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An Age of War and Prophecy #3
And So The Breaking Begins
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 555 reviews
March 23, 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 30, 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 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???
May 26, 2026
am i tripping or is this book written very poorly……?
“No chasing sounds followed me. I spiraled a rushed circle.” Chasing sounds? Spiraling, a.k.a. circling?? But you’re spiraling a circle??? okayyyyy
“breaths dragged in and out of my nostrils” “a hiss slipped through my teeth.” i feel like this author may have promised herself to use absolutely no normal or fitting verbs in this book.
this book reads like a 12-year-old in honor’s english, a little egotistical about her writing and use of big words, got on wattpad thinking her story would change lives. alas, it’s entertaining, but the writing is clunky and overdramatic. enjoyed the premise but felt it lacked a lot of depth.
“No chasing sounds followed me. I spiraled a rushed circle.” Chasing sounds? Spiraling, a.k.a. circling?? But you’re spiraling a circle??? okayyyyy
“breaths dragged in and out of my nostrils” “a hiss slipped through my teeth.” i feel like this author may have promised herself to use absolutely no normal or fitting verbs in this book.
this book reads like a 12-year-old in honor’s english, a little egotistical about her writing and use of big words, got on wattpad thinking her story would change lives. alas, it’s entertaining, but the writing is clunky and overdramatic. enjoyed the premise but felt it lacked a lot of depth.
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.
May 30, 2026
The FMC was the equivalent to white bread without crusts.
March 20, 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.
April 26, 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!
August 18, 2026
1.5 ⭐️. The FMC is the worst and not even in a fun way. A narcissist but not a clever or self-aware one so it just comes across as annoying. Very little growth in her character even though there are plenty of moments of manufactured strife or adversity that are typically meant for that purpose but she just goes straight back to whining about anything and everything two pages later. I love an MC I am supposed to hate but I honestly don’t think that was the goal here so I just actually hate her…
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.
July 14, 2026
2.5⭐️
If you ever feel lost in the downpour, know you can tug on our bond and I will lead you home
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁
💙 enemies to lovers
✨ fated mates
💙 touch her and you die
✨ he hunts her kind
💙 tend her wounds
✨ possessive MMC
💙 forbidden romance
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁
Let me start with saying that I almost dnf’d this book at 85% but then I was like ehh finish it so I can finish my reading goal this year. So the first half of the book was actually interesting but then things slowed down and got bland. TBH this would have been a good slow burn but unfortunately it wasn’t the case. I want to also add that the MMC annoyed the hell out of me how he is like soo strong and powerful and every one fears him but he can’t do a damn useful thing like stop just saying that he is powerful also I think he didn’t redeem himself to the FMC I wanted him to yearn to grovel more. The FMC honestly was so naive and let me say that both of them couldn’t keep their mouth shut. I mean if they just shut the help up and controlled their emotions ( honestly idk how those two are supposed to be above 100; they have a temper of a teenage boy) it would have saved us lots of grief.
If you ever feel lost in the downpour, know you can tug on our bond and I will lead you home
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁
💙 enemies to lovers
✨ fated mates
💙 touch her and you die
✨ he hunts her kind
💙 tend her wounds
✨ possessive MMC
💙 forbidden romance
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁
Let me start with saying that I almost dnf’d this book at 85% but then I was like ehh finish it so I can finish my reading goal this year. So the first half of the book was actually interesting but then things slowed down and got bland. TBH this would have been a good slow burn but unfortunately it wasn’t the case. I want to also add that the MMC annoyed the hell out of me how he is like soo strong and powerful and every one fears him but he can’t do a damn useful thing like stop just saying that he is powerful also I think he didn’t redeem himself to the FMC I wanted him to yearn to grovel more. The FMC honestly was so naive and let me say that both of them couldn’t keep their mouth shut. I mean if they just shut the help up and controlled their emotions ( honestly idk how those two are supposed to be above 100; they have a temper of a teenage boy) it would have saved us lots of grief.
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 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!
July 29, 2026
4.5 holy shit this was way better than the first duet (based solely off just this book) and i’m so upset that i have to wait till september to read the next book 😭 the cliff hanger should be illegal
June 10, 2026
Sylaira truly is one of the most selfish, self-absorbed, childish MC’s I’ve ever encountered. And to be totally honest, her place within the story felt so contrived and unearned.
There was no character development whatsoever. Her beliefs were not challenged. At no point did she have to grow or develop with any of the experiences she had. And, really, I think it was a very poor choice to not have a vision during the ENTIRE book. Isn’t that her whole thing? “Oh I’m the most powerful seer in a generation! My powers are so coveted I have to hide in the wilderness! My visions are so powerful I have to take these special leaves to prevent them or else I’ll die!” Girl be so for real right now. You’re watching your best friend slowly wither away due to being forced to have visions so frequently, and you don’t offer her any of the magic leaves that suppress her power?! It was only addressed with one throwaway line AFTER she’d already died that “oh she didn’t want them :((“. And yeah, I get the whole pacifist thing, but you could end the war. Like right now. And there’s not even a glimmer of internal struggle about it.
Vaeron was at least better than Rokath. He was much more compelling in his backstory and motivations, and I actually felt bad for him and the position he was in. His actions made sense, and he grew throughout the story!
However, we need to address the elephant in the room. “Little fugitive”? Really?
The ending was also weirdly rushed and moderately confusing. I’m still not entirely sure why it was such a betrayal.
On the plus side, I really enjoyed seeing more of the world building! The Koron and Korona were as cartoonishly evil as I was hoping they’d be, the glimpse into angel society was genuinely interesting, and I really liked the scattered breadcrumbs of “everything is not what it seems” in regards to the start of the war.
Also, the sex scenes were MUCH better than the ones in the Deathcaller duet!
There was no character development whatsoever. Her beliefs were not challenged. At no point did she have to grow or develop with any of the experiences she had. And, really, I think it was a very poor choice to not have a vision during the ENTIRE book. Isn’t that her whole thing? “Oh I’m the most powerful seer in a generation! My powers are so coveted I have to hide in the wilderness! My visions are so powerful I have to take these special leaves to prevent them or else I’ll die!” Girl be so for real right now. You’re watching your best friend slowly wither away due to being forced to have visions so frequently, and you don’t offer her any of the magic leaves that suppress her power?! It was only addressed with one throwaway line AFTER she’d already died that “oh she didn’t want them :((“. And yeah, I get the whole pacifist thing, but you could end the war. Like right now. And there’s not even a glimmer of internal struggle about it.
Vaeron was at least better than Rokath. He was much more compelling in his backstory and motivations, and I actually felt bad for him and the position he was in. His actions made sense, and he grew throughout the story!
However, we need to address the elephant in the room. “Little fugitive”? Really?
The ending was also weirdly rushed and moderately confusing. I’m still not entirely sure why it was such a betrayal.
On the plus side, I really enjoyed seeing more of the world building! The Koron and Korona were as cartoonishly evil as I was hoping they’d be, the glimpse into angel society was genuinely interesting, and I really liked the scattered breadcrumbs of “everything is not what it seems” in regards to the start of the war.
Also, the sex scenes were MUCH better than the ones in the Deathcaller duet!
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
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 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.
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 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*
Did Not Finish
June 23, 2026DNF @35%. I made it this far and all that’s happened is a whole lot of whining and gallivanting. So boring and repetitive, couldn’t do it.
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 26, 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
October 13, 2026
3.45
It had real potential.
Bit fell falt here and there.
I dint like the female protagonist at all.
Highlights:
* The injustice of it all made me want to crack the sky open and let the rage inside me reign.
* mates were sacred. That they protected their own. That they stayed through difficult moments.
It had real potential.
Bit fell falt here and there.
I dint like the female protagonist at all.
Highlights:
* The injustice of it all made me want to crack the sky open and let the rage inside me reign.
* mates were sacred. That they protected their own. That they stayed through difficult moments.
September 22, 2026
Dark romance with suspenseful moments. Slow at times but overall a good plot. Will continue to read the series.
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.
March 28, 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…..
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