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The Hirathean Path #1
Web of Vows and Vengeance: A Dark Enemies To Lovers Fantasy Romance Novel
"They say vengeance is a blade best kept sharp, and my dagger has been honed with every betrayal."
Web of Vows and Vengeance is the first in a dark, spicy slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romantasy series, perfect for fans of Fourth Wing, The Serpent and the Wings of the Night, and Throne of Glass.
Tropes you’ll love:
Enemies to Lovers
Deadly Tournament
Slow-Burn Romance
Underdog Heroine
Brooding Royal MMC
Forced Proximity
Gods & Goddesses
----------------------------------------------------------
Stripped of power. Fuelled by vengeance.
She lost everything because of his lie. Now the only way to save her sister is to win a deadly competition that could cost her the only thing she has left: her life.
When Prince Kyor twisted the truth about his mother’s death, Rose paid the price. Her family was stripped of their magic, cast into the slums, and abandoned by the kingdom they once served. Now her parents are gone, and her younger sister’s future hangs in the balance.
Rose’s only hope is the Tournament of the Gifting, a brutal competition held once a century, where the victor earns a blessing from the Goddess of Life. The catch? Every other contender wields the very power she was robbed of.
And Prince Kyor is among them. Commander of the armies. Rider of a bonded dire wolf. Wielder of lightning. He doesn’t just want to win for vanity – he wants the gift for himself. But what could a man who has it all possibly want?
Thrown into a world of magic, monsters, and merciless trials, Rose must fight not only for survival but for the chance to reclaim her future. Along the way, she’ll find unlikely allies, ruthless rivals, and a dangerous connection with her greatest enemy – one that could ruin or remake her.
Web of Vows and Vengeance is a dark, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romantasy, set in a Nordic-inspired world, featuring deadly trials, found family, gods and goddesses, political intrigue, and an underdog heroine who refuses to stay broken.
This is a story of heartbreak, vengeance, and the kind of power that can never be taken.
Web of Vows and Vengeance is the first in a dark, spicy slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romantasy series, perfect for fans of Fourth Wing, The Serpent and the Wings of the Night, and Throne of Glass.
Tropes you’ll love:
Enemies to Lovers
Deadly Tournament
Slow-Burn Romance
Underdog Heroine
Brooding Royal MMC
Forced Proximity
Gods & Goddesses
----------------------------------------------------------
Stripped of power. Fuelled by vengeance.
She lost everything because of his lie. Now the only way to save her sister is to win a deadly competition that could cost her the only thing she has left: her life.
When Prince Kyor twisted the truth about his mother’s death, Rose paid the price. Her family was stripped of their magic, cast into the slums, and abandoned by the kingdom they once served. Now her parents are gone, and her younger sister’s future hangs in the balance.
Rose’s only hope is the Tournament of the Gifting, a brutal competition held once a century, where the victor earns a blessing from the Goddess of Life. The catch? Every other contender wields the very power she was robbed of.
And Prince Kyor is among them. Commander of the armies. Rider of a bonded dire wolf. Wielder of lightning. He doesn’t just want to win for vanity – he wants the gift for himself. But what could a man who has it all possibly want?
Thrown into a world of magic, monsters, and merciless trials, Rose must fight not only for survival but for the chance to reclaim her future. Along the way, she’ll find unlikely allies, ruthless rivals, and a dangerous connection with her greatest enemy – one that could ruin or remake her.
Web of Vows and Vengeance is a dark, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romantasy, set in a Nordic-inspired world, featuring deadly trials, found family, gods and goddesses, political intrigue, and an underdog heroine who refuses to stay broken.
This is a story of heartbreak, vengeance, and the kind of power that can never be taken.
540 pages, Hardcover
First published February 27, 2026
174 people are currently reading
5025 people want to read
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Review of advance copy received from Author
WOW.
This audiobook has everything. A gripping pacy story, characters that make your heart ache. The narrators? Sublime. This is a dual narration and it is WONDERFUL. I am so ready for book 2!
This audiobook has everything. A gripping pacy story, characters that make your heart ache. The narrators? Sublime. This is a dual narration and it is WONDERFUL. I am so ready for book 2!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Web of Vows and Vengeance by Aria Ashbrook is the book up for review, and I'm beginning to realize how much I love Romantacy. This will be my second 5 star book of 2026. I was both reading and listening to this book to maximize both experiences.
As for the reading part: this book is very well written. I like the flow of the writing. It's easy to get into and it keeps its strength throughout the book.
As for the listening part: it translates to audio very well, and I feel this is part of the strength at which it was written in the first place. This book was narrated by Amanda Leigh Cobb and Anthony Palmini, and I cannot stress how good of a job they both did. The way I wouldn't have been able to get through the spicy scenes if I had to read this book out loud. 😂😭 They both nailed it perfectly.
As for the story itself: it was quite a wild ride! I love books that keep progressing with each chapter. It was simple but informative when it needed to be, and it was dramatic and extra when it needed to be. I loved the characters. Even the side characters added so much drama. Our main female character, Rose, gets shafted by pretty much everyone else's mistakes and jealousy that stems from her parents, but she never lets it hinder her. Her weaknesses come from being too trusting. It was a good theme for her throughout the book. It created a unique dynamic between her and all the other characters, including her love interest.
The spice, though minimal (it's the first book, duh) was REALLY good. It was built up like a true enemies to lovers story should. It was placed in the parts where it actually made sense and also added to the progression of the story.
This book DOES HAVE CONTENT WARNINGS and I would recommend reading them before picking this one up. The death of the inner circle character(s) was a big one in my opinion.
Overall, this was an extremely strong start to a series. I am really looking forward to the next book coming out this summer. If you like dramatic stories with strong female main characters that overcome the odds, I would recommend this one to you.
Thank you The Nerd Fam and Aria Ashbrook for sending me both a physical copy and audio copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I appreciate it and genuinely loved this book. My full review will be on my Goodreads.
As for the reading part: this book is very well written. I like the flow of the writing. It's easy to get into and it keeps its strength throughout the book.
As for the listening part: it translates to audio very well, and I feel this is part of the strength at which it was written in the first place. This book was narrated by Amanda Leigh Cobb and Anthony Palmini, and I cannot stress how good of a job they both did. The way I wouldn't have been able to get through the spicy scenes if I had to read this book out loud. 😂😭 They both nailed it perfectly.
As for the story itself: it was quite a wild ride! I love books that keep progressing with each chapter. It was simple but informative when it needed to be, and it was dramatic and extra when it needed to be. I loved the characters. Even the side characters added so much drama. Our main female character, Rose, gets shafted by pretty much everyone else's mistakes and jealousy that stems from her parents, but she never lets it hinder her. Her weaknesses come from being too trusting. It was a good theme for her throughout the book. It created a unique dynamic between her and all the other characters, including her love interest.
The spice, though minimal (it's the first book, duh) was REALLY good. It was built up like a true enemies to lovers story should. It was placed in the parts where it actually made sense and also added to the progression of the story.
This book DOES HAVE CONTENT WARNINGS and I would recommend reading them before picking this one up. The death of the inner circle character(s) was a big one in my opinion.
Overall, this was an extremely strong start to a series. I am really looking forward to the next book coming out this summer. If you like dramatic stories with strong female main characters that overcome the odds, I would recommend this one to you.
Thank you The Nerd Fam and Aria Ashbrook for sending me both a physical copy and audio copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I appreciate it and genuinely loved this book. My full review will be on my Goodreads.
February 22, 2026
THIS is what I want when I pick up a romantasy book. It has it all…True enemies to lovers, deadly competitive trials, an FMC built on resiliency, a broody and ruthless MMC, diverse magic, corrupt royalty, traumatic backstories, a delicious slow burn full of tension with a wonderful reward of spicy scenes, and side characters who become family and offer comedic moments that had me laughing out loud. And the banter in this book is EVERYTHING I could have asked for.
Web of Vows and Vengeance provides stunning world building that brings each location to life. The characters are each unique in their personalities, magic abilities, and upbringing, yet the relationships they build with one another is what makes this story so special. How they turn their allegiances into family truly shows the depth of these characters.
The relationship between Rose, our FMC, and Kyor, our MMC, is exactly what you would find in the dictionary next to “enemies to lovers trope.” They journey from blame and hatred for ruined childhoods, to an irresistible attraction, to possibly developing something even deeper is left with a dark cloud of uncertainty looming over their future.
Kyor is the epitome of “touch her and die,” “mine,” and “only vulnerable for her.” The highlighted sections of my book are mostly because of this man…and he’s narrated by Anthony Palmini—need I say more? Rose is the definition of strength, resiliency, and sacrifice. Along the way she finds ways to offer love to others, but still holds true to herself until the very end.
Now I sit here in AGONY while waiting for book 2 because that ending?! *sigh*
A huge thank you to Aria Ashbrook and the Nerd Fam for access to this book. All opinions are my own.
Web of Vows and Vengeance provides stunning world building that brings each location to life. The characters are each unique in their personalities, magic abilities, and upbringing, yet the relationships they build with one another is what makes this story so special. How they turn their allegiances into family truly shows the depth of these characters.
The relationship between Rose, our FMC, and Kyor, our MMC, is exactly what you would find in the dictionary next to “enemies to lovers trope.” They journey from blame and hatred for ruined childhoods, to an irresistible attraction, to possibly developing something even deeper is left with a dark cloud of uncertainty looming over their future.
Kyor is the epitome of “touch her and die,” “mine,” and “only vulnerable for her.” The highlighted sections of my book are mostly because of this man…and he’s narrated by Anthony Palmini—need I say more? Rose is the definition of strength, resiliency, and sacrifice. Along the way she finds ways to offer love to others, but still holds true to herself until the very end.
Now I sit here in AGONY while waiting for book 2 because that ending?! *sigh*
A huge thank you to Aria Ashbrook and the Nerd Fam for access to this book. All opinions are my own.
February 27, 2026
An absolute whirlwind of a good time.
The plot never slows down, we have trials, we have the appearance of direwolves, we have a neat magic system, AND we have a love triangle!!! The ending was WILD!
I love our FMC, she is strong and fiesty and really works hard in order to try to win back her family’s title and magic.
I love a good love triangle too.
This was such a good time and this book scratches an itch that I think people who like Fourth Wing and The Serpent and the Wings of Night would like!
What took it down a notch for me is that I thought the nickname for our FMC was not very original, our FMC/MMC fall in love veryyy fast for a multiple book series, and it did remind me a lot of Dain/Xaden situation from Fourth Wing.
Otherwise, this was great and I really enjoyed reading this!!
~I received this ARC free from The Nerd Fam. Thank you to Aria Ashbrook and The Nerd Fam!! My opinions are my own and voluntarily given~
The plot never slows down, we have trials, we have the appearance of direwolves, we have a neat magic system, AND we have a love triangle!!! The ending was WILD!
I love our FMC, she is strong and fiesty and really works hard in order to try to win back her family’s title and magic.
I love a good love triangle too.
This was such a good time and this book scratches an itch that I think people who like Fourth Wing and The Serpent and the Wings of Night would like!
What took it down a notch for me is that I thought the nickname for our FMC was not very original, our FMC/MMC fall in love veryyy fast for a multiple book series, and it did remind me a lot of Dain/Xaden situation from Fourth Wing.
Otherwise, this was great and I really enjoyed reading this!!
~I received this ARC free from The Nerd Fam. Thank you to Aria Ashbrook and The Nerd Fam!! My opinions are my own and voluntarily given~
March 1, 2026
I really wanted to like this more than I did.
The actual premise is great, and large chunks of it were really well done. But it just overall didn’t hit for me, and I was unfortunately bored through the majority of it.
I struggled with the pacing, there were a lot of minor moments that felt dragged out and unnecessary. It also felt very YA in a lot of areas, and very tropey. I didn’t really connect to any of the characters in a strong way, and things were happening with no emotional impact (for me). The relationship felt like it was lacking chemistry as well.
It was well written though! I can see why a lot of people would like it, and I would recommend it to others. It just sadly didn’t hit for me, and I think because I found it dragging so much in the middle it affected my ability to connect to the story.
The actual premise is great, and large chunks of it were really well done. But it just overall didn’t hit for me, and I was unfortunately bored through the majority of it.
I struggled with the pacing, there were a lot of minor moments that felt dragged out and unnecessary. It also felt very YA in a lot of areas, and very tropey. I didn’t really connect to any of the characters in a strong way, and things were happening with no emotional impact (for me). The relationship felt like it was lacking chemistry as well.
It was well written though! I can see why a lot of people would like it, and I would recommend it to others. It just sadly didn’t hit for me, and I think because I found it dragging so much in the middle it affected my ability to connect to the story.
February 27, 2026
5/5 stars and I think I may have just read my favorite romantasy for 2026. I don't say that lightly this book was amazing. It had everything my little romantasy heart wanted, a tough FMC, storm daddy (my new favorite type of MMC), found family, excellent side characters, wonderful world building and plot, deadly trials, dire wolves, and the pacing was superb. I am a big fan of faster paced fantasy and this book was unputdownable. I ate this up in a matter of a few days and am already downloading the Novella because i just need to be back in this world.
This book features our FMC Rose and her sister Acacia who after the lie by the prince leaves her brother dead, family stripped of their magic, titles, and sent to live in the slums is ready to fight and claw her way back to the life that was wrongly taken from her. Rose looks to enter the kingdom's deadly trials in order to gain the blessing of Etta, a powerful God who can grant you one blessing if you win. Rose is out to win and doesn't care how she has to get there. Our MMC, Kyor is everything. He is broken and because of that he pushes everyone away, everyone but her, which he has a strong desire to guide even though everything about their past says he shouldn't. The tension the sharp banter left me up reading until 3am. Trust me, this is not your traditional trials trope, the trials are immersive and they genuinely make you feel that sense of everything being on the line.
My favorite thing about this book is that it locks you in and doesn't let you go. I needed to know what happened next, the twists and turns, the joy that is felt with Rose opening her heart to her friends and the devastation when....well I won't spoil it but this book does NOT shy away from heartbreak and devastation. Oh and of course the slow burn that left me kicking my feet and smiling. Will I get over this books ending anytime soon? Absolutely not, I need book two immediately and I am so glad that all four books of this series are set to be released all this year. Oh and how can i forget, the audiobook. I love immersive reading this and you have to listen to this book if you get the chance, the MMC Kyor is voiced by the same voice actor as Rhysand and Kingfisher and we all know YOU loved their voice so just do it already! Aria Ashbrook has absolutely earned the auto buy author designation from me!
Thank you so much to NerdFamily and Aria Ashbrook for the early access e-ARC and ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This book features our FMC Rose and her sister Acacia who after the lie by the prince leaves her brother dead, family stripped of their magic, titles, and sent to live in the slums is ready to fight and claw her way back to the life that was wrongly taken from her. Rose looks to enter the kingdom's deadly trials in order to gain the blessing of Etta, a powerful God who can grant you one blessing if you win. Rose is out to win and doesn't care how she has to get there. Our MMC, Kyor is everything. He is broken and because of that he pushes everyone away, everyone but her, which he has a strong desire to guide even though everything about their past says he shouldn't. The tension the sharp banter left me up reading until 3am. Trust me, this is not your traditional trials trope, the trials are immersive and they genuinely make you feel that sense of everything being on the line.
My favorite thing about this book is that it locks you in and doesn't let you go. I needed to know what happened next, the twists and turns, the joy that is felt with Rose opening her heart to her friends and the devastation when....well I won't spoil it but this book does NOT shy away from heartbreak and devastation. Oh and of course the slow burn that left me kicking my feet and smiling. Will I get over this books ending anytime soon? Absolutely not, I need book two immediately and I am so glad that all four books of this series are set to be released all this year. Oh and how can i forget, the audiobook. I love immersive reading this and you have to listen to this book if you get the chance, the MMC Kyor is voiced by the same voice actor as Rhysand and Kingfisher and we all know YOU loved their voice so just do it already! Aria Ashbrook has absolutely earned the auto buy author designation from me!
Thank you so much to NerdFamily and Aria Ashbrook for the early access e-ARC and ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 1, 2026
okay wow. what was in this book and how can I inject it into my veins??
I’ve read my fair share of trial-heavy romantasy, but this one? easily one of my all-time favorites in the “put them through hell and make it hot” category. the stakes were brutal, the pacing relentless, and every challenge felt earned instead of thrown in for drama.
rose is exactly the kind of fmc I live for—resilient without being invincible, emotional without being weak, and sharp enough to survive a world that clearly wants her dead. I adored the side characters and the found family dynamic; every interaction added depth instead of filler.
and then there’s kyor. our sexy storm daddy. the things that came out of that man’s mouth?? the way I blushed so hard should be illegal. the tension between rose and kyor was exquisite torture—slow-burn, electric, and charged in every sense of the word. they gave me major violet-and-xaden energy (hint: lightning hehe), but still felt completely their own. the chemistry? off the charts. the edging? criminal. I needed a moment. possibly holy water.
and that ending??? I had emotional whiplash. just when it felt like rose had finally clawed her way to something resembling peace, everything detonated. that twist—especially that sharp, lingering hint of betrayal—hurt in the best/worst way. I sat there in disbelief. anyway…I am unwell. I need book two immediately. preferably yesterday.
I’ve read my fair share of trial-heavy romantasy, but this one? easily one of my all-time favorites in the “put them through hell and make it hot” category. the stakes were brutal, the pacing relentless, and every challenge felt earned instead of thrown in for drama.
rose is exactly the kind of fmc I live for—resilient without being invincible, emotional without being weak, and sharp enough to survive a world that clearly wants her dead. I adored the side characters and the found family dynamic; every interaction added depth instead of filler.
and then there’s kyor. our sexy storm daddy. the things that came out of that man’s mouth?? the way I blushed so hard should be illegal. the tension between rose and kyor was exquisite torture—slow-burn, electric, and charged in every sense of the word. they gave me major violet-and-xaden energy (hint: lightning hehe), but still felt completely their own. the chemistry? off the charts. the edging? criminal. I needed a moment. possibly holy water.
and that ending??? I had emotional whiplash. just when it felt like rose had finally clawed her way to something resembling peace, everything detonated. that twist—especially that sharp, lingering hint of betrayal—hurt in the best/worst way. I sat there in disbelief. anyway…I am unwell. I need book two immediately. preferably yesterday.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book had me hooked from the beginning. I even found the content advisory entertaining. “Characters were harmed in the making of this story. Emotional support tissues recommended.” I knew I would like her writing after reading that. This is a true enemies to lovers story with trials (both my favorites). When I say enemies to lovers, our MMC is responsible for all of Rose’s misfortunes. Prince Kyor lied when they were children about Rose‘s mother killing the queen. As punishment, the king killed her baby brother, and stripped her entire family of their magic and threw them to the slumps. Now in an attempt to give her sister a better life, Rose sneaks into a God‘s temple to plead her case to be placed in trials where they get a wish from the Goddess Etta. She is selected, despite having no magic, but so is the prince. The characters in this book are so well written- from the MC’s to the side characters and villains. I would recommend having that emotional support tissue available if you are a cryer. The ending felt a bit rushed and left so many things unanswered. Particularly one that is driving me crazy! I am grateful for receiving an ARC copy since it was a great book. These thoughts are my own. This is my first book by the authors, but will not be the last. I will definitely read some of their other books and continue this series.
Tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Forced proximity
Found family
Morally grey MC
Underdog heroine
Deadly tournament / trials
Gods and Goddess
Secrets and lies
Political tension
Tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Forced proximity
Found family
Morally grey MC
Underdog heroine
Deadly tournament / trials
Gods and Goddess
Secrets and lies
Political tension
February 23, 2026
*RECEIVED AN ADVANCED READER COPY OF THE AUDIOBOOK:
3.25 ⭐️!
I found this book quite enjoyable and will now add it to my collection of recommendations for those reading Romantasy/Fantasy for the first time.
I do believe the plot and magical world system comes across as more YA. It’s simple to follow, while the magic system and how some people come by their powers is never actually explained.
As much as I LOVE a good enemies to lovers, I found it very hard to wrap my head around how Rose could fall for the MMC. What he did was inexcusable, no matter how young they were. And the ending…🫨
I loved Rose as a FMC, she was gritty, and powerful, and unapologetic. I do find it really hard to back a heroine who is fighting for wealth and power she had stripped from her, rather than the greater good. The need to see her younger sister as a lady at court held very little interest to me.
I look forward to the second book and seeing what Rose gets up to!
3.25 ⭐️!
I found this book quite enjoyable and will now add it to my collection of recommendations for those reading Romantasy/Fantasy for the first time.
I do believe the plot and magical world system comes across as more YA. It’s simple to follow, while the magic system and how some people come by their powers is never actually explained.
As much as I LOVE a good enemies to lovers, I found it very hard to wrap my head around how Rose could fall for the MMC. What he did was inexcusable, no matter how young they were. And the ending…🫨
I loved Rose as a FMC, she was gritty, and powerful, and unapologetic. I do find it really hard to back a heroine who is fighting for wealth and power she had stripped from her, rather than the greater good. The need to see her younger sister as a lady at court held very little interest to me.
I look forward to the second book and seeing what Rose gets up to!
![Profile Image for Jamey [Longhollow.Lore].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1751370206i%2F7284478._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
February 26, 2026
Aria Ashbrook (which I learned is actually an author duo) was completely new to me, and I went in blind and ready to be wrecked. We do not ease into this story. We are dropped straight into ruin. Rose’s family destroyed. Magic stripped. Reputation shattered. Absolute rock bottom.
And from that moment? I wanted blood. Redemption. Something.
Rose has one thing in sight: vengeance. But underneath that is big-sister desperation. Protect the sibling. Fix what was broken. Carry the weight even if it crushes you. She has that “I will ruin myself before I let you fall” energy, and sometimes it hurts to watch.
Now let’s talk about the Tournament.
I have read trial stories where the danger feels decorative. Where the deaths are distant. Not here. Here it feels sharp. Political alliances feel like traps. Supporters feel suspicious. Every victory costs something. If you want a blessing from a goddess, you better be ready to bleed for it. And when there can only be one winner? Trust becomes a liability.
And then. Kyor.
The push. The pull. The arrogance. The lightning. The dire wolf. I was unwell. Their dynamic is slow-burn in the way that makes you feral. Every glance feels loaded. Every conversation feels like a chess match with tension simmering underneath. And yes, I slowed down the audiobook every time Anthony Palmini voiced Kyor. (thirsty much?)
And that ending? Book two has debts to pay.
Special thanks to Aria Ashbrook and NerdFam for the early eARC and ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
And from that moment? I wanted blood. Redemption. Something.
Rose has one thing in sight: vengeance. But underneath that is big-sister desperation. Protect the sibling. Fix what was broken. Carry the weight even if it crushes you. She has that “I will ruin myself before I let you fall” energy, and sometimes it hurts to watch.
Now let’s talk about the Tournament.
I have read trial stories where the danger feels decorative. Where the deaths are distant. Not here. Here it feels sharp. Political alliances feel like traps. Supporters feel suspicious. Every victory costs something. If you want a blessing from a goddess, you better be ready to bleed for it. And when there can only be one winner? Trust becomes a liability.
And then. Kyor.
The push. The pull. The arrogance. The lightning. The dire wolf. I was unwell. Their dynamic is slow-burn in the way that makes you feral. Every glance feels loaded. Every conversation feels like a chess match with tension simmering underneath. And yes, I slowed down the audiobook every time Anthony Palmini voiced Kyor. (thirsty much?)
And that ending? Book two has debts to pay.
Special thanks to Aria Ashbrook and NerdFam for the early eARC and ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 26, 2026
Web of Vows and Vengeance by Aria Ashbrook
The Hirathean Path book 1
Duet narration by Amanda Leigh Cobb and Anthony Palmini
Amanda and Anthony did a wonderful job with this! I'm always excited for a duet narration and these two never disappoint. They have great inflection and voices for characters and they bring all the emotion to keep me sucked in!
Found family, slow burn, enemies to lovers, deadly tournament, underdog FMC without magic, banter, brooding royal MMC with lighting and storm magic, forced proximity, quest for vengeance, bonded dire wolves, longing, training scenes, good girl
Rose has entered a deadly competition to try to win back magic after was stripped from her and her family when she was young. She needs it to keep her and her sister alive in the slums where they now live. And the man she blames, Prince Kyor, and is also entering the competition. Perfect. She can get back at him and gain magic back at the same time. But as she is forced to spend more time with him, she is realizing he may not be the monster she thought he was. But can she trust him as they continue to work through the challenges?
I was quickly addicted to this story!! And oh Anthony made Kyor even more delectable! Lighting magic is used in fun ways, just wait til you read it. We get a delicious slow burn and I usually try not to compare MMCs, but Kyor is giving some major Xaden energy and I am here for it! This book has all the emotions as well as a bit of mystery as Rose tries to find answers for a deadly secret secret. Oh the ending! Urg! It had me sitting down from what I was doing to take it in for a few minutes. Twist of the knife! I can't wait for the next book!!
The Hirathean Path book 1
Duet narration by Amanda Leigh Cobb and Anthony Palmini
Amanda and Anthony did a wonderful job with this! I'm always excited for a duet narration and these two never disappoint. They have great inflection and voices for characters and they bring all the emotion to keep me sucked in!
Found family, slow burn, enemies to lovers, deadly tournament, underdog FMC without magic, banter, brooding royal MMC with lighting and storm magic, forced proximity, quest for vengeance, bonded dire wolves, longing, training scenes, good girl
Rose has entered a deadly competition to try to win back magic after was stripped from her and her family when she was young. She needs it to keep her and her sister alive in the slums where they now live. And the man she blames, Prince Kyor, and is also entering the competition. Perfect. She can get back at him and gain magic back at the same time. But as she is forced to spend more time with him, she is realizing he may not be the monster she thought he was. But can she trust him as they continue to work through the challenges?
I was quickly addicted to this story!! And oh Anthony made Kyor even more delectable! Lighting magic is used in fun ways, just wait til you read it. We get a delicious slow burn and I usually try not to compare MMCs, but Kyor is giving some major Xaden energy and I am here for it! This book has all the emotions as well as a bit of mystery as Rose tries to find answers for a deadly secret secret. Oh the ending! Urg! It had me sitting down from what I was doing to take it in for a few minutes. Twist of the knife! I can't wait for the next book!!
February 27, 2026
3.0 ⭐️ | This is your stereotypically romantasy. The MCs "HATE" each other due to past trauma that was dealt to each of their families when they were children and although we have strong declarations of "love" by the end of the book, we never ONCE got a conversation about moving past said trauma to warrant a relationship. "Do you trust me? Yes." Okay let's bang and love each other now I guess.
I will say that I enjoyed the writing style and the engaging trials. That was the best part NGL. I also liked the two characters that died but kept the story alive.
But outside that, everything was kinda copy and paste of other books I have been reading in this genre for years. Dire Wolves? Cool, we read about them for 5 whole sentences. Female on Female hate for no reason, check. A love match that gets spicy for no other reason outside of sexual attraction, you got it. A blonde haired male interest that is hiding secrets and downplaying the FMC..there's that too in spades.
Even the ending was lame. What do you mean the 18 year sister that is dating a douchebag winds up married to an old rich dude to hide the pregnancy? And then the MMC protects the FMC by giving his cruel king of a dad a speech to get him off his back but ohh, the FMC is gonna take it personally and in that, breaks her heart? COME ON.
I seriously don't know how there are 3 more books to a series that really gave us nothing to build off of outside of the trials to continue forward but here we are.
Thank you to the author and the Nerd Fam for the ARC
I will say that I enjoyed the writing style and the engaging trials. That was the best part NGL. I also liked the two characters that died but kept the story alive.
But outside that, everything was kinda copy and paste of other books I have been reading in this genre for years. Dire Wolves? Cool, we read about them for 5 whole sentences. Female on Female hate for no reason, check. A love match that gets spicy for no other reason outside of sexual attraction, you got it. A blonde haired male interest that is hiding secrets and downplaying the FMC..there's that too in spades.
Even the ending was lame. What do you mean the 18 year sister that is dating a douchebag winds up married to an old rich dude to hide the pregnancy? And then the MMC protects the FMC by giving his cruel king of a dad a speech to get him off his back but ohh, the FMC is gonna take it personally and in that, breaks her heart? COME ON.
I seriously don't know how there are 3 more books to a series that really gave us nothing to build off of outside of the trials to continue forward but here we are.
Thank you to the author and the Nerd Fam for the ARC
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2026
This book was so jam packed with action, and the author kept me guessing the whole time!
This book had enemies to lovers, found family, secrets and lies, an underdog heroine, and deadly trials, constantly kept me on my toes and was filled with likeable characters throughout. The FMC is a level of courageous and fierce that I would consider as more than many other FMCs because she went into the trials with absolutely nothing, but never backed down. Kyor is such a well written character because he definitely fulfills the enemy role well, but you can’t help but be intrigued by him from the start. This one was also a true enemies to lovers, which is my most favorite trope, and the author truly delivered on the slow burn! I started out with this audiobook excited to listen to it, enjoyed hearing about the trials unravel and the rich description of the events, to then absolutely being hooked by the time the ending came. The narrators were incredible, with perfect inflection and emotion that kept me enthralled with the story and my heart racing through every action scene. That ENDING! I am just happy that there is a book 2! This is definitely one to bump to the top of your TBR!
This book had enemies to lovers, found family, secrets and lies, an underdog heroine, and deadly trials, constantly kept me on my toes and was filled with likeable characters throughout. The FMC is a level of courageous and fierce that I would consider as more than many other FMCs because she went into the trials with absolutely nothing, but never backed down. Kyor is such a well written character because he definitely fulfills the enemy role well, but you can’t help but be intrigued by him from the start. This one was also a true enemies to lovers, which is my most favorite trope, and the author truly delivered on the slow burn! I started out with this audiobook excited to listen to it, enjoyed hearing about the trials unravel and the rich description of the events, to then absolutely being hooked by the time the ending came. The narrators were incredible, with perfect inflection and emotion that kept me enthralled with the story and my heart racing through every action scene. That ENDING! I am just happy that there is a book 2! This is definitely one to bump to the top of your TBR!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rose has not had an easy life for the last ten or so years. A lie told by a grieving boy upended her families world, it had them all stripped of their magic, their wealth, their titles, their home, and the youngest child. Living in the slums with both parents gone, Rose has taken care of her little sister Kay, but she wants to get Kay out of there and the only way she sees that happening is through the Goddess Etta's Retterheld. A life or death challenge that the winner is gifted a single gift from the Goddess herself. Rose enters in secret but even with her determination she is still shocked when she is chosen to enter the trials. Rose couldn't anticipate the violence or inner turmoil and destruction that she would be facing.
Rose is such a formidable character. The author did such a great job of making her layered and someone to root for. She is the underdog with the whole kingdom betting against her living through the trials. She is fiesty and her temper may get her put in a few spots, but it works so well for her. I loved the friends and characters of Benny and Llinos, they softened the story and added humor and a safe harbor for our battered girl. The enemy you see in this story first is a complex and complicated character, but what is on the surface isn't what may be true. The first friend though, that man, there are too many secrets there for me to trust the motives. It was fascinating to see how the author layered each secret and story and allowed them to roll and ravel, I truely look forward to what happens in the next book as so much is left open here.
Rose is such a formidable character. The author did such a great job of making her layered and someone to root for. She is the underdog with the whole kingdom betting against her living through the trials. She is fiesty and her temper may get her put in a few spots, but it works so well for her. I loved the friends and characters of Benny and Llinos, they softened the story and added humor and a safe harbor for our battered girl. The enemy you see in this story first is a complex and complicated character, but what is on the surface isn't what may be true. The first friend though, that man, there are too many secrets there for me to trust the motives. It was fascinating to see how the author layered each secret and story and allowed them to roll and ravel, I truely look forward to what happens in the next book as so much is left open here.
February 27, 2026
Sometimes you come across a real gem. A book that is just so good you hope it never ends. The world the story transports you to is such pure perfection you never want to leave.
That is this book.
How do I reach through the screen to grab hold of you and stress the greatness of this read?
The magical setting, the world building, the incredible characters that become your friends and are by your side as you all fight through the trials the Goddess Etta has arranged.
Then the heartache as loved characters are torn away, plot twists occur, secrets spill out, and true intentions are brought forward.
Trust that you want to meet Rose, a fierce FMC who doesn’t give up and the rest of the group of warriors selected for the Retterheld.
This book is now my personality.
Thank you so much Nerdfam for the opportunity to review this outstanding book and writing.
That is this book.
How do I reach through the screen to grab hold of you and stress the greatness of this read?
The magical setting, the world building, the incredible characters that become your friends and are by your side as you all fight through the trials the Goddess Etta has arranged.
Then the heartache as loved characters are torn away, plot twists occur, secrets spill out, and true intentions are brought forward.
Trust that you want to meet Rose, a fierce FMC who doesn’t give up and the rest of the group of warriors selected for the Retterheld.
This book is now my personality.
Thank you so much Nerdfam for the opportunity to review this outstanding book and writing.
Review of advance copy
4.5*
A woman from the slums who has been stripped of her magic enters a trial to help save her sister and restore her family's honor.
Oh, this was a good one. Is the concept wholey new and fresh? No. Is the outcome predictable? Maybe. Is it a twisted rollercoaster? Yes. Is it fun? Absolutely yes. Is the audiobook awesome? Yes, yes, yes! There's a lot to unpack and lots of unanswered questions but that's why it's book 1 of the series. It does leave things on sorta a cliffhanger. I knew things were wrapping up too nicely and then bam! But that won't keep me from singing this book's praises. I just really enjoyed it and definitely recommend the audiobook.
A woman from the slums who has been stripped of her magic enters a trial to help save her sister and restore her family's honor.
Oh, this was a good one. Is the concept wholey new and fresh? No. Is the outcome predictable? Maybe. Is it a twisted rollercoaster? Yes. Is it fun? Absolutely yes. Is the audiobook awesome? Yes, yes, yes! There's a lot to unpack and lots of unanswered questions but that's why it's book 1 of the series. It does leave things on sorta a cliffhanger. I knew things were wrapping up too nicely and then bam! But that won't keep me from singing this book's praises. I just really enjoyed it and definitely recommend the audiobook.
February 21, 2026
Any book that can make me gasp at the ending, and make me want to read the next is a great one. Obviously this happened with this book. This book made me cry (hasn’t happened in a while), laugh, feel concerned, and I just enjoyed the book.
This book made me want to continue listening and I haven’t had that in a while.
Thankyou for letting me enjoy this ARC, I’m excited to see where book 2 goes!
This book made me want to continue listening and I haven’t had that in a while.
Thankyou for letting me enjoy this ARC, I’m excited to see where book 2 goes!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow what a read! I read this for an ARC and it is Soooo good! Had me laughing and crying.
Are you a fan of books about MC joining a Trial, similar to books like Hunger Games? If so Read this book! Here the MFC and others have to try to make it to the Goddess Etta's temple to say their pray and ask to be accepted. They have to get there without being caught or dying. Rose makes it and then has to wait to see if shes choosen and deemed worthy to move on to the Retterheld. Shes chosen and now her adventure begins.
Rose Kultavaris and her family had been stripped of their magic, status, and home all because of one lie by a young child. Left to live in the slums, only to loose her parents, she is left to raise her younger sister alone.
She wanted more for her sister, Kay, so when she heard the Retterheld was going to start soon she decided she wanted in so she could win "a gift" from the goddess. She made it. Now can she face foes, without her magic, that are bigger, stronger and that have magic of their own??
Read A Web of Vows and Vengeance to find out and experience love, friendship, pain, rage, death, tears and hope with Rose, especially if you like enemies to lovers😉
Are you a fan of books about MC joining a Trial, similar to books like Hunger Games? If so Read this book! Here the MFC and others have to try to make it to the Goddess Etta's temple to say their pray and ask to be accepted. They have to get there without being caught or dying. Rose makes it and then has to wait to see if shes choosen and deemed worthy to move on to the Retterheld. Shes chosen and now her adventure begins.
Rose Kultavaris and her family had been stripped of their magic, status, and home all because of one lie by a young child. Left to live in the slums, only to loose her parents, she is left to raise her younger sister alone.
She wanted more for her sister, Kay, so when she heard the Retterheld was going to start soon she decided she wanted in so she could win "a gift" from the goddess. She made it. Now can she face foes, without her magic, that are bigger, stronger and that have magic of their own??
Read A Web of Vows and Vengeance to find out and experience love, friendship, pain, rage, death, tears and hope with Rose, especially if you like enemies to lovers😉
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC provided by Aria Ashbrook in exchange for honest review.
Wow! What an absolute rollercoaster ride Web of Vows and Vengeance was! Aria Ashbrook, take a bow!
Rose Kultavaris is barely scraping by. Stripped of her powers when the Crown Prince blamed her Mother for his Mother's death, she now lives in the slums with her only surviving family, her sister Kay. Desperate to protect her at all costs, Rose will do anything - and when she finds out a Retterheld is coming - a tournament where the prize is a gift from the goddess Etta, she doesn't hesitate to enter, even knowing there is every chance she will die trying to win. As the tournament begins, Rose finds both allies and enemies - and herself in the middle of a love triangle. Will she prevail and win the gifting? And what will happen to her heart in the process?
Rose is an absolute badass of an FMC. She is fierce, stubborn, brave, bold and feels deeply, be it love or hate. Her absolute goal is for Kay to have her powers and title returned to her, ensuring her safety and wellbeing for the future, but she doesn't expect to feel so deeply for some of her fellow contestants. Llinos and Benny are wonderful friends to her, friends like she's never had before. They epitomise safety, warmth and loyalty, and it quickly becomes clear that they are ride or die, true allies. Jonas knew Rose before she was stripped of her powers, and at first it looks like something will happen romantically between them - but someone else has caught her eye. Forbidden fruit. Crown Prince Kyor - the very same prince who condemned Rose's family to a life without their power, cast out in the slums.
Rose and Kyor are enemies-to-lovers in every sense, and it is a joy to watch their relationship unfold. Kyor recognises Rose instantly, seeming to despise her, but always hovering, watching and disguising concern with contempt. Rose is disgusted by the way her body responds to him, but when she discovers that things are not all they seem with him, walls start to break down. What I loved about Kyor was his insistence on sexual contact being for the right reasons, being honourable towards her. This seeming devil seems to have a very soft centre when it comes to her - but as always revelations will out, and the ending of this book had me devastated for our heroine on multiple fronts.
It would be remiss of me not to give mention to Zara. Zara is the ultimate bitch, launching into her role immediately and with aplomb. Her magic is cruel and vindictive, and she is the queen of spite. She is a fantastic villain throughout and you absolutely love to hate her!
This is a chunky novel, but it is paced perfectly. There are the peaks of the trials, action packed and almost cinematic in their imagery, but the troughs do not in any sense feel boring - stuffed with intrigue, betrayal, lust, alliances and discoveries. There is no point where I wasn't gripped.
Aria Ashbrook is not afraid to rip out your heart! There are two deaths that had me in tears (I don't quite know if I can forgive one!), one that gave me the most savage and primal joy, and multiple points that leave your mouth falling open in horror. They have embraced the Romantasy genre with open arms and created an opener to a series that promises to be every bit as good as some of the classics. It is left on the most brutal of cliffhangers. But you know that Rose Kultavaris is a survivor, a battler, a fierce warrior - and that she deserves the happy ending. I'm desperate to know what comes next for our heroine!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book!
Wow! What an absolute rollercoaster ride Web of Vows and Vengeance was! Aria Ashbrook, take a bow!
Rose Kultavaris is barely scraping by. Stripped of her powers when the Crown Prince blamed her Mother for his Mother's death, she now lives in the slums with her only surviving family, her sister Kay. Desperate to protect her at all costs, Rose will do anything - and when she finds out a Retterheld is coming - a tournament where the prize is a gift from the goddess Etta, she doesn't hesitate to enter, even knowing there is every chance she will die trying to win. As the tournament begins, Rose finds both allies and enemies - and herself in the middle of a love triangle. Will she prevail and win the gifting? And what will happen to her heart in the process?
Rose is an absolute badass of an FMC. She is fierce, stubborn, brave, bold and feels deeply, be it love or hate. Her absolute goal is for Kay to have her powers and title returned to her, ensuring her safety and wellbeing for the future, but she doesn't expect to feel so deeply for some of her fellow contestants. Llinos and Benny are wonderful friends to her, friends like she's never had before. They epitomise safety, warmth and loyalty, and it quickly becomes clear that they are ride or die, true allies. Jonas knew Rose before she was stripped of her powers, and at first it looks like something will happen romantically between them - but someone else has caught her eye. Forbidden fruit. Crown Prince Kyor - the very same prince who condemned Rose's family to a life without their power, cast out in the slums.
Rose and Kyor are enemies-to-lovers in every sense, and it is a joy to watch their relationship unfold. Kyor recognises Rose instantly, seeming to despise her, but always hovering, watching and disguising concern with contempt. Rose is disgusted by the way her body responds to him, but when she discovers that things are not all they seem with him, walls start to break down. What I loved about Kyor was his insistence on sexual contact being for the right reasons, being honourable towards her. This seeming devil seems to have a very soft centre when it comes to her - but as always revelations will out, and the ending of this book had me devastated for our heroine on multiple fronts.
It would be remiss of me not to give mention to Zara. Zara is the ultimate bitch, launching into her role immediately and with aplomb. Her magic is cruel and vindictive, and she is the queen of spite. She is a fantastic villain throughout and you absolutely love to hate her!
This is a chunky novel, but it is paced perfectly. There are the peaks of the trials, action packed and almost cinematic in their imagery, but the troughs do not in any sense feel boring - stuffed with intrigue, betrayal, lust, alliances and discoveries. There is no point where I wasn't gripped.
Aria Ashbrook is not afraid to rip out your heart! There are two deaths that had me in tears (I don't quite know if I can forgive one!), one that gave me the most savage and primal joy, and multiple points that leave your mouth falling open in horror. They have embraced the Romantasy genre with open arms and created an opener to a series that promises to be every bit as good as some of the classics. It is left on the most brutal of cliffhangers. But you know that Rose Kultavaris is a survivor, a battler, a fierce warrior - and that she deserves the happy ending. I'm desperate to know what comes next for our heroine!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book!
February 23, 2026
Web of Vows and Vengeance is the first of four planned books in the Hirathean Path series by author duo Aria Ashbrook. It‘s a dark romantasy filled with deadly trials, found family and a real enemies-to-lovers story arc.
First of all, if you‘re a fan of audiobooks, go for it! I was lucky and got an ALC. It‘s a duet narration (always a bonus!) by Amanda Leigh Cobb and Anthony Palmini and the two did such a fantastic job with it! From the first chapter, I was enthralled and couldn‘t stop listening. Since I like to clean while listening to audiobooks, my home now is as neat as it’s going to get.
Honestly, the pacing of WOVAV kept me on my toes the whole time; there were so many twists and turns and no one is safe; death is always around the corner. Rose is a heroine exactly how I like them. She‘s the underdog, driven by desperation; she claws her way to the top and yet she has this soft, almost naive side that makes her approachable. Kyor seems to be the exact opposite of her. The prince, the privileged one, who through his lies took everything from Rose and her family. And yet, on a closer look, he‘s not how Rose thought he would be. (Also, he has a serious dirty mouth on him… 🥵).
I‘m highly invested in all the intrigues and politics I see coming for the next books and I also can‘t wait to see more of the Direwolfs and learn what their part in this story will be!
If you like books like Direbound, Kissed by the Gods, or The Serpent and the Wings of Night, Web of Vows and Vengeance is a must-read for you!
Thank you to Aria Ashbrook and The NerdFam for sending me an ARC/ALC. All opinions are my own.
First of all, if you‘re a fan of audiobooks, go for it! I was lucky and got an ALC. It‘s a duet narration (always a bonus!) by Amanda Leigh Cobb and Anthony Palmini and the two did such a fantastic job with it! From the first chapter, I was enthralled and couldn‘t stop listening. Since I like to clean while listening to audiobooks, my home now is as neat as it’s going to get.
Honestly, the pacing of WOVAV kept me on my toes the whole time; there were so many twists and turns and no one is safe; death is always around the corner. Rose is a heroine exactly how I like them. She‘s the underdog, driven by desperation; she claws her way to the top and yet she has this soft, almost naive side that makes her approachable. Kyor seems to be the exact opposite of her. The prince, the privileged one, who through his lies took everything from Rose and her family. And yet, on a closer look, he‘s not how Rose thought he would be. (Also, he has a serious dirty mouth on him… 🥵).
I‘m highly invested in all the intrigues and politics I see coming for the next books and I also can‘t wait to see more of the Direwolfs and learn what their part in this story will be!
If you like books like Direbound, Kissed by the Gods, or The Serpent and the Wings of Night, Web of Vows and Vengeance is a must-read for you!
Thank you to Aria Ashbrook and The NerdFam for sending me an ARC/ALC. All opinions are my own.
February 27, 2026
Huge thanks to @ariaashbrookauthor and @thenerdfam for this review copy! 💜
I did an immersion read for this one, and it was such a fun experience. The narrators absolutely nailed it!! They brought the tension, emotion, and chaos to life in the best way.
From the very first chapter, you’re thrown straight into the action. The stakes climb higher and higher with every trial, and I was genuinely on edge by the end. Rose is such a strong FMC. Watching her navigate the deadly tournament while constantly fighting from a disadvantage made it impossible not to root for her. She’s resilient, determined, and refuses to back down, even when she probably should.😅
The worldbuilding was immersive without feeling overwhelming. I loved learning about the different locations and the diverse magic systems woven throughout the story. Every character felt distinct, and the dynamics between them gave me those friendship/loyalty vibes that fans of Fourth Wing will appreciate.
And the enemies-to-lovers? So good. Rose and Kyor fight their connection every step of the way, and Kyor is pure “touch her and die” energy. Seeing his softer side surface (only for her) was chef’s kiss.🥵
That ending though… I am both furious and desperate for book two.
I did an immersion read for this one, and it was such a fun experience. The narrators absolutely nailed it!! They brought the tension, emotion, and chaos to life in the best way.
From the very first chapter, you’re thrown straight into the action. The stakes climb higher and higher with every trial, and I was genuinely on edge by the end. Rose is such a strong FMC. Watching her navigate the deadly tournament while constantly fighting from a disadvantage made it impossible not to root for her. She’s resilient, determined, and refuses to back down, even when she probably should.😅
The worldbuilding was immersive without feeling overwhelming. I loved learning about the different locations and the diverse magic systems woven throughout the story. Every character felt distinct, and the dynamics between them gave me those friendship/loyalty vibes that fans of Fourth Wing will appreciate.
And the enemies-to-lovers? So good. Rose and Kyor fight their connection every step of the way, and Kyor is pure “touch her and die” energy. Seeing his softer side surface (only for her) was chef’s kiss.🥵
That ending though… I am both furious and desperate for book two.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2026
I had this as an arc read, and wow, it was amazing! The tension, suspense, action, and emotions from this book were literally so good. I loved the main characters and aide characters so much. The writing in this book was so good, that I genuinely wanted to transport myself into the book purely because the characters I loathed with my whole heart in the book had the audacity to breathe. I was genuinely so entranced by this book and found myself eagerly going to the next chapter because I absolutely NEEDED to know what happened next. And there were parts I was genuinely CRASHING out over, but that’s good. Sometimes we need a good crash out (I lied. It had me stressing for my girl).
This was my first time using the audiobook as well, and WOW. Really enjoyed that.
And that ending? Yeah, I’m actually going to need that next book ASAP. I have too many questions, too many emotions, and I just need more. (Literally going through withdrawals and I just finished the book).
I just loved this book so much.
This was my first time using the audiobook as well, and WOW. Really enjoyed that.
And that ending? Yeah, I’m actually going to need that next book ASAP. I have too many questions, too many emotions, and I just need more. (Literally going through withdrawals and I just finished the book).
I just loved this book so much.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was given an eARC and eALC by the author and The NerdFam in exchange for an honest review.
The audiobook is the absolute BEST way to devour this book. The narrators were INCREDIBLE! The enemies to lovers progression felt so rich, they were TRUE enemies. he destroyed her life and she was on a mission to declare war on him and to show him who he was messing with. Little did they know that they would be falling over each other, more like getting it on and being OVER each other. (get it, wink wink)
Rose is my girl (duh). She IS that bitch. She did everything I had hoped she would and more. Getting her powers back was more than satisfying, it was DESERVED.
The ending? Oh, my God. I need the next book THIS INSTANT! Hands down, THIS is what Romantasy is ABOUT! But really Kyor? For real?
The audiobook is the absolute BEST way to devour this book. The narrators were INCREDIBLE! The enemies to lovers progression felt so rich, they were TRUE enemies. he destroyed her life and she was on a mission to declare war on him and to show him who he was messing with. Little did they know that they would be falling over each other, more like getting it on and being OVER each other. (get it, wink wink)
Rose is my girl (duh). She IS that bitch. She did everything I had hoped she would and more. Getting her powers back was more than satisfying, it was DESERVED.
The ending? Oh, my God. I need the next book THIS INSTANT! Hands down, THIS is what Romantasy is ABOUT! But really Kyor? For real?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2026
Thank you nerdfam and the author for an early copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
The premises of this book had me super intrigued, and the prequel was immersive and blew me away in just 100 pages. This book however missed the mark. The magic system read very YA; if feel like it wasn’t fully fledged out to what it could have been. It was simple and easy to understand but lacked the uniqueness I was hoping for.
The enemies to lovers seemed to tropey- and It’s one of my favorite tropes. It didn’t fully make sense considering what caused them to be enemies to begin with. There was no “forgiveness” to be had. And the ending, how quickly she accepted it, she clearly never forgave him. The FMC was strong and badass but I can’t really get down with her goals- they were all society driven and kind of selfish.
The premises of this book had me super intrigued, and the prequel was immersive and blew me away in just 100 pages. This book however missed the mark. The magic system read very YA; if feel like it wasn’t fully fledged out to what it could have been. It was simple and easy to understand but lacked the uniqueness I was hoping for.
The enemies to lovers seemed to tropey- and It’s one of my favorite tropes. It didn’t fully make sense considering what caused them to be enemies to begin with. There was no “forgiveness” to be had. And the ending, how quickly she accepted it, she clearly never forgave him. The FMC was strong and badass but I can’t really get down with her goals- they were all society driven and kind of selfish.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2026
GUYS. I need everyone to stop what you are doing and READ THIS BOOK! We need to all collectively discuss it. As a bookish society. 😂 Seriously, I was hooked and could not stop reading/listening (I had both the ebook and the audio - which is a Duet btw, and phenomenal).
The very beginning of the book felt like bits of several of my favorite Romantasy series all mixed together, but then it just morphs into its own thing entirely and I was absolutely riveted. It had me in a chokehold and did not let go until the end.
If you love books with deadly trials, enemies to lovers, political intrigue and gods and goddesses… definitely add this to your TBR!!!
The very beginning of the book felt like bits of several of my favorite Romantasy series all mixed together, but then it just morphs into its own thing entirely and I was absolutely riveted. It had me in a chokehold and did not let go until the end.
If you love books with deadly trials, enemies to lovers, political intrigue and gods and goddesses… definitely add this to your TBR!!!
February 25, 2026
This is EXACTLY what I want when I pick up a romantasy book! What a great debut!
•broody, possessive prince MMC
•FMC stripped of her magic
•true enemies to lovers
•deadly trials
•political intrigue
•found family
•touch her & die
•slow burn
Prince Kyor is utterly delicious! That ending has me feral for book two, is it June yet?
Highly recommend the audio: it’s duet narration & Anthony Palmini is incredible, as always.
Thank you to The NerdFam & the author, Aria Ashbrook, for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
•broody, possessive prince MMC
•FMC stripped of her magic
•true enemies to lovers
•deadly trials
•political intrigue
•found family
•touch her & die
•slow burn
Prince Kyor is utterly delicious! That ending has me feral for book two, is it June yet?
Highly recommend the audio: it’s duet narration & Anthony Palmini is incredible, as always.
Thank you to The NerdFam & the author, Aria Ashbrook, for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 6, 2026
This book is a first read, for me, from these authors. I was lucky enough to be given an ARC copy and therefore am providing my feedback ahead of its release.
This book had me hooked from the offset. I really enjoyed the premise of the story; Rose and her family were wrongfully stripped of their power and sent to the slums. She’s now magic-less, parentless and surviving the best she can in a place where people are essentially left to die. Not wanting her sister to live a life in the slums, Rose enters the Retterheld, a series of trials that ends with a gifting from the Great Goddess Etta, the goddess of life. The only problem is, there are 49 other Rettlings completing the trials alongside Rose; many want her dead, few like her, they all have magic that she doesn’t and most of all the Prince, Kyor, is a Rettling too and he’s the very reason she was stripped in the first place. Alongside fighting for survival she has to stamp down the rising feelings she has for the man who ruined her life, the Prince himself.
It was a great enemies to lovers and the characters were written really well. I loved that the main focus was on the storyline and the world building; the smut was tastefully done and felt right alongside the storyline. It wasn’t just thrown as a way of, here have some smut because we can; it fit perfectly with the characters growths and relationship development, so I really liked that.
I’ve given this four stars overall mainly because some of the plot points I did see coming before they happened and so the shock factor just wasn’t there for me and I also struggled with the ending. I found it quite abrupt, but I understand that there will be further books and it was done in a way to lead into that. I just feel the ending needed a bit more of an “oh my god, no!” moment, but will still happily read the next instalment.
This book had me hooked from the offset. I really enjoyed the premise of the story; Rose and her family were wrongfully stripped of their power and sent to the slums. She’s now magic-less, parentless and surviving the best she can in a place where people are essentially left to die. Not wanting her sister to live a life in the slums, Rose enters the Retterheld, a series of trials that ends with a gifting from the Great Goddess Etta, the goddess of life. The only problem is, there are 49 other Rettlings completing the trials alongside Rose; many want her dead, few like her, they all have magic that she doesn’t and most of all the Prince, Kyor, is a Rettling too and he’s the very reason she was stripped in the first place. Alongside fighting for survival she has to stamp down the rising feelings she has for the man who ruined her life, the Prince himself.
It was a great enemies to lovers and the characters were written really well. I loved that the main focus was on the storyline and the world building; the smut was tastefully done and felt right alongside the storyline. It wasn’t just thrown as a way of, here have some smut because we can; it fit perfectly with the characters growths and relationship development, so I really liked that.
I’ve given this four stars overall mainly because some of the plot points I did see coming before they happened and so the shock factor just wasn’t there for me and I also struggled with the ending. I found it quite abrupt, but I understand that there will be further books and it was done in a way to lead into that. I just feel the ending needed a bit more of an “oh my god, no!” moment, but will still happily read the next instalment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2026
So, so, so, soooooo good! Is it too soon to ask when the next book releases?! 😅 I so love a good underdog fantasy story. This one did not disappoint! Enemies to lovers with plenty of tension from the start. Friendships formed, losses endured and wrongs corrected. That ending though! Rose is a tough, smart, resilient FMC and I can’t wait to see how she takes on the king. He needs to go. I listened to the audio, and no notes. Female narrator was great and Anthony Palmini really can’t do wrong. 🥰
February 20, 2026
Reviewed from an eARC copy from the author and thenerdfarm
Ahh what can I say! This book is so good! If you liked lightlark, phantasma, and the hunger games the this book is for you! Think daring trials, brooding men 😉 and a fmc who is pretty damn stubborn and resilient! I could not put this book down and highly recommend it for your next read! Big enemies to lovers troupe 🖤🖤
Ahh what can I say! This book is so good! If you liked lightlark, phantasma, and the hunger games the this book is for you! Think daring trials, brooding men 😉 and a fmc who is pretty damn stubborn and resilient! I could not put this book down and highly recommend it for your next read! Big enemies to lovers troupe 🖤🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
This debut romantasy sucks you in with immersive world building and a found family of characters you can't help but root for.
This enemies to forbidden lovers story is woven on the backdrop of a deadly competition that compels you to keep reading.
I can't wait for the next one!
This enemies to forbidden lovers story is woven on the backdrop of a deadly competition that compels you to keep reading.
I can't wait for the next one!
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