What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free print copy of this book!
16 days and 10:39:38
10 copies available
U.S. only
Isle of Wrath
Not yet published
Expected 8 Apr 26Win a free print copy of this book!
16 days and 10:39:38
10 copies available
U.S. only
A forgotten prophecy.
A 300-year-old curse.
And two people bound by a goddess to break it… if the bond doesn't break them first.
In Lunaris, everyone trades their memories for asylum. No one remembers their past, their homeland, or the curse that trapped them behind a wall of darkness called the Shroud. But they don't dare break the rules set upon them.
Ada Acevedo has spent years hiding her healing gift and keeping her head down.
But when her twin brother is struck by a poisoned arrow, she breaks the most dangerous rule of all. She bargains with the goddess of death to save his life.
She didn't expect the goddess to send Malachi Bain—an infuriating warrior—to collect. Much less to be soul-bound to him until she repays what she owes. Now Ada has no choice but to help him do the lift the Shroud and break the curse that's kept Lunaris hidden from the rest of the realm for three hundred years.
As she's pulled deeper into a world of forbidden prophecies and buried secrets, Ada discovers a devastating truth. Lunaris isn't the paradise she always thought it was. It's a cage. And on the other side, a monster is lurking—waiting for the Shroud to fall.
Waiting for her.
A 300-year-old curse.
And two people bound by a goddess to break it… if the bond doesn't break them first.
In Lunaris, everyone trades their memories for asylum. No one remembers their past, their homeland, or the curse that trapped them behind a wall of darkness called the Shroud. But they don't dare break the rules set upon them.
Ada Acevedo has spent years hiding her healing gift and keeping her head down.
But when her twin brother is struck by a poisoned arrow, she breaks the most dangerous rule of all. She bargains with the goddess of death to save his life.
She didn't expect the goddess to send Malachi Bain—an infuriating warrior—to collect. Much less to be soul-bound to him until she repays what she owes. Now Ada has no choice but to help him do the lift the Shroud and break the curse that's kept Lunaris hidden from the rest of the realm for three hundred years.
As she's pulled deeper into a world of forbidden prophecies and buried secrets, Ada discovers a devastating truth. Lunaris isn't the paradise she always thought it was. It's a cage. And on the other side, a monster is lurking—waiting for the Shroud to fall.
Waiting for her.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 8, 2026
34 people are currently reading
6089 people want to read
About the author
Claire Contreras
47 books17.8k followersClaire Contreras is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author, the mother to two amazing humans, and wife to a real life broody romance hero.
An Aquarian through and through, she’s obsessed with the occult and insists that silence is her favorite sound (a close second to laughter). Her favorite books to write are cloaked in mystery and typically feature a broody hero who falls first and a heroine who side-eyes his perpetual attempts to impress her.
She’s published over 25 books, all of which have been translated into various languages.
Claire was born in the Dominican Republic, raised in Miami, FL, and currently lives in North Carolina with her favorite people.
Sign up for her NL: geni.us/ClairesNewsletter
An Aquarian through and through, she’s obsessed with the occult and insists that silence is her favorite sound (a close second to laughter). Her favorite books to write are cloaked in mystery and typically feature a broody hero who falls first and a heroine who side-eyes his perpetual attempts to impress her.
She’s published over 25 books, all of which have been translated into various languages.
Claire was born in the Dominican Republic, raised in Miami, FL, and currently lives in North Carolina with her favorite people.
Sign up for her NL: geni.us/ClairesNewsletter
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
The trope of romantasy has really exploded over the last several years and several of my most favorite authors who up until now have focused mainly in the contemporary romance genre have spread their wings and offered up delightful entries that I have absolutely gobbled up. When Claire announced her new book, I was over the moon excited when I received an advanced copy to review.
Claire creates a deeply layered, intricate world. Ada and her brother have been brought to Lunaris, where many seek asylum but must trade their memories to receive it. And they also must hide any magical gifts they may have brought with them. Ada does this, until the day her brother is shot with a poisonous arrow, and she does the unthinkable: uses her healing powers and strikes a bargain with the goddess of death to save his life.
Ada is one strong heroine! The chemistry between her and Malachi was intense. Now, granted, the goddess of death has soul-bonded them, but still I loved these two together. Theirs is a slow burn of epic proportions. I was dying for some action between the two of them to go along with the nonstop action happening in the book!
There’s plenty of secrets. It seems the whole of Lunaris is built on secrets from both the Sages and the Council. And since people give up their memories for asylum on the island, no one remembers why there’s a 300 year old curse hanging over everything. It’s up to Ada to help Malachi break the curse and lift the shroud, and then she’ll have paid her debt to the goddess. There are a lot of twists and Ada and her friends are presented with revelations about where they live, some quite devastating.
There’s so much more I want to say but can’t. Claire did a great job with the world building, but I must admit the introduction of SO many characters right away had me a bit overwhelmed until I ended up writing them all down so I could keep them straight. But I was totally immersed in this book and can’t believe we now have to wait for book 2!
This one is going to be a huge success; I can already tell!
“Where you find logic, you will find truth. Where you find truth, you will find knowledge. Where you find knowledge, you will find power.”
Claire creates a deeply layered, intricate world. Ada and her brother have been brought to Lunaris, where many seek asylum but must trade their memories to receive it. And they also must hide any magical gifts they may have brought with them. Ada does this, until the day her brother is shot with a poisonous arrow, and she does the unthinkable: uses her healing powers and strikes a bargain with the goddess of death to save his life.
Ada is one strong heroine! The chemistry between her and Malachi was intense. Now, granted, the goddess of death has soul-bonded them, but still I loved these two together. Theirs is a slow burn of epic proportions. I was dying for some action between the two of them to go along with the nonstop action happening in the book!
There’s plenty of secrets. It seems the whole of Lunaris is built on secrets from both the Sages and the Council. And since people give up their memories for asylum on the island, no one remembers why there’s a 300 year old curse hanging over everything. It’s up to Ada to help Malachi break the curse and lift the shroud, and then she’ll have paid her debt to the goddess. There are a lot of twists and Ada and her friends are presented with revelations about where they live, some quite devastating.
There’s so much more I want to say but can’t. Claire did a great job with the world building, but I must admit the introduction of SO many characters right away had me a bit overwhelmed until I ended up writing them all down so I could keep them straight. But I was totally immersed in this book and can’t believe we now have to wait for book 2!
This one is going to be a huge success; I can already tell!
“Where you find logic, you will find truth. Where you find truth, you will find knowledge. Where you find knowledge, you will find power.”
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the arc!
This book hit all the right notes for me: it features a strong female main character with genuine agency, a complex fantasy world, and a plot that continues to evolve and deepen as the story progresses. The reader is dropped into a world where it is clear that there are secrets and drama that are slowly revealed over the course of the plot. I appreciated that the world building was delivered in quick bites (often around action sequences or moments of intrigue) so the narrative didn't feel bogged down. There were also surprisingly deep moments where characters reflect on the nature of stories and legends (and the nature of truth). These reflections were appropriately placed in the story and left me with a deeper respect for what the book was trying to convey.
If I had to pick a least favorite part of this story it would have to be the side characters. I found many of the secondary characters flat and difficult to tell apart. This became a particular challenge because it became vital to know who had what ability and allegiance as the story progressed. Unfortunately I struggled to clearly picture some of these secondary characters in my mind.
This book is great for those looking for a fantasy novel that keeps the mystery going throughout the story. There is a romance storyline that is pivotal to the plot but not the main focus - unlike some popular "romantasy" books this one has a fully realized fantasy world with a romance integrated into it, rather than a romance that simply happens to have magical elements in the plot. I can be skeptical of books that promise to be a trilogy but this one works so well that I sincerely will be looking for the follow up book to see how the story continues.
This book hit all the right notes for me: it features a strong female main character with genuine agency, a complex fantasy world, and a plot that continues to evolve and deepen as the story progresses. The reader is dropped into a world where it is clear that there are secrets and drama that are slowly revealed over the course of the plot. I appreciated that the world building was delivered in quick bites (often around action sequences or moments of intrigue) so the narrative didn't feel bogged down. There were also surprisingly deep moments where characters reflect on the nature of stories and legends (and the nature of truth). These reflections were appropriately placed in the story and left me with a deeper respect for what the book was trying to convey.
If I had to pick a least favorite part of this story it would have to be the side characters. I found many of the secondary characters flat and difficult to tell apart. This became a particular challenge because it became vital to know who had what ability and allegiance as the story progressed. Unfortunately I struggled to clearly picture some of these secondary characters in my mind.
This book is great for those looking for a fantasy novel that keeps the mystery going throughout the story. There is a romance storyline that is pivotal to the plot but not the main focus - unlike some popular "romantasy" books this one has a fully realized fantasy world with a romance integrated into it, rather than a romance that simply happens to have magical elements in the plot. I can be skeptical of books that promise to be a trilogy but this one works so well that I sincerely will be looking for the follow up book to see how the story continues.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Claire Contreras for gifting me an e-ARC of this book from a giveaway!
That ending!!! Wow! What a ride. Can't wait for book two!
"Where you find logic, you will find truth. Where you find truth, you will find knowledge. Where you find knowledge, you will find power."
This was such an enjoyable book. The action was nonstop and the world building is phenomenal, and the stakes are high. Contreras does a wonderful job constructing a beautiful but bleak world of gods and goddesses, political intrigue, and an imaginative magic system. She addresses themes such as memory, grief, and control in a really deep and insightful way. The yearning is also top-tier!
This novel centers on Ada, a healer forced to hide her gift. She strikes a bargain with the Goddess of Death to save her brother's life, and the goddess sends the warrior Malachi Bain-an, so that Ada can fulfill the bargain. She soul-bonds them until the debt is repaid. Ada has no choice but help him lift the three-hundred-year-old curse that has plagued Lunaris. However, in Lunaris, everyone trades their memories for asylum, and no one remembers their past or the curse that trapped them behind the wall of darkness they call the shroud. Throughout the book Ada and her friends learn some devastating truths about the place they've called home and come to learn that there is more at stake than any of them could have ever fathomed.
That ending!!! Wow! What a ride. Can't wait for book two!
"Where you find logic, you will find truth. Where you find truth, you will find knowledge. Where you find knowledge, you will find power."
This was such an enjoyable book. The action was nonstop and the world building is phenomenal, and the stakes are high. Contreras does a wonderful job constructing a beautiful but bleak world of gods and goddesses, political intrigue, and an imaginative magic system. She addresses themes such as memory, grief, and control in a really deep and insightful way. The yearning is also top-tier!
This novel centers on Ada, a healer forced to hide her gift. She strikes a bargain with the Goddess of Death to save her brother's life, and the goddess sends the warrior Malachi Bain-an, so that Ada can fulfill the bargain. She soul-bonds them until the debt is repaid. Ada has no choice but help him lift the three-hundred-year-old curse that has plagued Lunaris. However, in Lunaris, everyone trades their memories for asylum, and no one remembers their past or the curse that trapped them behind the wall of darkness they call the shroud. Throughout the book Ada and her friends learn some devastating truths about the place they've called home and come to learn that there is more at stake than any of them could have ever fathomed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for this eARC!
This book?? yeah… it had me from the first chapter and did not let go. I blinked and suddenly I was emotionally attached, invested in a curse I barely understand, and ready to fight anyone who looks at these characters wrong.
Claire Contreras built such an immersive, layered world here. The memory loss, the Shroud, the prophecy… it all unfolds in a way that keeps you hooked without feeling overwhelming. Everything actually matters, and you can feel it building into something bigger the whole time.
Ada is exactly the kind of FMC I love. Strong, defiant, and not just accepting the cage she’s been put in. And Malachi?? this man will burn the world for her and I ate that UP. Their bond starts fast but the relationship builds in a way that feels earned, not rushed, and I loved that.
The plot, the magic system, the character development… everything just flows so well together. I genuinely could not put this down. I devoured it.
I will be recommending this to literally anyone who will listen, and I need the next book immediately because what do you mean I have to WAIT?? I would trade just about anything to have this as a physical copy on my shelves. You already know it’s going straight to trophy status the second it releases.
This book?? yeah… it had me from the first chapter and did not let go. I blinked and suddenly I was emotionally attached, invested in a curse I barely understand, and ready to fight anyone who looks at these characters wrong.
Claire Contreras built such an immersive, layered world here. The memory loss, the Shroud, the prophecy… it all unfolds in a way that keeps you hooked without feeling overwhelming. Everything actually matters, and you can feel it building into something bigger the whole time.
Ada is exactly the kind of FMC I love. Strong, defiant, and not just accepting the cage she’s been put in. And Malachi?? this man will burn the world for her and I ate that UP. Their bond starts fast but the relationship builds in a way that feels earned, not rushed, and I loved that.
The plot, the magic system, the character development… everything just flows so well together. I genuinely could not put this down. I devoured it.
I will be recommending this to literally anyone who will listen, and I need the next book immediately because what do you mean I have to WAIT?? I would trade just about anything to have this as a physical copy on my shelves. You already know it’s going straight to trophy status the second it releases.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, was I completely absorbed in this world. I haven’t moved since I started this. I was so immersed and caught between the pages. The plot was p l o t t i n g.
I would love to go in length about this but I want you to truly experience it for yourself! This was so unique for me and I love it!
A world that isn’t what it seems, secrets, prophecies, gods, gifts and magic. Is the past being re-written or forgotten, what is true/real vs not? There is so much information to learn that was well delivered that I was so eager to read more!
And the chaos erupts, a bargain and a bond. Let me tell you I am LIVING for this bond. My heart twisted, yearned,kicking my feet and wanting to scream at times. Everything has meaning and our girl Ada is a wonder. She is fierce, loyal, strong.
I am really at the edge of my seat BEGGING to see how this plays out. We are getting to the g o o d stuff now, it’s about to be a storm and I am like 😅😅😅
Thank you so much for the ARC. I truly appreciate the opportunity and cannot wait to have this on my shelf 🫶🏼
I would love to go in length about this but I want you to truly experience it for yourself! This was so unique for me and I love it!
A world that isn’t what it seems, secrets, prophecies, gods, gifts and magic. Is the past being re-written or forgotten, what is true/real vs not? There is so much information to learn that was well delivered that I was so eager to read more!
And the chaos erupts, a bargain and a bond. Let me tell you I am LIVING for this bond. My heart twisted, yearned,kicking my feet and wanting to scream at times. Everything has meaning and our girl Ada is a wonder. She is fierce, loyal, strong.
I am really at the edge of my seat BEGGING to see how this plays out. We are getting to the g o o d stuff now, it’s about to be a storm and I am like 😅😅😅
Thank you so much for the ARC. I truly appreciate the opportunity and cannot wait to have this on my shelf 🫶🏼
Review of advance copy received from Author
What beautiful chaos did I just read! Omg this world is something straight from my wildest dreams or craziest nightmares but either way it’s perfection on paper!
Claire has created a world that I couldnt get enough of and I’m dying literally reeling for the next book because that ending omg my heart!
This story is unlike anything I have ever read and I will not lie, the start is chaotic as you get your bearings in this world but Claire did a fabulous job describing and explaining. I quickly found myself entranced and fully immersed in the world and didn’t want to stop reading and so I didn’t. I sat and neglected life because who needs the real world when you have all these amazing characters in the palm of your hands?
I give all the kiddos in the world to this stellar author for taking a chance on something new and fresh. This is slightly different from other books she has written and I loved every word, every character and can we fast forward to fall now?
Claire has created a world that I couldnt get enough of and I’m dying literally reeling for the next book because that ending omg my heart!
This story is unlike anything I have ever read and I will not lie, the start is chaotic as you get your bearings in this world but Claire did a fabulous job describing and explaining. I quickly found myself entranced and fully immersed in the world and didn’t want to stop reading and so I didn’t. I sat and neglected life because who needs the real world when you have all these amazing characters in the palm of your hands?
I give all the kiddos in the world to this stellar author for taking a chance on something new and fresh. This is slightly different from other books she has written and I loved every word, every character and can we fast forward to fall now?
Review of advance copy
The Council and the Sages of Veritas have rewritten the g0ds gifts & rules, making their own. You must not remember how it once was and always Follow The Rules of Lunaris. Ada is an alchemist that lives in Lunais where the Sages made it safe from w&r, pain but not everything can stay hidden forever. When chaos breaks out one day and her brother is hurt she uses her f0rbidden powers to save him and a warrior named Malachi Bain is also summoned. When bargains are made, the truth slowly reveals itself but at what cost? This is a slow building, gothic fantasy novel with magic, myths, action and secrets that become truths as you turn each page. Leaving you on quite the cliffhanger will have you wanting more of this new world. Told in first person and Ada’s POV.
March 25, 2026
Isle of Wrath completely pulled me in from the very beginning. Claire Contreras created such a vivid, immersive world, and the way the story unfolds keeps you hooked the entire time.
Ada and Malachi’s bond was one of my favorite parts—their connection felt intense, emotional, and real, and it added so much depth to the story.
I was so caught up in everything happening that I didn’t even realize I was nearing the end, and suddenly it was over. Now I’m just left wanting more.
I can’t wait for book two. This is definitely a must-read for anyone who loves a story that fully pulls you in and doesn’t let go.
Ada and Malachi’s bond was one of my favorite parts—their connection felt intense, emotional, and real, and it added so much depth to the story.
I was so caught up in everything happening that I didn’t even realize I was nearing the end, and suddenly it was over. Now I’m just left wanting more.
I can’t wait for book two. This is definitely a must-read for anyone who loves a story that fully pulls you in and doesn’t let go.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Give it all the stars—Claire does it again. This story was so well constructed. From the character development to the world building and magic systems. There are so many components that work seamlessly together. I absolutely devoured this.
Ada our FMC is strong and defiant to the cage this world has placed her in. Mal our MMC will burn the world for her. Their bond is instant but you get so much building within their relationship that it doesnt feel like "instant love."
I will be recommending this to anyone who will listen.
Ada our FMC is strong and defiant to the cage this world has placed her in. Mal our MMC will burn the world for her. Their bond is instant but you get so much building within their relationship that it doesnt feel like "instant love."
I will be recommending this to anyone who will listen.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I will admit when I started this book the beginning was dragging a bit for me. But once we got into the meat of the story I could not put it down!! I finished in a day!!
This is a S...L...O....W...... Burn!!!! I am talking that I texted my SIL at 58% in when we finally get the first kiss!!
The world building is great and the twists some I saw coming but then a few were shocking!!
I will write a more involved review once the book comes out but I cannot wait to see what happens next. This does end on a slight cliffhanger!
This is a S...L...O....W...... Burn!!!! I am talking that I texted my SIL at 58% in when we finally get the first kiss!!
The world building is great and the twists some I saw coming but then a few were shocking!!
I will write a more involved review once the book comes out but I cannot wait to see what happens next. This does end on a slight cliffhanger!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thanks to Claire for allowing me the opportunity to read this arc. I can’t say enough positive comments about this book. If you’re a romantasy reader who loves intricate world building, suspenseful plots, yearning slow burn love, and some spice, this is a book you have to add to your TBR. I felt like I was in Ada’s orbit throughout this book, trying to figure out things with her along the way. I cannot wait for book 2.
Claire, this one is a banger!
Claire, this one is a banger!
March 26, 2026
This, ugh, this is so god! I thoroughly enjoyed this. It’s fantasy without 800 pages of world building. It’s enough to picture all the scenes with a strong AF FMC. Love every part of Mal. I need the second one STAT. The angsty, mystery, action, and slow burn perfect.
Thank you to VPR and Claire Contreras for this ARC opportunity. The above review are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Thank you to VPR and Claire Contreras for this ARC opportunity. The above review are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
ARC Review:
So let me just say this is a sloooow burn. Honestly they are not my thing…HOWEVER with the amount of world-building that went on it def sets up for bk 2.
Spice is minimal but emotionally charged when it hits and it does hit.
Vibe: Dark, moody, romantic tension + fantasy intrigue.
Perfect if you like slow-burn romance and high stakes. Did it open me up for romantasy? Absolutely.
So let me just say this is a sloooow burn. Honestly they are not my thing…HOWEVER with the amount of world-building that went on it def sets up for bk 2.
Spice is minimal but emotionally charged when it hits and it does hit.
Vibe: Dark, moody, romantic tension + fantasy intrigue.
Perfect if you like slow-burn romance and high stakes. Did it open me up for romantasy? Absolutely.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is amazing. At first I saw a nod or two to other amazing fantasies, but it doesn't detract from the originality of this story. It's absolutely a binge worthy book. The long range plot is epic in scope, with this installment being fast paced and full of ominous dangers right from the start. This is going to prove to be one of the best fantasies this year.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Full review to come but I need the next book ASAP!!!
March 27, 2026
Release date: April 8, 2026
I enjoyed it for the most part. It feels like this book sets the tone for what could be a great series. It has plenty of world-building, political intrigue, action, and romance. It held my attention, however, I wasn’t fully invested. I guess I had trouble connecting with the characters. Overall, it was a pleasant read and still enjoyable.
I enjoyed it for the most part. It feels like this book sets the tone for what could be a great series. It has plenty of world-building, political intrigue, action, and romance. It held my attention, however, I wasn’t fully invested. I guess I had trouble connecting with the characters. Overall, it was a pleasant read and still enjoyable.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
3.5 stars rtc.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews