Daughter of the Cursed Moon

by A.D Dalley

I am shadow-blessed. I do not fear the light nor her wrath.

Syra Lunatici, a Luanthian blessed with shadow magic, learned early in life that her very existence was dangerous within the Solerian-ruled Kingdom of Tavari. Since the night of The Cleansing, she has been forced to hide her identity, her silver hair, and the shadows that writhe in her blood. She has worked for years to achieve her dreams of becoming a Potion Master to better care for the fellow Luanthians in the Old Quarter, but a chance encounter with a wounded man changes the course of her fate.

Thrust into a world of prophecy and adventure to find a cure for an illness that has plagued Tavari for a century, Syra must venture across unforgiving deserts and snowy forests with a group that includes the Solerian Prince Kairen and his loyal Captain of the KingsGuard, Roan Delmar. Born Luanthian, now a Solerian Convert, Roan Delmar is dangerous and keen to uncover the hidden past that could be Syra’s undoing. Will she be able to keep her true identity hidden in shadows and deceit or will the cleansing fire of the stake be Syra’s fate?

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance

458 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 31, 2026

Reviews

[Maria P · Rating 5 out of 5]

° ˖✧ 𝓣𝓛;𝓓𝓡 ✧˖°
A stunning romantasy debut perfect for readers looking for a romance that builds with top-tier yearning and tension, an adventurous quest full of surprises, and an ending that'll have you begging for the sequel!

° ˖✧ 𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼 ✧˖°
4.5 ⭐
1 🌶️

° ˖✧ 𝓠𝓾𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓼 ✧˖°
"Goddess, you're feral."

"It seems as though they fear you more than me, Captain."
"A miscalculation on their parts, surely."

"The only Goddess I wish to be in the presence of already has her body pressed to mine."

"You promise?"
"In every universe."
"Until we are but stars in the sky."

° ˖✧ 𝓢𝔂𝓷𝓸𝓹𝓼𝓲𝓼 𝓢𝓾𝓶𝓶𝓪𝓻𝔂 ✧˖°
Potions Master Syra must keep her shadow magic hidden to continue to provide care for the people of Tavari. But when a strange illness sweeps the nation, Syra must team up with Captain of the Kings Guard Roan to find a cure.

° ˖✧ 𝓣𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼 ✧˖°
👤 Hidden Identity
🫶 Found Family
🔥 Elemental Magic
💘 Reluctant Allies to Lovers
❤️‍🔥 Slow Burn
🗡️ Training Together
🛏️ One Bed/One Horse
👑 Royal Quest
🧐 Political Intrigue
🌙 Gods & Goddesses

° ˖✧ 𝓣𝓻𝓲𝓰𝓰𝓮𝓻 𝓦𝓪𝓻𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼 ✧˖°
🪦 Familial Death/Grief
🩸 Violence
🗣️ Discrimination

° ˖✧ 𝓛𝓲𝓴𝓮𝓼 ✧˖°
+ Addictive and Engaging Story
+ Top-Tier Yearning and Tension
+ Wholesome Cast of Characters
+ Trials/Training/Quest Arcs
+ Feral FMC and Devoted MMC
+ Variety of Interesting Settings
+ Anything on the Ship!!

° ˖✧ 𝓓𝓲𝓼𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮𝓼 ✧˖°
- Some Predictability (still satisfying)
- Some Repetitive Phrasing
- Lore Slowed Pacing at times

° ˖✧ 𝓜𝔂 𝓣𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼 ✧˖°
I physically couldn't put this book down. The story is easy to digest but meandered in a way that kept me unsure what would happen next, and Syra and Roan dancing around each other had me turning page after page for their undeniable yearning.

At the start we're immediately in the action as Syra's mother forces her to leave ahead of a Cleansing. Syra agrees to hide her moon‑blessed powers and runs to an apothecary that had always been kind to them. She's taken in by Merle, the potion's master, and her boy Bran. It takes a while, but Syra opens up to their family unit and begins to live her life again, taking in all Merle's potions acumen she can.

I loved the various trials Syra was set to complete to become a potion's master like Merle, and the many characters throughout are full of life. The introduction of Prince Kai and Captain of the Kings Guard Roan had me eagerly anticipating the group dynamic for their quest. Found Family is such a strong trope of mine that I immediately knew I would love the bunch of them together, including sweet healer Rena.

The tension between Syra and Roan was always palpable, and the author fed us so many amazing moments. Training, dancing, hurt/comfort, she heals him, he protects her - every moment furthered their relationship in a way that wasn't forced but inspired incredible yearning and desire. Also, top tier book boyfriend material! He's a man that worships his woman and isn't afraid to show it!

I also can't say enough about the quest itself. Normally something like that can feel predictable and repetitive, but not this book. There were many different biomes of exploration, and the various characters met along the way kept the story fresh and moving forward. There were horrific enemies and great moments of respect and care, all without the author spending too long between scenes - the pacing was steady throughout.

There were a couple of parts with an element of predictability, including something big toward the end I'd seen a mile away. However, the way this action occurred was still a surprise, so I don't feel it pulls away from the story much. There were also some repetitive terms of phrase such as "kernel of truth" which caught my eye and occasionally pulled me out, but overall the writing was quality.

The only other area that had me uneasy was the sheer amount of lore. There's a rich history of gods and goddesses that dictate culture, often portrayed through characters speaking like a fable or reading myths in books. This slowed pacing at times, but because the context wasn't overly confusing or unnecessary, I'm not too mad at it.

As such, I highly recommend this book to fans of romantasy - it's an incredible debut and I can't wait to see what happens with the sequel. (I refuse for there not to be a sequel because that ending has me gagged and desperate for more!)

Thank you to A.D. Dalley and Iris Influencer Society for the opportunity to receive an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Abbi :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best, if not the best, indie debut I’ve ever read. I was enthralled from page one. I had a feeling this was going to be 5 stars from the prologue if I’m honest.

The concept of this really hooked me. This really has a little bit of something for everyone. Some political intrigue, a lot of adventure, even some trials mixed in there. We had a fantastic cast of characters and I loved the found family dynamic we made along the way. While some I liked better than others (kairen looking at you), there dynamic was so lovely.

I will say this was a bit more of a cliche novel. I have seen a lot of these tropes and plot points used before, but everything was done exquisitely that it didn’t bother me. And there was a lot of uniqueness to this story as well.

The romance absolutely did me in. The slow burn was phenomenal. The tension was SO DELICIOUS. I was so down bad for this man y’all. Their banter was incredibly entertaining, and the things he was saying? He’s about to be added to my book bf list if he isn’t careful.

Syra was a fantastic fmc. She was easy to root for and was such a bad bitch. She could easily hold her own against anything. Even these annoying men we kept running into. She was so sassy too. I’d love to be friends with her. Really excited to see where she goes next after that ending.

Speaking of ending, absolutely insane. I didn’t see ANY of that coming. A.D dalley knows how to end a book with the best of them let me just tell you. It pulled at all of emotions in the best way. Those revelations?? GAGGED. Next book I beg.

Please go pick this up. You will not regret it. I’m seriously still so blown away by how impressive this was. Add it to those tbrs ladies!!

[Diamanti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello, people!
Sometimes words are poor. That's how I feel here too.
The characters are very well developed and have depth. The plot is full of magic, adventure and action and the world building is fantastic.
Every turn of the page is a revelation.
Furthermore, the book is a breathless read and this is a strong card in the hands of the author.
Finally, her writing is enchanting, unique, enjoyable and direct.

Thank you very much to the author for the eARC!

This is my honest review!

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s something about a fantasy world filled with secrets, dangerous magic, and a heroine who’s constantly one wrong move away from disaster that gets me every time.
Daughter of the Cursed Moon pulled me in with its atmosphere and never really let go. Watching Syra navigate a world that fears what she is had me rooting for her from the start. The tension, the mystery surrounding her powers, and the slow unraveling of the truth kept me completely invested.
And can we talk about the slow burn? Because the chemistry is there, simmering beneath everything else, making every interaction feel that much more meaningful.
If you're looking for a romantasy with shadow magic, hidden truths, high stakes, and a heroine fighting to take control of her own destiny, this one is definitely worth picking up.


Español:Hay algo sobre los mundos de fantasía llenos de secretos, magia peligrosa y una protagonista que está a un paso de que todo salga mal que siempre logra atraparme.
Daughter of the Cursed Moon me envolvió por completo con su atmósfera. Ver a Syra intentar sobrevivir en un mundo que teme lo que es hizo que conectara con ella desde el principio. La tensión, los misterios que rodean sus poderes y la forma en que la verdad se va revelando poco a poco me mantuvieron completamente enganchada.
Y tenemos que hablar del slow burn, porque la química está ahí desde el inicio, creciendo lentamente y haciendo que cada interacción tenga aún más impacto.
Si te gustan las romantasy con magia de sombras, secretos ocultos, mucho riesgo y protagonistas decididas a cambiar su destino, definitivamente deberías darle una oportunidad a este libro.

[Melissa Mejia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of receiving this as an e-ARC and voluntarily will be giving my honest review. Wow wow wow! This was a phenomenal read with great build up and tension!! The plot was full of magic and the character stories were well developed!! This had lots of adventures and making you want more hard to put this book down! The end on my i need another book now!!

“I am shadow-blessed. I do not fear the light nor her wrath.

Syra Lunatici, a Luanthian blessed with shadow magic, learned early in life that her very existence was dangerous within the Solerian-ruled Kingdom of Tavari. Since the night of The Cleansing, she has been forced to hide her identity, her silver hair, and the shadows that writhe in her blood. She has worked for years to achieve her dreams of becoming a Potion Master to better care for the fellow Luanthians in the Old Quarter, but a chance encounter with a wounded man changes the course of her fate.

Thrust into a world of prophecy and adventure to find a cure for an illness that has plagued Tavari for a century, Syra must venture across unforgiving deserts and snowy forests with a group that includes the Solerian Prince Kairen and his loyal Captain of the KingsGuard, Roan Delmar. Born Luanthian, now a Solerian Convert, Roan Delmar is dangerous and keen to uncover the hidden past that could be Syra’s undoing. Will she be able to keep her true identity hidden in shadows and deceit or will the cleansing fire of the stake be Syra’s fate?”

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

“”Promise me that you'll always reach for my hand. That you'll stay."
"In every universe, little menace. Until we are but stars in the sky.””

Thank you very much for AD Dally for sending me an early copy of her book!

Wow! What a debut! I am just lost for words right now… this was phenomenal!
It was a full on action packed fantasy. I was hooked on from page one. I am a sucker for all the books with elemental magic and alchemy but this book gave me so much more than that.
There are fallen gods, prophecies, political intrigue, quests, a very strong FMC, a tortured MMC, loveable side characters and lots of banter. The world building was excellent, the magic system was perfect and the characters were so real.
The FMC Syra was strong, stabby (she knows how to handle a dagger- especially if she must hold it to the MMC’s throat… ) and clever. She has to hide her identity her entire life. She was an absolute badass with a very strong power and I can’t wait to see how this power will grow in the next book. She wants to be a potion master and help the kingdom to get rid of the sickness plaguing the lands and the people.
The MMC Roan the captain of the kings guard was broody and tortured. The way this man fall for Syra and was on his knees for her (literally and figuratively) was utter PERFECTION!
The yearning and the tension was so hot I could feel it. The slow burn was slow and burning but it was not dragging or frustrating.
This book had so many revelations and the last 10%… I could barely survive!
I can’t believe the ending…
I loved it, I am hooked and I need the next book like tomorrow please!

[Marlies Rasinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

What has just happened to me? If you love emotional damage, like I do, this is the book for you.
I have read a lot of Fantasy and Romantasy and sometimes it feels like a lot of people write the same and the plot twists can be foreseen but this?? I did not see any of this coming. The books leaves us with the worst cliffhanger and plot twist ever and I need to get my hands on book 2 asap!

The MMC Roan is the defintion of green flag. His interactions with the FMC are so pure, loving and honest. I could cite about 50 quotes from him which made me melt 😍 Roan raises the standards for all (fictional) men.

Syra is also amazing. She is a loving, caring, smart and strong character. I like it when the FMC in a book is capable and does not „need“ the man on her quest.

I really loved this book and it should be talked about way more 😍

[Stephanie Chiocchi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to A.D. Dalley for this eARC!

This is a nice, easy standard Romantasy for a debut author. It has your usual plot line and tropes, a quest, and secrets.
A potion master hiding her shadow curse. A broody knight who is supposed to destroy anyone with shadows. Obviously she’s keeping that a secret.
A quest to find a cure. A prince who is obviously kidding something, a best friend that wants to protect, a healer who honestly I thought would be more important, and prophecies galore.
I did struggle with this for a while, it felt too easy, the world building was missing something, most of it was just prophecies and stories from the past.
I’m a sucker for found family which is why I stuck around but even that wasn’t too deep. Roan and Sy’s relationship moved quickly and as beautiful as Roan’s declarations were, again, just happened all too quickly.
Then we have the ending where everything went to shit, naturally. I’ll keep an eye out for book two.

[Stephanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Contrived trials for the hundredth time. And in a scenario where they didn't need to be. I DNF'd.

[Booksandpurrs · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5

First up, I absolutely loved the chapter headers, end page graphics and the cover. It perfectly matches the atmosphere of the story.

“Little menace.”

There are some stories that entertain you, and then there are stories that completely consume you, making you feel every emotion alongside the characters. Daughter of the Cursed Moon by A.D. Dalley did exactly that to me.

Honestly, I am stunned this is a debut novel.

Beautifully written, immersive and emotionally devastating in the best way possible, this romantasy pulled me into its world from the very first page and never let go. The writing felt so vivid and real that I genuinely felt part of the journey.

This story gives you EVERYTHING. Magic, prophecies, kingdoms, quests, danger, betrayal, mystery, found family, loyalty, grief, banter, romance and brutal truths that slowly unravel as the story progresses.

Syra is Luanthian, shadow blessed born, part of a people persecuted by the ruling Solerians. Hiding who she truly is has become essential for survival. She is skilled in potion making, a craft taught to her by Merle, the woman who raised and protected her. Her abilities eventually bring her to the attention of Prince Kairen, the prophecy surrounding the quest, and of course… the Kingslayer himself.

Roan.

Dark, dangerous, morally grey, protective, devastatingly attractive and absolutely impossible not to fall for.

The chemistry between Syra and Roan was honestly perfection. The slow burn tension was incredible and every interaction between them had me completely hooked. Watching this powerful, feared man slowly unravel for her? Amazing. Protective Roan absolutely had me weak.

And the group dynamics were done so well. Every character felt important and memorable. I became attached to all of them in different ways. Prince Kairen with his golden light, Rena and her healing abilities, Bran, who I adored, and the way they all balanced each other throughout the journey made the quest feel so real.

The action scenes were fantastic too. The fighting sequences were vivid, intense and easy to picture. There were genuinely moments where I caught myself muttering “yes, get them” while reading.

But what truly made this book stand out for me was the emotional depth.

The grief, pain and anguish in this story genuinely hit me hard. I have felt emotional reading books before, but this is one of the very few times I actually had tears running down my face. Some scenes completely broke me.

As the journey continues, the danger deepens and the truths they believed begin to unravel, leaving more questions than answers. Instead of becoming frustrating, it made the story even more compelling and impossible to put down.

I honestly do not think I have the words to fully explain how much I loved this book or how deeply it affected me.

Without a doubt, my favourite read of 2026 so far and I will be desperately waiting for book two.

Thank you A.D. Dalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Couby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advanced reader copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Honestly, a 6 star read for me!
This was a beautifully crafted romantasy that will take you into the most immersive quest of your life. I cannot believe that this is a debut novel! I mean, the prologue alone broke me 😭💔. Fans of D&D would love this!

We follow Syra, a Luanthian that’s shadow-blessed, on her journey as she quests with her companions to find a cure for The Fever. In a world where Luthians are labelled as traitors and burned at the stake, Syra has hidden her identity for 14 years, ever since her mother was dragged away to be burned. Through this quest, we learn of the brutality of the Solerian king, the horrors Luanthians are subjected to due to the Moon goddess’ supposed betrayal, and how not everything may be as it seems.

The writing in this was top tier. Dalley was able to immerse you into this story as if you were one of the people on the quest. I felt every emotion, the simmering heat of the desert, the biting cold of the north, and even the nausea they felt while on the rolling seas. Have I ever been to a desert? No, but that’s beside the point. There was also so much political turmoil in this with the Solerian vs Luanthian conflicts. It almost leans into dystopia a little because all this hatred is based on a warped history, repeated to the point that it has become the truth.

I absolutely loved how the romance was written and built. As a lover of slow burn, this definitely hit the spot. The TENSION?? It’s elite. My heart literally stuttered every time Roan’s green and silver eyes were mentioned to be locked onto Syra, or every time he whispered in her ear. I felt like such a third wheel ahahaha (I told you, Dalley really does fully immerse you into this book.) Tension filled training sessions? Check. Unnecessary closeness when they taunt each other? Check. Cute nicknames that are lowkey mean? Also check.

Syra is such a badass FMC. Like starts a brawl in a pub and won’t hesitate to hold a dagger to your throat if you cross her kind of badass. I mean, you know it’s gonna be great when one of the tropes is “she’s stabby” 😂. Syra is a trained potion maker and as a huge fan of The apothecary diaries, that just made me love her instantly. She’s so level-headed during a fight/crisis situation (but not before because she starts most of the fights lololol) and so good at her craft. She literally prevents her party from succumbing to their environments with her potions (again, this does give D&D vibes with different classes of people going on a quest together). I also love how her shadows/powers represent her mental state. Her shadows constantly speak to her, taunting her to kill Solerians, but she always pushes them aside and does her best to help anyone in need. But as she continues to hide her identity and her lies start eating away at her, the shadows also get more restless and aggressive.

Roan is also a Luanthian and is one of the last Luanthians allowed to work for the king. He is the captain of the kings guard and has killed so many Luanthians to prove his loyalty to the king, that he’s known as the Kinslayer. Roan is such a flirt but also broody and cold at the same time. Honestly, I’m not sure how that’s possible, but Dalley made it happen. If you want a MMC that falls first AND harder, may I present to you Roan. He literally is such a sap around Syra and KNEELS in front of her as he vows to always find her in every universe 🥹. Where are the men like this in real life??

We also have a wonderful cast of side characters that help enrich this story so much. Kairen is a Solerian prince and is the one who recruits Syra on this quest. He’s also Roan’s best friend. As Solerian royalty, he has such sympathy for Luanthians and honestly, gives me so much hope for a better future (unfortunately he isn’t next in line for the throne.. but alas, one could dream). His character perfectly showed how despite generations of hatred and segregation, there are still kind people out there. Bran is Syra’s “cousin” and is literally the cutest man ever. He is the only one that knows of Syra’s past and secret and is such a huge support system for her. He literally joined her on this quest because she asked him to and he didn’t even question it. Then, we have Rena, Kairen’s cousin. She’s also such a badass, being both a warrior AND a healer. She’s the typical FMC’s best friend who is super outgoing and I’m totally here for it. Everyone needs a best friend like that in their life!

If you’re a fan of vividly written characters, immersive writing, TENSION, and quests, I definitely recommend this as your next read! I really hope there is a book 2 in the works because I really badly need to know what happens next.

[Andreanne Parcel · Rating 5 out of 5]

English below :
5⭐ 1🫑

Je n'arrive pas à croire ce livre soit un début pour A.D. Dalley. J'ai tout, TOUT, aimé de cette histoire. Ma tête est comme une tornade présentement et j'ai de la difficulté à formuler des pensées cohérentes! Tout était tellement bon !

Syra, notre héroïne, est parfaitement imparfaite. A.D. a très bien su décrire et nous faire vivre le déchirement de Syra entre son désir de dire la vérité sur ses origines/suivre la voie de con cœur et la crainte d'être trahie/tuée pour ce qu'elle.

Roan n'est pas le typique mâle bougonneur. J'ai aimé le voir s'ouvrir à Syra et être capable de lui exprimer ses sentiments.

Les personnages secondaires sont tellement attachants et colorés qu'on ne veut pas qu'ils soient secondaires. Kairen, le noble confiant qui est habitué à se faire écouter au doigt et à l'oeil, Rena, la guérisseuse dans laquelle Syra trouvera une amie et Bran, le beau cousin loyal qui fait tomber toutes les femmes/hommes. On rencontre aussi un équipage de bateau ruff un peu sur les bords et un guide du désert qui fait bouillir de rage Roan avec ses remarques salaces.

A.D. a écrit une quête épique dans laquelle j'ai eu l'impression d'être présente tellement les descriptions étaient immersives. On voyage dans les villes, sur la mer, dans le désert et dans les contrées glacées.

Mes tropes préférés:
Found Family
Elemental Magic
Slow Burn
One Bed/One Horse !!!!
Royal Quest
Political Intrigue
Gods & Goddesses & Demons

English :
5⭐ 1🫑

I can't believe this book is a debut for A.D. Dalley. I loved everything, EVERYTHING, about this story. My head is spinning right now, and I'm having trouble forming coherent thoughts! Everything was so good!

Syra, our heroine, is perfectly imperfect. A.D. brilliantly described her and made us experience Syra's inner conflict between her desire to tell the truth about her origins/follow her heart and her fear of being betrayed/killed for who she is.

Roan isn't your typical grumpy/broody male. I loved seeing him open up to Syra and being able to express his feelings to her.

The secondary characters are so endearing and vibrant that you don't want them to be secondary. Kairen, the confident nobleman who's used to being obeyed without question; Rena, the healer in whom Syra finds a friend; and Bran, the handsome and loyal cousin who charms all the women/men. We also encounter a somewhat ruffian ship crew and a desert guide whose flirting infuriate Roan.

A.D. has written an epic quest in which I felt completely immersed, the descriptions were so vivid. I traveled through cities, across the sea, through the desert, and into icy lands.

My favorite tropes:
Found Family
Elemental Magic
Slow Burn
One Bed/One Horse!!!!
Royal Quest
Political Intrigue
Gods & Goddesses & Demons

[Liza Buss · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Daughter of the Cursed Moon completely consumed me in the best way possible. I went in expecting a solid romantasy, but what I got was a story that felt emotionally sharp, immersive, and impossible to put down! I finished it in 48 hours and I’m still thinking about it.

We start in heartbreak. Syra’s world is already fractured when we meet her. Her mother’s death and the brutal punishment tied to her faith sets the tone for a story rooted in grief, survival, and defiance. Syra is an incredible FMC: fierce, unfiltered, and fully her own person. The way she grows into her identity as a potion master while carrying that emotional weight makes her feel real in every scene.

But let’s talk about Roan Delmar, because I am not recovering anytime soon.

This man is dangerous in the best possible way—intelligent, intense, and absolutely ruined by his feelings for her long before he admits it. The yearning? The restraint? The devotion? It’s all there in every line he speaks.

When he says:“You plagued my mind, my desires, my every want in a way that no one ever has,” I genuinely had to put the book down for a second. That slow burn tension is unmatched.

And then he just keeps going. “Love me, use me, ruin me. I don’t care as long as you have me.” That is not a man flirting...that is a man already gone.

What makes Roan even more compelling is how deeply worshipful his love becomes without ever feeling shallow. “Your heart my religion, your soul my sacred texts, your body mine to worship.” It’s obsessive, poetic, and completely consuming in a way that fits the celestial, god-touched world of the story.

The dynamic between Syra and Roan—enemies to lovers, forced proximity, training arcs, and that slow unraveling of trust. Works so well because neither of them falls easily. And yet Roan falls first, and never really gets back up.

The worldbuilding around celestial gods, the moon and sun mythology, and the quest to cure a kingdom-wide sickness adds real stakes without overshadowing the emotional core of the story. Every chapter feels like it’s building toward something inevitable between them.

I also genuinely appreciated how the romance didn’t steal Syra’s agency; she remains powerful, capable, and dangerous in her own right, even as Roan becomes her inevitable weakness.

If anything, my only complaint is that I need book two immediately. The ending left me feral for more.

Romantasy readers!! Especially if you love intense yearning, morally complex love interests, enemies to lovers, and emotionally charged magic worlds...this is your next obsession! Roan Delmar has officially ruined me for everyone else.

[Anni · Rating 5 out of 5]

“In every universe”
- “until we are but stars in the sky.”

Oh.my.
✨✨✨✨✨🥲
I rarly rate this high but this. Was. Perfection. I hadn’t any high expectations but it was so good. Wow.

A summary: we follow Syla, a traumatized girl with a bunch of problems: Much anger, maybe a drinking problem and so much survivor guilt she literally chockes on it. She hides a big secret and through some circumstances (and of course a prophesy) she is the new addition to Group who enters a quest (or third trial for her potions- masters exam) of finding a cure for a plaque that kills a lot of people.

Besides her obvious problems she is fierce, loyal, kind and has a soft personality, her inner turmoil and character arc is so perfectly balanced that you can only love and suffer with her.

We travel and get glimpses of other scenery’s in the story: they sail, they wander through a desert , the suffer in dark forests with ice and snow. It was SO great! The worldbuilding is never overwhelming but neatly executed.
The mystery of the plaque, a bunch of gods and the prophecy adds to an exhilarating read.
The found family ? Perfect. I loved my girl ReRe so much - and Bran ? My heart 🥺🥹(iykik)

And for the romance ? ROAN is yearning! Yearning is back and he has silver hair ! Oh my ! The tension? The sloooooow burn ? The depth of his feelings and never ever with any pressure or expectations because he totally gets her and is broken like her ? ON HIS KNEES? I really hope we get more of them in the next book because I see so much potential for my star crossed lovers and I am here for it !🤭

In the beginning I feared for a love triangle situation and I hate these, but be prepared, it’s not ! so THANK YOU

The story has a great pacing, it never rushed, takes time to develop the story with its and bits of new information and I think I spotted some Easter eggs for the following books. I am so excited and can’t waaaait for the next book. The ending ? HEARTBREAKING. But it couldn’t ended any other way so I appreciate it for the storyline but girl, I suffer with Sy together.

“Perhaps the rain isn’t for everyone[... ] yet for those who wish to bask within its beauty, it pours for them.”

“You are like a storm […] terrifying and beautiful all at once. As if im caught in the eye of it, a peace and stillness that I could lose myself in while everything I’ve known around me is ripped to shreds.”

Tropes:
Hidden identity
Hidden powers
Gods and Prophecies
Plaque/ curse
Found family
Dislike to lovers to ..?
Slow burn 🔥
Spice 🫑
Yearning and banter and teasing
Stabby FMC
Shadow mommy and Water - Daddy

[Tonja Strickland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Against my better judgment, I became emotionally attached, and now I'm the one dealing with the consequences. Those consequences include being stressed as h3!!, needing the next book approximately last week, and sending my friends an unreasonable number of messages while reading because I needed someone to suffer with me. The friends who talked me into ARC reading this may never speak to me again after enduring a steady stream of threats, emotional breakdowns, and increasingly unhinged messages every time this book decided to ruin my peace. As much as I adore them for introducing me to this book, I also curse their names a little because I blame them for every bit of emotional instability this story blessed me with. This book had me obsessed, emotionally compromised, and completely incapable of shutting up about it.

Syra owned my emotions from chapter one. All the secrets she has to keep, the risks she has to take, and the impossible situations she keeps finding herself thrown into had my anxiety working overtime. I spent half this book rooting for her and the other half worried she was about to get herself killed, and somehow those two things usually happened at the same time. Every close call had me holding my breath, and every time she managed to get through one disaster, another seemed determined to take its place.

Oh, and speaking of things that kept my stress levels dangerously elevated, let's talk about Kairen and Roan.....

Kairen should have been easy to trust. He's a prince who genuinely seems like a good guy, but being the son of a cruel king had me questioning what secrets he might be hiding.

And then there's Roan Delmar.....

For being the Captain of the Kings Guard and carrying the title of Kinslayer, I knew I should probably be concerned. Instead, I became obsessed immediately.

I spent this entire book trying to decide who I could trust. If I'm being honest, I'm still not entirely convinced I know the answer.

The magic, the adventure, the secrets, the tension, the characters I couldn't stop thinking about..... it all came together in a way that completely pulled me in and refused to let go.

When I finished, I spent a solid thirty minutes staring into the void, questioning my life choices and wondering how I'm supposed to function while waiting for the next book. Unfortunately, the only conclusion I came to was that I need it immediately.

[halli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you IRIS Influencer Society and AD Dalley for providing this eARC in return for my honest review!

5⭐️ This book was phenomenal! The characters were so well written and I absolutely adore Syra and Roan, the FMC and MMC. The yearning here is top tier and I am forever a fan of having to cuddle to stay warm (because body heat of course). The plot had my interest from the very beginning and nothing beats a prophecy and forbidden magic. The lore and backstory of the world was really well done and the overall world building was so enjoyable to read. The love and care that Syra has for her family and people is beautiful. The division between the Solaria and Luanthian was so vast and Syra's drive to care for the Luanthians/Solerian-converts despite the social implications made me love her even more. She's also not afraid to get her hands dirty and gets in many fights to protect those who are mistreated.

Her relationship with Merle and Bran is so wholesome and I love how protective Syra and Bran are of one another. They have the typical sibling relationship where they tease each other but are also the go to person for the other when hard times come. The mystery of the Fever was such a driving factor behind the quest that the characters go on and I am really curious to see how it all ends because that cliffhanger was emotionally devastating. The difference in character relationships between the beginning of the quest and the end of the book was drastic and I hated how certain relationships struggled but I loved the growth between Syra and Roan. Those 2 have so much pressure placed upon them and for them to see themselves in the other was beautiful. Syra has to suppress her magic because it is forbidden and Roan is literally called the Kinslayer so to be able to find someone to love for them was a once in a lifetime opportunity. I also just love a good quest because that's where we get to see some of the biggest character growth. The side characters really aren't even side characters because the author writes everyone so well and makes them all such a key part of the story.

Seriously though, the emotional damage that this book has done is crazy because I just have to know what happens next.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advanced reader copy sent by the Author

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 Stars

What to expect:
🌙 Snarky shadow mummy
☀️ Epic quest
🌙 Found family
☀️ Loveable side characters
🌙 Elemental magic
☀️ Kingdom politics
🌙 Potion master FMC
☀️ Captain of the Kings guard MMC

This book was soo good 😊
We follow our FMC Syra a Luanthian blessed with shadow magic. Her very existence is dangerous, within the Solarian ruled Kingdom of Tavari.
She has worked many years to become a Potions Master and help her fellow Luanthians in the Old Quater.
She meets a wounded man, and everything changes. She is sent on a quest across the desert and through snowy forests to find a cure for an illness plaguing Tavari. Her travel companions include a Solerain Prince, his loyal captain, her cousin and a healer.

I loved Syra's character. She's a total badass, she gets in quite a few bar fights, that she starts 🤣
She will not let those less fortunate to suffer, she will go out of her way to help them.

Our MMC Roan Delmar, a fellow Luanthian. He is Captain of the Kings Guard. This man is not to be messed with.
Loved Roan he is the typical, moody MMC who is hot and cold.. But we love that right! But the more we learn about him the more I fell in love with him. And the nickname he has for Syra... 'Little Menace' i looovve that! 🫠

"I'd drown this entire desert if you asked me too."

" The only goddess I wish to be in the presence of already has her body pressed to mine."

This book took you on such an immersive action-packed journey. The world building was fantastic so descriptive and beautifully written.

THE YEARNING... I could feel it all as I was reading 👏🏽🤌🏽

The pacing and plot were great. Always something new happening or changing.
New side characters coming in bringing new personalities to mix things up. And cause some tension between some of the characters.

The found family element to this book was lovely.

Great character development for all the characters was great.

"Love me, use me, ruin me. I don't care as long as you have me."

Highly recommend this one.

Thank you so much to the Author and Iris Influencer Society for sending me a copy of this book.

[Fantasy Fables · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly can’t believe that this was a debut. This book was phenomenal! The world building and plot were fantastic. The characters, including the side characters, were so well developed. There were a million things to love in this book, with just a few of them being - a snarky FMC (who’s also a shadow mommy), a morally grey MMC who’s torn between duty and morality, elemental magic, forbidden magic, an epic quest, 🗡️ to throat tension, found family, lovable side characters, political intrigue, a slow burn romance, reluctant allies to lovers, touch her and 💀, prophecies, gods, demons, and so much more!

I don’t think I’ll ever get over this book. I’ve been thinking about it nonstop since I finished it last night. The plot was plotting, the world building and lore were rich, and the build up and tension of this story was paced so well.

Our FMC Syra was so fierce, and I so enjoyed her snark. She’s got secrets to keep that would instantly get her killed if they were revealed, so her unease and hesitancy to trust anyone make sense.

She somewhat begrudgingly agrees to join the Crown Prince, Kai, and the infamous Kinslayer, Roan, on a prophesized quest across the realm to try to find a cure for the deadly Fever that’s been killing those not blessed with magic for years. Of course, this provides plenty of action and danger for our crew, which also includes Syra’s cousin, Bran, and Kai’s cousin, Rena.

Our MMC Roan is everything you want in a fantasy male lead. He’s dangerous, he’s intelligent, and he’s absolutely obsessed with Syra by the end of this book. Good thing he’s also patient because, as I mentioned above, Syra is rightfully terrified to trust anyone with her secrets. The yearning and devotion from this man as the slow burn brings all the tension between these two was delicious. Oh, and have I mentioned yet that he calls her “little menace”? Yeah, I have a feeling that Roan Delmar may have ruined me for anyone else for a very long time.

Secrets will be revealed, and hearts will be broken by the end of this one. And I need Book 2 like yesterday after that ending. 😅 If you’re looking for your next romantasy book to obsess over, please don’t skip this one!

Thank you so much to A.D. Dalley and IRIS Influencer Society for the gifted ARC! 🌙🖤✨

[Yolanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have one word for Daughter of the Cursed Moon: brutal.

From beginning to end, this book emotionally destroyed me. And listen, it takes a lot for a book to get me teary-eyed. I have a cold black heart and dry eyes that usually survive even the most heartbreaking fantasy books untouched. But this one? This one cracked through all of that.

I do not want book two. I wanted a 1000+ page book so I do not have to sit with the emotional devastation this story unleashed into the world.

Now, onto the actual review.

The world-building is fabulously dark and incredibly immersive. A.D. Dalley created a world that feels harsh, dangerous, and heavy with pain, but there are still threads of hope and light woven throughout it that keep it from feeling hopeless. That balance made the world feel real instead of just dark for the sake of being dark.

And the characters. My gods, the characters.

Sy and Roan are both so broken in different ways, but they keep surviving anyway. Their chemistry was incredible. This is slow-burn enemies-to-lovers done RIGHT. The banter, the fighting, the tension simmering beneath every interaction, all of it was so well done.

And the side characters deserve just as much praise. There are no throwaway characters here. No one feels flat or two-dimensional. Every character feels important and fully realized, which made the emotional moments hit even harder.

The plot itself was also incredibly well thought out. I am purposely staying vague because I refuse to spoil anything, but trust me when I say this story keeps pulling you deeper and deeper until you are fully trapped in its chaos and heartbreak.

And then there’s the ending.

The book starts brutal and somehow ends equally brutal. I genuinely just stared into space afterward wondering why authors enjoy emotionally assaulting their readers like this.

If you are a glutton for punishment and love dark fantasy with emotional damage, slow-burn tension, and beautifully broken characters, I highly, HIGHLY recommend this book.

Just make sure you have tissues and comfort food nearby. Personally, I recommend chocolate. Lots of chocolate.

[Aleksandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much A. D. Dalley for sending me this ARC!

Daughter of the Cursed Moon is the first book in a Romantic Fantasy series and I loved this beautiful story so much!

Syra is a Luanthian, one of the people worshipping the Moon Goddess who are oppressed and often killed by those who worship the Sun Goddess. She spent most of her life hiding her identity and magic and practising to become a Potion Master to help her people, but when she agrees for one of her trials to search for a cure to the deadly Fever, she embarks on a quest with the Solerian prince and the infuriating KingsGuard, Roan, who are not at all like she expected but getting close to Roan means risking her life if anyone uncovers her secrets.

This book sounded so good when I first heard about it and I was really excited to read it and I must say it was even better than I expected, the author created such a fascinating world with interesting magic, politics, complex characters and slow burn romance filled with so much yearning it was palpable. Syra was amazing as the FMC, she didn’t have an easy life and my heart broke for her in the beginning of this book, but she was really strong and I loved her character development, she went through so much and came out even stronger and I already can’t wait to see her again. Roan was the mysterious, tortured MMC I love in romantasy books, I wish we got his POV because I would have loved to get to see inside his head, I loved his banter with Syra and teasing and all the smirks. These two were incredible together, their relationship was a true slow burn and the way they went from dislike to reluctant allies to kind of friends to something more with them slowly opening up and beginning to trust each other was beautiful to watch and I loved all their scenes together, they were so perfect for each other and I already miss them. I also loved Kai, Rena and Bran, they made an amazing found family and I can’t wait to see all the characters again. After that ending I need the next book ASAP!

Daughter of the Cursed Moon is an amazing romantasy book, I loved it and already can’t wait for the next book.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first pages, I could tell this was a book I was going to enjoy, and that feeling stayed with me throughout. The story is set in a world shaped by a long-standing divide between two groups that once lived in harmony, until conflict turned one into the ruling power while the other was oppressed. It’s clear from the start that this kind of imbalance could never lead to lasting peace.
When a deadly illness began to spread, affecting everyone regardless of their background, blame is quickly placed on the already disadvantaged side - despite the lack of real proof. In the search for a cure, an unlikely group of characters comes together, each with their own past, motives, and reasons for joining the journey.

Syra, who lost her mother at a young age, has spent her life hiding who she truly is to avoid punishment - or worse. What stood out most to me was her determination to help others, no matter their background or beliefs. She repeatedly puts herself at risk, quietly protecting those like her while keeping her own identity hidden. Just as she begins preparing for a future role, unexpected strangers enter her life and change everything.
The story feels like a true adventure. From travelling by ship to crossing deserts and icy landscapes, the journey is full of variety. The group of five, brought together by prophecy, may seem unlikely at first, but their different backgrounds quickly create strong connections. Their interactions, humour, and growing bond made this especially enjoyable to read. I instantly connected with Syra and admired her strength and resilience - plus, the slow-burn romance added an extra layer without taking over the story.

Overall, this was such a fun and engaging read. The cast felt well-balanced, the world-building was clear without being overwhelming, and the magic system was easy to follow. I was hooked almost immediately - this is exactly the kind of story that works for me. For a debut novel, this was done very well. The pacing worked well and the reading experience was exceptional to me.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daughter of the Cursed Moon had me giggling, swooning, cheering and brought me to my absolute knees with tears streaming down my face. What an absolutely wild ride!!

The story revolves around Syra, a shadow blessed potion maker trying to save those around her from the Fever. She ends up being named in a prophecy that could lead her to the cure. She teams up with one of the princes of the kingdom, Kairen and the captain of the kingsguard, Roan. Syra must go through this quest for the cure, trying not to fall for the captain and keep her true identity hidden. If she can't, it could all fall apart.

Syra is one of my favorite FMCs I have read in a while. She is feisty, headstrong, intelligent, full of barely suppressed feminine rage and fully capable of slitting throats when need be. She is such a great character that I rooted for her from the beginning.

Roan is broody, quick witted, ride or die and is 100% Slade Ravinger coded. He absolutely loves Syra and doesn't not hide his feeling for her but completely respects her boundaries and pace. The things he says to her... 🥵

The found family (for the most part) is top tier. They are loyal, hilarious and would do anything for each other. The lgbtqia+ flags were flying and I loved it!

The story consists of lots of world building but still kept me intrigued. It was definitely setting up for book(s) in the future. The last 3 chapters were.... a lot. I don't even know that I would call it a cliffhanger. I would call it being pushed over a cliff with no parachute. I left devastated and absolutely ready for book 2. I need to know where this story goes.

Some of the tropes in Daughter of the Cursed Moon:
-reluctant allies to lovers
-found family
-feminine rage
-quests and adventure
-cinnamon roll MMC but only for her
-lgbtqia+ rep
-slow burn

Highly recommend and I can't wait for book 2 to come out!!


Thank you to A.D. Dalley for the gifted copy. My opinions are my own, shaped by the story and shared because I believe this is a story worth telling.

[Kegan Herrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel goddess blessed to have received an early copy of Daughter of the Cursed Moon! A.D’s writing is beautiful like the full moon shining bright next to the twinkling stars or the sun’s golden rays peaking through a window while savoring the first sip of coffee in the morning.

A group is formed from a prophecy to find a cure to a horrible illness affecting the Solerian (the sun goddess)-ruled Kingdom of Tavari. The Fever is thought to come from the goddess of the moon as an act of betrayal, leaving the Luanthians subjected to horrible treatment.

I’m obsessed with Syra, the fmc, and her shadows! She hides a dangerous secret that lurks under her skin, bones and soul. One of my favorite things is her shadow’s inner dialogue. Sy is fiery and stabby but with a kind heart and wishes to help those cast aside by the king because they are Luanthian.

And let me tell you about the mmc, Roan! Born Luanthian, now a Solerian convert, captain of the KingsGuard also knows as Kinslayer, with a reputation of being feared and ruthless, but has a soft spot for Syra. Their chemistry, pull and banter is everything and when they say —
“Promise me that you'll always reach for my hand. That you'll stay."
“In every universe, little menace. Until we are but stars in the sky.”
*cue the squealing and flutters*

The found family is phenomenal! Syra and her cousin, Bran, gave me Chilling Adventures of Sabrina vibes between Sabrina and Ambrose.

The ending?! I’m left needing more immediately! There are some emotional damaging lines and my goodness, my heart is still shattered.

Thank you so much to A.D for a gifted ARC! This story is so well written and holds a special place in my heart. I can’t wait for more!

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌔Daughter of the Cursed Moon🌙
By @ad.dalleyauthor

*ARC review*

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
0.5🌶

This book! This was such a good feels fantasy book for me!! I truly enjoyed every second reading this!!

A debut novel absolutely delivered on the plot, storytelling, pacing, banter, romance and found family! And it is a true slow burn!

In a world where people are either born to Soli, Goddess of the Sun, or to Lua, Goddess of the Moon, those born of Lua are hunted and oppressed. Our FMC, Syra, has many secrets and as she begins to develop feelings for a certain captain of the Kingsguard, those secrets begin to suffocate her and consume her from the inside.
Roan, the MMC is called Kinslayer, as even though he's a Luanthian, he hunts down those sworn to the Goddess of the Moon. But he is also keeping secrets and he may not be exactly what Syra thought he was.
As Syra and Roan embark on a quest, along with a prince, healer and a soldier, they discover new truths, not just about the quest, but about themselves too.

As I said, I really loved this book!! The characters are so well developed, I could feel their emotions, understand their struggles, and also wishing at times to throw my kindle, yelling that they just need to spill the tea! The plot and the slow burn were simply on point. At no times I felt bored or uninterested. It was simply so good and I was left just needing and wanting more!!

I appreciate the author, @ad.dalleyauthor and @iris.influencer.society for introducing me to this book and providing an eARC of it! "Daughter of the Cursed Moon" releases on May 31st!! And I already can't wait for more!!

Tropes:
•shadow mommy
•strong FMC
•prophecies
•unique mythology
•slow burn
•found family
•elemental magic
•touch her and ☠

[rofesta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insta-lust
One love interest
White hair MMC
RATING: 4 out of 5

This book was an amazing introduction and the storyline was PERFECT. The pacing of the plot kept me engaged even when there were some tiny little moments where I struggled, I still had a great time reading it and loved the overall plot.
Syra was the best part of the entire book. She felt so loveable, realistic, and emotionally grounded in a way that made her easy to relate to. I really appreciated how clearly you could see her growth throughout the story, both mentally and physically. Watching her slowly become stronger, more confident, and more capable made her journey feel rewarding and believable. She wasn’t perfect, and that’s exactly what made her such a compelling FMC.
I did like Roan as a character and I could definitely see the appeal of him but I think the biggest reason I didn’t completely LOVE this book was because I struggled with the romance between him and Syra. For me, their relationship progressed wayyyy too fast. I never fully bought into how deeply they cared for each other so early on, which made some of the more emotional moments fall a little flat for me. I do love how tender and caring their relationship eventually became but I just wish the development had been slower and given more room to breathe because I think it would’ve made their connection feel far more believable and impactful.
Also, a super big pet peeve of mine is when the MMC gives the FMC a nickname and overuses it.

I will without a doubt read the next book because the ending was deliciousssssss and kept me on my toes but I hope that I will find the romance between them a little more settled.

Thank you SO much to A.D. Dalley! I am so thankful. <3

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book immediately pulls you in from the beginning and honestly never really slows down after that.

Even though this isn’t a spicy fantasy romance, the story itself was so engaging that I didn’t even mind because the world-building, found family, and tension between the characters carried the book so well.

Syra’s story starts in such a heartbreaking and intense way when her mother forces her to flee before the Cleansing because of her moon-blessed powers. From there, watching Syra slowly rebuild a life for herself after living in fear for so long made this such an emotional fantasy read for me.

I loved Merle and the family dynamic SO much.

At first, Syra struggles to trust them or fully let herself belong anywhere, but slowly watching her open up and begin loving life again was one of my favorite parts of the book. The found family aspect was honestly one of the strongest elements throughout the story.

The potion master trials were also really interesting because they gave the book another layer outside of just the romance and political tensions happening around her.

And then there’s Roan 👀

The tension between Roan and Syra was GOOD. It wasn’t overly spicy, but the slow tension and chemistry between them absolutely kept me invested. I’m definitely interested to see where things go from here.

I also really liked being introduced to Prince Kai and seeing the different dynamics within the group as the story progressed.

Overall, this felt like a fantasy romance focused more on adventure, identity, found family, and emotional connection rather than spice, and honestly it worked really well for the story being told.

⭐️ Overall Rating: 4.25/5
🔥 Burn Level: 3.5/5
🌶️ Spice Level: 1.5/5
💧 Emotional Impact: 4/5

[Morgan Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC read*

This book was absolutely amazing. I didn't want to put it down. I was blown away by how the story just dragged me in from the beginning. The characters, the story, the love, the pain, and grief; I just fell in love with it all.

Syra, the FMC, has a past full of grief and suffering and now has to hide who she really is in order to survive. Taken in by a healer friend, she grows up with her 'cousin' Bran. I absolutely loved their near sibling bond. You could really feel the love they have for each other and the trust they have in each other. Their sibling banter was beautiful and Bran just became such an amazing side character.

In comes Roan, the broody MMC. Everything about this man made me want to just happy scream and giggle and kick my feet. I loved him so much. And this was such a refreshing story because they are not really enemies to lovers, more like reluctant allies to something more and I absolutely loved that. Their relationship developed so naturally. And their BANTER?! Oh I was having a great time. Their banter was just too tier.

Now Syra and Roan are part of a small group going on a quest to rid the land of an illness with currently no cure. Bran is part of this party and Kairen (the prince) and Rena (his cousin) complete this little group. I really loved the quest part of this book because it was just amazing adventures and edge of your seat moments. The author definitely was not afraid to bring out the horrors of the past and the riddles upon riddles with no answers. And of course nothing is as it seems, everyone is keeping secrets.

This cliffhanger was diabolical. Like my poor little heart cried. I just couldn't believe those events happened!!! Now I absolutely need the next book cause I just need to know what happens!!!!

[darlingirlreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

No notes- this was absolute perfection.

Daughter of the Cursed Moon was everything and more I could have asked for. I cannot believe this is a debut novel. The author’s writing is beautiful, she really SHOWS you with her words instead of telling you, and she paints a picture so vivid, the story leaps off the page into your mind.

From the very first page to the last, I was absolutely enthralled, I couldn’t put it down. I shed tears, I laughed, and I got so giddy that I was happy I was reading in my room so my kids didn’t make fun of me.

The romance in this book is such a slow burn that you will be dyiiiing for even just the slightest pinky touch, the chemistry between Roan and Syra is so palpable, it leaps off the page. Every time that man spoke to her I giggled and kicked my feet. He falls for her so hard that he would burn the world for her, but also will step aside and let the world see her strength. He’s so patient and asks nothing of her. Syra is so compassionate and hard working, she loves deeply and is loyal to her family in the best way, and she wants to let Roan in, but her fears and secrets hold her back.

I loved Syra’s relationship with her adopted family. Especially with Bran. They truly are best friends and have only the best of intentions for one another and have each other’s backs. It’s the most wholesome love. I also love the friendship she forms with Rena, and how Rena just takes her under her wing and helps her fly.

I can’t wait for the second book in this, I highly recommend to all romantasy lovers, it truly is perfection. Thank you AD Dalley for the arc of Daughter of the Cursed Moon 💕

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly wish there was an option for infinity Star read or a book that has changed my brain chemistry option.

Reading this book is why I love reading indie books and arc reading. This book is an absolute gem, it’s gold, it’s in the top 10 books I’ve read this year and I’ve read over 100.

In Romantasy today there’s a lot of rinse and repeat stories - which are fine but it can feel kind of monotonous. This book was refreshingly a stand out! Did this book have 9000 popular tropes and unhinged smut nope? Am I ready to read this again? Yup.

The slow burn in this story is absolutely delicious. You get to read and see the relationship between two characters go from irritation, to tolerance, to respect, to love and devotion. Everything about Sy and Roan felt earned.

Roan may be my number 1 fantasy book boyfriend right now. Sorry Cassian. After I read this book - I looked at my husband and went I’m gonna need you to step it up. The beautiful things this man says to this FMC is top tier 🤣.

In all seriousness Roan is amazing. He’s grumpy without being mean. He’s jealous without being toxic. He’s guarded without being hot and cold.

Sy is also a great FMC. She has secrets that she needs to keep to stay alive. She’s never a damsel in distress, never whiny, and never makes rash decisions that don’t make sense.

I love that Sy and Roan brought out the softness in each other and healed each other in a lot of ways.

This magic in this book was awesome - I love elemental magic and this was done in such a cool way. The ending - I need book 2 right now.

I will be reading anything this author puts out in the future!

[Jocelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! The pacing was perfect, the plot was engaging, the characters were likeable, it was full of action, the tension was palpable, and there was enough muster to keep me turning the pages. I would say it's probably equal parts romance and plot. There's popular tropes in this book, which I enjoyed. It felt like they were an organic part of the story and not just there because that's what's popular.

Syra, our FMC, lives in survival mode. She has a lot of wounds and trauma from all she has been through and lost. Because of this, she's very angry, but you can easily understand why. Despite that, she doesn't let her experience harden her. She is kind and loving, seeking to help others when she can. She has faced a lot of suffering in her Iffe and unfortunately, it isn't close to over…

Roan is very misunderstood. He is also a Solerian convert as well as the captain of the guard. He has a reputation for being ruthless and killing his own kind. However, there is more to him than meets the eye. He appears broody on the outside, but he has just as much emotional turmoil as Syra and is doing what he needs to survive. I liked the dynamic between the two.

I cried at the ending of this book! I became really attached to the characters by the end. I have my theories for book two and I can't wait to see what happens!

If you like romantasy books with:
• elemental magic
• quests
• world building
• several different atmospheres
• found family
• forbidden magic
• slow burn tension
• political intrigue
• touch her and die
• hidden identities
• prophecies
• potion making
• mystery plagues
• trials
This book may be for you!