemies-to-lovers, touch her and die, political intrigue, high stakes fantasy, and feminine rage; this might be a great book for you!
April 18, 2026
Avoid. There’s just so much cheating and weak justification for it.
WEAK MMC (ahhh no don’t make me cheat on my mate with another woman..does it anyway bc let’s sample multiple pussy that’s available to us)
Weak FMC this dude is stressing her out so much and she just takes it???
WEAK MMC (ahhh no don’t make me cheat on my mate with another woman..does it anyway bc let’s sample multiple pussy that’s available to us)
Weak FMC this dude is stressing her out so much and she just takes it???
March 15, 2026
✨And So the Breaking Begins✨
Gosh, I love being in a world of Lacey’s creating. Her books just yank you inside and keep you on the edge of your seat. Dark, gritty, relatable, fantastical, and deliciously spicy, this first in her newest duet, Mindbreaker, is set in the same world as the Deathcaller duet but we get to visit the angels now.
We follow a dual POV in ASTBB and the yearning is HERE. Sylaira has been on the run her whole life because of her sought after power as a Seer, but when the very first vision she ever saw, which was of her Mate, comes to fruition, Sylaira is faced with the knowledge that her Mate is the man who murdered her family and is ordered to capture her.
All Vaeron has ever known is duty. It’s literally carved into his flesh. But when his gaze meets that of a Seer fugitive and their mate bond kicks in, Vaeron learns that duty has more depth, need, and sacrifice than he has ever known. His broken soul has found purpose, except that she wants nothing to do with him.
Bound to an angelic court that is rife with corruption and deceit, Vaeron and Sylaira not only have to learn how to navigate this new bond from hatred to reluctant allies, but also how to survive where the possibility for hope is but a flicker of a flame.
As always, Lacey creates characters that are flawed, morally grey, relatable, and complex. Some are redeemable. Some are learning to fight for themselves. All are operating on their own agenda. Plot twists and betrayals and intrigue keeps you turning each page. Tension, a tantalizing burn, and phenomenal spice keeps you glued to your seat long after you should be asleep. I love these two. I love the found family. I was so stressed the whole time. The ending was 😱😱 and it’s going to be SO HARD waiting for book two. But I 👏 am👏 here👏 for👏 it👏.
Tropes you may find in ASTBB are forced proximity, mind speak, fated mates, court intrigue, angels x demons, broody light daddy, captor x captive, villain gets the girl, touch her and ☠️, medium high spice, 🔥 the world for her, “good girl”, nicknames, “breathe”, comfort/wound tending, “I’ve got you”, and a cliffy.
Lacey, I’m so thankful to get to be on your arc team again and continue this series with you. It’s one of my favorites!
Gosh, I love being in a world of Lacey’s creating. Her books just yank you inside and keep you on the edge of your seat. Dark, gritty, relatable, fantastical, and deliciously spicy, this first in her newest duet, Mindbreaker, is set in the same world as the Deathcaller duet but we get to visit the angels now.
We follow a dual POV in ASTBB and the yearning is HERE. Sylaira has been on the run her whole life because of her sought after power as a Seer, but when the very first vision she ever saw, which was of her Mate, comes to fruition, Sylaira is faced with the knowledge that her Mate is the man who murdered her family and is ordered to capture her.
All Vaeron has ever known is duty. It’s literally carved into his flesh. But when his gaze meets that of a Seer fugitive and their mate bond kicks in, Vaeron learns that duty has more depth, need, and sacrifice than he has ever known. His broken soul has found purpose, except that she wants nothing to do with him.
Bound to an angelic court that is rife with corruption and deceit, Vaeron and Sylaira not only have to learn how to navigate this new bond from hatred to reluctant allies, but also how to survive where the possibility for hope is but a flicker of a flame.
As always, Lacey creates characters that are flawed, morally grey, relatable, and complex. Some are redeemable. Some are learning to fight for themselves. All are operating on their own agenda. Plot twists and betrayals and intrigue keeps you turning each page. Tension, a tantalizing burn, and phenomenal spice keeps you glued to your seat long after you should be asleep. I love these two. I love the found family. I was so stressed the whole time. The ending was 😱😱 and it’s going to be SO HARD waiting for book two. But I 👏 am👏 here👏 for👏 it👏.
Tropes you may find in ASTBB are forced proximity, mind speak, fated mates, court intrigue, angels x demons, broody light daddy, captor x captive, villain gets the girl, touch her and ☠️, medium high spice, 🔥 the world for her, “good girl”, nicknames, “breathe”, comfort/wound tending, “I’ve got you”, and a cliffy.
Lacey, I’m so thankful to get to be on your arc team again and continue this series with you. It’s one of my favorites!
March 26, 2026
If you enjoy tension, fate bonds and a hunter who might regret his assignment, this one definitely should be on your list!
Sylaira has spent decades fleeing the Regents because of her abilities. Vaeron is the hunter sent after her, bound by duty to his sister and used as a tool for her and her husband’s ambitions. Then their eyes meet and, naturally, the fate bond snaps into place.
I liked the tension of this setup a lot. Both are caught between duty and emotions while trying to protect what matters to them. The beautiful detail that eye colour reflects power level is a neat touch in the magic system.
Bonus points for the added playlist. In my head our MMC looks like the Witcher with icy eyes, smelling faintly of stormwood and smoke.
Fast paced and engaging and of course ending on a cliffhanger. I will definitely pick up the second book.
Thank you Lacey Lehotzky, the publisher and my luck for the chance to read the e-arc!
Sylaira has spent decades fleeing the Regents because of her abilities. Vaeron is the hunter sent after her, bound by duty to his sister and used as a tool for her and her husband’s ambitions. Then their eyes meet and, naturally, the fate bond snaps into place.
I liked the tension of this setup a lot. Both are caught between duty and emotions while trying to protect what matters to them. The beautiful detail that eye colour reflects power level is a neat touch in the magic system.
Bonus points for the added playlist. In my head our MMC looks like the Witcher with icy eyes, smelling faintly of stormwood and smoke.
Fast paced and engaging and of course ending on a cliffhanger. I will definitely pick up the second book.
Thank you Lacey Lehotzky, the publisher and my luck for the chance to read the e-arc!
April 29, 2026
Somehow loved even more than the first duet published?! I loved how we had a FMC focused on peace & who lacked blood lust rather than the warrior FMC character type we typically see! This duo is a true slow burn enemies to lovers & is somehow a bit more toxic & layered than our main couple in EODB. It was so cool to see an Angel couple on the other side of the war, as our last 2 books focused on the Demons side; you truly see two sides of the story & it’s cool to piece together who the ACTUAL villains are. The idea that the “Angels”, a term we typically associate with those of a moral high ground, can be just as (if not more) evil - the bigger picture here is something worth exploring as you read.
Finished this literally on a train leaving Machu Picchu & was so enchanting. CANNOT WAIT for the second book to come out!
Finished this literally on a train leaving Machu Picchu & was so enchanting. CANNOT WAIT for the second book to come out!
March 29, 2026
Really enjoyed this one, This is first in the series so expect world building and a cliffhanger and a big twist that had me with my jaw on the floor. You have a war thats raging between Angels and Demons; family trauma, the cat and mouse thrill and tension between the FMC and MMC jumps through the pages so much so that your on the edge of your seat waiting for the combustion. All this makes for a fun time.
March 29, 2026
Hmm idk how I feel about this one.
April 1, 2026
And So The Breaking Begins by Lacey Lehotzky is Book 1 in the Mindbreaker Duet.
Excuse me while I pick my jaw up off the floor!! Wow, I love good cliffhangers. I’m charging for emotional damage. Now I will be not so patiently waiting for book two, but while I do you should really give this book a read. I really loved this book and it was a hard to put down. I had never read any of the Duets, but now I will be reading the Deathcaller Duet so that I can see the demons POV. I’m obsessed and just don’t want it to end on that cliffhanger. This book has my full attention and I believe it deserves it. The plot pacing for me was great until I hit a slump towards the middle. There were a few side characters that I wanted to be more in depth other than that the world building was phenomenal. I loved the tension in the book and the banter between the main characters. The spicy times came out perfect, and their relationship develops at a good pace. Not rushed and not to strung out.
