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Verran Isles #1
Heir of Illusion: Your next romantasy obsession—enemies to lovers tension, dark magic, and twists that leave you breathless.
The Verran Isles is a dark romantasy series packed with jaw-dropping twists, Fae and Gods, a badass main character and your brand new shadow-wielding book boyfriend. Perfect for fans of Raven Kennedy, Jennifer Armentrout and Sarah J Maas.
'An incredibly impressive debut . . . brutally violent, sizzling with tension, and utterly addictive to read. This is how you do romantasy!' - Brigitte Knightley, Sunday Times bestselling author.
'Tension, angst, a delicious slow burn - I devoured this book. My top read this year!" - Geneva Lee, New York Times bestselling author.
__________________________________________
An alliance between enemies. A weapon of untold power. And a bond that could rewrite fate.
Welcome to the kingdom of secrecy, betrayal and no mercy.
Ivy Pomeroy should be untouchable. Blessed with the power of illusion, she has many tricks up her sleeve, yet none are a match for the enchanted necklace that keeps her bound as an assassin to a ruthless king. Forced to play the role of obedient pet, she plots in secret to destroy him and break free of his hold.
When a mysteriously handsome Reaper from Death's Isle arrives hunting the same weapon Ivy needs, the enemies collide in a reluctant alliance brimming with tension. But as their search uncovers whispers of a dark power that threatens the entire kingdom, it becomes clear that nothing on the Isle of Illusion is what it seems.
Undeniable attraction tangles with deadly secrets, and Ivy's fight for freedom soon becomes a battle of survival. Through it all, she must never forget that though she may wear a collar, she is not the pet they tamed.
She is the beast they let inside.
And she will show no mercy.
DISCOVER WHY READERS HAVE FALLEN FOR HEIR OF ILLUSION
'This book had fantastic banter, a unique world . . . and a magic system that felt fresh and original'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'The pacing is incredible. The plot, the characters, the world. The WRITING. It was all amazing. I have no notes, other than I need more'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'Holy smokes this book. I went in expecting vibes and fantasy spice and ended up crying, gasping and furiously whispering "what the actual ****?" at 2 a.m.'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'Criminally underrated doesn't even begin to cover it'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'I have no words. I am unwell. I am blown away by this book. Truly may be the best book I have read TO DATE. Not of this year . . . ever'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'Addictive, Intense, and Deliciously Dangerous. Heir of Illusion had me in a chokehold from the very first page'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'The tension was palpable, the banter had ME BLUSHING and just when I knew what was about it happen IT DIDN'T!! My favorite'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'Heir of Illusion by Madeleine Taylor is a fast-paced thrill from start to finish. If you're into high-stakes fantasy with gods, fae, mortals, and a healthy dose of magic-fueled mayhem, this book delivers in spades'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'And yes, you can count on me to buy multiple editions of this book in every language. It was indeed THAT good'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'An incredibly impressive debut . . . brutally violent, sizzling with tension, and utterly addictive to read. This is how you do romantasy!' - Brigitte Knightley, Sunday Times bestselling author.
'Tension, angst, a delicious slow burn - I devoured this book. My top read this year!" - Geneva Lee, New York Times bestselling author.
__________________________________________
An alliance between enemies. A weapon of untold power. And a bond that could rewrite fate.
Welcome to the kingdom of secrecy, betrayal and no mercy.
Ivy Pomeroy should be untouchable. Blessed with the power of illusion, she has many tricks up her sleeve, yet none are a match for the enchanted necklace that keeps her bound as an assassin to a ruthless king. Forced to play the role of obedient pet, she plots in secret to destroy him and break free of his hold.
When a mysteriously handsome Reaper from Death's Isle arrives hunting the same weapon Ivy needs, the enemies collide in a reluctant alliance brimming with tension. But as their search uncovers whispers of a dark power that threatens the entire kingdom, it becomes clear that nothing on the Isle of Illusion is what it seems.
Undeniable attraction tangles with deadly secrets, and Ivy's fight for freedom soon becomes a battle of survival. Through it all, she must never forget that though she may wear a collar, she is not the pet they tamed.
She is the beast they let inside.
And she will show no mercy.
DISCOVER WHY READERS HAVE FALLEN FOR HEIR OF ILLUSION
'This book had fantastic banter, a unique world . . . and a magic system that felt fresh and original'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'The pacing is incredible. The plot, the characters, the world. The WRITING. It was all amazing. I have no notes, other than I need more'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'Holy smokes this book. I went in expecting vibes and fantasy spice and ended up crying, gasping and furiously whispering "what the actual ****?" at 2 a.m.'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'Criminally underrated doesn't even begin to cover it'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'I have no words. I am unwell. I am blown away by this book. Truly may be the best book I have read TO DATE. Not of this year . . . ever'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'Addictive, Intense, and Deliciously Dangerous. Heir of Illusion had me in a chokehold from the very first page'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'The tension was palpable, the banter had ME BLUSHING and just when I knew what was about it happen IT DIDN'T!! My favorite'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'Heir of Illusion by Madeleine Taylor is a fast-paced thrill from start to finish. If you're into high-stakes fantasy with gods, fae, mortals, and a healthy dose of magic-fueled mayhem, this book delivers in spades'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'And yes, you can count on me to buy multiple editions of this book in every language. It was indeed THAT good'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
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First published March 31, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,062 reviews
December 22, 2025
This is peak fantasy.
When I say I need a fantasy novel with an incredible plot, rich world building, layered politics, a unique magic system, and a romance full of banter, tension, and longing — this is exactly what I mean. Heir of illusion delivered everything I wanted in a fantasy novel. This book is such a hidden gem and genuinely deserves so much more limelight. It truly hurts how criminally underrated it is.
There wasn't a single moment in this book that bored me. I was genuinely rooting for the protagonists; their chemistry was unmistakable, and the growing tension between them had me hooked. He literally unalived a man for disrespecting her and mind you, this was when they both hated each other. He unalived the said man with his bare hands. In the ballroom. Within seconds. Need I say more?
And don't even get me started on the "who did this to you?" moment. I'm so down bad for both the protagonists, it's not even funny. Further, this book also features a strong tortured fmc who would go to any lengths to get her freedom. Her personality truly captivated my interest. I don't usually prefer reading books with a single pov but in this one, the fmc was so likeable and tenacious; I loved being in her head throughout without even needing the pov of the significant other.
I'm so glad I picked this book up. The plot twist in the end was absolutely criminal, and now I can't wait for the next book to come out. If you're looking for a fantasy novel that's both plot and romance driven followed by a unique magic system, then don't miss out on this one. Trust me, you won't regret it.
4.25 stars rounded down!
When I say I need a fantasy novel with an incredible plot, rich world building, layered politics, a unique magic system, and a romance full of banter, tension, and longing — this is exactly what I mean. Heir of illusion delivered everything I wanted in a fantasy novel. This book is such a hidden gem and genuinely deserves so much more limelight. It truly hurts how criminally underrated it is.
There wasn't a single moment in this book that bored me. I was genuinely rooting for the protagonists; their chemistry was unmistakable, and the growing tension between them had me hooked. He literally unalived a man for disrespecting her and mind you, this was when they both hated each other. He unalived the said man with his bare hands. In the ballroom. Within seconds. Need I say more?
And don't even get me started on the "who did this to you?" moment. I'm so down bad for both the protagonists, it's not even funny. Further, this book also features a strong tortured fmc who would go to any lengths to get her freedom. Her personality truly captivated my interest. I don't usually prefer reading books with a single pov but in this one, the fmc was so likeable and tenacious; I loved being in her head throughout without even needing the pov of the significant other.
I'm so glad I picked this book up. The plot twist in the end was absolutely criminal, and now I can't wait for the next book to come out. If you're looking for a fantasy novel that's both plot and romance driven followed by a unique magic system, then don't miss out on this one. Trust me, you won't regret it.
4.25 stars rounded down!
November 11, 2025
THE WAY MY JAW IS ON THE FLOOR!!!!
Oh my god. I am literally speechless. There is no way it ended like that. I think I’m malfunctioning!!!
“This is not the moment I stop reaching for you.”
Okay this was so freakin’ good from page 1!!! I was completely sucked into this world, the plot, the characters - literally everything. The pacing was absolutely spot on and every time I had to put this down, I couldn’t stop thinking about when I could pick it up again!
The world building is immersive yet digestible. The plot literally kept me on my toes the whole time, there is SO many twists and turns I wasn’t expecting. I knew from the get go I was going to rate this highly. This book has literally made me remember why I love being a reader.
Our FMC Ivy is a badass assassin! I love her so much, she is witty and has a tough exterior but she’s been through so much. Another powerful woman caged by a man who’s fuelled by hate and greed, but she not only stays strong and resilient through everything she endures, she puts everything she has into helping those who need it. My kinda girl!! Red head queen, ofc she is.
Then our MMC Thorne, HELLO HI! My actually favourite type of fantasy book man. Dark, broody, morally grey and a tortured soul… shadow daddy. He is the definition of he fell first mixed with touch her and die.
”You thought you could hurt what’s mine? You thought you could touch her?” - the scream that escaped me!!! The newest loml. Plus he calls her angel. Goodbye. I’m planning the wedding, you’re all invited.
The relationship between these two was full of actual proper flirty banter! Mixed with so much push and pull, tension for days and that slow burn, which let’s be real is still burning!!!! And now what! I need more of them!!
“You just watched me kill a man.”
“Eh.” He shrugs, waving off my recent homicide. “Three’s a crowd.” cackling, I love them so much 🤭
There are so many side characters I’m so invested in too!! The found family is starting to show. I AM DYING TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NOW! I am literally having a mental breakdown. Holy shit I’m actually unwell! There is no way. I have so many questions… what do you mean?!?!
Hahahaha someone sedate me.
If you ever want to listen to anything I say, it’s to listen to me beg you to read this book!!!!!!!
Quotes:
‘I learned long ago that the horrors we hide within our minds are never destroyed—we merely save them for later. They always find their way to surface.’
‘It’s almost funny that all of this soft beauty is required for such an ugly fate.’
“I’m not frightened of the violence inside of you. There’s no crime you could commit that would turn me away.”
“I saw you flying toward me, and I knew I didn’t have to be alone anymore, that you’d always be reaching for me.”
Thanks to netgalley and Zando Projects for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Oh my god. I am literally speechless. There is no way it ended like that. I think I’m malfunctioning!!!
“This is not the moment I stop reaching for you.”
Okay this was so freakin’ good from page 1!!! I was completely sucked into this world, the plot, the characters - literally everything. The pacing was absolutely spot on and every time I had to put this down, I couldn’t stop thinking about when I could pick it up again!
The world building is immersive yet digestible. The plot literally kept me on my toes the whole time, there is SO many twists and turns I wasn’t expecting. I knew from the get go I was going to rate this highly. This book has literally made me remember why I love being a reader.
Our FMC Ivy is a badass assassin! I love her so much, she is witty and has a tough exterior but she’s been through so much. Another powerful woman caged by a man who’s fuelled by hate and greed, but she not only stays strong and resilient through everything she endures, she puts everything she has into helping those who need it. My kinda girl!! Red head queen, ofc she is.
Then our MMC Thorne, HELLO HI! My actually favourite type of fantasy book man. Dark, broody, morally grey and a tortured soul… shadow daddy. He is the definition of he fell first mixed with touch her and die.
”You thought you could hurt what’s mine? You thought you could touch her?” - the scream that escaped me!!! The newest loml. Plus he calls her angel. Goodbye. I’m planning the wedding, you’re all invited.
The relationship between these two was full of actual proper flirty banter! Mixed with so much push and pull, tension for days and that slow burn, which let’s be real is still burning!!!! And now what! I need more of them!!
“You just watched me kill a man.”
“Eh.” He shrugs, waving off my recent homicide. “Three’s a crowd.” cackling, I love them so much 🤭
There are so many side characters I’m so invested in too!! The found family is starting to show. I AM DYING TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NOW! I am literally having a mental breakdown. Holy shit I’m actually unwell! There is no way. I have so many questions… what do you mean?!?!
Hahahaha someone sedate me.
If you ever want to listen to anything I say, it’s to listen to me beg you to read this book!!!!!!!
Quotes:
‘I learned long ago that the horrors we hide within our minds are never destroyed—we merely save them for later. They always find their way to surface.’
‘It’s almost funny that all of this soft beauty is required for such an ugly fate.’
“I’m not frightened of the violence inside of you. There’s no crime you could commit that would turn me away.”
“I saw you flying toward me, and I knew I didn’t have to be alone anymore, that you’d always be reaching for me.”
Thanks to netgalley and Zando Projects for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
August 15, 2025
honestly... I thought this was going to be predictable until the ending because I literally didn't predict a single twist?? wtf just happened??? I need book 2 immediately?
very enticing & dark fantasy world, and I adored our assassin fmc!!! i'll eat it up every mf time!!! this gave me JLA vibes in the best possible way
very enticing & dark fantasy world, and I adored our assassin fmc!!! i'll eat it up every mf time!!! this gave me JLA vibes in the best possible way
December 30, 2025
4.5🌟 a fun, fast paced and addictive romantasy involving a badass female assassin wraith and a morally grey shadow wielding reaper daddy (that was a mouthful)! The world was interesting and the plot had me completely hooked. There were a ton of plot twists, some I guessed but others COMPLETELY took me by surprise which I find so rare these days! For that alone I wanted to give this a high rating! The only thing that marked this down for me was the banter between characters sometimes felt very juvenile and a bit cringe 🫣
May 25, 2025
Not only was this book completely original with the world, and the magic system, but the FMC is one of my favorites ever.
You get so much back story on our FMC Ivy that everything she does makes sense- and I love her personality so much. She is just a girl. A tough girl, but a girl nonetheless.
THE MMC BROOOO. I love him, he’s my fav type of man in a book. A little tortured, a bad history and a penchant for killing people who touch her. LOVE!
The end of this book had me gobsmacked??? I’m READY for book 2.
5 stars ⭐️ good times were indeed had.
You get so much back story on our FMC Ivy that everything she does makes sense- and I love her personality so much. She is just a girl. A tough girl, but a girl nonetheless.
THE MMC BROOOO. I love him, he’s my fav type of man in a book. A little tortured, a bad history and a penchant for killing people who touch her. LOVE!
The end of this book had me gobsmacked??? I’m READY for book 2.
5 stars ⭐️ good times were indeed had.
November 23, 2025
JA MANNNNNNNNNNN
Currently reading
January 9, 2026⋆˙⟡ pre read → my first fantasy read of the year - and my first since november 2025? honestly… who even am i?! this was recommended by my beautiful laura jane, who continues her flawless streak of never letting me down ✨
January 26, 2026
━━━ઇଓㅤ⤸
꒰ 𝐚𝐫𝐜 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 ꒱ Ⓘ pub date: february 10th 2026
𝟓 ✩
🎧꒱ ‘A Little Death’ | The Neighbourhood
𝒮𝒽𝑒 𝒾𝓈 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓅𝑒𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝓉𝒶𝓂𝑒𝒹.
𝒮𝒽𝑒 𝒾𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒷𝑒𝒶𝓈𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝓁𝑒𝓉 𝒾𝓃𝓈𝒾𝒹𝑒.
𝒜𝓃𝒹 𝓈𝒽𝑒 𝓌𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝓈𝒽𝑜𝓌 𝓃𝑜 𝓂𝑒𝓇𝒸𝓎.
꒰ 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: ꒱
Oh my goodness, this was outrageously, outstandingly, incredibly phenomenal. I have never in my life read anything like this, and I must say, Heir of Illusion has exceeded my expectations of all fantasy out there.
The writing was sensational, the only way I can describe it. Madeline Taylor has created such a unique world with extraordinary characters and magic so unlike any I’ve ever read before. It’s deliciously dark. Deadly. And yet so dangerously, achingly beautiful. Tensions are high. The stakes are even higher. And a lethal weapon is causing destruction in Solmare. For the first time in what feels like so long, I was actually hooked from page one. It's no exaggeration, I needed to know more immediately. Every chapter was addicting in its own way. Action-packed, emotional, chaotic, thrilling. I couldn’t get enough. I’ve never been so overwhelmed by information in such a good way. There were twists and turns I never would’ve seen coming. And when I had even an inkling of suspicion about what was going on, the twist twisted.
And the romance? It was everything all in one. Sizzling tension you could cut with a knife, angsty scenes that made you feel like your heart was being ripped straight from your chest, and a slow burn that burned. I adored the concept of an unlikely alliance between two enemies, with secrets that could unravel them both. The same questions repeated as I turned the page: Should they trust each other? Should they not? What are they hiding? What will happen between them? I absolutely love a badass fmc, and I wasn't disappointed with Iverson one bit. She showed true strength and determination in a way that made me want to both wrap her in my arms and tell her she will be okay while also cheering her on for how she just never gave up no matter how bad her life got. And Thorne was the perfect morally grey mmc. Willing to do anything and everything to protect her, secretive yet also trustworthy. He made her finally feel safe and cherished in a way she hadn't been in years. And their special connection made what they had run so much deeper.
Just when I thought the book was sad enough, it got even more devastating. That whirlwind of an ending had me shocked to my core. A big round of applause to the author for that spectacular act of deception. You’ve truly knocked me off my feet, and I cannot wait to get my hands on book 2.
━━━
ᰔᩚ 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝: ꒱
eek i just got approved of my first arc!! i can’t wait to start my journey. this is my second first fantasy and first arc of the year, and from what i’ve heard and read, it sounds very promising. i’m really excited to be reading this and am especially thrilled since Krisha rated it so high. it seriously sounds like an incredible read: [ An alliance between enemies. A weapon of untold power. And a bond that could rewrite fate. ] oooh, count me in!!
Ⓘ thank you @netgalley for giving me the chance to read this free arc, i'm very eager to share my thoughts.
pub date: february 10th 2026
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝: 13/1/2026
𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝: 15/1/2026
-𝓖
꒰ 𝐚𝐫𝐜 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 ꒱ Ⓘ pub date: february 10th 2026
𝟓 ✩
🎧꒱ ‘A Little Death’ | The Neighbourhood
𝒮𝒽𝑒 𝒾𝓈 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓅𝑒𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝓉𝒶𝓂𝑒𝒹.
𝒮𝒽𝑒 𝒾𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒷𝑒𝒶𝓈𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝓁𝑒𝓉 𝒾𝓃𝓈𝒾𝒹𝑒.
𝒜𝓃𝒹 𝓈𝒽𝑒 𝓌𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝓈𝒽𝑜𝓌 𝓃𝑜 𝓂𝑒𝓇𝒸𝓎.
꒰ 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: ꒱
Oh my goodness, this was outrageously, outstandingly, incredibly phenomenal. I have never in my life read anything like this, and I must say, Heir of Illusion has exceeded my expectations of all fantasy out there.
The writing was sensational, the only way I can describe it. Madeline Taylor has created such a unique world with extraordinary characters and magic so unlike any I’ve ever read before. It’s deliciously dark. Deadly. And yet so dangerously, achingly beautiful. Tensions are high. The stakes are even higher. And a lethal weapon is causing destruction in Solmare. For the first time in what feels like so long, I was actually hooked from page one. It's no exaggeration, I needed to know more immediately. Every chapter was addicting in its own way. Action-packed, emotional, chaotic, thrilling. I couldn’t get enough. I’ve never been so overwhelmed by information in such a good way. There were twists and turns I never would’ve seen coming. And when I had even an inkling of suspicion about what was going on, the twist twisted.
And the romance? It was everything all in one. Sizzling tension you could cut with a knife, angsty scenes that made you feel like your heart was being ripped straight from your chest, and a slow burn that burned. I adored the concept of an unlikely alliance between two enemies, with secrets that could unravel them both. The same questions repeated as I turned the page: Should they trust each other? Should they not? What are they hiding? What will happen between them? I absolutely love a badass fmc, and I wasn't disappointed with Iverson one bit. She showed true strength and determination in a way that made me want to both wrap her in my arms and tell her she will be okay while also cheering her on for how she just never gave up no matter how bad her life got. And Thorne was the perfect morally grey mmc. Willing to do anything and everything to protect her, secretive yet also trustworthy. He made her finally feel safe and cherished in a way she hadn't been in years. And their special connection made what they had run so much deeper.
Just when I thought the book was sad enough, it got even more devastating. That whirlwind of an ending had me shocked to my core. A big round of applause to the author for that spectacular act of deception. You’ve truly knocked me off my feet, and I cannot wait to get my hands on book 2.
━━━
ᰔᩚ 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝: ꒱
eek i just got approved of my first arc!! i can’t wait to start my journey. this is my second first fantasy and first arc of the year, and from what i’ve heard and read, it sounds very promising. i’m really excited to be reading this and am especially thrilled since Krisha rated it so high. it seriously sounds like an incredible read: [ An alliance between enemies. A weapon of untold power. And a bond that could rewrite fate. ] oooh, count me in!!
Ⓘ thank you @netgalley for giving me the chance to read this free arc, i'm very eager to share my thoughts.
pub date: february 10th 2026
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝: 13/1/2026
𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝: 15/1/2026
-𝓖
March 6, 2025
It’s 130 in the morning and I just finished this book (that I started this afternoon) and HOLY CRAP. I am SWEATTTTTINGGGGG.
that ending?!? Help???? I’m unwell.
Madeline’s writing style was wholly enjoyable. This book is so well written and honestly, a top read so far this year.
Where to start…first things. Thorne is probably my new favorite book boyfriend. The perfect blend of “she’s mine” and “who did this to you” wrapped up in a snarky shadow daddy.
And Ivy? My strong, persevering, bad a**, Ivy. I love her journey of finding her fight and realizing who she is. I love them. I love them separately but them together?? Perfection.
Also. Darrow and Griffen coming in hot as my new favorite witty side characters. The banter in this book is unmatched and I laughed quite a few times.
Sad I have to wait for the next book because I NEED ANSWERSSSSSS
that ending?!? Help???? I’m unwell.
Madeline’s writing style was wholly enjoyable. This book is so well written and honestly, a top read so far this year.
Where to start…first things. Thorne is probably my new favorite book boyfriend. The perfect blend of “she’s mine” and “who did this to you” wrapped up in a snarky shadow daddy.
And Ivy? My strong, persevering, bad a**, Ivy. I love her journey of finding her fight and realizing who she is. I love them. I love them separately but them together?? Perfection.
Also. Darrow and Griffen coming in hot as my new favorite witty side characters. The banter in this book is unmatched and I laughed quite a few times.
Sad I have to wait for the next book because I NEED ANSWERSSSSSS
July 15, 2025
i beg your finest pardon??? nothing could’ve prepared me for that ending — I ATE THIS UP!!! THORNE… ur hand in marriage pls
July 22, 2025
hold up…. WHAT???
please standby for a full review because my brain is still trying to process that ending🤯
4⭐️ for the vibes though, this was so entertaining
please standby for a full review because my brain is still trying to process that ending🤯
4⭐️ for the vibes though, this was so entertaining
February 11, 2026
Oh pretty, pretty please… can I read book 2 already?!
The banter. The pacing. The plot. The characters. Everything about this was addictive.
Diving into this story, you’ll meet Ivy. A badass, sharp-tongued assassin FMC with a traumatic past and struggles with her mental health. She gives more than she takes, always putting others first. But then she meets someone who reminds her that it’s okay to be selfish sometimes.
Enter Thorne. The shadow daddy. The man who is absolutely obsessed with her from the moment he lays eyes on her and who just might be the only one capable of saving her.
Tropes:
~ Enemies to Lovers
~ He Falls First
~ Touch Her and Die
~ Banter
Full transparency: I inhaled this book. The banter between the main and side characters alone had me giggling and giddy. And that plot twist toward the end? I genuinely did not see it coming. I thought I knew exactly where the story was heading and I love when an author proves me wrong.
Easily a 5-star read for me. I am impatiently waiting for book 2.
I want to thank Netgalley, Zando | Slowburn, and Madeline Taylor for the eARC. All options expressed in this review are my own.
The banter. The pacing. The plot. The characters. Everything about this was addictive.
Diving into this story, you’ll meet Ivy. A badass, sharp-tongued assassin FMC with a traumatic past and struggles with her mental health. She gives more than she takes, always putting others first. But then she meets someone who reminds her that it’s okay to be selfish sometimes.
Enter Thorne. The shadow daddy. The man who is absolutely obsessed with her from the moment he lays eyes on her and who just might be the only one capable of saving her.
Tropes:
~ Enemies to Lovers
~ He Falls First
~ Touch Her and Die
~ Banter
Full transparency: I inhaled this book. The banter between the main and side characters alone had me giggling and giddy. And that plot twist toward the end? I genuinely did not see it coming. I thought I knew exactly where the story was heading and I love when an author proves me wrong.
Easily a 5-star read for me. I am impatiently waiting for book 2.
I want to thank Netgalley, Zando | Slowburn, and Madeline Taylor for the eARC. All options expressed in this review are my own.
April 2, 2025
reread release day mar 31 -
YEP it still hits 🙂↕️❤️🔥❤️🔥 i was so happy to be back with ivy + thorne! i'd highly recommend this to honestly any romantasy lover, it's such a fun, fast paced read! i cannot WAIT to learn more about what is in store for these two in book two ❤️🔥
first read feb 19 -
the first arc to ever leave me in a book slump 😅🫶🏼 i’m ngl, it’s taken me a few days to process the ending and find proper words to do this book justice, but i’m now fully prepared to be insufferable about it!! 🤭
you’re gonna want to make room for this on your april tbr!! this is slowwww burn, reluctant allies to lovers, with GOD tier banter, and found family who will nestle their way right into your heart!
book one is set in solmare, where gods, high fae, and mortals coexist. there’s both glamour and elemental magic at play in this world. we follow ivy as she partners with reluctant allies to find the key to not only a dark prophecy, but also the key to her freedom from the control of her brutal oppressor.
ivy is a fearless, sharp tongued assassin with a heart of gold who has endured so much. the way madeline tackles both the trauma involved in this, as well as the mental health hurdles that come along with it is done with such empathy and care. it was so refreshing to read the inner monologue of such a relatable character.
thorne, *sigh* our tortured, but thoughtful, confident, shadow protector, who would burn the world down for his girl (and she deserves it!!) i absolutely MELTED anytime he said ‘angel’ 😭 these two are officially in my top 3 🔐
i was NOT expecting the last 30% of this book to go so hard, omg!! 👀 just when i thought i had it all figured out, i was humbly mistaken. it had me audibly gasping in parts, and ofc i shed a few tears 🥹 that ending?? i have about a thousand questions i need answered immediately 😅
thank you again, madeline for sending me this digital arc 🤍 it was such an honor to be trusted with your debut. i’m so excited for your future, this book is pure magic!! thank you for bringing ivy and thorne to life on page, their story is truly one for the books 🫶🏼
YEP it still hits 🙂↕️❤️🔥❤️🔥 i was so happy to be back with ivy + thorne! i'd highly recommend this to honestly any romantasy lover, it's such a fun, fast paced read! i cannot WAIT to learn more about what is in store for these two in book two ❤️🔥
first read feb 19 -
the first arc to ever leave me in a book slump 😅🫶🏼 i’m ngl, it’s taken me a few days to process the ending and find proper words to do this book justice, but i’m now fully prepared to be insufferable about it!! 🤭
you’re gonna want to make room for this on your april tbr!! this is slowwww burn, reluctant allies to lovers, with GOD tier banter, and found family who will nestle their way right into your heart!
book one is set in solmare, where gods, high fae, and mortals coexist. there’s both glamour and elemental magic at play in this world. we follow ivy as she partners with reluctant allies to find the key to not only a dark prophecy, but also the key to her freedom from the control of her brutal oppressor.
ivy is a fearless, sharp tongued assassin with a heart of gold who has endured so much. the way madeline tackles both the trauma involved in this, as well as the mental health hurdles that come along with it is done with such empathy and care. it was so refreshing to read the inner monologue of such a relatable character.
thorne, *sigh* our tortured, but thoughtful, confident, shadow protector, who would burn the world down for his girl (and she deserves it!!) i absolutely MELTED anytime he said ‘angel’ 😭 these two are officially in my top 3 🔐
i was NOT expecting the last 30% of this book to go so hard, omg!! 👀 just when i thought i had it all figured out, i was humbly mistaken. it had me audibly gasping in parts, and ofc i shed a few tears 🥹 that ending?? i have about a thousand questions i need answered immediately 😅
thank you again, madeline for sending me this digital arc 🤍 it was such an honor to be trusted with your debut. i’m so excited for your future, this book is pure magic!! thank you for bringing ivy and thorne to life on page, their story is truly one for the books 🫶🏼
November 29, 2025
Say HELLO to what is going to be your NEW FAVORITE ROMANTASY OF 2026 YALL!! 🤨🫵🫵🫵
I am shook. I am not okay. I am emotionally devastated and also somehow alive after finishing Heir of Illusion. This book stole my heart and then proceeded to crush it over and over in the best way possible.
The chemistry between Ivy and Thorne?! 😭🔥 The tension, the slow burn, the stolen glances, the dangerous trust…it had me swooning, biting my nails, and literally yelling at the pages. I could feel every spark between them, and I am obsessed.
The twists… THE TWISTS. I thought I knew where the story was going. I thought I was clever. I WAS WRONG. Every time I thought I had it figured out, this book slapped me in the face with another jaw-dropping revelation. I was gasping, flailing, and re-reading passages because I could not believe what just happened.
The mystery, the world-building, the pacing!!! It’s all chef’s kiss. I was never bored for a second. Every chapter left me desperate to know what happens next, and the unanswered questions kept me up at night.
And the ending. OH. THE. ENDING. I am not okay. My heart is broken, my brain is exploding, and I am counting down the seconds until the release of Heir of Illusion in February 2026. This first book sets up the series SO WELL, and I know the sequel is going to be even bigger, darker, and hotter, and I am HERE FOR IT.
If you love enemies-to-allies, swoon-worthy tension, mind-blowing twists, and a romance that will consume your soul… mark your calendars for Feb 2026 and read this book. ASAP. 🤨🫵
Received this book as an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Tiffani from Zando!
I am shook. I am not okay. I am emotionally devastated and also somehow alive after finishing Heir of Illusion. This book stole my heart and then proceeded to crush it over and over in the best way possible.
The chemistry between Ivy and Thorne?! 😭🔥 The tension, the slow burn, the stolen glances, the dangerous trust…it had me swooning, biting my nails, and literally yelling at the pages. I could feel every spark between them, and I am obsessed.
The twists… THE TWISTS. I thought I knew where the story was going. I thought I was clever. I WAS WRONG. Every time I thought I had it figured out, this book slapped me in the face with another jaw-dropping revelation. I was gasping, flailing, and re-reading passages because I could not believe what just happened.
The mystery, the world-building, the pacing!!! It’s all chef’s kiss. I was never bored for a second. Every chapter left me desperate to know what happens next, and the unanswered questions kept me up at night.
And the ending. OH. THE. ENDING. I am not okay. My heart is broken, my brain is exploding, and I am counting down the seconds until the release of Heir of Illusion in February 2026. This first book sets up the series SO WELL, and I know the sequel is going to be even bigger, darker, and hotter, and I am HERE FOR IT.
If you love enemies-to-allies, swoon-worthy tension, mind-blowing twists, and a romance that will consume your soul… mark your calendars for Feb 2026 and read this book. ASAP. 🤨🫵
Received this book as an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Tiffani from Zando!
August 6, 2025
Oh, SHIIIIIT, I expected one part of that ending, but what I was not expecting was her birth title.
GO YOU, BADASS! She is going to slaaaay in book 2, and I'm so ready for it.
I'm usually a big fan of medium-high spice. This was very low spice, but it was still so good.
The tension, angst, and plot all made up for the lack of, ya know...👉🏼👌🏼
It was a little predictable, but honestly, that didn't bother me.
I loved the side characters and all the microtropes thrown in.
GO YOU, BADASS! She is going to slaaaay in book 2, and I'm so ready for it.
I'm usually a big fan of medium-high spice. This was very low spice, but it was still so good.
The tension, angst, and plot all made up for the lack of, ya know...👉🏼👌🏼
It was a little predictable, but honestly, that didn't bother me.
I loved the side characters and all the microtropes thrown in.
August 31, 2025
4.5 🌟 this was so good! Best romantasy I’ve read all year. The plot was thick like literally I was clocked in bitch. I at no point was 100% sure where this was going. The FMC is likeable(I love her actually), the MMC is likeable, and the side characters too. Hello?? *WTF* I feel revived 🌅
My only negative is I wish the FMC and MMC had a few more scenes of convos/development before the romance really kicked in. But still definitely a slow burn 🙂↕️
My only negative is I wish the FMC and MMC had a few more scenes of convos/development before the romance really kicked in. But still definitely a slow burn 🙂↕️
May 20, 2025
2.75⭐️ I wanted to DNF but I kept going with this book because the reviews were so high. After I finished I thought “did we read the same book” so I was checking the reviews…all 5 stars were ARC reviews 🙄
The FMC mostly screamed, shouted or whispered in her interactions with the MMC. It really bothered me that she could talk to her guards in the hallway outside her door but nobody would hear her screaming or shouting at Thorne in her room.
The phrase “somewhere in the back of my mind” was in this book 7 times.
“The Fates work in mysterious ways”
-not with the irl religion reference. there were several, this was just the only one I quoted.
“Relief melts my bones, leaving me weightless. Helplessness paralyzes me as the seconds pass, spreading into minutes. And yet…nothing happens.”
-errr…what?
“As much as I hated the man, if *** did care for him, then he deserves to grieve however he wishes. It’s not my place to judge”
-this is about someone who literally tried to murder her as a child and buried her alive but yeah okay, it’s not your place to judge.
The FMC mostly screamed, shouted or whispered in her interactions with the MMC. It really bothered me that she could talk to her guards in the hallway outside her door but nobody would hear her screaming or shouting at Thorne in her room.
The phrase “somewhere in the back of my mind” was in this book 7 times.
“The Fates work in mysterious ways”
-not with the irl religion reference. there were several, this was just the only one I quoted.
“Relief melts my bones, leaving me weightless. Helplessness paralyzes me as the seconds pass, spreading into minutes. And yet…nothing happens.”
-errr…what?
“As much as I hated the man, if *** did care for him, then he deserves to grieve however he wishes. It’s not my place to judge”
-this is about someone who literally tried to murder her as a child and buried her alive but yeah okay, it’s not your place to judge.
November 12, 2025
This was absolutely phenomenal I thought I could predict the plot twists and see which direction the story was going in but I didn’t and I need the second book now!
March 3, 2025
5⭐️ {Arc Review} this was absolutely incredible!! A fantasy romance debut that needs to be on everyone’s tbr!
This book has incredible banter, enemies to lovers, a shadow daddy, and an fmc who is an assassin. I was hooked from chapter one and the ending?!!! Madeline you will be getting my therapy bill because I am unwell and need the next book immediately!
Ivy and Thorne were such amazing characters and the tension between them was HOT! Ivy is such a badass and is stuck in such a heartbreaking situation. Even with everything she is dealing with she is so strong. Let’s talk about Thorne for a second. This man!! He is so protective of Ivy! Literally anything he said had me giggling like crazy and his cute little shadow snakes! I’m obsessed!!
Absolutely blown away by this debut and can’t wait for book 2!
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. #heirofillusion #thenerdfam
This book has incredible banter, enemies to lovers, a shadow daddy, and an fmc who is an assassin. I was hooked from chapter one and the ending?!!! Madeline you will be getting my therapy bill because I am unwell and need the next book immediately!
Ivy and Thorne were such amazing characters and the tension between them was HOT! Ivy is such a badass and is stuck in such a heartbreaking situation. Even with everything she is dealing with she is so strong. Let’s talk about Thorne for a second. This man!! He is so protective of Ivy! Literally anything he said had me giggling like crazy and his cute little shadow snakes! I’m obsessed!!
Absolutely blown away by this debut and can’t wait for book 2!
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. #heirofillusion #thenerdfam
February 11, 2026
Heir of Illusion: (The Verran Isles Series Book 1) by Madeline Taylor
Book Blurb: She is not the pet they tamed.
Blessed with the power of illusion, Iverson Pomeroy has many tricks up her sleeve. However, none of them are a match for the enchanted collar at her throat that keeps her bound as assassin and mistress to a ruthless king. Forced to play the role of his obedient pet, she plots in secret to destroy him and claim the freedom she has always been denied.
She is the beast they let inside.
Rating: *****
Feels: Anticipation, Excitement, Swooning, Stunned
Style: Romantasy, Fantasy Romance, Fae, Fantasy
First published February 10, 2026 : 464 pages
I could not put this book down. Enthralling from the very start, the swoon worthy banter and action packed story kept me entertained and captivated throughout. I cannot believe how many lines I wanted to highlight as I read this. Soooo many good lines that had me grinning and cheering while wanting more. I loved the setting of gods, fae and mortals. I feel like the dynamic was very intriguing as well as the interactions between gods and the rest. Not as detached as you see in most stories and I loved it !!! The chemistry, tension and slow burn between Ivy and Thorne was just everything !!! I need more of everything about this story and can not wait for book two !!!!
Favorite Quote: I’m not frightened of the violence inside of you. There’s no crime you could commit that would turn me away.
This book has:
Gods, Fae and mortals
Forced Proximity
Touch her and Die
Assassin FMC
Shadow Daddy
Fantastic Banter
Who did this to you ?
Slow Burn
His touch is lethal
Book Blurb: She is not the pet they tamed.
Blessed with the power of illusion, Iverson Pomeroy has many tricks up her sleeve. However, none of them are a match for the enchanted collar at her throat that keeps her bound as assassin and mistress to a ruthless king. Forced to play the role of his obedient pet, she plots in secret to destroy him and claim the freedom she has always been denied.
She is the beast they let inside.
Rating: *****
Feels: Anticipation, Excitement, Swooning, Stunned
Style: Romantasy, Fantasy Romance, Fae, Fantasy
First published February 10, 2026 : 464 pages
I could not put this book down. Enthralling from the very start, the swoon worthy banter and action packed story kept me entertained and captivated throughout. I cannot believe how many lines I wanted to highlight as I read this. Soooo many good lines that had me grinning and cheering while wanting more. I loved the setting of gods, fae and mortals. I feel like the dynamic was very intriguing as well as the interactions between gods and the rest. Not as detached as you see in most stories and I loved it !!! The chemistry, tension and slow burn between Ivy and Thorne was just everything !!! I need more of everything about this story and can not wait for book two !!!!
Favorite Quote: I’m not frightened of the violence inside of you. There’s no crime you could commit that would turn me away.
This book has:
Gods, Fae and mortals
Forced Proximity
Touch her and Die
Assassin FMC
Shadow Daddy
Fantastic Banter
Who did this to you ?
Slow Burn
His touch is lethal
December 25, 2025
Tiesiogine prasme 5min žiūrėjau į sieną susiėmus už galvos. 🙉🙉🙉🙉🙉
Veikėjai, banter, greitas siužetas, plot twistai, visos detalės, kurios kelia klausimus, bet sukrenta vieton - va taip reikia rašyti romantasy!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Viena iš šių metų TOP!
Negali niekuo pasitikėt 😄 FMC labai patiko! Unikali veikėja su savo galiom.
MMC 🫠🫠🫠🫠😩😩😩😩 fck. New shadow daddy in town? Yesss, please.
Iš pradžių viskas atrodė saldokai ir greit, ta trauka tarp jų susisuko, gal vietom atrodė girdėta, BET viskas greit apsisuka, kai visai nesitiki.
Pabaiga viena geriausių skaitytų šias metais.
Kur ta antra dalis????
Heir of Illusion – tai tamsi romantasy istorija apie galią, apgaulę ir paveldėtą likimą. Pasaulyje, kuriame iliuzijos gali būti mirtinos, o tiesa slepiasi tarp šešėlių, herojė priversta rinktis: paklusti jai skirtam vaidmeniui ar perrašyti savo istoriją. Tai knyga apie vidinę stiprybę, pavojingus ryšius ir jausmus, kurie gimsta ten, kur jiems ne vieta. Ir svarbiausia… negali niekuo pasitikėti.
Veikėjai, banter, greitas siužetas, plot twistai, visos detalės, kurios kelia klausimus, bet sukrenta vieton - va taip reikia rašyti romantasy!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Viena iš šių metų TOP!
Negali niekuo pasitikėt 😄 FMC labai patiko! Unikali veikėja su savo galiom.
MMC 🫠🫠🫠🫠😩😩😩😩 fck. New shadow daddy in town? Yesss, please.
Iš pradžių viskas atrodė saldokai ir greit, ta trauka tarp jų susisuko, gal vietom atrodė girdėta, BET viskas greit apsisuka, kai visai nesitiki.
Pabaiga viena geriausių skaitytų šias metais.
Kur ta antra dalis????
Heir of Illusion – tai tamsi romantasy istorija apie galią, apgaulę ir paveldėtą likimą. Pasaulyje, kuriame iliuzijos gali būti mirtinos, o tiesa slepiasi tarp šešėlių, herojė priversta rinktis: paklusti jai skirtam vaidmeniui ar perrašyti savo istoriją. Tai knyga apie vidinę stiprybę, pavojingus ryšius ir jausmus, kurie gimsta ten, kur jiems ne vieta. Ir svarbiausia… negali niekuo pasitikėti.
October 5, 2025
The Heir of Illusion by Madeline Taylor
Huge thanks to NerdFam for the gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Wow—this book was excellent! I absolutely loved Thorne, the Reaper. He was strong, loyal, and deliciously morally grey—my favorite kind of character. And Ivy? She was incredible. Fierce, determined, and an absolute badass, fighting not just for herself but for others.
This book had everything: fantastic banter, a unique world filled with creatures rarely seen in other fantasy books (Ivy is a wraith, and Thorne is a Reaper), and a magic system that felt fresh and original. The plot was well-paced, though at times I thought, Okay, this is a bit predictable. But then—boom—Madeline Taylor made me eat my words. The ending delivered one of the biggest plot twists I’ve ever read, and I never saw it coming. Looking back, all the clues were there—woven in so cleverly alongside misdirection that had me convinced I knew what was happening.
And that cliffhanger? I need the next book ASAP! I’m officially a forever fan of this author. The Heir of Illusion releases on March 31, 2025—go preorder it now because this one is amazing!
Huge thanks to NerdFam for the gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Wow—this book was excellent! I absolutely loved Thorne, the Reaper. He was strong, loyal, and deliciously morally grey—my favorite kind of character. And Ivy? She was incredible. Fierce, determined, and an absolute badass, fighting not just for herself but for others.
This book had everything: fantastic banter, a unique world filled with creatures rarely seen in other fantasy books (Ivy is a wraith, and Thorne is a Reaper), and a magic system that felt fresh and original. The plot was well-paced, though at times I thought, Okay, this is a bit predictable. But then—boom—Madeline Taylor made me eat my words. The ending delivered one of the biggest plot twists I’ve ever read, and I never saw it coming. Looking back, all the clues were there—woven in so cleverly alongside misdirection that had me convinced I knew what was happening.
And that cliffhanger? I need the next book ASAP! I’m officially a forever fan of this author. The Heir of Illusion releases on March 31, 2025—go preorder it now because this one is amazing!
July 30, 2025
I am 90% convinced this was at least partially written by ChatGPT.
I cannot even begin to describe how sloppily this book is written.
I cannot even begin to describe how sloppily this book is written.
February 10, 2026
This is my first 6-star read of the year, and trust me when I tell you that you will not want to put this book down! Good luck trying to stop reading this book once you start :)
Ivy is the FMC, and she’s an assassin with the power of illusion. Bound by a magical collar, she’s been enslaved to a ruthless king and forced to carry out his every command… even if she doesn’t want to. Desperate to escape him for good, Ivy starts plotting her freedom, but she can’t do it alone. Thorne, who’s a mysterious reaper, offers to help her find a powerful weapon that could finally set her free. But the more time they spend working together, the more a dangerous spark begins to ignite between them!
I absolutely LOVED Ivy. She is such a badass, she’s sassy, witty, and impossible not to root for. She’s the kind of character who has you cheering for all her victories and ugly crying when she finally succeeds. She’s also incredibly smart; the way she hides one of her powers so no one knows the truth about her? Genius, and it plays out so well. Her backstory is so tragic, and it hits you right in the chest. She’s never been allowed to live for herself, and you can feel that throughout the entire book.
And Thorne… what can I say about him? Yeah, he’s the perfect shadow daddy. Fully swoon-worthy. The banter between him and Ivy is top tier; they’re constantly at each other’s throats, exchanging witty banter, and laughing at each other’s expense. But let's talk about the yearning because WOW. I love a man who yearns, and Throne delivers. This is a true slow burn, but the payoff is absolutely worth it. He is the definition of “touch her, and you die.”
I also loved the plot and the world-building Madeline Taylor created. It’s so immersive that you genuinely feel like you’re living among the characters. I could not stop turning the pages because I NEEDED to know what happened next. And that ending?!?!! I need to next book the next one immediately. The magic system was also super unique, which I really appreciated. I love when fantasy books bring something fresh and new to the table, and this book absolutely does that!
Ivy is the FMC, and she’s an assassin with the power of illusion. Bound by a magical collar, she’s been enslaved to a ruthless king and forced to carry out his every command… even if she doesn’t want to. Desperate to escape him for good, Ivy starts plotting her freedom, but she can’t do it alone. Thorne, who’s a mysterious reaper, offers to help her find a powerful weapon that could finally set her free. But the more time they spend working together, the more a dangerous spark begins to ignite between them!
I absolutely LOVED Ivy. She is such a badass, she’s sassy, witty, and impossible not to root for. She’s the kind of character who has you cheering for all her victories and ugly crying when she finally succeeds. She’s also incredibly smart; the way she hides one of her powers so no one knows the truth about her? Genius, and it plays out so well. Her backstory is so tragic, and it hits you right in the chest. She’s never been allowed to live for herself, and you can feel that throughout the entire book.
And Thorne… what can I say about him? Yeah, he’s the perfect shadow daddy. Fully swoon-worthy. The banter between him and Ivy is top tier; they’re constantly at each other’s throats, exchanging witty banter, and laughing at each other’s expense. But let's talk about the yearning because WOW. I love a man who yearns, and Throne delivers. This is a true slow burn, but the payoff is absolutely worth it. He is the definition of “touch her, and you die.”
I also loved the plot and the world-building Madeline Taylor created. It’s so immersive that you genuinely feel like you’re living among the characters. I could not stop turning the pages because I NEEDED to know what happened next. And that ending?!?!! I need to next book the next one immediately. The magic system was also super unique, which I really appreciated. I love when fantasy books bring something fresh and new to the table, and this book absolutely does that!
February 5, 2026
ending went CRAZYYY I definitely didn’t predict that. I have so many questions tho
November 7, 2025
what the hell
I spent the entirety of this book thinking I had it figured out and then realized I was completely wrong at the end <3 how fun!!!!!!
Things to know:
- Gods, Fae, Mortals
- She’s chained to one region’s king by a magic necklace
- She’s the king’s assassin & has to do what he says when he gives her an order while touching the necklace
- Enter hot guy
- Hot guy with dark hair, blue eyes, & WINGS
- An evil magic blade
- A missing guard
- A race to figure out what the hell is going on before they all are killed
Honestly ended up enjoying this much more than I anticipated in the beginning! I got too cocky thinking I had everything figured out when in reality - I was completely wrong <3
Thinking between 4.25-4.5 stars for this!!! (I will admit that I’m on my period which makes me a harsher reader/reviewer than normal so do with that info what you will)
I spent the entirety of this book thinking I had it figured out and then realized I was completely wrong at the end <3 how fun!!!!!!
Things to know:
- Gods, Fae, Mortals
- She’s chained to one region’s king by a magic necklace
- She’s the king’s assassin & has to do what he says when he gives her an order while touching the necklace
- Enter hot guy
- Hot guy with dark hair, blue eyes, & WINGS
- An evil magic blade
- A missing guard
- A race to figure out what the hell is going on before they all are killed
Honestly ended up enjoying this much more than I anticipated in the beginning! I got too cocky thinking I had everything figured out when in reality - I was completely wrong <3
Thinking between 4.25-4.5 stars for this!!! (I will admit that I’m on my period which makes me a harsher reader/reviewer than normal so do with that info what you will)
February 26, 2025
oh my gosh this book was INSANE 😩 i loved every moment of it. the tension, the banter, and the twists and turns!! are you kidding me! i thought i had this book figured out and i was sent on a rollercoaster!! the first time they meet she literally tries to kill him 🤭
i seriously was so down bad for thorne… hehe like he stood by the “touch her you die” trope and i DEVOURED IT!!! the man was a shadow daddy and omfg he could use those powers on me any day🫠🫠
the fmc ivy was also a badass not to mention a freaking assassin! she goes through so much and your heart shatters for her. ugh i love the development she goes through.
what an exciting and incredible debut for a high stakes and fast paced romantasy book! i cannot recommend this enough!! honestly going to be a book i’ll remember and think about forever! where is the second book 😭
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
PLS PLS PLS PICK THIS UP!!
(also please check your TW before reading this book)
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC!
i seriously was so down bad for thorne… hehe like he stood by the “touch her you die” trope and i DEVOURED IT!!! the man was a shadow daddy and omfg he could use those powers on me any day🫠🫠
the fmc ivy was also a badass not to mention a freaking assassin! she goes through so much and your heart shatters for her. ugh i love the development she goes through.
what an exciting and incredible debut for a high stakes and fast paced romantasy book! i cannot recommend this enough!! honestly going to be a book i’ll remember and think about forever! where is the second book 😭
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
PLS PLS PLS PICK THIS UP!!
(also please check your TW before reading this book)
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC!
October 11, 2025
3⭐️ ooof this started off so strong, I was convinced it was on course to be a 5 star read…and then it turned into insta-love.
The romance in it was clunky. It literally went from banter/flirting to “touch her and die” after knowing each other for a week. I didn’t feel that slow burn romantic development between them, they just decided to become protective over each other out of the blue.
Also, I’m usually terrible with predicting twists in fantasy books, but I honestly figured out most of them from the minute a hint was dropped.
Having said all of that, this book does deserve praise for having a unique magic system when it came to the illusions. I also really enjoyed the collar storyline, it made the stakes feel so much higher.
I feel like this is a “maybe” recommendation, I think if you’re new to romantasy you’ll enjoy this. I’d also say it’s a good book to get you out of a slump, but I just don’t consider this a masterpiece by any means.
The romance in it was clunky. It literally went from banter/flirting to “touch her and die” after knowing each other for a week. I didn’t feel that slow burn romantic development between them, they just decided to become protective over each other out of the blue.
Also, I’m usually terrible with predicting twists in fantasy books, but I honestly figured out most of them from the minute a hint was dropped.
Having said all of that, this book does deserve praise for having a unique magic system when it came to the illusions. I also really enjoyed the collar storyline, it made the stakes feel so much higher.
I feel like this is a “maybe” recommendation, I think if you’re new to romantasy you’ll enjoy this. I’d also say it’s a good book to get you out of a slump, but I just don’t consider this a masterpiece by any means.
September 23, 2025
Wow, I did not see that coming!!
Ivy is a wraith, also the kings “pet” collared and forced to do his bidding. Eliminating anyone who he feels is a threat. In this world no one is trustworthy. Ivy tries to atone for her own guilt by becoming the angel of mercy, she helps women out of abusive relationships, but nothing can truly pacify her conscience.
One day a mysterious ambassador shows up, a tentative alliance, grain in exchange for a sword. Only this sword is special, a god slayer, if used by the right hand. This sword has a mind of its own, and the whispers control all who come close. Ivy dreams of being free from the kings collar, the only way to do that is to touch the sword, but when she finds herself falling for the man that also needs the sword. The only person he can touch, she may have to betray him.
The magic system in this book was so unique, I truly enjoyed the illusion magic. Every isle has its own magic, and the magic from person to person on the isles vary. We have political intrigue, gods and their heirs, mortal, high fae, and half fae all living together in one world. We have fates, and they will punish those that don’t fall in line. A tyrannical king in a world ruled by gods. The banter between Thorne and Ivy was fantastic, but that cliffhanger was brutal!
I will say a lot in this book was predictable, however, there was so much that was not! Some of the things that happened I never saw coming. This was a fast paced read that kept me turning the pages late into the night. The last quarter of this book was a doozy, and I literally couldn’t put it down!
Ivy is a wraith, also the kings “pet” collared and forced to do his bidding. Eliminating anyone who he feels is a threat. In this world no one is trustworthy. Ivy tries to atone for her own guilt by becoming the angel of mercy, she helps women out of abusive relationships, but nothing can truly pacify her conscience.
One day a mysterious ambassador shows up, a tentative alliance, grain in exchange for a sword. Only this sword is special, a god slayer, if used by the right hand. This sword has a mind of its own, and the whispers control all who come close. Ivy dreams of being free from the kings collar, the only way to do that is to touch the sword, but when she finds herself falling for the man that also needs the sword. The only person he can touch, she may have to betray him.
The magic system in this book was so unique, I truly enjoyed the illusion magic. Every isle has its own magic, and the magic from person to person on the isles vary. We have political intrigue, gods and their heirs, mortal, high fae, and half fae all living together in one world. We have fates, and they will punish those that don’t fall in line. A tyrannical king in a world ruled by gods. The banter between Thorne and Ivy was fantastic, but that cliffhanger was brutal!
I will say a lot in this book was predictable, however, there was so much that was not! Some of the things that happened I never saw coming. This was a fast paced read that kept me turning the pages late into the night. The last quarter of this book was a doozy, and I literally couldn’t put it down!
April 15, 2025
wow this book had me thinking I knew what was coming, but boy was I wrong.
Where to start? The way he calls her Angel. The anxiety rep. The way I fell in love with both MCs?!
I'm living for the twists and turns, the banter, the tension between Ivy and Thorne, and the unique magic system and world building. Thorne is such a green flag throughout the book.
That cliffhanger?!?! when are we getting the next book because I neeeeed to know what happens!
°•°○°•°○°•°○°•°
♡ I am not the pet they tamed. I am the beast they let inside. And I keep my promises.
°•°○°•°○°•°○°•°
♡ While Baylor’s hand on my waist was a chain, Thorne’s is a brand. Hot and scalding. Leaving an indelible mark I’ll never be able to wash away.
°•°○°•°○°•°○°•°
♡ I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want you.
Where to start? The way he calls her Angel. The anxiety rep. The way I fell in love with both MCs?!
I'm living for the twists and turns, the banter, the tension between Ivy and Thorne, and the unique magic system and world building. Thorne is such a green flag throughout the book.
That cliffhanger?!?! when are we getting the next book because I neeeeed to know what happens!
°•°○°•°○°•°○°•°
♡ I am not the pet they tamed. I am the beast they let inside. And I keep my promises.
°•°○°•°○°•°○°•°
♡ While Baylor’s hand on my waist was a chain, Thorne’s is a brand. Hot and scalding. Leaving an indelible mark I’ll never be able to wash away.
°•°○°•°○°•°○°•°
♡ I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want you.
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