What do you think?
Rate this book
The Splintered Dagger
Former assassin, devoted mother, supernatural predator… I tried to hold my fractured life together, until another tragedy awakens my curse.
Cheating certain death grants me new abilities. It also transforms me into something powerful… and monstrous.
To uncover the truth about my tainted bloodline and claim revenge, I must survive a world of wicked gods without losing what remains of my soul. Every immortal ruler has means, motive, and opportunity—and one of them may have my heart.
Caught between the hero who draws out my light and the villain who stokes my darkest desires, I walk the sharp edge between salvation and ruin.
But love is a weapon, and mercy is as deadly as steel.
Perfect for readers who crave slow-burn dark romantasy, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, and a love triangle steeped in power, temptation, and trauma.
For fans of Keri Lake’s atmospheric world-building, Carissa Broadbent’s strong FMCs, and Liv Zander’s seductive antiheroes, this is your next obsession.
This is a Dark Fantasy Romance that includes adult themes. For a full list of triggers, visit the author's page at www.neisihornaday.com. Book two coming March, 2026!
Cheating certain death grants me new abilities. It also transforms me into something powerful… and monstrous.
To uncover the truth about my tainted bloodline and claim revenge, I must survive a world of wicked gods without losing what remains of my soul. Every immortal ruler has means, motive, and opportunity—and one of them may have my heart.
Caught between the hero who draws out my light and the villain who stokes my darkest desires, I walk the sharp edge between salvation and ruin.
But love is a weapon, and mercy is as deadly as steel.
Perfect for readers who crave slow-burn dark romantasy, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, and a love triangle steeped in power, temptation, and trauma.
For fans of Keri Lake’s atmospheric world-building, Carissa Broadbent’s strong FMCs, and Liv Zander’s seductive antiheroes, this is your next obsession.
This is a Dark Fantasy Romance that includes adult themes. For a full list of triggers, visit the author's page at www.neisihornaday.com. Book two coming March, 2026!
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 21, 2026
3 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 8, 2025
This book...WOW!! What an amazing ride!! From the minute I read the title, I was immediately hooked...
🥰❤️🔥📖⚔️📖❤️🔥🥰
A ruthless assassin FMC now devoted mother whose past continues to haunt her...INCREDIBLE!!
The memory and the blood on her hands are a constant thread tying Emme (FMC) to her past...along with the reminder that she is also cursed.
Tamping down her own inner battles with herself so that neither her children nor her husband find out, Emme all too soon finds herself having to ressurect her powers and finally get her revenge...
...but solving a murder is only the tip of the iceberg and it won't be easy...
Finding out the truth is costly and the price Emme must pay could just be her own life as her powerful bloodline has deep roots intertwined to the gods.
To protect her family and finally put an end to the past that constantly haunts her, she must enter the dark and dangerous world of the gods...bound and trapped by their magic; she then find herself up against those with malicious intent, dark motives, and even darker powers...one most especially...
...the twist...?
Realizing her heart belongs to them, even though she also has a husband whom she loves back home...
...her choice then determines both her fate and her destiny...as well as her family's...
A Bit of What to Expect and Trigger Warnings:
⚔️ Addictive Behavior
❤️🔥 Biblical References and Mythology
⚔️ BDSM Interactions and References
❤️🔥Comfort S*x Flashbacks
⚔️ Death
❤️🔥 Explicit Language
⚔️ Explicit Sexual Content
❤️🔥 Forced-Proximity
⚔️ Enemies to Lovers
❤️🔥 Slow-Burn
⚔️ Graphic Violence and Gore
❤️🔥 Grief and loss
⚔️ Heretic/ Blasphemous Comments
❤️🔥 Kidnapping
⚔️ Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior
❤️🔥 Polyamory Flashback and References
⚔️ Rage
❤️🔥 Self-Harm
⚔️ Unresolved Trauma
❤️🔥 Vigilante Justice
⚔️ War References
Thrilling adventure, climatic drama, and a steamy love triangle like no other make this an epic and intensely amazing dark fantasy romance!! Definitely recommend!!
HUGE thank you to Neisi Hornaday for this AMAZING read and opportunity.
Be sure and check out "The Splintered Dagger" by Neisi Hornaday, coming soon!!
🥰❤️🔥📖⚔️📖❤️🔥🥰
A ruthless assassin FMC now devoted mother whose past continues to haunt her...INCREDIBLE!!
The memory and the blood on her hands are a constant thread tying Emme (FMC) to her past...along with the reminder that she is also cursed.
Tamping down her own inner battles with herself so that neither her children nor her husband find out, Emme all too soon finds herself having to ressurect her powers and finally get her revenge...
...but solving a murder is only the tip of the iceberg and it won't be easy...
Finding out the truth is costly and the price Emme must pay could just be her own life as her powerful bloodline has deep roots intertwined to the gods.
To protect her family and finally put an end to the past that constantly haunts her, she must enter the dark and dangerous world of the gods...bound and trapped by their magic; she then find herself up against those with malicious intent, dark motives, and even darker powers...one most especially...
...the twist...?
Realizing her heart belongs to them, even though she also has a husband whom she loves back home...
...her choice then determines both her fate and her destiny...as well as her family's...
A Bit of What to Expect and Trigger Warnings:
⚔️ Addictive Behavior
❤️🔥 Biblical References and Mythology
⚔️ BDSM Interactions and References
❤️🔥Comfort S*x Flashbacks
⚔️ Death
❤️🔥 Explicit Language
⚔️ Explicit Sexual Content
❤️🔥 Forced-Proximity
⚔️ Enemies to Lovers
❤️🔥 Slow-Burn
⚔️ Graphic Violence and Gore
❤️🔥 Grief and loss
⚔️ Heretic/ Blasphemous Comments
❤️🔥 Kidnapping
⚔️ Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior
❤️🔥 Polyamory Flashback and References
⚔️ Rage
❤️🔥 Self-Harm
⚔️ Unresolved Trauma
❤️🔥 Vigilante Justice
⚔️ War References
Thrilling adventure, climatic drama, and a steamy love triangle like no other make this an epic and intensely amazing dark fantasy romance!! Definitely recommend!!
HUGE thank you to Neisi Hornaday for this AMAZING read and opportunity.
Be sure and check out "The Splintered Dagger" by Neisi Hornaday, coming soon!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you, Neisi Hornaday, for the ARC.
Emme, a former assassin and devoted mother, gets tossed into an unknown world where she learns about a prophecy that makes her question her past.
It took me a little bit to really get into the flow of the book. The world-building is a bit complicated, and the history is intense. As this is the first book in a new series, it is to be expected to have a huge information dump, and at first, it was hard to follow along. I did enjoy the repetitive nature throughout the story of the history and people, as it helped me follow a bit more easily.
The magic system, although a bit complicated, I began to understand it more towards the end of the book. The magic system seems pretty complicated at first, and could be described a bit better, but as you find out more about the different people and magic sources, it comes together.
I thoroughly enjoyed Emmes' character, especially how she held herself back from situations she knew her past self would make, as she truly does try to be better than she was. I also enjoyed how Emme does not just bounce into anothers bed, and begins to hold herself to a higher standard.
I do look forward to seeing more of the mysteries Emme has found herself tangled within being solved, as well as how her future unfolds.
Emme, a former assassin and devoted mother, gets tossed into an unknown world where she learns about a prophecy that makes her question her past.
It took me a little bit to really get into the flow of the book. The world-building is a bit complicated, and the history is intense. As this is the first book in a new series, it is to be expected to have a huge information dump, and at first, it was hard to follow along. I did enjoy the repetitive nature throughout the story of the history and people, as it helped me follow a bit more easily.
The magic system, although a bit complicated, I began to understand it more towards the end of the book. The magic system seems pretty complicated at first, and could be described a bit better, but as you find out more about the different people and magic sources, it comes together.
I thoroughly enjoyed Emmes' character, especially how she held herself back from situations she knew her past self would make, as she truly does try to be better than she was. I also enjoyed how Emme does not just bounce into anothers bed, and begins to hold herself to a higher standard.
I do look forward to seeing more of the mysteries Emme has found herself tangled within being solved, as well as how her future unfolds.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW
(Some minor spoilers ahead)
This was a very nuanced yet interesting take on fantasy romance. Reading about a FMC who isn't a damsel in distress or young and innocent but is instead a badass former assassin, mother, and flawed person struggling with very real issues like substance abuse was refreshing. The stakes felt real and so was her pain as Emme faces enormous losses and struggles to put herself back together.
The morally gray immortals added a great layer of unpredictability to the plot and even found myself rooting for the villan (The MMC's father who openly covets Emme, his son's bethrode).
The world building was very immersive and initially a bit dense, which detracted a bit from other plot elements for a bit. Ultimately, everything comes together nicely. The complexity of the politics and magic in the world of Founders is yet another obstacle Emme needs to overcome, adding to the dark themes in the book.
I would say this is a great book if you also enjoy both romance and fantasy in their own right as the fantasy elements are intricate and not just background or setting like I often feel with other romantasy books.
Overall, this was fresh take on fantasy romance that left me wanting more of the story. I can't wait for book 2!
(Some minor spoilers ahead)
This was a very nuanced yet interesting take on fantasy romance. Reading about a FMC who isn't a damsel in distress or young and innocent but is instead a badass former assassin, mother, and flawed person struggling with very real issues like substance abuse was refreshing. The stakes felt real and so was her pain as Emme faces enormous losses and struggles to put herself back together.
The morally gray immortals added a great layer of unpredictability to the plot and even found myself rooting for the villan (The MMC's father who openly covets Emme, his son's bethrode).
The world building was very immersive and initially a bit dense, which detracted a bit from other plot elements for a bit. Ultimately, everything comes together nicely. The complexity of the politics and magic in the world of Founders is yet another obstacle Emme needs to overcome, adding to the dark themes in the book.
I would say this is a great book if you also enjoy both romance and fantasy in their own right as the fantasy elements are intricate and not just background or setting like I often feel with other romantasy books.
Overall, this was fresh take on fantasy romance that left me wanting more of the story. I can't wait for book 2!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2026
I received this book for free as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.75 stars
The Splintered Dagger tells the tale of a woman who experiences unimaginable loss only to be swept away by strangers to a new world. The new world is full of magical beings, gods and is steeped in complex political schemes that she must navigate to try and find her family’s killer.
I enjoyed the world building and character arcs which created a relatable and compelling story. I did find some of the political aspects to be a bit overwhelming- I almost had to keep notes to keep it all straight in my head. The romance is subtle, nothing in your face and more of a slow burn, which matches the heartbreak of our main character and is refreshing after so much insta-love in so many new books.
Overall very enjoyable read. The cliff hanger at the end with the teaser for book two has me looking forward to what comes next in this story.
3.75 stars
The Splintered Dagger tells the tale of a woman who experiences unimaginable loss only to be swept away by strangers to a new world. The new world is full of magical beings, gods and is steeped in complex political schemes that she must navigate to try and find her family’s killer.
I enjoyed the world building and character arcs which created a relatable and compelling story. I did find some of the political aspects to be a bit overwhelming- I almost had to keep notes to keep it all straight in my head. The romance is subtle, nothing in your face and more of a slow burn, which matches the heartbreak of our main character and is refreshing after so much insta-love in so many new books.
Overall very enjoyable read. The cliff hanger at the end with the teaser for book two has me looking forward to what comes next in this story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Power, Past, and Prophecy in a Dark New World
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highly Recommended!
The Splintered Dragger delivers an intense dark fantasy romance centered on Emme, a former ruthless assassin now determined to be a devoted mother. But her bloody past and a persistent curse refuse to fade.
When a murder investigation forces her to resurrect her deadly powers, Emme is thrown into the deep end of the gods’ domain. The price of protecting her family is steep, and the truth about her powerful bloodline introduces her to a dangerous world of malicious magic and dark forces.
This is a thrilling adventure with a complex heroine and a steamy, climatic love triangle that dictates her destiny. Readers who appreciate rich mythology and high-stakes drama will be hooked.
Key Elements: Complex heroine, dark mythology, revenge plot, steamy romance.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highly Recommended!
The Splintered Dragger delivers an intense dark fantasy romance centered on Emme, a former ruthless assassin now determined to be a devoted mother. But her bloody past and a persistent curse refuse to fade.
When a murder investigation forces her to resurrect her deadly powers, Emme is thrown into the deep end of the gods’ domain. The price of protecting her family is steep, and the truth about her powerful bloodline introduces her to a dangerous world of malicious magic and dark forces.
This is a thrilling adventure with a complex heroine and a steamy, climatic love triangle that dictates her destiny. Readers who appreciate rich mythology and high-stakes drama will be hooked.
Key Elements: Complex heroine, dark mythology, revenge plot, steamy romance.
January 24, 2026
Actual rating 3.5 stars
The world building and attention to detail in The Splintered Dagger were excellent. I really enjoyed how the author painted a picture with the descriptions and dialogue. The main character, Emme, is an absolute badass with character - and character flaws - who I was very interested in following through her adventure. As it's setting up for sequels, you'll notice a bit of a slow-burn while the world is being built and you're learning how things work, who is who, etc. If you're into more dark fantasy with fantasy actually being a part of the plot, not so much in the background, I highly suggest this book. I found myself struggling to put it down at the end of the night. I'm really looking forward to seeing more from this author!
I received an advance copy of this book and wanted to give my honest review.
The world building and attention to detail in The Splintered Dagger were excellent. I really enjoyed how the author painted a picture with the descriptions and dialogue. The main character, Emme, is an absolute badass with character - and character flaws - who I was very interested in following through her adventure. As it's setting up for sequels, you'll notice a bit of a slow-burn while the world is being built and you're learning how things work, who is who, etc. If you're into more dark fantasy with fantasy actually being a part of the plot, not so much in the background, I highly suggest this book. I found myself struggling to put it down at the end of the night. I'm really looking forward to seeing more from this author!
I received an advance copy of this book and wanted to give my honest review.
January 28, 2026
This book showcases what I love most about dark fantasy: the ruthlessness, rich world-building, and real stakes.