This book includes:
🖤Dark Romantasy
🖤Slow Burn
🖤Fated Mates
🖤Secrets and Betrayals
🖤Light Daddy
🖤Enemies to Lovers
🖤Villainous MMC
🖤Fiery FMC
🖤Touch her and ☠️
I would like to say thank you to Greys Promotions and Lacey Lehotzky for allowing me to read this book and leave my honest review. Thanks Again! On to the next duet, for now.
Excuse me while I pick my jaw up off the floor!! Wow, I love good cliffhangers. I’m charging for emotional damage. Now I will be not so patiently waiting for book two, but while I do you should really give this book a read. I really loved this book and it was a hard to put down. I had never read any of the Duets, but now I will be reading the Deathcaller Duet so that I can see the demons POV. I’m obsessed and just don’t want it to end on that cliffhanger. This book has my full attention and I believe it deserves it. The plot pacing for me was great until I hit a slump towards the middle. There were a few side characters that I wanted to be more in depth other than that the world building was phenomenal. I loved the tension in the book and the banter between the main characters. The spicy times came out perfect, and their relationship develops at a good pace. Not rushed and not to strung out.
This book includes:
🖤Dark Romantasy
🖤Slow Burn
🖤Fated Mates
🖤Secrets and Betrayals
🖤Light Daddy
🖤Enemies to Lovers
🖤Villainous MMC
🖤Fiery FMC
🖤Touch her and ☠️
I would like to say thank you to Greys Promotions and Lacey Lehotzky for allowing me to read this book and leave my honest review. Thanks Again! On to the next duet, for now.
March 28, 2026
Just finished- emotionally damaged- review to come.
𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗟𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗔𝗥𝗖.
𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗼 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀
𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝘂𝗲𝘁 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝟭
This book came at the perfect time for me. I was just thinking that it had been a while since I read a fated mates with mind speaking and I was really starting to miss it. Then 💥… everything I thought I knew and loved about that particular trope was delicately placed on the table and then hit repeatedly with a mallet until it broke- literally.
In a very quick recap (because I really think you should read it and find out) Sylaira is an extremely powerful seer in hiding with her peaceful community who all don’t believe in the war currently raging between the Angels and Demons. Vaeron is tasked by the current monarchs to hunt and capture her kind. He is also personally responsible for the death of her family. She hates him and everything she thinks he stands for. He continues to let her run in the beginning because he likes the chase way too much.
This story has political intrigue, feminine rage, secret after secret, betrayal for days, and monarchs you want to see ☠️
The romance was chef kiss- there’s banter, the intimate moments build beautifully, he has light power to rival our favourite shadow daddy’s and you simultaneously want to root for them and scream at them.
I will be stalking Lacey for all signs of book 2 and will cancel all of my real life when the times comes for me to read it! In the meantime I’m going to read the Deathcaller Duet and fall in love with the demons 🫠🫠
I’m obsessed! I’ve been deceived. My hearts a little broken. And I’m so happy to say this was my latest 5 star read.
𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗟𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗔𝗥𝗖.
𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗼 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀
𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝘂𝗲𝘁 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝟭
This book came at the perfect time for me. I was just thinking that it had been a while since I read a fated mates with mind speaking and I was really starting to miss it. Then 💥… everything I thought I knew and loved about that particular trope was delicately placed on the table and then hit repeatedly with a mallet until it broke- literally.
In a very quick recap (because I really think you should read it and find out) Sylaira is an extremely powerful seer in hiding with her peaceful community who all don’t believe in the war currently raging between the Angels and Demons. Vaeron is tasked by the current monarchs to hunt and capture her kind. He is also personally responsible for the death of her family. She hates him and everything she thinks he stands for. He continues to let her run in the beginning because he likes the chase way too much.
This story has political intrigue, feminine rage, secret after secret, betrayal for days, and monarchs you want to see ☠️
The romance was chef kiss- there’s banter, the intimate moments build beautifully, he has light power to rival our favourite shadow daddy’s and you simultaneously want to root for them and scream at them.
I will be stalking Lacey for all signs of book 2 and will cancel all of my real life when the times comes for me to read it! In the meantime I’m going to read the Deathcaller Duet and fall in love with the demons 🫠🫠
I’m obsessed! I’ve been deceived. My hearts a little broken. And I’m so happy to say this was my latest 5 star read.
April 2, 2026
Thank you so much Lacey Lehotzky and Grey's Promotions for allowing me the opportunity to review this in advance!
And So The Breaking Begins is the first book of two and it came with a total punch! The flow was so good, the build up had my head spinning. There is quite a bit of world building in this book but I loved it! The FMC Sylaira is an angel seer; yet she hates them and tries everything in her power to suppress them. With the power she holds she is coveted and sought after to be an ultimate weapon for the crown! I really liked her character and felt for her but at times she came off a little too selfish.
The MMC Vaeron was definitely the star for me, he is added to my collection of book boyfriends!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/5
March 14, 2026
Rating: 4.5⭐
I finished this in two days because I couldn’t put it down. The story pulled me in quickly, and I became really invested in the characters and their journey. The romance had great tension and chemistry, and the stakes throughout the fantasy plot kept me hooked.
I found myself rooting for the characters the entire time. Parts of the story were heartbreaking, but that emotional depth made it even more impactful. Overall, it was a gripping and memorable read that I really enjoyed.
Thank you to the author for creating such a captivating story, and to Grey’s Promotions for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I finished this in two days because I couldn’t put it down. The story pulled me in quickly, and I became really invested in the characters and their journey. The romance had great tension and chemistry, and the stakes throughout the fantasy plot kept me hooked.
I found myself rooting for the characters the entire time. Parts of the story were heartbreaking, but that emotional depth made it even more impactful. Overall, it was a gripping and memorable read that I really enjoyed.
Thank you to the author for creating such a captivating story, and to Grey’s Promotions for the opportunity to read and review this book.
April 1, 2026
Totally Broken! And Totally Obsessed! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I just need a moment ….
Mind blown! Again! This series is hands down one of the best I have ever read. Team Angels or Team Demons? I REFUSE TO CHOOSE!
I read this over two days, dropped my kindle around 4am when my eyes gave. Then picked it straight back up when my eyes opened.
How am I going to get through the next year…..
I just need a moment ….
Mind blown! Again! This series is hands down one of the best I have ever read. Team Angels or Team Demons? I REFUSE TO CHOOSE!
I read this over two days, dropped my kindle around 4am when my eyes gave. Then picked it straight back up when my eyes opened.
How am I going to get through the next year…..
March 26, 2026
Thank you to the author and Grey’s Promotions for an early copy of And so the Breaking Begins. This book hooked me pretty early on and I read it in one day because I couldn’t put it down. As soon as the FMC and MMC were on the page together, I felt their chemistry. The tension continued through most of the book, which isn’t easy to maintain. I loved both of these characters and felt the emotions and motivations of each of them. The plot and the romance were both pretty equal in this book, which I really enjoyed. The ending was shocking and has me wondering how that twist is going to play out and impact book 2. I can’t stop thinking about this book and I’m sad that I finished it so quickly because I want more.
April 17, 2026
ᴀɴᴅ ꜱᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ʙʀᴇᴀᴋɪɴɢ ʙᴇɢɪɴꜱ || ᴀʀᴄ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ
“𝓗𝓪𝓽𝓮 𝓶𝓮 𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽. 𝓘 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓬𝓸𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓾𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓫𝔂 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓼𝓲𝓭𝓮, 𝓫𝓮𝓬𝓪𝓾𝓼𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓲𝓼 𝓷𝓸𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓮𝓵𝓼𝓮 𝓘 𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝓫𝓮.”
✨4.5/5
🌶️3.5/5
What on the end was that? Oh, my Sylaira… Vaeron, you really must get rid of your sister—I can’t stand her. The way Vaeron is always by Sylaira’s side and can’t seem to let her go. And the chemistry between them was simply incredible.
I finally knew who my mate was.
The male the Goddess cursed to be mine.
The Issaraeth.
And so the breaking began.
“Oh, Sylaira. There's my little fugitive. You're mine now, Seer.”
“There is no escaping me. You are mine, little fugitive.”
“I'm a monster? A beast closer to a Demon than an Angel?"
He felt...real. Like he was more than a villain of legend.
One kiss, and I knew I was doomed and destroyed.
"Tell me something good,"
"When I chased you, I didn't want it to end. You made me feel alive for the first time in a long time,”
"I want you, Sylaira. More than I have ever wanted anything."
“𝓗𝓪𝓽𝓮 𝓶𝓮 𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽. 𝓘 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓬𝓸𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓾𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓫𝔂 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓼𝓲𝓭𝓮, 𝓫𝓮𝓬𝓪𝓾𝓼𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓲𝓼 𝓷𝓸𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓮𝓵𝓼𝓮 𝓘 𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝓫𝓮.”
✨4.5/5
🌶️3.5/5
What on the end was that? Oh, my Sylaira… Vaeron, you really must get rid of your sister—I can’t stand her. The way Vaeron is always by Sylaira’s side and can’t seem to let her go. And the chemistry between them was simply incredible.
I finally knew who my mate was.
The male the Goddess cursed to be mine.
The Issaraeth.
And so the breaking began.
“Oh, Sylaira. There's my little fugitive. You're mine now, Seer.”
“There is no escaping me. You are mine, little fugitive.”
“I'm a monster? A beast closer to a Demon than an Angel?"
He felt...real. Like he was more than a villain of legend.
One kiss, and I knew I was doomed and destroyed.
"Tell me something good,"
"When I chased you, I didn't want it to end. You made me feel alive for the first time in a long time,”
"I want you, Sylaira. More than I have ever wanted anything."
April 1, 2026
Mixed feelings!!! I thought this was going to be a 5 🌟 read in the beginning.. but then it just fizzled out, got confusing, and the random betrayal?? Hmmmm
April 4, 2026
How to describe the male lead in one word? Ick.
I have genuinely never encountered characters with so little agency. No backbone, no drive, not even a flicker of determination (especially the mmc).
Incredibly passive characters, and at some point you start wondering if they even deserve a plot.
Overall, the mmc has yet to discover his spine and the fmc to discover self respect.
⭐ 2/5 stars, points were given to a good concept, however the execution falls short.
I have genuinely never encountered characters with so little agency. No backbone, no drive, not even a flicker of determination (especially the mmc).
Incredibly passive characters, and at some point you start wondering if they even deserve a plot.
Overall, the mmc has yet to discover his spine and the fmc to discover self respect.
⭐ 2/5 stars, points were given to a good concept, however the execution falls short.
April 12, 2026
I went into this story not having read any of Lacey's books before and let me tell you, I literally ate this book up!! I absolutely loved this story and the writing and the characters! 😍 It's giving feminine rage, there's a broody dark protector, there's exploration of how love drives conviction of beliefs and how much the influence of your family has on your self worth and the way you view the world.
Sylaira I immediately related to. She's lost both her parents and her soul is splintered because of her grief and she loves her chosen sister so fiercely to try and bridge the hole in her heart. Her magical power is that of a seer and she has been on the run from those who seek to control her but also because she isn't grateful for her goddess gift. What she sees of the future breaks her. She is fierce in her beliefs and she stops at nothing to further her plans, which include getting rid of the ruling Angel Koron and Korona (who is Vaeron's sister) to avoid all out war with the Demons.
Vaeron was brutally marked and traumatised and thoroughly broken by his father and forced into believing duty to his family is the most important purpose of his life. He has a darkness inside that he feeds with her power of being able to use his voice to absolutely control and command. Vaeron's brand of broken is so attractive and I JUST WANT TO FIX HIM! I love when they are just starving for someone to see past the facade and to the male and not just the villain.
I literally ate up the slow burn between Sylaira and Vaeron. It was so well written that I was inhaling every moment where Vaeron is hunting her to bring her back to the palace to serve as seer, each time they tried to break each other and refused to break, the moments they fought their fated mate bond and slowly unravelled anyway because despite their lies and their games and their desperate need for control, their bond is undeniable. The banter and tension as they slowly break each other is top tier!
"The Goddess made us mates for a reason. Pain and pleasure. Hate and love. You are mine, Sylaira. Always have been. Always will be. I will hunt you to the ends of this earth. Into all the worlds, if I must."
Vaeron is so daddy and I am still thinking about how much I loved him! He is so gone when it comes to Sylaira and I am there for it 💁🏻♀️
But the obsession? The feral desire to protect her at all costs?
No, that was because of who she was at her core — relentless, fierce, and so fucking rebellious.
There are lots of unique powers in this world of angels and demons which I found interesting. There is a good amount of world building, whether through the lush mountainous forest terrain where the hunting takes place or in the too bright palace. The pacing is great. Half the time I was on the edge, quickly turning pages to know what would happen next! This is dual POV which I loved because who doesn't want to know all the MMCs unhinged thoughts 😝
I highly recommend this book, it does end on a cliffhanger, which I so did not see the string of events coming, but I will absolutely be continuing this series and I also plan to read The Deathcaller duet which is the other duet in this series.
Thank you to the author and Grey's Promotions for the review copy, and this is my honest review.
Sylaira I immediately related to. She's lost both her parents and her soul is splintered because of her grief and she loves her chosen sister so fiercely to try and bridge the hole in her heart. Her magical power is that of a seer and she has been on the run from those who seek to control her but also because she isn't grateful for her goddess gift. What she sees of the future breaks her. She is fierce in her beliefs and she stops at nothing to further her plans, which include getting rid of the ruling Angel Koron and Korona (who is Vaeron's sister) to avoid all out war with the Demons.
Vaeron was brutally marked and traumatised and thoroughly broken by his father and forced into believing duty to his family is the most important purpose of his life. He has a darkness inside that he feeds with her power of being able to use his voice to absolutely control and command. Vaeron's brand of broken is so attractive and I JUST WANT TO FIX HIM! I love when they are just starving for someone to see past the facade and to the male and not just the villain.
I literally ate up the slow burn between Sylaira and Vaeron. It was so well written that I was inhaling every moment where Vaeron is hunting her to bring her back to the palace to serve as seer, each time they tried to break each other and refused to break, the moments they fought their fated mate bond and slowly unravelled anyway because despite their lies and their games and their desperate need for control, their bond is undeniable. The banter and tension as they slowly break each other is top tier!
"The Goddess made us mates for a reason. Pain and pleasure. Hate and love. You are mine, Sylaira. Always have been. Always will be. I will hunt you to the ends of this earth. Into all the worlds, if I must."
Vaeron is so daddy and I am still thinking about how much I loved him! He is so gone when it comes to Sylaira and I am there for it 💁🏻♀️
But the obsession? The feral desire to protect her at all costs?
No, that was because of who she was at her core — relentless, fierce, and so fucking rebellious.
There are lots of unique powers in this world of angels and demons which I found interesting. There is a good amount of world building, whether through the lush mountainous forest terrain where the hunting takes place or in the too bright palace. The pacing is great. Half the time I was on the edge, quickly turning pages to know what would happen next! This is dual POV which I loved because who doesn't want to know all the MMCs unhinged thoughts 😝
I highly recommend this book, it does end on a cliffhanger, which I so did not see the string of events coming, but I will absolutely be continuing this series and I also plan to read The Deathcaller duet which is the other duet in this series.
Thank you to the author and Grey's Promotions for the review copy, and this is my honest review.
March 31, 2026
I am reeling from that cliffhanger… please tell me book 2 is coming sooner than later because I need it to cure this heartache. I am like emotionally unstable at 3 am… because Lacey wasn’t kidding about a dark Romantasy that rips your heart out, because it did just exactly that. I inhaled this book as fast as I could, after reading the Deathcaller Duet, I was super excited to get the Angels side of this whole war. And I remember reading the snippet of at the end of Horns of Wicked Ebony and knew this was going to be good. And this did not disappoint, this was a great enemies to lovers with soo much angst and the yearning from Vaeron just absolutely undid me every-time. He needs to be protected at all costs and fought for. Like I love him and I’m obsessed… because like how can you not be ??? And I’m obsessed with him and Sylaira. Like I need them to have their happy ending and I need Sylaira to just fully embrace her power because I know it’s going to be so worth it. Feminine rage and a woman’s wrath is not to be taken lightly and I know after the way this book ended, we’ll see exactly how Sylaira releases that rage. Anyways I’m soo glad I read this but also sad I read it soo soon because I know it’s going to be a while until the next book and there’s nothing more torturous than waiting for the next book in a series to come out after a brutal cliffhanger and yet I still make myself go through the emotional torment every time. I just loved everything about this and this will wasps be one of my top reads this year. Now please…. Book 2 come sooner than later. I will be manifesting it on the daily because I need to find out what happens next more than I need to breathe.
March 28, 2026
Tropes:
😈 Enemies to Lovers
⛓️Forced Proximity
🏰Political Intrigue
🩶Light Daddy
❤️🔥Slow Burn
👑 Villain Gets the Girl
Book 1 of the Mindbreaker Duet, book 3 of the An Age of War and Prophecy series. Think Joan of Arc meets The Witcher.
I went into this duet WITHOUT reading books 1 & 2 of the series, and it did not disappoint! Needless to say, I will be reading books 1 and 2 asap.
Sylaira has always been on the run, suppressing her ability as a powerful seer, which is highly sought out by the royals because they NEED her to get a leg up in the war that’s waging between the angels and demons.
Vaeron's story is tragic, and his constant internal conflict kept me on edge. His dedication to duty and namesake as the mindbreaker starts to shift when the mating bond kicks in, and honestly, watching his constant struggle was heart-wrenching.
The story unfolds beautifully, and the writing style is a chef's kiss. There’s political intrigue, war, and a dark, spicy romance. I do feel that the story slows down a bit in the middle to make space for some world-building, BUT the ending did not disappoint! I can’t wait to get my hands on the second book of this duet!
Thank you so much to Grey’s Promotions and Lacey Lehotzky for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
😈 Enemies to Lovers
⛓️Forced Proximity
🏰Political Intrigue
🩶Light Daddy
❤️🔥Slow Burn
👑 Villain Gets the Girl
Book 1 of the Mindbreaker Duet, book 3 of the An Age of War and Prophecy series. Think Joan of Arc meets The Witcher.
I went into this duet WITHOUT reading books 1 & 2 of the series, and it did not disappoint! Needless to say, I will be reading books 1 and 2 asap.
Sylaira has always been on the run, suppressing her ability as a powerful seer, which is highly sought out by the royals because they NEED her to get a leg up in the war that’s waging between the angels and demons.
Vaeron's story is tragic, and his constant internal conflict kept me on edge. His dedication to duty and namesake as the mindbreaker starts to shift when the mating bond kicks in, and honestly, watching his constant struggle was heart-wrenching.
The story unfolds beautifully, and the writing style is a chef's kiss. There’s political intrigue, war, and a dark, spicy romance. I do feel that the story slows down a bit in the middle to make space for some world-building, BUT the ending did not disappoint! I can’t wait to get my hands on the second book of this duet!
Thank you so much to Grey’s Promotions and Lacey Lehotzky for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 26, 2026
Thank you to Lacey Lehotzky and Grey’s Promotions for the eARC!
This was such a fantastic romantasy. It was dark, spicy and emotional. There was a lot of world building and characters introductions in the beginning of the story. You get directly thrown into the world of angel hierarchy and their magic system. You find out what eye colors possess the most powers and who is hunter for what they can do. You also get a taste of the Koron and Korona and the declared war with the demons. They are in need of Seers now more than ever to help them carry out their plans.
I loved Sylaira and Vaeron. I felt that together they were very deep and emotional characters who had to grow and develop on their own to see their true potentials. They both had tremendous growth throughout the book. The middle of the book is a little slower, it push through because the ending was worth it!!
This was such a fantastic romantasy. It was dark, spicy and emotional. There was a lot of world building and characters introductions in the beginning of the story. You get directly thrown into the world of angel hierarchy and their magic system. You find out what eye colors possess the most powers and who is hunter for what they can do. You also get a taste of the Koron and Korona and the declared war with the demons. They are in need of Seers now more than ever to help them carry out their plans.
I loved Sylaira and Vaeron. I felt that together they were very deep and emotional characters who had to grow and develop on their own to see their true potentials. They both had tremendous growth throughout the book. The middle of the book is a little slower, it push through because the ending was worth it!!
April 9, 2026
okay, well, now i gotta know what happens next dammit!
i enjoyed it, yes, but large portions of this book felt very long and drawn out. it’s weird because it’s like, the first half was fun until i was like, okay next? and then we get to the next part and it was fun until i was like… okay next??? and so on and so forth. i went through phases of being totally into it and then phases of being like, oh my god is anything ever gonna fucking happen?!
i think the main reason for this is that the fmc literally does nothing the whole book. like, nada. she’s supposedly the strongest seer to exist at the moment but she takes a plant that suppresses her visions the entire book. i wanted her to see something, do something— anything!!
basically, the relationship is the plot. which, hey, sometimes i’m in the mood for that. i just wished a little more happened. but alas, i think i’m going to start the next book at the very least so that i can see what’s going to happen next. *shrugs*
i enjoyed it, yes, but large portions of this book felt very long and drawn out. it’s weird because it’s like, the first half was fun until i was like, okay next? and then we get to the next part and it was fun until i was like… okay next??? and so on and so forth. i went through phases of being totally into it and then phases of being like, oh my god is anything ever gonna fucking happen?!
i think the main reason for this is that the fmc literally does nothing the whole book. like, nada. she’s supposedly the strongest seer to exist at the moment but she takes a plant that suppresses her visions the entire book. i wanted her to see something, do something— anything!!
basically, the relationship is the plot. which, hey, sometimes i’m in the mood for that. i just wished a little more happened. but alas, i think i’m going to start the next book at the very least so that i can see what’s going to happen next. *shrugs*
March 30, 2026
✨️I was given an early review copy by the author. This is my honest review.✨️
I want to start by saying I probably should have read the Deathcaller duet first, but I am going to rectify that situation now.
This was a brutal, high-stakes fantasy where angels and demons are locked in a war that feels as political as it is personal. Told from the angels’ POV, the story leans hard into palace corruption, religious control, and the dangerous cost of blind loyalty.
The world-building is dense but rewarding, layered with intrigue and power plays at every turn. Add in enemies-to-lovers tension, a lethal “touch her and die” dynamic, and a thread of feminine rage, and you’ve got a story that burns slow but hits hard.
Dark, complex, and full of morally messy choices...this one doesn’t pull its punches.
I want to start by saying I probably should have read the Deathcaller duet first, but I am going to rectify that situation now.
This was a brutal, high-stakes fantasy where angels and demons are locked in a war that feels as political as it is personal. Told from the angels’ POV, the story leans hard into palace corruption, religious control, and the dangerous cost of blind loyalty.
The world-building is dense but rewarding, layered with intrigue and power plays at every turn. Add in enemies-to-lovers tension, a lethal “touch her and die” dynamic, and a thread of feminine rage, and you’ve got a story that burns slow but hits hard.
Dark, complex, and full of morally messy choices...this one doesn’t pull its punches.
April 14, 2026
the beginning was really interesting, but the middle and end just could NOT keep me engaged. i feel like it took forever for anything to happen, and that’s something i CANNOT STAND in a book. i’m a really weird, picky reader, and the books i read NEED to be interesting or else i just can’t get through them. i was actually debating not rating this book because i ended up skimming through so much of it, but i ultimately decided to rate it anyway just so i know i’ve already tried it in case i forget and want to pick it up again
March 26, 2026
ARC review ✨ Intricate world building and unique magic system. My only reason for giving this 4 stars instead of 5 is that the beginning felt a bit slow. It took some time to fully get into the story and find the pacing. That said, once it picked up, I was completely hooked and really enjoyed where the story went.
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