What do you think?
Rate this book
The Bone Dagger
Not yet published
Expected 21 Jul 26In 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.
390 pages, Paperback
Expected publication July 21, 2026
About the author
Clara Rhodes
1 book15 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 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.
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!!
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 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.
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.
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!
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.
Read
May 4, 2026⬦ Insta-Lust Enemies (?) to Lovers
⬦ Godly Bloodlines
⬦ Sibling Bonds
⬦ Revenge Arc
⬦ Multiple POVS
FMC is a princess locked away by her own family, essentially forbidden to leave due to her dark powers that could bring chaos to the world. But after the death of her brother and sister, she's seen as a burden by her surviving family and sent off to an arranged marriage. Just as she's prepared to end her life out of grief and despair, MMC essentially kidnaps her for his magical army that's the main force fighting against the evil unknown enemy invading their lands. MMC wants FMC to learn to use her powers so she can help fight the enemy instead of giving up hope, but his abrasive attitude has FMC infuriated with him.
Fans of insta-lust will be really into this, with the FMC and MMC being physically attracted to each other from the get go and quite a few steamy scenes 😳 Buuuut sorry 😭 I fell for a side character, Callum, instead! He's introduced as the bloodthirsty battlenut but ends up being quite sensitive, and I felt like FMC's relationship with Callum was much more developed by 75% of the story due to them Her character development by the end was pretty satisfying and once she gets her shadow powers, she's very powerful. However, I feel like the other reviews calling her Shadow Mommy may be a bit misleading because she doesn't actually become a powerful Shadow Mommy until the last ~5% of the story.
⬦ Godly Bloodlines
⬦ Sibling Bonds
⬦ Revenge Arc
⬦ Multiple POVS
FMC is a princess locked away by her own family, essentially forbidden to leave due to her dark powers that could bring chaos to the world. But after the death of her brother and sister, she's seen as a burden by her surviving family and sent off to an arranged marriage. Just as she's prepared to end her life out of grief and despair, MMC essentially kidnaps her for his magical army that's the main force fighting against the evil unknown enemy invading their lands. MMC wants FMC to learn to use her powers so she can help fight the enemy instead of giving up hope, but his abrasive attitude has FMC infuriated with him.
Fans of insta-lust will be really into this, with the FMC and MMC being physically attracted to each other from the get go and quite a few steamy scenes 😳 Buuuut sorry 😭 I fell for a side character, Callum, instead! He's introduced as the bloodthirsty battlenut but ends up being quite sensitive, and I felt like FMC's relationship with Callum was much more developed by 75% of the story due to them Her character development by the end was pretty satisfying and once she gets her shadow powers, she's very powerful. However, I feel like the other reviews calling her Shadow Mommy may be a bit misleading because she doesn't actually become a powerful Shadow Mommy until the last ~5% of the story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Bone Dagger completely consumed me from start to finish. If you love dark fantasy romance with rich world-building and high stakes, this book delivers on every level.
The story follows a cursed princess, Helaina, whose fate has been twisted by the very gods meant to protect the world. Haunted by the deaths of her siblings and riddled with guilt, she believes her greatest sin was simply wanting to experience life and love. That longing for something more ultimately becomes the reason the gods curse her—and the weight of that guilt shapes every choice she makes.
When a ruthless warrior kidnaps her, it seems like the beginning of another nightmare—but instead it becomes the catalyst for her awakening. Theon is relentless in his belief that she is far more powerful than she allows herself to be. The tension between them is intense and emotional, especially knowing he is the kind of man who would burn the world down for her without hesitation.
The world-building is immaculate. The lore surrounding the gods, the curse, and the fragile state of the world feels deep and immersive, making every revelation hit harder. Nothing feels surface-level; every detail adds to the sense that something ancient and dangerous is unfolding.
Another highlight is the cast of side characters who bring so much life to the story. They’re loyal, funny, and incredibly lovable, adding moments of warmth and humor that balance the darker elements of the plot.
Watching the princess evolve from someone consumed by guilt and fear into someone who might be powerful enough to challenge the gods themselves is incredibly satisfying. And the warrior? Fierce, devoted, and perfectly morally gray.
This book is dark, emotional, and impossible to put down. If you love cursed heroines, fated mates, powerful gods, found family, and a warrior who would burn the world for the woman he loves, The Bone Dagger is absolutely a must-read.
Thank you to NetGally, Clara Rhodes and Blackstone Publishing for allowing me to arc this epic fantasy.
The story follows a cursed princess, Helaina, whose fate has been twisted by the very gods meant to protect the world. Haunted by the deaths of her siblings and riddled with guilt, she believes her greatest sin was simply wanting to experience life and love. That longing for something more ultimately becomes the reason the gods curse her—and the weight of that guilt shapes every choice she makes.
When a ruthless warrior kidnaps her, it seems like the beginning of another nightmare—but instead it becomes the catalyst for her awakening. Theon is relentless in his belief that she is far more powerful than she allows herself to be. The tension between them is intense and emotional, especially knowing he is the kind of man who would burn the world down for her without hesitation.
The world-building is immaculate. The lore surrounding the gods, the curse, and the fragile state of the world feels deep and immersive, making every revelation hit harder. Nothing feels surface-level; every detail adds to the sense that something ancient and dangerous is unfolding.
Another highlight is the cast of side characters who bring so much life to the story. They’re loyal, funny, and incredibly lovable, adding moments of warmth and humor that balance the darker elements of the plot.
Watching the princess evolve from someone consumed by guilt and fear into someone who might be powerful enough to challenge the gods themselves is incredibly satisfying. And the warrior? Fierce, devoted, and perfectly morally gray.
This book is dark, emotional, and impossible to put down. If you love cursed heroines, fated mates, powerful gods, found family, and a warrior who would burn the world for the woman he loves, The Bone Dagger is absolutely a must-read.
Thank you to NetGally, Clara Rhodes and Blackstone Publishing for allowing me to arc this epic fantasy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Bone Dagger by Clara Rhodes is a gripping read that had me hooked from start to finish. The story opens right in the middle of the action, which immediately pulled me in and had me questioning everything—from the characters’ motives to how events would unfold. That intriguing start made it hard to put the book down because I just needed answers.
One of the standout elements for me was the “enemies to lovers” trope, which was executed really well—it felt natural, tense, and genuinely engaging rather than forced. There is comical relief and hot tension! The dynamic between the characters kept me invested the entire time.
The worldbuilding is another strong point, especially with the inclusion of magic, demigods, and shadow wielding. These elements added a rich, layered feel to the story and made the fantasy aspects especially engaging without becoming overwhelming or confusing.
As someone who has read many fantasy/romance books, I can confidently say this one falls among the top few I’ve experienced. Rhodes’ writing style is another highlight—it’s smooth and immersive without being overly complicated, making the story easy to get lost in. While I sometimes struggle with shifts between past and present tense, it actually worked well here and didn’t pull me out of the story. The pacing felt just right, and I especially appreciated the length of the book—it didn’t drag, but it also didn’t feel rushed.
The book also touches on some darker themes and scenes, but they were handled perfectly. They added depth and intensity to the story without feeling overwhelming or making it difficult to continue reading, which I really appreciated.
And that ending… can we talk about a cliffhanger!! It was fantastic. It left me with so many questions and just enough tension that I immediately wanted to dive into the next book!
Overall, this was a highly enjoyable read that I would highly recommend to both new and seasoned readers, especially if you’re a fan of character-driven fantasy with compelling romantic tension.
One of the standout elements for me was the “enemies to lovers” trope, which was executed really well—it felt natural, tense, and genuinely engaging rather than forced. There is comical relief and hot tension! The dynamic between the characters kept me invested the entire time.
The worldbuilding is another strong point, especially with the inclusion of magic, demigods, and shadow wielding. These elements added a rich, layered feel to the story and made the fantasy aspects especially engaging without becoming overwhelming or confusing.
As someone who has read many fantasy/romance books, I can confidently say this one falls among the top few I’ve experienced. Rhodes’ writing style is another highlight—it’s smooth and immersive without being overly complicated, making the story easy to get lost in. While I sometimes struggle with shifts between past and present tense, it actually worked well here and didn’t pull me out of the story. The pacing felt just right, and I especially appreciated the length of the book—it didn’t drag, but it also didn’t feel rushed.
The book also touches on some darker themes and scenes, but they were handled perfectly. They added depth and intensity to the story without feeling overwhelming or making it difficult to continue reading, which I really appreciated.
