What do you think?
Rate this book
The War Beneath Our Skin
Not yet published
Expected 1 Oct 26Some weapons are born, not made.
Kaylin has spent her life running from her destiny.
Raised in Emylelon after being smuggled out of Arera as a child, she chose the certainty of a bow in her hands over the dangerous magic in her blood. She made herself into a warrior, not a weapon. But Kaylin’s father has never stopped being a threat, and if he finds her, he will kill her before she can become the one person capable of destroying him.
Now dark magic is spreading, war is pressing against Emylelon’s borders, and the power Kaylin has spent years denying is becoming harder to control. To save the only home she has ever known, she may have to embrace the very thing she fears most.
But danger is not the only thing closing in. Kaylin still serves under Arlen, the lieutenant she once trusted with her heart. Whatever lies between them is fractured, unfinished, and far from forgotten—and as war draws nearer, so does the truth neither of them has been able to escape.
Because some fates cannot be outrun.
And some loves refuse to stay buried.
The War Beneath Our Skin is perfect for fans of Faebound, Divine Rivals, and The Hurricane Wars.
Kaylin has spent her life running from her destiny.
Raised in Emylelon after being smuggled out of Arera as a child, she chose the certainty of a bow in her hands over the dangerous magic in her blood. She made herself into a warrior, not a weapon. But Kaylin’s father has never stopped being a threat, and if he finds her, he will kill her before she can become the one person capable of destroying him.
Now dark magic is spreading, war is pressing against Emylelon’s borders, and the power Kaylin has spent years denying is becoming harder to control. To save the only home she has ever known, she may have to embrace the very thing she fears most.
But danger is not the only thing closing in. Kaylin still serves under Arlen, the lieutenant she once trusted with her heart. Whatever lies between them is fractured, unfinished, and far from forgotten—and as war draws nearer, so does the truth neither of them has been able to escape.
Because some fates cannot be outrun.
And some loves refuse to stay buried.
The War Beneath Our Skin is perfect for fans of Faebound, Divine Rivals, and The Hurricane Wars.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 1, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 15, 2026
A huge thank you to the author for the opportunity to ARC read this incredible book!
This story completely pulled me in from the start. The battle scenes were epic, the world-building was immersive, and I absolutely loved that Kaylin’s magic—it added such a unique and powerful element to the story.
And can we talk about the trees and roots-
I shouldn’t have laughed as much as I did, but those scenes were unforgettable. 😂
This world is packed with fascinating creatures and races: elves, dwarves, humans, Sildari, Drulics, terrifying monsters, massive spider-like Grisps, and mysterious drias creatures. Every chapter introduced something new and magical.
If you’re a fan of Lord of the Rings-style epic fantasy with a romantasy twist, this one deserves a spot on your TBR. The adventure feels grand, the stakes are high, and the magic is woven beautifully throughout the story.
Kaylin quickly became a character I couldn’t stop rooting for. Watching her step into her power and embrace her role as a potential savior had me turning pages nonstop. And whatever is happening between Kaylin and Arlen? The romantic tension is definitely building, and I am here for it.
The found family in this book is everything. The friendships feel genuine, and Cadeyrn absolutely stole my heart as the ultimate father figure—the kind, protective, dependable character everyone wishes they had in their corner.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Full of action, war, magic, emotional moments, found family, and just the right amount of romantic tension, this was an easy five-star read for me. I can’t wait to see what happens next! 📚✨
This story completely pulled me in from the start. The battle scenes were epic, the world-building was immersive, and I absolutely loved that Kaylin’s magic—it added such a unique and powerful element to the story.
And can we talk about the trees and roots-
I shouldn’t have laughed as much as I did, but those scenes were unforgettable. 😂
This world is packed with fascinating creatures and races: elves, dwarves, humans, Sildari, Drulics, terrifying monsters, massive spider-like Grisps, and mysterious drias creatures. Every chapter introduced something new and magical.
If you’re a fan of Lord of the Rings-style epic fantasy with a romantasy twist, this one deserves a spot on your TBR. The adventure feels grand, the stakes are high, and the magic is woven beautifully throughout the story.
Kaylin quickly became a character I couldn’t stop rooting for. Watching her step into her power and embrace her role as a potential savior had me turning pages nonstop. And whatever is happening between Kaylin and Arlen? The romantic tension is definitely building, and I am here for it.
The found family in this book is everything. The friendships feel genuine, and Cadeyrn absolutely stole my heart as the ultimate father figure—the kind, protective, dependable character everyone wishes they had in their corner.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Full of action, war, magic, emotional moments, found family, and just the right amount of romantic tension, this was an easy five-star read for me. I can’t wait to see what happens next! 📚✨
June 20, 2026
Where to even begin !
Firstly, thank you to the author! I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this book.
the goods:
•Overprotective MMC
•Found family
•Long lost princess
•Strong FMC
•2nd chance
•Slow burn
Spice: 2/5
This book gave me STRONG Frieren vibes, with the squad of warriors and the constant bickering. If you aren’t familiar with Frieren, I could also heavily see it being based on Lord of the Rings.
The world building is FAST, which is the ONLY reason I knocked a star off. I felt I was constantly wondering “where are we?” & “who is that?” Granted as the story progresses the puzzle pieces fall into place and you know, but for the first 8-10 chapters I was a little lost and having to reread.
The characters and creatures in this book made it so fascinating and keeps you entranced. Just as you think you’ve read about all of the creatures, the fairies or the spiky spiders are knocking on the door.
The found family in this book just melted my heart, Cadeyrn stepping up and being the father that Kaylin needed warmed me. The squad constantly bickering made them seem like siblings in a way which made things so fun to read.
You’ll absolutely love this book if you’re looking for a LOTR romantasy spin, that’s fast-paced and action packed with tons of character development that will have you on the edge of your seat praying for their safety.
Firstly, thank you to the author! I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this book.
the goods:
•Overprotective MMC
•Found family
•Long lost princess
•Strong FMC
•2nd chance
•Slow burn
Spice: 2/5
This book gave me STRONG Frieren vibes, with the squad of warriors and the constant bickering. If you aren’t familiar with Frieren, I could also heavily see it being based on Lord of the Rings.
The world building is FAST, which is the ONLY reason I knocked a star off. I felt I was constantly wondering “where are we?” & “who is that?” Granted as the story progresses the puzzle pieces fall into place and you know, but for the first 8-10 chapters I was a little lost and having to reread.
The characters and creatures in this book made it so fascinating and keeps you entranced. Just as you think you’ve read about all of the creatures, the fairies or the spiky spiders are knocking on the door.
The found family in this book just melted my heart, Cadeyrn stepping up and being the father that Kaylin needed warmed me. The squad constantly bickering made them seem like siblings in a way which made things so fun to read.
You’ll absolutely love this book if you’re looking for a LOTR romantasy spin, that’s fast-paced and action packed with tons of character development that will have you on the edge of your seat praying for their safety.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Where to start. This book had me hooked from the word go! It's action packed full of fights, angst and 'just kiss each other' moments.
The world building as as fast paced as Tolkien with zero notes. I cam visualise it throughly and move on without losing interest and wanting to come back.
Conall: the best bestie. He has Kaylin's back in actual fights and bickering between the squad.
Kaylin is a beautifully thought out FMC, she's an angry, stabby girlie that can give as good as she gets. Character Arc and all, her relationship between Arlen and the rest of the squad changes over the book, the dynamic between then all grows and begins to make sense.
Ryul: kiss my ass 😂 you can have your character ARC but seriously. Dude.
Arlen: you got issues on issues but you worked on them. You'll be happy this guy gets through his shit.
All in all, if I could give this book 6,7, 8 stars I would.
Renee you're a beautiful writer. I cant wait to read more of your work ❤️
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The world building as as fast paced as Tolkien with zero notes. I cam visualise it throughly and move on without losing interest and wanting to come back.
Conall: the best bestie. He has Kaylin's back in actual fights and bickering between the squad.
Kaylin is a beautifully thought out FMC, she's an angry, stabby girlie that can give as good as she gets. Character Arc and all, her relationship between Arlen and the rest of the squad changes over the book, the dynamic between then all grows and begins to make sense.
Ryul: kiss my ass 😂 you can have your character ARC but seriously. Dude.
Arlen: you got issues on issues but you worked on them. You'll be happy this guy gets through his shit.
All in all, if I could give this book 6,7, 8 stars I would.
Renee you're a beautiful writer. I cant wait to read more of your work ❤️
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Review of advance copy received from Author
So blessed to be apart of this Advance Read
4 stars-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lord of the Rings-style vibes with magic training.
It took me a couple of chapters to get into this, but it was actually really good. My son absolutely loved the world-building! He wants me to reread about the mountains every night.
Arlen's tenderness with hidden jealousy and Lightning's touch was so genuine with Kaylin. It was so nice watching their story unfold.
It was awesome reading about a badass FMC that can hold her own on the battlefields with swords and arrows.
4 stars-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lord of the Rings-style vibes with magic training.
It took me a couple of chapters to get into this, but it was actually really good. My son absolutely loved the world-building! He wants me to reread about the mountains every night.
Arlen's tenderness with hidden jealousy and Lightning's touch was so genuine with Kaylin. It was so nice watching their story unfold.
It was awesome reading about a badass FMC that can hold her own on the battlefields with swords and arrows.
June 27, 2026
First of all thank you so much Renee for accepting me as an ARC reader and being on the team! 🖤
NOW for the review:
I absolutely loved this book! The yearning from both main characters, the found family and the magic truly amazing! I went through so many emotions reading this book that I had to know what was going to happen next! If you’re looking for yearning, obsession and 2nd chance romance pick this up!
NOW for the review:
I absolutely loved this book! The yearning from both main characters, the found family and the magic truly amazing! I went through so many emotions reading this book that I had to know what was going to happen next! If you’re looking for yearning, obsession and 2nd chance romance pick this up!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Bloodmagic, a badass fmc and a mmc that will have you wanting to pull your hair out screaming telll her already! If you love a good slow burn this book is definitely for you. Found family has become one of my favorite tropes. Conall is definitely one of my favorite characters, this book was so good and had a lot of action it. The fighting scenes were so good, and the world building was amazing!
June 29, 2026
I enjoyed this book a lot! I liked the divide between magic and combat, and appreciated Kaylin’s struggle with her magical destiny.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews