Cassara Allencourt had it all and she wore it like a crown. She knew exactly who she was—first of her class, heir to a legacy, and too powerful to fail.
Overnight, her world shatters and Cassara is forced to fight for every inch of status she once took for granted. Failure isn’t an option—not when it means returning home, forfeiting her future, and marrying the boy who sees her as a prize to possess.
But the battlefield isn't the only place she's losing control.
There's her combat instructor, forbidden and dangerous, whose touch she shouldn't crave and whose attention burns like a brand.
And the disciplined rival forced to fight beside her, the only one who sees past her armor and dares to challenge what's beneath.
Torn between the instructor she shouldn't want, the rival who challenges everything she thought she knew, and a future that was decided for her long ago, Cassara must decide what's worth more—her freedom or her heart.
Because at Vallemont, power is survival, love is a liability…
I received a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review: warning- some spoilers* Tamed is a fantasy academic story with a games a trials flare to it. The story follows Cassara, an upper class girl with an elitist mindset who is trying to break free of the shackles of her life and impending arranged marriage by enrolling in the magically beast tamer academy. Her domineering father allows her to go, following in the footsteps of her deceased mom,- but if she doesn’t place in the top tier she has to return and accept her betrothal. At the academy she is followed by her unwanted fiancée who she believes is a friend but he shows his true colors quickly. Cass eases into the academic life like an spoon through a steak- she digs her heals in, initially rejecting every offer of help and friendship offered intimately showing she’s in very well trained and has innate talent. However, she slowly- and perhaps a bit too slowly (honestly it was aggravating slow) realizes that real friendships are needed to succeed. In the middle of her training and academics- she finds herself inexplicably confused between two love interests- a brooding student with a family steeped in scandal or an even more brooding instructor who lives in the realm of secrets. Cass has to unravel her true feelings for each love interest while also trying to come out in the top of her class to claim her own destiny from the choices that her father and other men in her society try to control. This story had me falling in love with the mythical beasts and the authors at times overly descriptive technology. The characters that are side characters are easily lovable in their flawed traits. There are parts of the story that feel there are lots of unanswered questions. There are so many questions that I hope are going to be answered and that the author intentionally left open to continue to not only the story, but also add insights and backgrounds into the stories into the characters. I fail to believe that an author who shows so much talent and description into the world building is unwittingly leaves gaps in the background of the man characters and even with Cass’s mom. The story as it stands now I would rate an 8 1/2 out of 10, but it has the potential to be a full-blown 10 out of 10 with what I truly believe is the authors intentional gaps I would rate the spice as a one out of five and I would rather sacrifice spice for plot any day. I look forward to the next installment and can’t wait for its release so I can continue to recommend this to all of my friends.
Disclaimer: I was sent this book as an ARC by the author. All views are mine and have not been influenced by anybody else.
Avelley Greers writing goes from strength to strength. From Elliam and Briar to Cassara, Auren and Gideon the depth of her characters is wonderful to see. I do recommend checking trigger warnings before reading as all of them touch of darker subject matter.
Cassaras world is mix of steampunk elements, fantasy, and a layered love story which had me binge reading this over a couple of days and I'm going to be watching for the next book in the series. I don't normally buy a physical copy of ARC reads but I have with Greers books as they are too good to put down. If you'd like something a bit different then I highly recommend Tamed. I'm putting this one up there with Fourth Wing in my favourites.
I have never read a book that has to completely different subjects-magic and tech-that is so blended beautifully together. Not only that but the characters development and growth was phenomenal ilI felt all the emotions right along with Cassara. Flicker is my absolute favorite character out of this book! This book gave fourth wing vibes but with more magic and more technology-honestly its very steam punk and I love it. Exactly the book I've been searching for since Fourth Wing. Will recommend to everyone.
Aetherian Legacy brings a fresh take to the world of fantasy with Tamed, a story that blends romance, magic, and self-discovery in a beautifully crafted world. Avelley Greer does an excellent job of developing complex characters and relationships that pull you in from the very first page.
The chemistry between the main characters is undeniable, and the slow-burn romance feels genuine, with emotional stakes that really drive the narrative forward. The protagonist's journey of growth, both personally and in terms of their bond with others, is what really makes the story shine. It’s a tale of vulnerability, strength, and learning to trust again.
The world-building is immersive, filled with rich details that draw you deeper into the Aetherian world. Greer’s writing creates a vivid atmosphere, and while the pacing slows down in some spots, the emotional payoff is well worth it. There’s an undeniable magic to the story, and it’s easy to get swept away by the beauty of the characters’ journey.
I received this as an EARC, and I’m so glad I did. Tamed is a captivating read for fans of romantic fantasy, with just the right balance of emotional depth and magical intrigue.
Avelley has quickly become an author that I trust. Everything that I've read has been top tier, and this book is no exception. Tamed has- Academy romance, the most creative creatures, forbidden romance, rivals to lovers, love square that had me changing my mind and doubting myself, tension, spice, banter, some of the absolute sweetest scenes, action, friendships, phenomenal world building, and high stakes.
I instantly fell in love with the characters. Each one was so unique. About halfway through the book, I realized she didn't even need to use dialogue tags because everyone's voice is so distinct.
The slow reveal/progression of the villain was brilliantly done.
She does a beautiful job describing their world and everything in it, but if you're not visual (like me) I highly suggest heading over to her TikTok page and watching her videos to get a better idea of what everything looks like. To me, the vibes of Tamed are like if Treasure Planet, Avatar, and One Tree Hill had a baby.
Pick it up; you won't regret it. As of 2/28, her ARCs are still open. 💕
Cassara Allencourt had the legacy, the talent, the power. Then Vallemont said: earn it.
She's fighting for her rank, her freedom, and a future that refuses to stay "arranged" and quiet. Add in a forbidden combat instructor, a rival forced to stand at her side, and an arcanepunk world crawling with beasts... and suddenly survival gets complicated.
Tamed is giving power games, sharp yearning, and danger with teeth. The world building is perfect, I was drawn in from the beginning. The slow burn romance & sexual tension is 🔥 I enjoyed watching the FMC come alive & get comfortable in her own skin. I definitely recommend you adding this one to your TBR.