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Anthems for the World's End
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Expected 30 Jan 26On 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
Expected publication January 30, 2026
34 people want to read
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December 24, 2025What 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!
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
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.
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!
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