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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.
- GenresFantasy
390 pages, Paperback
Expected publication July 21, 2026
5 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Clara Rhodes
1 book6 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 - 6 of 6 reviews
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!!
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!
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.
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!
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.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews