What do you think?
Riftborn #1
Obsidian Sky
Nominated for the Goodreads Librarians' Rising Reader Choice Award 2026
A deadly dragon rider academy. A forbidden power that could burn the realm to ash. And the one prince ordered to destroy her before she destroys everything he was trained to protect.
At the Asgar Training Academy, cadets manifest elemental magic or die trying. Thaelyn Marren expects rejection. But when her magic awakens, it isn’t air, water, fire, or earth.—an ancient, forbidden force that no one has wielded in centuries. The moment it erupts from her hands, she becomes the most dangerous cadet in the academy and the most hunted woman in the realm.
Prince Thorne Dareth is bonded to the King of Dragons, hardened by war, and haunted by a prophecy he refuses to believe. He is ordered to train her. Contain her. Break her, if necessary. But when a telepathic dragon bond ignites between their mounts, tethering his pulse to hers, distrust gives way to a slow, furious, impossible pull—the kind that rewrites loyalties, shatters oaths, and wakes things in the dark that should have stayed buried.
Because the Rift is opening. Creatures from the void are clawing through the cracks of reality. An ancient prophecy is surfacing, and it names them both. Before the war is over, one of them will sacrifice everything. And the cost will be written in blood, in fire, and in eyes that no longer remember what it means to be human.
And if they bond in soul and skin, the world may end, or else begin.
Obsidian Sky is an epic adult fantasy romance—a dark, sweeping romantasy with dragon riders, brutal academy trials, and a slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance that blazes hotter than dragonfire. Perfect for readers who crave angsty, high-stakes romantasy with powerful heroines, morally gray princes, and fated dragon bonds.
The Riftborn Series, Book 1 Complete romance arc with a series-altering cliffhanger l Dual POV l Open door spice level l Content warnings available on the author's website.
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, Slow burn, Forbidden romance, Dragon rider academy, Mentor/trainee, Royal prince hero, Fated bond, Chosen one, Deadly trials, Touch her and die, Prophecy/destiny
For readers who devoured Fourth Wing, Powerless, Throne of Glass, and need their next obsession.
A deadly dragon rider academy. A forbidden power that could burn the realm to ash. And the one prince ordered to destroy her before she destroys everything he was trained to protect.
At the Asgar Training Academy, cadets manifest elemental magic or die trying. Thaelyn Marren expects rejection. But when her magic awakens, it isn’t air, water, fire, or earth.—an ancient, forbidden force that no one has wielded in centuries. The moment it erupts from her hands, she becomes the most dangerous cadet in the academy and the most hunted woman in the realm.
Prince Thorne Dareth is bonded to the King of Dragons, hardened by war, and haunted by a prophecy he refuses to believe. He is ordered to train her. Contain her. Break her, if necessary. But when a telepathic dragon bond ignites between their mounts, tethering his pulse to hers, distrust gives way to a slow, furious, impossible pull—the kind that rewrites loyalties, shatters oaths, and wakes things in the dark that should have stayed buried.
Because the Rift is opening. Creatures from the void are clawing through the cracks of reality. An ancient prophecy is surfacing, and it names them both. Before the war is over, one of them will sacrifice everything. And the cost will be written in blood, in fire, and in eyes that no longer remember what it means to be human.
And if they bond in soul and skin, the world may end, or else begin.
Obsidian Sky is an epic adult fantasy romance—a dark, sweeping romantasy with dragon riders, brutal academy trials, and a slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance that blazes hotter than dragonfire. Perfect for readers who crave angsty, high-stakes romantasy with powerful heroines, morally gray princes, and fated dragon bonds.
The Riftborn Series, Book 1 Complete romance arc with a series-altering cliffhanger l Dual POV l Open door spice level l Content warnings available on the author's website.
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, Slow burn, Forbidden romance, Dragon rider academy, Mentor/trainee, Royal prince hero, Fated bond, Chosen one, Deadly trials, Touch her and die, Prophecy/destiny
For readers who devoured Fourth Wing, Powerless, Throne of Glass, and need their next obsession.
491 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
Did Not Finish
February 14, 2026DNF at 25%
My biggest issue was the writing. This is written in 3rd person POV and the story would switch who was center of attention literally in the middle of the page with no warning. We would be mid conversation with Thaelyn and her friends at one table and the next paragraph was switching to the middle of a conversation with Thorne’s table across the room. I struggled to feel invested in anything when at any moment I could be tossed into a separate room and expected to find my footing.
Also, descriptions used both present and past tense in the same sentence (Ex. His eyes WERE brown and his hair IS black). This inconsistency, while maybe very minor for some people, was very grating for me.
The plot of this book up to the point I stopped… is very familiar for anyone who read Fourth Wing. And some similarities are great as they make for popular tropes/stories, but it was not working for me here.
But even from the beginning, we are quite literally dropped into the story and left to find our way quite abruptly. I felt a little disoriented from the beginning trying to care about what was going on while also learning the world.
Unfortunately a miss for me this time.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this book for review.
My biggest issue was the writing. This is written in 3rd person POV and the story would switch who was center of attention literally in the middle of the page with no warning. We would be mid conversation with Thaelyn and her friends at one table and the next paragraph was switching to the middle of a conversation with Thorne’s table across the room. I struggled to feel invested in anything when at any moment I could be tossed into a separate room and expected to find my footing.
Also, descriptions used both present and past tense in the same sentence (Ex. His eyes WERE brown and his hair IS black). This inconsistency, while maybe very minor for some people, was very grating for me.
The plot of this book up to the point I stopped… is very familiar for anyone who read Fourth Wing. And some similarities are great as they make for popular tropes/stories, but it was not working for me here.
But even from the beginning, we are quite literally dropped into the story and left to find our way quite abruptly. I felt a little disoriented from the beginning trying to care about what was going on while also learning the world.
Unfortunately a miss for me this time.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this book for review.
January 18, 2026
Thank you for the e-arc of Obsidian Sky. This is my honest review
This book has all the great tropes. There were a number of elements I really enjoyed in this book. First, I really enjoyed how you are immediately in action. You jump straight into it. You have dragons right away. The description of the process of the magic and bonding with the dragons really made me feel immersed into the story right away.
The magic system and the process of cadets finding their magic was probably one of my favorite parts of the story. I found myself engaged during the process to determine the elemental magic and selection.
The FMC is witty, driven, and doesn’t start out as a warrior. I like that she has to get there and that she doesn’t back down. I feel like that makes her more of a bad a$$
I struggled with the POV of the book. It is written in third person. The perspective does shift between characters that felt unclear to me which made it hard to stay immersed in story.
Readers who enjoy fast paced stories with dragons and elemental magic may love this book. Unfortunately, the POV confusion kept me from fully connecting with the story.
🐉 enemies to lovers
🐉 elemental magic
🐉 academy setting
🐉 destiny romance
🐉 hidden identity
Good luck to the author on the release!
This book has all the great tropes. There were a number of elements I really enjoyed in this book. First, I really enjoyed how you are immediately in action. You jump straight into it. You have dragons right away. The description of the process of the magic and bonding with the dragons really made me feel immersed into the story right away.
The magic system and the process of cadets finding their magic was probably one of my favorite parts of the story. I found myself engaged during the process to determine the elemental magic and selection.
The FMC is witty, driven, and doesn’t start out as a warrior. I like that she has to get there and that she doesn’t back down. I feel like that makes her more of a bad a$$
I struggled with the POV of the book. It is written in third person. The perspective does shift between characters that felt unclear to me which made it hard to stay immersed in story.
Readers who enjoy fast paced stories with dragons and elemental magic may love this book. Unfortunately, the POV confusion kept me from fully connecting with the story.
🐉 enemies to lovers
🐉 elemental magic
🐉 academy setting
🐉 destiny romance
🐉 hidden identity
Good luck to the author on the release!
January 23, 2026
I loved this book! I was lucky enough to have an ARC sent to me. The story was gripping from page one and did not let go! When is book 2 coming? Read this with the knowledge that this book will take over your life for a while.
January 21, 2026
Non stop action from page one!! Fourth Wing vibes. Great new characters and vast new world. A little spice, a few surprises makes for a great new dragon series!!
February 7, 2026
I am shocked to read that a few reviewers are not getting the point of view. I thought it was really well done. It’s not hard to figure out. The book tells you who is thinking what and it provides in the moment insight of Thorne and Thaelyn. I rather enjoyed it compared to a vanilla first person “put my brain on the shelf” lazy or boring read. I thought this book was rich and well written.
I almost laughed out loud at one reviewer’s comment that complained the book moved to different events or places in a new or next chapter. Duh!🙄 That is what a chapter does and so does a scene break. I think the reviewer saying this doesn’t read many advanced novels. All of the great fantasy books do this. It’s how a plot advances. This book is not a cheeky RomCom 250 page light romance book. It’s a well done rich fantasy book.
If you enjoy a book that is a true fantasy that is a deep and rich book, you will enjoy this. I thought it was a breath of fresh air. I like a book that has some depth. I thought building a whole new world was well done. I felt something when I ready this book. Once the fate and prophecy set in, there was no going back for Thorne and Thaelyn. The slow burn and spice were good and the plot was not overly run with just them doing it everywhere. Just right.
I enjoyed how the author tied in the dragons and the lore. They were funny and not just props like so many other dragon books. They had purpose and I’m guessing there will be a lot more to unfold about them in the next book.
I enjoyed this one! Will recommend to others.
I almost laughed out loud at one reviewer’s comment that complained the book moved to different events or places in a new or next chapter. Duh!🙄 That is what a chapter does and so does a scene break. I think the reviewer saying this doesn’t read many advanced novels. All of the great fantasy books do this. It’s how a plot advances. This book is not a cheeky RomCom 250 page light romance book. It’s a well done rich fantasy book.
If you enjoy a book that is a true fantasy that is a deep and rich book, you will enjoy this. I thought it was a breath of fresh air. I like a book that has some depth. I thought building a whole new world was well done. I felt something when I ready this book. Once the fate and prophecy set in, there was no going back for Thorne and Thaelyn. The slow burn and spice were good and the plot was not overly run with just them doing it everywhere. Just right.
I enjoyed how the author tied in the dragons and the lore. They were funny and not just props like so many other dragon books. They had purpose and I’m guessing there will be a lot more to unfold about them in the next book.
I enjoyed this one! Will recommend to others.
February 6, 2026
Story starts off with a bang, which I really like. The romance was a slow burn but when it got there, just the right amount of spice. I enjoyed the POV because I got to know what the characters were thinking instead of just being so one sided like so many other books out there. Loved the story plot, the dragons and the ending makes me feral for her next book to come out.
February 6, 2026
Great book. Loved the dragons! Plot was nonstop action and kept me turning the pages. Loved the romance and the spice was just right! I would recommend to other people who love books with slow burn and dragons.
Review of advance copy received from Author
so.....book 2 is being released when???? 😭😭😭
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from Jill Aster and THANK YOU!!!
This book absolutely destroyed me. Thaelyn and Thorne's love story is a SLOW burn but once its lit....be prepared!
He would literally do whatever it takes to make sure she is safe and he is literally just perfection there's no words for this man....trust me just read the book!!
The magic system and political aspects of the book are well written but how she writes about the training Thaelyn goes through with Nyxariel and her sparing were SO good
It was easy to picture everything that was happening in this story and I cannot wait for book 2
if you love dragons, their riders, forbidden magic and a love that literally will make them burn the world for each other add this to your TBR
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from Jill Aster and THANK YOU!!!
This book absolutely destroyed me. Thaelyn and Thorne's love story is a SLOW burn but once its lit....be prepared!
He would literally do whatever it takes to make sure she is safe and he is literally just perfection there's no words for this man....trust me just read the book!!
The magic system and political aspects of the book are well written but how she writes about the training Thaelyn goes through with Nyxariel and her sparing were SO good
It was easy to picture everything that was happening in this story and I cannot wait for book 2
if you love dragons, their riders, forbidden magic and a love that literally will make them burn the world for each other add this to your TBR
Did Not Finish
February 16, 2026uh oh
dnf at 11% 🫣
I was excited to pick this up but there are so many issues I couldn’t continue.
- third person POV shifting - jarring and confusing shift from one person in one paragraph and then another the next paragraph.
- fmc talks in exposition dumps and cliches
- writing trying to be profound and inspiring but felt lacklustre, off putting and unearned
- trying to be gritty but the narrative and character choices feel feel generic (which i can somewhat move past) but it’s coupled by feeling juvenile.
**I was provided with an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review **
dnf at 11% 🫣
I was excited to pick this up but there are so many issues I couldn’t continue.
- third person POV shifting - jarring and confusing shift from one person in one paragraph and then another the next paragraph.
- fmc talks in exposition dumps and cliches
- writing trying to be profound and inspiring but felt lacklustre, off putting and unearned
- trying to be gritty but the narrative and character choices feel feel generic (which i can somewhat move past) but it’s coupled by feeling juvenile.
**I was provided with an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review **
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February 6, 2026
Stepping away from this one. The third-person POV that shifts from one sentence to the next, paired with the lack of world-building and character development, leaves this story feeling like whole chapters or pages are missing. How did we go from meeting a guy and being invited to a party to them making out and him complimenting her personality and character with zero conversation? It was very disjointed, and it took me entirely out of the story.
Thank you to the author for the ARC.
Thank you to the author for the ARC.
February 7, 2026
Enemies to lovers, dragons, and a magic academy are like my three favorite things! Also the FMC and the MMC 😍😍 absolutely can’t wait for book 2!
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for this ARC!
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received a gifted eARC of OBSIDIAN SKY by Jill Aster for an honest review.
Publication Date: 2/2/2026
Rating: 4.5 / 5
OBSIDIAN SKY is a debut romantasy and the start of a new Riftborn series. We are following two primary characters. Thaelyn is just entering the Asgar Training Academy, a place to learn and to undergo dangerous trials centered on the candidate's powers of air, water, fire, or earth. Thaelyn's path through the academy doesn't go exactly according to plans and her power has everyone, including the crown, interested.
Thorne is ahead of Thaelyn in the academy and the book opens with a very powerful scene with him bonding to a dragon. Torne is also a prince in the line of the crown himself. Thorne fears that Thaelyn represents a danger to everyone, but the pair are forced to work together as Thaelyn learns about her power and control.
This book was on Bri from @fourpawsandabook's best books of 2025, and hearing her talk about it, it definitely had me wanting to pick it up immediately. The opening of the book immediately hooked me and this author really does description and tension really well!
This book ticks a lot of boxes for me with sassy dragons, school setting, enemies to lovers, interesting magic systems and politics. As someone who is a very world building driven reader, this book really worked well for me in that regard!
I had a fantastic time reading this and will be eagerly anticipating book two! OBSIDIAN SKY is out now!
For more thoughts on this one, check out my vlog reading Booktube's favorite books:
https://youtu.be/rV9nH6osYoQ
Publication Date: 2/2/2026
Rating: 4.5 / 5
OBSIDIAN SKY is a debut romantasy and the start of a new Riftborn series. We are following two primary characters. Thaelyn is just entering the Asgar Training Academy, a place to learn and to undergo dangerous trials centered on the candidate's powers of air, water, fire, or earth. Thaelyn's path through the academy doesn't go exactly according to plans and her power has everyone, including the crown, interested.
Thorne is ahead of Thaelyn in the academy and the book opens with a very powerful scene with him bonding to a dragon. Torne is also a prince in the line of the crown himself. Thorne fears that Thaelyn represents a danger to everyone, but the pair are forced to work together as Thaelyn learns about her power and control.
This book was on Bri from @fourpawsandabook's best books of 2025, and hearing her talk about it, it definitely had me wanting to pick it up immediately. The opening of the book immediately hooked me and this author really does description and tension really well!
This book ticks a lot of boxes for me with sassy dragons, school setting, enemies to lovers, interesting magic systems and politics. As someone who is a very world building driven reader, this book really worked well for me in that regard!
I had a fantastic time reading this and will be eagerly anticipating book two! OBSIDIAN SKY is out now!
For more thoughts on this one, check out my vlog reading Booktube's favorite books:
https://youtu.be/rV9nH6osYoQ
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read this book under protest. My girlfriend read it, fell in love with the characters, story and insisted that I read it as well. Normally I wouldn’t read one of her books. However, I was very pleased to discover that it was extremely well written and dudes will get into it too as it vividly describes various scenes and locations. There is battle, extreme training, history of the dragons and witty banter throughout. Get this book for yourself and/or your girlfriend/wife.
February 12, 2026
Review coming soon…
November 8, 2025
5 stars! A Must Read! Romance, Magic, Prophecy, and Dragons
Obsidian Sky completely wrecked me in the best way possible. I was lucky to get it as a beta reader. From the moment Thaelyn stepped into the Training Academy, I was hooked. The world is vivid and dangerous, filled with elemental magic, dragons, and secrets that slowly peel back layer by layer. Jill Aster’s writing is lush and lyrical, but not over the top where I would want to stop reading the book. It’s descriptive and I can picture everything in my head as if I was there. It’s writing that makes you stop and reread lines because they hit hard. This new fantasy world that was built was a huge undertaking for a new writer and she did a phenomenal job!
Thaelyn and Thorne have the kind of slow burn tension that makes you keep turning the page wanting more. He’s dark, guarded, and maddeningly protective; she’s strong, stubborn, and full of fire. Their connection feels fated and every scene between them left me on edge, in the best way. The banter between them is so funny. It is a SLOW burn but when it got there 🔥. It had the right amount of spice 🌶️ that it was believable and felt natural.
The dragons absolutely stole the show. They are so funny. They aren’t just background, they feel alive, with their own voices and emotions woven into the story. Nyxariel and Vornokh are everything I want from dragon lore: ancient, powerful, and deeply bonded to their riders.
If you love books with dragons or dragon riders, this book is going to be your next obsession. Dragon books all have a similar dragon lore vibe, and dragon rider books all have the dragons bond to its rider, which is why we love them. 🐉Obsidian Sky is more than that! It is very different and so is the story. Obsidian Sky is about forbidden magic, political control, prophecy, and a romance so dangerous it threatens the balance of the realm. It’s full of heartbreak, heat, and magic that feels both dangerous and new. I was not prepared for how emotional the ending would be, and now I’m desperate for book two which I heard will be out in 2026 too!
Obsidian Sky completely wrecked me in the best way possible. I was lucky to get it as a beta reader. From the moment Thaelyn stepped into the Training Academy, I was hooked. The world is vivid and dangerous, filled with elemental magic, dragons, and secrets that slowly peel back layer by layer. Jill Aster’s writing is lush and lyrical, but not over the top where I would want to stop reading the book. It’s descriptive and I can picture everything in my head as if I was there. It’s writing that makes you stop and reread lines because they hit hard. This new fantasy world that was built was a huge undertaking for a new writer and she did a phenomenal job!
