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Out of Darkness #1
The Bone Dagger
In this spellbinding debut fantasy, passion and peril entwine in a tale of curses, monsters, and forbidden desire. Perfect for fans of dark romance, this sweeping first installment introduces a heroine whose heart may be as dangerous as her power.
Born with the blood of a hell god in her veins, Helaina Ironblood has lived her life in secrecy, hidden from a realm already teetering on the edge of ruin. When tragedy shatters her family and the heir to the throne is lost, Helaina is cast into exile—her cursed power now a beacon to enemies who would see the world burn. Beyond the Ash Cliff Mountains, monsters stalk the land, and darker forces hunger for the weapon Helaina carries within her.
Seized by Theodon Wrenn, the feared captain of a mysterious legion, Helaina is thrust into a war that stretches far beyond her imagining. Ruthless, commanding, and bound by secrets of his own, Theodon believes she is the key to victory. Yet the more he tries to bend her to his will, the more he is drawn to her defiance—and to the dangerous fire in her blood. Unlocking her power requires the Bone Dagger, an ancient relic that binds gods, beasts, and mortals alike, but demands a price—Helaina’s mortal life.
Torn between the man who would sacrifice her and the destiny she never wanted, Helaina must decide whether her curse will bring salvation … or ruin.
Born with the blood of a hell god in her veins, Helaina Ironblood has lived her life in secrecy, hidden from a realm already teetering on the edge of ruin. When tragedy shatters her family and the heir to the throne is lost, Helaina is cast into exile—her cursed power now a beacon to enemies who would see the world burn. Beyond the Ash Cliff Mountains, monsters stalk the land, and darker forces hunger for the weapon Helaina carries within her.
Seized by Theodon Wrenn, the feared captain of a mysterious legion, Helaina is thrust into a war that stretches far beyond her imagining. Ruthless, commanding, and bound by secrets of his own, Theodon believes she is the key to victory. Yet the more he tries to bend her to his will, the more he is drawn to her defiance—and to the dangerous fire in her blood. Unlocking her power requires the Bone Dagger, an ancient relic that binds gods, beasts, and mortals alike, but demands a price—Helaina’s mortal life.
Torn between the man who would sacrifice her and the destiny she never wanted, Helaina must decide whether her curse will bring salvation … or ruin.
474 pages, Paperback
Published July 21, 2026
About the author
Clara Rhodes
1 book78 followersA paramedic- turned ER nurse, Clara has worked in emergency medicine since 2013.
She's a proud firefighter wife and boy mom of two. Known as the fun mom who embraces chaos, she loves fitness, reading, and making memories with her family. After experiencing the loss of both her siblings, she turned grief into creativity and began writing her debut romantasy novel. Her first book was started with the intention to help others who are navigating grief feel less alone. Now, with stories pouring out, she envisions a second career as an author, bringing her love for storytelling to life.
She's a proud firefighter wife and boy mom of two. Known as the fun mom who embraces chaos, she loves fitness, reading, and making memories with her family. After experiencing the loss of both her siblings, she turned grief into creativity and began writing her debut romantasy novel. Her first book was started with the intention to help others who are navigating grief feel less alone. Now, with stories pouring out, she envisions a second career as an author, bringing her love for storytelling to life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
February 21, 2026
6 STARS ✨
LET ME GATHER MY THOUGHTS BEFORE WRITING A REVIEW. SHADOW MOMMYYYYY
LET ME GATHER MY THOUGHTS BEFORE WRITING A REVIEW. SHADOW MOMMYYYYY
February 14, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.25)
Available 7/26
“If you treat someone like they’re fragile, that’s what they become—easily broken like glass. If you treat someone like they’re steel…”
A powerful fantasy that weaves together gods, monsters, and the journey of turning pain into strength.
The Bone Dagger was a fast-paced read that completely pulled me in. The world is dark and magical, filled with deadly, morally gray characters. As a huge fan of mythology, I was especially intrigued by the lore surrounding the gods and the different bloodlines—this element really hooked me from the start. Helaina is a complex protagonist, weighed down by grief and guilt, staring into what feels like an endless tunnel. Yet as the story unfolds, her resilience shines through. She’s stubborn, fierce, and done tolerating what’s hurt her. I really appreciated the depth of her healing journey and the growth she experiences throughout the book. Theodan was exactly what she needed—someone who could challenge her while also offering something she lacked: a sense of home.
My only real critique is that the story somehow delivers both enemies-to-lovers and instalove. It wasn’t necessarily a negative, but the timeline felt compressed at times. Because everything seemed to happen over such a short span, their relationship occasionally felt like it could have used more development to fully land emotionally.
Overall, this is a very strong start to the series, and that cliffhanger has me especially eager for book two.
Tropes: gods x demigods, revenge arc, grief & healing, strong-willed FMC, sassy characters
Highly recommend for readers who enjoy fantasy with rich mythological elements. If you like romantasy with darker undertones, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Available 7/26
“If you treat someone like they’re fragile, that’s what they become—easily broken like glass. If you treat someone like they’re steel…”
A powerful fantasy that weaves together gods, monsters, and the journey of turning pain into strength.
The Bone Dagger was a fast-paced read that completely pulled me in. The world is dark and magical, filled with deadly, morally gray characters. As a huge fan of mythology, I was especially intrigued by the lore surrounding the gods and the different bloodlines—this element really hooked me from the start. Helaina is a complex protagonist, weighed down by grief and guilt, staring into what feels like an endless tunnel. Yet as the story unfolds, her resilience shines through. She’s stubborn, fierce, and done tolerating what’s hurt her. I really appreciated the depth of her healing journey and the growth she experiences throughout the book. Theodan was exactly what she needed—someone who could challenge her while also offering something she lacked: a sense of home.
My only real critique is that the story somehow delivers both enemies-to-lovers and instalove. It wasn’t necessarily a negative, but the timeline felt compressed at times. Because everything seemed to happen over such a short span, their relationship occasionally felt like it could have used more development to fully land emotionally.
Overall, this is a very strong start to the series, and that cliffhanger has me especially eager for book two.
Tropes: gods x demigods, revenge arc, grief & healing, strong-willed FMC, sassy characters
Highly recommend for readers who enjoy fantasy with rich mythological elements. If you like romantasy with darker undertones, this one is definitely worth picking up.
April 21, 2026
4.5⭐️
WOW. What a stunning debut!! The Bone Dagger captivated me from the very first pages — there wasn’t a single moment I felt bored and I had the hardest time putting it down!! I need all of my Dark Romantasy lovers to add this to their TBR ASAPPP.
“Our darkest times birth our greatest strengths.”
Helaina — our neglected, cursed princess FMC has spent her entire life hidden away while her siblings thrived. Now that they’re gone (RIP), her family arranges a marriage on her behalf, so they can finally be rid of her 😭.
And then we meet our MMC, Theodon. Theo babyyy. Big daddy Theo. LOML. Newest book boyfriend. Okay, you get it 😂. He senses Helaina's magic and kidnaps her while she's en route to her fiancé 👀 and that's only the first few chapters!! Trust, you're gonna want to add this one to your TBR!!
“You don’t have to answer,” he pulled her in close. “I can smell it on you.”
The slow burn? Perfection. The twists and turns? Broke my neck. & the found family trope?? Executed flawlessly. Callum is a sweet angel bb and idc what anyone says. I will go to war for him 🥺. Although he wouldn’t need it 😂.
The last chapter gave me literal chills. Helaina is such a badass and I already know the wait for book two is going to be BRUTAL.
“No vast space, void, or army could keep me from hunting you down and slaughtering those who stood in my way.”
Be sure to check the trigger warnings — this story does explore heavier themes like grief and eating disorders.
Read if you enjoy:
-Dark Fantasy Romance
-Cursed FMC
-Beasts and monsters
-Magic
-Found family
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing for the ARC.
WOW. What a stunning debut!! The Bone Dagger captivated me from the very first pages — there wasn’t a single moment I felt bored and I had the hardest time putting it down!! I need all of my Dark Romantasy lovers to add this to their TBR ASAPPP.
“Our darkest times birth our greatest strengths.”
Helaina — our neglected, cursed princess FMC has spent her entire life hidden away while her siblings thrived. Now that they’re gone (RIP), her family arranges a marriage on her behalf, so they can finally be rid of her 😭.
And then we meet our MMC, Theodon. Theo babyyy. Big daddy Theo. LOML. Newest book boyfriend. Okay, you get it 😂. He senses Helaina's magic and kidnaps her while she's en route to her fiancé 👀 and that's only the first few chapters!! Trust, you're gonna want to add this one to your TBR!!
“You don’t have to answer,” he pulled her in close. “I can smell it on you.”
The slow burn? Perfection. The twists and turns? Broke my neck. & the found family trope?? Executed flawlessly. Callum is a sweet angel bb and idc what anyone says. I will go to war for him 🥺. Although he wouldn’t need it 😂.
The last chapter gave me literal chills. Helaina is such a badass and I already know the wait for book two is going to be BRUTAL.
“No vast space, void, or army could keep me from hunting you down and slaughtering those who stood in my way.”
Be sure to check the trigger warnings — this story does explore heavier themes like grief and eating disorders.
Read if you enjoy:
-Dark Fantasy Romance
-Cursed FMC
-Beasts and monsters
-Magic
-Found family
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing for the ARC.
February 10, 2026
YUPPPP I love this book so much. If you have the chance to request the arc on NetGalley I highly recommend doing so. This book was addicting to read and I was never once bored. The ending - omfg - I am ready for book two!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
who needs a shadow daddy when you've got a shadow-badass-fmc!!!!
i haven't been into romantasy in a good little minute but this one was so YUM chef's kiss that i think it might have singlehandedly started a romantasy era for me. i couldn't put it down, which is the best sign ever, and it has found family, which is the best sign ever, and the magic and worldbuilding and politics were so interesting, which is the best sign ever, and GAH i ate every single word of this up.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc!
i haven't been into romantasy in a good little minute but this one was so YUM chef's kiss that i think it might have singlehandedly started a romantasy era for me. i couldn't put it down, which is the best sign ever, and it has found family, which is the best sign ever, and the magic and worldbuilding and politics were so interesting, which is the best sign ever, and GAH i ate every single word of this up.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc!
July 25, 2026
Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book that was just released on July 21st called, The Bone Dagger. This is about Helaina, she is a princess her family has kept hidden and neglected because of the cursed dark magic she was given by the gods. But when her older siblings are killed, her family blames her and sends her as far away as possible for an arranged marriage, because they are afraid of her and this power she doesn't know how to control. She was safe behind the castle barrier but now outside of it while being taken to her new life her magic can be sensed, and she is kidnapped by Theo and his crew. They are a group who protect the realm and they need her help, if they can get her to see that the dark magic she's hated and been shunned for all her life is actually special and that they can teach her to control and wield her powers against the monsters to help the realm.
I didn't want to give too much away above, but I just gotta say, I can't believe this was the author's debut book! It was such a captivating romantasy! The world building, the gods/demi-gods, the monsters and magic was all so entertaining and well written! I found myself sucked into this story, it was fast-paced, had enemies to lovers, strong and complex main characters, grief and healing, a revenge arc, and twists I wasn't expecting! I really enjoyed this story and after that cliffhanger ending I need book 2 as soon as possible! 💙📚
Thank you to Clara Rhodes, Blackstone Publishing, and Netgalley for this ARC of The Bone Dagger, in exchange for an honest review.
I didn't want to give too much away above, but I just gotta say, I can't believe this was the author's debut book! It was such a captivating romantasy! The world building, the gods/demi-gods, the monsters and magic was all so entertaining and well written! I found myself sucked into this story, it was fast-paced, had enemies to lovers, strong and complex main characters, grief and healing, a revenge arc, and twists I wasn't expecting! I really enjoyed this story and after that cliffhanger ending I need book 2 as soon as possible! 💙📚
Thank you to Clara Rhodes, Blackstone Publishing, and Netgalley for this ARC of The Bone Dagger, in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2026
This was a decent debut novel from Clara Rhodes.
I am not a fan of books written in third-person as it's harder to feel more connected to the characters. And I will say that did make it difficult at the beginning of this book for me to get into the story, but once things started getting interesting, the plot intrigued me.
This is definitely more of greyish romance and not so much dark romance. The world building is lacking and I think that has to do with how this story unfolds. The dialogue is ok but sometimes felt inconsistent at times, which hurt the flow of the book. As for the romance - I felt it was a bit too rushed and not believable for insta-love. I wanted that to be fleshed out more.
The book was entertaining to read, but not something that stands out from other romantasy books. It has all the tropes that readers will like and many will probably overlook the issues I had and enjoy this one more.
Again, for me, books written in third-person are harder for me to really enjoy. So please take that into consideration when choosing to read this one.
I am not a fan of books written in third-person as it's harder to feel more connected to the characters. And I will say that did make it difficult at the beginning of this book for me to get into the story, but once things started getting interesting, the plot intrigued me.
This is definitely more of greyish romance and not so much dark romance. The world building is lacking and I think that has to do with how this story unfolds. The dialogue is ok but sometimes felt inconsistent at times, which hurt the flow of the book. As for the romance - I felt it was a bit too rushed and not believable for insta-love. I wanted that to be fleshed out more.
The book was entertaining to read, but not something that stands out from other romantasy books. It has all the tropes that readers will like and many will probably overlook the issues I had and enjoy this one more.
Again, for me, books written in third-person are harder for me to really enjoy. So please take that into consideration when choosing to read this one.
February 25, 2026
The Bone Dagger was my very first fantasy book, and I did not expect to love it this much. It completely captivated me from the beginning and honestly may have turned me into a fantasy reader.
The tension between the main characters is so well done — it keeps you hooked and wanting more. I also love that the trauma was portrayed in a way that felt raw and relatable.
If this is what fantasy is like, I’m officially in. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The tension between the main characters is so well done — it keeps you hooked and wanting more. I also love that the trauma was portrayed in a way that felt raw and relatable.
If this is what fantasy is like, I’m officially in. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 28, 2026
May contain some spoilers
I got into reading as a way of escaping, so I’m big on details of character descriptions, locations, events, etc. There have been books that don’t give me enough to envision what’s going on that I quickly DNF cause my brain needs that information. Clara did a phenomenal job of providing enough detail that I can be a fly on the wall in Elkron, without this being a 1300 page book (I just don’t have a long enough attention span for that). The story is captivating and there was a pivotal point I was laying in my bed, kicking my feet and looked at the clock knowing I HAD to put the kindle down so I can be a productive member at work the next day (didn’t work).
At first I wasn’t sure I would be able to connect as well with Helaina as our grief was different. However, her feelings of being unwanted or pushed aside and just not feeling good enough really resonated, making her relatable to almost anyone whether you’ve dealt with grief or not. And the realization that finally you aren’t a burden or that SOMEONE actually wanted you gives hope that that is actual reality and can happen to us all. “Who takes care of you” and her not having an answer might’ve been one of my top five lines because it was around that time I was feeling like I am Helaina, she is me. She was a very likable FMC and her distrust/fight lasted a normal amount of time for someone in her position. I’ve read previous books that the royal main character is so annoying and unlikable based on attitude and actions repeatedly throughout and FINALLY that wasn’t the case with The Bone Dagger. Helaina said she never had a friend, well I want to be friends with this baddie.
Now, big daddy THEO 🤏🏽🤏🏽🤏🏽
“No vast space, void, or army could keep me from hunting you down and slaughtering those who stood in my way…. There is nowhere you could go that I wont follow.”
“Is she worth it? I would massacre entire kingdoms to keep you from her”
ARE YOU KIDDING ME. OKAY SIR, I AM SAT. THE YEARNING. Statements like this just really get me. Like I said before I was kicking my feet reading this! He’s big, he’s hot, fiercely protective and he WANTS her. How do I get an ancient being to call me his good girl?
Twists and turns made this SUCH a good story, I couldn’t put it down, I constantly needed to know what was going to happen next. My family constantly questioned why I was doing every day tasks and walking around the house with my kindle constantly in hand; simple, I couldn’t put this book down, I was captivated.
My only complaint? Having to wait for the next book 😩
I got into reading as a way of escaping, so I’m big on details of character descriptions, locations, events, etc. There have been books that don’t give me enough to envision what’s going on that I quickly DNF cause my brain needs that information. Clara did a phenomenal job of providing enough detail that I can be a fly on the wall in Elkron, without this being a 1300 page book (I just don’t have a long enough attention span for that). The story is captivating and there was a pivotal point I was laying in my bed, kicking my feet and looked at the clock knowing I HAD to put the kindle down so I can be a productive member at work the next day (didn’t work).
At first I wasn’t sure I would be able to connect as well with Helaina as our grief was different. However, her feelings of being unwanted or pushed aside and just not feeling good enough really resonated, making her relatable to almost anyone whether you’ve dealt with grief or not. And the realization that finally you aren’t a burden or that SOMEONE actually wanted you gives hope that that is actual reality and can happen to us all. “Who takes care of you” and her not having an answer might’ve been one of my top five lines because it was around that time I was feeling like I am Helaina, she is me. She was a very likable FMC and her distrust/fight lasted a normal amount of time for someone in her position. I’ve read previous books that the royal main character is so annoying and unlikable based on attitude and actions repeatedly throughout and FINALLY that wasn’t the case with The Bone Dagger. Helaina said she never had a friend, well I want to be friends with this baddie.
Now, big daddy THEO 🤏🏽🤏🏽🤏🏽
“No vast space, void, or army could keep me from hunting you down and slaughtering those who stood in my way…. There is nowhere you could go that I wont follow.”
“Is she worth it? I would massacre entire kingdoms to keep you from her”
ARE YOU KIDDING ME. OKAY SIR, I AM SAT. THE YEARNING. Statements like this just really get me. Like I said before I was kicking my feet reading this! He’s big, he’s hot, fiercely protective and he WANTS her. How do I get an ancient being to call me his good girl?
Twists and turns made this SUCH a good story, I couldn’t put it down, I constantly needed to know what was going to happen next. My family constantly questioned why I was doing every day tasks and walking around the house with my kindle constantly in hand; simple, I couldn’t put this book down, I was captivated.
My only complaint? Having to wait for the next book 😩
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2026
Helaina is the cursed princess of Keles. She feels definitely feels cursed after both of her siblings have died and she’s being married off to someone far away. Theo is a commander of the divine milita that protects the realm. He senses Hels dark magic and knows it can be the thing that protects the mortals from the beasts that are constantly attacking. Hel gets some training from her comrades but is still terrified of her shadow magic. Hel must use the bone dagger to enter a trials to get access to her blood magic.
“From our darkest moments come our greatest strengths.”
Hel is a bit insufferable for most of the book but ultimately it makes sense with flashbacks. Though I still don’t understand why her siblings refused to tell her the truth. But the sinister personality that emerges in her shadow mommy phase is definitely something I’m going to keep my eye on. Book 2 will be a banger for sure.
Theo is a dark demon of a commander who’s got a lot of secrets but is devoutly loyal to his people. Can’t wait to see how far he will go for her.
This was really good but not great. I think I just didn’t vibe with Hel being so against Theo without a better reason. He never did anything to her besides save her.
“From our darkest moments come our greatest strengths.”
Hel is a bit insufferable for most of the book but ultimately it makes sense with flashbacks. Though I still don’t understand why her siblings refused to tell her the truth. But the sinister personality that emerges in her shadow mommy phase is definitely something I’m going to keep my eye on. Book 2 will be a banger for sure.
Theo is a dark demon of a commander who’s got a lot of secrets but is devoutly loyal to his people. Can’t wait to see how far he will go for her.
This was really good but not great. I think I just didn’t vibe with Hel being so against Theo without a better reason. He never did anything to her besides save her.
July 24, 2026
I immediately connected with the FMC and grew attached to her story. Her past is emotional. She was kept very sheltered to keep her and everyone safe, and yet she wasn't shown much affection from her parents. The way Rhodes wove together flashback chapters with the current events kept me reading. I wanted to learn more about the FMC's mysterious past and her identity and was anxious to get back to the present timeline as dangers surrounded her. Her growth in this book was very good and satisfying to read near the end.
The romance moved a little too fast and relied too heavily on physical attraction for my preferences. The was a little bit there to give me reason for her to love him. I hope to see more of his soft side for her in the next book. I'm not sure I understand why she is perfect for him though beyond physical compatibility.
At a Glance:
- Meddling Gods
- Curses
- Prophesy
- Monsters
- Chosen One
- Healing From Trauma
- Cliffhanger!
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for an ARC. All opinions are my own.
The romance moved a little too fast and relied too heavily on physical attraction for my preferences. The was a little bit there to give me reason for her to love him. I hope to see more of his soft side for her in the next book. I'm not sure I understand why she is perfect for him though beyond physical compatibility.
At a Glance:
- Meddling Gods
- Curses
- Prophesy
- Monsters
- Chosen One
- Healing From Trauma
- Cliffhanger!
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for an ARC. All opinions are my own.
July 24, 2026
Thank you to Libro.FM and Blackstone Publishing Inc. for providing me with a gifted ALC copy of The Bone Dagger. All opinions are my own.
Format: Libro.FM
Narrator: Mollie Stark, Sebastian Grove
Time: 12 hours 38 minutes
Just when we love having a Shadow Daddy, The Bone Dagger said I’ll raise you one, and give you a Shadow Mama! I loved this book and the narrators did an amazing job with the various characters and brought great tension to Helaina and Theo’s relationship.
The mix of gods, hidden identity, secrets, and family issues gave the book a great pace and I loved Helaina’s flashbacks because they brought some great backstory to the book. I would recommend checking the trigger warnings on this one because it does deal with some sensitive issues.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
* Gods & Prophecy
* Secrets
* Curse
* Shadow Mama
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥: 🌶️.5
If you’re looking for a new dark fantasy series to fall in love with then I would definitely recommend adding The Bone Dagger to your TBR.
Format: Libro.FM
Narrator: Mollie Stark, Sebastian Grove
Time: 12 hours 38 minutes
Just when we love having a Shadow Daddy, The Bone Dagger said I’ll raise you one, and give you a Shadow Mama! I loved this book and the narrators did an amazing job with the various characters and brought great tension to Helaina and Theo’s relationship.
The mix of gods, hidden identity, secrets, and family issues gave the book a great pace and I loved Helaina’s flashbacks because they brought some great backstory to the book. I would recommend checking the trigger warnings on this one because it does deal with some sensitive issues.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
* Gods & Prophecy
* Secrets
* Curse
* Shadow Mama
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥: 🌶️.5
If you’re looking for a new dark fantasy series to fall in love with then I would definitely recommend adding The Bone Dagger to your TBR.
July 27, 2026
⭐ V&V RATING
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
Emotional Damage: 🖤🖤
Tropes: Enemies to Friends to Allies to Lovers, Gods & Goddesses, Trainer/Trainee, Hidden Magic, Found Family, Cursed FMC, MMC with Incubus Powers (and horns), He Falls First, Demigods, Fae, Humans, and “Who did this to you?”
✨ VIBE CHECK
If you liked…
Quicksilver, but wanted to see the MMC fall first and hard!
💭 REVIEW THOUGHTS
I was hooked on this from page 1!
I immediately cared for the FMC, Helaina, who begins as a tragic figure, cursed with a power she does not understand, forced to hide from the world, mourning the loss of her brother and sister, and shunned by her royal family.
The MMC, Theo, who has the power to find anyone touched with the gods’ power, is drawn to Helaina with thoughts of adding a powerful warrior to his legion of demigods, the realm’s last line of defense against the impending doom of monsters taking over the lands, but little does he realize there is so much more to her.
The chemistry between the FMC and MMC is palpable. The found family was amazing. The lore was interesting and felt just different enough to have me walking away feeling like this book was NOT yet another rinse and repeat romantasy.
I am excited to read book 2 when it comes out!
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
Emotional Damage: 🖤🖤
Tropes: Enemies to Friends to Allies to Lovers, Gods & Goddesses, Trainer/Trainee, Hidden Magic, Found Family, Cursed FMC, MMC with Incubus Powers (and horns), He Falls First, Demigods, Fae, Humans, and “Who did this to you?”
✨ VIBE CHECK
If you liked…
Quicksilver, but wanted to see the MMC fall first and hard!
💭 REVIEW THOUGHTS
I was hooked on this from page 1!
I immediately cared for the FMC, Helaina, who begins as a tragic figure, cursed with a power she does not understand, forced to hide from the world, mourning the loss of her brother and sister, and shunned by her royal family.
The MMC, Theo, who has the power to find anyone touched with the gods’ power, is drawn to Helaina with thoughts of adding a powerful warrior to his legion of demigods, the realm’s last line of defense against the impending doom of monsters taking over the lands, but little does he realize there is so much more to her.
The chemistry between the FMC and MMC is palpable. The found family was amazing. The lore was interesting and felt just different enough to have me walking away feeling like this book was NOT yet another rinse and repeat romantasy.
I am excited to read book 2 when it comes out!
July 21, 2026
Thanks Libro.fm for this gifted audio! I will say check your triggers before starting as there are some heavy themes incorporated in this one dealing with grief and health. Overall, this was such an exciting Romantasy! The narrator did a fantastic job keeping me engaged from start to finish! I was completely pulled into this dark, magical world! It was a refreshing change of pace in fantasy and not just copy/paste of what’s currently trending. THAT ENDING THOUGH? I’m ready for what’s next! 🤣
Did Not Finish
July 24, 2026DNF at 26%
Sadly, this one just isn't clicking for me. The writing style feels a little too straightforward, especially the dialogue. I also find the POV changes a bit jarring, and they sometimes take me out of the story.
This is already giving me instalove vibes, which is something I really really don't enjoy. I'm not invested enough to keep reading.
I think other readers will have a different experience based on all the positive reviews, but this one just isn't the right fit for me.
Sadly, this one just isn't clicking for me. The writing style feels a little too straightforward, especially the dialogue. I also find the POV changes a bit jarring, and they sometimes take me out of the story.
This is already giving me instalove vibes, which is something I really really don't enjoy. I'm not invested enough to keep reading.
I think other readers will have a different experience based on all the positive reviews, but this one just isn't the right fit for me.
July 28, 2026
Thank you to the author, Candi Kane PR, and Blackstone Publishing for the gifted e-copy.
“Sharp teeth, desolate eyes, claws capable of ripping flesh from bone.”
Tropes:
Gods and Monsters
Ancient Relic
Forced Proximity
Morally Grey MMC
Enemies to Lovers
Curse/Powers
Vibes: Destiny meets Darkness
I cannot believe this is a debut novel! It was so good! I love the chosen one and quest tropes especially if there are monsters and morally questionable men (basically just other monsters).
“Sharp teeth, desolate eyes, claws capable of ripping flesh from bone.”
Tropes:
Gods and Monsters
Ancient Relic
Forced Proximity
Morally Grey MMC
Enemies to Lovers
Curse/Powers
Vibes: Destiny meets Darkness
I cannot believe this is a debut novel! It was so good! I love the chosen one and quest tropes especially if there are monsters and morally questionable men (basically just other monsters).
May 10, 2026
A stolen princess realizes her true potential among gods and demons. Loved the characters and the timeline which alternates between now and prior to a traumatic family event. And who doesn’t love a cliffhanger!? I will read the 2nd book for sure.
July 25, 2026
Give me a heroine with hell god blood, an ancient relic, and a brooding captain any day! Hearing Helaina’s cursed power unlock on audio was epic. Dark, gritty, and filled with monsters don't skip this audio!
July 26, 2026
Title: The Bone Dagger
Series: Out of Darkness #1
Author: Clara Rhodes
Genre: Adult Fantasy Romance
Subgenre:
• Dark Fantasy Romance
• Dark Romantasy
• Epic Fantasy
• Forbidden Romance
• Gods & Monsters
⭐My Rating: 4.25/5
🌶️My Spice Rating: 3.5/5
Open-door passion with a strong emphasis on romantic tension, danger, and power dynamics
Tropes
• Forbidden Romance
• Enemies-to-Lovers Energy
• Captor/Captive Dynamics
• Reluctant Allies
• Morally Gray MMC
• Powerful but Cursed FMC
• Touch Her and Die Energy
• Forced Proximity
• Hidden Identity
• Ancient Relic
• Dangerous Destiny
• Gods and Monsters
• “She Is the Weapon”
• He Needs Her Power
• Who Did This to You? Energy
• Secrets and Betrayal
• Sacrifice for the Greater Good
• Slow-Building Trust
• First in a Series
Content and Trigger Warnings
• Death and loss of family
• Grief
• Exile and displacement
• Abduction and captivity
• Coercion and manipulation
• Unequal power dynamics
• Threats of sacrifice
• Discussions of death and mortality
• Fantasy violence
• Blood and injury
• Monsters and supernatural horror
• War and political instability
• References to curses and dark gods
• Emotional trauma
• Moral ambiguity
• Open-door sexual content
• Strong language
Please check the author’s complete content-warning list before reading, as individual sensitivities vary.
The Quick and Dirty Rundown
Helaina Ironblood has spent her life concealing a terrifying inheritance: the blood of a hell god flows through her veins. When tragedy destroys the safety of her family and the kingdom’s heir disappears, Helaina is driven into exile. Her cursed abilities, once carefully hidden, become a signal to every enemy searching for the power she carries.
Beyond the Ash Cliff Mountains, Helaina is seized by Theodon Wrenn, the ruthless captain of a mysterious legion. Theodon believes her power could determine the outcome of a war she barely understands—and he is prepared to use her whether she cooperates or not.
The key to unlocking Helaina’s abilities is the Bone Dagger, an ancient relic capable of binding gods, monsters, and mortals. Unfortunately, claiming its power may require Helaina to surrender her mortal life. Caught between a destiny she never chose and a man who may be willing to sacrifice her to fulfill it, Helaina must decide whether the darkness inside her will save their world or finally destroy it.
My Neurospicy Perspective…Okay…Hear Me Out…
I found that The Bone Dagger delivers what its description promises it to be, a dark, atmospheric fantasy built around cursed bloodlines, ancient gods, monstrous threats and a heroine who is treated as both a person and a potential weapon. It immediately started off placing Helaina in an impossible and frustrating position i.e. that everyone appears to want something from her, yet there are very few people that care what using her power might cost her. This just made me want to read more.
The central moral conflict really sucked me into the read. Theodon may need Helaina to prevent the greater catastrophe at hand but he doesn’t automatically make his choice simply through this necessity. It really gave me a feel that the author wanted to create more tension and plot rather than just a straightforward chosen-one romance adventure arc.
Helaina’s story, the setting we find her placed in during the read resonated with me and many other neurodivergent and how we are treated according to what other people believe you can or should provide rather than being recognized as a whole person.
The Bone Dagger itself becomes an exceptionally powerful metaphor. Everyone wants Helaina to unlock more of her abilities, but the process may consume her mortal life. Neurodivergent burnout can carry a similar warning: capacity does not equal endless availability. Being able to perform something does not mean the demand is sustainable, harmless, or owed to everyone who benefits from it.
In clinical terms: the realm would like Helaina to continue exceeding expectations while demonstrating absolutely no symptoms from the fact that exceeding those expectations may literally kill her. Unfortunately, the realm has declined to complete the appropriate burnout screening paperwork.
The FMC: Helaina Ironblood
Helaina makes for a compelling FMC due to her power never being presented as anything other than a complex and complicated gift. The blood of a hell god makes her extremely dangerous, but it also forces her to live in secrecy and in genuine fear. She spent her entire life learning any type of discovery could very well mean her persecution, exploitation or even death. It makes senses that the guarded nature she has earned rather than artificial throughout this story.
She has a defiance that I was captivated by during this read. She was uprooted, exiled and captured but still refused to become passive object in someone else’s war. Her push back against Theodon’s authority and her questioning of the people who keep insisiting they know what is best for her was inspiring.
Her grief, her uncertainty, her fear over a destiny she never wanted, never asked for does not weaken her character at all. It truly defined and made her more courageous, more meaningful. She moves forward because standing still would mean surrendering any and all control of her future.
The MMC: Theodon Wrenn
He is a morally gray fantasy “hero” who enters this story with authority, presence, a boat load of secrets and questionable judgment in high enough amounts to keep the red-flag inventory department fully funded and staffed.
He is the feared captain of the “mysterious legion,” who initially approaches Helaina as the key to winning the war, not allowing her to believe that she is entitled to make her own choices. This willingness to impose his demands, his willingness to force her to do his bidding creates a genuine conflict in my opinion between them that prevents romance form feeling easy or instant. Also, it kind of made me hate this guy for a good portion of this book in a damn, he’s hot but he is a dick kind of way.
I appreciated that his attraction did not immediately erase his ruthlessness or his darker questionable red-flag funding decisions. Those decisions are also not excused later on simply because he develops feelings for Helaina. Truly, what I enjoyed is that his interest, his attachment and attraction to Helaina forces him to confront the human cost of the victory he has been pursuing and the value in it.
The Chemistry Check: Helaina & Theodon
The chemistry, the relationship all of it are rooted firmly in resistance. He expects to control her, she refuses to do that. He believes sacrifices are necessary, she understandably is unwilling to become his sacrifice simply because he says she must. Throughout the book I found their interactions carried this lovely push and pull between them, between authority and autonomy, duty and desire, suspicion and reluctant fascination.
They have this decidedly delicious energy of two people who are drawn together before either has a good reason to trust. Helaina challenges Theodon’s authority and certainty, while Theodon forces Helaina to confront the scale of the threat surrounding her. Neither can easily dismiss the other, even when doing so would be safer.
For me the most compelling part of their dynamic is the question hanging over every intimate or vulnerable moment: can Helaina trust a man who may eventually decide that her death is an acceptable price for victory? I get shivers just typing that.
The Author’s Pen: Clara Rhodes
I liked that Clara Rhodes has a writing style that has a dark, sweeping style emphasizing atmosphere, danger, and intensity. The world felt shaped by old violence via ruined realms, ancient relics, blood-bound power, hidden legions, and god whose influence continues to infect mortal lives. It was beautifully well balanced and intricate read.
Her prose leans into the gothic and mythic elements that I tend for prefer when reading dark romantic fantasy genres. It doesn’ t loose sight of the characters at its center. Darker descriptions of scenes support the overall tone of the book with the flashes of spice provide vulnerability against the increasingly dangerous background.
The pacing balances fantasy world-building with character development and expanding stakes. Because this is the first installment, I found the story needed to establish its mythology, political instability, magical rules, and central relationship simultaneously. Some sections are necessarily more focused on laying the foundation for the larger series, but the mystery surrounding Helaina’s blood and the Bone Dagger keeps the narrative moving.
The Dopamine Hits:
• Helaina’s struggle for bodily autonomy and control over her destiny
• A morally gray MMC whose decisions create genuine consequences
• Romantic tension built through defiance, distrust, and reluctant vulnerability
• A heroine whose power is both extraordinary and terrifying
• Dark mythology involving hell gods, curses, monsters, and ancient relics
• The conflict between saving the realm and saving one individual person
• A romance directly connected to the main fantasy plot
• High stakes that feel both personal and world-altering
• Strong groundwork for a larger fantasy series
• The question of whether destiny is obligation or merely another form of control
The Dopamine Deficits
• Some of the mythology, legion politics, and character secrets deliberately slow to unfold.
• The captor/captive setup and imbalance of power between Helaina and Theodon, making me not like the MMC at the beginning at all
• The darker moral questions are part of what makes the premise fascinating, but they can also become frustrating when other characters speak about her death as a strategic necessity instead of recognizing the person who would be required to pay that price.
Before You Add It to Your TBR:
This is dark fantasy romance, not a lighthearted magical adventure. The world contains death, grief, monsters, coercion, and characters who make morally questionable decisions in the name of survival.
Theodon is not introduced as a gentle or uncomplicated romantic hero. He captures Helaina because he believes she is essential to his cause, and his attraction does not immediately eliminate the power imbalance between them. Readers who need fully consensual circumstances and established equality from the beginning may struggle with their dynamic.
This is also the first installment in a series, so readers should expect ongoing mysteries, developing mythology, and plot threads that may extend beyond this book.
My Neurodivergent Bottom Line
In summary I found that The Bone Dagger to be a dark and promising fantasy-romance debut filled with cursed power, ancient gods, monstrous dangers, forbidden attraction, and impossible choices. Helaina is a heroine fighting not only for the survival of a realm, but also for the right to decide what happens to her own life. Theodon is a ruthless commander caught between his responsibility to win a war and his growing inability to view Helaina as merely the weapon that will secure that victory.
Their relationship is dangerous because desire does not erase distrust, and affection may not be enough to overcome duty. That tension when combined with the haunting mythology of the Bone Dagger created an addictive foundation for the series. I will be reading on.
Recommended for readers who enjoy powerful cursed heroines, morally gray commanders, captor/captive tension, forbidden desire, ancient relics, gods and monsters, and romances in which falling in love may be almost as dangerous as saving the world.
Archive Status:
The Bone Dagger has been cataloged under Cursed Heroines, Morally Gray Commanders & Ancient Relics With Questionable Consent Policies.
Until Next Time…
May your daggers stay sheathed, your autonomy remain intact, and your morally gray captains come with clearly labeled warning signs.
Dr. Neurospicy signing off because “sacrificing the cursed heroine to save the realm” is not an evidence-based treatment plan. Please obtain consent and consult your local hell god.
- Dr. Neurospicy, MD
Curator of All Things Neurospicy After Dark Archive
ARC Disclaimer
I received an advance reader copy of The Bone Dagger by Clara Rhodes. Receiving an ARC did not influence my rating or opinions. All thoughts expressed in this review are entirely my own. Thank you to the publisher and author for the ARC of this book.
Every reader has different preferences, boundaries, and interpretations. Please consult the author’s official content-warning list before reading if you have specific triggers or sensitivities.
Series: Out of Darkness #1
Author: Clara Rhodes
Genre: Adult Fantasy Romance
Subgenre:
• Dark Fantasy Romance
• Dark Romantasy
• Epic Fantasy
• Forbidden Romance
• Gods & Monsters
⭐My Rating: 4.25/5
🌶️My Spice Rating: 3.5/5
Open-door passion with a strong emphasis on romantic tension, danger, and power dynamics
Tropes
• Forbidden Romance
• Enemies-to-Lovers Energy
• Captor/Captive Dynamics
• Reluctant Allies
• Morally Gray MMC
• Powerful but Cursed FMC
• Touch Her and Die Energy
• Forced Proximity
• Hidden Identity
• Ancient Relic
• Dangerous Destiny
• Gods and Monsters
• “She Is the Weapon”
• He Needs Her Power
• Who Did This to You? Energy
• Secrets and Betrayal
• Sacrifice for the Greater Good
• Slow-Building Trust
• First in a Series
Content and Trigger Warnings
• Death and loss of family
• Grief
• Exile and displacement
• Abduction and captivity
• Coercion and manipulation
• Unequal power dynamics
• Threats of sacrifice
• Discussions of death and mortality
• Fantasy violence
• Blood and injury
• Monsters and supernatural horror
• War and political instability
• References to curses and dark gods
• Emotional trauma
• Moral ambiguity
• Open-door sexual content
• Strong language
Please check the author’s complete content-warning list before reading, as individual sensitivities vary.
The Quick and Dirty Rundown
Helaina Ironblood has spent her life concealing a terrifying inheritance: the blood of a hell god flows through her veins. When tragedy destroys the safety of her family and the kingdom’s heir disappears, Helaina is driven into exile. Her cursed abilities, once carefully hidden, become a signal to every enemy searching for the power she carries.
Beyond the Ash Cliff Mountains, Helaina is seized by Theodon Wrenn, the ruthless captain of a mysterious legion. Theodon believes her power could determine the outcome of a war she barely understands—and he is prepared to use her whether she cooperates or not.
The key to unlocking Helaina’s abilities is the Bone Dagger, an ancient relic capable of binding gods, monsters, and mortals. Unfortunately, claiming its power may require Helaina to surrender her mortal life. Caught between a destiny she never chose and a man who may be willing to sacrifice her to fulfill it, Helaina must decide whether the darkness inside her will save their world or finally destroy it.
My Neurospicy Perspective…Okay…Hear Me Out…
I found that The Bone Dagger delivers what its description promises it to be, a dark, atmospheric fantasy built around cursed bloodlines, ancient gods, monstrous threats and a heroine who is treated as both a person and a potential weapon. It immediately started off placing Helaina in an impossible and frustrating position i.e. that everyone appears to want something from her, yet there are very few people that care what using her power might cost her. This just made me want to read more.
The central moral conflict really sucked me into the read. Theodon may need Helaina to prevent the greater catastrophe at hand but he doesn’t automatically make his choice simply through this necessity. It really gave me a feel that the author wanted to create more tension and plot rather than just a straightforward chosen-one romance adventure arc.
Helaina’s story, the setting we find her placed in during the read resonated with me and many other neurodivergent and how we are treated according to what other people believe you can or should provide rather than being recognized as a whole person.
The Bone Dagger itself becomes an exceptionally powerful metaphor. Everyone wants Helaina to unlock more of her abilities, but the process may consume her mortal life. Neurodivergent burnout can carry a similar warning: capacity does not equal endless availability. Being able to perform something does not mean the demand is sustainable, harmless, or owed to everyone who benefits from it.
In clinical terms: the realm would like Helaina to continue exceeding expectations while demonstrating absolutely no symptoms from the fact that exceeding those expectations may literally kill her. Unfortunately, the realm has declined to complete the appropriate burnout screening paperwork.
The FMC: Helaina Ironblood
Helaina makes for a compelling FMC due to her power never being presented as anything other than a complex and complicated gift. The blood of a hell god makes her extremely dangerous, but it also forces her to live in secrecy and in genuine fear. She spent her entire life learning any type of discovery could very well mean her persecution, exploitation or even death. It makes senses that the guarded nature she has earned rather than artificial throughout this story.
She has a defiance that I was captivated by during this read. She was uprooted, exiled and captured but still refused to become passive object in someone else’s war. Her push back against Theodon’s authority and her questioning of the people who keep insisiting they know what is best for her was inspiring.
Her grief, her uncertainty, her fear over a destiny she never wanted, never asked for does not weaken her character at all. It truly defined and made her more courageous, more meaningful. She moves forward because standing still would mean surrendering any and all control of her future.
The MMC: Theodon Wrenn
He is a morally gray fantasy “hero” who enters this story with authority, presence, a boat load of secrets and questionable judgment in high enough amounts to keep the red-flag inventory department fully funded and staffed.
He is the feared captain of the “mysterious legion,” who initially approaches Helaina as the key to winning the war, not allowing her to believe that she is entitled to make her own choices. This willingness to impose his demands, his willingness to force her to do his bidding creates a genuine conflict in my opinion between them that prevents romance form feeling easy or instant. Also, it kind of made me hate this guy for a good portion of this book in a damn, he’s hot but he is a dick kind of way.
I appreciated that his attraction did not immediately erase his ruthlessness or his darker questionable red-flag funding decisions. Those decisions are also not excused later on simply because he develops feelings for Helaina. Truly, what I enjoyed is that his interest, his attachment and attraction to Helaina forces him to confront the human cost of the victory he has been pursuing and the value in it.
The Chemistry Check: Helaina & Theodon
The chemistry, the relationship all of it are rooted firmly in resistance. He expects to control her, she refuses to do that. He believes sacrifices are necessary, she understandably is unwilling to become his sacrifice simply because he says she must. Throughout the book I found their interactions carried this lovely push and pull between them, between authority and autonomy, duty and desire, suspicion and reluctant fascination.
They have this decidedly delicious energy of two people who are drawn together before either has a good reason to trust. Helaina challenges Theodon’s authority and certainty, while Theodon forces Helaina to confront the scale of the threat surrounding her. Neither can easily dismiss the other, even when doing so would be safer.
For me the most compelling part of their dynamic is the question hanging over every intimate or vulnerable moment: can Helaina trust a man who may eventually decide that her death is an acceptable price for victory? I get shivers just typing that.
The Author’s Pen: Clara Rhodes
I liked that Clara Rhodes has a writing style that has a dark, sweeping style emphasizing atmosphere, danger, and intensity. The world felt shaped by old violence via ruined realms, ancient relics, blood-bound power, hidden legions, and god whose influence continues to infect mortal lives. It was beautifully well balanced and intricate read.
Her prose leans into the gothic and mythic elements that I tend for prefer when reading dark romantic fantasy genres. It doesn’ t loose sight of the characters at its center. Darker descriptions of scenes support the overall tone of the book with the flashes of spice provide vulnerability against the increasingly dangerous background.
The pacing balances fantasy world-building with character development and expanding stakes. Because this is the first installment, I found the story needed to establish its mythology, political instability, magical rules, and central relationship simultaneously. Some sections are necessarily more focused on laying the foundation for the larger series, but the mystery surrounding Helaina’s blood and the Bone Dagger keeps the narrative moving.
The Dopamine Hits:
• Helaina’s struggle for bodily autonomy and control over her destiny
• A morally gray MMC whose decisions create genuine consequences
• Romantic tension built through defiance, distrust, and reluctant vulnerability
• A heroine whose power is both extraordinary and terrifying
• Dark mythology involving hell gods, curses, monsters, and ancient relics
• The conflict between saving the realm and saving one individual person
• A romance directly connected to the main fantasy plot
• High stakes that feel both personal and world-altering
• Strong groundwork for a larger fantasy series
• The question of whether destiny is obligation or merely another form of control
The Dopamine Deficits
• Some of the mythology, legion politics, and character secrets deliberately slow to unfold.
• The captor/captive setup and imbalance of power between Helaina and Theodon, making me not like the MMC at the beginning at all
• The darker moral questions are part of what makes the premise fascinating, but they can also become frustrating when other characters speak about her death as a strategic necessity instead of recognizing the person who would be required to pay that price.
Before You Add It to Your TBR:
This is dark fantasy romance, not a lighthearted magical adventure. The world contains death, grief, monsters, coercion, and characters who make morally questionable decisions in the name of survival.
Theodon is not introduced as a gentle or uncomplicated romantic hero. He captures Helaina because he believes she is essential to his cause, and his attraction does not immediately eliminate the power imbalance between them. Readers who need fully consensual circumstances and established equality from the beginning may struggle with their dynamic.
This is also the first installment in a series, so readers should expect ongoing mysteries, developing mythology, and plot threads that may extend beyond this book.
My Neurodivergent Bottom Line
In summary I found that The Bone Dagger to be a dark and promising fantasy-romance debut filled with cursed power, ancient gods, monstrous dangers, forbidden attraction, and impossible choices. Helaina is a heroine fighting not only for the survival of a realm, but also for the right to decide what happens to her own life. Theodon is a ruthless commander caught between his responsibility to win a war and his growing inability to view Helaina as merely the weapon that will secure that victory.
Their relationship is dangerous because desire does not erase distrust, and affection may not be enough to overcome duty. That tension when combined with the haunting mythology of the Bone Dagger created an addictive foundation for the series. I will be reading on.
Recommended for readers who enjoy powerful cursed heroines, morally gray commanders, captor/captive tension, forbidden desire, ancient relics, gods and monsters, and romances in which falling in love may be almost as dangerous as saving the world.
Archive Status:
The Bone Dagger has been cataloged under Cursed Heroines, Morally Gray Commanders & Ancient Relics With Questionable Consent Policies.
Until Next Time…
May your daggers stay sheathed, your autonomy remain intact, and your morally gray captains come with clearly labeled warning signs.
Dr. Neurospicy signing off because “sacrificing the cursed heroine to save the realm” is not an evidence-based treatment plan. Please obtain consent and consult your local hell god.
- Dr. Neurospicy, MD
Curator of All Things Neurospicy After Dark Archive
ARC Disclaimer
I received an advance reader copy of The Bone Dagger by Clara Rhodes. Receiving an ARC did not influence my rating or opinions. All thoughts expressed in this review are entirely my own. Thank you to the publisher and author for the ARC of this book.
Every reader has different preferences, boundaries, and interpretations. Please consult the author’s official content-warning list before reading if you have specific triggers or sensitivities.
February 22, 2026
This book completely pulled me in from the start. The world-building is vivid and expansive without feeling overwhelming—you can tell there’s history, politics, and culture beneath the surface of every scene. The characters are layered and complex, making their choices feel real and sometimes painfully relatable. The magic system stands out as something truly original—structured enough to feel grounded, yet imaginative enough to keep surprising me.
It wasn’t just hard to put down—I didn’t want to leave the story even when I had to. I caught myself thinking about it when I wasn’t reading, mentally stepping back into the world and anticipating what might come next. I cannot wait for the second book.
It wasn’t just hard to put down—I didn’t want to leave the story even when I had to. I caught myself thinking about it when I wasn’t reading, mentally stepping back into the world and anticipating what might come next. I cannot wait for the second book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
WOW WOW WOW!!! thank you to Netgalley and the author for allowing me to read this Master for an honest answer. Who needs a Shadow Daddy when you have a Shadow Mommy?! This was so well written and had me hooked. I know it doesn't officially come out until July 21, 2026 but I already need book 2!! Clara Rhodes you did an amazing job on this story and I can't wait to read many more books by you!
July 27, 2026
A solid fantasy debut that was fun and easy to read. The story had enough twists to keep me engaged, and I liked the overall direction of the plot. The romance moved a bit too quickly for my taste, but I'm still curious to see where this series goes next.
Overall, an entertaining start with plenty of room to grow.
"If you treat someone like they're fragile, that's what they become—easily broken like glass. If you treat someone like they're steel..."
Overall, an entertaining start with plenty of room to grow.
"If you treat someone like they're fragile, that's what they become—easily broken like glass. If you treat someone like they're steel..."
February 15, 2026
I’m not usually a fantasy lover, but Clara Rhodes has converted me! From the unending action, the tragic backstories, and the enemies to lovers tropes I was hooked from page one. Following Helaina’s journey was so fun and it was exciting to watch her grow as a character into such a badass. I can’t wait for more!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Bone Dagger completely sucked me in from the very first page. This was one of those reads where you’re on the edge of your seat, devouring chapters and telling yourself “just one more” because you need to know what happens next.
The story is a perfect roller coaster of action and slow-burn tension, layered with grief, loss, betrayal—and then hope. Clara Rhodes does an incredible job letting the emotional weight settle without ever slowing the momentum. The anticipation builds beautifully, and when the retribution comes, it’s so satisfying.
Some scenes were an absolute nurse’s dream (you’ll know what I mean), and the chemistry? Sexy, charged, and worth the wait.
I cannot wait for book 2!
The story is a perfect roller coaster of action and slow-burn tension, layered with grief, loss, betrayal—and then hope. Clara Rhodes does an incredible job letting the emotional weight settle without ever slowing the momentum. The anticipation builds beautifully, and when the retribution comes, it’s so satisfying.
Some scenes were an absolute nurse’s dream (you’ll know what I mean), and the chemistry? Sexy, charged, and worth the wait.
I cannot wait for book 2!
February 14, 2026
I devoured this. I got this as an arc from NetGalley and this did not disappoint. The tension and yearning and the trauma these characters have is unreal. I loved the found family and world building was easy to follow. Highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Despite the fact that I absolutely hated Helaina for over 80% of the book, I really enjoyed this. So much so that I did have a hard time quitting when I had to. Other than my dislike of Helaina, the only thing I would really complain about is the constant back and forth between the present and the past. Yes. It had to be done because it explained many things about Helaina and what happened to her and all that. But so often it was so annoying because the main story was getting really good and then we're thrown into the past again.
For many years Helaina grew up as any princess would. Cherished, spoiled, and loved. But when the Fae king came to visit to agree to an alliance, her world changes. He tells her parents of a prophecy and Helaina's part in it. Before leaving, he even places a barrier around the castle so that Helaina would be undetectable. But from then on, she is hidden away and never allowed to leave the grounds. While her siblings go off on trips with their parents to far away lands, she is forever trapped and guarded with no idea why she is always left behind. To say she is resentful would be an understatement. When she meets the new stable boy, she practically falls in love at first sight. Despite the vehement refusal from Helaina's sister and brother, the king does allow the boy to stay when it is revealed he shouldn't have ever even been there. Having only stolen moments when Helaina is able to sneak away in the night, she agrees to run away with him. Let's just say that goes very, very badly. And Helaina's life gets even worse from there. Everything culminates to her father withdrawing from the world, her mother not acknowledging her existence, and her uncle sending her off to wed some prince from a far away place. Everything in Helaina rebels at this, but in the end, what can she do? Lucky for her she never makes it there.
For as much as I hated Helaina, I loved Theo. He's a brutal bastard who doesn't pull his punches, both physical and verbal. Him and his army are the only defense the humans have against the hell creatures on the other side of a mountain. He finds those with divine heritage that would be helpful in his mission and gives them a test that if they pass they come back as pretty much a demigod. Despite his volatile disposition and violent outbursts, his men respect him more than they fear him. Because he is so clearly a being that is more. For a long time he sensed Helaina but has never been able to pin down her location. Until now. And she's far too important for him not to have.
Once Theo has his hands on Helaina and back at his mountain stronghold, things get more interesting. I absolutely loathed how immature and bratty Helaina acted upon waking up, and while Theo's attitude has a big part in that, I actually loved it because he was pushing her to be better. Not coddling her like she has been her whole life. Helaina gets a crash course in what's going on here and a brutal introduction into what this life is like. The back and forth between Theo and Helaina was frustrating because it was painfully obvious what Helaina was to Theo even if we didn't have an actual name for it yet, and Helaina would only see bad in people a reject him over and over.
A big piece of trauma from Helaina's past shows up at one point and all of a sudden so many puzzle pieces are clicking into place for so many things. His appearance also pushes Helaina to face her trial so much sooner than she should, which has Theo beside himself with fear for her. Things go from bad to worse when the compound is beset by the hell creatures and only Theo and his right hand man are able to defend it and every single person in it. It's actually a really good fight considering it's only two men against hundreds of nightmare creatures. And when it all seems hopeless, help comes from a very unexpected place.
I gotta be honest. I HATED that ending. Literally one of the worse cliff hangers I've read. Like, seriously? They couldn't get even 5 minutes?! So yeah. I would absolutely read the next book if I get the chance.
For many years Helaina grew up as any princess would. Cherished, spoiled, and loved. But when the Fae king came to visit to agree to an alliance, her world changes. He tells her parents of a prophecy and Helaina's part in it. Before leaving, he even places a barrier around the castle so that Helaina would be undetectable. But from then on, she is hidden away and never allowed to leave the grounds. While her siblings go off on trips with their parents to far away lands, she is forever trapped and guarded with no idea why she is always left behind. To say she is resentful would be an understatement. When she meets the new stable boy, she practically falls in love at first sight. Despite the vehement refusal from Helaina's sister and brother, the king does allow the boy to stay when it is revealed he shouldn't have ever even been there. Having only stolen moments when Helaina is able to sneak away in the night, she agrees to run away with him. Let's just say that goes very, very badly. And Helaina's life gets even worse from there. Everything culminates to her father withdrawing from the world, her mother not acknowledging her existence, and her uncle sending her off to wed some prince from a far away place. Everything in Helaina rebels at this, but in the end, what can she do? Lucky for her she never makes it there.
For as much as I hated Helaina, I loved Theo. He's a brutal bastard who doesn't pull his punches, both physical and verbal. Him and his army are the only defense the humans have against the hell creatures on the other side of a mountain. He finds those with divine heritage that would be helpful in his mission and gives them a test that if they pass they come back as pretty much a demigod. Despite his volatile disposition and violent outbursts, his men respect him more than they fear him. Because he is so clearly a being that is more. For a long time he sensed Helaina but has never been able to pin down her location. Until now. And she's far too important for him not to have.
Once Theo has his hands on Helaina and back at his mountain stronghold, things get more interesting. I absolutely loathed how immature and bratty Helaina acted upon waking up, and while Theo's attitude has a big part in that, I actually loved it because he was pushing her to be better. Not coddling her like she has been her whole life. Helaina gets a crash course in what's going on here and a brutal introduction into what this life is like. The back and forth between Theo and Helaina was frustrating because it was painfully obvious what Helaina was to Theo even if we didn't have an actual name for it yet, and Helaina would only see bad in people a reject him over and over.
A big piece of trauma from Helaina's past shows up at one point and all of a sudden so many puzzle pieces are clicking into place for so many things. His appearance also pushes Helaina to face her trial so much sooner than she should, which has Theo beside himself with fear for her. Things go from bad to worse when the compound is beset by the hell creatures and only Theo and his right hand man are able to defend it and every single person in it. It's actually a really good fight considering it's only two men against hundreds of nightmare creatures. And when it all seems hopeless, help comes from a very unexpected place.
I gotta be honest. I HATED that ending. Literally one of the worse cliff hangers I've read. Like, seriously? They couldn't get even 5 minutes?! So yeah. I would absolutely read the next book if I get the chance.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Clara Rhodes hits the ground running in her debut fantasy, The Bone Dagger, the first installment in what promises to be an epic new dark romantasy series. Balancing high stakes, deadly magic, and an intense enemies-to-lovers romance, Rhodes delivers a sprawling, character-driven narrative. For readers who love deep world-building, dangerous secrets, and characters who have to fight tooth and nail for survival, this book is an excellent start to a new series.
The story follows Helaina Ironblood, a heroine carrying a terrifying secret: she has the blood of a hell god flowing through her veins. When a sudden family tragedy upends her world and shatters her family structure, Helaina is forced into exile beyond the Ash Cliff Mountains—a brutal landscape crawling with deadly monsters. However, her true peril begins when she is captured by Theodon "Theo" Wrenn, the commanding and ruthless captain of a mysterious legion. Theo is convinced that Helaina and her latent, cursed powers are the key to winning an impending war. The catch? Unlocking that power requires an ancient relic called the Bone Dagger, an item that demands a price no less than Helaina’s own mortal life.
At the center of this gripping narrative are the individual and intersecting character arcs of Helaina and Theo. Helaina's arc is a heavy exploration of grief, self-preservation, and hidden identity. Forced to hide who she truly is for her entire life, her initial defensive mechanism is defiance. To be frank, she starts the book acting incredibly obnoxious to almost everyone around her. However, as the layers of her trauma peel away, you begin to understand that her prickly attitude is a shield.
Part of what makes Helaina so grounded is the relationship she shares with her brother and sister. Rhodes handles their sibling dynamic with immense care and emotional depth, making the familial bond feel like the emotional anchor of Helaina's life. It is her love for her family that initially drives her, making her eventual isolation all the more impactful as she learns to transition from merely hiding her power to actively mastering it.
Theo’s arc runs parallel as a man driven entirely by duty, secrets, and a ruthless need for victory. When he kidnaps Helaina, his actions are incredibly frustrating. He treats her abduction as if he is doing her a grand favor, completely withholding vital explanations and acting with an infuriating sense of superiority. This initial friction makes the first chunk of their interaction tough to swallow, as both characters are trapped in their worst habits: he is arrogant and controlling, and she is bitter and combative.
Yet, the true magic of the book happens once they finally get over themselves. As the plot forces them onto common ground, the toxic friction melts into genuine, palpable tension. Their communication improves, and Theo’s rigid walls begin to crack as he is drawn to Helaina’s sheer defiance. Watching them slowly earn each other's trust and respect transforms the book into an absolute page-turner. You find yourself utterly hooked on finding out how they will navigate the impossible choice between his duty to the realm and her right to live.
By the time the final chapters roll around, Rhodes subverts expectations and amps up the stakes, culminating in a jaw-dropping ending. The Bone Dagger is a well done book one that sets up a massive world while keeping its characters deeply human and flawed. With a cliffhanger that leaves a massive impact, I am completely invested in Helaina and Theo's fates and will definitely be picking up the next book the second I can get my hands on it.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows Helaina Ironblood, a heroine carrying a terrifying secret: she has the blood of a hell god flowing through her veins. When a sudden family tragedy upends her world and shatters her family structure, Helaina is forced into exile beyond the Ash Cliff Mountains—a brutal landscape crawling with deadly monsters. However, her true peril begins when she is captured by Theodon "Theo" Wrenn, the commanding and ruthless captain of a mysterious legion. Theo is convinced that Helaina and her latent, cursed powers are the key to winning an impending war. The catch? Unlocking that power requires an ancient relic called the Bone Dagger, an item that demands a price no less than Helaina’s own mortal life.
At the center of this gripping narrative are the individual and intersecting character arcs of Helaina and Theo. Helaina's arc is a heavy exploration of grief, self-preservation, and hidden identity. Forced to hide who she truly is for her entire life, her initial defensive mechanism is defiance. To be frank, she starts the book acting incredibly obnoxious to almost everyone around her. However, as the layers of her trauma peel away, you begin to understand that her prickly attitude is a shield.
Part of what makes Helaina so grounded is the relationship she shares with her brother and sister. Rhodes handles their sibling dynamic with immense care and emotional depth, making the familial bond feel like the emotional anchor of Helaina's life. It is her love for her family that initially drives her, making her eventual isolation all the more impactful as she learns to transition from merely hiding her power to actively mastering it.
Theo’s arc runs parallel as a man driven entirely by duty, secrets, and a ruthless need for victory. When he kidnaps Helaina, his actions are incredibly frustrating. He treats her abduction as if he is doing her a grand favor, completely withholding vital explanations and acting with an infuriating sense of superiority. This initial friction makes the first chunk of their interaction tough to swallow, as both characters are trapped in their worst habits: he is arrogant and controlling, and she is bitter and combative.
Yet, the true magic of the book happens once they finally get over themselves. As the plot forces them onto common ground, the toxic friction melts into genuine, palpable tension. Their communication improves, and Theo’s rigid walls begin to crack as he is drawn to Helaina’s sheer defiance. Watching them slowly earn each other's trust and respect transforms the book into an absolute page-turner. You find yourself utterly hooked on finding out how they will navigate the impossible choice between his duty to the realm and her right to live.
By the time the final chapters roll around, Rhodes subverts expectations and amps up the stakes, culminating in a jaw-dropping ending. The Bone Dagger is a well done book one that sets up a massive world while keeping its characters deeply human and flawed. With a cliffhanger that leaves a massive impact, I am completely invested in Helaina and Theo's fates and will definitely be picking up the next book the second I can get my hands on it.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
🎧📖𝒜𝐿𝒞 𝒜𝓊𝒹𝒾𝑜𝒷𝑜𝑜𝓀 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌📖🎧
𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝐵𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝒟𝒶𝑔𝑔𝑒𝓇 ʙʏ ᴄʟᴀʀᴀ ʀʜᴏᴅᴇs
𝑅𝒶𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔: 🥀🥀🥀🥀 ᴏᴜᴛ ᴏғ 𝟻 ᴇɴᴄʜᴀɴᴛᴇᴅ ʀᴏsᴇs
𝒮𝓅𝒾𝒸𝑒 𝑅𝒶𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔: 🌶🌶 ᴏᴜᴛ ᴏғ 𝟻
✨ 𝐻𝑜𝑜𝓀✨
ᴀғᴛᴇʀ ᴛʀᴀɢᴇᴅʏ ᴅᴇsᴛʀᴏʏs ʜᴇʀ ғᴀᴍɪʟʏ ᴀɴᴅ ғᴏʀᴄᴇs ʜᴇʀ ɪɴᴛᴏ ᴇxɪʟᴇ, ʜᴇʟᴀɪɴᴀ ɪʀᴏɴʙʟᴏᴏᴅ ʙᴇᴄᴏᴍᴇs ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴇɴᴛᴇʀ ᴏғ ᴀɴ ᴀɴᴄɪᴇɴᴛ ᴡᴀʀ. ᴄᴀᴘᴛᴜʀᴇᴅ ʙʏ ᴛʜᴇ ғᴇᴀʀᴇᴅ ʟᴇɢɪᴏɴ ᴄᴀᴘᴛᴀɪɴ ᴛʜᴇᴏᴅᴏɴ ᴡʀᴇɴɴ, sʜᴇ's ᴛʜʀᴜsᴛ ɪɴᴛᴏ ᴀ ᴅᴇᴀᴅʟʏ ǫᴜᴇsᴛ ғᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴏɴᴇ ᴅᴀɢɢᴇʀ—ᴀ ʀᴇʟɪᴄ ᴄᴀᴘᴀʙʟᴇ ᴏғ ᴀᴡᴀᴋᴇɴɪɴɢ ʜᴇʀ ᴄᴜʀsᴇᴅ ᴘᴏᴡᴇʀ, ʙᴜᴛ ᴏɴᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴅᴇᴍᴀɴᴅs ᴛʜᴇ ᴜʟᴛɪᴍᴀᴛᴇ sᴀᴄʀɪғɪᴄᴇ.
𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌:
ʜᴜɢᴇ ᴛʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ ʟɪʙʀᴏ ғᴏʀ ɢɪғᴛɪɴɢ ᴍᴇ ᴛʜɪs ᴀʟᴄ!
𝒮𝒽𝑒 𝒸𝒶𝓇𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒷𝓁𝑜𝑜𝒹 𝑜𝒻 𝒶 𝒽𝑒𝓁𝓁 𝑔𝑜𝒹. 𝐻𝑒 𝓂𝒶𝓎 𝒷𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑜𝓃𝓁𝓎 𝓂𝒶𝓃 𝓇𝓊𝓉𝒽𝓁𝑒𝓈𝓈 𝑒𝓃𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽 𝓉𝑜 𝓊𝓃𝓁𝑜𝒸𝓀 𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝓅𝑜𝓌𝑒𝓇... 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓃 𝒾𝒻 𝒾𝓉 𝒸𝑜𝓈𝓉𝓈 𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝓁𝒾𝒻𝑒.
ᴛʜɪs ᴡᴀs ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ɪ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ɪɴ ᴀ ᴅᴀʀᴋ ғᴀɴᴛᴀsʏ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ.
