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By the Hands of Fools

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470 pages, Paperback

Published September 6, 2025

4 people are currently reading
115 people want to read

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Grace Mathis

1 book11 followers

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5 stars
20 (83%)
4 stars
3 (12%)
3 stars
0 (0%)
2 stars
1 (4%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Profile Image for grace !!.
379 reviews8 followers
September 29, 2025
did I write the book? yes, I did! Am I going to also reccomend it to everyone around me? ALSO YES!!
Profile Image for Mahi P..
104 reviews
September 30, 2025
MY BOY CALLIX DIED BRUH WHATTTTTTT

ts was fire bro i loved Kyra and Ace they were so badass 🔥🔥🔥🔥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
106 reviews
December 4, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. The characters reminded me of the dynamic of Six of Crows, with a little bit of Powerless and Red Queen. Loved Flynn💕
Profile Image for carlene ☼.
606 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2025
In theory, I loved so so so much about this book. In actuality, literally everything fell flat in every single aspect.

First of all, I knew from two pages into Flynn and Kyra meeting each other that I wouldn’t be on board for their romance. Nothing against the writing of it, I just personally don’t enjoy the kind of enemies to lovers that has become so uber popular nowadays. You know, the kind wherein one of them goes from their heart beating fast when they look at their “enemy” on one page to wanting to physically (and usually violently) hurt them in some way on the next page. Absolutely no fault of the author here, I just hate this take on the trope in every instance that I experience it.

Secondly (most importantly,) the IDEAS of the group of the Fools, the monarchical kingdom and the usurping that is happening, the MAGIC absolutely pulled me in, in the beginning. But, herein lies my main issue with this book. That is, the absolute lack of explanations going on throughout it. It feels as though I only know the absolute surface level knowledge on everything (e.g. the place(country? City? Land?) where it’s set, the king/monarchy situation, the magic). I mean, nothing is ever is explained beyond the generic description of what happened and no further information or context being given. I don’t think it’s a crazy take to want a lot of exposition and explanation in a book, especially a fantasy book. But maybe I’m the crazy one and this is just what fantasy(/romantasy) is now…

Also, for those wondering about the content levels. There is a handful of minor swears (imo) in the form of “hell” and “damn.” In terms of the romance, there is a lot of flirting and innuendos thrown around for the majority of the book until they finally kiss (and basically make out or make eyes at each other for the remainder of the book.) Also a surprising amount of Flynn being shirtless and Kyra checking him out, which just constantly felt weird tbh….

So overall, I really had a lot of hope for this book, but that obviously fell really flat. I hope others have a great time with this book. I will immediately be passing this off to a friend that tends to like modern fantasy/romantasy books that maybe will be able to read this one without the critical lens that I inevitably have when reading. If I didn’t read everything with critical thinking skills, I think this could’ve been a fun turn-your-brain-off sort of read. But, I will never be a part of that club I fear.
6 reviews
January 14, 2026
I’ll just start this off and tell you that it’s absolutely amazing, the plot was amazing and i loved Flynn. He was funny at times but it wasn’t too much, it was just the right amount. Kyra’s character was definitely my fav (basic ik 💔) but she was just her, yk. I’ve been following Grace on instagram since early May, and seeing some of the writing process told me that i just need to read it. And i’m so glad i did because i loved it oh my gosh Im going to reread soon and annotate this time 😽
Profile Image for sloka.
1 review
January 19, 2026
This book is literally everything. The world building, the characters, the plot are so well written. I swear I couldn’t put it down.
Profile Image for Allyson Mason.
57 reviews1 follower
January 5, 2026
I liked the concept of the book! I can see it being a movie franchise honestly! kinda peter pany with the Fools. I overall enjoyed it, but something about it wasn't letting me connect all the way with any characters): im not sure what it was, but i still really enjoyed it!
3 reviews
February 20, 2026
This book was amazing, I could not put it down! 10/10 read!
Profile Image for Karsyn Rose.
2 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2025
This book was amazing and I never wanted to put it down! I’m so sad it’s over but i can’t wait for Graces next book!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews