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Their Will Undone
A debut YA fantasy must-read for fans of The Winner’s Curse, What the River Knows, and This Woven Kingdom.
When a maiden is selected to marry the emperor, her journey to the palace will see her fighting both a spark of magical power and her growing feelings for her broody escort in this romantic fantasy duology opener, inspired by a true story from the Inca empire.
In the Amaru Empire, it’s considered an honor to be chosen for the annual harvest. But when guards stole Nina’s brother away, it devastated her family. So, when the guards returned for Nina’s sweet sister, she threw herself into their clutches instead. And Nina has spent every moment since then in the acllahuasi, a gilded cage where women are trained to become servants or wives.
When Kasik, an obedient lieutenant in Amaru’s army, is sent to the acllahuasi to retrieve the emperor’s new wife, it’s only the promise of his own command—and a chance to escape his controlling father—that forces him to accept.
Kasik has no reason to trust Nina, nor she to trust him. But, as they begin their journey, their chemistry is hard to ignore. Also hard to ignore? The tugging sensation of magic in Nina’s chest, awakening more questions than she can possibly answer as she travels with a handsome stranger to her unknown fate.
When a maiden is selected to marry the emperor, her journey to the palace will see her fighting both a spark of magical power and her growing feelings for her broody escort in this romantic fantasy duology opener, inspired by a true story from the Inca empire.
In the Amaru Empire, it’s considered an honor to be chosen for the annual harvest. But when guards stole Nina’s brother away, it devastated her family. So, when the guards returned for Nina’s sweet sister, she threw herself into their clutches instead. And Nina has spent every moment since then in the acllahuasi, a gilded cage where women are trained to become servants or wives.
When Kasik, an obedient lieutenant in Amaru’s army, is sent to the acllahuasi to retrieve the emperor’s new wife, it’s only the promise of his own command—and a chance to escape his controlling father—that forces him to accept.
Kasik has no reason to trust Nina, nor she to trust him. But, as they begin their journey, their chemistry is hard to ignore. Also hard to ignore? The tugging sensation of magic in Nina’s chest, awakening more questions than she can possibly answer as she travels with a handsome stranger to her unknown fate.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published June 2, 2026
About the author
R.J. Valldeperas
2 books196 followersRJ is a Peruvian/Venezuelan writer from Florida, where she lives with her husband, five children, three goats and nine chickens. When she’s not playing chauffeur or chef, she spends her time creating stories steeped in culture with characters who look just like her, or she’s shirking all responsibility to escape into the pages of someone else’s world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
July 16, 2026
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!
i was excited to dive into this debut for a new YA romantasy duology inspired by incan mythology, especially because i have read so few books inspired by south american mythology,
nina has been selected to marry the emperor, and she inevitably falls for the broody guard escorting her to her new husband... the plot for their will undone lowkey sounds super similar to between tides and thunder (forced proximity x bodyguard is alwaysss so fun).
this was rather repetitive at times, and felt as if we didn’t really move anywhere plotwise.
i also listened to the audiobook on libby and the narrator did a good job!
i was excited to dive into this debut for a new YA romantasy duology inspired by incan mythology, especially because i have read so few books inspired by south american mythology,
nina has been selected to marry the emperor, and she inevitably falls for the broody guard escorting her to her new husband... the plot for their will undone lowkey sounds super similar to between tides and thunder (forced proximity x bodyguard is alwaysss so fun).
this was rather repetitive at times, and felt as if we didn’t really move anywhere plotwise.
i also listened to the audiobook on libby and the narrator did a good job!
Did Not Finish
June 23, 2026DNF @ 87%
The story was really predictable. Nina volunteers herself as tribute. Nina and Kasik grow feelings for each other in like a few days on the road. Nina finds out that she's the "true chosen one." Then Nina and Kasik find out that there's a darker fate in store for her. The emperor is a tyrant. Cue the possible rumblings of a rebellion.
I liked Nina's rage and the Incan worldbuilding. But unfortunately, they weren't enough to hold my interest. The story read like your generic YA fantasy with a Chosen One living under empire. None of the characters really stood out to me.
Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for this arc.
The story was really predictable. Nina volunteers herself as tribute. Nina and Kasik grow feelings for each other in like a few days on the road. Nina finds out that she's the "true chosen one." Then Nina and Kasik find out that there's a darker fate in store for her. The emperor is a tyrant. Cue the possible rumblings of a rebellion.
I liked Nina's rage and the Incan worldbuilding. But unfortunately, they weren't enough to hold my interest. The story read like your generic YA fantasy with a Chosen One living under empire. None of the characters really stood out to me.
Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for this arc.
December 27, 2025
Their Will Undone has a rich, interesting world and magic, feminine rage, and kicking you feet and giggling romance!
I think this is a well executed YA fantasy and will wok very well for YA readers!
Whats to love…
- interesting, richly detailed world
- political machinations
- simmering feminine rage
- well executed micro tropes that’ll have you squealing!
- touch her and ☠️
- chosen one (a personal fav)
- only one (animal mode of transport)
- hand flex
What didn’t work for me…
- I think the author does a decent job showing you the world & the magic, but when it comes to emotions the book relies heavily on telling you how the characters are feeling rather than showing you how they feel. This became a bit repetitive, because even in cases where we were shown the emotions, it was followed up the exact details, telling us how we were to interpret those signals. I prefer a little less explanation and a little more faith in the reader to understand what we’re being shown. Granted this is a YA book, so a bit of hand holding is to be expected but it felt overly so at times.
| IG | TikTok |
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
I think this is a well executed YA fantasy and will wok very well for YA readers!
Whats to love…
- interesting, richly detailed world
- political machinations
- simmering feminine rage
- well executed micro tropes that’ll have you squealing!
- touch her and ☠️
- chosen one (a personal fav)
- only one (animal mode of transport)
- hand flex
What didn’t work for me…
- I think the author does a decent job showing you the world & the magic, but when it comes to emotions the book relies heavily on telling you how the characters are feeling rather than showing you how they feel. This became a bit repetitive, because even in cases where we were shown the emotions, it was followed up the exact details, telling us how we were to interpret those signals. I prefer a little less explanation and a little more faith in the reader to understand what we’re being shown. Granted this is a YA book, so a bit of hand holding is to be expected but it felt overly so at times.
| IG | TikTok |
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
Want to Read
December 30, 2023JUST ME PATIENTLY (not patiently) WAITING
June 28, 2026
I do so enjoy a good female empowerment storyline with some romantic tension and plenty of political drama thrown in !! This was an interesting blend of mystical magic in the form of inherent magic from the gods and created objects interacting with powers. I enjoyed the style of this story and found it a really easy read to fall into. Listened to this as an audio book on dual narration and really enjoyed the way the narrators brought this vivid story to life !! I normally listen at 1.5 to 2.5 and found I enjoyed this at 1.7 due to it being easier for me to follow with the lush world building and characters as well as style of the book. I was able to follow along and really absorb the style of this book through the audio and very much enjoyed it in this format.
Want to Read
January 3, 2024"the first book in a debut YA fantasy duology in which an Inca girl imprisoned in a priestess temple is summoned to the palace by an unexpected marriage proposal from the emperor, and must contend with both his infuriatingly handsome right-hand man and the dark magic growing inside her—and decide whether she'll be a bride or a weapon."
December 30, 2023
Literally just waiting with bated breath. Everyone add this to your tbr!!!!
June 7, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley, the author, the publishers and the narrators for my ALC. Narrators did a fantastic job. This is one of those stories where the audio book is absolutely perfect so you know the correct pronunciation of everything!
The story itself is a 3.5 rounded up for me.
It’s marketed as Ya and I think that fits well. The romance (insta lovish while somehow having no chemistry and I don’t even think that they liked each other at times) is what has me knocking some stars off for me personally. I think u may have loved this without any romance angle, especially since it takes such a back seat.
What I absolutely loved is the unique Incan lore! Such a different and fun read, the creatures, the myth , it was all unique and fun to read about. The world feels fleshed out and easy to understand. Interested to see where book two heads.
The story itself is a 3.5 rounded up for me.
It’s marketed as Ya and I think that fits well. The romance (insta lovish while somehow having no chemistry and I don’t even think that they liked each other at times) is what has me knocking some stars off for me personally. I think u may have loved this without any romance angle, especially since it takes such a back seat.
What I absolutely loved is the unique Incan lore! Such a different and fun read, the creatures, the myth , it was all unique and fun to read about. The world feels fleshed out and easy to understand. Interested to see where book two heads.
July 3, 2026
2.75 / 5 stars
That ending was unsatisfying as shit unless there’s a sequel but if there is a sequel I am also mad because it was marketed as a standalone and I am so tired of publishers doing that.
The story itself was fine, it just felt like pretty standard romantasy. I originally put this on my TBR because the blurb said it is inspired by a true story from the Inca empire and I’m always up for fantasy that is inspired by cultures and mythology that are rarely represented. And I did find that aspect quite refreshing and interesting.
I was gonna give this 3 or even 3.25 stars for the longest time, but I just hate that ending so much, for the aforementioned reasons, so it’s a 2.75 stars.
Tropes and such:
- romantasy inspired by a story from the Inca empire
- enemies to lovers
- warrior MMC
- kidnapping & human sacrifice
----
Thank you to HarperAudio for the ALC
That ending was unsatisfying as shit unless there’s a sequel but if there is a sequel I am also mad because it was marketed as a standalone and I am so tired of publishers doing that.
The story itself was fine, it just felt like pretty standard romantasy. I originally put this on my TBR because the blurb said it is inspired by a true story from the Inca empire and I’m always up for fantasy that is inspired by cultures and mythology that are rarely represented. And I did find that aspect quite refreshing and interesting.
I was gonna give this 3 or even 3.25 stars for the longest time, but I just hate that ending so much, for the aforementioned reasons, so it’s a 2.75 stars.
Tropes and such:
- romantasy inspired by a story from the Inca empire
- enemies to lovers
- warrior MMC
- kidnapping & human sacrifice
----
Thank you to HarperAudio for the ALC
Did Not Finish
June 11, 2026Read: June 8th - June 11th
Format: Audiobook
Rating: N/A, DNF @ 15%
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ALC in exchange for an honest review!
I really didn't want to DNF this. Love supporting BIPOC authors, and always feel guilty as an extremely white person when I DNF anything by them, but I just could not get into the story. Two hours passed of me just not caring. However!!! I think I am just incompatible with this book.
I don't do well with super-telly styles at all, and that's what this felt like. I was being told a story rather than experiencing the story, you know? And I can typically still get through those stories when they're not too long, but this is 14 hours... I don't wanna force myself through that amount of time when I KNOW the style isn't for me.
The plot itself is fine. Definitely court intrigue and mysterious magical elements sprinkled in, and it's saturated with Incan lore. You also get a FMC who obviously cares very deeply for her family and is motivated by that care while having spunk. Didn't get many vibes from the MMC, but if you like when the FMC makes the MMC see the error of the kingdom, I think that's the direction this is going.
Overall, the narrative style is so much not for me that I have no desire to continue, but others seem to really enjoy it, so if the style I mentioned doesn't bother you, definitely consider giving it a try 💞
Format: Audiobook
Rating: N/A, DNF @ 15%
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ALC in exchange for an honest review!
I really didn't want to DNF this. Love supporting BIPOC authors, and always feel guilty as an extremely white person when I DNF anything by them, but I just could not get into the story. Two hours passed of me just not caring. However!!! I think I am just incompatible with this book.
I don't do well with super-telly styles at all, and that's what this felt like. I was being told a story rather than experiencing the story, you know? And I can typically still get through those stories when they're not too long, but this is 14 hours... I don't wanna force myself through that amount of time when I KNOW the style isn't for me.
The plot itself is fine. Definitely court intrigue and mysterious magical elements sprinkled in, and it's saturated with Incan lore. You also get a FMC who obviously cares very deeply for her family and is motivated by that care while having spunk. Didn't get many vibes from the MMC, but if you like when the FMC makes the MMC see the error of the kingdom, I think that's the direction this is going.
Overall, the narrative style is so much not for me that I have no desire to continue, but others seem to really enjoy it, so if the style I mentioned doesn't bother you, definitely consider giving it a try 💞
June 25, 2026
General Thoughts:
I have always been intrigued by the mummified ice maiden found in the Incan mountains and when I heard that this story was based upon her in a roundabout way, I was super excited to read it.
I found the story to be extremely unique in almost every way. I really enjoyed our main female character. I thought she was capable, smart and determined and I loved that. RMMC was also very intriguing and interesting. I really understood his struggles and I enjoyed the way he made decisions.
The magic system in this was one of my favorites. I really thought it was unique and interesting. Being that this is the opening of a duology I cannot wait for the second book.
The book was a little slow for me in the beginning to middle. But it absolutely picked up and completely caught my attention and I could not stop listening.
Things to Love:
* inspired by the Incan empire
* Realistic and relatable characters
* Interesting magic system
* Slow burn
Things to Question:
* pacing was off for me in the middle
Was the narration good??
The female narrator, Elena Rey was amazing. She's one of my absolute favorite narrators. I enjoyed the mail narrator. This was the first time. I've listened to something by him, and I really enjoyed his tempo and how clear and concise he spoke.
Disclaimer: I read this book as a gifted audiobook from NetGalley. All opinions are my own. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I have always been intrigued by the mummified ice maiden found in the Incan mountains and when I heard that this story was based upon her in a roundabout way, I was super excited to read it.
I found the story to be extremely unique in almost every way. I really enjoyed our main female character. I thought she was capable, smart and determined and I loved that. RMMC was also very intriguing and interesting. I really understood his struggles and I enjoyed the way he made decisions.
The magic system in this was one of my favorites. I really thought it was unique and interesting. Being that this is the opening of a duology I cannot wait for the second book.
The book was a little slow for me in the beginning to middle. But it absolutely picked up and completely caught my attention and I could not stop listening.
Things to Love:
* inspired by the Incan empire
* Realistic and relatable characters
* Interesting magic system
* Slow burn
Things to Question:
* pacing was off for me in the middle
Was the narration good??
The female narrator, Elena Rey was amazing. She's one of my absolute favorite narrators. I enjoyed the mail narrator. This was the first time. I've listened to something by him, and I really enjoyed his tempo and how clear and concise he spoke.
Disclaimer: I read this book as a gifted audiobook from NetGalley. All opinions are my own. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Did Not Finish
July 14, 2026DNF for now. There's nothing wrong with this, and I'll likely return to it, but right now it just isn't clicking with my mood. We are doing everything we can rn to avoid slumpage
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
✨Stay calm and in control. Do not let them see what you love. It is the only power that matters, and you are its only master✨
✨How strange it was to have the power to choose, and what a privilege✨
✨If I am a monster for protecting them. Then so be it. ✨
✨They couldn’t be friends, but he didn’t want to be her enemy ✨
✨No longer was she a forgotten nobody. No longer could she claim ignorance ✨
~
📖Summary:
Inspired by a true story from the Inca Empire, this debut YA fantasy duology opener will appeal to fans of The Winner’s Curse, What the River Knows, and This Woven Kingdom. When Nina volunteers to take her sister’s place as a chosen bride for Amaru’s god-favored emperor, she is taken from the acllahuasi and escorted to the capital by Kasik, the emperor’s loyal soldier. Their perilous journey through hostile lands ignites mistrust, forbidden attraction, and awakens a dark, divine magic within Nina that ties her to the gods themselves. As duty and desire collide, Nina and Kasik must choose between loyalty to the emperor and the fate of their people—or the pull of their own hearts.
🖊️💞My thoughts:
Now this—THIS—is a debut novel. Wow. Just… WOW. The world-building and cultural depth are nothing short of phenomenal, and R.J. masterfully pulls you into the story from the very first page. NOT A SINGLE MOMENT DRAGS—I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, completely consumed, like I was watching a high-stakes telenovela unfold. Every chapter raises the bar with nonstop action, suspense, mystery, and absolutely addictive political drama. The story is immersive without ever being confusing, flowing seamlessly and effortlessly. From the moment you open the book, you’re transported to another world—and there’s no chance to breathe. It’s exhilarating, unputdownable, and impossible to forget.
~
THE TWO MCs? I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THEM.
They are rich, layered, and unforgettable characters. Nina’s character development was handled beautifully- watching her grow into her strength felt earned and deeply satisfying. And Kamayuq—KASIK—oh my goodness!! THIS MAN. Seeing him come into his own was everything; I was rooting for him every. single. time. Dare I say it… Cyrus-level YEARNING. Yes, I said it. He became a new favorite almost instantly. My heart ached for him, for the impossible choices he had to make and the weight of loyalty he carried. He’s complicated, captivating, honorable—and devastatingly human (and let’s be real; it doesn’t hurt that he’s gorgeous). What makes them unforgettable is that both Nina and Kasik are loyal; both are desperately trying to do the right thing, and the reader is left rooting for both. You see every side, feel every conflict, and end up wrestling with their choices right alongside them. It’s emotional, powerful, and utterly consuming.
~
THE DIALOGUE AND TENSION BETWEEN THESE TWO?!
I could write a PhD dissertation on it and still not do it justice. OH. MY. GOSH. There was literally a moment where I had to shut the book, stare at the wall, and question my entire life because my brain couldn’t cope. INSANE. Their chemistry? Masterclass. Chef’s kiss. Hotter than the sun on a Texas summer day. I am not saying I fangirled uncontrollably… but my neighbors may have called the cops. Mark my words peeps: this is going to be one of the top debut fantasy novels of the year. Come June 2nd, if you don’t have this on your TBR, do you even like fantasy? I was genuinely heartbroken when it ended, like “where do I go from here?”. And Ms. R.J. Valldeperas, please accept my eternal loyalty & all pre-orders from now on — because I am counting the days until book two. Te amooo!
~
Huge thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Children's Books & R.J. Valldeperas for the ARC I am beyond grateful for the opportunity 💌.
All opinions are my own. Stay blessed, everyone!
✨How strange it was to have the power to choose, and what a privilege✨
✨If I am a monster for protecting them. Then so be it. ✨
✨They couldn’t be friends, but he didn’t want to be her enemy ✨
✨No longer was she a forgotten nobody. No longer could she claim ignorance ✨
~
📖Summary:
Inspired by a true story from the Inca Empire, this debut YA fantasy duology opener will appeal to fans of The Winner’s Curse, What the River Knows, and This Woven Kingdom. When Nina volunteers to take her sister’s place as a chosen bride for Amaru’s god-favored emperor, she is taken from the acllahuasi and escorted to the capital by Kasik, the emperor’s loyal soldier. Their perilous journey through hostile lands ignites mistrust, forbidden attraction, and awakens a dark, divine magic within Nina that ties her to the gods themselves. As duty and desire collide, Nina and Kasik must choose between loyalty to the emperor and the fate of their people—or the pull of their own hearts.
🖊️💞My thoughts:
Now this—THIS—is a debut novel. Wow. Just… WOW. The world-building and cultural depth are nothing short of phenomenal, and R.J. masterfully pulls you into the story from the very first page. NOT A SINGLE MOMENT DRAGS—I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, completely consumed, like I was watching a high-stakes telenovela unfold. Every chapter raises the bar with nonstop action, suspense, mystery, and absolutely addictive political drama. The story is immersive without ever being confusing, flowing seamlessly and effortlessly. From the moment you open the book, you’re transported to another world—and there’s no chance to breathe. It’s exhilarating, unputdownable, and impossible to forget.
~
THE TWO MCs? I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THEM.
They are rich, layered, and unforgettable characters. Nina’s character development was handled beautifully- watching her grow into her strength felt earned and deeply satisfying. And Kamayuq—KASIK—oh my goodness!! THIS MAN. Seeing him come into his own was everything; I was rooting for him every. single. time. Dare I say it… Cyrus-level YEARNING. Yes, I said it. He became a new favorite almost instantly. My heart ached for him, for the impossible choices he had to make and the weight of loyalty he carried. He’s complicated, captivating, honorable—and devastatingly human (and let’s be real; it doesn’t hurt that he’s gorgeous). What makes them unforgettable is that both Nina and Kasik are loyal; both are desperately trying to do the right thing, and the reader is left rooting for both. You see every side, feel every conflict, and end up wrestling with their choices right alongside them. It’s emotional, powerful, and utterly consuming.
~
THE DIALOGUE AND TENSION BETWEEN THESE TWO?!
I could write a PhD dissertation on it and still not do it justice. OH. MY. GOSH. There was literally a moment where I had to shut the book, stare at the wall, and question my entire life because my brain couldn’t cope. INSANE. Their chemistry? Masterclass. Chef’s kiss. Hotter than the sun on a Texas summer day. I am not saying I fangirled uncontrollably… but my neighbors may have called the cops. Mark my words peeps: this is going to be one of the top debut fantasy novels of the year. Come June 2nd, if you don’t have this on your TBR, do you even like fantasy? I was genuinely heartbroken when it ended, like “where do I go from here?”. And Ms. R.J. Valldeperas, please accept my eternal loyalty & all pre-orders from now on — because I am counting the days until book two. Te amooo!
~
Huge thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Children's Books & R.J. Valldeperas for the ARC I am beyond grateful for the opportunity 💌.
All opinions are my own. Stay blessed, everyone!
November 13, 2025
Oh, this was absolutely incredible. It's everything that a YA fantasy should be, and the perfect mix of both anger and love. There is such a rich world, with such rich characters. It's utterly spectacular.
May 12, 2026
Their Will Undone Book Review
2 stars
“A righteous man is a dangerous man.”
First off, I’d like to thank NetGalley for the ARC!
Their Will Undone was my first Inca-inspired fantasy, and I’ll admit that aspect immediately caught my attention. You rarely see stories pulling from Incan culture and mythology, so I appreciated the fresh inspiration behind the worldbuilding. The creatures were also one of the highlights for me, especially the achipuma. I’m still not entirely sure how I picture one in my head, but I do know I wanted more of them. The writing itself flowed nicely for the most part as well, even if it occasionally became repetitive.
Unfortunately, the rest of the story didn’t work very well for me.
The biggest issue was the romance. It felt incredibly rushed and underdeveloped, reading more like insta-love disguised as enemies-to-lovers. Nina and Kasik are already drawn to each other almost immediately, despite still constantly arguing and barely knowing one another. Their emotional connection never felt believable to me, so instead of rooting for them, I was mostly confused by how quickly their feelings escalated. I personally prefer a slower burn romance where the chemistry and trust build naturally over time, and this relationship just didn’t have that development.
I also struggled with the characterization, particularly Nina. She came across as overly naive and too quick to give in to others, which made it difficult for me to connect with her role as the chosen heroine. The story repeatedly tells us she’s special and powerful, yet I never truly felt that through her actions. Her powers didn’t feel especially unique or impactful, and because of that, I found myself questioning why the gods had chosen her in the first place. A lot of the cast unfortunately felt similarly forgettable, and I never became emotionally invested in them.
Kasik frustrated me as well. At times he felt extremely hypocritical and narrow-minded, which made him difficult to sympathize with. His actions and reactions often felt contradictory, and instead of adding complexity to his character, it mostly left me irritated.
The pacing also made the story difficult to stay invested in. It moves very slowly in places, and I found my attention drifting multiple times throughout the book. While the Inca-inspired setting helped the story stand out somewhat, the overall plot still felt fairly familiar and cliché to me, without enough originality in the characters or relationships to make it memorable.
Overall, while I appreciated the cultural inspiration and some of the creature lore, Their Will Undone ultimately wasn’t the right fit for me. However, this was just my personal experience, and I can still see other readers enjoying it far more than I did—especially those who enjoy fast-moving romances and fantasy worlds inspired by lesser-seen mythologies.
2 stars
“A righteous man is a dangerous man.”
First off, I’d like to thank NetGalley for the ARC!
Their Will Undone was my first Inca-inspired fantasy, and I’ll admit that aspect immediately caught my attention. You rarely see stories pulling from Incan culture and mythology, so I appreciated the fresh inspiration behind the worldbuilding. The creatures were also one of the highlights for me, especially the achipuma. I’m still not entirely sure how I picture one in my head, but I do know I wanted more of them. The writing itself flowed nicely for the most part as well, even if it occasionally became repetitive.
Unfortunately, the rest of the story didn’t work very well for me.
The biggest issue was the romance. It felt incredibly rushed and underdeveloped, reading more like insta-love disguised as enemies-to-lovers. Nina and Kasik are already drawn to each other almost immediately, despite still constantly arguing and barely knowing one another. Their emotional connection never felt believable to me, so instead of rooting for them, I was mostly confused by how quickly their feelings escalated. I personally prefer a slower burn romance where the chemistry and trust build naturally over time, and this relationship just didn’t have that development.
I also struggled with the characterization, particularly Nina. She came across as overly naive and too quick to give in to others, which made it difficult for me to connect with her role as the chosen heroine. The story repeatedly tells us she’s special and powerful, yet I never truly felt that through her actions. Her powers didn’t feel especially unique or impactful, and because of that, I found myself questioning why the gods had chosen her in the first place. A lot of the cast unfortunately felt similarly forgettable, and I never became emotionally invested in them.
Kasik frustrated me as well. At times he felt extremely hypocritical and narrow-minded, which made him difficult to sympathize with. His actions and reactions often felt contradictory, and instead of adding complexity to his character, it mostly left me irritated.
The pacing also made the story difficult to stay invested in. It moves very slowly in places, and I found my attention drifting multiple times throughout the book. While the Inca-inspired setting helped the story stand out somewhat, the overall plot still felt fairly familiar and cliché to me, without enough originality in the characters or relationships to make it memorable.
Overall, while I appreciated the cultural inspiration and some of the creature lore, Their Will Undone ultimately wasn’t the right fit for me. However, this was just my personal experience, and I can still see other readers enjoying it far more than I did—especially those who enjoy fast-moving romances and fantasy worlds inspired by lesser-seen mythologies.
May 27, 2026
3.5
I want to start off saying this book is being marketed for a YA audience and I do think it is appropriate for that audience. I also want to say that these are my personal viewpoints of the book and are not to take away from anyone else's experience.
For me this book was just okay. As we all know there is no such thing as an unoriginal story anymore and that what really brings life to these stories are the way the author tells them with the setting and the characters. While I know this story is supposed to take inspiration from Inca mythology I will say that this is a storyline we have seen with a girl kidnapped by a powerful man to be married but there is something different about her which is why she is chosen and is filled with rage and helplessness due to having no say over her life. I have no issue with this framework of a story. While I know it is tied to a culture's mythology it is not an uncommon theme what brings stories to life and engages readers like myself in these types of stories is the new culture that I am being exposed to through the author's writings as well as the characters and their interactions like I said. The issue with me is that while there are elements and passages that are derived from this community it felt like a light sprinkling rather than being drenched in it if that makes sense. Sometimes I felt like certain passages were missed opportunities to highlight those elements that the scenes were instead so common they could have fit into any culture's mythology/story. Now we do get a lot more of a presence towards the end and the end of this book is what I enjoyed more bc of those elements but it was a little too late for me and this book just felt too generic with nothing to make it stand out to save the book as a whole for me.
That includes the characters who for me have little to no chemistry with one part being it was so rushed. Like Kasik shows up where Nina has been held where she was drugged and abused and he does kill someone who beat on her and she is just immediately enamored with him to where she follows him even though she knows he is there to take her to the emperor to be married against her will. She doesn't fight or tries to escape and even barely fights with him other than to remind him that this is against her will. Even as a dark romance reader this instant giving in just bc a man killed for you was unbelievable. Then there was the fact the MMC Kasik was just so blah for me. This is a man with serious daddy issues that only cares about his oath of loyalty to the emperor bc he is chosen by the Gods even though he saw this emperor murder his older brother over the body of his dying or newly dead father can't remember that small detail. This is the man he follows unquestioningly all bc he wants to prove to his father that he is worth something and that it is an honor to follow and do the bidding of the emperor even taking this girl against her will to be married against her will be he wants it.
There were a couple other small things for me as well, but these were the two big ones with a lackluster romance and nothing standing out from the story. I was really excited for it and maybe this book will work for someone else, but it was just not the book for me as a whole but again I think the last 20% were the most enjoyable of the book for me. This book also ends on a cliff hanger and doesn't have a happily ever after for now and how it ends makes me question if they can even have that so I would downgrade this from a romance to a love story bc I am really unsure if there will even be an HEA in the future but that is just my feelings/thoughts and is not based in any facts about the series and how it ends.
----
This book is about Nina who was just a simple girl who never dreamed much outside her village. But then men of the emperor showed up ahead of schedule of the annual harvest where their paid tithes of not just their harvest but also sons are taken for the arm and some daughters are as well to be trained as wives for high powered nobles. When they showed up Nina to save her sisters volunteers herself if they are left behind. So, the men take her not realizing that the reason they were there was for her. She is then thrown in a gilded cage where she is to be broken into the perfect wives. But before the "training" can really begin a lieutenant named Kasik shows up to take her to the capital because she has been chosen to be the emperor's next wife something she really doesn't want. Now for Kasik he wants nothing more than to complete the mission, earn his own command, and prove his worth to his father. But Nina is not what he expected. And as they travel together, their wary partnership is complicated by a dangerous attraction and by the awakening power pulsing beneath Nina’s skin. A power the empire would kill to control.
I received this as an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I want to start off saying this book is being marketed for a YA audience and I do think it is appropriate for that audience. I also want to say that these are my personal viewpoints of the book and are not to take away from anyone else's experience.
For me this book was just okay. As we all know there is no such thing as an unoriginal story anymore and that what really brings life to these stories are the way the author tells them with the setting and the characters. While I know this story is supposed to take inspiration from Inca mythology I will say that this is a storyline we have seen with a girl kidnapped by a powerful man to be married but there is something different about her which is why she is chosen and is filled with rage and helplessness due to having no say over her life. I have no issue with this framework of a story. While I know it is tied to a culture's mythology it is not an uncommon theme what brings stories to life and engages readers like myself in these types of stories is the new culture that I am being exposed to through the author's writings as well as the characters and their interactions like I said. The issue with me is that while there are elements and passages that are derived from this community it felt like a light sprinkling rather than being drenched in it if that makes sense. Sometimes I felt like certain passages were missed opportunities to highlight those elements that the scenes were instead so common they could have fit into any culture's mythology/story. Now we do get a lot more of a presence towards the end and the end of this book is what I enjoyed more bc of those elements but it was a little too late for me and this book just felt too generic with nothing to make it stand out to save the book as a whole for me.
That includes the characters who for me have little to no chemistry with one part being it was so rushed. Like Kasik shows up where Nina has been held where she was drugged and abused and he does kill someone who beat on her and she is just immediately enamored with him to where she follows him even though she knows he is there to take her to the emperor to be married against her will. She doesn't fight or tries to escape and even barely fights with him other than to remind him that this is against her will. Even as a dark romance reader this instant giving in just bc a man killed for you was unbelievable. Then there was the fact the MMC Kasik was just so blah for me. This is a man with serious daddy issues that only cares about his oath of loyalty to the emperor bc he is chosen by the Gods even though he saw this emperor murder his older brother over the body of his dying or newly dead father can't remember that small detail. This is the man he follows unquestioningly all bc he wants to prove to his father that he is worth something and that it is an honor to follow and do the bidding of the emperor even taking this girl against her will to be married against her will be he wants it.
There were a couple other small things for me as well, but these were the two big ones with a lackluster romance and nothing standing out from the story. I was really excited for it and maybe this book will work for someone else, but it was just not the book for me as a whole but again I think the last 20% were the most enjoyable of the book for me. This book also ends on a cliff hanger and doesn't have a happily ever after for now and how it ends makes me question if they can even have that so I would downgrade this from a romance to a love story bc I am really unsure if there will even be an HEA in the future but that is just my feelings/thoughts and is not based in any facts about the series and how it ends.
----
This book is about Nina who was just a simple girl who never dreamed much outside her village. But then men of the emperor showed up ahead of schedule of the annual harvest where their paid tithes of not just their harvest but also sons are taken for the arm and some daughters are as well to be trained as wives for high powered nobles. When they showed up Nina to save her sisters volunteers herself if they are left behind. So, the men take her not realizing that the reason they were there was for her. She is then thrown in a gilded cage where she is to be broken into the perfect wives. But before the "training" can really begin a lieutenant named Kasik shows up to take her to the capital because she has been chosen to be the emperor's next wife something she really doesn't want. Now for Kasik he wants nothing more than to complete the mission, earn his own command, and prove his worth to his father. But Nina is not what he expected. And as they travel together, their wary partnership is complicated by a dangerous attraction and by the awakening power pulsing beneath Nina’s skin. A power the empire would kill to control.
I received this as an arc in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2026
I enjoyed this Inca-inspired YA. It was an interesting world, but the plot was predictable and the romance needed more depth. It ends on a cliffhanger, and I’m not sure I’ll rush to the next book, but it was entertaining.
3.75⭐️
3.75⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*Disclaimer:* A digital ARC of this book was provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I had high hopes for Their Will Undone after following its author R.J. Valldeperas on Instagram for ages, but unfortunately I was disappointed. While the writing itself was fine (I’m likely to pick up new work from Valldeperas in the future!), there were three things that repeatedly took me out of the story that I just could not look past.
I am going to spoiler tag the bulk of my review, since I am reviewing so far ahead of release. I don't think that the points below are truly spoilers, but I want readers to be able to go in without any preconceived ideas if possible!
Between the timeline, the insta-lust, and the inconsistent motivations, I never settled into this book. I found myself frustrated with the characters more than rooting for them. Really bummed to be giving this such a low rating, but I think this needed some more time in the developmental stage before release to iron out some of the issues re: pacing and character work. That said, I think this will absolutely find its fans in the romantasy space, especially among fans of The Jasad Heir which has similar pacing/female rage.
I had high hopes for Their Will Undone after following its author R.J. Valldeperas on Instagram for ages, but unfortunately I was disappointed. While the writing itself was fine (I’m likely to pick up new work from Valldeperas in the future!), there were three things that repeatedly took me out of the story that I just could not look past.
I am going to spoiler tag the bulk of my review, since I am reviewing so far ahead of release. I don't think that the points below are truly spoilers, but I want readers to be able to go in without any preconceived ideas if possible!
Between the timeline, the insta-lust, and the inconsistent motivations, I never settled into this book. I found myself frustrated with the characters more than rooting for them. Really bummed to be giving this such a low rating, but I think this needed some more time in the developmental stage before release to iron out some of the issues re: pacing and character work. That said, I think this will absolutely find its fans in the romantasy space, especially among fans of The Jasad Heir which has similar pacing/female rage.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed the way the author weaved this story together with a cultural integration that really made it feel quite unique! The book itself is very well written, especially for a YA.
I do think the relationship part of the book could have used some work. It felt a bit stilted, and some of their behaviors were a bit infuriating to me. I also really, realllllly disliked the ending. It made it quite clear that this book is not a standalone, but I really don't like how it ends.
All that said, I did enjoy reading it and found it to be engaging and an interesting read.
Thank you to HarperCollins and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced reader's copy. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a review.
I do think the relationship part of the book could have used some work. It felt a bit stilted, and some of their behaviors were a bit infuriating to me. I also really, realllllly disliked the ending. It made it quite clear that this book is not a standalone, but I really don't like how it ends.
All that said, I did enjoy reading it and found it to be engaging and an interesting read.
Thank you to HarperCollins and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced reader's copy. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a review.
Want to Read
December 26, 2024I see Inca I add to tbr
June 2, 2026
Thank you HarperCollins Canada for the physical ARC!
I had really high hopes for this book mainly cuz it said that it was for fans of This Woven Kingdom and if you know me, you know that TWK is my LIFE!!! So I thought I was gonna go into a book that will have a MMC that is just as down bad as Cyrus or a story line that would keep me in a chokehold. Kinda was disappointed 🫤
In the beginning, I was enjoying this book. The first chapter drew me right in and I was having a fun time reading. I’m so glad there was a glossary because I kept on forgetting what some of the words meant so I was constantly just referring to it. I think it was around the 45% to 50% mark where it just started to lose me. I just wasn’t really into the story anymore. I did finish it because I wanted to know what would happen at the end of their journey and once they finally came face to face with the emperor. I kinda predicted some stuff that happened so I wasn’t too surprised with what happened at the end.
I feel like the main thing that disappointed me was the romance aspect. Like I didn’t really FEEL it between them as I was reading. Like yea you could tell that he wanted her but was conflicted between his duty to the emperor and his feelings for her but it just felt like I was just reading it. Thats it. I couldn’t really FEEL it.
Honestly I think it was just me going in with high expectations thinking this would be similar to TWK and it wasn’t so that’s why I couldn’t enjoy it much.
I had really high hopes for this book mainly cuz it said that it was for fans of This Woven Kingdom and if you know me, you know that TWK is my LIFE!!! So I thought I was gonna go into a book that will have a MMC that is just as down bad as Cyrus or a story line that would keep me in a chokehold. Kinda was disappointed 🫤
In the beginning, I was enjoying this book. The first chapter drew me right in and I was having a fun time reading. I’m so glad there was a glossary because I kept on forgetting what some of the words meant so I was constantly just referring to it. I think it was around the 45% to 50% mark where it just started to lose me. I just wasn’t really into the story anymore. I did finish it because I wanted to know what would happen at the end of their journey and once they finally came face to face with the emperor. I kinda predicted some stuff that happened so I wasn’t too surprised with what happened at the end.
I feel like the main thing that disappointed me was the romance aspect. Like I didn’t really FEEL it between them as I was reading. Like yea you could tell that he wanted her but was conflicted between his duty to the emperor and his feelings for her but it just felt like I was just reading it. Thats it. I couldn’t really FEEL it.
Honestly I think it was just me going in with high expectations thinking this would be similar to TWK and it wasn’t so that’s why I couldn’t enjoy it much.
April 21, 2026
I really really enjoyed this YA “coming of rage” fantasy.
This is a book I’ve been super excited to read, and it didn’t disappoint. The story follows Nina as she gets kidnapped by the emperor’s men, and Kasik, a loyal soldier who has been sent to collect Nina and bring her to the emperor as his new wife.
Nina and Kasik go on a journey through the forest where they start to develop feelings for each other.
The romance really took a back seat for me with this one. I was too busy wrapped into the Incan lore, and this book is rich with it. RJ Valldeperas created such a beautiful world with so much culture and color. It was expected for a YA fantasy - I just wasn’t excepting the depths to the world we were experiencing.
My real issue with the story is that I wanted a little more. A lot of big plot points lack in build-up and therefor don’t feel as tense or as monumental as they should - and I think it’s because a lot of things are happening and progressing off-page. I do think it’s the nature of the book being YA…we spend a lot of time reading about Nina’s rage, and Kasik’s inner turmoil, when we can spend that time building more of a foundation in the story or helping build a bit more tension.
Overall, I was really impressed with this one! Super excited to read RJV’s adult debut this fall and excited to see where the rest of the story goes.
This is a book I’ve been super excited to read, and it didn’t disappoint. The story follows Nina as she gets kidnapped by the emperor’s men, and Kasik, a loyal soldier who has been sent to collect Nina and bring her to the emperor as his new wife.
Nina and Kasik go on a journey through the forest where they start to develop feelings for each other.
The romance really took a back seat for me with this one. I was too busy wrapped into the Incan lore, and this book is rich with it. RJ Valldeperas created such a beautiful world with so much culture and color. It was expected for a YA fantasy - I just wasn’t excepting the depths to the world we were experiencing.
My real issue with the story is that I wanted a little more. A lot of big plot points lack in build-up and therefor don’t feel as tense or as monumental as they should - and I think it’s because a lot of things are happening and progressing off-page. I do think it’s the nature of the book being YA…we spend a lot of time reading about Nina’s rage, and Kasik’s inner turmoil, when we can spend that time building more of a foundation in the story or helping build a bit more tension.
Overall, I was really impressed with this one! Super excited to read RJV’s adult debut this fall and excited to see where the rest of the story goes.
June 13, 2026
Thank you Harper Collins and Netgalley for sending me a copy of this audiobook! All opinions are my own!
This was such a strong debut and such a powerful opener to a duology, and I cannot wait to see where this story is headed!
Full of Incan folklore, this is a coming-of-(r)age like you've never seen it done before. I adored the worldbuilding in this book and found that learning about the world was what drew me in at first. And then Nina and Kasik kept me hooked and coming back for more and more! The journey that Nina goes on is such a powerful one in so many ways, and I can't wait to see what her development from this book leads her to in the next one.
You're not going to want to miss out on it!
This was such a strong debut and such a powerful opener to a duology, and I cannot wait to see where this story is headed!
Full of Incan folklore, this is a coming-of-(r)age like you've never seen it done before. I adored the worldbuilding in this book and found that learning about the world was what drew me in at first. And then Nina and Kasik kept me hooked and coming back for more and more! The journey that Nina goes on is such a powerful one in so many ways, and I can't wait to see what her development from this book leads her to in the next one.
You're not going to want to miss out on it!
June 26, 2026
This was an interesting and solid YA fantasy debut! It had plenty of unique elements (I don’t see a lot of YA fantasy taking place in South America), but also plenty of tropes and details that YA fantasy fans will love. I liked Nina and the magic she discovers that she has, and I really liked Kasik. If you love protective MMCs with “who did this to you” and “touch her and die” energy, you’ll like him, too. I really enjoyed the parts of the story where they were trekking through the jungle, but once they got to the emperor’s palace, it did seem to slow down a bit and not be as exciting. I also kind of wish I hadn’t listened to the audiobook. The narrators were great! But I got lost in some of the world building, especially when so many terms and names were not in English. Overall, I liked this story and am interested to see what happens next!
Content Notes: No spice and no language that I can remember. Trigger warning for violence, killing, attempted SA, unhealthy familial relationships, and deaths of family members.
Thank you to Harper Collins Children’s Books, HarperAudio Children’s, and NetGalley for sending me an ARC of this book! All thoughts and opinions above are my own.
Content Notes: No spice and no language that I can remember. Trigger warning for violence, killing, attempted SA, unhealthy familial relationships, and deaths of family members.
Thank you to Harper Collins Children’s Books, HarperAudio Children’s, and NetGalley for sending me an ARC of this book! All thoughts and opinions above are my own.
June 24, 2026
Thank you HarperCollins for the gifted copy and LibroFM for the audiobook.
SAVED BY THE SECOND HALF.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
🎧 The audiobook was good. I liked the narrator. This was dual POV though so I would have loved it had been dual narrators too. Luckily it was fairly easy to tell the POV’s apart.
This book started off iffy for me when I clocked into the insta-attraction/love. I’m someone who pretty much only ever wants a slow burn and I was confused by the supposed chemistry between Kasik and Nina when they are by all accounts, enemies. Luckily this connection started to disperse as conflict arose and different scenarios actually brought some needed stressors. I’m more endeared now to the story after the second half and I think it’s much better set up for the sequel.
I did enjoy the main characters and the different perspectives they come from. There’s a good battle of wills and understanding that all the information before them is not actually all of the answers. I liked the complicated political dynamics and trying to find the right answer for all involved. The feminine rage doesn’t overwhelm the story and added an edge that I was here for.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy Romance
- Language: mild
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: moderate
SAVED BY THE SECOND HALF.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
🎧 The audiobook was good. I liked the narrator. This was dual POV though so I would have loved it had been dual narrators too. Luckily it was fairly easy to tell the POV’s apart.
This book started off iffy for me when I clocked into the insta-attraction/love. I’m someone who pretty much only ever wants a slow burn and I was confused by the supposed chemistry between Kasik and Nina when they are by all accounts, enemies. Luckily this connection started to disperse as conflict arose and different scenarios actually brought some needed stressors. I’m more endeared now to the story after the second half and I think it’s much better set up for the sequel.
I did enjoy the main characters and the different perspectives they come from. There’s a good battle of wills and understanding that all the information before them is not actually all of the answers. I liked the complicated political dynamics and trying to find the right answer for all involved. The feminine rage doesn’t overwhelm the story and added an edge that I was here for.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy Romance
- Language: mild
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: moderate
June 15, 2026
it just felt very rushed and underwhelming
July 14, 2026
3 stars
Their Will Undone follows a young woman who is taken from her home because she has been chosen to become the emperor's wive and the man who is sent to retrieve her. The distrust between them is clear but they must work together when their journey to the capital gets dangerous.
The world this story is set in is what initially drew me to this book, the blurb says it's inspired by a true story from the Inca empire. The world did not disappoint, it is extremely interesting and I always love to read fantasy books based around different cultures, I did however wish that we had gotten more from it. The magic system is also interesting and I like how it was revealed slowly throughout the book. I did like the main characters but I didn't feel any connection to them, they felt rather surface level and their connection grew too quickly and unrealistically in my opinion, given their initial relationship.
Even though the world and magic system is interesting, that isn't enough to make the story. This book is slow paced, with very sudden and quick plot twists or action scenes. It took me a long time to get into this story and then it suddenly moves very quickly at the end. The pacing and writing was just not working for me. When I picked up this book I believed it was a standalone, but I see it is now being sold as a duology. That does make more sense given how it ended, but believing it was a standalone that ending was absolutely ridiculous, I don't think I have ever been more let down by an ending as in this book. At least it shocked me and I did not see it coming, but I did not like how it ended.
For me, this book is just okay and is unfortunately easily forgettable, I honestly don't even remember it enough to write a more detailed review, since it has been a few weeks since I finished it. I can not say that I was highly entertained reading this book, but I was not bored either. It just didn't really leave much behind.
Thank you HarperCollins and Netgalley for the arc copy which i received in exchange for an honest review.
Their Will Undone follows a young woman who is taken from her home because she has been chosen to become the emperor's wive and the man who is sent to retrieve her. The distrust between them is clear but they must work together when their journey to the capital gets dangerous.
The world this story is set in is what initially drew me to this book, the blurb says it's inspired by a true story from the Inca empire. The world did not disappoint, it is extremely interesting and I always love to read fantasy books based around different cultures, I did however wish that we had gotten more from it. The magic system is also interesting and I like how it was revealed slowly throughout the book. I did like the main characters but I didn't feel any connection to them, they felt rather surface level and their connection grew too quickly and unrealistically in my opinion, given their initial relationship.
Even though the world and magic system is interesting, that isn't enough to make the story. This book is slow paced, with very sudden and quick plot twists or action scenes. It took me a long time to get into this story and then it suddenly moves very quickly at the end. The pacing and writing was just not working for me. When I picked up this book I believed it was a standalone, but I see it is now being sold as a duology. That does make more sense given how it ended, but believing it was a standalone that ending was absolutely ridiculous, I don't think I have ever been more let down by an ending as in this book. At least it shocked me and I did not see it coming, but I did not like how it ended.
For me, this book is just okay and is unfortunately easily forgettable, I honestly don't even remember it enough to write a more detailed review, since it has been a few weeks since I finished it. I can not say that I was highly entertained reading this book, but I was not bored either. It just didn't really leave much behind.
Thank you HarperCollins and Netgalley for the arc copy which i received in exchange for an honest review.
June 11, 2026
I recently learned about a new author, R.J. Valldeperas, whose books draw from her Peruvian and Venezuelan heritage. I’m currently in Lima, my husband’s home city, and have been craving more books set in and around Peru. I first heard of her upcoming adult fantasy… but then saw she also had a YA fantasy coming even sooner: Their Will Undone. It just came out last week and kicks off a duology inspired by the Inca empire.
Nina has just been chosen to be the emperor’s new bride, his second wife. The emperor sends Kasik to personally escort her to him. On their journey, Nina and Kasik start to form a close bond, but they also learn surprising truths about themselves along the way. By the time they’ve reached the emperor, they both have plans for what to do next… but it’s unclear how they can continue to be in each other’s lives afterwards.
What I Liked:
- Incan and Andean culture. Since meeting my husband, and especially since arriving in Peru, I’ve been curious to read more books set here and inspired by local history and culture. Their Will Undone fully delivers in this aspect. The book started from a real historical event over 500s years ago, the Children of Llullaillaco (in the Andes on the Chile-Argentina border). I love how the author weaves in the characters’ differing views on their shared history, the role of the gods, and what is possible in their present day.
- The chosen one, political unrest, and rebellion. The chosen one trope is common in fantasy, and not usually my favorite, but it’s done well here. Nina is just learning how to wield her power, but she has a long way to go still. I appreciate that, instead of finding the weight of the world on her shoulders, Nina’s goals remain focused on her family’s well-being. It feels more realistic. Nina and Kasik are both incredibly loyal, though sometimes they need to reevaluate who is deserving of that loyalty.
- Feminine rage and power. Nina and another character, the empress, show the beginnings of feminine power. Men may underestimate them, but they both have goals and the ability to achieve them. A lot is set up here for the second book.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
- It’s a lot to take in. This book introduces many themes and plot points, and it sometimes felt a bit too crowded. It could have benefited from some streamlining in the first half, or perhaps a longer page count. It settles more in the latter half, though, while leaving plenty of room to expand in the next book of the series.
Audiobook:
Elena Rey and Christian Barillas narrate as Nina and Kasik, respectively. Both do a great job in capturing their characters, including the pronunciation of words drawn from the Quechua language and other Andean names. This was an engrossing listen.
Final Thoughts
Their Will Undone is an absorbing fantasy perfect for anyone interested in Incan history and culture, political intrigue, and a forbidden romance. It has quite the ending, and I’m eager for the second book in this duology. While we wait for that, though, I’m also excited to read the author’s upcoming adult fantasy, Daughter of the Dark, out this September.
Special thanks to HarperCollins, HarperAudio Children’s, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book!
* Please read my full review on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! *
Nina has just been chosen to be the emperor’s new bride, his second wife. The emperor sends Kasik to personally escort her to him. On their journey, Nina and Kasik start to form a close bond, but they also learn surprising truths about themselves along the way. By the time they’ve reached the emperor, they both have plans for what to do next… but it’s unclear how they can continue to be in each other’s lives afterwards.
What I Liked:
- Incan and Andean culture. Since meeting my husband, and especially since arriving in Peru, I’ve been curious to read more books set here and inspired by local history and culture. Their Will Undone fully delivers in this aspect. The book started from a real historical event over 500s years ago, the Children of Llullaillaco (in the Andes on the Chile-Argentina border). I love how the author weaves in the characters’ differing views on their shared history, the role of the gods, and what is possible in their present day.
- The chosen one, political unrest, and rebellion. The chosen one trope is common in fantasy, and not usually my favorite, but it’s done well here. Nina is just learning how to wield her power, but she has a long way to go still. I appreciate that, instead of finding the weight of the world on her shoulders, Nina’s goals remain focused on her family’s well-being. It feels more realistic. Nina and Kasik are both incredibly loyal, though sometimes they need to reevaluate who is deserving of that loyalty.
- Feminine rage and power. Nina and another character, the empress, show the beginnings of feminine power. Men may underestimate them, but they both have goals and the ability to achieve them. A lot is set up here for the second book.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
- It’s a lot to take in. This book introduces many themes and plot points, and it sometimes felt a bit too crowded. It could have benefited from some streamlining in the first half, or perhaps a longer page count. It settles more in the latter half, though, while leaving plenty of room to expand in the next book of the series.
Audiobook:
Elena Rey and Christian Barillas narrate as Nina and Kasik, respectively. Both do a great job in capturing their characters, including the pronunciation of words drawn from the Quechua language and other Andean names. This was an engrossing listen.
Final Thoughts
Their Will Undone is an absorbing fantasy perfect for anyone interested in Incan history and culture, political intrigue, and a forbidden romance. It has quite the ending, and I’m eager for the second book in this duology. While we wait for that, though, I’m also excited to read the author’s upcoming adult fantasy, Daughter of the Dark, out this September.
Special thanks to HarperCollins, HarperAudio Children’s, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book!
* Please read my full review on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! *
July 8, 2026
An Inca-inspired historical fantasy, Their Will Undone is another predictable "romantasy," yet by incorporating crucial colonial, social, and gender discourses, it turns it into a captivating and compelling story.
The premise of the story is one we've heard before: The female main character, Nina, volunteers in Katniss Everdeen-style as a volunteer instead of her "weak" sister. Kasik, the male main character, is sent by the tyrant of an emperor to fetch Nina and bring her to him safely. Of course they don't get along instantly, but they find themselves weirdly attracted to each other. Kasik questions his fierce loyalty to the emperor, and Nina finds out she is ✨ The Chosen One ✨. Along the way the develop feelings for each other, and after finally having arrived in the glamorous kingdom, contrary to the rest of the land because elitism, this lazy emperor, Maicu, drops a bomb of accusations, breaking their trust. In the Amaru Kancha (capital palace), there is scheming, dark court politics, and tension. How delightful. More stories about their gods reveal more secrets and bring more questions than answers.
Sounds familiar, right? Sure. HOWEVER, the way this is all executed makes it so much more than your average romantasy. I confess, the romance and plot are nothing new. The chemistry between Nina and Kasik was well done. Slow-burn, touch her/him and die, bicker and banter, forbidden romance. They have it all. It's not too spicy or smutty, so the author directs the focus on the bigger themes in this book: Inca history, feminism, religion, and gender.
I briefly want to address the depth of characters in this book. Both Nina and Kasik were amazing main characters. They are both trapped in a cage, metaphorically speaking, and the author portrayed this in two different ways through Nina and Kasik. I was really feeling for them both, and enjoyed how my feelings towards them changed too when the characters also changed. Their chemistry was alright. I have a feeling that it will be more high-stakes in the upcoming book. This first book really focused on introducing the reader to the world, which is fine because writing such a story demands time and dedication to really understand this history.
The themes in this book were my favourite part, and they are the things that made this story unique. At the end of the book, there's this glossary of terms, which was very helpfull. Oh, and at the beginning was a map! Who doesn't love a lovely map of the world? The worldbuilding was descriptively immersive. I loved the nature and the kind of hidden village, which was a bit random but a big motivator for the plot.
There's this odd push and pull between women being in power and not? It seems that women are seen as "weak, powerless, insignificant." But there are a few female characters who are more powerful than men? So, this power relation is a bit odd. But I'm not against the female range and the wisdom of women 😌
Basically, I devoured this book, simped, sat on the edge of my bed (literally), yelled at it, had the urge to throw it against a wall, sobbed, and scoffed. Oh, and of course I laughed too!
A 5-star read for me! 🌟
The premise of the story is one we've heard before: The female main character, Nina, volunteers in Katniss Everdeen-style as a volunteer instead of her "weak" sister. Kasik, the male main character, is sent by the tyrant of an emperor to fetch Nina and bring her to him safely. Of course they don't get along instantly, but they find themselves weirdly attracted to each other. Kasik questions his fierce loyalty to the emperor, and Nina finds out she is ✨ The Chosen One ✨. Along the way the develop feelings for each other, and after finally having arrived in the glamorous kingdom, contrary to the rest of the land because elitism, this lazy emperor, Maicu, drops a bomb of accusations, breaking their trust. In the Amaru Kancha (capital palace), there is scheming, dark court politics, and tension. How delightful. More stories about their gods reveal more secrets and bring more questions than answers.
Sounds familiar, right? Sure. HOWEVER, the way this is all executed makes it so much more than your average romantasy. I confess, the romance and plot are nothing new. The chemistry between Nina and Kasik was well done. Slow-burn, touch her/him and die, bicker and banter, forbidden romance. They have it all. It's not too spicy or smutty, so the author directs the focus on the bigger themes in this book: Inca history, feminism, religion, and gender.
I briefly want to address the depth of characters in this book. Both Nina and Kasik were amazing main characters. They are both trapped in a cage, metaphorically speaking, and the author portrayed this in two different ways through Nina and Kasik. I was really feeling for them both, and enjoyed how my feelings towards them changed too when the characters also changed. Their chemistry was alright. I have a feeling that it will be more high-stakes in the upcoming book. This first book really focused on introducing the reader to the world, which is fine because writing such a story demands time and dedication to really understand this history.
The themes in this book were my favourite part, and they are the things that made this story unique. At the end of the book, there's this glossary of terms, which was very helpfull. Oh, and at the beginning was a map! Who doesn't love a lovely map of the world? The worldbuilding was descriptively immersive. I loved the nature and the kind of hidden village, which was a bit random but a big motivator for the plot.
There's this odd push and pull between women being in power and not? It seems that women are seen as "weak, powerless, insignificant." But there are a few female characters who are more powerful than men? So, this power relation is a bit odd. But I'm not against the female range and the wisdom of women 😌
Basically, I devoured this book, simped, sat on the edge of my bed (literally), yelled at it, had the urge to throw it against a wall, sobbed, and scoffed. Oh, and of course I laughed too!
A 5-star read for me! 🌟
Did Not Finish
May 22, 2026As a self-proclaimed mood reader, my reading life is entirely governed by my headspace. Sometimes, a book can have an incredible premise, flawless writing, and a brilliant concept, but if the stars don't align with my current mood, the connection just won't click. That is exactly what happened with my time reading Their Will Undone by R.J. Valldeperas. I made the conscious decision to put this book aside for now—not because of any flaw in the execution, but simply because I wasn't fully connecting with the story at this exact moment.
Before diving into why I paused, I want to emphasize how fascinating the premise of this Young Adult fantasy is. The book is set in the Amaru Empire and follows Nina, a young woman fiercely dedicated to her family. After her brother is taken in the empire's annual harvest, Nina makes the ultimate sacrifice: when the guards return for her sweet sister, she volunteers to take her place instead. Placed in the *acllahuasi*—a gilded cage where women are trained to serve the ruling class—she soon discovers she has been chosen to become the wife of the emperor.
Enter Kasik, an obedient lieutenant in the emperor's army (who happens to be the emperor’s best friend). Kasik is tasked with escorting Nina back to the capital city. The two share an immediate, thick distrust, but as they navigate dangerous terrain, the forced proximity begins to spark a simmering, forbidden chemistry between them. Alongside this high-stakes romance, a dark, divine magic begins to awaken in Nina's chest, tying her to the gods and complicating their journey.
What I did read of Their Will Undone, I actually really enjoyed! Valldeperas has crafted a rich, culturally vivid world that feels entirely fresh compared to standard YA fantasy backdrops. The historical inspiration shines through beautifully, and the setup promises a masterclass in tropes I typically adore—including forced proximity, a broody protector, forbidden romance, and a heavy dose of feminine rage. The writing flows smoothly, and the author does a spectacular job building tension right out of the gate.
However, despite these fantastic elements, I just wasn't feeling properly invested. As a mood reader, I’ve learned that forcing myself through a book when I’m not in the right mindset does a massive disservice to both the author's hard work and my own reading experience. This is absolutely a case of "it's not you, it's me." There is nothing the author did wrong; the narrative simply requires a level of focused immersion that I wasn't equipped to give it at this time.
I am marking this as a "temporary DNF" because I will definitely be picking this back up in the future. The unique Incan-inspired world-building and the complex dynamic between Nina and Kasik are too promising to leave behind forever. I look forward to giving this book the full, undivided attention it deserves when the right reading mood strikes! If you love high-stakes YA romantic fantasy with unique cultural depths, don't let my pause deter you—this is definitely a book to keep on your radar.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
Before diving into why I paused, I want to emphasize how fascinating the premise of this Young Adult fantasy is. The book is set in the Amaru Empire and follows Nina, a young woman fiercely dedicated to her family. After her brother is taken in the empire's annual harvest, Nina makes the ultimate sacrifice: when the guards return for her sweet sister, she volunteers to take her place instead. Placed in the *acllahuasi*—a gilded cage where women are trained to serve the ruling class—she soon discovers she has been chosen to become the wife of the emperor.
Enter Kasik, an obedient lieutenant in the emperor's army (who happens to be the emperor’s best friend). Kasik is tasked with escorting Nina back to the capital city. The two share an immediate, thick distrust, but as they navigate dangerous terrain, the forced proximity begins to spark a simmering, forbidden chemistry between them. Alongside this high-stakes romance, a dark, divine magic begins to awaken in Nina's chest, tying her to the gods and complicating their journey.
What I did read of Their Will Undone, I actually really enjoyed! Valldeperas has crafted a rich, culturally vivid world that feels entirely fresh compared to standard YA fantasy backdrops. The historical inspiration shines through beautifully, and the setup promises a masterclass in tropes I typically adore—including forced proximity, a broody protector, forbidden romance, and a heavy dose of feminine rage. The writing flows smoothly, and the author does a spectacular job building tension right out of the gate.
However, despite these fantastic elements, I just wasn't feeling properly invested. As a mood reader, I’ve learned that forcing myself through a book when I’m not in the right mindset does a massive disservice to both the author's hard work and my own reading experience. This is absolutely a case of "it's not you, it's me." There is nothing the author did wrong; the narrative simply requires a level of focused immersion that I wasn't equipped to give it at this time.
I am marking this as a "temporary DNF" because I will definitely be picking this back up in the future. The unique Incan-inspired world-building and the complex dynamic between Nina and Kasik are too promising to leave behind forever. I look forward to giving this book the full, undivided attention it deserves when the right reading mood strikes! If you love high-stakes YA romantic fantasy with unique cultural depths, don't let my pause deter you—this is definitely a book to keep on your radar.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
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