There will always be a price to pay. Blood for gold in equal weight. Nova Folly is many terrible a fool, a fraud, a dead girl on two feet. When a noble family offers her a deal she can't refuse, Nova is forced into a lie that could cost her everything. Masquerading as their deceased daughter, Nova must enter the Elimination-a brutal competition to determine the next heir to the demigod of Temperance. Seventeen of Asceticia's most powerful noble heirs stand between her and freedom. At first Nova believes keeping her stolen identity secret will be her greatest challenge. She's wrong. Paired with Ryett Adelio, the sharp-tongued son of the Justice Advisor, and the most insufferable man she's ever met, Nova is forced into an uneasy alliance. When the Elimination turns deadly, the Fool and the Justiciar must work together to survive. As trust forms and secrets unravel, so does the truth about the realm they're fighting to inherit. In Asceticia, one law rules above Follow with absolute obedience--or face punishment absolute.
This book has officially pulled me out of the depths of a reading slump! The lore and story telling within this story is phenomenal. Asceticia is made up of 6 different courts; Temperance, Justice, Hierophant, Strength, Magician, and finally Fools which is where our FMC was born. Three of the courts are gold (Temperance, Justice, and Hierophant) while the other three are blood (Strength, Magician, and Fools). Blood for Gold in equal weight. Many of the people in the blood court sacrifice blood as payment in order to survive as well as performing. In the fools court there is sword swallowing, juggling, tarot reading, palm reading and more. Each court with its specialties and fool is to entertain. Our FMC is living in a tent in the fools court when fate aligns her with a family who recently lost a daughter due to the blood plague, who looks identical to The Fool. She takes on this new persona, Nova Folly, and discreetly slides into her life. A dead woman walking. Nova Folly was chosen at birth to compete to become the next demigod of Asceticia and has had years to prepare, The Fool has not. She accepts moving into Novas life for a trade, she gets the Folly’s into Temperance (the most respected and wealthy court) by being successful in becoming a demigod and in exchange her sister receives the medicine she desperately needs. Soon she is sent off to compete with 17 other Honors at the chance to become a demigod. Each trial is based on the court, and its specialties. During these trials people will be… eliminated in order to find those worthy. During these trials each Honor is paired with another that has been deemed as their opposite. Ryhett is Novas opposite and as they start training they cannot stand each other, but as trials expose more vulnerable sides of themselves, they unravel mysteries about one another. There is plot twists, nail biting, and heart breaking parts of this book and it is so worth the read. I cannot wait until the next one!
TAROT ✅ MAGIC ✅ GODESSES ✅ DEMIGODS ✅ HEARTBREAK✅
SOME FAV QUOTES: (SPOILERS ❌❌) • “We have to live so I can hear it accidentally leave your lips again” • “Do you often distract women with your mouth?” “Yes” • “What are you trying to prove?” “That I am capable of holding something without ruining it” • “I am a juggling fool begging a boy to follow me into the unknown” • “Oh gods” I whisper. “Are you asking the gods to rescue you from the torture of such desire or begging them not to punish you for enjoying it?”
Temperance gave me all of the feelings I could’ve hoped for. It made me laugh, smile, cry, angry, confused and desperate for more. I finished this book in less than 24 hours because yes, it was THAT good!!
It is full of banter which I really enjoyed. The plot twist at the end is one that I suspected from early on, but was still a shock when it happened! The enemies to friends trope reeled me more and more, patiently waiting for lovers to be in play. It is an EXTREME slow burn which I usually don’t like to read, but this book is the best exception. I am beyond excited for book two! Here is where you stop reading if you don’t want spoilers.
First of all… I truly thought Solenna was a wonderful person with her kindness and grace, man was I wrong! The way this author tricked the reader into believing her facade was truly astonishing. The abrupt switch to who she actually is really got me. Second of all, Willoughby broke my heart into pieces. I didn’t expect him to turn the way he did. He seemed like such a sweet boy and turned murderous so fast. While I can understand it to an extent, it still hurt. Third of all, Ryett you beautiful beautiful man. You broke my heart as well but in the best way. There are so many layers to his character and I’m sure we have yet to see them all.
The MMC and FMC are two of my top 10 of this year. This book gripped me and kept me interested throughout every single page. I literally could not put this book down. The world-building was 10/10 for me and so were all of the characters, I’m looking at you Soren and Adair.
So many secrets, so many questions, so many stories to unfold. The author did a beautiful job on this book and I will definitely be reading every book she puts out from this day on.
4.5⭐️ " She is everything I have been made to despise, and the goddesses taunt me with her." "She is, in a word, devastating." " Every one of you honors is a sinner..." When a noble family offers her a deal she can't refuse, Nova is forced into a lie that could cost her everything. Masquerading as their deceased daughter, Nova must enter the Elimination-a brutal competition to determine the next heir to the demigod of Temperance. Partnered with Ryett Adelio, they must work together to survive, but she isn't the only one hiding secrets.
This story had so many lovable characters in it. Hoku gave me Andre the Giant (Princess Bride) vibes but more lovable. And Elio, how could you not want him as an adopted little sibling?! James?! Okay, here me out, I feel sorry him. His best friend is "wrong "- looks and acts slightly different. He suspects the worst, but no one else seems to. Yes, he's crazy and a Tamlin/Dain type character, but I do pity him. The banter and slow burn between Nova and Ryett is sooo good. And abstinence law makes the slow burn just that more intense. The trials in this book are intense!! They're not just physical but mental, too. However, I was frustrated with Nova 's character at times because she seemed very impulsive. For someone who has such a large secret, I think she will be more careful. Also, the writing style/ tone of the prologue doesn't seem to flow as well as the rest of the book. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I can't wait to see what happens next. Thank you for choosing me to be an ARC reader
I got to read this as an ARC This book held everything. It reflected tarot cards and uses them to represent characters, trials, and, of course, world-building. This book is a series of trials and oh is a journey that takes the reader by surprise, and controls them in a rollercoaster of emotions. I love the story that was told, the taking on of a false identity. The story reminds me of The Night Is Defying combined with Fourth Wings (without the dragons). Now, the latter might not seem as evident when one reads it, but this is my own opinion. The trials remind me of some of the things that had to be overcome throughout the series, including the excessive mention of the obstacle course. I love Nova and Ryett as characters. In this comparison, Nova (The Fool) is very much Violet, Ryett is Xaden, and Willoughby is a very corrupted Dain. I hated Willoughby from his introduction, I had a feeling he would be playing a part in this story. The more I read of him, the more I hated him. And I usually like the characters with complex assholeness. Willoughby, however, was not it; there was no redeeming him. He dug a hole and just continued to dig and dig it. There was no going back for him. The story was engaging and kept you involved and wanting more. I need more and can't wait to see what happens in the next book. As that cliffhanger.... was brutal.
If you know me at all, or have read any of my reviews, you know I do not give out 5 stars lightly. And you also know that when I rate something this high (or very low), I like to remind everyone that reviews are subjective. We like what we like. And this one? This one absolutely worked for me.
I don’t even know if I can fully put into words everything I loved about this debut, so I’ll keep it simple. When I pick up a fantasy, I want lore. I want history, depth, background, the whole package. Savannah delivered exactly that, in a way that kept me completely hooked without ever feeling overwhelming. It felt intentional and well thought out.
There were moments that reminded me of stories I already love, but it still managed to feel fresh and exciting. The characters had enough depth to really connect with them, and more importantly, the stakes felt real. And if you know me, you know I want to feel things. Give me heartbreak. Give me consequences. And don’t even get me started on the slow burn… they are my favorite type of burns 🔥.
Huge thank you to the author for the ARC because for me this one was brilliant. I’ll definitely be grabbing a physical copy for myself and an extra for my Little Free Library, because this is 100% a story I want to share.
This is the first book I’ve read from this author. When I heard that she was looking for ARC readers for her Tarot inspired fantasy I jumped on the opportunity, and I am so thrilled I did.
So first, I loved this authors writing style. Her world building was beautiful and personally I thought it was perfectly paced. Immediately we know that the fmc is concealing her identity, and this drew me in. As we learn about her past, and the past of Nova Folly, an intricate world is being built around us. This idea of courts and magic centered around Tarot and Deities is refreshing and very interesting. I really like that as a reader you don’t feel the need to get caught up in all the nitty gritty of the courts unless you want to. It’s simplistic enough to understand the first read through, which I can appreciate. I would say that if readers are not familiar with a tarot deck they could still enjoy the story, but I think having at least a basic or foundational knowledge of the major arcana gives the reader the chance to interpret more symbolism.
Character wise I love the development we see from the fmc. And Ryett as a mmc is a delight. This pairing I wouldn’t classify as true enemies to lovers, more like dislike-to-lovers with forced proximity tropes. But the banter is next level. Not only that, but we see from very early on that Ryett will be a driving force of her character development, which I love. The supporting ensemble is full of life and their own struggles and growth (or regression lol). I love a story with trials, and I loved the fresh new take on it. We all know the “slay the beast” version of trials, I like the additional depth and symbolism this author gives. And personally, Savannah McMillan is now a must read author.
Read this if you like: banter, forced proximity, dark fantasy, slow burn
This. Book. Is. EVERYTHING! The Lore and concept of Tarot Cards in this book truly shows that the author has spent so much time and love to these characters and their story! Following the FMC “Nova” through this thrilling story watching her be placed in a position she was not meant to be in all for someone else’s benefit was eye opening of truly what one would do for power and wealth as well as to be seen by a “higher power”. The Court system that is in place in this book is devastatingly SMART and corrupted. The Trials “Nova” had to endure were very Calculated with Consequences that you did not see coming. And if that’s not enough for you to pick up this masterpiece of a book. Then may I add the MMC is clever, handsome, mysterious and giving Cardan vibes (from the Cruel Prince).
This 5 star read will be a book I forever FOREVER will recommend ❤️🔥
In a world of extreme class disparities soaked in tarot lore and poverty that pushes its people to unprecedented sacrifice, Nova is a fool. We follow our protagonist on the uphill climb of a harrowing competition in which the fate of her community lies on her back. Not all is how it seems, and her own secrets may cost her everything and everyone she loves.
Savannah McMillan debuts in the literary world with an instant page-turner, leaving her audience wanting more and more of her stunning prose and chaste, slow-burn, romance.
Booktok! Hide yer’ kids hide yer’ wives! A blossoming author has arrived to take the reins on YA fantasy with more poise and depth than you have thus far beheld. My experience with this book has been undeniable gluttony for the rich characters and heart clenching dialogue. If I could read a book for the first time again it would be this one. Read it.
Temperance by Savannah McMillan is a book you won’t want to put down!
Every challenge was gripping and clever, and had me completely hooked. The pacing keeps you turning pages, and the ending delivers in a way that feels both intense and deeply satisfying.
Savannah is an incredibly gifted writer. Her ability to weave humor into heavier moments, create sharp, engaging dialogue, and vividly bring scenes and emotions to life is seriously impressive. Even the most intense moments are written with such care and artistry.
I found myself genuinely invested in the characters (definitely had a favorite!), and the emotional pull of the story stayed with me long after finishing.
If you love stories that are smart, immersive, and emotionally engaging, this one is absolutely worth the read.
This book is incredibly written, from someone who reads a lot of Brandon Sanderson and Christopher Paolini, this book is like those two authers came together to write this book. Temperance is full of adventures and definitely pulls at your heartstrings in some places. Savannah has written one of my favorite books I've read in a long while, it sits up there on my top 10 list, which is saying something as I read about 100 books on average per year. You will want to keep reading after the book finishes. I did received a free advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my review. I will say, even if I had gotten the book when it came out, it is a good enough book that I would still leave the exact same review. You are missing out if you don't read this book.
I am so happy I shot my shot and filled out that form! This was my first ever arc read and It was everything I could have hoped for! I only have a handle full of fantasy genres under my belt but it is easily becoming my favorite and Savannah just helped lock it in. The world she was able to create was amazing! The wave of emotions I was able to experience made it hard to put this book down! I cannot wait to get my hands on a. Physical copy! The only down side about this whole experience is the fact that I’ll have to wait for the next book. 😭 So happy to have been able have this opportunity
I have read hundreds of fiction/fantasy/sci-fi books and loved being a beta reader for Temperance. The world created by Savannah McMillan is rich and complex, and is masterfully revealed as it is woven into the story’s progression. The pace is perfect and Temperance is genuinely hard to put down. I loved the characters, the twists, and clever dialogue. As with all great books I tried to read the last chapters as slowly as possible for fear of it ending. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
Received this book as an ARC and an voluntarily reviewing. This book was absolutely amazing. Beyond my expectations, the world building and unique magic and systems was perfect and I genuinely could not put this book down, nor pick my jaw up off the floor over the twists! I cannot wait for the next part of this story! Would 1000% recommend for anyone who loves trials, unique magic and wonderfully created characters!
It’s so difficult for me to write words worthy enough for this. I fell so much in love with all of the characters. I love the themes of sisterhood and sacrifice. It was so emotionally deep and I am on the edge of my seat looking forward to more of this story of our beautiful fool. I cried multiple times through this as the story is so intense and wonderful. I was so immersed in this world. If you are looking for a story of trials and sacrifices and complicated love I highly recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book was AMAZING! I could not put it down! It’s hard to find a book with such deep well thought out lore and this author executed it perfectly! I also really enjoyed the challenges, each page had me wanting to skip to the next one already! The characters are so easy to love, the MMC is clever and mysterious , 2 of my favorite traits and the FMC made it so easy to be invested in her succeeding. Savannah is an amazing author, I recommend this book 1000%!!! Top 10 reads of the year :)
Wow. Wow. Wow. I am completely blown away by this book. I’m so grateful to have been an ARC member, and this really has just locked itself in my brain. The depth of knowledge and lore building in this world is incredible. The characters are complex. The story is original, but the characters feel familiar (a testament to the writing). It really has just blown me away. I will definitely be rereading 🙌🏻
This was an incredible book. The world building and character developing was masterful, extremely impressive for a first novel. I read the last 3/4 in one day because it got to a point where I absolutely could not put it down. The only disappointment I have is that I have to wait for the next book to be released! The story of Nova is moving and emotional. I genuinely cannot wait to read more from Savannah!
Ok WOW this book is amazing. I picked up a copy at Forbidden Love book con in Nashville after speaking with Savannah for a while, and now I am itching for the next one to come out. Savannah’s writing is really something special, this book and the characters pulled at my heart strings so many times and had me pumping my fist with satisfying revenge at other times. I’m so happy I stopped by Savannah’s table & definitely will be reading anything else she puts out!
I was lucky enough to be a beta reader for Temperance!
The debut novel from Savannah McMillan is nothing short of remarkable. She weaves a story of complex characters in a complex world. Her prose is smooth and rich, and the pacing guarantees you won't be able to put it down. I can't wait to see what's next for Nova and Ryett.
INCREDIBLE!! This book is all I am thinking about!!!! You guys aren’t going to be ready when this releases.
Also Ryett?????? I will take 10 of him please.
Savannah is an incredible writer who clearly has an eye for creating a spectacular world. The tension, the characters, and the plot twists will keep you on your toes. I am so fortunate I got to read this book before it came out.
This book is captivating!! The world is vast but not daunting. Our FMC is relatable, hilarious, and woefully foolish. The MMC is witty and charismatic leaving you never wanting the banter to end!! Jumping into Ascetecia is a world dominated by religion, temperance, and caste systems! This book is adventurous, whimsical, and heartbreaking all at once!
Temperance is nothing less than magical. The author has the most beautiful way with words that grips you from the very beginning. The character choices and the twists in this book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The world is so intriguing and unique, I was blown away with the idea of it. It’s an immediate 5 star read for me. Also that ending???? I need book two IMMEDIATELY
I loved this book. The twists and turns, the eloquence of language and magical feel! It really kept me on the edge of my seat, I felt transported to a different time. The slow burn was captivating too! I never knew which direction Nova would take, she kept surprising me! Thank you Savannah for blessing me with this ARC opportunity! I enjoyed every minute!
Thanks to the author for an advanced copy. This book has it all, trials, a unique setting, and a fast pace that held my attention throughout the entire story. That cliffhanger was excellent! Can’t wait for the next book!!!
WOW! I could not put this book down. The world is completely captivating, you can tell it has been VERY well thought out! The characters were whimsical, endearing, and had so much depth to them. I cannot wait for the next book in this series!