The Useless Witch: A Dark Romantasy Standalone

by Bree Harlow

Previously published as The Useless Witch by Savannah Lee.

My entire life, I’ve feared the Darkwings.

Shadow-wielding monsters with red eyes who flay the skin from the bones of any magical being that dare cross their path. A story Lightlace witches told to their children to ensure they didn't stray. Be good, or the Darkwing will steal your magic.

But that’s all it was. A nightmare. A legend.

Until I meet him.

Vane.

Born in darkness, enshrouded by shadows. He is on the hunt, searching for something that could alter the very fabric of my family’s magic. If I was smart, I would run in the other direction.

But I was born in darkness too.

Under a solar eclipse, robbing me of the Lightlace magic I so desperately wished I had. The magic my family punishes me for not possessing.

Darkness is something I’ve become accustomed to, calling to me like an old friend, but if I’m not careful, I could vanish in Vane’s shadows forever.

The Darkwings are real, and I may have just found the most dangerous one of them all.

Genres: Fantasy

434 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication May 5, 2026

Reviews

[Milou · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.75 stars ⭐️

I want to start this one off my thanking NetGalley and Victory Editing for this opportunity!

I was super excited to get my hands on this; a previous version of this book had already landed itself on my priority TBR so when I saw the duology was now completed and turned into one book, I immediately applied. I loved the premise of this book; a powerless, rejected heir, a ‘monster’ that isn’t quite so monstruous as she’d been told and a hunt for a powerful relic.

Unfortunately, this didn’t live up to my expectations. While it did hook me in the very first few chapters, I found myself dragging my feet through the first half and while it did pick up after that, I really only finished it because it was an ARC. I found myself struggling with the overall slow pacing, how some elements of the story seemed completely under utilised, thus not living up to their potential while others were a bit overdone, and honestly… the lack of chemistry between our MC’s. It felt way too rushed to be believable, especially with the trauma our FMC had been through. It all just felt a bit disjointed to me, and not at all like what I was expecting from the blurb.
The story was original and the writing was fine, but I was too uninvested in the characters, plot or romance to actually enjoy reading it. I don’t want to be unnecessarily negative as I’m very grateful to be giving advanced access to this book, but it just wasn’t for me. I think you might enjoy this more if you enjoy a slower, less tension-filled type of romantasy though!

[Eternity's Raven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Firstly, thank you very much to Bree Harlow for the ARC. I am leaving this review completely for free and it is 100% my own thoughts and opinions.

The Useless Witch is a darker fantasy story, covering some heavier topics such as familial abuse and self harm, but it uses those heavier topics to have some extremely compelling elements, mostly centred around its FMC Saorise and the romance in the book between her and the MMC Vane.

I thought Saoirse was an extremely well written FMC. Extremely caring and strong willed despite the abuse she has suffered, she continually forged ahead to try and overcome whatever crosses her path. Reading her struggles was hard at times as they had such good emotion tied behind them and seeing her urge for control when it was so often taken from her added lots of depth to her character.

Vane was a great MMC. Protective of those he loves, quiet and subtle in his mannerisms but with rage lurking under the surface. He is clearly a protector and someone who is willing to give up all of himself to be there for others who need it, and it was lovely seeing his fight for his family.

Saoirses relationship with Vane was slow and delicate and so nice to read. The way he could read her, how he gave her space and respected her boundaries so clearly. The gentle ways they spoke with each other. It was a balm to read, I really enjoyed the subtle, soft chemistry between them.

Outside of Saoirse and Vane, Xan was probably the character who shone the most. Someone who feels bound by duty, but wishes she wasn't. Someone who wants to make changes, but isn't sure how.

Where I think this book failed for me was the fantasy elements. I didn't find them explored in enough depth and really wished for more from this world. More exploration of the regions, better explanations and longer periods of time within the different places we go in the book.

At several times, especially towards the end of the book, I found myself questioning what was happening and why as I didnt think it really made complete sense. However the way the ending of the book was written offered good closure for the characters and I appreciated it.

I would definitely recommend this book for those who like a heavy focus on a characters internal growth while being okay with weaker fantastical/world building elements.

[Vanesszlovesmorallygray · Rating 3 out of 5]

First things first: The Useless Witch just didn’t work as a title for me. I didn’t really get the witch part there’s magic and power yes, but very little that felt like actual witchcraft. "The Unwanted Princess" I don't know just didn't blend with the actual story.

NOW!!!! —let’s talk about what did work.

This book is heavy on character building, emotional tension, and longing, and honestly? The yearning was chef’s kiss. The slow burn between Saoirse and Kane was electric. The kind of tension that crackles in the air, where every look and almost‑touch feels loaded. The scenes in the Springs? Absolutely feral. YIKES. The need, the restraint, the barely‑holding‑it‑together energy—top tier. The chemistry between is experienced, at certain points I was holding my breath.

Fair warning though: this book is a tease. The tension builds and builds, then just smirks at you like it knows exactly what it’s doing. I mean I guess they all can't be smut-a-coasters, this book was like take this insane tension and roll with it.

The magic system was solid, but I would’ve loved more shifter energy woven into the story. It appeared, but not nearly as often as I wanted, and I kept waiting for it to fully unleash. Kane was a powerhouse and would have liked to see that be just feral, she's mine protective energy.

And Xan and Ryker—don’t even get me started. I wanted something there. Anything. I’m a romantic, I admit it, but the potential? Criminal. I needed more crumbs, more longing, more something.

At its heart, this story felt like a wounded child slowly finding her voice. It’s about healing, reclaiming power, and learning how to accept love after being broken down. Even with my issues with the title and my desire for more on certain fronts, this was an emotionally engaging read that lingered with me after the last page.

[Lauren Kitts · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC received from author in exchange for honest feedback/review*

Thank you to Bree for letting me read through your work, I really enjoyed the opportunity.

Firstly, I would recommend readers to check their trigger warnings as there are some quite graphic descriptions of self-harm and abuse from a parent to a child (and then later as an adult). As a mental health nurse, these depictions did not shock me, but for a lot of people it may be off putting.

Our FMC (Saoirse) is born magicless, to the King and Queen of Sol, a magical kingdom. Her childhood is difficult and she is cast out of the family and left to fend for herself, with a huge amount of trauma. She meets Vane (who is from another magical kingdom, which Saoirse has been taught to fear), our MMC, who is equally as tormented/traumatised, just in different ways. Vane is the ultimate shadow daddy and he makes yearning look like an art form!

I really liked the relationship dynamic between the two MC’s and I felt that the author did a very good job of portraying realistic responses to traumatic events and how this influences how we enter and sustain relationships (of all kinds, not just romantic). The book is very character oriented and people who appreciate character growth and found family tropes have a lot to get their teeth stuck into with this book.

In terms of plot, I felt that some parts of the story could have been developed more, but on the whole, this didn’t negatively impact my experience of reading the book and I understand why these may not have been explored in greater detail. I suppose there are just things that I as a reader would prefer, perhaps others may not. It was also refreshing to see quite a unique magic system being explored too. As a seasoned romantasy reader, it can be hard at times to find books that surprise you, but this one did!

I would say this book was a solid 4 stars for me and I really enjoyed reading it. I do love a shadow daddy that yearns, and Vane did plenty of this throughout, lovely 😊.
This was my first time reading a book by this author, but it definitely won’t be the last.

[❁ Ashton ❀ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Release Date - 5th May

Romantasy with mutual attraction and YEARNING? I LOVED this book so much !!

Their story has me gripped , their passion was relentless and the slow burn? Brutal!!

Saoirse knew she was a burden . Weak , useless and powerless but those were just the cruel words of a parent. Destiny had big plans for her future. I just wanted to hug her ! she spent years being emotionally and physically abused , tortured at the whim of an evil King, her father . Even being banished he found ways to punish her . But one night changed everything . She was put in the path of Vane.

Dark and dangerous Vane soon showed he could be trusted. He fell first but knew their feelings was forbidden and pushed back as much as he could . For a Darkwing he cared , he feared for her and he protected her , something his kind was not known for. Along their brutal journey truths are discovered , secrets are uncovered and hope had been ignited . But who can they trust when all kingdoms have their own secrets and motive for wanting the missing shards ?

This is a must read !! I was gripped ! I felt the raw pain , honesty and vulnerability. Their dilemma and their love was a constant battle. They endured a lifetime of trauma but they used the pain and anger and directed it at the evil and wrongness.. I admire the authors writing because she had me hooked into their story . I love how she don’t make their pain and trauma disappear, the healing would take time.. and that’s okay ! Something I could totally relate to them both, and I know there will be readers that would also connect to their pain and struggles . There’s power in that.

✨ Thank you to Bree Harlow for the opportunity to read this ARC in return for an honest review ✨

[Jessica (Readingdiaries_) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25

The Useless Witch is an ambitious dark fantasy - I liked the world and the way it was structured - with gods fractured, kingdoms destroyed and reshaped, and magic yielded.

This book does a lot of things well. Firstly, it is well written - the writing flows nicely, I liked the way the story was told and Saoirse as a main character. I like her personnality and how much her trauma impacted her, with a cruel father and a neglectful mother. This book did a good job showcasing the impact of trauma and the way some people deal with it. I liked that it was a common theme throughout the story, and not just mentioned at the beginning and then forgotten. I also liked the characters and the setting - with Saoirse a witch without. magic, Vane, a powerful magic yielder, Ryder and Xan, I liked what they all brought to the story.

Unfortunately, despite a lot of elements I enjoyed, this book felt short for me. I mentioned it was ambitious, and it was - a bit too much, a lot of things are happening in this book, so much that everything happened too fast and did not flow nicely. From when Vane and Saoirse met to when they ran away together to the end of the book, it took 2 weeks max. It made the story less impactful. Resolutions were too easy, twists and turns were happening too fast, and it felt a bit too manufactured to my liking. I enjoyed the chemistry between Vane and Saoirse, and their scenes were definitely well-written and intense. However, the lack of foundation for their relationship and attraction makes the romance unconvincing to me.

I would recommend this book for readers who like fast-paced books with good chemistry, but this sadly did not hit the spot for me.

[Victoria Hawk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given the opportunity to read the ARC of this book. Thank you so much!

The Useless witch was a great book! I really enjoyed the story and the characters.

Saoirse is the daughter of the King and queen of Sol. A country that is within walls made to keep people out and in. In this world people are granted powers from the gods that left them years ago. Sadly, when it was her time to have her grand ceremony, she was left with nothing, no powers, and a family that hated her.
She has a very hard life from then on, but when she meets the dark and mysterious Vane, everything changes.

I thought the pace of the story was a bit interesting for some parts of the book especially the ending. It kind of comes out of no where and then wraps it all up with an epilogue. I really enjoyed most of the pacing though. Knowing that is was a standalone meant that I knew it would be on the faster side.

Saoirse is a character that lives a life no one would wish for. Her father (the king) belittles her anytime he gets (that's not all her does) as does her distant mother. She lives and works on the outskirts of the capital city in a bakery. Over the course of the boom we see her internal pain and how she copes with it. Eventually she gets help with her habits, though not willing, and starts to move past them.
If you are someone that has a trigger warring for self harm, you may want to skip certain chapters.

Vane is mysterious man that is part of a race of people that were thought to be dead. Fun fact, they are very much alive. He is on a mission to save his mother and fulfill a quest from another kingdom. Overtime her gains the help of our leading lady and of course grows to adore her.
Overall I enjoyed the book! I think it was a fun and fast pace book!

Spice- 🌶️

[Yolanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before anything else, please read the trigger warnings for The Useless Witch. This book tackles some heavy topics, and there are moments that are difficult to get through. Not because of poor writing, but because of the subject matter itself.

Now, onto the review.

I’m going to start with why this is a 4 star and not a 5. There were a few moments where the sense of timing felt a little off. At times it seemed like days had passed, and then suddenly it felt like it might have only been hours. I couldn’t quite pinpoint why, maybe wording, maybe transitions, but it pulled me out of the story just enough to notice. It didn’t ruin the experience for me, but it did happen often enough to affect my rating.

Now for the good stuff.

The world building was fantastic. I won’t go into too much detail because discovering it is part of the experience, but the world is divided into four realms that definitely do not get along, and the way that’s revealed is really well done.

The plot leans into a familiar “save the world” setup, but the way the world needs to be saved felt fresh and unique, which kept me fully invested.

The characters were also a highlight. Vane and Saoirse make great main characters, and I loved how they balanced each other out. But if I’m being honest… Xan stole the show for me. Easily my favorite character.

Overall, despite a few pacing hiccups, I really enjoyed this book. It’s emotional, immersive, and definitely worth picking up.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked that this book was created as a standalone. You dont get those very often and it was really nice to read.
I feel like I need to mention for those who want to read this book, to make sure that you read over the trigger warnings. This book does go over child abuse, and self harm as some of the trigger warnings. I do have to say that that everything was well portrayed and you felt the pain and what the FMC was going through.
Along that line, this book and the characters were very well done. The FMC, Saoire, had a very strong inner strength that showed in how she handled everything tossed at her. She also comes into her own during this book which is so fun to read. I love her relationship with the MMC, Vane was just perfect for her and with her. I think that he was her perfect parnter and he understood her so well. He goes slow with her, allowing her to choose what happens between them at her place. Understanding when she needed her space or when she needed to just be herself. He supports her in whatever she decides and I really enjoy that.
The plot and flow of the book was really well done. There were parts that I wish went into more details only because I wanted more information. Other than that everything was very well wrapped up and so epically done.
This book was very good and I highly recommend it!

Thank you Bree Harlow and her team for allowing me this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Hannah Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rating: 2.75/5
Ireceived an ARC of The Useless Witch by Bree Harlow from Netgalley. Thank you to both Netgalley and the author for allowing me this opportunity!!

First, I want to mention that Bree Harlow had a great idea for this novel. I loved the concept behind the storyline and I feel that she put a lot of love and meaning into her characters, which was wonderful!

I would, however, have liked to see a little bit more world building especially in the beginning. There were moments that felt lost to me or I didn't feel were touched on long enough to have impact on the story. The storyline moved at a fast pace, and I felt that I struggled to keep up at times! This is just my own personal opinion, and if you like faster paced storylines you should have no issue keeping up!!

I really did enjoy Saoirse and Vane's story and character building. Saoirse is strong and went through many hardships, which I feel Bree Harlow did a great job showing this with grace and understanding. Vane was also a great character with a complex story that I enjoyed reading about. I would have liked to see a little bit more depth to characters such as Ryker and Xan!

Overall, I think if you enjoy a fast-paced standalone fantasy, "The Useless Witch" would be a great option to read!

[inkandlorereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5⭐️

Thank you to Bree Harlow for providing me with an ARC of Useless Witch.

I went into this book not entirely sure what to expect, but I did end up enjoying it- especially for how refreshing the FMC felt. It was so nice to read about a fmc who breaks away from the typical mould. She’s a curvy, ginger-haired woman who wears her emotions openly, and her struggles with mental health, shaped by her past, are woven throughout the story in a way that felt genuine and heartfelt.

One of the highlights for me was the dynamic between the FMC and MMC. Watching him support her and the gradual development of their relationship was sweet and meaningful. That said, it is a very slow burn, very slow, and while there is tension, I did find myself wanting a bit more from their connection at times.

The plot itself was interesting and had some strong moments, with twists that kept things engaging. However, there were points where it felt a little predictable, and occasionally the direction of the story didn’t fully land for me or felt slightly unclear.

Overall, Useless Witch is a gentle, emotionally driven romantasy with a strong focus on character and healing. If you enjoy a slower-paced story with a gradual romance and a more “real” FMC, this would be a great standalone to pick up.

[Celyne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Bree Harlow and NetGalley for providing this ARC

The Useless Witch, written by Bree Harlow, is an emotional short read that you can become engrossed in. Before I dive into more of the details of this novel, it is incredibly important to highlight the trigger warnings that Harlow placed due to sensitive topics that are in the book. This novel follows the tale of the main character, Saoirse, a deposed princess with no magic, who meets a Darkwing individual, Vane, who saves her life. In return, the two venture on a journey for shards of magic, and during such a journey, the two learn more about each other and their differences. Saoirse is met with a challenging truth contradicting everything she was taught. I did enjoy the world-building in this novel, which Harlow created in a whimsical way, and that is something I tend to look for in fantasy. Witnessing the dynamic between the two main characters was an enjoyable sight, especially since it adds to the tension and yearning that grew. I truly did enjoy reading this book. It's short, it captivates you, and it definitely deserves a chance to shine. I definitely recommend giving this book a chance! It comes out next month on May 6th, 2026!

[Sid]

Firstly I want to say thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for approving me for this ARC. The story sounded really interesting and I was really looking forward to reading it but unfortunately I just had to DNF at 39%.

I don’t want to go throwing around baseless accusations by any means because I don’t know for sure and I can’t prove it but I really can’t help but feel like this reads like it was written by AI. I tried to look it up but I couldn’t find anything so maybe I’m wrong, but the sentence structure and the language used and the way some dialogue gets repeated, it just reads like AI and it was really really putting me off.

Even with that aside I had a few other issues with it. I think the pacing was a little bit off, I think the development in the relationship between Saoirse and Vane just felt a bit odd, like she just got violated by someone and then immediately trusted this random guy who she’s been taught her whole life not to trust? And then a third of the way through they’re already struggling to hold back from going at it?

I’ll leave it there because I don’t want to go on a big rant but this wasn’t for me maybe it will be for someone else but I don’t know. Sorry.

[viki edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

A incredibly beautiful novel. No whiny MFC who tries to make it all about her, no brooding MMC who thought he was a god. Pure honest and raw characters that were instead aware of their flaws and were trying to be known as more than just nothing. Soirsie is the 'useless' witch, but she holds something more incredible than magic, she holds choice. Vane is the 'bad' guy, who is fiercely protective over those he loves and refuses to let the dark within him control him. A tale of love, heartbreak, and deception. Woven in a fantasy realm that existed as long as the gods before it, a power that can create or destroy, and the hope that life will be better, one day, one step at a time.
This book was given to me as an arc copy, all viewd are my own. And with those views, I am grateful to have been given the chance to read this beautiful story. I look forward ro reading more of Bree's works as she is an incredibly talented author.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars!
First off, Thank you so much Bree Harlow for allowing me to read through your story! It truly was an honor!
!Potential Spoilers!
I gotta say, I feel for our FMC so much.. she had to go through so much and still pulled through bigger and better than all the others! The side characters honestly felt very fleshed out but I still wanted more about them (As I am VERY Found Family based..). The MMC was super badass and his direction was known from the beginning, though I wish we had more of his Dragon shifter at play (I understand why we don't!). The story felt good, and I know it'll be even better after editing and the final publishing.
The magic system was a great idea! Unique too, so that was refreshing. The twist at the end for a final shard was crazy, and I didn't even pick up on that. FMC was the chosen one after all!

[Leanne Prangnell · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received an ARC of this book*

Really not sure how I felt about this one. I enjoyed the first 30% and the last 30% but the 40% in the middle I really struggled with. There were a lot of errors throughout- the author did send a link to a spreadsheet to input errors so they'll hopefully be rectified- this made it quite jarring to read. The middle 40% also seemed to have structure/ pacing issues as the passing of time felt ambiguous. When I began reading, I really enjoyed the character of Saoirse and found her feelings relatable- she hasn't quite found her place and doesn't know her worth- and enjoyed the strength and mystery of Vane. There was a lot of action and political corruption which made for good elements of a story. Ultimately, I landed on 3 stars as if issues are addressed and resolved I do think it could be a good read and I also found some quotes to be quite poignant.

[Clare · Rating 3 out of 5]

🩷 Book Review 🩷
📚 The Useless Witch
✒️ Bree Harlow
💫💫💫

Thank you to the author for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Useless Witch is a dark fantasy with a different take on the world and is well written. The characters are well written. Saoirse has a personality that is easy to connect to, she has gone through so much trauma and it is not left at the start as a character description, but mentioned throughout as a point of inclusion.

With that being said, I struggled with the plot. It fell short for me. This whole book takes place over a 2ish week period and it felt so rushed. Saoirse and Vane's connection is instant, making it feel too forced for the plot.

There was no real overarching threat or concern, the resolutions to conflicts occurred too easily and the twists and turns did nothing but give me whiplash.

Overall, it was an okay book.

[timeleftinbook · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read an arc of this book.

The book is stunning and I was honored to also take part in the cover release.

I was really excited about this book and had high hopes but unfortunately it just wasn't my vibe. DNF at 70% because I personally just wasnt emotionally invested. I wouldnt normally rate a DNF but as it's an arc and I would recommend to others it feels appropriate.

I needed more world-building and a stronger relationship between the MC's with this being a standalone and I just couldn't really feel the spark.

The way the author writes emotions is stunning and very impactful.

I would recommend to those readers who like light world-building, high emotional damage and someone who is less of a hopeless romantic than me 🫶

[daniella beeton · Rating 2 out of 5]

First I want to thank NetGalley and the author for allowing me to read The Useless Witch.
I think this book would be great for Young Adults or New Adults, or people just dipping their feet into the fantasy genre.
For me personally, though I was intrigued by the premise, I found the characters very 1 note. It felt like they all had a single personality trait and nothing extra unfortunately. I would have liked to see the characters fleshed out more.
I also found the relationships formed too quickly. I didnt feel the connection between any of the characters.
There were also a few sentences that were repeated but that will be fixed soon im sure.
Again I really appreciate being able to read this novel.

[Laura Kolkmeier · Rating 3 out of 5]

NetGalley ARC

DNF at 34%. I really liked the FMC and her back story. Being disowned from her family, her relationship with her sister, running away from the city, etc. After the build up to all of this I feel like the story rushes and I lost interest. So much was built into her backstory and then it quickly rushes into Vane and the shard. I don’t feel like there was enough to make me feel a connection between her and Vane and it made me lose interest quickly. I think if this were explained deeper I would have continued, but knowing this is a stand alone there just isn’t enough built into the FMC and MMC relationship for me to be excited about it.

[Dannii Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I prefer my fantasy series to be sprawling and vast but decided to pick up this romantasy standalone for a different change of pacing. I found it jarring at first, with a very obvious romantic interest and a slightly-too-clear plot trajectory, but as the book continued I got into the groove of this fast pacing and enjoyed myself. The synopsis I feel is a little misleading as it promises a more high fantasy storyline than the one that was delivered. Instead, this was a fun and swoon-worthy time! I enjoyed my time within this world, despite the stakes never feeling perilously high. Is it a new favourite? No. But was I lost to the magic of this author's creations? Yes!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Bree Harlow, for this opportunity.

[Sara Messer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy!

The main female protagonist, Saoirse, is such an intriguing character. There were moments early on where I genuinely felt like I might cry for her. The pain and trauma she endured in her childhood carry through the entire story, and I really appreciated that the author chose to keep that as a central focus.

Overall, the story is incredibly engaging- the romance is definitely a slow burn and had me completely HOOKED.

The world-building is phenomenal, and the author has a beautifully poetic way of describing everything. Would love to see more stories from this world in the future!

[Katie Gallagher · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The premise of this story really excited me. However throughout the story I did feel like the writing was dragged out for long passages and the constant comparisons didn't give the reader to make their own assumptions.

However, this book would be great for someone who loves
- a twist on Beauty and the Beast
- a FMC who has been shunned her whole life but overcomes
- a MMC who is pathetically in love with her (albeit, slightly insta-love though)
- a plot that brings us all over a new magical world
- a standalone book
- a darker story (please check your triggers)

Not for me but could be the next big book for you!i

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Normally im not a fantasy girl but this book was wonderful. I think we all need a Vane in our lives. Saoirse has shank who she is for her father's rule and to keep her father away from her. Vane on a mission of his own. When they collide it leads them on a path neither see coming both physically and emotionally. I think once Vane enters this book it is slow at first but it picks up pretty quickly and becomes a page turner. If you are new to fantasy or it really isn't your thing this book will be right up your alley.

[Allie Rye · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book. I love the premise of this book - a powerless witch navigating a society where everyone else has powers and a self proclaimed “monster” who has been exiled by his own family navigating his own trauma. I was a little disappointed by the execution. It has a wonderful concept but I felt that the characters feel a little flat and the chemistry was just not there for me. The book picked up at the end, but I felt that the development was a little lacking for me to get fully invested.

[Keasha M · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this book follows Saoirse, who has been thrown aside by her family for having no powers. She meets Vane one night as he saves her from being raped by one of her father's guards. This entwines them as they retrieve an artifact and deliver it to some men for a cure for his mother. The base of this story is a world where the leaders manipulate and force control on those below them to gain even more power and they strive to collect all the artifacts for the ultimate control. But she was born powerless for a reason, it is up to her to destroy the shards before they destroy everything.

[Mj Cruickshank · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for my arc copy.


I really liked the sound of this: a princess discarded by her family, cast out because she has no magic, who teams up with a handsome shadow wielder, and together they embark on a quest to hunt down the missing shards of an ancient relic.

However, it just fell flat for me, I didn't feel connected to any of the characters and it all felt too rushed. The FMC and MMC seemed to instantly fall for each other will little interaction beforehand. The quests were over and done within a few pages, there just wasn't enough depth.

[Madebymeliandco · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the premise, I really did. I feel like the cover, the title, the blurb, and the book are almost 4 separate entities. The 4 seem incohesive, much like many parts of the story itself. The timing between certain parts is either too quick or too drawn out. I struggled to stay focused through some areas. I feel this could use another round of editing to flesh out some world building.

I did enjoy the relationship building between the characters, and loved the shards aspect of the story. It was a good book and with a bit more refinement, could be a great book.

[Amber Althoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please please please read the trigger warnings.  This book is a solid 4 stars for me. A cursed princess, Saoirse, with an abusive past, current self harm is disowned by her royal family for not possesing magic gets saved by smoking hot shadow daddy, Vane, who shouldn't exist and holds a secret lineage to creatures long gone. The story unravels as they travel across different realms on a  journey to save Vane's mother from a sickness and locate magical relics that will either unite or destroy.

[Alex Roy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an epic story about a fallen princess with no powers and a shadow rebel. Both looking for a part of themselves they cannot find. I enjoyed the story a lot, but I did feel like it took me a while to get into it. The characters are very well written and got my attention. I enjoyed the sibling dynamics and side characters a lot also. Overall a good read.