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The Sunbird’s Last Lament
A runaway princess with botanical magic
A dragon trainer living on borrowed time
A love that transcends their doom
Armed with dark botanical magic, Valenna Castanaia spent her childhood serving as her father’s weapon in a vengeful war — until the day she refused to kill the enemy prince and was forced to flee. Now, with her magic at its most dangerous, she believes nothing can stand in the way of her revenge on her father…until she encounters Evander, the dragon trainer who broke her heart, and she is frustrated to discover that her passion for him has not waned.
Worse still, Evander secretly loves Valenna, but he can’t let her fall for him again because he is plagued by a mysterious magical injury and the elixir he relies on to stay alive is running out — along with his hopes of survival.
With Evander’s life in the balance and Valenna’s magic spiraling out of control, they must find a cure before their pasts catch up to them and they lose one another forever.
The Sunbird’s Last Lament is a poetic, botanical romantasy for anyone who wants to feel yearning, passion, and a cozy sense of encroaching doom.
A dragon trainer living on borrowed time
A love that transcends their doom
Armed with dark botanical magic, Valenna Castanaia spent her childhood serving as her father’s weapon in a vengeful war — until the day she refused to kill the enemy prince and was forced to flee. Now, with her magic at its most dangerous, she believes nothing can stand in the way of her revenge on her father…until she encounters Evander, the dragon trainer who broke her heart, and she is frustrated to discover that her passion for him has not waned.
Worse still, Evander secretly loves Valenna, but he can’t let her fall for him again because he is plagued by a mysterious magical injury and the elixir he relies on to stay alive is running out — along with his hopes of survival.
With Evander’s life in the balance and Valenna’s magic spiraling out of control, they must find a cure before their pasts catch up to them and they lose one another forever.
The Sunbird’s Last Lament is a poetic, botanical romantasy for anyone who wants to feel yearning, passion, and a cozy sense of encroaching doom.
- GenresFantasy
409 pages, Paperback
Published November 4, 2025
61 people are currently reading
662 people want to read
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November 28, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up!
"You, my love," he whispered, softly kissing her right cheek, "are my cause. You," his lips brushed her left cheek, "are my future."He kissed her lips, "You are my kingdom. I will survive. And I will come back to you."
The Sunbird's Last Lament by Andrea Costello
Andrea has created a spectacular world with her debut Romantasy book! I loved the unique magic, the enemies to lovers, the world building, the story of this one, and that ending has me thirsting for book 2! Oh and the plot twists! So many plot twists in this romantasy.
Valenna aka Princess Valeria has dark botanical magic and has run away from her father, the cruel king of Sennalaith. Evander aka Evandaine is a dragon trainer and prince of Ashkendor.
Their fates collide on the battlefield.
Valenna. Strong. Fierce. Feminine. Loves dresses and cares deeply for her sister and Evander.
Evander. Smart and Intelligent. Romantic. Terminally ill. Hard worker. Kind and caring for others. A bit gruff.
The yearning and pining between these two, the forbidden love, enemies to lovers, the romance was all so beautifully written. Palpable. Stunning. Well-done. I loved the chemistry between Valenna and Evander.
See below for some of my favorite scenes and parts.I definitely recommend this romantasy with well-written characters who feel like real friends or enemies, a world you long to be part of, and magic you hope to learn.
Favorite Parts/Reactions:
YearningDragons
Forbidden romance
He takes care of her wounds
Enemies to lovers
Fighting the snake
Finding out the truth
Wedding
Oh My Gosh!!
And again, Oh My Gosh!
Plot twists
The insane epic battle
That Ending UGH!!!
Content Guide:
Language: Mild-handful uses of “hell”, “bastard” as a swear word, words like “blasted” and “bleeding” are also used
Sexual Content: Closed-door: feelings of attraction, the word bastard is used (in reference to the unknown origins of a man), steamy kissing scenes, 2 fade-to-black scenes between married couple
Violence/gore: Moderate- battle with gore, man attacks another man, animal/creature violence and gore, death, murder
Substance Use: Mild-characters casually drink a drink similar to wine at a party, a character smokes “bacco” joint, whiskey is used to numb pain
Prejudices: Kingdoms fight kingdoms because they hate each other
Religious Content: Mythology (created by author), Monotheism by some characters as well as polytheism by others
Other: illness, magic, destruction by fire
Book Info:
Series: The Dragon Willow Duet book 1
Genre: Romantasy
Romance Level: Closed-door
Release Date: Available now
Publisher: Indie
POV: Dual third person
Debut in genre
Thank you to the author for the review copy. All thoughts are my own.
"You, my love," he whispered, softly kissing her right cheek, "are my cause. You," his lips brushed her left cheek, "are my future."He kissed her lips, "You are my kingdom. I will survive. And I will come back to you."
The Sunbird's Last Lament by Andrea Costello
Andrea has created a spectacular world with her debut Romantasy book! I loved the unique magic, the enemies to lovers, the world building, the story of this one, and that ending has me thirsting for book 2! Oh and the plot twists! So many plot twists in this romantasy.
Valenna aka Princess Valeria has dark botanical magic and has run away from her father, the cruel king of Sennalaith. Evander aka Evandaine is a dragon trainer and prince of Ashkendor.
Their fates collide on the battlefield.
Valenna. Strong. Fierce. Feminine. Loves dresses and cares deeply for her sister and Evander.
Evander. Smart and Intelligent. Romantic. Terminally ill. Hard worker. Kind and caring for others. A bit gruff.
The yearning and pining between these two, the forbidden love, enemies to lovers, the romance was all so beautifully written. Palpable. Stunning. Well-done. I loved the chemistry between Valenna and Evander.
See below for some of my favorite scenes and parts.I definitely recommend this romantasy with well-written characters who feel like real friends or enemies, a world you long to be part of, and magic you hope to learn.
Favorite Parts/Reactions:
YearningDragons
Forbidden romance
He takes care of her wounds
Enemies to lovers
Fighting the snake
Finding out the truth
Wedding
Oh My Gosh!!
And again, Oh My Gosh!
Plot twists
The insane epic battle
That Ending UGH!!!
Content Guide:
Language: Mild-handful uses of “hell”, “bastard” as a swear word, words like “blasted” and “bleeding” are also used
Sexual Content: Closed-door: feelings of attraction, the word bastard is used (in reference to the unknown origins of a man), steamy kissing scenes, 2 fade-to-black scenes between married couple
Violence/gore: Moderate- battle with gore, man attacks another man, animal/creature violence and gore, death, murder
Substance Use: Mild-characters casually drink a drink similar to wine at a party, a character smokes “bacco” joint, whiskey is used to numb pain
Prejudices: Kingdoms fight kingdoms because they hate each other
Religious Content: Mythology (created by author), Monotheism by some characters as well as polytheism by others
Other: illness, magic, destruction by fire
Book Info:
Series: The Dragon Willow Duet book 1
Genre: Romantasy
Romance Level: Closed-door
Release Date: Available now
Publisher: Indie
POV: Dual third person
Debut in genre
Thank you to the author for the review copy. All thoughts are my own.
October 3, 2025
Read if you like: Adult romantasy, dragons, cottagecore, botanical magic, forbidden romance, yearning, epic battles, angst
I was hooked from beginning to end! There was plenty of action and drama (the good kind in a plot) to keep me turning the pages. I also loved the way the dragons were incorporated into the story. If I'm going to pick up a romantasy, this is exactly the kind of book I want. This book is the definition of sacrificial love. When I had question marks in my head as to why the characters made certain decisions, they were eventually answered. I think the author did a good job connecting the FMC’s magic and character growth. The MMC wasn't the typical dark and brooding guy and nor the soft, sunshine guy. He was half and half, haha. I also liked the foreshadowing and the parallels. My heart is full and devastated at the same time. This book was worth every moment of my time, and I'm 100% picking up the next book in the series.
I received an eARC.
Spice level: Non-explicit fade to black
Content/trigger warnings: Death, injury, and violence related to battles
I was hooked from beginning to end! There was plenty of action and drama (the good kind in a plot) to keep me turning the pages. I also loved the way the dragons were incorporated into the story. If I'm going to pick up a romantasy, this is exactly the kind of book I want. This book is the definition of sacrificial love. When I had question marks in my head as to why the characters made certain decisions, they were eventually answered. I think the author did a good job connecting the FMC’s magic and character growth. The MMC wasn't the typical dark and brooding guy and nor the soft, sunshine guy. He was half and half, haha. I also liked the foreshadowing and the parallels. My heart is full and devastated at the same time. This book was worth every moment of my time, and I'm 100% picking up the next book in the series.
I received an eARC.
Spice level: Non-explicit fade to black
Content/trigger warnings: Death, injury, and violence related to battles
February 3, 2026
⭐️5
I honestly don’t know what to say…aside from I am NOT okay. I need the second book so bad.
This was a heart wrenching, beautiful, tragic love story and I might never recover…
Evander and Valenna have my heart, I love them so so much. Evander loved her -desperately- and protected her, even from herself. They loved each other, body and soul. She loved him just as desperately. They would burn the whole world for each other. Evander was also such a great dragon master and a good teacher. Valenna did EVERYTHING to save him, and he did all he could too. Again, they loved each other so so much, it was so beautiful. The wedding, it was EVERYTHING! I absolutely loved that scene.
I am genuinely so freaking sad about the ending. I fear I’ll never ever recover.
They didn’t have a chance to say goodbye, and it wrecked me.
This book was poetically stunning, had incredible characters and great character growth!
I could not recommend it enough!
tropes:
💜second chance
🐉one dragon
💜dragon trainer MMC
🐉FMC with botanical magic
💜touch her and d!e
🐉forbidden love
💜”I did this to you?”
🐉 yearning
💜dual pov
CONTENT:
- kisses only (closed door)
- no language
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
Evander reminded Valenna of an autumn morning-warm tones paired with melancholy, like he was always waiting for some beautiful ending.
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
“You were perfect... you are perfect. But I want you to be happy, and I cannot make you happy."
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
Evander wanted to jump up and run back to Valenna's room, wrap her in his arms, cover her with kisses and tell her that he didn't care who her parents were, or how dark her magic was, because he ached for her, wanted her and only her, every day and every night and every second in between. And it didn't matter that she was Cadmus's witch child; she was also the woman who was at his bedside when he awoke in hospital, the woman who argued with the physician about his prognosis, the one who never let him miss a dose of his potion.
Valenna was comfort, healing, loyalty.
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
He didn't like it when people worried over him-but Valenna was the exception.
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
"I have survived battles you couldn't imagine in your worst nightmares."
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
"I can guide us, thank you very much," she said. "You hold onto me."
Evander's mouth quirked. "Yes, ma'am," he said, and his hands closed around her waist. She drew a sharp breath, realizing this was more intimate than before. But his hands were warm and strong, and she felt safe between them.
This was what drew her to him again and again, no matter how hard she tried to dodge. He was the single person in the three kingdoms who made her feel safe.
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
Who was she fooling? Get over him? He was Evander. Her Evander. All her cherished dreams of overthrowing kingdoms and finding lost loved ones dissipated the instant she looked into his solemn eyes.
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
This was what drew her to him again and again, no matter how hard she tried to dodge. He was the single person in the three kingdoms who made her feel safe.
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
"You put your hands on her, and you think I'll let you live?"
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
Evander inspired a gentleness in her that she'd never had in Sennalaith, and she'd begun to lose it since he left Largotia.
When she was with him, she softened like an over-starched dress doused in clean water.
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
"I am knotted up inside. I don't know up from down, but I know that I love you, and I always have, and I'm horribly afraid that I always will"
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
“I don't think of you as the woman who struck me, but the woman who saved me.”
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
"Do you really love me, Vander? Even now? I took so much from you, I took everything from you.”
"But you also gave me more love, more joy, more hope than anyone in over twenty summers before I met you. We're different people now. The past has no hold on us"
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
"A part of you will always belong to me, and a part of me will always be yours."
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
"I'm a grown woman, I've been to battle, and I'll fall in love with whoever I want, and for some absurd reason, I want you."
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
"And I don't care who your parents are, or where you were born, or whether you will drop dead tomorrow. There is no future for me but you. I love you, you infuriating man!"
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
"I love you. Since the first time I saw you, my heart has belonged to you in every beat."
"I don't deserve this."
"Yes." He kissed her again. "Yes, you do."
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
"I never knew it was possible to love someone this much,"
"Neither did I. My life goes gray without you. Before you, my life was all winter wasteland. You brought me spring."
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
"You, my love," he whispered, softly kissing her right cheek, "are my cause. You"-his lips brushed her left cheek-"are my future." He kissed her lips. "You are my kingdom. I will survive. And I will come back to you."
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
Clutching his body, Valenna looked down at Evander again and realized it was the last time she would ever see him.
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
She would never again bask in his lovely smiles, or feel his gentle hands, or wake up beside him in the gray morning light.
She couldn't bear it. She might as well climb into the ground with him, bury herself at his side. How could she live without him? What would be the point?
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
I honestly don’t know what to say…aside from I am NOT okay. I need the second book so bad.
This was a heart wrenching, beautiful, tragic love story and I might never recover…
Evander and Valenna have my heart, I love them so so much. Evander loved her -desperately- and protected her, even from herself. They loved each other, body and soul. She loved him just as desperately. They would burn the whole world for each other. Evander was also such a great dragon master and a good teacher. Valenna did EVERYTHING to save him, and he did all he could too. Again, they loved each other so so much, it was so beautiful. The wedding, it was EVERYTHING! I absolutely loved that scene.
I am genuinely so freaking sad about the ending. I fear I’ll never ever recover.
They didn’t have a chance to say goodbye, and it wrecked me.
This book was poetically stunning, had incredible characters and great character growth!
I could not recommend it enough!
tropes:
💜second chance
🐉one dragon
💜dragon trainer MMC
🐉FMC with botanical magic
💜touch her and d!e
🐉forbidden love
💜”I did this to you?”
🐉 yearning
💜dual pov
CONTENT:
- kisses only (closed door)
- no language
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
Evander reminded Valenna of an autumn morning-warm tones paired with melancholy, like he was always waiting for some beautiful ending.
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
“You were perfect... you are perfect. But I want you to be happy, and I cannot make you happy."
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
Evander wanted to jump up and run back to Valenna's room, wrap her in his arms, cover her with kisses and tell her that he didn't care who her parents were, or how dark her magic was, because he ached for her, wanted her and only her, every day and every night and every second in between. And it didn't matter that she was Cadmus's witch child; she was also the woman who was at his bedside when he awoke in hospital, the woman who argued with the physician about his prognosis, the one who never let him miss a dose of his potion.
Valenna was comfort, healing, loyalty.
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
He didn't like it when people worried over him-but Valenna was the exception.
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
"I have survived battles you couldn't imagine in your worst nightmares."
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
"I can guide us, thank you very much," she said. "You hold onto me."
Evander's mouth quirked. "Yes, ma'am," he said, and his hands closed around her waist. She drew a sharp breath, realizing this was more intimate than before. But his hands were warm and strong, and she felt safe between them.
This was what drew her to him again and again, no matter how hard she tried to dodge. He was the single person in the three kingdoms who made her feel safe.
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
Who was she fooling? Get over him? He was Evander. Her Evander. All her cherished dreams of overthrowing kingdoms and finding lost loved ones dissipated the instant she looked into his solemn eyes.
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
This was what drew her to him again and again, no matter how hard she tried to dodge. He was the single person in the three kingdoms who made her feel safe.
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
"You put your hands on her, and you think I'll let you live?"
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
Evander inspired a gentleness in her that she'd never had in Sennalaith, and she'd begun to lose it since he left Largotia.
When she was with him, she softened like an over-starched dress doused in clean water.
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
"I am knotted up inside. I don't know up from down, but I know that I love you, and I always have, and I'm horribly afraid that I always will"
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
“I don't think of you as the woman who struck me, but the woman who saved me.”
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
"Do you really love me, Vander? Even now? I took so much from you, I took everything from you.”
"But you also gave me more love, more joy, more hope than anyone in over twenty summers before I met you. We're different people now. The past has no hold on us"
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
"A part of you will always belong to me, and a part of me will always be yours."
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
"I'm a grown woman, I've been to battle, and I'll fall in love with whoever I want, and for some absurd reason, I want you."
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
"And I don't care who your parents are, or where you were born, or whether you will drop dead tomorrow. There is no future for me but you. I love you, you infuriating man!"
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
"I love you. Since the first time I saw you, my heart has belonged to you in every beat."
"I don't deserve this."
"Yes." He kissed her again. "Yes, you do."
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
"I never knew it was possible to love someone this much,"
"Neither did I. My life goes gray without you. Before you, my life was all winter wasteland. You brought me spring."
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
"You, my love," he whispered, softly kissing her right cheek, "are my cause. You"-his lips brushed her left cheek-"are my future." He kissed her lips. "You are my kingdom. I will survive. And I will come back to you."
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
Clutching his body, Valenna looked down at Evander again and realized it was the last time she would ever see him.
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
She would never again bask in his lovely smiles, or feel his gentle hands, or wake up beside him in the gray morning light.
She couldn't bear it. She might as well climb into the ground with him, bury herself at his side. How could she live without him? What would be the point?
──── 𓍊𓋼 ─────── 𓍊𓋼 ──────── 𓍊𓋼 ────
September 21, 2025
Let me start this off by saying I got an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review, and boy am I so happy that I did. If I could give this book 6 stars I would. This author deserves all the praise for the rich world she built.
I am mainly an epic fantasy reader, but sometimes it's nice to have a palate cleanser. After finishing the fourth book in the Game of Thrones Series, I needed to read something more light hearted before continuing the series. This book was perfect for that. It had the perfect blend of everything--great worldbuilding, a love story that makes you believe in true love again, and a great thematic throughline of letting the hatred from your past go before it consumes you and turns you into someone you hardly recognize. (Plus yearning. So much yearning)
The story is a dual POV between the FMC, Valenna, and the MMC, Evander. It's unique in the fact that they were lovers in the past, but life's circumstances got in the way and they went their separate ways. (More like Evander ran away but that's beside the point). When life decides to bring them together again, they have to decide whether they want to rekindle their old flame or let the secrets of their past keep them apart. (And there are so many secrets)
The love story in this is spectacular, but somehow the author doesn't allow it to overshadow the phenomenal world building. There's magic, and dragons, and countries at war. It all feels so realistic in a whimsical kind of way if that makes sense. The use of dragons and their training reminds me so much of How to Train Your Dragon. (Also Evander gives me major Hiccup vibes with him putting magical creatures lives above his own).
There's so much I could praise this book on, but I feel like you need to pick it up and experience it yourself.
I am mainly an epic fantasy reader, but sometimes it's nice to have a palate cleanser. After finishing the fourth book in the Game of Thrones Series, I needed to read something more light hearted before continuing the series. This book was perfect for that. It had the perfect blend of everything--great worldbuilding, a love story that makes you believe in true love again, and a great thematic throughline of letting the hatred from your past go before it consumes you and turns you into someone you hardly recognize. (Plus yearning. So much yearning)
The story is a dual POV between the FMC, Valenna, and the MMC, Evander. It's unique in the fact that they were lovers in the past, but life's circumstances got in the way and they went their separate ways. (More like Evander ran away but that's beside the point). When life decides to bring them together again, they have to decide whether they want to rekindle their old flame or let the secrets of their past keep them apart. (And there are so many secrets)
The love story in this is spectacular, but somehow the author doesn't allow it to overshadow the phenomenal world building. There's magic, and dragons, and countries at war. It all feels so realistic in a whimsical kind of way if that makes sense. The use of dragons and their training reminds me so much of How to Train Your Dragon. (Also Evander gives me major Hiccup vibes with him putting magical creatures lives above his own).
There's so much I could praise this book on, but I feel like you need to pick it up and experience it yourself.
October 30, 2025
Overview:
Language 🤐: Mild (Bloody and Hell/hellish used)
Romance ❤️🔥: Fade to black (Not descriptive I'd say like lv1-2ish)
Violence ⚔️: There is a good amount of violence there is a war, dragons that die and hurt people, it is mildly-moderately descriptive pretty expected in fantasy, gore and blood. I can definitely see it being outside of some peoples comfort level. I was fine and was well within my comfort level (was slightly queeze about one scene with lots of blood loss it wasn't overly descriptive but yeah, just know yourself) there is war in this book and the author has content warnings at the beginning of the book
⚠️Abusive parents, suicidal thoughts, self harm, on page loss, prostitution mentioned, drunken brawl, smoking, Death of minors, Sexual Harassment⚠️
Tropes/Micro tropes
- Dual POV
- Enemies to Lovers
- Forbidden Love
- Botanical Magic
- She takes care of him
- Wound tending
- All the banter
- Dragons 🐉
- Would do anything for each other
- would burn the world for each other
My Thoughts:
This book! THIS BOOK! I NEED THE SECOND ONE RIGHT NOW!! I loved this book so so much! It was one I could not put down and I read as quickly as my children would let me 🤣 This has such a great story of love that finds one another again and again. A love that is so deep and willing to overcome all for one another.
Valenna had me cackling at times with her priories and love for fashion. She is a fiery character and her growth through out the book was wonderful to be a witness and be apart of. I loved her deep love and feelings and how she was able to work through what was holding her back from being fully free and truly herself. I loved seeing her struggle with the impossible choices placed before her and what she was willing to do to right those wrongs.
Evander oh sweet Evander who knows and love Valenna so well! He was so gentle and loving and ugh so great! The impossible choices these two face and their growth individually and together is wonderful to read! Evander is such a wonderful character who is strong and comes into himself so well by the end of book!
The banter, the love, the difficulties that shaped these two! I'm not doing this book justice! I loved every minute of this book! The rollercoaster of emotions and frustrations and deep love that was shown through this book!
If you love a fantasy with dragons, forbidden love, enemies to lovers, love that is willing to do anything for one another, growth and awesome side character that grow on you thought this one is definitely not to be missed!
Thanks so much to the author for the ARC all thoughts and opinions are my own!
Language 🤐: Mild (Bloody and Hell/hellish used)
Romance ❤️🔥: Fade to black (Not descriptive I'd say like lv1-2ish)
Violence ⚔️: There is a good amount of violence there is a war, dragons that die and hurt people, it is mildly-moderately descriptive pretty expected in fantasy, gore and blood. I can definitely see it being outside of some peoples comfort level. I was fine and was well within my comfort level (was slightly queeze about one scene with lots of blood loss it wasn't overly descriptive but yeah, just know yourself) there is war in this book and the author has content warnings at the beginning of the book
⚠️Abusive parents, suicidal thoughts, self harm, on page loss, prostitution mentioned, drunken brawl, smoking, Death of minors, Sexual Harassment⚠️
Tropes/Micro tropes
- Dual POV
- Enemies to Lovers
- Forbidden Love
- Botanical Magic
- She takes care of him
- Wound tending
- All the banter
- Dragons 🐉
- Would do anything for each other
- would burn the world for each other
My Thoughts:
This book! THIS BOOK! I NEED THE SECOND ONE RIGHT NOW!! I loved this book so so much! It was one I could not put down and I read as quickly as my children would let me 🤣 This has such a great story of love that finds one another again and again. A love that is so deep and willing to overcome all for one another.
Valenna had me cackling at times with her priories and love for fashion. She is a fiery character and her growth through out the book was wonderful to be a witness and be apart of. I loved her deep love and feelings and how she was able to work through what was holding her back from being fully free and truly herself. I loved seeing her struggle with the impossible choices placed before her and what she was willing to do to right those wrongs.
Evander oh sweet Evander who knows and love Valenna so well! He was so gentle and loving and ugh so great! The impossible choices these two face and their growth individually and together is wonderful to read! Evander is such a wonderful character who is strong and comes into himself so well by the end of book!
The banter, the love, the difficulties that shaped these two! I'm not doing this book justice! I loved every minute of this book! The rollercoaster of emotions and frustrations and deep love that was shown through this book!
If you love a fantasy with dragons, forbidden love, enemies to lovers, love that is willing to do anything for one another, growth and awesome side character that grow on you thought this one is definitely not to be missed!
Thanks so much to the author for the ARC all thoughts and opinions are my own!
November 18, 2025
Sometimes I feel like my poor, tormented heart can't take any more sorrow, pain, or hurt. And yet, I still crave it, still yearn for it. Yearn for the emotional turmoil, yearn for my soul to be shattered and reborn anew. Yearn for the love and devotion that books such as The Sunbird’s Last Lament give me. They feed me emotions and keep me suspended in a limbo I never wish to leave.
The Sunbird’s Last Lament, Book 1 of Andrea's Dragon Willow duet, was exactly what I craved. The love between the main characters is so vivid you can almost taste it in the air. Even when they’re apart, even when they make choices born of self-preservation that leave them both miserable, they still try to keep each other safe.
Vander and Valenna are both scarred souls, haunted by their pasts, trying to forgive themselves and move on. But sometimes there is nothing harder than being kind to yourself, and Valenna is proof of that. Still, they persevere, they try to heal, and they yearn for one another, desperately and recklessly.
In a world constantly in turmoil, shattered by wars and loss, they cling to each other while fighting for a better, safer world. Fighting so that no one would be forced again to grow up as quickly as they had to, so that every creature has a place under the sun.
I firmly believe there is no world in which Valenna and Evander wouldn’t have found each other. Whether on opposite sides of a war, on dragon training grounds, or in a little hut tucked safely by the ocean, no obstacle could keep them apart, not with Valenna’s fierce determination, nor with Vander’s need to come home to her.
So, let us all meet under the dragon willow. Let us sit down and feel the emotions dripping from these pages. Let us lament the harsh circumstances and all the pain and the loss. And let us rejoice in the love that shines through it all. The ending was devastating, but the story is far from over.
Thank you, Andrea, for having me on your ARC team. It was an honor.
The Sunbird’s Last Lament, Book 1 of Andrea's Dragon Willow duet, was exactly what I craved. The love between the main characters is so vivid you can almost taste it in the air. Even when they’re apart, even when they make choices born of self-preservation that leave them both miserable, they still try to keep each other safe.
Vander and Valenna are both scarred souls, haunted by their pasts, trying to forgive themselves and move on. But sometimes there is nothing harder than being kind to yourself, and Valenna is proof of that. Still, they persevere, they try to heal, and they yearn for one another, desperately and recklessly.
In a world constantly in turmoil, shattered by wars and loss, they cling to each other while fighting for a better, safer world. Fighting so that no one would be forced again to grow up as quickly as they had to, so that every creature has a place under the sun.
I firmly believe there is no world in which Valenna and Evander wouldn’t have found each other. Whether on opposite sides of a war, on dragon training grounds, or in a little hut tucked safely by the ocean, no obstacle could keep them apart, not with Valenna’s fierce determination, nor with Vander’s need to come home to her.
So, let us all meet under the dragon willow. Let us sit down and feel the emotions dripping from these pages. Let us lament the harsh circumstances and all the pain and the loss. And let us rejoice in the love that shines through it all. The ending was devastating, but the story is far from over.
Thank you, Andrea, for having me on your ARC team. It was an honor.
October 14, 2025
The Sunbird's last lament is book one in the dragon willow duet series and I had the honor to read the ARC.
About the book:
A runaway princess with botanical magic
A dragon trainer living on borrowed time
A love that transcends their doom
Armed with dark botanical magic, Valenna Castanaia spent her childhood serving as her father’s weapon in a vengeful war — until the day she refused to kill the enemy prince and was forced to flee. Now, with her magic at its most dangerous, she believes nothing can stand in the way of her revenge on her father…until she encounters Evander, the dragon trainer who broke her heart, and she is frustrated to discover that her passion for him has not waned.
Worse still, Evander secretly loves Valenna, but he can’t let her fall for him again because he is plagued by a mysterious magical injury and the elixir he relies on to stay alive is running out — along with his hopes of survival.
With Evander’s life in the balance and Valenna’s magic spiraling out of control, they must find a cure before their pasts catch up to them and they lose one another forever.
Review: I was so exited for this book, because the tropes really spoke to me. From the first to last page this book really got me. It's easy to read, it's full of adventure, magic, creatures. I really shared the emotions with the caracters, even though it was written in third person! I am so scared to spoil things if I tell you guys more, so my advice is to read it when it comes out, because it's absolutely amazing, it made me giggle, it made me angry, it made me cry. I'm sure the second book will be even more spectaculair!
The Sunbird's last lament will come out on November 18 2025!
About the book:
A runaway princess with botanical magic
A dragon trainer living on borrowed time
A love that transcends their doom
Armed with dark botanical magic, Valenna Castanaia spent her childhood serving as her father’s weapon in a vengeful war — until the day she refused to kill the enemy prince and was forced to flee. Now, with her magic at its most dangerous, she believes nothing can stand in the way of her revenge on her father…until she encounters Evander, the dragon trainer who broke her heart, and she is frustrated to discover that her passion for him has not waned.
Worse still, Evander secretly loves Valenna, but he can’t let her fall for him again because he is plagued by a mysterious magical injury and the elixir he relies on to stay alive is running out — along with his hopes of survival.
With Evander’s life in the balance and Valenna’s magic spiraling out of control, they must find a cure before their pasts catch up to them and they lose one another forever.
Review: I was so exited for this book, because the tropes really spoke to me. From the first to last page this book really got me. It's easy to read, it's full of adventure, magic, creatures. I really shared the emotions with the caracters, even though it was written in third person! I am so scared to spoil things if I tell you guys more, so my advice is to read it when it comes out, because it's absolutely amazing, it made me giggle, it made me angry, it made me cry. I'm sure the second book will be even more spectaculair!
The Sunbird's last lament will come out on November 18 2025!
September 27, 2025
This book truly blew me away.
I didn’t know what I was expecting but I am so glad it went beyond my assumptions!
I didn’t know what I was expecting but I am so glad it went beyond my assumptions!
November 15, 2025
5⭐️/5
Forbidden love
Slow burn
Star crossed lovers
This was so good! I truly loved it. Starting this book you’re thrown into the world, there is no dipping your toes in you’re thrown into the deep end. There are dragons, unique magic, world building, battles, dragon riding and the slowest burn. I really liked the fresh take of this story. It’s not one I’ve read before and I’m obsessed.
The underlying message of self discovery and rewriting the narrative that others have wrote for you is powerful! Paving your own path. There is a lot of fighting inner demons and struggles. I really liked the layers to all the characters especially Valenna and Evander. I also loved the Only and subtle belief system and how it was woven in. Masterful 🤌🏼
These characters have flaws and are battling their own struggles. I liked that it wasn’t easy. Things were hard and they had to battle together. Valenna was angsty. Evander was swoony and steadfast. The dynamic was so good! I loved the push and pull - the should I fight for them/should I run?
Typically when I start a romantasy it is laid out before me where I can see where the end goal is and then kind of predict how we’ll get there. Not with this book. It kept me guessing and would thrown curve balls from left field. Loved it. The ending 🤯 I need book 2 please!
Thank you Andrea for this arc. All opinions expressed are my own.
Remarks •
No spice, closed door, kissing
No language
TW- oppression, battle scenes, injuries
Favorite quotes:
“You put your hands on her, and you think I'll let you live?”
“I am knotted up inside. I don’t know up from down, but I know that I love you and I always have and I’m horribly afraid that I always will.”
“Oh, I won’t let you die today, Evander Trevelyan. I intend to see you live to regret me.”
He thought he'd let that dream go, but his heart betrayed him.
“And I don’t care who your parents are or where you were born or whether you will drop dead tomorrow. There is no future for me but you. I love you, you infuriating man!”
“Oh, you mad, irritating, wonderful woman. I love you recklessly.”
And he didn’t just want her lovely body, he wanted her heart. He wanted to belong to her, body and spirit.
“I can’t seem to get rid of you no matter what I do, so why not make it permanent?”
Forbidden love
Slow burn
Star crossed lovers
This was so good! I truly loved it. Starting this book you’re thrown into the world, there is no dipping your toes in you’re thrown into the deep end. There are dragons, unique magic, world building, battles, dragon riding and the slowest burn. I really liked the fresh take of this story. It’s not one I’ve read before and I’m obsessed.
The underlying message of self discovery and rewriting the narrative that others have wrote for you is powerful! Paving your own path. There is a lot of fighting inner demons and struggles. I really liked the layers to all the characters especially Valenna and Evander. I also loved the Only and subtle belief system and how it was woven in. Masterful 🤌🏼
These characters have flaws and are battling their own struggles. I liked that it wasn’t easy. Things were hard and they had to battle together. Valenna was angsty. Evander was swoony and steadfast. The dynamic was so good! I loved the push and pull - the should I fight for them/should I run?
Typically when I start a romantasy it is laid out before me where I can see where the end goal is and then kind of predict how we’ll get there. Not with this book. It kept me guessing and would thrown curve balls from left field. Loved it. The ending 🤯 I need book 2 please!
Thank you Andrea for this arc. All opinions expressed are my own.
Remarks •
No spice, closed door, kissing
No language
TW- oppression, battle scenes, injuries
Favorite quotes:
“You put your hands on her, and you think I'll let you live?”
“I am knotted up inside. I don’t know up from down, but I know that I love you and I always have and I’m horribly afraid that I always will.”
“Oh, I won’t let you die today, Evander Trevelyan. I intend to see you live to regret me.”
He thought he'd let that dream go, but his heart betrayed him.
“And I don’t care who your parents are or where you were born or whether you will drop dead tomorrow. There is no future for me but you. I love you, you infuriating man!”
“Oh, you mad, irritating, wonderful woman. I love you recklessly.”
And he didn’t just want her lovely body, he wanted her heart. He wanted to belong to her, body and spirit.
“I can’t seem to get rid of you no matter what I do, so why not make it permanent?”
October 29, 2025
an incredible, soul stirring, romantic fantasy that will hold you captive from the very first page.
I was swept away by the beautiful storytelling and unforgettable characters.
I loved the themes of light vs. dark and the incredible strength of love and the power of letting go of anger. Everything about this story was sensational, and I highly recommend picking it up as your next read. I can't wait to see what happens in books 2!
I was swept away by the beautiful storytelling and unforgettable characters.
I loved the themes of light vs. dark and the incredible strength of love and the power of letting go of anger. Everything about this story was sensational, and I highly recommend picking it up as your next read. I can't wait to see what happens in books 2!
November 26, 2025
“A cozy sense of encroaching doom” is the PERFECT way to describe this book! Andrea wrote a stunning magical world. She lulled me in with her beautiful writing style and descriptions of magic, and then hit me with the twists and turns that drive the story. And despite knowing things could go horribly wrong… I still felt cozy 😆
November 28, 2025
No-spice fantasy romance recommendation: The Sunbird's Last Lament by @andreacostelloauthor !
Guys, this book DESTROYED me. It's beautiful. It's romantic. It's heartwrenching. It reminds me of How to Train Your Dragon, but for grownups--and that's selling it way short!
Valenna is a princess escaping her past--fighting for her ruthless father with her dark botanic magic. She's surrounded with tragedy, and one of the worst parts is that she's in love with a dragon trainer named Evander. But he left without warning. And he's slowly dying from a condition that has only one temporary antidote: wyvern bone powder. And the supply of wyvern bone powder is running out everywhere.
What Valenna doesn't know: before becoming a dragon trainer, Evander was Prince Evandaine--and it was Valenna's dark magic, during a fight against her father's army, that struck him and caused the condition that is killing him.
Can love overcome such monumental hurdles? Can Evander be cured? Will the dying wasteland, ravaged by war, ever see spring again? These were a few of my big questions reading this story, and the plot kept me on the edge of my seat!
I absolutely loved Valenna, with her determination and courage, and Evander, with his grit and self-sacrifice. Their chemistry was off the charts and stayed no-spice. (Note for younger readers: there are a couple fade-to-black scenes--the characters involved are married.) Their characters' conflicts were so compelling--I really felt for both of them and was rooting for them so hard!!!
Besides the main characters, the side characters --especially Evander's team of young dragon trainers-in-training--were fantastic! The worldbuilding was incredible, the dragons (especially Hera) were great, and the plot kept me guessing what was going to happen. I would give it a hundred stars if I could!!!
A couple favorite quotes from the book:
"Their love story was doomed in every letter, but if they must collapse, why not collapse into one another?"
"I have discovered that I cannot hold both love and anger in my heart."
“You are a child,” he said gently. “You do not need to feel guilt when a grown person protects you. I am a man. You are a little girl. Wear the shirt.”
Guys, this book DESTROYED me. It's beautiful. It's romantic. It's heartwrenching. It reminds me of How to Train Your Dragon, but for grownups--and that's selling it way short!
Valenna is a princess escaping her past--fighting for her ruthless father with her dark botanic magic. She's surrounded with tragedy, and one of the worst parts is that she's in love with a dragon trainer named Evander. But he left without warning. And he's slowly dying from a condition that has only one temporary antidote: wyvern bone powder. And the supply of wyvern bone powder is running out everywhere.
What Valenna doesn't know: before becoming a dragon trainer, Evander was Prince Evandaine--and it was Valenna's dark magic, during a fight against her father's army, that struck him and caused the condition that is killing him.
Can love overcome such monumental hurdles? Can Evander be cured? Will the dying wasteland, ravaged by war, ever see spring again? These were a few of my big questions reading this story, and the plot kept me on the edge of my seat!
I absolutely loved Valenna, with her determination and courage, and Evander, with his grit and self-sacrifice. Their chemistry was off the charts and stayed no-spice. (Note for younger readers: there are a couple fade-to-black scenes--the characters involved are married.) Their characters' conflicts were so compelling--I really felt for both of them and was rooting for them so hard!!!
Besides the main characters, the side characters --especially Evander's team of young dragon trainers-in-training--were fantastic! The worldbuilding was incredible, the dragons (especially Hera) were great, and the plot kept me guessing what was going to happen. I would give it a hundred stars if I could!!!
A couple favorite quotes from the book:
"Their love story was doomed in every letter, but if they must collapse, why not collapse into one another?"
"I have discovered that I cannot hold both love and anger in my heart."
“You are a child,” he said gently. “You do not need to feel guilt when a grown person protects you. I am a man. You are a little girl. Wear the shirt.”
Read
January 6, 2026📝 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝗯𝗲:
Romantasy with lyrical, almost melancholic prose, botanical and elemental magic, dragons with emotional weight, and a tone that feels like How to Train Your Dragon reimagined for an older audience. Expect angst, sacrifice, and a slow-burn undercurrent rather than nonstop action.
💬 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀:
This was a new-to-me author, and going in blind truly elevated the experience. I had no expectations and didn’t even realize dragons were part of the story, which made their introduction genuinely delightful. The worldbuilding unfolds gradually, focusing not just on magic and creatures but on the emotional cost of wielding power and making difficult choices.
The story carries a sense of quiet urgency. While it isn’t nonstop action, the stakes are very real, and there’s a looming tension that keeps building as the story progresses. One particular character was undeniably frustrating, but that seemed intentional, adding to the emotional friction and making certain moments hit harder.
What stood out most was the balance between wonder and sorrow. The magic feels rooted in nature and loss, and the dragons are more than just spectacle; they’re tied deeply to identity, responsibility, and legacy. By the end, I was fully invested and genuinely excited to continue the series.
❤️🔥 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗿:
The emotional depth of the main characters, the dragon lore, the nature-based magic system, and the way the story blends beauty with heartbreak.
⚠️ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁:
Death and loss, grief, war and conflict, magical violence, emotional distress, themes of sacrifice, and moments of high tension. Romantic elements are present but not explicit.
✅ 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱/𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗜𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲:
• Romantasy with dragons and emotional stakes
• Nature-based or botanical magic systems
• Stories that blend wonder with melancholy
• Character-driven fantasy with slow-burn romance
• Fantasy that prioritizes atmosphere and emotion over constant action
• Readers who enjoy angst, longing, and layered worldbuilding
Romantasy with lyrical, almost melancholic prose, botanical and elemental magic, dragons with emotional weight, and a tone that feels like How to Train Your Dragon reimagined for an older audience. Expect angst, sacrifice, and a slow-burn undercurrent rather than nonstop action.
💬 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀:
This was a new-to-me author, and going in blind truly elevated the experience. I had no expectations and didn’t even realize dragons were part of the story, which made their introduction genuinely delightful. The worldbuilding unfolds gradually, focusing not just on magic and creatures but on the emotional cost of wielding power and making difficult choices.
The story carries a sense of quiet urgency. While it isn’t nonstop action, the stakes are very real, and there’s a looming tension that keeps building as the story progresses. One particular character was undeniably frustrating, but that seemed intentional, adding to the emotional friction and making certain moments hit harder.
What stood out most was the balance between wonder and sorrow. The magic feels rooted in nature and loss, and the dragons are more than just spectacle; they’re tied deeply to identity, responsibility, and legacy. By the end, I was fully invested and genuinely excited to continue the series.
❤️🔥 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗿:
The emotional depth of the main characters, the dragon lore, the nature-based magic system, and the way the story blends beauty with heartbreak.
⚠️ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁:
Death and loss, grief, war and conflict, magical violence, emotional distress, themes of sacrifice, and moments of high tension. Romantic elements are present but not explicit.
✅ 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱/𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗜𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲:
• Romantasy with dragons and emotional stakes
• Nature-based or botanical magic systems
• Stories that blend wonder with melancholy
• Character-driven fantasy with slow-burn romance
• Fantasy that prioritizes atmosphere and emotion over constant action
• Readers who enjoy angst, longing, and layered worldbuilding
November 14, 2025
“I love you,” he said against her lips. “Oh, you mad, irritating, wonderful woman. I love you recklessly.” "Never leave me again," she replied. "I never could," he said.
This star-crossed lovers story is filled with magical creatures, botanical magic, dragons, danger, battles, and romance. The world building was fantastic. I really enjoyed the dragons and their training.
Valenna is brave, strong, determined, and full of magic. Her botanical magic is very interesting. Her “I did this to you?” moment was heartbreaking. I loved when she discovered her mother’s magic buried under her rage. Evander is intelligent, brave, and gentle. I enjoyed his dragon magic. I loved seeing him grow as a leader. He fought his love because he didn’t know how to tell Val the truth. I loved how protective Val and Van were of each other. And when they gave in and admitted their feelings for each other, oh my!! 🫠 They faced impossible choices. I loved their growth individually and together! Their’s is a love that makes you think “they will always find one another”. It’s going to be a LONG wait for book 2. 😢
A few more quotes:
“I am knotted up inside. I don’t know up from down, but I know that I love you and I always have and I’m horribly afraid that I always will.”
“I love you,” Evander said softly. “Since the first time I saw you, my heart has belonged to you in every beat.”
“Of all the times you've run, and this is when you decide to stay?” “I’ve reversed the habit. From now on, I only run toward you.”
Note: There is violence and gore during battle and attacks by magical creatures. h€ll is used a handful of times. Non-explicit fade to black. Author includes content warning.
This ARC was provided by the author. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.
This star-crossed lovers story is filled with magical creatures, botanical magic, dragons, danger, battles, and romance. The world building was fantastic. I really enjoyed the dragons and their training.
Valenna is brave, strong, determined, and full of magic. Her botanical magic is very interesting. Her “I did this to you?” moment was heartbreaking. I loved when she discovered her mother’s magic buried under her rage. Evander is intelligent, brave, and gentle. I enjoyed his dragon magic. I loved seeing him grow as a leader. He fought his love because he didn’t know how to tell Val the truth. I loved how protective Val and Van were of each other. And when they gave in and admitted their feelings for each other, oh my!! 🫠 They faced impossible choices. I loved their growth individually and together! Their’s is a love that makes you think “they will always find one another”. It’s going to be a LONG wait for book 2. 😢
A few more quotes:
“I am knotted up inside. I don’t know up from down, but I know that I love you and I always have and I’m horribly afraid that I always will.”
“I love you,” Evander said softly. “Since the first time I saw you, my heart has belonged to you in every beat.”
“Of all the times you've run, and this is when you decide to stay?” “I’ve reversed the habit. From now on, I only run toward you.”
Note: There is violence and gore during battle and attacks by magical creatures. h€ll is used a handful of times. Non-explicit fade to black. Author includes content warning.
This ARC was provided by the author. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.
November 18, 2025
Wow. Just…wow!!
Stop what you are doing and read this! I was utterly enchanted by the author's intricate world-building and the incredibly detailed magic system. But let's talk about those dragons! Majestic, visceral, and powerful! The epic battles and war were written with such details that I felt like I had stepped into the pages. The romance? Oh, it is a yearning love story that is a masterpiece of anguish, second chances, and forgiveness. That final, agonizing cliffhanger? It's a gut-punch that left me speechless. The fallout from Valenna's fateful decision has me eagerly awaiting book 2. This is a journey that won't just pull you in; it will swallow you whole, consume your thoughts, and leave you gloriously shaken by the grand finale!"
I so enjoyed the character arcs! Their journeys were handled so well, and I loved that the author gave us a perfect mix of deep character moments and a fantastic plot. Having a dual POV made me feel so deeply connected to them. It wasn't just reading—it was feeling every single thing they went through! And the twists and turns? It was a rollercoaster of reveals. The ones I didn't see coming had me gasping out loud. Absolutely loved it and definitely recommend.
⚠️The author does include a trigger warning in the beginning of the book. I’ve added it here.
“The Sunbird's Last Lament contains the following elements: Death of minors, Loss of loved ones, Mention of prostitution, Sexual harassment, Self-harm. This book has no explicit sexual scenes or explicit language.”
Thank you to the author for my gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Stop what you are doing and read this! I was utterly enchanted by the author's intricate world-building and the incredibly detailed magic system. But let's talk about those dragons! Majestic, visceral, and powerful! The epic battles and war were written with such details that I felt like I had stepped into the pages. The romance? Oh, it is a yearning love story that is a masterpiece of anguish, second chances, and forgiveness. That final, agonizing cliffhanger? It's a gut-punch that left me speechless. The fallout from Valenna's fateful decision has me eagerly awaiting book 2. This is a journey that won't just pull you in; it will swallow you whole, consume your thoughts, and leave you gloriously shaken by the grand finale!"
I so enjoyed the character arcs! Their journeys were handled so well, and I loved that the author gave us a perfect mix of deep character moments and a fantastic plot. Having a dual POV made me feel so deeply connected to them. It wasn't just reading—it was feeling every single thing they went through! And the twists and turns? It was a rollercoaster of reveals. The ones I didn't see coming had me gasping out loud. Absolutely loved it and definitely recommend.
⚠️The author does include a trigger warning in the beginning of the book. I’ve added it here.
“The Sunbird's Last Lament contains the following elements: Death of minors, Loss of loved ones, Mention of prostitution, Sexual harassment, Self-harm. This book has no explicit sexual scenes or explicit language.”
Thank you to the author for my gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 11, 2025
🍄REVIEW🍄
What a wonderful mix of whimsy and impending doom! But that ending?!? How can I go on? I cried. It was two in the morning and I was up crying. I don’t need sleep, I need answers! Seriously, I went into The Sunbird’s Last Lament not expecting the beautiful attention to detail with the world building. If you are used to my reviews, you know world building is my weakness. This story had me so immersed that I didn’t know whether to escape into the world OR escape from the world.
The characters Valenna and Evander are amazingly human. They make mistakes and let anger and despair lead them. They learn from those mistakes though. Valenna’s magic was part of that. It has the power to shape everything around her and could mean salvation or destruction. It was such a beautiful part of the story. Evander was an amazing MMC and perfect for Valenna. He is going through many of his own trials and I constantly worried over him. Together, the two are the sweetest. I’m not even going to talk about some of the other characters. Just know, they are repugnant!
Again, the ending gutted me. I don’t want to spoil anything but I was on the edge of my seat and hoping and praying until I was heartbroken. Overall, The Sunbird’s Last Lament was a brilliant first book and I can’t wait to read the next one!
Thank you to Andréa Costello for an ARC of The Sunbird’s Last Lament. All opinions are my own.
No-Spice Rating: 2.5-3 (fade to black)
Language: Clean (in-world words)
Faith-Elements: 🐑 (numerous mentions of the Creator)
What a wonderful mix of whimsy and impending doom! But that ending?!? How can I go on? I cried. It was two in the morning and I was up crying. I don’t need sleep, I need answers! Seriously, I went into The Sunbird’s Last Lament not expecting the beautiful attention to detail with the world building. If you are used to my reviews, you know world building is my weakness. This story had me so immersed that I didn’t know whether to escape into the world OR escape from the world.
The characters Valenna and Evander are amazingly human. They make mistakes and let anger and despair lead them. They learn from those mistakes though. Valenna’s magic was part of that. It has the power to shape everything around her and could mean salvation or destruction. It was such a beautiful part of the story. Evander was an amazing MMC and perfect for Valenna. He is going through many of his own trials and I constantly worried over him. Together, the two are the sweetest. I’m not even going to talk about some of the other characters. Just know, they are repugnant!
Again, the ending gutted me. I don’t want to spoil anything but I was on the edge of my seat and hoping and praying until I was heartbroken. Overall, The Sunbird’s Last Lament was a brilliant first book and I can’t wait to read the next one!
Thank you to Andréa Costello for an ARC of The Sunbird’s Last Lament. All opinions are my own.
No-Spice Rating: 2.5-3 (fade to black)
Language: Clean (in-world words)
Faith-Elements: 🐑 (numerous mentions of the Creator)
November 15, 2025
Huge thank you to the author for gifting me an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest and spoiler free review!
Mini Blurb:
This story follows Valenna and Evander. Armed with dark botanical magic, Valenna spent her life serving as her father’s greatest weapon in war. When tasked to kill the enemy Prince, Valenna refuses and is forced to flee. Wanting to get revenge on her father and also dealing with her dangerous powers, she encounters Evander, the dragon trainer who broke her heart.
My Thoughts:
From the very first page, we are immediately thrown into the action. It was a new way of jumping into a romantasy for me as most romantasy I read build up to the action but not this one, and I’m here for it! It made me super curious about our FMC and this dark power she has. I loved reading this as it had our main characters as past lovers who went their separate ways but meet up once again later on in the story. It’s the epitome of having to let go of the past or let the past consume you completely.
Not only did this book bring a unique love story, but it also brought a very beautiful and whimsical world. Just like the cover of the book looks very botanical and whimsical, it definitely flows into the world of this story as well. I’m a fan of dragons in books so if you love dragons, this book will be for you! Dragons, dragon trainers, magic, second chance romance, revenge and a war…what more could you possibly ask for in a romantasy book?
Mini Blurb:
This story follows Valenna and Evander. Armed with dark botanical magic, Valenna spent her life serving as her father’s greatest weapon in war. When tasked to kill the enemy Prince, Valenna refuses and is forced to flee. Wanting to get revenge on her father and also dealing with her dangerous powers, she encounters Evander, the dragon trainer who broke her heart.
My Thoughts:
From the very first page, we are immediately thrown into the action. It was a new way of jumping into a romantasy for me as most romantasy I read build up to the action but not this one, and I’m here for it! It made me super curious about our FMC and this dark power she has. I loved reading this as it had our main characters as past lovers who went their separate ways but meet up once again later on in the story. It’s the epitome of having to let go of the past or let the past consume you completely.
Not only did this book bring a unique love story, but it also brought a very beautiful and whimsical world. Just like the cover of the book looks very botanical and whimsical, it definitely flows into the world of this story as well. I’m a fan of dragons in books so if you love dragons, this book will be for you! Dragons, dragon trainers, magic, second chance romance, revenge and a war…what more could you possibly ask for in a romantasy book?
January 7, 2026
I did not finish this book but it was just because of some personal preference on things I just didn’t care for to be reading in just the first 25%. However I loved the characters, the plot was very good as far as I had read. The world building was beautiful and as far as that goes I’m sad I won’t be continuing the book. The authors writing style was beautiful and easy to read.
For those that are looking for content warning I will list why I did not finish but I will state that it is still technically closed-door/no spice as nothing explicit is wrote at all these were just my personal preferences and that’s why I didn’t finish.
-Romance: while there was only a few light kisses, there were a few heavily implied thoughts of sex.
-Sexual harassment/Assault/R*pe: while a little of this doesn’t bother me bc it is a real life thing that does happen to many people and awareness does need brought to it bc where there’s awareness there’s light, there was just too much for my tastes.
-Prostitution: there are quite a few mentions of it and they even go to a tavern where there are “girls” working and the MMC pays a very young girl to care for his dragon all night so she doesn’t be up working for his nasty co-worker(which is sweet, and I know many young girls do end up in that business, but again-personal taste)
-there’s no swearing but one “Son of a…” then cuts off(again, I only read 25%)
For those that are looking for content warning I will list why I did not finish but I will state that it is still technically closed-door/no spice as nothing explicit is wrote at all these were just my personal preferences and that’s why I didn’t finish.
-Romance: while there was only a few light kisses, there were a few heavily implied thoughts of sex.
-Sexual harassment/Assault/R*pe: while a little of this doesn’t bother me bc it is a real life thing that does happen to many people and awareness does need brought to it bc where there’s awareness there’s light, there was just too much for my tastes.
-Prostitution: there are quite a few mentions of it and they even go to a tavern where there are “girls” working and the MMC pays a very young girl to care for his dragon all night so she doesn’t be up working for his nasty co-worker(which is sweet, and I know many young girls do end up in that business, but again-personal taste)
-there’s no swearing but one “Son of a…” then cuts off(again, I only read 25%)
November 18, 2025
Thank you to Andrea Costello for the opportunity to read The Sunbird’s Last Lament before its release!
The Sunbird’s Last Lament pulled me in from the very beginning with its atmosphere, emotional depth, and compelling characters. Andrea Costello created a world that feels vivid and full of possibility, and I appreciated how she leaned into a darker setting, one that feels deeply scarred by war and shaped by everything the characters have endured.
My only reason for giving it four stars is that a few pieces of the world building left me wanting more. The history of the world, how some of the dragons function, and certain parts of the magic system felt a little underexplained compared to the strength of the plot and character dynamics. I also personally felt like Valenna came across as a bit wishy washy in a few moments, which did frustrate me at times. Even so, I still enjoyed following her journey and seeing the growth she does show throughout the story.
The cliffhanger completely took my breath away. I was not ready for it in the best possible way. I cannot wait to see how the world expands, how the unanswered pieces come together, and where book two takes these characters. This series has so much potential and I am already excited for what comes next.
The Sunbird’s Last Lament pulled me in from the very beginning with its atmosphere, emotional depth, and compelling characters. Andrea Costello created a world that feels vivid and full of possibility, and I appreciated how she leaned into a darker setting, one that feels deeply scarred by war and shaped by everything the characters have endured.
My only reason for giving it four stars is that a few pieces of the world building left me wanting more. The history of the world, how some of the dragons function, and certain parts of the magic system felt a little underexplained compared to the strength of the plot and character dynamics. I also personally felt like Valenna came across as a bit wishy washy in a few moments, which did frustrate me at times. Even so, I still enjoyed following her journey and seeing the growth she does show throughout the story.
The cliffhanger completely took my breath away. I was not ready for it in the best possible way. I cannot wait to see how the world expands, how the unanswered pieces come together, and where book two takes these characters. This series has so much potential and I am already excited for what comes next.
September 1, 2025
*I received this book as a free ARC. My review is not influenced by this factor.*
A runaway princess with botanical magic
A dragon trainer living on borrowed time
A love that transcends their doom
This book was everything I hoped it would be.
I am a sucker for dragons, but I am also blown away by the way dragons were built into this book. The creative reimaginings of dragon types and the way that they are trained and used for battle has me obsessed.
That being said, the world building in this book is phenomenal. I think you do get a bit of confusion at the beginning (it's a new fantasy world so what did you expect?), because you're thrown right into it, but it all gets fleshed out really well. I was sucked into this world so quickly.
I think the ONE thing that I wish I had gotten more of was the development of Valenna and Evander's relationship. We get the second chance portion of it, but we don't get a lot of details about how it began. I wish there were some more detailed flashbacks or something about the start of their romance.
The ending surprised me multiple times and left me hungry for more. I can't wait to see what happens next!
A runaway princess with botanical magic
A dragon trainer living on borrowed time
A love that transcends their doom
This book was everything I hoped it would be.
I am a sucker for dragons, but I am also blown away by the way dragons were built into this book. The creative reimaginings of dragon types and the way that they are trained and used for battle has me obsessed.
That being said, the world building in this book is phenomenal. I think you do get a bit of confusion at the beginning (it's a new fantasy world so what did you expect?), because you're thrown right into it, but it all gets fleshed out really well. I was sucked into this world so quickly.
I think the ONE thing that I wish I had gotten more of was the development of Valenna and Evander's relationship. We get the second chance portion of it, but we don't get a lot of details about how it began. I wish there were some more detailed flashbacks or something about the start of their romance.
The ending surprised me multiple times and left me hungry for more. I can't wait to see what happens next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2025
ARC REVIEW
Y’all I just finished this one a few days ago and my HEART😭💔
I’m still reeling from that ending, Andrea is so very cruel for leaving us readers like that🥲
I loved this book so so much, the romance😭🫠, the characters, story, setting, etc… just every bit of it was right up my alley🥹😍
Val & Evander’s relationship is so complexly layered, truly their story embodies the theme of “I’ll find you in every lifetime”😭🥹
The romance had me MELTING🫠🫠 but most of all I adored the dedication they each had to each other🥹
I LOVED Val’s character arc of letting go of her past & pushing past everything she did/learning to forgive herself, the weight of guilt she placed on her shoulders you could actually feel with each word😭
And EVANDER!! He was just everything🥹 How he dispelled Val’s doubts had me crying😭💗
Truly this book had everything you could want in a romantic fantasy✨ Andrea’s writing was SO GORGEOUS, I’m so so thankful I was able to ARC read for her🥹 She’s the sweetest human ever & I cannot wait for all that’s to come!! The Sunbird’s Last Lament is out in paperback NOW the ebook doesn’t come out till November 18th!! DO NOT MISS IT!! Please come and join me in the wait for book 2😭💜✨
Y’all I just finished this one a few days ago and my HEART😭💔
I’m still reeling from that ending, Andrea is so very cruel for leaving us readers like that🥲
I loved this book so so much, the romance😭🫠, the characters, story, setting, etc… just every bit of it was right up my alley🥹😍
Val & Evander’s relationship is so complexly layered, truly their story embodies the theme of “I’ll find you in every lifetime”😭🥹
The romance had me MELTING🫠🫠 but most of all I adored the dedication they each had to each other🥹
I LOVED Val’s character arc of letting go of her past & pushing past everything she did/learning to forgive herself, the weight of guilt she placed on her shoulders you could actually feel with each word😭
And EVANDER!! He was just everything🥹 How he dispelled Val’s doubts had me crying😭💗
Truly this book had everything you could want in a romantic fantasy✨ Andrea’s writing was SO GORGEOUS, I’m so so thankful I was able to ARC read for her🥹 She’s the sweetest human ever & I cannot wait for all that’s to come!! The Sunbird’s Last Lament is out in paperback NOW the ebook doesn’t come out till November 18th!! DO NOT MISS IT!! Please come and join me in the wait for book 2😭💜✨
September 21, 2025
I received an ARC for this book.
I thought the author did a great job setting up foreshadowing and connections for this story! Many things from the beginning came back in the end, and even though it has an open ending, the "closure" felt earned.
In addition, the characters had believable growth. You could see how and why several characters were changing and becoming the person they needed to be.
There were a few times the story felt slow, but overall it was a good read. I'll be waiting for the next one to continue the story!
Valeria is a child of darkness. She is her father's tool in his quest for vengeance for her mother's death. All Valeria has known is darkness and thorns. But after her encounter with the enemy's prince, she has to learn to see if she has her mother's spring in her.
I thought the author did a great job setting up foreshadowing and connections for this story! Many things from the beginning came back in the end, and even though it has an open ending, the "closure" felt earned.
In addition, the characters had believable growth. You could see how and why several characters were changing and becoming the person they needed to be.
There were a few times the story felt slow, but overall it was a good read. I'll be waiting for the next one to continue the story!
Valeria is a child of darkness. She is her father's tool in his quest for vengeance for her mother's death. All Valeria has known is darkness and thorns. But after her encounter with the enemy's prince, she has to learn to see if she has her mother's spring in her.
October 30, 2025
This book was pure, aching magic wrapped in vines and dragonfire. A runaway princess with dangerous botanical powers? Yes please. A dragon trainer on borrowed time who still makes her heart (and mine) flutter? DOUBLE yes.
It’s lush, lyrical, and absolutely drenched in yearning.......the kind that makes you want to scream into the moonlight (like in the movies) and then press flowers between the pages to remember the pain. The romance? Tragic and tender. The vibes? Cozy apocalypse with a touch of doomed fairytale.
By the end, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to sob, swoon, or start whispering poetry to my houseplants...(my green thumb is improving).. This one bloomed right into my soul. 🌸🔥
It’s lush, lyrical, and absolutely drenched in yearning.......the kind that makes you want to scream into the moonlight (like in the movies) and then press flowers between the pages to remember the pain. The romance? Tragic and tender. The vibes? Cozy apocalypse with a touch of doomed fairytale.
By the end, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to sob, swoon, or start whispering poetry to my houseplants...(my green thumb is improving).. This one bloomed right into my soul. 🌸🔥
November 15, 2025
The Sunbird’s Last Lament is a lush and emotionally charged romantasy that blends botanical magic, dragons, and aching, beautifully drawn yearning. Valenna is a fierce, wounded heroine whose dangerous powers mirror the turmoil inside her, while Evander’s quiet strength and tragic secret make him irresistibly compelling. Their shared history fuels a tense, atmospheric reunion filled with longing and looming danger. Andrea Costello’s prose is poetic, immersive, and rich with sensory detail, making every scene bloom. With high stakes, tender romance, and a haunting sense of impending doom, this novel is perfect for readers who crave magic, passion, and heartbreak woven together.
July 18, 2025
𝑨 𝒓𝒖𝒏𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒃𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄
𝑨 𝒅𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒏 𝒃𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆
𝑨 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒅𝒐𝒐𝒎
Thank you so much Andrèa, for giving me the chance to read this story early. This was my first beta read, and I had so much fun sending you all my reactions. Hope I didn’t bother you too much 🙈 This story was whimsical and full of unique magic that caught my attention from the start. I was quickly drawn to Valenna and Vander’s connection, especially knowing they come from opposing kingdoms & that they are trying to hide who they really are. Their banter always had me giggling and I loved watching them try not to have feelings for each other 🤭 The twists & turns their relationship went through had me on the edge of my seat. That ending got me 😭 Now I’m sitting here trying to patiently wait for book 2. I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens next!
💜 Star-crossed lovers
🐉 Lovers who discover they’re enemies
💜 Magical creatures
🐉 Dragons
💜 Forced proximity
🐉 Fade-to-black
💜 Epic battles
🐉 Spring vibes
💜 Lots of hurt/comfort
🐉 Yearninggggg
𝑨 𝒅𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒏 𝒃𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆
𝑨 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒅𝒐𝒐𝒎
Thank you so much Andrèa, for giving me the chance to read this story early. This was my first beta read, and I had so much fun sending you all my reactions. Hope I didn’t bother you too much 🙈 This story was whimsical and full of unique magic that caught my attention from the start. I was quickly drawn to Valenna and Vander’s connection, especially knowing they come from opposing kingdoms & that they are trying to hide who they really are. Their banter always had me giggling and I loved watching them try not to have feelings for each other 🤭 The twists & turns their relationship went through had me on the edge of my seat. That ending got me 😭 Now I’m sitting here trying to patiently wait for book 2. I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens next!
💜 Star-crossed lovers
🐉 Lovers who discover they’re enemies
💜 Magical creatures
🐉 Dragons
💜 Forced proximity
🐉 Fade-to-black
💜 Epic battles
🐉 Spring vibes
💜 Lots of hurt/comfort
🐉 Yearninggggg
November 12, 2025
I'll be the first to admit: I love fantasy, but sometimes those complicated storylines and world building can be a struggle. That's why this book was such a breath of fresh air!
This delivered everything I crave...magic, dragons, doomed love, and war, but in a way that felt not too overwhelming. It's a fantastic example of a writer slowly building a new world, one where I didn't need a cheat sheet to keep up.
This was a mash up of Romeo & Juliet forbidden romance, the adrenaline of Fourth Wing and a sprinkle of that enchanting Harry Potter atmosphere.
This delivered everything I crave...magic, dragons, doomed love, and war, but in a way that felt not too overwhelming. It's a fantastic example of a writer slowly building a new world, one where I didn't need a cheat sheet to keep up.
This was a mash up of Romeo & Juliet forbidden romance, the adrenaline of Fourth Wing and a sprinkle of that enchanting Harry Potter atmosphere.
November 18, 2025
The author did a fantastic job on this story, from the world-building to the characters, crafting a tale that is filled with action and intensity. While adding in romance and drama to keep the pages turning. Definitely a well done read, one that is easy to recommend. I’m a fan of Andrea’s other works which are easy to recommend as well.
November 18, 2025
arc review
I really enjoyed this book! I especially loved the beginning - how the reader was thrown straight into the story and action. The magic system was unique and compelling because of botanical magic. I’ve never read a romantasy book that features dragons, this specific kind of magic and second chance romance before. It all made me binge this book in one sitting!
I really enjoyed this book! I especially loved the beginning - how the reader was thrown straight into the story and action. The magic system was unique and compelling because of botanical magic. I’ve never read a romantasy book that features dragons, this specific kind of magic and second chance romance before. It all made me binge this book in one sitting!
December 16, 2025
Better late than never. I had a little trouble in the beginning but about 20% I was hooked. What happens when rival kingdoms have heirs that runaway and both take on secret names and fall in love? This book has a wonderful sweet love story involving dragons and trainers with a hydra as a pet thrown in. It does end it heartbreak but I’m curious what book 2 will bring .
January 8, 2026
This book was my first attempt at the romantasy genre, and for the most part I loved it. I would have benefited from a map at the front of the book, and a list of characters and pronunciations. There was also a few typos as I read. This was a great book to start the year off with, and I look forward to the next book! What a cliffhanger!
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