Scars Beneath a Serpent's Scales

The Fatesworn Saga #1

by Nicole Platania

What is inevitable?
Emmeline DeLeoste has always talked to the stars. As a member of a fortune-telling warrior clan, her exceptional magic allows her to read the Fates, earning her a prestigious Academy job. But it has also cost her everyone she loves.
Roremar Silventa has more responsibilities than any man should. Combined with his Reckless reputation haunting his every step, it’s left him burdened in more ways than one.
When women start disappearing from the drug-infested Isle of Lyra, Emmeline and Roremar are tasked with finding the culprit due to their unique skillsets. In return, each is offered the one thing they can’t refuse. There’s only one problem: the pair couldn’t be more different.
Amid mounting threats from the Fates, and with a murderer creeping closer, Emmeline and Roremar strike up an alliance only to realize that, despite their differences, or perhaps because of them, they may understand each other in a way no one else can.
Can they unveil fated pasts and catch a killer before they lose their lives–or their hearts?
Everyone on Lyra has a secret, and some things may be inevitable after all.
Scars Beneath a Serpent’s Scales is the first book in an Adult Romantic Fantasy series full of celestial magic, murder mystery, and sizzling, star crossed love. It is recommended for fans of Chloe C. Peñaranda, Sarah A. Parker, and Kayla Edwards.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Fantasy Romance

506 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication March 26, 2026

About the author

Nicole Platania was born and raised in Los Angeles and completed her B.A. in Communications at the University of California, Santa Barbara. After two years of working in social media marketing, she traded Santa Barbara beaches for the rainy magic of London, where she completed her Masters in Creative Writing at Birkbeck, University of London. Nicole harbors a love for broken and twisty characters, stories that feel like puzzles, and all things romance. She can always be found with a cup of coffee or glass of wine in hand, ready to discuss everything from celebrity gossip to your latest book theories.

Connect with her on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter as @bynicoleplatania or at www.nicoleplatania.com.

Reviews

[Gabi Koz · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW WOW WOW. 🤯🤯 for once I am speechless. I need to take the weekend to process. 2 of my favorite lead characters I’ve ever read. Incredible romance. Insane plot & suspense. Lush world building. Unlike any romantasy I have ever read. The murder mystery was so well done it literally felt like an epic fantasy, a thriller, and a breathtaking slow burn romance all at the same time. The celestial magic is so freaking cool and unique. The romance is absolutely unmatched. No one writes a slow burn like Nicole Platania. I’m literally in awe right now I feel like I need to SCREAM !!!!! 5⭐️ OH MY GOD THIS BOOK

I feel out of breath after reading this (complimentary) . EVERYONE READ THIS NOW. I JUST HAVE TO TALK

[Maggie]

no official rating - beta read

I have no words to explain how this is one of my favorite books of all time already, the world isn’t ready

[Lisa l chaotic.couchreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW - thank you Nicole for the eARC opportunity!

Emmeline and Roremar are my new OBSESSION. They are brought together to solve a mystery on the island of Lyra - women have been missing and unalived and they need to find the culprit. Both of them have responsibilities and walls up to the sky keeping everyone out - yet they are PERFECT for each other. They challenge each other and compliment what they are missing in their lives.

The plot had me hooked immediately and the gas didn’t let up until the ending. THE TWIST THOUGH? It was like twisting a knife in my heart and I am still reeling about it! And how the ending left things has me desperate for book two!

The magic in this part of the world is linked to Fates who share readings. It is unique and a breath of fresh air in the romantasy genre.

Roremar is an MMC who defines YEARNING. He is so DOWN BAD I was barking the whole time! What I adore about him is that he’s a family man, taking care of everyone and who takes care of him? His girlllllll 🥰

Emmeline is an FMC with secrets, but as they start to unravel they also show a vulnerability that is so relatable. She’s afraid to let anyone close to her and thinks that she is safer alone. Roremar refuses to accept this and she finds a safe haven.

This is easily my favorite read of the year so far and will easily become one of my favorite series of all time - yes I am that confident!!!!!!

Do not sleep on this amazing book!

[tanvi · Rating 5 out of 5]

review to come but i fear no other fantasy book will top this for me all year

[Shannon | readingwithmarlow]

not doing an official rating since it’s a beta read and Nicole told me not to (but I’d give it five stars if I could 🤩)

THIS BOOK WAS EVERYTHING.

LORE! MYSTERY! ROMANCE! MAGIC! EASTER EGGS FROM THE CURSE OF OPHELIA! PAIN! HEARTBREAK! SPICE! YEEEAAARRRNNNINNNGGGGG!!!!!

just know that I’ll be rereading this book the literal moment it releases because I already miss my babies 😌

[🌸 The Bookish Hobbit 🌸 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What. Am. I. Supposed. To. Do. With. Myself. Now.

This was utter perfection 🥹 and the kind of book that will leave the biggest book hangover.

Emmeline and Roremar are 100% one of my favourite couples 🥹 I love their slow burn chemistry and how they had to work together! Ohh honestly … I love them so much. I need more.

I will have more to write. But right now, I just feel full and empty all at one 😂😂

[vanshikha sakala · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMGGG 6 FREAKING STARSSS

RTC

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

finally can review this book now that people are getting their ARCs
i’ve had the honour to read this book last year and it was one of the best books i’ve ever read. I’m such a fan of Platania’s writing style and I was so hyped to read third person after the TCOO series in first person, and i fell in love with her style even more??!

this story has everything: an incredible plot, a great dose of making you look over your shoulder just in case there’s no mysterious m*rders happening there, the slowest burn ever, and my reaction to the end end end end end of this was 11/10 ;) or should i say out of twelve????? 💋 (i hoped, i begged, i felt like i knew, and YET it hit me all the same)

i just also want to take my rightful time to acknowledge that whatever hint hint hint connection thing you all may have figured out, i was the first to figure out. Confirmed by the author. I’ll trademark this honour 🫡

read this book cause this is going to be your new favourite series 💗 xoxo

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

Some of the lines in this book, some of the scenes and how they went... this gets a BIG yes from me!

Did I read and finish this ARC in a day? Yes. Do I regret it? Kinda because I miss the characters!

I loved Emmeline. I related to her a lot about chosing to be alone and feeling like she can't let anyone in. I also loved her struggles and how her past is revealed to us. I loved that she was a headstrong professor and smart. And I loved that she was 29 years old! She was a lot of fun to read and be in her head and I was geniunely rooting for her the whole time.

I also loved Roremar. I loved how he carried himself. I loved his motivations and how he CARES for everyone. He is a cutie pie and I loved the layers to him. He was super easy to swoon over and it was very fun to read his banter. The quips! The lines... this MAN!

There was PINKY BRUSHES! STOP!

The nickname "Reckless" and "Huntress"... yes. That's all.

I loved the side characters and the dynamics in the group so much. Desmond needs a girl... that is all. I adore him. And I want to know more about him! They are all multi-dimensional and I enjoyed all the scenes with the side characters.

I thought the world was easy to digest. I loved the academic setting but in the professors POV. I loved the different fates and how the magic all worked. It was well thought out and explained well to where I wasn't confused.

The plot was simple, easy to follow, and that PLOT TWIST... diabolical, but I am SO excited to see what happens next, I cannot wait for the sequel!

"The grin Emmeline flashed meant trouble. And f*** if trouble wasn't his weakness." AHHH!

"I am looking at you. Way more than I should be." HEEHEEHEEEEE!

"You showed me how to breathe when the air felt too thick and life too heavy." Melting, I AM MELTING!

Overall, this was a fantastic intro into this new series, and I am so excited to see what happens next. If it is anything like "The Curse of Ophelia" series, I know we are in for a wild ride with a lot of heartbreak but a lot of yearning and I am so ready!

Thank you so much for the ARC, fingers crossed for an ARC for the sequel!

TikTok Video --> https://www.tiktok.com/@rayforrachel/...

[Yolanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

My cold black heart does not cry at books. I might get a little sad here and there, but that is usually the full extent of my “emotional devastation.” This book, however, had me on the brink of actual tears, and I was not prepared for that level of emotional damage.

Honestly? I hate this author a little bit for what she did to me. Do not read this book. Protect your feelings. Your sanity. Your fragile emotional stability. Because the absolute emotional annihilation waiting inside these pages sneaks up on you when you least expect it, which somehow makes it even worse.

Now that I have finished dramatically threatening everyone… let me actually talk about the book.

The story does start a bit slow, but please do not DNF it. I promise that would be the biggest mistake. The setup is intentional, and once things start moving, the payoff is absolutely worth it.

