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Condemned
For fans of Raven Kennedy and Jennifer L. Armentrout comes a steamy new fantasy romance where fates and passions intertwine.
A Condemned thief fighting for survival. An Exalted heir forsaking his house. A fate neither of them envisioned.
In the unforgiving underbelly of Lyclaven, under the rule of the gods-blessed Exalted families and their powerful talismans, the Condemned struggle for survival. Vayna Cahira is one such person. A thief forged by the streets of the Rookery after the loss of her mother. Alone and desperate, she tries to navigate a world of crime, betrayal, and despair. Until she meets a mysterious stranger—his piercing gaze both familiar and alluring—and everything she has ever believed is proven false.
Drawn into a realm of hidden truths and dark secrets, Vayna must confront a fate she never expected. As her heart battles with the guilt of her choices, will she carve her own destiny by forsaking everything for a chance at peace and tranquility, or will she let the darkness of her past consume her future?
A Condemned thief fighting for survival. An Exalted heir forsaking his house. A fate neither of them envisioned.
In the unforgiving underbelly of Lyclaven, under the rule of the gods-blessed Exalted families and their powerful talismans, the Condemned struggle for survival. Vayna Cahira is one such person. A thief forged by the streets of the Rookery after the loss of her mother. Alone and desperate, she tries to navigate a world of crime, betrayal, and despair. Until she meets a mysterious stranger—his piercing gaze both familiar and alluring—and everything she has ever believed is proven false.
Drawn into a realm of hidden truths and dark secrets, Vayna must confront a fate she never expected. As her heart battles with the guilt of her choices, will she carve her own destiny by forsaking everything for a chance at peace and tranquility, or will she let the darkness of her past consume her future?
- GenresFantasy
373 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2025
2 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 6, 2025
Read this as an ARC & devoured it in a few hours. it hooked me in from the first page & didn't let me go until the final one.
Brimming with love, lies, betrayal, intrigue & revenge with the added bonus of brilliant banter & a scattering of humour.
You'll love the main character, a red-haired feisty young woman armed with nothing but a dagger, who finds herself on a journey unaware of what will soon unfold.
Pop it on your 'must buy' list, you won't be disappointed- release date 4th November!
Congratulations to Sarah Merkley for a brilliantly captivating read that kept me guessing until the end!
Brimming with love, lies, betrayal, intrigue & revenge with the added bonus of brilliant banter & a scattering of humour.
You'll love the main character, a red-haired feisty young woman armed with nothing but a dagger, who finds herself on a journey unaware of what will soon unfold.
Pop it on your 'must buy' list, you won't be disappointed- release date 4th November!
Congratulations to Sarah Merkley for a brilliantly captivating read that kept me guessing until the end!
October 22, 2025
When I first started reading this book I'm not going to lie, I was a bit hesitant. A friend of mine told me that the author was looking for ARC readers and thought Id enjoy doing it. I've done ARC reading before so that wasn't the issue, but as of recently I haven't been enjoying reading fantasy as much as I have in the past, so I haven't been really reading much fantasy, haven't been buying fantasy books, it just hasn't been an interest for me. With all that being said, I absolutely loved this book. It was a really enjoyable read and it had me hooked from the very first chapter (which absolutely broke my heart). I loved the characters and I never could have seen the ending coming. As I was getting closer to the end, I was postponing my reading time because I didn't want to finish it because I didn't want it to end.
I don't often rate books 5 stars, but I really loved this book and I feel that it has brought me back into my love of fantasy books and I cannot wait until the next book is released (though I am greatly disappointed that I have to wait for it haha).
I don't often rate books 5 stars, but I really loved this book and I feel that it has brought me back into my love of fantasy books and I cannot wait until the next book is released (though I am greatly disappointed that I have to wait for it haha).
October 19, 2025
This book!! Wow just wow!! The dystopian setting has the “condemned” fighting for survival! Vanya is such a strong female character! She does whatever it takes to make it through another day! Things take a turn when she meets someone that somehow captivates her and she can’t quite figure out why. Between the deception and trauma… I never wanted to put this book down! And the twist ENDING!! I need book 2 now please?!
I loved the authors writing style with the complex characters and transformation in the setting!
Thanks to the author for an ARC copy! I cant wait to purchase this book as a shelf trophy!
I loved the authors writing style with the complex characters and transformation in the setting!
Thanks to the author for an ARC copy! I cant wait to purchase this book as a shelf trophy!
October 8, 2025
3.5/5⭐️ I rounded up to 4
Based off of the ending of this book, I bumped it up. I was privileged with the opportunity to have an ARC copy to read. I had a really hard time liking the FMC. She was just a bit too much for me. I found we spent a lot of time in the Rookery that I was starting to get sick of it. Maybe that was the point. It just seemed to drag on a little long. I understand some of it was necessary for establishing FMC as well as her friendships but I felt it was just a bit too much. We did not even meet MMC until about 30% in. The pacing was sporadic for me and I found the intimate parts were a uncharacteristic for the MMC at times. Their chemistry wasn’t fully clicking for me. I also wasn’t a huge fan of some things being explained to me. There were things that were implied from situations and then it would be explained right after. Some readers may appreciate it, I did not. I understood the implication, and having it spelled out for me afterwards made it feel redundant. Another thing that I wasn’t a fan of was how the FMC adamantly did not believe in magic. The way she portrayed this disbelief just seemed a bit childish, which was off putting considering she is meant to be 28 years old. A lot of her behaviour made it difficult to believe her age, but maybe that is a product of her lifestyle and upbringing. Now, all these things made me want to give it a 2.5 or 3 stars, until I got to about the last 50 or so pages of the book.
