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Anthems for the World's End
On the frozen frontier of Isold, Jael Jannigan has one earn a place among the rugged Klifrari clan or remain an outcast forever. Determined to find her place, she sets out to complete her trial—until she rescues Luca, a lost and injured blockade runner carrying a book of forbidden music.
Luca challenges everything Jael believes about survival, her clan, and the very nature of humanity, and she swears never to see him again, but when a ruthless exile descends on the outpost, hunting the book, Jael and Luca have no choice but to flee together. Joined by their enemy’s sardonic brother, they race across a frozen wilderness where enemies, betrayal, and danger lurk behind every pine. The answers lie within the forbidden music … and unlocking it may be the only way to stop the end of their world.
Anthems for the World’s End is a sweeping, snowy fantasy romance brimming with hope, friendship, and a gentle touch of the post-apocalyptic.
Luca challenges everything Jael believes about survival, her clan, and the very nature of humanity, and she swears never to see him again, but when a ruthless exile descends on the outpost, hunting the book, Jael and Luca have no choice but to flee together. Joined by their enemy’s sardonic brother, they race across a frozen wilderness where enemies, betrayal, and danger lurk behind every pine. The answers lie within the forbidden music … and unlocking it may be the only way to stop the end of their world.
Anthems for the World’s End is a sweeping, snowy fantasy romance brimming with hope, friendship, and a gentle touch of the post-apocalyptic.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2026
3 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
What an unexpectedly wonderful read! It was only unexpected because I hadn't heard much about it until it landed in my inbox. That being said, I did receive a free eARC of this book, but all thoughts and opinions are my own!
Set in a frozen and hardened world, our characters battle for survival, freedom, and more than all of that, belonging.
When Gravarians, a race of giants from another planet wreak havoc on Isold, searching for an ancient book, Jael and Luca got caught up in the competition between two Gravarian princes for the right to rule.
One thing I absolutely loved about this book was the way that the three POVs were communicated in different ways -- one through a narrative, one through love letters, and one through a personal log (though sometimes these log entries blurred the lines a bit and felt like narrative writing anyway). Obsidian's voice (the log entry POV) was my favorite; it was so unique and had me giggling often.
The relationship between Jael and Luca was slow and steady and beautiful, but I also really loved how Obsidian fit into their narrative as well, and how his changed and grew in understanding himself and people. The wholesome friendship developed between these three characters is heartwarming.
While I did appreciate some of the input from the third perspective, Captain Craddock, I found that it often felt a bit disconnected. His story inspires contemplation about moral issues (which I personally appreciate), but doesn't add much otherwise to the story.
I am so grateful I got a chance to be an early reader of this book! Another wonderful work by an author who is easily becoming one of my favorites!
Set in a frozen and hardened world, our characters battle for survival, freedom, and more than all of that, belonging.
When Gravarians, a race of giants from another planet wreak havoc on Isold, searching for an ancient book, Jael and Luca got caught up in the competition between two Gravarian princes for the right to rule.
One thing I absolutely loved about this book was the way that the three POVs were communicated in different ways -- one through a narrative, one through love letters, and one through a personal log (though sometimes these log entries blurred the lines a bit and felt like narrative writing anyway). Obsidian's voice (the log entry POV) was my favorite; it was so unique and had me giggling often.
The relationship between Jael and Luca was slow and steady and beautiful, but I also really loved how Obsidian fit into their narrative as well, and how his changed and grew in understanding himself and people. The wholesome friendship developed between these three characters is heartwarming.
While I did appreciate some of the input from the third perspective, Captain Craddock, I found that it often felt a bit disconnected. His story inspires contemplation about moral issues (which I personally appreciate), but doesn't add much otherwise to the story.
I am so grateful I got a chance to be an early reader of this book! Another wonderful work by an author who is easily becoming one of my favorites!
February 2, 2026
Overview:
Language 🤐: Mild
Romance ❤️🔥: Kisses only LV 1 (not very descriptive)
Violence ⚔️: There is a lot of on page fighting, the fight with the animal was upsetting to me a bit, there definitely could be disturbing scenes to some (which is in the author content warnings) it was not overly graphic but was there. It was still within my comfort zone
⚠️Author has warnings in the front that cover pretty much all triggers so check those out I won’t list them all here but a few, Neglect, Death of Minors, Domestic Violence, Abandonment⚠️
Tropes/Micro tropes
- 3 POV, Mostly through FMC and then letters/log entry of other characters
- Reluctant Allies
- Rescue one another
- Protective MMC
- Dystopian
- Forced Proximity
- Slow Burn
- Snowball Fights
- All the banter
- All the witty Sarcasm
My Thoughts:
Oh what another wonderful heartbreaking and beautiful story by Andrèa Costello! This is a beautiful story full of characters who have deep stories and backgrounds that motivate their every action. Even the characters I despise I could understand their motivations. I love how deeply I can feel these wonderful characters.
Costello truly knows how to write a heartbreaking scene that rips your heart out and stops on it and yet is able to put it back together in the end.
This story has dystopian, SI-FI, Steampunk touches to it. As we get to follow Jael’s story with insights form Captain Craddock’s letters and than Obsidian’s log (which his sarcastic dry humor takes were some of my absolute favorite and had me cracking up throughout the book even though there is deep tragic moments throughout) we get to see this world grow before our eyes and understand the deep conflict and struggle for survival that all these characters face!
If you want a story with adventure, depth, not all sunshine and rainbows but shows true perseverance but touches on the beauty of our Creator and the wonders of humanity this is a story you do not want to miss!
Thanks so much to the Author for the ARC all thoughts and opinions are my own!
Language 🤐: Mild
Romance ❤️🔥: Kisses only LV 1 (not very descriptive)
Violence ⚔️: There is a lot of on page fighting, the fight with the animal was upsetting to me a bit, there definitely could be disturbing scenes to some (which is in the author content warnings) it was not overly graphic but was there. It was still within my comfort zone
⚠️Author has warnings in the front that cover pretty much all triggers so check those out I won’t list them all here but a few, Neglect, Death of Minors, Domestic Violence, Abandonment⚠️
Tropes/Micro tropes
- 3 POV, Mostly through FMC and then letters/log entry of other characters
- Reluctant Allies
- Rescue one another
- Protective MMC
- Dystopian
- Forced Proximity
- Slow Burn
- Snowball Fights
- All the banter
- All the witty Sarcasm
My Thoughts:
Oh what another wonderful heartbreaking and beautiful story by Andrèa Costello! This is a beautiful story full of characters who have deep stories and backgrounds that motivate their every action. Even the characters I despise I could understand their motivations. I love how deeply I can feel these wonderful characters.
Costello truly knows how to write a heartbreaking scene that rips your heart out and stops on it and yet is able to put it back together in the end.
This story has dystopian, SI-FI, Steampunk touches to it. As we get to follow Jael’s story with insights form Captain Craddock’s letters and than Obsidian’s log (which his sarcastic dry humor takes were some of my absolute favorite and had me cracking up throughout the book even though there is deep tragic moments throughout) we get to see this world grow before our eyes and understand the deep conflict and struggle for survival that all these characters face!
If you want a story with adventure, depth, not all sunshine and rainbows but shows true perseverance but touches on the beauty of our Creator and the wonders of humanity this is a story you do not want to miss!
Thanks so much to the Author for the ARC all thoughts and opinions are my own!
January 16, 2026
4.5⭐️
Andrea is not afraid to put her characters through the wringer 😅
This was such a fun and unique world.
Three POVs throughout the book
Grumpy warrior FMC
Sunshine stabby MC
Forbidden music
Forced proximity
Slow burn enemies to lovers
Jael is part of a tribe of people who are ruthless. She is different and not from the tribe so she is training and trying to prove her worth to be accepted. The tribe requires a high trade in payment for their services. While on her mission to earn her place she meets a blockade runner who is injured. She goes against all she had been taught and chooses to help him.
Luca is a blockade runner who is years past when others usually die. He’s fast, ruthless and kind. The package he is supposed to deliver is illegal. He ends up injured and is at the mercy of Jael.
Together they find themselves thrown into the middle of a family feud with creatures who are not from the planet but who are trying to take over.
This is a deeply layered story of humanity - its brokenness, and also the beauty that we can create. Art in all its forms comes from the Creator because we are made in His likeness.
I loved the friendships, the banter, the intense adventure and the love that was found. What a beautiful picture of what music, art and friendship can endure when fought for.
Remarks •
No spice - just kisses
Very minimal language - h*ll used twice
TW - intense fight scenes, injuries, de*th
Thanks Andrea for this arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Favorite things:
Chapter 41 - Christmas chapter
Embroidered coat
Crochet pelting game
Christmas gifts - coat, painting, bison
Snowball fight
Favorite quotes:
Children cannot resist the magnetism of love.
“Put that in your smike and poke it.”
Dwelling on the past spoils the present.
“We do it because our Creator is an artist, and a musician, and a poet, and we mimic him, like children copying a parent.”
I’d rather believe I was made by hand by a loving Creator who knows me by name and put me here for a reason. Even if it’s not true, I’d rather believe that.”
For the first time in my life, someone looked at me, and they understood. Sitting on top of that train with him was a little like flying, a little like falling.
“It’s never too late to notice something beautiful.”
My eyes met Luca’s and, somehow, I believed he was the color, too. Fire and new blood and life. Burning sunrises and gentle sunsets.
“See you in the morning.” Five simple words, and yet what greater joy is there than to be part of someone’s tomorrow?
They strive, they love in the face of great dissimilarity, they yearn and do not speak their hearts. They need to create, or else they fade. I find this is the great mystery of mankind: they are both broken and god-like.
“Yes. We fit together, you and I, even though it doesn’t make sense. I feel like I’ve known you all my life. So stay.”
And music is the sound of emotion.
“Thanks for coming back for me,” I said feebly. “Of course, I came back for you.”
Because loving Luca was inevitable from the first day we met. Like a train on a track, I could not turn aside from it.
“I love you more than anything,” I said. “I should have told you when we were on the train. And I only left because I was scared. But I love you, Luca. I love you more than my own life.”
“I don't regret that. I'd do it again, because I love you, too. We fit together, you and I. Like I said before, it’s like I’ve known you all my life.” “I have known you all my life,” I whispered. “Because I don’t think I lived until I met you.”
He could not die. He was everything: my sunrises and sunsets, my music and color, and I would not let him die.
“You came back.” “I came back,” I said. “I fought my way back to you. I will always fight my way back to you.”
Andrea is not afraid to put her characters through the wringer 😅
This was such a fun and unique world.
Three POVs throughout the book
Grumpy warrior FMC
Sunshine stabby MC
Forbidden music
Forced proximity
Slow burn enemies to lovers
Jael is part of a tribe of people who are ruthless. She is different and not from the tribe so she is training and trying to prove her worth to be accepted. The tribe requires a high trade in payment for their services. While on her mission to earn her place she meets a blockade runner who is injured. She goes against all she had been taught and chooses to help him.
Luca is a blockade runner who is years past when others usually die. He’s fast, ruthless and kind. The package he is supposed to deliver is illegal. He ends up injured and is at the mercy of Jael.
Together they find themselves thrown into the middle of a family feud with creatures who are not from the planet but who are trying to take over.
This is a deeply layered story of humanity - its brokenness, and also the beauty that we can create. Art in all its forms comes from the Creator because we are made in His likeness.
I loved the friendships, the banter, the intense adventure and the love that was found. What a beautiful picture of what music, art and friendship can endure when fought for.
Remarks •
No spice - just kisses
Very minimal language - h*ll used twice
TW - intense fight scenes, injuries, de*th
Thanks Andrea for this arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Favorite things:
Chapter 41 - Christmas chapter
Embroidered coat
Crochet pelting game
Christmas gifts - coat, painting, bison
Snowball fight
Favorite quotes:
Children cannot resist the magnetism of love.
“Put that in your smike and poke it.”
Dwelling on the past spoils the present.
“We do it because our Creator is an artist, and a musician, and a poet, and we mimic him, like children copying a parent.”
I’d rather believe I was made by hand by a loving Creator who knows me by name and put me here for a reason. Even if it’s not true, I’d rather believe that.”
For the first time in my life, someone looked at me, and they understood. Sitting on top of that train with him was a little like flying, a little like falling.
“It’s never too late to notice something beautiful.”
My eyes met Luca’s and, somehow, I believed he was the color, too. Fire and new blood and life. Burning sunrises and gentle sunsets.
“See you in the morning.” Five simple words, and yet what greater joy is there than to be part of someone’s tomorrow?
They strive, they love in the face of great dissimilarity, they yearn and do not speak their hearts. They need to create, or else they fade. I find this is the great mystery of mankind: they are both broken and god-like.
“Yes. We fit together, you and I, even though it doesn’t make sense. I feel like I’ve known you all my life. So stay.”
And music is the sound of emotion.
“Thanks for coming back for me,” I said feebly. “Of course, I came back for you.”
Because loving Luca was inevitable from the first day we met. Like a train on a track, I could not turn aside from it.
“I love you more than anything,” I said. “I should have told you when we were on the train. And I only left because I was scared. But I love you, Luca. I love you more than my own life.”
“I don't regret that. I'd do it again, because I love you, too. We fit together, you and I. Like I said before, it’s like I’ve known you all my life.” “I have known you all my life,” I whispered. “Because I don’t think I lived until I met you.”
He could not die. He was everything: my sunrises and sunsets, my music and color, and I would not let him die.
“You came back.” “I came back,” I said. “I fought my way back to you. I will always fight my way back to you.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
“You came back.” “I came back,” I said. “I fought my way back to you. I will always fight my way back to you.” His breathing changed. “I know,” he said, his voice rusty. “And I’ve fought my way back to you as well.”
This multi-POV, fantasy, dystopian story has wonderful world-building and amazing characters with forced-proximity, forbidden music, a little suspense, and a lot of danger.
Jael is brave and determined. Sometimes she is so focused on her goal that she comes off selfish but she really does care about others and goes out of her way to help. I loved seeing her come into her own and realize who she truly was and what she was meant to do. Luca is witty and brave. I loved that he pushed Jael to look past how she was raised. I loved his care for his fellow Blockade Runners. I loved his determination to make music and be artistic no matter what. Jael and Luca face many dangers together and always seem to find their way back to each other when they’re separated. Their friendship quickly grew strong and their romance was sweet and slow. I loved their time on the train with Sid. Obsidian is focused and kind. I enjoyed his growth, especially in understanding emotions, and his realization of the importance of “his humans”. The friendship he has with Luca and Jael is one of my favorite parts of the book. I really appreciated how the Creator was brought into the story and that man is made in His image.
A few more quotes:
“But why bother with art and poetry and music? It’s artificial emotion.” “No,” Luca turned on his side, leaning his head on his fist. “We do it because our Creator is an artist, and a musician, and a poet, and we mimic him, like children copying a parent.”
“Stay with me.” I blinked at him, stunned. “You want me to stay with you?” “Yes. We fit together, you and I, even though it doesn’t make sense. I feel like I’ve known you all my life. So stay.”
“You,” he said, cupping my face in his hand, “are the wildest, fiercest woman I have ever met. You terrify me. I love you.”
Note: There are bloody fights between people and with animals. A few uses of h3ll. Author includes content warning in the front of the book. DM me for more information.
This ARC was provided by the author. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.
This multi-POV, fantasy, dystopian story has wonderful world-building and amazing characters with forced-proximity, forbidden music, a little suspense, and a lot of danger.
Jael is brave and determined. Sometimes she is so focused on her goal that she comes off selfish but she really does care about others and goes out of her way to help. I loved seeing her come into her own and realize who she truly was and what she was meant to do. Luca is witty and brave. I loved that he pushed Jael to look past how she was raised. I loved his care for his fellow Blockade Runners. I loved his determination to make music and be artistic no matter what. Jael and Luca face many dangers together and always seem to find their way back to each other when they’re separated. Their friendship quickly grew strong and their romance was sweet and slow. I loved their time on the train with Sid. Obsidian is focused and kind. I enjoyed his growth, especially in understanding emotions, and his realization of the importance of “his humans”. The friendship he has with Luca and Jael is one of my favorite parts of the book. I really appreciated how the Creator was brought into the story and that man is made in His image.
A few more quotes:
“But why bother with art and poetry and music? It’s artificial emotion.” “No,” Luca turned on his side, leaning his head on his fist. “We do it because our Creator is an artist, and a musician, and a poet, and we mimic him, like children copying a parent.”
“Stay with me.” I blinked at him, stunned. “You want me to stay with you?” “Yes. We fit together, you and I, even though it doesn’t make sense. I feel like I’ve known you all my life. So stay.”
“You,” he said, cupping my face in his hand, “are the wildest, fiercest woman I have ever met. You terrify me. I love you.”
Note: There are bloody fights between people and with animals. A few uses of h3ll. Author includes content warning in the front of the book. DM me for more information.
This ARC was provided by the author. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Anthems for the World’s End is one of the most imaginative worlds that I’ve read in recent times. It was nothing like I expected but I am not at all disappointed. Now here’s my mouthful of a description: It felt like a dystopian, tundra, old western inspired science fiction fantasy. Does that sound crazy? Maybe, but it works! Again, I’m not much of a dystopian fan unless it is in a fantasy novel. I really like the way this one felt though. It had a distinctly old west rugged fight-for-your-life atmosphere complete with frigid mountainous terrain and fauna, as well as trains and outposts. The addition of music? It just added so much to the overall appeal! Time to stop gushing about the world building or I will go on forever.
The characters are real and raw. There is pain, healing, and endurance. I loved the banter between Jael and Luca. It was a light in some otherwise bleak situations. Their relationship is definitely slow burn and full of struggle and past pain. One of my favorite things about them is that when one is about to give up, the other is always there to bolster spirits. The Christian element was such a nice touch. I wasn’t expecting it, but a secondary point-of-view popped up and it was one of my favorite parts. Sid is funny, interesting, and offered a very different view of the human world. I looked forward to his chapters. I will not say any more though because I don’t want to spoil anything.
The plot was tense and I kept worrying over the outcome. There was always an awful obstacle that felt impossible to overcome. The ending was perfect for it though. Overall, I really enjoyed this fabulous story and can’t wait for more!
Thank you to Andrèa Costello for an ARC of Anthems for the World’s End. All opinions are my own.
No-Spice Level: 1.5 - lighter kissing
Language: Clean/in world words
Faith-Elements: Christian themes
The characters are real and raw. There is pain, healing, and endurance. I loved the banter between Jael and Luca. It was a light in some otherwise bleak situations. Their relationship is definitely slow burn and full of struggle and past pain. One of my favorite things about them is that when one is about to give up, the other is always there to bolster spirits. The Christian element was such a nice touch. I wasn’t expecting it, but a secondary point-of-view popped up and it was one of my favorite parts. Sid is funny, interesting, and offered a very different view of the human world. I looked forward to his chapters. I will not say any more though because I don’t want to spoil anything.
The plot was tense and I kept worrying over the outcome. There was always an awful obstacle that felt impossible to overcome. The ending was perfect for it though. Overall, I really enjoyed this fabulous story and can’t wait for more!
Thank you to Andrèa Costello for an ARC of Anthems for the World’s End. All opinions are my own.
No-Spice Level: 1.5 - lighter kissing
Language: Clean/in world words
Faith-Elements: Christian themes
Review of advance copy received from Author
I've never read a book like this before. It was like a blend of fantasy, dystopian, sci-fi, and steampunk. The world was pretty unique, and the setting was perfect for winter. I think this book will appeal to younger readers. If you are a seasoned fantasy and dystopian reader who loves super in-depth worldbuilding and plots, this may not be the book for you. Although it is high stakes, the story overall felt more lighthearted. I did enjoy the humorous moments and the banter. There was one side character's POV I wouldn't have minded being cut, although we did get some more information about what was going on in his, I wasn't really invested in it. I did like Jael's and Obsidian's POVs, though. Jael and Luca were definitely entertaining. Their antics on the train had me grinning. The ending wrapped up nicely for a standalone, and I appreciated the character growth that was earned. I also appreciated how the Creator was discussed and how humans are made in His image. I personally like more time to have passed in epilogues, but that did not affect my rating. I do know a couple of teen girls who like to read fantasy, so I will be recommending this book to them. I'm looking forward to reading more books from this author in the future!
I received an eARC for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
spice level - kisses only
language - very mild
content - typical fantasy type of violence, injuries, murders, abandonment, grief, cults, animal death (none of this is super graphic or gory)
I received an eARC for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
spice level - kisses only
language - very mild
content - typical fantasy type of violence, injuries, murders, abandonment, grief, cults, animal death (none of this is super graphic or gory)
Review of advance copy received from Author
What would our lives be like if devoid of any emotion, of any form of creativity? Would we thrive solely on reason and sensibility, or would we drown in the emotionless pit of nothingness? Just try, for a second, to imagine life on Earth without music and art. Without love and laughter. Without sorrow and pain. Is that a life worth living?
Andrea's Anthems for the World's End tries to answer that question by offering us a lonely, wintry setting on a shattered planet where survival is everything and love is secondary.
In such a world, the echo of a fiddle might change everything. And it does.
It starts small, with a boy and a girl riding a train. A boy and a girl abandoned by everyone, yet close in their shared loneliness. It grows with a captain who only wanted to return home to his wife and who, in his desperation, made choices he could never take back. It continues with a Gravarian named Sid, who slowly learns that emotions aren't a burden, but an asset. It culminates in a wild chase to save the world and make it a safer place for everyone, human and Gravarian alike.
It ends with people realizing that feelings have colors and flavors. It shows us that a life worth living is one filled with all the good and the bad, all the emotions, sounds, and tastes. A life fully lived is a life fulfilled.
Thank you, Andrea, for gifting us this story. It was a true Christmas delight.
Andrea's Anthems for the World's End tries to answer that question by offering us a lonely, wintry setting on a shattered planet where survival is everything and love is secondary.
In such a world, the echo of a fiddle might change everything. And it does.
It starts small, with a boy and a girl riding a train. A boy and a girl abandoned by everyone, yet close in their shared loneliness. It grows with a captain who only wanted to return home to his wife and who, in his desperation, made choices he could never take back. It continues with a Gravarian named Sid, who slowly learns that emotions aren't a burden, but an asset. It culminates in a wild chase to save the world and make it a safer place for everyone, human and Gravarian alike.
It ends with people realizing that feelings have colors and flavors. It shows us that a life worth living is one filled with all the good and the bad, all the emotions, sounds, and tastes. A life fully lived is a life fulfilled.
Thank you, Andrea, for gifting us this story. It was a true Christmas delight.
February 5, 2026
I am so very glad that I read this book at a slow pace that I normally do and I took my time with it because it was definitely worth it. I enjoyed the writing style. I enjoyed the adventure. I enjoyed essentially getting to learn about a new way of life and culture for a group and it’s crazy how this book turned out. This book is full of creatures and adventures and a wonderful enemies to lovers book. One of my favorite parts of this book is actually when the female main character is captured, kinda by the “bad guy” and he sees her skin condition and thinks she is the most beautiful person and believes that everyone else must think she is this beautiful because of the difference that she has. Which unfortunately has not been the case because many people who see issues and don’t understand them or don’t want to understand them well show you and shame you and treat you less than dirt just because you look different. I don’t know if it was a goal to bring awareness to this by this author, but that seem struck me as beautiful and I absolutely loved it because it reminds you that even though everyone’s different everyone has value. This is a great fantasy book. I loved every moment of it and if you pick it up, I hope you like it too.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"𝑰 𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒕𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒇𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒕𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖."
In a post-apocalyptic world, Jael and Luca find themselves forced to work together to keep a forbidden music book from a race of giants from another planet. These two are such opposites. No matter how much they fought it, they always seemed to find a way back to each other. The grumpy/sunshine dynamic gave us a sweet ‘young love’ banter. Do they hate or like each other? 🤭 It was a cute YA romance amid the chaos. A favorite part of mine was when they befriended Obsidian, one of the giants. His inner monologue always made me laugh. These characters were fun to follow and seeing them all find hope, friendship and love through the tough moments was heartwarming. Thank you for this arc opportunity 😊
❄️Winter Fantasy
💙YA Romance
❄️Forced Proximity
💙No Spice
❄️Post-Apocalyptic
💙Forbidden Music
❄️Poetic Prose
💙She’s Grumpy/He’s Sunshine
❄️They save each other
💙Hurt/Comfort
In a post-apocalyptic world, Jael and Luca find themselves forced to work together to keep a forbidden music book from a race of giants from another planet. These two are such opposites. No matter how much they fought it, they always seemed to find a way back to each other. The grumpy/sunshine dynamic gave us a sweet ‘young love’ banter. Do they hate or like each other? 🤭 It was a cute YA romance amid the chaos. A favorite part of mine was when they befriended Obsidian, one of the giants. His inner monologue always made me laugh. These characters were fun to follow and seeing them all find hope, friendship and love through the tough moments was heartwarming. Thank you for this arc opportunity 😊
❄️Winter Fantasy
💙YA Romance
❄️Forced Proximity
💙No Spice
❄️Post-Apocalyptic
💙Forbidden Music
❄️Poetic Prose
💙She’s Grumpy/He’s Sunshine
❄️They save each other
💙Hurt/Comfort
Review of advance copy received from Author
- First Person
- Dystopian
- kisses only romance
Anthems For The World's End has found its way onto my top 10 favorites list. That's how much I loved it! This was an ebook ARC for me, but I purchased a physical copy too, no regrets, I may have squealed a little when it arrived.
First of all, the story is full of wonderful writing and details, beautifully done banter, soooo much humor (the dry, sarcastic kind that I love so much), characters that you will adore, and so much more.
I immensely enjoyed the way the full story was told, not just through Jael's narrative (which had the best inner dialogue and had me rolling), but also with Sid's personal log, and the Captains letters. It was definitely a really unique and fun way to tell the tale and all together it really rounded out nicely.
I found myself underlining and highlighting practically the entire thing. The characters are some of my new favorites and were so well written. I literally could not get enough of Sid and his snarky sarcasm.
Not only did the story keep me on the edge of my seat, but I was also snorting out laughs the entire time.
I really love Andrèa's writing, she has a wonderful & witty way with words, weaving a beautiful story with so many hilarious, but also sweet, serious, and sorrowful moments. (When I start to alliterate you know I loved it).
I loved this world and highly recommend picking up this book
I'll end with some advice as only Sid could give it, "Never name your pets! The next thing you know, you're letting them run around with no discipline."
I received an advanced review copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion and thoughts
- Dystopian
- kisses only romance
Anthems For The World's End has found its way onto my top 10 favorites list. That's how much I loved it! This was an ebook ARC for me, but I purchased a physical copy too, no regrets, I may have squealed a little when it arrived.
First of all, the story is full of wonderful writing and details, beautifully done banter, soooo much humor (the dry, sarcastic kind that I love so much), characters that you will adore, and so much more.
I immensely enjoyed the way the full story was told, not just through Jael's narrative (which had the best inner dialogue and had me rolling), but also with Sid's personal log, and the Captains letters. It was definitely a really unique and fun way to tell the tale and all together it really rounded out nicely.
I found myself underlining and highlighting practically the entire thing. The characters are some of my new favorites and were so well written. I literally could not get enough of Sid and his snarky sarcasm.
Not only did the story keep me on the edge of my seat, but I was also snorting out laughs the entire time.
I really love Andrèa's writing, she has a wonderful & witty way with words, weaving a beautiful story with so many hilarious, but also sweet, serious, and sorrowful moments. (When I start to alliterate you know I loved it).
I loved this world and highly recommend picking up this book
I'll end with some advice as only Sid could give it, "Never name your pets! The next thing you know, you're letting them run around with no discipline."
I received an advanced review copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion and thoughts
January 31, 2026
Anthems for the World’s End was a really engaging, snowy read with strong atmosphere and heart. I loved following Jael as she struggles between survival, loyalty, and what she wants for herself, and Luca was a great contrast to everything she’s been taught to believe. Their dynamic felt natural and quietly emotional without overwhelming the story.
The frozen setting is vivid, the stakes feel real, and the idea of forbidden music woven into a post-apocalyptic fantasy world was especially intriguing. This book balances adventure, friendship, and romance nicely, with a hopeful tone that really worked for me. A solid 4-star read, especially if you enjoy character driven fantasy with wintry vibes.
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The frozen setting is vivid, the stakes feel real, and the idea of forbidden music woven into a post-apocalyptic fantasy world was especially intriguing. This book balances adventure, friendship, and romance nicely, with a hopeful tone that really worked for me. A solid 4-star read, especially if you enjoy character driven fantasy with wintry vibes.
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much to Andréa Costello for this ARC!
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It took me a little bit to get into this book but once I got into it, I had a great time reading it! It was really funny, especially Obsidian's logs with his trouble understanding the humans. I enjoyed Jael and Luca's characters, and their romance, though for most of the book I kept picturing them much younger than they actually were. I think that's a me problem though. With the snowy mountain atmosphere and the train setting, the cozy wintry vibes are strong. If you're looking for a wintry romantasy, I think you'll have a good time reading this one!
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It took me a little bit to get into this book but once I got into it, I had a great time reading it! It was really funny, especially Obsidian's logs with his trouble understanding the humans. I enjoyed Jael and Luca's characters, and their romance, though for most of the book I kept picturing them much younger than they actually were. I think that's a me problem though. With the snowy mountain atmosphere and the train setting, the cozy wintry vibes are strong. If you're looking for a wintry romantasy, I think you'll have a good time reading this one!
February 19, 2026
This was unique and interesting! It took me a little while to get into the setting - was this a post-apocalyptic earth that was then invaded by aliens, or did the aliens come before earth froze over (or not earth at all and just a different location)? It was a bit confusing at first but after just accepting that aliens were there and I didn’t need their whole backstory, I enjoyed it more.😂 Ok, don’t let the alien thing keep you from reading this. I actually really enjoyed the chapters written from his perspective (he was not the love interest but a fun side character). I enjoyed the romance, kisses-only.
There were a few typos in my kindle version (hopefully those get fixed - like a random “Chapter 29” heading but in the middle of a chapter).
The characters had to endure a lot of trials and loss (and it was a bit violent at times) but I enjoyed that the story was overall wholesome and heartwarming!
There were a few typos in my kindle version (hopefully those get fixed - like a random “Chapter 29” heading but in the middle of a chapter).
The characters had to endure a lot of trials and loss (and it was a bit violent at times) but I enjoyed that the story was overall wholesome and heartwarming!
February 13, 2026
Good YA adventure book. Recommended for fans of The Hunger Games; this is a post-apoc novel with similar levels of violence and romance. Like THG, the violence was a bit much for me. But there were a lot of interesting ideas. Good characters. Overall, really liked it.
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