From The Ashes: A Kingdom of Beasts and Starlight

by R.C. Perry

In the city of stars, two destinies
collide.

At the end of her hope, faced with
poverty and famine, twenty-five year
old Remmy sets out on the adventure
of a lifetime, battling beasts, demons,
and creatures of the night to save the
Prince of Valeria, entrapped in his own
father’s snare.
The reward?
Survival.
And the key to the kingdom.

Sterling is a Fae Prince and the heir to
the throne of Valeria, but he knows he
will never be king. His father’s hatred
of him knows no bounds as he uses his
powers to force Sterling under his
thumb. Kidnapped at his father’s orders
and held hostage on a mountain ruled
by beasts, Sterling’s only hope lay with
a girl from the villages who’s
never left her hometown.

In a world where evil reigns,
can love bring two souls together? Or will it bring about their downfall?

Genres: Fantasy

516 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 12, 2026

About the author

R.C. Perry lives in a mythical castle with a handsome, broody fae prince. They've been happily married for centuries and have two little furry fae babies.

When R.C. isn't writing swoon-worthy romances or whimsical tales of conquest, she's baking goods at her cottage bakery, sipping coffee in a corner cafe, soaking up the sun at the beach, traveling the world, or curled up in her cozy reading chair, exploring fantastical realms.

As an avid reader with interests spanning multiple genres, it's no surprise she has stories to tell.

Follow her on TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook for updates on what she is working on next!

Reviews

[BookishVibesClub · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the Romantasy for the book girlies who loved Hunger Games but now read books with fae ❤️‍🔥 You get a determined FMC who is strong and capable of taking on just about anything, in a high fantasy world with dangerously magical creatures, and a prince who has been taken captive!be and t0rtured by the king - his own father. He is a grumpy/broody prince who is hurt and hiding a big heart.

I love the dialogue between the FMC and the MMC! It’s fun and bantery. And I really enjoyed their inner dialogue. Remmy is fun and doesn’t let anything get in her way. The Prince is broody and protective and the big feels come out.

The growing tension between them while they are stuck working together to survive is perfection 🔥

I love the world and the magic system! So unique and well-built.

Side character note: Emerie is the sister we all wish the older Acheron’s would have been. And I LOVE Teagan. It’s rare for me to completely fall for a side character and their story, but this one is done so well. He’s easy to love and his story builds the overall plot very well.

Epic Fantasy feels with quest-like travels, magical creatures, and amazing world building

❤️‍🔥 Determined FMC
❤️‍🔥 Princess Trials (Deadly)
❤️‍🔥 Caretaking
❤️‍🔥 She says “Who did this to you?”
❤️‍🔥 Rebellion
❤️‍🔥 Broody MMC
❤️‍🔥 Dangerous Travel
❤️‍🔥 One Bed
❤️‍🔥 Tension
❤️‍🔥 Burn the world for her
❤️‍🔥 Touch her and die

🫑🫑 No Spice | Closed Door

[Sam Yaworski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It is compelling fantasy with a strong female protagonist and detailed world building. The story follows a heroine who refuses to accept a powerless role in a kingdom filled with magic, dangerous beasts, and injustice. Instead of waiting for rescue, she takes control of her fate, saves the prince herself, and challenges traditional fantasy expectations proving her strength and bravery. I can not wait to continue reading the next installment of The Valerian Chronicles! Thank you for the opportunity to ARC read this amazing book!

[Hannah Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowww this book was so good!!! The world building and character development were phenomenal! I loved following Remmy’s journey! She’s so brave. And I love how Sterling will do anything to protect her. 🤧

This book is heavy at times and Chapter 34 especially was very triggering (attempted r*pe) for those of you deciding to read this. Language is mild and there’s nothing too explicit.

I love stories with adventure and characters bonding through it and learning to work together and care for each other! The cliffhanger?!?! I NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW!!! So thankful to be able to ARC read this one!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of beta reading this book and let me just say…This book is incredible - easily one of my top picks this year. It's a no-spice fantasy about a girl fighting to save her family from starvation, and her last-ditch effort is entering a contest. The story follows a human but fiercely capable FMC who's never ventured beyond her hometown. With fae, magic, dragons, a charming MMC, and a badass FMC, this book has it all.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️!!! No spice

From the Ashes has such a fun, creative, and immersive fantasy world. I loved learning about the politics of the kingdom and the different beasts, creatures, and gods that R.C. Perry created. I was fully invested in Remmy’s quest, and the plot lines the other characters followed.

Remmy is my favorite type of FMC. Resilient, caring, and strong. She would do anything for those she loves, and she consistently puts every person she meets before herself. Also, side note, but the fact that she completes her whole quest of battling beasts and gods wearing a dress is just so ICONIC.

Sterling is my favorite type of MMC, a brooding and protective prince who would do anything for the woman he loves. He would quite literally burn the world for her.

The tension between Remmy and Sterling was so good and I loved watching their relationship build throughout the story. The hair washing scene😭 so good!

I loved all of the other POVs of the characters as well! I was not expecting to get so many different POVs and I absolutely loved it. It created such an engaging and fast-paced story. Teigan’s POV was a particular favorite of mine. I enjoyed seeing his character mature and grow throughout the book. Although, I do feel a bit like the different side characters went from strangers to close confidants very quickly and it felt a bit rushed. I would’ve loved to see even more interactions between the characters.

But, regardless, this book was so, SO good. The characters, the plot, the world. I loved it. And, oh my gosh, that ENDING! I need the next book ASAP!!!

Thank you so much to the author for giving me the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

[Kalleigh Royn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

This was a dynamic, fast-paced fantasy that immediately drew me into its rich world.

Remmy is everything I love in a strong female lead: no-nonsense and resilient AF. Her sheer will to survive drives the early plot and makes her journey utterly compelling. Then there's Sterling, the Fae Prince whose story truly broke my heart. He was so easy to root for. I desperately wanted him to escape his father's snare and find nothing but happiness. But the true standout for me was Teigan. His character arc was fantastic, and he quickly became my absolute favorite.

The multiple POVs enriched the narrative, but I found myself wanting a bit more time with a key character before switching perspectives. Also, full transparency: I wasn't nearly as invested in certain characters' storylines (sorry not sorry, Vincent!).

Overall, if you're looking for a fantasy where an ordinary girl fights to save a tortured prince, this book is for you!

[Maddie Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/15/25:
let’s just start my review with the fact that this book will be on my top books of 2025 and i am already begging for book 2.
there are so many thing i love about this book so i feel like the best place to start is with remmy. she goes through so much that would harden pretty much anyone. but she handles it with grace and even though it makes her stronger, she doesn’t become a callous person.

I don’t want to say too much about sterling because of spoilers so I will just leave it at how he treats remmy is immaculate!!!!

teigan is so precious and honestly some of his chapters are my favorite. i love getting his pov.

FTA had enough action but also enough “slow” scenes so the pacing was so good. I always wanted to know what was going to happen next but we also really got to know our characters too.

lastly, there is no spice but the tension is THERE. so so good. also some of the dialogue and inner thoughts had me laughing out loud!!!

10/09/25:
a full review coming soon but for now I’m begging everyone to go pre-order this book !!!!!!

[LeeEllen Belcher (Caw) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trigger Warning: There is an attempted SA on the FMC.
This fantasy has it all: action, adventure, a rebellion, and a resilient FMC battling dark horrors. The phenomenal and immersive world building, outstanding character growth, and twists I didn't see coming, are topped off with a sprinkle of slow burn, no spice romance.
With Remmy's family being the poorest in town, the only solution is for her to rescue the Crown Prince from the evil King's prison atop Mt. Malus. During her journey she faces treacherous climates and horrific creatures. Once she reaches Prince Sterling he treats her cruelly and keeps his distance from her. During their journey to the kingdom they face more dangers, and start to bond over their traumatic experiences. While hiding from the evil King they discover a rebellion that wants to overthrow the King and put the Prince on the throne. When Remmy's kidnapped Sterling thinks he knows what's happened, but the twists don't stop there.
Will Sterling open up to Remmy, and go through with the King's decree? Will they ever escape the King's treachery?
I received an Advanced Reader Copy with no expectation of a review.
All opinions are my own.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️‍🔥ARC Review❤️‍🔥

“You’re safe, and there is nothing to get off your skin. You’re not tainted. You’re not ruined. You’re perfect. You’re body is perfect. You’re beautiful and brighter than all of the stars in Valeria. They envy you. Their light is dimmer in your presence as though even they know no beauty could ever compare to yours.”

You’ll enjoy this book if you love:
✨Multiple POV
⚔️Rebellion
✨One bed
⚔️Slow burn
✨Fae/ Shapeshifters

The FMC is strong and resilient. She goes through so many challenges throughout the book and embarks on a quest to help her family. The MMC is a prince who has been locked away, carrying deep trauma and struggles he must overcome. He becomes fiercely protective of the FMC and would do absolutely anything to keep her safe.

The beginning is a little slow as the world is built and the characters are introduced. Since it’s told through multiple POVs, you get to learn about more characters than just the FMC and MMC. Each one has an important role to play, and I really hope we see even more of them in the second book.

I truly enjoyed this story the world-building, the characters, and especially the yearning. There is no spice, but the slow burn is done so well that it never feels lacking. The anticipation surrounding the rebellion and the main characters kept me turning pages, eager to see what would happen next. It ends with many storylines still unresolved, and I cannot wait to continue the journey in book two.

Thank you so much for the early copy!

📖 Preorder now release date: January 12th

✨ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Cadence · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, any fantasy book that provides a pronunciation guide earns an automatic star just from that. But not only does the author give you a pronunciation guide, you get an entire glossary of characters, places, and creatures. And let me tell you, some of these creatures sound awesome! Now I just need an illustrated glossary so I can see if my imagination is doing these fantastically described beasts justice.

Okay, so, as far as the actual story goes, I LOVED every moment of it; from the beautiful dedication, to the very end of this well written adventure. And when I say adventure, I mean it. This book was jam packed with action and edge of the seat moments. There was also humor and some super sweet moments to round it all out.

The bits of character art included were a nice treat. And that, along with all the really cool characters and creatures, had my imagination soaring. The way people, places, and things were described couldn't have been done better and the world building was wonderful.

Now for a few of my other takeaways....

1. I want an Ember...do you think I could convince my husband that this is a NEED?
2. It's nice to know teenagers are the same in every world. ("If he shrugs at me again, I am going to wallop him.")
3. "Even the strongest people need saving sometimes" ...nuff said...

If you're a fan of epic fantasy with some romance mixed in, along with intriguing yet terrifying creatures and beautifully complex characters who are having astounding adventures, in a world you kind of wish you could visit, then this is the book for you.

I received an advanced review copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion and thoughts

[Brandihreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Book dedication:
"For all of the girls who stayed-when they shouldn't have. For all of the girls who've stared down their demons and told them to go back to hell. For all of the "broken girls"- You're more beautiful than you know. I see you. And you're not alone."

My thoughts:
This romantasy was filled with action, slow burn, adventures, rebellion, and plot twists. I enjoyed the multi-POV that let me connect with characters beyond the MMC and FMC. The start was slow, but it quickly picked up. It has immersive world-building and impressive character development. Remmy, the resilient and fierce FMC, embarks on a perilous quest to rescue the Prince, battling fearsome creatures. Sterling, destined for legends, struggles with trauma and is fiercely protective of Remmy. I adore him! He's grumpy and she's sunshine. Teigan's POVs added depth to the story as well as the other characters and I love Ember, the adorable companion fox. This is a no spice romantasy.

I can't wait for book two!! I need to know what happens after that ending!! 👀

Thank you for the early copy! 🫶🏼

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

From The Ashes: A Kingdom of Beasts and Starlight doesn’t just tell a story, it pulls readers into a universe where every shadow and star holds meaning. Remmy’s journey, from the villages to battling beasts and demons to save Prince Sterling, feels less like a plot and more like a living call to courage and hope.

What struck me most is how this adventure is about more than survival or romance. Yes, there are perilous beasts, dark magic, and royal intrigue but at its heart, this is a story about resilience, love, and the courage to defy impossible odds. Sterling and Remmy aren’t just characters they’re mirrors of the struggles and triumphs readers secretly root for in their own lives.

And the world you’ve built? Valeria is alive. It’s thrilling, dangerous, and yet deeply personal. Readers don’t just want to escape into this world they want to live it, cheer for these heroes, and share it with others.

Fae lore, magical kingdoms, and thrilling quests, this book has EVERYTHING!!!

[Ainsley Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was anticipating this book so much and it did. not. disappoint👏🏼

The world building was so well done. I truly felt so immersed in the different regions and I loved following along on Remmy’s journey through the different settings.

Remmy is such a strong, solid character. She never once annoyed me. Sometimes the FMC in fantasy books can get a little whiny/annoying/stubborn, but that’s not Remmy. She really was a fighter and didn’t take any crap from anyone.

Sterling is the perfect mix of soft and broody. The way that he protected Remmy and slowly fell for her was perfect. I also just wanted to give the guy a hug. He’s been through the wringer and deserves a happy ending.

And speaking of endings, the CLIFFHANGER? I wasn’t sure how I expected the book to end but I wasn’t expecting such a plot twist. I’ll definitely be reading book two and can’t wait to continue the story.

[CeeReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

6/5 stars. 11/10. No notes.

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and being able to send RC Perry my unhinged ramblings all the way through. Even if she wouldn't tell me if I was right or not. (Spoiler i was) and also loved being able to share my thoughts with her after i had finished.

From the Ashes is a slow burn, adventure filled, no spice romantasy filled with action and plot twists.

Remmy comes from a poor family who are struggling to survive, so she enters a contest set by the King to rescue his son Prince Sterling from Mt Malus. She must face trials, trails and things she'd only heard about in stories, will she make it? and will it be everything she has hoped for?

I really enjoyed the world building in this book, it drew me in from the get go and just kept giving, with something new around every corner and incredible character growth. I could talk about this book all day but i would only be able to do that by spoiling it and we don't do that here.

This story captures perfectly a found family, a resilient FMC, wonderful friends made along the way, grief, loneliness, the feeling of not belonging - and this isn't just your main characters. You could say Remmy and Sterling are the main quest and those we meet along the way are the side quest and if you know me you know i love a good side quest.

I cannot wait for this story to continue. I NEED ANSWERS

[Anna Whaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow! Did this book have me hooked from the first page! The intensity of the writing just drew me in. I could feel every emotion, every pain the MC’s received. I love the fact that it is a woman setting out and going through numerous physical trials to try and rescue the prince to save her family. There is so much more going on than just the rescue. Rebellion is building. People are not always who they say they are and so much more. And the ending!! Argh!!! I need the next book now! I definitely would recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy with a little shifter and a splash of romance thrown in.

I did read this as an advanced readers copy and am giving my opinion of my own free will.

[Isabell Dewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

LISTEN LADY. hooked hooked hooked

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — A Masterpiece

I devoured this book.

It’s funny and entertaining in all the right moments, yet action-packed enough to keep my heart racing. The multiple POVs flow seamlessly — every character feels alive and important. One minute I’m laughing, the next I’m clutching my chest and wiping away tears because wow, it gets emotional.

There were scenes that made me gasp, scenes that made me sad, and scenes where I legitimately had to pause and just breathe. The tension? The plot twists? The PEARL-CLUTCHING. 👀

Downright WONDERFUL.

And that cliffhanger at the end???
I’m already counting down the days until the next book. If you want a story that grabs you by the soul and refuses to let go — read this.

[Abby Bromwich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The characters were wonderful, or not depending on who they were, the twists could have been expected, but weren't...
The depth to the emotional side of the characters was beautiful to read at times and heartwrenching at others.
I am so looking forward to the second book already!!!

[Sarah Jernigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a strong, resilient FMC, and that is exactly what Remmy is. I personally wasn't a fan of the multiple POVs because I was fully invested in Remmy, but I can definitely see why having Teigan's POV is important to the story. The story has good pacing and kept me guessing until the very end. I am very excited to see what will happen in book 2!

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5* review to come.

[HayvinsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK reached into my chest, squeezed, and whispered “You Are Mine!” 🫠

Slow burn, sharp tension, zero spice, and maximum ache = PERFECTION!! 🔥

If you love:
❤️‍🔥Morally Grey MMC
❤️‍🔥Fierce FMC
❤️‍🔥One Bed
❤️‍🔥Multi-POV’s
❤️‍🔥Dragons
❤️‍🔥Found Family
❤️‍🔥Inner Dialogue
❤️‍🔥Banter
❤️‍🔥Animal Sidekicks
❤️‍🔥Slow Burn
❤️‍🔥Touch her or him & ☠️

Then From the Ashes is for 🫵🏼

⚠️Check the triggers first.

[Amanda McKee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! it drew me in and kept my attention so much eas going on!!!! I was so upset it ended on a cliff hanger!!! I need to read the next one now!!!!

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful debut by the amazing R.C Perry.
It is a fascinating romantasy with an intriguing world and beautifully written characters. You are taken on an adventure from the very first page, and you will be begging for book two at the end. I was swept away by not only the banter and tension between our two main characters but also by the beautiful themes of healing, strength, and love that truly shine through in her storytelling.
Don't wait to give this amazing book a try.


thanks so much for the early ebook copy. Though I did receive and early copy my thoughts, opinions and reviews are my own.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
To me, this was like a gender reverse Rapunzel with our FMC rescuing the prince with going through some crazy Hunger Game like trials to do so. At times, the story had a very YA feel. The only thing that is stopping me from labeling it as that is the mention of SA, so please check your trigger warnings. We also have multiple POVs in this story, not just our 2 main characters. While I liked getting Taigan's POV, six is a bit much initially.
Remmy is an FMC who is a strong resilient lead who doesn't instantly know how to be a battle ready soldier, but is willing to fight for her family. She and the MMC have some swoon worthy moments, but this is a clean romance so far. They also had some trouble communicating, which was a little frustrating.
I really liked the plot twist at the end. I can't wait for book 2.
Thank you for choosing me to be an ARC Reader.

[Erin Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I believe you will escape this prison, but in order to rise from the ashes—you first have to burn.”

👏👏 Well freaking done!!!!!!! Whew! This is a must read!!!! 

The author did an amazing job with the world building. The attention and how descriptive and intense the writing is.... *Chefs kiss* I think I forgot to breathe towards the end. 

Our FMC Remmy is FIERCE!!!! So determined, strong, resilient. I fell in love with her courage instantly. She has accepted the challenge to endure the journey and face dangerous magical creatures to rescue the prince so she can provide for her family. 

Our MMC fae Prince Sterling. Held captive and tortured by the king... His own father! It takes a bit to get to his POV but when we dooo he's Soo broody at first (but can we really blame him?!?) him and Remmy don't exactly start off on the best of terms. However, the pull to her was undeniable and the chemistry was blooming. The slow burn is Soo satisfying. He becomes so protective. 😍 The yearning, tension, heartache. Ugghhh I need more! 

This has multiple POVs and I loved how we got to follow the side characters throughout their journeys. It added so much depth to the narrative. Honestly, all of their stories will tug at your heart strings. I found myself rooting for all them. The friendships built along the way... Full of loyalty. Absolutely incredible. I found myself growing attached to most of their POVS and wanted to read them just as much as I wanted Remmys and Sterlings. 

This is filled with adventure, survival, a growing romance... The jaw dropping twists!!!!  The world and the characters the author has built is truly phenomenal. I got immersed in it and just couldn't put this down. 

This one is officially added to my favorites of the year list. I devoured this. Such an emotional journey. I highly reccomend! I am beyond ready and excited for the second book!!!!! Need it now!! Seriously, like right now... I YELLED at that ending! 

I am super picky when it comes to this genre and I am happy to say this author is absolutely incredible and I will read anything R.C Perry writes. 

✔️ Resilient FMC
✔️Touch her and 💀
✔️Deadly trials
✔️tension 
✔️Closed door
✔️Caretaking 
✔️Fae/ dragons/ shape shifters
✔️Multiple pov
✔️Slow burn
✔️Enemies to lovers
✔️Found family
✔️Romantasy

Thank you for my ARC! I'm leaving this review voluntarily

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great debut romantic fantasy. It had me captivated and kept me awake reading for hours. A girl living in poverty sees a chance to help her family when the evil king imprisons his son and says that whatever girl survives the wilds to rescue him will be queen. As Remmy goes on her journey, she meets a new friend and we have tones of The Lord of the Rings with her quest. Along the way she meets many dangers and is in fights with both man and beast and suffers greatly. However, Prince Sterling isn’t living a great life either. Constantly tortured and abused by his father and his guards for not having a clan (he does not have a shifter animal he shifts into), he is a dying prisoner in his own life. When these two finally meet, we get a bit of an enemies vibe. They suffer together and help each other off the mountain and slowly this slow burn romance heats up. I adore Sterlings heart for Remmy and how completely he adores her. This book is book 1 in a saga and I cannot wait for more. This fantasy world has a belief system with multiple gods so phrases such as “Oh gods” and “Holy gods” are common. You can see more content notes below. The romance in this book is just kisses, intimacy level 3.

Content warnings:
-language: many “oh gods,” “holy gods”, a few A**, and h***
-Naked in one bed scenes (to stave off hypothermia)
-Attempted sexual assault
-Abusive father
-Fights with man and beast and numerous injuries
-Supernatural elements in dark magic from a nefarious god

I received an eARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Mom Needs Magic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I give this one infinite stars???!! 💫
I’m HOOKED. What an incredibly concept!

The world building was amazing.. rich, detailed, and full of fascinating creatures 💀 Every corner of this world felt alive.

And the POVs?? I LOVED them. Switching between main characters and side characters POVs was such a unique touch, and it worked perfectly. So refreshing and sooo well done!!

Now let’s talk characters ..

Remmy, First of all .. Wild!! 🤯 Starting her journey /quest with the worst luck imaginable.
But her as a character? I am still shock. I bow to you 🙇🏻‍♀️ What an incredible FMC … strong, resilient, and everything I love in a main character.

Sterling? My heart aches ❤️‍🩹 for you. I absolutely adore him. Can’t wait to see his character develop and reach his full potential!

Now, them together? LOVE LOVE LOVE. And the fact that she is the one saving him? Absolute perfection!! 🤌🏻

Honestly, I loved everything about this book.. the world building, the writing, the plot. Every little detail had purpose, and I can’t wait to see all the storylines collide 👀

So, yes!! This book was SO SO SO GOOD. I was genuinely dreading reaching the end because I NEED the next one immediately!!!!

And that final twist??! WHIPLASH. My jaw was on the floor for minutes… okay, hours!! 😳🔥

With Love,
MnM ✨

[Ryleigh JS King · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS BOOK!!!
Oh my goodness. I don’t know where to start.
I loved everything about it.
The characters were absolutely amazing. They felt real, with real struggles, fears, and pain. The banter between Remmy and Sterling was top tier. I loved seeing their relationship develop over the course of the book.
I loved how the “side characters” had chapters and stories of their own. It really immersed you into the world and connected you to the characters.
Don’t even get me started on the plot. It was an amazing mix of ups and downs that had me on the edge of my seat the whole time.
The twists and turns this book took caught me off guard each time. I couldn’t put it down.

It was such a pleasure to be an ARC reader for the amazing author R.C. Perry.

I will not, however, forgive her for the ending. Like ahhh!
As a writer, I completely understand it and respect you for it. I’d do the same thing 😂
But as a reader. Come on!!! I need the next book now.

If you’re interested, at all, in reading this, do not hesitate to pick it up. It is absolutely worth it. I would honestly buy the physical copy just because it was such a good book!

[Nicole Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are so many wonderful characters in this story. While we mainly follow Remmy and Sterling we also get to know a few other strong supporting characters. I like Remmy right away, she is a determined woman and strong to put herself through all she pushes through. Sterling annoyed me when we first met him, but I did start to like him eventually. I’m pretty sure that was done on purpose. This book sets up a wonderful series and RC Perry created a wonderfully crafted world.
This story does end on a cliffhanger but that is to be expected with a series.

For my no spice people, this book doesn’t have spice but does have a moment of attempted SA, don’t worry it doesn’t happen. This book is also not considered clean in my opinion. As our two MC’s are traveling in the woods through most of this book and there are shifters in this story there are moments of nudity mentioned and a few survival nudity cuddles to keep warm after getting wet. Nothing happens, but we do at times see the yearning that grows between our MC’s.

[Patty Mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like the plot and world that this book is set in. I loved the relationship building between Remmy and Sterling; and even Remmy and Teigan. Remmy seems to have this ability to draw people to her. I struggled with the multiple (5+) first person POV, but eventually I got used to it and even enjoyed it a bit; though it took a long time to get to Sterling's POV.

This is a no-spice book, but I wouldn't list it as "clean" either. It doesn't have spice, but it does have:
⚠️one instance of attempted SA (but thankfully doesn't happen)
⚠️nudity: there are shifters that are naked when they shift back to human form, our 2 MC's share a bed - w/o clothing - when they get soaking wet in a freezing environment (nothing more than sleep happens)
⚠️mild language: the culture is multi theistic so there are multiple uses of "oh gods" and "holy gods" along with uses of a** and h***

💥It ends on a cliffhanger....when does book 2 come out?!

Overall I really enjoyed this book and look forward to book 2!

[Heather Kappenman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. It was a pleasure to be an arch reader for this fantasy book. It is a 5 star read and I can't wait to see the story continue. The strong female main character role sacrificing her wants/needs/life to take care of her family, mixed with a long lasting friendship of necessity with the best book brother, encounters with beast of all kinds and an unwanted romantic relationship that had the chemistry of a "true mate" bond that was fought kept me wanting to continue. 90% of this book was read in one day because I needed to finish. The creation of the world was spot on and so detailed. There were some twists I didn't see coming at all. As soon as the mystery prisoner was mentioned I went straight to oh please be *** and it was, I feel like this twist set a great stage for book 2. The cliff hanger was just enough to have me on the edge of my seat & ready to preorder book 2 as soon as it's released but not hung over needing a therapy session after. If you love a great fantasy I highly recommend, spice free read but it's not missing tension and chemistry.