It started off in the real world, making me think it would be urban fantasy, but quickly shattered my expectations by the second act. I loved how the author had the restraint to wait until the middle of the book before showing off the gorgeously designed world map, making it feel so much more earned.
The love triangle was interesting (even though it's really not my cup of tea) but I absolutely loved Emme. Being a ruthless female assassin was already a huge green flag for me, but adding the fact that she's also a mother with family ties added a layer of vulnerability to the brutality, something rarely seen in female main characters in dark fantasy. And the family intrigue and world building kept me hooked on this page turner.
It started off in the real world, making me think it would be urban fantasy, but quickly shattered my expectations by the second act. I loved how the author had the restraint to wait until the middle of the book before showing off the gorgeously designed world map, making it feel so much more earned.
The love triangle was interesting (even though it's really not my cup of tea) but I absolutely loved Emme. Being a ruthless female assassin was already a huge green flag for me, but adding the fact that she's also a mother with family ties added a layer of vulnerability to the brutality, something rarely seen in female main characters in dark fantasy. And the family intrigue and world building kept me hooked on this page turner.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Emme, once a ruthless assassin is trying to bury the bloody memories of her past—along with the curse that still clings to her.
When a new threat forces Emme to resurrect the powers she swore she’d never use again, she finds herself drawn into a murder investigation that quickly becomes only the beginning. The truth she uncovers comes at a steep cost, and the price might be her own life. Her powerful bloodline is rooted deep within the domain of the gods, and to protect her family she must step into their world—one filled with dangerous magic, malicious intentions, and shadows darker than anything she’s ever faced.
When a new threat forces Emme to resurrect the powers she swore she’d never use again, she finds herself drawn into a murder investigation that quickly becomes only the beginning. The truth she uncovers comes at a steep cost, and the price might be her own life. Her powerful bloodline is rooted deep within the domain of the gods, and to protect her family she must step into their world—one filled with dangerous magic, malicious intentions, and shadows darker than anything she’s ever faced.
Review of advance copy
This book really surprised me. Emme is such a layered character, a former assassin, a mother, and someone constantly wrestling with her past while trying to protect the people she loves. Her internal battles felt incredibly real and relatable.
The story pulls you into a dark, dangerous world filled with gods, curses, and powerful magic. While the world-building is complex, it adds so much richness to the story once everything starts unfolding. The tension, the mystery, and the emotional weight kept me turning pages, and the ending left me wanting more. A strong, gripping start to what feels like a very promising series.
The story pulls you into a dark, dangerous world filled with gods, curses, and powerful magic. While the world-building is complex, it adds so much richness to the story once everything starts unfolding. The tension, the mystery, and the emotional weight kept me turning pages, and the ending left me wanting more. A strong, gripping start to what feels like a very promising series.
January 16, 2026
This book is a wild ride. There are so many different characters and many different games being played in this world. It’s hard to decide who to trust and who you actually want to win. The main female character has been through some very unfortunate events and trauma that has shaped her into a very strong woman. There is some love interest that has burning that you just want to see how it will play out. There is a lot of information that you have to pay attention to and remember since it all comes back in different ways. But overall a good fantasy book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was fortunate to receive an early copy of the author’s book and I must say that I am very impressed that this is only her first major work. Without given away any spoilers, the author is able to portray a captivating, multi-layered world that kept me engaged from start to finish. A definite must-read if you’re a fan of fantasy romance with incredible world-building
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Splintered Dagger was a fun, moody read that really hit the spot if you like your fantasy dark and your romance messy. The world feels gritty without being overwhelming, and I liked how the magic and danger always had real consequences. The romance is definitely on the darker side.
Overall, a solid dark fantasy romance that I’d recommend if you enjoy morally gray characters and sharp edges.
Overall, a solid dark fantasy romance that I’d recommend if you enjoy morally gray characters and sharp edges.
December 5, 2025
I did enjoy the world. I could relate to the characters. I felt the romantic politics and the build up of the other important plot points got distracted by each other. There was a competition for attention and the flow was not as strong as other books. 3.5 stars.
March 2, 2026
I really really liked this book, the magic the mystery, it was amazing. Not my type of book but the author did a great job and I think that other people will definitely enjoy this more than I did, however the writing was still good and kept me interested.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a phenomenal book! I could not put it down and was heartbroken once finished. From the first time encountering sentient fire to the magical immersion once she discovers the world of Founders, this book delivered so much excitement with phenomenal character development. Mix in a steamy dark love triangle and I couldn’t wait to see which direction Emme went when her worlds collided. As a 30 year old mother who faces insecurities, mistakes, and heartache, Emme is incredibly relatable while still somehow a lethal superhero assassin trying to stay on the good side of her enormous powers. Author Neisi Hornaday has mastered the balance between reality and fantasy with precision. Can’t wait for the sequel. A must read for all!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews