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The Lure of Wolves and Whispers
Not yet published
Expected 7 Jul 26A darkly addictive romantasy debut about a girl who sacrifices everything to buy the dangerous magic that could save her sister—the first in a trilogy perfect for fans of Powerless and Throne of Glass.
On the mist-shrouded Isle of Eireann, buying magic comes with a price.
But when her beloved older sister is gravely injured, Maeve risks everything to buy the forbidden magic that might save her. In exchange, Maeve trades her life to a ruthless and dangerously alluring rebel leader. Bound to do his bidding, Maeve finds herself thrown into a deadly competition to become the next queen and stand beside a prince rumored to be more brutal than his tyrannical father.
With the isle on the brink of war, trust and survival come at a terrible cost—one that will tear Maeve’s world, and her heart, in two.
What would you sacrifice to survive?
On the mist-shrouded Isle of Eireann, buying magic comes with a price.
But when her beloved older sister is gravely injured, Maeve risks everything to buy the forbidden magic that might save her. In exchange, Maeve trades her life to a ruthless and dangerously alluring rebel leader. Bound to do his bidding, Maeve finds herself thrown into a deadly competition to become the next queen and stand beside a prince rumored to be more brutal than his tyrannical father.
With the isle on the brink of war, trust and survival come at a terrible cost—one that will tear Maeve’s world, and her heart, in two.
What would you sacrifice to survive?
464 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication July 7, 2026
About the author
Amanda Connolly
1 book44 followersAmanda Connolly is the debut author of THE LURE OF WOLVES AND WHISPERS, the darkly addictive and propulsive first book in a new crossover romantasy/dark fantasy series launching on July 7, 2026.
She is also an award-winning Canadian political journalist and editor, and was the 2015 Canada-EU Young Journalist Fellow.
She is a dual citizen of both Canada and Ireland.
She is also an award-winning Canadian political journalist and editor, and was the 2015 Canada-EU Young Journalist Fellow.
She is a dual citizen of both Canada and Ireland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 14, 2026
I did really like this even though it started off a bit slow and I didn’t understand a single thing about the magic but it was surprisingly good!!
May 3, 2026
beautifully written, very atmospheric and I liked Maeve as a MC. It did take a bit longer than I like (about 25% into the book) to really get into it as the pacing felt a bit slow at times but still a lovely Sunday well spent. I did like the chemistry between Maeve and Wolf too.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this earc in exchange of an honest review!
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this earc in exchange of an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A romantasy for fans of Throne of Glass and The Crimson Moth, this first book in an upcoming trilogy delivers on adventure, romance, and courtly intrigue. The Lure of Wolves and Whispers follows 19-year old Maeve, a rebellious teen who risks everything to get a contraband bottle of magic to cure her older sister, Finn, of a deadly infection. In exchange for this magic, which has been banned in the Isle of Eireann, Maeve must pledge her life and allegiance to Wolf, a mysterious figure in charge of leading the rebellion against the High King. The price of this bargain is that Maeve must enter the Assay, a deadly competition for royals competing for the title of Queen, and use her time there to go undercover and assassinate the High King. While Maeve finds herself stuck in an environment where killer courtesans await her at every turn, she also finds her heart torn between the mysterious Wolf, and the Crown Prince, Cash, who may be hiding more secrets than Maeve has been led to believe. The main characters are coded as white, and there are also queer-coded characters in the novel.
I enjoyed this story, and was happy to see that this is the first book in a trilogy! The world of Eireann and its basis in Irish folklore captivated me as a reader, and added so much richness. Although not explicitly stated, the story’s events parallel the British colonization of Ireland, particularly in the draining of the Seven Wells and the outlawing of magic, calling to mind British attempts to assimilate the Irish, which included the suppression of their language and culture. This was a cutthroat world to experience, with severe punishments for individuals who stood against the High King or who were caught using magic, which will definitely attract readers who can handle more mature themes in their stories. The ending was particularly bloody and stressful, introducing the character of the Lady of Shadows, the Queen’s terrifying spymaster who delights in torture and killing.
Along with the high-stakes elements, the romance in the book will also satisfy readers looking for a love story to accompany the book’s intrigue and danger. The love triangle between Maeve, Wolf, and Cash exists, but the pull between Maeve and Wolf is much stronger. Readers who are fans of enemies-to-lovers and slowburn romance will eagerly root for these two as they go from trying to kill one another to fighting their growing feelings. There is a more explicit romantic scene toward the end of the book, so this title would be a good recommendation for teens looking for more mature titles. I really enjoyed the relationship between Maeve and Finn, and how much they were each willing to sacrifice in order to protect the other. I also appreciated how much Maeve placedu an emphasis on Finn eating properly, which I think is an important message to share with readers in a genre where main characters tend to always be either on the thinner side, or not fueling their bodies properly after hours of fighting and training. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
I enjoyed this story, and was happy to see that this is the first book in a trilogy! The world of Eireann and its basis in Irish folklore captivated me as a reader, and added so much richness. Although not explicitly stated, the story’s events parallel the British colonization of Ireland, particularly in the draining of the Seven Wells and the outlawing of magic, calling to mind British attempts to assimilate the Irish, which included the suppression of their language and culture. This was a cutthroat world to experience, with severe punishments for individuals who stood against the High King or who were caught using magic, which will definitely attract readers who can handle more mature themes in their stories. The ending was particularly bloody and stressful, introducing the character of the Lady of Shadows, the Queen’s terrifying spymaster who delights in torture and killing.
Along with the high-stakes elements, the romance in the book will also satisfy readers looking for a love story to accompany the book’s intrigue and danger. The love triangle between Maeve, Wolf, and Cash exists, but the pull between Maeve and Wolf is much stronger. Readers who are fans of enemies-to-lovers and slowburn romance will eagerly root for these two as they go from trying to kill one another to fighting their growing feelings. There is a more explicit romantic scene toward the end of the book, so this title would be a good recommendation for teens looking for more mature titles. I really enjoyed the relationship between Maeve and Finn, and how much they were each willing to sacrifice in order to protect the other. I also appreciated how much Maeve placedu an emphasis on Finn eating properly, which I think is an important message to share with readers in a genre where main characters tend to always be either on the thinner side, or not fueling their bodies properly after hours of fighting and training. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“There is no greater danger than a nation that believes conquest to be the manifestation of destiny.”
Huge thank you to NetGalley, Amanda Connolly, and Hodder & Stoughton for providing this ARC. Some books rely on action to keep you turning pages, but The Lure of Wolves and Whispers hooks you with something much more atmospheric: a dark, cold, and lingering sense of dread. From the brutal executions on Black Quay to the heavy mist choking the city streets, the gothic tone of this world is established immediately. You’re dropped into a place where political fear of the High King is absolute, and survival is a luxury no one takes for granted.
Immersive World-Building
What I appreciated most was how naturally the world-building unfolded. Amanda Connolly avoids the "info-dump" trap, instead weaving the history of the Old Ones, the rebellion, and the Whisperers into the fabric of the narrative. The magic system is particularly well-handled; it starts as something distant and fading, almost a myth, but gradually transforms into something wild, dangerous, and deeply tied to the characters' emotional states.
The settings are incredibly vivid. Whether it’s storm-soaked cliffs, hidden underground tunnels, or ruined castles, the prose makes the environment feel like a character in its own right. There is a constant, simmering tension that makes even the quieter moments feel uneasy.
Believable, Flawed Characters
Maeve is a standout protagonist because she feels so emotionally grounded. Her grief and anger aren't just plot points; they feel human and heavy, especially as the stakes escalate in the final chapters. The themes of loyalty and sacrifice are woven through every relationship in the book, creating dynamics that feel earned and complex.
And then, of course, there’s Wolf. I completely understand the appeal. The romance is a true slow burn, simmering in the background while the darker political and magical elements take center stage. I actually think this worked in the book’s favor; it never distracted from the plot, but instead added a layer of emotional intensity that made the scenes between Maeve and Wolf near the end hit much harder.
Pacing and Tension
If I had one minor critique, it’s that the momentum dipped slightly in the middle. Some of the traveling and transitional scenes felt a bit longer than necessary, slowing down the otherwise tight pacing.
However, the story more than makes up for it in the final act. The closing sections are brutal, high-stakes, and far darker than the opening chapters. The ending leaves just enough emotional fallout and unresolved tension to make me desperate for the next installment.
The Verdict: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.25/5)
“Survival is the only thing that matters now. Surviving together.”
This is a strong atmospheric fantasy with darker edges, emotionally layered characters, slow-burning romance, political tension, and haunting world-building. If you enjoy fantasy stories with morally grey characters, rebellion plots, fading magic, emotional intensity, and a gothic atmosphere, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up and adding it to your shelf.
Huge thank you to NetGalley, Amanda Connolly, and Hodder & Stoughton for providing this ARC. Some books rely on action to keep you turning pages, but The Lure of Wolves and Whispers hooks you with something much more atmospheric: a dark, cold, and lingering sense of dread. From the brutal executions on Black Quay to the heavy mist choking the city streets, the gothic tone of this world is established immediately. You’re dropped into a place where political fear of the High King is absolute, and survival is a luxury no one takes for granted.
Immersive World-Building
What I appreciated most was how naturally the world-building unfolded. Amanda Connolly avoids the "info-dump" trap, instead weaving the history of the Old Ones, the rebellion, and the Whisperers into the fabric of the narrative. The magic system is particularly well-handled; it starts as something distant and fading, almost a myth, but gradually transforms into something wild, dangerous, and deeply tied to the characters' emotional states.
The settings are incredibly vivid. Whether it’s storm-soaked cliffs, hidden underground tunnels, or ruined castles, the prose makes the environment feel like a character in its own right. There is a constant, simmering tension that makes even the quieter moments feel uneasy.
Believable, Flawed Characters
Maeve is a standout protagonist because she feels so emotionally grounded. Her grief and anger aren't just plot points; they feel human and heavy, especially as the stakes escalate in the final chapters. The themes of loyalty and sacrifice are woven through every relationship in the book, creating dynamics that feel earned and complex.
And then, of course, there’s Wolf. I completely understand the appeal. The romance is a true slow burn, simmering in the background while the darker political and magical elements take center stage. I actually think this worked in the book’s favor; it never distracted from the plot, but instead added a layer of emotional intensity that made the scenes between Maeve and Wolf near the end hit much harder.
Pacing and Tension
If I had one minor critique, it’s that the momentum dipped slightly in the middle. Some of the traveling and transitional scenes felt a bit longer than necessary, slowing down the otherwise tight pacing.
However, the story more than makes up for it in the final act. The closing sections are brutal, high-stakes, and far darker than the opening chapters. The ending leaves just enough emotional fallout and unresolved tension to make me desperate for the next installment.
The Verdict: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.25/5)
“Survival is the only thing that matters now. Surviving together.”
This is a strong atmospheric fantasy with darker edges, emotionally layered characters, slow-burning romance, political tension, and haunting world-building. If you enjoy fantasy stories with morally grey characters, rebellion plots, fading magic, emotional intensity, and a gothic atmosphere, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up and adding it to your shelf.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Lure of Wolves and Whispers is a Romantasy novel that hits many of the common beats and tropes of the genre. The story follows Maeve, a commoner who is entered into a serious of trials in order to win the hand of the prince and secretly kill the king. Maeve must work with her bodyguard Talon, her boss slash love interest Wolf, and the many allies she makes along the way. She tries to survive the deadly trials while also discovering the levels of corruption and propaganda of the ruling class.
This book is advertised as a dark romance—I assume because the love interest is a rebel leader?—but, in my opinion, this book does not hit many of the dark romance genre markets. The characters aren’t particularly morally dark; they feel gray at best. The plot focused far more on the trials than any dark elements. I should also note, this book is published as YA in the United States and adult in the UK; this book is not a YA book and should not be grouped in with the YA genre, as it has sexually explicit content.
The story felt repetitive within the genre; I understand that trials are popular, but this felt like it didn’t add anything new or novel. The world building in this book is solid, with a structured divide between the noble class and the common class. The book spends a lot of time talking about the presence or lack of magic, but the magic system itself felt very thin. There are magical wells and also magical objects and also mages who perform magic and somehow magic can be distilled into little vials and given? The character is out of the loop about how magic functions, which means we as the audience are also clueless. However, the main character’s mother was killed over this, and she should have known more. It feels like a plot hole that is never addressed.
The characters in this story were generally engaging, with our main character unsure of the various allegiances of her allies. Many of the characters seem to have questionable loyalty, which made for engaging relationships and storylines. There is one character who makes a decision toward the end of the book that seemed out of character from their initial characterization, and I would have liked a little more explanation from the author.
The pacing for this book moved well, with an action-heavy plot that spent time varying between large trials or events and then rest and recovery between. The romance was explicit, with one scene towards the end of the book lasting about half a chapter in length.
I enjoyed this book, but it was hard to see how it differentiated itself from the many similar books in the genre. It felt like it recycled tropes and plot devices and relationship paradigms in a way that didn’t make me eager to read the book again or continue the series.
Thank you to the publisher for this advanced reader copy!
This book is advertised as a dark romance—I assume because the love interest is a rebel leader?—but, in my opinion, this book does not hit many of the dark romance genre markets. The characters aren’t particularly morally dark; they feel gray at best. The plot focused far more on the trials than any dark elements. I should also note, this book is published as YA in the United States and adult in the UK; this book is not a YA book and should not be grouped in with the YA genre, as it has sexually explicit content.
The story felt repetitive within the genre; I understand that trials are popular, but this felt like it didn’t add anything new or novel. The world building in this book is solid, with a structured divide between the noble class and the common class. The book spends a lot of time talking about the presence or lack of magic, but the magic system itself felt very thin. There are magical wells and also magical objects and also mages who perform magic and somehow magic can be distilled into little vials and given? The character is out of the loop about how magic functions, which means we as the audience are also clueless. However, the main character’s mother was killed over this, and she should have known more. It feels like a plot hole that is never addressed.
The characters in this story were generally engaging, with our main character unsure of the various allegiances of her allies. Many of the characters seem to have questionable loyalty, which made for engaging relationships and storylines. There is one character who makes a decision toward the end of the book that seemed out of character from their initial characterization, and I would have liked a little more explanation from the author.
The pacing for this book moved well, with an action-heavy plot that spent time varying between large trials or events and then rest and recovery between. The romance was explicit, with one scene towards the end of the book lasting about half a chapter in length.
I enjoyed this book, but it was hard to see how it differentiated itself from the many similar books in the genre. It felt like it recycled tropes and plot devices and relationship paradigms in a way that didn’t make me eager to read the book again or continue the series.
Thank you to the publisher for this advanced reader copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an e-ARC of this book through NetGalley from Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing. Thank you to the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this in advance. All thoughts are my own.
I think this ended up being one of those books where the marketing actually worked a little against the reading experience for me. The comparisons to books like Throne of Glass and the whole “darkly addictive romantasy” framing set my expectations in a very specific direction, and unfortunately the story itself never fully reached those heights for me personally.
There are definitely elements here that I think will work very well for a certain audience. The book leans heavily into familiar romantasy staples: deadly trials, dangerous magic, court politics, morally gray attraction, high emotional stakes, and a protagonist willing to risk everything for her sister. It moves quickly, the chapters are very readable, and I can absolutely see readers devouring this in a couple of sittings.
For me, though, it often felt a little too reliant on recognizable romantasy tropes without adding enough variation or depth to make those elements feel fresh. A lot of the story beats became fairly predictable once the setup was established, and at times it reminded me strongly of aspects of Trials of the Sun Queen in both structure and overall reading experience.
I also think the “dark romantasy” label slightly oversold how dark the book actually is. It’s definitely not fluffy or cozy fantasy by any means, but it also never fully commits to the heavier emotional or psychological darkness the marketing seemed to suggest. Instead, it lands somewhere more in the middle: tropey, dramatic, very readable fantasy romance with darker aesthetics layered over it.
Another thing I struggled with a little was the tonal balance. Even though some of the content pushes into adult fantasy territory, the writing itself often read younger to me stylistically, which created a slight disconnect in how I experienced the story overall.
That said, I do think the book has a strong aesthetic identity. The wolves, dark forests, magic, trials, and gothic fantasy atmosphere all create vivid imagery, and I can absolutely understand why readers who enjoy fast-paced romantasy with familiar tropes and emotionally charged relationship dynamics would have a great time with this.
Unfortunately, I personally never became deeply attached either to the romance or to the larger political stakes, which made it harder for the emotional moments to fully land for me.
Overall, while this one didn’t entirely work for me, I think readers who enjoy trope-forward romantasy, deadly competitions, dark fantasy aesthetics, emotionally intense relationships, and very bingeable pacing will likely get much more out of it than I did.
I think this ended up being one of those books where the marketing actually worked a little against the reading experience for me. The comparisons to books like Throne of Glass and the whole “darkly addictive romantasy” framing set my expectations in a very specific direction, and unfortunately the story itself never fully reached those heights for me personally.
There are definitely elements here that I think will work very well for a certain audience. The book leans heavily into familiar romantasy staples: deadly trials, dangerous magic, court politics, morally gray attraction, high emotional stakes, and a protagonist willing to risk everything for her sister. It moves quickly, the chapters are very readable, and I can absolutely see readers devouring this in a couple of sittings.
For me, though, it often felt a little too reliant on recognizable romantasy tropes without adding enough variation or depth to make those elements feel fresh. A lot of the story beats became fairly predictable once the setup was established, and at times it reminded me strongly of aspects of Trials of the Sun Queen in both structure and overall reading experience.
I also think the “dark romantasy” label slightly oversold how dark the book actually is. It’s definitely not fluffy or cozy fantasy by any means, but it also never fully commits to the heavier emotional or psychological darkness the marketing seemed to suggest. Instead, it lands somewhere more in the middle: tropey, dramatic, very readable fantasy romance with darker aesthetics layered over it.
Another thing I struggled with a little was the tonal balance. Even though some of the content pushes into adult fantasy territory, the writing itself often read younger to me stylistically, which created a slight disconnect in how I experienced the story overall.
That said, I do think the book has a strong aesthetic identity. The wolves, dark forests, magic, trials, and gothic fantasy atmosphere all create vivid imagery, and I can absolutely understand why readers who enjoy fast-paced romantasy with familiar tropes and emotionally charged relationship dynamics would have a great time with this.
Unfortunately, I personally never became deeply attached either to the romance or to the larger political stakes, which made it harder for the emotional moments to fully land for me.
Overall, while this one didn’t entirely work for me, I think readers who enjoy trope-forward romantasy, deadly competitions, dark fantasy aesthetics, emotionally intense relationships, and very bingeable pacing will likely get much more out of it than I did.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Lure of Wolves and Whispers is a thrilling dark romantsy that follows the story of a teenage girl who sacrifices everything to buy dangerous magic that can save her sisters life.
If you want to obtain magic on the Isle of Eireann, it will come with a price. When Maeve's older sister is gravely injured, she risks everything to buy the forbidden magic to save her. But in doing so, she must pledge her life to the ruthless yet enticing rebel leader, and do what he asks of her. At his bidding, Maeve finds herself thrown into a deadly competition to become the next queen, and go up against the brutal prince and his tyrannical father. To top it all off, the country is on the brink of war, the royal family is harboring dangerous secrets, and Maeve doesn't know who she can trust. But if she wants to save her sister and ensure her safety, Maeve must risk her life.
This book is filled with fantastic tropes: Enemies to allies to lovers, slow-burn romance, deadly bride competition, a desperate heroin, and a seductive male lover.
Amanda Connolly draws inspiration from Irish lore to create this darkly magical world. Her magic system is intriguing and unique. The "fight-to-the-death" marriage competition packs intensity, court intrigue and politics, girls who are desperate to win, a sinister executioner, and three rounds of delicious competition.
Connolly's writing is intense, propulsive, and seductive. It pulls you in right from the start and keeps your interest throughout the entire story. This story grabs your heart strings as you pull for Maeve to succeed in the competition and latch onto the luscious romance between her and her bewitching ally.
The only aspect of this book I did not like was the excessive use of the "f" word. It feels very jarring each time it is used because it doesn't feel like it fits with the time period and world of the book.
Otherwise, this is an amazing book and I'm looking forward to the sequels!
If you want to obtain magic on the Isle of Eireann, it will come with a price. When Maeve's older sister is gravely injured, she risks everything to buy the forbidden magic to save her. But in doing so, she must pledge her life to the ruthless yet enticing rebel leader, and do what he asks of her. At his bidding, Maeve finds herself thrown into a deadly competition to become the next queen, and go up against the brutal prince and his tyrannical father. To top it all off, the country is on the brink of war, the royal family is harboring dangerous secrets, and Maeve doesn't know who she can trust. But if she wants to save her sister and ensure her safety, Maeve must risk her life.
This book is filled with fantastic tropes: Enemies to allies to lovers, slow-burn romance, deadly bride competition, a desperate heroin, and a seductive male lover.
Amanda Connolly draws inspiration from Irish lore to create this darkly magical world. Her magic system is intriguing and unique. The "fight-to-the-death" marriage competition packs intensity, court intrigue and politics, girls who are desperate to win, a sinister executioner, and three rounds of delicious competition.
Connolly's writing is intense, propulsive, and seductive. It pulls you in right from the start and keeps your interest throughout the entire story. This story grabs your heart strings as you pull for Maeve to succeed in the competition and latch onto the luscious romance between her and her bewitching ally.
The only aspect of this book I did not like was the excessive use of the "f" word. It feels very jarring each time it is used because it doesn't feel like it fits with the time period and world of the book.
Otherwise, this is an amazing book and I'm looking forward to the sequels!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you, NetGalley, Simon & Schuster, and Amanda Connolly for providing an ARC of The Lure of Wolves and Whispers in exchange for an honest review.
The Lure of Wolves and Whispers is set on the Isle of Eireann, a kingdom ruled by a violent, mad King and his cruel Queen. They have outlawed magic, killing anyone suspected (or ousted) of using or selling it. When Maeve’s older sister Finn is injured, Maeve offers her life to the Whisperers (the rebels) in exchange for the magic to cure her. Her life is then thrown into the deadly Assay – trials for the next queen. Maeve is the “peasant” contestant who will face off against the noble contestants. Some characters I thought were well-developed and interesting:
✅ Talon is Maeve’s guard and secretly a member of the Whisperers. They’re secretive like all Whisperers, but they genuinely care about Maeve.
✅ Wolf is the Whisperer Maeve made her deal with. He’s got secrets and scars and a soft spot for Maeve. He also knows his way around the palace like he’s spent time there.
✅ Prince Cashel “Cash” may not be as bloodthirsty as Maeve believed. He and Wolf know each other, but we'd like to trust him even if Wolf doesn't - for good reasons.
*Don’t trust anyone else is the unspoken motto of this book.*
This was really good, but I did guess most of the plot twists. The trials were different, and I liked how Connolly wrote them – much better than others that have come out lately. If you’re looking for a quick read with a bit of yearning and romance splashed amidst death and war, this is for you. Maeve is a well-written FMC; she’s good with knives and knows how to fight, but she doesn’t act like a know-it-all Mary Sue. Connolly does a good job writing Maeve’s voice. I really hope we get a book 2 to see where Maeve and Wolf’s story goes. I also really want to know what Wolf’s real name is. Definitely check out The Lure of Wolves and Whispers when it comes out July 7, 2026!
The Lure of Wolves and Whispers is set on the Isle of Eireann, a kingdom ruled by a violent, mad King and his cruel Queen. They have outlawed magic, killing anyone suspected (or ousted) of using or selling it. When Maeve’s older sister Finn is injured, Maeve offers her life to the Whisperers (the rebels) in exchange for the magic to cure her. Her life is then thrown into the deadly Assay – trials for the next queen. Maeve is the “peasant” contestant who will face off against the noble contestants. Some characters I thought were well-developed and interesting:
✅ Talon is Maeve’s guard and secretly a member of the Whisperers. They’re secretive like all Whisperers, but they genuinely care about Maeve.
✅ Wolf is the Whisperer Maeve made her deal with. He’s got secrets and scars and a soft spot for Maeve. He also knows his way around the palace like he’s spent time there.
✅ Prince Cashel “Cash” may not be as bloodthirsty as Maeve believed. He and Wolf know each other, but we'd like to trust him even if Wolf doesn't - for good reasons.
*Don’t trust anyone else is the unspoken motto of this book.*
This was really good, but I did guess most of the plot twists. The trials were different, and I liked how Connolly wrote them – much better than others that have come out lately. If you’re looking for a quick read with a bit of yearning and romance splashed amidst death and war, this is for you. Maeve is a well-written FMC; she’s good with knives and knows how to fight, but she doesn’t act like a know-it-all Mary Sue. Connolly does a good job writing Maeve’s voice. I really hope we get a book 2 to see where Maeve and Wolf’s story goes. I also really want to know what Wolf’s real name is. Definitely check out The Lure of Wolves and Whispers when it comes out July 7, 2026!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Lure of Wolves and Whispers by Amanda Connolly
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 stars)
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC!
With magic rapidly depleting on the Isle of Éireann, obtaining it comes with a dangerous price. After Maeve’s sister, Finn, is poisoned, Maeve refuses to sit back and watch her die. Desperate for a cure, she strikes a deal with the Whispers and Wolf. In exchange for the antidote, Maeve forfeits her freedom and is thrown into a deadly competition to become the next queen—and assassinate the king.
I love a good YA mage story, and The Lure of Wolves and Whispers absolutely delivered. This was such a thrilling fantasy adventure filled with dangerous politics, hidden motives, and characters who constantly keep you guessing. Not only do you get the broody Wolf, but you also get the savage prince, Cash—and trust me, not everyone is who they seem.
From the moment Maeve makes her bargain with the Whispers and Wolf, you know she’s being used as a pawn in a much larger game. After being taken by the guards and forced into a brutal competition where the prize is the prince’s hand in marriage, Maeve desperately wants to escape. But with the Mages looming over her and the terms of her bargain requiring her to kill the king, she quickly realizes she has very little control over her fate.
Watching Maeve try to keep up with princesses who have trained for these deadly trials their entire lives added so much tension to the story. She’s constantly at a disadvantage, which made her determination and resilience even more compelling to read.
Without giving too much away, this is definitely one of those stories where you can’t trust anyone too easily. Between the betrayals, political schemes, romance, and magic, I was hooked for most of the book and genuinely excited to see where the story goes next.
I will definitely be continuing this trilogy!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 stars)
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC!
With magic rapidly depleting on the Isle of Éireann, obtaining it comes with a dangerous price. After Maeve’s sister, Finn, is poisoned, Maeve refuses to sit back and watch her die. Desperate for a cure, she strikes a deal with the Whispers and Wolf. In exchange for the antidote, Maeve forfeits her freedom and is thrown into a deadly competition to become the next queen—and assassinate the king.
I love a good YA mage story, and The Lure of Wolves and Whispers absolutely delivered. This was such a thrilling fantasy adventure filled with dangerous politics, hidden motives, and characters who constantly keep you guessing. Not only do you get the broody Wolf, but you also get the savage prince, Cash—and trust me, not everyone is who they seem.
From the moment Maeve makes her bargain with the Whispers and Wolf, you know she’s being used as a pawn in a much larger game. After being taken by the guards and forced into a brutal competition where the prize is the prince’s hand in marriage, Maeve desperately wants to escape. But with the Mages looming over her and the terms of her bargain requiring her to kill the king, she quickly realizes she has very little control over her fate.
Watching Maeve try to keep up with princesses who have trained for these deadly trials their entire lives added so much tension to the story. She’s constantly at a disadvantage, which made her determination and resilience even more compelling to read.
Without giving too much away, this is definitely one of those stories where you can’t trust anyone too easily. Between the betrayals, political schemes, romance, and magic, I was hooked for most of the book and genuinely excited to see where the story goes next.
I will definitely be continuing this trilogy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Magic is forbidden in the Isle of Eireann; those who dare to seek it are punished by death. The king is losing himself in madness and violence; his cunning queen makes her own plans in the shadows, and the prince watches as the kingdom further divides. The politics are dangerous, and the upcoming trials seeking a bride for their prince are deadlier. Maeve, a fiercely loyal fighter, risks buying magic to save her sister. Desperate to save her sister, she exchanges her life for the magic in a bargain with a rebel group. After she’s imprisoned, Maeve is thrown into a deadly competition where the winner marries the prince. Maeve attempts to stay alive during the competition while simultaneously trying to accomplish the task that would set her free from the bargain she made to save her sister’s life.
This young adult romantasy story gives solid Throne of Glass vibes! Readers will need to be patient throughout the first half of the book as the world building begins. There’s a lot of lore and politics that play an important role as the story develops. This is a slow-burn romance with tension and longing. The plot contains several stolen moment type scenes but wraps up nicely leading into its sequel. Although the pacing was a bit slower than I usually prefer, it worked well for the story that is being told. If you’re a fan of high fantasy stories full of politics, betrayal, and sacrifices, you’ll enjoy this one.
Overall, this is a moving fantasy story with a romance plot that will make you feel deeply. It’s a story where a fierce heroine refuses to give up, a broken soul struggles to trust again, and a prince attempts to atone for his past.
For readers who enjoyed Throne of Glass, a fearless heroine, deadly politics, and high fantasy.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is an advance reader copy (ARC) and may contain errors or changes before final publication. My review is voluntary and reflects my personal thoughts.
This young adult romantasy story gives solid Throne of Glass vibes! Readers will need to be patient throughout the first half of the book as the world building begins. There’s a lot of lore and politics that play an important role as the story develops. This is a slow-burn romance with tension and longing. The plot contains several stolen moment type scenes but wraps up nicely leading into its sequel. Although the pacing was a bit slower than I usually prefer, it worked well for the story that is being told. If you’re a fan of high fantasy stories full of politics, betrayal, and sacrifices, you’ll enjoy this one.
Overall, this is a moving fantasy story with a romance plot that will make you feel deeply. It’s a story where a fierce heroine refuses to give up, a broken soul struggles to trust again, and a prince attempts to atone for his past.
For readers who enjoyed Throne of Glass, a fearless heroine, deadly politics, and high fantasy.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is an advance reader copy (ARC) and may contain errors or changes before final publication. My review is voluntary and reflects my personal thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
* 3.25 𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓇𝓈, 𝓇𝑜𝓊𝓃𝒹𝑒𝒹 𝒹𝑜𝓌𝓃 *
I’ll be honest, at about 20% into the book I almost dnf’d because it seemed to be too similar to some other popular books I’ve read. The trial of the sun Queen stood out immediately to me and I was having a hard time reading The Lure of Wolves and Whispers without comparing the two.
However, I decided to continue in hopes that it would differentiate itself and I am happy I did. Although this book does have many of the traditional romantasy tropes such as deadly trials, enemies to lovers, found family, political intrigue etc. I do think that it had some uniqueness with the magic system and the ‘wells’. That being said, I wish we were given more information on how the magic works.. it was a little confusing to me at times and I kept thinking it would be explained more but never did.
I enjoyed the writing and I actually liked Maeve as an fmc. The other characters were also done well but I only really cared about Talon. I didn’t have a soft spot for any of the other characters which to me usually indicates that they could have been developed a little more.
I really did not resonate with the romance in the book. I felt like there was not much of a connection between the characters.. it felt forced. When reading a romantasy book this is a huge downfall as I do enjoy the romance just as much as the rest. This did lower my rating of the book overall.
I also thought the trials themselves were rather blah. It says these girls train their whole lives for the trials but then had to sing a song and impressed the Queen.. just felt like more thought could have went into it to make it more exciting.
Overall I did enjoy the book and would recommend for those newer to romantasy but may not be the most unique or enjoyable for those who are a little more versed in the genre.
💗
I’ll be honest, at about 20% into the book I almost dnf’d because it seemed to be too similar to some other popular books I’ve read. The trial of the sun Queen stood out immediately to me and I was having a hard time reading The Lure of Wolves and Whispers without comparing the two.
However, I decided to continue in hopes that it would differentiate itself and I am happy I did. Although this book does have many of the traditional romantasy tropes such as deadly trials, enemies to lovers, found family, political intrigue etc. I do think that it had some uniqueness with the magic system and the ‘wells’. That being said, I wish we were given more information on how the magic works.. it was a little confusing to me at times and I kept thinking it would be explained more but never did.
I enjoyed the writing and I actually liked Maeve as an fmc. The other characters were also done well but I only really cared about Talon. I didn’t have a soft spot for any of the other characters which to me usually indicates that they could have been developed a little more.
I really did not resonate with the romance in the book. I felt like there was not much of a connection between the characters.. it felt forced. When reading a romantasy book this is a huge downfall as I do enjoy the romance just as much as the rest. This did lower my rating of the book overall.
I also thought the trials themselves were rather blah. It says these girls train their whole lives for the trials but then had to sing a song and impressed the Queen.. just felt like more thought could have went into it to make it more exciting.
Overall I did enjoy the book and would recommend for those newer to romantasy but may not be the most unique or enjoyable for those who are a little more versed in the genre.
💗
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an e-ARC of by from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This ended up being a really enjoyable fantasy read for me. It pulled me in with its dark atmosphere, political tension, and the sense that something dangerous was always lurking beneath the surface.
The worldbuilding was immersive without being overwhelming, and I loved the magical elements woven into the story. The mage storyline was easily my favourite part of the book. Every time the plot shifted back to that perspective, I was completely invested. The magic system felt mysterious and layered, and it added so much tension to the overall narrative.
The characters were interesting and flawed in ways that made them feel real. I especially liked watching them navigate loyalty, power, and survival in a world where trust is dangerous. The pacing was mostly steady, though there were a few slower moments where the story took time to build the larger political and magical threads.
The atmosphere is one of the book’s strongest points—dark, a little eerie, and full of secrets. It really leans into that gothic fantasy vibe that keeps you curious about what will happen next.
Tropes/themes I enjoyed:
Court politics
Hidden magic
Secrets and betrayals
Dark fantasy atmosphere
Survival stakes
Interwoven storylines
Overall, this was a solid 4-star read for me. The story kept me engaged, the magic elements were compelling (especially the mage plotline), and the world feels like it still has so much more to explore.
If you enjoy fantasy with political intrigue, mysterious magic, and a darker tone, this one is definitely worth checking out.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC! 📚✨
This ended up being a really enjoyable fantasy read for me. It pulled me in with its dark atmosphere, political tension, and the sense that something dangerous was always lurking beneath the surface.
The worldbuilding was immersive without being overwhelming, and I loved the magical elements woven into the story. The mage storyline was easily my favourite part of the book. Every time the plot shifted back to that perspective, I was completely invested. The magic system felt mysterious and layered, and it added so much tension to the overall narrative.
The characters were interesting and flawed in ways that made them feel real. I especially liked watching them navigate loyalty, power, and survival in a world where trust is dangerous. The pacing was mostly steady, though there were a few slower moments where the story took time to build the larger political and magical threads.
The atmosphere is one of the book’s strongest points—dark, a little eerie, and full of secrets. It really leans into that gothic fantasy vibe that keeps you curious about what will happen next.
Tropes/themes I enjoyed:
Court politics
Hidden magic
Secrets and betrayals
Dark fantasy atmosphere
Survival stakes
Interwoven storylines
Overall, this was a solid 4-star read for me. The story kept me engaged, the magic elements were compelling (especially the mage plotline), and the world feels like it still has so much more to explore.
If you enjoy fantasy with political intrigue, mysterious magic, and a darker tone, this one is definitely worth checking out.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC! 📚✨
May 23, 2026
“Every time I let myself look at you, you’re burning. And it’s getting harder and harder to make myself look away.” ♥️
This book surprised me in the best way. I had no idea what to expect when I started this one and went in blind, but I ended up really enjoying it! It definitely starts out slow and the pacing is sort of like a roller coaster where there are highs and lows. And if you’re not sick of all the books featuring deadly trials nowadays, I think this book is a pretty solid read! It’s book 1 of a planned trilogy and I’m excited to see where things head next.
I liked Maeve as a FMC. She reminded me a lot of Aelin from Throne of Glass because she’s strong, determined, and not afraid to back down from a fight. I feel like so many FMCs these days are whiny and annoying and Meave wasn’t like that at all, so it was refreshing to read.
I also did like her slow burn enemies to allies to lovers romance with Wolf. I am not sure if things are going to turn into any sort of love triangle with her and Wolf and her and Cash (the Prince), but there were very very subtle hints. Deep down though, I don’t think the author is going to take the romance in that direction.
Overall, this was a great dark fantasy book. I enjoyed the writing style and think it was great for a debut! I know it’s being marketed as a blend of dark fantasy/romantasy, but I don’t think the romance played a huge part (at least not yet). It may be more in the forefront of the plot in future books.
Thank you to Simon Teen for the advanced copy! The Lure of Wolves and Whispers releases on July 7, so be sure to check it out!
This book surprised me in the best way. I had no idea what to expect when I started this one and went in blind, but I ended up really enjoying it! It definitely starts out slow and the pacing is sort of like a roller coaster where there are highs and lows. And if you’re not sick of all the books featuring deadly trials nowadays, I think this book is a pretty solid read! It’s book 1 of a planned trilogy and I’m excited to see where things head next.
I liked Maeve as a FMC. She reminded me a lot of Aelin from Throne of Glass because she’s strong, determined, and not afraid to back down from a fight. I feel like so many FMCs these days are whiny and annoying and Meave wasn’t like that at all, so it was refreshing to read.
I also did like her slow burn enemies to allies to lovers romance with Wolf. I am not sure if things are going to turn into any sort of love triangle with her and Wolf and her and Cash (the Prince), but there were very very subtle hints. Deep down though, I don’t think the author is going to take the romance in that direction.
Overall, this was a great dark fantasy book. I enjoyed the writing style and think it was great for a debut! I know it’s being marketed as a blend of dark fantasy/romantasy, but I don’t think the romance played a huge part (at least not yet). It may be more in the forefront of the plot in future books.
Thank you to Simon Teen for the advanced copy! The Lure of Wolves and Whispers releases on July 7, so be sure to check it out!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Amanda Connolly, and Sarah Barley Books / Simon & Schuster for the early advanced reader copy!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Where do I even begin? I originally applied for this ARC because it was being advertised for fans of TOG (it’s me, I’m fans of TOG, hi), and it absolutely delivered. I devoured this book. While this first installment definitely feels like it’s setting the stage for the rest of the trilogy, it never felt slow or overly focused on setup. It really captured that underdog feel for the FMC.
Even though this book uses a trial trope, it was done well and never felt repetitive or dragged out. Speaking of the world building again, I really liked how the author introduced things gradually throughout the story as they became relevant instead of dumping everything on the reader at once. It made the world feel much easier to settle into and kept the story flowing naturally.
My only tiny complaints are that some of the name pronunciations threw me off a little, but honestly that wasn’t even a big deal because I just decided to pronounce them however I wanted in my head. The characters romance could’ve also been developed more throughout the story but I liked this book either way. If it would’ve been a little longer though, it would’ve left room for more relationship development and a little more explanation on the magic system. But either way, I will definitely be continuing this series.
And that ENDING??? It completely took me out. I have genuinely never run so fast to preorder a physical copy after finishing an ARC in my life. I’m already so excited to see what else Amanda Connolly has in store for Maeve and this world.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Where do I even begin? I originally applied for this ARC because it was being advertised for fans of TOG (it’s me, I’m fans of TOG, hi), and it absolutely delivered. I devoured this book. While this first installment definitely feels like it’s setting the stage for the rest of the trilogy, it never felt slow or overly focused on setup. It really captured that underdog feel for the FMC.
Even though this book uses a trial trope, it was done well and never felt repetitive or dragged out. Speaking of the world building again, I really liked how the author introduced things gradually throughout the story as they became relevant instead of dumping everything on the reader at once. It made the world feel much easier to settle into and kept the story flowing naturally.
My only tiny complaints are that some of the name pronunciations threw me off a little, but honestly that wasn’t even a big deal because I just decided to pronounce them however I wanted in my head. The characters romance could’ve also been developed more throughout the story but I liked this book either way. If it would’ve been a little longer though, it would’ve left room for more relationship development and a little more explanation on the magic system. But either way, I will definitely be continuing this series.
And that ENDING??? It completely took me out. I have genuinely never run so fast to preorder a physical copy after finishing an ARC in my life. I’m already so excited to see what else Amanda Connolly has in store for Maeve and this world.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 stars.
A dark, fast-paced and action packed romantasy filled with magic, trials and betrayals.
After Maeves sister is injured she makes a backstreet deal for magic, which is now forbidden, that will save her. Her part of the deal is she must join The Assay, a competition where daughters of noble families fight to the death to be the next High Queen, as a competitor so that she can assassinate the King for the rebels.
This has a lot of the aspects of a romantasy that I love, it kept me on my toes the whole time and I didn’t want to put it down. The trials were fun, albeit a bit gruesome! We have a group of rebels wanting to overthrow the royals because of their suppression of magic and basic necessity’s for the people, and the prince agreeing to work with them as he tells them he wants to take the throne and will make the changes to make things better for the people. The flirting between Maeve and the prince when they first met had me giggling, however the slow burn romance between Maeve and Wolf was so good! I didn’t feel like it dragged at any point, I was on edge the whole time keeping up with it. We had an interesting background story with the Mages and the forbidden magic, as well the oppressed citizen dealing with a harsh monarch and a king who has gone mad.
I loved the ending and I think it’s left an exciting set up for the next book!
- enemies to lovers
- slow burn
- deadly trials
- betrayal
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
A dark, fast-paced and action packed romantasy filled with magic, trials and betrayals.
After Maeves sister is injured she makes a backstreet deal for magic, which is now forbidden, that will save her. Her part of the deal is she must join The Assay, a competition where daughters of noble families fight to the death to be the next High Queen, as a competitor so that she can assassinate the King for the rebels.
This has a lot of the aspects of a romantasy that I love, it kept me on my toes the whole time and I didn’t want to put it down. The trials were fun, albeit a bit gruesome! We have a group of rebels wanting to overthrow the royals because of their suppression of magic and basic necessity’s for the people, and the prince agreeing to work with them as he tells them he wants to take the throne and will make the changes to make things better for the people. The flirting between Maeve and the prince when they first met had me giggling, however the slow burn romance between Maeve and Wolf was so good! I didn’t feel like it dragged at any point, I was on edge the whole time keeping up with it. We had an interesting background story with the Mages and the forbidden magic, as well the oppressed citizen dealing with a harsh monarch and a king who has gone mad.
I loved the ending and I think it’s left an exciting set up for the next book!
- enemies to lovers
- slow burn
- deadly trials
- betrayal
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
If you want those TOG feels again The Lure of Wolves & Whispers is THE book to read.
Immediately, you are transported to the brutal streets of Black Quay, a Dark, gothic, oppressive world. I have to say Amanda has beautifully written emotion into the very bones of this world, from brutal executions to the dark voids and I loved it so so much!!
𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:
On the mist-shrouded Isle of Eireann, buying magic comes with a price.
But when her beloved older sister is gravely injured, Maeve risks everything to buy forbidden magic to save her. In exchange, she trades her life to a ruthless, dangerously alluring rebel leader. Bound to him, she is thrown into a deadly competition to become the next queen.
With the isle on the brink of war, trust and survival come at a terrible cost… one that will tear Maeve’s world, and her heart, in two.
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
Morally grey FMC
Dark romantasy
Slow burn romance
Enemies to lovers
Deadly trials
Political & court intrigue
This book tricked me. I thought I had the plot figured out… I did not! I didn’t think for a second we would be taken on the journey that we went on.
Our FMC, Maeve, is a legend. The emotion and sacrifice within her is the soul of this story. Without it, there is no plot. If you love a strong FMC, you will love her!!
And the enemies to lovers… Wolf & Maeve.
Intriguing. Chaotic. Giving Dorian & Chaol energy.
Every time he shows up, you are left in disarray.
Overall, this is a fast-paced, addictive, emotional read that was so much fun!
Immediately, you are transported to the brutal streets of Black Quay, a Dark, gothic, oppressive world. I have to say Amanda has beautifully written emotion into the very bones of this world, from brutal executions to the dark voids and I loved it so so much!!
𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:
On the mist-shrouded Isle of Eireann, buying magic comes with a price.
But when her beloved older sister is gravely injured, Maeve risks everything to buy forbidden magic to save her. In exchange, she trades her life to a ruthless, dangerously alluring rebel leader. Bound to him, she is thrown into a deadly competition to become the next queen.
With the isle on the brink of war, trust and survival come at a terrible cost… one that will tear Maeve’s world, and her heart, in two.
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
Morally grey FMC
Dark romantasy
Slow burn romance
Enemies to lovers
Deadly trials
Political & court intrigue
This book tricked me. I thought I had the plot figured out… I did not! I didn’t think for a second we would be taken on the journey that we went on.
Our FMC, Maeve, is a legend. The emotion and sacrifice within her is the soul of this story. Without it, there is no plot. If you love a strong FMC, you will love her!!
And the enemies to lovers… Wolf & Maeve.
Intriguing. Chaotic. Giving Dorian & Chaol energy.
Every time he shows up, you are left in disarray.
Overall, this is a fast-paced, addictive, emotional read that was so much fun!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I just finished The Lure of Wolves and Whispers, and I am utterly captivated! 💫 Set on the mysterious, mist-shrouded Isle of Eireann, this novel is a perfect blend of dark magic, fierce bravery, and heart-stopping twists. 🌿🧙♀️
Maeve’s daring choice to buy forbidden magic to save her beloved sister was both heartbreaking and inspiring. 💔🩸 Her journey is filled with bloodshed, death, and revenge, yet she remains fearless, fighting against all odds to bring magic back to her dying world. 🌹🔥
The story is layered with intense love triangles that tug at your heart, making every choice even more agonizing. 💘💔 The rebels are dangerously alluring, and their secrets threaten to tear everything apart. The stakes are high as Maeve is thrown into deadly competitions for the throne, where trust is scarce and betrayal lurks behind every corner. 👑🗡️
Amidst the chaos, the lush imagery of blood-red roses and the haunting whispers of the past add a poetic beauty to this fierce tale. 🌹🕯️ The characters’ passions and the brutal fight for survival make this a truly unforgettable read.
If you love fearless heroines, magic on the brink of extinction, and stories of love and revenge that will keep you turning pages late into the night, his book is an absolute must! 💕✨
Maeve’s daring choice to buy forbidden magic to save her beloved sister was both heartbreaking and inspiring. 💔🩸 Her journey is filled with bloodshed, death, and revenge, yet she remains fearless, fighting against all odds to bring magic back to her dying world. 🌹🔥
The story is layered with intense love triangles that tug at your heart, making every choice even more agonizing. 💘💔 The rebels are dangerously alluring, and their secrets threaten to tear everything apart. The stakes are high as Maeve is thrown into deadly competitions for the throne, where trust is scarce and betrayal lurks behind every corner. 👑🗡️
Amidst the chaos, the lush imagery of blood-red roses and the haunting whispers of the past add a poetic beauty to this fierce tale. 🌹🕯️ The characters’ passions and the brutal fight for survival make this a truly unforgettable read.
If you love fearless heroines, magic on the brink of extinction, and stories of love and revenge that will keep you turning pages late into the night, his book is an absolute must! 💕✨
Did Not Finish
May 11, 2026Thank you so much to Netgalley for providing me with this ARC.
DISCLAIMER: *I did DNF this book at 90% because of the spice content. The following review shows my thoughts about the book up until then.*
The story starts with a bargain: illegal, lifesaving magic in exchange for the freedom of our main character, Maeve. Her new master throws her into the middle of a deadly competition. Everyone else is competing for the hand of the kingdom’s heir. She is there as an assassin.
This was the classic fantasy, and in many ways I liked it, but I have read this story too many times before. While the writing was good and the characters weren’t bad, nothing about the plot was new, unique, or even surprising. I think the author tried to make it “woke” enough that it felt more modern, but it obviously didn’t work as well as she wanted. It wasn’t bland, it was just a taste I’m sick of.
And then there is the reason I had to DNF this book: the spice!! I thought I was safe until at 90 FRICKING PERCENT when the characters started doing things I was not comfortable reading about. Was I sad? Yes! But only because I’m behind on my reading goal and this book would have helped. I could not care less that I missed the ending.
DISCLAIMER: *I did DNF this book at 90% because of the spice content. The following review shows my thoughts about the book up until then.*
The story starts with a bargain: illegal, lifesaving magic in exchange for the freedom of our main character, Maeve. Her new master throws her into the middle of a deadly competition. Everyone else is competing for the hand of the kingdom’s heir. She is there as an assassin.
This was the classic fantasy, and in many ways I liked it, but I have read this story too many times before. While the writing was good and the characters weren’t bad, nothing about the plot was new, unique, or even surprising. I think the author tried to make it “woke” enough that it felt more modern, but it obviously didn’t work as well as she wanted. It wasn’t bland, it was just a taste I’m sick of.
And then there is the reason I had to DNF this book: the spice!! I thought I was safe until at 90 FRICKING PERCENT when the characters started doing things I was not comfortable reading about. Was I sad? Yes! But only because I’m behind on my reading goal and this book would have helped. I could not care less that I missed the ending.
May 20, 2026
“ “You’re the very opposite of a coward, Maeve. You burn. Every time I let myself look at you, you’re burning.” Yearning sears in his fiery green eyes. “And it’s getting harder and harder to make myself look away.” “
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! Super excited to be able to read this one early and provide my honest thoughts.
3.5 - 4 Stars
At first, I wasn’t sure about the premise of this book but I feel like around the 15% percent mark- I got invested. The story is interesting, familiar yet unique. Maeve is strong in her own way and I appreciated that she was stellar at everything she did but that she tried her best. Wolf is an interesting character and I liked their push and pull dynamic. I do think they could’ve gone longer with the yearning but I don’t feel like it was out of place for them to end up where they did. The last part of the book was a whirlwind of twists and turns and my brain never registered that this was a series until I read the 10%. Overall, this was a nice change of pace to the romantasy genre. It’s definitely more on the medieval, gothic romance side with some magic sprinkled in but the magic isn’t the entire plot and there are plenty of other pieces going.
I look forward to seeing how this series continues.
“This is not how our story ends.“
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! Super excited to be able to read this one early and provide my honest thoughts.
3.5 - 4 Stars
At first, I wasn’t sure about the premise of this book but I feel like around the 15% percent mark- I got invested. The story is interesting, familiar yet unique. Maeve is strong in her own way and I appreciated that she was stellar at everything she did but that she tried her best. Wolf is an interesting character and I liked their push and pull dynamic. I do think they could’ve gone longer with the yearning but I don’t feel like it was out of place for them to end up where they did. The last part of the book was a whirlwind of twists and turns and my brain never registered that this was a series until I read the 10%. Overall, this was a nice change of pace to the romantasy genre. It’s definitely more on the medieval, gothic romance side with some magic sprinkled in but the magic isn’t the entire plot and there are plenty of other pieces going.
I look forward to seeing how this series continues.
“This is not how our story ends.“
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was just okay for me. It leans heavily on a lot of familiar romantasy tropes, and while that isn’t always a bad thing, nothing here really felt fresh or memorable.
The writing itself was fine, though the beginning felt a bit repetitive as the world and political structure were introduced.
The magic system in particular left me a bit confused. We’re told it exists through wells and used from vials and that it’s been banished from the region by the king & queen, which drives the main political conflict, but it never really gets explained in a satisfying way. I kept waiting for more depth that never quite came.
The first trial also didn’t land for me. Tasks like making a flower crown or singing didn’t really feel like they proved cunning or skill, so the stakes felt low right from the start. And even though the main task was literally a matter of life and death, I never got fully invested.
I also struggled to connect with the romance. I didn’t feel much chemistry between the characters, which made it hard to root for their relationship.
Overall, I didn’t mind reading this book, but it’s not a story that will stick with me for long.
The writing itself was fine, though the beginning felt a bit repetitive as the world and political structure were introduced.
The magic system in particular left me a bit confused. We’re told it exists through wells and used from vials and that it’s been banished from the region by the king & queen, which drives the main political conflict, but it never really gets explained in a satisfying way. I kept waiting for more depth that never quite came.
The first trial also didn’t land for me. Tasks like making a flower crown or singing didn’t really feel like they proved cunning or skill, so the stakes felt low right from the start. And even though the main task was literally a matter of life and death, I never got fully invested.
I also struggled to connect with the romance. I didn’t feel much chemistry between the characters, which made it hard to root for their relationship.
Overall, I didn’t mind reading this book, but it’s not a story that will stick with me for long.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I found The Lure of Wolves and Whisper to be a darkly addictive romantasy debut packed with high stakes magic, political tension, and a slow burn enemies to lovers romance.
As a first time reader of Amanda Connolly, I was immediately drawn into the mist shrouded Isle of Eireann, where buying magic comes at a brutal cost. Maeve’s sacrifice to save her sister set the emotional foundation for a story driven by desperation, ambition, and survival.
This fantasy trilogy opener delivers beloved tropes…. enemies to lovers, a morally grey FMC, deadly trials, and a simmering slow burn romance with a dangerously alluring rebel leader. The looming threat of war and ruthless competition for the crown kept the stakes consistently high.
Fans of The Foxglove King and Throne of Glass will enjoy the blend of dark magic, court intrigue, and romantic tension.
A compelling and confident romantasy debut that sets up an exciting trilogy ahead.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
As a first time reader of Amanda Connolly, I was immediately drawn into the mist shrouded Isle of Eireann, where buying magic comes at a brutal cost. Maeve’s sacrifice to save her sister set the emotional foundation for a story driven by desperation, ambition, and survival.
This fantasy trilogy opener delivers beloved tropes…. enemies to lovers, a morally grey FMC, deadly trials, and a simmering slow burn romance with a dangerously alluring rebel leader. The looming threat of war and ruthless competition for the crown kept the stakes consistently high.
Fans of The Foxglove King and Throne of Glass will enjoy the blend of dark magic, court intrigue, and romantic tension.
A compelling and confident romantasy debut that sets up an exciting trilogy ahead.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’ll be honest : this is a classic romantasy featuring deadly trials and court politics. However, what really surprised me was the writing. With each chapter, I was eager to find out what would happen next to the FMC, Maeve. She’s a strong and compelling young woman and I truly enjoyed following her journey.
Wolf, on the other hand, felt more like a typical MMC. I was curious to learn more about him but his presence was quite limited throughout the story, aside from the ending. I was actually more interested in the prince, to be honest.
I was a bit disappointed by the romance. It felt more like insta-lust than a true enemies-to-lovers dynamic. And personally, I wouldn’t describe it as a slow-burn romance, especially considering this is only the first book in a trilogy.
That being said, I’m still interested in reading the sequel, particularly because of the magic system, which shows a lot of promise.
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton, Amanda Connolly and NetGalley for providing this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Wolf, on the other hand, felt more like a typical MMC. I was curious to learn more about him but his presence was quite limited throughout the story, aside from the ending. I was actually more interested in the prince, to be honest.
I was a bit disappointed by the romance. It felt more like insta-lust than a true enemies-to-lovers dynamic. And personally, I wouldn’t describe it as a slow-burn romance, especially considering this is only the first book in a trilogy.
That being said, I’m still interested in reading the sequel, particularly because of the magic system, which shows a lot of promise.
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton, Amanda Connolly and NetGalley for providing this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I recommend this book if you:
❇️love slow burn romances with mutual pining and denial of feelings and sharing feelings between characters. I love this, for me it makes it the passionate moments feel so rewarding.
❇️ enjoy dark and moody fantasies set in gothic and atmospheric worlds. I am so intrigued by the lore and magic system of this world.
❇️ enjoy characters who are flawed and torn between their morals and what is needed to be done to survive.
My favorite aspect of this book would have to be Maeve. She felt so compelling; she was flawed, headstrong, selfless, and bold. Her love of her sister and her kindness towards those scorned by nobility was admirable. I thoroughly enjoyed her journey learning that trust and loyalty should be earned and the power in being vulnerable.
I am definitely going to be continuing the series. I am very interested in how the world and magic system will be explored in this series. I am also invested in the romance. I definitely thought I knew where this book was going, but I was surprised by the twists that I didn’t predict.
❇️love slow burn romances with mutual pining and denial of feelings and sharing feelings between characters. I love this, for me it makes it the passionate moments feel so rewarding.
❇️ enjoy dark and moody fantasies set in gothic and atmospheric worlds. I am so intrigued by the lore and magic system of this world.
❇️ enjoy characters who are flawed and torn between their morals and what is needed to be done to survive.
My favorite aspect of this book would have to be Maeve. She felt so compelling; she was flawed, headstrong, selfless, and bold. Her love of her sister and her kindness towards those scorned by nobility was admirable. I thoroughly enjoyed her journey learning that trust and loyalty should be earned and the power in being vulnerable.
I am definitely going to be continuing the series. I am very interested in how the world and magic system will be explored in this series. I am also invested in the romance. I definitely thought I knew where this book was going, but I was surprised by the twists that I didn’t predict.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC.
Overall this story felt fairly repetitive from other books but that didn't make it bad just I pretty much could guess how it would go. I can safely say I still don't fully understand the magic system in this book. But to be fair the FMC, Maeve, doesn't really either so that might be by design. Maeve and Wolf, the MMC, do start a romance towards the end of the book but it is not the sole focus of the book itself, nor does it distract from the plot. As this is the first book in a series I would expect to see their relationship flush out. I also hope to learn more about the magic system. Prince Cashel is an interesting character. I want to learn more about him and his relationship with Wolf. I feel he is hiding some secretes of his own that I hope we get to explore later and I want to learn more about the woman he lost.
Overall a solid book and I will be on the lookout for the rest of the series in the future.
Overall this story felt fairly repetitive from other books but that didn't make it bad just I pretty much could guess how it would go. I can safely say I still don't fully understand the magic system in this book. But to be fair the FMC, Maeve, doesn't really either so that might be by design. Maeve and Wolf, the MMC, do start a romance towards the end of the book but it is not the sole focus of the book itself, nor does it distract from the plot. As this is the first book in a series I would expect to see their relationship flush out. I also hope to learn more about the magic system. Prince Cashel is an interesting character. I want to learn more about him and his relationship with Wolf. I feel he is hiding some secretes of his own that I hope we get to explore later and I want to learn more about the woman he lost.
Overall a solid book and I will be on the lookout for the rest of the series in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I really enjoyed The Lure of Wolves and Whispers, especially for its atmosphere and overall tone. It has a darker, slightly gothic feel that pulled me in, with this constant sense that something dangerous is just beneath the surface.
The world building was immersive without being overwhelming, and I liked how the magic slowly unfolded throughout the story. It starts off quite subtle, but builds more as you go which kept me interested.
The characters felt real and flawed, and I loved the themes of power, loyalty and survival woven through it. The romance is a slow burn and sits more in the background, but it still adds tension without taking over.
The pacing wasn’t perfect at times, there were a few slower moments and parts that dragged a little, but overall I still found it really engaging.
Overall, a strong atmospheric fantasy with a darker edge and I’m definitely interested to see where it goes next.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I really enjoyed The Lure of Wolves and Whispers, especially for its atmosphere and overall tone. It has a darker, slightly gothic feel that pulled me in, with this constant sense that something dangerous is just beneath the surface.
The world building was immersive without being overwhelming, and I liked how the magic slowly unfolded throughout the story. It starts off quite subtle, but builds more as you go which kept me interested.
The characters felt real and flawed, and I loved the themes of power, loyalty and survival woven through it. The romance is a slow burn and sits more in the background, but it still adds tension without taking over.
The pacing wasn’t perfect at times, there were a few slower moments and parts that dragged a little, but overall I still found it really engaging.
Overall, a strong atmospheric fantasy with a darker edge and I’m definitely interested to see where it goes next.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Net gallery and the Author Amanda Connolly, for an eARC.... it would have been better to be able to download it onto my kobo, to read on my phone was difficult as i couldnt change the writing size...
Beautifully written romantasy. It was very long to get into the story. I did struggle a little but kept on with the book. I did find it hard to keep up with the central romance. I didn’t fully feel the chemistry between Maeve and Wolf, which made it harder to stay invested in their relationship and story.
The story had a darker feel to it almost Gothic like. The theme throughout, Court politics, Hidden magic, Secrets and betrayals, Dark fantasy atmosphere, Survival stakes, Interwoven storylines.
Over all a 3.5 ⭐️ for me as it felt a little too generic fantasy book. Over all I am glad I kept persevering, and read the book. It was more enjoyable toward the half way mark and felt the story got better.
Beautifully written romantasy. It was very long to get into the story. I did struggle a little but kept on with the book. I did find it hard to keep up with the central romance. I didn’t fully feel the chemistry between Maeve and Wolf, which made it harder to stay invested in their relationship and story.
The story had a darker feel to it almost Gothic like. The theme throughout, Court politics, Hidden magic, Secrets and betrayals, Dark fantasy atmosphere, Survival stakes, Interwoven storylines.
Over all a 3.5 ⭐️ for me as it felt a little too generic fantasy book. Over all I am glad I kept persevering, and read the book. It was more enjoyable toward the half way mark and felt the story got better.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The best thing a book can do for me is pull me in from the very beginning. I'm sure many others feel the same and its always nice to read a book that does just that. The author did a fantastic world building and with character introduction. I enjoy when its not all just dumped on the reader at once. This book goes a great job of telling you what you need to know in organic ways that compliments the story the author is trying to tell. It keeps you reading to learn more.
Currently as a I am writing this part of the review for this advance reader copy (thank you by the way!) I am just about at the half way point. I typically wait till I'm completely done a book before writing my reviews however, I really wanted to comment on how the Author knows exactly how to make you feel what they want you to feel. Which is no easy feet to do on your very first book.
I enjoyed getting to know the characters the set up for the story was spectacular and I cannot wait till book 2 is released
Currently as a I am writing this part of the review for this advance reader copy (thank you by the way!) I am just about at the half way point. I typically wait till I'm completely done a book before writing my reviews however, I really wanted to comment on how the Author knows exactly how to make you feel what they want you to feel. Which is no easy feet to do on your very first book.
I enjoyed getting to know the characters the set up for the story was spectacular and I cannot wait till book 2 is released
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley.
I will start by saying this book was not necessarily for me, however the writing was well done. It had a lot of world building, it was difficult to get into. I tend to enjoy books where it feels like you fall right into the story, this was not that. If you are a fan of world building, I think you would like this book! I found it took about the first 20% before I felt like I was vibing with the story. I felt some of the world building was repetitive, while also leaving quite a bit out.
I would call this fantasy with a minimal romance subplot. It's not a slow burn, more like a 'no burn'. There was no tension, no yearning. The romance was a small add on to the fantasy storyline.
The last 20% of the book was very exciting, there was a lot of action, a lot going on. I really enjoyed the ending of the book. I didn't realize it was part of an unfinished series. The ending definitely has you wondering what will happen next.
I will start by saying this book was not necessarily for me, however the writing was well done. It had a lot of world building, it was difficult to get into. I tend to enjoy books where it feels like you fall right into the story, this was not that. If you are a fan of world building, I think you would like this book! I found it took about the first 20% before I felt like I was vibing with the story. I felt some of the world building was repetitive, while also leaving quite a bit out.
I would call this fantasy with a minimal romance subplot. It's not a slow burn, more like a 'no burn'. There was no tension, no yearning. The romance was a small add on to the fantasy storyline.
The last 20% of the book was very exciting, there was a lot of action, a lot going on. I really enjoyed the ending of the book. I didn't realize it was part of an unfinished series. The ending definitely has you wondering what will happen next.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I regret forcing myself to see this book through. I should have just given up as it never gets better. I was intrigued by the concept and the beginning seemed promising until it went downhill. I usually enjoy the concept of trials as they up the intensity of the pacing but that is very much not the case here. There is also zero romance to be found. It was aggravating to have almost every page include a side character constantly referred to as they. This character also kills an innocent person to setup their first meeting with the heroine and she just instinctively knows they are a they and after having killed again an innocent person that’s obviously important to respect [insert eye roll]. I was bored and had to force myself to finish this. I definitely will not be reading the next book in this series and this book ends on a cliffhanger. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Very romantasy trope-y, so if that's what you're looking for, you'll definitely enjoy The Lure of Wolves and Whispers.
My initial concern, though, is the rating of the book. It reads more like a typical new adult fantasy story. Murder, sex, torture. Nothing wrong with the subjects, but I don't think it's something I'd expect to read in something marked as YA. Other than that, I enjoyed the book.
The pacing was phenomenal, and I understood the characters and their missions clearly. The plot moved at a steady pace for me, other than the romance. That felt more like it was an instant attraction rather than a slow burn, but I think that's just common now. A deeper emotional connection would've been more gratifying imo.
My final rating though is 4/5 because I did enjoy the book despite my thoughts on the rating
My initial concern, though, is the rating of the book. It reads more like a typical new adult fantasy story. Murder, sex, torture. Nothing wrong with the subjects, but I don't think it's something I'd expect to read in something marked as YA. Other than that, I enjoyed the book.
The pacing was phenomenal, and I understood the characters and their missions clearly. The plot moved at a steady pace for me, other than the romance. That felt more like it was an instant attraction rather than a slow burn, but I think that's just common now. A deeper emotional connection would've been more gratifying imo.
My final rating though is 4/5 because I did enjoy the book despite my thoughts on the rating
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