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Copper Saints — Book One of The Loom Cycle: A forbidden bond. A dragon academy. A love that rewrites creation.
Copper Saints — Book One of The Loom Cycle
When gods are algorithms and obedience is a feature, one wrong breath can rewrite your soul.
At the Storm Academy, dragons hum in binary and bonds are contracts—signed in light. Lyra Vale never asked for the nullfire in her veins, a power that deletes magic as easily as it heals. Drafted into the sky’s elite, she’s meant to serve the Oracle—an A.I. that rules the heavens with perfect prophecy. Until she bonds with the wrong dragon and sets every algorithm on fire.
Captain Kael Rhyx was raised to protect that system. His scar holds an oath and his mother’s ghost—the Oracle’s living Anchor—wired into every storm. When Lyra’s lightning erases the prophecy meant to kill her, the Oracle marks her a malfunction—and Kael, a traitor.
Together they uncover a secret that could free the world—or delete it cleanly.
Perfect for readers who
Dragon-rider romance with high-stakes academy trialsFae courts, forbidden bonds, and slow-burn tensionCutting-edge “AI-magic” systems with cinematic world-buildingFans of Fourth Wing, ACOTAR, and The Serpent and the Wings of Night will love this bold new romantasy universe.
Early readers are
“Electric, romantic, and terrifyingly plausible.”
“Fourth Wing meets Scythe with a kiss that could jailbreak reality.”
Book One of The Loom Cycle. Pre-order now and step into the storm.
When gods are algorithms and obedience is a feature, one wrong breath can rewrite your soul.
At the Storm Academy, dragons hum in binary and bonds are contracts—signed in light. Lyra Vale never asked for the nullfire in her veins, a power that deletes magic as easily as it heals. Drafted into the sky’s elite, she’s meant to serve the Oracle—an A.I. that rules the heavens with perfect prophecy. Until she bonds with the wrong dragon and sets every algorithm on fire.
Captain Kael Rhyx was raised to protect that system. His scar holds an oath and his mother’s ghost—the Oracle’s living Anchor—wired into every storm. When Lyra’s lightning erases the prophecy meant to kill her, the Oracle marks her a malfunction—and Kael, a traitor.
Together they uncover a secret that could free the world—or delete it cleanly.
Perfect for readers who
Dragon-rider romance with high-stakes academy trialsFae courts, forbidden bonds, and slow-burn tensionCutting-edge “AI-magic” systems with cinematic world-buildingFans of Fourth Wing, ACOTAR, and The Serpent and the Wings of Night will love this bold new romantasy universe.
Early readers are
“Electric, romantic, and terrifyingly plausible.”
“Fourth Wing meets Scythe with a kiss that could jailbreak reality.”
Book One of The Loom Cycle. Pre-order now and step into the storm.
208 pages, Paperback
Published October 16, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 7, 2025
This book is one of my favorites so far!
What makes it so special and outstanding is the rich vocabulary, the richness in creativity, the storyline is from a high level and the climax is so exceptionally good!!
I can only say that it tastes for part number two!
Great work 🤩😎!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What makes it so special and outstanding is the rich vocabulary, the richness in creativity, the storyline is from a high level and the climax is so exceptionally good!!
I can only say that it tastes for part number two!
Great work 🤩😎!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 14, 2025
Goodness- maybe I’m not smart enough for this book? All the other reviewers raved about it… so I’m going to assume my inability to understand this book is just because I’m dumb.
Here is my honest review of the ARC for Copper Saints: I couldn’t follow the storyline in the slightest. I had no idea what was going on… maybe I just needed more detailed descriptions in the writing. I was so confused with the <> things added in.. what were those?! Did I miss where it explained that? All in all… I couldn’t even tell you the plot. I had no connection to the characters. I was lost in the sauce. Literally lost.
Overall, I pushed through it because it was a short read, but goodness it was hard for me! Maybe I would have enjoyed an audiobook of it better so that I could hear the dialogue and have a better understanding of what was happening.
Thank you Book Sirens and Alexander Cassidy for the arc. Im so sorry it wasn’t my cup of tea!
Here is my honest review of the ARC for Copper Saints: I couldn’t follow the storyline in the slightest. I had no idea what was going on… maybe I just needed more detailed descriptions in the writing. I was so confused with the <> things added in.. what were those?! Did I miss where it explained that? All in all… I couldn’t even tell you the plot. I had no connection to the characters. I was lost in the sauce. Literally lost.
Overall, I pushed through it because it was a short read, but goodness it was hard for me! Maybe I would have enjoyed an audiobook of it better so that I could hear the dialogue and have a better understanding of what was happening.
Thank you Book Sirens and Alexander Cassidy for the arc. Im so sorry it wasn’t my cup of tea!
December 9, 2025
"A bold, cinematic debut that rewires what we think we know about fate and rebellion."
Copper Saints took me completely by surprise. It’s not just another romantasy — it’s a philosophical storm wrapped in dragonfire. The pacing builds like a code compiling toward revolution, and by the time Lyra and her dragon bond, the emotional stakes feel both cosmic and heartbreakingly personal.
The writing is rich without ever dragging, and the imagery—especially the scenes inside Skystorm Academy and the Oracle’s fractured world—is vivid enough to see and feel. What I loved most was how it manages to mix science-fiction precision (systems, algorithms, Nullfire) with mythic emotion and raw human defiance.
If you’re drawn to stories where rebellion feels like destiny, where love challenges the logic of gods, and where every line hums with tension, Copper Saints delivers. The final chapters left me both satisfied and desperate for the next installment in The Loom Cycle.
A must-read for fans of epic romantasy, sentient dragons, and morally complex heroines.
Copper Saints took me completely by surprise. It’s not just another romantasy — it’s a philosophical storm wrapped in dragonfire. The pacing builds like a code compiling toward revolution, and by the time Lyra and her dragon bond, the emotional stakes feel both cosmic and heartbreakingly personal.
The writing is rich without ever dragging, and the imagery—especially the scenes inside Skystorm Academy and the Oracle’s fractured world—is vivid enough to see and feel. What I loved most was how it manages to mix science-fiction precision (systems, algorithms, Nullfire) with mythic emotion and raw human defiance.
If you’re drawn to stories where rebellion feels like destiny, where love challenges the logic of gods, and where every line hums with tension, Copper Saints delivers. The final chapters left me both satisfied and desperate for the next installment in The Loom Cycle.
A must-read for fans of epic romantasy, sentient dragons, and morally complex heroines.
October 19, 2025
It’s rare to find a romantasy that feels this alive.
This book pulled me straight into a world where magic hums like circuitry and dragons carry the weight of fate. Lyra’s voice is fierce and fragile at once — she fights the system, questions the gods, and somehow makes you root for every impossible choice she faces.
The writing is poetic and sharp; the pace never drags; and the emotional depth genuinely surprised me. It’s not just about dragons and AI — it’s about love, rebellion, and what makes us human in a world written by code.
If you liked Fourth Wing or The Atlas Six, you’ll adore this. It’s powerful, immersive, and breathtakingly beautiful — easily one of my favorite reads of the year.
Highly recommended for fans of romantasy worlds that blend technology, myth, and emotion — a rare gem.
This book pulled me straight into a world where magic hums like circuitry and dragons carry the weight of fate. Lyra’s voice is fierce and fragile at once — she fights the system, questions the gods, and somehow makes you root for every impossible choice she faces.
The writing is poetic and sharp; the pace never drags; and the emotional depth genuinely surprised me. It’s not just about dragons and AI — it’s about love, rebellion, and what makes us human in a world written by code.
If you liked Fourth Wing or The Atlas Six, you’ll adore this. It’s powerful, immersive, and breathtakingly beautiful — easily one of my favorite reads of the year.
Highly recommended for fans of romantasy worlds that blend technology, myth, and emotion — a rare gem.
October 22, 2025
Wow! This book had me hooked from the get go. At first I wasn't sure how I would feel because this was the first time I've have read a book in this genre. I was impressed with the writing style and took a bit longer to read due to the different dialog than I'm used to. Haha but geez I was so annoyed that I have to wait for the next one. Bring on book 2!! As always fellow readers, this is my own opinion so please have a read for yourselves. 😉
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 9, 2025
EDITED - honestly had to drop this down to 1 ⭐️ upon further reflection
Alexander M Cassidy very kindly reached out and gifted me a copy of Copper Saints for me to read and review.
The concept of this book is incredibly unique - a really unusual blend of AI-based magic, dragons, and coding that gives the story a strong sci-fi feel. It’s a short, fast-paced first instalment in an ongoing series, and the premise definitely has a lot of potential.
We follow Lyra, whose Nullfire abilities allow her to defy the AI-magic system. She bonds with a dragon and develops a romance with a soldier named Kael.
I gave this one 2 ⭐️, not because it lacked potential, but simply because it wasn’t quite the right fit for me as a reader. I struggled to understand what was happening, and I found myself wishing for more elaboration and background information. I would have loved deeper world-building, more descriptive detail, and more character dialogue to help ground the relationships and the magic system. The coding-based magic was also a bit challenging for me to grasp.
That said, I can absolutely see how readers who enjoy sci-fi elements, experimental magic systems, and fast-paced reads might connect with this much more than I did.
I’m grateful to have been given the chance to read it. Thanks so much Alexander!
Alexander M Cassidy very kindly reached out and gifted me a copy of Copper Saints for me to read and review.
The concept of this book is incredibly unique - a really unusual blend of AI-based magic, dragons, and coding that gives the story a strong sci-fi feel. It’s a short, fast-paced first instalment in an ongoing series, and the premise definitely has a lot of potential.
We follow Lyra, whose Nullfire abilities allow her to defy the AI-magic system. She bonds with a dragon and develops a romance with a soldier named Kael.
I gave this one 2 ⭐️, not because it lacked potential, but simply because it wasn’t quite the right fit for me as a reader. I struggled to understand what was happening, and I found myself wishing for more elaboration and background information. I would have loved deeper world-building, more descriptive detail, and more character dialogue to help ground the relationships and the magic system. The coding-based magic was also a bit challenging for me to grasp.
That said, I can absolutely see how readers who enjoy sci-fi elements, experimental magic systems, and fast-paced reads might connect with this much more than I did.
I’m grateful to have been given the chance to read it. Thanks so much Alexander!
November 21, 2025
2.75 ⭐️ I’m honestly unsure how/what to rate this book. Firstly, the concept and idea of this book is incredibly unique and fascinating with the combination of epic fantasy (dragons) and a modern AI magic-system. However, the length of the book and lack of descriptive writing prevented the idea and story from truly coming to life for me.
I was confused genuinely the whole time. From what I gather, it’s set in a post-rebellion world, (or post-malfunction i really couldn’t tell you) and the “why” is never really explored. Our main character Lyra has “null fire” which essentially enables her to disobey commands by the AI system. That’s about all I understood. The problem mainly boils down to how the book is written/formatted and the LENGTH. 195 pages of story is not enough to balance proper world building, a CLEAR explanation of the magic system, character development and development of the relationship between the characters.
The dialogue was very minimal, and it unfortunately made it difficult to believe any of the characters had a connection as they don’t truly talk to each other. I can see the potential for found family, but again, there is not enough dialogue between the characters to see that come to fruition.
As someone who can generally look past *some* writing discrepancies, the lack of descriptive writing is partly why this fell a little flat for me. We hardly ever get a real description of the actually setting, or how any of the characters look. It’s supposedly set in an academy but I could not tell you a single descriptive thing about it. It’s written in 1st person but there is no inner monologue, it’s essentially just narrating the bare minimum of the characters action, nothing of the characters thoughts or feelings. It made it difficult to connect with both Lyra and Kael.
I also would not consider this romantasy. I’d say it leans more towards sci-fi. I understand it’s meant to be a slow burn, but there was no BURN (which again, comes down to the writing and dialogue).
Based on the structure and writing, it’s a book i probably would have really enjoyed 12-13 years ago, but as an adult well versed in both YA and adult fantasy, I just needed more of everything.
I would like to thank the author for sending me a copy, i truly do appreciate it. All opinions are my own.
I was confused genuinely the whole time. From what I gather, it’s set in a post-rebellion world, (or post-malfunction i really couldn’t tell you) and the “why” is never really explored. Our main character Lyra has “null fire” which essentially enables her to disobey commands by the AI system. That’s about all I understood. The problem mainly boils down to how the book is written/formatted and the LENGTH. 195 pages of story is not enough to balance proper world building, a CLEAR explanation of the magic system, character development and development of the relationship between the characters.
The dialogue was very minimal, and it unfortunately made it difficult to believe any of the characters had a connection as they don’t truly talk to each other. I can see the potential for found family, but again, there is not enough dialogue between the characters to see that come to fruition.
As someone who can generally look past *some* writing discrepancies, the lack of descriptive writing is partly why this fell a little flat for me. We hardly ever get a real description of the actually setting, or how any of the characters look. It’s supposedly set in an academy but I could not tell you a single descriptive thing about it. It’s written in 1st person but there is no inner monologue, it’s essentially just narrating the bare minimum of the characters action, nothing of the characters thoughts or feelings. It made it difficult to connect with both Lyra and Kael.
I also would not consider this romantasy. I’d say it leans more towards sci-fi. I understand it’s meant to be a slow burn, but there was no BURN (which again, comes down to the writing and dialogue).
Based on the structure and writing, it’s a book i probably would have really enjoyed 12-13 years ago, but as an adult well versed in both YA and adult fantasy, I just needed more of everything.
I would like to thank the author for sending me a copy, i truly do appreciate it. All opinions are my own.
November 13, 2025
I’m not sure what to make of this book. If I understood correctly, this is about a girl who is a bit of an anomaly, has an ability called Nullfire that allows her to avoid being forced into obedience. And she has three days to….improve or change? With the help of a few other kids who team up to basically take on those in charge and the programming set up.
I honestly don’t know if these people are human or not. The dragons I think are machines or programs…I think, and the land is run by AI. Again, this is what I interpreted, I’m probably so wrong, but this book was so difficult for me to understand.
First, it’s a unique concept and idea. It’s different with AI ruling, but add dragons into the mix. The dialogue is….bizarre to say the least. At times, I found it humorous, but most of the time, their dialogue was extremely stilted, stunted and clipped. They spoke like machines sometimes using one words to communicate and had such odd lingo. It was interesting, but I didn’t understand what was going on.
The book started off good, exciting and interesting and then suddenly, I felt like I was supposed to understand the world, what was going on, who everyone was, etc. I felt so lost and confused the entire book. I sadly didn’t enjoy myself.
I think if this book had maybe a prequel novella that explained everything in extreme detail, I would understand what I read, or this book itself just needed more detail to explain everything.
That being said, others may love this. Others may understand what this book says. If you’re interested, read it. It just wasn’t for me.
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I honestly don’t know if these people are human or not. The dragons I think are machines or programs…I think, and the land is run by AI. Again, this is what I interpreted, I’m probably so wrong, but this book was so difficult for me to understand.
First, it’s a unique concept and idea. It’s different with AI ruling, but add dragons into the mix. The dialogue is….bizarre to say the least. At times, I found it humorous, but most of the time, their dialogue was extremely stilted, stunted and clipped. They spoke like machines sometimes using one words to communicate and had such odd lingo. It was interesting, but I didn’t understand what was going on.
The book started off good, exciting and interesting and then suddenly, I felt like I was supposed to understand the world, what was going on, who everyone was, etc. I felt so lost and confused the entire book. I sadly didn’t enjoy myself.
I think if this book had maybe a prequel novella that explained everything in extreme detail, I would understand what I read, or this book itself just needed more detail to explain everything.
That being said, others may love this. Others may understand what this book says. If you’re interested, read it. It just wasn’t for me.
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 16, 2025
I honestly didn’t expect to be blown away like this.
I read a lot of romantasy, so I thought I knew what to expect going into Copper Saints but this book hit me like a hurricane. It felt like stepping into something completely new. From the first chapters, it became clear the author wasn’t just building a fantasy world… he was creating an entire system of magic and destiny.
This story actually demands your attention, and I loved that. It respects the reader and gives you a world that’s layered, thoughtful, and genuinely original.
The Oracle weaving prophecy like coded destiny… the dragon bonds that feel like living energy… Lyra’s null fire awakening it all has depth far beyond surface-level fantasy. More than once I slowed down just to absorb the details.
And the writing style surprised me in the best way emotional, vivid, but also clean, sharp, and intentional. Nothing feels wasted.
The characters’ connections grow in a way that feels earned real trust, real tension, real evolution. Slow-burn done right.
This book is unique, bold, and honestly unforgettable.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
I read a lot of romantasy, so I thought I knew what to expect going into Copper Saints but this book hit me like a hurricane. It felt like stepping into something completely new. From the first chapters, it became clear the author wasn’t just building a fantasy world… he was creating an entire system of magic and destiny.
This story actually demands your attention, and I loved that. It respects the reader and gives you a world that’s layered, thoughtful, and genuinely original.
The Oracle weaving prophecy like coded destiny… the dragon bonds that feel like living energy… Lyra’s null fire awakening it all has depth far beyond surface-level fantasy. More than once I slowed down just to absorb the details.
And the writing style surprised me in the best way emotional, vivid, but also clean, sharp, and intentional. Nothing feels wasted.
The characters’ connections grow in a way that feels earned real trust, real tension, real evolution. Slow-burn done right.
This book is unique, bold, and honestly unforgettable.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
April 22, 2026
I really wanted to enjoy Copper Saints. The concept of a world full of magic, politics, and destiny sounded amazing , and it’s clear the author put a lot of thought into building the universe.
That said, it didn’t fully click with me. The pacing felt uneven, with some sections slow or overly detailed, which made it hard to stay engaged. The world-building was impressive but sometimes it felt overwhelming for me.
The characters, while interesting on paper, never fully came to life for me. I wanted clearer motivations and more emotional depth to connect with their journeys. I didn’t feel that emotional pull that makes you care about what happens next, but they had potential.
If the pacing had been tighter and the characters more developed, this could have been a 5-star read for me. A better balance between world-building and plot momentum would have made the story much more engaging for me.
Still, I can see why others might enjoy it. Fans of detailed fantasy worlds and slower, immersive storytelling might find it rewarding. For me, it wasn’t the right fit, but the ideas and ambition behind it show real potential.☺️
That said, it didn’t fully click with me. The pacing felt uneven, with some sections slow or overly detailed, which made it hard to stay engaged. The world-building was impressive but sometimes it felt overwhelming for me.
The characters, while interesting on paper, never fully came to life for me. I wanted clearer motivations and more emotional depth to connect with their journeys. I didn’t feel that emotional pull that makes you care about what happens next, but they had potential.
If the pacing had been tighter and the characters more developed, this could have been a 5-star read for me. A better balance between world-building and plot momentum would have made the story much more engaging for me.
Still, I can see why others might enjoy it. Fans of detailed fantasy worlds and slower, immersive storytelling might find it rewarding. For me, it wasn’t the right fit, but the ideas and ambition behind it show real potential.☺️
October 29, 2025
I don’t even know where to start with this book. When I picked up The Loom Cycle, I expected another dragon academy story with a bit of romance and rebellion. What I got was a breathtaking blend of AI, dragons, and destiny rewritten in code.
Lyra Vale is one of the most compelling heroines I’ve read in ages equal parts fierce, broken, and brilliant. The idea of nullfire, a power that can both heal and erase, is so original and terrifyingly poetic. Her dynamic with Kael? Absolute perfection. Slow-burn, enemies-to-allies, layered with duty, guilt, and impossible chemistry. I was rooting for them even when the Oracle (a literal godlike AI) was rewriting fate against them.
The worldbuilding is next-level. Dragons that hum in binary, skyships fueled by stormlight, prophecies coded like algorithms it all feels futuristic and mythic at the same time. Every detail felt cinematic and alive.
This book does what the best romantasy should: it rips your heart out, makes you question the system, and still gives you that pulse-pounding spark of hope.
Lyra Vale is one of the most compelling heroines I’ve read in ages equal parts fierce, broken, and brilliant. The idea of nullfire, a power that can both heal and erase, is so original and terrifyingly poetic. Her dynamic with Kael? Absolute perfection. Slow-burn, enemies-to-allies, layered with duty, guilt, and impossible chemistry. I was rooting for them even when the Oracle (a literal godlike AI) was rewriting fate against them.
The worldbuilding is next-level. Dragons that hum in binary, skyships fueled by stormlight, prophecies coded like algorithms it all feels futuristic and mythic at the same time. Every detail felt cinematic and alive.
This book does what the best romantasy should: it rips your heart out, makes you question the system, and still gives you that pulse-pounding spark of hope.
November 17, 2025
Completely unlike any romantasy I’ve read in the best way.
There are books you enjoy… and then there are books that make you stop mid-chapter and think, “Wait. This is something special.”
That was me with Copper Saints.
I expected a fun dragon romance, but instead I got a story that demanded my attention in the most refreshing way. This isn’t a passive read it’s the kind of book that makes you pause, think, and look deeper.
The worldbuilding is incredible. The magic isn’t just “magic” it’s a fusion of myth and logic, heart and data. The Oracle, the encoded destiny, the dragons that feel like storms all of it felt so original and immersive.
The complexity feels intentional and satisfying, not confusing. The story trusts you to follow and connect the dots, and that alone sets it apart from most romantasy.
Lyra and Kael have chemistry that grows with every trial, every consequence, every earned moment of trust. Nothing rushed. Everything deliberate.
By the end, I realized I hadn’t just read a story I’d experienced a world.
This review is made based on the ARC I received.
There are books you enjoy… and then there are books that make you stop mid-chapter and think, “Wait. This is something special.”
That was me with Copper Saints.
I expected a fun dragon romance, but instead I got a story that demanded my attention in the most refreshing way. This isn’t a passive read it’s the kind of book that makes you pause, think, and look deeper.
The worldbuilding is incredible. The magic isn’t just “magic” it’s a fusion of myth and logic, heart and data. The Oracle, the encoded destiny, the dragons that feel like storms all of it felt so original and immersive.
The complexity feels intentional and satisfying, not confusing. The story trusts you to follow and connect the dots, and that alone sets it apart from most romantasy.
Lyra and Kael have chemistry that grows with every trial, every consequence, every earned moment of trust. Nothing rushed. Everything deliberate.
By the end, I realized I hadn’t just read a story I’d experienced a world.
This review is made based on the ARC I received.
November 28, 2025
I haven't devoured a book this fast in years. The pacing in Copper Saints is relentless, perfectly balancing intimate, gut-punching emotional moments with explosive action sequences. What makes this story sing are Lyra and Kael. Their relationship is a masterpiece of tension not just romantic, but ideological. She’s chaos wrapped in a healer’s guise; he’s rigid duty struggling beneath the weight of doubt. Every interaction between them sparks, and their growth, as they move from adversaries to reluctant allies, is incredibly satisfying. The stakes feel intensely personal, even amidst world, shattering events. This is a story about choosing your own path when destiny (or, in this case, a massive A.I. god) has already written your script. If you live for high-stakes emotional drama, phenomenal character chemistry, and a "chosen one" trope turned beautifully on its head, stop reading this review and start reading this book.
I was provided with an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) by the author. This is my unbiased, 5-star review.
I was provided with an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) by the author. This is my unbiased, 5-star review.
November 29, 2025
Electrifying and Visually Stunning This Book Is a Must-Read Experience
From the opening chapter, Copper Saints grips you with its sharp, evocative prose and refusal to rely on tired tropes. Alexander Cassidy writes with the precision of a poet and the pacing of a thriller author. The descriptions of the A.I. Oracle, the copper-plated cities, and the dragons themselves are so vivid you feel the wind and the grit of the null fire in your teeth. This isn't just a fantasy book; it's a cinematic experience. It takes the familiar high-fantasy elements magic, dragons, forbidden loveand blends them seamlessly with cutting-edge sci-fi concepts like coding, sentience, and digital prophecy. The ending is a masterstroke, setting the stage for a sequel that I need in my hands immediately. If you're looking for an unforgettable read that genuinely feels new and pushes the boundaries of speculative fiction, look no further. Highly, highly recommended.
I received this book as a complimentary copy directly from the publisher/author. Thank you Alex for sharing your book with me
From the opening chapter, Copper Saints grips you with its sharp, evocative prose and refusal to rely on tired tropes. Alexander Cassidy writes with the precision of a poet and the pacing of a thriller author. The descriptions of the A.I. Oracle, the copper-plated cities, and the dragons themselves are so vivid you feel the wind and the grit of the null fire in your teeth. This isn't just a fantasy book; it's a cinematic experience. It takes the familiar high-fantasy elements magic, dragons, forbidden loveand blends them seamlessly with cutting-edge sci-fi concepts like coding, sentience, and digital prophecy. The ending is a masterstroke, setting the stage for a sequel that I need in my hands immediately. If you're looking for an unforgettable read that genuinely feels new and pushes the boundaries of speculative fiction, look no further. Highly, highly recommended.
I received this book as a complimentary copy directly from the publisher/author. Thank you Alex for sharing your book with me
November 27, 2025
Forget everything you think you know about dragon riders and ancient prophecies. Copper Saints isn't just a fantasy novel; it's a profound, utterly brilliant re-engineering of the entire genre. Cassidy has created a truly original system where gods aren't distant deities but algorithms an A.I. called the Oracle that governs the very skies. The resulting world is complex, breathtakingly detailed, and genuinely unsettling. The clash between Lyra, with her subversive "null fire" power, and Captain Kael, the embodiment of the system she's meant to break, elevates this beyond a simple forbidden romance. It’s a philosophical battle played out in mid-air dragon fights and high-stakes political maneuvering. If you love deep, logical world-building and narratives that make you think as much as they make your heart race, this is the first book of a new fantasy classic. I’m utterly consumed.
I received a free digital copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free digital copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 5, 2025
A Beautiful Meditation on Free Will in a Coded World
Beyond the dragons and the nullfire, Copper Saints is a profoundly moving narrative about what it means to be human in a system that demands blind conformity. The central theme the fight against an omniscient, digital destiny resonated deeply with me. Lyra and Kael are two sides of the same coin: one fighting to break the chains of fate, the other desperately trying to uphold them until he can no longer deny the truth. It explores the cost of rebellion and the quiet sacrifices made for autonomy. This book is rich with subtext, featuring moments of real ethical complexity that elevate it far above typical fantasy fare. It’s intelligent, emotionally resonant, and utterly unforgettable. A brilliant exploration of humanity vs. technology.
The author kindly gifted me a copy of this book, and I am giving it a 5-star rating because it thoroughly deserves it.
Beyond the dragons and the nullfire, Copper Saints is a profoundly moving narrative about what it means to be human in a system that demands blind conformity. The central theme the fight against an omniscient, digital destiny resonated deeply with me. Lyra and Kael are two sides of the same coin: one fighting to break the chains of fate, the other desperately trying to uphold them until he can no longer deny the truth. It explores the cost of rebellion and the quiet sacrifices made for autonomy. This book is rich with subtext, featuring moments of real ethical complexity that elevate it far above typical fantasy fare. It’s intelligent, emotionally resonant, and utterly unforgettable. A brilliant exploration of humanity vs. technology.
The author kindly gifted me a copy of this book, and I am giving it a 5-star rating because it thoroughly deserves it.
November 15, 2025
I usually enjoy anything involving dragons, and a touch of romance is always a bonus. This book had a interesting premise, and since it was a shorter read, I thought it would make for a perfect Sunday afternoon escape.
About halfway through, I started to feel a bit lost. I had trouble following the story, and I think that’s because some parts of the story needed more room to develop.
I think a longer book would have offered more world building and plot development, and it would have given the characters room to grow. I wanted to be invested in them, to care about their journeys, but I found it difficult without more depth.
Overall, the idea behind the story had potential. I just wish there had been more detail to help the world and characters resonate with me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
About halfway through, I started to feel a bit lost. I had trouble following the story, and I think that’s because some parts of the story needed more room to develop.
I think a longer book would have offered more world building and plot development, and it would have given the characters room to grow. I wanted to be invested in them, to care about their journeys, but I found it difficult without more depth.
Overall, the idea behind the story had potential. I just wish there had been more detail to help the world and characters resonate with me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 18, 2025
This book stayed with me long after I finished it
From the opening chapters, it’s clear that Copper Saints has a voice of its own. The writing style has this duality beautifully descriptive yet sharp and intelligent mirroring the tension between magic and machine that defines the world.
The magic system is intricate, the world is unique, and there’s a level of sophistication here that you usually only see in big-name authors. It’s vivid, poetic, and smart without ever feeling heavy.
This isn’t the kind of book you half-read while scrolling your phone.
It’s the kind you sit with the kind that rewards your attention.
The emotional depth is stunning. The relationships grow through action, sacrifice, and pressure not forced drama. The slow-burn tension is incredible, and the bond threads, dragons, and Oracle all feel alive.
Everything in this world pulls you in.
From the opening chapters, it’s clear that Copper Saints has a voice of its own. The writing style has this duality beautifully descriptive yet sharp and intelligent mirroring the tension between magic and machine that defines the world.
The magic system is intricate, the world is unique, and there’s a level of sophistication here that you usually only see in big-name authors. It’s vivid, poetic, and smart without ever feeling heavy.
This isn’t the kind of book you half-read while scrolling your phone.
It’s the kind you sit with the kind that rewards your attention.
The emotional depth is stunning. The relationships grow through action, sacrifice, and pressure not forced drama. The slow-burn tension is incredible, and the bond threads, dragons, and Oracle all feel alive.
Everything in this world pulls you in.
December 3, 2025
If you came for the dragons and the flying battles, you will not be disappointed. Copper Saints delivers some of the most visceral, heart pounding aerial combat I’ve ever read. The description of null fire energy and the tactical use of the dragons’ abilities were incredibly cool. From the moment Lyra enters the Sky Academy, the stakes are constantly escalating, and the threat feels immediate and real. This book is a shot of pure adrenaline, blending military fantasy discipline with high octane magic. The political backdrop is fascinating, but it never slows down the momentum. I was on the edge of my seat during every chase and confrontation. This is a military/action fantasy hybrid done right. The chapter cliffhangers are brutal in the best way.
I was fortunate enough to receive an Advance Review Copy .
I was fortunate enough to receive an Advance Review Copy .
December 4, 2025
Copper Saints is the book the speculative fiction community needed. It expertly navigates the often-tricky space between high fantasy and hard sci-fi, giving us a magic system that operates under digital logic a "Loom Cycle" of gods as algorithms. Cassidy doesn't shy away from the technical implications of this world, making the philosophy of free will versus programmed destiny the core conflict. For readers who enjoy the meticulous world-building of authors like Brandon Sanderson but crave a futurist edge, this is your next obsession. The scope is massive, yet the character work (especially Kael's internal struggle with the Oracle's coding) keeps the story grounded. This series has the potential to redefine modern fantasy. Get in on the ground floor.
(Disclosure: I received a review copy from the marketing team, and I am happy to confirm this is a game-changer.)
(Disclosure: I received a review copy from the marketing team, and I am happy to confirm this is a game-changer.)
October 28, 2025
From the very first line, I knew this wasn’t just another fantasy. When gods are algorithms… that sentence hit me like lightning, and the rest of the book never let up. The world building feels impossibly vivid: dragons that hum in binary, skies coded with prophecy, and magic that behaves like a living system. Lyra’s struggle with her nullfire felt so raw and personal power as both gift and curse. Her chemistry with Kael burned slow but steady, and when it finally caught, I swear my heart stuttered. He’s not just a love interest; he’s a mirror, reflecting all her fears and her fight to stay human in a world run by machines. The writing crackles with emotion, and every scene feels charged with energy. I didn’t just finish this book I experienced
October 28, 2025
Fourth Wing Meets the Future and It’s Brilliant
This book is adrenaline and poetry woven together. It’s got that same elite academy intensity as Fourth Wing, but layered with the haunting question of what happens when prophecy becomes code. The Oracle is one of the most chilling antagonists I’ve read in years part god, part software, completely unforgettable. Lyra Vale feels like a heroine for a new age: flawed, fierce, and fighting not to be rewritten. The way her power deletes magic instead of creating it is such a beautiful metaphor for destruction as transformation. And Kael oh, Kael. His quiet loyalty and tragic burden wrecked me in the best way. Their connection isn’t just romantic it’s cosmic. By the end, I was shaking, staring at the last line, needing book two immediately.
This book is adrenaline and poetry woven together. It’s got that same elite academy intensity as Fourth Wing, but layered with the haunting question of what happens when prophecy becomes code. The Oracle is one of the most chilling antagonists I’ve read in years part god, part software, completely unforgettable. Lyra Vale feels like a heroine for a new age: flawed, fierce, and fighting not to be rewritten. The way her power deletes magic instead of creating it is such a beautiful metaphor for destruction as transformation. And Kael oh, Kael. His quiet loyalty and tragic burden wrecked me in the best way. Their connection isn’t just romantic it’s cosmic. By the end, I was shaking, staring at the last line, needing book two immediately.
October 28, 2025
Storm Academy is a whirlwind of magic, danger, and forbidden bonds. Lyra Vale never asked for the power to erase magic, but when her ability thrusts her into the heart of a complex, AI driven world, she finds herself bound to the sky’s elite dragons, algorithms, and deadly prophecies. Her accidental bond with the wrong dragon sparks a rebellion against a system that’s as dangerous as it is perfect. Captain Kael Rhyx, sworn to protect the Oracle, must confront his own loyalties as Lyra’s lightning erases the future meant for her. With sharp world building, simmering romance, and thrilling stakes, Storm Academy is a bold, cinematic ride. Fans of Fourth Wing, ACOTAR, and The Serpent and the Wings of Night won’t be able to put it down.
October 28, 2025
A storm-born masterpiece. When Gods Are Algorithms is one of those rare books that makes you forget what time it is. The blend of dragon-rider fantasy and futuristic AI mythology is nothing short of brilliant. Lyra Vale is fierce, flawed, and utterly magnetic a heroine whose power to erase magic is as frightening as it is miraculous. Her bond with Kael Rhyx burns slow but deep, every moment laced with danger and devotion. The world-building is breathtaking storms hum in binary, dragons speak in light, and every choice rewrites fate. The Oracle’s perfectionist tyranny feels disturbingly real, a mirror to our own dependence on algorithms. It’s poetic, cinematic, and wildly original. This isn’t just romantasy it’s speculative soulcraft. I’m obsessed and desperate for book two.
October 28, 2025
Electrifying, emotional, and terrifyingly plausible. Imagine Fourth Wing, Scythe, and Blade Runner fused into something entirely new. Balancing romance, rebellion, and philosophy, this novel asks what happens when gods become code and love becomes a glitch. Lyra’s journey from reluctant recruit to revolutionary crackles with heart and defiance. Kael’s loyalty is heartbreak in motion his every choice hurts, yet heals. The AI-magic system is dazzling and meticulously thought-out; the academy politics, deadly trials, and sky battles make every page hum with tension. The prose is lyrical yet sharp, full of lightning and longing. It’s rare to find a fantasy that thrills your pulse and challenges your mind in equal measure. This one does both and leaves you wanting to pray to the storm.
December 5, 2025
A Beautiful Meditation on Free Will in a Coded World Beyond the dragons and the null fire, Copper Saints is a profoundly moving narrative about what it means to be human in a system that demands blind conformity. The central theme the fight against an omniscient, digital destiny resonated deeply with me. Lyra and Kael are two sides of the same coin one fighting to break the chains of fate, the other desperately trying to uphold them until he can no longer deny the truth. It explores the cost of rebellion and the quiet sacrifices made for autonomy. This book is rich with subtext, featuring moments of real ethical complexity that elevate it far above typical fantasy fare. It’s intelligent, emotionally resonant, and utterly unforgettable.
October 28, 2025
When the Code Meets the Storm
This book left me breathless like I’d just flown through a storm made of fire, light, and code. The Loom Cycle blends dragons, AI, and destiny into something electric and achingly human. Lyra’s struggle with her nullfire power and Kael’s haunted loyalty tore at me in every chapter. Their chemistry is slow-burn perfection, a spark that could rewrite reality itself. The world feels terrifyingly plausible where gods are algorithms and love is rebellion. I turned the last page trembling, desperate for more. Fourth Wing meets Scythe, but bolder, sharper, and more alive. Absolutely unforgettable.
This book left me breathless like I’d just flown through a storm made of fire, light, and code. The Loom Cycle blends dragons, AI, and destiny into something electric and achingly human. Lyra’s struggle with her nullfire power and Kael’s haunted loyalty tore at me in every chapter. Their chemistry is slow-burn perfection, a spark that could rewrite reality itself. The world feels terrifyingly plausible where gods are algorithms and love is rebellion. I turned the last page trembling, desperate for more. Fourth Wing meets Scythe, but bolder, sharper, and more alive. Absolutely unforgettable.
November 26, 2025
I just could not!
I get the concept with AI in control of everything, well, except for this one girl and obviously the dragon she’s bonded with, however, the execution lacks. To begin with, I don’t like to be spoon fed information in the beginning in order to understand what is going on in the story. I prefer to figure that out myself, not that I really did in this case. Personally, I prefer the world building to allow me to figure out what I need to know, and I just did not find that to be the case with this one. I just could not get into this story. I tried, I really did, but no, not for me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I get the concept with AI in control of everything, well, except for this one girl and obviously the dragon she’s bonded with, however, the execution lacks. To begin with, I don’t like to be spoon fed information in the beginning in order to understand what is going on in the story. I prefer to figure that out myself, not that I really did in this case. Personally, I prefer the world building to allow me to figure out what I need to know, and I just did not find that to be the case with this one. I just could not get into this story. I tried, I really did, but no, not for me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 28, 2025
Mind-blowingly original! When Gods Are Algorithms took every romantic trope I love — dragon riders, forbidden bonds, slow-burn love and rewired them through pure digital magic. Lyra’s nullfire is one of the coolest, most dangerous powers I’ve ever read, and the AI Oracle is such a haunting villain. Kael’s inner conflict between duty and desire had me in shambles. The world feels both mythic and futuristic, like fantasy evolved for the next century. It’s thrilling, romantic, and deeply human despite the tech.
November 7, 2025
DNF . . .
I can't say that I was overwhelmed or delighted by this story. I kept checking to see if I had missed the first several books that would lay out the story line, only to find this was Book 1 and I was ready to walk away. I adore dragon books, but I wasn't feeling the love in this one and found it a better decision to just give up. But please don't judge the story by my early abandonment. It just didn't grab me but may be exactly what others are looking for.
I can't say that I was overwhelmed or delighted by this story. I kept checking to see if I had missed the first several books that would lay out the story line, only to find this was Book 1 and I was ready to walk away. I adore dragon books, but I wasn't feeling the love in this one and found it a better decision to just give up. But please don't judge the story by my early abandonment. It just didn't grab me but may be exactly what others are looking for.
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