The magic system is incredibly unique. I will admit I was a little confused at first, but the story gradually explains how everything works, and by the time the pieces click together it becomes one of the most interesting magical systems I have read in a while.

The world building is solid, though the real focus of the book is the magic and the mystery surrounding it. And speaking of the mystery… magical murder mysteries might officially be my new favorite subgenre. The plot here is fantastic. This is a true murder mystery where the clues, tension, and reveals slowly build until everything crashes together.

There is also a slow burn romance, and when I say slow burn, I mean slow burn. Be prepared to wait for it. But it fits perfectly with the pacing of the mystery and the emotional journey of the characters.

Because the story revolves so heavily around the mystery, I cannot say much more without risking spoilers, and I absolutely refuse to spoil this experience for anyone.

Just know that this book will quietly destroy you when you least expect it… and you will probably love every second of it.

[Meg (fantasybook.adventurer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Scars Beneath a Serpent’s Scales✨

I always love immersing by myself in a Nicole Platania book and this first book in her newest series continues to solidify that opinion. Her ability to create such an intrinsically intricate world along with incredibly relatable and dynamic characters is top tier. And I LOVED getting to be in the same world we all know and love, but in a new and uncharted region!

In SBASS, we follow a dual POV fantasy murder mystery on a set of Isles where crime is increasing, drugs are being misused, and women are turning up missing or murdered. Emmeline has one goal: to find “her” and she will go to any lengths to do so. By day, she teaches at the Starsearcher academy and by night, she dons a mask and a blade. When she is suddenly dragged into a murder case, Emmeline is paired with former soldier, Roremar, who is drowning in his responsibilities and trying to keep his family together. Each with their own agenda and deep dark secrets, they reluctantly comb the island for clues, racing against the clock before the next body is found.

Nicole is phenomenal at writing characters who make us feel seen. The depth of the cast, lead and supporting, never fails to create a bond between you and the story. The slow burn is diabolical. The plot twists were delightful. I felt like I knew the culprit then I second guessed myself and then I was left wondering how this could ever be fixed. And, after that ending, I’m still worrying! Nicole, once again, created a MMC that I am sold for and I am eager to witness his rage. I can’t WAIT to see what happens next!

Tropes you may find in SBASS are forced proximity, reluctant allies to lovers, celestial magic, deep lore, plot twists, murder mystery, banter, slow burn to low spice, star crossed love, academy setting, he falls first, forehead kisses, and a bit of a cliffy.

Nicole, I am so honored to have been on your arc team since Trials. I cannot wait for more from you.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 🌶️.5

Friends!! If you loved Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood and Heavenly Bodies // you’re a fan of intricate high fantasy romance with jaw-dropping twists, celestial magic, reluctant allies to lovers, and slow burn tension… add to your TBR immediately (!!)

Five freaking stars. Addicting, devastating, heart-wrenching, jaw-dropping, this book had it ALL y’all. The lore?! The plot twists?! The YEARNING?!

This was such a refreshing and unique high fantasy world. The magic system felt completely original, and the way the lore and plot were seamlessly connected and intentionally revealed was so, so well done. The story slowly unraveled threads of history, prophecy, and secrets with each chapter, granting access to the intricate web being spun and for me to tap into my inner Sherlock Holmes to try to piece it all together.

… only to fail miserably because the twists and story absolutely BLINDSIDED me in the best way when it all came together. Because when I say my jaw was on the floor when it all was revealed, that thang damn near fell off its hinges.

And the romance? This one is for my true slow burn lovers. The tension, banter, yearning, their slow build up to trust. 🥹 Watching these two fiercely independent characters cautiously dissolve their defenses for one another was nothing short of achingly beautiful. It truly was *the* perfect balance of romance and plot, and after that ending I am in desperate need of book two.

Scars Beneath a Serpent’s Scales releases March 26th!

Thank you so much to Nicole Platania for the ARC 🥹

Tropes:
✨ murder mystery
✨ reluctant allies to lovers
✨ fate & prophecies
✨ secrets and hidden, traumatic pasts
✨ slow burn & yearning
✨ celestial magic
✨ rich high fantasy world building

[Kegan Herrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m still reeling after days of finishing Scars Beneath a Serpent’s Scales. Emmeline and Roremar are cemented in my brain forever.

The academy’s headmaster asks the pair to solve a mystery on the isle, and if successful, they will be granted a favor they can’t refuse. Picked for their unique skill sets and each with their own motive, they are tasked with working together, which makes it difficult when they don’t know each other, are stubborn, wear the weight of others like armor and are used to working solo. With more women going missing and showing up unalived and the deadline the headmaster set looming, they must let their guard down and secrets out to forge an alliance.

Emmeline - A character easy to fall in love with and feel like home. She is strong, sassy, stealthy and values knowledge.

Roremar - HELLO! His rings, tattoos, winks and attitude have me down bad. He is shadowed in protectiveness and loyalty and bears a questionable reputation.

The yearning, chemistry and banter are top notch! The little touches and warmth from a simple bicep grab had me swooning.

I love Nicole’s writing and the way she delicately yet intentionally weaves mythology, intricate details, lore and plot together like a bright, beautiful constellation. She is a celestial wordsmith, and I am in awe of her brain, talent and passion for gracing us with these stories! This book is a remarkable work of art. One of my favorites to ever read!!

I feel so lucky to be part of Nicole’s team and to have read this book early. Thank you so much Nicole for the gifted ARC!

[Jenn | bookdragonbrunette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to sit on this review for days after I finished because where do I even start.

This was an excellently enjoyable book. Murder mystery, romance, tie ins to The Curse of Ophelia series. I loved it.

Emmeline and Roremar have such a slow building relationship and romance. They DEFINITELY do not want to be around each other from the beginning and slowly weasel their way into each other's hearts. And when I say slow burn, I mean SLOW BUUUUUURN! We get pinky touching and a kiss and not a whole lot else. Except for one explicit scene, but...you''ll have to read it to find out.

As always, Nicole is a master at writing characters and really weaving the found family aspects together. It makes you root for all the characters and want to know more. As the murder mystery starts unravelling, it makes you panic too because now you're not sure who is behind it and who is going to be next.

Definitely some twists and turns I was not expecting! I need book two now please. Like right now.

I also loved how it tied in to her other series. It hints at other characters that we know and what is going on in other parts of the world. But you can read this without having read that series, so don't miss out!

Read if you love:
-Prophecies
-Meddling fates
-Murder mystery
-Glacially slow burn


Thank you to the author for the eARC of this book. My thoughts are entirely my own.
Finish date: 2/21/26, Release date: 3/26/26

[Ashley Van Durmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicole has absolutely done it again with Scars Beneath A Serpent’s Scales, Book 1 in the Fatesworn Saga.

I was so excited to get back into this world and was immediately hooked into Emmeline’s mysterious backstory. Though she may seem like an innocent teacher, she is far from it and is one tough woman.

When women start being unalived on Lyra, Emmeline is pulled in to work the case with the notoriously reckless Roremar. These reluctant allies, I absolutely enjoyed their banter and they were two sides to the same stubborn coin and must work together in order to both get what they want most.

Like Emmeline, there is so much more to Roremar than meets the eye. He shoulders so much for his family and the weight crushes him. My heart broke for both of them with everything they have had to endure and I loved seeing their relationship blossom and start to breakdown each other’s walls.

The found family in this story was great with Nico, Desmond and Myrella. Though Emmeline is used to keeping everyone at a distance she starts to see what she is missing.

And boy does Nicole know how to edge us along the entire way with the will they, won’t they but that no kissing scene IYKYK. Though they tried to fight it’s there was no denying the pull to one another and Roremar will do anything in his power to protect her.

With the bombshell of an ending and the audible gasping I had while reading, I am desperate to find out what happens next in their story!

Spice: 🌶️🌶️

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

☆☆☆☆☆☆

This book broke me... the last part of the book, just broke me completely 💔
It is a masterpiece and damn if it isn't incredible, heartbreaking, captivating and breathtaking.
The world building is absolutely amazing and you get a really good impression of the life of the people there and all the problems, secrets, corruption and struggles but also the good and the kind and the lovely things. Most of the Fates are absolute b*tches - sorry not sorry - and I can't wait how everything continues in book 2.
I didn't really see the plot twists coming - I had some ideas throughout the book but that I didn't see coming.
Emmeline is fierce, strong, mostly kindhearted but also determined of her mission and ready to do anything to see it through. Roremar is protective, loyal, kindhearted and stubborn. Their relationship development is wonderful and I love how both struggle to let their guard down and fear to open their hearts. But the connection between them is electrifying and the care they have for each other is beautiful.
The side characters are incredible and the animal sidekick is perfect. I want Cerris with me ♡
If you search for a captivating, mind-blowing, heartbreaking and awesome crime romantasy you found a true gem with this one!

[Kelly Blandford · Rating 5 out of 5]

a new god tier all time favorite romantasy✨

where do I even begin omg

Scars Beneath a Serpents Scales is an all consuming celestial romantasy featuring a murder mystery plot and a reluctant allies to lovers romance💙

with that being said, whatever you think is going to happen in this book, you're wrong (in the best way). I could have never guessed a single thing about this book and I love that for me. I THOUGHT I knew what was happening!! key word thought!!!

this book had me staying up until 3 am and I literally
NEVER do that

the slow burn!!!
the STAR CROSSED lovers!!!
he falls first and HARDER!!!!!!!!
ummmm do I even need to say more?

(I will in fact be saying more)

the lore is insane and unmatched. the celestial imagery took my literal breath away. this world felt so fresh and unique as well as the MAGIC!!

I will 3000% be rereading this when it releases in March so I can pick up on everything I missed bc WTF

I'm actually this🤏close to just rereading it on my kindle
be I can't think abt anything else

I will be reading everything Nicole writes forever <33

arc review | book releases March 26, 2026

[Ashley (andtheniwasbookish) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can we all collectively agree that staring at the wall for several minutes after finishing this book is going to be a post-reading requirement?

The writing. The LORE. The chemistry. The TENSION. The heartbreak. The trauma. And omg the plot blew my EVER-LOVIN MIND.

This book is Nicole Platania at her finest. This book she knows who she is and she's putting that strength and confidence into her writing. There are no apologies. Tere are hard truths and there are gory details that she isn't shying away from.

Scars Beneath A Serpent's Scales had me recommending this book to friends before I was even halfway done. It's just brilliantly done.

Not only did she successfully rip my heart out, but she's left me longing for me, ideas spouting all sorts of directions of where this story is going to take us, and how far we are going to see these characters go.

This series starter promises us the feelings of heartbreak, passion, and the pain it can take to truly become who you are meant to be.

overall: highly recommend
spice: open door

[Jenny Lampe · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS IS IT! This is the next romantasy book that needs to take the book world by storm. I am in awe of this world that Platania has created. If you're a fan of fantasy and romance, Scars Beneath a Serpent's Scales balances both beautifully. The world building is extensive and well thought out. The characters are deep. They feel so real, and all I wanted was to root for them the whole time.

There's a murder mystery in the book, which is my new favorite way to force proximity for the MMC and FMC. It was so fun to try to solve the mystery and motives of the killer. And as a Criminal Minds girlie, even I didn't fully solve the mystery. It was FANTASTIC. I am still shocked.

While this takes place in the same world as the Curse of Ophelia series, it feels so wonderfully separate, you can definitely read it without having ready that series first. The world is so beautifully expanded in SBASS that I am constantly surprised by Nicole's brain. Truly, this is already going to be a god tier series for me!

Thanks to the author for the eARC.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this incredible book from the author, through the street team. Thank you for sharing this story with me!

I loved everything about this book, immediately add it to your TBR!!

Scars beneath a Serpents Scales is the first book in the new Fatesworn series, but takes place in the same world as the Curse of Ophelia series (not required to read before this, but it’s another series I absolutely loved) and I really enjoyed returning to the world. It’s a murder mystery romantasy in an academic setting, the perfect combination! The characters are so well written, you immediately connect with them. I didn’t want the story to end, and I’m already excited for Book 2. Nicole Platania has become an auto-buy author for me, and I can’t wait to see what happens in the rest of the series.

[Kayleigh Guerrero · Rating 5 out of 5]

What. Did. I. Just. Read.
I am absolutely unwell after reading this.

This book had everything I love and did all of it flawlessly: aching slow burn, insane chemistry, high stakes mystery, and lush world building. Emmeline and Roremar have officially joined my all-time favorite couples list because every scene between them was electric. The tension, the yearning, the way they challenged and unraveled each other… I was devouring every single page!!

The plot?? I was hooked from the beginning, but that ending absolutely took me out. All of it felt so fresh and immersive. This wasn’t just a five-star read for me, it was an obsession. I’m already desperate for book two.

Thank you to Nicole and her team for sending me this ARC. Nicole has made it to the of my author’s list, please go add her series to your TBR!!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I AM UNWELL. That’s all. Emotional devastation indeed.


But truly, the story is so deeply woven into mythology and the world building is very involved. The depth of the characters and how they are each layered with not one person being morally “better” than the other.

The heartache that you sense as you get to know both Roremar and Emmeline. AND THE SLOW BURN IS SLOW BURNING. You want a man who yearns? This is him. And a protective MMC?? Give roremar all the stars please.

You will never see what’s coming - even when I thought I knew, I didn’t really know. And that is how a great book is delivered because even as my brain tries to piece things together as I’m reading, it turns out otherwise.

Thank you Nicole for the eARC!!

[Miryam Drakon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve never read Nicole’s books before, though I’ve heard plenty of good things about them. I was excited to pick this up since it’s a murder mystery. While I did feel like the story dragged a bit at times, the mystery itself kept me going.

I have to admit, the world-building, along with the fates concept, was really intriguing. I’m not sure whether this was meant to be a standalone or if there will be a sequel. Depending on that, I’ll probably check out more of Nicole’s work.

The plot twist at the end was surprising, though I can’t say it completely shocked me since I read something with a similar idea a couple of years ago.

All in all, anyone looking for a good blend of romance and mystery should definitely give this a try.

[Dayna | daynas.bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

it’s been 7 months since i finished this as a beta read and I HAVE NOT STOPPED THINKING ABOUT THIS STORY!!

the lore and magic is STUNNING, the romance is sooo swoon worthy, the tension had me laying face down on the floor, and BOY does Roremar being back yearning.

Nicole’s ability to craft a world that feels so intricate yet has so much left to be discovered is SO enjoyable as a reader.

if the prophecy™️ has no fans, i am dead. i was legit flipping back to the prophecy every chapter trying to put together pieces and i was having the time of my life.

READ THIS BOOK IF YOU WANT TO FEEL ALIVE AGAIN

[Eden Huntsman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book I knew I needed to read from day one of this author sharing about it. Don’t even get me started on the art because that in itself would have me needing to read it. I read this book and became obsessed pretty quickly. A solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 and 🌶️🌶️

If you love a good slow burn romantasy where this is mysterious plot that grabs you and pulls you in to never let you go then this book is for you. That’s without even talking about the characters, found family and the freaking amazing growth they each have. I’m obsessed,

Read this book!

[Jaclyn Tiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am speechless. This was so different from other books I’ve read lately and I loved every minute of it. The. YEARNING.

The main characters are a delight. Banter, longing, slowwwwwwwwwwest of slow burns

The world was fascinating. Fates, stars, readings. A family holding it together by the thinnest threads. Mystery murders. And plot twists so utterly heart breaking… I will not recover from this. Had to take a break in the last 10% to get myself together to be able to finish. Worth it by my goodness my heart is in shambles.

[Alina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I give this book 1000 stars? I would if I could.

This book completely wrecked me and I'm not ready to recover from it. 💔

I did not see a lot of these things coming and I feel totally blindsided. Now I can only think about the next book and how long it is until we can read it 😭😭

LE:
It's been days since I've finished the book and it's still in my mind, I just can't stop thinking about Emmeline and Roremar. How much they've both fought to get to where they are and how much more they want to do for their families and how fate had a bigger role to play in their lives.

Fate can be a cruel fickle thing, can't it?

I'm really hoping this will be a HUGE release for Nicole, the book is really amazing and it deserves all the love and all the hype it's getting and will be getting once it reaches more people.

[Victoria Pietsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was so beyond excited to receive an eARC since The Curse of Ophelia is probably my all time favourite series.

THIS BOOK THOUGH! ⭐ 6 STARS ⭐ The tension and yearning in this is unmatched to anything I've read before. The story was so exciting & layered. The mystery kept me in suspense the entire book, and I never suspected how it was going to play out. All of my theories were wrong and I love that! I will be thinking about these characters until the next book comes out 😩

[Frida · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first page I was hooked and had a hard time to put the book down. This has amazing worldbuilding and unique magic system. This book is emotionell rollercoster ride. Roremar is the mmc who is investigating a murder along with Emmeline the fmc. Both are stong characters that draws you in. Lookong forward to reading more of this amazing world 😍

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

AGHHH this was so good!!! I loooove a mystery and weaving together that with my love for fantasy romance was SO much fun!!!! The main characters were so interesting and the push and pull was everything. The cliff??? Goodbyeeeeee I need more!!!