What do you think?
Rate this book
The Silk and Iron Trilogy #1
Dominion
Not yet published
Expected 14 Jul 26A woman with no past. A warrior with no future. Their love could save the world—or burn it down.
Fourth Wing—by way of Chinese mythology—meets The Hunger Games in a perilous world where a young woman with no memory and little magic may hold the key to uniting the Dominions and saving the mortal realm, from the New York Times bestselling author of Read with Jenna pick Searching for Sylvie Lee and Girl in Translation.
This deluxe limited first run edition features a cover with foil, designed sprayed edges, and gorgeous map endpapers—while supplies last!
“A page turner. Tender yet tense, loving yet steamy, dangerous yet darkly humorous…Dominion creates something entirely new.” —Brigitte Knightley, New York Times bestselling author of The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy
In a world divided into four rival Dominions, power is everything—and Rubi Morningtail has almost none. Three years after the Annihilation destroyed her homeland and shattered her memories, she lives as an Azure refugee in the Dominion of the Silver Tyger, scraping by as a ribbon dancer and hiding her little bit of singing magic. When she wounds a massive battle tyger on her doorstep, she draws the notice of Blake Axefire—supreme metal mage, leader of the royal tyger warriors, and the last man an Azure should trust. His sentence? Cast her into the Bonding, a brutal trial where tygers choose their riders and slaughter the rest. Surviving is unthinkable.
But survive she does. Now she’s stuck on Blake’s elite team racing to reseal the Anchors to the demon realm. With rebels striking, demons rising, and the Dominions at each other’s throats, Rubi must unlock the truth of her magic and her past…while resisting her dangerous attraction to the ruthless warrior who could be her redemption—or her ruin.
Fourth Wing—by way of Chinese mythology—meets The Hunger Games in a perilous world where a young woman with no memory and little magic may hold the key to uniting the Dominions and saving the mortal realm, from the New York Times bestselling author of Read with Jenna pick Searching for Sylvie Lee and Girl in Translation.
This deluxe limited first run edition features a cover with foil, designed sprayed edges, and gorgeous map endpapers—while supplies last!
“A page turner. Tender yet tense, loving yet steamy, dangerous yet darkly humorous…Dominion creates something entirely new.” —Brigitte Knightley, New York Times bestselling author of The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy
In a world divided into four rival Dominions, power is everything—and Rubi Morningtail has almost none. Three years after the Annihilation destroyed her homeland and shattered her memories, she lives as an Azure refugee in the Dominion of the Silver Tyger, scraping by as a ribbon dancer and hiding her little bit of singing magic. When she wounds a massive battle tyger on her doorstep, she draws the notice of Blake Axefire—supreme metal mage, leader of the royal tyger warriors, and the last man an Azure should trust. His sentence? Cast her into the Bonding, a brutal trial where tygers choose their riders and slaughter the rest. Surviving is unthinkable.
But survive she does. Now she’s stuck on Blake’s elite team racing to reseal the Anchors to the demon realm. With rebels striking, demons rising, and the Dominions at each other’s throats, Rubi must unlock the truth of her magic and her past…while resisting her dangerous attraction to the ruthless warrior who could be her redemption—or her ruin.
Audible Audio
Expected publication July 14, 2026
20 people are currently reading
1096 people want to read
About the author
Jean Kwok
12 books2,329 followersJean Kwok is the award-winning, New York Times and international bestselling author of The Leftover Woman (coming 10/10/23), Girl in Translation, Mambo in Chinatown, and Searching for Sylvie Lee, which was a Read with Jenna Today Show Pick. Her work has been published in twenty countries and is taught in schools across the world.
She has been selected for numerous honors, including the American Library Association Alex Award, a Goodreads Choice Awards Semi-Finalist for Mystery & Thriller, the Chinese American Librarians Association Best Book Award, an Orange New Writers title, and the Sunday Times Short Story Award international shortlist. She was one of twelve authors asked by the Agatha Christie estate to write an original, authorized Miss Marple story for the collection Marple: Twelve New Mysteries.
She immigrated from Hong Kong to Brooklyn when she was five and worked in a Chinatown clothing factory for much of her childhood. She received her bachelor's degree from Harvard University and earned an MFA from Columbia University. She divides her time between the Netherlands and New York City.
Learn more about Jean here:
www.jeankwok.com
https://www.facebook.com/JeanKwokAuthor
She has been selected for numerous honors, including the American Library Association Alex Award, a Goodreads Choice Awards Semi-Finalist for Mystery & Thriller, the Chinese American Librarians Association Best Book Award, an Orange New Writers title, and the Sunday Times Short Story Award international shortlist. She was one of twelve authors asked by the Agatha Christie estate to write an original, authorized Miss Marple story for the collection Marple: Twelve New Mysteries.
She immigrated from Hong Kong to Brooklyn when she was five and worked in a Chinatown clothing factory for much of her childhood. She received her bachelor's degree from Harvard University and earned an MFA from Columbia University. She divides her time between the Netherlands and New York City.
Learn more about Jean here:
www.jeankwok.com
https://www.facebook.com/JeanKwokAuthor
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
2026
November 19, 2025ANHPI TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons
gave-up-on
November 7, 2025I like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me a read.
I love Asian fantasy. I really, truly do. I jump for joy when one comes around because it's 'yes, something fresh and new'.
However, at 10% in I started getting worried, and at 70% in and two sex scenes later I threw in the towel.
I never read more than two pages of Iron Wing, but I can say - if you enjoyed Iron Wing, you'll enjoy this. The writing is very juvenile, accentuated by 'fuck' 'damn' and sex scenes. A woman with blue hair (and the power of using ribbon dancers) and a mysterious background bonds with a tiger queen making her public enemy #1 in a world where people hate her type. She also doesn't have powers at 24 (or almost 24, she turns 24 in the book) because they just haven't manifested. She acts tough in her first two chapters and the more she hangs around the twin blade leftover, her bravado slips and she becomes too infatuated with him and needs to know where he is 24/7.
Cue a mystical plot by a woman that is a cross between Zordon from Power Rangers and one of Draculas Brides saying that the four dominion locks are breaking, rebels are trying to take down the mean bad king, a princess who likes to be mean just to be mean, and other trope-y things, nothing felt sensical. I felt like I had read a lower-grade version of this when Eragon came out years ago.
All in all, there is a lot of ideas that COULD have been good and should have been good, but when you see others do it better why try?
Out of respect for the author I am choosing not to rate it due to not finishing it.
I love Asian fantasy. I really, truly do. I jump for joy when one comes around because it's 'yes, something fresh and new'.
However, at 10% in I started getting worried, and at 70% in and two sex scenes later I threw in the towel.
I never read more than two pages of Iron Wing, but I can say - if you enjoyed Iron Wing, you'll enjoy this. The writing is very juvenile, accentuated by 'fuck' 'damn' and sex scenes. A woman with blue hair (and the power of using ribbon dancers) and a mysterious background bonds with a tiger queen making her public enemy #1 in a world where people hate her type. She also doesn't have powers at 24 (or almost 24, she turns 24 in the book) because they just haven't manifested. She acts tough in her first two chapters and the more she hangs around the twin blade leftover, her bravado slips and she becomes too infatuated with him and needs to know where he is 24/7.
Cue a mystical plot by a woman that is a cross between Zordon from Power Rangers and one of Draculas Brides saying that the four dominion locks are breaking, rebels are trying to take down the mean bad king, a princess who likes to be mean just to be mean, and other trope-y things, nothing felt sensical. I felt like I had read a lower-grade version of this when Eragon came out years ago.
All in all, there is a lot of ideas that COULD have been good and should have been good, but when you see others do it better why try?
Out of respect for the author I am choosing not to rate it due to not finishing it.
November 7, 2025
Alright, after a long hiatus, I’m back on my romantasy grind.
The story started off a bit quickly, not fully developing the main characters – or the setting – before jumping straight into Rubi and Blake meeting. And, per requirements of romantasy books, Rubi was a poor, distressed peasant who could stop demons with her singing. Later in the book, she gets like one whole month to train up to the level of elite warriors from basically scratch and somehow pulls it off as these FMCs tend to do. She then spent a lot of time doubting herself which, like, yeah…
But those romantasy cliches aside, I liked this story. The scale and politics of the four Dominions created something larger than just the usual romance, which I needed to stay engaged with the plot. I appreciated the balance between a divine quest and the slow burn between Rubi and Blake, who I actually think is a pretty chill dude. I liked them together and a lot of it was him being vulnerable, generally cool (especially with his family), and apparently laying wicked pipe. Speaking of family, I loved the entire found family: Sweet Edith, Anibaba the cat, and the rest of them. Those moments provided levity between the drama of Rubi and Blake falling in love and smashing constantly (including when she was near death, which, like, get after it I guess).
I get why others have noted this has undertones of Fourth Wing, particularly thanks to Flame, but for this to be compared to The Hunger Games I would have needed more from the Culling, which I still don’t fully understand. But much of that was redeemed in the last 15% of the book, where the action kicks off in earnest. And it definitely hits. The warriors from every Dominion – and their different fighting styles – coming to repair the Anchor while fighting twisted demons was good shit.
Ultimately, I wanted more from the Culling and the Ravager – but it was a fast & fun read with a solid ending that really sets up book two storyline to have potential... and adding Draven to the mix means there’s some crazy shit ahead for these dramatic & possessive lovers.
Be careful reading this on a crowded bus when heading to work.
### eARC review ###
The story started off a bit quickly, not fully developing the main characters – or the setting – before jumping straight into Rubi and Blake meeting. And, per requirements of romantasy books, Rubi was a poor, distressed peasant who could stop demons with her singing. Later in the book, she gets like one whole month to train up to the level of elite warriors from basically scratch and somehow pulls it off as these FMCs tend to do. She then spent a lot of time doubting herself which, like, yeah…
But those romantasy cliches aside, I liked this story. The scale and politics of the four Dominions created something larger than just the usual romance, which I needed to stay engaged with the plot. I appreciated the balance between a divine quest and the slow burn between Rubi and Blake, who I actually think is a pretty chill dude. I liked them together and a lot of it was him being vulnerable, generally cool (especially with his family), and apparently laying wicked pipe. Speaking of family, I loved the entire found family: Sweet Edith, Anibaba the cat, and the rest of them. Those moments provided levity between the drama of Rubi and Blake falling in love and smashing constantly (including when she was near death, which, like, get after it I guess).
I get why others have noted this has undertones of Fourth Wing, particularly thanks to Flame, but for this to be compared to The Hunger Games I would have needed more from the Culling, which I still don’t fully understand. But much of that was redeemed in the last 15% of the book, where the action kicks off in earnest. And it definitely hits. The warriors from every Dominion – and their different fighting styles – coming to repair the Anchor while fighting twisted demons was good shit.
Ultimately, I wanted more from the Culling and the Ravager – but it was a fast & fun read with a solid ending that really sets up book two storyline to have potential... and adding Draven to the mix means there’s some crazy shit ahead for these dramatic & possessive lovers.
Be careful reading this on a crowded bus when heading to work.
### eARC review ###
November 2, 2025
Now this is advertised as a fourth wing meets hunger games with Chinese Mythology and I truly think that discredits the story a bit. You go in thinking that it will be.. fourth wing meets hunger games which this isn't.
You have these big massive tyger creatures who choose their bonds and are vicious towards those who they deem unworthy.
Our FMC Rubi is from humble beginnings with no memory of her past, and by chance she crosses paths with our MMC Blake who tosses her to the pits to bond with a tyger. After defying all odds she bonds and is no thrown into a world unlike anything she's experienced. Magic, war, demons, uprisings, and the works are weaved into this tale.
This was fun. I liked it, and would 1000% read the second book. This had a MMC who was delicious and a resilient FMC with wickeddd cool powers/weapons. The training for a war with demons was there, but the focus was more on character drama rather than power development (which is okay I ate it up). There was talks of power struggles with other Dominion's and class differences but I needed just a bit more information and ironing out. Would I recommend this book? Absolutely. It was a fun, quick read with a lot of promise especially since this will be a series.
Thank you to @putnambooks and the author for allowing me early reading access! I can't wait to get my trophy copy next year!
You have these big massive tyger creatures who choose their bonds and are vicious towards those who they deem unworthy.
Our FMC Rubi is from humble beginnings with no memory of her past, and by chance she crosses paths with our MMC Blake who tosses her to the pits to bond with a tyger. After defying all odds she bonds and is no thrown into a world unlike anything she's experienced. Magic, war, demons, uprisings, and the works are weaved into this tale.
This was fun. I liked it, and would 1000% read the second book. This had a MMC who was delicious and a resilient FMC with wickeddd cool powers/weapons. The training for a war with demons was there, but the focus was more on character drama rather than power development (which is okay I ate it up). There was talks of power struggles with other Dominion's and class differences but I needed just a bit more information and ironing out. Would I recommend this book? Absolutely. It was a fun, quick read with a lot of promise especially since this will be a series.
Thank you to @putnambooks and the author for allowing me early reading access! I can't wait to get my trophy copy next year!
December 3, 2025
thank u to netgalley and putnam for the arc and the opportunity to read and review this book!
overall, i enjoyed this book. i can see it being very popular with the romantasy crowd. however, i do think this story could have benefitted with a little more of everything. the pacing was a little off overall. the descriptors were beautifully written, but a lot of it felt rushed and cliché. it was still a good read, i just felt like there could have been more.
overall, i enjoyed this book. i can see it being very popular with the romantasy crowd. however, i do think this story could have benefitted with a little more of everything. the pacing was a little off overall. the descriptors were beautifully written, but a lot of it felt rushed and cliché. it was still a good read, i just felt like there could have been more.
November 18, 2025
I was provided this ARC through Netgalley.
Let's start with what I loved:
Beautiful world building and an interesting magic system. The Four Dominions and the way they each have their own unique magic was interesting and fresh. The concept of balance and power, and how the magical strength is classified between yin and yang is a refreshing change from the usual magic systems.
What was mid:
Character building and development- a lot of this felt rushed, especially between Rubi and Blake. There was almost no space between not knowing each other, hating each other, declaring undying love for each other.
Rubi's character as a whole was just... meh. I think she started out as a decent character, but somewhere along the way her development flat-lined and she just kind of floats through the rest of the book.
The Gods- about halfway through the book one of them shows up and essentially says "Hey, the gods said it's time for you mortals to do some damn work and pitch in against the big baddie, pick your best and brightest and let's get on with it."
I don't know why other reviews have compared it to Hunger Games meets Fourth Wing. There really isn't any comparison. There was a split second where I thought there would be, but it was basically just a bunch of people thrown into an arena with tygers who ate anyone that wasn't interesting enough. 3 pages and it was over.
What I disliked:
Rubi suffers from an extreme case of Mary Sue. She starts out as a nobody with barely any magic, but by the end she's the ONE, the ONLY ONE, and suddenly she's the most powerful ever to be born and everyone wants a piece of her. It feels like she's now every single romance and fantasy trope combined. And of course she can't be with Blake even though they swore their undying love to each other five pages ago because now she has her memories back and guess what? She's already in love with a DIFFERENT super powerful man, while a THIRD super powerful man secretly pines for her from the shadows. And let's not forget the other super powerful guy who kidnaps Rubi for the big baddie, but needs to have her before he hands her over. She's a walking aphrodisiac, apparently.
Ok, this might be personal preference... but the names. The names are so cringe. Rubi Morningtail? Blake Axefire? Ire Frostbane? It sounds like the author opened up Wizards 101 and just kept hitting random for the name generator.
While I'm at it, let's talk about the fact that for the first half of the book, Rubi mentally refers to Blake Axefire by his full name. Several times in one page. I felt like Regina George... "Stop trying to make Blake Axefire happen. It's not going to happen."
To summarize- it was a decent read that felt like it could have been a good one with a little more editing and character development, and maybe some paring down of the tropes. It has a lot of potential, and I'll probably read the second book to find out what happens next!
Let's start with what I loved:
Beautiful world building and an interesting magic system. The Four Dominions and the way they each have their own unique magic was interesting and fresh. The concept of balance and power, and how the magical strength is classified between yin and yang is a refreshing change from the usual magic systems.
What was mid:
Character building and development- a lot of this felt rushed, especially between Rubi and Blake. There was almost no space between not knowing each other, hating each other, declaring undying love for each other.
Rubi's character as a whole was just... meh. I think she started out as a decent character, but somewhere along the way her development flat-lined and she just kind of floats through the rest of the book.
The Gods- about halfway through the book one of them shows up and essentially says "Hey, the gods said it's time for you mortals to do some damn work and pitch in against the big baddie, pick your best and brightest and let's get on with it."
I don't know why other reviews have compared it to Hunger Games meets Fourth Wing. There really isn't any comparison. There was a split second where I thought there would be, but it was basically just a bunch of people thrown into an arena with tygers who ate anyone that wasn't interesting enough. 3 pages and it was over.
What I disliked:
Rubi suffers from an extreme case of Mary Sue. She starts out as a nobody with barely any magic, but by the end she's the ONE, the ONLY ONE, and suddenly she's the most powerful ever to be born and everyone wants a piece of her. It feels like she's now every single romance and fantasy trope combined. And of course she can't be with Blake even though they swore their undying love to each other five pages ago because now she has her memories back and guess what? She's already in love with a DIFFERENT super powerful man, while a THIRD super powerful man secretly pines for her from the shadows. And let's not forget the other super powerful guy who kidnaps Rubi for the big baddie, but needs to have her before he hands her over. She's a walking aphrodisiac, apparently.
Ok, this might be personal preference... but the names. The names are so cringe. Rubi Morningtail? Blake Axefire? Ire Frostbane? It sounds like the author opened up Wizards 101 and just kept hitting random for the name generator.
While I'm at it, let's talk about the fact that for the first half of the book, Rubi mentally refers to Blake Axefire by his full name. Several times in one page. I felt like Regina George... "Stop trying to make Blake Axefire happen. It's not going to happen."
To summarize- it was a decent read that felt like it could have been a good one with a little more editing and character development, and maybe some paring down of the tropes. It has a lot of potential, and I'll probably read the second book to find out what happens next!
November 18, 2025
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
TW: death, murder, attempted rape, violence, torture, kidnapping, slavery, loss of agency, harassment, sexism
Damn. This is an enthralling combination of Silver Elite, Divergent, and a classic Disney tale* and it is inspired by the best parts of each. There are shifters as well as metal, water, and fire benders, organized under clans with different social hierarchies (e.g., magic power, matriarchy, patriarchy). However, the clans aren't in the best of terms with each other and there's internal unrest so there's a wartime sentiment made worse by not so natural disasters and an impending prophecy.
In the midst of this increasing danger, a 23 year old Azure (shifter clan) finds herself thrown into a challenging new position in the Silver Tyger clan (martial combat and tygers). Can she find herself and maybe even love? Can she survive the battles to come? Who can she rely on and what secrets is everyone hiding? The plot twists are excellent and the book is a true page-flipper.
There are some points where the info dump of world lore could be much more subtle but that's outweighed by the positives.
* Not mentioned here for a non-spoiler review.
TW: death, murder, attempted rape, violence, torture, kidnapping, slavery, loss of agency, harassment, sexism
Damn. This is an enthralling combination of Silver Elite, Divergent, and a classic Disney tale* and it is inspired by the best parts of each. There are shifters as well as metal, water, and fire benders, organized under clans with different social hierarchies (e.g., magic power, matriarchy, patriarchy). However, the clans aren't in the best of terms with each other and there's internal unrest so there's a wartime sentiment made worse by not so natural disasters and an impending prophecy.
In the midst of this increasing danger, a 23 year old Azure (shifter clan) finds herself thrown into a challenging new position in the Silver Tyger clan (martial combat and tygers). Can she find herself and maybe even love? Can she survive the battles to come? Who can she rely on and what secrets is everyone hiding? The plot twists are excellent and the book is a true page-flipper.
There are some points where the info dump of world lore could be much more subtle but that's outweighed by the positives.
* Not mentioned here for a non-spoiler review.
November 14, 2025
By the end of this book, I had a whiteboard out and looking like the meme from "Always Sunny" because things were adding up and I have so many thoughts and possibilities for the next books to come. If you love a girl coming into her power, bonding to powerful animals, and a blossoming relationship with the deadliest warrior, then this is a great start for you. Also, the side characters keep you on your toes and they are so easy to fall in love with. They make transitions and heavy moments a little lighter with hope and humor.
Rubi has no memories from her life before coming into the Silver's land. She dances to earn her living to keep Edith and herself alive, even just barely. The dominions are balanced by yin and yang. Yangs are the powerful ones that have the most magic and are chosen to rule. Yangs are mainly men and made all decisions with themselves in mind, even if the Silver Princess is a yin and bonded to a tyger, which is very rare.
Demons are escaping through weakening anchor points, and it is up the different dominions to work together and fix them to save their lands. The demons are working to take control, devour the one spoken of in the prophecy, and then they will take control of the land. The Azure dominion has already fallen years before in The Annihilation.
Rubi has no memories from her life before coming into the Silver's land. She dances to earn her living to keep Edith and herself alive, even just barely. The dominions are balanced by yin and yang. Yangs are the powerful ones that have the most magic and are chosen to rule. Yangs are mainly men and made all decisions with themselves in mind, even if the Silver Princess is a yin and bonded to a tyger, which is very rare.
Demons are escaping through weakening anchor points, and it is up the different dominions to work together and fix them to save their lands. The demons are working to take control, devour the one spoken of in the prophecy, and then they will take control of the land. The Azure dominion has already fallen years before in The Annihilation.
January 3, 2026
2.5 stars rounded up
Dominion had potential - interesting world, good pacing, banter, plot twists, nice writing… but the tropes brought it down. My least favorite was the insta-love/attraction. What happened to the actual slow burn and real connection other than forced circumstances? I am interested in seeing where the next book goes after that cliffhanger, but I was overall disappointed.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read it early!
Dominion had potential - interesting world, good pacing, banter, plot twists, nice writing… but the tropes brought it down. My least favorite was the insta-love/attraction. What happened to the actual slow burn and real connection other than forced circumstances? I am interested in seeing where the next book goes after that cliffhanger, but I was overall disappointed.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read it early!
Want to read
November 21, 2025Ooo, I love the sounds of this one. Thank you for the ARC, G.P. Putnam's Sons! I can't wait to check this out.
January 2, 2026
I literally devoured this story and I think that this has the potential to be such a fun series! It definitely had some cliche romantasy moments but the politics of the four dominions, the different types of magic, the action scenes, interesting characters, and the bonded Tygers kept my attention! The world is so well explained, the pacing is enjoyable, and the romance is well balanced with the prophecy, war, and quest from the gods.
I cannot wait to continue this series, especially after how that ending sets us up for book two!
4.5 ⭐️
🖤Thank you NetGalley for this eARC!
I cannot wait to continue this series, especially after how that ending sets us up for book two!
4.5 ⭐️
🖤Thank you NetGalley for this eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
this was phenomenal great storytelling and characters you love.
December 19, 2025
I was immediately pulled into the world of dominions and tygers and ting/yang powers.
High action, intense romance and lots of surprises along the way.
My only gripe? An ending that I need an immediate follow up on and will need to wait for the sequel to get 🫠
High action, intense romance and lots of surprises along the way.
My only gripe? An ending that I need an immediate follow up on and will need to wait for the sequel to get 🫠
November 3, 2025
Thank you to Jean Kwok and Putnam Publishing for the advanced copy in exchange for a review.
Mythical creatures... divine warriors... a predestined battle. Dominion by Jean Kwok delivers a thrilling adventure intertwined with mystic culture and intrigue.
The upside: there is Asian culture and myth woven into the story which makes this book unique.
The downside: this book is very similar to Fourth Wing- just swap out dragons for tigers.
There are unique elements that are fun to explore. And the book has a decent level of spice that made certain chapters steamy and enjoyable to read. Dominion has an interesting premise and fun characters. Readers will fall head over heals for the Twin Blade for sure!
Mythical creatures... divine warriors... a predestined battle. Dominion by Jean Kwok delivers a thrilling adventure intertwined with mystic culture and intrigue.
The upside: there is Asian culture and myth woven into the story which makes this book unique.
The downside: this book is very similar to Fourth Wing- just swap out dragons for tigers.
There are unique elements that are fun to explore. And the book has a decent level of spice that made certain chapters steamy and enjoyable to read. Dominion has an interesting premise and fun characters. Readers will fall head over heals for the Twin Blade for sure!
November 9, 2025
GASP!!!!!! I ate every single page up in this book. The plot and world building were so extraordinary that I was completely immersed in it. FMC no memories of her past. Thinking she is weak and nothing. Knowing nothing of herself at all thrown into something she felt she didn’t belong then ending up being the center of it. Then the tiger bonds! I mean huge tigers! The tension! The slow burn. The hidden identities! Yes there is more than 1!!!! The twist and turns not knowing what’s going to happen next! The MMC feared by all. Extremely powerful. Hidden royalties everywhere. The way this author wrote this book there is so much information but she wrote it so extremely well that it flowed and flowed seemingly. Then the cliffhanger at the END!! I was floored!!!! I cannot wait to read more! -Kerin Ray
Want to read
October 23, 2025Very intrigued by this one 👀
December 5, 2025
1.5 - Honestly not worth expounding on
November 2, 2025
Absolutely a 5 star read. I devoured this book in 2 sittings. The scenes that the author paints are so vivid. The story is engrossing and pulls you in from the very beginning. The pacing is even and keeps you enthralled. The magic system isn't complicated so you never feel like you don't understand what is happening, which is something many readers look for in a fantasy.
The plot twists at the end, honestly, had my jaw on the floor. I can't believe that I'm going to have to wait likely years to find out what happens next.
The plot twists at the end, honestly, had my jaw on the floor. I can't believe that I'm going to have to wait likely years to find out what happens next.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley for a copy of the e-book in exchange for a honest review.
This is a 3.5 Star read for me but rounding down because there was so much that didn’t work for me.
What did work for me -
The cover art and title. These two things piqued my interest and felt like they promised something new and fresh. I loved the idea of a tiger in a fantasy world.
I loved the Chinese Mythology and use of the Zodiac in this story. I’ve not read a lot stories that use this particular mythology as a backdrop and was excited to see where this story would go.
What didn’t work for me -
Plot : If you’re familiar with the romantasy genre at all, then you already know how this story’s beginning, middle and end. I think just about every genre trope that could be used was deployed. Marginalized, Outcast girl with no memory of her past? Check. Found family member that taught her some knife skills and she feels protective over? Check. MMC is the general, top dog of the kings army? Check. Training Montage? Check. Most powerful, magical beast claims her? Check. She’s the key to saving everyone? Check. There was nothing new here and I wanted to DNF this book.
I thought when the Diviner came down that we’d finally pick up the pace and plot but things got clunky. Even when things were interesting they weren’t clear.
The epilogue was the only thing that made me want to read the next book, because that while I had my eye on him (won’t name him and spoil it here), I didn’t see that coming.
Pacing: It felt like the book didn’t realize that we were at pivotal plot moments and rushed past them. I expected the Culling to be such a major Plot point but it was over very quickly. This book is marketed as Hunger Games meets Fourth Wing. But there were no games, trials are over very quickly, and any magical creature / rider selection happens immediately and is over with in the first 1/3 of the book. The book doesn’t feel like it knows what it is or how it should pace itself.
Writing:
The dialogue felt like it was written out fully, when to be more believable it should be more shorthand or the tension should be explained with inner dialogue. I’m thinking of the final scene with Blake where she gives him a pretty blunt recap of what she learned about herself and what that meant for him.
I also kept getting annoyed with the language used during battle scenes. A Demon would be “quick as lightning” but then the band of warriors would have time to run into a cave, split into teams, and then wait for the onslaught of demons again. Or in the middle of an action scene Rubi is calling out “Kingsolver, watch over Edit and Blake for me!” Like, I’m sorry, she’s not yelling full sentences in the heat of battle.
Flame never got interesting. Didn’t had a personality beyond being regal and that bummed me outttt. The tiger was such a selling point for me!
Romance: I have no idea if I’m supposed to like Blake or not. Was the writing supposed to make me love them together? Or were we very purposely being lead to see him as a weird fit for her? Because the dialogue was very heavy handed in their realizing they want each other. But there was no banter in this book. Not that I need them to be funny but there was very little to grab onto with their relationship. They moved from not liking each other to loving each other almost immediately. And he’s pushing her to pair and bond. I was suspicious the whole time. And I don’t like that, I want to be pulled in and rooting for them. Rip the rug out at the end and shock me but I don’t want to feel sus about my MMC the whole time. Also, HE’S A GENERAL. He lost all credibility for me when he starts publicly showing his favoritism toward her when there is so much to be determined with clan politics and end of times reckoning happening.
I wanted to like this but didn’t. Not sure if I’ll read book two.
This is a 3.5 Star read for me but rounding down because there was so much that didn’t work for me.
What did work for me -
The cover art and title. These two things piqued my interest and felt like they promised something new and fresh. I loved the idea of a tiger in a fantasy world.
I loved the Chinese Mythology and use of the Zodiac in this story. I’ve not read a lot stories that use this particular mythology as a backdrop and was excited to see where this story would go.
What didn’t work for me -
Plot : If you’re familiar with the romantasy genre at all, then you already know how this story’s beginning, middle and end. I think just about every genre trope that could be used was deployed. Marginalized, Outcast girl with no memory of her past? Check. Found family member that taught her some knife skills and she feels protective over? Check. MMC is the general, top dog of the kings army? Check. Training Montage? Check. Most powerful, magical beast claims her? Check. She’s the key to saving everyone? Check. There was nothing new here and I wanted to DNF this book.
I thought when the Diviner came down that we’d finally pick up the pace and plot but things got clunky. Even when things were interesting they weren’t clear.
The epilogue was the only thing that made me want to read the next book, because that while I had my eye on him (won’t name him and spoil it here), I didn’t see that coming.
Pacing: It felt like the book didn’t realize that we were at pivotal plot moments and rushed past them. I expected the Culling to be such a major Plot point but it was over very quickly. This book is marketed as Hunger Games meets Fourth Wing. But there were no games, trials are over very quickly, and any magical creature / rider selection happens immediately and is over with in the first 1/3 of the book. The book doesn’t feel like it knows what it is or how it should pace itself.
Writing:
The dialogue felt like it was written out fully, when to be more believable it should be more shorthand or the tension should be explained with inner dialogue. I’m thinking of the final scene with Blake where she gives him a pretty blunt recap of what she learned about herself and what that meant for him.
I also kept getting annoyed with the language used during battle scenes. A Demon would be “quick as lightning” but then the band of warriors would have time to run into a cave, split into teams, and then wait for the onslaught of demons again. Or in the middle of an action scene Rubi is calling out “Kingsolver, watch over Edit and Blake for me!” Like, I’m sorry, she’s not yelling full sentences in the heat of battle.
Flame never got interesting. Didn’t had a personality beyond being regal and that bummed me outttt. The tiger was such a selling point for me!
Romance: I have no idea if I’m supposed to like Blake or not. Was the writing supposed to make me love them together? Or were we very purposely being lead to see him as a weird fit for her? Because the dialogue was very heavy handed in their realizing they want each other. But there was no banter in this book. Not that I need them to be funny but there was very little to grab onto with their relationship. They moved from not liking each other to loving each other almost immediately. And he’s pushing her to pair and bond. I was suspicious the whole time. And I don’t like that, I want to be pulled in and rooting for them. Rip the rug out at the end and shock me but I don’t want to feel sus about my MMC the whole time. Also, HE’S A GENERAL. He lost all credibility for me when he starts publicly showing his favoritism toward her when there is so much to be determined with clan politics and end of times reckoning happening.
I wanted to like this but didn’t. Not sure if I’ll read book two.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
༄˖°.🐅✨.ೃ࿔*:･ Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an ARC of Dominion in exchange for an honest review.
That being said—here it is! 🥁🥁🥁
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (with some caveats)
Right from the start, Dominion drops you headfirst into a fully realized, high-concept world divided into four rival Dominions, each with its own magic, culture, and power structure. And I won’t lie—at first, it felt like being tossed into the deep end without knowing how to swim. The magic systems, political tensions, and history of the Annihilation come at you fast, and for the first ~20% I had to slow down and recalibrate.
But once things clicked? I was locked in.
This world is ambitious and packed with original concepts. From elemental-based magic to the demon realm and the Anchors holding everything together, it’s clear a lot of thought went into the foundation of this story. It is a lot to keep track of—but ultimately, it was worth the effort.
༘˚⋆𐙚｡⋆𖦹. Rubi Morningtail (FMC)
Rubi is a refugee, a ribbon dancing performer, and a mystery—even to herself. Three years after losing her homeland and her memories, she’s surviving on the fringes with only fragments of singing magic she barely understands. I really enjoyed her resilience and quiet determination. Watching her navigate survival, trauma, and power she doesn’t yet comprehend made her easy to root for.
⋆༺𓃬 Blake Axefire (MMC)
Blake is a supreme metal mage, one half of the king's twin blades, ambush mater / leader of the royal tyger warriors, and—unsurprisingly—not someone Rubi should trust. I also found Blake extremely easy to route for, his alpha, protective, possessiveness was HOT, but honestly i felt it could have been a little bit more developed. His first encounter with Rubi happens fast and felt a little scandalous right out of the gate (him pushing her up against a wall immediately was… bold), but I didn’t exactly mind. Their chemistry was there early on, though I’ll say it felt more surface-level for most of the book, only really deepening in the final 10%.
꧁ᬊᬁ𖤍ᬊ᭄꧂ Trials, Found Family, & Plot Momentum
Once Rubi is forced into the Bonding—a brutal trial where tygers choose their riders or kill them—the story truly takes off. The trials, the found family dynamic, and the escalating danger had me clutching my Kindle and refusing to put it down. This is where the book shines the most.
That said, my biggest critique is pacing. So many major conflicts are introduced and then resolved within just a few pages. I wanted more time to sit in the tension, to feel the emotional weight of what was happening before it moved on to the next big moment.
⊹₊✎⋆. Editing & Final ARC Notes
There were a few typos that pulled me out briefly (understandable). One moment in particular—where Edith speaks to Rubi and Rubi responds with “I won’t”—made me pause and reread, but nothing that affected my enjoyment overall.
I’ll be honest: there were moments where the prose felt a little too clean or repetitive, enough that I briefly wondered if AI had been involved. But honestly? By the end, I didn’t care. The story had me in a chokehold.
˗ˏˋ ꒰ ✉︎ ꒱ ˎˊ˗ Final Thoughts
Dominion is ambitious, immersive, and emotionally gripping—especially in the back half. While I wish the conflicts had been given more room to breathe, the world, the characters, and the stakes kept me invested all the way through.
I keep my reviews spoiler free, but C'MON the ending??? The epilogue????? I am sat. Waiting for the next book. Patiently. (Not really.)
This is absolutely a book I’ll be thinking about—and I cannot wait to see where the series goes next.
Tropes / What to Expect:
🐅 Trial by Combat / Bonding Trials
🔥 Elemental & Culture-based Magic
👑 Reluctant Heroine
🩸 Political Conflict Between Realms
🫀 Found Family
⚔️ Warrior MMC
🌒 Amnesia / Hidden Past
💥 Ongoing Series with Cliffhanger Energy
That being said—here it is! 🥁🥁🥁
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (with some caveats)
Right from the start, Dominion drops you headfirst into a fully realized, high-concept world divided into four rival Dominions, each with its own magic, culture, and power structure. And I won’t lie—at first, it felt like being tossed into the deep end without knowing how to swim. The magic systems, political tensions, and history of the Annihilation come at you fast, and for the first ~20% I had to slow down and recalibrate.
But once things clicked? I was locked in.
This world is ambitious and packed with original concepts. From elemental-based magic to the demon realm and the Anchors holding everything together, it’s clear a lot of thought went into the foundation of this story. It is a lot to keep track of—but ultimately, it was worth the effort.
༘˚⋆𐙚｡⋆𖦹. Rubi Morningtail (FMC)
Rubi is a refugee, a ribbon dancing performer, and a mystery—even to herself. Three years after losing her homeland and her memories, she’s surviving on the fringes with only fragments of singing magic she barely understands. I really enjoyed her resilience and quiet determination. Watching her navigate survival, trauma, and power she doesn’t yet comprehend made her easy to root for.
⋆༺𓃬 Blake Axefire (MMC)
Blake is a supreme metal mage, one half of the king's twin blades, ambush mater / leader of the royal tyger warriors, and—unsurprisingly—not someone Rubi should trust. I also found Blake extremely easy to route for, his alpha, protective, possessiveness was HOT, but honestly i felt it could have been a little bit more developed. His first encounter with Rubi happens fast and felt a little scandalous right out of the gate (him pushing her up against a wall immediately was… bold), but I didn’t exactly mind. Their chemistry was there early on, though I’ll say it felt more surface-level for most of the book, only really deepening in the final 10%.
꧁ᬊᬁ𖤍ᬊ᭄꧂ Trials, Found Family, & Plot Momentum
Once Rubi is forced into the Bonding—a brutal trial where tygers choose their riders or kill them—the story truly takes off. The trials, the found family dynamic, and the escalating danger had me clutching my Kindle and refusing to put it down. This is where the book shines the most.
That said, my biggest critique is pacing. So many major conflicts are introduced and then resolved within just a few pages. I wanted more time to sit in the tension, to feel the emotional weight of what was happening before it moved on to the next big moment.
⊹₊✎⋆. Editing & Final ARC Notes
There were a few typos that pulled me out briefly (understandable). One moment in particular—where Edith speaks to Rubi and Rubi responds with “I won’t”—made me pause and reread, but nothing that affected my enjoyment overall.
I’ll be honest: there were moments where the prose felt a little too clean or repetitive, enough that I briefly wondered if AI had been involved. But honestly? By the end, I didn’t care. The story had me in a chokehold.
˗ˏˋ ꒰ ✉︎ ꒱ ˎˊ˗ Final Thoughts
Dominion is ambitious, immersive, and emotionally gripping—especially in the back half. While I wish the conflicts had been given more room to breathe, the world, the characters, and the stakes kept me invested all the way through.
I keep my reviews spoiler free, but C'MON the ending??? The epilogue????? I am sat. Waiting for the next book. Patiently. (Not really.)
This is absolutely a book I’ll be thinking about—and I cannot wait to see where the series goes next.
Tropes / What to Expect:
🐅 Trial by Combat / Bonding Trials
🔥 Elemental & Culture-based Magic
👑 Reluctant Heroine
🩸 Political Conflict Between Realms
🫀 Found Family
⚔️ Warrior MMC
🌒 Amnesia / Hidden Past
💥 Ongoing Series with Cliffhanger Energy
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley, Author Jean Kwok, and Putnam Publishing for the eArc of Dominion in exchange for an honest review.
Rubi has no memories of her life before waking up on an Azure Dragon refugee boat into the Silver Tyger dominion with her new friend Edith. They survive day to day life in a dominion that hates them. However, after a routine dance Rubi is targeted by a rogue Tyger and the Dominions Ambush Master. From that moment, her life spirals into survival and chaos as she thrust through trials and tribulations. She must prove her worth as a Tyger Warrior, help save the Dominion from the Serpent Lord of the Netherworld, and reclaim the memories that were once lost.
This story was up and down for me. I enjoyed the storytelling and world we were thrown into. At times I was wishing the book was a bit longer or more focused. It felt rushed during parts.
What I enjoyed:
- World - Building and rooted in Chinese lore. I'm a fan of XianXia, Wuxia, and Xuanhuan dramas so for me this was a fun read where I had a lot of references on fighting styles to pull from.
- The training arc was fun and the Rubi not being a sword or bow wielder was such a relief. I'm honestly glad it wasn't a normal weapon either.
- One word: Aftercare. This book gave a second of aftercare and clean up, for that, I thank you.
- Rubi, Flame, Quinn, Calla, Nelly, Thyme, and Edith were great.
What I did not enjoy:
- Blake. I'm sorry. At first it was a hot and cold thing and then just as I wanted to like him, it shifted. I can handle an over-possessive MMC but his possessiveness went to far and was too great. I also did not enjoy how pushy he was.
- The pacing felt off. Some moments were good, but then we fell into the trap of rushing towards the next plot line and then sprinting towards the next moment to be in bed. It felt as if it was starting to waver and crumble later in the middle and out towards the end.
- Melissa had potential to be a great rival to friend, but she ended up just being a one note character that hated the FMC nearly the entirety of the story. Even at the end that hate still seemed to be there. The reason for hating the FMC? Because of a man.
- Predictable. This story was overly predictable at each turn. There was little left to mystery or guessing and even the epilogue just throws answers to what could be good build - ups at the reader.
- Final fight. It felt rushed. Rushed and predictable. I do think the start of the sealing should have been saved for a separate book rather than attempting to cram it into this one that already had so much happening. It just felt very lack luster.
Overall:
At the end of the day, while I have my issues with the book, it was still fun. I don't care for Blake or much of the romance. It just moved too fast for me to really care about any of the characters. We weren't given time with them to understand them.
Rubi has no memories of her life before waking up on an Azure Dragon refugee boat into the Silver Tyger dominion with her new friend Edith. They survive day to day life in a dominion that hates them. However, after a routine dance Rubi is targeted by a rogue Tyger and the Dominions Ambush Master. From that moment, her life spirals into survival and chaos as she thrust through trials and tribulations. She must prove her worth as a Tyger Warrior, help save the Dominion from the Serpent Lord of the Netherworld, and reclaim the memories that were once lost.
This story was up and down for me. I enjoyed the storytelling and world we were thrown into. At times I was wishing the book was a bit longer or more focused. It felt rushed during parts.
What I enjoyed:
- World - Building and rooted in Chinese lore. I'm a fan of XianXia, Wuxia, and Xuanhuan dramas so for me this was a fun read where I had a lot of references on fighting styles to pull from.
- The training arc was fun and the Rubi not being a sword or bow wielder was such a relief. I'm honestly glad it wasn't a normal weapon either.
- One word: Aftercare. This book gave a second of aftercare and clean up, for that, I thank you.
- Rubi, Flame, Quinn, Calla, Nelly, Thyme, and Edith were great.
What I did not enjoy:
- Blake. I'm sorry. At first it was a hot and cold thing and then just as I wanted to like him, it shifted. I can handle an over-possessive MMC but his possessiveness went to far and was too great. I also did not enjoy how pushy he was.
- The pacing felt off. Some moments were good, but then we fell into the trap of rushing towards the next plot line and then sprinting towards the next moment to be in bed. It felt as if it was starting to waver and crumble later in the middle and out towards the end.
- Melissa had potential to be a great rival to friend, but she ended up just being a one note character that hated the FMC nearly the entirety of the story. Even at the end that hate still seemed to be there. The reason for hating the FMC? Because of a man.
- Predictable. This story was overly predictable at each turn. There was little left to mystery or guessing and even the epilogue just throws answers to what could be good build - ups at the reader.
- Final fight. It felt rushed. Rushed and predictable. I do think the start of the sealing should have been saved for a separate book rather than attempting to cram it into this one that already had so much happening. It just felt very lack luster.
Overall:
At the end of the day, while I have my issues with the book, it was still fun. I don't care for Blake or much of the romance. It just moved too fast for me to really care about any of the characters. We weren't given time with them to understand them.
November 23, 2025
I am excited to review Dominion by Jean Kwok! First off, this novel was my introduction to the romantasy genre, and Dominion is the first novel in the genre that I've completed from start to finish. I have a tendency to DNF if I'm not feeling it, but I do give every book an honest-to-god college try before that happens!! Anyway, on to my personal review. This was such a fun read! I loved, loved, loved the cover design and was mesmerized by the artwork, the vibrant blue ribbon, and just the flow and movement evoked from a still image. The story is about a young woman who has no memories of her past and takes refuge in a rival land (Dominion) by working as a dancer. She also has buried talents she doesn't understand. I was sucked into the story of Rubi quickly as the novel jumped right into the plot without the world-building info dump that I thought was part of every start to a novel in the fantasy/romantasy genre. I appreciated the fast-paced beginning, as I am an avid reader of thrillers and suspense novels and pacing matters. I am not familiar with the rules of this genre, so I saw that as a plus because I wasn't looking for anything specific or a trope to play out, and I was able to enjoy the storyline purely for the pleasure of reading it. Of course, there's a level of suspension of disbelief required due to the genre itself, and I think that's what made it so fun for me...it was so out of the realm of my usual reading list. I am a huge fan of Jean Kwok and her suspense novels, so I was obviously excited to read anything she wrote next. Another aspect I appreciated was the absence of dragons. Sorry, I loved Game of Thrones on HBO, never read the books. I love watching The Witcher, but I have never read the comics or the books. I think this is closer to The Witcher, which I absolutely adore. Instead of dragons, there are tigers, mind-reading tigers, lots of action, and tension developing between Rubi and Blake, without giving too much away. BUT Rubi is a ribbon dancer from another Dominion, and everyone wants her (of course, it's a romance and a fantasy)!! I will say there is quite a bit of spice (remember this is my opinion, and this is my first romantasy). Anyway, I loved Rubi, her makeshift family, and her spunk. The story arc kept me engaged, and by the end of the book, I was invested. The ending was a surprise to me, and it serves as a significant lead-in to Book Two, which continues Rubi's journey. I look forward to the next book in the series! Thank you, NetGalley, for the advance copy!
November 24, 2025
I want a Tygress. Who wouldn't? A magical beast that serves in the Silver Dominion but matches up through some mysterious method with humans. This story has politics, romance, people at the top of the society and people at the lowest point. There is magic, mischief, support, loss, and betrayal.
I enjoyed this story with the setup of different people with different powers, and the start of the book with a group who had lost their home. It provides a the structures of the society, more than one societal structure, and levels of importance and poverty. By why were the society's set as they are? Two are anti-women. Two are not. I enjoyed the romance of Rubi and Blake because most of their romance was Blake becoming more vulnerable and open. The mystery of Rubi's past didn't feel as meaningful as it was implied.
I enjoy Jean Kwok's work and the story flows well. I could have done without the sex scenes because in the end, they don't move the story. (Yes, I have the same complaint in the Fourth Wing. The sex scenes simply removed it from consideration for my high school students.)
My rating (3.5/5.0) is more for inconsistencies. What was the point of the Culling? It's so brief and we only see Rubi's experience, which was confusing. Then there is an issue of people chosen by Tygers. They are not necessarily good people. And, a possible doppelganger who also has a Tyger? How does the Tyger handle the change in person?
I needed more in the setup. I do wish to read the next one to see if it fills in the details.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Books for providing an advanced copy.
I enjoyed this story with the setup of different people with different powers, and the start of the book with a group who had lost their home. It provides a the structures of the society, more than one societal structure, and levels of importance and poverty. By why were the society's set as they are? Two are anti-women. Two are not. I enjoyed the romance of Rubi and Blake because most of their romance was Blake becoming more vulnerable and open. The mystery of Rubi's past didn't feel as meaningful as it was implied.
I enjoy Jean Kwok's work and the story flows well. I could have done without the sex scenes because in the end, they don't move the story. (Yes, I have the same complaint in the Fourth Wing. The sex scenes simply removed it from consideration for my high school students.)
My rating (3.5/5.0) is more for inconsistencies. What was the point of the Culling? It's so brief and we only see Rubi's experience, which was confusing. Then there is an issue of people chosen by Tygers. They are not necessarily good people. And, a possible doppelganger who also has a Tyger? How does the Tyger handle the change in person?
I needed more in the setup. I do wish to read the next one to see if it fills in the details.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Books for providing an advanced copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2025
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an ARC of Dominion!
"Dominion" is the first book in The Silk and Iron trilogy by Jean Kwok. This adult fantasy novel is heavily based on Chinese mythology. Right from the start, the author hooked me with her engaging storytelling. Rubi, who suffers from memory loss after the Annihilation, gets drawn into a Culling that leads her deeper among people who hate to see someone with a weaker yin magic among them. And the demons that are on the rise make it even worse. While the book has classic tropes and somewhat predictable plotlines, the storytelling kept me heavily invested. However, I wished for a deeper exploration of the world and the various types of magic. As for the romance, I have mixed feelings. I wasn't entirely convinced by the bond between Blake and Rubi or how it might evolve in the series. I also wanted to see more interaction between Flame and Rubi, as their relationship felt underdeveloped, which was disappointing since it plays an important role in the story. Aside from Rubi and Blake, I found the other characters to be somewhat weak. Despite these issues, I believe the progression of the plot is one of the story's stronger points. From beginning to end, there is adventure, mystery, and romance that keep readers engaged.
After finishing, I realized that the book doesn't release until mid-next year, so I will have to wait a while to find out what happens next. I would definitely recommend this to you if you are looking for a romantic fantasy with adventure and unfulfilled prophecies.
"Dominion" is the first book in The Silk and Iron trilogy by Jean Kwok. This adult fantasy novel is heavily based on Chinese mythology. Right from the start, the author hooked me with her engaging storytelling. Rubi, who suffers from memory loss after the Annihilation, gets drawn into a Culling that leads her deeper among people who hate to see someone with a weaker yin magic among them. And the demons that are on the rise make it even worse. While the book has classic tropes and somewhat predictable plotlines, the storytelling kept me heavily invested. However, I wished for a deeper exploration of the world and the various types of magic. As for the romance, I have mixed feelings. I wasn't entirely convinced by the bond between Blake and Rubi or how it might evolve in the series. I also wanted to see more interaction between Flame and Rubi, as their relationship felt underdeveloped, which was disappointing since it plays an important role in the story. Aside from Rubi and Blake, I found the other characters to be somewhat weak. Despite these issues, I believe the progression of the plot is one of the story's stronger points. From beginning to end, there is adventure, mystery, and romance that keep readers engaged.
After finishing, I realized that the book doesn't release until mid-next year, so I will have to wait a while to find out what happens next. I would definitely recommend this to you if you are looking for a romantic fantasy with adventure and unfulfilled prophecies.
December 8, 2025
This is a world that had four Dominions, until one collapsed killing many. Now the Azures, from the collapsed Dominion, are refugees, unliked by everyone else. Rubi is an Azure with no memory, no magic, but a skill dancing with ribbons and singing at a tavern. She is now living amongst the Silvers as a second class citizen. Although she is getting by, it is barely.
Blake, a Silver and leader of the King’s lethal Tyger Warriors, shows up to see her perform and confronts her about using magic in her act that wasn’t Azure magic. Getting his attention was not safe, and it soon got worse when a tyger showed up at her cottage, soon followed by Blake. Strangely, the tyger seemed focused on Rubi. One thing leads to another and soon it becomes apparent that the female tyger, who is the tyger queen, wants to bond with Rubi, something that should not happen. It just adds to the unlikely path Rubi seems to be on.
Parts of the book seem to jump ahead, such as Rubi training for the bonding ceremony, where most people are actually killed by the tygers. Blake focuses on Rubi, as the two begin to have feelings for each other, although they have to hide their attraction. It did get more interesting when all the Dominions came together to fight to save the world from evil. Each Dominion was so different, culturally, visually, their types of magic, and the way they interacted with each other. What really got my attention was the epilogue, now I have to read the next book.
Thank you Penguin Random House and NetGalley for the eARC of Dominion. These are my honest opinions.
Blake, a Silver and leader of the King’s lethal Tyger Warriors, shows up to see her perform and confronts her about using magic in her act that wasn’t Azure magic. Getting his attention was not safe, and it soon got worse when a tyger showed up at her cottage, soon followed by Blake. Strangely, the tyger seemed focused on Rubi. One thing leads to another and soon it becomes apparent that the female tyger, who is the tyger queen, wants to bond with Rubi, something that should not happen. It just adds to the unlikely path Rubi seems to be on.
Parts of the book seem to jump ahead, such as Rubi training for the bonding ceremony, where most people are actually killed by the tygers. Blake focuses on Rubi, as the two begin to have feelings for each other, although they have to hide their attraction. It did get more interesting when all the Dominions came together to fight to save the world from evil. Each Dominion was so different, culturally, visually, their types of magic, and the way they interacted with each other. What really got my attention was the epilogue, now I have to read the next book.
Thank you Penguin Random House and NetGalley for the eARC of Dominion. These are my honest opinions.
October 31, 2025
This book made me resent being an adult and all of my responsibilities — I couldn’t put it down!
Jean Kwok masterfully weaves Chinese mythology into a vivid and riveting fantasy world. Her lush descriptions bring to life a society marked by stark divisions between classes and races, drawing you in from the very first page.
Rubi has built a new life in the neighboring Dominion after demons overran her homeland three years ago. She wakes up on a boat with no memory of her past, meets Edith — another refugee — and together they begin anew. They arrive in the Dominion of the Silver Tyger, where magic can open doors to a better life. Unfortunately, Rubi possesses very little of it. She works in a tavern, using her meager magic to captivate audiences with her dancing.
Everything changes the night a tyger appears at her and Edith’s hut. Desperate to escape both the creature and the Dominion’s fiercest warrior, Rubi injures the tyger — only to be captured by Blake, the leader of the Royal Tyger Warriors. From that moment on, she’s thrust into a world she never imagined.
All Rubi wanted was to stay hidden and recover her memories. Instead, she’s training to become a warrior, unlocking the depths of her magic, and falling in love. As the warriors unite for their first battle, shocking revelations come to light. When the dust settles, Rubi faces one last question: can she return to the life she’s built, or will her past reclaim her once again?
Jean Kwok masterfully weaves Chinese mythology into a vivid and riveting fantasy world. Her lush descriptions bring to life a society marked by stark divisions between classes and races, drawing you in from the very first page.
Rubi has built a new life in the neighboring Dominion after demons overran her homeland three years ago. She wakes up on a boat with no memory of her past, meets Edith — another refugee — and together they begin anew. They arrive in the Dominion of the Silver Tyger, where magic can open doors to a better life. Unfortunately, Rubi possesses very little of it. She works in a tavern, using her meager magic to captivate audiences with her dancing.
Everything changes the night a tyger appears at her and Edith’s hut. Desperate to escape both the creature and the Dominion’s fiercest warrior, Rubi injures the tyger — only to be captured by Blake, the leader of the Royal Tyger Warriors. From that moment on, she’s thrust into a world she never imagined.
All Rubi wanted was to stay hidden and recover her memories. Instead, she’s training to become a warrior, unlocking the depths of her magic, and falling in love. As the warriors unite for their first battle, shocking revelations come to light. When the dust settles, Rubi faces one last question: can she return to the life she’s built, or will her past reclaim her once again?
November 18, 2025
Rating 3.75 Rounded up
There are some trophies that we see regularly in modern romantasy but that does not mean they are not done well in this story. In fact I was immediately interested in the world the author creates. Each Dominion is truly distinct with sights, sounds and texture that make it completely unique. The political intrigue builds tension with loyalties shifting and unexpected outcomes. So there is definitely excitement and intense action in the beginning then it slows a bit. The pacing does slow in the middle where we have a lot of travel and internal dialogue hat seems to stretch a bit but do not worry the action returns.
So for the romance. If your one who likes a deeper emotional and physical payoff this book may disappoint you. But if you enjoy a magical fantasy with well developed world building that has a mild burn then you will enjoy this read. Though this novel may lack in steamy passionate scenes it makes up for in heavy themes such as generational trauma, colonialism and cultural erasure with the Dominions built on forced forgetting. For me this far out weighed the lack of burning romantic tension and I am 100 percent ok with that.
Overall… We have political intrigue, immediate action that never lets up, deadly tournaments, mythical animals, secret magic and romance all combined with elements of asian folklore that weaves together seamlessly.
There are some trophies that we see regularly in modern romantasy but that does not mean they are not done well in this story. In fact I was immediately interested in the world the author creates. Each Dominion is truly distinct with sights, sounds and texture that make it completely unique. The political intrigue builds tension with loyalties shifting and unexpected outcomes. So there is definitely excitement and intense action in the beginning then it slows a bit. The pacing does slow in the middle where we have a lot of travel and internal dialogue hat seems to stretch a bit but do not worry the action returns.
So for the romance. If your one who likes a deeper emotional and physical payoff this book may disappoint you. But if you enjoy a magical fantasy with well developed world building that has a mild burn then you will enjoy this read. Though this novel may lack in steamy passionate scenes it makes up for in heavy themes such as generational trauma, colonialism and cultural erasure with the Dominions built on forced forgetting. For me this far out weighed the lack of burning romantic tension and I am 100 percent ok with that.
Overall… We have political intrigue, immediate action that never lets up, deadly tournaments, mythical animals, secret magic and romance all combined with elements of asian folklore that weaves together seamlessly.
December 7, 2025
Going to be honest, the book blurb had me reeled in: Fourth Wing meets Hunger Games! Instead of dragon riders there are Tyger riders… sold, right?
We have Rubi Morningtail, who I couldn’t find myself caring for just because from the very start she doesn’t care about her well being, which would be fine except it jeopardizes those around her, which just creates angst filled plot. She has amnesia and can’t remember her past which sets up and easily seen through plot at least for me?
Blake Axefire is her love interest… i did like him when layers were peeled back I just wish we had more time getting to know him. All of it felt rushed and pushed. Their romance…it starts out as a loose enemies to lovers and I say loose because they’re grumbly with each other. Minor development occurs and things jump to romance which is a huge issue for me because it felt very forced and very little chemistry between them.
Now to get to the plot, I had a lot of issues here as far as building the world went… lots was dropped and not really woven throughout so it’s either forgotten or you just have to go along with it.
The side characters I felt the same with the plot, they were dropped there for filler but not really built out. We were expected to care with no real depth.
Going back to blurb - I can see fourth wing , but no to the hunger games vibes.
I’d definitely give this read a 3 because it did keep me reading but could’ve used more development.
We have Rubi Morningtail, who I couldn’t find myself caring for just because from the very start she doesn’t care about her well being, which would be fine except it jeopardizes those around her, which just creates angst filled plot. She has amnesia and can’t remember her past which sets up and easily seen through plot at least for me?
Blake Axefire is her love interest… i did like him when layers were peeled back I just wish we had more time getting to know him. All of it felt rushed and pushed. Their romance…it starts out as a loose enemies to lovers and I say loose because they’re grumbly with each other. Minor development occurs and things jump to romance which is a huge issue for me because it felt very forced and very little chemistry between them.
Now to get to the plot, I had a lot of issues here as far as building the world went… lots was dropped and not really woven throughout so it’s either forgotten or you just have to go along with it.
The side characters I felt the same with the plot, they were dropped there for filler but not really built out. We were expected to care with no real depth.
Going back to blurb - I can see fourth wing , but no to the hunger games vibes.
I’d definitely give this read a 3 because it did keep me reading but could’ve used more development.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a good start to a new romantasy series. It is a fantasy world but there are hints of Chinese culture that really drew me in. This story is filled with lots of action, romance, and mystery.
Rubi is a ribbon dancer who has no memory of her past and very little magic. However all of that changes when she bonds with a royal tyger. She is an Azure and not trusted by the Silvers so when she bonds with one of their tygers it is a scandal. The tyger makes it known that Rubi is not an ordinary person. There is something special about her. Hints are continually dropped throughout the story that there is a reason for Rubi's memory loss and she is not an inconsequential person. In this world there are constant threats of demons and since Rubi bonded with the tyger she must train to be a warrior. While training, she is placed with Blake, a man who is the reason she is in this mess. Rubi must learn how to fight fast and unlock not only her magic but her memories so that she can survive.
If you are fan of lots of action and drama you will be drawn to this book. Rubi was a strong female lead which I always appreciate. There were some parts that were a little confusing but I think that is typical in a fantasy world where you are trying to learn all of the unfamiliar elements. I am interested to see where this series will go.
Thank you to G.P. Putnam’s Sons/Penguin Random House and NetGalley for this ARC.
Rubi is a ribbon dancer who has no memory of her past and very little magic. However all of that changes when she bonds with a royal tyger. She is an Azure and not trusted by the Silvers so when she bonds with one of their tygers it is a scandal. The tyger makes it known that Rubi is not an ordinary person. There is something special about her. Hints are continually dropped throughout the story that there is a reason for Rubi's memory loss and she is not an inconsequential person. In this world there are constant threats of demons and since Rubi bonded with the tyger she must train to be a warrior. While training, she is placed with Blake, a man who is the reason she is in this mess. Rubi must learn how to fight fast and unlock not only her magic but her memories so that she can survive.
If you are fan of lots of action and drama you will be drawn to this book. Rubi was a strong female lead which I always appreciate. There were some parts that were a little confusing but I think that is typical in a fantasy world where you are trying to learn all of the unfamiliar elements. I am interested to see where this series will go.
Thank you to G.P. Putnam’s Sons/Penguin Random House and NetGalley for this ARC.
November 9, 2025
ARC Review
This was a very interesting start to a series. The character of Rubi is well formed and I enjoyed going on her journey from a ribbon dancer with amnesia to a tyger warrior on a quest to save all dominions. The asian mythology is great and the descriptions vivid.
While I like where the story is going and the ending set up some great drama for book two, I felt this could have/should have been two books instead of one (book one establishing herself within the silver dominion and among the tyger warriors with all the drama of succession, rebellion and politics/ book two entrance of the Diviner and the start of the quest to heal the anchors with delegations from all four dominions). A lot happens in this book but without any solutions and it resulted in some of it feeling very rushed. I really wanted to spend more time in the scenes, getting reactions and dialogue, getting to know characters and relationships. Instead, it felt rushed to get from story point to story point and any relationship connections felt quick and not always earned.
I am still interested in seeing where the story goes because the base of this is very good and intriguing. I will definitely be checking out book two.
Thank you NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC!
This was a very interesting start to a series. The character of Rubi is well formed and I enjoyed going on her journey from a ribbon dancer with amnesia to a tyger warrior on a quest to save all dominions. The asian mythology is great and the descriptions vivid.
While I like where the story is going and the ending set up some great drama for book two, I felt this could have/should have been two books instead of one (book one establishing herself within the silver dominion and among the tyger warriors with all the drama of succession, rebellion and politics/ book two entrance of the Diviner and the start of the quest to heal the anchors with delegations from all four dominions). A lot happens in this book but without any solutions and it resulted in some of it feeling very rushed. I really wanted to spend more time in the scenes, getting reactions and dialogue, getting to know characters and relationships. Instead, it felt rushed to get from story point to story point and any relationship connections felt quick and not always earned.
I am still interested in seeing where the story goes because the base of this is very good and intriguing. I will definitely be checking out book two.
Thank you NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews