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Steal The Sky
Not yet published
Expected 10 Feb 26A dragon slayer can free her people...if only she can capture the dragon king's heart first.
An epic enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance with intricate world-building and a steamy, slow-burn romance full of self-discovery, claiming your power, and accepting the love you deserve.
In a floating kingdom high among the clouds, men transform into dragons, serving the gods above and protecting us mortal women below. In exchange for their protection against the savage rogues, we bear the sky kingdom's offspring. But not me. Not now. Not ever.
Twenty-five-year-old huntress Kaisa was content to kill rogues and hunt for her people, but when she defies the demi-god dragon shifter who intended to breed her, she knows she's chosen certain death. So when the leader of the rogue dragons, Ozias, offers her an escape, she takes it-even if it means betraying the only life she's ever known.
Spirited away to a land shrouded in mist and mystery, Kaisa learns of a darkness claiming the lives of hers and Ozias's people, and unless she can harness her newfound power to get close to the stoic, untouchable dragon king of the sky kingdom and steal his power to stop the darkness, she'll doom them all. But as Kaisa works alongside the handsome and charismatic Ozias, all the while secretly growing close to the dragon king, she realizes that her heart might be the most treacherous thing of all.
An epic enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance with intricate world-building and a steamy, slow-burn romance full of self-discovery, claiming your power, and accepting the love you deserve.
In a floating kingdom high among the clouds, men transform into dragons, serving the gods above and protecting us mortal women below. In exchange for their protection against the savage rogues, we bear the sky kingdom's offspring. But not me. Not now. Not ever.
Twenty-five-year-old huntress Kaisa was content to kill rogues and hunt for her people, but when she defies the demi-god dragon shifter who intended to breed her, she knows she's chosen certain death. So when the leader of the rogue dragons, Ozias, offers her an escape, she takes it-even if it means betraying the only life she's ever known.
Spirited away to a land shrouded in mist and mystery, Kaisa learns of a darkness claiming the lives of hers and Ozias's people, and unless she can harness her newfound power to get close to the stoic, untouchable dragon king of the sky kingdom and steal his power to stop the darkness, she'll doom them all. But as Kaisa works alongside the handsome and charismatic Ozias, all the while secretly growing close to the dragon king, she realizes that her heart might be the most treacherous thing of all.
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Expected publication February 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 15, 2026
2.75/5 stars, ARC. I struggled with this book. The story follows Kasia as she fights societal expectations of women first in her own life, and then on a much larger scale. Taking an opportunity to escape the dragon kingdom, she finds herself nonetheless surrounded by shifters and learns that the transgressions against women run even deeper than she knew. In this new realm, the author weaves together multiple magical elements, curses, and powers that could make for a very rich world if I was able to understand the rules governing them. Every rule of magic seemed to have several exceptions, and I struggled to parse out which rules actually mattered. I did find it really intriguing that there's no single/fated person a dragon shifter can bond with, but rather several potential connections that can shape the character's actions. I think ultimately, I was turned off from this book by Kasia's lack of critical thinking and unreasonable willingness to trust others. Maybe I wasn't in the right headspace to read this book, but I think it could appeal to readers looking for complicated magic systems in a misogynistic world heavily featuring dragons.
January 11, 2026
This story was really easy to sink into. From chapter one, I was intrigued and felt connected to the female main character. The world is vivid and atmospheric, and the story blends political intrigue, emotional depth, and healing while reflecting some of the harsher realities of our world.
At its core, this is a genuinely empowering, female driven story. She is brave and resilient, deeply touched by loss yet still daring to hope. Her strength does not come from being untouchable, but from endurance and the support of strong female relationships.
The romance is a true slow burn enemies to lovers. There’s a lot of tension and emotional complexity, and I really appreciated that past harm isn’t brushed aside or magically fixed. The connection is messy and compelling.
I loved the twist on fated mates. It felt original and really set this story apart from others I’ve read. I was genuinely surprised by who her strongest potential bond turned out to be, and even more surprised when I later found myself drawn to him as well. The dream walking scenes were some of my favorites, and I devoured every crumb he revealed about himself.
The magical training and mindfulness sequences were fun and meaningful. Watching the female main character connect with her true self was so moving. Nothing felt rushed, and the growth took time in a way that felt honest, all while balancing a fast-moving, extremely engaging plot.
I finished and immediately wanted more. You need to read this!
Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC!
At its core, this is a genuinely empowering, female driven story. She is brave and resilient, deeply touched by loss yet still daring to hope. Her strength does not come from being untouchable, but from endurance and the support of strong female relationships.
The romance is a true slow burn enemies to lovers. There’s a lot of tension and emotional complexity, and I really appreciated that past harm isn’t brushed aside or magically fixed. The connection is messy and compelling.
I loved the twist on fated mates. It felt original and really set this story apart from others I’ve read. I was genuinely surprised by who her strongest potential bond turned out to be, and even more surprised when I later found myself drawn to him as well. The dream walking scenes were some of my favorites, and I devoured every crumb he revealed about himself.
The magical training and mindfulness sequences were fun and meaningful. Watching the female main character connect with her true self was so moving. Nothing felt rushed, and the growth took time in a way that felt honest, all while balancing a fast-moving, extremely engaging plot.
I finished and immediately wanted more. You need to read this!
Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Marina Massino’s debut novel, Steal the Sky, is a great new fantasy romance series. It successfully balances a brutal, high-stakes world with the simmering, complex emotional arcs that "romantasy" fans crave.
The story takes place in a world sharply divided by geography and power. High above the clouds lies Dyeus, a floating kingdom where men transform into dragons to protect the mortal women below from "Rogues"—shifters who have lost their minds and turn into feral beasts at night. However, this protection comes at a horrifying price: women are treated as breeding stock, expected to bear dragon-shifter offspring to maintain the kingdom's defenses.
Our protagonist, Kaisa, is a twenty-five-year-old huntress who has spent her life hunting Rogues to protect her people. She is fierce, capable, and deeply cynical about the "gods" in the sky. When she defies the system and a demi-god who intended to claim her, she is forced to flee into the very place she was taught to fear: the Realm of Rogues.
Kaisa’s character arc is the heartbeat of the novel. She isn't just a "badass" heroine; she is a woman grappling with trauma, agency, and the realization that everything she knew about her world was a lie. Her journey from a hunter to someone who must face her own internal darkness—and her own transformation—is written with incredible emotional depth. Massino excels at depicting "feminine rage" in a way that feels grounded and justified, making Kaisa a compelling FMC.
The romantic tension is handled through a fascinating and emotionally charged triangle. On one side, we have Ozias, the charismatic and handsome leader of the Rogues. He offers Kaisa an escape and a different perspective on the "monsters" she has spent her life killing. On the other side is Zhoric (Sar Dyeus), the stoic and untouchable Dragon King. Zhoric represents the very system Kaisa hates, yet as she begins to see him in her nightly visions and uncovers the truth of the dragon bonds, their connection becomes undeniably electric. The "enemies-to-lovers" energy here is top-tier, built on secrets and a shared, tragic history that neither fully understands yet.
What makes Steal the Sky stand out as a debut is the imaginative magic system and the mechanics of the dragon shifters. These aren't just pets or mounts; the shifting is a burden and a curse as much as it is a gift. The concept of the "nightly curse" that turns Rogues into feral dragons adds a ticking clock to every scene in the second half of the book. Massino’s world-building feels "lived-in," with the harsh wasteland of Novoba and the mist-shrouded Rogue lands providing a stark, atmospheric contrast to the gleaming, oppressive heights of Dyeus.
For a first novel, the pacing is remarkably polished. Massino knows exactly when to lean into the political intrigue and when to let the romantic tension take center stage. The writing is evocative and lyrical, pulling the reader into Kaisa’s head as she navigates a world where her heart is just as much of a battlefield as the sky.
However, be warned: the ending is a total game-changer. It changes Kaisa’s role in the world and leaves the fate of both the sky kingdom and the rogue realms hanging in a precarious balance. It is the kind of conclusion that makes you want to immediately flip back to the first page to see the clues you missed, while simultaneously reaching for a sequel that isn't out yet.
Steal the Sky is an amazing start to a series that promises even more magic, more dragons, and more high-stakes romance. If you love stories about reclaiming your power and finding love in the midst of a revolution, put this at the top of your TBR. I will definitely be picking up the next book the moment it’s available!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
The story takes place in a world sharply divided by geography and power. High above the clouds lies Dyeus, a floating kingdom where men transform into dragons to protect the mortal women below from "Rogues"—shifters who have lost their minds and turn into feral beasts at night. However, this protection comes at a horrifying price: women are treated as breeding stock, expected to bear dragon-shifter offspring to maintain the kingdom's defenses.
Our protagonist, Kaisa, is a twenty-five-year-old huntress who has spent her life hunting Rogues to protect her people. She is fierce, capable, and deeply cynical about the "gods" in the sky. When she defies the system and a demi-god who intended to claim her, she is forced to flee into the very place she was taught to fear: the Realm of Rogues.
Kaisa’s character arc is the heartbeat of the novel. She isn't just a "badass" heroine; she is a woman grappling with trauma, agency, and the realization that everything she knew about her world was a lie. Her journey from a hunter to someone who must face her own internal darkness—and her own transformation—is written with incredible emotional depth. Massino excels at depicting "feminine rage" in a way that feels grounded and justified, making Kaisa a compelling FMC.
The romantic tension is handled through a fascinating and emotionally charged triangle. On one side, we have Ozias, the charismatic and handsome leader of the Rogues. He offers Kaisa an escape and a different perspective on the "monsters" she has spent her life killing. On the other side is Zhoric (Sar Dyeus), the stoic and untouchable Dragon King. Zhoric represents the very system Kaisa hates, yet as she begins to see him in her nightly visions and uncovers the truth of the dragon bonds, their connection becomes undeniably electric. The "enemies-to-lovers" energy here is top-tier, built on secrets and a shared, tragic history that neither fully understands yet.
What makes Steal the Sky stand out as a debut is the imaginative magic system and the mechanics of the dragon shifters. These aren't just pets or mounts; the shifting is a burden and a curse as much as it is a gift. The concept of the "nightly curse" that turns Rogues into feral dragons adds a ticking clock to every scene in the second half of the book. Massino’s world-building feels "lived-in," with the harsh wasteland of Novoba and the mist-shrouded Rogue lands providing a stark, atmospheric contrast to the gleaming, oppressive heights of Dyeus.
For a first novel, the pacing is remarkably polished. Massino knows exactly when to lean into the political intrigue and when to let the romantic tension take center stage. The writing is evocative and lyrical, pulling the reader into Kaisa’s head as she navigates a world where her heart is just as much of a battlefield as the sky.
However, be warned: the ending is a total game-changer. It changes Kaisa’s role in the world and leaves the fate of both the sky kingdom and the rogue realms hanging in a precarious balance. It is the kind of conclusion that makes you want to immediately flip back to the first page to see the clues you missed, while simultaneously reaching for a sequel that isn't out yet.
Steal the Sky is an amazing start to a series that promises even more magic, more dragons, and more high-stakes romance. If you love stories about reclaiming your power and finding love in the midst of a revolution, put this at the top of your TBR. I will definitely be picking up the next book the moment it’s available!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If I could steal the sky, I can make the sun move - I will mend the gods.
Steal the Sky is a beautifully immersive romantasy that intertwines religion, feminism, and high-stakes magic in a story that kept me turning pages well into the night. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am already eager for the sequel... honestly, I want it now!!!! (And the first book isn't even OUT yet!!)
The protagonist, Kaisa, is a strong, independent woman who clearly understands her circumstances and refuses to be defined by them. While the feminist themes occasionally felt a little heavy-handed (almost pulling me slightly out of the plot), the core message is still powerful and meaningful.
Kaisa’s relationships are layered and compelling. Ninon embodies the truest best friend energy; steadfast, bold, and unafraid to stand against the grain. Kalixta serves as the bridge to Thrace, who adds depth by showing that not all elites are irredeemable.
Now let’s talk about the men. Ozias, the rogue dragon shifter, hits so many beloved tropes of the classic MMC, yet I still couldn’t help but be drawn to him. He’s dangerous, intriguing, and that forbidden-fruit energy is irresistible… especially since Kaisa is supposed to bond with Zhoric. And oh man, ZHORIC: the mysterious, haunted “big bad” of the elites whose backstory and connection to Ozias are so expertly revealed. I really hope this unfolds as a why-choose and not a love triangle. (please don’t make me choose!!!)
You might not have sought out these questions you didn't know existed, but you'll get the answer to them all the same.
The setting and magic system are easy to visualize and follow, with the dragon transformations and powers mostly well developed. I do think the lore could benefit from a bit more depth (there were BOOKS we didn't discuss) especially around how the magic works and clearer details about the dragons themselves (I kept picturing something closer to Game of Thrones, but then the descriptions hinted at a more serpentine, fur-covered design like Chinese-inspired dragons).
The writing is strong and engaging, with just a few minor editing slips. Occasionally it leaned into preachy territory for me, but that didn’t significantly dampen my enjoyment. And the romance?? Chef’s kiss. I loved that it wasn’t insta-love and that both relationships felt nuanced with real chemistry on both sides.
Overall: SO enjoyable. I’ll definitely be picking up a physical copy and am counting down to the next book!
"No. You don't get to come to me now when I am this..."
I would like to thank Netgalley and the author for letting me read this ARC. All thoughts are my own.
Steal the Sky is a beautifully immersive romantasy that intertwines religion, feminism, and high-stakes magic in a story that kept me turning pages well into the night. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am already eager for the sequel... honestly, I want it now!!!! (And the first book isn't even OUT yet!!)
The protagonist, Kaisa, is a strong, independent woman who clearly understands her circumstances and refuses to be defined by them. While the feminist themes occasionally felt a little heavy-handed (almost pulling me slightly out of the plot), the core message is still powerful and meaningful.
Kaisa’s relationships are layered and compelling. Ninon embodies the truest best friend energy; steadfast, bold, and unafraid to stand against the grain. Kalixta serves as the bridge to Thrace, who adds depth by showing that not all elites are irredeemable.
Now let’s talk about the men. Ozias, the rogue dragon shifter, hits so many beloved tropes of the classic MMC, yet I still couldn’t help but be drawn to him. He’s dangerous, intriguing, and that forbidden-fruit energy is irresistible… especially since Kaisa is supposed to bond with Zhoric. And oh man, ZHORIC: the mysterious, haunted “big bad” of the elites whose backstory and connection to Ozias are so expertly revealed. I really hope this unfolds as a why-choose and not a love triangle. (please don’t make me choose!!!)
You might not have sought out these questions you didn't know existed, but you'll get the answer to them all the same.
The setting and magic system are easy to visualize and follow, with the dragon transformations and powers mostly well developed. I do think the lore could benefit from a bit more depth (there were BOOKS we didn't discuss) especially around how the magic works and clearer details about the dragons themselves (I kept picturing something closer to Game of Thrones, but then the descriptions hinted at a more serpentine, fur-covered design like Chinese-inspired dragons).
The writing is strong and engaging, with just a few minor editing slips. Occasionally it leaned into preachy territory for me, but that didn’t significantly dampen my enjoyment. And the romance?? Chef’s kiss. I loved that it wasn’t insta-love and that both relationships felt nuanced with real chemistry on both sides.
Overall: SO enjoyable. I’ll definitely be picking up a physical copy and am counting down to the next book!
"No. You don't get to come to me now when I am this..."
I would like to thank Netgalley and the author for letting me read this ARC. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I applied for this ARC and was gifted it only for my honest opinion. I don’t know if this was the author’s debut but the story grips you in its claws and won’t you go! I loved it!
We start the book with Kaisa (our fmc) who lives in a world where male dragon shifters live in a sky island and all females (non shifters) live near in some underground caves. The male shifters every year come down and choose from the fertile females one to mate. Then the chosen are taken to the sky island by the dragon so they can woo them and eventually breed them to get them pregnant. Once the babies are born the dragons take the boys if they are dragon shifters (if not they go to the farms as workhands) and they keep the females as possible future breeders. Here I was a bit worried thinking this book was going to be a handmaiden tale horror story but no, just keep reading! Basically the male shifters have the task of keeping the females and farmhands safe from the rogue (think feral) dragons that live in the Realm , which is a zone surrounded by mists. The legends also say that anyone crossing to the Realm gets cursed to becomes a monster losing their consciousness, but they can’t be sure because the people who cross are never seen again…
That’s like more or less the beginning of the book. Our fmc despite being deemed undesirable for breeding gets chosen by a male shifter and she and her best friend go looking for plants for a potion to prevent pregnancy. And that’s where the plot thickens, we get to meet a rogue dragon and things are not like they seem…. Are the bad guys really bad? Are the good guys really good? There are secrets, dragons, magic, betrayals and fated mate bonds. The story was beautiful, Kaisa must learn to accept her past, her magic and herself. Torn between 2 mmc both of them mysterious and dangerous… story does end on a cliffhanger and I seriously need book 2 to know how things get fixed after the events at the end of the book.
Read it if you like dragons mixed with feminine rage, a mystery and fated mates bonds. The love triangle here is also very complex and the “enemies to lovers” option here I never saw it as possible but it’s very well done. Characters have depth and are very complex, the magic is beautiful and being a dragon is at the same time a blessing and a curse.
Bravo Marina you wrote a wonderful book!
We start the book with Kaisa (our fmc) who lives in a world where male dragon shifters live in a sky island and all females (non shifters) live near in some underground caves. The male shifters every year come down and choose from the fertile females one to mate. Then the chosen are taken to the sky island by the dragon so they can woo them and eventually breed them to get them pregnant. Once the babies are born the dragons take the boys if they are dragon shifters (if not they go to the farms as workhands) and they keep the females as possible future breeders. Here I was a bit worried thinking this book was going to be a handmaiden tale horror story but no, just keep reading! Basically the male shifters have the task of keeping the females and farmhands safe from the rogue (think feral) dragons that live in the Realm , which is a zone surrounded by mists. The legends also say that anyone crossing to the Realm gets cursed to becomes a monster losing their consciousness, but they can’t be sure because the people who cross are never seen again…
That’s like more or less the beginning of the book. Our fmc despite being deemed undesirable for breeding gets chosen by a male shifter and she and her best friend go looking for plants for a potion to prevent pregnancy. And that’s where the plot thickens, we get to meet a rogue dragon and things are not like they seem…. Are the bad guys really bad? Are the good guys really good? There are secrets, dragons, magic, betrayals and fated mate bonds. The story was beautiful, Kaisa must learn to accept her past, her magic and herself. Torn between 2 mmc both of them mysterious and dangerous… story does end on a cliffhanger and I seriously need book 2 to know how things get fixed after the events at the end of the book.
Read it if you like dragons mixed with feminine rage, a mystery and fated mates bonds. The love triangle here is also very complex and the “enemies to lovers” option here I never saw it as possible but it’s very well done. Characters have depth and are very complex, the magic is beautiful and being a dragon is at the same time a blessing and a curse.
Bravo Marina you wrote a wonderful book!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3 ⭐️
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the author for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all thoughts are my own.
This book had such an interesting world with compelling ideas and a great premise, but something about the execution of it felt a little off, and it took me out of the story several times and ended up affecting my enjoyment of it. There was an overall lack of descriptions of the people around our main character (we don't get any details on her best friend's physical appearance until 33% into the book) which felt really odd, and I thought a lot of the dialogue was awkward and stilted. I also found all the curses and their rules to be quite confusing, because every time a new rule was introduced, it turned out that there was some sort of exception to it that was rarely explained in any detail. It was pretty convenient, and it made the whole reading experience a bit jagged and strange at times.
I also had mixed feelings about both love interests. Kaisa and Ozias's journey happened so fast, and I really disliked his flirtations and obvious lust for her THE DAY after she was almost raped. Just have a little decency and keep it in your pants, please sir. Plus, we didn't get to see a lot of his personality so I just ended up not really caring that much about him. And then I had a hard time with Zhoric and all the women's suffering he was responsible for, which didn't really sit right with me when our FMC was supposed to fall for him. We still don't know the full extent of the curses and what happened all those years ago, so I'm sure we will get more details and probably sympathize with him more in the next book, but I'm just not sure I'm going to continue the series and get to that.
So, even though I liked many elements throughout (and I truly did think the concept of the story was fun and interesting, and I loved seeing everyone shift into dragons), it still ended up falling a little flat for me and it didn't have quite the emotional payoff that I had hoped.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the author for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all thoughts are my own.
This book had such an interesting world with compelling ideas and a great premise, but something about the execution of it felt a little off, and it took me out of the story several times and ended up affecting my enjoyment of it. There was an overall lack of descriptions of the people around our main character (we don't get any details on her best friend's physical appearance until 33% into the book) which felt really odd, and I thought a lot of the dialogue was awkward and stilted. I also found all the curses and their rules to be quite confusing, because every time a new rule was introduced, it turned out that there was some sort of exception to it that was rarely explained in any detail. It was pretty convenient, and it made the whole reading experience a bit jagged and strange at times.
I also had mixed feelings about both love interests. Kaisa and Ozias's journey happened so fast, and I really disliked his flirtations and obvious lust for her THE DAY after she was almost raped. Just have a little decency and keep it in your pants, please sir. Plus, we didn't get to see a lot of his personality so I just ended up not really caring that much about him. And then I had a hard time with Zhoric and all the women's suffering he was responsible for, which didn't really sit right with me when our FMC was supposed to fall for him. We still don't know the full extent of the curses and what happened all those years ago, so I'm sure we will get more details and probably sympathize with him more in the next book, but I'm just not sure I'm going to continue the series and get to that.
So, even though I liked many elements throughout (and I truly did think the concept of the story was fun and interesting, and I loved seeing everyone shift into dragons), it still ended up falling a little flat for me and it didn't have quite the emotional payoff that I had hoped.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
From the first chapter, Steal the Sky opens with an intriguing message that sets the tone for everything to come. The writing caught my attention right away, it's immersive, vivid, and confident. Massino painted such a clear picture of the world that it’s impossible not to sink into it completely.
One of my favorite parts of the story is the relationship between Ninon and Kaisa. Their loyalty to one another feels authentic and so realistic (their banter is so funny). Ozias deserves his own moment because I love him. Sweet, caring, supportive… and yes, very hot. No notes.
The action throughout the book is intense and relentless... in the best way of course. I also really appreciated how we’re given space to understand the characters beyond the chaos. The glimpses into their pasts add depth and context, helping you understand not just who they are, but why they are the way they are. The mind walking, in particular, is used in such a creative and emotional way. I was completely enamored by how it deepened both the worldbuilding and the character connections.
As a huge empath, Kaisa’s pain hit me hard and I felt it like it was my own. And then there’s Zhoric… why do I feel for him? There’s clearly more beneath the surface than just “the enemy.” What he’s done isn’t forgivable, but I couldn’t fully hate him and the conflicting emotions around his character were fascinating. And also uncomfortable 😂
Now. The ending. My actual reaction was: “Are you f*cking kidding me?!” The emotional damage delivered in the final moments was nothing short of cruel. The twists had me spiraling, questioning everything, and whisper yelling “WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL IS GOING ON” into the void. Absolutely devastating.
One of my favorite parts of the story is the relationship between Ninon and Kaisa. Their loyalty to one another feels authentic and so realistic (their banter is so funny). Ozias deserves his own moment because I love him. Sweet, caring, supportive… and yes, very hot. No notes.
The action throughout the book is intense and relentless... in the best way of course. I also really appreciated how we’re given space to understand the characters beyond the chaos. The glimpses into their pasts add depth and context, helping you understand not just who they are, but why they are the way they are. The mind walking, in particular, is used in such a creative and emotional way. I was completely enamored by how it deepened both the worldbuilding and the character connections.
As a huge empath, Kaisa’s pain hit me hard and I felt it like it was my own. And then there’s Zhoric… why do I feel for him? There’s clearly more beneath the surface than just “the enemy.” What he’s done isn’t forgivable, but I couldn’t fully hate him and the conflicting emotions around his character were fascinating. And also uncomfortable 😂
Now. The ending. My actual reaction was: “Are you f*cking kidding me?!” The emotional damage delivered in the final moments was nothing short of cruel. The twists had me spiraling, questioning everything, and whisper yelling “WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL IS GOING ON” into the void. Absolutely devastating.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wow what a great read, so glad to share my thoughts on this ARC!
Steal the Sky introduces a dark, imaginative world divided between The Realm, where rogue dragons live under a curse, Novoba, a harsh underground wasteland controlled by the elite, and Dyeus, a city in the sky ruled by dragon shifters. The premise is gripping from the start, particularly the brutal system in which women are forced to breed with shifters and surrender their male offspring that will eventually shift. It creates high emotional stakes and a constant sense of tension throughout the story.
Kaisa is a compelling FMC, navigating impossible choices, family ties, and the weight of being marked as undesireable by the king. The love triangle is one of the book’s strongest elements. Ozias is the charming, swoon-worthy option and an easy character to like, while Zhoric (Sar Dyeus) brings a darker, more emotionally charged presence that adds real depth and conflict. Both relationships are engaging in different ways, and I appreciated that neither felt flat or unnecessary.
The world-building is ambitious and intriguing, especially the concept of rogue dragons cursed to shift at night and become feral if they cross boundaries. I loved this variation of magic and dragon bonds, I felt it was a very new and fresh take.
Overall, Steal the Sky is an engaging and atmospheric read with strong characters, a dark romantic core, and an interesting take on dragon shifters and fate bonds. Fans of fantasy romance with morally gray characters, high stakes, and emotional tension will find a lot to enjoy here.
Steal the Sky introduces a dark, imaginative world divided between The Realm, where rogue dragons live under a curse, Novoba, a harsh underground wasteland controlled by the elite, and Dyeus, a city in the sky ruled by dragon shifters. The premise is gripping from the start, particularly the brutal system in which women are forced to breed with shifters and surrender their male offspring that will eventually shift. It creates high emotional stakes and a constant sense of tension throughout the story.
Kaisa is a compelling FMC, navigating impossible choices, family ties, and the weight of being marked as undesireable by the king. The love triangle is one of the book’s strongest elements. Ozias is the charming, swoon-worthy option and an easy character to like, while Zhoric (Sar Dyeus) brings a darker, more emotionally charged presence that adds real depth and conflict. Both relationships are engaging in different ways, and I appreciated that neither felt flat or unnecessary.
The world-building is ambitious and intriguing, especially the concept of rogue dragons cursed to shift at night and become feral if they cross boundaries. I loved this variation of magic and dragon bonds, I felt it was a very new and fresh take.
Overall, Steal the Sky is an engaging and atmospheric read with strong characters, a dark romantic core, and an interesting take on dragon shifters and fate bonds. Fans of fantasy romance with morally gray characters, high stakes, and emotional tension will find a lot to enjoy here.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Steal the Sky by Marina Massino is a fantasy book set in the world of dragons. It opens with a claiming ceremony where male dragons can choose the females to bear their children. Kaisa and her sister Kalixta are twins, but Kaisa was the second born and according to her mother, should have been a boy. Boy dragons are taken from their mothers at birth and raised in the sky to become dragons. Girl babies stay with their mothers and are tied to the ground. This causes problems between Kaisa and her mother. The lives of male and female are separate except for reproduction. At the ceremony, Kalixta is deemed acceptable by the dragon ruler, Zhoric, but Kaisa is judged unacceptable, so no other dragons can choose her. Fast forward three years and that changes, but Kaisa is determined to forge her own destiny and not have it chosen for her.
This self-published book seems to be the first by Ms. Massino and it is definitely worth a read. I struggled a bit with the rating because there were a few problems. The pacing could have been better. It took me 4-5 days to read the first half of the book and one to read the second. Some of the world building was not explained well enough in my opinion (such as the soul collectors). Overall though, it was a good story and that is what counts. The ending is not quite a cliffhanger, but the closest thing to it so I am anticipating a book two in a series.
Many thanks to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This self-published book seems to be the first by Ms. Massino and it is definitely worth a read. I struggled a bit with the rating because there were a few problems. The pacing could have been better. It took me 4-5 days to read the first half of the book and one to read the second. Some of the world building was not explained well enough in my opinion (such as the soul collectors). Overall though, it was a good story and that is what counts. The ending is not quite a cliffhanger, but the closest thing to it so I am anticipating a book two in a series.
Many thanks to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book started out strong, so I'm really shocked at how much it spiraled out of control. The misogynistic society that is meshed with a dragon shifter fantasy world is a very interesting concept to explore. Kaisa starts off as a very interesting FMC bent on defying this society that presses women down. Her interactions with other female characters (and their interactions with one another) was done incredibly well as a representation of what these women were forced to be and how they have survived.
Which makes the downward spiral of this book all the more unfortunate. Her relationship with Ninon and her sister are strong throughout, but other aspects of this book seem to undermine much of the plot and her character. It was interesting to see how bonds function in this world, and the idea of how love persists in this society are really interesting, but the way that it is portrayed in the relationships Kaisa has with both MMCs is in part why I did not enjoy this book. I just can't get behind the idea that this Handmaid's Tale style society/the man that has sustained it for a century is necessary or excusable for any reason.
The plot was also paced very inconsistently. There were a lot of really slow points, and then the ending feels extremely rushed (like....extremely). And even though the stakes are through the roof, I'm just very disinterested in continuing with this series.
Which makes the downward spiral of this book all the more unfortunate. Her relationship with Ninon and her sister are strong throughout, but other aspects of this book seem to undermine much of the plot and her character. It was interesting to see how bonds function in this world, and the idea of how love persists in this society are really interesting, but the way that it is portrayed in the relationships Kaisa has with both MMCs is in part why I did not enjoy this book. I just can't get behind the idea that this Handmaid's Tale style society/the man that has sustained it for a century is necessary or excusable for any reason.
The plot was also paced very inconsistently. There were a lot of really slow points, and then the ending feels extremely rushed (like....extremely). And even though the stakes are through the roof, I'm just very disinterested in continuing with this series.
January 16, 2026
I’m so happy and grateful that I got to see and had the chance to read this book as an ARC✨
This book was totally my taste judging by the cover, and I immediately felt intrigued by it…which continued throughout the book!
I have to say that I had a slow start with this book because I’ve personally been struggling a bit with getting into new books lately, but after I got a few chapters in, I was completely hooked on the story🥹😮💨
The more I read about the magic system and its history, and about the two realms/worlds, the more I was obsessed and wanted to read everything in one go… wow!👌🏼 Such an interesting system and world-building…the author really did an amazing job!!
I also love the development of the FMC and her relationship with the MMC, which takes a different and captivating path toward the end❤️🔥
I’m really looking forward to the next book in this series, and also seeing how gorgeous the cover will be!😍
Spice: 1.5–2 out of 5🌶️
Overall rating: 4.75⭐️
This book was totally my taste judging by the cover, and I immediately felt intrigued by it…which continued throughout the book!
I have to say that I had a slow start with this book because I’ve personally been struggling a bit with getting into new books lately, but after I got a few chapters in, I was completely hooked on the story🥹😮💨
The more I read about the magic system and its history, and about the two realms/worlds, the more I was obsessed and wanted to read everything in one go… wow!👌🏼 Such an interesting system and world-building…the author really did an amazing job!!
I also love the development of the FMC and her relationship with the MMC, which takes a different and captivating path toward the end❤️🔥
I’m really looking forward to the next book in this series, and also seeing how gorgeous the cover will be!😍
Spice: 1.5–2 out of 5🌶️
Overall rating: 4.75⭐️
January 20, 2026
Hello, people!
What can I say about this book? I think that everything becomes small in front of this book.
The world building is fantastic and all the characters are well-written and have depth. The author manages with exceptional mastery to put the reader inside the story and make him feel part of it. The combination, moreover, of the cruelty of the world with the emotions coexist incredibly well.
I really liked the structure and development of Kasia's character. In addition, her writing is lively, vivid, cinematic, shocking, captivating, rich, emotional and enjoyable.
Finally, the plot rises to a level with the super training scenes. The part that surprised me positively, and I forgot to mention it earlier, is that the author introduces the reader to her story from the first pages, and this is not often, nor easy...
Read it... yesterday!
Many thanks to the author for the eARC!
This is my honest review!
What can I say about this book? I think that everything becomes small in front of this book.
The world building is fantastic and all the characters are well-written and have depth. The author manages with exceptional mastery to put the reader inside the story and make him feel part of it. The combination, moreover, of the cruelty of the world with the emotions coexist incredibly well.
I really liked the structure and development of Kasia's character. In addition, her writing is lively, vivid, cinematic, shocking, captivating, rich, emotional and enjoyable.
Finally, the plot rises to a level with the super training scenes. The part that surprised me positively, and I forgot to mention it earlier, is that the author introduces the reader to her story from the first pages, and this is not often, nor easy...
Read it... yesterday!
Many thanks to the author for the eARC!
This is my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First off- THE COVER how stunning!
I really really enjoyed this
I loved the whole aspect of the story and I was really immersed into it, I had a couple of reading slump days but as soon as I got back into it I was hooked!
I completely understand why Natasha loved this so thank you to her for bringing this to my attention and thank you to the author For letting me read this arc!
I need book 2!! Because WHAT!
More people need to read this!
✨Slow burn
✨Fated mates twist
✨Dragon shifters
✨Dream/Mind walking
✨Plot twists
✨Amazing world building
✨Love triangle
and make sure you add this to your TBR🖤
I really really enjoyed this
I loved the whole aspect of the story and I was really immersed into it, I had a couple of reading slump days but as soon as I got back into it I was hooked!
I completely understand why Natasha loved this so thank you to her for bringing this to my attention and thank you to the author For letting me read this arc!
I need book 2!! Because WHAT!
More people need to read this!
✨Slow burn
✨Fated mates twist
✨Dragon shifters
✨Dream/Mind walking
✨Plot twists
✨Amazing world building
✨Love triangle
and make sure you add this to your TBR🖤
January 8, 2026
Thank you so much for the ARC—this is genuinely one of the best books I’ve read. I read around 100 books a year, and this debut absolutely stands shoulder to shoulder with some of the biggest names in the genre. The worldbuilding is stunning, the writing is incredibly polished, and the characters are deeply relatable in a way that makes every choice and betrayal hit hard. The story slowly unravels layers of oppression, deceit, and manipulation through a tightly focused POV, which makes the mystery and revelations even more gripping. Watching the protagonist navigate hidden truths, conflicting agendas, and the rediscovery of herself was completely addictive. I loved every moment of this book and cannot wait to continue the series!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
[I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review]
The second I started reading i was absolutely hooked. I could not put the book down. I cant believe Marina is a Debut author. There writing is exceptional, her pacing kept everything exciting, and her characters had real depth. Im usually not a fan of love triangles, but I will admit to being a su ker for the bad guy. I had no idea this was going to be a series but now? It had better be becuase I am NOT done with Kaisa. Low key, I think I've already read my favorite book of the year
The second I started reading i was absolutely hooked. I could not put the book down. I cant believe Marina is a Debut author. There writing is exceptional, her pacing kept everything exciting, and her characters had real depth. Im usually not a fan of love triangles, but I will admit to being a su ker for the bad guy. I had no idea this was going to be a series but now? It had better be becuase I am NOT done with Kaisa. Low key, I think I've already read my favorite book of the year
Review of advance copy received from Author
The world building here was unique and I enjoyed the nuances of the characters motivations and questioning what was real and who to trust at times. I appreciated how fast paced it was! I received this ARC copy and I am glad I had the opportunity to check this out and I am looking forward to see where Kaisa’s story goes next. I’m holding out hope she will right what happened and that her relationship may progress with who I am hoping for (Zhoric I am sick for a tortured soul).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book sounds amazing ,dragon shifters and a floating world .Unfortunatly i found my self unable to finish it . While I didn’t end up finishing it, I can appreciate the care the author put into the story. The writing style and story was full of detail and lots of world building . At this moment in time it just didnt gel with me . It just wasn’t quite the right fit for me at this time, but I think it will resonate with the right reader.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really, really wanted to like this book. The synopsis was wonderfully written, intriguing. That’s where my good time ended. The premise and ideas of this book were great, but the execution was where the book ultimately fell short. I also feel like the synopsis was completely different than the story I actually read. I had a hard time understanding the magic and I just could not connect with the characters. I kept hoping the book would get better but it never did.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Steal The Sky
Marina Massino
Pub Date: Feb 10 2026
This book is well written but honestly it's not for me if you you like romantacy and dragon-shifters this book will be right up your alley.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this book in return for my honest review.
Marina Massino
Pub Date: Feb 10 2026
This book is well written but honestly it's not for me if you you like romantacy and dragon-shifters this book will be right up your alley.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this book in return for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Epic world building. It’s next level the extending it. I loved it! So much character depth as well even with the side characters. The yearning the build up is amazing. I’ve never read anything like this before. God powers, dragon shifters. Hidden identity, secrets, bonds. Everything she thought she knew was completely different. Spice. Overall an amazing read on an epic journey! -Kerin
January 17, 2026
I absolutely loved this book. It was full of thrills and spills and epic plot twists. You will need tissues though. Everything that kasia goes through is absolutely soul destroying but has all been for a reason. It’s been a gripping read from beginning to end
January 20, 2026
Grateful for the opportunity to read this book as an ARC. The storyline was very interesting. The FMC, Kaisa, was easy to get along with. Ozias was great but i honestly want more of Zhoric! Cliffhanger at the end has me ready for book 2!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Lovely dragon book with wonderful character . Was such a fun read and loved the world building. Kaisa was a great character and loved her name and all the vibes..
Thanks Netgalley 💛
Thanks Netgalley 💛
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