City of Promise and Light: Mates of Gods and Fae

by M.B. Atkins

Sybil Hart's ordinary life unravels the moment she collides with a silver-haired stranger, pulling her into a hidden world of fae, ancient gods, and long-buried magic. A tempting job offer from the enigmatic Ambrose Farra quickly becomes a perilous path as Sybil's latent power awaken, threatening to consume her and strip away her humanity.

As she's drawn deeper into a legacy she never knew existed, Sybil finds herself caught between two powerful men: Ambrose, a seductive manipulator with dangerous ambitions, and Samian, her brooding protector who urges her to take control of her fate. But nothing is as it seems, and when betrayal strikes from within, Sybil must confront the truth about who she is and what she's capable of. With the fate of an entire realm hanging in the balance, she faces an impossible choice...

Can Sybil embrace the darkness rising within or risk loosing herself forever?

Genres: Fantasy, Fae, Romantasy

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 9, 2025

Reviews

[minnie. [exam season] · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars!
◟ ࣪˖ ִֶָ .ᐟ˖ City of Promise and Light⟡ˎˊ˗
𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐠𝐞: 14+

Thank you to BookSirens and M.B. Atkins for the E-ARC of the novel!

⏾⋆.˚ 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
⤷ Explicit sex scenes (not main character)
⤷ Swearing
⤷ Torture (mild), Death, Violence
⤷ Abusive relationship/manipulation

⏾⋆.˚ 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 ⤵
Okay, the ending?????????? Why'd you have to leave me on a cliffhanger 😭.
I loved this book. It's really well written and the plot was really interesting. Sybil finds out that she has magical powers and goes to Nemos, the upper world to learn to control her powers. I liked that in the fantasy world the author incorporated some technology, which is different than most other fantasy novels I've read. I loved Sybil's character because she was just so relatable. She was training to master her powers, but she kept failing, and I enjoyed reading about her training arc. I liked that Sybil didn't just immediately master her magic, and that she had struggles and failures along the way, which made the plot more enjoyable and interesting. Sybil is such a relatable character because she has a lot of fears and insecurities, and she doesn't really belong or fit in anywhere, which I can really relate to. It really pained me to read Sybil being manipulated by Ambrose, and tbh I was so scared when I thought that Ambrose was the mmc. Overall, the book was enjoyable and the writing was wonderful. Can't wait for the second book!

⏾⋆.˚ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭
⤷ Fated mates
⤷ Love triangle (it's gonna be good I promise)
⤷ Slow burn
⤷ Multiple pov's (including the villain)
⤷ Multiple plot lines
⤷ Fantasy mixed with modern technology
⤷ Plot twists
⤷ Cliffhanger
⤷ Lovable side characters (cough* Aster *cough)

⏾⋆.˚ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
Sybil: My girl Sybil!! Loved her so much, and she is so relatable, as I mentioned above.
Samian: Oh my god fated mates but only he knows about it????? You have me sat.
Ambrose: ... 😒 I love a good enemies to lovers falling for the villain, but not this time. Ambrose has no redemption and he needs to get far farrrr away from Sybil.
Keiran: Introduced near the end of the novel, but I'm still so excited to read more about him!! Omg and he calls her princess..I'm swooning 🤭
Aster: Lovable side character done right!!!! Omg she a diva, and I love her so much.

⏾⋆.˚ 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 ⤵
Loved this book, and I would totally recommend it to fantasy lovers!

[Katie Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to BookSirens and M.B Atkins for allowing me to read this as an E-ARC!

Your next romantsy / dark fantasy obsession - I am calling it now!
No I'm serious !! I consumed this in one sitting! Couldn't put it down! Didn't want to put it down! Take some of the tropes we all know and love but with twists you DON'T see coming! I was shocked!
Our story follows Sybil, who lives in the modern world until she sadly loses her job, her relationship crumbles and a mysterious pair come along...

Ideal for readers who love
- multiple POVs including our main villain (please refer to second last point about said villain)
- mysterious plot lines
- modern technology mixed with the fantasy world done RIGHT
- easy to digest but well thought out world building and magic system
- an FMC who although may be out of her depth in this new magical world, will not back down
- a love triangle (don't roll your eyes this one is JUICY!)
- fresh twists on tropes we all know and love
- an ending that, although leaves you chomping at the bit for the next instalment, will not leave you with a gut wrenching cliff hanger
- a villain you physically can't help but plan how you would bury them
- side characters that are fully developed and enjoyable to follow

I CANNOT WAIT for more people to read this story so we can discuss theories! Thank you so much for letting me read this before it hits the stores on September 9th!

[tiana ♡]

pre-read notes:

I'm so excited to read this! 🤭
Happy to announce that I'm part of the review team for M.B. Atkins through Rattle the Stars PR!! I can't wait to explore this series. 🧡
fae, why choose, slow burn?? say less!

[Jenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Thank you to the author, and Rattle The Stars PR for letting me be part of review team for Mates Of Gods and Fae series! *

I had a feeling that I was going to love this book. When I read the synopsis of City Of Promise and Light, it sounded just the kind of fantasy book I love. There is so much I can say about this, and I am going through so many emotions right now. I loved the world-building in this book; it was so vivid that I could imagine myself there while reading. I could see everything Sybil had endured, and my heart broke for her multiple times. I was rooting for her throughout the book, hoping she would find a way out.

The characters in this book were phenomenal; I loved how Atkins portrayed each one of them- including Ambrose. At first, I wasn’t sure about Sybil. Even though I understood that she was scared and confused, I questioned the choices she made at the beginning, and how she believed everything anyone told her. However, as the book progressed, it made sense why she acted the way that she did. I’m eager to see what challenges and adventures await Sybil in the next book.

I had bad feelings about Ambrose from the start; there was something about him that fell off. I hoped that Sybil would see him for who he was before it was too late. One of the things I loved about this book was the action; it got to the point where I found myself reading in the middle of the night when I couldn’t sleep, needing to see what happened next. Even though I disliked Ambrose, I enjoyed reading from his perspective. It made the story so much more intense and even more intriguing. I’m so glad that I got chance to read this book, I’m intrigued to see what happens next. Highly recommended.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review
First, any book that has a dedication page asking their parents not to read the book because of well, we all know why ( lol), it has my attention.
Unaware, Sybil's magic was bound as a child. When she suddenly loses her job, she receives an unexpected job offer. It leads her to a whole new world where magic is real and she has powerful light magic.
Sybil is thrust into a whole new world, and I can definitely understand her being overwhelmed. However, there were times when I got frustrated with her. At times, she was a little whiny, and her decisions made me want to smack her.
We have 2 MMCs, so it will be interesting to see where the love story goes- love triangle or a why choose. As a reader, I like both and can't decide who to cheer for.
I am eagerly waiting for book 2.

[Julie(s bookish life) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed MB Atkins’s writing throughout this book. It flowed nicely and kept me sucked in the story the entire time. COPAL starts off with Sybil getting fired from work and rejected by her own father and boyfriend once they find out she has powers. It’s heartwrenching and also believable…I could see this kind of reaction happening in our world. So there is so much hope when she is whisked away from the human world and into the fae world. All starts out ok, but Sybil is right to still be distrustful. Without giving anything away, she puts her trust in the wrong person and it backfires in a truly terrible and heartwrenching way. The romance between Sybil and her MMC starts off frustratingly slow (as slow-burns often do) but it ramps up near the end. To be quite honest, I can’t recall exactly how much spicy stuff Sybil gets into in this book. Ambrose - AKA the new “boss” - gives us enough spice until Sybil can sort her stuff out. I like how this was done, you got spice early and could still enjoy a slow-burn for what it was! 

[Kristina Ehrlich · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would - I was completely immersed and some plot points, though predictable, left me feeling deeply for the characters, sometimes disgusted at what was happening to them. Though some things were predictable, other parts were not and I loved being surprised. This is the kind of book where I would pick up the next book right away if it were out. I often thought about reading this book more when I had other responsibilities, desiring to make time to read and not just because I committed to reading it. There were some undesirable parts to read, which is the only reason it’s 4.5 stars for me. It would probably be a good idea to look at trigger warnings prior to reading this if it’s available, however some I noticed were: emotional manipulation, abuse and torture.

I’m so glad I received this on my ARC list through BookSirens, it was a joy to read. I did receive a copy of this book for free through them and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sara-Jane Keenan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved that this starts off in the totally normal modern world, until Sybil meets two strange guys, Ambrose and Samian, standing at her car waiting for her. They offer her a job opportunity, which sounds too good to be true and the truth of her past is uncovered, leading her into a magical world in the upper realm.

I enjoyed that this was told in multiple pov, as I love getting different perspectives in the story. The world building is detailed, with an interesting magic system, and I enjoyed the mix of fantasy and modern technology. The pacing is done really well throughout and it kept me on my toes with some great twists and turns.

There are a great mix of characters and a villain you will definitely love to hate. Sybil took a little while for me to warm up to initially but I enjoyed her growth throughout the book.

I liked how the love triangle played out and there’s a little spice in there too.

That ending has left me dying for more and I cannot wait for the next book. Overall, this was a 4⭐️ read for me and I recommend it for fans of dark fantasy and romantasy.

[Fantasy Fables · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great debut for M.B. Atkins and a fantastic start to the Mates of Gods and Fae series!

There’s a lot to love in this one - a slow burn romance, hidden truths, betrayal, he falls first, multiple POVs, a modern day fantasy world, gods & fae, found family, lovable side characters, fated mates, hints of a why choose romance in the future, and so much more!

Poor Sybil gets thrust into a magical world and was not prepared for what would unfold for her there in the slightest. You really can’t blame her though when no one will tell her the full truth of what’s going on around her and what she should expect! She keeps getting knocked down throughout the story, but she never fails to get back up.

We got to see the beginnings of Sybil learning about and training her magic in this one, and I hope we get to see more of that in Book 2! I want to see our girl get her revenge. 😈

I’m so excited to see more of Samian and Kieran in Book 2 as well! Both seem to have a pull to Sybil, and I can’t wait to see what that means for these 3.

While I’m dying to see our villain defeated immediately, you can’t deny that he was really well written. And all the best villains are!

This one doesn’t end on a super huge cliffhanger, but it still leaves you ready to jump straight into Book 2! ✨

[Junisa Santos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sybil was just an ‘ordinary’ when she was let got of her job and met a stranger (Ambrose) who offers Sybil a job, not knowing that it would turn her would upside down. After going into a new world of Fae, mortals, and gods. She’s conflicted between Samian’s warning, Ambrose’s ‘kindness’ , and so much to learn and not knowing who trust it’s a lot to take in for Sybil

I’m very curious to see where book 2 goes and where it leads Sybil, Samian and Keiran.

I would love to see Sybil become more strong willed and be the b@dass FMC she’s meant to be

[Monika Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC

First off I loved this book. The characters were very well written. Secondly I need someone to remind me not to start good books at night.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has a LOT of potential for book 2 and I'm excited to get into it! This is one of those starts to a series that promises a really good sequel. It's built the plot up really well, and now book 2 is ready to run. Hopefully 👀 I'm starting it immediately and will report back!

[Dario Pacheco · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you do when your whole world is flipped on is axis and you become a pawn in a game for power in the realm of Fae & Gods?
In this book we meet Sybil, a woman who is drawn into a world of fae and magic after meeting a mysterious stranger. As her powers awaken, she is caught between a manipulative fae, Ambrose, and a protector, Samian, while navigating dangerous political intrigue, rebellion, and a crumbling legacy.
Okay so Sybil for sure was one of those characters that got me frustrated but I loved how relatable she was in her stumbling around in this world. And dealing with her trauma and finding her footing in this world where she plays an important part.
The story centers a lot on her exploring the world and her relationship with the people in this court of political intrigue. While also dealing with a rebel group that is trying to overthrow the plans of Ambrose. Who is total twat waffle and had me wanting to drop kick him and his pawn Ariana down a flight of stairs.
Samian for sure is the first one to fall for Sybil and seeing their hesitant romance began to blossom was one of the best part of this story
This book was for sure a solid start to a series that I can’t wait to see where it goes.

[Mountainmommareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great start to book one. If you want an easy read, I highly recommend this book. I'm excited to go into book 2!

[Moonburst · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sybil's life has never been easy. Estranged from her family and having recently been fired, she decides to accept a mysterious job offer from enigmatic Ambrose. She hopes that this job will allow her greater understanding of her own dangerous magic, but instead she finds herself in a strange faerie court where everyone has their own hidden objectives. Can Sybil learn to control her magic without losing herself?

I really wanted to like this book. However, Sybil drove me absolutely crazy. She's 32, going on 17. At first, I was very excited for the main protagonist to be in her thirties. So many fantasy books have young protagonists in their teens/early twenties, and having an older, more mature main character would allow for a more balanced and nuanced story. Unfortunately, Sybil is extremely reactive, often making sudden, terrible decisions seemingly out of spite. Even more baffling, is when her character is ten and right before meeting the faeries, she seems to be a hardworking, cautious character who pays attention to details and doesn't rush into anything. But after the first twenty pages or so, she starts paying attention to nothing and refusing to think for herself. It is infuriating. Even worse, when she is getting bullied in a similar style to mean high school girls everywhere, she genuinely is upset. This is rather asinine as while bullying is unpleasant, the jeers Sybil endures are rather stupid and unlikely for a grown adult woman to care about.

Sybil's immaturity is very frustrating to read about, especially as she could have easily made similar decisions in a less reactive way. For example, it is lightly touched on that Sybil, feeling abandoned by her family, has become somewhat of a perfectionist. She does spend an exhausting about of time assuming she's going to fail. She could have just decided to go with Ambrose and Samian due to a desire to have perfect control over her unbound powers. There was literally no reason for her father, who she has had no contact with for twenty years, to show up just to forbid her from "taking the job" and for her to respond with, "you can't tell me what to do, I'm taking the job!" Later her impatience and desire for perfection would have been enough to get her to agree to Ambrose's bargain. It just would have made for a more realistic, mature character.

I could have handled Sybil's obnoxious decision making if I had had someone to really root for. Unfortunately, Samian is extremely ineffective, being more concerned about protecting himself than making any major inroads against Ambrose's schemes. He is truly an atrocious teacher, basically abandoning Sybil every time he's vaguely called away, and assuming she'll understand by reading books alone. By the end of the book, I didn't feel like he had truly done anything to substance other than skulk around. And while we do spend some time with the rebels, we don't spend enough time with them to really understand what they are fighting for, or to really care. All we really know is Ambrose is super bad, so we don't want him to succeed.

In comparison to everyone else, Ambrose is the strongest character. He's an extremely unnerving, capable villain. But we spend too much time with him as he uses his mental coercion to sleep with any female in his general vicinity. As it's fairly certain that he's manipulated everyone to the point that giving actual consent is impossible, I really could have done with less detailed depictions of his sexual exploits. After a certain point, I got frustrated when the story was from his point of view, because it added little to the plot, and we already understood that he's a terrible person.

All in all, I wanted to like this book, as the overall plot of a rebel group trying to succeed against a horrifyingly capable manipulator while the main character tries to learn control of her capabilities is something I would generally enjoy. But I couldn't stand any of the main characters.

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

[Book Wh0r3 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️
1 🌶️

I did like the book. I definitely appreciated that it was
Plot heavy. However, it didn’t capture my attention and make me want to continue. I had to force myself just to get through it because I was getting bored.

There was one plot hole I noticed. Ambrose tells Sybil to remember her training from before and encourages her to make a dagger to kill Arbrus with. Except, Ambrose never taught her that. It had been Samian. At first, I thought that maybe it was because Samian had filled him in on what he’d taught her. But it specifically says that Ambrose recalls the memory with her during that lesson, which wouldn’t be possible, since he wasn’t there.

The story was well-written, but there were punctuation errors throughout the entire book. There were run-on sentences (consistently), along with misplaced dialogue tags.

Next, I found it difficult to like Sybil. She was relatable in subtle ways, but not when it really mattered. She’s very gullible and far too trusting. Especially with being in her 30s, you’d think she’d naturally be more cautious. She should have asked more questions about the bargain, especially with how obvious it was. She straight up repeated that Ambrose could have control over her power, and said NOTHING of helping her or anything. Wouldn’t that strike anyone as odd? Not to mention, Samian had warned her several times about not accepting the bargain. That alone should have given her pause.

When Sybil does stand up for herself, it’s usually in the form of a tantrum. She comes off much younger than she is and acts as though she’s never experienced life in general, which isn’t realistic since she hadn’t been sheltered.

I found the book extremely predictable. If we never got Ambrose’s POV, I think it would have made the story more suspenseful and would have left us with questions—which is a good thing. But because we got his POV, we knew everything before Sybil did and Ambrose’s plan worked exactly how he wanted it to. It made the story come off pretty flat.

I also think it was false advertising. It was promoted as a love triangle, but you can tell almost immediately that it isn’t one. There was never any romance between Ambrose and Sybil. Just a small amount of lust.

I also noticed that the characters were all very 1 dimensional, with Sybil being the most rounded—which isn’t saying much. We know a little bit about her backstory but not much at all and we know nothing about the other characters hardly. I still don’t even know what Samian’s magic was and Ambrose’s was never explained fully. Arianna is probably the most unrealistic character. She’s a grown woman, but is written into the book as if she’s a middle schooler.

There was no chemistry between Samian and Sybil AT ALL. There was a tiny bit between her and Ambrose but it didn’t last long and it fizzled out pretty quickly.

I was mostly just bored. Especially during the middle of the book. Because of this, I probably won’t be continuing.

[Nikki Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Eventually, the rulers of the realm came together, deciding to combine their magic and separate the Earth into three separate realms: the lower, the middle, and the upper realm. You were born into Mide—the middle realm, which consists mostly of humans and little magic, though there are cases of beings like me that make the Mide their home. Dubnos, the lower realm, was created for the creatures born of the dark and shadows. Demons, dark fae, the unseelie, and creatures of shadow rule in the lower realm. Here in Nemos, the light fae, the seelie, seraphim, and creatures of light rule. With me so far?"


City of Promise and Light by M.B. Atkins... Holy ambitious and immersive, Batman! From the very beginning, the story leans hard into multi-POV fantasy storytelling, layering Sybil’s initially-unraveling human life with the perspectives of Samian, Ambrose (major ick, what a haunting villain!), and later Kieran to build a world that feels politically charged and constantly in motion. What begins in Charlotte quickly heads into Nemos, one of three Earthly realms, and Atkins wastes no time establishing the high stakes of fae courts, hidden bloodlines (literally my favorite part), and power structures built on both light and coercion.


The fae lore is a standout in this book. The concept of seelie heritage literally rewriting Sybil's human DNA adds a fascinating biological dimension to the story's mythology, grounding magic in something that feels unsettlingly inevitable. I was absolutely fascinated by this detail, and it was one of my fave moments in the whole book. And the Queen Cassia tie there was a twist I didn't see coming. Speaking of the queen... Political tension simmers beneath nearly every interaction, from Ambrose’s unnerving control of the court to the quiet rebellion forming in the shadows and the queen who's... indisposed, we'll say. The cast's personalities shine and feel distinctly unique, with characters like Samian, Kieran, Ezra, and Aster bringing their own energy, emotional contrast, and intrigue to every moment. Ambrose in particular is a villain you feel whenever he’s on the page. Yikes. I'll just leave it at that and let other readers uncover the rest. But be ready, because he's equal parts repulsive and chilling.


At its heart, City of Promise and Light is a character-driven fantasy about identity, inheritance, and power. If you enjoy multi-POV fantasy with fae politics, fated threads, and a healthy dose of spice, this one is well worth picking up. I’m definitely curious to see where Atkins takes this world next!

[Bri West · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 3.75

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to receive an eARC! I think the Mates of Gods and Fae series has really great potential. The world building was interesting and I think we will continue to learn more about it as the story progresses in the next books. Book one somewhat feels like the build up and I think the next will absolutely take off!

The story has plenty of action to keep you intrigued and wanting to see what happened next. There was a lot that was predictable and while you know some of the “bad things” have to happen for the plot to move along (and for the dramatics), I have to admit some made me want to scream and pull my hair out for the characters making such stupid and easily avoidable choices.

I’m mostly looking at you Sybil. While yes, she is thrust into a completely new world unprepared, she is also quite naive, beyond easy to manipulate and even a bit whinny. Repeatedly she has gut feelings / instincts screaming telling her both good and bad, and yet she ignores them every. single. time…..

Kieran and Samian are definitely intriguing. I know we will get more of our MMCs (as it seemed there’s gonna be more than one mate in this dynamic). However even they sometimes made some decisions that had me going …. Really dude? You know better. Plus, somehow they’re these powerful guys but couldn’t protect Sybil when it really mattered? Same for Ezra - a general who didn’t have any control over his commander or other soldiers? Just a bit too convenient.

Speaking of side characters such as Ezra- Aster, Viv and even Queen Cassia make you want to have more interactions with them. I hope they get to remain in the foreground for the next books. Ambrose is a Villain you can truly hate. So is his lackey Arianna.

I’m eager to read the next book in this series and hopefully once all the secrets come out, Sybil will learn to finally listen to those instincts. I’m also excited for the romance to unravel next book with the prospect of dual mates.

Tropes:
- Fae & elemental magic
- mysterious
- Dual POVs
- Mates
- Potential love triangle

[stephanie cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

We follow Sybil Hart, whose normal life is shattered after a chance encounter with a silver-haired stranger—an event that spirals into a realm brimming with ancient gods, fae courts, and awakening powers she never knew she possessed. What starts as a mysterious job offer turns into a dangerous unraveling of Sybil’s identity, and Atkins handles this transformation with both emotional depth and wild, intoxicating energy.

The character work is what really stood out to me. Sybil isn’t just a vessel for the story she’s layered, flawed, and real. And Ambrose Farra? Equal parts enigmatic and magnetic, his presence fills every scene he enters. The tension, the vulnerability, the push and pull between them it’s done so well without falling into predictable tropes.

And the world-building? Absolutely transportive. Atkins doesn’t spoon-feed you the lore—instead, she challenges you to lose yourself in it. The magic system is intricate, the mythological roots are rich, and the darker themes woven throughout give this book real weight. You feel the stakes, and that makes the magic hit even harder.

Fair warning: this is not a light, whimsical fae tale. It dives into heavier themes and doesn’t shy away from emotional or psychological complexity. But that’s what makes it so captivating. Also… someone remind me never to start a book like this at night unless I plan to be completely sleep-deprived.

While I’m giving this 4 stars instead of 5, it’s only because I think the pacing in some parts could’ve been a bit tighter—but that’s a minor note in what is otherwise a stellar entry into the genre.

If you're a fan of high-stakes fantasy with gods, fae, hidden powers, and emotionally grounded characters, then City of Promise and Light deserves a spot on your TBR. I’m already loving this author and looking forward to reading more of their work.

[Janet C. · Rating 2 out of 5]

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

My rating my seem harsh, but I'm tough…

I was really intrigued by the premise of City of Promise and Light. A world involving gods, fae, and mates has a lot of potential, and I went in expecting an immersive fantasy with strong character dynamics.

Unfortunately, this first book felt overwhelming rather than engaging. There were so many concepts, characters, and plot threads introduced all at once that it became difficult to keep track of what was happening. The pacing itself wasn’t overly fast, but the amount of information thrown at the reader made the story feel confusing.

The FMC lacked depth for me and often felt too easily manipulated by the people around her. I struggled to connect with her or understand her motivations. On top of that, the MMC situation felt unclear for most of the book. I found myself unsure who the real romantic lead was supposed to be, which made it difficult to get invested in the relationship dynamics.

A large cast of characters was introduced early on, but many of them lacked enough backstory to feel meaningful. Because of that, the world building never fully came together for me. The setting and mythology seem like they could be interesting, but the execution left me feeling like the foundation wasn’t fully developed.

Overall, the concept has promise, but the storytelling felt scattered and underdeveloped. Readers who enjoy complex fantasy worlds with many moving parts might still enjoy it, but for me the confusion made it hard to stay immersed.

I am invested enough to want to read the next in this series to see if things level out and come together a little better!

[Paige Gardziola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fae, gods, seelie, unseelie, and a girl who doesn’t know she’s the chosen one yet which is, genuinely, the most relatable form of denial. She’s not in denial the way that’s annoying. She’s in denial the way that makes complete sense given everything she knows, which is the mark of a protagonist written with actual intention. I love a book where we know a secret before the FMC does.

City of Promise and Light by M.B. Atkins is cozy and exciting at the same time, which sounds like a contradiction and isn’t. The world is the kind you settle into rather than fight through. The lore is layered without being a lecture. The seelie/unseelie court dynamics are still developing but familiar enough to orient yourself quickly and distinct enough to feel like Atkins actually has something to say about them.

The romance is slow. Deliberately, almost frustratingly slow. I was yelling JUST TELL HER ALREADY embarrassingly early in the book, which means it was working. The will they won’t they had genuine tension behind it and not the kind manufactured by misunderstandings and bad timing, but the kind that comes from one person holding back and the other still in the dark. It’s exquisitely painful. And then… is this about to be a why choose?? Because I have questions. I need answers. I finished the book and I still have questions. Began book 2 immediately.

I liked it more than I expected to and less than I wanted to, and I mean that as a compliment to the world Atkins is building. There’s clearly more here. I want to see where it goes.

✨ Pairs well with: a breakfast cocktail you ordered because it’s a flight (even though it’s Monday morning) and the audiobook playing quietly in one ear so you can do both at once

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ ┇ Bookstagram ┇ BookTok

Such a strong start to the series—this book packs in so much: slow-burn romance, fated mates,hidden truths, betrayal, multiple POVs, found family, lovable side characters, and hints of either a love triangle or possibly a why-choose dynamic down the line.

Unaware that her magic was bound as a child, Sybil is thrust into a hidden fae world after losing her job and accepting a mysterious offer. As her powerful light magic awakens, she’s swept into dangerous court politics and rebellion, caught between the manipulative Ambrose and the protective Samian.

Sybil is relatable in her trauma, but some of her decisions were frustrating at times. Still, her growth and journey into her power kept me invested.

The world-building is immersive without being overwhelming, and the side characters really shine—especially Ezra and Aster, who I absolutely loved.

Overall, this is a fantastic foundation for the series, and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.

‧₊˚✧𝓦𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽✧˚₊‧

➳❥ Book 1 / Dark Romantasy Series
➳❥ Fated Mates
➳❥ He Falls First
➳❥ Slow Burn
➳❥ Hidden Truths
➳❥ Found Family
➳❥ Betrayal

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 𝓕𝓪𝓿 𝓠𝓾𝓸𝓽t𝓮𝓼

“Even now, I could feel my soul begging to cross the short distance to her room and hold her close.”

“I knew she could feel it too, this link between us. I could see it in the way her eyes always found mine, in the way her body reacted to my touch.”

"It's easier to lose yourself in the darkness, but I find that the light always brings hope, even during our darkest moments."

[Justine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a frustrating read because City of Promise and Light had so much potential. The plot itself is solid, the villains are compelling, and the supporting cast genuinely shines but unfortunately, the FMC ruins a lot of the magic by being hard to tolerate.

Sybil is painfully naive and overly stubborn, and many of her decisions felt illogical to the point of being unbelievable. I struggled to connect with her at any point, and her constant poor judgment dragged down what could have been an incredible foundation for the series. She may be one of the most frustrating main characters I’ve read in a while, which is especially disappointing because the rest of the book is actually really good and the writing style is fantastic.

The side characters were the highlight for me. Samian and Kieran were both enjoyable, Ezra is an absolute fluffy giant who I’d love to read more about, and Ambrose and Arianna were excellent villains and were awful in the most satisfying way.

Another issue was the lack of early world-building. The story opens with a mysterious job offer that Sybil accepts with almost no information, and there’s little explanation for things like why her brother was calling her or how they knew she lost her job (and it never really loops back). These early plot holes made it hard to suspend disbelief and fully settle into the world and also contributed to Sybil being a hard character to connect with.

Overall, this could easily have been a 4-star read with a stronger FMC and a more developed opening. As it stands, it lands around 3 stars for me. I’m hopeful that the next installment will redeem Sybil as a character, because the series itself has a lot of promise.

[MJ | fortheloveofbooks01 · Rating 4 out of 5]

”I knew I could learn to control whatever this was inside of me. No one would get hurt. I could prove that I was more than just some monster, cursed with an evil that couldn’t be erased.”

City of Promise and Light is a dark fantasy filled with adventure, secrets, deceit, and tons of plot twists. The first chapter pulled me right in and kept me on the hook until the very last page. The writing is crisp and descriptive, and I had a really easy time visualizing each different character.

Sybil is an incredibly relatable character. She is thrust into the world of the fae after living a seemingly normal human life, and her days are suddenly filled with magic, danger, and the unexpected. There are new obstacles at every turn, and she has to learn how to navigate an entirely new world while also learning who she really is, and what she is capable of. Her determination to persevere against all odds is uplifting, and she’s the type of FMC who’s easy to cheer on.

This book is not what it seems in the romance department, and I am dying to know how this plays out in the next book! There are some interesting twists that are just barely unveiled by the end of the book, and I have a feeling things are going to get really interesting in book 2 😏

If you love darker fantasy with fae, magic, action, unveiled secrets, fated mates, political intrigue, and a FMC that perseveres despite the odds, this book is for you. After the way this book ended, I have so many burning questions the I need answered, and will definitely continue reading this series.

[Kaylee (Faerietalesafterdark) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book, and I think it has so much potential.

Sybil, our FMC, lands on some hard times and meets two mysterious men (Ambrose and Sabien) who have a job proposal for her. Ultimately, she ends up taking this "job" and is thrust into a different realm, the realm of the Faeries.. and other beings. This is where the truth of who Sybil is and what nefarious plans Ambrose has for her come to light, and how Sabien has been checking in on her since she was a little girl to make sure that she's okay. While in this new realm, she is offered a bargain from Ambrose, that she decides to take.. to her extreme detrement, because he is not who he has made himself out to be.

I think my only problem with this book is that Sybil is supposed to be in her early 30's, but if you told me she was 18 I would believe you. Her behaviours and thought process seems extremely naieve. Having said that, I'm not sure how I would react if I was torn from everything and everyone that I've ever known into a world that I didn't know existed, with these huge powers that have been bound for so long. But, the side characters are really my favorite of the whole thing. I love a found family trope with some amazing side characters, and I think I will be getting that with this series. I really hope that in the next book Sybil steps into herself and becomes the badass I know that she is meant to be! I really want to love her, and I'm excited to see where her character arc takes us!

Tropes:
Dark romantasy
multiple fated mates
found family
naieve MMC
betrayal
why choose
hidden truths
slllowwwww burnnnn

[Bookishwife · Rating 5 out of 5]

City of Promise & Light by M.B. Atkins was such a fantastic addition to my Romantasy addiction! ✨

One of the things I really appreciated was how the FMC, Sybil, didn’t instantly master her power. She fails—multiple times—and the fear she develops toward a magic she never asked for felt so real. That struggle made her decision-making understandable.

I also loved the political elements woven throughout: the rebellion, the way the outer villages are crushed by taxes to keep them under control, and the layered dynamic of social classes. And then there’s the villain… the perfect blend of charm and emotional manipulation. I hate to admit it, but I kind of fell for it too (ugh, why am I like this? 😂).

Also, while I understand one of the MMC, Samian, is trying to protect Sybil, I can’t help but wish he’d let that guard down just a little more—I need more time with him and way more romantic tension. 👀🔥

The side characters, especially Ezra, completely stole my heart. ❤️

And that ending?! Let’s just say I’m not okay—I need book two in my hands right now!

If you’re looking for Romantasy with flawed magic, political intrigue, a manipulative villain you’ll love to hate (or hate to love 👀), and side characters worth obsessing over, this one is a must-read.

A huge thank you to M.B. Atkins and BookSirens for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of City of Promise and Light! 📖✨

[Lilith's_Library_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

City of Promise and Light is an immersive entry into the Mates of Gods and Fae series that blends mythic magic, political danger, and deep emotional stakes. M.B. Atkins throws readers into a world where ancient powers stir, loyalties are tested, and the pull of fate is impossible to resist.

The story follows Sybil Hart, whose once‑ordinary life shatters when she encounters a mysterious silver‑haired stranger. Dragged into a hidden realm of fae courts, ancient gods, and awakening magic, Sybil must confront forces far beyond her understanding — and grapple with a power inside her that threatens to consume her very humanity.

What sets this romantasy apart is the slow‑burn tension between love, loyalty, and self‑discovery. Sybil finds herself torn between Ambrose Farra, a seductive and dangerously ambitious figure, and Samian, her brooding protector who wants her to claim her strength rather than be defined by it. Betrayal, hidden truths, and the threat of violence weave through the plot, keeping the emotional stakes high.

The world building feels both ancient and visceral — gods with agendas, fae politics simmering with tension, and a destiny that feels heavier than a crown. Themes of identity, power, and choice pulse through every page, and Sybil’s growth from uncertainty to fierce determination gives the story real depth.

[Samantha Bender · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a romantasy book that has great character development and an original storyline, this book is for you! If you're like me and have read a good deal of romantasy, after a while, a lot of the story lines begin to sound the same. This book was different! I found this book and the universe it is set in to be original which kept me interested throughout and made it hard to put the book down. Plus, the main character, Sybil, is so lovable and relatable that it is hard to stop reading because you need to know what her fate will be. In many other fantasy books, I've found it hard to connect with the FMC because they are quick to accept the situations they are thrown into. Sybil has emotions that are relatable and she reacts in ways that a normal woman would instead of being the perfect model of stoicism that you tend to come across in other fantasy books. She is constantly going through complicated emotions that help you get into her mindset and give her character depth. The MMCs are all equally lovable and balance Sybil out so well that it is hard to root for one of them over the other. It is even hard for me to pick my favorite side character because they each have their own charms although they are diverse in personality and background. Overall, this was such a fun read and had me reaching for book 2 as soon as I finished it!

[Once Upon A Page✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new and exciting fantasy author!

M.B. Atkins is definitely becoming one of my favourite authors🤭 Her writing style, short chapters (my favourite) and eloquence makes this book easy to read whilst also carrying an excellent plot!

This story follows Sybil, a human who is thrown into the fae world and starts to navigate her place in the upper world. She is faced with betrayal, fear and wonder whilst learning to understand herself and the world she now finds herself a part of.

The characters (whether heroes or villains) are memorable and felt like they had a good impact on the story. I especially loved Sybil and Samian, with an honorable mention to Kieran and his taunting/humour🤣

I loved the magic system! Elemental magic is one of my favourites, and I really enjoyed that there was also personal magic not specific to the elements. I also really enjoyed the modern elements, including the reference to covid and also technology, and thought these were placed throughout the book very well.

I love that I can’t tell who the love interest is yet🤣 although I do have some idea who this may be and I can’t wait to find out🤭

One thing I will say is DEFINITELY check your trigger warnings for this, and also keep in mind this has a 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 spice rating incase that’s something you don’t enjoy!

Overall I thought it was great and ate it up in 3 days, bring on book 2🤩

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started this book I didn't mind the slower start that we get. We're immediately introduced to Sybil. She's a young girl hanging out with a friend. Then the tension builds as danger sneaks in closer and closer to her and her friend. Things go left and it just builds the drama even higher. What's disappointing is that the friend just...disappears. No explanation. No nothing. It's implied that the friendship is never really the same, but I would have loved to known what happened afterwards
Instead, we fast forward to Sybil being older. Once again, her life is about to go through a dynamic shift. This is also where we're introduced to two other characters who will play pivotal roles in her future. One wants to use Sybil for his own gains, while the other tries to warn her to protect her. Sybil makes the wrong choice, and it sets in play a series of events she'll have to fight to break free.
Sybil, for me, wasn't the most likeable character, unfortunately, that is even in comparison to the bad guy. She comes off as a weak-willed character, and it drove me crazy. I didn't understand her rationale when it comes to Samian either. She's a rather frustrating character, but it goes to the storyline overall. It's a struggle to like her, especially since there is no real character growth.
I can only hope that there is some in the next book.