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The Need for Dandelions
Galen did not need anyone to protect him in the Candiru Quarter. He simply did not. He was a devotee of the Lady of Flowers and he knew that he was perfectly safe in Candiru Quarter. However, the governor of Dragonet City has decided that every healer working in the city needs to have a guard with them to protect them in the dangerous streets, especially in Candiru Quarter.
Sasha did not want this posting. The last thing in the world that he wanted to do was follow around a devotee of the Lady of Flowers, a god that he hates. But because of his own horrible track record, he is stuck guarding Brother Galen. He hates every single moment of it.
Galen and Sasha clash immediately, and everything seems to be doomed to end in catastrophe. One night changes all of that. When a strange new disease emerges in the center of Candiru quarter, it forces the two men to confront each other and themselves. Only then can they work to discover the origin of the sickness and save Dragonet City, as well as each other.
Sasha did not want this posting. The last thing in the world that he wanted to do was follow around a devotee of the Lady of Flowers, a god that he hates. But because of his own horrible track record, he is stuck guarding Brother Galen. He hates every single moment of it.
Galen and Sasha clash immediately, and everything seems to be doomed to end in catastrophe. One night changes all of that. When a strange new disease emerges in the center of Candiru quarter, it forces the two men to confront each other and themselves. Only then can they work to discover the origin of the sickness and save Dragonet City, as well as each other.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 9, 2026
2026: 5.0
This was so good 💜
This was so good 💜
July 12, 2026
I adored this. Review to come but like wkhgfskhgsjdkgs
July 25, 2026
The bad guys were ridiculous. Cartoonishly evil. But I liked both MCs and l liked the story.
August 11, 2026
I did not like it…
Too sanitized, too predictable, not remotely interesting… Boring MCs. Poor worldbuilding, or poor world? Idk.
Too sanitized, too predictable, not remotely interesting… Boring MCs. Poor worldbuilding, or poor world? Idk.
April 20, 2026
Galen is the only healer for the Candiru district of Dragonet City, which happens to be the poorest and most populated portion of the city. While those from the higher districts may look down on him and his people Galen carries a sense of pride for his people and how hard they work. While also not recognizing that he's the hardest working in the whole district, possibly the whole city. Now, thanks to some initiative by the governor though Galen's job is not actually going to get easier, she's just made it ten times harder, assigning a guard for his "safety" means that Galen will have to get used to someone breathing down his neck constantly and probably slowing him down. Somehow after he meets Sasha though it turns out to be so much worse than he could have possibly imagine. Sasha Riker isn't just a judgmental jerk, he clearly specifically hates Galen. Soon though Galen and Sasha will come across a sickness that Galen has never seen before and can only be cured by using the magic the Lady of Flowers grants him, with lives on the line the two men will have to find some way to get along or risk a plague like nothing anyone has ever seen before unleashed in Dragonet City.
We could say that nature is a theme in Alex's books, and it totally is, but healing from past trauma in a healthy way is just as much of one and I am so here for it. The Need for Dandelions was a truly wonderful and yes adorable story about two men finding each other and helping each other heal from loss while mixing in a very interesting conversation about being poor.
I think at first blush it looks like Galen and Sasha are two very different people. Galen is too nice, to say he has the patience of a saint would be an understatement, he works himself ragged and rarely if ever complains. He was one those people who are always smiling but not in an obnoxious way, he is truly, genuinely a good person with a crap ton of guilt. Yes, Galen is good but so much of what he does stems from a sense of responsibility that comes from survivor's guilt. If he didn't have that pushing him, well Galen would be a different person. This is just as unhealthy as Sasha's version of survivor's guilt which was to blame everyone else to the point that he became a very bitter, very angry, very mean person. Where Galen deals with his guilt by being too nice Sasha dealt with his by being just a jerk. Which I think is why they work so well, they may not understand which direction their grief went in wholly but they understand the grief and the guilt that came with it.
World building is wonderful here as well, while it's mostly a contained story we get enough information regarding surrounding areas to understand where Dragonet City sits in the world in terms of politics etc. Since a huge portion of the story is Sasha hating The Lady of Flowers and her followers, a lot of the explanation for the religion and the doctrine comes up in everyday conversation between Sasha and Galen, so it never feels like it's just being thrown in there awkwardly. Plus, oddly enough while the Lady and her followers, Galen being one is a large portion of the story I felt like it wasn't so important that I needed more information than I was given.
The other thing that I really, really loved here is that the two major religions that we dealt with in this were forces for good. They aren't corrupt, they truly want to help the people, and when it comes down to them having to step in to assist with taking down a corrupt government, they don't try to install their own proxy government or anything. Actually, as far as I can tell they really didn't have much to do with the government at all. Yes, the Lady of Flowers temples were able to run because of donations from the government but that really appeared to be it. The government and the temples were mostly completely separate and only stepped in when they had too. I mean honestly, I don't even feel right calling them religions, In real life whenever someone talks about their relationship with god (I don't care what god it is) it always feels like this very one-sided relationship, I never felt like that when Galen, or really anyone was talking about the Lady . It felt like an actual relationship of mutual trust and respect with a person that just happened to be able to grant you magic and pop up in your dreams. Quite frankly, it felt healthy, like I feel like Galen could have criticized the Lady and she would have been like "Ya know what? That's actually valid." I genuinely think I can count on two hands how many times I felt that way about any faith, made up or otherwise in a book.
Finally, we have a classic the corrupt government wants to take out the entire population of Candiru because they are poor so why not. Oh and they have land that can be sold to the highest bidder. Honestly, it's a pretty classic rich vs poor story line, with an almost horror twist to it. Seriously, like when this sickness first pops up since Galen is able to heal people with his magic, I was dead set on it being some sort of manmade virus. It's not it's much worse than that and the first time I find out what it actually is it's surprising that I did literally jump. Just absolutely was not expecting it at all and I loved that. There were so many very stereotypical ways this could have progressed and I am glad that it didn't.
And I must mention as I think everyone knows by now, the bad guys fail because they must be the smartest people in the room and that is never a trope I will tire of. Especially since they are taken down by a paper pusher, who are always the smartest people in the room.
I really loved this world and its characters, and I will say 100% that I could see this becoming a series. Galen and Sasha are too cute together, the Kipper gang had my heart from the get-go, and a faith system that isn't corrupt in any manner? Yeah, this is the type of positive we need in the world!
We could say that nature is a theme in Alex's books, and it totally is, but healing from past trauma in a healthy way is just as much of one and I am so here for it. The Need for Dandelions was a truly wonderful and yes adorable story about two men finding each other and helping each other heal from loss while mixing in a very interesting conversation about being poor.
I think at first blush it looks like Galen and Sasha are two very different people. Galen is too nice, to say he has the patience of a saint would be an understatement, he works himself ragged and rarely if ever complains. He was one those people who are always smiling but not in an obnoxious way, he is truly, genuinely a good person with a crap ton of guilt. Yes, Galen is good but so much of what he does stems from a sense of responsibility that comes from survivor's guilt. If he didn't have that pushing him, well Galen would be a different person. This is just as unhealthy as Sasha's version of survivor's guilt which was to blame everyone else to the point that he became a very bitter, very angry, very mean person. Where Galen deals with his guilt by being too nice Sasha dealt with his by being just a jerk. Which I think is why they work so well, they may not understand which direction their grief went in wholly but they understand the grief and the guilt that came with it.
World building is wonderful here as well, while it's mostly a contained story we get enough information regarding surrounding areas to understand where Dragonet City sits in the world in terms of politics etc. Since a huge portion of the story is Sasha hating The Lady of Flowers and her followers, a lot of the explanation for the religion and the doctrine comes up in everyday conversation between Sasha and Galen, so it never feels like it's just being thrown in there awkwardly. Plus, oddly enough while the Lady and her followers, Galen being one is a large portion of the story I felt like it wasn't so important that I needed more information than I was given.
The other thing that I really, really loved here is that the two major religions that we dealt with in this were forces for good. They aren't corrupt, they truly want to help the people, and when it comes down to them having to step in to assist with taking down a corrupt government, they don't try to install their own proxy government or anything. Actually, as far as I can tell they really didn't have much to do with the government at all. Yes, the Lady of Flowers temples were able to run because of donations from the government but that really appeared to be it. The government and the temples were mostly completely separate and only stepped in when they had too. I mean honestly, I don't even feel right calling them religions, In real life whenever someone talks about their relationship with god (I don't care what god it is) it always feels like this very one-sided relationship, I never felt like that when Galen, or really anyone was talking about the Lady . It felt like an actual relationship of mutual trust and respect with a person that just happened to be able to grant you magic and pop up in your dreams. Quite frankly, it felt healthy, like I feel like Galen could have criticized the Lady and she would have been like "Ya know what? That's actually valid." I genuinely think I can count on two hands how many times I felt that way about any faith, made up or otherwise in a book.
Finally, we have a classic the corrupt government wants to take out the entire population of Candiru because they are poor so why not. Oh and they have land that can be sold to the highest bidder. Honestly, it's a pretty classic rich vs poor story line, with an almost horror twist to it. Seriously, like when this sickness first pops up since Galen is able to heal people with his magic, I was dead set on it being some sort of manmade virus. It's not it's much worse than that and the first time I find out what it actually is it's surprising that I did literally jump. Just absolutely was not expecting it at all and I loved that. There were so many very stereotypical ways this could have progressed and I am glad that it didn't.
And I must mention as I think everyone knows by now, the bad guys fail because they must be the smartest people in the room and that is never a trope I will tire of. Especially since they are taken down by a paper pusher, who are always the smartest people in the room.
I really loved this world and its characters, and I will say 100% that I could see this becoming a series. Galen and Sasha are too cute together, the Kipper gang had my heart from the get-go, and a faith system that isn't corrupt in any manner? Yeah, this is the type of positive we need in the world!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the absolute honor of being given an ARC of this amazing book. I'm here to tell you, first of all, that I fell in love with it. It's been such a delight to follow both Galen and Sasha's stories and how they intertwine together.
I love romances in which the characters have their own storylines and their own arcs and growth. And not only that, but I really do love when that growth happens when they realize that the romantic leads realize that they can achieve that together! Great stuff!
Alongside the romance, there is an excellent critique on class struggles and political corruption. I love what they (the author) had done to show even in the most subtle of ways that the people of Candiru Quarter face many challenges and struggles from the higher ups. Especially with the class differences between Sasha (from a better off family) and Galen (lives and breathes within Candiru Quarter).
I already knew going in that I was going to like this story. What let me know right away that I was going to love it was around chapter five, It was an incredible scene and the perfect way to start the turning point between these two characters.
One thing that I especially loved was Sasha's internal monologue, especially right in the beginning.
All of this, PLUS a sickness that the two of them need to solve taking care of together?? I'm sold! And I think you will be too.
I love romances in which the characters have their own storylines and their own arcs and growth. And not only that, but I really do love when that growth happens when they realize that the romantic leads realize that they can achieve that together! Great stuff!
Alongside the romance, there is an excellent critique on class struggles and political corruption. I love what they (the author) had done to show even in the most subtle of ways that the people of Candiru Quarter face many challenges and struggles from the higher ups. Especially with the class differences between Sasha (from a better off family) and Galen (lives and breathes within Candiru Quarter).
I already knew going in that I was going to like this story. What let me know right away that I was going to love it was around chapter five, It was an incredible scene and the perfect way to start the turning point between these two characters.
One thing that I especially loved was Sasha's internal monologue, especially right in the beginning.
All of this, PLUS a sickness that the two of them need to solve taking care of together?? I'm sold! And I think you will be too.
July 4, 2026
I picked this book up after seeing it mentioned on Bluesky and seeing the cover. I know one says that we shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, but let's be honest, covers really do catch the eye. I wasn't entirely sure what I would be diving into, having never read the author's other works, but I was fairly confident I would enjoy it.
Dear Reader, I did more than that. I absolutely adored it.
Galen, the only healer in a city district teeming with people, is overworked, overtired, and overburdened, though he would never admit any of those things, even to himself. Enter the city's new initiative—healers now have guards assigned to protect them—and Galen is assigned what appears to be one of the rudest, most disrespectful guards in the entire city (sorry, Sasha, but you were kind of a jerk at the beginning there). We already have a mixture headed towards great storytelling and character development, but add all of the color and culture, the hardships and highlights, the sights and sounds (and smells) that one might find in a quarter like Candiru, and what you have is a recipe for a vulnerable, heartbreaking, loving, and even cozy story.
The reality is that The Need for Dandelions was such a beautiful story. The character development and romance were sometimes rocky but heartfelt and true. The tension and challenges felt real and dangerous without being overwhelming (alas, I am an anxious reader). I had some issues with the depiction of religion and divine intervention, but I also think there's an interesting argument/discussion that could be made with this very text on the idea of gods only being able to intervene in certain ways and at certain times that would be very interesting to have. However, it certainly didn't take away from the story or my enjoyment of it. I highly recommend this read and this author. Give it a try. I'm certain you'll love it.
Dear Reader, I did more than that. I absolutely adored it.
Galen, the only healer in a city district teeming with people, is overworked, overtired, and overburdened, though he would never admit any of those things, even to himself. Enter the city's new initiative—healers now have guards assigned to protect them—and Galen is assigned what appears to be one of the rudest, most disrespectful guards in the entire city (sorry, Sasha, but you were kind of a jerk at the beginning there). We already have a mixture headed towards great storytelling and character development, but add all of the color and culture, the hardships and highlights, the sights and sounds (and smells) that one might find in a quarter like Candiru, and what you have is a recipe for a vulnerable, heartbreaking, loving, and even cozy story.
The reality is that The Need for Dandelions was such a beautiful story. The character development and romance were sometimes rocky but heartfelt and true. The tension and challenges felt real and dangerous without being overwhelming (alas, I am an anxious reader). I had some issues with the depiction of religion and divine intervention, but I also think there's an interesting argument/discussion that could be made with this very text on the idea of gods only being able to intervene in certain ways and at certain times that would be very interesting to have. However, it certainly didn't take away from the story or my enjoyment of it. I highly recommend this read and this author. Give it a try. I'm certain you'll love it.
July 6, 2026
Really an incredible book! If you want a book with yearning, mutual pining and deep, devoted love, this book delivers.
While I found the fantasy elements a bit lacking (I never had a good sense of how the city was actually laid out and the world beyond the city was fuzzy at best), I really appreciate how the author seemed to understand the medical aspects of the story. Galen's actions and reality as a healer felt very realistic. Also, the romance and the character work was fantastic. I fell in love with some many of the side characters, and the MCs were real standouts; The psychological depth that the author gave them really made them come alive for me. I could absolutely believe the characters would fall in love with each other. Sasha's POV was especially fun to read because of how intense he was. All the little ways that he shows his feelings were so entertaining. Specifically, the thing he does with the flower bouquets melted my heart; it was so incredibly cute. I cannot get enough of Sasha.
The book wasn't perfect, though. The beginning could have given us more time with the characters not getting along to really build the tension and explore their feelings. Their reconciliation was very sudden. Also the fantasy conflict could have have been better integrated with the romance plot. It felt like the plague mentioned in the synopsis came up once, then disappeared for a hundred pages, then came back once the romance was resolved. I would've enjoyed it more if the sickness played a bigger role in bringing the two characters together.
Despite the qualms, I have with some of the fantasy elements, I do highly recommend this book. Its a great fantasy romance that delivers a super sweet queer romance with a side of class commentary, flower symbolism, and emotional growth for the main characters.
While I found the fantasy elements a bit lacking (I never had a good sense of how the city was actually laid out and the world beyond the city was fuzzy at best), I really appreciate how the author seemed to understand the medical aspects of the story. Galen's actions and reality as a healer felt very realistic. Also, the romance and the character work was fantastic. I fell in love with some many of the side characters, and the MCs were real standouts; The psychological depth that the author gave them really made them come alive for me. I could absolutely believe the characters would fall in love with each other. Sasha's POV was especially fun to read because of how intense he was. All the little ways that he shows his feelings were so entertaining. Specifically, the thing he does with the flower bouquets melted my heart; it was so incredibly cute. I cannot get enough of Sasha.
The book wasn't perfect, though. The beginning could have given us more time with the characters not getting along to really build the tension and explore their feelings. Their reconciliation was very sudden. Also the fantasy conflict could have have been better integrated with the romance plot. It felt like the plague mentioned in the synopsis came up once, then disappeared for a hundred pages, then came back once the romance was resolved. I would've enjoyed it more if the sickness played a bigger role in bringing the two characters together.
Despite the qualms, I have with some of the fantasy elements, I do highly recommend this book. Its a great fantasy romance that delivers a super sweet queer romance with a side of class commentary, flower symbolism, and emotional growth for the main characters.
June 7, 2026
A sweet fantasy romance with an intriguing mystery and social commentary on classicism. Spoiler free review.
We begin with Galen, an absolute ray of sunshine who deserves all the dandelions, heading out for his Lady of the Flower devotee tasks, healing the people of Candiru, but there’s a man at his door.
Enter Sasha! An ole grump-grump who hates everything, or so we think.
This sets off a grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract romance that was a pleasure to watch unfold. Sasha’s trauma, as well as Galen’s, is handled delicately and you can genuinely feel both characters begin to breathe easier as they heal.
Very nice character development for both! Galen grows from being a people pleaser who accepts the bare minimum, to someone who remains deeply kind but also cares for himself. Sasha grows into a protective, funny love interest while learning to love himself.
The mystery is gross in a good way lol! No spoilers, but the illness in Candiru was not what I was expecting and I loved it.
I loved the social commentary on classicism, our characters in Candiru are considered lower than low, and reading them rise up and advocate for themselves was lovely.
The book is a true standalone, but if the author ever wanted to return to these characters, I would love to read more of them.
P.S.
Muffin deserves his own book 🦊🌼
We begin with Galen, an absolute ray of sunshine who deserves all the dandelions, heading out for his Lady of the Flower devotee tasks, healing the people of Candiru, but there’s a man at his door.
Enter Sasha! An ole grump-grump who hates everything, or so we think.
This sets off a grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract romance that was a pleasure to watch unfold. Sasha’s trauma, as well as Galen’s, is handled delicately and you can genuinely feel both characters begin to breathe easier as they heal.
Very nice character development for both! Galen grows from being a people pleaser who accepts the bare minimum, to someone who remains deeply kind but also cares for himself. Sasha grows into a protective, funny love interest while learning to love himself.
The mystery is gross in a good way lol! No spoilers, but the illness in Candiru was not what I was expecting and I loved it.
I loved the social commentary on classicism, our characters in Candiru are considered lower than low, and reading them rise up and advocate for themselves was lovely.
The book is a true standalone, but if the author ever wanted to return to these characters, I would love to read more of them.
P.S.
Muffin deserves his own book 🦊🌼
June 27, 2026
Ever wanted to watch a lovable jerk and an overworked cinnamon roll fall in love while uncovering a conspiracy?
Then this is the book for you!
Let me just mention that this was an ARC before I continue!
Now continuing with the review:
This book literally checks all my boxes for what I want in a fantasy romance! It's a really sweet, queer-normative romance, with little to no explicit scenes, has endearing characters, and fascinating worldbuilding!
I kind of wish there was an illustration of dragonet city just to see if it looks as I pictured it in my head! The whole concept of it seemed like a pretty wild architectural concept!
The biggest strenght of this book, in my personal opinion, are the characters! They gotten me instantly invested in the main couple as well as the supporting cast!
All together, 'The Need For Dandelions' is already one of my favorite reads this year!
Then this is the book for you!
Let me just mention that this was an ARC before I continue!
Now continuing with the review:
This book literally checks all my boxes for what I want in a fantasy romance! It's a really sweet, queer-normative romance, with little to no explicit scenes, has endearing characters, and fascinating worldbuilding!
I kind of wish there was an illustration of dragonet city just to see if it looks as I pictured it in my head! The whole concept of it seemed like a pretty wild architectural concept!
The biggest strenght of this book, in my personal opinion, are the characters! They gotten me instantly invested in the main couple as well as the supporting cast!
All together, 'The Need For Dandelions' is already one of my favorite reads this year!
August 15, 2026
This was such a fantastic book. I was so gripped that I stayed up way too late because I needed to finish it. On its face, this is a cozy fantasy, but I absolutely loved the depth that was woven into this book. I especially loved the social commentary around how people in power will wilfully be ignorant of the suffering of people living in poverty because it's easier to dehumanise them and justify their neglect.
Both Galen and Sasha were great characters. They both had a lot of emotional depth and character growth. I especially enjoyed Sasha's development once he realised that he was wrong and that he had been putting the blame on Galen for something that wasn't his fault.
I also loved the Kippers. That added a great dynamic to the story and showed how much the people that Galen treated appreciated him. The interactions between Jess and Sasha were hilarious and I loved the eventual dynamic they settled on.
Both Galen and Sasha were great characters. They both had a lot of emotional depth and character growth. I especially enjoyed Sasha's development once he realised that he was wrong and that he had been putting the blame on Galen for something that wasn't his fault.
I also loved the Kippers. That added a great dynamic to the story and showed how much the people that Galen treated appreciated him. The interactions between Jess and Sasha were hilarious and I loved the eventual dynamic they settled on.
Review of advance copy received from Author
After reading Sweet & Wild, I was very eager to read The Need for Dandelions, so thank you to the author for giving me an ARC for an honest review!
While the story started a bit rocky for me (goodness I wanted to toss Sasha out a window), as the story progressed and the characters developed, it quickly became very sweet. I adored how the relationship between Galen and Sasha grew and blossomed. It's the core of what this novel really is, and I love it for that. Reading as they navigate past their rocky beginning, into some understanding, and then to the more fraught part of the plot summary was very enjoyable. The world building was also very intriguing throughout and I hope one day the author returns to this world. I think it'd be neat to flesh it out more.
If you love cozy fantasy, definitely give this a read!!
While the story started a bit rocky for me (goodness I wanted to toss Sasha out a window), as the story progressed and the characters developed, it quickly became very sweet. I adored how the relationship between Galen and Sasha grew and blossomed. It's the core of what this novel really is, and I love it for that. Reading as they navigate past their rocky beginning, into some understanding, and then to the more fraught part of the plot summary was very enjoyable. The world building was also very intriguing throughout and I hope one day the author returns to this world. I think it'd be neat to flesh it out more.
If you love cozy fantasy, definitely give this a read!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sweet and cozy
I received the book for free for as a review copy.
Just like the pot of honey on Galen's breakfast table, this book was incredibly sweet.
Sasha and Galen were instantly lovable (yes, even Sasha at the beginning) and the introspective mood quickly gave delightful insights into their minds.
I found the worldbuilding to be interesting, inclusive and diverse (it's very queernormative), and the few mentions of other places had me speculating about the shape of the world.
Overall, it was a good and easy read and a recommendation for lovers of cozy fantasy. 🌻
I received the book for free for as a review copy.
Just like the pot of honey on Galen's breakfast table, this book was incredibly sweet.
Sasha and Galen were instantly lovable (yes, even Sasha at the beginning) and the introspective mood quickly gave delightful insights into their minds.
I found the worldbuilding to be interesting, inclusive and diverse (it's very queernormative), and the few mentions of other places had me speculating about the shape of the world.
Overall, it was a good and easy read and a recommendation for lovers of cozy fantasy. 🌻
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book! It took me a while to warm up to Sasha, but even from the beginning when he was awful it was obvious that there was a REASON and he had potential to grow. Galen, though, had me obsessed from the beginning. You would be hard-pressed to find a more likeable character. The Need for Dandelions is a likeable story with tangible stakes and a great cast of characters all around. Now I crave muffins.
Disclaimer: I received an eARC from the author. All opinions are my own.
Disclaimer: I received an eARC from the author. All opinions are my own.
August 20, 2026
This is a very cute cozy fantasy book. There is an MM slow burn romance at the heart of the story. I usually find slow burn can be annoying, but the characters kept it fun in this book.
The magic system and religions were also quite neat.
There were of course some baddies, and an illness to fix, which kept the story moving forward.
Overall I enjoyed it for something fun and different. A very cozy easy read.
The magic system and religions were also quite neat.
There were of course some baddies, and an illness to fix, which kept the story moving forward.
Overall I enjoyed it for something fun and different. A very cozy easy read.
August 8, 2026
I hope to come up with some more eloquent words later. But right now, I just gotta say I absolutely adore this book. The words that come to mind... Lovely, sweet, exciting, optimistic, exquisite communication, perhaps the world's most satisfying enemies-to-friends-to-lovers grovel/redemption/forgiveness arc. My heart feels clean and healthy. Great book. Read it.
April 24, 2026
This was possibly my favourite read of the year so far, at the very least, my favourite non-contemporary read.
It’s got pining and Sad Boy TMs, which really are some of my favourite things. Plus a big, bad government plot.
Also solid worldbuidling without being overwhelming or superfluous.
It’s got pining and Sad Boy TMs, which really are some of my favourite things. Plus a big, bad government plot.
Also solid worldbuidling without being overwhelming or superfluous.
May 22, 2026
Read it, 100% you will not be disappointed!
Alex Larkspur is a master of buildup and pay off. Gripping plot, brilliant world-building, crammed with action, memorable characters and tension from start to finish. I cannot recommend it highly enough!
Alex Larkspur is a master of buildup and pay off. Gripping plot, brilliant world-building, crammed with action, memorable characters and tension from start to finish. I cannot recommend it highly enough!
August 29, 2026
4.75 stars. Fantastic!!! This has been my evening book for a-WHILE bc i didnt want it to end!
July 2, 2026
Recommended by someone I work with who wouldn't clam up about it haha and she actually wasn't exaggerating it's a hidden gem x
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