Some good things that bumped up my rating:
The writing is good. The sentence structures and descriptions, I found were well written. The world that is built and the idea of this entire story, I actually really enjoy. I want more. I want to know so much more. Some characters I found hard to love, but Ryfin, instantly fell in love with him. The pacing and writing improved for me at the end and I was captivated. I am itching for the next one and cannot wait for you all to be drawn into the world of Lyclaven.
Based off of the ending of this book, I bumped it up. I was privileged with the opportunity to have an ARC copy to read. I had a really hard time liking the FMC. She was just a bit too much for me. I found we spent a lot of time in the Rookery that I was starting to get sick of it. Maybe that was the point. It just seemed to drag on a little long. I understand some of it was necessary for establishing FMC as well as her friendships but I felt it was just a bit too much. We did not even meet MMC until about 30% in. The pacing was sporadic for me and I found the intimate parts were a uncharacteristic for the MMC at times. Their chemistry wasn’t fully clicking for me. I also wasn’t a huge fan of some things being explained to me. There were things that were implied from situations and then it would be explained right after. Some readers may appreciate it, I did not. I understood the implication, and having it spelled out for me afterwards made it feel redundant. Another thing that I wasn’t a fan of was how the FMC adamantly did not believe in magic. The way she portrayed this disbelief just seemed a bit childish, which was off putting considering she is meant to be 28 years old. A lot of her behaviour made it difficult to believe her age, but maybe that is a product of her lifestyle and upbringing. Now, all these things made me want to give it a 2.5 or 3 stars, until I got to about the last 50 or so pages of the book.
Some good things that bumped up my rating:
The writing is good. The sentence structures and descriptions, I found were well written. The world that is built and the idea of this entire story, I actually really enjoy. I want more. I want to know so much more. Some characters I found hard to love, but Ryfin, instantly fell in love with him. The pacing and writing improved for me at the end and I was captivated. I am itching for the next one and cannot wait for you all to be drawn into the world of Lyclaven.
November 2, 2025
This book was excellent, definitely a nice surprise. There was a one bed and one horse moment as well as a who did this to you moment. There was one character I didn’t quite trust the whole book and I was right, but I didn’t expect how that twist went down. That part definitely shocked me. The first half of the book was very trauma heavy and was hard to read at times. I just wanted Vayna out of that situation so badly. But she is a badass and I loved seeing those moments as well as the moments she was dealing with her anxiety. I love strong badass character who has flaws. The book ends on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to continue the story in book 2.
October 21, 2025
ARC Review: Sarah Merkley’s ‘Condemned’
[I want to preface that I was sent an ARC of ‘Condemned’ by the author].
THE WHAT: After finding her mother dead, Vayna ends up in a brothel run by the vicious Otyx. In a world that treat women as nothing, she’s forced to pick-pocket, dreaming of the day she and her best friend Isirae can finally escape. When she meets Caene, everything changes as they embark on a fight to tear down the Exalted and take back what’s hers.
THE VIBE: Female heroine, dystopian, slow-burn romantasy.
THE HOW: Merkley’s writing style is beautiful and descriptive. She takes time developing the characters and the setting of each location in the story. I appreciated that she spent a lot of time in Vayna’s mind - exploring her inner thoughts, on-going anxiety, and panic attacks (and her coping mechanisms).
THE HIT: Merkley did a wonderful job developing the relationships between the various characters. I appreciated the very subtle, but clever way, she was able to have the reader question the characters intentions by some of their actions - AND, the plot twist, wow, I did not see that coming!
THE MISS: Merkley goes into a lot of detail and backstory before getting to the real plot, which may be difficult for some readers. Considering this book is set to be Book 1 of a trilogy, I think it is important for us to understand who Vayna is, her back story, and what it is like living in ‘the Rookery’. This did not bother me, but a note to readers that may like more of a fast-paced book.
THE REC: This book is perfect for readers that enjoy slow-burn romances, fantasy, and a strong female leads.
THE OVERALL: Thank you @author_merkley for the opportunity to read your book. I thoroughly enjoyed and devoured it in a few short days. I felt the time, passion, and emotion that went into developing the characters, Lyclaven and their stories. I would definitely recommend this book to others.
Spice Level: 1/5
Overall, this book gets 4/5 from me.
[I want to preface that I was sent an ARC of ‘Condemned’ by the author].
THE WHAT: After finding her mother dead, Vayna ends up in a brothel run by the vicious Otyx. In a world that treat women as nothing, she’s forced to pick-pocket, dreaming of the day she and her best friend Isirae can finally escape. When she meets Caene, everything changes as they embark on a fight to tear down the Exalted and take back what’s hers.
THE VIBE: Female heroine, dystopian, slow-burn romantasy.
THE HOW: Merkley’s writing style is beautiful and descriptive. She takes time developing the characters and the setting of each location in the story. I appreciated that she spent a lot of time in Vayna’s mind - exploring her inner thoughts, on-going anxiety, and panic attacks (and her coping mechanisms).
THE HIT: Merkley did a wonderful job developing the relationships between the various characters. I appreciated the very subtle, but clever way, she was able to have the reader question the characters intentions by some of their actions - AND, the plot twist, wow, I did not see that coming!
THE MISS: Merkley goes into a lot of detail and backstory before getting to the real plot, which may be difficult for some readers. Considering this book is set to be Book 1 of a trilogy, I think it is important for us to understand who Vayna is, her back story, and what it is like living in ‘the Rookery’. This did not bother me, but a note to readers that may like more of a fast-paced book.
THE REC: This book is perfect for readers that enjoy slow-burn romances, fantasy, and a strong female leads.
THE OVERALL: Thank you @author_merkley for the opportunity to read your book. I thoroughly enjoyed and devoured it in a few short days. I felt the time, passion, and emotion that went into developing the characters, Lyclaven and their stories. I would definitely recommend this book to others.
Spice Level: 1/5
Overall, this book gets 4/5 from me.
October 24, 2025
I absolutely loved this book!! Condemned by Sarah Merkley is a must read!!! Definitely check it out when it releases November 4!!
“A Condemned thief fighting for survival. An Exalted heir forsaking his house. A fate neither of them envisioned” (this right here made me want to read it!!)
Vayna is a resilient, tough, and caring FMC. Her life is rough and grimy but she still has hope. Hope for a better life for her and her friend. I love a character that still wants something better even though life has been so crappy and she should have no reason to expect anything else.
Caene is the MMC and fabulous. Ryfin is a character we meet at the end and honestly I think I’m a little more obsessed with him than Caene…..so I hope we see more of Ryfin in the next book! I love the friendship between these too.
I wouldn’t refer to the pacing of the book as slow but I wouldn’t call it fast paced and I love that. I definitely felt like it was something in the middle. I enjoy it when authors take the time to explain characters and show us why they are how they are. I enjoyed all the time spent in the Rookery and getting to know Vayna and Isirae. There were time jumps in places where it was needed but we still got to “grow up” with Vayna. I am someone who wants to know all the backstories and little details so I loved that this took up a good chunk of the book.
The pronunciation list at the beginning is fabulous! Did I still make up how things were supposed to be said absolutely but I enjoyed going back to see how I was supposed to say names!
I really appreciated the inclusion of panic disorders. I thought that was really unique and not something I have seen a lot of in fantasy books. I think this was well written.
Also-yes for bathing after travelling for soo long :)
Ok enough rambling from me-just go read Condemned.
“A Condemned thief fighting for survival. An Exalted heir forsaking his house. A fate neither of them envisioned” (this right here made me want to read it!!)
Vayna is a resilient, tough, and caring FMC. Her life is rough and grimy but she still has hope. Hope for a better life for her and her friend. I love a character that still wants something better even though life has been so crappy and she should have no reason to expect anything else.
Caene is the MMC and fabulous. Ryfin is a character we meet at the end and honestly I think I’m a little more obsessed with him than Caene…..so I hope we see more of Ryfin in the next book! I love the friendship between these too.
I wouldn’t refer to the pacing of the book as slow but I wouldn’t call it fast paced and I love that. I definitely felt like it was something in the middle. I enjoy it when authors take the time to explain characters and show us why they are how they are. I enjoyed all the time spent in the Rookery and getting to know Vayna and Isirae. There were time jumps in places where it was needed but we still got to “grow up” with Vayna. I am someone who wants to know all the backstories and little details so I loved that this took up a good chunk of the book.
The pronunciation list at the beginning is fabulous! Did I still make up how things were supposed to be said absolutely but I enjoyed going back to see how I was supposed to say names!
I really appreciated the inclusion of panic disorders. I thought that was really unique and not something I have seen a lot of in fantasy books. I think this was well written.
Also-yes for bathing after travelling for soo long :)
Ok enough rambling from me-just go read Condemned.
October 15, 2025
Vayna, a heroine who was dealt a harsh life, is learning to navigate her mind, the challenges around her, and these unexplainable visions she starts having. As danger, secrets and romance collide, she realizes she's the heart of a story full of unexpected twists and emotional intensity.
This was a full 5-star read for me. Right off the bat, I appreciated that the author included a list of pronunciations for names and towns - for a fantasy with unusual names, this is SO helpful! I think any fantasy reader can relate.
Full disclosure - the start is really slow. It doesn't really start to pick up until almost halfway in. But it was so worth it, I encourage anyone struggling to push through, the author makes up for it! Keeping in mind it's a trilogy, so this first part is crucial to learning who Vayna is - how her mind works, how her powers begin to develop, where we start to ask questions. Once things start happening, it just snowballs.
Vayna and Caene's dynamic is HOT. Enemies to lovers, drawn to each other, him willing to die to protect her. It's a slow burn, and I mean "just do it already" slow burn. Just when I think they might finally give in- nope, still burning!! It made me antsy and love it even more. Every time I tried to predict what happens next, I was wrong - the twists kept me hooked. The cliffhanger? MASSIVE! Completely blindsided! I felt every bit of Vayna's shock and emotion, and now I'm feeling empty waiting for the next one!!!
Overall, Condemned is an intense, slow-burn fantasy romance that is so worth the patience with emotional depth, intense chemistry, and jaw-dropping twists. Absolutely worth the ride, I'm so excited for the next book!!!
This was a full 5-star read for me. Right off the bat, I appreciated that the author included a list of pronunciations for names and towns - for a fantasy with unusual names, this is SO helpful! I think any fantasy reader can relate.
Full disclosure - the start is really slow. It doesn't really start to pick up until almost halfway in. But it was so worth it, I encourage anyone struggling to push through, the author makes up for it! Keeping in mind it's a trilogy, so this first part is crucial to learning who Vayna is - how her mind works, how her powers begin to develop, where we start to ask questions. Once things start happening, it just snowballs.
Vayna and Caene's dynamic is HOT. Enemies to lovers, drawn to each other, him willing to die to protect her. It's a slow burn, and I mean "just do it already" slow burn. Just when I think they might finally give in- nope, still burning!! It made me antsy and love it even more. Every time I tried to predict what happens next, I was wrong - the twists kept me hooked. The cliffhanger? MASSIVE! Completely blindsided! I felt every bit of Vayna's shock and emotion, and now I'm feeling empty waiting for the next one!!!
Overall, Condemned is an intense, slow-burn fantasy romance that is so worth the patience with emotional depth, intense chemistry, and jaw-dropping twists. Absolutely worth the ride, I'm so excited for the next book!!!
November 6, 2025
I had the chance to read Condemned as an ARC, and what an incredible debut it turned out to be! From the very first chapters, Sarah Merkley completely pulled me into this dark, layered world ruled by power, inequality and quiet rebellion. You can practically feel the grit of the Rookery and the tension of every choice Vayna makes. It’s a world built on survival and secrets, and the atmosphere is so vivid that it lingers long after you’ve finished reading.
I loved that the story takes its time letting us get to know Vayna before throwing her into the chaos. Watching her navigate such a harsh reality while uncovering her strength, resilience and strange new abilities made her such a compelling heroine. Every challenge she faces feels earned, and by the time Caene enters the picture, you’re already fully invested in her story! Their connection was full of tension and emotion, a slow burn that’s messy, emotional, and addictive in the best way possible. It’s the kind of dynamic that makes you want to yell “just kiss already!” while still savoring every bit of the tension.
The pacing might feel gradual at first, but every moment serves a purpose. The foundation Sarah lays in the beginning makes the later chapters hit even harder, with twists that completely blindsided me. The emotional intensity, the tangled romance, and that cliffhanger!! All of it left me stunned and eager for more.
Overall, Condemned is a rich, emotional fantasy that balances grit, heart, and passion beautifully. It’s the kind of story that immerses you completely and stays with you long after the last page. I’m so excited to see where Vayna’s journey goes next!
I loved that the story takes its time letting us get to know Vayna before throwing her into the chaos. Watching her navigate such a harsh reality while uncovering her strength, resilience and strange new abilities made her such a compelling heroine. Every challenge she faces feels earned, and by the time Caene enters the picture, you’re already fully invested in her story! Their connection was full of tension and emotion, a slow burn that’s messy, emotional, and addictive in the best way possible. It’s the kind of dynamic that makes you want to yell “just kiss already!” while still savoring every bit of the tension.
The pacing might feel gradual at first, but every moment serves a purpose. The foundation Sarah lays in the beginning makes the later chapters hit even harder, with twists that completely blindsided me. The emotional intensity, the tangled romance, and that cliffhanger!! All of it left me stunned and eager for more.
Overall, Condemned is a rich, emotional fantasy that balances grit, heart, and passion beautifully. It’s the kind of story that immerses you completely and stays with you long after the last page. I’m so excited to see where Vayna’s journey goes next!
November 2, 2025
Spice: 🌶️
Tropes:
✨One Bed at the Inn
✨One Horse
✨Strong, handsome, and Broody MMC
✨Magic from Gods
✨Slow Burn
✨Anxiety/Panic disorder representation
✨Who did this to you!?
✨Orphan
✨Forced Proximity
✨Classism
✨Chosen One
✨Hope and Resilience
✨Friendship/Found Family
Review:
When I first started this book I didn’t really have any expectation, but boy it took me for a ride! I absolutely LOVED this book! Once the intro was over and Vayna was a full adult I was hooked! There was definitely a lot of backstory before the plot really got going, which some people may not love. But I thought it helped me understand her character and motivations better. I flew through this book and couldn’t put it down. It had all the best things Banter, betrayal and a bada** FMC! I am usually pretty good at guessing twists and endings, but this book kept me guessing and had me SHOOK at the end! It was 2am and I was utterly gutted, in shock and angry. Sarah Merkley took me for a ride and now I will be distraught until I get my hands on book 2.
Vayna (FMC):
Vayna is a stubborn and feisty woman who is also extremely compassionate, selfless, and protective of those she loves. I adored her. While dealing with unimaginable trauma she copes with severe anxiety and a panic disorder. This was beautifully represented and the author was able to relay that this does not make one weak. Vayna was strong and brave even dealing with her anxiety. The way she looks forward to her next hope to keep going one day at a time is admirable and can be applied to anyone’s life.
⚠️TW: sexual assault/abuse, suicide, anxiety and panic disorders, violence, death of a parent, torture
Tropes:
✨One Bed at the Inn
✨One Horse
✨Strong, handsome, and Broody MMC
✨Magic from Gods
✨Slow Burn
✨Anxiety/Panic disorder representation
✨Who did this to you!?
✨Orphan
✨Forced Proximity
✨Classism
✨Chosen One
✨Hope and Resilience
✨Friendship/Found Family
Review:
When I first started this book I didn’t really have any expectation, but boy it took me for a ride! I absolutely LOVED this book! Once the intro was over and Vayna was a full adult I was hooked! There was definitely a lot of backstory before the plot really got going, which some people may not love. But I thought it helped me understand her character and motivations better. I flew through this book and couldn’t put it down. It had all the best things Banter, betrayal and a bada** FMC! I am usually pretty good at guessing twists and endings, but this book kept me guessing and had me SHOOK at the end! It was 2am and I was utterly gutted, in shock and angry. Sarah Merkley took me for a ride and now I will be distraught until I get my hands on book 2.
Vayna (FMC):
Vayna is a stubborn and feisty woman who is also extremely compassionate, selfless, and protective of those she loves. I adored her. While dealing with unimaginable trauma she copes with severe anxiety and a panic disorder. This was beautifully represented and the author was able to relay that this does not make one weak. Vayna was strong and brave even dealing with her anxiety. The way she looks forward to her next hope to keep going one day at a time is admirable and can be applied to anyone’s life.
⚠️TW: sexual assault/abuse, suicide, anxiety and panic disorders, violence, death of a parent, torture
October 19, 2025
I was thrilled to receive this ARC from Sarah for her debut novel Condemned. The first in a planned trilogy, this is a fantasy-romance novel you won't want to miss!
Raised in the impoverished slums of the Rookery, Vayna survives by working as a pickpocket for an abusive and ill-mannered brothel keeper. With her uncanny gift to know who to rob and when, she has survived for years with her best friend Isi living harshly with the other Condemned. One night, she crosses paths with devastating handsome Exalted heir Caene, someone who she has never met but feels she has known her entire life. As she finds herself drawn into a world of magic and treachery, she must decide who she wants to be and what she is willing to sacrifice to achieve it.
This was a great debut novel. One thing I really loved was the pacing. Instead of having our two main characters thrown together in the first chapter and immediately set upon their quest, we spend the first ~half of the book getting to know Vayna. We learned her backstory and get to know her as a person before we meet Caene. Their journey together and chemistry is excellent, and the twist and cliffhanger at the end was surprising! I can't wait to read the sequel and see what happens next. I'd highly recommend you check this one out when it's published on November 4th.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
🌶One bed
🌶One horse
🌶Forced proximity
🌶Slow burn
#bookreview #ARCreview
Raised in the impoverished slums of the Rookery, Vayna survives by working as a pickpocket for an abusive and ill-mannered brothel keeper. With her uncanny gift to know who to rob and when, she has survived for years with her best friend Isi living harshly with the other Condemned. One night, she crosses paths with devastating handsome Exalted heir Caene, someone who she has never met but feels she has known her entire life. As she finds herself drawn into a world of magic and treachery, she must decide who she wants to be and what she is willing to sacrifice to achieve it.
This was a great debut novel. One thing I really loved was the pacing. Instead of having our two main characters thrown together in the first chapter and immediately set upon their quest, we spend the first ~half of the book getting to know Vayna. We learned her backstory and get to know her as a person before we meet Caene. Their journey together and chemistry is excellent, and the twist and cliffhanger at the end was surprising! I can't wait to read the sequel and see what happens next. I'd highly recommend you check this one out when it's published on November 4th.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
🌶One bed
🌶One horse
🌶Forced proximity
🌶Slow burn
#bookreview #ARCreview
October 29, 2025
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice Level : 🌶️.5
My honest and real review of Condemned by Sarah Merkley 📖📚✨
Condemned is a beautifully written book that follows the main female character, Vanya, and her fight to survive on the streets of the Rookery. She lives out her young adult life as a pickpocket, facing endless abuse and traumatic experiences while coping with a panic disorder. Vanyas character is amazingly written and i absolutely adore how Sarah portrayed the struggle of anxiety and underlaying trauma within Vanya!
You meet Caene and the world will never be the same. He’s giving strong, protective, ‘would burn the world’ for her vibes. I immediately fell in love with his character as a whole as well as the part he plays in the book!
Overall, i’m absolutely obsessed with this book. The ending had me on the edge of my seat and i won’t forgive Sarah for ending it on such a cliffhanger, and im already yearning for book two ✨✨
I was an ARC reader for Condemned, the first book of the series. If you’re interested in reading this book, it releases on November 4th 2025! I’d like to take the time to thank Sarah once again for this beautiful physical ARC copy.
Spice Level : 🌶️.5
My honest and real review of Condemned by Sarah Merkley 📖📚✨
Condemned is a beautifully written book that follows the main female character, Vanya, and her fight to survive on the streets of the Rookery. She lives out her young adult life as a pickpocket, facing endless abuse and traumatic experiences while coping with a panic disorder. Vanyas character is amazingly written and i absolutely adore how Sarah portrayed the struggle of anxiety and underlaying trauma within Vanya!
You meet Caene and the world will never be the same. He’s giving strong, protective, ‘would burn the world’ for her vibes. I immediately fell in love with his character as a whole as well as the part he plays in the book!
Overall, i’m absolutely obsessed with this book. The ending had me on the edge of my seat and i won’t forgive Sarah for ending it on such a cliffhanger, and im already yearning for book two ✨✨
I was an ARC reader for Condemned, the first book of the series. If you’re interested in reading this book, it releases on November 4th 2025! I’d like to take the time to thank Sarah once again for this beautiful physical ARC copy.
