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The Lines of Ebrus #1
Daughter Of The Ninth Line: The Complete Book One
Every year, on the first day of spring, each of the Twelve Lines of Ebrus sends a conscript to enrol in Boellium War College, the training ground for Ebrus' Dawn Army. Some come willingly, others not so much.
Avalon Halhed had two lie low and survive her conscription at Boellium War College, and then retire to be an eccentric old woman in a run down cabin in the secluded mountains of her family's lands.
To achieve those goals she had keep herself apart from the other conscripts and not draw attention to herself. No friends. No connections.
However, as days turn into weeks, Avalon fails at remaining a shadow to haunt the halls of Boellium. Instead, she draws the gaze of two of the most powerful people in all of Ebrus. They look at her and see too much, and that terrifies her most of all.
Because what if they see past Avalon Halhed, unwanted daughter of the Ninth Line, and right down to her secrets?
Secrets that made her father hate her.
Secrets that itched in the back of a brain like poison ivy.
Secrets that would make her just another dead conscript buried beyond the walls of Boellium War College.
This is the complete novel of The Daughter Of The Ninth Line, containing previously released Parts 1-3. This is Book One in the Lines of Ebrus series.
Avalon Halhed had two lie low and survive her conscription at Boellium War College, and then retire to be an eccentric old woman in a run down cabin in the secluded mountains of her family's lands.
To achieve those goals she had keep herself apart from the other conscripts and not draw attention to herself. No friends. No connections.
However, as days turn into weeks, Avalon fails at remaining a shadow to haunt the halls of Boellium. Instead, she draws the gaze of two of the most powerful people in all of Ebrus. They look at her and see too much, and that terrifies her most of all.
Because what if they see past Avalon Halhed, unwanted daughter of the Ninth Line, and right down to her secrets?
Secrets that made her father hate her.
Secrets that itched in the back of a brain like poison ivy.
Secrets that would make her just another dead conscript buried beyond the walls of Boellium War College.
This is the complete novel of The Daughter Of The Ninth Line, containing previously released Parts 1-3. This is Book One in the Lines of Ebrus series.
445 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2025
50 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Grace McGinty
66 books2,214 followersWhen I was nine, my grandmother and her friends used to read and swap Harlequin Mills and Boons novels. When I was busted reading one, they started sneaking me boxes full of strong heroines and rugged men. Thus started a long love affair with the romance genre.
Then I discovered urban fantasy, and fell in love with broody Alphas and sexy paranormals, and combining them together was a no brainer.
Then I discovered Reverse Harem.... Oh my. Why choose, am I right?
Then I discovered urban fantasy, and fell in love with broody Alphas and sexy paranormals, and combining them together was a no brainer.
Then I discovered Reverse Harem.... Oh my. Why choose, am I right?
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 22, 2026
Look, it's very well written. But reading different variations of the same events three times gets boring. The only thing that kept me going was figuring out what the hell was happening.
September 18, 2025
This book is undoubtedly one of the best I've read in quite some time. The plot twist is stunning and truly impactful. My mind literally went blank; I had to step away and take a moment to calm down before returning to it. Reading from Avalon and Hayle's perspective afterwards made my heart ache. With each reset, my anxiety for Vox, Avalon, and Hayle to reunite intensified. I was completely captivated, racing through the pages in no time. The tension leading up to the reset was incredibly palpable, and the ending was simply fantastic. I am eagerly anticipating book two!
The only reason I deducted a star is due to Vox's indiscretion in Part One. I find this trope of MMCs thinking about the FMC while being involved with other women really annoying. How romantic. 🙄
Aside from this minor concern, I truly adored all the main characters. Hayle, along with his animal companions—including Epsy—were absolute show stealers!
The only reason I deducted a star is due to Vox's indiscretion in Part One. I find this trope of MMCs thinking about the FMC while being involved with other women really annoying. How romantic. 🙄
Aside from this minor concern, I truly adored all the main characters. Hayle, along with his animal companions—including Epsy—were absolute show stealers!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
dnf
January 21, 2026DNF. I LOVED part 1, but part 2 just pissed me the eff off. Not interested in going backwards. Even with differences, it takes "repetitive" to a whole new level. So disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2025
love this story
Definitely one of the most original storage afraid I really love the idea. Only one minor problem is that proofreading is definitely needed. There are too many mistakes both and continue with you and spelling that need to be fixed.
Definitely one of the most original storage afraid I really love the idea. Only one minor problem is that proofreading is definitely needed. There are too many mistakes both and continue with you and spelling that need to be fixed.
January 6, 2026
3 stars, but somehow I almost want to round it up to a 4. This is that review of the full book (part 1+2+3)
I came so close to DNFing it early on, halfway though part 1 (around chapter 8), but I’m glad I didn't.
Pros
✅One of the best plot twists i've ever read (Chapter 20, which is probably the last page of part one or first page of part 2) I did not see it coming, and it recontextualized the story in a way that made me overlook many of the things that had bothered me.
✅I liked both fmc and both mc:s! (At least after chapter 20)
✅The fmcs special power felt new and unique!
Cons (sadly, there's many)
❌Inconsistent characterization
In several early chapters, I struggled to believe how quickly the FMC (Avalon) opened up emotionally to her “enemies” (especially the scene by the sea). This felt out of character for someone so guarded, survival-oriented, and used to being alone. I was extremely close to putting the book down because of this. However, after continuing—and especially after the plot twist—my understanding of her character shifted, which softened this issue in retrospect.
❌The 12th Line characters felt emotionally flat and unrealistic.
Although I liked the concept of the characters from the 12th Line, their behavior often felt shallow and tonally off. Considering they are described as being on the brink of starvation, their reactions frequently came across as overly carefree—focused on partying, dressing up, and casual romantic encouragement—without enough emotional weight behind them.
There was a noticeable lack of deeper emotional responses such as anger, resentment, hopelessness, grief, or envy toward the ruling Lines. Given their circumstances, these feelings should have been more present throughout the book. The absence of this emotional complexity made the characters feel flatter than they should have been and weakened the realism of their situation.
❌Lack of realism regarding scarcity:
The 12th Line is portrayed as starving, yet they still seem to have access to makeup, party-appropriate clothing, and other non-essential resources. This didn’t feel believable, as those items would realistically be traded for food or survival. This disconnect made the worldbuilding feel inconsistent.
❌ Modern language breaking immersion:
Some modern phrases felt out of place in what otherwise seems like a fantasy or medical-fantasy setting ("lets do shots in the living room!") This could be improved either by clarifying early on that the world is more modern (or semi-modern), or by revisiting word choices to better match the setting.
❌Plot holes
Summary
Overall, the book feels like it would have benefited greatly from a stronger editorial pass. With tighter characterization, fixing the plot holes and better worldbuilding, this story could have been great! But, I still enjoyed reading it.
I came so close to DNFing it early on, halfway though part 1 (around chapter 8), but I’m glad I didn't.
Pros
✅One of the best plot twists i've ever read (Chapter 20, which is probably the last page of part one or first page of part 2) I did not see it coming, and it recontextualized the story in a way that made me overlook many of the things that had bothered me.
✅I liked both fmc and both mc:s! (At least after chapter 20)
✅The fmcs special power felt new and unique!
Cons (sadly, there's many)
❌Inconsistent characterization
In several early chapters, I struggled to believe how quickly the FMC (Avalon) opened up emotionally to her “enemies” (especially the scene by the sea). This felt out of character for someone so guarded, survival-oriented, and used to being alone. I was extremely close to putting the book down because of this. However, after continuing—and especially after the plot twist—my understanding of her character shifted, which softened this issue in retrospect.
❌The 12th Line characters felt emotionally flat and unrealistic.
Although I liked the concept of the characters from the 12th Line, their behavior often felt shallow and tonally off. Considering they are described as being on the brink of starvation, their reactions frequently came across as overly carefree—focused on partying, dressing up, and casual romantic encouragement—without enough emotional weight behind them.
There was a noticeable lack of deeper emotional responses such as anger, resentment, hopelessness, grief, or envy toward the ruling Lines. Given their circumstances, these feelings should have been more present throughout the book. The absence of this emotional complexity made the characters feel flatter than they should have been and weakened the realism of their situation.
❌Lack of realism regarding scarcity:
The 12th Line is portrayed as starving, yet they still seem to have access to makeup, party-appropriate clothing, and other non-essential resources. This didn’t feel believable, as those items would realistically be traded for food or survival. This disconnect made the worldbuilding feel inconsistent.
❌ Modern language breaking immersion:
Some modern phrases felt out of place in what otherwise seems like a fantasy or medical-fantasy setting ("lets do shots in the living room!") This could be improved either by clarifying early on that the world is more modern (or semi-modern), or by revisiting word choices to better match the setting.
❌Plot holes
Summary
Overall, the book feels like it would have benefited greatly from a stronger editorial pass. With tighter characterization, fixing the plot holes and better worldbuilding, this story could have been great! But, I still enjoyed reading it.
September 16, 2025
Daughter of The Ninth Line by Grace McGinty
3.5/5stars
I absolutely love academia related fantasy books so I was really excited for the opportunity to read this one but I was a bit thrown with way the book recreated the same story three times, just with different circumstances to make it differ from each. BUUT that was until I got to the end and got to learn WHY Grace McGinty did that. Which makes me glad I stuck through it because I can’t wait to read the second book in the Lines of Ebrus duet - Heir to the Second Line!
So much for wanting to lie low and survive the two years at Boellium War College before being able to move to her own cabin on the outskirts of her family’s land. Instead Avalon Halhed captures the attention of the two most powerful men in all of Ebrus, Vox Vylan and Hayle Taeme.
Grace McGinty wrote all the characters well! She gave us the chance to be able to connect with the book and use it as a way to escape reality by jumping into the world at the Boellium War College. SIGN ME UP TO IT!
3.5/5stars
I absolutely love academia related fantasy books so I was really excited for the opportunity to read this one but I was a bit thrown with way the book recreated the same story three times, just with different circumstances to make it differ from each. BUUT that was until I got to the end and got to learn WHY Grace McGinty did that. Which makes me glad I stuck through it because I can’t wait to read the second book in the Lines of Ebrus duet - Heir to the Second Line!
So much for wanting to lie low and survive the two years at Boellium War College before being able to move to her own cabin on the outskirts of her family’s land. Instead Avalon Halhed captures the attention of the two most powerful men in all of Ebrus, Vox Vylan and Hayle Taeme.
Grace McGinty wrote all the characters well! She gave us the chance to be able to connect with the book and use it as a way to escape reality by jumping into the world at the Boellium War College. SIGN ME UP TO IT!
September 18, 2025
5⭐ 3🌶️
Avalon the only daughter of the baron of ninth has been conscripted to the Boellium War College, she's the only member of her line that's there. Every year each line is to send at least one member of their line and it so happens that the sons of the barons of the first and third line are there too.
Her plan is to keep her head down, keep off their radars and survive long enough to get out and run from her life in ninth.
This book was honestly like the literature version of being edged and god I loved it (as much as I hated it). The world that's been built and the history/mystery around it is absolutely fantastic. The main characters are so well written and continually grow and develop through each part of the book as you learn more and the side characters are fun/loyal/caring and overall memorable which I don't always find in books.
There are also some super adorable and helpful animals sprinkled throughout.
I absolutely cannot wait for book two of this duology to be completed so we can get all the answers.
If you love brooding men, strong willed women, animal companions, a splash of magic with fighting, a slow build to spice/romance and college vibes then you can't go past this book.
Avalon the only daughter of the baron of ninth has been conscripted to the Boellium War College, she's the only member of her line that's there. Every year each line is to send at least one member of their line and it so happens that the sons of the barons of the first and third line are there too.
Her plan is to keep her head down, keep off their radars and survive long enough to get out and run from her life in ninth.
This book was honestly like the literature version of being edged and god I loved it (as much as I hated it). The world that's been built and the history/mystery around it is absolutely fantastic. The main characters are so well written and continually grow and develop through each part of the book as you learn more and the side characters are fun/loyal/caring and overall memorable which I don't always find in books.
There are also some super adorable and helpful animals sprinkled throughout.
I absolutely cannot wait for book two of this duology to be completed so we can get all the answers.
If you love brooding men, strong willed women, animal companions, a splash of magic with fighting, a slow build to spice/romance and college vibes then you can't go past this book.
September 17, 2025
i rate it 3.4 coz of that ending....
I started with reading part one as an ARC but didnt do book 2 or 3, then i got blessed with this baby thinking im gonna get some answers but noooooooo.
so 2 books end the same with someone dying and all 3 start the same "its the first day".
but then the last book left me on a cliffhanger coz why not right!!!
to say i nearly throw my kindle girl i was am mad!!
Better not be waiting ling for the next book hahh <3
triggers/tropes
enemies to lovers
friends to lovers to solmates
found family
cute familiers
childhood abuse (current)
death of MMC'S Kinda if you know you know
turns in to RH or MFM with maybe mm?
I started with reading part one as an ARC but didnt do book 2 or 3, then i got blessed with this baby thinking im gonna get some answers but noooooooo.
so 2 books end the same with someone dying and all 3 start the same "its the first day".
but then the last book left me on a cliffhanger coz why not right!!!
to say i nearly throw my kindle girl i was am mad!!
Better not be waiting ling for the next book hahh <3
triggers/tropes
enemies to lovers
friends to lovers to solmates
found family
cute familiers
childhood abuse (current)
death of MMC'S Kinda if you know you know
turns in to RH or MFM with maybe mm?
September 17, 2025
The characters are so well-written, the world building and storyline is on par with some of the best! This is a really well-written fantasy book! I am so glad I picked it up, because now I am hooked!! I love the concept of the story. The character development across the books is brilliant! I cannot wait for the next book already!! So excited to find out about her powers and why the men are drawn to her (IYKYK)
I read all parts one by one, getting the first as an ARC,then I read part 2 and now the final as an ARC too!
I read all parts one by one, getting the first as an ARC,then I read part 2 and now the final as an ARC too!
September 17, 2025
I was thrown after reading part one, until I sat there and thought about it, and then I realised. There is a reason for this. All the characters, it could not be this way without reason to be back at day one ready to do it all again.
Avalon, Hayle, Vox, the great love triangle. Avalon keeping her head low until graduation was not meant to be. There were greater forces at work here and I so can’t wait for the next part of this story.
Avalon, Hayle, Vox, the great love triangle. Avalon keeping her head low until graduation was not meant to be. There were greater forces at work here and I so can’t wait for the next part of this story.
November 23, 2025
This might be a bit biased because Grace is one of those "if she writes it, I'm going to read it" authors for me, but I'm obsessed and furious with this book. The amount of times I audibly sobbed while reading this book is criminal AND WE'RE STILL GOING!!!
The magic system? Fantastic. The men? HOT. The spice? HOTT. The story? Criminally good. Grace needs to go to jail. Absolute criminal behavior. And maybe while she's in solitary she can release the next book?? 👀👀
The magic system? Fantastic. The men? HOT. The spice? HOTT. The story? Criminally good. Grace needs to go to jail. Absolute criminal behavior. And maybe while she's in solitary she can release the next book?? 👀👀
November 30, 2025
The plot is there but the presentation is confusing without structure. The cast of characters could be amazing but they are bit two dimensional. There are so many opportunities to flush this out creating more dimensionality for the characters their backstories etc. The stage is there it just needs to be filled in.
September 19, 2025
I absolutely loved this! I was so intrigued about the relationships between the lines and the characters. I was not expecting everything to unfold the way it did. I am looking forward to the next one!
September 26, 2025
Enchanting rh romance
I love this author. She always delivers unique, memorable characters you can't help but root for... And pant over. I went into this book blind and was pleasantly surprised by all the twists and turns. Highly recommend.
I love this author. She always delivers unique, memorable characters you can't help but root for... And pant over. I went into this book blind and was pleasantly surprised by all the twists and turns. Highly recommend.
January 19, 2026
loved this book ❤️
this is hands down my favourite series that GMc has written … which is saying something as i have always enjoyed her writing …. great characters / great story / enough spice to keep things steaming along 😁… highly recommend 👍🏼❤️👍🏼
this is hands down my favourite series that GMc has written … which is saying something as i have always enjoyed her writing …. great characters / great story / enough spice to keep things steaming along 😁… highly recommend 👍🏼❤️👍🏼
February 1, 2026
This was great. I had to stop reading it after every part because it got repetitive but I loved it. The story was original and the story of how the rh was formed, was so originally.
I need to read book 2 now to know what happens to all of them, including the new characters.
I need to read book 2 now to know what happens to all of them, including the new characters.
October 4, 2025
Daughter of the 9th line
Refreshing read as been in slump for some time. Loved the reveal/twist at the end and excited for next instalment! 💨🐺⏳
Refreshing read as been in slump for some time. Loved the reveal/twist at the end and excited for next instalment! 💨🐺⏳
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January 7, 2026Spoilers ahead
The only con worth noting for me was Avalon failing to realize she was resetting time. So you can imagine my relief when she was told phewwww
The only con worth noting for me was Avalon failing to realize she was resetting time. So you can imagine my relief when she was told phewwww
January 17, 2026
Yes, it's a discrepancy in my rating....
I am rating the whole book 3 stars, while all the parts are only 2 stars. The extra star is for the concept and the originality!
I am rating the whole book 3 stars, while all the parts are only 2 stars. The extra star is for the concept and the originality!
February 8, 2026
convoluted and rather good
This is a twisty ride, one that takes you through unknown powers and love that shouldn’t be. I liked the characters immensely.
This is a twisty ride, one that takes you through unknown powers and love that shouldn’t be. I liked the characters immensely.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews