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Wells of Istri #1
Because the Beasts Came
To save her people, she must go undercover among her enemies. To keep her cover, she must survive him.
For fifteen years, Iryana has held the wall against the monsters ravaging the land. Now, her clan can't hold the border much longer and to save her family, she must face a deadlier threat: infiltrating a brutal rival military outpost.
She expects a death sentence, but she doesn't expect Pyetar—the lethal enforcer who tracks her every move with suspicion. Yet despite his threats, he’s the one who keeps saving her life.
As the lines between enemy and ally blur, Iryana must guard her heart. In a world of monsters, the beasts outside the gates are far less terrifying than the danger of letting him in.
Because the Beasts Came is the first book in the Wells of Istri duology, a new slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers, epic romantic fantasy series that combines the monster-filled world and undercover heroines of Shield of Sparrows, the fierce female warriors of The Legends of Thezmarr and the slow burn of The Serpent & The Wings of Night.
For fifteen years, Iryana has held the wall against the monsters ravaging the land. Now, her clan can't hold the border much longer and to save her family, she must face a deadlier threat: infiltrating a brutal rival military outpost.
She expects a death sentence, but she doesn't expect Pyetar—the lethal enforcer who tracks her every move with suspicion. Yet despite his threats, he’s the one who keeps saving her life.
As the lines between enemy and ally blur, Iryana must guard her heart. In a world of monsters, the beasts outside the gates are far less terrifying than the danger of letting him in.
Because the Beasts Came is the first book in the Wells of Istri duology, a new slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers, epic romantic fantasy series that combines the monster-filled world and undercover heroines of Shield of Sparrows, the fierce female warriors of The Legends of Thezmarr and the slow burn of The Serpent & The Wings of Night.
630 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 9, 2026
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Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and author Madeline James for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts. I’m so glad I got to read it. 💖
⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂
🌙 Review: Because the Beasts Came: A Dark Romantic Fantasy - by Madeline James
𓍊𓋼𓍊 3.5 ☆
🗡 Update (03/11/25)
──── ☾ ✦ ────
⟡ When we pick up a military fantasy, we expect those epic battles, magic everywhere, and terrifying monsters in the forest, right? And yes, the author delivers all of that with the dakii and the ruthless 18th Brigade. But look, what really kept me hooked to the pages wasn't just the clashing of swords, it was the way the book deals with trauma and survival.
⟡ Starting with our protagonist, Iryana. Her journey is nothing like that "chosen one" story we've seen a thousand times. I loved the fact that the author didn't deliver that generic heroine who is born knowing everything and is super self-confident. Iryana is a girl who is literally broken and full of scars. She carries a lot of guilt from tragedies in her past, and her main defense mechanism is simply isolating herself. Following her evolution, discovering her own worth and facing her internal demons, was really good. She isn't strong because she has no fear; she's strong because she goes into the fight even while trembling from head to toe. And I found it interesting how the author mixed this internal pain of hers with the magic of the world itself.
╭─ ✦ What stole my heart: ✦ ─╮
⟡ The character dynamics completely avoid the clichés. That tension between Iryana, Pyetar, and Karvek isn't a basic love triangle; it's a mirror of how we deal with super toxic environments.
⟡ Then comes Pyetar. Oh, Pyetar... 🥺 He has that whole brigade "executioner" vibe, the scary, giant, and always grumpy guy. But beneath all that armor, he is incredibly vulnerable. What grabbed me the most about him was his constant internal struggle: he is trapped in a bad environment, under the command of cruel people, but actively chooses not to be swallowed by it. The way he tries to protect Iryana (even when she doesn't want it) and how he respects her really warms our hearts. He is the authentic grumpy with a soft spot that we love, but with a lot of substance.
⟡ And on the flip side, we have Karvek. Who was a well-written villain. He is the pure essence of toxicity. Karvek doesn't just want military power; he wants to dominate people's minds. The way he manipulates, how he pretends to care just to use others as pawns in his game. The contrast between him and Pyetar is living proof that our environment doesn't define who we are, but rather our choices. Karvek chose to embrace chaos and cruelty, and watching his mind operate was interesting...
⟡ And the evolution of the magic in this book? The process of being 'forged' is really cool to follow! It's not just gaining powers out of nowhere with a wave of a magic wand. To get her magic, Iryana is forced to face her worst pains and traumas. It's a curious metaphor because it shows that true power comes from accepting the pain, learning to flow with life's challenges, and turning our pain into strength.
╭─ ✦ 📉 What left me wanting more: ✦ ─╮
⟡ Changing the subject a bit and talking about the setting, the worldbuilding of Istri is another detail that is definitely worth mentioning. The author created a dark military fantasy atmosphere that is super immersive; we can feel the danger and the constant tension every time the characters step outside the gates to face the dakii. The dynamic of the guardian clans and the strict system of the Brigades bring a very interesting cultural richness to the story.
⟡ However, since the narrative focuses almost exclusively on the dynamics inside the Fort and the surrounding forests, the scope of this universe ends up feeling a little restricted and claustrophobic in this first volume. We hear about the Duchess, the Commander King, and all the greater politics that govern the continent, but these pieces remain very much in the background. I felt that this political part and the geography of the world could have been explored a bit more to give an even more epic dimension to the conflict, leaving that taste that the universe is giant, but we only saw a small fraction of it.
⟡ In the middle of the book, the story drags a bit. Iryana's routine at the Fort, the patrols, and all that investigation into the Beast's Poppy drug underworld end up getting a little repetitive and the tension cools down.
⟡ Besides that, some secondary characters, like Vaneshta and Lidishta, could have been better explored. They mostly serve to push Iryana forward, but they lacked that extra depth for us to really suffer for them when chaos ensues at the end.
─── ୨୧ ⋆ ୨୧ ───
⟡ Because the Beasts Came is an intense debut. It shows that the worst monsters aren't the ones with claws and teeth, but cruel people with power. Iryana reminds us that being strong isn't about not having fear, it's about going to the fight even when trembling with dread. And honestly? I can't wait for the next book to see what she's going to do with all this power!
ʚ♡ɞ with love, Thais
─── ୨୧ ⋆ ୨୧ ───
˚₊‧ ୨ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹 ୧ ‧₊˚ I started this book with certain expectations and a lot of curiosity about how the author will build this narrative. I’m especially paying attention to the character development and the way the plot unfolds — hoping it will be engaging and well-structured. ☕
⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂
🌙 Review: Because the Beasts Came: A Dark Romantic Fantasy - by Madeline James
𓍊𓋼𓍊 3.5 ☆
🗡 Update (03/11/25)
❝Why keep clawing for a place in the world, when you already have one in mine?❞
──── ☾ ✦ ────
⟡ When we pick up a military fantasy, we expect those epic battles, magic everywhere, and terrifying monsters in the forest, right? And yes, the author delivers all of that with the dakii and the ruthless 18th Brigade. But look, what really kept me hooked to the pages wasn't just the clashing of swords, it was the way the book deals with trauma and survival.
⟡ Starting with our protagonist, Iryana. Her journey is nothing like that "chosen one" story we've seen a thousand times. I loved the fact that the author didn't deliver that generic heroine who is born knowing everything and is super self-confident. Iryana is a girl who is literally broken and full of scars. She carries a lot of guilt from tragedies in her past, and her main defense mechanism is simply isolating herself. Following her evolution, discovering her own worth and facing her internal demons, was really good. She isn't strong because she has no fear; she's strong because she goes into the fight even while trembling from head to toe. And I found it interesting how the author mixed this internal pain of hers with the magic of the world itself.
╭─ ✦ What stole my heart: ✦ ─╮
⟡ The character dynamics completely avoid the clichés. That tension between Iryana, Pyetar, and Karvek isn't a basic love triangle; it's a mirror of how we deal with super toxic environments.
⟡ Then comes Pyetar. Oh, Pyetar... 🥺 He has that whole brigade "executioner" vibe, the scary, giant, and always grumpy guy. But beneath all that armor, he is incredibly vulnerable. What grabbed me the most about him was his constant internal struggle: he is trapped in a bad environment, under the command of cruel people, but actively chooses not to be swallowed by it. The way he tries to protect Iryana (even when she doesn't want it) and how he respects her really warms our hearts. He is the authentic grumpy with a soft spot that we love, but with a lot of substance.
⟡ And on the flip side, we have Karvek. Who was a well-written villain. He is the pure essence of toxicity. Karvek doesn't just want military power; he wants to dominate people's minds. The way he manipulates, how he pretends to care just to use others as pawns in his game. The contrast between him and Pyetar is living proof that our environment doesn't define who we are, but rather our choices. Karvek chose to embrace chaos and cruelty, and watching his mind operate was interesting...
⟡ And the evolution of the magic in this book? The process of being 'forged' is really cool to follow! It's not just gaining powers out of nowhere with a wave of a magic wand. To get her magic, Iryana is forced to face her worst pains and traumas. It's a curious metaphor because it shows that true power comes from accepting the pain, learning to flow with life's challenges, and turning our pain into strength.
╭─ ✦ 📉 What left me wanting more: ✦ ─╮
⟡ Changing the subject a bit and talking about the setting, the worldbuilding of Istri is another detail that is definitely worth mentioning. The author created a dark military fantasy atmosphere that is super immersive; we can feel the danger and the constant tension every time the characters step outside the gates to face the dakii. The dynamic of the guardian clans and the strict system of the Brigades bring a very interesting cultural richness to the story.
⟡ However, since the narrative focuses almost exclusively on the dynamics inside the Fort and the surrounding forests, the scope of this universe ends up feeling a little restricted and claustrophobic in this first volume. We hear about the Duchess, the Commander King, and all the greater politics that govern the continent, but these pieces remain very much in the background. I felt that this political part and the geography of the world could have been explored a bit more to give an even more epic dimension to the conflict, leaving that taste that the universe is giant, but we only saw a small fraction of it.
⟡ In the middle of the book, the story drags a bit. Iryana's routine at the Fort, the patrols, and all that investigation into the Beast's Poppy drug underworld end up getting a little repetitive and the tension cools down.
⟡ Besides that, some secondary characters, like Vaneshta and Lidishta, could have been better explored. They mostly serve to push Iryana forward, but they lacked that extra depth for us to really suffer for them when chaos ensues at the end.
─── ୨୧ ⋆ ୨୧ ───
⟡ Because the Beasts Came is an intense debut. It shows that the worst monsters aren't the ones with claws and teeth, but cruel people with power. Iryana reminds us that being strong isn't about not having fear, it's about going to the fight even when trembling with dread. And honestly? I can't wait for the next book to see what she's going to do with all this power!
ʚ♡ɞ with love, Thais
─── ୨୧ ⋆ ୨୧ ───
˚₊‧ ୨ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹 ୧ ‧₊˚ I started this book with certain expectations and a lot of curiosity about how the author will build this narrative. I’m especially paying attention to the character development and the way the plot unfolds — hoping it will be engaging and well-structured. ☕
Currently Reading
October 11, 2026⋆˚꩜｡ currently reading ⋆˚꩜｡
this looks so promising im exciteddd
this looks so promising im exciteddd
September 6, 2026
I definitely recommend if this seems like your jam. 4.5 stars.
There are maps and pronounciation guides at the start (YAAAAY).
It has been a while since I have read a romantasy with such good worldbuilding. This really made me remember why I love them!
If you are a fan of plot driven romantasys that are very slow burning then I think you will love this!
I found myself attempting to learn every name in the first couple of chapters (there were so many introduced in the span of 30 seconds 😅) DO NOT DO THIS!!! Once I chilled and just read like normal I got used to all the characters quickly and I found them easy to keep track of.
I really loved everything about this book. The characters, the plot, the tension, the depth, the worldbuilding... everything! Iryana was a badass FMC who would do so much for her family.
I had so much fun reading it with the Fable book club for people recieving ARCs. (This was such a good idea and I would love to see it done more). Thanks to the author for an ecopy of this book, I can't wait for the ARC of no2 to be sent out!
There are maps and pronounciation guides at the start (YAAAAY).
It has been a while since I have read a romantasy with such good worldbuilding. This really made me remember why I love them!
If you are a fan of plot driven romantasys that are very slow burning then I think you will love this!
I found myself attempting to learn every name in the first couple of chapters (there were so many introduced in the span of 30 seconds 😅) DO NOT DO THIS!!! Once I chilled and just read like normal I got used to all the characters quickly and I found them easy to keep track of.
I really loved everything about this book. The characters, the plot, the tension, the depth, the worldbuilding... everything! Iryana was a badass FMC who would do so much for her family.
I had so much fun reading it with the Fable book club for people recieving ARCs. (This was such a good idea and I would love to see it done more). Thanks to the author for an ecopy of this book, I can't wait for the ARC of no2 to be sent out!
February 8, 2026
Thank you so much to the author and the publisher, Spellbound Worlds, for sharing an ARC of this book with me on NetGalley !!!
“I’ve bled for this fort just like you had … And I’m not going anywhere. So you can either keep trying to shove me out, or start dealing with the fact that I’m not yours to order around”
This book was one of the BEST fantasy I have read in a while. I loved it. I’m in love with it. Innovative. Original. Enchanting. Powerful. Magical. Painful. Hopeful. Wonderfully human and not. I’m speechless. And I wish I could find more appropriate words to describe just the impact it had on me. Iryana’s story felt tragical in its beauty. Hopeless and yet still with a little bit of hope. Loveless and yet with such tender caring. Strong and yet so painfully damaged. She is the tormented character in the book. She is the badass warrior we all want to be. But she is also a little girl, estranged from her family for reasons we know nothing about who is desperately looking for acceptance and approval. She wants to belong and don’t we all?
We want to be part of something and following her along in this journey felt so incredibly easy to relate to, despite this being a fantasy book.
Such originality in the action a the magical system. I would say that it’s a character’s dynamic fans of Shadow and Bone will love. But with a darker tone. And the sprinkle of romance in there … to die for!! Absolutely brilliant!! I genuinely need book two now !!!
“We’re both stuck here … and neither of us want a war”
“Why keep clawing for a place in the world, when you already have one in mine?”
“I’ve bled for this fort just like you had … And I’m not going anywhere. So you can either keep trying to shove me out, or start dealing with the fact that I’m not yours to order around”
This book was one of the BEST fantasy I have read in a while. I loved it. I’m in love with it. Innovative. Original. Enchanting. Powerful. Magical. Painful. Hopeful. Wonderfully human and not. I’m speechless. And I wish I could find more appropriate words to describe just the impact it had on me. Iryana’s story felt tragical in its beauty. Hopeless and yet still with a little bit of hope. Loveless and yet with such tender caring. Strong and yet so painfully damaged. She is the tormented character in the book. She is the badass warrior we all want to be. But she is also a little girl, estranged from her family for reasons we know nothing about who is desperately looking for acceptance and approval. She wants to belong and don’t we all?
We want to be part of something and following her along in this journey felt so incredibly easy to relate to, despite this being a fantasy book.
Such originality in the action a the magical system. I would say that it’s a character’s dynamic fans of Shadow and Bone will love. But with a darker tone. And the sprinkle of romance in there … to die for!! Absolutely brilliant!! I genuinely need book two now !!!
“We’re both stuck here … and neither of us want a war”
“Why keep clawing for a place in the world, when you already have one in mine?”
October 5, 2026
A gripping, gritty romantasy that absolutely nails enemies-to-lovers!
Because the Beasts Came is such a phenomenal debut from Madeline James. If you love dark fantasy, high stakes, badass FMCs, and slow-burn enemies-to-lovers, this one is worth picking up.
The world-building immediately pulled me in. The brutal, post-apocalyptic setting, terrifying beasts, and unique magic system surrounding the metal-wells made this world feel fresh and immersive.
And Iryana? I loved her. She’s fiercely protective, capable, and strong without needing anyone to save her. Watching her infiltrate the rival 18th Brigade kept me invested, especially with Pyetar constantly watching her every move.
The enemies-to-lovers tension between Iryana and Pyetar is SO good. The distrust, tension, reluctant rescues, and slow shift in their relationship made the romance feel earned. And when the spice finally hits? Worth the wait!
My biggest issue is the length. This is quite a long book, and there are a LOT of characters and details to keep track of. I definitely found myself going back to the glossary more than once to refresh my memory. If you’re not a fan of long, heavily detailed fantasy books, this one might feel like a bit of a drag at times.
I’m absolutely desperate for Because the Gods Left!
Because the Beasts Came is such a phenomenal debut from Madeline James. If you love dark fantasy, high stakes, badass FMCs, and slow-burn enemies-to-lovers, this one is worth picking up.
The world-building immediately pulled me in. The brutal, post-apocalyptic setting, terrifying beasts, and unique magic system surrounding the metal-wells made this world feel fresh and immersive.
And Iryana? I loved her. She’s fiercely protective, capable, and strong without needing anyone to save her. Watching her infiltrate the rival 18th Brigade kept me invested, especially with Pyetar constantly watching her every move.
The enemies-to-lovers tension between Iryana and Pyetar is SO good. The distrust, tension, reluctant rescues, and slow shift in their relationship made the romance feel earned. And when the spice finally hits? Worth the wait!
My biggest issue is the length. This is quite a long book, and there are a LOT of characters and details to keep track of. I definitely found myself going back to the glossary more than once to refresh my memory. If you’re not a fan of long, heavily detailed fantasy books, this one might feel like a bit of a drag at times.
I’m absolutely desperate for Because the Gods Left!
February 13, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Because the Beasts Came by Madeline James is a powerful and emotionally charged debut, and a promising start to what’s shaping up to be an exciting duology.
At its heart, this story belongs to its FMC - a young woman shaped by the trauma of her childhood, yet defined by her courage and resilience. Her journey of survival feels raw and honest, and I really appreciated how deeply her past influences her present. Watching her navigate fear, trust, and strength made for an engaging and often moving read.
The characters were a standout for me. The relationships felt meaningful, and the emotional stakes were clear throughout. The plot unfolds steadily, laying important groundwork for the wider story to come, and by the second half I was fully invested in where things are heading.
That said, the beginning is quite a slow burn. It takes time to build momentum, and there were moments where the writing felt a little repetitive or showed signs of being a debut - but that’s also part of what makes this such an exciting first book. The foundation is strong, and there’s clear potential for even greater depth and polish as the series continues.
Overall, this is a compelling start to a duology with heart, grit, and a heroine worth rooting for. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what Madeline James does next.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Because the Beasts Came by Madeline James is a powerful and emotionally charged debut, and a promising start to what’s shaping up to be an exciting duology.
At its heart, this story belongs to its FMC - a young woman shaped by the trauma of her childhood, yet defined by her courage and resilience. Her journey of survival feels raw and honest, and I really appreciated how deeply her past influences her present. Watching her navigate fear, trust, and strength made for an engaging and often moving read.
The characters were a standout for me. The relationships felt meaningful, and the emotional stakes were clear throughout. The plot unfolds steadily, laying important groundwork for the wider story to come, and by the second half I was fully invested in where things are heading.
That said, the beginning is quite a slow burn. It takes time to build momentum, and there were moments where the writing felt a little repetitive or showed signs of being a debut - but that’s also part of what makes this such an exciting first book. The foundation is strong, and there’s clear potential for even greater depth and polish as the series continues.
Overall, this is a compelling start to a duology with heart, grit, and a heroine worth rooting for. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what Madeline James does next.
April 13, 2026
Thank you MTMC Tours and the author for a gifted copy.
WHY SO LONG?
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
I went into this with decent hopes and am left wondering if it’s worth reading book two? There’s no way this needed to be 600+ pages without more character exploration. Every single character lacked depth. I didn’t have an attachment to anyone.
I was genuinely invested for the first 30%ish. I thought the world building was going well and liked the military training grounds idea. I think overall the writing style was good, just needed dialed in.
I’m always here for a slow burn but the fact of the matter is we didn’t get more than maybe one interaction with the leads until after halfway? And their dynamic was lackluster. No chemistry or banter or anything swoony. There was also a weird situation with the guy’s brother? It wasn’t a love triangle, but it wasn’t good either.
There’s a few more things that made me cranky but it is what it is.
Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy romance
- Language: mild
- Romance: one open door (literally the last pages)
- Violence: moderate-high
- Content warnings: physical/emotional abuse
WHY SO LONG?
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
I went into this with decent hopes and am left wondering if it’s worth reading book two? There’s no way this needed to be 600+ pages without more character exploration. Every single character lacked depth. I didn’t have an attachment to anyone.
I was genuinely invested for the first 30%ish. I thought the world building was going well and liked the military training grounds idea. I think overall the writing style was good, just needed dialed in.
I’m always here for a slow burn but the fact of the matter is we didn’t get more than maybe one interaction with the leads until after halfway? And their dynamic was lackluster. No chemistry or banter or anything swoony. There was also a weird situation with the guy’s brother? It wasn’t a love triangle, but it wasn’t good either.
There’s a few more things that made me cranky but it is what it is.
Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy romance
- Language: mild
- Romance: one open door (literally the last pages)
- Violence: moderate-high
- Content warnings: physical/emotional abuse
March 25, 2026
I read this as an ARC and enjoyed the overall experience.
The world-building is incredibly rich and descriptive, with a unique magic system that slowly unfolds as the story progresses. It’s very plot-focused, and while it starts a bit slow with background details, once it picks up, a lot begins to happen and it keeps your attention.
The FMC is complex and broken in a very real way, shaped by past trauma and a difficult family dynamic. Her growth throughout the story was one of my favorite parts. I also loved the friendship(s) that ended up blooming.
This is definitely a slow burn, very minimal romance, so don’t go in expecting that to be a major focus. The tension builds gradually, which works well for the story overall.
It’s a longer read, but worth it, and I’m excited to see what happens in the next book.
The world-building is incredibly rich and descriptive, with a unique magic system that slowly unfolds as the story progresses. It’s very plot-focused, and while it starts a bit slow with background details, once it picks up, a lot begins to happen and it keeps your attention.
The FMC is complex and broken in a very real way, shaped by past trauma and a difficult family dynamic. Her growth throughout the story was one of my favorite parts. I also loved the friendship(s) that ended up blooming.
This is definitely a slow burn, very minimal romance, so don’t go in expecting that to be a major focus. The tension builds gradually, which works well for the story overall.
It’s a longer read, but worth it, and I’m excited to see what happens in the next book.
August 18, 2026
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this dark romantasy story. This world is grim and the main characters' situation pretty depressing, but I loved them. I just wanted to wrap them in a warm blanket and give them a hug the entire time I was reading this. The world-building and magic system was interesting - a world ravaged by magical beasts that suddenly showed up about 15 years earlier, held back by soldiers and guardians with raw magic than can be forged into elemental magic... but elemental magic done in a different way than any I've read before. I also enjoyed the enemies-to-lovers slow burn romance that was done really well here. (No lusting after each other before trusting each other.)
I can't wait for book #2 in this duology. I will definitely request the sequel as soon as it's available on NetGalley and keep all fingers and toes crossed that I won't have to wait until the actual release date to get the conclusion to this epic story. I need to know what happens next!
Thank you to the publisher, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op for providing a review copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
I really enjoyed this dark romantasy story. This world is grim and the main characters' situation pretty depressing, but I loved them. I just wanted to wrap them in a warm blanket and give them a hug the entire time I was reading this. The world-building and magic system was interesting - a world ravaged by magical beasts that suddenly showed up about 15 years earlier, held back by soldiers and guardians with raw magic than can be forged into elemental magic... but elemental magic done in a different way than any I've read before. I also enjoyed the enemies-to-lovers slow burn romance that was done really well here. (No lusting after each other before trusting each other.)
I can't wait for book #2 in this duology. I will definitely request the sequel as soon as it's available on NetGalley and keep all fingers and toes crossed that I won't have to wait until the actual release date to get the conclusion to this epic story. I need to know what happens next!
Thank you to the publisher, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op for providing a review copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
March 31, 2026
4.25 ⭐️ ARC • This was a solid debut! I did enjoy this book a lot & I have a lot of thoughts. Long review & spoilers ahead!!
This book was a lot longer than I thought it was — I have an eARC, so I did not have page numbers, so imagine my surprise when I check and it is 700+ pages.
The TLDR of what I really liked/did not like: I really liked Iryana as an FMC, and her journey both internally/externally in the plot. The romance was fun, but I will admit that I genuinely was not as invested in it as I was with the overarching conflict. The world-building was incredibly interesting with the magic system & the dakii (the beasts) & political intrigue. Some things I did not like as much: I wanted a bit *more* from some of the world-building elements, and some (less important) portions of the book felt like they dragged on. Sometimes it felt like there were so many plot threads going on that it got tangled. All-in-all, I think this is a really interesting book and I am very excited to read the second!!
Okay, so now here are my longer thoughts:
First, Iryana was a solid FMC. Our poor girl really was traumatized & struggling and it felt like no one really saw the depth of it for a while (which was understandable, because she pushed everyone away). The more you find out about what she endured, the angrier I got at the adults in her life — her big explosion at her family at approx 74% was NEEDED. I know everything was complicated and there was a lot of trauma to go around, but young Iryana was so bitterly failed by the adults in her family. You might not have known, but it was very clear that they did not know because they did not *want* to know. Her inner turmoil with how much she loved her family and was willing to sacrifice for them versus how they talked to/treated her (because they don’t know/the miscommunication damaged their relationship) was difficult to read. It was sweet to see her and her sisters start to understand each other again & finally speak open and honestly with each other — especially seeing Hadima and Iryana finally start to understand the other, instead of the walls they put up. But I did love that they found their way back to each other/are on the road to healing those family wounds.
It definitely grapples with the realities of conflict and its aftermath. In the face of this breakdown of their society and this struggle for survival and safety from the beasts, it makes a lot of sense that the strength and sacrifice for the many would become a priority. But it is also terrible to see how individuals (like Iryana, like Pyetar) are forced to grow up in traumatic environments, when as children, they should have been protected. And in the case of Iryana, it wasn’t impossible for the adults in her family to protect her if they had just looked closer.
The world-building was really cool and the magic system is different. But there is a lot happening — I wanted a bit more about the mythos of their gods, because their forged magic comes from them! The dakii are a mystery, of course, and I can see the teasing threads of how they might not be what we think they are. There is a lot of political intrigue — there was a lot going on with the old aristocracy system, the guardians, the outposts and the military. I thought the conflict between the military and the outposts were interesting, but I will admit I am still a bit confused about how this world runs.
The ultimate conflict with Kavek and his followers within the military did not feel as high-stakes as I think it was meant to — it was high stakes in how it affected Iryana and her family, but it did not feel as high stakes in the overarching power conflict of the military, if that makes sense?? The poppy subplot was understandable where it affected Iryana (her history/why she really hated the soldiers) but I also felt like it was treated as a small subplot when it was also talked about as something so much more serious?
The conflict between Pyetar and Kavek was well-established, but not really explored. Kavek was insidious — I appreciated how he was written as manipulative and power-hungry and it really hit as you were reading, especially his attempts to isolate and manipulate Iryana. The romance between Pyetar and Iryana was cute, but I will also admit that I was not as invested in it as I was with the other elements of this book. I wanted just a bit…*more* from their romance. They had some history, they bantered/had conflict, they had tension, but there was something missing, and I don’t even know if I can put my finger on it. I think there is something very sweet about seeing the worst of someone and loving them anyway & choosing to make it work even when the circumstances are working against you. I am hoping we see more development with the two of them in the next book.
As far as the other characters, I loved Vaneshta. As a side character, I would argue that she was more developed than Pyetar. I love her personality and how she played into everything, and how she had so much patience and understanding for Iryana. Lidishta surprised me, but I am here for it.
I am also really glad that the end of this book was not a terrible cliffhanger — you see where there are more things that are going to become issues in the next book, but you are not full of anxiety as you wait!
Anyway, this incredibly long review aside, I did really enjoy this book — at a certain point, I was really invested and plowing through hundreds of pages a day. I think it is a solid debut, even if there are some elements that could have been tightened up. I always feel a little ridiculous rating in quarter stars, but it felt like it fit here.
Thank you so much MTMC Tours for the eARC (all thoughts here are my own honest thoughts) — I am definitely going to read the second book!!
This book was a lot longer than I thought it was — I have an eARC, so I did not have page numbers, so imagine my surprise when I check and it is 700+ pages.
The TLDR of what I really liked/did not like: I really liked Iryana as an FMC, and her journey both internally/externally in the plot. The romance was fun, but I will admit that I genuinely was not as invested in it as I was with the overarching conflict. The world-building was incredibly interesting with the magic system & the dakii (the beasts) & political intrigue. Some things I did not like as much: I wanted a bit *more* from some of the world-building elements, and some (less important) portions of the book felt like they dragged on. Sometimes it felt like there were so many plot threads going on that it got tangled. All-in-all, I think this is a really interesting book and I am very excited to read the second!!
Okay, so now here are my longer thoughts:
First, Iryana was a solid FMC. Our poor girl really was traumatized & struggling and it felt like no one really saw the depth of it for a while (which was understandable, because she pushed everyone away). The more you find out about what she endured, the angrier I got at the adults in her life — her big explosion at her family at approx 74% was NEEDED. I know everything was complicated and there was a lot of trauma to go around, but young Iryana was so bitterly failed by the adults in her family. You might not have known, but it was very clear that they did not know because they did not *want* to know. Her inner turmoil with how much she loved her family and was willing to sacrifice for them versus how they talked to/treated her (because they don’t know/the miscommunication damaged their relationship) was difficult to read. It was sweet to see her and her sisters start to understand each other again & finally speak open and honestly with each other — especially seeing Hadima and Iryana finally start to understand the other, instead of the walls they put up. But I did love that they found their way back to each other/are on the road to healing those family wounds.
It definitely grapples with the realities of conflict and its aftermath. In the face of this breakdown of their society and this struggle for survival and safety from the beasts, it makes a lot of sense that the strength and sacrifice for the many would become a priority. But it is also terrible to see how individuals (like Iryana, like Pyetar) are forced to grow up in traumatic environments, when as children, they should have been protected. And in the case of Iryana, it wasn’t impossible for the adults in her family to protect her if they had just looked closer.
The world-building was really cool and the magic system is different. But there is a lot happening — I wanted a bit more about the mythos of their gods, because their forged magic comes from them! The dakii are a mystery, of course, and I can see the teasing threads of how they might not be what we think they are. There is a lot of political intrigue — there was a lot going on with the old aristocracy system, the guardians, the outposts and the military. I thought the conflict between the military and the outposts were interesting, but I will admit I am still a bit confused about how this world runs.
The ultimate conflict with Kavek and his followers within the military did not feel as high-stakes as I think it was meant to — it was high stakes in how it affected Iryana and her family, but it did not feel as high stakes in the overarching power conflict of the military, if that makes sense?? The poppy subplot was understandable where it affected Iryana (her history/why she really hated the soldiers) but I also felt like it was treated as a small subplot when it was also talked about as something so much more serious?
The conflict between Pyetar and Kavek was well-established, but not really explored. Kavek was insidious — I appreciated how he was written as manipulative and power-hungry and it really hit as you were reading, especially his attempts to isolate and manipulate Iryana. The romance between Pyetar and Iryana was cute, but I will also admit that I was not as invested in it as I was with the other elements of this book. I wanted just a bit…*more* from their romance. They had some history, they bantered/had conflict, they had tension, but there was something missing, and I don’t even know if I can put my finger on it. I think there is something very sweet about seeing the worst of someone and loving them anyway & choosing to make it work even when the circumstances are working against you. I am hoping we see more development with the two of them in the next book.
As far as the other characters, I loved Vaneshta. As a side character, I would argue that she was more developed than Pyetar. I love her personality and how she played into everything, and how she had so much patience and understanding for Iryana. Lidishta surprised me, but I am here for it.
I am also really glad that the end of this book was not a terrible cliffhanger — you see where there are more things that are going to become issues in the next book, but you are not full of anxiety as you wait!
Anyway, this incredibly long review aside, I did really enjoy this book — at a certain point, I was really invested and plowing through hundreds of pages a day. I think it is a solid debut, even if there are some elements that could have been tightened up. I always feel a little ridiculous rating in quarter stars, but it felt like it fit here.
Thank you so much MTMC Tours for the eARC (all thoughts here are my own honest thoughts) — I am definitely going to read the second book!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨️ ARC Review ✨️
This is a deeply layered high fantasy with rich worldbuilding and a genuinely unique magic system. You can tell how much thought went into crafting the world. It feels expansive, detailed and intentional. That said, because of the depth, the pacing can feel a little uneven. Some sections are action packed and gripping, while others slow down to allow the reader to absorb important details.
My only real complaint would be the ending. After such beautiful build up and emotional investment, it felt slightly rushed. The victory deserved just a little more space to breathe and unfold in detail. But that’s just my personal take. 🤷🏼♀️🤗
Iryana, our FMC, is wonderfully written. She’s strong yet deeply broken and that balance makes her incredibly relatable. You genuinely root for her. Not just in her quest to save her family, but in her journey of healing from past trauma. Her character development is one of the strongest elements of the book. And it’s always refreshing when the FMC doesn’t fully depend on the MMC to save her. I’m a sucker for a warrior heroine, and while she does receive help at times, she can absolutely handle herself.💪🏼💅
The side characters also felt real. Every person, major or minor, had purpose, backstory and a reason to be there. That’s something I really appreciate in high fantasy.
And the slow burn… the tension, the yearning. 🔥 It simmers beautifully in the background without overpowering the main plot.
If you love intricate worldbuilding, strong warrior FMCs and slow burn tension woven into a thoughtful high fantasy, this is worth picking up.
This is a deeply layered high fantasy with rich worldbuilding and a genuinely unique magic system. You can tell how much thought went into crafting the world. It feels expansive, detailed and intentional. That said, because of the depth, the pacing can feel a little uneven. Some sections are action packed and gripping, while others slow down to allow the reader to absorb important details.
My only real complaint would be the ending. After such beautiful build up and emotional investment, it felt slightly rushed. The victory deserved just a little more space to breathe and unfold in detail. But that’s just my personal take. 🤷🏼♀️🤗
Iryana, our FMC, is wonderfully written. She’s strong yet deeply broken and that balance makes her incredibly relatable. You genuinely root for her. Not just in her quest to save her family, but in her journey of healing from past trauma. Her character development is one of the strongest elements of the book. And it’s always refreshing when the FMC doesn’t fully depend on the MMC to save her. I’m a sucker for a warrior heroine, and while she does receive help at times, she can absolutely handle herself.💪🏼💅
The side characters also felt real. Every person, major or minor, had purpose, backstory and a reason to be there. That’s something I really appreciate in high fantasy.
And the slow burn… the tension, the yearning. 🔥 It simmers beautifully in the background without overpowering the main plot.
If you love intricate worldbuilding, strong warrior FMCs and slow burn tension woven into a thoughtful high fantasy, this is worth picking up.
October 14, 2025
How MJ managed to fit a journey and plot worthy of several books into one amazes me - it was a complete epic quest in one novel, and there’s still another book!
MJ gave just enough information that I was continuously curious and hooked to learn more about the world of Istri. Like any great fantasy series, she did a wonderful job giving us a full, cohesive plot with just enough hints that the world is so much bigger than we’ve seen - with larger issues and quests to discover in the next book.
It had all of the elements of my favorite fantasy series while still being so incredibly unique. If you liked the fast-paced plot of Fourth Wing, the battles and challenges in A Court of Thorns and Roses, the slow burn of The Serpent And The Wings Of Night and the resilience and cleverness of Aelin in Throne of Glass - this is the book for you!
My personally favorite thing about BTBC is the major theme of healing trauma. I always loved Chaol’s arc in TOD and Nesta’s in ACOSF - sometimes you find their perspective and behaviors frustrating, but you get a deep look at why they are the way they are and better understand them. Watching them work through their darkest parts and learn to accept themselves is a beautiful, beautiful thing, and I love that we get to watch Iryana do so as the main character.
This book had me cycling through giggling, crying, being on the edge of my seat, angry, and scared - and I loved every moment of it.
Can’t wait for book 2 👏🏼
MJ gave just enough information that I was continuously curious and hooked to learn more about the world of Istri. Like any great fantasy series, she did a wonderful job giving us a full, cohesive plot with just enough hints that the world is so much bigger than we’ve seen - with larger issues and quests to discover in the next book.
It had all of the elements of my favorite fantasy series while still being so incredibly unique. If you liked the fast-paced plot of Fourth Wing, the battles and challenges in A Court of Thorns and Roses, the slow burn of The Serpent And The Wings Of Night and the resilience and cleverness of Aelin in Throne of Glass - this is the book for you!
My personally favorite thing about BTBC is the major theme of healing trauma. I always loved Chaol’s arc in TOD and Nesta’s in ACOSF - sometimes you find their perspective and behaviors frustrating, but you get a deep look at why they are the way they are and better understand them. Watching them work through their darkest parts and learn to accept themselves is a beautiful, beautiful thing, and I love that we get to watch Iryana do so as the main character.
This book had me cycling through giggling, crying, being on the edge of my seat, angry, and scared - and I loved every moment of it.
Can’t wait for book 2 👏🏼
February 9, 2026
Thank you to Madeline James and NetGalley for the ARC. While this book had elements I appreciated, it ultimately wasn’t the right fit for me.
The premise is strong, and the magic system felt genuinely unique. I also enjoyed seeing a warrior/fighter FMC, which is something I always like to see more of in fantasy. There’s a solid foundation here with interesting ideas at its core.
That said, I struggled with the execution. The pacing felt uneven, and large sections of dense worldbuilding (often delivered through long blocks of text) made it hard for me to stay immersed. Information about the world and characters was frequently reiterated, along with certain words and phrases, which slowed the reading experience for me. The story also relied heavily on dialogue to explain the world, and I found it difficult to naturally absorb the setting and stakes.
The writing style itself wasn’t for me, particularly due to the heavy use of adverbs and walls of worldbuilding (especially during high stakes moments), and I had a hard time emotionally connecting with the characters. Because of this, the book was difficult to finish. I chose not to DNF only because this was an ARC read and I don’t feel comfortable reviewing books I haven’t completed.
Overall, while there are aspects that may work well for other readers, this one didn’t quite land for me.
The premise is strong, and the magic system felt genuinely unique. I also enjoyed seeing a warrior/fighter FMC, which is something I always like to see more of in fantasy. There’s a solid foundation here with interesting ideas at its core.
That said, I struggled with the execution. The pacing felt uneven, and large sections of dense worldbuilding (often delivered through long blocks of text) made it hard for me to stay immersed. Information about the world and characters was frequently reiterated, along with certain words and phrases, which slowed the reading experience for me. The story also relied heavily on dialogue to explain the world, and I found it difficult to naturally absorb the setting and stakes.
The writing style itself wasn’t for me, particularly due to the heavy use of adverbs and walls of worldbuilding (especially during high stakes moments), and I had a hard time emotionally connecting with the characters. Because of this, the book was difficult to finish. I chose not to DNF only because this was an ARC read and I don’t feel comfortable reviewing books I haven’t completed.
Overall, while there are aspects that may work well for other readers, this one didn’t quite land for me.
October 15, 2026
I definitely enjoyed this one! If you love slow-burn romance, enemies-to-lovers, strong female characters, and a fantasy world filled with danger, this is one you'll want to add to your TBR!
Iryana has spent fifteen years defending her people against the monsters threatening their land. She's a warrior who has sacrificed so much to protect her family and her clan. But when their defenses begin to fail, she's forced to take on an even more dangerous mission. She must infiltrate a rival military outpost, hide who she really is, and somehow survive long enough to help save the people she loves.
I really liked Iryana's determination and loyalty. She's not someone who backs down easily, even when she's surrounded by enemies and has no idea who she can trust. I loved how much she was willing to risk for her family, but I also liked that being strong didn't mean she was completely fearless.
And then there's Pyetar! He's a dangerous enforcer who seems to question everything Iryana does. He's suspicious, intimidating, and definitely not making her mission any easier. But what makes things even more interesting is that despite his threats and distrust, he keeps finding himself in situations where he's saving her life. I loved that their relationship wasn't an instant romance. There is tension, suspicion, and that constant feeling of wondering whether they are going to become allies or remain enemies.
One thing I really liked about the story was how the danger wasn't limited to the monsters outside the walls. Iryana is surrounded by people who could discover her secret at any moment, and sometimes the people around her seem just as dangerous as the creatures she's spent her life fighting. It adds another layer of suspense because she's not only fighting to survive but also trying to figure out who she can trust.
The romance is definitely a slow burn, which I enjoyed because it gives the characters time to develop that tension and complicated connection. I love a story where the characters have every reason not to trust each other, but there's still something pulling them together!
I also enjoyed the combination of fantasy, survival, loyalty, and romance. There's more at stake than just two people developing feelings for each other. Iryana has an entire clan depending on her, and every decision she makes could have consequences.
Because the Beasts Came is the first book in the Wells of Istri duology, and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book!
Iryana has spent fifteen years defending her people against the monsters threatening their land. She's a warrior who has sacrificed so much to protect her family and her clan. But when their defenses begin to fail, she's forced to take on an even more dangerous mission. She must infiltrate a rival military outpost, hide who she really is, and somehow survive long enough to help save the people she loves.
I really liked Iryana's determination and loyalty. She's not someone who backs down easily, even when she's surrounded by enemies and has no idea who she can trust. I loved how much she was willing to risk for her family, but I also liked that being strong didn't mean she was completely fearless.
And then there's Pyetar! He's a dangerous enforcer who seems to question everything Iryana does. He's suspicious, intimidating, and definitely not making her mission any easier. But what makes things even more interesting is that despite his threats and distrust, he keeps finding himself in situations where he's saving her life. I loved that their relationship wasn't an instant romance. There is tension, suspicion, and that constant feeling of wondering whether they are going to become allies or remain enemies.
One thing I really liked about the story was how the danger wasn't limited to the monsters outside the walls. Iryana is surrounded by people who could discover her secret at any moment, and sometimes the people around her seem just as dangerous as the creatures she's spent her life fighting. It adds another layer of suspense because she's not only fighting to survive but also trying to figure out who she can trust.
The romance is definitely a slow burn, which I enjoyed because it gives the characters time to develop that tension and complicated connection. I love a story where the characters have every reason not to trust each other, but there's still something pulling them together!
I also enjoyed the combination of fantasy, survival, loyalty, and romance. There's more at stake than just two people developing feelings for each other. Iryana has an entire clan depending on her, and every decision she makes could have consequences.
Because the Beasts Came is the first book in the Wells of Istri duology, and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book!
April 2, 2026
Because the Beasts Came is a gripping tale that reflects the nature of beasts; that both human and creatures are shaped by desires and thirsts for power. The true monsters are those who stop at nothing no matter the cost, and this book provides several examples of that. The grittiness and darkness of the story is perfect for the setting, you truly delve into this world where danger is constantly surrounding you. There is a slow build to the story, but it’s completely worth the time spent investing in both the story and Iryana’s growth.
Iryana is a character that is consumed by grief, insecurity and so much anger. I liked that her development was slow, it shows a true progression of overcoming past trauma and building of trust. There’s a quiet humility to her, and a strength that I admire. There’s no cockiness or arrogance of her abilities, each day she wakes up determined to protect her family. There were a lot of times that empathised with Iryana, the isolation she built around herself, and her invisibility to her family hit hard on so many levels.
The extremely slow burn and semi love triangle gave a small heat to this story and I loved every minute of it. Of course I’m immediately drawn to Karvek, the way he truly saw Iryana and loved her broken pieces was heart wrenching. On the other hand Pyetar was the one who saw her, and wanted to restore her broken self to how beautiful she really is. The found family made this story. The friendships created were sweet, and you almost wanted to cheer when Iryana finally had a friend who cared for her. The reforging of family bonds impacted me greatly, and it makes you want to hold your family even closer.
I would consider this book more plot driven than world building, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. It was set up to where the next book can focus more on world building and more chapters around forged magic and different abilities. I hope to be introduced to more great characters, and to see the relationships continue to grow. While this story was deep, it didn’t take away from the fun or beauty of a romantasy. For those who love the thrill of plotting, found family, unique magic systems, and an unstoppable FMC, then stop what you’re doing and pick up this book. Thank you Madeline for the chance to arc read !! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Iryana is a character that is consumed by grief, insecurity and so much anger. I liked that her development was slow, it shows a true progression of overcoming past trauma and building of trust. There’s a quiet humility to her, and a strength that I admire. There’s no cockiness or arrogance of her abilities, each day she wakes up determined to protect her family. There were a lot of times that empathised with Iryana, the isolation she built around herself, and her invisibility to her family hit hard on so many levels.
The extremely slow burn and semi love triangle gave a small heat to this story and I loved every minute of it. Of course I’m immediately drawn to Karvek, the way he truly saw Iryana and loved her broken pieces was heart wrenching. On the other hand Pyetar was the one who saw her, and wanted to restore her broken self to how beautiful she really is. The found family made this story. The friendships created were sweet, and you almost wanted to cheer when Iryana finally had a friend who cared for her. The reforging of family bonds impacted me greatly, and it makes you want to hold your family even closer.
I would consider this book more plot driven than world building, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. It was set up to where the next book can focus more on world building and more chapters around forged magic and different abilities. I hope to be introduced to more great characters, and to see the relationships continue to grow. While this story was deep, it didn’t take away from the fun or beauty of a romantasy. For those who love the thrill of plotting, found family, unique magic systems, and an unstoppable FMC, then stop what you’re doing and pick up this book. Thank you Madeline for the chance to arc read !! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 23, 2026
ARC review❤️
4.25⭐️
For fans of : Katniss & Peera, Princess Cirillas ARC but born fighting, Edward vs Jacob
For lovers of : Little red riding hood, and folklore like Beowulf. Books like the Witcher, A game of thrones, Divergent, a wheel of time, and silver elite, along side shows like Merlin, and bitten.
Tropes : Enemies to lovers, Lust/love triangle, young adult Heroine
Thankyou so much to the author for my free copy✨️
As a child of a big, and religious, undiagnosed family, the first chapter had me reading so quickly! Though I do think the writing is good whether you relate or not, I related so much to the FMC! its a very no-contact neurodivergent/Queer/scapegoat coded scenario.
"The tapestry she’d been leaning against depicted the last great battle of the gods, towering over the land in their giant-forms. The moment before they abandoned the people of Istri completely, leaving only their magic to linger in the earth. Fitting. Her family had abandoned her, too. And she’d abandoned them right back."
"Despite everything, she still loved her family more than anything. Especially her sisters. She would do anything for them, even die for them. Anything but being part of the family again."
This creates a really heavy start to the book, united in survival against horrifying monsters, separated by the toll adapting to surviving creates. It denotes real world family dynamics through a dramatised lense, while giving very blatant and grotesque variants of whatever it is that family has, or is surviving.
What i loved :
You are dropped straight Into overhanging risk of danger, and the action. The way we meet the characters creates an instant understanding for us and the FMCs complicated family relationships, and her duty to her tribe/village. It's very easy to get a feel for yhe FMCs fear of the duty they have in regards to the beasts, who wouldn't be nervous?but im glad it didnt take many chapters to get this across to us. Straight to the point! Further into the book the action does not stop, the twists, and anxiety is rising.
I really like the magic system too, it feels unique whilst reminding me of the Welsh healing wells aspect of our more ancient culture, i don't know where the inspiration came from, or what culture, but it was nice to see.
Genres - high fantasy, action.
Themes - war violence, survival, tribal/feudal, great magic system & Nordic/viking folklore
Tropes - toxic family, family duty
Triggers - War violence, family trauma, family favourites, abandonment, eldest daughter trauma.
4.25⭐️
For fans of : Katniss & Peera, Princess Cirillas ARC but born fighting, Edward vs Jacob
For lovers of : Little red riding hood, and folklore like Beowulf. Books like the Witcher, A game of thrones, Divergent, a wheel of time, and silver elite, along side shows like Merlin, and bitten.
Tropes : Enemies to lovers, Lust/love triangle, young adult Heroine
Thankyou so much to the author for my free copy✨️
As a child of a big, and religious, undiagnosed family, the first chapter had me reading so quickly! Though I do think the writing is good whether you relate or not, I related so much to the FMC! its a very no-contact neurodivergent/Queer/scapegoat coded scenario.
"The tapestry she’d been leaning against depicted the last great battle of the gods, towering over the land in their giant-forms. The moment before they abandoned the people of Istri completely, leaving only their magic to linger in the earth. Fitting. Her family had abandoned her, too. And she’d abandoned them right back."
"Despite everything, she still loved her family more than anything. Especially her sisters. She would do anything for them, even die for them. Anything but being part of the family again."
This creates a really heavy start to the book, united in survival against horrifying monsters, separated by the toll adapting to surviving creates. It denotes real world family dynamics through a dramatised lense, while giving very blatant and grotesque variants of whatever it is that family has, or is surviving.
What i loved :
You are dropped straight Into overhanging risk of danger, and the action. The way we meet the characters creates an instant understanding for us and the FMCs complicated family relationships, and her duty to her tribe/village. It's very easy to get a feel for yhe FMCs fear of the duty they have in regards to the beasts, who wouldn't be nervous?but im glad it didnt take many chapters to get this across to us. Straight to the point! Further into the book the action does not stop, the twists, and anxiety is rising.
I really like the magic system too, it feels unique whilst reminding me of the Welsh healing wells aspect of our more ancient culture, i don't know where the inspiration came from, or what culture, but it was nice to see.
Genres - high fantasy, action.
Themes - war violence, survival, tribal/feudal, great magic system & Nordic/viking folklore
Tropes - toxic family, family duty
Triggers - War violence, family trauma, family favourites, abandonment, eldest daughter trauma.
May 28, 2026
I was really excited to read this book because the premise sounded right up my alley, but I did end up with mixed feelings. In the end, I did enjoy it, but it didn’t come without its flaws. For that reason, I’m giving it 3.5⭐️ The last half of the book saved it for me.
The worldbuilding and magic system felt unique and interesting. I wanted to be invested in it, but I found it hard to understand what was happening at times. I didn’t know much about the other locations and territories, and who was ruling what. I felt like we just got a vague description of the situation the people were facing and what the beasts were. Being able to forge your own weapons from the magic you obtain was really cool, but I wanted to know more about the origins and where it came from.
Iryana is the type of FMC I love; vulnerable and powerful. She’s the protector of her family and does everything in her power to keep them safe, even though they have a rocky relationship. She has insecurities and doubts based on past trauma, but that doesn’t stop her from trying to help anyway she can. What confused me was why she was so skittish around them. I was confused for most of the book until she finally confessed to what happened. I feel like this could’ve been solved more quickly if they had had a conversation from the start. You can tell how bad the family felt, and maybe they should’ve noticed from the start, which is why any of them talking would’ve solved many of their inner conflicts.
I felt so much for her self-loathing, but it got repetitive at times. She didn’t want to trust anyone, which made it hard to form relationships. She felt like she had to deal with everything on her own, but there comes a time when you have to ask for help. Her team would try to include her in their conversations and social settings, but she would brush them off.
Her relationship with Karvek was an interesting dynamic. I loved and hated it. They were both manipulating each other without letting the other one know. What I hated was how dependent she became on him. She knew deep down he didn’t have the best intentions, but she was starving for affection that she didn’t care he might be using her.
I really liked Pyetar. He has a gruff exterior where he keeps people at arm's length, but in reality, he’s trying to protect himself and anyone he has affection for. He’s caught in a situation where showing weakness can be his downfall. I loved his relationship with Iryana. The tension and the yearning, but I wanted more! They were separate for most of the time unless they were forced to work together. Once they gave in to their feelings, there wasn’t much left of the story. But how their status ended, it gives me hope we’ll see more of their romance in the next book.
Having said all that, I will be reading the next book. The last third of the book had me hooked and enough intrigue to keep me reading. Iryana is in a better headspace, and her relationships with Pyetar, her friends, and family seem to have been mended.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The worldbuilding and magic system felt unique and interesting. I wanted to be invested in it, but I found it hard to understand what was happening at times. I didn’t know much about the other locations and territories, and who was ruling what. I felt like we just got a vague description of the situation the people were facing and what the beasts were. Being able to forge your own weapons from the magic you obtain was really cool, but I wanted to know more about the origins and where it came from.
Iryana is the type of FMC I love; vulnerable and powerful. She’s the protector of her family and does everything in her power to keep them safe, even though they have a rocky relationship. She has insecurities and doubts based on past trauma, but that doesn’t stop her from trying to help anyway she can. What confused me was why she was so skittish around them. I was confused for most of the book until she finally confessed to what happened. I feel like this could’ve been solved more quickly if they had had a conversation from the start. You can tell how bad the family felt, and maybe they should’ve noticed from the start, which is why any of them talking would’ve solved many of their inner conflicts.
I felt so much for her self-loathing, but it got repetitive at times. She didn’t want to trust anyone, which made it hard to form relationships. She felt like she had to deal with everything on her own, but there comes a time when you have to ask for help. Her team would try to include her in their conversations and social settings, but she would brush them off.
Her relationship with Karvek was an interesting dynamic. I loved and hated it. They were both manipulating each other without letting the other one know. What I hated was how dependent she became on him. She knew deep down he didn’t have the best intentions, but she was starving for affection that she didn’t care he might be using her.
I really liked Pyetar. He has a gruff exterior where he keeps people at arm's length, but in reality, he’s trying to protect himself and anyone he has affection for. He’s caught in a situation where showing weakness can be his downfall. I loved his relationship with Iryana. The tension and the yearning, but I wanted more! They were separate for most of the time unless they were forced to work together. Once they gave in to their feelings, there wasn’t much left of the story. But how their status ended, it gives me hope we’ll see more of their romance in the next book.
Having said all that, I will be reading the next book. The last third of the book had me hooked and enough intrigue to keep me reading. Iryana is in a better headspace, and her relationships with Pyetar, her friends, and family seem to have been mended.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
October 17, 2026
This book was so good! I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves slow burns, enemies to lovers, and high action content. Think Nesta Archeron had to infiltrate the Fourth Wing military but instead of dragons and venin, they are fighting wolf-like deadly beasts.
This book is high fantasy with extensive world building with a hint of romance. Although it does not have much spice, and it is a little slow at first if you are not a slow burn kind of person, I would still highly recommend it! Honestly, the book gets better and better as you read, so I can’t wait for book 2!
I loved the main character and how much depth she has. The author does a phenomenal job telling both a riveting story and giving an accurate representation of mental health struggles. It is evident in this book that the main character suffers from both social anxiety and PTSD, which is something I have never seen in an FMC before. Not only that, but she is able to push through her fears and do what needs to be done in order to save the ones she loves. The FMC is both a badass and has an extraordinary depth to her that really speaks to the experience of those with these mental health conditions.
Definitely add this duology to your TBR ASAP!
This book is high fantasy with extensive world building with a hint of romance. Although it does not have much spice, and it is a little slow at first if you are not a slow burn kind of person, I would still highly recommend it! Honestly, the book gets better and better as you read, so I can’t wait for book 2!
I loved the main character and how much depth she has. The author does a phenomenal job telling both a riveting story and giving an accurate representation of mental health struggles. It is evident in this book that the main character suffers from both social anxiety and PTSD, which is something I have never seen in an FMC before. Not only that, but she is able to push through her fears and do what needs to be done in order to save the ones she loves. The FMC is both a badass and has an extraordinary depth to her that really speaks to the experience of those with these mental health conditions.
Definitely add this duology to your TBR ASAP!
October 20, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Because the Beasts Came was a good first book. At times I felt like the story was a bit slow, but overall I enjoyed it. The FMC is strong willed and determined. She has some trauma from her past that is revealed as the story progresses that contributes to how she treats others that made me really feel for her. I enjoyed the progression of the family dynamic towards the end. There were two MMCs and they were both intriguing. Who doesn't love brothers that are essentially opposites? I loved trying to figure out what they both were planning.
The characters and their progression was probably my favorite part of this book. I also liked the "beasts" aspect of the story and how that was dealt with. The magic system was different from other books I have read. I think I would have enjoyed the book more if there was more action in the middle of the book, instead of the FMC trying to figure out how to act around her new environment. It made the story drag for me a little, but I am looking forward to seeing how the next book is.
Because the Beasts Came was a good first book. At times I felt like the story was a bit slow, but overall I enjoyed it. The FMC is strong willed and determined. She has some trauma from her past that is revealed as the story progresses that contributes to how she treats others that made me really feel for her. I enjoyed the progression of the family dynamic towards the end. There were two MMCs and they were both intriguing. Who doesn't love brothers that are essentially opposites? I loved trying to figure out what they both were planning.
The characters and their progression was probably my favorite part of this book. I also liked the "beasts" aspect of the story and how that was dealt with. The magic system was different from other books I have read. I think I would have enjoyed the book more if there was more action in the middle of the book, instead of the FMC trying to figure out how to act around her new environment. It made the story drag for me a little, but I am looking forward to seeing how the next book is.
August 31, 2025
I was lucky enough to read an early version of this book and am so excited it gets to be shared with the world!
The world-building in this book is so immersive I feel I only scratched the surface of what it has to offer. Iryana’s descent into enemy territory to save the community she’s never been at home in is both emotionally and physically fraught. And speaking of emotions, the tension between her and the military’s charismatic leader is only matched by her friction with his brother: a man even the amoral soldiers are afraid of, who knows too many of her secrets. While I am a sucker for romantic tension (which this book has heaps of), and an action-packed fantasy adventure (that this book delivers), it’s Iryana’s emotional journey as she wrangles the truth of her past that left me weeping. I’m so glad I wasn’t in public reading this book because I was ugly crying through several chapters.
The world-building in this book is so immersive I feel I only scratched the surface of what it has to offer. Iryana’s descent into enemy territory to save the community she’s never been at home in is both emotionally and physically fraught. And speaking of emotions, the tension between her and the military’s charismatic leader is only matched by her friction with his brother: a man even the amoral soldiers are afraid of, who knows too many of her secrets. While I am a sucker for romantic tension (which this book has heaps of), and an action-packed fantasy adventure (that this book delivers), it’s Iryana’s emotional journey as she wrangles the truth of her past that left me weeping. I’m so glad I wasn’t in public reading this book because I was ugly crying through several chapters.
March 23, 2026
ARC Review
Because the Beasts Came by Madeline James is gripping and everything I look for in a romantasy: complex characters, lush worldbuilding and yearning. Can we talk about the yearning? OH MY. I was definitely hooked from the start ! I really loved the interaction between Iryana, our main character and Pyetar, the love interest… but also with Karvek who is an ambivalent villain, hot and calculating.
The characters are well defined and endearing, even the less central ones. The worldbuilding was very intricate and different from what I read before, and I love the fact that it was influenced by Slavic culture! The magic system was also well brought up. I’m really intrigued by the fact that it’s a duology, as the book can stand on its own. But I guess some things that were implied in the first book would see the light of day in the second one, like the nature of dakii perhaps?
All this to say, this was a very strong debut and one of the best self-published books I read in a while. I can’t wait to read more from Madeline!
Because the Beasts Came by Madeline James is gripping and everything I look for in a romantasy: complex characters, lush worldbuilding and yearning. Can we talk about the yearning? OH MY. I was definitely hooked from the start ! I really loved the interaction between Iryana, our main character and Pyetar, the love interest… but also with Karvek who is an ambivalent villain, hot and calculating.
The characters are well defined and endearing, even the less central ones. The worldbuilding was very intricate and different from what I read before, and I love the fact that it was influenced by Slavic culture! The magic system was also well brought up. I’m really intrigued by the fact that it’s a duology, as the book can stand on its own. But I guess some things that were implied in the first book would see the light of day in the second one, like the nature of dakii perhaps?
All this to say, this was a very strong debut and one of the best self-published books I read in a while. I can’t wait to read more from Madeline!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2026
This one was different. I wouldn’t classify it as a true Romantasy but more fantasy and action. The romance really doesn’t take place until towards the end of the book which is fine but it is definitely a slow burn until the very end. I felt a little repetitiveness sometimes in the chapters but it was a good backstory of the FMC and the ending definitely was open for a second book. Excited to see where the author takes it! Thank you to the author for the ARC!
April 12, 2026
Dark Military Fantasy? SAY. LESS. Thank you to MTMC Tours and Madeline James for the ARC of the book!
This was a JOURNEY. Which...it's over 600 pages so it better be. But this is one where you're either going to love or hate the FMC and why she does what she does, I think. I'm in both camps because I feel like I *get* her. She's on a self shun from her family because she believes she's a problem, a screw-up, a hindrance to their happiness and well-being. But she still loves them and would do anything for them--include risk her life half a dozen times.
Family is...complicated. And found family? Just as much.
This is definitely character driven vs plot driven for about the first 60% of the book. There isn't really a lot of external world building until around that point, and even then, I found myself wanting MORE and wanting the WHY of it all. But I also appreciate that it absolutely would have been done as an "info dump" based on how the story was told and the internal processing, so I can live without it.
This was a really good time if you like to see your FMC really grow as a person from start to finish, and love a reluctant heroine. It's such an underrated trope and I can't wait for book 2!
This was a JOURNEY. Which...it's over 600 pages so it better be. But this is one where you're either going to love or hate the FMC and why she does what she does, I think. I'm in both camps because I feel like I *get* her. She's on a self shun from her family because she believes she's a problem, a screw-up, a hindrance to their happiness and well-being. But she still loves them and would do anything for them--include risk her life half a dozen times.
Family is...complicated. And found family? Just as much.
This is definitely character driven vs plot driven for about the first 60% of the book. There isn't really a lot of external world building until around that point, and even then, I found myself wanting MORE and wanting the WHY of it all. But I also appreciate that it absolutely would have been done as an "info dump" based on how the story was told and the internal processing, so I can live without it.
This was a really good time if you like to see your FMC really grow as a person from start to finish, and love a reluctant heroine. It's such an underrated trope and I can't wait for book 2!
April 19, 2026
So this took me a minute to finish, she was a chonky book!!
Generally I avoid reading the reviews of others, saw some conflicting ones on here prior to starting the book and now having completed it, I can hand on heart say how far wrong they were. So sure there are opinions, everyone’s got one however this book took me on the most beautiful journey. From the scene building to the character development I just simply fell in love and connected so deeply to the story.
I received this book as an ARC, then bought the book midway as I wanted a physical copy and honestly can’t get over how good it was.
Thank you to the author for sharing your brilliant mind, I can’t wait for book two!
Generally I avoid reading the reviews of others, saw some conflicting ones on here prior to starting the book and now having completed it, I can hand on heart say how far wrong they were. So sure there are opinions, everyone’s got one however this book took me on the most beautiful journey. From the scene building to the character development I just simply fell in love and connected so deeply to the story.
I received this book as an ARC, then bought the book midway as I wanted a physical copy and honestly can’t get over how good it was.
Thank you to the author for sharing your brilliant mind, I can’t wait for book two!
Did Not Finish
September 11, 2026I got 166 pages in and I just can't continue on. I am so incredibly bored by this book and feel like there is truly nothing exciting going on.
I hated all of the characters names. I get it, you are trying to be unique and different, but if I can't immediately pronounce them when I read them, I don't want to keep going.
I also didn't like the FMC most of the time. She was always griping about how much of an outcast she is and she must protect her family..
I hated all of the characters names. I get it, you are trying to be unique and different, but if I can't immediately pronounce them when I read them, I don't want to keep going.
I also didn't like the FMC most of the time. She was always griping about how much of an outcast she is and she must protect her family..
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Phew.. this book was CHONKY and I admit, I am a fast reader and it took me some time to get through it. There is SOOO much description given to world building, character growth, back story and plot combined with the slow but steady building of a story that weaves around one very very broken woman. At times, I wanted to shake Ireyana for her walls she has built so high around herself and shout at her "just let them in! they want to help and love you!". But trauma doesn't work like that, and the author has done an incredible job of patiently adding the layers and foundations to help Ireyana find her peace and realise she was never to blame for what happened to her.
I love all the missions the 18th brigade go out on, scouting, the hidden platforms to hide from the Dakii.. and those creatures? I suspect there's something more to them, like magical.. maybe they're made? As like it was pointed out, they've never seen cubs, so where are they coming from?
The magic system is really cool, they get forged in the element of their choice and then I think? They then can make a weapon from that element that never breaks or shatters perhaps? I feel this wasn't explained as well as I'd like but still unique and interesting!
I love all the missions the 18th brigade go out on, scouting, the hidden platforms to hide from the Dakii.. and those creatures? I suspect there's something more to them, like magical.. maybe they're made? As like it was pointed out, they've never seen cubs, so where are they coming from?
The magic system is really cool, they get forged in the element of their choice and then I think? They then can make a weapon from that element that never breaks or shatters perhaps? I feel this wasn't explained as well as I'd like but still unique and interesting!
October 20, 2026
I received this book, in exchange for an ACR review of book 2
There was so much to love about this book! Just a few things that that kept it from being 5 stars, but it absolutely deserves a solid 4 stars. Firstly, the action in this book is top notch; I can’t remember a book that I have read recently where the action and suspense were actually pulse pounding. Sometimes it was hard to decide what was scarier the beasts or the humans. Where the stakes felt real, there were sometimes where I did question the FMC’s amazing stamina (lol). The magic system was really cool and unique but at times a bit confusing I think by the end of the book it was a bit clearer and maybe that was intentional but I still have many questions (hoping they will be resolved in book 2). The family dynamics and shifting priorities could be disorientating at times and seemed to just be used to move or slow the story down. However, (minor spoiler here) the story line regarding living with a family member in the throes of addiction are spot on, and very powerful. This is the first in a duology and I am happy to start on the next book as an ARC read.
There was so much to love about this book! Just a few things that that kept it from being 5 stars, but it absolutely deserves a solid 4 stars. Firstly, the action in this book is top notch; I can’t remember a book that I have read recently where the action and suspense were actually pulse pounding. Sometimes it was hard to decide what was scarier the beasts or the humans. Where the stakes felt real, there were sometimes where I did question the FMC’s amazing stamina (lol). The magic system was really cool and unique but at times a bit confusing I think by the end of the book it was a bit clearer and maybe that was intentional but I still have many questions (hoping they will be resolved in book 2). The family dynamics and shifting priorities could be disorientating at times and seemed to just be used to move or slow the story down. However, (minor spoiler here) the story line regarding living with a family member in the throes of addiction are spot on, and very powerful. This is the first in a duology and I am happy to start on the next book as an ARC read.
October 11, 2026
Some romantasy books pull you in, and others completely consume you. This one had me hooked.
The world building was phenomenal, and the magic system was genuinely fascinating. I loved how immersive everything felt, and there was so much happening that I never wanted to put the book down. The action kept coming, the tension kept building, and I needed to know what was going to happen next.
But don’t go into this one expecting a fluffy romantasy. This story has grit, it has teeth, and it does not hold back. Iryana’s fight to save her people had me invested, and the dangerous dynamic between her and Pyetar added another layer of tension to an already gripping story.
I was completely immersed from beginning to end, and this is exactly the kind of romantasy that reminds me why I love this genre. Give me a fascinating magic system, a world that feels alive, danger around every corner, and a story that keeps me turning pages long past when I should have put the book down.
If you love your romantasy with a little more danger, a lot of action, and world building that pulls you right in, this one is worth checking out.
Thank you to Madeline James, Spellbound Worlds and NetGally for the ebook.
The world building was phenomenal, and the magic system was genuinely fascinating. I loved how immersive everything felt, and there was so much happening that I never wanted to put the book down. The action kept coming, the tension kept building, and I needed to know what was going to happen next.
But don’t go into this one expecting a fluffy romantasy. This story has grit, it has teeth, and it does not hold back. Iryana’s fight to save her people had me invested, and the dangerous dynamic between her and Pyetar added another layer of tension to an already gripping story.
I was completely immersed from beginning to end, and this is exactly the kind of romantasy that reminds me why I love this genre. Give me a fascinating magic system, a world that feels alive, danger around every corner, and a story that keeps me turning pages long past when I should have put the book down.
If you love your romantasy with a little more danger, a lot of action, and world building that pulls you right in, this one is worth checking out.
Thank you to Madeline James, Spellbound Worlds and NetGally for the ebook.
April 9, 2026
3.75/5 this was a great debut romantasy for Madeline James. Our FMC, Iryana was an absolute bad ass guardian who I adored. Iryana, begins her story broken and lost because of traumatic experiences in her life but had such a strong loyalty to her family she knew she had to do something to prove her worth to her clan.
In a world surrounded by beasts that roam the forests and keep everyone locked behind walls, Iryana is a fierce warrior whose goal is to protect her family’s clan from the beasts and keep them safe. After threats to disband her family’s clan, Iryana takes matters into her own hands and infiltrates the nearby 18th brigade, a military base, in order to obtain support needed to keep her clan together.
In this story Iryana works through her isolative and closed off tendencies and starts to open herself up to friendships and trusting relationships, a new concept for Iryana. There she meets two brothers who both seem to have an eye for Iryana. Although not a true love triangle, I enjoyed the push and pull between her feelings and the brothers and thought it added to the morally grey atmosphere.
This is a character driven story and largely focuses on Iryana and her journey to heal herself and save her clan. Although this is a Romantasy, there was romance but it was an extreme slow burn with less focus on the romance subplot that other more romance driven romantasy books.
This book is long! I think certain chapters could have been shorted and still had the same effect. The world building was great in this story I feel like I could really envision the setting and felt it was immersive and rich. I would have liked to see a bit more side character storyline development and hope that we see that more in books two.
Overall, I would recommend this book, especially for those who enjoy character driven stories with good world building. I look forward to book two! Thank you to MTMC Tours and Madeline James for my gifted ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
In a world surrounded by beasts that roam the forests and keep everyone locked behind walls, Iryana is a fierce warrior whose goal is to protect her family’s clan from the beasts and keep them safe. After threats to disband her family’s clan, Iryana takes matters into her own hands and infiltrates the nearby 18th brigade, a military base, in order to obtain support needed to keep her clan together.
In this story Iryana works through her isolative and closed off tendencies and starts to open herself up to friendships and trusting relationships, a new concept for Iryana. There she meets two brothers who both seem to have an eye for Iryana. Although not a true love triangle, I enjoyed the push and pull between her feelings and the brothers and thought it added to the morally grey atmosphere.
This is a character driven story and largely focuses on Iryana and her journey to heal herself and save her clan. Although this is a Romantasy, there was romance but it was an extreme slow burn with less focus on the romance subplot that other more romance driven romantasy books.
This book is long! I think certain chapters could have been shorted and still had the same effect. The world building was great in this story I feel like I could really envision the setting and felt it was immersive and rich. I would have liked to see a bit more side character storyline development and hope that we see that more in books two.
Overall, I would recommend this book, especially for those who enjoy character driven stories with good world building. I look forward to book two! Thank you to MTMC Tours and Madeline James for my gifted ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 18, 2026
I honestly don’t even know how to explain how much I loved this book. It had that huge, immersive feeling of a fantasy story, but the world itself felt completely different from anything I’ve read before. We had an intricate elemental magic system with water, air, fire, earth, and metal, rituals tied to that magic, Guardian families, military brigades, political disputes, and then, because apparently all of that wasn’t enough, we had the dakii.
And the dakii??? I NEED ANSWERS.
These giant beasts appeared out of nowhere and have basically spent their entire existence attacking people and being exactly what everyone expected them to be: deadly. But something about their behavior was changing. They weren’t following the same patterns anymore, and the more we saw, the more questions I had. Why did they appear in the first place? Where did they come from? Why are they changing their M.O. now? At this point, approximately 90% of my unanswered questions revolve around these beasts, and I need book two to explain EVERYTHING because I don’t trust myself to live peacefully if I don’t get answers lol.
Iryana was absolutely incredible. She was a force to be reckoned with, even if she couldn’t see that in herself for a huge part of the story. She was one of the strongest and most skilled warriors around, incredibly intelligent, quick on her feet, and SO good at observing patterns and changing tactics in the middle of a fight. Watching her battle the dakii was honestly one of my favorite parts because you could actually see how amazing she was.
But what made me love her most had nothing to do with fighting. She had been through so much, and the way her trauma affected how she saw herself was heartbreaking. She genuinely believed that she ruined everything she touched, and that her family didn’t want her around because of that, and that somehow she belonged with people who were just as broken as she thought she was. And that broke my heart because she was so much more than that. And even when she felt like she didn’t belong with her family, even when she doubted herself and everything she was capable of, she still put her life on the line again and again to protect them. She cared SO deeply, even when she struggled to believe anyone could care about her the same way. She honestly deserves the world.
I really loved watching her slowly realize that healing did not mean pretending nothing had happened. It meant allowing people to be there for her. Her family clearly had their own mistakes and wounds to work through, and I don’t think those relationships could magically repair themselves overnight, but I loved seeing everyone actually TRY.
And then comes Pyetar…
The YEARNING in this book??? Absolutely criminal. And please arrest me because I loved it!!
Their relationship was such a slow burn, and I loved that they actually got the chance to know each other in so many different situations. They worked together, fought together, saw each other under pressure, and learned who the other person really was when things became dangerous. It never felt like they were suddenly in love because the plot needed them to be. Their feelings grew through everything they experienced together, and by those final chapters I was basically begging for another fifty chapters of just Pyetar and Iryana.
Pyetar was also genuinely such a good person. He was brave, incredibly skilled, a great captain and leader, and someone who always seemed to be trying to protect people from the worst parts of his brother’s ambition. He was put in situations where doing the right thing wasn’t always easy, but you could tell that deep down he cared. And I loved how he saw Iryana. While she was convinced she was broken and destructive, he saw someone incredible. I genuinely think he was one of the people who started showing her that she was so much more than the “broken” person she thought she was.
Karvek, meanwhile… absolutely hate the bloke.
That man was a tyrant. He wanted power, status, fear, control, and basically anything that made him feel important. He acted like he understood Iryana because he accepted her when she was “broken,” and that was criminal because it only cemented in her mind that that was all she was. I really enjoyed when she FINALLY understood that he accepted her broken because he never wanted to help her put the pieces back together. He benefited from her believing she was damaged. Meanwhile, Pyetar, her family, and the people she met along the way were willing to wait until she was ready and then actually HELP her heal. The difference between those two kinds of acceptance was probably one of my favorite parts of the entire story.
I also really loved the people Iryana found along the way. The team felt genuinely close. They were all skilled at fighting together and, most importantly, they were good people who seemed to genuinely like Iryana. Vaneshta especially completely won me over. She had this almost big sister energy with Iryana, always trying to include her, talk to her, and make sure she actually felt like part of the group. She was fierce, capable, and exactly the kind of person Iryana needed in her corner.
And then we had the final part of the book, where Iryana apparently decided my heart was beating too slowly and decided to almost give me a heart attack. I am NOT going into many details because spoilers, but there was a moment when I was genuinely sitting there thinking, “Girl, you are required to remain alive and functioning because if you don’t I don’t know what I’ll do. I am almost dying here!! PLEASE act accordingly.”
By the end, I felt like Iryana had finally started taking her own power back. Not just magical power or political power, but control over her life, her choices, her family, and the person she wanted to become. And I feel like we have only scratched the surface of what she can actually do.
This book had action, complicated family relationships, trauma and healing, an incredible elemental magic system, political power plays, mysterious beasts, great friendships, a LOT of yearning and SO. MUCH. MORE.
I loved it. I loved Iryana. I loved Pyetar. I loved how scared everyone was and how they fought anyway. And now I am immediately starting book two because I have approximately a million questions, most of them involving the dakii, and absolutely zero self-control lol.
Also, if Pyetar and Iryana do not end up together after making me suffer through all that yearning, I may actually die dead, so this is my formal warning. Lol
Thank you so much, Madeline, for sending me a free copy of your book to review! All thoughts and opinions here are my own!
And the dakii??? I NEED ANSWERS.
These giant beasts appeared out of nowhere and have basically spent their entire existence attacking people and being exactly what everyone expected them to be: deadly. But something about their behavior was changing. They weren’t following the same patterns anymore, and the more we saw, the more questions I had. Why did they appear in the first place? Where did they come from? Why are they changing their M.O. now? At this point, approximately 90% of my unanswered questions revolve around these beasts, and I need book two to explain EVERYTHING because I don’t trust myself to live peacefully if I don’t get answers lol.
Iryana was absolutely incredible. She was a force to be reckoned with, even if she couldn’t see that in herself for a huge part of the story. She was one of the strongest and most skilled warriors around, incredibly intelligent, quick on her feet, and SO good at observing patterns and changing tactics in the middle of a fight. Watching her battle the dakii was honestly one of my favorite parts because you could actually see how amazing she was.
But what made me love her most had nothing to do with fighting. She had been through so much, and the way her trauma affected how she saw herself was heartbreaking. She genuinely believed that she ruined everything she touched, and that her family didn’t want her around because of that, and that somehow she belonged with people who were just as broken as she thought she was. And that broke my heart because she was so much more than that. And even when she felt like she didn’t belong with her family, even when she doubted herself and everything she was capable of, she still put her life on the line again and again to protect them. She cared SO deeply, even when she struggled to believe anyone could care about her the same way. She honestly deserves the world.
I really loved watching her slowly realize that healing did not mean pretending nothing had happened. It meant allowing people to be there for her. Her family clearly had their own mistakes and wounds to work through, and I don’t think those relationships could magically repair themselves overnight, but I loved seeing everyone actually TRY.
And then comes Pyetar…
The YEARNING in this book??? Absolutely criminal. And please arrest me because I loved it!!
Their relationship was such a slow burn, and I loved that they actually got the chance to know each other in so many different situations. They worked together, fought together, saw each other under pressure, and learned who the other person really was when things became dangerous. It never felt like they were suddenly in love because the plot needed them to be. Their feelings grew through everything they experienced together, and by those final chapters I was basically begging for another fifty chapters of just Pyetar and Iryana.
Pyetar was also genuinely such a good person. He was brave, incredibly skilled, a great captain and leader, and someone who always seemed to be trying to protect people from the worst parts of his brother’s ambition. He was put in situations where doing the right thing wasn’t always easy, but you could tell that deep down he cared. And I loved how he saw Iryana. While she was convinced she was broken and destructive, he saw someone incredible. I genuinely think he was one of the people who started showing her that she was so much more than the “broken” person she thought she was.
Karvek, meanwhile… absolutely hate the bloke.
That man was a tyrant. He wanted power, status, fear, control, and basically anything that made him feel important. He acted like he understood Iryana because he accepted her when she was “broken,” and that was criminal because it only cemented in her mind that that was all she was. I really enjoyed when she FINALLY understood that he accepted her broken because he never wanted to help her put the pieces back together. He benefited from her believing she was damaged. Meanwhile, Pyetar, her family, and the people she met along the way were willing to wait until she was ready and then actually HELP her heal. The difference between those two kinds of acceptance was probably one of my favorite parts of the entire story.
I also really loved the people Iryana found along the way. The team felt genuinely close. They were all skilled at fighting together and, most importantly, they were good people who seemed to genuinely like Iryana. Vaneshta especially completely won me over. She had this almost big sister energy with Iryana, always trying to include her, talk to her, and make sure she actually felt like part of the group. She was fierce, capable, and exactly the kind of person Iryana needed in her corner.
And then we had the final part of the book, where Iryana apparently decided my heart was beating too slowly and decided to almost give me a heart attack. I am NOT going into many details because spoilers, but there was a moment when I was genuinely sitting there thinking, “Girl, you are required to remain alive and functioning because if you don’t I don’t know what I’ll do. I am almost dying here!! PLEASE act accordingly.”
By the end, I felt like Iryana had finally started taking her own power back. Not just magical power or political power, but control over her life, her choices, her family, and the person she wanted to become. And I feel like we have only scratched the surface of what she can actually do.
This book had action, complicated family relationships, trauma and healing, an incredible elemental magic system, political power plays, mysterious beasts, great friendships, a LOT of yearning and SO. MUCH. MORE.
I loved it. I loved Iryana. I loved Pyetar. I loved how scared everyone was and how they fought anyway. And now I am immediately starting book two because I have approximately a million questions, most of them involving the dakii, and absolutely zero self-control lol.
Also, if Pyetar and Iryana do not end up together after making me suffer through all that yearning, I may actually die dead, so this is my formal warning. Lol
Thank you so much, Madeline, for sending me a free copy of your book to review! All thoughts and opinions here are my own!
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