And that ending… can we talk about a cliffhanger!! It was fantastic. It left me with so many questions and just enough tension that I immediately wanted to dive into the next book!
Overall, this was a highly enjoyable read that I would highly recommend to both new and seasoned readers, especially if you’re a fan of character-driven fantasy with compelling romantic tension.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I ATE this up. I had hooked from the start and truly didn't want to put it down.
Shadow Mommy ✅
Demon Daddy ✅
Helaina Ironblood is a cursed princess and has been hidden from the world her entire life. After both her siblings die, she's exiled by her family. Hiding her began as a way to keep her safe and now her family has given up on her and her curse. They're sending her as far away as they possibly can to marry an unknown prince. Along the way, Helaina is captured by Theodon Wrenn. Theo believes Helaina and her curse are exactly what he and the demigod army he leads need to save the realm. They need to unlock Helaina's powers before it's too late and the Hell Gods get their hands on her. But to do so, Helaina must sacrifice her mortal life.
Helaina is such a fierce FMC. Life has been brutal to her. I could FEEL how suffocating her childhood and adolescence was. I could feel the sparks of hope and love she developed, the despair and hopelessness after her siblings died. And I could feel and understood her eventual resignation that nothing would ever be better.
When Theo plucked her from that life, she fought. She was depressed and physically weak, but she never once rolled over. I appreciated how much she fought back against Theo. She had been controlled to the max her entire life & wasn't gonna let some MAN control her again. Hell yeah, girl.
Throughout, I could feel her rage and determination to never go back to the way things had been. She never gave up, despite how tempting it seemed at times. Theo never once treated her like she's always been treated - fragile. He pushed and pushed and she kept going. I loved seeing her be treated like the badass she is. Did she hate him for it, sure did. But she needed it.
As much as I loved the main characters, the side characters were also endearing and impactful. This really had so many things I love - found family, female rage, strong FMC, intense sibling love.
The ending had me screaming for more.
Shadow Mommy ✅
Demon Daddy ✅
Helaina Ironblood is a cursed princess and has been hidden from the world her entire life. After both her siblings die, she's exiled by her family. Hiding her began as a way to keep her safe and now her family has given up on her and her curse. They're sending her as far away as they possibly can to marry an unknown prince. Along the way, Helaina is captured by Theodon Wrenn. Theo believes Helaina and her curse are exactly what he and the demigod army he leads need to save the realm. They need to unlock Helaina's powers before it's too late and the Hell Gods get their hands on her. But to do so, Helaina must sacrifice her mortal life.
Helaina is such a fierce FMC. Life has been brutal to her. I could FEEL how suffocating her childhood and adolescence was. I could feel the sparks of hope and love she developed, the despair and hopelessness after her siblings died. And I could feel and understood her eventual resignation that nothing would ever be better.
When Theo plucked her from that life, she fought. She was depressed and physically weak, but she never once rolled over. I appreciated how much she fought back against Theo. She had been controlled to the max her entire life & wasn't gonna let some MAN control her again. Hell yeah, girl.
Throughout, I could feel her rage and determination to never go back to the way things had been. She never gave up, despite how tempting it seemed at times. Theo never once treated her like she's always been treated - fragile. He pushed and pushed and she kept going. I loved seeing her be treated like the badass she is. Did she hate him for it, sure did. But she needed it.
As much as I loved the main characters, the side characters were also endearing and impactful. This really had so many things I love - found family, female rage, strong FMC, intense sibling love.
The ending had me screaming for more.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
There were a lot of things I really liked about The Bone Dagger. I absolutely devoured it in less than 24 hours. The magic system felt genuinely unique, which is saying something in an era where a lot of romantasy is starting to blend together in my brain like one long montage of shadow daddies and glowing hands. This one stood out.
I also really liked how the time hops were handled. Instead of info-dumping Heli’s tragic backstory in one dramatic monologue, it was peeled back in layers. We got crumbs. We got tension. We got slow reveals. Even though I clocked a certain villain pretty early (respectfully… that one I think we'll all see coming), I still enjoyed the ride.
Heli and Theo both felt layered and trauma-seasoned in ways that made them compelling. Heli’s depression especially was handled with care. She’s been through A LOT and still manages to be feisty and headstrong without being super annoying which is a delicate balance. Theo, on the other hand, took me a little longer to fully buy into and their relationship leaned a bit insta-lusty for my personal taste.
I am once again begging the romantasy community for a TRUE slow burn. I want YEARNING. I want prolonged eye contact across battlefields. I want tension so thick it needs a knife to cut. Please let these people pine for more than 300 pages before we get to the horizontal mambo. Maybe even make them wait until book two? Just a thought.
That said, I did enjoy them together, and I’m invested. My only lingering confusion is around the big bad’s motivation, I’m not entirely sure I grasp it yet, but I’m assuming (and hoping) that will unravel in the next book.
Nitpicks aside, I had a genuinely great time with this one and will absolutely be picking up the sequel.
I also really liked how the time hops were handled. Instead of info-dumping Heli’s tragic backstory in one dramatic monologue, it was peeled back in layers. We got crumbs. We got tension. We got slow reveals. Even though I clocked a certain villain pretty early (respectfully… that one I think we'll all see coming), I still enjoyed the ride.
Heli and Theo both felt layered and trauma-seasoned in ways that made them compelling. Heli’s depression especially was handled with care. She’s been through A LOT and still manages to be feisty and headstrong without being super annoying which is a delicate balance. Theo, on the other hand, took me a little longer to fully buy into and their relationship leaned a bit insta-lusty for my personal taste.
I am once again begging the romantasy community for a TRUE slow burn. I want YEARNING. I want prolonged eye contact across battlefields. I want tension so thick it needs a knife to cut. Please let these people pine for more than 300 pages before we get to the horizontal mambo. Maybe even make them wait until book two? Just a thought.
That said, I did enjoy them together, and I’m invested. My only lingering confusion is around the big bad’s motivation, I’m not entirely sure I grasp it yet, but I’m assuming (and hoping) that will unravel in the next book.
Nitpicks aside, I had a genuinely great time with this one and will absolutely be picking up the sequel.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“Our darkest times birth our greatest strengths”
This is a debut book that you will want to get your hands on. The Bone Dagger is book 1 in the Out of Darkness series.
Princess Helaina Ironblood was cast aside by her parents and forced to live in secrecy due to her cursed power. Whenever tragedy struck in their family, Helaina was thought to have had a part in it. Under of what to do with her, the parents took the opportunity to marry her away to another kingdom. However, on the way there she is captured by Theodon (Theo), captain of those who reside in Elkron. Theo believes Helaina is the key to wining that war that is coming. First Helaina must unlock her power by the use of the Bone Dagger.
I love the story of Helaina and the flashbacks to earlier times throughout the book. The world building is phenomenal as Rhodes draw a picture of the Kingdoms and the Gods that rule that realm. I also can’t not say how much I love the characters that surround the main characters, Callum, Fee, and Breyer, I am talking to you!!
✨ reluctant allies to lovers
✨ slow burn
✨ cursed magic
✨ gods, mortals, fae, monsters
I was lucky enough to receive a complimentary eBook from the publisher via NetGalley and was ask to provide an honest review. Thank you to Clara Rhodes and Blackstone Publishing for giving me access. As always, the opinions expressed are my on.
This is a debut book that you will want to get your hands on. The Bone Dagger is book 1 in the Out of Darkness series.
Princess Helaina Ironblood was cast aside by her parents and forced to live in secrecy due to her cursed power. Whenever tragedy struck in their family, Helaina was thought to have had a part in it. Under of what to do with her, the parents took the opportunity to marry her away to another kingdom. However, on the way there she is captured by Theodon (Theo), captain of those who reside in Elkron. Theo believes Helaina is the key to wining that war that is coming. First Helaina must unlock her power by the use of the Bone Dagger.
I love the story of Helaina and the flashbacks to earlier times throughout the book. The world building is phenomenal as Rhodes draw a picture of the Kingdoms and the Gods that rule that realm. I also can’t not say how much I love the characters that surround the main characters, Callum, Fee, and Breyer, I am talking to you!!
✨ reluctant allies to lovers
✨ slow burn
✨ cursed magic
✨ gods, mortals, fae, monsters
I was lucky enough to receive a complimentary eBook from the publisher via NetGalley and was ask to provide an honest review. Thank you to Clara Rhodes and Blackstone Publishing for giving me access. As always, the opinions expressed are my on.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this first novel by Clara Rhodes! Some fantasy genre novels can become overly descriptive causing a longer read than necessary so I really enjoyed that the book was more fast paced and kept the story moving along.
The major themes of the story including grief, devotion. and self-worth were well portrayed through the lens of the protagonist along with the various side characters who helped develop the story in an enjoyable way. The protagonist, Helaina, along with the “side-characters” of Callum and Aaron & Fee and Breyer created a well rounded story that explored the above themes from various perspectives. I hope to see more from these characters in the next book.
As noted above, the book is more fast paced and does not include as much fluff or descriptors as some other fantasy novels (e.g. 600+ page books) which did leave some areas open to the imagination for what characters look like or the scenery looks like. This may be a pro or con to readers based on personal preference - but it did not impact my experience reading.
Overall, this is a great debut novel and I am excited to see where the story heads next in book #2 as well as where future projects take this young, promising author!
The major themes of the story including grief, devotion. and self-worth were well portrayed through the lens of the protagonist along with the various side characters who helped develop the story in an enjoyable way. The protagonist, Helaina, along with the “side-characters” of Callum and Aaron & Fee and Breyer created a well rounded story that explored the above themes from various perspectives. I hope to see more from these characters in the next book.
As noted above, the book is more fast paced and does not include as much fluff or descriptors as some other fantasy novels (e.g. 600+ page books) which did leave some areas open to the imagination for what characters look like or the scenery looks like. This may be a pro or con to readers based on personal preference - but it did not impact my experience reading.
Overall, this is a great debut novel and I am excited to see where the story heads next in book #2 as well as where future projects take this young, promising author!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"you look pretty when you scream"
What a fun read! This book is classified as romantasy, and while there is definitely romance, there is so much more — especially for readers who aren't solely in it for romance tropes.
The world-building, specifically the lore of the gods — their powers, their magic, and their intertwining backgrounds — was really interesting to me. I also really appreciated the gore. Gimme all the gore! The descriptions of the combat scenes and the brutality of them were so fun to read. There is a lovely balance between the allure of romance, the despair of grief, finding self-worth, and of course, absolute bloodshed.
For the introduction of a series, there was a good number of characters with unique backstories. It wasn't too overwhelming, and shared just enough to get you invested without being inundated with information. There is plenty to get you started, and I think the next book will be a great opportunity to dive deeper into their backgrounds.
My only wish was that the relationships between characters were a bit more fleshed out. Some relationships and scenes felt a little rushed, but I look forward to seeing that progression throughout the series.
Bottom line: if you like fantasy, chaos and carnage, with a side of romance — this one's for you.
What a fun read! This book is classified as romantasy, and while there is definitely romance, there is so much more — especially for readers who aren't solely in it for romance tropes.
The world-building, specifically the lore of the gods — their powers, their magic, and their intertwining backgrounds — was really interesting to me. I also really appreciated the gore. Gimme all the gore! The descriptions of the combat scenes and the brutality of them were so fun to read. There is a lovely balance between the allure of romance, the despair of grief, finding self-worth, and of course, absolute bloodshed.
For the introduction of a series, there was a good number of characters with unique backstories. It wasn't too overwhelming, and shared just enough to get you invested without being inundated with information. There is plenty to get you started, and I think the next book will be a great opportunity to dive deeper into their backgrounds.
My only wish was that the relationships between characters were a bit more fleshed out. Some relationships and scenes felt a little rushed, but I look forward to seeing that progression throughout the series.
Bottom line: if you like fantasy, chaos and carnage, with a side of romance — this one's for you.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️
This deserves all the hype. When I say I want a romantasy involving Gods, this is the kind of book I am talking about!
Helaina has a darkness in her, the blood of the hell god to be exact, one that forces her to remain in hiding. When her family faces tragedy, they aim to rid themselves of Helaina by forcing her into an arranged marriage. &Suddenly, while traveling to her future husband, she’s kidnapped by (the one and only) Captain Theodon. A ruthless leader who can sense her power and believes she is the key to victory. Will Theodon be her salvation or her ruin?
Everything about this was just so good - the characters, the plot, and the writing. The romance too! Theo is def book boyfriend material. Literally giggled and kicked my feet during some parts. 😏Some od the twistsI def didn’t see coming. &That cliffhanger?!! WHATTT?! Will be waiting not so patiently for book 2, cause 🔥🔥!
Check those trigger warnings friends. 🫶🏻
Thank you so much Blackstone Publishing for the advanced copy!! 🥹💖
What to Expect:
🗡️He Takes Care of Her
🗡️”little hellion” 😏
🗡️Multiple POV
🗡️Gods, Fae, etc.
🗡️Cliffhanger
🗡️Alternating Timelines
🗡️Found Family
🗡️”Burn the World Down” for her MMC
🗡️Slow Burn
2/5 🌶️
This deserves all the hype. When I say I want a romantasy involving Gods, this is the kind of book I am talking about!
Helaina has a darkness in her, the blood of the hell god to be exact, one that forces her to remain in hiding. When her family faces tragedy, they aim to rid themselves of Helaina by forcing her into an arranged marriage. &Suddenly, while traveling to her future husband, she’s kidnapped by (the one and only) Captain Theodon. A ruthless leader who can sense her power and believes she is the key to victory. Will Theodon be her salvation or her ruin?
Everything about this was just so good - the characters, the plot, and the writing. The romance too! Theo is def book boyfriend material. Literally giggled and kicked my feet during some parts. 😏Some od the twistsI def didn’t see coming. &That cliffhanger?!! WHATTT?! Will be waiting not so patiently for book 2, cause 🔥🔥!
Check those trigger warnings friends. 🫶🏻
Thank you so much Blackstone Publishing for the advanced copy!! 🥹💖
What to Expect:
🗡️He Takes Care of Her
🗡️”little hellion” 😏
🗡️Multiple POV
🗡️Gods, Fae, etc.
🗡️Cliffhanger
🗡️Alternating Timelines
🗡️Found Family
🗡️”Burn the World Down” for her MMC
🗡️Slow Burn
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
me petitioning Goodreads to add half star ratings....
I am very conflicted. Booktok is going to like this book and that is not a criticism. I liked this book and will gladly read the second installment. BUT this book had a lot of issues getting off the ground. I'm a very relaxed reviewer and I was having trouble for about 40% of this book. It was very clunky in the beginning and, I think, should have been polished a bit more because once it got moving it was an entertaining read.
I won't go into details but I liked that the author placed well known tropes but did them in a "newish" way. I'm pretty sick of the "who did this", "where's my wife" copypasta in romantasy but I think this was nicely done. (they are not married this is just an example).
Also, this is not a dark fantasy romance imo. Maybe my perception is skewed, like maybe it's gray if I squint....but dark? Maybe it'll get dark....seems like it could be easily....but as is... don't be put off by the marketing. idk it's late.
Thank you so much to the author, Blackstone Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this title. I attest that I am leaving my review voluntarily and honestly.
I am very conflicted. Booktok is going to like this book and that is not a criticism. I liked this book and will gladly read the second installment. BUT this book had a lot of issues getting off the ground. I'm a very relaxed reviewer and I was having trouble for about 40% of this book. It was very clunky in the beginning and, I think, should have been polished a bit more because once it got moving it was an entertaining read.
I won't go into details but I liked that the author placed well known tropes but did them in a "newish" way. I'm pretty sick of the "who did this", "where's my wife" copypasta in romantasy but I think this was nicely done. (they are not married this is just an example).
Also, this is not a dark fantasy romance imo. Maybe my perception is skewed, like maybe it's gray if I squint....but dark? Maybe it'll get dark....seems like it could be easily....but as is... don't be put off by the marketing. idk it's late.
Thank you so much to the author, Blackstone Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this title. I attest that I am leaving my review voluntarily and honestly.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I think romantasy lovers will absolutely eat this book up. It’s a fun time, has all the formulaic components for success. Shoot, I ate this book up. This is an easy read to dive into and enjoy. Definitely a solid romantasy with a shadow mommy, demigods, and a lot of the classic tropes we all know and love with some slight twists. I think the entire concept is strong and the story itself is a good one. I enjoyed the snippets of flashbacks throughout that all gather towards the conclusion, they were well done. Helaina and Theo are multi-faceted and I appreciated that.
I think the writing itself needs refinement. For example, the sheer amount of italics, not just to signify flashbacks but to also provide emphasis, felt distracting and unnecessary. The pacing was sometimes off and some moments weren’t cohesive.
-enemies to lovers
-demigods
-shadow mommy
-he trains her
-one bath
-who did this to you?
-found family (light on this, I’m positive it’ll develop more)
Overall, this was good and a solid debut. I think this series will get better as the story expands. I’ll definitely pick up the next one.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this in exchange for my honest review!
I think the writing itself needs refinement. For example, the sheer amount of italics, not just to signify flashbacks but to also provide emphasis, felt distracting and unnecessary. The pacing was sometimes off and some moments weren’t cohesive.
-enemies to lovers
-demigods
-shadow mommy
-he trains her
-one bath
-who did this to you?
-found family (light on this, I’m positive it’ll develop more)
Overall, this was good and a solid debut. I think this series will get better as the story expands. I’ll definitely pick up the next one.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this in exchange for my honest review!
April 30, 2026
6 STAR READ!! 5 stars does not fit the mold with this book.
Thank you to netgalley & Blackstone Publishing I had the chance to read an arc of The Bone Dagger.. this was by far the best read of 2026- PRE ORDER THIS BOOK ASAP
From the start of this book it pulls you into a dark, immersive world that was beautifully crafted. It was fast paced but written so well- sharp plot, layered, continuous twists and stories unfolding.
What really hooked me were the tropes—done exceptionally well making it my book of the year..
* enemies-to-lovers tension that actually feels earned
* morally gray characters you can’t stop rooting for
* a touch-her-and-you-die level of protectiveness
* found family dynamics that hit emotionally
* and just enough betrayal and secrets to keep you constantly questioning everything
If you like dark fantasy with high stakes, a multi layered plot, fast paced, addicting tension with really well developed characters- DO NOT PASS THIS UP
I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy and 1000% will be waiting for book 2.
Thank you to netgalley & Blackstone Publishing I had the chance to read an arc of The Bone Dagger.. this was by far the best read of 2026- PRE ORDER THIS BOOK ASAP
From the start of this book it pulls you into a dark, immersive world that was beautifully crafted. It was fast paced but written so well- sharp plot, layered, continuous twists and stories unfolding.
What really hooked me were the tropes—done exceptionally well making it my book of the year..
* enemies-to-lovers tension that actually feels earned
* morally gray characters you can’t stop rooting for
* a touch-her-and-you-die level of protectiveness
* found family dynamics that hit emotionally
* and just enough betrayal and secrets to keep you constantly questioning everything
If you like dark fantasy with high stakes, a multi layered plot, fast paced, addicting tension with really well developed characters- DO NOT PASS THIS UP
I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy and 1000% will be waiting for book 2.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing/netgalley for the advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Bone Dagger is gothic in vibes, with absolutely terrifying monsters, a cursed shadow mommy fmc, and an mmc with a tortured past and mysterious lineage.
Helaina's story is woven with flashbacks to her past, growing up isolated and neglected, to the present, being kidnapped by Theo, captain of an army of demigods protecting the realm, and coming into her power. She's reckless yet reluctant, and Theo does not coddle her.
Overall, this book was not for me. I needed less telling, more showing. It felt like I was reading the summary of a book, rather than the book itself. It hit all the popular tropes and plot points that make romantasy exciting and fun, but it didn't have enough character depth or a clear POV to ensnare me.
I'd rate this 2.5 stars but am rounding up to 3 stars here.
The Bone Dagger is gothic in vibes, with absolutely terrifying monsters, a cursed shadow mommy fmc, and an mmc with a tortured past and mysterious lineage.
Helaina's story is woven with flashbacks to her past, growing up isolated and neglected, to the present, being kidnapped by Theo, captain of an army of demigods protecting the realm, and coming into her power. She's reckless yet reluctant, and Theo does not coddle her.
Overall, this book was not for me. I needed less telling, more showing. It felt like I was reading the summary of a book, rather than the book itself. It hit all the popular tropes and plot points that make romantasy exciting and fun, but it didn't have enough character depth or a clear POV to ensnare me.
I'd rate this 2.5 stars but am rounding up to 3 stars here.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Bone Dagger is a great book and break out series by Clara Rhodes!
Helaina is a great protagonist that goes through challenges of self-doubt and worth throughout the book. I liked how it portrayed the way grief can weigh on us all. I liked the mix of action within the story as well.
The book has a fast-paced nature to it that was easy to digest and follow along. The jumping from present time to past was something I enjoyed as it really kept me engaged with the story and eager to see what was going to happen. The only "critique" I have is it was very obvious who the love interest was so having the enemies to lovers arc was hard to get on board with given the fasted paced nature of the story.
I really liked this book and cant wait for book #2 to come out! That cliff hanger at the end makes me wish it was out already so I can devour it as quickly as I did this one.
Helaina is a great protagonist that goes through challenges of self-doubt and worth throughout the book. I liked how it portrayed the way grief can weigh on us all. I liked the mix of action within the story as well.
The book has a fast-paced nature to it that was easy to digest and follow along. The jumping from present time to past was something I enjoyed as it really kept me engaged with the story and eager to see what was going to happen. The only "critique" I have is it was very obvious who the love interest was so having the enemies to lovers arc was hard to get on board with given the fasted paced nature of the story.
I really liked this book and cant wait for book #2 to come out! That cliff hanger at the end makes me wish it was out already so I can devour it as quickly as I did this one.
May 3, 2026
The Bone Dagger was a great first installment in what I believe will be a very interesting series. The world building was great, I loved how all the gods were explained and how they were connected to the characters. I liked the flashbacks to earlier in Helaina’s life so we could get the full picture of how things came to be. And Helaina is a great FMC, and I can’t wait to see what happens for her next. My main issue with this book was the pacing. It got much better towards the end but in the beginning it felt a bit all over the place. This was the same issue I had with the relationship between Helaina and Theo. It felt very insta love which didn’t really make sense with how everything else developed in the story. All of that aside, I do think this was a good book and I’ll definitely be reading the sequel.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Bone Dagger pulled me in fast and never let go. Clara Rhodes builds a dark, immersive world and then anchors it with sharp pacing and a compelling main character. The magic system feels dangerous and intentional, not decorative, and the stakes escalate in a way that feels earned rather than forced.
What stood out most was the atmosphere. Every scene carried tension, and the writing made even quiet moments feel loaded with consequence. The characters are flawed in believable ways, and their choices matter. I also appreciated that nothing was overexplained. The story trusts the reader.
By the end, I was already thinking about what comes next. If you enjoy morally complex characters, shadowy magic, and a story that balances action with depth, this is absolutely worth reading. I will be picking up anything Clara Rhodes writes next.
What stood out most was the atmosphere. Every scene carried tension, and the writing made even quiet moments feel loaded with consequence. The characters are flawed in believable ways, and their choices matter. I also appreciated that nothing was overexplained. The story trusts the reader.
By the end, I was already thinking about what comes next. If you enjoy morally complex characters, shadowy magic, and a story that balances action with depth, this is absolutely worth reading. I will be picking up anything Clara Rhodes writes next.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
thank you to netgalley and the publishers for an arc in exchange for a honest review.
why do I continue to hurt my heart with beautiful books before they are published and end in cliffhangers?
this tale sucked me in from the beginning, where I sat on the edge of my seat continuously wanting to know what was happening and what was going to happen.
the book is a beautiful rollercoaster of action, slow-burn, enemies to lover, magic, and gripping stakes. there is layers of grief, loss, and betrayal and a little bit of hope mixed in it all.
I kept continuously telling myself 'just one more chapter' until I was halfway through the book before I needed to sleep and woke up and had to finish it.
I cannot wait to read book 2 and see what else this author has in store.
why do I continue to hurt my heart with beautiful books before they are published and end in cliffhangers?
this tale sucked me in from the beginning, where I sat on the edge of my seat continuously wanting to know what was happening and what was going to happen.
the book is a beautiful rollercoaster of action, slow-burn, enemies to lover, magic, and gripping stakes. there is layers of grief, loss, and betrayal and a little bit of hope mixed in it all.
I kept continuously telling myself 'just one more chapter' until I was halfway through the book before I needed to sleep and woke up and had to finish it.
I cannot wait to read book 2 and see what else this author has in store.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews