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The Lure of Wolves and Whispers: a propulsive and dark romantasy for fans of One Dark Window
Not yet published
Expected 7 Jul 26MAGIC COMES WITH A TERRIBLE PRICE. ARE YOU WILLING TO PAY?
Years after the High King banned magic, whispers persist that a mage remembered only as the Martyr lies in hiding, waiting to lead the people into their powers once more.
For Maeve, the stories are just that, stories. But when her sister is gravely injured, she risks impalement on the dreaded Black Dock for a chance to buy the forbidden magic that could save her sister's life and trade her own to a ruthless and dangerously alluring rebel leader.
Bound to do the rebel leader's bidding, Maeve begins to suspect he knows more than he lets on. But as she probes deeper, a dark past emerges tying him to a prince who could be even more brutal than his father - and who could hold the key to whether they will live or die. With the Isle on the brink of war, trust and survival come at a terrible cost - one that will tear her world, and her heart, in two.
Years after the High King banned magic, whispers persist that a mage remembered only as the Martyr lies in hiding, waiting to lead the people into their powers once more.
For Maeve, the stories are just that, stories. But when her sister is gravely injured, she risks impalement on the dreaded Black Dock for a chance to buy the forbidden magic that could save her sister's life and trade her own to a ruthless and dangerously alluring rebel leader.
Bound to do the rebel leader's bidding, Maeve begins to suspect he knows more than he lets on. But as she probes deeper, a dark past emerges tying him to a prince who could be even more brutal than his father - and who could hold the key to whether they will live or die. With the Isle on the brink of war, trust and survival come at a terrible cost - one that will tear her world, and her heart, in two.
461 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 7, 2026
About the author
Amanda Connolly
1 book61 followersAmanda Connolly is the debut author of THE LURE OF WOLVES AND WHISPERS, the darkly addictive and propulsive first book in a new crossover romantasy/dark fantasy series launching on July 7, 2026.
She is also an award-winning Canadian political journalist and editor, and was the 2015 Canada-EU Young Journalist Fellow.
She is a dual citizen of both Canada and Ireland.
She is also an award-winning Canadian political journalist and editor, and was the 2015 Canada-EU Young Journalist Fellow.
She is a dual citizen of both Canada and Ireland.
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June 17, 2026thank you to netgalley and simon & schuster for this arc!
DNF @ 45%
sadly, i don’t feel like i can get through the rest of this book - although the concept itself is interesting to me, i am yet to feel hooked, and there are too many things irking me to make me feel like pushing through is worth it. i am finding the romance(s) to be very rushed and unbelievable, the writing feels clunky to me, the world building (particularly at the start of this book) was incredibly heavy-handed, and i just don’t feel like i have enough intrigue to keep me reading. i wish i’d loved this one!
DNF @ 45%
sadly, i don’t feel like i can get through the rest of this book - although the concept itself is interesting to me, i am yet to feel hooked, and there are too many things irking me to make me feel like pushing through is worth it. i am finding the romance(s) to be very rushed and unbelievable, the writing feels clunky to me, the world building (particularly at the start of this book) was incredibly heavy-handed, and i just don’t feel like i have enough intrigue to keep me reading. i wish i’d loved this one!
Did Not Finish
June 6, 2026DNF @ 39%
I actually expected this to have a slow start as that's what a lot of reviews mentioned but I surprisingly didn't run into that issue. If anything, it got my attention right away because of the first few chapters.
My problem is that I just don't care enough to continue. I liked Maeve in the beginning and thought she'd be an interesting character but she's lowkey annoying me now... and I know I haven't seen too much of the MMC but he's pretty boring so far. I even skimmed a bit ahead to see if there'd be anything to change my mind and it doesn't appear so. Also, this has your typical tropes which I don't mind but it reads very YA (so like why is it labeled as adult in the UK???) and it's super obvious how the end will play out in those aspects (which yes, I looked ahead to confirm and I was right), and all of this just seems boring and not worth continuing to read in my opinion. Though I definitely agree with other reviews that the writing is really good.
Disappointed but I'm sure this book will find its audience!
Thank you HarperCollins Canada for the ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I actually expected this to have a slow start as that's what a lot of reviews mentioned but I surprisingly didn't run into that issue. If anything, it got my attention right away because of the first few chapters.
My problem is that I just don't care enough to continue. I liked Maeve in the beginning and thought she'd be an interesting character but she's lowkey annoying me now... and I know I haven't seen too much of the MMC but he's pretty boring so far. I even skimmed a bit ahead to see if there'd be anything to change my mind and it doesn't appear so. Also, this has your typical tropes which I don't mind but it reads very YA (so like why is it labeled as adult in the UK???) and it's super obvious how the end will play out in those aspects (which yes, I looked ahead to confirm and I was right), and all of this just seems boring and not worth continuing to read in my opinion. Though I definitely agree with other reviews that the writing is really good.
Disappointed but I'm sure this book will find its audience!
Thank you HarperCollins Canada for the ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 2, 2026
3.25 ⭐ “Familiar, immersive, and undeniably readable, this story delivers many of the elements readers love.....yet it never quite finds the spark, twist, or revelation that would make it truly its own and impossible to forget.”
First of all, I think this is a solid debut from Amanda Connelly. It’s easy to tell that a lot of care went into the editing. The writing is immersive, the narrative flows smoothly, and overall it’s a very pleasant reading experience.
I’ve seen quite a few readers wondering whether this should be classified as YA. Between the explicit scenes, the violence, the torture, and the fact that the FMC is nineteen years old, this feels much closer to New Adult or Adult fantasy. The writing itself also feels mature enough to fit comfortably within those categories.
Thank you Netgalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for the ARC
✨ What worked for me
• The atmosphere
It took me a little while to settle into the atmosphere because the opening felt almost too familiar. During the first 20–30% of the book, I couldn’t shake the feeling of déjà vu, as many of the elements seemed heavily inspired by the romantasy books that have dominated the genre over the last few years. Fortunately, the story gradually finds its footing and develops enough of its own identity to stand apart. While it clearly borrows from successful romantasy trends, it ultimately delivers an enjoyable reading experience in its own right.
• Accessible worldbuilding
The world isn’t described in extensive detail, but it’s easy to understand and navigate. The author gives readers just enough information to stay immersed without becoming overwhelmed.
• Intriguing characters
The characters kept me engaged, particularly the MMC (hello, Shadow Daddy 👀,), who was easily the most compelling part of the story for me.
That said, I feel like several characters are still waiting for their moment to shine. We get glimpses of interesting backstories and motivations, but many of them still need room to grow and develop their own arcs. Hopefully, that’s something the next books will explore further.
• The romance dynamics
I’m still wondering whether we’re heading toward a love triangle. It seems obvious that the FMC’s feelings are firmly pointed in one direction, but the marriage arrangement adds enough tension to make me curious about where the series is going.
As of now, we simply don’t know enough about the prince to fully judge his role in the story. However, there are enough hints throughout the book to make me wonder whether there’s more to him than meets the eye. It’s difficult to predict where that dynamic is heading, but I definitely found myself wanting to learn more about him by the end.
⚠️ What didn’t work for me
• A lack of depth and a strong central storyline
My biggest issue was that the story never fully gave me a gripping challenge, mystery, or central objective to latch onto. There wasn’t a strong narrative thread pulling me forward and making me desperate to turn the pages. I kept waiting for higher stakes, a major twist, or a stronger sense of purpose driving the story forward, but it never quite happened.
Ironically, the pacing itself doesn’t lag much. Had it been slower, I probably would have DNF’d the book. I think that’s a testament to Connelly’s writing skills. The problem isn’t the writing—it’s that the story itself never becomes compelling enough to feel truly unputdownable.
• Too many familiar elements without enough originality
The book contains a little bit of everything successful in romantasy over the past few years: challenge games, hints of a love triangle, a dark love interest, and a romance that escalates into something steamy toward the end.
At times, it felt like the book was offering readers a collection of popular romantasy ingredients rather than building something distinctly its own. The challenges aren’t especially engaging, the FMC’s mission often feels flat, and even the betrayals that caught me by surprise were resolved so quickly that they lost much of their impact.
I also would have traded a few balls and dress descriptions for a little more intrigue, stronger twists, and a plot that dug deeper into its own mysteries.
And while we’re told that the villain is dangerous, I never truly felt her presence. She never becomes a memorable threat because she’s rarely in direct conflict with the FMC, making it difficult to feel invested in her as an antagonist.
First of all, I think this is a solid debut from Amanda Connelly. It’s easy to tell that a lot of care went into the editing. The writing is immersive, the narrative flows smoothly, and overall it’s a very pleasant reading experience.
I’ve seen quite a few readers wondering whether this should be classified as YA. Between the explicit scenes, the violence, the torture, and the fact that the FMC is nineteen years old, this feels much closer to New Adult or Adult fantasy. The writing itself also feels mature enough to fit comfortably within those categories.
Thank you Netgalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for the ARC
✨ What worked for me
• The atmosphere
It took me a little while to settle into the atmosphere because the opening felt almost too familiar. During the first 20–30% of the book, I couldn’t shake the feeling of déjà vu, as many of the elements seemed heavily inspired by the romantasy books that have dominated the genre over the last few years. Fortunately, the story gradually finds its footing and develops enough of its own identity to stand apart. While it clearly borrows from successful romantasy trends, it ultimately delivers an enjoyable reading experience in its own right.
• Accessible worldbuilding
The world isn’t described in extensive detail, but it’s easy to understand and navigate. The author gives readers just enough information to stay immersed without becoming overwhelmed.
• Intriguing characters
The characters kept me engaged, particularly the MMC (hello, Shadow Daddy 👀,), who was easily the most compelling part of the story for me.
That said, I feel like several characters are still waiting for their moment to shine. We get glimpses of interesting backstories and motivations, but many of them still need room to grow and develop their own arcs. Hopefully, that’s something the next books will explore further.
• The romance dynamics
I’m still wondering whether we’re heading toward a love triangle. It seems obvious that the FMC’s feelings are firmly pointed in one direction, but the marriage arrangement adds enough tension to make me curious about where the series is going.
As of now, we simply don’t know enough about the prince to fully judge his role in the story. However, there are enough hints throughout the book to make me wonder whether there’s more to him than meets the eye. It’s difficult to predict where that dynamic is heading, but I definitely found myself wanting to learn more about him by the end.
⚠️ What didn’t work for me
• A lack of depth and a strong central storyline
My biggest issue was that the story never fully gave me a gripping challenge, mystery, or central objective to latch onto. There wasn’t a strong narrative thread pulling me forward and making me desperate to turn the pages. I kept waiting for higher stakes, a major twist, or a stronger sense of purpose driving the story forward, but it never quite happened.
Ironically, the pacing itself doesn’t lag much. Had it been slower, I probably would have DNF’d the book. I think that’s a testament to Connelly’s writing skills. The problem isn’t the writing—it’s that the story itself never becomes compelling enough to feel truly unputdownable.
• Too many familiar elements without enough originality
The book contains a little bit of everything successful in romantasy over the past few years: challenge games, hints of a love triangle, a dark love interest, and a romance that escalates into something steamy toward the end.
At times, it felt like the book was offering readers a collection of popular romantasy ingredients rather than building something distinctly its own. The challenges aren’t especially engaging, the FMC’s mission often feels flat, and even the betrayals that caught me by surprise were resolved so quickly that they lost much of their impact.
I also would have traded a few balls and dress descriptions for a little more intrigue, stronger twists, and a plot that dug deeper into its own mysteries.
And while we’re told that the villain is dangerous, I never truly felt her presence. She never becomes a memorable threat because she’s rarely in direct conflict with the FMC, making it difficult to feel invested in her as an antagonist.
May 14, 2026
I did really like this even though it started off a bit slow and I didn’t understand a single thing about the magic but it was surprisingly good!!
June 13, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC of this title releasing in July 2026.
Not even judging this as a debut novel, it’s impressive. The writing has such good flow and ease. The pacing is consistent and keeps you hooked. The characters are interesting and compelling. Like I all around, had a good time. Some of the magic/plot points I probably couldn’t explain into great minute details - but I am more of a vibes reader.
What would you give to save the life of the person you love most? In Maeve’s case, she would do anything to save the life of her gravely injured sister. Even make a deal for some dangerous illegal magic and promise her life in exchange. But what she doesn’t know, is that her end of the deal brings her to the Array - to compete in a deadly competition as the only peasant among brutal nobles to become the next queen. Chances of survival? Slim. Chances of raising some hell and maybe helping a rebellion? Little more likely. Add in a dark and mysterious MMC and you got a story!
Not even judging this as a debut novel, it’s impressive. The writing has such good flow and ease. The pacing is consistent and keeps you hooked. The characters are interesting and compelling. Like I all around, had a good time. Some of the magic/plot points I probably couldn’t explain into great minute details - but I am more of a vibes reader.
What would you give to save the life of the person you love most? In Maeve’s case, she would do anything to save the life of her gravely injured sister. Even make a deal for some dangerous illegal magic and promise her life in exchange. But what she doesn’t know, is that her end of the deal brings her to the Array - to compete in a deadly competition as the only peasant among brutal nobles to become the next queen. Chances of survival? Slim. Chances of raising some hell and maybe helping a rebellion? Little more likely. Add in a dark and mysterious MMC and you got a story!
Did Not Finish
May 11, 2026Thank you so much to Netgalley for providing me with this ARC.
DISCLAIMER: *I did DNF this book at 90% because of the spice content. The following review shows my thoughts about the book up until then.*
The story starts with a bargain: illegal, lifesaving magic in exchange for the freedom of our main character, Maeve. Her new master throws her into the middle of a deadly competition. Everyone else is competing for the hand of the kingdom’s heir. She is there as an assassin.
This was the classic fantasy, and in many ways I liked it, but I have read this story too many times before. While the writing was good and the characters weren’t bad, nothing about the plot was new, unique, or even surprising. I think the author tried to make it “woke” enough that it felt more modern, but it obviously didn’t work as well as she wanted. It wasn’t bland, it was just a taste I’m sick of.
And then there is the reason I had to DNF this book: the spice!! I thought I was safe until at 90 FRICKING PERCENT when the characters started doing things I was not comfortable reading about. Was I sad? Yes! But only because I’m behind on my reading goal and this book would have helped. I could not care less that I missed the ending.
DISCLAIMER: *I did DNF this book at 90% because of the spice content. The following review shows my thoughts about the book up until then.*
The story starts with a bargain: illegal, lifesaving magic in exchange for the freedom of our main character, Maeve. Her new master throws her into the middle of a deadly competition. Everyone else is competing for the hand of the kingdom’s heir. She is there as an assassin.
This was the classic fantasy, and in many ways I liked it, but I have read this story too many times before. While the writing was good and the characters weren’t bad, nothing about the plot was new, unique, or even surprising. I think the author tried to make it “woke” enough that it felt more modern, but it obviously didn’t work as well as she wanted. It wasn’t bland, it was just a taste I’m sick of.
And then there is the reason I had to DNF this book: the spice!! I thought I was safe until at 90 FRICKING PERCENT when the characters started doing things I was not comfortable reading about. Was I sad? Yes! But only because I’m behind on my reading goal and this book would have helped. I could not care less that I missed the ending.
June 18, 2026
The Lure of Wolves and Whispers by Amanda Connolly
I’m honestly surprised this book kept me interested enough to finish it, because I really struggled through the first 30%.
The beginning was painfully slow, even for me. There were barely any dialogues, mostly the FMC’s inner monologues, and when conversations did happen, they just didn’t land. The banter felt forced rather than funny. The FMC constantly presented herself as strong, capable, and able to handle anything, yet somehow she was always getting caught off guard. And if I had a dollar for every time cold ran up her spine or the hairs on the back of her neck stood up, I’d probably be able to buy the sequel.
The MMC was intriguing enough to keep my attention, but I didn’t find him particularly convincing either. Honestly, the FMC would have been the last person I’d choose for the role she ended up playing. And how these two managed to fall for each other with so few meaningful interactions is beyond me. The romance felt more like attraction than an actual relationship developing.
That said, the plot itself somehow kept pulling me forward. It was fairly predictable, but there was enough intrigue to make me want to know what happened next. Around the halfway point, the pacing improved and there was more action, which definitely helped.
But I still finished the book with more questions than answers. The magic system and the wider world remain largely a mystery, and I never fully understood what the actual stakes were. There’s famine, magic is banned, and people are betraying each other, but the larger conflict remained frustratingly vague.
One thing I will say is that this is definitely not YA. Between the explicit scenes, murders, torture and “necessary sacrifices”, it firmly belongs in the adult fantasy category!
Overall, I can’t say I loved it, but I also can’t say I hated it. The plot managed to keep me turning the pages despite all the issues. I’m still undecided on whether I’ll continue, but I don’t regret finishing it.
Thank you, NetGalley, Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing, for the ARC!
I’m honestly surprised this book kept me interested enough to finish it, because I really struggled through the first 30%.
The beginning was painfully slow, even for me. There were barely any dialogues, mostly the FMC’s inner monologues, and when conversations did happen, they just didn’t land. The banter felt forced rather than funny. The FMC constantly presented herself as strong, capable, and able to handle anything, yet somehow she was always getting caught off guard. And if I had a dollar for every time cold ran up her spine or the hairs on the back of her neck stood up, I’d probably be able to buy the sequel.
The MMC was intriguing enough to keep my attention, but I didn’t find him particularly convincing either. Honestly, the FMC would have been the last person I’d choose for the role she ended up playing. And how these two managed to fall for each other with so few meaningful interactions is beyond me. The romance felt more like attraction than an actual relationship developing.
That said, the plot itself somehow kept pulling me forward. It was fairly predictable, but there was enough intrigue to make me want to know what happened next. Around the halfway point, the pacing improved and there was more action, which definitely helped.
But I still finished the book with more questions than answers. The magic system and the wider world remain largely a mystery, and I never fully understood what the actual stakes were. There’s famine, magic is banned, and people are betraying each other, but the larger conflict remained frustratingly vague.
One thing I will say is that this is definitely not YA. Between the explicit scenes, murders, torture and “necessary sacrifices”, it firmly belongs in the adult fantasy category!
Overall, I can’t say I loved it, but I also can’t say I hated it. The plot managed to keep me turning the pages despite all the issues. I’m still undecided on whether I’ll continue, but I don’t regret finishing it.
Thank you, NetGalley, Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing, for the ARC!
May 29, 2026
The story was easy to read but very stereotypical typeset characters in a romantasy.
For love, the heroine is forced to sacrifice peace to save her sister and doing so compromises herself into a competition.
Her side mission to be an assassin to kill the king. If this is the attribute that makes this story similar to Throne of Glass this is a severe overstatement.
She is nothing like Aelin.
The Lure of Wolves and Whispers has all the elements of popular titles. Shadow daddy. A mysterious leader. Some unnecessary spice that had me rolling my eyes. I think I am inundated by so much romantasy that compare to so many stories in this explosive genre, this title is subpar.
Perhaps to a new reader introduced to this genre, they may find this story but refreshing so it might be a me thing.
Average.
For love, the heroine is forced to sacrifice peace to save her sister and doing so compromises herself into a competition.
Her side mission to be an assassin to kill the king. If this is the attribute that makes this story similar to Throne of Glass this is a severe overstatement.
She is nothing like Aelin.
The Lure of Wolves and Whispers has all the elements of popular titles. Shadow daddy. A mysterious leader. Some unnecessary spice that had me rolling my eyes. I think I am inundated by so much romantasy that compare to so many stories in this explosive genre, this title is subpar.
Perhaps to a new reader introduced to this genre, they may find this story but refreshing so it might be a me thing.
Average.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2026
I loved this book from the moment I saw the cover and read the title. It's beautiful and stands out, and the message at the heart of this story reflects that. As other reviews have mentioned, it did have a slow start for me. While it took me a bit to get into it, I ended up loving it. I couldn't tell you anything about the fantastical elements. This is very much a character-driven story, and I am totally ok with that. Maave would do anything to save her sister from dying – even make a deal with a dangerous rebel leader. She trades her life for her sister's and is forced into a competition for the prince's hand. It sounds like a YA story you've read before, but somehow, it's fresh.
I recommend this one for fans of Victoria Aveyard, Sabaa Tahir, Shannon Meyer, and Ellis Hunter.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for a copy of the e-arc.
I recommend this one for fans of Victoria Aveyard, Sabaa Tahir, Shannon Meyer, and Ellis Hunter.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for a copy of the e-arc.
May 3, 2026
beautifully written, very atmospheric and I liked Maeve as a MC. It did take a bit longer than I like (about 25% into the book) to really get into it as the pacing felt a bit slow at times but still a lovely Sunday well spent. I did like the chemistry between Maeve and Wolf too.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this earc in exchange of an honest review!
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this earc in exchange of an honest review!
June 9, 2026
Book 42 of 2026: The Lure of Wolves and Whispers
4.5 out of 5 stars ⭐
Thanks to the publisher for providing an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
First of all, don’t let the title throw you off! Although “Wolves” is in the title, this isn’t a story about wolf shifters, wolf companions, or anything of that sort. Instead, the title is meant in a metaphorical sense: the Whisperers are a rebel group, and "Wolf" is one of the leaders with whom the FMC strikes a deadly deal. In exchange for a cure for her sister, she agrees to act as a dangerous lure within the royal court, helping the rebellion overthrow the monarchy from the inside.
This high-stakes tournament reminded me a bit of a mix between The Selection and the competition at the beginning of Red Queen. Six noble daughters who have trained their whole lives for this, and one peasant girl—brought in purely to prove to the rabble that they have no power and that no commoner can rise. Through three deadly trials of cunning, wisdom, and strength, they must demonstrate why they are fit to marry the prince, knowing that in the end, only one can survive. The twist? The FMC has to fight without any lifelong training, survive trials no peasant has ever made it past, and lure the prince to distract him, all while plotting to kill the king. While the trials themselves were enjoyable, it would have been nice to see more of the court intrigue and other tournament-related activities in between them.
Speaking of the prince, from the moment that green-eyed, scarred, hooded figure first appeared, I was absolutely certain it was him. When it was revealed that his name was "Wolf," I was completely convinced.
This dynamic also made the romantic progression feel natural and free of unnecessary drama. Trust issues and trauma can leave lasting scars, and their struggles felt authentic and genuine. If anything, the slow burn could have simmered even longer, especially since the progression felt a bit fast for a character who is so deeply guarded. Seeing more of what made her special in his eyes to build that trust would have been great. But one thing is for sure: the author definitely has a knack for writing chemistry through small looks and gestures. I devoured it and highlighted so many quotes.
In terms of target audience, the book is labeled Adult in the UK and Upper YA in the US. The 16+ rating makes sense given the heavy themes, so definitely check the trigger warnings. For instance, the story includes an explicit scene that was a bit more graphic than I expected, though still pretty vanilla. However, its timing felt a bit jarring given the high stakes of the plot, as everyone else was fighting, she was worried about her sister, and she was on the verge of a panic attack. The other intense part is an on-page torture scene around the 95% mark. I couldn’t believe the author put the FMC through that so close to the end of the book, but it worked out fine for the climax of the first installment.
⚠️ SPOILER ALERT FOR THE ENDING ⚠️
Lots happened in the last few chapters! First of all, kudos to the way The same goes for the sister. I wanted more of their relationship and the secrets behind her choices, but I don’t think we’re done with that plot yet, especially with how things left off even after the end. Speaking of the end, as macabre as it sounds, What a great character arc! Though her sudden fighting skills were a bit confusing, especially since she struggled with training at the beginning, and I wondered why her malnutrition was only mentioned a few times.
Balancing out the darkness, I loved the inclusion of a nonbinary character—they were such a great person! Even though I wondered how the FMC knew they were nonbinary if nobody said it out loud. But I still can’t believe the book ended without revealing any real names! Despite that, the ending was mind-blowing, though I wasn't entirely surprised after the reveal that .
One more thing… I was wondering if there's a Blood & Steel Easter egg here, or if it's just a coincidence that the history book has the exact same name?
Overall, it's a solid 4.5 stars. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next book! What’s keeping me from a full 5 stars is just the fear that it isn't unique enough to stay with me permanently—I feel it will probably slip from my mind as soon as I start my next read. Either way, I’m definitely keeping my Fairyloot edition from the Romantasy box, and if it doesn’t have a green cover, I’ll scream. Seriously, that color is so important to the story!
Vibe: A high-stakes royal tournament with a dangerous underdog mission and a deeply scarred slow-burn.
⚔️ Deadly Royal Tournament
🥀 Forbidden Magic
💣Rebellion & Suicide Mission
🔥 Slow Burn & Eye Flirting
🌶️ Low Spice
4.5 out of 5 stars ⭐
Thanks to the publisher for providing an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
First of all, don’t let the title throw you off! Although “Wolves” is in the title, this isn’t a story about wolf shifters, wolf companions, or anything of that sort. Instead, the title is meant in a metaphorical sense: the Whisperers are a rebel group, and "Wolf" is one of the leaders with whom the FMC strikes a deadly deal. In exchange for a cure for her sister, she agrees to act as a dangerous lure within the royal court, helping the rebellion overthrow the monarchy from the inside.
This high-stakes tournament reminded me a bit of a mix between The Selection and the competition at the beginning of Red Queen. Six noble daughters who have trained their whole lives for this, and one peasant girl—brought in purely to prove to the rabble that they have no power and that no commoner can rise. Through three deadly trials of cunning, wisdom, and strength, they must demonstrate why they are fit to marry the prince, knowing that in the end, only one can survive. The twist? The FMC has to fight without any lifelong training, survive trials no peasant has ever made it past, and lure the prince to distract him, all while plotting to kill the king. While the trials themselves were enjoyable, it would have been nice to see more of the court intrigue and other tournament-related activities in between them.
Speaking of the prince, from the moment that green-eyed, scarred, hooded figure first appeared, I was absolutely certain it was him. When it was revealed that his name was "Wolf," I was completely convinced.
This dynamic also made the romantic progression feel natural and free of unnecessary drama. Trust issues and trauma can leave lasting scars, and their struggles felt authentic and genuine. If anything, the slow burn could have simmered even longer, especially since the progression felt a bit fast for a character who is so deeply guarded. Seeing more of what made her special in his eyes to build that trust would have been great. But one thing is for sure: the author definitely has a knack for writing chemistry through small looks and gestures. I devoured it and highlighted so many quotes.
In terms of target audience, the book is labeled Adult in the UK and Upper YA in the US. The 16+ rating makes sense given the heavy themes, so definitely check the trigger warnings. For instance, the story includes an explicit scene that was a bit more graphic than I expected, though still pretty vanilla. However, its timing felt a bit jarring given the high stakes of the plot, as everyone else was fighting, she was worried about her sister, and she was on the verge of a panic attack. The other intense part is an on-page torture scene around the 95% mark. I couldn’t believe the author put the FMC through that so close to the end of the book, but it worked out fine for the climax of the first installment.
⚠️ SPOILER ALERT FOR THE ENDING ⚠️
Lots happened in the last few chapters! First of all, kudos to the way The same goes for the sister. I wanted more of their relationship and the secrets behind her choices, but I don’t think we’re done with that plot yet, especially with how things left off even after the end. Speaking of the end, as macabre as it sounds, What a great character arc! Though her sudden fighting skills were a bit confusing, especially since she struggled with training at the beginning, and I wondered why her malnutrition was only mentioned a few times.
Balancing out the darkness, I loved the inclusion of a nonbinary character—they were such a great person! Even though I wondered how the FMC knew they were nonbinary if nobody said it out loud. But I still can’t believe the book ended without revealing any real names! Despite that, the ending was mind-blowing, though I wasn't entirely surprised after the reveal that .
One more thing… I was wondering if there's a Blood & Steel Easter egg here, or if it's just a coincidence that the history book has the exact same name?
Overall, it's a solid 4.5 stars. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next book! What’s keeping me from a full 5 stars is just the fear that it isn't unique enough to stay with me permanently—I feel it will probably slip from my mind as soon as I start my next read. Either way, I’m definitely keeping my Fairyloot edition from the Romantasy box, and if it doesn’t have a green cover, I’ll scream. Seriously, that color is so important to the story!
Vibe: A high-stakes royal tournament with a dangerous underdog mission and a deeply scarred slow-burn.
⚔️ Deadly Royal Tournament
🥀 Forbidden Magic
💣Rebellion & Suicide Mission
🔥 Slow Burn & Eye Flirting
🌶️ Low Spice
June 7, 2026
I really wanted to like this one, but unfortunately it just wasn’t for me.
The writing itself is solid, and there are definitely some interesting ideas here. The world had potential and the premise sounded promising. The problem was that I never felt connected to the story, the characters, or the romance. I only finished it because I received an ARC and wanted to give it a fair chance. Otherwise, I probably would have DNF’d it.
For me, the book tried to do too much in too little time. There are trials, political intrigue, assassinations, romance, and magic but none of it felt fully developed. The trials were surprisingly brief and not nearly as exciting as I had hoped. The plot to kill the king should have been the most compelling part of the story, yet there was barely any actual plotting involved. When everything finally came together, it felt far too easy and almost like an afterthought. I also didn’t see why Maeve specifically had to be the one to do it. She didn’t really earn that position in the story. In the end almost anyone could have stepped into that role.
The romance didn’t work for me either. I never felt any real chemistry between Maeve and the Wolf. If anything, I thought she had more chemistry with the Prince, which makes me wonder if we’re heading into love triangle territory in future books. The timing of the spicy scene was also frustrating. Just when the story finally seemed to be building some momentum and important events were unfolding, the focus shifted elsewhere. It pulled me out of the story and the high-stakes moments ended up happening mostly off-page.
And this is admittedly a small thing, but if I never have to read the phrase “Old Ones” again, it’ll be too soon.
Overall, this book had some good ideas and plenty of potential, but the execution just didn’t work for me. Sadly, I don’t think I’ll be continuing with the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing me with an ARC. All opinions are my own.
The writing itself is solid, and there are definitely some interesting ideas here. The world had potential and the premise sounded promising. The problem was that I never felt connected to the story, the characters, or the romance. I only finished it because I received an ARC and wanted to give it a fair chance. Otherwise, I probably would have DNF’d it.
For me, the book tried to do too much in too little time. There are trials, political intrigue, assassinations, romance, and magic but none of it felt fully developed. The trials were surprisingly brief and not nearly as exciting as I had hoped. The plot to kill the king should have been the most compelling part of the story, yet there was barely any actual plotting involved. When everything finally came together, it felt far too easy and almost like an afterthought. I also didn’t see why Maeve specifically had to be the one to do it. She didn’t really earn that position in the story. In the end almost anyone could have stepped into that role.
The romance didn’t work for me either. I never felt any real chemistry between Maeve and the Wolf. If anything, I thought she had more chemistry with the Prince, which makes me wonder if we’re heading into love triangle territory in future books. The timing of the spicy scene was also frustrating. Just when the story finally seemed to be building some momentum and important events were unfolding, the focus shifted elsewhere. It pulled me out of the story and the high-stakes moments ended up happening mostly off-page.
And this is admittedly a small thing, but if I never have to read the phrase “Old Ones” again, it’ll be too soon.
Overall, this book had some good ideas and plenty of potential, but the execution just didn’t work for me. Sadly, I don’t think I’ll be continuing with the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing me with an ARC. All opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2026
So…I really loved this one! Maeve offers her life in exchange for magic to save her sister after her sister is gravely injured. Magic comes with a cost and she must then help
rebel leader Wolf with his cause. She is thrown into a deadly competition for the Prince’s hand, but she has to decide who she can trust.
This story kept me entertained the whole time, not knowing who I could trust either. It feels very atmospheric as well. There is a slow burn that finally burns towards the very end so it leaves plenty of space for plot.
I love how the magic was handled. You learn more about the magic with the FMC as she unravels more about it through the story. I am so excited to see where everything goes and what all else we find out in the next book. I definitely recommend!
You will love this story if you enjoy
✨ Deadly competition
✨ Atmospheric reads
✨ Slow burn romance
✨ Who to trust?
✨ High stakes
✨ Political tension
✨ Rebel cause
✨ Spice 🌶️
✨ Strong sisterly bonds
Thank you so much to Simon and Schuster for this eARC. All opinions are my own.
rebel leader Wolf with his cause. She is thrown into a deadly competition for the Prince’s hand, but she has to decide who she can trust.
This story kept me entertained the whole time, not knowing who I could trust either. It feels very atmospheric as well. There is a slow burn that finally burns towards the very end so it leaves plenty of space for plot.
I love how the magic was handled. You learn more about the magic with the FMC as she unravels more about it through the story. I am so excited to see where everything goes and what all else we find out in the next book. I definitely recommend!
You will love this story if you enjoy
✨ Deadly competition
✨ Atmospheric reads
✨ Slow burn romance
✨ Who to trust?
✨ High stakes
✨ Political tension
✨ Rebel cause
✨ Spice 🌶️
✨ Strong sisterly bonds
Thank you so much to Simon and Schuster for this eARC. All opinions are my own.
June 8, 2026
Thank you Simon and Schuster and NetGallery for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Overall a 3/5 star ⭐️
The pacing is very off in the book it’s a very slow start, the first 30%, was hard to get into. Then like 30-80% it felt repetitive. 80-100% the plot feels rushed.
The romance was okay, there wasn’t much yearning and development, I even barely felt the attraction between characters. There is spice in the book so I would say they shouldn’t classify this as YA. If I see this in a YA section in stores, I’m moving it.
Also the over use of the term “old ones”….. was driving me nuts, it might be hinting at something for the series, but let’s not add it so many times if we aren’t going to give background on them??
I would like to read the next part of the series, because of how this book ended. But I hope there are some changes to make this series stand out more to others series out there.
Overall a 3/5 star ⭐️
The pacing is very off in the book it’s a very slow start, the first 30%, was hard to get into. Then like 30-80% it felt repetitive. 80-100% the plot feels rushed.
The romance was okay, there wasn’t much yearning and development, I even barely felt the attraction between characters. There is spice in the book so I would say they shouldn’t classify this as YA. If I see this in a YA section in stores, I’m moving it.
Also the over use of the term “old ones”….. was driving me nuts, it might be hinting at something for the series, but let’s not add it so many times if we aren’t going to give background on them??
I would like to read the next part of the series, because of how this book ended. But I hope there are some changes to make this series stand out more to others series out there.
June 15, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
The Lure of Wolves and Whispers follows Maeve, a girl from the slums placed in a deadly competition to become the future Queen, who is also tasked by a rebel faction to somehow assassinate the king. If this sounds familiar, that’s because it is. Unfortunately this story felt very repetitive to me, someone who reads a lot of fantasy/romantasy. There were too many common tropes used. It’s alright to use some tropes, there’s a reason they are popular. I like a good trial! Unfortunately this story just didn’t feel unique in any way to me. The characters didn’t stand out, the tension wasn’t there, and none of the story elements felt like a fresh take. I couldn’t latch on to anything to hold my interest. For those reasons this was a miss for me, and I don’t think I would continue with the series.
The Lure of Wolves and Whispers follows Maeve, a girl from the slums placed in a deadly competition to become the future Queen, who is also tasked by a rebel faction to somehow assassinate the king. If this sounds familiar, that’s because it is. Unfortunately this story felt very repetitive to me, someone who reads a lot of fantasy/romantasy. There were too many common tropes used. It’s alright to use some tropes, there’s a reason they are popular. I like a good trial! Unfortunately this story just didn’t feel unique in any way to me. The characters didn’t stand out, the tension wasn’t there, and none of the story elements felt like a fresh take. I couldn’t latch on to anything to hold my interest. For those reasons this was a miss for me, and I don’t think I would continue with the series.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A romantasy for fans of Throne of Glass and The Crimson Moth, this first book in an upcoming trilogy delivers on adventure, romance, and courtly intrigue. The Lure of Wolves and Whispers follows 19-year old Maeve, a rebellious teen who risks everything to get a contraband bottle of magic to cure her older sister, Finn, of a deadly infection. In exchange for this magic, which has been banned in the Isle of Eireann, Maeve must pledge her life and allegiance to Wolf, a mysterious figure in charge of leading the rebellion against the High King. The price of this bargain is that Maeve must enter the Assay, a deadly competition for royals competing for the title of Queen, and use her time there to go undercover and assassinate the High King. While Maeve finds herself stuck in an environment where killer courtesans await her at every turn, she also finds her heart torn between the mysterious Wolf, and the Crown Prince, Cash, who may be hiding more secrets than Maeve has been led to believe. The main characters are coded as white, and there are also queer-coded characters in the novel.
I enjoyed this story, and was happy to see that this is the first book in a trilogy! The world of Eireann and its basis in Irish folklore captivated me as a reader, and added so much richness. Although not explicitly stated, the story’s events parallel the British colonization of Ireland, particularly in the draining of the Seven Wells and the outlawing of magic, calling to mind British attempts to assimilate the Irish, which included the suppression of their language and culture. This was a cutthroat world to experience, with severe punishments for individuals who stood against the High King or who were caught using magic, which will definitely attract readers who can handle more mature themes in their stories. The ending was particularly bloody and stressful, introducing the character of the Lady of Shadows, the Queen’s terrifying spymaster who delights in torture and killing.
Along with the high-stakes elements, the romance in the book will also satisfy readers looking for a love story to accompany the book’s intrigue and danger. The love triangle between Maeve, Wolf, and Cash exists, but the pull between Maeve and Wolf is much stronger. Readers who are fans of enemies-to-lovers and slowburn romance will eagerly root for these two as they go from trying to kill one another to fighting their growing feelings. There is a more explicit romantic scene toward the end of the book, so this title would be a good recommendation for teens looking for more mature titles. I really enjoyed the relationship between Maeve and Finn, and how much they were each willing to sacrifice in order to protect the other. I also appreciated how much Maeve placedu an emphasis on Finn eating properly, which I think is an important message to share with readers in a genre where main characters tend to always be either on the thinner side, or not fueling their bodies properly after hours of fighting and training. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
I enjoyed this story, and was happy to see that this is the first book in a trilogy! The world of Eireann and its basis in Irish folklore captivated me as a reader, and added so much richness. Although not explicitly stated, the story’s events parallel the British colonization of Ireland, particularly in the draining of the Seven Wells and the outlawing of magic, calling to mind British attempts to assimilate the Irish, which included the suppression of their language and culture. This was a cutthroat world to experience, with severe punishments for individuals who stood against the High King or who were caught using magic, which will definitely attract readers who can handle more mature themes in their stories. The ending was particularly bloody and stressful, introducing the character of the Lady of Shadows, the Queen’s terrifying spymaster who delights in torture and killing.
Along with the high-stakes elements, the romance in the book will also satisfy readers looking for a love story to accompany the book’s intrigue and danger. The love triangle between Maeve, Wolf, and Cash exists, but the pull between Maeve and Wolf is much stronger. Readers who are fans of enemies-to-lovers and slowburn romance will eagerly root for these two as they go from trying to kill one another to fighting their growing feelings. There is a more explicit romantic scene toward the end of the book, so this title would be a good recommendation for teens looking for more mature titles. I really enjoyed the relationship between Maeve and Finn, and how much they were each willing to sacrifice in order to protect the other. I also appreciated how much Maeve placedu an emphasis on Finn eating properly, which I think is an important message to share with readers in a genre where main characters tend to always be either on the thinner side, or not fueling their bodies properly after hours of fighting and training. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“There is no greater danger than a nation that believes conquest to be the manifestation of destiny.”
Huge thank you to NetGalley, Amanda Connolly, and Hodder & Stoughton for providing this ARC. Some books rely on action to keep you turning pages, but The Lure of Wolves and Whispers hooks you with something much more atmospheric: a dark, cold, and lingering sense of dread. From the brutal executions on Black Quay to the heavy mist choking the city streets, the gothic tone of this world is established immediately. You’re dropped into a place where political fear of the High King is absolute, and survival is a luxury no one takes for granted.
Immersive World-Building
What I appreciated most was how naturally the world-building unfolded. Amanda Connolly avoids the "info-dump" trap, instead weaving the history of the Old Ones, the rebellion, and the Whisperers into the fabric of the narrative. The magic system is particularly well-handled; it starts as something distant and fading, almost a myth, but gradually transforms into something wild, dangerous, and deeply tied to the characters' emotional states.
The settings are incredibly vivid. Whether it’s storm-soaked cliffs, hidden underground tunnels, or ruined castles, the prose makes the environment feel like a character in its own right. There is a constant, simmering tension that makes even the quieter moments feel uneasy.
Believable, Flawed Characters
Maeve is a standout protagonist because she feels so emotionally grounded. Her grief and anger aren't just plot points; they feel human and heavy, especially as the stakes escalate in the final chapters. The themes of loyalty and sacrifice are woven through every relationship in the book, creating dynamics that feel earned and complex.
And then, of course, there’s Wolf. I completely understand the appeal. The romance is a true slow burn, simmering in the background while the darker political and magical elements take center stage. I actually think this worked in the book’s favor; it never distracted from the plot, but instead added a layer of emotional intensity that made the scenes between Maeve and Wolf near the end hit much harder.
Pacing and Tension
If I had one minor critique, it’s that the momentum dipped slightly in the middle. Some of the traveling and transitional scenes felt a bit longer than necessary, slowing down the otherwise tight pacing.
However, the story more than makes up for it in the final act. The closing sections are brutal, high-stakes, and far darker than the opening chapters. The ending leaves just enough emotional fallout and unresolved tension to make me desperate for the next installment.
The Verdict: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.25/5)
“Survival is the only thing that matters now. Surviving together.”
This is a strong atmospheric fantasy with darker edges, emotionally layered characters, slow-burning romance, political tension, and haunting world-building. If you enjoy fantasy stories with morally grey characters, rebellion plots, fading magic, emotional intensity, and a gothic atmosphere, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up and adding it to your shelf.
Huge thank you to NetGalley, Amanda Connolly, and Hodder & Stoughton for providing this ARC. Some books rely on action to keep you turning pages, but The Lure of Wolves and Whispers hooks you with something much more atmospheric: a dark, cold, and lingering sense of dread. From the brutal executions on Black Quay to the heavy mist choking the city streets, the gothic tone of this world is established immediately. You’re dropped into a place where political fear of the High King is absolute, and survival is a luxury no one takes for granted.
Immersive World-Building
What I appreciated most was how naturally the world-building unfolded. Amanda Connolly avoids the "info-dump" trap, instead weaving the history of the Old Ones, the rebellion, and the Whisperers into the fabric of the narrative. The magic system is particularly well-handled; it starts as something distant and fading, almost a myth, but gradually transforms into something wild, dangerous, and deeply tied to the characters' emotional states.
The settings are incredibly vivid. Whether it’s storm-soaked cliffs, hidden underground tunnels, or ruined castles, the prose makes the environment feel like a character in its own right. There is a constant, simmering tension that makes even the quieter moments feel uneasy.
Believable, Flawed Characters
Maeve is a standout protagonist because she feels so emotionally grounded. Her grief and anger aren't just plot points; they feel human and heavy, especially as the stakes escalate in the final chapters. The themes of loyalty and sacrifice are woven through every relationship in the book, creating dynamics that feel earned and complex.
And then, of course, there’s Wolf. I completely understand the appeal. The romance is a true slow burn, simmering in the background while the darker political and magical elements take center stage. I actually think this worked in the book’s favor; it never distracted from the plot, but instead added a layer of emotional intensity that made the scenes between Maeve and Wolf near the end hit much harder.
Pacing and Tension
If I had one minor critique, it’s that the momentum dipped slightly in the middle. Some of the traveling and transitional scenes felt a bit longer than necessary, slowing down the otherwise tight pacing.
However, the story more than makes up for it in the final act. The closing sections are brutal, high-stakes, and far darker than the opening chapters. The ending leaves just enough emotional fallout and unresolved tension to make me desperate for the next installment.
The Verdict: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.25/5)
“Survival is the only thing that matters now. Surviving together.”
This is a strong atmospheric fantasy with darker edges, emotionally layered characters, slow-burning romance, political tension, and haunting world-building. If you enjoy fantasy stories with morally grey characters, rebellion plots, fading magic, emotional intensity, and a gothic atmosphere, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up and adding it to your shelf.
May 26, 2026
Thank you NetGalley & Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing for the ARC! The following is my honest review:
3.5 stars rounded up
Firstly, as an adult who loves romantic fantasy, who enjoys reluctant allies & strong found family dynamics, I really enjoyed this book. It’s an excellent debut with immersive writing and a beautifully woven narrative. Steeped in lore and magic, the story builds and unspools as the stakes grow ever-higher.
With that said, though, this book is mis-categorized. It’s an adult book being marketed as a YA book. It is not a YA book. From the level of torture and violence that’s detailed, to the strong language, to the open door spice scene that is, essentially, an entire chapter of the book- it is not a YA book. It could’ve been, had all of those aspects been dialed down, but it’s too explicit in a myriad of ways to be considered YA. The main character is 19, so at minimum this should be marketed as New Adult but, more optimal, the publishing house here in the U.S.A needs to follow suit with the U.K. categorization, making this an adult book, which is infinitely more suitable.
The author is a skillful story teller, presenting the narrative from a first person present tense point of view. This seems to be a trending choice for fantasy and, while I’ve read several books recently that employ this narrative style & I personally don’t think it’s optimal, this is the first time I’ve seen it executed really effectively in a fantasy setting. It creates urgency. It feels immersive and candid, while world building elements regarding the political climate and the magic system are subtly woven into the narrative as the story unfolds. The world gradually grows in texture as the story progresses, each detail woven discreetly into the story telling.
For me, it took until about 30% of the book to get a sense of the world but it steadily becomes more immersive and rich, pulling the reader in to a world that is both cogent & cruel.
Overall, the writing is enjoyable and atmospheric and the story is well paced. My only complaint was a handful of language anachronisms that pulled me out of the story- saying things ‘suck’ or describing a situation as ‘hot’, even expressions like ‘we’ve got this,’ which are very jarring in a world that otherwise feels medieval.
As stated, I would absolutely not recommend this story to a YA audience. I highly recommend to adults, though, who enjoy morally grey characters, who enjoy stories of rebellion against tyranny, who enjoy high stakes and impossible choices, reluctant allies and a trust nobody atmosphere. This is romantasy with familiar tropes yet it’s darker, grittier, and its foundation in Irish mythology creates a story that feels fresh and unique. I consider this an excellent start to the series and am already looking forward to the next installment.
My hope is that the publishers take steps to correct the books categorization prior to its release allowing the story to find its true audience, and what will ultimately be a larger readership under the adult umbrella.
3.5 stars rounded up
Firstly, as an adult who loves romantic fantasy, who enjoys reluctant allies & strong found family dynamics, I really enjoyed this book. It’s an excellent debut with immersive writing and a beautifully woven narrative. Steeped in lore and magic, the story builds and unspools as the stakes grow ever-higher.
With that said, though, this book is mis-categorized. It’s an adult book being marketed as a YA book. It is not a YA book. From the level of torture and violence that’s detailed, to the strong language, to the open door spice scene that is, essentially, an entire chapter of the book- it is not a YA book. It could’ve been, had all of those aspects been dialed down, but it’s too explicit in a myriad of ways to be considered YA. The main character is 19, so at minimum this should be marketed as New Adult but, more optimal, the publishing house here in the U.S.A needs to follow suit with the U.K. categorization, making this an adult book, which is infinitely more suitable.
The author is a skillful story teller, presenting the narrative from a first person present tense point of view. This seems to be a trending choice for fantasy and, while I’ve read several books recently that employ this narrative style & I personally don’t think it’s optimal, this is the first time I’ve seen it executed really effectively in a fantasy setting. It creates urgency. It feels immersive and candid, while world building elements regarding the political climate and the magic system are subtly woven into the narrative as the story unfolds. The world gradually grows in texture as the story progresses, each detail woven discreetly into the story telling.
For me, it took until about 30% of the book to get a sense of the world but it steadily becomes more immersive and rich, pulling the reader in to a world that is both cogent & cruel.
Overall, the writing is enjoyable and atmospheric and the story is well paced. My only complaint was a handful of language anachronisms that pulled me out of the story- saying things ‘suck’ or describing a situation as ‘hot’, even expressions like ‘we’ve got this,’ which are very jarring in a world that otherwise feels medieval.
As stated, I would absolutely not recommend this story to a YA audience. I highly recommend to adults, though, who enjoy morally grey characters, who enjoy stories of rebellion against tyranny, who enjoy high stakes and impossible choices, reluctant allies and a trust nobody atmosphere. This is romantasy with familiar tropes yet it’s darker, grittier, and its foundation in Irish mythology creates a story that feels fresh and unique. I consider this an excellent start to the series and am already looking forward to the next installment.
My hope is that the publishers take steps to correct the books categorization prior to its release allowing the story to find its true audience, and what will ultimately be a larger readership under the adult umbrella.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Lure of Wolves and Whispers is a Romantasy novel that hits many of the common beats and tropes of the genre. The story follows Maeve, a commoner who is entered into a serious of trials in order to win the hand of the prince and secretly kill the king. Maeve must work with her bodyguard Talon, her boss slash love interest Wolf, and the many allies she makes along the way. She tries to survive the deadly trials while also discovering the levels of corruption and propaganda of the ruling class.
This book is advertised as a dark romance—I assume because the love interest is a rebel leader?—but, in my opinion, this book does not hit many of the dark romance genre markets. The characters aren’t particularly morally dark; they feel gray at best. The plot focused far more on the trials than any dark elements. I should also note, this book is published as YA in the United States and adult in the UK; this book is not a YA book and should not be grouped in with the YA genre, as it has sexually explicit content.
The story felt repetitive within the genre; I understand that trials are popular, but this felt like it didn’t add anything new or novel. The world building in this book is solid, with a structured divide between the noble class and the common class. The book spends a lot of time talking about the presence or lack of magic, but the magic system itself felt very thin. There are magical wells and also magical objects and also mages who perform magic and somehow magic can be distilled into little vials and given? The character is out of the loop about how magic functions, which means we as the audience are also clueless. However, the main character’s mother was killed over this, and she should have known more. It feels like a plot hole that is never addressed.
The characters in this story were generally engaging, with our main character unsure of the various allegiances of her allies. Many of the characters seem to have questionable loyalty, which made for engaging relationships and storylines. There is one character who makes a decision toward the end of the book that seemed out of character from their initial characterization, and I would have liked a little more explanation from the author.
The pacing for this book moved well, with an action-heavy plot that spent time varying between large trials or events and then rest and recovery between. The romance was explicit, with one scene towards the end of the book lasting about half a chapter in length.
I enjoyed this book, but it was hard to see how it differentiated itself from the many similar books in the genre. It felt like it recycled tropes and plot devices and relationship paradigms in a way that didn’t make me eager to read the book again or continue the series.
Thank you to the publisher for this advanced reader copy!
This book is advertised as a dark romance—I assume because the love interest is a rebel leader?—but, in my opinion, this book does not hit many of the dark romance genre markets. The characters aren’t particularly morally dark; they feel gray at best. The plot focused far more on the trials than any dark elements. I should also note, this book is published as YA in the United States and adult in the UK; this book is not a YA book and should not be grouped in with the YA genre, as it has sexually explicit content.
The story felt repetitive within the genre; I understand that trials are popular, but this felt like it didn’t add anything new or novel. The world building in this book is solid, with a structured divide between the noble class and the common class. The book spends a lot of time talking about the presence or lack of magic, but the magic system itself felt very thin. There are magical wells and also magical objects and also mages who perform magic and somehow magic can be distilled into little vials and given? The character is out of the loop about how magic functions, which means we as the audience are also clueless. However, the main character’s mother was killed over this, and she should have known more. It feels like a plot hole that is never addressed.
The characters in this story were generally engaging, with our main character unsure of the various allegiances of her allies. Many of the characters seem to have questionable loyalty, which made for engaging relationships and storylines. There is one character who makes a decision toward the end of the book that seemed out of character from their initial characterization, and I would have liked a little more explanation from the author.
The pacing for this book moved well, with an action-heavy plot that spent time varying between large trials or events and then rest and recovery between. The romance was explicit, with one scene towards the end of the book lasting about half a chapter in length.
I enjoyed this book, but it was hard to see how it differentiated itself from the many similar books in the genre. It felt like it recycled tropes and plot devices and relationship paradigms in a way that didn’t make me eager to read the book again or continue the series.
Thank you to the publisher for this advanced reader copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an e-ARC of this book through NetGalley from Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing. Thank you to the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this in advance. All thoughts are my own.
I think this ended up being one of those books where the marketing actually worked a little against the reading experience for me. The comparisons to books like Throne of Glass and the whole “darkly addictive romantasy” framing set my expectations in a very specific direction, and unfortunately the story itself never fully reached those heights for me personally.
There are definitely elements here that I think will work very well for a certain audience. The book leans heavily into familiar romantasy staples: deadly trials, dangerous magic, court politics, morally gray attraction, high emotional stakes, and a protagonist willing to risk everything for her sister. It moves quickly, the chapters are very readable, and I can absolutely see readers devouring this in a couple of sittings.
For me, though, it often felt a little too reliant on recognizable romantasy tropes without adding enough variation or depth to make those elements feel fresh. A lot of the story beats became fairly predictable once the setup was established, and at times it reminded me strongly of aspects of Trials of the Sun Queen in both structure and overall reading experience.
I also think the “dark romantasy” label slightly oversold how dark the book actually is. It’s definitely not fluffy or cozy fantasy by any means, but it also never fully commits to the heavier emotional or psychological darkness the marketing seemed to suggest. Instead, it lands somewhere more in the middle: tropey, dramatic, very readable fantasy romance with darker aesthetics layered over it.
Another thing I struggled with a little was the tonal balance. Even though some of the content pushes into adult fantasy territory, the writing itself often read younger to me stylistically, which created a slight disconnect in how I experienced the story overall.
That said, I do think the book has a strong aesthetic identity. The wolves, dark forests, magic, trials, and gothic fantasy atmosphere all create vivid imagery, and I can absolutely understand why readers who enjoy fast-paced romantasy with familiar tropes and emotionally charged relationship dynamics would have a great time with this.
Unfortunately, I personally never became deeply attached either to the romance or to the larger political stakes, which made it harder for the emotional moments to fully land for me.
Overall, while this one didn’t entirely work for me, I think readers who enjoy trope-forward romantasy, deadly competitions, dark fantasy aesthetics, emotionally intense relationships, and very bingeable pacing will likely get much more out of it than I did.
I think this ended up being one of those books where the marketing actually worked a little against the reading experience for me. The comparisons to books like Throne of Glass and the whole “darkly addictive romantasy” framing set my expectations in a very specific direction, and unfortunately the story itself never fully reached those heights for me personally.
There are definitely elements here that I think will work very well for a certain audience. The book leans heavily into familiar romantasy staples: deadly trials, dangerous magic, court politics, morally gray attraction, high emotional stakes, and a protagonist willing to risk everything for her sister. It moves quickly, the chapters are very readable, and I can absolutely see readers devouring this in a couple of sittings.
For me, though, it often felt a little too reliant on recognizable romantasy tropes without adding enough variation or depth to make those elements feel fresh. A lot of the story beats became fairly predictable once the setup was established, and at times it reminded me strongly of aspects of Trials of the Sun Queen in both structure and overall reading experience.
I also think the “dark romantasy” label slightly oversold how dark the book actually is. It’s definitely not fluffy or cozy fantasy by any means, but it also never fully commits to the heavier emotional or psychological darkness the marketing seemed to suggest. Instead, it lands somewhere more in the middle: tropey, dramatic, very readable fantasy romance with darker aesthetics layered over it.
Another thing I struggled with a little was the tonal balance. Even though some of the content pushes into adult fantasy territory, the writing itself often read younger to me stylistically, which created a slight disconnect in how I experienced the story overall.
That said, I do think the book has a strong aesthetic identity. The wolves, dark forests, magic, trials, and gothic fantasy atmosphere all create vivid imagery, and I can absolutely understand why readers who enjoy fast-paced romantasy with familiar tropes and emotionally charged relationship dynamics would have a great time with this.
Unfortunately, I personally never became deeply attached either to the romance or to the larger political stakes, which made it harder for the emotional moments to fully land for me.
Overall, while this one didn’t entirely work for me, I think readers who enjoy trope-forward romantasy, deadly competitions, dark fantasy aesthetics, emotionally intense relationships, and very bingeable pacing will likely get much more out of it than I did.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
* 3.25 𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓇𝓈, 𝓇𝑜𝓊𝓃𝒹𝑒𝒹 𝒹𝑜𝓌𝓃 *
I’ll be honest, at about 20% into the book I almost dnf’d because it seemed to be too similar to some other popular books I’ve read. The trial of the sun Queen stood out immediately to me and I was having a hard time reading The Lure of Wolves and Whispers without comparing the two at the beginning. Low class girl gets thrown into a deadly competition against royal daughters to compete for the Prince’s hand in marriage..
However, I decided to continue in hopes that it would differentiate itself and I am happy I did. Although this book does have many of the traditional romantasy tropes such as deadly trials, enemies to lovers, found family, political intrigue etc. I do think that it had some uniqueness with the magic system and the ‘wells’. That being said, I wish we were given a little more information on how the magic works.. it was confusing to me at times and I kept thinking it would be explained more but never did. I’m hoping the next book will go more in depth as I feel like this first book was more so introducing us to the characters and the world overall.
I really enjoyed the writing, I found that it was fast paced, kept me engaged and the author did a great job at world building and bringing the story to life in my head while reading.
I actually liked Maeve as an fmc. The other characters were also done well (some I really couldn’t stand which means the author did her job well in creating the ‘villains’) but I only really cared about Talon. I actually think the relationship development between them was much better than her and wolf.
That being said.. I really did not resonate with the romance in the book. I felt like there was not much of a connection between the characters.. it felt forced. I could actually see more chemistry between Maeve and Cash and I was really hoping personally that that was the direction the book was headed. When reading a romantasy book this is a huge downfall as I do enjoy the romance just as much as the rest. This did lower my rating of the book overall.
I also thought the trials themselves were rather blah. It says these girls train their whole lives for the trials but then had to sing a song and impressed the Queen.. just felt like more thought could have went into it to make it more exciting. I did like the last trial though and felt like it was a little more unique and actually felt like a challenge.
Overall I did enjoy the book and would recommend for those a little newer to romantasy. It just may not be the most unique for those who are a little more versed in the genre as it does include a lot of popular tropes and follows a similar plot line to other well known books (although it did differentiate itself in other ways). If this doesn’t bother you then I’d definitely give The Lure of Whispers a read!
I’ll be honest, at about 20% into the book I almost dnf’d because it seemed to be too similar to some other popular books I’ve read. The trial of the sun Queen stood out immediately to me and I was having a hard time reading The Lure of Wolves and Whispers without comparing the two at the beginning. Low class girl gets thrown into a deadly competition against royal daughters to compete for the Prince’s hand in marriage..
However, I decided to continue in hopes that it would differentiate itself and I am happy I did. Although this book does have many of the traditional romantasy tropes such as deadly trials, enemies to lovers, found family, political intrigue etc. I do think that it had some uniqueness with the magic system and the ‘wells’. That being said, I wish we were given a little more information on how the magic works.. it was confusing to me at times and I kept thinking it would be explained more but never did. I’m hoping the next book will go more in depth as I feel like this first book was more so introducing us to the characters and the world overall.
I really enjoyed the writing, I found that it was fast paced, kept me engaged and the author did a great job at world building and bringing the story to life in my head while reading.
I actually liked Maeve as an fmc. The other characters were also done well (some I really couldn’t stand which means the author did her job well in creating the ‘villains’) but I only really cared about Talon. I actually think the relationship development between them was much better than her and wolf.
That being said.. I really did not resonate with the romance in the book. I felt like there was not much of a connection between the characters.. it felt forced. I could actually see more chemistry between Maeve and Cash and I was really hoping personally that that was the direction the book was headed. When reading a romantasy book this is a huge downfall as I do enjoy the romance just as much as the rest. This did lower my rating of the book overall.
I also thought the trials themselves were rather blah. It says these girls train their whole lives for the trials but then had to sing a song and impressed the Queen.. just felt like more thought could have went into it to make it more exciting. I did like the last trial though and felt like it was a little more unique and actually felt like a challenge.
Overall I did enjoy the book and would recommend for those a little newer to romantasy. It just may not be the most unique for those who are a little more versed in the genre as it does include a lot of popular tropes and follows a similar plot line to other well known books (although it did differentiate itself in other ways). If this doesn’t bother you then I’d definitely give The Lure of Whispers a read!
June 19, 2026
If you were a reader who enjoyed the bachelor-like nature of the trials in "Trails of the Sun Queen" but blended with a darker, more gothic setting like "One Dark Window," this book may be for you. Ultimately, this story was a tale about a young woman finding her own strength and overcoming impossible odds to overthrow a kingdom. The stakes were high, and our main male character was mysterious. What more could one reader ask for in a debut romantasy novel?
I really enjoyed the setting. I found it pretty simple to immerse myself in the setting and really see and feel what Maeve was going through. As far as the characters went, I think my favorite was Talon. But I also appreciated the dynamic between Wolf and Cash, despite how obvious it was. I think there is more to be explored in terms of inter-character connections. But I do not think this story is setting us up for a love triangle. I didn't see too many reviews mention it, but I saw enough that I feel I should comment all the same. The relationship between Maeve and Cash read, to me, as a means-to-an-end situation.
Speaking of the romance, I really connected with Wolf's character. I felt that Maeve's inner dialogue was sometimes too repetitive for me to feel connected. So while I think as a couple, they could have been stronger, Wolf brought a lot to the table. I appreciated that he remembered things about her. Even if in Maeve's narration, she wouldn't let us forget anyway. I can see why someone new to romantasy may need these kinds of reminders while reading. But they had the opposite effect on me. But, again, someone new to the genre may not be used to having to remember all these things about a fantasy book so quickly. ((Looking at you first 100 or so pages of "House of Earth and Blood" IYKYK))
Overall, I found this book to be just okay. I have read A LOT of romantasy, so I think my review may sound a bit hyper-critical. I don't mean to come across this way. I found some of the plot elements too tropey in a way that I wasn't feeling connected to the moment. Some of the plot twists were predictable in a way that made me roll my eyes. To top it off, the world-building was a bit heavy-handed, especially at the start of the book. This caused the pacing to feel significantly off. While I couldn't put the last 40%ish of the book down, the first 60% was harder to get through. It took some time before I felt connected to Maeve and Wolf.
Despite how critical my review may seem, I do think I would read the next book in the series. The premise was interesting enough, and I am anticipating where it will go next. I only hope more care is taken in the next book regarding the repetition. But I look forward to seeing where Maeve will go and what other secrets we will uncover from Wolf.
I really enjoyed the setting. I found it pretty simple to immerse myself in the setting and really see and feel what Maeve was going through. As far as the characters went, I think my favorite was Talon. But I also appreciated the dynamic between Wolf and Cash, despite how obvious it was. I think there is more to be explored in terms of inter-character connections. But I do not think this story is setting us up for a love triangle. I didn't see too many reviews mention it, but I saw enough that I feel I should comment all the same. The relationship between Maeve and Cash read, to me, as a means-to-an-end situation.
Speaking of the romance, I really connected with Wolf's character. I felt that Maeve's inner dialogue was sometimes too repetitive for me to feel connected. So while I think as a couple, they could have been stronger, Wolf brought a lot to the table. I appreciated that he remembered things about her. Even if in Maeve's narration, she wouldn't let us forget anyway. I can see why someone new to romantasy may need these kinds of reminders while reading. But they had the opposite effect on me. But, again, someone new to the genre may not be used to having to remember all these things about a fantasy book so quickly. ((Looking at you first 100 or so pages of "House of Earth and Blood" IYKYK))
Overall, I found this book to be just okay. I have read A LOT of romantasy, so I think my review may sound a bit hyper-critical. I don't mean to come across this way. I found some of the plot elements too tropey in a way that I wasn't feeling connected to the moment. Some of the plot twists were predictable in a way that made me roll my eyes. To top it off, the world-building was a bit heavy-handed, especially at the start of the book. This caused the pacing to feel significantly off. While I couldn't put the last 40%ish of the book down, the first 60% was harder to get through. It took some time before I felt connected to Maeve and Wolf.
Despite how critical my review may seem, I do think I would read the next book in the series. The premise was interesting enough, and I am anticipating where it will go next. I only hope more care is taken in the next book regarding the repetition. But I look forward to seeing where Maeve will go and what other secrets we will uncover from Wolf.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In exchange for a lifesaving dose of magic to heal her sister, Maeve, a peasant from the slums of Quayside, agrees to risk her life in a mission to assassinate the High King. To do so, she enters the Assay, a contest of noble daughters fighting to the death to become the High Queen.
Though I found the premise interesting, I ultimately did not enjoy The Lure of Wolves and Whispers, and contemplated DNF-ing several times, but to its credit, it does read rather quickly and there is an interesting sub plot involving the rebel forces moving against the crown.
In terms of the plot and worldbuilding, a lot of factors feel underbaked. How does magic work? Why do the nobles tolerate their daughters being sacrificed en masse once a generation, even if they might become the High Queen? How are the nobles dealing with rebel actions? Meave operates with very little information, and though it is noted that she feels betrayed that her loved ones often leave her in the dark, the reader is in the dark with her, and it is frustrating that we don’t get to know more.
I also found myself unattached to the characters. Maeve doesn’t have a lot of depth to her character, or distinct mannerisms that give her a sense of unique-ness. She feels a bit too generic/trope fulfilling, and the events of the story primarily happen to her, rather than her having any agency, which is not particularly exciting. Wolf is also a bit boring, until he gets more development at the end of the story, which feels like too little too late. It also makes the romance feel incredibly unearned - how are Maeve and Wolf so attached when they’ve barely talked about anything of substance? Cash, however, was more interesting, other than the scene where we meet him, which was rather incongruous to every other scene following. As the crown prince, Cash could have been characterized in several different ways, but I enjoyed his ruthlessness and ambition, particularly in how those motivated his interactions with the FMC Maeve, rather than forming a love triangle with her and Wolf.
Overall, the story just didn’t capture me in any particular way. Perhaps enjoyable as a light read, and with an interesting, twist ending, readers might enjoy further installments in the series as the action picks up, but I did not enjoy A Lure of Wolves and Whispers enough to continue the series.
✨ 2 stars! ✨
Thank you to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing | Sarah Barley Books / Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for providing an ARC. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Though I found the premise interesting, I ultimately did not enjoy The Lure of Wolves and Whispers, and contemplated DNF-ing several times, but to its credit, it does read rather quickly and there is an interesting sub plot involving the rebel forces moving against the crown.
In terms of the plot and worldbuilding, a lot of factors feel underbaked. How does magic work? Why do the nobles tolerate their daughters being sacrificed en masse once a generation, even if they might become the High Queen? How are the nobles dealing with rebel actions? Meave operates with very little information, and though it is noted that she feels betrayed that her loved ones often leave her in the dark, the reader is in the dark with her, and it is frustrating that we don’t get to know more.
I also found myself unattached to the characters. Maeve doesn’t have a lot of depth to her character, or distinct mannerisms that give her a sense of unique-ness. She feels a bit too generic/trope fulfilling, and the events of the story primarily happen to her, rather than her having any agency, which is not particularly exciting. Wolf is also a bit boring, until he gets more development at the end of the story, which feels like too little too late. It also makes the romance feel incredibly unearned - how are Maeve and Wolf so attached when they’ve barely talked about anything of substance? Cash, however, was more interesting, other than the scene where we meet him, which was rather incongruous to every other scene following. As the crown prince, Cash could have been characterized in several different ways, but I enjoyed his ruthlessness and ambition, particularly in how those motivated his interactions with the FMC Maeve, rather than forming a love triangle with her and Wolf.
Overall, the story just didn’t capture me in any particular way. Perhaps enjoyable as a light read, and with an interesting, twist ending, readers might enjoy further installments in the series as the action picks up, but I did not enjoy A Lure of Wolves and Whispers enough to continue the series.
✨ 2 stars! ✨
Thank you to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing | Sarah Barley Books / Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for providing an ARC. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
June 8, 2026
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton, Hodderscape & NetGalley for sending me an ARC of Amanda Connolly’s The Lure of Wolves and Whispers in exchange for an honest review.
I believe this was the author’s debut, or at least it was her Romantasy debut, and YESSS this is what I love in a Romantasy!! I had such a fun time.
Maeve lives in poverty on the Isle of Eireann with her older sister, Finn, and their father. When Finn is gravely injured, Maeve risks everything to barter for dangerous magic that will save her sister’s life. But all magic comes at a price, and in this case it’s a life for a life. Maeve binds herself to a mysterious, dangerous rebel and is sworn to do his bidding.
She’s tasked with a mission that involves her being thrown into a competition against noble women - the winner becomes the new queen, reigning alongside the handsome young prince. Maeve is forced to grapple with who she can trust, and just how far she would go to survive.
This wasn’t groundbreaking by any means, but it was a really fun new adult Romantasy with deadly trials and all sorts of twists and turns. The set up for the next book was great, and I think this series has the potential to be something special!
I really loved Maeve as a character, she was resourceful and strong, she knew the parts she had to play and she more than held her own in the game against the other young noblewomen who have trained their whole lives for this competition.
I’m hoping we get more background on Wolf (maybe even a dual POV?!) in the next book, as I couldn’t quite pin him down! I liked him, obviously…he’s mysterious and broody and grumpy and ragey and his jaw ticks and his eyes gleam and WHY DO YOU SMELL LIKE HIM 👏 I’m just a girl. But I want to be in his head, I think it would have made me root a bit harder for the romance.
Talon was great, their unwavering faith in and support for Maeve (& Wolf) was lovely - all they wanted to do was help! More Talon too pls!
The ending was brutal, and I’m so intrigued to see where this story goes. I will def be picking up the rest of the series!
Give this one a go if you like Romantasy, deadly trials, morally grey characters, slow burn romance, yearning and “enemies” (more like moderate dislike, tbh) to lovers 🖤
I believe this was the author’s debut, or at least it was her Romantasy debut, and YESSS this is what I love in a Romantasy!! I had such a fun time.
Maeve lives in poverty on the Isle of Eireann with her older sister, Finn, and their father. When Finn is gravely injured, Maeve risks everything to barter for dangerous magic that will save her sister’s life. But all magic comes at a price, and in this case it’s a life for a life. Maeve binds herself to a mysterious, dangerous rebel and is sworn to do his bidding.
She’s tasked with a mission that involves her being thrown into a competition against noble women - the winner becomes the new queen, reigning alongside the handsome young prince. Maeve is forced to grapple with who she can trust, and just how far she would go to survive.
This wasn’t groundbreaking by any means, but it was a really fun new adult Romantasy with deadly trials and all sorts of twists and turns. The set up for the next book was great, and I think this series has the potential to be something special!
I really loved Maeve as a character, she was resourceful and strong, she knew the parts she had to play and she more than held her own in the game against the other young noblewomen who have trained their whole lives for this competition.
I’m hoping we get more background on Wolf (maybe even a dual POV?!) in the next book, as I couldn’t quite pin him down! I liked him, obviously…he’s mysterious and broody and grumpy and ragey and his jaw ticks and his eyes gleam and WHY DO YOU SMELL LIKE HIM 👏 I’m just a girl. But I want to be in his head, I think it would have made me root a bit harder for the romance.
Talon was great, their unwavering faith in and support for Maeve (& Wolf) was lovely - all they wanted to do was help! More Talon too pls!
The ending was brutal, and I’m so intrigued to see where this story goes. I will def be picking up the rest of the series!
Give this one a go if you like Romantasy, deadly trials, morally grey characters, slow burn romance, yearning and “enemies” (more like moderate dislike, tbh) to lovers 🖤
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Maeve lives on an isle ruled by a tyrant king who seems to pick fights with new groups of people on a whim. This week, it’s anyone wearing green, which just so happens to be the colour of Maeves outfit. As she escapes the guards with the help of her sister, Finn, she realises Finn’s injury isn’t just a normal cut. The only way to save her is to strike a risky bargain with a mysterious group who can grant her forbidden magic. The cost: her life, although she isn’t quite sure what that will entail.
Soon, Maeve finds herself working alongside the group of rebels determined to overthrow the cruel king and restore magic to the land. She’s thrust into a ruthless competition to become the next queen, facing deadly trials designed to impress the royal family, including the prince who might be even worse than his father.
It took me a while to get into this book. The first 30ish % felt very familiar, almost like a blend of several popular romantasy tropes with the trials, the brutality, the competitors willing to do anything to win. I definitely had a moment of déjà vu when Maeve posed her riddle. The pacing felt slow as the world and stakes were being set up. I enjoyed it, but I wasn’t fully hooked.
It wasn’t really until the last 40% that I was really invested . The twists and turns ramped up, some predictable, others surprising, and I found myself caring far more about Maeve and several of the side characters.
Will I read the read of the series? Most likely. I’m intrigued enough to want to know more about Wolf and Cash’s complex history's, and I want to see what's going to happen next. But I do hope that the phrase ‘Old Ones’ is used less (I think it was in place of saying God), as it was starting to grate.
Will I continue the series? Most likely. I’m intrigued enough to want to learn more about Wolf and Cash’s complicated histories, and I’m curious to see where the story goes next. But I do hope the phrase ‘Old Ones’ appears less frequently in future books. I think it was supposed to be this worlds equivalent to ‘God’, but its repetition started to grate on me.
Overall, this book had enough promise that I’m willing to see where the next instalment leads.
3.5 ⭐
Soon, Maeve finds herself working alongside the group of rebels determined to overthrow the cruel king and restore magic to the land. She’s thrust into a ruthless competition to become the next queen, facing deadly trials designed to impress the royal family, including the prince who might be even worse than his father.
It took me a while to get into this book. The first 30ish % felt very familiar, almost like a blend of several popular romantasy tropes with the trials, the brutality, the competitors willing to do anything to win. I definitely had a moment of déjà vu when Maeve posed her riddle. The pacing felt slow as the world and stakes were being set up. I enjoyed it, but I wasn’t fully hooked.
It wasn’t really until the last 40% that I was really invested . The twists and turns ramped up, some predictable, others surprising, and I found myself caring far more about Maeve and several of the side characters.
Will I read the read of the series? Most likely. I’m intrigued enough to want to know more about Wolf and Cash’s complex history's, and I want to see what's going to happen next. But I do hope that the phrase ‘Old Ones’ is used less (I think it was in place of saying God), as it was starting to grate.
Will I continue the series? Most likely. I’m intrigued enough to want to learn more about Wolf and Cash’s complicated histories, and I’m curious to see where the story goes next. But I do hope the phrase ‘Old Ones’ appears less frequently in future books. I think it was supposed to be this worlds equivalent to ‘God’, but its repetition started to grate on me.
Overall, this book had enough promise that I’m willing to see where the next instalment leads.
3.5 ⭐
Did Not Finish
June 18, 2026Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Canada, and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, this ended up being a DNF for me at around the 100 page mark.
I was genuinely excited to pick this one up because the premise sounded really intriguing, and the early chapters had a nice atmospheric feel to them. The writing was easy to read, and I had no trouble following the story or settling into the world.
That said, I struggled with the pacing. The book is built around the idea of trials, but it took quite a while to get there, and I found myself losing interest as I waited for the story to really get moving. A lot of the first 100 pages felt like characters moving from place to place, meeting people, having conversations but that was it. Once Maeve is about to start the trials, I expected the action and plot to pick up but again there were just lots of conversations in hallways and bath houses. I just never felt fully invested in what was happening or what was about to happen.
I also found it difficult to connect with the characters on a deeper level. I didn’t find myself caring if anything happened to Finn or if Maeve would be okay in the trials. I wanted to feel more emotionally attached to them and more curious about what would happen next, but that connection never developed for me.
This is probably a case of "it's not you, it's me." There's nothing objectively bad about the writing—in fact, I can see why other readers are enjoying it. It simply wasn't the right fit for my tastes. I tried to it a fair chance, but by 100 pages, I was finding myself putting it down frequently and not feeling particularly motivated to pick it back up. Considering this was a DNF for me, I’ve decided not to give the book a rating. I also acknowledge that my review only refers to my having only read the first third of the story.
I'm disappointed that this one didn't work for me because I really was excited going in, but I think readers who enjoy slower paced fantasy and don't mind a gradual build may have a much better experience than I did.
Unfortunately, this ended up being a DNF for me at around the 100 page mark.
I was genuinely excited to pick this one up because the premise sounded really intriguing, and the early chapters had a nice atmospheric feel to them. The writing was easy to read, and I had no trouble following the story or settling into the world.
That said, I struggled with the pacing. The book is built around the idea of trials, but it took quite a while to get there, and I found myself losing interest as I waited for the story to really get moving. A lot of the first 100 pages felt like characters moving from place to place, meeting people, having conversations but that was it. Once Maeve is about to start the trials, I expected the action and plot to pick up but again there were just lots of conversations in hallways and bath houses. I just never felt fully invested in what was happening or what was about to happen.
I also found it difficult to connect with the characters on a deeper level. I didn’t find myself caring if anything happened to Finn or if Maeve would be okay in the trials. I wanted to feel more emotionally attached to them and more curious about what would happen next, but that connection never developed for me.
This is probably a case of "it's not you, it's me." There's nothing objectively bad about the writing—in fact, I can see why other readers are enjoying it. It simply wasn't the right fit for my tastes. I tried to it a fair chance, but by 100 pages, I was finding myself putting it down frequently and not feeling particularly motivated to pick it back up. Considering this was a DNF for me, I’ve decided not to give the book a rating. I also acknowledge that my review only refers to my having only read the first third of the story.
I'm disappointed that this one didn't work for me because I really was excited going in, but I think readers who enjoy slower paced fantasy and don't mind a gradual build may have a much better experience than I did.
June 21, 2026
2.75⭐️. This romantasy debut is the first in a trilogy which follows Maeve, a young woman who exchanges her freedom to buy forbidden magic to save her sister’s life. To pay the debt, she is made to enter the Assay, a competition where the daughters of the noble families of Eireann fight to the death to be the next High Queen. Each contest includes one peasant girl, whose inclusion is seen as more of an opportunity to belittle the common people rather than provide serious competition. Infiltrating the Assay is a cover for Maeve’s true mission, which is to kill the king. The further Maeve gets involved in the scheme, the more invested she becomes as she realises that the people pulling her strings want to put an end to the King’s tyranny and bring magic back to Eireann.
I don’t think this was a badly written book but, unfortunately, it wasn’t for me. It read quite YA (although there is swearing and spice) and everything felt quite surface level - there was a lot of telling, not showing. The result was that it evoked no emotion in me despite a number of events that should have been emotive. An example is that, without us seeing beyond a page of their interaction, Maeve describes Talon (who is her prison/body guard) as funny and sweet when they are, for all intents and purposes, one of her captors and we haven’t seen anything of their personality. I also found the chemistry between Maeve and Wolf (the man forcing Maeve into the Assay and demanding that she kill the king) nonexistent, partly because we only see brief snippets of Wolf throughout the first two thirds of the book, when he’s sneaking in and out of the palace. A lot of the plot and magic system felt flimsy (for example, why would they recruit someone they’ve only just met - Maeve - who has no obvious skills relevant to the mission that is central to the success of their rebellion?) and some of the more dramatic moments that should create tension are breezed through in mere moments. I also think that while this book leans on some popular romantasy tropes (e.g., the trial), their use felt uninspired.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC of this book.
I don’t think this was a badly written book but, unfortunately, it wasn’t for me. It read quite YA (although there is swearing and spice) and everything felt quite surface level - there was a lot of telling, not showing. The result was that it evoked no emotion in me despite a number of events that should have been emotive. An example is that, without us seeing beyond a page of their interaction, Maeve describes Talon (who is her prison/body guard) as funny and sweet when they are, for all intents and purposes, one of her captors and we haven’t seen anything of their personality. I also found the chemistry between Maeve and Wolf (the man forcing Maeve into the Assay and demanding that she kill the king) nonexistent, partly because we only see brief snippets of Wolf throughout the first two thirds of the book, when he’s sneaking in and out of the palace. A lot of the plot and magic system felt flimsy (for example, why would they recruit someone they’ve only just met - Maeve - who has no obvious skills relevant to the mission that is central to the success of their rebellion?) and some of the more dramatic moments that should create tension are breezed through in mere moments. I also think that while this book leans on some popular romantasy tropes (e.g., the trial), their use felt uninspired.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I finished this book and immediately needed Book 2. What worked for me most was that this story wasn’t afraid of consequences.
At its core, The Lure of Wolves and Whispers is a fantasy about sacrifice, survival, loyalty, and the terrible cost of loving someone enough to risk everything for them. Maeve’s decision to save her sister sets everything in motion, and I appreciated that the emotional and political fallout of those choices actually mattered.
The romance is present, but for me it stayed where I prefer it: part of the story rather than the entire story. The emotional consequences, shifting loyalties, survival stakes, and mythology carried more weight, which ultimately made the world feel richer.
What surprised me most was how much the morally gray choices strengthened my connection to the story. The betrayals hurt because they made sense. This book understands that good people can still make devastating decisions, and that emotional complexity adds depth rather than drama for drama’s sake.
The ending leaves enough grief, uncertainty, and betrayal on the table that I am fully invested in seeing where the story goes next.
Depth: The mythology, magic, and emotional stakes earned trust. The world committed to its rules, and the consequences felt real.
Connection: The emotional fallout landed, the morally gray decisions felt believable, and the relationships made me care about what happened next.
Momentum: Strong pacing with escalating stakes and an ending that immediately made me want Book 2.
Shelf Verdict: Conditional Stay
Book 1 earned my trust. Now the series has to keep it.
Who it’s for:
Readers who enjoy darker fantasy, mythology-inspired worlds, morally gray characters, emotional consequences, political tension, and romance that supports the story rather than overtakes it.
Who it’s not for:
Readers looking for romance-first fantasy, nonstop action from page one, or stories where choices don’t carry emotional weight.
I finished this book and immediately needed Book 2. What worked for me most was that this story wasn’t afraid of consequences.
At its core, The Lure of Wolves and Whispers is a fantasy about sacrifice, survival, loyalty, and the terrible cost of loving someone enough to risk everything for them. Maeve’s decision to save her sister sets everything in motion, and I appreciated that the emotional and political fallout of those choices actually mattered.
The romance is present, but for me it stayed where I prefer it: part of the story rather than the entire story. The emotional consequences, shifting loyalties, survival stakes, and mythology carried more weight, which ultimately made the world feel richer.
What surprised me most was how much the morally gray choices strengthened my connection to the story. The betrayals hurt because they made sense. This book understands that good people can still make devastating decisions, and that emotional complexity adds depth rather than drama for drama’s sake.
The ending leaves enough grief, uncertainty, and betrayal on the table that I am fully invested in seeing where the story goes next.
Depth: The mythology, magic, and emotional stakes earned trust. The world committed to its rules, and the consequences felt real.
Connection: The emotional fallout landed, the morally gray decisions felt believable, and the relationships made me care about what happened next.
Momentum: Strong pacing with escalating stakes and an ending that immediately made me want Book 2.
Shelf Verdict: Conditional Stay
Book 1 earned my trust. Now the series has to keep it.
Who it’s for:
Readers who enjoy darker fantasy, mythology-inspired worlds, morally gray characters, emotional consequences, political tension, and romance that supports the story rather than overtakes it.
Who it’s not for:
Readers looking for romance-first fantasy, nonstop action from page one, or stories where choices don’t carry emotional weight.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Lure of Wolves and Whispers is a thrilling dark romantsy that follows the story of a teenage girl who sacrifices everything to buy dangerous magic that can save her sisters life.
If you want to obtain magic on the Isle of Eireann, it will come with a price. When Maeve's older sister is gravely injured, she risks everything to buy the forbidden magic to save her. But in doing so, she must pledge her life to the ruthless yet enticing rebel leader, and do what he asks of her. At his bidding, Maeve finds herself thrown into a deadly competition to become the next queen, and go up against the brutal prince and his tyrannical father. To top it all off, the country is on the brink of war, the royal family is harboring dangerous secrets, and Maeve doesn't know who she can trust. But if she wants to save her sister and ensure her safety, Maeve must risk her life.
This book is filled with fantastic tropes: Enemies to allies to lovers, slow-burn romance, deadly bride competition, a desperate heroin, and a seductive male lover.
Amanda Connolly draws inspiration from Irish lore to create this darkly magical world. Her magic system is intriguing and unique. The "fight-to-the-death" marriage competition packs intensity, court intrigue and politics, girls who are desperate to win, a sinister executioner, and three rounds of delicious competition.
Connolly's writing is intense, propulsive, and seductive. It pulls you in right from the start and keeps your interest throughout the entire story. This story grabs your heart strings as you pull for Maeve to succeed in the competition and latch onto the luscious romance between her and her bewitching ally.
The only aspect of this book I did not like was the excessive use of the "f" word. It feels very jarring each time it is used because it doesn't feel like it fits with the time period and world of the book.
Otherwise, this is an amazing book and I'm looking forward to the sequels!
If you want to obtain magic on the Isle of Eireann, it will come with a price. When Maeve's older sister is gravely injured, she risks everything to buy the forbidden magic to save her. But in doing so, she must pledge her life to the ruthless yet enticing rebel leader, and do what he asks of her. At his bidding, Maeve finds herself thrown into a deadly competition to become the next queen, and go up against the brutal prince and his tyrannical father. To top it all off, the country is on the brink of war, the royal family is harboring dangerous secrets, and Maeve doesn't know who she can trust. But if she wants to save her sister and ensure her safety, Maeve must risk her life.
This book is filled with fantastic tropes: Enemies to allies to lovers, slow-burn romance, deadly bride competition, a desperate heroin, and a seductive male lover.
Amanda Connolly draws inspiration from Irish lore to create this darkly magical world. Her magic system is intriguing and unique. The "fight-to-the-death" marriage competition packs intensity, court intrigue and politics, girls who are desperate to win, a sinister executioner, and three rounds of delicious competition.
Connolly's writing is intense, propulsive, and seductive. It pulls you in right from the start and keeps your interest throughout the entire story. This story grabs your heart strings as you pull for Maeve to succeed in the competition and latch onto the luscious romance between her and her bewitching ally.
The only aspect of this book I did not like was the excessive use of the "f" word. It feels very jarring each time it is used because it doesn't feel like it fits with the time period and world of the book.
Otherwise, this is an amazing book and I'm looking forward to the sequels!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you, NetGalley, Simon & Schuster, and Amanda Connolly for providing an ARC of The Lure of Wolves and Whispers in exchange for an honest review.
The Lure of Wolves and Whispers is set on the Isle of Eireann, a kingdom ruled by a violent, mad King and his cruel Queen. They have outlawed magic, killing anyone suspected (or ousted) of using or selling it. When Maeve’s older sister Finn is injured, Maeve offers her life to the Whisperers (the rebels) in exchange for the magic to cure her. Her life is then thrown into the deadly Assay – trials for the next queen. Maeve is the “peasant” contestant who will face off against the noble contestants. Some characters I thought were well-developed and interesting:
✅ Talon is Maeve’s guard and secretly a member of the Whisperers. They’re secretive like all Whisperers, but they genuinely care about Maeve.
✅ Wolf is the Whisperer Maeve made her deal with. He’s got secrets and scars and a soft spot for Maeve. He also knows his way around the palace like he’s spent time there.
✅ Prince Cashel “Cash” may not be as bloodthirsty as Maeve believed. He and Wolf know each other, but we'd like to trust him even if Wolf doesn't - for good reasons.
*Don’t trust anyone else is the unspoken motto of this book.*
This was really good, but I did guess most of the plot twists. The trials were different, and I liked how Connolly wrote them – much better than others that have come out lately. If you’re looking for a quick read with a bit of yearning and romance splashed amidst death and war, this is for you. Maeve is a well-written FMC; she’s good with knives and knows how to fight, but she doesn’t act like a know-it-all Mary Sue. Connolly does a good job writing Maeve’s voice. I really hope we get a book 2 to see where Maeve and Wolf’s story goes. I also really want to know what Wolf’s real name is. Definitely check out The Lure of Wolves and Whispers when it comes out July 7, 2026!
The Lure of Wolves and Whispers is set on the Isle of Eireann, a kingdom ruled by a violent, mad King and his cruel Queen. They have outlawed magic, killing anyone suspected (or ousted) of using or selling it. When Maeve’s older sister Finn is injured, Maeve offers her life to the Whisperers (the rebels) in exchange for the magic to cure her. Her life is then thrown into the deadly Assay – trials for the next queen. Maeve is the “peasant” contestant who will face off against the noble contestants. Some characters I thought were well-developed and interesting:
✅ Talon is Maeve’s guard and secretly a member of the Whisperers. They’re secretive like all Whisperers, but they genuinely care about Maeve.
✅ Wolf is the Whisperer Maeve made her deal with. He’s got secrets and scars and a soft spot for Maeve. He also knows his way around the palace like he’s spent time there.
✅ Prince Cashel “Cash” may not be as bloodthirsty as Maeve believed. He and Wolf know each other, but we'd like to trust him even if Wolf doesn't - for good reasons.
*Don’t trust anyone else is the unspoken motto of this book.*
This was really good, but I did guess most of the plot twists. The trials were different, and I liked how Connolly wrote them – much better than others that have come out lately. If you’re looking for a quick read with a bit of yearning and romance splashed amidst death and war, this is for you. Maeve is a well-written FMC; she’s good with knives and knows how to fight, but she doesn’t act like a know-it-all Mary Sue. Connolly does a good job writing Maeve’s voice. I really hope we get a book 2 to see where Maeve and Wolf’s story goes. I also really want to know what Wolf’s real name is. Definitely check out The Lure of Wolves and Whispers when it comes out July 7, 2026!
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