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Sins of the Half Blood #1
Legion of Pride
She’s taking the FBI by storm. Even if no one knows about her dark secret.
Graduating at the top of her class at the FBI Academy, Iris Young is on track to make all her dreams come true. Racking up an impressive case closure rate, Iris is so close to getting her dream special agent, the youngest the department has ever seen.
When a serial killer makes Iris’s city his deadly playground, it threatens to unravel everything she has worked so hard to achieve. With bodies and crime scenes popping up all over the city, Iris is tasked with catching the killer and ending his string of gruesome murders. Easy for a superstar achiever like her, right?
Suspecting they are up against an otherworldly being, Iris finds herself in his crosshairs as the killer leaves cryptic messages for her at the scene of his murders. Iris believes she knows exactly why she’s been singled out in the calling cards; the killer knows what she is, a fact she’s worked hard to hide from everyone in her life, including her husband.
With the government demanding answers and the killer’s death count rising, Iris finds herself faced with an impossible feat of catching a murderer while also concealing her darkest secret. When forced to make a choice, will Iris give up everything to protect the city she loves, or will she let the killer run free to protect her secret?
—
Dexter meets Criminal Minds in this psychological urban fantasy series following Iris Young as she’s under pressure to apprehend a serial killer destroying her city. The stakes have never been higher as the killer develops an obsession with Iris, bringing far more attention to her dual nature than she’s ever wanted.
Graduating at the top of her class at the FBI Academy, Iris Young is on track to make all her dreams come true. Racking up an impressive case closure rate, Iris is so close to getting her dream special agent, the youngest the department has ever seen.
When a serial killer makes Iris’s city his deadly playground, it threatens to unravel everything she has worked so hard to achieve. With bodies and crime scenes popping up all over the city, Iris is tasked with catching the killer and ending his string of gruesome murders. Easy for a superstar achiever like her, right?
Suspecting they are up against an otherworldly being, Iris finds herself in his crosshairs as the killer leaves cryptic messages for her at the scene of his murders. Iris believes she knows exactly why she’s been singled out in the calling cards; the killer knows what she is, a fact she’s worked hard to hide from everyone in her life, including her husband.
With the government demanding answers and the killer’s death count rising, Iris finds herself faced with an impossible feat of catching a murderer while also concealing her darkest secret. When forced to make a choice, will Iris give up everything to protect the city she loves, or will she let the killer run free to protect her secret?
—
Dexter meets Criminal Minds in this psychological urban fantasy series following Iris Young as she’s under pressure to apprehend a serial killer destroying her city. The stakes have never been higher as the killer develops an obsession with Iris, bringing far more attention to her dual nature than she’s ever wanted.
309 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2026
5 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Storm
13 books39 followersThere is an unspoken rule of being an author: "if you can't find the book you want to read, write it." That's exactly what Stephanie Storm did.
Now, she prides herself on creating unique stories in action packed worlds full of strong female characters and inclusivity. Her books include plot twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat and a touch of romance too. With the stories being fast paced, she always tries to keep the books focused on being a quick and easy read.
Now based in Amsterdam with her husband and their border collie, Stephanie spends her days immersed in the world of technology at her day job. In her spare time, you can find her planning her next travel adventure, going to Barre classes and writing the next story in her intense publishing schedule.
Now, she prides herself on creating unique stories in action packed worlds full of strong female characters and inclusivity. Her books include plot twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat and a touch of romance too. With the stories being fast paced, she always tries to keep the books focused on being a quick and easy read.
Now based in Amsterdam with her husband and their border collie, Stephanie spends her days immersed in the world of technology at her day job. In her spare time, you can find her planning her next travel adventure, going to Barre classes and writing the next story in her intense publishing schedule.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
March 24, 2026
3.75
Half Demon half human but also a detective ?!
If you love crime show vibes with a bit of paranormal you will definitely enjoy this one.
FMC Iris is at the top of her game , and with a serial killer on the lose, she has to balance married life , her job and hiding who she really is
Half Demon half human but also a detective ?!
If you love crime show vibes with a bit of paranormal you will definitely enjoy this one.
FMC Iris is at the top of her game , and with a serial killer on the lose, she has to balance married life , her job and hiding who she really is
March 26, 2026
A new urban fantasy I loved!
Legion of Pride is the first book in The Sins of the Halfblood Trilogy that is pitched as Dexter meets Criminal Minds. I love mystery, and twisty, psychological thrillers—which I admittedly watch more than I read—so this book was right up my alley.
The story follows Iris Young, a top of the class FBI agent who is close to having the promotion she’s worked so hard to achieve. When a serial killer starts leaving bodies all over the city, Iris is tasked with apprehending the culprit. A culprit she suspects is an otherworldly being who somehow knows exactly what she is, despite she’s kept the secret her whole life, including from the people she loves.
The story is told in a dual timeline. I don’t want to give too much away to not spoil the fun, but in one timeline we find Iris in a peculiar position that she has reached at some point in her investigation. As we read and move across the two timelines, we understand what happened. It’s a storytelling approach that I LOVE, because it adds to the mystery. I always have fun piecing together puzzle pieces of a story, and in this case I had fun putting together what happened in the past that brought Iris where she is in the present.
The characters are one of this book’s strengths. I especially loved the friendship between Iris and Charlie. And of course I loved the hint of supernatural to the story. Though we didn’t dive too deeply into the demon lore in this specific book, it sets the stage perfectly for the next books in the series in which the supernatural element is going to have a bigger role.
Here are some tropes!
FBI Profiler
Morally grey
Hidden World
Dark Family Secret
Ancient prophecy
Dual timeline
Urban Fantasy meets Dexter and Criminal Minds
Rating 4.5 ⭐️
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy of the book. Opinions are my own.
Legion of Pride is the first book in The Sins of the Halfblood Trilogy that is pitched as Dexter meets Criminal Minds. I love mystery, and twisty, psychological thrillers—which I admittedly watch more than I read—so this book was right up my alley.
The story follows Iris Young, a top of the class FBI agent who is close to having the promotion she’s worked so hard to achieve. When a serial killer starts leaving bodies all over the city, Iris is tasked with apprehending the culprit. A culprit she suspects is an otherworldly being who somehow knows exactly what she is, despite she’s kept the secret her whole life, including from the people she loves.
The story is told in a dual timeline. I don’t want to give too much away to not spoil the fun, but in one timeline we find Iris in a peculiar position that she has reached at some point in her investigation. As we read and move across the two timelines, we understand what happened. It’s a storytelling approach that I LOVE, because it adds to the mystery. I always have fun piecing together puzzle pieces of a story, and in this case I had fun putting together what happened in the past that brought Iris where she is in the present.
The characters are one of this book’s strengths. I especially loved the friendship between Iris and Charlie. And of course I loved the hint of supernatural to the story. Though we didn’t dive too deeply into the demon lore in this specific book, it sets the stage perfectly for the next books in the series in which the supernatural element is going to have a bigger role.
Here are some tropes!
FBI Profiler
Morally grey
Hidden World
Dark Family Secret
Ancient prophecy
Dual timeline
Urban Fantasy meets Dexter and Criminal Minds
Rating 4.5 ⭐️
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy of the book. Opinions are my own.
March 23, 2026
✨ARC Review✨
“I can’t taint him with this darkness. I need him to stay good so I can too.”
✨ Urban fantasy
✨ Crime/murder mystery
✨ Hidden identities
✨ Supernatural elements
This one had a lot going for it. The premise is intriguing, blending FBI-style profiling with a supernatural edge, and the pacing is quick enough to keep you turning pages. The mystery is clever and there are definitely moments that make you sit up and take notice.
“We both know we’re not one-hundred percent human, but neither of us dare admit it out loud, keeping our pretense of normality.”
That said, I didn’t quite connect fully with the worldbuilding or the fantasy layer. It’s hinted at rather than fully explored, which is interesting, but left me wishing for a bit more depth. Some of the tension felt uneven, and the stakes didn’t always hit as hard as they could have.
“Everyone is pretending to fit in. Me more than most.”
Iris is a strong, capable lead, and there’s definitely a cool vibe to the story. The emotional moments land and the twists are fun, but overall it felt like it could have been sharper, especially given how much potential there is in the concept.
“Denial is a strong emotion. Sometimes, we’re just happier not knowing the truth.”
A solid, enjoyable read if you like fast-paced urban fantasy mixed with crime and mystery, but not quite a knockout for me.
Thank you to Stephanie for the ARC.
Chaos, vibes, and opinions are all my own ✨ please give credit if you share.
“I can’t taint him with this darkness. I need him to stay good so I can too.”
✨ Urban fantasy
✨ Crime/murder mystery
✨ Hidden identities
✨ Supernatural elements
This one had a lot going for it. The premise is intriguing, blending FBI-style profiling with a supernatural edge, and the pacing is quick enough to keep you turning pages. The mystery is clever and there are definitely moments that make you sit up and take notice.
“We both know we’re not one-hundred percent human, but neither of us dare admit it out loud, keeping our pretense of normality.”
That said, I didn’t quite connect fully with the worldbuilding or the fantasy layer. It’s hinted at rather than fully explored, which is interesting, but left me wishing for a bit more depth. Some of the tension felt uneven, and the stakes didn’t always hit as hard as they could have.
“Everyone is pretending to fit in. Me more than most.”
Iris is a strong, capable lead, and there’s definitely a cool vibe to the story. The emotional moments land and the twists are fun, but overall it felt like it could have been sharper, especially given how much potential there is in the concept.
“Denial is a strong emotion. Sometimes, we’re just happier not knowing the truth.”
A solid, enjoyable read if you like fast-paced urban fantasy mixed with crime and mystery, but not quite a knockout for me.
Thank you to Stephanie for the ARC.
Chaos, vibes, and opinions are all my own ✨ please give credit if you share.
March 29, 2026
I really enjoyed this book, the themes and the coded nods to certain tv shows? obsessed. I love Criminal Minds and having it within this book was fantastic!
The FMC Iris was someone who didn't show much emotion and when it finally all came too much she put herself in a psych ward and honestly? it was awesome to see the difference from past Iris to present Iris.
super interested to see where this goes next!!
The FMC Iris was someone who didn't show much emotion and when it finally all came too much she put herself in a psych ward and honestly? it was awesome to see the difference from past Iris to present Iris.
super interested to see where this goes next!!
February 16, 2026
From the very first pages, Legion of Pride makes one thing clear: this story is not here to warm up. It drops you straight into a world where morality is distorted in deeply unsettling ways, and that immediate intensity sets the tone for everything that follows.
Blending murder mystery, crime, and a subtle but intriguing layer of fantasy, this book feels like a crime procedural with a supernatural edge. Think the tension and investigative drive of a CSI-style show, but threaded with a larger, more mysterious world humming just beneath the surface. The fantasy elements aren’t fully explained yet, but that restraint works in the book’s favor. Instead of overwhelming the reader with lore, Stephanie teases just enough to build anticipation for what’s clearly coming in the next installment.
The mystery itself keeps you guessing. Just when you feel confident in your theories, the narrative pivots. Assumptions crumble. Twists land at exactly the right moment. It’s the kind of story that makes you sit back and rethink everything you thought you had figured out.
Emotionally, this book doesn’t hold back either. Certain moments hit hard, and the consequences feel real. The stakes aren’t just conceptual, they’re personal. That combination of sharp plotting and genuine emotional impact makes the story linger long after you’ve turned the last page.
If you’re a crime lover who enjoys your mysteries with a fantasy twist, Legion of Pride is absolutely worth picking up. It’s a strong, compelling start to what promises to be an even bigger and more intricate series. I’m already counting down to book two. Legion of Pride gets 4,5 stars from me!!
Blending murder mystery, crime, and a subtle but intriguing layer of fantasy, this book feels like a crime procedural with a supernatural edge. Think the tension and investigative drive of a CSI-style show, but threaded with a larger, more mysterious world humming just beneath the surface. The fantasy elements aren’t fully explained yet, but that restraint works in the book’s favor. Instead of overwhelming the reader with lore, Stephanie teases just enough to build anticipation for what’s clearly coming in the next installment.
The mystery itself keeps you guessing. Just when you feel confident in your theories, the narrative pivots. Assumptions crumble. Twists land at exactly the right moment. It’s the kind of story that makes you sit back and rethink everything you thought you had figured out.
Emotionally, this book doesn’t hold back either. Certain moments hit hard, and the consequences feel real. The stakes aren’t just conceptual, they’re personal. That combination of sharp plotting and genuine emotional impact makes the story linger long after you’ve turned the last page.
If you’re a crime lover who enjoys your mysteries with a fantasy twist, Legion of Pride is absolutely worth picking up. It’s a strong, compelling start to what promises to be an even bigger and more intricate series. I’m already counting down to book two. Legion of Pride gets 4,5 stars from me!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Blessed with the ARC read!
4.75*****
Ah from the beginning I was SAT. Incredible usage of the perfect marination of intrigue and mystery. I loved Iris immediately, with her inner thoughts, airy feel to her and her ability??
“In our darkest times, we all need someone who will hear and advocate for us when we’re not able to do it for ourselves” 🫶🏼
^ this was just one of many quotes in the book that I have highlighted as they were so eloquently put. I loved the realness of this and i love a good ‘whodunnit’, too. We were there every step of the way in the investigation, then BAM. Your heart is ripped from your chest and it all clicks in… 🤭 so much imagination and depth to what you write 🫶🏼. Ending was WILD. Prepare for chaos in this trilogy. Are you ready??? 🙋♀️🙋♀️🙋♀️ cause I am.
4.75*****
Ah from the beginning I was SAT. Incredible usage of the perfect marination of intrigue and mystery. I loved Iris immediately, with her inner thoughts, airy feel to her and her ability??
“In our darkest times, we all need someone who will hear and advocate for us when we’re not able to do it for ourselves” 🫶🏼
^ this was just one of many quotes in the book that I have highlighted as they were so eloquently put. I loved the realness of this and i love a good ‘whodunnit’, too. We were there every step of the way in the investigation, then BAM. Your heart is ripped from your chest and it all clicks in… 🤭 so much imagination and depth to what you write 🫶🏼. Ending was WILD. Prepare for chaos in this trilogy. Are you ready??? 🙋♀️🙋♀️🙋♀️ cause I am.
March 26, 2026
Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC. Opinions are my own.
Legion of Pride is PERFECT for readers who enjoy urban fantasy with minimal romance, lots of friendship, and TV shows such as Criminal Minds and Dexter.
Here are some tropes:
- FBI Profiler FMC
- Morally grey
- Hidden World
- Dark Family Secret
- Ancient prophecy
- Dual timeline
The story follows Iris Young: FBI Agent and secretly a half demon. When a serial killer starts terrorizing her town, the investigation leads Iris to suspect the killer is linked to the supernatural world, and things get even more dangerous when the killer starts leaving cryptic messages behind for Iris to decipher. The killer knows exactly who she is, and they know her secret. How far will Iris go to stop them and will she be able to protect those she loves most?
I was absolutely locked in for this investigation. The story is built on a dual timeline: the past one showing the start of the investigation, and a present one where we see Iris making some drastic decisions catch the killer and square off with some tragic events that have unfolded. The fun is piecing together exactly what happened, and it's an adventure that leaves no emotion unscathed.
Iris was a delightfully complex protagonist (my favorite kind!). This woman's life is filled with secrets and shocking revelations, which bleed into her personal life and relationships. I loved that family and friendship take up so much space in this story, overshadowing even the romance component (which is there, but it's definitely not a main focus).
The demon lore is also looking pretty fantastic, and though it's not super prominent in this book, it definitely sets the stage for A LOT more supernatural action in the future books, and I cannot wait to see it happen!
Rating: 4.5 stars
Legion of Pride is PERFECT for readers who enjoy urban fantasy with minimal romance, lots of friendship, and TV shows such as Criminal Minds and Dexter.
Here are some tropes:
- FBI Profiler FMC
- Morally grey
- Hidden World
- Dark Family Secret
- Ancient prophecy
- Dual timeline
The story follows Iris Young: FBI Agent and secretly a half demon. When a serial killer starts terrorizing her town, the investigation leads Iris to suspect the killer is linked to the supernatural world, and things get even more dangerous when the killer starts leaving cryptic messages behind for Iris to decipher. The killer knows exactly who she is, and they know her secret. How far will Iris go to stop them and will she be able to protect those she loves most?
I was absolutely locked in for this investigation. The story is built on a dual timeline: the past one showing the start of the investigation, and a present one where we see Iris making some drastic decisions catch the killer and square off with some tragic events that have unfolded. The fun is piecing together exactly what happened, and it's an adventure that leaves no emotion unscathed.
Iris was a delightfully complex protagonist (my favorite kind!). This woman's life is filled with secrets and shocking revelations, which bleed into her personal life and relationships. I loved that family and friendship take up so much space in this story, overshadowing even the romance component (which is there, but it's definitely not a main focus).
The demon lore is also looking pretty fantastic, and though it's not super prominent in this book, it definitely sets the stage for A LOT more supernatural action in the future books, and I cannot wait to see it happen!
Rating: 4.5 stars
March 30, 2026
mmm I have unsure feelings about this one overall.
I liked the plot, but I never got connected with the fmc. A lot of parts could have used more depth to build that connection I think, and the stakes didn't hit very hard because of it. I did also figure everything out pretty early on and easily.
The parts talking about her relationship with her dad did hit me hard af though, because I had the exact same relationship with my dad and that had me sobbing on my couch at 11 pm on a friday night missing the hell out of him, so. 🥲 see below -
"I wouldn't be the person I am today without my father."
"It's his unconditional love that keeps me grounded, even to this day."
"I know not every daughter tells her father everything, but I do with mine. We've never kept secrets from each other, and I don't intend to start now, even as an adult."
those parts had me so messed up but also reminded me of the person I've been crawling desperately back to, like a swift kick to the ass as my dad would say. He would be disappointed in how badly I have let myself fall apart, so I would say this was a much needed read for me personally, and maybe you too if you've been struggling mentally. Anyways. Sorry for my emotional spiel. Carry on now. 😅
Thank you to Stephanie for gifting me an e-arc! I did switch to the ku version though, since I started it after release day. 🫶
I liked the plot, but I never got connected with the fmc. A lot of parts could have used more depth to build that connection I think, and the stakes didn't hit very hard because of it. I did also figure everything out pretty early on and easily.
The parts talking about her relationship with her dad did hit me hard af though, because I had the exact same relationship with my dad and that had me sobbing on my couch at 11 pm on a friday night missing the hell out of him, so. 🥲 see below -
"I wouldn't be the person I am today without my father."
"It's his unconditional love that keeps me grounded, even to this day."
"I know not every daughter tells her father everything, but I do with mine. We've never kept secrets from each other, and I don't intend to start now, even as an adult."
those parts had me so messed up but also reminded me of the person I've been crawling desperately back to, like a swift kick to the ass as my dad would say. He would be disappointed in how badly I have let myself fall apart, so I would say this was a much needed read for me personally, and maybe you too if you've been struggling mentally. Anyways. Sorry for my emotional spiel. Carry on now. 😅
Thank you to Stephanie for gifting me an e-arc! I did switch to the ku version though, since I started it after release day. 🫶
March 16, 2026
ARC Review: I enjoy a good short read, and most of the time it’s the perfect length and all is good. This one could have been longer, and a bit more explained throughout. Like others’ review, with a love for Criminal Minds, Grimm, NCIS, etc, this JUST missed the mark. It was jumpy in the time lines, I’m not always a huge fan of constant time jumping every chapter. It was pretty predictable as well. I feel like it wanted so badly to be in the supernatural zone but it seemed to be haphazardly? Like I’m gonna stick my toe in the realm of this genre, but not full bodied dedicated to world building, with character development. I did enjoy the crime/psychological aspect of it, and the crazy crime scenes, but I think I just needed more from it. The FMC just felt half developed, didn’t fully grab me as someone very interesting.
April 5, 2026
✦ ˚₊‧₊˚✧ ARC BOOK REVIEW ✧˚₊‧₊˚ ✦
Legion of Pride — Stephanie Storm
Thank you so much to netgalley for letting me read this book!
rating: ★★★★★
crime thriller + murder mystery + subtle fantasy
---
୨୧ 一 overall
This book does not ease you in.
From the very beginning, Legion of Pride throws you straight into a world where things feel… off. The tone is intense, a little unsettling, and immediately gripping in a way that makes it hard to look away.
It reads like a crime procedural at first, but there’s something deeper running underneath it all. You can feel that there’s more to the world than what’s being shown, and that quiet sense of mystery is what kept me hooked the entire time.
I went in expecting a solid mystery. I left fully invested in whatever this series is about to become.
---
୨୧ 一 plot
The story follows a series of investigations that quickly spiral into something much bigger than they first appear.
At its core, this is a murder mystery, but not a simple one.
Every time I thought I understood what was happening, the story shifted just enough to make me question everything again. Clues are layered carefully, and the narrative does a great job of keeping you slightly off-balance (in a good way).
And then there’s the underlying fantasy element.
It’s subtle, almost quiet, but very intentional. The book doesn’t over-explain anything, which honestly makes it more intriguing. Instead of giving you all the answers, it builds curiosity. You know something bigger is coming, and it makes you want to keep reading just to figure it out.
---
୨୧ 一 characters
˚˖𓍢ִ໋. the investigators ・
The characters feel grounded and realistic, which works really well with the darker tone of the story. Their reactions to everything happening around them feel genuine, especially as the case becomes more complicated.
You can see the pressure building on them as they try to make sense of things that don’t quite add up.
˚˖𓍢ִ໋. the unknown ・
Without saying too much, there are forces at play here that aren’t fully understood yet, and that’s part of what makes the story so compelling.
The way the book hints at something larger without fully revealing it adds a constant layer of tension.
---
୨୧ 一 atmosphere
This book has a very distinct vibe:
✦ dark and tense
✦ slightly eerie
✦ grounded but with something lurking beneath
It genuinely feels like watching a crime show where, halfway through, you realize this case might not follow normal rules.
---
✦ what I loved
🔎 the mystery
Twists land at the perfect moments. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, nope. You haven’t.
🌑 the tone
There’s a constant sense of unease that keeps the story engaging from start to finish.
✨ the subtle fantasy elements
They’re not overwhelming, but they’re intriguing enough to make you want more.
💥 the emotional impact
Certain moments hit harder than expected. The stakes feel real, and the consequences matter.
---
✦ what didn’t work as well
Honestly, this felt like a strong start all around. If anything, the only “downside” is that it leaves you wanting more answers, which is clearly intentional heading into the next book.
---
୨୧ 一 ending
The ending ties enough together to feel satisfying, but also leaves just enough unanswered to make you immediately want the next installment.
Which is slightly rude, but I respect it.
---
final rating: ★★★★★
a gripping, atmospheric mystery with a subtle fantasy edge that keeps you guessing and leaves you wanting more.
Legion of Pride — Stephanie Storm
Thank you so much to netgalley for letting me read this book!
rating: ★★★★★
crime thriller + murder mystery + subtle fantasy
---
୨୧ 一 overall
This book does not ease you in.
From the very beginning, Legion of Pride throws you straight into a world where things feel… off. The tone is intense, a little unsettling, and immediately gripping in a way that makes it hard to look away.
It reads like a crime procedural at first, but there’s something deeper running underneath it all. You can feel that there’s more to the world than what’s being shown, and that quiet sense of mystery is what kept me hooked the entire time.
I went in expecting a solid mystery. I left fully invested in whatever this series is about to become.
---
୨୧ 一 plot
The story follows a series of investigations that quickly spiral into something much bigger than they first appear.
At its core, this is a murder mystery, but not a simple one.
Every time I thought I understood what was happening, the story shifted just enough to make me question everything again. Clues are layered carefully, and the narrative does a great job of keeping you slightly off-balance (in a good way).
And then there’s the underlying fantasy element.
It’s subtle, almost quiet, but very intentional. The book doesn’t over-explain anything, which honestly makes it more intriguing. Instead of giving you all the answers, it builds curiosity. You know something bigger is coming, and it makes you want to keep reading just to figure it out.
---
୨୧ 一 characters
˚˖𓍢ִ໋. the investigators ・
The characters feel grounded and realistic, which works really well with the darker tone of the story. Their reactions to everything happening around them feel genuine, especially as the case becomes more complicated.
You can see the pressure building on them as they try to make sense of things that don’t quite add up.
˚˖𓍢ִ໋. the unknown ・
Without saying too much, there are forces at play here that aren’t fully understood yet, and that’s part of what makes the story so compelling.
The way the book hints at something larger without fully revealing it adds a constant layer of tension.
---
୨୧ 一 atmosphere
This book has a very distinct vibe:
✦ dark and tense
✦ slightly eerie
✦ grounded but with something lurking beneath
It genuinely feels like watching a crime show where, halfway through, you realize this case might not follow normal rules.
---
✦ what I loved
🔎 the mystery
Twists land at the perfect moments. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, nope. You haven’t.
🌑 the tone
There’s a constant sense of unease that keeps the story engaging from start to finish.
✨ the subtle fantasy elements
They’re not overwhelming, but they’re intriguing enough to make you want more.
💥 the emotional impact
Certain moments hit harder than expected. The stakes feel real, and the consequences matter.
---
✦ what didn’t work as well
Honestly, this felt like a strong start all around. If anything, the only “downside” is that it leaves you wanting more answers, which is clearly intentional heading into the next book.
---
୨୧ 一 ending
The ending ties enough together to feel satisfying, but also leaves just enough unanswered to make you immediately want the next installment.
Which is slightly rude, but I respect it.
---
final rating: ★★★★★
a gripping, atmospheric mystery with a subtle fantasy edge that keeps you guessing and leaves you wanting more.
Review of advance copy
────────── ✧ ♡ ✧ ──────────
✦ ✧ LEGION OF PRIDE ✧ ✦
☆ ☆ ☆ 3 stars ☆ ☆ ☆
♬ now playing : take me to church — hozier ♬
────────── ✧ ♡ ✧ ──────────
first of all, thank you from the bottom of my heart to Stephanie Storm for the ARC opportunity. getting early access to a story like this is always such a gift, and i’m really grateful i got to experience it.
────────── ✧ ♡ ✧ ──────────
→ my thoughts
this is one of those reviews where i feel a little torn.
because on one hand?
the plot had me HOOKED.
like genuinely. i was invested. i wanted to know what was going to happen next. the pacing kept me turning pages, and the writing itself was beautiful and immersive. you can tell the author put so much care into the world and the storytelling.
but on the other hand…
the heavy presence of demons, satanic elements, and the darker spiritual themes started to make me feel uncomfortable the deeper i got into the book.
and i want to be honest about that.
as a christian, those elements personally didn’t sit right with me. it wasn’t even about the quality of the writing — it was just how it made me feel while reading. i found myself pulling back instead of leaning in, which made it harder to fully enjoy the story.
────────── ✧ ♡ ✧ ──────────
→ where i landed
i ended up DNFing at about 80%, which honestly says a lot because i was really invested in the plot.
this is definitely one of those cases where:
✧ the book itself is well-written
✧ the story is engaging
✧ but it just wasn’t the right fit for me personally
and that’s okay.
────────── ✧ ♡ ✧ ──────────
→ final thoughts
if you’re someone who enjoys darker fantasy with demon-related themes, i think you would genuinely love this. the writing and plot are strong enough to carry it.
for me, it just crossed a personal boundary in a way that made it hard to continue.
✧ beautiful writing
✧ gripping plot
✧ just not aligned with me personally
and i think that’s the most honest way i can put it.
⋆｡˚ grateful, conflicted, and stepping back respectfully ˚｡⋆
kay ✧ ♡
✦ ✧ LEGION OF PRIDE ✧ ✦
☆ ☆ ☆ 3 stars ☆ ☆ ☆
♬ now playing : take me to church — hozier ♬
────────── ✧ ♡ ✧ ──────────
first of all, thank you from the bottom of my heart to Stephanie Storm for the ARC opportunity. getting early access to a story like this is always such a gift, and i’m really grateful i got to experience it.
────────── ✧ ♡ ✧ ──────────
→ my thoughts
this is one of those reviews where i feel a little torn.
because on one hand?
the plot had me HOOKED.
like genuinely. i was invested. i wanted to know what was going to happen next. the pacing kept me turning pages, and the writing itself was beautiful and immersive. you can tell the author put so much care into the world and the storytelling.
but on the other hand…
the heavy presence of demons, satanic elements, and the darker spiritual themes started to make me feel uncomfortable the deeper i got into the book.
and i want to be honest about that.
as a christian, those elements personally didn’t sit right with me. it wasn’t even about the quality of the writing — it was just how it made me feel while reading. i found myself pulling back instead of leaning in, which made it harder to fully enjoy the story.
────────── ✧ ♡ ✧ ──────────
→ where i landed
i ended up DNFing at about 80%, which honestly says a lot because i was really invested in the plot.
this is definitely one of those cases where:
✧ the book itself is well-written
✧ the story is engaging
✧ but it just wasn’t the right fit for me personally
and that’s okay.
────────── ✧ ♡ ✧ ──────────
→ final thoughts
if you’re someone who enjoys darker fantasy with demon-related themes, i think you would genuinely love this. the writing and plot are strong enough to carry it.
for me, it just crossed a personal boundary in a way that made it hard to continue.
✧ beautiful writing
✧ gripping plot
✧ just not aligned with me personally
and i think that’s the most honest way i can put it.
⋆｡˚ grateful, conflicted, and stepping back respectfully ˚｡⋆
kay ✧ ♡
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love thrillers, but this was my first supernatural thriller — and wow. Spectacular. Gimme 14 more. It low-key reminded me of The Vampire Diaries mixed with Seven and Silence of the Lambs, which are three of my favorite things. So yes, 10/10 recommend. My only complaint: it ends on a cliffhanger.
The book has been described as a “female Dexter.” Since I’ve never seen Dexter, I can’t confirm or deny that comparison, but I can confirm I was hooked from the very first sentence: “No one willingly checks into a psychiatric hospital.” I turned the page so fast (digitally).
Iris Young is the main character, and this book very much feels like her villain origin story. One of my favorite elements is the chronology — the now vs. then structure always works for me. I love that moment when you realize the main character has had key details all along and we, as readers, didn’t. That said, the final reveal lacked just a touch of suspense. It felt more like everything clicked into place rather than delivering that one huge missing link.
As a UMiami alum, I loved the Miami setting and the University of Miami references. The story was slightly more religious than I expected, but I still really enjoyed it. The author teases the fantasy lore slowly, which makes you initially think you’re just following a normal FBI agent.
One thing I really appreciated: I couldn’t predict the ending. I’ve gotten pretty good at guessing murderers in thrillers, but this one kept me on the edge of my seat with every new twist and detail.
I’m definitely excited to get my hands on the next book. This is a trilogy I can absolutely get behind.
The book has been described as a “female Dexter.” Since I’ve never seen Dexter, I can’t confirm or deny that comparison, but I can confirm I was hooked from the very first sentence: “No one willingly checks into a psychiatric hospital.” I turned the page so fast (digitally).
Iris Young is the main character, and this book very much feels like her villain origin story. One of my favorite elements is the chronology — the now vs. then structure always works for me. I love that moment when you realize the main character has had key details all along and we, as readers, didn’t. That said, the final reveal lacked just a touch of suspense. It felt more like everything clicked into place rather than delivering that one huge missing link.
As a UMiami alum, I loved the Miami setting and the University of Miami references. The story was slightly more religious than I expected, but I still really enjoyed it. The author teases the fantasy lore slowly, which makes you initially think you’re just following a normal FBI agent.
One thing I really appreciated: I couldn’t predict the ending. I’ve gotten pretty good at guessing murderers in thrillers, but this one kept me on the edge of my seat with every new twist and detail.
I’m definitely excited to get my hands on the next book. This is a trilogy I can absolutely get behind.
March 30, 2026
I love urban fantasy and I love Criminal minds so this was right up my alley! This book is the first in a series and is described as Dexter meets Criminal Minds and I feel like it delivers! The story follows Iris, an FBI agent fighting to get the promotion to special agent. A case lands at her feet of a serial killer leaving bodies behind throughout the city and leaving messages for Iris. Iris suspects this killer is like her, otherworldly or not quite just human.
This book has elements of fantasy and mystery and suspense all wrapped into one fun pack! It is the first of the series and I always remind myself with the first in a series that this is just the tip of the iceberg...but a more fun analogy. This series is just starting and this world is just getting introduced and if there is one thing this book did it made me want more. I think that's a success! If there is one "complaint" I have it's more that I just wanted a little bit more time on scenes or wanted scenes to rest a little bit more in that specific scene. Some things just felt like they moved on to the next bit kind of fast. This book is unsettlingly ominous throughout the book with flashbacks to help the reader get to know Iris or to help understand her character and where she's coming from which I appreciated as a reader. She kind of gave me Jessica Jones vibes which I loved. With a character who is an FBI agent who has a secret, it could be very easy to create a character that is hard to connect with. I think Stephanie Storm created just enough intrigue for a reader to want to know more and to check out subsequent books.
You might like this if you like:
-Dexter
-Criminal Minds
-A Genre Smoothie/mixed drink (Suspense, mystery, fantasy)
-Urban Fantasy or fantasy light (so far) books
This book has elements of fantasy and mystery and suspense all wrapped into one fun pack! It is the first of the series and I always remind myself with the first in a series that this is just the tip of the iceberg...but a more fun analogy. This series is just starting and this world is just getting introduced and if there is one thing this book did it made me want more. I think that's a success! If there is one "complaint" I have it's more that I just wanted a little bit more time on scenes or wanted scenes to rest a little bit more in that specific scene. Some things just felt like they moved on to the next bit kind of fast. This book is unsettlingly ominous throughout the book with flashbacks to help the reader get to know Iris or to help understand her character and where she's coming from which I appreciated as a reader. She kind of gave me Jessica Jones vibes which I loved. With a character who is an FBI agent who has a secret, it could be very easy to create a character that is hard to connect with. I think Stephanie Storm created just enough intrigue for a reader to want to know more and to check out subsequent books.
You might like this if you like:
-Dexter
-Criminal Minds
-A Genre Smoothie/mixed drink (Suspense, mystery, fantasy)
-Urban Fantasy or fantasy light (so far) books
March 6, 2026
Well this was a fast paced read following Iris, an FBI agent with a secret, trying to solve a new serial killer case. Given I enjoy both crime and fantasy, and seeing as it’s described as somewhat like Dexter, I was looking forward to giving this a read!
I enjoyed the story, it was easy to follow, but it felt a little like we were being told what was happening rather than shown. I worked out really quickly who the killer was, so it was nice to be correct but it would have been nice to have had more of a plot twist.
The side characters were good, they maybe could have been fleshed out a little more, again it felt like we were more told how these relationships were with Iris rather than shown it in actions.
I just…. I feel a little bit like this book didn’t know what it wanted to be. It was a lot more religion based than I thought and I genuinely found some bits a little difficult to follow. There was a lot of time jumps that did add important info but it was a lot. But then we had the crime element and the fantasy element and they both seemed to compete for centre stage without a winner coming forward. I feel like I actually would have enjoyed the book more if the fantasy aspect had either been removed entirely or turned up to 11, because as a reader I was quite confused as to what genre this was trying to be.
Overall though, this is a fast paced story and is quite entertaining, and I was intrigued to see where it was going.
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC. All views are my own.
I enjoyed the story, it was easy to follow, but it felt a little like we were being told what was happening rather than shown. I worked out really quickly who the killer was, so it was nice to be correct but it would have been nice to have had more of a plot twist.
The side characters were good, they maybe could have been fleshed out a little more, again it felt like we were more told how these relationships were with Iris rather than shown it in actions.
I just…. I feel a little bit like this book didn’t know what it wanted to be. It was a lot more religion based than I thought and I genuinely found some bits a little difficult to follow. There was a lot of time jumps that did add important info but it was a lot. But then we had the crime element and the fantasy element and they both seemed to compete for centre stage without a winner coming forward. I feel like I actually would have enjoyed the book more if the fantasy aspect had either been removed entirely or turned up to 11, because as a reader I was quite confused as to what genre this was trying to be.
Overall though, this is a fast paced story and is quite entertaining, and I was intrigued to see where it was going.
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC. All views are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
2.5 stars
The premise for this book was really intriguing, I’m a massive fan of criminal minds, supernatural and fantasy books so this book jumped out at me. However, I feel it could have been better executed.
There were a couple of things that didn’t sit right with me, for example when Iris was with Olivia. Iris is meant to be this badass FBI profiler who just wants to save people more than anything but she calls the leader of a murder ring the love of her life and deliberately allowed innocent people to continue dying so she could live out her fantasy dream life with this murder ring leader a few more days.
I also just wasn’t really invested in any of the characters so the twists didn’t have that much of an emotional impact.
The writing felt quite basic, it was very simple and there just wasn’t enough detailed explanations about things. The agents seemed to make massive leaps in the case in the blink of an eye, a murder court case appeared to be wrapped up with a guilty verdict in less than a day, all of which made it feel very unrealistic. The time jumps and subject jumps were also confusing, I found myself having to go back and reread the previous paragraph multiple times as the subject had suddenly changed. Some of the dialogue felt a bit cringy at times.
This book had a lot of potential. The plot was really interesting and I loved the concept. I don’t want to say too much for spoilers but I really loved the lore behind the murders and what the murders resembled and that kept me intrigued enough to continue reading. But the execution was lacking and so I unfortunately will not be continuing the series.
Thank you so much to the author for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Just because this book wasn’t for me doesn’t mean it won’t be for you. If you like murder mysteries with a fantasy flare, fast paced reads and hidden identities, then you might love Legions of Pride
The premise for this book was really intriguing, I’m a massive fan of criminal minds, supernatural and fantasy books so this book jumped out at me. However, I feel it could have been better executed.
There were a couple of things that didn’t sit right with me, for example when Iris was with Olivia. Iris is meant to be this badass FBI profiler who just wants to save people more than anything but she calls the leader of a murder ring the love of her life and deliberately allowed innocent people to continue dying so she could live out her fantasy dream life with this murder ring leader a few more days.
I also just wasn’t really invested in any of the characters so the twists didn’t have that much of an emotional impact.
The writing felt quite basic, it was very simple and there just wasn’t enough detailed explanations about things. The agents seemed to make massive leaps in the case in the blink of an eye, a murder court case appeared to be wrapped up with a guilty verdict in less than a day, all of which made it feel very unrealistic. The time jumps and subject jumps were also confusing, I found myself having to go back and reread the previous paragraph multiple times as the subject had suddenly changed. Some of the dialogue felt a bit cringy at times.
This book had a lot of potential. The plot was really interesting and I loved the concept. I don’t want to say too much for spoilers but I really loved the lore behind the murders and what the murders resembled and that kept me intrigued enough to continue reading. But the execution was lacking and so I unfortunately will not be continuing the series.
Thank you so much to the author for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Just because this book wasn’t for me doesn’t mean it won’t be for you. If you like murder mysteries with a fantasy flare, fast paced reads and hidden identities, then you might love Legions of Pride
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgelley and the Publishers for providing me with this e-ARC
I was hooked from the very 1st line, I even messaged my friend to say if the book is as strong as its opening line then I am in for a treat, and I can tell you that I was not disappointed. I love myself a thriller, so when you pair that with a supernatural twist I ate it up. I have seen others refer to it as a Criminal Minds x Supernatural cross over and I must agree!
Iris is on track to getting everything she has dreamed of, but when a new serial killer pops up, it starts to break down all she has worked so hard to achieve. Iris is assigned to brining this killer to justice but when she finds out that these are no ordinary killings, and that the killer is now setting his sights on her, can she keep her friends and family safe whilst also keeping her darkest secret just that.....
The one things I did find to be a little confusing at times was the constant swapping from present to past, Yes the time jumps are titled in the chapters but when you get so enamoured with a book you don't always pay attention to those.
I found the book to be a very quick read, and very enjoyable, it has a very strong story and the characters quickly establish themselves. I recommend this book to any Thriller readers who are looking to widen their reading horizons, as do I recommend it to the Fantasy readers who are wanting more thrill than mystery.
I was hooked from the very 1st line, I even messaged my friend to say if the book is as strong as its opening line then I am in for a treat, and I can tell you that I was not disappointed. I love myself a thriller, so when you pair that with a supernatural twist I ate it up. I have seen others refer to it as a Criminal Minds x Supernatural cross over and I must agree!
Iris is on track to getting everything she has dreamed of, but when a new serial killer pops up, it starts to break down all she has worked so hard to achieve. Iris is assigned to brining this killer to justice but when she finds out that these are no ordinary killings, and that the killer is now setting his sights on her, can she keep her friends and family safe whilst also keeping her darkest secret just that.....
The one things I did find to be a little confusing at times was the constant swapping from present to past, Yes the time jumps are titled in the chapters but when you get so enamoured with a book you don't always pay attention to those.
I found the book to be a very quick read, and very enjoyable, it has a very strong story and the characters quickly establish themselves. I recommend this book to any Thriller readers who are looking to widen their reading horizons, as do I recommend it to the Fantasy readers who are wanting more thrill than mystery.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I went into Legion of Pride after reading the synopsis and immediately thought it sounded really cool, but I was not expecting to be hooked from page one. This story pulled me in right away and did not let go.
The concept is so unique and refreshing. It blends a psychological serial killer investigation with urban fantasy elements in a way that felt completely different from anything else I’ve read recently. I loved the writing and storytelling. It has that addictive quality where you keep telling yourself “just one more chapter” because you need answers.
The mystery, the tension, and the way everything unfolds kept me fully engaged the entire time. It really gave that Criminal Minds meets Dexter feeling while still doing its own thing and building something original around Iris’s story.
One of my favorite things about this book is that it didn’t feel like anything else I’ve been reading lately. When you read a lot, like I do (38 books so far this year), it’s easy for stories to start feeling similar or follow familiar patterns. This one stood out completely. It felt fresh, gripping, and impossible to predict.
The story does have a nonlinear timeline, which jumps around at times. I know that can be hit or miss for some readers, but I personally thought it worked well and added to the tension and mystery rather than taking away from it.
I’m really excited to continue the series after that ending. I need more of this world and Iris’s story immediately.
Overall, this was an easy five-star read for me. Addictive, original, and impossible to put down.
Thank you Stephanie Storm for my gifted eARC in exchange for my honest review.
The concept is so unique and refreshing. It blends a psychological serial killer investigation with urban fantasy elements in a way that felt completely different from anything else I’ve read recently. I loved the writing and storytelling. It has that addictive quality where you keep telling yourself “just one more chapter” because you need answers.
The mystery, the tension, and the way everything unfolds kept me fully engaged the entire time. It really gave that Criminal Minds meets Dexter feeling while still doing its own thing and building something original around Iris’s story.
One of my favorite things about this book is that it didn’t feel like anything else I’ve been reading lately. When you read a lot, like I do (38 books so far this year), it’s easy for stories to start feeling similar or follow familiar patterns. This one stood out completely. It felt fresh, gripping, and impossible to predict.
The story does have a nonlinear timeline, which jumps around at times. I know that can be hit or miss for some readers, but I personally thought it worked well and added to the tension and mystery rather than taking away from it.
I’m really excited to continue the series after that ending. I need more of this world and Iris’s story immediately.
Overall, this was an easy five-star read for me. Addictive, original, and impossible to put down.
Thank you Stephanie Storm for my gifted eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.75/5 stars
I am a huge Criminal Minds fan and when I saw this, I was immediately intrigued because it is a bit unique. This is my first read from this author, and I really did enjoy the book. It was a good, quick read that kept me hooked in wanting to know what happened next.
Our FMC, Iris, is a young and ambitious FBI agent with an impressive track record and is on the road to a promotion. When a serial killer hits town it threatens to unravel everything that she has been working for. What most don't know is that Iris has a secret and this killer brings more attention to her and that secret than she has ever wanted.
Iris is going through a multitude of struggles in this story with not only her career but her personal life as well. All she wants is to put this case to bed and keep everybody close to her safe. There are some tragic parts to this story and even through everything, Iris does her best to continue on.
The one thing that I struggled with was following some of the timeline jumps. The book changes from current to past almost every chapter, thankfully it tells you what timeline you're on, but I did find following some of these challenging, especially more in the first half of the book.
This book did end on a cliffhanger and I am definitely ready to see where the next book takes the story! Thank you, Stephanie Storm, for the early copy to read!
I am a huge Criminal Minds fan and when I saw this, I was immediately intrigued because it is a bit unique. This is my first read from this author, and I really did enjoy the book. It was a good, quick read that kept me hooked in wanting to know what happened next.
Our FMC, Iris, is a young and ambitious FBI agent with an impressive track record and is on the road to a promotion. When a serial killer hits town it threatens to unravel everything that she has been working for. What most don't know is that Iris has a secret and this killer brings more attention to her and that secret than she has ever wanted.
Iris is going through a multitude of struggles in this story with not only her career but her personal life as well. All she wants is to put this case to bed and keep everybody close to her safe. There are some tragic parts to this story and even through everything, Iris does her best to continue on.
The one thing that I struggled with was following some of the timeline jumps. The book changes from current to past almost every chapter, thankfully it tells you what timeline you're on, but I did find following some of these challenging, especially more in the first half of the book.
This book did end on a cliffhanger and I am definitely ready to see where the next book takes the story! Thank you, Stephanie Storm, for the early copy to read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Received this as an ARC from the author, this is my honest review.
Did I read this in one sitting? YES. Was I on the edge of my seat the last 100 or so pages? Also yes.
Was I able to figure out the unsub? Heck no! 🤣
Loved the mental health representation mentioned in this story (see quotes below). It's dark, and the unaliving is seriously jaw dropping-be sure to check triggers.
The genre says psychological urban fantasy, but this read like a psychological thriller with paranormal elements. I can see the fantasy aspect due to the minor world building (if thats what you want to call understanding heaven and hell... but I honestly didn't feel like I was reading a fantasy. Is that intentional? Not sure.
Would I recommend? Yes, to someone who enjoys a mystery and time jumps. I struggled a little bit with the jumps but I always do, until I caught onto what was happening and ohh that was brilliant!
Can't wait to see where this story goes for our FMC. I have a feeling she is going to come into her strengths in this trilogy...
Favorite quotes:
"Mental illness doesn't get the representation it deserves. It should be treated with the same level of urgency as physical illness."
"In our darkest times we all need someone who will hear and advocate for us when we're not able to do it for ourselves."
Did I read this in one sitting? YES. Was I on the edge of my seat the last 100 or so pages? Also yes.
Was I able to figure out the unsub? Heck no! 🤣
Loved the mental health representation mentioned in this story (see quotes below). It's dark, and the unaliving is seriously jaw dropping-be sure to check triggers.
The genre says psychological urban fantasy, but this read like a psychological thriller with paranormal elements. I can see the fantasy aspect due to the minor world building (if thats what you want to call understanding heaven and hell... but I honestly didn't feel like I was reading a fantasy. Is that intentional? Not sure.
Would I recommend? Yes, to someone who enjoys a mystery and time jumps. I struggled a little bit with the jumps but I always do, until I caught onto what was happening and ohh that was brilliant!
Can't wait to see where this story goes for our FMC. I have a feeling she is going to come into her strengths in this trilogy...
Favorite quotes:
"Mental illness doesn't get the representation it deserves. It should be treated with the same level of urgency as physical illness."
"In our darkest times we all need someone who will hear and advocate for us when we're not able to do it for ourselves."
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a dark, intense at times mystery it’s cleverly written to blend a crime investigation with supernatural/fantasy elements.
We follow Iris, an FBI agent alongside her colleague and friend they are assigned a serial killer case, whilst also dealing with her own hidden secrets and maintaining her marriage.
The story was well written with each chapter moving between past and present with it finally meeting at the end of the book to present day this really helped to gradually reveal the bigger picture, connections between the characters and the storyline. I was certainly kept on my toes and captivated through the story although for me I did feel the pacing dropped off slightly midway through, but quickly picked back up towards the end.
This isn't a romance or cosy story it’s intense, emotive and quite frankly a little gruesome at times (crime scene descriptions) this story is about unfolding a mystery.
The final reveal of the killer and how everything connected made the story feel complete but I’d of liked even more. This story certainly left an impact and a feeling of “what have I just read” but in a good way. I look forward to seeing where this story goes in book 2.
This is a dark, intense at times mystery it’s cleverly written to blend a crime investigation with supernatural/fantasy elements.
We follow Iris, an FBI agent alongside her colleague and friend they are assigned a serial killer case, whilst also dealing with her own hidden secrets and maintaining her marriage.
The story was well written with each chapter moving between past and present with it finally meeting at the end of the book to present day this really helped to gradually reveal the bigger picture, connections between the characters and the storyline. I was certainly kept on my toes and captivated through the story although for me I did feel the pacing dropped off slightly midway through, but quickly picked back up towards the end.
This isn't a romance or cosy story it’s intense, emotive and quite frankly a little gruesome at times (crime scene descriptions) this story is about unfolding a mystery.
The final reveal of the killer and how everything connected made the story feel complete but I’d of liked even more. This story certainly left an impact and a feeling of “what have I just read” but in a good way. I look forward to seeing where this story goes in book 2.
March 30, 2026
✨️ARC REVIEW✨️
3🌟
🚫🌶
⚠️Check your triggers⚠️
Thank you to Stephanie Storm for the opportunity to read this captivating story.
This series felt like a combination of the Silent Patient, Criminal Minds, Women’s Murder Club, and Supernatural. The story starts slow and the reader is placed in the driver’s seat through Iris’ POV. We catch every clue and scene without any more content than she has. However, Iris hides parts of her own story from the reader. As the investigation progresses, Iris begins having flashbacks that eerily connect to the victims coming across her desk. As we learn more about Iris, it is clear that her past puts her present and future at risk. Will she be able to find the assailant before her world crumbles?
Stephanie Storm creates worlds and stories that have you caught in a web of mystery and intrigue. Just when you think you have the answer, she flips the script and makes you question everything you knew. The answers that were revealed by the end of the book had me chomping at the bit to see what happens next. Can’t wait for book 2!
Tropes:
Hidden Identities
Paranormal
Murder Mystery
Boss Babe energy
I received an advanced copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The above opinions are my own.
3🌟
🚫🌶
⚠️Check your triggers⚠️
Thank you to Stephanie Storm for the opportunity to read this captivating story.
This series felt like a combination of the Silent Patient, Criminal Minds, Women’s Murder Club, and Supernatural. The story starts slow and the reader is placed in the driver’s seat through Iris’ POV. We catch every clue and scene without any more content than she has. However, Iris hides parts of her own story from the reader. As the investigation progresses, Iris begins having flashbacks that eerily connect to the victims coming across her desk. As we learn more about Iris, it is clear that her past puts her present and future at risk. Will she be able to find the assailant before her world crumbles?
Stephanie Storm creates worlds and stories that have you caught in a web of mystery and intrigue. Just when you think you have the answer, she flips the script and makes you question everything you knew. The answers that were revealed by the end of the book had me chomping at the bit to see what happens next. Can’t wait for book 2!
Tropes:
Hidden Identities
Paranormal
Murder Mystery
Boss Babe energy
I received an advanced copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The above opinions are my own.
March 14, 2026
Advanced copy review via NetGalley
3.75 stars
This book had a lot of potential.The start has a strong crime/thriller feel which progresses more into supernatural vibes.
I really enjoyed the concept and the link to some of the darker aspects of religion. The plot was interesting and fast paced.
There is a lot of flipping between time lines and memories, which can be confusing at times. Prepare to focus when reading this book.
I found the first half really gripping and thought this was going to be a 4.5 star read, However, as the story progressed It went downhill for me. By the end I was considering 3 stars, as I enjoyed the start so much I settled on 3.75.
I was very disappointed in the FMCs relationship with Olivia, choosing to allow innocent people to continue dying when it could have been prevented was a no for me.
There was also little investment in the side characters, so developments further into the story had no emotional impact.
The book ended on a cliff hanger that once again left me frustrated with the FMCs overall character. I'm unsure if I would follow her story further.
3.75 stars
This book had a lot of potential.The start has a strong crime/thriller feel which progresses more into supernatural vibes.
I really enjoyed the concept and the link to some of the darker aspects of religion. The plot was interesting and fast paced.
There is a lot of flipping between time lines and memories, which can be confusing at times. Prepare to focus when reading this book.
I found the first half really gripping and thought this was going to be a 4.5 star read, However, as the story progressed It went downhill for me. By the end I was considering 3 stars, as I enjoyed the start so much I settled on 3.75.
I was very disappointed in the FMCs relationship with Olivia, choosing to allow innocent people to continue dying when it could have been prevented was a no for me.
There was also little investment in the side characters, so developments further into the story had no emotional impact.
The book ended on a cliff hanger that once again left me frustrated with the FMCs overall character. I'm unsure if I would follow her story further.
March 26, 2026
3.75
🔍 ARC Review 👹
In this detective (FBI agent) mystery with a side of fantasy, we follow Iris through both her present day and through flashbacks as she works to solve a trail of murders left by a serial killer who's very hard to profile.
With a dual timeline, we bounce between two stories which I really enjoyed. I feel like I can't say anything or I'll spoil the story - ahh! 🤣
Iris's abilities were great to have in her line of work. No wonder she and her partner close out more cases than normal!
There was action and a lot of questioning who the killer was. I couldn't guess what was going to happen which I always love in a murder mystery!
I've read plenty of mysteries where the detective is a genius, but I really enjoyed the magical abilities as a backbone of the detective character.
I really want to know what's going to happen next because this seems like a saga vs a one-and-done case per book like you get in many mystery series.
If you like the TV shows Dexter or Criminals Minds or normally read fantasy and want to dip your toes into a murder mystery, you may like this book.
Triggers: Violence, Death, Murder, Kidnapping
🔍 ARC Review 👹
In this detective (FBI agent) mystery with a side of fantasy, we follow Iris through both her present day and through flashbacks as she works to solve a trail of murders left by a serial killer who's very hard to profile.
With a dual timeline, we bounce between two stories which I really enjoyed. I feel like I can't say anything or I'll spoil the story - ahh! 🤣
Iris's abilities were great to have in her line of work. No wonder she and her partner close out more cases than normal!
There was action and a lot of questioning who the killer was. I couldn't guess what was going to happen which I always love in a murder mystery!
I've read plenty of mysteries where the detective is a genius, but I really enjoyed the magical abilities as a backbone of the detective character.
I really want to know what's going to happen next because this seems like a saga vs a one-and-done case per book like you get in many mystery series.
If you like the TV shows Dexter or Criminals Minds or normally read fantasy and want to dip your toes into a murder mystery, you may like this book.
Triggers: Violence, Death, Murder, Kidnapping
March 26, 2026
This book felt so fresh and unpredictable. I was constantly trying to piece things together but never quite getting ahead of the story, and I loved that.
This book follows Iris, an FBI profiler, who is brilliant at what she does, but she’s also hiding a massive secret that could destroy everything she’s built. When a serial killer turns her city into his personal playground, the case quickly becomes more than just another job. The deeper Iris digs, the more it becomes clear that this isn’t a typical killer.
The tension in this book was so well done. The crime scenes, the cryptic messages, the constant pressure from the government, it all created this intense, fast-moving atmosphere that kept me hooked. And the fact that the killer seems to know Iris added such an eerie, personal layer that made everything feel higher stakes.
This is one of those stories where you genuinely don’t know how it’s going to unfold, and that unpredictability made it impossible to put down.
This book blended urban fantasy and psychological thriller, and is perfect for fans of Dexter, Criminal Minds, Supernatural, and Death Note.
This book follows Iris, an FBI profiler, who is brilliant at what she does, but she’s also hiding a massive secret that could destroy everything she’s built. When a serial killer turns her city into his personal playground, the case quickly becomes more than just another job. The deeper Iris digs, the more it becomes clear that this isn’t a typical killer.
The tension in this book was so well done. The crime scenes, the cryptic messages, the constant pressure from the government, it all created this intense, fast-moving atmosphere that kept me hooked. And the fact that the killer seems to know Iris added such an eerie, personal layer that made everything feel higher stakes.
This is one of those stories where you genuinely don’t know how it’s going to unfold, and that unpredictability made it impossible to put down.
This book blended urban fantasy and psychological thriller, and is perfect for fans of Dexter, Criminal Minds, Supernatural, and Death Note.
March 28, 2026
grateful to NetGalley, the Author and publisher for granting me this e-ARC!
well, this was, unfortunately, a complete miss for me.
the writing felt clunky and inconsistent, never quite settling into a confident voice. the story itself leaned heavily on familiar detective and crime tropes, pulling from every corner of mystery media without adding anything new. instead of feeling sharp or intentional, it felt like a collection of recycled ideas stitched together to produce, basically, nothing.
the plotting was uneven and poorly structured, with pacing that somehow dragged and rushed at the same time. important moments lacked depth, while other scenes felt unnecessary. in the end, it felt like a "nothing" book—a story that moved but never truly built toward anything meaningful.
it seemed to be trying to juggle grit, suspense, emotional weight, and social commentary all at once, but none of it landed. the deeper themes felt hollow because everything came across as outlandish and oddly silly.
the rushed conclusion only reinforced that this was nothing to write home about, and i feel slighted for spending useful time reading this. i do not recommend at all.
well, this was, unfortunately, a complete miss for me.
the writing felt clunky and inconsistent, never quite settling into a confident voice. the story itself leaned heavily on familiar detective and crime tropes, pulling from every corner of mystery media without adding anything new. instead of feeling sharp or intentional, it felt like a collection of recycled ideas stitched together to produce, basically, nothing.
the plotting was uneven and poorly structured, with pacing that somehow dragged and rushed at the same time. important moments lacked depth, while other scenes felt unnecessary. in the end, it felt like a "nothing" book—a story that moved but never truly built toward anything meaningful.
it seemed to be trying to juggle grit, suspense, emotional weight, and social commentary all at once, but none of it landed. the deeper themes felt hollow because everything came across as outlandish and oddly silly.
the rushed conclusion only reinforced that this was nothing to write home about, and i feel slighted for spending useful time reading this. i do not recommend at all.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Iris Young is on top of her game. Her case closing rate is nearly perfect for the FBI. When a serial killer becomes active in Iris' radius, she goes on the defensive. Murders linked together by sin. Each death is unique in its own way, highlighting an addiction that they can no longer hide. Iris begins to receive messages from the killer that make her believe the suspect may not be from this world. Demons look like any normal person, it's who they are in the dark that awakens fear.
This was a quick read. I had to know what's happening. Iris is torn between hiding parts of herself, being a good agent, and also giving to her family. She puts everything on the line. Her heart is there even when the darkness begins to claim her. There are religious connections and dark twists around every corner. Stephanie wrote a gruesome, murder book while offering readers a hint of fantasy elements. For any fans of thrillers who are looking to branch out, this is a great starting place. Thank you, Stephanie, for hooking me up with an advance copy of this awesome first installment.
This was a quick read. I had to know what's happening. Iris is torn between hiding parts of herself, being a good agent, and also giving to her family. She puts everything on the line. Her heart is there even when the darkness begins to claim her. There are religious connections and dark twists around every corner. Stephanie wrote a gruesome, murder book while offering readers a hint of fantasy elements. For any fans of thrillers who are looking to branch out, this is a great starting place. Thank you, Stephanie, for hooking me up with an advance copy of this awesome first installment.
March 11, 2026
4.25 🌟
This genre blending book had my feelings all over the place, from intrigue, to nostalgia to shock!
This book is blurbed as Dexter meets Criminal Minds in an Urban Fantasy setting and that’s about right! We follow our FMC Iris as she is trying to apprehend a serial killer, but as the story proceeds, we wonder who is really hunting who? And does Iris hold secrets of her own that could affect all those around her?
We have everything here from mysterious murder investigations to demonic possessions and telepathy! This is a wild ride of a book and packs a punch in a short amount of time! Do know going into this one, that it is the start of a new series and with that being said we do have to lay some groundwork in this one and it does end on a cliffhanger. Iris, our FMC has been through it in this book so as we follow her journey it will be like unlocking Pandora’s box and people better buckle up for the next one!!
This book definitely made me want to Dexter rewatch! 🖤
Thank you for the author for the eARC!
This genre blending book had my feelings all over the place, from intrigue, to nostalgia to shock!
This book is blurbed as Dexter meets Criminal Minds in an Urban Fantasy setting and that’s about right! We follow our FMC Iris as she is trying to apprehend a serial killer, but as the story proceeds, we wonder who is really hunting who? And does Iris hold secrets of her own that could affect all those around her?
We have everything here from mysterious murder investigations to demonic possessions and telepathy! This is a wild ride of a book and packs a punch in a short amount of time! Do know going into this one, that it is the start of a new series and with that being said we do have to lay some groundwork in this one and it does end on a cliffhanger. Iris, our FMC has been through it in this book so as we follow her journey it will be like unlocking Pandora’s box and people better buckle up for the next one!!
This book definitely made me want to Dexter rewatch! 🖤
Thank you for the author for the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I am obsessed! This is the first book in a trilogy and I can’t wait to get my hands on Book 2. If you enjoy Criminal Minds, Dexter or books about the “good guys” harboring dark secrets I can’t recommend this book enough! I finished it in one setting!
As this is the first book in the trilogy, it does conclude part of the storyline while also leaving a cliffhanger. I found the world realistic, which given the subject matter is scary enough on its own. I also really enjoyed the FMC main characters who have known each other since they were roommates at Quantico. I think what drew me to their friendship was that they each have their own strengths and while they could have competed against each other, they chose to help each other instead. They lifted each other up, became partners in the FBI and use each other as a sounding board, even when the theory may be far fetched, and they have climbed the ranks together.
I would like to thank Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op and NetGalley for a copy. All opinions are my own and my review is voluntarily given.
As this is the first book in the trilogy, it does conclude part of the storyline while also leaving a cliffhanger. I found the world realistic, which given the subject matter is scary enough on its own. I also really enjoyed the FMC main characters who have known each other since they were roommates at Quantico. I think what drew me to their friendship was that they each have their own strengths and while they could have competed against each other, they chose to help each other instead. They lifted each other up, became partners in the FBI and use each other as a sounding board, even when the theory may be far fetched, and they have climbed the ranks together.
I would like to thank Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op and NetGalley for a copy. All opinions are my own and my review is voluntarily given.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Iris Young, FBI golden girl with a killer closure rate, faces her nightmare when a serial killer turns her city into a gruesome playground—leaving cryptic messages that expose her hidden supernatural secret, the one she's buried even from her husband. As bodies pile up and the government demands answers, she's torn between stopping an otherworldly obsessed stalker or protecting her dual nature at all costs. Dexter-meets-Criminal Minds urban fantasy tension builds as Iris balances elite agent life with monstrous truths.
Iris's fierce competence and internal conflict shine, driving sharp cat-and-mouse thrills, while the killer's fixation sparks dark psychological edge without full romantasy spice.
Pacing lags mid-case with repetitive crime scenes; the "secret exposed" twists feel telegraphed, and supporting characters stays surface-level. Stakes rise but her choice lacks gut-wrenching depth.
Gritty urban fantasy binge for supernatural crime fans—solid procedural hooks, shakier emotional payoff.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Iris's fierce competence and internal conflict shine, driving sharp cat-and-mouse thrills, while the killer's fixation sparks dark psychological edge without full romantasy spice.
Pacing lags mid-case with repetitive crime scenes; the "secret exposed" twists feel telegraphed, and supporting characters stays surface-level. Stakes rise but her choice lacks gut-wrenching depth.
Gritty urban fantasy binge for supernatural crime fans—solid procedural hooks, shakier emotional payoff.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you’re a fan of Criminal Minds and Supernatural type shows, this book feels like it was made for you. It has that perfect blend of FBI procedural mixed with something darker lurking beneath the surface.
Iris is such a compelling main character. Brilliant, driven, and carrying a secret that could destroy everything she’s worked for. Watching her chase a serial killer who might actually understand what she is added this constant layer of tension that kept me fully locked in. The killer leaving messages specifically for her made it feel personal in the best, most unsettling way.
The mystery itself was engaging, fast-paced, and genuinely hard to step away from. It’s one of those books where you tell yourself “just one more chapter” and suddenly you’re halfway through.
Overall, this was a fun, intense, edge-of-your-seat read with the perfect mix of crime, supernatural elements, and high stakes.
Iris is such a compelling main character. Brilliant, driven, and carrying a secret that could destroy everything she’s worked for. Watching her chase a serial killer who might actually understand what she is added this constant layer of tension that kept me fully locked in. The killer leaving messages specifically for her made it feel personal in the best, most unsettling way.
The mystery itself was engaging, fast-paced, and genuinely hard to step away from. It’s one of those books where you tell yourself “just one more chapter” and suddenly you’re halfway through.
Overall, this was a fun, intense, edge-of-your-seat read with the perfect mix of crime, supernatural elements, and high stakes.
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