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The Age of Silence #1
Red Does Not Forget
In the fractured realm of Aeltheris, where magic is forbidden, Princess Evelyne of Edrathen has been trained to be a statue—graceful, unmoving, perfect. A symbol. Her wedding to Prince Alaric of Varantia is meant to unite kingdoms, bury the blood-soaked past, and seal her fate as a living monument to peace.
But nothing is as it seems.
In the heart of the palace, ritual and power entwine like thread through velvet. Prophecies lie shattered beneath marble altars. Blood symbols bloom behind chapel walls. And beneath it all, a deeper magic pulses. Forgotten, divine, and furious.
As Evelyne uncovers the cracks beneath her kingdom’s perfection, she must decide what kind of woman she wants to the silent bride in the tower… or the storm that breaks it.
Set in a world of moonlight rituals, forbidden magic, and the quiet rage of women forced to smile through their own undoing, The Age of Red Does Not Forget is a story of survival, reclamation, and the cost of becoming whole in a kingdom that fears wholeness.
This is not a story about a woman marrying a prince.
It’s about a girl surviving a system that wants to silence her—and choosing, slowly, painfully, to speak.
To live.
For readers of slow-burn fantasy romance, myth-laced intrigue, and epic tales where love cuts as deeply as dagger.
But nothing is as it seems.
In the heart of the palace, ritual and power entwine like thread through velvet. Prophecies lie shattered beneath marble altars. Blood symbols bloom behind chapel walls. And beneath it all, a deeper magic pulses. Forgotten, divine, and furious.
As Evelyne uncovers the cracks beneath her kingdom’s perfection, she must decide what kind of woman she wants to the silent bride in the tower… or the storm that breaks it.
Set in a world of moonlight rituals, forbidden magic, and the quiet rage of women forced to smile through their own undoing, The Age of Red Does Not Forget is a story of survival, reclamation, and the cost of becoming whole in a kingdom that fears wholeness.
This is not a story about a woman marrying a prince.
It’s about a girl surviving a system that wants to silence her—and choosing, slowly, painfully, to speak.
To live.
For readers of slow-burn fantasy romance, myth-laced intrigue, and epic tales where love cuts as deeply as dagger.
533 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 9, 2026
About the author
Anette Marcelle
1 book22 followersA writer drawn to the quiet power of emotion, legacy, and rebellion. My stories live at the crossroads of beauty and brutality, exploring what it means to survive, to remember, and to choose truth in a world built on silence. I write character-driven fantasy with sharp political undercurrents, slow-burn tension, and magic that always comes at a cost. Whether it's through serialized chapters, narrative essays, or lore-rich glimpses into fictional realms.
When I’m not building fictional kingdoms, I’m probably drinking too much coffee, overthinking character arcs, or wandering into bookstores "just to look." I write for readers who love emotional tension, layered characters, and the ache of a truth just barely spoken. Welcome—I’m glad you’re here.
When I’m not building fictional kingdoms, I’m probably drinking too much coffee, overthinking character arcs, or wandering into bookstores "just to look." I write for readers who love emotional tension, layered characters, and the ache of a truth just barely spoken. Welcome—I’m glad you’re here.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 2, 2026
Okay wait… why is no one talking about this one??!!
I went into it with pretty normal expectations and ended up being fully invested. The religious and political stuff is woven in really well. It is the main focus of the story BUT it is done in a way that is easy to understand and interesting. It just makes the world feel real. The magic system is what really pulled me in though. It’s forbidden (there are cults), which automatically makes everything more interesting, and there’s this steady mystery tied to it that unravels slowly. You’re not given all the answers right away, and I actually loved that. Figuring things out alongside the characters made it feel more immersive.
Evelyn is such a breath of fresh air. She’s not out here sword fighting or discovering she’s secretly the most powerful person alive. She’s just smart. She listens. She observes. She thinks before she speaks. Her strength is quiet but solid, and I loved that. I feel like a lot of fantasy lately equates strong FMC with physical strength, and this was the total opposite. She holds her own in a room without ever picking up a weapon, and it just felt… different in a good way.
And the romance? Slow. So slow. Like they don’t even hold hands until basically the end. Watching Evelyn and Alaric slowly get to know each other felt intentional and real. No insta-love, no dramatic declarations five chapters in. He’s not morally gray or toxic either. He’s just trying to figure out the truth, and love kind of grows naturally in the middle of all of that. It felt soft and earned. It was just really romantic and relatable!
The side characters were also really fun. Cedric and Thalen bring some chaos and banter, which helps balance the heavier themes. And Vessena absolutely gives protective, slightly grumpy older sister energy. They added some lightness that the story needed.
And that ending?? I was not prepared. It definitely raised the stakes and didn’t tie everything up in a neat little bow, which I actually respect. I love it when authors are willing to leave things messy.
Overall, it just felt more original than a lot of the bigger fantasy books I’ve read lately. I had such a good time with it, and I’m 100% picking up the next one. More people need to read this so I can talk to someone about it!
I went into it with pretty normal expectations and ended up being fully invested. The religious and political stuff is woven in really well. It is the main focus of the story BUT it is done in a way that is easy to understand and interesting. It just makes the world feel real. The magic system is what really pulled me in though. It’s forbidden (there are cults), which automatically makes everything more interesting, and there’s this steady mystery tied to it that unravels slowly. You’re not given all the answers right away, and I actually loved that. Figuring things out alongside the characters made it feel more immersive.
Evelyn is such a breath of fresh air. She’s not out here sword fighting or discovering she’s secretly the most powerful person alive. She’s just smart. She listens. She observes. She thinks before she speaks. Her strength is quiet but solid, and I loved that. I feel like a lot of fantasy lately equates strong FMC with physical strength, and this was the total opposite. She holds her own in a room without ever picking up a weapon, and it just felt… different in a good way.
And the romance? Slow. So slow. Like they don’t even hold hands until basically the end. Watching Evelyn and Alaric slowly get to know each other felt intentional and real. No insta-love, no dramatic declarations five chapters in. He’s not morally gray or toxic either. He’s just trying to figure out the truth, and love kind of grows naturally in the middle of all of that. It felt soft and earned. It was just really romantic and relatable!
The side characters were also really fun. Cedric and Thalen bring some chaos and banter, which helps balance the heavier themes. And Vessena absolutely gives protective, slightly grumpy older sister energy. They added some lightness that the story needed.
And that ending?? I was not prepared. It definitely raised the stakes and didn’t tie everything up in a neat little bow, which I actually respect. I love it when authors are willing to leave things messy.
Overall, it just felt more original than a lot of the bigger fantasy books I’ve read lately. I had such a good time with it, and I’m 100% picking up the next one. More people need to read this so I can talk to someone about it!
March 4, 2026
I don’t think I’ve ever read anything like this. This book is art. It feels like art. And it deserves all the attention. It’s not something easy to put into neat little boxes, and it genuinely blew my mind.
I wouldn’t call it your typical fantasy or romantasy. For classic fantasy readers, it might feel too character-driven and too “romantic.” For romantasy readers, it might feel too slow in the romance department and too expansive when it comes to worldbuilding and mystery. It sits somewhere in between, but also outside both categories. And honestly? This is the kind of indie-published book that convinced me the author wrote it for herself, not for trends or popular tropes.
You want originality? Here’s your recommendation.
Now, let’s break down the key elements:
Writing style: deeply lyrical. Full of symbolism and metaphors. The style shifts depending on the POV, which I loved. The dialogues are sharp and meaningful, sometimes delivering genuinely top-tier banter. It can feel heavy at times, but in my opinion, that heaviness serves the story.
Characters: pleasantly complex. No one feels mishandled. There are no sudden personality shifts, no rushed resolutions. Each character arc is carefully built, and any change takes time.
Plot: for me, this first installment reads more like a fantasy mystery. It’s slow-paced and doesn’t rely on emotional rollercoasters. That is… until the ending. The final chapters hit hard emotionally, and you might need a moment to recover.
Worldbuilding: painstakingly crafted. It feels like the author spent a massive amount of time researching. The elements that feel “inspired by” are executed with care and accuracy. The complexity of the world reminded me of Westeros from Game of Thrones and, to a lesser degree, Middle-earth from The Lord of the Rings. In that sense, I think this book would strongly appeal to dedicated fantasy readers.
Romantic subplot: I wouldn’t label this as typical romantasy. Yes, there is a soft romance here, but anyone looking for something smutty-spicy-in-between will likely be disappointed. This is an arranged-marriage bond that takes real time to develop. For now, it’s more about a growing friendship between two guarded people who don’t trust easily and need proximity to slowly soften toward each other. No insta-lust. Just a very, veeeeeeeeeery tormentic slow burn.
Overall? My genuine congratulations to the author. This feels like a masterpiece to me.
(Yes, it took me a while to finish. ADHD and layered prose are not always the easiest combination. That’s on me, not the book. I’m only mentioning it because some readers might find the pace demanding, and it’s better to know that going in.)
I wouldn’t call it your typical fantasy or romantasy. For classic fantasy readers, it might feel too character-driven and too “romantic.” For romantasy readers, it might feel too slow in the romance department and too expansive when it comes to worldbuilding and mystery. It sits somewhere in between, but also outside both categories. And honestly? This is the kind of indie-published book that convinced me the author wrote it for herself, not for trends or popular tropes.
You want originality? Here’s your recommendation.
Now, let’s break down the key elements:
Writing style: deeply lyrical. Full of symbolism and metaphors. The style shifts depending on the POV, which I loved. The dialogues are sharp and meaningful, sometimes delivering genuinely top-tier banter. It can feel heavy at times, but in my opinion, that heaviness serves the story.
Characters: pleasantly complex. No one feels mishandled. There are no sudden personality shifts, no rushed resolutions. Each character arc is carefully built, and any change takes time.
Plot: for me, this first installment reads more like a fantasy mystery. It’s slow-paced and doesn’t rely on emotional rollercoasters. That is… until the ending. The final chapters hit hard emotionally, and you might need a moment to recover.
Worldbuilding: painstakingly crafted. It feels like the author spent a massive amount of time researching. The elements that feel “inspired by” are executed with care and accuracy. The complexity of the world reminded me of Westeros from Game of Thrones and, to a lesser degree, Middle-earth from The Lord of the Rings. In that sense, I think this book would strongly appeal to dedicated fantasy readers.
Romantic subplot: I wouldn’t label this as typical romantasy. Yes, there is a soft romance here, but anyone looking for something smutty-spicy-in-between will likely be disappointed. This is an arranged-marriage bond that takes real time to develop. For now, it’s more about a growing friendship between two guarded people who don’t trust easily and need proximity to slowly soften toward each other. No insta-lust. Just a very, veeeeeeeeeery tormentic slow burn.
Overall? My genuine congratulations to the author. This feels like a masterpiece to me.
(Yes, it took me a while to finish. ADHD and layered prose are not always the easiest combination. That’s on me, not the book. I’m only mentioning it because some readers might find the pace demanding, and it’s better to know that going in.)
January 11, 2026
This review is based on an advance reader copy kindly provided by the author.
I will be frank — I often struggle with fantasy novels aimed primarily at a female audience. Too often, they lean heavily toward emotional or romantic elements, while the world-building feels secondary or even neglected.
That said, there are authors such as Robin Hobb or Leigh Bardugo who manage to craft truly complete fantasy worlds — rich in both character and setting. I believe Anette has the potential to join this group with her Age of Silence series.
What impressed me most was the language and prose. This is not another “easy-to-read, Wattpad-style” story, but a carefully structured and thoughtfully written novel. The writing is poetic, elegant, and deeply immersive.
The characters are another strong point. They are far from perfect — flawed, complex, and entirely human. They are not the trendy “morally grey” types who are portrayed as terrible yet secretly kind-hearted. Instead, they think and act in their own ways, sometimes failing to understand others, often guided by good intentions mixed with a touch of egoism. They feel real — not idealized or romanticized.
If you are expecting a typical charming male lead — intelligent yet rugged, strong but sensitive, the perfect blend of alpha and sigma — you will not find that here. Instead, the male protagonist is authentically human: imperfect, believable, and refreshingly grounded.
In terms of plot, it is clear that the author envisions something grand and long-term. The pacing is deliberate, with the story unfolding gradually as new information and settings are revealed. At the same time, it is evident that Red Does Not Forget functions as a kind of prologue — an introduction to the world and its main characters, with the major mysteries still to come.
This structure may test the reader’s patience at times, but I am confident that the payoff will be worthwhile.
I will be frank — I often struggle with fantasy novels aimed primarily at a female audience. Too often, they lean heavily toward emotional or romantic elements, while the world-building feels secondary or even neglected.
That said, there are authors such as Robin Hobb or Leigh Bardugo who manage to craft truly complete fantasy worlds — rich in both character and setting. I believe Anette has the potential to join this group with her Age of Silence series.
What impressed me most was the language and prose. This is not another “easy-to-read, Wattpad-style” story, but a carefully structured and thoughtfully written novel. The writing is poetic, elegant, and deeply immersive.
The characters are another strong point. They are far from perfect — flawed, complex, and entirely human. They are not the trendy “morally grey” types who are portrayed as terrible yet secretly kind-hearted. Instead, they think and act in their own ways, sometimes failing to understand others, often guided by good intentions mixed with a touch of egoism. They feel real — not idealized or romanticized.
If you are expecting a typical charming male lead — intelligent yet rugged, strong but sensitive, the perfect blend of alpha and sigma — you will not find that here. Instead, the male protagonist is authentically human: imperfect, believable, and refreshingly grounded.
In terms of plot, it is clear that the author envisions something grand and long-term. The pacing is deliberate, with the story unfolding gradually as new information and settings are revealed. At the same time, it is evident that Red Does Not Forget functions as a kind of prologue — an introduction to the world and its main characters, with the major mysteries still to come.
This structure may test the reader’s patience at times, but I am confident that the payoff will be worthwhile.
January 9, 2026
Where do I begin? First book of 2026 and I had the pleasure of reading this (Thank you Anette and her team for the advance copy) early and I couldn’t have picked a better book to start the year off!
I will say it did start a bit slow for me BUT listen Thalen carried this book then Cedric and Vessena. And by 60% of the book the banter got juicier, the tension was suffocating and oh my goodness… You Ms Anette have outdone yourself!
Our MMC, Alaric is refreshing because instead of brute force, he geeked out about ancient scrolls and we like a beautiful brainiac!
I cannot wait for book two because at this point everybody guilty until otherwise proven innocence!
I will say it did start a bit slow for me BUT listen Thalen carried this book then Cedric and Vessena. And by 60% of the book the banter got juicier, the tension was suffocating and oh my goodness… You Ms Anette have outdone yourself!
Our MMC, Alaric is refreshing because instead of brute force, he geeked out about ancient scrolls and we like a beautiful brainiac!
I cannot wait for book two because at this point everybody guilty until otherwise proven innocence!
Review of advance copy received from Author
the emotional whiplash I have experienced is traumatizing. however, I will say this WILL be in my top 5 books of 2026. Red Does Not Forget sucked me in from the very beginning and I needed to know what happened next immediately after finishing everything chapter. Anette is my auto read authors from here on out and I cant wait for more people to discover this book.
If I could read one book for the rest of my life, it would be Red Does Not Forget. i loved Alaric, the male main character and I saw myself in Evelyne a lot. she is one of my top FMC and I cant wait visit her world more. 💗
If I could read one book for the rest of my life, it would be Red Does Not Forget. i loved Alaric, the male main character and I saw myself in Evelyne a lot. she is one of my top FMC and I cant wait visit her world more. 💗
February 25, 2026
I came across this one while scrolling (as one does) and was immediately intrigued. I'm so glad I decided to give it a try because it did not disappoint, I was hooked at the first chapter
Bridgerton-esque meets fantasy with a dash of romance, we follow Princess Evelyne while she navigates a world oppressive to women, traumatic experiences and a betrothal to a fervent Prince from another country.
Full of intrigue, mystery and plot twists, you'll be eagerly anticipating the next book in the series!
Can wait to see what happens next!
Bridgerton-esque meets fantasy with a dash of romance, we follow Princess Evelyne while she navigates a world oppressive to women, traumatic experiences and a betrothal to a fervent Prince from another country.
Full of intrigue, mystery and plot twists, you'll be eagerly anticipating the next book in the series!
Can wait to see what happens next!
January 22, 2026
“Red does not Forget” and neither will I.
This book was full of political intrigue, betrayal, unlikely alliances, Forbidden magic? Old gods and grudges. But also, beautifully written banter, sharp with wit and charisma. Lethal in its cunning nature but with rife with emotional intensity.
FMC character in this book has a quiet, determined strength. She’s intelligent, resilient and resourceful. Her softness does not define her nor does it detract from her significance.
Red Does Not Forget by was written with powerfully character driven plot, twists and turns, exquisite details of magical lore and history and devastating loss and destruction.
Quite easily a 5 star read for me! This book is out now and you must pick it up. It is the first book in a series.
This book was full of political intrigue, betrayal, unlikely alliances, Forbidden magic? Old gods and grudges. But also, beautifully written banter, sharp with wit and charisma. Lethal in its cunning nature but with rife with emotional intensity.
FMC character in this book has a quiet, determined strength. She’s intelligent, resilient and resourceful. Her softness does not define her nor does it detract from her significance.
Red Does Not Forget by was written with powerfully character driven plot, twists and turns, exquisite details of magical lore and history and devastating loss and destruction.
Quite easily a 5 star read for me! This book is out now and you must pick it up. It is the first book in a series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"After the Sundering shattered the world of Aeltheris, magic became forbidden, art was stripped of meaning; and silence turned sacred.
Princess Evelyne of Edrathen has been trained to be perfect - graceful, quiet, obedient. A living symbol of peace.
But when her arranged marriage begins to unravel the secrets buried beneath her kingdom's polished surface, she must decide whether to remain the statue they built her to be...or become the storm that breaks it."
I enjoyed this book mainly for its rich and immersive world building; and complex and relatable characters. None of them are perfect or romanticised - they each have their own flaws and traits.
The plot is driven by character and setting instead of emotions and relationships, which i found to be a refreshing change of pace.
Another thing that I loved about this book was that the language is very polished and eloquent, and gives another level of depth to the dialogue.
The pace is very steady and gradual. Introducing us to the world, its characters and its history, whilst leaving a lot of mysteries left to solve and a lot of the plot left to unravel.
This book is clearly just one piece of a larger puzzle; one I found truly captivating and cannot wait to continue.
Princess Evelyne of Edrathen has been trained to be perfect - graceful, quiet, obedient. A living symbol of peace.
But when her arranged marriage begins to unravel the secrets buried beneath her kingdom's polished surface, she must decide whether to remain the statue they built her to be...or become the storm that breaks it."
I enjoyed this book mainly for its rich and immersive world building; and complex and relatable characters. None of them are perfect or romanticised - they each have their own flaws and traits.
The plot is driven by character and setting instead of emotions and relationships, which i found to be a refreshing change of pace.
Another thing that I loved about this book was that the language is very polished and eloquent, and gives another level of depth to the dialogue.
The pace is very steady and gradual. Introducing us to the world, its characters and its history, whilst leaving a lot of mysteries left to solve and a lot of the plot left to unravel.
This book is clearly just one piece of a larger puzzle; one I found truly captivating and cannot wait to continue.
January 11, 2026
Absolutely amazing read! I've never highlighted so many passages in a book before. Lots of extremely poignant lines, especially about the duty and expectations of women and silence in society.
The book pulls you in immediately by shocking you within the first few chapters.
You get great banter between the FMC and MMC, as well as, great political intrigue.
And now I'm just reeling trying to figure everything out and cannot wait for the next book in the series!!! 💕
The book pulls you in immediately by shocking you within the first few chapters.
You get great banter between the FMC and MMC, as well as, great political intrigue.
And now I'm just reeling trying to figure everything out and cannot wait for the next book in the series!!! 💕
February 26, 2026
Actual rating: 4.25
A rich folklore in a world built carefully and calmly, through facts and details given during the story and not thrown at the reader, is one of the first thing you might notice and appreciate about this book. You can tell that the author didn't leave anything to chance and though about every detail and when to give it to the audience — and I loved every bit of this world.
The characters, like the world, are introduced slowly and so do their relationships unfold. We get to know each of them through their relationships but also through the chapters written in a different style every time the focus shift from one character to another - while all in 3rd person, you can notice the small changes in the prose to convey the personality of the main character of that character. While the connection with the characters didn't come as a punch in the stomach like I usually like, I found myself slowly caring for them, which was nice. Also, the characters are layered and complex, and theres a nice balance between the plot and the characters presence in the book.
The story is compelling and this is a legit first book in a series for which I have high hopes. While I found it a bit slow, it never dragged and I'm aware that a big part of this was Introductory of the world, the characters, and the story. So, while I'd have like maybe a more shocking plot twist at the end (I saw the sadness coming, but it was still painful), I understand that this doesn't mean we won't have big ones in the next installments - also given the crumbles left in the last two chapters.
I'm really grateful to the author for trusting me with the ARC of this first part of the story, and I cannot wait to read more about Evelyn, Alaric and the rest of the bunch.
A rich folklore in a world built carefully and calmly, through facts and details given during the story and not thrown at the reader, is one of the first thing you might notice and appreciate about this book. You can tell that the author didn't leave anything to chance and though about every detail and when to give it to the audience — and I loved every bit of this world.
The characters, like the world, are introduced slowly and so do their relationships unfold. We get to know each of them through their relationships but also through the chapters written in a different style every time the focus shift from one character to another - while all in 3rd person, you can notice the small changes in the prose to convey the personality of the main character of that character. While the connection with the characters didn't come as a punch in the stomach like I usually like, I found myself slowly caring for them, which was nice. Also, the characters are layered and complex, and theres a nice balance between the plot and the characters presence in the book.
The story is compelling and this is a legit first book in a series for which I have high hopes. While I found it a bit slow, it never dragged and I'm aware that a big part of this was Introductory of the world, the characters, and the story. So, while I'd have like maybe a more shocking plot twist at the end (I saw the sadness coming, but it was still painful), I understand that this doesn't mean we won't have big ones in the next installments - also given the crumbles left in the last two chapters.
I'm really grateful to the author for trusting me with the ARC of this first part of the story, and I cannot wait to read more about Evelyn, Alaric and the rest of the bunch.
March 29, 2026
I sincerely don’t know why this book isn’t yelled from every rooftop, and I’m not-so-patiently waiting for that day to come sooner.
I want to preface this by saying this review will likely be all over the place, since I just finished the book 30 minutes ago and have stared at the wall ever since. For the first time ever, I’m almost inclined to do a reread right now, since I’m positive I missed half of the details in here.
I view Red Does Not Forget as a promise of both Evelyne’s (the female main character) and Anette’s. For Evelyne, it’s not just a promise to seek justice, but one she finally makes to herself: to live. On her own terms, to accept help, to break the polished, subservient, and smiling mold of the perfect princess she was cast into. For Anette, it’s a promise of delivering us a world like no other.
You cannot possibly convince me that these characters are not living and breathing in a world parallel to ours. Anette’s writing made sure of that. Speaking of writing, my Kindle highlights got a huge workout since I couldn’t stop using the feature: it’s metaphorical, with completely unexpected associations, like painting a vivid picture with words.
I sobbed uncontrollably last night during two chapters where Evelyne and Alaric finally drop their masks; it was handled so delicately, yet so powerfully. But I’m getting ahead of myself.
The story follows Evelyne, a stoic princess who learned very early on what her world demands of her: silence, composure, rationality, sacrifice, and hiding—her true self, her feelings, her wants. So much so that, for a good portion of the book, she seems not-quite-there. Like a whisper or a ghost of what she could be. But going through the motions doesn’t seem to be sufficient anymore when dark and mysterious things start to unravel in her kingdom—one that sees magic, art, and all creativity as freedom. And freedom, as we learn, is an undesired footnote of the world that would do anything to erase it from memory. Then we meet Alaric, a sunshine prince with more wheels in his mind than clocks in the world, who gradually becomes her clarity. He doesn’t save her, but waits patiently for her to trust him. Sure, at first, he’s too pushy, too different, and not-so-patient, but he makes up for everything by being steady and not shying away from the danger surrounding her. Because when it matters, and Evelyne enters her era of feminine reckoning, he is there. Not to pick up the pieces, but to support her when she’s figuring out what pieces are worthy of picking up and what she can finally discard.
I didn’t say "feminine rage" for a reason: rage, although completely called for, is sometimes too emotional. Evelyne is not made of ice, but of quiet calculation. Even though she doesn’t have all the pieces of the mystery involving the magic, the politics, the dreams, her past, and her future, by the end of book 1, she is ready to face whatever comes with a calculated vengeance that makes me feel sorry for her enemies.
Since we’re talking characters—but this is becoming way too long already—I’ll just say Cedric, Vesena, Thalen, Ysara, and Isildeth have my whole heart. The jury is still out on the King and his commander.
I really don’t want to spoil anything, so I’ll finish this review (if we can call my stream of consciousness that) with some thoughts: RDNF is slow-paced, packed with symbolism, standing at a threshold between fantasy and… something else I can’t name. Sure, it has magic and romance, but it just feels… more. What Anette created here is different, with intricate worldbuilding that feels scarily real, omens, and rituals that feel foreboding and hypnotic. I think book 1 is just laying the ground for something even bigger in book 2, and I’m 100% here for it.
I want to preface this by saying this review will likely be all over the place, since I just finished the book 30 minutes ago and have stared at the wall ever since. For the first time ever, I’m almost inclined to do a reread right now, since I’m positive I missed half of the details in here.
I view Red Does Not Forget as a promise of both Evelyne’s (the female main character) and Anette’s. For Evelyne, it’s not just a promise to seek justice, but one she finally makes to herself: to live. On her own terms, to accept help, to break the polished, subservient, and smiling mold of the perfect princess she was cast into. For Anette, it’s a promise of delivering us a world like no other.
You cannot possibly convince me that these characters are not living and breathing in a world parallel to ours. Anette’s writing made sure of that. Speaking of writing, my Kindle highlights got a huge workout since I couldn’t stop using the feature: it’s metaphorical, with completely unexpected associations, like painting a vivid picture with words.
I sobbed uncontrollably last night during two chapters where Evelyne and Alaric finally drop their masks; it was handled so delicately, yet so powerfully. But I’m getting ahead of myself.
The story follows Evelyne, a stoic princess who learned very early on what her world demands of her: silence, composure, rationality, sacrifice, and hiding—her true self, her feelings, her wants. So much so that, for a good portion of the book, she seems not-quite-there. Like a whisper or a ghost of what she could be. But going through the motions doesn’t seem to be sufficient anymore when dark and mysterious things start to unravel in her kingdom—one that sees magic, art, and all creativity as freedom. And freedom, as we learn, is an undesired footnote of the world that would do anything to erase it from memory. Then we meet Alaric, a sunshine prince with more wheels in his mind than clocks in the world, who gradually becomes her clarity. He doesn’t save her, but waits patiently for her to trust him. Sure, at first, he’s too pushy, too different, and not-so-patient, but he makes up for everything by being steady and not shying away from the danger surrounding her. Because when it matters, and Evelyne enters her era of feminine reckoning, he is there. Not to pick up the pieces, but to support her when she’s figuring out what pieces are worthy of picking up and what she can finally discard.
I didn’t say "feminine rage" for a reason: rage, although completely called for, is sometimes too emotional. Evelyne is not made of ice, but of quiet calculation. Even though she doesn’t have all the pieces of the mystery involving the magic, the politics, the dreams, her past, and her future, by the end of book 1, she is ready to face whatever comes with a calculated vengeance that makes me feel sorry for her enemies.
Since we’re talking characters—but this is becoming way too long already—I’ll just say Cedric, Vesena, Thalen, Ysara, and Isildeth have my whole heart. The jury is still out on the King and his commander.
I really don’t want to spoil anything, so I’ll finish this review (if we can call my stream of consciousness that) with some thoughts: RDNF is slow-paced, packed with symbolism, standing at a threshold between fantasy and… something else I can’t name. Sure, it has magic and romance, but it just feels… more. What Anette created here is different, with intricate worldbuilding that feels scarily real, omens, and rituals that feel foreboding and hypnotic. I think book 1 is just laying the ground for something even bigger in book 2, and I’m 100% here for it.
January 5, 2026
Hey Cozy Readers🌹✨
MY FIRST BOOK REVIEW OF 2026!!!!!!!
and it goes to the LOVELY & TALENTED @anettemarcelle.author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Because Love is not responsibility. But it is what makes responsibilities bearable”
What do I say except this book took me on an ULTIMATE rollercoaster! And it’s the most BEAUTIFUL book i’ve ever read! @anettemarcelle.author words were like poetry on every page. I felt like I was reading in a completely different life. At times it was soft and others pure CHAOS!
The dynamic of Alaric and Princess Evelyn OR as i like to call her my LADY RED!!!! was the PUREST of LOVE and Is safe to say they have become my NEW couple!!!! She is the symbol of peace and brilliance! And through out the story you find out she’s more than just that, she’s willing and ready to break every single rule the system has ever told her. Ugh! the female rage is everything!
I think this story was a great pace, the characters were real and the political alliances were stern and raw! You will be SUCKED IN with the first few chapters!
This story was really refreshing and i think the author does a wonderful job building the world where art and magic doesn’t reign! it is silenced!!! an interesting take i loved everything about it!!
i couldn’t put the book down, it CONSUMED ME!!! Everything about this story worked so well! it’s deff my favorite read so far of 2026 BRAVO friend 😍🌹✨
“Dreamers die twice”
If you’re looking for a book with….
🌹Bridgerton meets Game of Thrones
🌹Post apocalyptic fantasy
🌹multi-POV character driven plot
🌹many factions rich love and mythology
🌹cursed ice queen become soft arc
🌹arranged marriage and juicy banter
#reddoesnotforget #indieauthors #bookreviews #indiereviews #bookishreviews
MY FIRST BOOK REVIEW OF 2026!!!!!!!
and it goes to the LOVELY & TALENTED @anettemarcelle.author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Because Love is not responsibility. But it is what makes responsibilities bearable”
What do I say except this book took me on an ULTIMATE rollercoaster! And it’s the most BEAUTIFUL book i’ve ever read! @anettemarcelle.author words were like poetry on every page. I felt like I was reading in a completely different life. At times it was soft and others pure CHAOS!
The dynamic of Alaric and Princess Evelyn OR as i like to call her my LADY RED!!!! was the PUREST of LOVE and Is safe to say they have become my NEW couple!!!! She is the symbol of peace and brilliance! And through out the story you find out she’s more than just that, she’s willing and ready to break every single rule the system has ever told her. Ugh! the female rage is everything!
I think this story was a great pace, the characters were real and the political alliances were stern and raw! You will be SUCKED IN with the first few chapters!
This story was really refreshing and i think the author does a wonderful job building the world where art and magic doesn’t reign! it is silenced!!! an interesting take i loved everything about it!!
i couldn’t put the book down, it CONSUMED ME!!! Everything about this story worked so well! it’s deff my favorite read so far of 2026 BRAVO friend 😍🌹✨
“Dreamers die twice”
If you’re looking for a book with….
🌹Bridgerton meets Game of Thrones
🌹Post apocalyptic fantasy
🌹multi-POV character driven plot
🌹many factions rich love and mythology
🌹cursed ice queen become soft arc
🌹arranged marriage and juicy banter
#reddoesnotforget #indieauthors #bookreviews #indiereviews #bookishreviews
April 18, 2026
5 ★ book it is guy!!! 🤌🤍 ִֶָ. ..𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ🪽་༘࿐ This author deserves so much more attention, and I mean that in the most genuine way. You can feel how much thought and care went into this story.
The worldbuilding really surprised me. It’s not thrown at you all at once, no overwhelming info dumps, just little pieces revealed at the right time ⋆˚₊ 𖤓☽˚.⋆ The politics, the corruption, the hints of forbidden magic… it all unfolds so smoothly that you don’t even realize how much you’ve absorbed until you’re fully immersed.💌🪄
.☘︎ ݁˖ There’s something quietly special about this book. It doesn’t grab you by the collar right away, it just… pulls you in slowly, gently, until one day you realize you’re completely invested and you didn’t even see it coming.
Evelyne isn’t the kind of character you instantly click with, and honestly, I loved that. Watching her grow into herself, watching her find her voice in a world that expects her to stay polished and silent… it felt real. Like you could actually see the shift happening. And her dynamic with Alaric?? oh wow. Every conversation feels like a duel. Sharp, layered, a little dangerous. The kind of tension that just sits with you even after you’ve put the book down.
And the banter?? so good. Not forced, not overdone, just naturally clever and so satisfying to read🌛🪸. Whether it’s Evelyne and Alaric going back and forth or Cedric😂 casually dropping sarcasm😂🤭 like it’s his full-time job, every interaction feels alive. Every character has their own voice, their own presence. No one fades into the background.
Nothing is rushed, nothing feels exaggerated. The slow burn is slow in the best way. The kind where every look, every word, every small moment starts to matter more than it should. That quiet devotion, that restrained longing… yeah, it builds, and when it hits, it hits.
There’s always something happening, the mystery, the court dynamics, the secrets, but what stayed with me the most were the quieter moments. The conversations, the tension, the things left unsaid. I’ll never shut up screaming and recommending this book, EVER!!! ☺️❤️🪸
The worldbuilding really surprised me. It’s not thrown at you all at once, no overwhelming info dumps, just little pieces revealed at the right time ⋆˚₊ 𖤓☽˚.⋆ The politics, the corruption, the hints of forbidden magic… it all unfolds so smoothly that you don’t even realize how much you’ve absorbed until you’re fully immersed.💌🪄
.☘︎ ݁˖ There’s something quietly special about this book. It doesn’t grab you by the collar right away, it just… pulls you in slowly, gently, until one day you realize you’re completely invested and you didn’t even see it coming.
Evelyne isn’t the kind of character you instantly click with, and honestly, I loved that. Watching her grow into herself, watching her find her voice in a world that expects her to stay polished and silent… it felt real. Like you could actually see the shift happening. And her dynamic with Alaric?? oh wow. Every conversation feels like a duel. Sharp, layered, a little dangerous. The kind of tension that just sits with you even after you’ve put the book down.
And the banter?? so good. Not forced, not overdone, just naturally clever and so satisfying to read🌛🪸. Whether it’s Evelyne and Alaric going back and forth or Cedric😂 casually dropping sarcasm😂🤭 like it’s his full-time job, every interaction feels alive. Every character has their own voice, their own presence. No one fades into the background.
Nothing is rushed, nothing feels exaggerated. The slow burn is slow in the best way. The kind where every look, every word, every small moment starts to matter more than it should. That quiet devotion, that restrained longing… yeah, it builds, and when it hits, it hits.
There’s always something happening, the mystery, the court dynamics, the secrets, but what stayed with me the most were the quieter moments. The conversations, the tension, the things left unsaid. I’ll never shut up screaming and recommending this book, EVER!!! ☺️❤️🪸
January 9, 2026
Evelyne must learn to accept herself, broken pieces and all, as she embraces her true inner authority while everything around her seems to be masked behind facades of ice and silence.
"This kingdom trained its daughters in the art of concealment long before it taught them to speak."
It's rare that a book comes along, peers into your very soul, and steals a part of it. I am beyond fortunate to have had the pleasure of being an #arc reader for this book. It was by far my top read of 2025 and has left me missing the characters and the world since I put it down.
This is a multi-POV read, and - what I thought was previously impossible - I cared about every single character. Somehow Anette toed the line of giving each character just enough emotion and plot to draw me in, no matter which eyes I was peering through.
Evelyne's depth gripped me the same way Aelin's did towards the end of Throne of Glass. Alaric felt like a cross between Flynn Rider's smolder in Tangled and Milo Thatch's endearing nerdiness from Alantis. And Thalen! What a foil to the iciness of the book's world.
I cannot recommend this book enough. It has so much potential for a brilliant epic fantasy, and I genuinely hope it gets all the recognition it deserves.
"This kingdom trained its daughters in the art of concealment long before it taught them to speak."
It's rare that a book comes along, peers into your very soul, and steals a part of it. I am beyond fortunate to have had the pleasure of being an #arc reader for this book. It was by far my top read of 2025 and has left me missing the characters and the world since I put it down.
This is a multi-POV read, and - what I thought was previously impossible - I cared about every single character. Somehow Anette toed the line of giving each character just enough emotion and plot to draw me in, no matter which eyes I was peering through.
Evelyne's depth gripped me the same way Aelin's did towards the end of Throne of Glass. Alaric felt like a cross between Flynn Rider's smolder in Tangled and Milo Thatch's endearing nerdiness from Alantis. And Thalen! What a foil to the iciness of the book's world.
I cannot recommend this book enough. It has so much potential for a brilliant epic fantasy, and I genuinely hope it gets all the recognition it deserves.
December 22, 2025
Thank you so much to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I actually really really enjoyed this book. The pacing was steady with stakes rising near the end. I felt like I could put the book down and easily come back to it again. The plot twist at the end shocked me. I truly loved the characters and the complexity of the magic system, court and world. I liked how the romance wasn’t immediate, and there was sort of a slow burn and slow realization of what they feel built on consistency and trust. There are so many poetic sounding quotes in this book and I’ll list just a few that stood out to me:
- “In this world, women do not often get to choose their power. But we can choose each other. And we should.”
- “Sometimes silence is not the absence of sound—but the breath before change.”
- “Just because you're not a warrior doesn't mean you're not a force. Moonlight and steel are both the color silver.”
- “Because love is not responsibility. But it is what makes responsibilities bearable.”
- “In this world, women do not often get to choose their power. But we can choose each other. And we should.”
- “Sometimes silence is not the absence of sound—but the breath before change.”
- “Just because you're not a warrior doesn't mean you're not a force. Moonlight and steel are both the color silver.”
- “Because love is not responsibility. But it is what makes responsibilities bearable.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
What really stood out to me is how personal this book feels. The characters are written with so much depth that their pain becomes your pain, their confusion feels like yours, and their secrets weigh heavy as the truth comes to light. The author captures trauma, memory, and the way the past can haunt the present so beautifully.
The tension builds so naturally that you don’t even realize how tightly you’re holding your breath until something shocking drops—and trust me, this book delivers those moments.
One thing I really appreciated about this book is how easy it is to follow. I could put it down and pick it up the next day without feeling lost. The pacing is steady and smooth, which I really enjoy—especially as someone who’s balancing work, life, and squeezing in reading whenever I can. It’s the kind of book that fits perfectly into a busy schedule without losing the story’s impact.
Thank you Anette. You did an amazing job. congratulations✨️ Can't wait for the sequel🩷
The tension builds so naturally that you don’t even realize how tightly you’re holding your breath until something shocking drops—and trust me, this book delivers those moments.
One thing I really appreciated about this book is how easy it is to follow. I could put it down and pick it up the next day without feeling lost. The pacing is steady and smooth, which I really enjoy—especially as someone who’s balancing work, life, and squeezing in reading whenever I can. It’s the kind of book that fits perfectly into a busy schedule without losing the story’s impact.
Thank you Anette. You did an amazing job. congratulations✨️ Can't wait for the sequel🩷
January 5, 2026
I kicked off 2026 with an absolute masterpiece of a book. The book does not mess about, the opening 2 chapters will have you shocked & hooked.
Red Does Not Forget sets the scene for what I believe will be an incredible series. If you love a book with extensive world and character building, court intrigue, found family, yearning & mystery, then this the one for you.
I felt connected to FMC, Evelyne from the initial chapters and really enjoyed that she was not a "perfect princess", she has her demons which made her relatable.
Our MMC Alaric was a breath of fresh air, a prince who valued knowledge as much as brute strength and of course his witty sense of humour.
The side characters, Cedric, Thalen & Vesena complimented each other. Their personalities although entirely different from one another, found a way to add value to their new found family and development of this story.
The ending of this book has me feeling like I can't trust anyone I will be reading book 2 with every single person as my enemy until they prove their innocence.
Red Does Not Forget sets the scene for what I believe will be an incredible series. If you love a book with extensive world and character building, court intrigue, found family, yearning & mystery, then this the one for you.
I felt connected to FMC, Evelyne from the initial chapters and really enjoyed that she was not a "perfect princess", she has her demons which made her relatable.
Our MMC Alaric was a breath of fresh air, a prince who valued knowledge as much as brute strength and of course his witty sense of humour.
The side characters, Cedric, Thalen & Vesena complimented each other. Their personalities although entirely different from one another, found a way to add value to their new found family and development of this story.
The ending of this book has me feeling like I can't trust anyone I will be reading book 2 with every single person as my enemy until they prove their innocence.
January 9, 2026
This book has one of the strongest opening chapters I’ve read in a long time. It immediately pulls you into the world and makes it impossible to put down. Described as Bridgerton meets Game of Thrones, I couldn’t agree more. The political intrigue, regality, and tension feel rich and immersive, while still leaving room for romance to shine.
The contrast between Evelyn and Alaric is one of my favorite parts of the story. Evelyn’s composure and regality pair beautifully with Alaric’s upbeat, warm, and positive presence. Their slow-burn romance is handled so delicately and effectively. Having both characters’ POVs adds so much depth, tension, and emotional weight. I truly wish I could read even more moments between the two of them.
Looking forward to seeing how the story continues!
The contrast between Evelyn and Alaric is one of my favorite parts of the story. Evelyn’s composure and regality pair beautifully with Alaric’s upbeat, warm, and positive presence. Their slow-burn romance is handled so delicately and effectively. Having both characters’ POVs adds so much depth, tension, and emotional weight. I truly wish I could read even more moments between the two of them.
Looking forward to seeing how the story continues!
April 28, 2026
red does not forget by @anettemarcelle ~ ∞★
I don't think I've read anything quite like this before. I only come across such a beautiful story once in a while.
The writing is so rich and poetic. Some metaphors were absolutely breathtaking. You can tell that the world building was really well thought out & the author took time to create the perfect setting.
I couldn't choose my favourite character if there was a gun to my head. Everyone, from the main characters, Evelyne & Alaric, to their personal attendants, Isildeth, Vesena & Cedric started to feel like I've known them for a long time.
And my baby, Thalen🥺 love him so much, his protectiveness over Evelyn, his relation with Alaric & Cedric, his interactions with literally everyone was something I looked forward to (ok so maybe I have a favourite character)
I absolutely see myself is Evelyne & relate to her in so many different ways. Alaric is not just a green flag, he's a green forest! The fact that the romance is not the main focus but the subplot makes it ever more lovelier to me because it makes you yearn for every secret stolen glance.
I went through so many emotions. The book empowered me, destroyed me, gave me hope & made me feel giddy over the slow burn romance 💞 And it made me cry:(
I was so engrossed in the story, I felt empty after it ended & did not want to start another book because I wanted to stay immersed in this world forever.
This is a story that will stay with you for a long time after you finish reading & I love that because I don't want to move on.
I don't think I've read anything quite like this before. I only come across such a beautiful story once in a while.
The writing is so rich and poetic. Some metaphors were absolutely breathtaking. You can tell that the world building was really well thought out & the author took time to create the perfect setting.
I couldn't choose my favourite character if there was a gun to my head. Everyone, from the main characters, Evelyne & Alaric, to their personal attendants, Isildeth, Vesena & Cedric started to feel like I've known them for a long time.
And my baby, Thalen🥺 love him so much, his protectiveness over Evelyn, his relation with Alaric & Cedric, his interactions with literally everyone was something I looked forward to (ok so maybe I have a favourite character)
I absolutely see myself is Evelyne & relate to her in so many different ways. Alaric is not just a green flag, he's a green forest! The fact that the romance is not the main focus but the subplot makes it ever more lovelier to me because it makes you yearn for every secret stolen glance.
I went through so many emotions. The book empowered me, destroyed me, gave me hope & made me feel giddy over the slow burn romance 💞 And it made me cry:(
I was so engrossed in the story, I felt empty after it ended & did not want to start another book because I wanted to stay immersed in this world forever.
This is a story that will stay with you for a long time after you finish reading & I love that because I don't want to move on.
December 15, 2025
This book kept me hooked from the very first chapter and was impossible to put down. The lore was outstanding and the prose was so very beautiful. The political plot was so incredibly well thought out and the personal storylines of the characters felt so natural and real that I found myself disappointed that the next book isn’t available to read yet so I can see what they are up to next, but I will for sure be preordering it once it is announced.
April 27, 2026
I haven't read a fantasy book where the book was mainly focused on the world in a while, and this book was just that for me. It has mulitiple charcter pov's while still maintaining a storyline I could follow. Cannot wait for the next book to come out, no matter how long it takes!!!!!
Will always remember the little king who broke and mended my heart.
10/10 recommend
Will always remember the little king who broke and mended my heart.
10/10 recommend
February 6, 2026
The characters were written with a lot of depth and the plot and mythology surrounding it pulled me in quickly! At times it has a slower pace, but without detracting from the overall story, allowing the characters time to breathe (as in feel more real and relatable, not necessarily rest).
The one thing I will mention though is that, with reading on Kindle unlimited at least, there were several blatant grammatical errors and typos that pulled me out of the story, with one chapter even doubling the first two lines. But overall I very much enjoyed the story and want to read more!
The one thing I will mention though is that, with reading on Kindle unlimited at least, there were several blatant grammatical errors and typos that pulled me out of the story, with one chapter even doubling the first two lines. But overall I very much enjoyed the story and want to read more!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Not all book loves are born from the story itself. Some are born from the feeling of it, because while characters and events hold us in place, it is the luster, vastness and the very structure of the world that allows us to see the invisible mechanics that drive every beloved quote and misguided decision that we choose to carry away from the book.
I am not a trope or genre reader. In my reading choices, I am guided by the cohesiveness and sheer amount of layers of the story, the way I see the way women finish hems of their dresses, the way religious regimes crumble to dust, the way people justify their manners.
To my copy of the book I have added 218 bookmarks and highlighted 101 quotes. I simply cannot offer any greater compliment. This one is for the obsessive readers.
Religious philosophies crumbling to dust, Bridgerton restrictiveness of manners, elegance of phrase and description masking the smoldering moral rot beneath, refined smut and Game of Thrones-like feeling of looking at a realm almost too ancient and complex to even place a tale in - that is what delving into Red Does Not Forget feels like.
I can simply recommend you to slip into this book, as you go to a museum: to watch, to learn, to feel and to be changed.
I am not a trope or genre reader. In my reading choices, I am guided by the cohesiveness and sheer amount of layers of the story, the way I see the way women finish hems of their dresses, the way religious regimes crumble to dust, the way people justify their manners.
To my copy of the book I have added 218 bookmarks and highlighted 101 quotes. I simply cannot offer any greater compliment. This one is for the obsessive readers.
Religious philosophies crumbling to dust, Bridgerton restrictiveness of manners, elegance of phrase and description masking the smoldering moral rot beneath, refined smut and Game of Thrones-like feeling of looking at a realm almost too ancient and complex to even place a tale in - that is what delving into Red Does Not Forget feels like.
I can simply recommend you to slip into this book, as you go to a museum: to watch, to learn, to feel and to be changed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Red Does Not Forget is a beautiful work of art that shows softness turning into power. It’s like a rich explored painting ready to tell a story. A gilded age setting with a layered world building that shapes the story into something extraordinary. It’s prose, lyrical, and longing. It’s woven into a symbol.
Princess Evelyne. Our future empress and Red Queen I like to call her. She is a symbol of peace and quite clever. A wedding that turned red. Whispers among the kingdoms declaring a curse bride. Secrets and questions that burned into the archives. Her walls are a blank expression. She is a symbol to this kingdom where her mind is lonely. It’s a home but trapped like a labyrinth maze ready to burst into a storm. She truly is elegant & flawed where you start to question that she is more than duty. She is more than a symbol and you find out if she is willing to break every rule she has ever been told.
This story is layered beautifully with a political alliance that’s sharp and featuring raw complex characters. It’s messy and delicious that will consume you and have you glued between the pages. It’s silence and a world where magic is forbidden. Secrets buried so deep that this kingdom needs to be reminded why magic was forbidden and why art is restricted. Meanwhile, uncovering a suspicious murder that Evelyne can’t let go from.
The age of silence cut me like a knife where I couldn’t get tired of the chaos between the pages. It really shows you deep symbolism and Alaric!? Our Scholar prince, future king, charming golden retriever MMC that is a mystery but intelligent. I was feral for this man and the power and love he shows towards Evelyne was breathtaking. His engagement to Evelyne is either going to be a great prosperity to their realms or it’s going to break it.
This story is refreshing and measured while testing your patience. If you want to be buried deep into the lore where you’ll continue to sink into, craving yearning where the stakes feel high, then immediately add Red Does Not Forget to your TBR. I promise this is worth the read as this story is unfolding into something great long-term 🥀 I cannot wait to add this to my trophy shelf ♥️
Princess Evelyne. Our future empress and Red Queen I like to call her. She is a symbol of peace and quite clever. A wedding that turned red. Whispers among the kingdoms declaring a curse bride. Secrets and questions that burned into the archives. Her walls are a blank expression. She is a symbol to this kingdom where her mind is lonely. It’s a home but trapped like a labyrinth maze ready to burst into a storm. She truly is elegant & flawed where you start to question that she is more than duty. She is more than a symbol and you find out if she is willing to break every rule she has ever been told.
This story is layered beautifully with a political alliance that’s sharp and featuring raw complex characters. It’s messy and delicious that will consume you and have you glued between the pages. It’s silence and a world where magic is forbidden. Secrets buried so deep that this kingdom needs to be reminded why magic was forbidden and why art is restricted. Meanwhile, uncovering a suspicious murder that Evelyne can’t let go from.
The age of silence cut me like a knife where I couldn’t get tired of the chaos between the pages. It really shows you deep symbolism and Alaric!? Our Scholar prince, future king, charming golden retriever MMC that is a mystery but intelligent. I was feral for this man and the power and love he shows towards Evelyne was breathtaking. His engagement to Evelyne is either going to be a great prosperity to their realms or it’s going to break it.
This story is refreshing and measured while testing your patience. If you want to be buried deep into the lore where you’ll continue to sink into, craving yearning where the stakes feel high, then immediately add Red Does Not Forget to your TBR. I promise this is worth the read as this story is unfolding into something great long-term 🥀 I cannot wait to add this to my trophy shelf ♥️
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review: Red Does Not Forget
[I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author. This review reflects my honest and unbiased opinion]
THE WHAT
Evelyne is known as the “cursed bride” after her fiancé and court were murdered in the chapel on her wedding day. Years later, her father, the King, finally secures a new suitor from another kingdom, Prince Alaric. Their journey begins as reluctant obedience and mutual annoyance. It then slowly turns into a partnership as they dive headfirst into uncovering the mystery behind the massacre and work to prevent it from happening again.
THE VIBE
Epic fantasy, Dark romance, slow burn, forbidden magic, betrayal, religious justification, cultish, revenge driven, high stakes danger.
THE HOW
This is a long book and a true slow burn. The author is clearly playing the long game, taking time to build the kingdoms while establishing the rules, customs and culture. It is written from multiple POV’s that shift based on the plot of the story.
THE HIT
The character development was excellent. The storyline was engaging, the writing was beautiful and descriptive, and watching the relationship between the two main characters slowly build was a highlight. I was truly rooting for them in the end. Also the ending, GASP.
THE MISS
At times the pacing felt very slow and there were moments where it could have picked up slightly, especially given the length of the book. This may frustrate some readers that like a little more action, but given this will be a multiple book story, it is fitting for the first book.
THE REC:
Highly recommend this for readers who enjoy immersive epic fantasy and slow burn romances. This is especially a good pick if you enjoy authors who take their time setting up a long series.
THE OVERALL: Overall, I would rate this book as follows:
⭐️Overall Rating: 4.5/5
🔥Spice Rating : 1/5
[I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author. This review reflects my honest and unbiased opinion]
THE WHAT
Evelyne is known as the “cursed bride” after her fiancé and court were murdered in the chapel on her wedding day. Years later, her father, the King, finally secures a new suitor from another kingdom, Prince Alaric. Their journey begins as reluctant obedience and mutual annoyance. It then slowly turns into a partnership as they dive headfirst into uncovering the mystery behind the massacre and work to prevent it from happening again.
THE VIBE
Epic fantasy, Dark romance, slow burn, forbidden magic, betrayal, religious justification, cultish, revenge driven, high stakes danger.
THE HOW
This is a long book and a true slow burn. The author is clearly playing the long game, taking time to build the kingdoms while establishing the rules, customs and culture. It is written from multiple POV’s that shift based on the plot of the story.
THE HIT
The character development was excellent. The storyline was engaging, the writing was beautiful and descriptive, and watching the relationship between the two main characters slowly build was a highlight. I was truly rooting for them in the end. Also the ending, GASP.
THE MISS
At times the pacing felt very slow and there were moments where it could have picked up slightly, especially given the length of the book. This may frustrate some readers that like a little more action, but given this will be a multiple book story, it is fitting for the first book.
THE REC:
Highly recommend this for readers who enjoy immersive epic fantasy and slow burn romances. This is especially a good pick if you enjoy authors who take their time setting up a long series.
THE OVERALL: Overall, I would rate this book as follows:
⭐️Overall Rating: 4.5/5
🔥Spice Rating : 1/5
May 8, 2026
This is actually a 3.5 for me although GR doesn't allow for that.
I have to give this author so much credit for her care and time and devotion to the story. It was wonderfully told and gripping! However, it took me about two months to finish this book. I would pick it up and each chapter was quite the expose of story for me to swallow and then feel like I was lost and overwhelmed. That could be a me thing though. My feelings are that the author could really benefit from some light editorial work. I totally get that it's a self-published and self-made work and that is truly incredible. But there was a lot that could have been cut down and grammar that could have been fixed. Everyone (especially big-name authors) could use the help of an editor! :)
I realized closer towards the end that this book actually really only spans 3-4 weeks..? Which was shocking considering the page count of about 530 pages. Most of the mythos and world building is done through chunks of dialogue that felt very unnatural between characters. (Think: Iashe and Alaric in the club...or the scene with Evie and Isildeth....)
I had a few gripes with the story but overall, what a talented and gifted author! I can't wait to read more in the future. Although I may need a break.
I have to give this author so much credit for her care and time and devotion to the story. It was wonderfully told and gripping! However, it took me about two months to finish this book. I would pick it up and each chapter was quite the expose of story for me to swallow and then feel like I was lost and overwhelmed. That could be a me thing though. My feelings are that the author could really benefit from some light editorial work. I totally get that it's a self-published and self-made work and that is truly incredible. But there was a lot that could have been cut down and grammar that could have been fixed. Everyone (especially big-name authors) could use the help of an editor! :)
I realized closer towards the end that this book actually really only spans 3-4 weeks..? Which was shocking considering the page count of about 530 pages. Most of the mythos and world building is done through chunks of dialogue that felt very unnatural between characters. (Think: Iashe and Alaric in the club...or the scene with Evie and Isildeth....)
I had a few gripes with the story but overall, what a talented and gifted author! I can't wait to read more in the future. Although I may need a break.
May 2, 2026
This book felt like pure art to me. The prose is stunning, and the storytelling flows in a way that makes everything, world-building, characters, emotions, feel vivid and alive. The characters, in particular, are beautifully complex, layered, and incredibly real. I found myself saving more quotes than I ever have from a single book, which says a lot about how deeply the writing resonated with me.
From the very beginning, the story pulls you in without hesitation and refuses to let go. The romance is a slow burn, but it’s done so well that the pacing never feels frustrating, just intentional. What really stood out to me was the banter between the FMC and MMC, it felt sharp, natural, and genuinely engaging, adding so much depth to their dynamic.
Overall, this is a beautifully written book with an intriguing story that lingers long after you’ve finished it.
From the very beginning, the story pulls you in without hesitation and refuses to let go. The romance is a slow burn, but it’s done so well that the pacing never feels frustrating, just intentional. What really stood out to me was the banter between the FMC and MMC, it felt sharp, natural, and genuinely engaging, adding so much depth to their dynamic.
Overall, this is a beautifully written book with an intriguing story that lingers long after you’ve finished it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you like a book with a focus on varied character development, this books for you. This book doesn’t just focus on two main characters, instead introducing a set of characters that each have their own story to tell. I enjoyed the diversity in their personalities - the quiet strength of some and the wit/ charisma of others. The interactions between characters were honest, playful and at times delicate. The characters are what, for me, are what makes this a three star read.
Personally, I did find the book to be slow paced. A lot happens in the last 10% of the book, and whilst this did make for a great ending, I would have liked some of the twists and turns to have been threaded through the book. As a result the book, for the most part, was quite predictable right up until the last moment.
Please note I received an ARC from the author, this review is provided voluntarily.
Personally, I did find the book to be slow paced. A lot happens in the last 10% of the book, and whilst this did make for a great ending, I would have liked some of the twists and turns to have been threaded through the book. As a result the book, for the most part, was quite predictable right up until the last moment.
Please note I received an ARC from the author, this review is provided voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to be on the ARC team for Red Does Not Forget, and I’m not exaggerating when I say it was a total privilege! I’m still reeling. First off: Alaric. He is pure sunshine, and I’m obsessed. The chemistry between him and Evelyne was 10/10, and I loved watching her character arc unfold.
There is so much to sink your teeth into here—complex politics, deep symbolism, and writing so beautiful and poetic I found myself highlighting entire pages. It’s rare to find a book that’s this smart and this romantic. Do yourself a favor and add it to your TBR!
There is so much to sink your teeth into here—complex politics, deep symbolism, and writing so beautiful and poetic I found myself highlighting entire pages. It’s rare to find a book that’s this smart and this romantic. Do yourself a favor and add it to your TBR!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A fantastic take on romantasy featuring forgotten, illegal magic and intense court politics, Red Does Not Forget is a must read. There's an ancient tithe that begs to be paid, no matter the cost and the characters must choose between the truth and silence.
Twist and turns that lift off the page, it is hard not to be captured from page one and desperate to find out more. An arranged marriage that's a sloooooow burn but gives the main characters the opportunity to realise who they are and gain strength from each other. And who doesn't like a MMC that empowers and protects?
Twist and turns that lift off the page, it is hard not to be captured from page one and desperate to find out more. An arranged marriage that's a sloooooow burn but gives the main characters the opportunity to realise who they are and gain strength from each other. And who doesn't like a MMC that empowers and protects?
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