Thaelyn and Thorne have the kind of slow burn tension that makes you keep turning the page wanting more. He’s dark, guarded, and maddeningly protective; she’s strong, stubborn, and full of fire. Their connection feels fated and every scene between them left me on edge, in the best way. The banter between them is so funny. It is a SLOW burn but when it got there 🔥. It had the right amount of spice 🌶️ that it was believable and felt natural.
The dragons absolutely stole the show. They are so funny. They aren’t just background, they feel alive, with their own voices and emotions woven into the story. Nyxariel and Vornokh are everything I want from dragon lore: ancient, powerful, and deeply bonded to their riders.
If you love books with dragons or dragon riders, this book is going to be your next obsession. Dragon books all have a similar dragon lore vibe, and dragon rider books all have the dragons bond to its rider, which is why we love them. 🐉Obsidian Sky is more than that! It is very different and so is the story. Obsidian Sky is about forbidden magic, political control, prophecy, and a romance so dangerous it threatens the balance of the realm. It’s full of heartbreak, heat, and magic that feels both dangerous and new. I was not prepared for how emotional the ending would be, and now I’m desperate for book two which I heard will be out in 2026 too!
February 6, 2026
If you loved Fourth Wing, you’re probably going to have a good time with this one. Obsidian Sky sits firmly in that dragon-rider academy space in a way that feels familiar for those looking to relight that fire.
I won’t lie, though, the beginning was rough for me. There’s a LOT of telling instead of showing, and some of the dialogue felt clunky and unnatural, especially early on. Characters introduce themselves like they’re reading off a résumé, and big chunks of lore are dumped straight into conversations instead of being woven in naturally. We jump almost immediately into dragon bonding and instant friendships without much grounding in the world first, which made everything feel rushed and a little shallow at the start.
That said… I did keep reading.
Once the story settles, the world becomes much more enjoyable. The magic system is interesting, the dragons are easily the best part, and the central conflict has real potential. Thaelyn’s journey through training is engaging, and I liked watching her struggle with her power. The enemies-to-lovers tension with Thorne is familiar but effective, and the stakes around loyalty vs. love are clearly being set up for future books.
The characters feel a little flat. But my biggest technical issue was the POV switches. It’s written in third person, but it switches perspectives constantly. Sometimes within the same scene or even the same paragraph, which made it hard to stay emotionally anchored. It pulled me out of the story and left me confused more than once.
Overall, this feels like a book with really strong ideas. The dragons and the larger political threat kept me invested, even when the writing stumbled. It’s not perfect, but it is fun and for readers who want another dragon-rider fantasy.
Thanks to The Nerd Fam for pointing me towards this story and the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
I won’t lie, though, the beginning was rough for me. There’s a LOT of telling instead of showing, and some of the dialogue felt clunky and unnatural, especially early on. Characters introduce themselves like they’re reading off a résumé, and big chunks of lore are dumped straight into conversations instead of being woven in naturally. We jump almost immediately into dragon bonding and instant friendships without much grounding in the world first, which made everything feel rushed and a little shallow at the start.
That said… I did keep reading.
Once the story settles, the world becomes much more enjoyable. The magic system is interesting, the dragons are easily the best part, and the central conflict has real potential. Thaelyn’s journey through training is engaging, and I liked watching her struggle with her power. The enemies-to-lovers tension with Thorne is familiar but effective, and the stakes around loyalty vs. love are clearly being set up for future books.
The characters feel a little flat. But my biggest technical issue was the POV switches. It’s written in third person, but it switches perspectives constantly. Sometimes within the same scene or even the same paragraph, which made it hard to stay emotionally anchored. It pulled me out of the story and left me confused more than once.
Overall, this feels like a book with really strong ideas. The dragons and the larger political threat kept me invested, even when the writing stumbled. It’s not perfect, but it is fun and for readers who want another dragon-rider fantasy.
Thanks to The Nerd Fam for pointing me towards this story and the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
February 9, 2026
An action-packed storyline centered at a training academy with DRAGONS and an enemies-to-lovers romance?! Say less.
A tragic prophecy, damning fate, and a love that quite literally knows NO bounds.
“You're my calm in all the noise. You have become my reason to breathe. You're everything I didn't know I wanted or believe that I could have. I've spent too much time in rooms where truth was punishment. I wanted a life where telling it could be an offering.” — Thorne, the man you are!!
Thaelyn and Thorne (alongside their witty dragons) were thrown through the RINGER in this GREAT start to a new series. Cannot wait to dive into the next installment when it releases!!
A tragic prophecy, damning fate, and a love that quite literally knows NO bounds.
“You're my calm in all the noise. You have become my reason to breathe. You're everything I didn't know I wanted or believe that I could have. I've spent too much time in rooms where truth was punishment. I wanted a life where telling it could be an offering.” — Thorne, the man you are!!
Thaelyn and Thorne (alongside their witty dragons) were thrown through the RINGER in this GREAT start to a new series. Cannot wait to dive into the next installment when it releases!!
May 24, 2026
This is the first book I’ve ever DNF’d, and honestly, I understand the hype even less now that I’ve tried reading it myself.
The entire thing felt like a poor imitation of Fourth Wing without any of the charm, tension, or emotional payoff. It constantly tries to sound deep and meaningful, but every attempt at complexity falls flat and leads nowhere. The writing style made it an exhausting read from start to finish — clunky, repetitive, and painfully overwritten.
I kept waiting for something redeeming to appear, but I genuinely cannot think of a single positive thing to say about this book.
The entire thing felt like a poor imitation of Fourth Wing without any of the charm, tension, or emotional payoff. It constantly tries to sound deep and meaningful, but every attempt at complexity falls flat and leads nowhere. The writing style made it an exhausting read from start to finish — clunky, repetitive, and painfully overwritten.
I kept waiting for something redeeming to appear, but I genuinely cannot think of a single positive thing to say about this book.
January 23, 2026
The pov was a bit confusing for me however if you love forth wing, I would definitely recommend! Thank you to the author for the arc!
January 4, 2026
2⭐️
2🌶️
Thank you to the author for an e-arc of this book.
I really struggled with this one if I’m being honest. The best way to describe it for me is trying to finish a puzzle without all the pieces.
I felt confused most of the book. First, because this is written in third person POV but that POV literally switches from sentence to sentence. I never really knew whose POV I was supposed to be in. It jumped around so much, it was hard to follow.
Secondly, I don’t feel like any context was given throughout the story. Like the world building skipped the whole building part and just assumed the reader understood the background of the story, which you don’t. I’m not even really 100% sure what the true plot was supposed to be.
Finally, so many things were brought up and never addressed again. *spoiler warning* ⚠️ our FMC begins the story flirting and supposedly in a relationship with someone and then it’s just dropped and never addressed again when the MMC becomes more prevalent? Considering the guy is one of the MMCs close friends?
There was no real character development of the main characters or their respective circle of friends.
I hate giving low star reviews and don’t discourage anyone from reading this and making their own opinions. I think there is some solid foundation for a story, but it’s just so jumbled, it made it hard to read. It needed way more in depth dive and development in my opinion.
I wish the author all the luck with the release though!
2🌶️
Thank you to the author for an e-arc of this book.
I really struggled with this one if I’m being honest. The best way to describe it for me is trying to finish a puzzle without all the pieces.
I felt confused most of the book. First, because this is written in third person POV but that POV literally switches from sentence to sentence. I never really knew whose POV I was supposed to be in. It jumped around so much, it was hard to follow.
Secondly, I don’t feel like any context was given throughout the story. Like the world building skipped the whole building part and just assumed the reader understood the background of the story, which you don’t. I’m not even really 100% sure what the true plot was supposed to be.
Finally, so many things were brought up and never addressed again. *spoiler warning* ⚠️ our FMC begins the story flirting and supposedly in a relationship with someone and then it’s just dropped and never addressed again when the MMC becomes more prevalent? Considering the guy is one of the MMCs close friends?
There was no real character development of the main characters or their respective circle of friends.
I hate giving low star reviews and don’t discourage anyone from reading this and making their own opinions. I think there is some solid foundation for a story, but it’s just so jumbled, it made it hard to read. It needed way more in depth dive and development in my opinion.
I wish the author all the luck with the release though!
February 6, 2026
I don't like writing negative reviews because I know how much time and effort this author likely put into this book, but the book was A MESS! Other reviews say if you like Fourth Wing read this. This book was basically Fourth wing without character development, a clear plot and a POV that made no sense. This felt like the author wrote individual chapters and then tried to fit them together in some way that made sense but then gave up. Chapters ended with a character doing something but then the next chapter began and they were doing something totally different, was there a time jump? Who knows! Nothing was clear, the timing was off for the entire book.
With all of that aside I will say that I liked Thorne. Even though his character was lacking true development he was the only character that I feel you can connect with. He says some beautiful words to our hopelessly vanilla FMC. The spice that we get was also pretty good there just wasn't much of it, definitely not enough to save this book. This book ends on a cliffhanger that I guess is supposed to set up the next book but even the ending was confusing and didn't make sense. This is not a series that I will be continuing.
With all of that aside I will say that I liked Thorne. Even though his character was lacking true development he was the only character that I feel you can connect with. He says some beautiful words to our hopelessly vanilla FMC. The spice that we get was also pretty good there just wasn't much of it, definitely not enough to save this book. This book ends on a cliffhanger that I guess is supposed to set up the next book but even the ending was confusing and didn't make sense. This is not a series that I will be continuing.
February 19, 2026
3.50 ⭐️! A dragon filled, action packed romantasy!
🔥Trainer to trainee
🔥Morally gray protector
🔥Fated bond
🔥Deadly training academy trials
🔥Hidden lineage
🔥High-stakes political intrigue
🔥Destiny/prophecy
🔥Elemental magic system
🔥Immersive fantasy world-building
This story is told in 3rd person POV, and has alternating perspectives per scene and chapters. While some I’ve read have found it confusing, I found it quite engaging and unique! I found it to be more engaging when in different scenes, and I loved being able to see characters alternating thoughts immediately.
Lots of romantasy, a bit of insta love, in my opinion, and lots of dragons! I enjoyed diving into the dragons minds quite often in this one.
I do think this story could benefit from more of an intro into the characters and the story, maybe a few chapters prior to just diving into the story. I will say though, you do dive right it and it never lets you go until the shocking end!
There were also lots of similarities to Fourth Wing, which I as a fourth wing lover enjoyed reading - but I have seen that comment alot as well.
Recommend for any romantasy lovers, and of course any dragon lovers!
🔥Trainer to trainee
🔥Morally gray protector
🔥Fated bond
🔥Deadly training academy trials
🔥Hidden lineage
🔥High-stakes political intrigue
🔥Destiny/prophecy
🔥Elemental magic system
🔥Immersive fantasy world-building
This story is told in 3rd person POV, and has alternating perspectives per scene and chapters. While some I’ve read have found it confusing, I found it quite engaging and unique! I found it to be more engaging when in different scenes, and I loved being able to see characters alternating thoughts immediately.
Lots of romantasy, a bit of insta love, in my opinion, and lots of dragons! I enjoyed diving into the dragons minds quite often in this one.
I do think this story could benefit from more of an intro into the characters and the story, maybe a few chapters prior to just diving into the story. I will say though, you do dive right it and it never lets you go until the shocking end!
There were also lots of similarities to Fourth Wing, which I as a fourth wing lover enjoyed reading - but I have seen that comment alot as well.
Recommend for any romantasy lovers, and of course any dragon lovers!
February 19, 2026
Dragons + enemies to lovers + forbidden magic? I was DONE FOR. 🐉🔥
Obsidian Sky by Jill Aster completely pulled me in. Thaelyn entering the Asgar Training Academy to manifest elemental magic and maybe be chosen by a dragon? Instant obsession. The trials are brutal, the magic system is immersive, and the stakes feel terrifyingly real.
And then there’s Prince Thorne loyal to the crown, suspicious of Thaelyn’s strange power, and forced to train the very girl who might destroy the realm. The tension? Immaculate. The banter? Sharp. The forbidden pull between them? I ate it up.
With rift-born creatures creeping in and war on the horizon, this story balances swoony romance with high-stakes chaos perfectly. I’m officially invested in dragons and destruction.
Obsidian Sky by Jill Aster completely pulled me in. Thaelyn entering the Asgar Training Academy to manifest elemental magic and maybe be chosen by a dragon? Instant obsession. The trials are brutal, the magic system is immersive, and the stakes feel terrifyingly real.
And then there’s Prince Thorne loyal to the crown, suspicious of Thaelyn’s strange power, and forced to train the very girl who might destroy the realm. The tension? Immaculate. The banter? Sharp. The forbidden pull between them? I ate it up.
With rift-born creatures creeping in and war on the horizon, this story balances swoony romance with high-stakes chaos perfectly. I’m officially invested in dragons and destruction.
February 4, 2026
Thaelyn attends the academy hoping to manifest elemental magic and be chosen by a dragon as a rider. During the testing process, she uncovers a long-lost form of magic and unexpectedly bonds with a dragon from the past. That bond doesn’t stop there—she also forms a powerful connection with Thorne and his dragon.
One of my favorite aspects is how the bond allows all four of them to communicate and feel one another, creating a deeply layered connection between both riders and dragons. As dark forces begin to rise, Thaelyn must decide whether she will fight to save the kingdom… or be the catalyst for its ruin.
I did struggle a bit at the beginning, but once the story found its footing, I was fully invested in the FMC, the MMC, and honestly both dragons as well. The ending left me desperate to know what happens next—especially with Thorne and that cliffhanger. I’ll definitely be continuing the series.
One of my favorite aspects is how the bond allows all four of them to communicate and feel one another, creating a deeply layered connection between both riders and dragons. As dark forces begin to rise, Thaelyn must decide whether she will fight to save the kingdom… or be the catalyst for its ruin.
I did struggle a bit at the beginning, but once the story found its footing, I was fully invested in the FMC, the MMC, and honestly both dragons as well. The ending left me desperate to know what happens next—especially with Thorne and that cliffhanger. I’ll definitely be continuing the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2026
If you’re looking for your next obsession, The Riftborn series starts with a literal bang. Thaelyn Marren isn't just another girl at a magic academy; she’s a powerhouse with a secret that could level the kingdom. Throw in Thorne Dareth, the broody, guarded dragon-rider prince of my dreams, and you have the perfect recipe for a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers masterpiece. The political intrigue is sharp, the ancient prophecies are chilling, and the chemistry? Absolutely electric.
February 4, 2026
ARC review: definitely a new favorite. It was the kind of book that sucks you in and doesn’t let you leave until it’s done. Very engaging and couldn’t get enough of it. I cannot wait to see if there is more!
April 22, 2026
Had potential
Sadly too many errors to make the book enjoyable.
It had potential, the author has a beautiful way of describing scenery and the enormity of the dragons. The story itself was good. But all this gets lost in repeated paragraphs, describing the same thing repeatedly and editorial mistakes.
Sadly too many errors to make the book enjoyable.
It had potential, the author has a beautiful way of describing scenery and the enormity of the dragons. The story itself was good. But all this gets lost in repeated paragraphs, describing the same thing repeatedly and editorial mistakes.
April 12, 2026
If you’re looking for a fresh take on the dragon-rider trope, *Obsidian Sky* by Jill Aster unfortunately misses the mark, feeling more like a fragmented echo of *Fourth Wing* than a standalone story. The similarities are impossible to ignore; from the fundamental plot beats of a lethal academy entrance to the "enemies-to-lovers" dynamic with a brooding commander, it follows the Empyrean blueprint almost to a fault. Even the character names feel distractingly similar, making it difficult to engage with Aster’s world without constantly comparing it to Violet and Xaden’s journey.
Beyond the derivative nature of the story, the narrative itself lacks the cohesion needed to stay grounded. While the high stakes are meant to feel intense, the plot remains confusing and poorly defined, jumping between scenes without a clear sense of internal logic or world-building. Major emotional milestones often feel unearned, and the pacing is uneven throughout. Ultimately, while it might provide a quick fix for die-hard romantasy fans, the lack of clarity and originality makes it a frustrating read that struggles to step out of the shadow of its predecessor.
Beyond the derivative nature of the story, the narrative itself lacks the cohesion needed to stay grounded. While the high stakes are meant to feel intense, the plot remains confusing and poorly defined, jumping between scenes without a clear sense of internal logic or world-building. Major emotional milestones often feel unearned, and the pacing is uneven throughout. Ultimately, while it might provide a quick fix for die-hard romantasy fans, the lack of clarity and originality makes it a frustrating read that struggles to step out of the shadow of its predecessor.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2026
Unfortunately, I had to DNF this one. Its basically Fourth Wing but with no world building and no editor. The narrator jumps from one characters POV to the next between sentences which makes it chaotic and confusing. One second you're in one person's head and literally the next sentence its someone else's perspective. I enjoy multi POV novels but there needs to be clear communication to the reader when you move between characters, especially when there are so many. The book hops straight into the action, but as a result you don't feel any connection to the characters or have any backstory around what is happening. There is a lot of info dumping, which makes the interactions feel disingenuous. When we first met the prince, it felt like Iri was reading off a script or out of a textbook. Lots of telling, little showing.
I am very grateful for the ARC opportunity and I wish the author every success in future books. I think there are some great ideas here and with a little polishing, this could be a great series.
I am very grateful for the ARC opportunity and I wish the author every success in future books. I think there are some great ideas here and with a little polishing, this could be a great series.
February 10, 2026
⚠️DNF’ed at 11%⚠️
This one hurts because I love the premise. On paper, Obsidian Sky should’ve been a hit for me.
Unfortunately, in my opinion this book wasn’t ready for public release. I received an ARC and continued on KU after release, but there were still noticeable editing issues early on, including missing quotation marks in dialogue, confusing POV shifts in third person mid-paragraph, and some continuity hiccups that pulled me out of the story. And aside from the editing errors, it was reading more like a Fourth Wing fanfiction than its own story.
You can really see what this story wants to be, which made it harder to DNF, but ultimately I couldn’t fully settle into the reading experience. I officially DNF’ed in Chapter 7.
With more editing and polish, this could be something special, and I’d be open to revisiting it in the future.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the e-ARC opportunity.
This one hurts because I love the premise. On paper, Obsidian Sky should’ve been a hit for me.
Unfortunately, in my opinion this book wasn’t ready for public release. I received an ARC and continued on KU after release, but there were still noticeable editing issues early on, including missing quotation marks in dialogue, confusing POV shifts in third person mid-paragraph, and some continuity hiccups that pulled me out of the story. And aside from the editing errors, it was reading more like a Fourth Wing fanfiction than its own story.
You can really see what this story wants to be, which made it harder to DNF, but ultimately I couldn’t fully settle into the reading experience. I officially DNF’ed in Chapter 7.
With more editing and polish, this could be something special, and I’d be open to revisiting it in the future.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the e-ARC opportunity.
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