October 19, 2025
Privileged to have gotten this as an ARC. I absolutely loved this story!
Vayna lives in a world that values the male appendage above anything else. She is forced to work as a pick pocket for a vile human being who takes pride on “helping” condemned women and men by forcing them into prostitution, slavery, etc.
The reader spends a great deal of time in the Rookery, and I developed a deep love of Vayna and Isi. Their circumstances be damned, they do the best they can to find slivers of joy and hope in their mundane existence.
A night out introduces us to Caene, a man with an impossible pull that Vayna cannot escape. The chaos, violence and plot twists and turns that come will give you whiplash, and all the while you just want something to go Vayna’s way. An incredible story- a bit of a slow start, but man oh man if you can push through, it is worth it!
A slow burn, enemies to lovers, with they hurry up and just do it kind of romance, with power dynamics, kidnapping, imprisonment, murder, and a giant cliffhanger had me hooked right from the get go!
Vayna lives in a world that values the male appendage above anything else. She is forced to work as a pick pocket for a vile human being who takes pride on “helping” condemned women and men by forcing them into prostitution, slavery, etc.
The reader spends a great deal of time in the Rookery, and I developed a deep love of Vayna and Isi. Their circumstances be damned, they do the best they can to find slivers of joy and hope in their mundane existence.
A night out introduces us to Caene, a man with an impossible pull that Vayna cannot escape. The chaos, violence and plot twists and turns that come will give you whiplash, and all the while you just want something to go Vayna’s way. An incredible story- a bit of a slow start, but man oh man if you can push through, it is worth it!
A slow burn, enemies to lovers, with they hurry up and just do it kind of romance, with power dynamics, kidnapping, imprisonment, murder, and a giant cliffhanger had me hooked right from the get go!
October 25, 2025
This book was actually awesome and I cannot wait for book 2. The beginning of the book was Vayna's backstory and introduction to the cruel hierarchy that exists in this book world. Magical men rule while everyone she suffers (very reflective of the weird time we occupy currently). Vayna is a strong, stubborn, and loyal character. She suffers from bouts of anxiety and this was well written. The people in the Rookery and in dire poverty and the worst of people is shown. Cruelty, abuse, theft, anything to have a place to sleep or something to eat. The beginning dragged on a bit but I know I needed to know that information about how Vayna ended up with Otyx and formed a relationship with Isirae. Fast forward nine years and stuff is getting real. Otyx is still a mega jerk and Vayna and Isi are still trying to be free. Vayna meets the guy she's been dreaming about but didn't realize it until much much later. We're introduced deeper into the magic systems and locations in the book. The book ends on the most huge twist and cliff hanger! I WILL be reading book two and hope it comes out soon!
November 4, 2025
This book had me hooked from the first page! The prologue left me with so many questions and I needed to know more about the world that Vayna was brought into.
The things that Vayna experiences in the Rookery are insane. A large portion of the book takes place there, so much so that I was starting to wonder where the book was going. By the end, I appreciated how much the author used that time in the Rookery to establish the relationships that Vayna had with several of the other characters.
I really enjoyed the journey through Lyclaven with Vayna and Caene. Their attraction to one another was very sudden, and that didn't seem like something I would expect from Vayna. I also felt like some of the dirty little comments that Caene threw around didn't really match up with his personality. Overall though, I really did enjoy their relationship, and I understood their dynamic a lot more after meeting Ryfin.
Huge thanks to the author for sending me an ARC of this book! I can't wait to read the rest of the series and be back in Lyclaven!
The things that Vayna experiences in the Rookery are insane. A large portion of the book takes place there, so much so that I was starting to wonder where the book was going. By the end, I appreciated how much the author used that time in the Rookery to establish the relationships that Vayna had with several of the other characters.
I really enjoyed the journey through Lyclaven with Vayna and Caene. Their attraction to one another was very sudden, and that didn't seem like something I would expect from Vayna. I also felt like some of the dirty little comments that Caene threw around didn't really match up with his personality. Overall though, I really did enjoy their relationship, and I understood their dynamic a lot more after meeting Ryfin.
Huge thanks to the author for sending me an ARC of this book! I can't wait to read the rest of the series and be back in Lyclaven!
November 9, 2025
Vayna has spent all her life in the poor streets of the Rookery, an unfortunate encounter leads to her learning far more about her father, and herself, than she thought she would.
I enjoyed this read, I really enjoyed Vayna. As the first book in a series, a fair portion is dedicated to the world building and I felt as though the action didn’t start until much later in the novel, like I was just getting into the story when it was over! I most certainly was also not expecting that twist! I feel this installment was excellent groundwork for the rest of the series, I definitely was drawn in to the characters and the world and cannot wait to see where they go; both with the challenged they’re facing and each other. I have much more to say, but ~spoilers~! I cannot wait to see where this series goes!
I enjoyed this read, I really enjoyed Vayna. As the first book in a series, a fair portion is dedicated to the world building and I felt as though the action didn’t start until much later in the novel, like I was just getting into the story when it was over! I most certainly was also not expecting that twist! I feel this installment was excellent groundwork for the rest of the series, I definitely was drawn in to the characters and the world and cannot wait to see where they go; both with the challenged they’re facing and each other. I have much more to say, but ~spoilers~! I cannot wait to see where this series goes!