ғʀᴏᴍ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏᴘᴇɴɪɴɢ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝐵𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝒟𝒶𝑔𝑔𝑒𝓇 ᴛʜʀᴏᴡs ʏᴏᴜ ɪɴᴛᴏ ᴀ ʙʀᴜᴛᴀʟ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅ ғɪʟʟᴇᴅ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀɴᴄɪᴇɴᴛ ɢᴏᴅs, ᴛᴇʀʀɪғʏɪɴɢ ᴍᴏɴsᴛᴇʀs, ᴘᴏʟɪᴛɪᴄᴀʟ ɪɴᴛʀɪɢᴜᴇ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴇᴀᴅʟʏ ᴍᴀɢɪᴄ. ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅʙᴜɪʟᴅɪɴɢ ɪs ɪᴍᴍᴇʀsɪᴠᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜᴏᴜᴛ ʙᴇᴄᴏᴍɪɴɢ ᴏᴠᴇʀᴡʜᴇʟᴍɪɴɢ, ɢʀᴀᴅᴜᴀʟʟʏ ʀᴇᴠᴇᴀʟɪɴɢ ɪᴛs ᴍʏᴛʜᴏʟᴏɢʏ ɪɴ ᴀ ᴡᴀʏ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴋᴇᴘᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟᴇᴛᴇʟʏ ɪɴᴠᴇsᴛᴇᴅ.
ʜᴇʟᴀɪɴᴀ ɪs ᴇxᴀᴄᴛʟʏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴋɪɴᴅ ᴏғ ʜᴇʀᴏɪɴᴇ ɪ ʟᴏᴠᴇ—sᴛʀᴏɴɢ ᴡɪᴛʜᴏᴜᴛ ᴘʀᴇᴛᴇɴᴅɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴀʟʟ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀɴsᴡᴇʀs, ʜᴀᴜɴᴛᴇᴅ ʙʏ ʜᴇʀ ᴘᴀsᴛ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴄᴏɴsᴛᴀɴᴛʟʏ ғᴏʀᴄᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ᴄʜᴏᴏsᴇ ʙᴇᴛᴡᴇᴇɴ sᴜʀᴠɪᴠᴀʟ ᴀɴᴅ ᴄᴏᴍᴘᴀssɪᴏɴ. ᴡᴀᴛᴄʜɪɴɢ ʜᴇʀ ᴇᴍʙʀᴀᴄᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ᴛᴇʀʀɪғʏɪɴɢ ᴘᴏᴡᴇʀ ɪɴsɪᴅᴇ ʜᴇʀ ᴍᴀᴅᴇ ғᴏʀ ᴀɴ ɪɴᴄʀᴇᴅɪʙʟʏ sᴀᴛɪsғʏɪɴɢ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀ ᴀʀᴄ.
ᴛʜᴇɴ ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ's ᴛʜᴇᴏᴅᴏɴ.
ᴄᴏʟᴅ. ʀᴜᴛʜʟᴇss. ᴄᴏᴍᴍᴀɴᴅɪɴɢ. ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟᴇᴛᴇʟʏ ɪᴍᴘᴏssɪʙʟᴇ ᴛᴏ ɪɢɴᴏʀᴇ.
ᴛʜᴇ ᴄʜᴇᴍɪsᴛʀʏ ʙᴇᴛᴡᴇᴇɴ ʜɪᴍ ᴀɴᴅ ʜᴇʟᴀɪɴᴀ sɪᴍᴍᴇʀs ғʀᴏᴍ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴏᴍᴇɴᴛ ᴛʜᴇʏ ᴍᴇᴇᴛ, ᴄʀᴇᴀᴛɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴇʀғᴇᴄᴛ ʙʟᴇɴᴅ ᴏғ ᴅɪsᴛʀᴜsᴛ, ʀᴇʟᴜᴄᴛᴀɴᴛ ᴘᴀʀᴛɴᴇʀsʜɪᴘ, ᴀɴᴅ ғᴏʀʙɪᴅᴅᴇɴ ᴀᴛᴛʀᴀᴄᴛɪᴏɴ. ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ʀᴇʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴsʜɪᴘ ɪs ᴘᴀᴄᴋᴇᴅ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴇᴍᴏᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟ ᴛᴇɴsɪᴏɴ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʙᴜɪʟᴅs ʙᴇᴀᴜᴛɪғᴜʟʟʏ ᴀʟᴏɴɢsɪᴅᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ʟᴀʀɢᴇʀ ᴄᴏɴғʟɪᴄᴛ.
ʙᴇᴛᴡᴇᴇɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴏɴsᴛᴇʀs, ᴄᴜʀsᴇᴅ ᴍᴀɢɪᴄ, ɪᴍᴘᴏssɪʙʟᴇ ᴄʜᴏɪᴄᴇs, ᴀɴᴅ sʜᴏᴄᴋɪɴɢ ᴛᴡɪsᴛs, ɪ ᴡᴀs ʜᴏᴏᴋᴇᴅ ғʀᴏᴍ ʙᴇɢɪɴɴɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ᴇɴᴅ. ɪ ᴀʟʀᴇᴀᴅʏ ɴᴇᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴇxᴛ ɪɴsᴛᴀʟʟᴍᴇɴᴛ.
🎙️𝒩𝒶𝓇𝓇𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃:
ᴛʜᴇ ᴀᴜᴅɪᴏʙᴏᴏᴋ ɪs ᴀʙsᴏʟᴜᴛᴇʟʏ ᴘʜᴇɴᴏᴍᴇɴᴀʟ. ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴀʀʀᴀᴛᴏʀ ᴇғғᴏʀᴛʟᴇssʟʏ ᴄᴀᴘᴛᴜʀᴇs ᴛʜᴇ ᴇᴍᴏᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟ ᴡᴇɪɢʜᴛ ᴏғ ʜᴇʟᴀɪɴᴀ's ᴊᴏᴜʀɴᴇʏ, ʙᴀʟᴀɴᴄɪɴɢ ʜᴇʀ ᴠᴜʟɴᴇʀᴀʙɪʟɪᴛʏ, ʀᴇsɪʟɪᴇɴᴄᴇ, ᴀɴᴅ ɢʀᴏᴡɪɴɢ sᴛʀᴇɴɢᴛʜ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʀᴇᴍᴀʀᴋᴀʙʟᴇ ɴᴜᴀɴᴄᴇ. ᴛʜᴇᴏᴅᴏɴ ɪs ɢɪᴠᴇɴ ᴀ ᴄᴏᴍᴍᴀɴᴅɪɴɢ, ᴅᴀɴɢᴇʀᴏᴜsʟʏ ᴍᴀɢɴᴇᴛɪᴄ ᴘʀᴇsᴇɴᴄᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴍᴀᴋᴇs ᴇᴠᴇʀʏ ɪɴᴛᴇʀᴀᴄᴛɪᴏɴ ᴄʀᴀᴄᴋʟᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛᴇɴsɪᴏɴ. ʙᴀᴛᴛʟᴇ sᴄᴇɴᴇs ᴀʀᴇ ᴄɪɴᴇᴍᴀᴛɪᴄ, ǫᴜɪᴇᴛᴇʀ ᴍᴏᴍᴇɴᴛs ᴀʀᴇ ᴇᴍᴏᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟʟʏ ʀɪᴄʜ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴀʀᴋᴇʀ ᴇʟᴇᴍᴇɴᴛs ᴏғ ᴛʜᴇ sᴛᴏʀʏ ᴀʀᴇ ᴅᴇʟɪᴠᴇʀᴇᴅ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀɴ ᴀᴛᴍᴏsᴘʜᴇʀᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴘᴜʟʟᴇᴅ ᴍᴇ ɪɴ ғʀᴏᴍ ᴛʜᴇ ᴠᴇʀʏ ғɪʀsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ. ᴛʜɪs ɪs ᴏɴᴇ ᴏғ ᴛʜᴏsᴇ ғᴀɴᴛᴀsʏ ᴀᴜᴅɪᴏʙᴏᴏᴋs ᴛʜᴀᴛ ғᴇᴇʟs ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴡᴀᴛᴄʜɪɴɢ ᴀɴ ᴇᴘɪᴄ ғɪʟᴍ ᴜɴғᴏʟᴅ.
𝒯𝓇𝑜𝓅𝑒𝓈 & 𝒱𝒾𝒷𝑒𝓈:
🗡️ ᴇɴᴇᴍɪᴇs ᴛᴏ ʟᴏᴠᴇʀs
🔥 ғᴏʀᴄᴇᴅ ᴘʀᴏxɪᴍɪᴛʏ
🩸 ᴄᴜʀsᴇᴅ ʜᴇʀᴏɪɴᴇ
😈 ɢᴏᴅ-ᴛᴏᴜᴄʜᴇᴅ ᴍᴀɢɪᴄ
⚔️ ʀᴜᴛʜʟᴇss ᴡᴀʀʀɪᴏʀ ᴍᴍᴄ
👑 ᴘᴏʟɪᴛɪᴄᴀʟ ɪɴᴛʀɪɢᴜᴇ
🐉 ᴍᴏɴsᴛᴇʀs & ᴀɴᴄɪᴇɴᴛ ᴄʀᴇᴀᴛᴜʀᴇs
🌑 ᴅᴀʀᴋ ғᴀɴᴛᴀsʏ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
✨ ғᴏʀʙɪᴅᴅᴇɴ ᴘᴏᴡᴇʀ
🖤 sʟᴏᴡ-ʙᴜʀɴ ᴛᴇɴsɪᴏɴ
𝑅𝑒𝒶𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒾𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒...
🖤 ᴏɴᴇ ᴅᴀʀᴋ ᴡɪɴᴅᴏᴡ x ᴛʜᴇ sᴇʀᴘᴇɴᴛ & ᴛʜᴇ ᴡɪɴɢs ᴏғ ɴɪɢʜᴛ ᴠɪʙᴇs
🔥 ᴍᴏʀᴀʟʟʏ ɢʀᴀʏ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ɪɴᴛᴇʀᴇsᴛs
👑 ᴇᴘɪᴄ ғᴀɴᴛᴀsʏ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
🩸 ᴄᴜʀsᴇᴅ ʜᴇʀᴏɪɴᴇs
🐉 ᴍᴏɴsᴛᴇʀ-ғɪʟʟᴇᴅ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅs
✨ ᴅᴀʀᴋ, ᴀᴛᴍᴏsᴘʜᴇʀɪᴄ ғᴀɴᴛᴀsʏ
🗣️ 𝒲𝑜𝓇𝒹 𝑜𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒮𝓉𝓇𝑒𝑒𝓉:
ᴇᴀʀʟʏ ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘʀᴀɪsɪɴɢ 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝐵𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝒟𝒶𝑔𝑔𝑒𝓇 ғᴏʀ ɪᴛs ʀɪᴄʜ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅʙᴜɪʟᴅɪɴɢ, ᴀᴅᴅɪᴄᴛɪᴠᴇ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴜɴғᴏʀɢᴇᴛᴛᴀʙʟᴇ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀ ᴅʏɴᴀᴍɪᴄs. ᴍᴀɴʏ ᴀʀᴇ ʜɪɢʜʟɪɢʜᴛɪɴɢ ʜᴇʟᴀɪɴᴀ's ᴄᴏᴍᴘᴇʟʟɪɴɢ ɢʀᴏᴡᴛʜ, ᴛʜᴇᴏᴅᴏɴ's ɪʀʀᴇsɪsᴛɪʙʟᴇ ᴍᴏʀᴀʟʟʏ ɢʀᴀʏ ᴀᴘᴘᴇᴀʟ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀᴜᴅɪᴏʙᴏᴏᴋ's ɪᴍᴍᴇʀsɪᴠᴇ ɴᴀʀʀᴀᴛɪᴏɴ, ᴄᴀʟʟɪɴɢ ɪᴛ ᴀɴ ɪᴍᴘʀᴇssɪᴠᴇ ᴅᴇʙᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ғᴀɴᴛᴀsʏ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ ғᴀɴs ᴡᴏɴ'ᴛ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴍɪss.
𝐹𝒾𝓃𝒶𝓁 𝓋𝑒𝓇𝒹𝒾𝒸𝓉:
𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝐵𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝒟𝒶𝑔𝑔𝑒𝓇 ɪs ᴀ ɢʀɪᴘᴘɪɴɢ ᴅᴇʙᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴘᴇʀғᴇᴄᴛʟʏ ʙʟᴇɴᴅs ᴇᴘɪᴄ ғᴀɴᴛᴀsʏ, ᴅᴀʀᴋ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ, ᴀɴᴅ ʜɪɢʜ-sᴛᴀᴋᴇs ᴀᴅᴠᴇɴᴛᴜʀᴇ. ᴡɪᴛʜ ɪᴍᴍᴇʀsɪᴠᴇ ɴᴀʀʀᴀᴛɪᴏɴ, ᴀɴ ᴜɴғᴏʀɢᴇᴛᴛᴀʙʟᴇ ʜᴇʀᴏɪɴᴇ, ᴀ ᴅᴀɴɢᴇʀᴏᴜsʟʏ ᴄᴏᴍᴘᴇʟʟɪɴɢ ʜᴇʀᴏ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴀ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅ ʙʀɪᴍᴍɪɴɢ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴍᴏɴsᴛᴇʀs, ɢᴏᴅs, ᴀɴᴅ ᴀɴᴄɪᴇɴᴛ ᴍᴀɢɪᴄ, ᴛʜɪs ɪs ᴀ ғᴀɴᴛᴀsᴛɪᴄ sᴛᴀʀᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴘʀᴏᴍɪsᴇs ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴀɴ ᴀᴅᴅɪᴄᴛɪᴠᴇ sᴇʀɪᴇs.
ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʀᴇᴀᴅɪɴɢ!
𝒜𝓈𝒽𝓁𝑒𝓎
ʙᴏᴏᴋsᴛᴀɢʀᴀᴍ: @ᴛʜᴇᴛᴀᴛᴛᴇʀᴇᴅᴘᴀɢᴇ
𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝐵𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝒟𝒶𝑔𝑔𝑒𝓇 ʙʏ ᴄʟᴀʀᴀ ʀʜᴏᴅᴇs
𝑅𝒶𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔: 🥀🥀🥀🥀 ᴏᴜᴛ ᴏғ 𝟻 ᴇɴᴄʜᴀɴᴛᴇᴅ ʀᴏsᴇs
𝒮𝓅𝒾𝒸𝑒 𝑅𝒶𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔: 🌶🌶 ᴏᴜᴛ ᴏғ 𝟻
✨ 𝐻𝑜𝑜𝓀✨
ᴀғᴛᴇʀ ᴛʀᴀɢᴇᴅʏ ᴅᴇsᴛʀᴏʏs ʜᴇʀ ғᴀᴍɪʟʏ ᴀɴᴅ ғᴏʀᴄᴇs ʜᴇʀ ɪɴᴛᴏ ᴇxɪʟᴇ, ʜᴇʟᴀɪɴᴀ ɪʀᴏɴʙʟᴏᴏᴅ ʙᴇᴄᴏᴍᴇs ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴇɴᴛᴇʀ ᴏғ ᴀɴ ᴀɴᴄɪᴇɴᴛ ᴡᴀʀ. ᴄᴀᴘᴛᴜʀᴇᴅ ʙʏ ᴛʜᴇ ғᴇᴀʀᴇᴅ ʟᴇɢɪᴏɴ ᴄᴀᴘᴛᴀɪɴ ᴛʜᴇᴏᴅᴏɴ ᴡʀᴇɴɴ, sʜᴇ's ᴛʜʀᴜsᴛ ɪɴᴛᴏ ᴀ ᴅᴇᴀᴅʟʏ ǫᴜᴇsᴛ ғᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴏɴᴇ ᴅᴀɢɢᴇʀ—ᴀ ʀᴇʟɪᴄ ᴄᴀᴘᴀʙʟᴇ ᴏғ ᴀᴡᴀᴋᴇɴɪɴɢ ʜᴇʀ ᴄᴜʀsᴇᴅ ᴘᴏᴡᴇʀ, ʙᴜᴛ ᴏɴᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴅᴇᴍᴀɴᴅs ᴛʜᴇ ᴜʟᴛɪᴍᴀᴛᴇ sᴀᴄʀɪғɪᴄᴇ.
𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌:
ʜᴜɢᴇ ᴛʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ ʟɪʙʀᴏ ғᴏʀ ɢɪғᴛɪɴɢ ᴍᴇ ᴛʜɪs ᴀʟᴄ!
𝒮𝒽𝑒 𝒸𝒶𝓇𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒷𝓁𝑜𝑜𝒹 𝑜𝒻 𝒶 𝒽𝑒𝓁𝓁 𝑔𝑜𝒹. 𝐻𝑒 𝓂𝒶𝓎 𝒷𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑜𝓃𝓁𝓎 𝓂𝒶𝓃 𝓇𝓊𝓉𝒽𝓁𝑒𝓈𝓈 𝑒𝓃𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽 𝓉𝑜 𝓊𝓃𝓁𝑜𝒸𝓀 𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝓅𝑜𝓌𝑒𝓇... 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓃 𝒾𝒻 𝒾𝓉 𝒸𝑜𝓈𝓉𝓈 𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝓁𝒾𝒻𝑒.
ᴛʜɪs ᴡᴀs ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ɪ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ɪɴ ᴀ ᴅᴀʀᴋ ғᴀɴᴛᴀsʏ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ.
ғʀᴏᴍ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏᴘᴇɴɪɴɢ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝐵𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝒟𝒶𝑔𝑔𝑒𝓇 ᴛʜʀᴏᴡs ʏᴏᴜ ɪɴᴛᴏ ᴀ ʙʀᴜᴛᴀʟ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅ ғɪʟʟᴇᴅ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀɴᴄɪᴇɴᴛ ɢᴏᴅs, ᴛᴇʀʀɪғʏɪɴɢ ᴍᴏɴsᴛᴇʀs, ᴘᴏʟɪᴛɪᴄᴀʟ ɪɴᴛʀɪɢᴜᴇ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴇᴀᴅʟʏ ᴍᴀɢɪᴄ. ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅʙᴜɪʟᴅɪɴɢ ɪs ɪᴍᴍᴇʀsɪᴠᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜᴏᴜᴛ ʙᴇᴄᴏᴍɪɴɢ ᴏᴠᴇʀᴡʜᴇʟᴍɪɴɢ, ɢʀᴀᴅᴜᴀʟʟʏ ʀᴇᴠᴇᴀʟɪɴɢ ɪᴛs ᴍʏᴛʜᴏʟᴏɢʏ ɪɴ ᴀ ᴡᴀʏ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴋᴇᴘᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟᴇᴛᴇʟʏ ɪɴᴠᴇsᴛᴇᴅ.
ʜᴇʟᴀɪɴᴀ ɪs ᴇxᴀᴄᴛʟʏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴋɪɴᴅ ᴏғ ʜᴇʀᴏɪɴᴇ ɪ ʟᴏᴠᴇ—sᴛʀᴏɴɢ ᴡɪᴛʜᴏᴜᴛ ᴘʀᴇᴛᴇɴᴅɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴀʟʟ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀɴsᴡᴇʀs, ʜᴀᴜɴᴛᴇᴅ ʙʏ ʜᴇʀ ᴘᴀsᴛ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴄᴏɴsᴛᴀɴᴛʟʏ ғᴏʀᴄᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ᴄʜᴏᴏsᴇ ʙᴇᴛᴡᴇᴇɴ sᴜʀᴠɪᴠᴀʟ ᴀɴᴅ ᴄᴏᴍᴘᴀssɪᴏɴ. ᴡᴀᴛᴄʜɪɴɢ ʜᴇʀ ᴇᴍʙʀᴀᴄᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ᴛᴇʀʀɪғʏɪɴɢ ᴘᴏᴡᴇʀ ɪɴsɪᴅᴇ ʜᴇʀ ᴍᴀᴅᴇ ғᴏʀ ᴀɴ ɪɴᴄʀᴇᴅɪʙʟʏ sᴀᴛɪsғʏɪɴɢ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀ ᴀʀᴄ.
ᴛʜᴇɴ ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ's ᴛʜᴇᴏᴅᴏɴ.
ᴄᴏʟᴅ. ʀᴜᴛʜʟᴇss. ᴄᴏᴍᴍᴀɴᴅɪɴɢ. ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟᴇᴛᴇʟʏ ɪᴍᴘᴏssɪʙʟᴇ ᴛᴏ ɪɢɴᴏʀᴇ.
ᴛʜᴇ ᴄʜᴇᴍɪsᴛʀʏ ʙᴇᴛᴡᴇᴇɴ ʜɪᴍ ᴀɴᴅ ʜᴇʟᴀɪɴᴀ sɪᴍᴍᴇʀs ғʀᴏᴍ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴏᴍᴇɴᴛ ᴛʜᴇʏ ᴍᴇᴇᴛ, ᴄʀᴇᴀᴛɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴇʀғᴇᴄᴛ ʙʟᴇɴᴅ ᴏғ ᴅɪsᴛʀᴜsᴛ, ʀᴇʟᴜᴄᴛᴀɴᴛ ᴘᴀʀᴛɴᴇʀsʜɪᴘ, ᴀɴᴅ ғᴏʀʙɪᴅᴅᴇɴ ᴀᴛᴛʀᴀᴄᴛɪᴏɴ. ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ʀᴇʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴsʜɪᴘ ɪs ᴘᴀᴄᴋᴇᴅ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴇᴍᴏᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟ ᴛᴇɴsɪᴏɴ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʙᴜɪʟᴅs ʙᴇᴀᴜᴛɪғᴜʟʟʏ ᴀʟᴏɴɢsɪᴅᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ʟᴀʀɢᴇʀ ᴄᴏɴғʟɪᴄᴛ.
ʙᴇᴛᴡᴇᴇɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴏɴsᴛᴇʀs, ᴄᴜʀsᴇᴅ ᴍᴀɢɪᴄ, ɪᴍᴘᴏssɪʙʟᴇ ᴄʜᴏɪᴄᴇs, ᴀɴᴅ sʜᴏᴄᴋɪɴɢ ᴛᴡɪsᴛs, ɪ ᴡᴀs ʜᴏᴏᴋᴇᴅ ғʀᴏᴍ ʙᴇɢɪɴɴɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ᴇɴᴅ. ɪ ᴀʟʀᴇᴀᴅʏ ɴᴇᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴇxᴛ ɪɴsᴛᴀʟʟᴍᴇɴᴛ.
🎙️𝒩𝒶𝓇𝓇𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃:
ᴛʜᴇ ᴀᴜᴅɪᴏʙᴏᴏᴋ ɪs ᴀʙsᴏʟᴜᴛᴇʟʏ ᴘʜᴇɴᴏᴍᴇɴᴀʟ. ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴀʀʀᴀᴛᴏʀ ᴇғғᴏʀᴛʟᴇssʟʏ ᴄᴀᴘᴛᴜʀᴇs ᴛʜᴇ ᴇᴍᴏᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟ ᴡᴇɪɢʜᴛ ᴏғ ʜᴇʟᴀɪɴᴀ's ᴊᴏᴜʀɴᴇʏ, ʙᴀʟᴀɴᴄɪɴɢ ʜᴇʀ ᴠᴜʟɴᴇʀᴀʙɪʟɪᴛʏ, ʀᴇsɪʟɪᴇɴᴄᴇ, ᴀɴᴅ ɢʀᴏᴡɪɴɢ sᴛʀᴇɴɢᴛʜ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʀᴇᴍᴀʀᴋᴀʙʟᴇ ɴᴜᴀɴᴄᴇ. ᴛʜᴇᴏᴅᴏɴ ɪs ɢɪᴠᴇɴ ᴀ ᴄᴏᴍᴍᴀɴᴅɪɴɢ, ᴅᴀɴɢᴇʀᴏᴜsʟʏ ᴍᴀɢɴᴇᴛɪᴄ ᴘʀᴇsᴇɴᴄᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴍᴀᴋᴇs ᴇᴠᴇʀʏ ɪɴᴛᴇʀᴀᴄᴛɪᴏɴ ᴄʀᴀᴄᴋʟᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛᴇɴsɪᴏɴ. ʙᴀᴛᴛʟᴇ sᴄᴇɴᴇs ᴀʀᴇ ᴄɪɴᴇᴍᴀᴛɪᴄ, ǫᴜɪᴇᴛᴇʀ ᴍᴏᴍᴇɴᴛs ᴀʀᴇ ᴇᴍᴏᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟʟʏ ʀɪᴄʜ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴀʀᴋᴇʀ ᴇʟᴇᴍᴇɴᴛs ᴏғ ᴛʜᴇ sᴛᴏʀʏ ᴀʀᴇ ᴅᴇʟɪᴠᴇʀᴇᴅ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀɴ ᴀᴛᴍᴏsᴘʜᴇʀᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴘᴜʟʟᴇᴅ ᴍᴇ ɪɴ ғʀᴏᴍ ᴛʜᴇ ᴠᴇʀʏ ғɪʀsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ. ᴛʜɪs ɪs ᴏɴᴇ ᴏғ ᴛʜᴏsᴇ ғᴀɴᴛᴀsʏ ᴀᴜᴅɪᴏʙᴏᴏᴋs ᴛʜᴀᴛ ғᴇᴇʟs ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴡᴀᴛᴄʜɪɴɢ ᴀɴ ᴇᴘɪᴄ ғɪʟᴍ ᴜɴғᴏʟᴅ.
𝒯𝓇𝑜𝓅𝑒𝓈 & 𝒱𝒾𝒷𝑒𝓈:
🗡️ ᴇɴᴇᴍɪᴇs ᴛᴏ ʟᴏᴠᴇʀs
🔥 ғᴏʀᴄᴇᴅ ᴘʀᴏxɪᴍɪᴛʏ
🩸 ᴄᴜʀsᴇᴅ ʜᴇʀᴏɪɴᴇ
😈 ɢᴏᴅ-ᴛᴏᴜᴄʜᴇᴅ ᴍᴀɢɪᴄ
⚔️ ʀᴜᴛʜʟᴇss ᴡᴀʀʀɪᴏʀ ᴍᴍᴄ
👑 ᴘᴏʟɪᴛɪᴄᴀʟ ɪɴᴛʀɪɢᴜᴇ
🐉 ᴍᴏɴsᴛᴇʀs & ᴀɴᴄɪᴇɴᴛ ᴄʀᴇᴀᴛᴜʀᴇs
🌑 ᴅᴀʀᴋ ғᴀɴᴛᴀsʏ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
✨ ғᴏʀʙɪᴅᴅᴇɴ ᴘᴏᴡᴇʀ
🖤 sʟᴏᴡ-ʙᴜʀɴ ᴛᴇɴsɪᴏɴ
𝑅𝑒𝒶𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒾𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒...
🖤 ᴏɴᴇ ᴅᴀʀᴋ ᴡɪɴᴅᴏᴡ x ᴛʜᴇ sᴇʀᴘᴇɴᴛ & ᴛʜᴇ ᴡɪɴɢs ᴏғ ɴɪɢʜᴛ ᴠɪʙᴇs
🔥 ᴍᴏʀᴀʟʟʏ ɢʀᴀʏ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ɪɴᴛᴇʀᴇsᴛs
👑 ᴇᴘɪᴄ ғᴀɴᴛᴀsʏ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
🩸 ᴄᴜʀsᴇᴅ ʜᴇʀᴏɪɴᴇs
🐉 ᴍᴏɴsᴛᴇʀ-ғɪʟʟᴇᴅ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅs
✨ ᴅᴀʀᴋ, ᴀᴛᴍᴏsᴘʜᴇʀɪᴄ ғᴀɴᴛᴀsʏ
🗣️ 𝒲𝑜𝓇𝒹 𝑜𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒮𝓉𝓇𝑒𝑒𝓉:
ᴇᴀʀʟʏ ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘʀᴀɪsɪɴɢ 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝐵𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝒟𝒶𝑔𝑔𝑒𝓇 ғᴏʀ ɪᴛs ʀɪᴄʜ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅʙᴜɪʟᴅɪɴɢ, ᴀᴅᴅɪᴄᴛɪᴠᴇ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴜɴғᴏʀɢᴇᴛᴛᴀʙʟᴇ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀ ᴅʏɴᴀᴍɪᴄs. ᴍᴀɴʏ ᴀʀᴇ ʜɪɢʜʟɪɢʜᴛɪɴɢ ʜᴇʟᴀɪɴᴀ's ᴄᴏᴍᴘᴇʟʟɪɴɢ ɢʀᴏᴡᴛʜ, ᴛʜᴇᴏᴅᴏɴ's ɪʀʀᴇsɪsᴛɪʙʟᴇ ᴍᴏʀᴀʟʟʏ ɢʀᴀʏ ᴀᴘᴘᴇᴀʟ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀᴜᴅɪᴏʙᴏᴏᴋ's ɪᴍᴍᴇʀsɪᴠᴇ ɴᴀʀʀᴀᴛɪᴏɴ, ᴄᴀʟʟɪɴɢ ɪᴛ ᴀɴ ɪᴍᴘʀᴇssɪᴠᴇ ᴅᴇʙᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ғᴀɴᴛᴀsʏ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ ғᴀɴs ᴡᴏɴ'ᴛ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴍɪss.
𝐹𝒾𝓃𝒶𝓁 𝓋𝑒𝓇𝒹𝒾𝒸𝓉:
𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝐵𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝒟𝒶𝑔𝑔𝑒𝓇 ɪs ᴀ ɢʀɪᴘᴘɪɴɢ ᴅᴇʙᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴘᴇʀғᴇᴄᴛʟʏ ʙʟᴇɴᴅs ᴇᴘɪᴄ ғᴀɴᴛᴀsʏ, ᴅᴀʀᴋ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ, ᴀɴᴅ ʜɪɢʜ-sᴛᴀᴋᴇs ᴀᴅᴠᴇɴᴛᴜʀᴇ. ᴡɪᴛʜ ɪᴍᴍᴇʀsɪᴠᴇ ɴᴀʀʀᴀᴛɪᴏɴ, ᴀɴ ᴜɴғᴏʀɢᴇᴛᴛᴀʙʟᴇ ʜᴇʀᴏɪɴᴇ, ᴀ ᴅᴀɴɢᴇʀᴏᴜsʟʏ ᴄᴏᴍᴘᴇʟʟɪɴɢ ʜᴇʀᴏ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴀ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅ ʙʀɪᴍᴍɪɴɢ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴍᴏɴsᴛᴇʀs, ɢᴏᴅs, ᴀɴᴅ ᴀɴᴄɪᴇɴᴛ ᴍᴀɢɪᴄ, ᴛʜɪs ɪs ᴀ ғᴀɴᴛᴀsᴛɪᴄ sᴛᴀʀᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴘʀᴏᴍɪsᴇs ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴀɴ ᴀᴅᴅɪᴄᴛɪᴠᴇ sᴇʀɪᴇs.
ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʀᴇᴀᴅɪɴɢ!
𝒜𝓈𝒽𝓁𝑒𝓎
ʙᴏᴏᴋsᴛᴀɢʀᴀᴍ: @ᴛʜᴇᴛᴀᴛᴛᴇʀᴇᴅᴘᴀɢᴇ
July 21, 2026
4 stars
An exciting, emotional and well-developed enemies-to-lovers romantasy, this is the first book in the Out of Darkness series, and a remarkably impressive debut novel from Clara Rhodes. I really enjoyed this one!
Helaina is a mortal princess born with a curse that gives her terrifying powers. Hidden away for most of her life, she has endured heartbreaking tragedy and is now being forced into an arranged marriage and sent to a distant land, when she's kidnapped by three warriors who whisk her away in the night.
Theoden is the captain of a legion of demi-gods who believes Helaina's power may be the key to winning the war against the monsters that threaten the realm. He plans to train her but didn’t expect her to be a total spitfire who fights him every step of the way.
Of course, it’s only a matter of time before sparks ignite between them, but they have quite the tumultuous journey ahead of them. Helaina is wracked with grief and guilt over her past, and she’s been taught to fear the shadows that Theo is trying to draw out of her. But as evil lurks and danger draws nearer, she will have to face up to all of it to become who she is truly meant to be.
It’s a great premise, Rhodes tells the story well, and I was quickly drawn into this world. Helaina is instantly likeable, and as her story unfolds, the emotion is beautifully written, and my heart ached for her. I loved watching her adjust to her new life with Theo and his troops, finding her strength and her place along the way. I also really enjoyed the back and forth between the two of them. Theo has that fabulous broody-yet-cocky vibe that I love in a romance hero, and the dual POV brings his perspective to life in a way that enhances the story beautifully. The romance is secondary to the main story, but it still brings heart and steaminess. And though they have their ups and downs, I loved watching these two tortured souls find their way to each other.
The story moves between the past and the present, each glimpse into the past giving us more context for the present, and the world-building continues throughout the whole book as all of the pieces come together. There’s a great cast of side characters that help to progress the story, and I enjoyed getting completely wrapped up in the journey.
Full of emotion, action and excitement, this is a really enjoyable read. I loved these characters and the world, and the story builds to an epic climax that leaves the book on a brutal cliffhanger. I’m excited to see where the series goes from here.
Such a great read – 4 stars.
An Advanced Reader Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.
An exciting, emotional and well-developed enemies-to-lovers romantasy, this is the first book in the Out of Darkness series, and a remarkably impressive debut novel from Clara Rhodes. I really enjoyed this one!
Helaina is a mortal princess born with a curse that gives her terrifying powers. Hidden away for most of her life, she has endured heartbreaking tragedy and is now being forced into an arranged marriage and sent to a distant land, when she's kidnapped by three warriors who whisk her away in the night.
Theoden is the captain of a legion of demi-gods who believes Helaina's power may be the key to winning the war against the monsters that threaten the realm. He plans to train her but didn’t expect her to be a total spitfire who fights him every step of the way.
Of course, it’s only a matter of time before sparks ignite between them, but they have quite the tumultuous journey ahead of them. Helaina is wracked with grief and guilt over her past, and she’s been taught to fear the shadows that Theo is trying to draw out of her. But as evil lurks and danger draws nearer, she will have to face up to all of it to become who she is truly meant to be.
She needed to learn to protect herself. She was not some fragile soul. She was a mighty weapon of godly descent. It was time she started acting like it.
It’s a great premise, Rhodes tells the story well, and I was quickly drawn into this world. Helaina is instantly likeable, and as her story unfolds, the emotion is beautifully written, and my heart ached for her. I loved watching her adjust to her new life with Theo and his troops, finding her strength and her place along the way. I also really enjoyed the back and forth between the two of them. Theo has that fabulous broody-yet-cocky vibe that I love in a romance hero, and the dual POV brings his perspective to life in a way that enhances the story beautifully. The romance is secondary to the main story, but it still brings heart and steaminess. And though they have their ups and downs, I loved watching these two tortured souls find their way to each other.
“Now that I’ve known you, I fear you have gained a shadow in me, Helaina Ironblood. There is nowhere you could go that I won’t follow.”
The story moves between the past and the present, each glimpse into the past giving us more context for the present, and the world-building continues throughout the whole book as all of the pieces come together. There’s a great cast of side characters that help to progress the story, and I enjoyed getting completely wrapped up in the journey.
Full of emotion, action and excitement, this is a really enjoyable read. I loved these characters and the world, and the story builds to an epic climax that leaves the book on a brutal cliffhanger. I’m excited to see where the series goes from here.
Such a great read – 4 stars.
An Advanced Reader Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.
July 24, 2026
There comes a point where surviving isn't enough. Sometimes you have to stop fearing the darkness inside you and learn to wield it.
That was the moment that stayed with me long after I finished this book.
Helaina's journey hit me hard because she spends so much of her life carrying something she never asked for. She is forced to hide pieces of herself, constantly reminded that what runs through her veins could either save the world or destroy it. Watching her slowly stop apologizing for who she is and begin accepting the parts everyone else fears was incredibly satisfying. I will never get tired of an FMC who stops shrinking herself and decides that if the world already sees her as a monster, she might as well become powerful enough that no one can use that against her again.
Theodon completely caught me off guard. There were moments I wanted to reach through the pages and fight him myself because his methods are anything but gentle. He pushes Helaina beyond every limit, demands more from her than feels fair, and makes choices that are difficult to forgive. Yet underneath all of that, I understood him. He saw strength in her before she could see it herself. He believed she could survive impossible things, even when it meant forcing her to face painful truths. That doesn't excuse everything he does, but it made him feel layered instead of simply being another brooding warrior. I found myself frustrated with him one chapter and defending him the next.
And then there is Callum.
I am not okay.
I don't remember the last time I rooted this hard for a secondary character. His story absolutely wrecked me. Please pay attention to the trigger warnings because his past is heartbreaking, and I genuinely cried for him. He deserves peace. He deserves love. He deserves someone to choose him after everything he has endured. At this point I am shamelessly hoping he gets his own happily ever after, or someone tells me this magically becomes a why choose because I refuse to let go of the chemistry and dynamic between these characters.
One of my favorite things about this story is that the stakes always feel personal. It isn't just about ancient powers, forgotten relics, monsters beyond the mountains, or a kingdom hanging by a thread. Every choice comes with sacrifice, every victory costs something, and every step Helaina takes toward embracing her power feels like she's giving up another piece of the life she thought she would have. That emotional weight made every chapter impossible to put down.
And can we talk about that ending?
Excuse me?
That cliffhanger should honestly come with a warning label because I sat there staring at my book wondering what I was supposed to do with myself after that. The author really looked me in the eyes, shattered my emotional stability, and casually walked away.
Book two cannot get here fast enough because I have questions, I have theories, and most importantly, I need answers. If you love fantasy with morally complex characters, an FMC who grows stronger by embracing every part of herself, emotional character arcs, and enough tension to keep you flipping pages well past bedtime, this one absolutely deserves a spot on your shelf.
That was the moment that stayed with me long after I finished this book.
Helaina's journey hit me hard because she spends so much of her life carrying something she never asked for. She is forced to hide pieces of herself, constantly reminded that what runs through her veins could either save the world or destroy it. Watching her slowly stop apologizing for who she is and begin accepting the parts everyone else fears was incredibly satisfying. I will never get tired of an FMC who stops shrinking herself and decides that if the world already sees her as a monster, she might as well become powerful enough that no one can use that against her again.
Theodon completely caught me off guard. There were moments I wanted to reach through the pages and fight him myself because his methods are anything but gentle. He pushes Helaina beyond every limit, demands more from her than feels fair, and makes choices that are difficult to forgive. Yet underneath all of that, I understood him. He saw strength in her before she could see it herself. He believed she could survive impossible things, even when it meant forcing her to face painful truths. That doesn't excuse everything he does, but it made him feel layered instead of simply being another brooding warrior. I found myself frustrated with him one chapter and defending him the next.
And then there is Callum.
I am not okay.
I don't remember the last time I rooted this hard for a secondary character. His story absolutely wrecked me. Please pay attention to the trigger warnings because his past is heartbreaking, and I genuinely cried for him. He deserves peace. He deserves love. He deserves someone to choose him after everything he has endured. At this point I am shamelessly hoping he gets his own happily ever after, or someone tells me this magically becomes a why choose because I refuse to let go of the chemistry and dynamic between these characters.
One of my favorite things about this story is that the stakes always feel personal. It isn't just about ancient powers, forgotten relics, monsters beyond the mountains, or a kingdom hanging by a thread. Every choice comes with sacrifice, every victory costs something, and every step Helaina takes toward embracing her power feels like she's giving up another piece of the life she thought she would have. That emotional weight made every chapter impossible to put down.
And can we talk about that ending?
Excuse me?
That cliffhanger should honestly come with a warning label because I sat there staring at my book wondering what I was supposed to do with myself after that. The author really looked me in the eyes, shattered my emotional stability, and casually walked away.
Book two cannot get here fast enough because I have questions, I have theories, and most importantly, I need answers. If you love fantasy with morally complex characters, an FMC who grows stronger by embracing every part of herself, emotional character arcs, and enough tension to keep you flipping pages well past bedtime, this one absolutely deserves a spot on your shelf.
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