October 18, 2025
Thank you so much for sending me a copy of this book I was so happy to get an ARC of this amazing story! Overall the book was a 4 out of 5 for me. I loved the trope he falls first and harder. I always love a tall dark MMC that gives “touch her and die” vibes with a hint “I would burn down the world for her”, and Caene fit this role perfectly! I loved the relationship between Vayna and Caene they had the perfect amount of spice and banter. The world building was also very well written in this book too and I loved all the characters. The plot twists kept me guessing what would happen next, and see what would happen in the end. I can’t wait for the second book to see what happens after the cliff hanger ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2025
I had the opportunity to read this book as an ARC, and this has jumped up to my top book of the year! I love the world building and truly allowing us as the reader to understand the ins and outs of the setting and character mindsets. There were times where it really came through how stick they can feel where they are at, and seeing them jump forward a few years was a nice touch after setting up the world as a whole. I loved all of the characters and how they were written, and the slow growth of abilities. The ending had my jaw dropping left and right, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series. If you are a fan of settings like the Hunger Games, while having characters like Throne of Glass and ACOTAR, this is the series for you.
October 23, 2025
**ARC review**
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to the author Sarah Merkley for sending me a digital ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: A thief forged by the streets of the Rookery after the loss of her mother. Alone and desperate, she tries to navigate a world of crime, betrayal, and despair. Until she meets a mysterious stranger—his piercing gaze both familiar and alluring—and everything she has ever believed is proven false.
This was such a beautifully written book. I cannot wait to read more from this author.
This book will come out early November
A huge thanks to Sarah Merkley for giving me the privilege to read the book before the book is official.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to the author Sarah Merkley for sending me a digital ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: A thief forged by the streets of the Rookery after the loss of her mother. Alone and desperate, she tries to navigate a world of crime, betrayal, and despair. Until she meets a mysterious stranger—his piercing gaze both familiar and alluring—and everything she has ever believed is proven false.
This was such a beautifully written book. I cannot wait to read more from this author.
This book will come out early November
A huge thanks to Sarah Merkley for giving me the privilege to read the book before the book is official.
November 3, 2025
Wow! What a debut! This a story that grips you when the plot hits and takes you for a wild ride with twists and turns.
I really enjoyed the back story we got and the detail to the world building so that we understood the dynamic and the characters motivations. This is top tier and explained beautifully. It's a bit of a slow start but needed to really fully grasp the story.
The romance is a slow burn and one of those that has you on the edge of your seat. Only one bed? Who did this to you? YES. This had all my favorite tropes and I devoured them.
This book is intense and had me hooked needing to know what happens next. After that ending I need book two STAT!
I really enjoyed the back story we got and the detail to the world building so that we understood the dynamic and the characters motivations. This is top tier and explained beautifully. It's a bit of a slow start but needed to really fully grasp the story.
The romance is a slow burn and one of those that has you on the edge of your seat. Only one bed? Who did this to you? YES. This had all my favorite tropes and I devoured them.
This book is intense and had me hooked needing to know what happens next. After that ending I need book two STAT!
November 5, 2025
A gripping read that had be glued to the pages from the moment i began reading.
A unique heirachy, magical beings called the exhalted and non magic humans are called the condemmed, cast aside like trash.
The turmoil that Vayna experiences had me gripping the seat. This book is full of hilarious internal monologue, action, secrets and a unique magic system. Also i can't forget the honorable mention to MMC Caene and his amazing eyes.
Highly recommend you pick up and read condemned you will not be disappointed. I can't wait to see where the story goes.
Sorry guys i hate to say there is an absolute world crashing cliff hanger and i need book 2 now!
A unique heirachy, magical beings called the exhalted and non magic humans are called the condemmed, cast aside like trash.
The turmoil that Vayna experiences had me gripping the seat. This book is full of hilarious internal monologue, action, secrets and a unique magic system. Also i can't forget the honorable mention to MMC Caene and his amazing eyes.
Highly recommend you pick up and read condemned you will not be disappointed. I can't wait to see where the story goes.
Sorry guys i hate to say there is an absolute world crashing cliff hanger and i need book 2 now!
October 27, 2025
I received this as an ARC in exchange for my honest review, below. This review is free of spoilers.
I really appreciated that our FMC, Vayna, does not start the story as a weak/clueless person and that most of it takes place when she’s an adult (I’ve had enough of teenage protagonists for a while). The world was quick to get into and provides the classic corrupt system for our characters to fight against. Tropes to expect: forced proximity, one bed, light enemies to lovers, slow burn. Immersive story, lightly spicy, cliffhanger for the next book!
I really appreciated that our FMC, Vayna, does not start the story as a weak/clueless person and that most of it takes place when she’s an adult (I’ve had enough of teenage protagonists for a while). The world was quick to get into and provides the classic corrupt system for our characters to fight against. Tropes to expect: forced proximity, one bed, light enemies to lovers, slow burn. Immersive story, lightly spicy, cliffhanger for the next book!
November 2, 2025
**ARC Copy**
Wow that was intense... I honestly don't know what to say. In some ways it reminds me of The Foxglove King but only the parts where Lore is living in the slums. Maybe it's because both of those main characters live in the worst part of their societal hierarchy, they both steal for a living, and they both work under horrible men who sexualize them. If you liked The Foxglove King then you'll love this book.
I almost had to DNF because it was getting too intense for me but I pushed through and I'm glad I did. I have a strong feeling it made it to my top 5 books of this year.
Wow that was intense... I honestly don't know what to say. In some ways it reminds me of The Foxglove King but only the parts where Lore is living in the slums. Maybe it's because both of those main characters live in the worst part of their societal hierarchy, they both steal for a living, and they both work under horrible men who sexualize them. If you liked The Foxglove King then you'll love this book.
I almost had to DNF because it was getting too intense for me but I pushed through and I'm glad I did. I have a strong feeling it made it to my top 5 books of this year.
November 10, 2025
Nailed it!
OMG, I'm hooked! Such a great character set up right from the start brings you right into their world. You can picture what the rookery looks like and the deep feel of the desperation she feels. Then she met the stranger and her world tips. It kept me glued to my seat in anticipation, throwing me for a loop at the end, leaving me with a scream of WHAT..... then quickly looking to see when the next book will be here! Read it on KU, but I definitely ordered the hard copy it was that good!
OMG, I'm hooked! Such a great character set up right from the start brings you right into their world. You can picture what the rookery looks like and the deep feel of the desperation she feels. Then she met the stranger and her world tips. It kept me glued to my seat in anticipation, throwing me for a loop at the end, leaving me with a scream of WHAT..... then quickly looking to see when the next book will be here! Read it on KU, but I definitely ordered the hard copy it was that good!
October 13, 2025
it took a while to get to the meat of the story, which lost my interest a bit. Once Vayna met Caene, the plot took off. The web of lies and deceit was wild and kept me guessing.
The magic of it all mixed in well, it didn't make or break the story. There was betrayal after betrayal, leaving the reader unsure who to trust.
The romance aspect was lacking, and I would definitely not label this a dark romance. The ending was unforseen, and a huge twist.
Ultimately, I would love to read a sequel!
The magic of it all mixed in well, it didn't make or break the story. There was betrayal after betrayal, leaving the reader unsure who to trust.
The romance aspect was lacking, and I would definitely not label this a dark romance. The ending was unforseen, and a huge twist.
Ultimately, I would love to read a sequel!
November 2, 2025
ARC Review:
Condemned was a phenomenal read. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough and I was intrigued from the very first moment.
I loved Vayna’s grit and determination. Her unwavering loyalty to her friends. Her optimism in, otherwise dire situations with her “hopes” for the next day. I love that she is a bad ass female character with her own flaws.
This is a slow burn romantasy. The twists and turns in the story, as it unfolded, had me gasping in disbelief. I love the introduction of the magic systems and the lore involved so far…between the exalted and the condemned. I’m incredibly excited to see how this continues in the next book! Five star read, easily!
Releases November 4th!
Condemned was a phenomenal read. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough and I was intrigued from the very first moment.
I loved Vayna’s grit and determination. Her unwavering loyalty to her friends. Her optimism in, otherwise dire situations with her “hopes” for the next day. I love that she is a bad ass female character with her own flaws.
This is a slow burn romantasy. The twists and turns in the story, as it unfolded, had me gasping in disbelief. I love the introduction of the magic systems and the lore involved so far…between the exalted and the condemned. I’m incredibly excited to see how this continues in the next book! Five star read, easily!
Releases November 4th!
November 3, 2025
I received this Book as an ARC.
I was hooked from the first chapter through to the end, and with the way this book ended, I am eagerly awaiting the next book!
I enjoyed the portrayal of anxiety and the use of habit/ritual to help reduce it. The world-building is nicely sprinkled throughout the narrative in a way that shows the reader there is an expanded world and history, without that information being dumped on us.
I will defiantly be recommending this book to all my friends!
I was hooked from the first chapter through to the end, and with the way this book ended, I am eagerly awaiting the next book!
I enjoyed the portrayal of anxiety and the use of habit/ritual to help reduce it. The world-building is nicely sprinkled throughout the narrative in a way that shows the reader there is an expanded world and history, without that information being dumped on us.
I will defiantly be recommending this book to all my friends!
November 4, 2025
This was a slow burn, but I barely noticed if I’m being honest. The story was extremely well written and had you reading well into the night to see how this was going to play out! There was a cliffhanger I was not prepared for, but I’m definitely going to be keeping an eye out for book 2 next year!
Sarah’s debut book is worth a read, please add it to your TBR, read it ASAP I need people to talk to about this! 🤣💖
Sarah’s debut book is worth a read, please add it to your TBR, read it ASAP I need people to talk to about this! 🤣💖
October 24, 2025
Amazing !! ARC REVIEW
Took me a couple days to read but only because my actual job got in the way- the audacity!
I didn’t want to put this story down, the banter between characters and the way it’s beautifully written has me impatiently wanting the next book!
If you’re looking for a great Canadian written romantasy book, this is it!
Took me a couple days to read but only because my actual job got in the way- the audacity!
I didn’t want to put this story down, the banter between characters and the way it’s beautifully written has me impatiently wanting the next book!
If you’re looking for a great Canadian written romantasy book, this is it!
November 2, 2025
Omg! This book!!! I can not begin to even tell you how fabulous it is! The fantasy it’s there. The plot oh my goodness! The villains in this are so treacherous I had to take breathers just to calm my own anger towards them. The FMC is one tough girl who I just couldn’t help but admire. What a ride! Amazing!
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