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Beneath the Desert Moon
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2026
About the author
M.K. Barnett
1 book13 followersM. K. Barnett leads her stories with emotion, striving to curate unique and otherworldly places that still feel deeply human. Based in Northeast Texas, she shares her days with her husband, two children, and a small, quirky farm.
M.K. crafts stories where imagination runs wild and unlikely characters steal your hearts. Words are not meant to sit stale on a page, they’re meant to drive us to deeper thinking, empathy, and perhaps even a change in heart. M.K. invites her readers to step into the shoes of her characters. To disappear into another world to discover purpose and meaning. She’s passionate about second chances, and loves messy, raw characters, with grit to turn it all around.
As you travel through her worlds, M.K. hopes her readers find grace in their own humanness and find the reassurance to fight one more day, because the world needs more readers and dreamers. Now more than ever.
M.K. crafts stories where imagination runs wild and unlikely characters steal your hearts. Words are not meant to sit stale on a page, they’re meant to drive us to deeper thinking, empathy, and perhaps even a change in heart. M.K. invites her readers to step into the shoes of her characters. To disappear into another world to discover purpose and meaning. She’s passionate about second chances, and loves messy, raw characters, with grit to turn it all around.
As you travel through her worlds, M.K. hopes her readers find grace in their own humanness and find the reassurance to fight one more day, because the world needs more readers and dreamers. Now more than ever.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
May 5, 2026
I binged this book in 2 days and I absolutely cannot wait for the next book. Grief is SUCH an underrepresented topic and this story and this FMC is such a powerful embodiment of all the stages of grief and that it’s okay to feel all those stages. The story development had me in a chokehold by the end of the book, literally by the throat. This was a beautiful dive into a different type of romantasy book than I think I have ever read!
April 20, 2026
✨ARC Review✨
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book a few weeks back & I’m so glad I did!!
Fantasy books always take a bit to build the world & really set the scene. Even with the world building, the first half had components that were enough to hook you. After you get halfway through the book, there was something going on that I didn’t want to set the book down!!
I am excited to see where this story goes & what Sab will do with the information given in the last chapter. It’s a cliffhanger ending for sure!!
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book a few weeks back & I’m so glad I did!!
Fantasy books always take a bit to build the world & really set the scene. Even with the world building, the first half had components that were enough to hook you. After you get halfway through the book, there was something going on that I didn’t want to set the book down!!
I am excited to see where this story goes & what Sab will do with the information given in the last chapter. It’s a cliffhanger ending for sure!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Welcome to the wonderful world of Lundaris where magic is all but forgotten and the only person who still believes in it is barely holding herself together.
I was lucky enough to be a BETA reader and an ARC reader for this book, and let me tell you, I ate it up every. single. time. So I want to start by thanking the author of this book, the amazing M.K. Barnett, for allowing me to read and reread this book over and over. I couldn't put it down.
This is a romantasy book with a SLOW BURN romance, I mean, we barely even get to know the romantic interest in book 1. But there is enough mystery about his character that the reader is salivating at the chance to learn even the tiniest bit more of information about him. This is also a book about grief, in the most raw and unfiltered ways. The FMC, Sabhana (Sab for short), is navigating loss and doesn't have the healthiest coping mechanisms. Her bestie, brother, and sister are all worried about her well being. And while Sab can understand their worry, she can't seem to stop making them worry.
The plot is about secrets and hidden magic. A land where magic has been all but forgotten or sanded down to myths of the old times, Sab refuses to accept what everyone has deemed as reality. The desert shifts every night, and each new day, Sab grabs her board to go sand surfing and explore the new layout of the desert. However, each time she goes out, she discovers something else that only further confirms her suspicions of magic. But she can't tell anyone. At least not while the title of "village drunk" follows her around. Slowly, she starts to pull herself together. Unfortunately for Sab, as she is pulling herself together, Lundaris is falling apart. With a mouth breather man child whose parents didn't hug him enough as the unofficial "leader" of the land, he can get away with basically anything and his group of bottom feeders never feels the need to stop him, they only join him. Sab is fighting a war within herself while she prepares to fight one in the world as well. The only question is can she truly pull herself together in time?
The relationships with every character in this book are so important because they all feed into the overall plot. Sab's best friend, Reyna, is the bestie that everyone dreams of having. She doesn't push Sab to get over her grief, instead, she sits with Sab and rides the storm out with her. No matter how far gone Sab is, she is never too far gone for Reyna to jump in and help her out in anyway she can. Sab's sister, Storm, can come off as cold but it's only because she cares so deeply. When Sab hurts, Storm hurts. It kills Storm to see her sister falling apart and she will do whatever it takes to bring Sab back. Sab's brother, Talus, is the calm in the story. He is there for Sab like any good brother, he doesn't push her like Storm, but he also doesn't coddle her like Reyna. He holds space for her and tries to lift her up when she's down, but he tries to avoid the more difficult conversations with her because he doesn't want to push her away. There are other characters whose relationships are extremely important as well, but I don't want to spoil anything. What I will say is that there is nothing written without a purpose. Pay attention to the details because they matter.
I could honestly go on forever praising this book. There are so many things I love about it. Starting off with the grief theme, I feel like so many books that have this theme in it try to wash over how painful grief feels. That doesn't happen here. Sab is not a perfect FMC, and her grief drives her to make questionable choices a lot. She is angry and sad and hurt. And she shows it. It's not always pretty when she shows it, most of the time it's ugly and raw. But that's what makes it so real. I felt seen in my own grieving journey while reading this book. The writing reads like poetry. The way the author describes what's happening in the book isn't just "oh and by the way, this is how this looks," it reads like literal poetry but in a novel format. Many authors who try this method of writing sound repetitive in their descriptions, but not M.K. Barnett. Each description feels like I am seeing the village or desert or market unfold right in front of me but using only words. She is a magician with her words, no one can change my mind on that.
Every word on every page matters. Every conversation between characters has a purpose. Every interaction has a meaning. The plot develops more and more each page, and before you know it, you'll be freaking out over what's going on and wondering how things escalated so quickly. Then you'll reread it and see all the breadcrumbs the author was leaving you along the way.
The only complaint I have is how long we are going to have to wait for book 2. This story is a beautifully written slow burn romantasy with secret identities, hidden magic, and emotional themes that leave the reader eager to turn the page.
I was lucky enough to be a BETA reader and an ARC reader for this book, and let me tell you, I ate it up every. single. time. So I want to start by thanking the author of this book, the amazing M.K. Barnett, for allowing me to read and reread this book over and over. I couldn't put it down.
This is a romantasy book with a SLOW BURN romance, I mean, we barely even get to know the romantic interest in book 1. But there is enough mystery about his character that the reader is salivating at the chance to learn even the tiniest bit more of information about him. This is also a book about grief, in the most raw and unfiltered ways. The FMC, Sabhana (Sab for short), is navigating loss and doesn't have the healthiest coping mechanisms. Her bestie, brother, and sister are all worried about her well being. And while Sab can understand their worry, she can't seem to stop making them worry.
The plot is about secrets and hidden magic. A land where magic has been all but forgotten or sanded down to myths of the old times, Sab refuses to accept what everyone has deemed as reality. The desert shifts every night, and each new day, Sab grabs her board to go sand surfing and explore the new layout of the desert. However, each time she goes out, she discovers something else that only further confirms her suspicions of magic. But she can't tell anyone. At least not while the title of "village drunk" follows her around. Slowly, she starts to pull herself together. Unfortunately for Sab, as she is pulling herself together, Lundaris is falling apart. With a mouth breather man child whose parents didn't hug him enough as the unofficial "leader" of the land, he can get away with basically anything and his group of bottom feeders never feels the need to stop him, they only join him. Sab is fighting a war within herself while she prepares to fight one in the world as well. The only question is can she truly pull herself together in time?
The relationships with every character in this book are so important because they all feed into the overall plot. Sab's best friend, Reyna, is the bestie that everyone dreams of having. She doesn't push Sab to get over her grief, instead, she sits with Sab and rides the storm out with her. No matter how far gone Sab is, she is never too far gone for Reyna to jump in and help her out in anyway she can. Sab's sister, Storm, can come off as cold but it's only because she cares so deeply. When Sab hurts, Storm hurts. It kills Storm to see her sister falling apart and she will do whatever it takes to bring Sab back. Sab's brother, Talus, is the calm in the story. He is there for Sab like any good brother, he doesn't push her like Storm, but he also doesn't coddle her like Reyna. He holds space for her and tries to lift her up when she's down, but he tries to avoid the more difficult conversations with her because he doesn't want to push her away. There are other characters whose relationships are extremely important as well, but I don't want to spoil anything. What I will say is that there is nothing written without a purpose. Pay attention to the details because they matter.
I could honestly go on forever praising this book. There are so many things I love about it. Starting off with the grief theme, I feel like so many books that have this theme in it try to wash over how painful grief feels. That doesn't happen here. Sab is not a perfect FMC, and her grief drives her to make questionable choices a lot. She is angry and sad and hurt. And she shows it. It's not always pretty when she shows it, most of the time it's ugly and raw. But that's what makes it so real. I felt seen in my own grieving journey while reading this book. The writing reads like poetry. The way the author describes what's happening in the book isn't just "oh and by the way, this is how this looks," it reads like literal poetry but in a novel format. Many authors who try this method of writing sound repetitive in their descriptions, but not M.K. Barnett. Each description feels like I am seeing the village or desert or market unfold right in front of me but using only words. She is a magician with her words, no one can change my mind on that.
Every word on every page matters. Every conversation between characters has a purpose. Every interaction has a meaning. The plot develops more and more each page, and before you know it, you'll be freaking out over what's going on and wondering how things escalated so quickly. Then you'll reread it and see all the breadcrumbs the author was leaving you along the way.
The only complaint I have is how long we are going to have to wait for book 2. This story is a beautifully written slow burn romantasy with secret identities, hidden magic, and emotional themes that leave the reader eager to turn the page.
May 6, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
🌶️= 0
I am so grateful to be chosen as an arc reader for this wonderful book. The world is set in a desert fantasy world, with an FMC sandboard rider, who has set out to discover the truth about what lies beyond the desert that could possibly save her loved ones and her people. The FMC, who is suffering from the loss of a loved one, has given up on herself. She is lost and refuses the idea that she needs help. Through the love and support of her friends and family and the strength of her own self motivation, she sets out on a journey to rediscover herself and find some dragons. Grief is very large theme in this story, which I feel like a lot of readers will resonate and connect with.
Things that were done well:
•The overall theme, plot, and atmosphere of the book is so refreshing and unique, especially for a romantic fantasy.
•The romance is an extreme slow burn. The tension and yearning continues to build between the FMC and her mystery man throughout the book. By the end of the book, they haven’t even so much as kissed, which I do appreciate, because I feel like a lot of other books tend to rush the building of the relationships.
• The emotions and feelings of the FMC and the characters felt very realistic and palpable.
•Unique magic
•Has a large variety of magical creatures/beings.
•Although it was set in a fantasy world, it included realistic emotions, themes, political issues but in a thought provoking way.
My issue with the book was there was a lack of clarity in the narration, it was difficult to follow at times. There were also times the author intentionally left out information for intrigue/mystery purposes and I am all for mystery and being elusive, but at times it was far too evasive and hard to figure out what was going on. Also, the first quarter to half of the book was extremely slow paced and a bit confusing to sort out. Even the author warned us that it may be hard/slower for some of us to get into it, at first.
With that being said, I think it is a fantastic concept overall, a good read. I just think with a little extra patience or a slight tweak to the editing, it could definitely be a five star read. It has certainly captured my heart and attention. I plan on continuing the rest of the series. ♥️
🌶️= 0
I am so grateful to be chosen as an arc reader for this wonderful book. The world is set in a desert fantasy world, with an FMC sandboard rider, who has set out to discover the truth about what lies beyond the desert that could possibly save her loved ones and her people. The FMC, who is suffering from the loss of a loved one, has given up on herself. She is lost and refuses the idea that she needs help. Through the love and support of her friends and family and the strength of her own self motivation, she sets out on a journey to rediscover herself and find some dragons. Grief is very large theme in this story, which I feel like a lot of readers will resonate and connect with.
Things that were done well:
•The overall theme, plot, and atmosphere of the book is so refreshing and unique, especially for a romantic fantasy.
•The romance is an extreme slow burn. The tension and yearning continues to build between the FMC and her mystery man throughout the book. By the end of the book, they haven’t even so much as kissed, which I do appreciate, because I feel like a lot of other books tend to rush the building of the relationships.
• The emotions and feelings of the FMC and the characters felt very realistic and palpable.
•Unique magic
•Has a large variety of magical creatures/beings.
•Although it was set in a fantasy world, it included realistic emotions, themes, political issues but in a thought provoking way.
My issue with the book was there was a lack of clarity in the narration, it was difficult to follow at times. There were also times the author intentionally left out information for intrigue/mystery purposes and I am all for mystery and being elusive, but at times it was far too evasive and hard to figure out what was going on. Also, the first quarter to half of the book was extremely slow paced and a bit confusing to sort out. Even the author warned us that it may be hard/slower for some of us to get into it, at first.
With that being said, I think it is a fantastic concept overall, a good read. I just think with a little extra patience or a slight tweak to the editing, it could definitely be a five star read. It has certainly captured my heart and attention. I plan on continuing the rest of the series. ♥️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of Advanced Copy received from Author
I was incredibly lucky to receive an ARC of Beneath the Desert Moon and I genuinely don’t have enough words for how special this story is. M.K. Barnett created something that feels both magical and deeply human, and I’m so grateful I got to experience it early.
This is a slow-burn romantasy, but at its core, it’s a story about grief, healing, and finding your way through the aftermath of loss. Sabhana is not your typical polished heroine—and that’s exactly why she works so well. She’s messy, impulsive, raw, and fighting (sometimes literally) to carry on the legacy her grandfather left behind while searching for magic in a world that doesn’t make it easy.
The worldbuilding? Stunning. I was completely obsessed with Sionna, the semi-sentient desert that feels alive in a way that’s both beautiful and unsettling. There’s this constant sense that something bigger is unfolding beneath the surface, and watching those small details click into place as the story progresses is so satisfying. The magic system is especially unique, revealing itself layer by layer in a way that keeps you hooked.
And the characters? They make this story. Talus, the little brother who just wants to be taken seriously, is steady, protective, and quietly supportive in all the best ways. Reyna is the kind of best friend everyone deserves, and Storm brings a more guarded, sharp-edged kind of love that feels deeply real. Every relationship adds depth without ever feeling forced.
What hit me the hardest, though, was how this book handles grief. It doesn’t soften it or dress it up—it’s messy, painful, and honest. Some moments genuinely lingered with me long after I finished reading, and you can feel how much care went into writing them.
By the end, everything comes together so intentionally that I was completely hooked. The final chapters gave me chills, and now I’m just sitting here impatiently waiting for book two.
If you love character-driven fantasy with emotional depth, quiet magic, and a world that slowly unfolds around you… this one is absolutely worth the read. 🌙✨
I was incredibly lucky to receive an ARC of Beneath the Desert Moon and I genuinely don’t have enough words for how special this story is. M.K. Barnett created something that feels both magical and deeply human, and I’m so grateful I got to experience it early.
This is a slow-burn romantasy, but at its core, it’s a story about grief, healing, and finding your way through the aftermath of loss. Sabhana is not your typical polished heroine—and that’s exactly why she works so well. She’s messy, impulsive, raw, and fighting (sometimes literally) to carry on the legacy her grandfather left behind while searching for magic in a world that doesn’t make it easy.
The worldbuilding? Stunning. I was completely obsessed with Sionna, the semi-sentient desert that feels alive in a way that’s both beautiful and unsettling. There’s this constant sense that something bigger is unfolding beneath the surface, and watching those small details click into place as the story progresses is so satisfying. The magic system is especially unique, revealing itself layer by layer in a way that keeps you hooked.
And the characters? They make this story. Talus, the little brother who just wants to be taken seriously, is steady, protective, and quietly supportive in all the best ways. Reyna is the kind of best friend everyone deserves, and Storm brings a more guarded, sharp-edged kind of love that feels deeply real. Every relationship adds depth without ever feeling forced.
What hit me the hardest, though, was how this book handles grief. It doesn’t soften it or dress it up—it’s messy, painful, and honest. Some moments genuinely lingered with me long after I finished reading, and you can feel how much care went into writing them.
By the end, everything comes together so intentionally that I was completely hooked. The final chapters gave me chills, and now I’m just sitting here impatiently waiting for book two.
If you love character-driven fantasy with emotional depth, quiet magic, and a world that slowly unfolds around you… this one is absolutely worth the read. 🌙✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was so incredibly lucky to beta read this beautiful story twice! M.K. Barnett is a gem of a human being and I am so honored she trusted me with her story.
This is a slow burn romantasy full of magic, but it's also a story about grief and healing. Sabhana is not a perfect FMC and that’s what makes her so compelling. She is messy, impulsive, raw, and trying to fight her way (sometimes literally) through loss while trying to pick up the mantle that her grandfather left for her to search for magic.
I love good worldbuilding, so I was obsessed with Sionna, which is the semi-sentient desert that Sabhana is navigating throughout the book. There are so many moments where something small clicks into place throughout the plot, and then you realize there’s something much bigger happening beneath the surface. The magic system in particular is so fun and unique, especially once it starts to reveal itself as you get deeper into the story.
The characters absolutely make this story. Talus, the quintessential little brother, wants to be seen as an adult, and is steady, protective, and quietly supportive. Reyna is the kind of best friend everyone deserves, and Storm brings a sharper and guarded love that can only come from a big sister. There are other characters that I love but won't spoil!
There are so many moments in this book that stuck with me, but the ones centered around grief definitely cut the deepest. This story doesn’t soften it or make it pretty. It’s messy and painful and real, and that’s what makes it so impactful. Some of the lines really hit me in the chest, and you can feel how much care went into writing those moments.
I could keep going, but I’ll end by saying every little detail matters. The story builds in a really intentional way, and by the end everything starts to come together in a way that had me completely hooked. The final chapters gave me chills, and I am so ready to see what happens next. My only complaint is that we have to wait for book two!
This is a slow burn romantasy full of magic, but it's also a story about grief and healing. Sabhana is not a perfect FMC and that’s what makes her so compelling. She is messy, impulsive, raw, and trying to fight her way (sometimes literally) through loss while trying to pick up the mantle that her grandfather left for her to search for magic.
I love good worldbuilding, so I was obsessed with Sionna, which is the semi-sentient desert that Sabhana is navigating throughout the book. There are so many moments where something small clicks into place throughout the plot, and then you realize there’s something much bigger happening beneath the surface. The magic system in particular is so fun and unique, especially once it starts to reveal itself as you get deeper into the story.
The characters absolutely make this story. Talus, the quintessential little brother, wants to be seen as an adult, and is steady, protective, and quietly supportive. Reyna is the kind of best friend everyone deserves, and Storm brings a sharper and guarded love that can only come from a big sister. There are other characters that I love but won't spoil!
There are so many moments in this book that stuck with me, but the ones centered around grief definitely cut the deepest. This story doesn’t soften it or make it pretty. It’s messy and painful and real, and that’s what makes it so impactful. Some of the lines really hit me in the chest, and you can feel how much care went into writing those moments.
I could keep going, but I’ll end by saying every little detail matters. The story builds in a really intentional way, and by the end everything starts to come together in a way that had me completely hooked. The final chapters gave me chills, and I am so ready to see what happens next. My only complaint is that we have to wait for book two!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to M.K. Barnett for the ARC of this wonderful book. I am elated that I was able to dive into this one early, and after this read, I am ready for release day because this book deserves a spot on my shelf!
This was such a cool read. If you want something different in a Romantasy/Fantasy read, I feel like this is a good option. For one, our FMC is a sand surfer. Like how cool? I have never read a book that had a sand surfer as a main character, and I am here for it.
Some people think that this book started off slowly, but I could really relate to Sabhana’s grief that she felt for the loss of her grandfather. I thought that diving into her feelings and life while navigating a devastating loss and feeling so conflicted about herself was so important for character development. It made me feel like I knew Sab and could understand her and her dynamic with other characters so much better.
When the adventure picked up, I could not put this down! The desert was alive, that’s the best way I know to explain it and that was also such an interesting concept. I also loved that our FMC wasn’t meek and frail… She was the exact opposite. She was the morally gray character who would get into fights and get roughed up and I thought that was such a neat perspective to give the FMC. I liked how not only was this book a great adventure and discovery of cool magic, but it was also a story of healing and learning. You got to see our FMC go from such a hardened individual, to learning grace, patience, and acceptance, and that was such a beautiful thing to read.
I think this is such a strong debut from M.K. Barnett and I look forward to what else she has in store for us in the future.
5 sandy, magical stars for this beautiful story!
This was such a cool read. If you want something different in a Romantasy/Fantasy read, I feel like this is a good option. For one, our FMC is a sand surfer. Like how cool? I have never read a book that had a sand surfer as a main character, and I am here for it.
Some people think that this book started off slowly, but I could really relate to Sabhana’s grief that she felt for the loss of her grandfather. I thought that diving into her feelings and life while navigating a devastating loss and feeling so conflicted about herself was so important for character development. It made me feel like I knew Sab and could understand her and her dynamic with other characters so much better.
When the adventure picked up, I could not put this down! The desert was alive, that’s the best way I know to explain it and that was also such an interesting concept. I also loved that our FMC wasn’t meek and frail… She was the exact opposite. She was the morally gray character who would get into fights and get roughed up and I thought that was such a neat perspective to give the FMC. I liked how not only was this book a great adventure and discovery of cool magic, but it was also a story of healing and learning. You got to see our FMC go from such a hardened individual, to learning grace, patience, and acceptance, and that was such a beautiful thing to read.
I think this is such a strong debut from M.K. Barnett and I look forward to what else she has in store for us in the future.
5 sandy, magical stars for this beautiful story!
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ARC Review✨ I give this 3.5 ⭐️
I was really excited going into Beneath the Desert Moon by M.K. Barnett. The idea of a sandsurfer dealing with grief while being pulled into ancient desert magic & searching for dragons sounded like a storyline I could get behind.
There are definitely parts of this story that had a lot of potential. Sabhana’s grief and her struggle with self-sabotage felt real, and I appreciated that emotional angle being a big part of her journey.
With that being said, this one was a bit of a struggle for me. It took me a while to get into it, and the pacing felt slow, especially in the beginning. I also had a hard time really picturing the world. The desert setting and different elements of the story felt a little unclear at times, which made it difficult to stay fully pulled in.
Just when I thought a question would be answered the story shifted. Because of that, some parts of the plot and character motivations were confusing for me, and I found myself wanting more detail and structure to help everything connect better.
Overall, I think there’s a good idea at the core of this story, even if it didn’t fully come together for me. The ending does leave off on a cliffhanger with a lot of unanswered questions, and I’m curious enough to see where things go next. I’ll be continuing on with book two, hoping to see more clarity and development as the story progresses.
I was really excited going into Beneath the Desert Moon by M.K. Barnett. The idea of a sandsurfer dealing with grief while being pulled into ancient desert magic & searching for dragons sounded like a storyline I could get behind.
There are definitely parts of this story that had a lot of potential. Sabhana’s grief and her struggle with self-sabotage felt real, and I appreciated that emotional angle being a big part of her journey.
With that being said, this one was a bit of a struggle for me. It took me a while to get into it, and the pacing felt slow, especially in the beginning. I also had a hard time really picturing the world. The desert setting and different elements of the story felt a little unclear at times, which made it difficult to stay fully pulled in.
Just when I thought a question would be answered the story shifted. Because of that, some parts of the plot and character motivations were confusing for me, and I found myself wanting more detail and structure to help everything connect better.
Overall, I think there’s a good idea at the core of this story, even if it didn’t fully come together for me. The ending does leave off on a cliffhanger with a lot of unanswered questions, and I’m curious enough to see where things go next. I’ll be continuing on with book two, hoping to see more clarity and development as the story progresses.
Review of advance copy
I received an Advanced Review Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I rated this 3 stars but really I'd say, 2.5 stars.
As an ARC reader, I was initially very excited about the premise of Beneath The Desert Moon. The idea of a 27-year-old "sand-surfer" dealing with the realistic fallout of grief while facing an ancient magical mystery sounds like a perfect adult fantasy. Unfortunately, the execution didn't live up to the pitch.
The primary issue was a lack of clarity and description. I struggled to ground myself in the world because the setting and characters felt very under-described. The "Shifting Desert" and the village remained vague concepts rather than vivid places, making it hard to visualize the action or understand the geography.
The narrative was difficult to follow. Because the world-building was thin, the motivations of the "wrong men" and the mechanics of the magic felt confusing rather than mysterious. Sabhana’s internal battle with self-sabotage was a bold choice for a protagonist, but without a clear sense of who she is or what her world actually looks like, it was hard to stay invested in her journey.
There is a great story hidden somewhere in these dunes, but it needs significantly more descriptive depth and narrative structure to make the reader truly feel the heat of the desert or the stakes of the conflict.
I rated this 3 stars but really I'd say, 2.5 stars.
As an ARC reader, I was initially very excited about the premise of Beneath The Desert Moon. The idea of a 27-year-old "sand-surfer" dealing with the realistic fallout of grief while facing an ancient magical mystery sounds like a perfect adult fantasy. Unfortunately, the execution didn't live up to the pitch.
The primary issue was a lack of clarity and description. I struggled to ground myself in the world because the setting and characters felt very under-described. The "Shifting Desert" and the village remained vague concepts rather than vivid places, making it hard to visualize the action or understand the geography.
The narrative was difficult to follow. Because the world-building was thin, the motivations of the "wrong men" and the mechanics of the magic felt confusing rather than mysterious. Sabhana’s internal battle with self-sabotage was a bold choice for a protagonist, but without a clear sense of who she is or what her world actually looks like, it was hard to stay invested in her journey.
There is a great story hidden somewhere in these dunes, but it needs significantly more descriptive depth and narrative structure to make the reader truly feel the heat of the desert or the stakes of the conflict.
May 7, 2026
I really liked the foundation and the overall idea behind the story, and I think there is a lot of potential within the world and characters. The themes of grief, trauma, loss, and self discovery were handled in a really emotional and meaningful way, and I think that was one of the strongest parts of the book.
For me personally, it was just a little difficult to fully get into at the beginning. The pacing felt very slow and it took me a while to really feel pulled into the story. I found myself wanting a bit more development earlier on to help me connect more deeply with the characters and the world.
That being said, I did appreciate the emotional depth throughout the story. You could really feel the weight of Sab’s grief and everything she was struggling with internally. Watching her try to navigate loss, identity, and purpose while still holding onto hope and curiosity added a lot of heart to the book.
I also liked the themes surrounding magic, discovery, and uncovering hidden truths. As the story progressed and more pieces started coming together, the book became much more engaging for me.
Overall, while this one was slower than my personal reading preference, I still think the story has a strong core and a lot of potential. I appreciated being able to read this as an ARC reader and experience the journey of these characters and this world.
For me personally, it was just a little difficult to fully get into at the beginning. The pacing felt very slow and it took me a while to really feel pulled into the story. I found myself wanting a bit more development earlier on to help me connect more deeply with the characters and the world.
That being said, I did appreciate the emotional depth throughout the story. You could really feel the weight of Sab’s grief and everything she was struggling with internally. Watching her try to navigate loss, identity, and purpose while still holding onto hope and curiosity added a lot of heart to the book.
I also liked the themes surrounding magic, discovery, and uncovering hidden truths. As the story progressed and more pieces started coming together, the book became much more engaging for me.
Overall, while this one was slower than my personal reading preference, I still think the story has a strong core and a lot of potential. I appreciated being able to read this as an ARC reader and experience the journey of these characters and this world.
May 13, 2026
⭐️ 4/5
💧 4/5
🌶️ 2/5
🔥 2/5
Thank you to M.K. Barnett for the copy of Beneath the Desert Moon!
This was a strong fantasy read with really enjoyable world building and an immersive setting that felt well developed throughout the story.
One of my favorite parts was how much attention was given to establishing the world, characters, and overall atmosphere. It felt like the book was laying the foundation for a much bigger story, and I appreciated getting to know the main characters and their motivations before diving deeper into the romance and larger conflicts.
Sab was an interesting FMC because she is navigating grief and loss while coping in ways that are not always healthy. That emotional layer added depth to her character and made her journey feel realistic.
This is definitely more of a slow burn romance, and at this stage the story focuses much more on the fantasy elements, character backgrounds, and setup for what is to come later in the series. There wasn’t a huge amount of romance yet, but it feels like the next book may explore that side more.
And that ending? The cliffhanger absolutely leaves you wanting the next book immediately to see what happens next.
Overall, this was a solid fantasy read with great setup, emotional depth, and strong world building that makes me interested in continuing the series.
💧 4/5
🌶️ 2/5
🔥 2/5
Thank you to M.K. Barnett for the copy of Beneath the Desert Moon!
This was a strong fantasy read with really enjoyable world building and an immersive setting that felt well developed throughout the story.
One of my favorite parts was how much attention was given to establishing the world, characters, and overall atmosphere. It felt like the book was laying the foundation for a much bigger story, and I appreciated getting to know the main characters and their motivations before diving deeper into the romance and larger conflicts.
Sab was an interesting FMC because she is navigating grief and loss while coping in ways that are not always healthy. That emotional layer added depth to her character and made her journey feel realistic.
This is definitely more of a slow burn romance, and at this stage the story focuses much more on the fantasy elements, character backgrounds, and setup for what is to come later in the series. There wasn’t a huge amount of romance yet, but it feels like the next book may explore that side more.
And that ending? The cliffhanger absolutely leaves you wanting the next book immediately to see what happens next.
Overall, this was a solid fantasy read with great setup, emotional depth, and strong world building that makes me interested in continuing the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Beneath the Desert Moon by M.K. Barnett absolutely blew me away. From the very first pages, the world-building felt rich, immersive, and incredibly well thought out, it’s the kind of setting you can practically see and feel as you read. The character development was just as strong; every character felt layered and real, growing in ways that kept me fully invested from start to finish.
The magic system deserves special praise because it’s easily one of my favorites in a long time: unique, compelling, and seamlessly woven into the story. And I have to talk about the female rage element, because wow! This book delivers it perfectly. It’s powerful, raw, and deeply satisfying, making the emotional stakes hit even harder. The scene where a man's stuff is literally burned off, my lord!!!
Also, can we talk about the slow burn? So many books claim to have one and don’t quite deliver, but this one absolutely does. The tension builds at just the right pace, making every moment feel earned and meaningful.
Overall, this was an incredible read that checked every box for me. If you love strong world-building, unforgettable characters, and a truly well-executed slow burn with a fierce edge, this book is a must-read.
The magic system deserves special praise because it’s easily one of my favorites in a long time: unique, compelling, and seamlessly woven into the story. And I have to talk about the female rage element, because wow! This book delivers it perfectly. It’s powerful, raw, and deeply satisfying, making the emotional stakes hit even harder. The scene where a man's stuff is literally burned off, my lord!!!
Also, can we talk about the slow burn? So many books claim to have one and don’t quite deliver, but this one absolutely does. The tension builds at just the right pace, making every moment feel earned and meaningful.
Overall, this was an incredible read that checked every box for me. If you love strong world-building, unforgettable characters, and a truly well-executed slow burn with a fierce edge, this book is a must-read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I really struggled to get into this book. For me it was just so slow in the beginning. I’ve never struggled this much with a book.
I felt for Sab dealing with her grief and turning herself into the towns drunk. I liked that her family was still there for her even after all her drinking. I think I would have liked a little more on Reyna and Bondi in the beginning. I know books all have the have conflicts but Garrick and his group had so much control and power over Lundaris.
Sab’s persistence on finding Magic and Dragons is admirable with trying to find one of the things her grandfather left her. His stories. Her conflict with many is sad, but standing up for things she feels is right is a good quality to have. Not being able to tell others what she has found must have been hard because who would have believed the drunken girl? Her asking her brother for help identifying objects she found feels like she is reaching out to her family.
Her learning about herself and magic definitely made it more interesting read for me. I’m glad Reyna and Talus finally get to be together. They both seem like good people. The more she finds the puzzle pieces the more she sees who she is and what she has inside her.
It definitely had some good parts to it.
I felt for Sab dealing with her grief and turning herself into the towns drunk. I liked that her family was still there for her even after all her drinking. I think I would have liked a little more on Reyna and Bondi in the beginning. I know books all have the have conflicts but Garrick and his group had so much control and power over Lundaris.
Sab’s persistence on finding Magic and Dragons is admirable with trying to find one of the things her grandfather left her. His stories. Her conflict with many is sad, but standing up for things she feels is right is a good quality to have. Not being able to tell others what she has found must have been hard because who would have believed the drunken girl? Her asking her brother for help identifying objects she found feels like she is reaching out to her family.
Her learning about herself and magic definitely made it more interesting read for me. I’m glad Reyna and Talus finally get to be together. They both seem like good people. The more she finds the puzzle pieces the more she sees who she is and what she has inside her.
It definitely had some good parts to it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m extremely grateful to have received an early copy of this book. While it wasn’t the best fit for my personal reading taste, I can absolutely see the care that went into writing this story. I gave this book 3.5 stars, but I could easily see someone giving it 4!
The realness of the relationship between characters was one of the things that kept me the most engaged in this story. They are authentic and genuine and full of love. Especially how her siblings still move towards her even in the depths of her spirals.
The beginning of the book felt a little slow, and by the end I would still say I am a little fuzzy on what the world and desert look like, which made imagining and truly feeling immersed in the world a little challenging throughout the book.
Sabhana’s grief is DEEP, and this is where this is a very personal rating. It felt very all-consuming and incredibly realistic, which I think many people will connect with and actually extremely appreciate seeing represented in an FMC. However, it sometimes distracted me from the rest of her character and what else she had going on.
The book ended on a cliffhanger that has me intrigued. I’d love to see more specific detail and description for the world in book 2, but I will be continuing the series.
The realness of the relationship between characters was one of the things that kept me the most engaged in this story. They are authentic and genuine and full of love. Especially how her siblings still move towards her even in the depths of her spirals.
The beginning of the book felt a little slow, and by the end I would still say I am a little fuzzy on what the world and desert look like, which made imagining and truly feeling immersed in the world a little challenging throughout the book.
Sabhana’s grief is DEEP, and this is where this is a very personal rating. It felt very all-consuming and incredibly realistic, which I think many people will connect with and actually extremely appreciate seeing represented in an FMC. However, it sometimes distracted me from the rest of her character and what else she had going on.
The book ended on a cliffhanger that has me intrigued. I’d love to see more specific detail and description for the world in book 2, but I will be continuing the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Beneath the Desert Moon is more than just a book,it’s an experience. It’s a story that pulls you in and stays with you long after you turn the last page. Surprisingly, it’s also a story I found myself deeply relating to.
Fantasy has never really been my style. Magic, dragons, and mystical worlds were never something I thought I would enjoy reading about. But this book completely changed my perspective. It showed me that fantasy isn’t just about magical creatures and distant lands, it’s about emotion, growth, and the human experience in ways you don’t expect.
The author has a way of transporting you into a world that feels vivid and real, while still making the characters and their struggles relatable. It stretches your imagination and takes your mind to places you never thought you’d go.
Beneath the Desert Moon is the beginning of what I believe will be a remarkable series, one that will make you believe in adventure, resilience, and the power of stories to change how you see the world.
Fantasy has never really been my style. Magic, dragons, and mystical worlds were never something I thought I would enjoy reading about. But this book completely changed my perspective. It showed me that fantasy isn’t just about magical creatures and distant lands, it’s about emotion, growth, and the human experience in ways you don’t expect.
The author has a way of transporting you into a world that feels vivid and real, while still making the characters and their struggles relatable. It stretches your imagination and takes your mind to places you never thought you’d go.
Beneath the Desert Moon is the beginning of what I believe will be a remarkable series, one that will make you believe in adventure, resilience, and the power of stories to change how you see the world.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was fortunate to receive a gifted copy of Beneath the Desert Moon from the Author, and my thoughts are entirely my own. This story is a beautifully written slow-burn romantasy that goes far beyond romance—it’s about grief, healing, and learning how to move forward after loss.
Sabhana is a refreshingly imperfect heroine—messy, impulsive, and deeply human—as she fights to honor her grandfather’s legacy while searching for magic in a harsh world. The worldbuilding is captivating, especially Sionna, the semi-sentient desert that feels alive in such an eerie, fascinating way. The layered magic system and unfolding mysteries kept me fully invested.
The relationships in this book truly shine. Talus, Reyna, and Storm each bring something meaningful to Sabhana’s journey, adding emotional depth and heart to the story.
What stood out most was the honest portrayal of grief—it’s raw, painful, and incredibly real. By the end, everything comes together in a way that feels intentional and powerful. The final chapters left me wanting more, and I’ll definitely be waiting for book two.
Sabhana is a refreshingly imperfect heroine—messy, impulsive, and deeply human—as she fights to honor her grandfather’s legacy while searching for magic in a harsh world. The worldbuilding is captivating, especially Sionna, the semi-sentient desert that feels alive in such an eerie, fascinating way. The layered magic system and unfolding mysteries kept me fully invested.
The relationships in this book truly shine. Talus, Reyna, and Storm each bring something meaningful to Sabhana’s journey, adding emotional depth and heart to the story.
What stood out most was the honest portrayal of grief—it’s raw, painful, and incredibly real. By the end, everything comes together in a way that feels intentional and powerful. The final chapters left me wanting more, and I’ll definitely be waiting for book two.
May 16, 2026
thank you to the author for selecting me to receive a copy of this book!! so glad to be along for this ride!!
ill start off by saying i absolutely adore the topics this book touched on, from grief after losing a loved one to substance abuse to cope. that being said, please check the trigger warnings the author provides in the back of the book! many quotes in this book touched me deeply and i could heavily relate to them.
i also love how Sabhana is my age and is still trying to figure it out!! (27). many fantasies star a 18-19 year old at the beginning of the series, so it was refreshing to see someone my age still trying to figure it out and overcome internal struggles too.
the plotting, however, could have been better. it would be hard to follow at times and could feel a bit disjointed and jarring because of the back and forth between plot points. more structure was definitely needed. but this is this authors debut!! so this was to be expected.
i also struggled visualizing this world and felt disconnected from it.
ill start off by saying i absolutely adore the topics this book touched on, from grief after losing a loved one to substance abuse to cope. that being said, please check the trigger warnings the author provides in the back of the book! many quotes in this book touched me deeply and i could heavily relate to them.
i also love how Sabhana is my age and is still trying to figure it out!! (27). many fantasies star a 18-19 year old at the beginning of the series, so it was refreshing to see someone my age still trying to figure it out and overcome internal struggles too.
the plotting, however, could have been better. it would be hard to follow at times and could feel a bit disjointed and jarring because of the back and forth between plot points. more structure was definitely needed. but this is this authors debut!! so this was to be expected.
i also struggled visualizing this world and felt disconnected from it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I first want to say thank you to M.K. Barnett for trusting me with an ARC of this book!
I was not sure what to expect from Beneath the Desert Moon when I first began reading it. But if you love magic, the search for dragons, slow burn romance, then come along for the ride as the main character searches for both and finds love along the way.
Sabhana, the main character finds herself in a place in life where she is hiding from grief in the only way she knows how. Watch as she shifts from the utter depts of grief into light, acceptance and adventure. Maybe with a little bit of explosive anger and a lot of pain, both physical and emotional.
This book will have you surfing through the world of Lundaris, sweating alongside Sabhana as she searches for the hidden magic she just knows is out there and fights both internal and external wars of grief and love. It will have you clamoring for book #2!
I was not sure what to expect from Beneath the Desert Moon when I first began reading it. But if you love magic, the search for dragons, slow burn romance, then come along for the ride as the main character searches for both and finds love along the way.
Sabhana, the main character finds herself in a place in life where she is hiding from grief in the only way she knows how. Watch as she shifts from the utter depts of grief into light, acceptance and adventure. Maybe with a little bit of explosive anger and a lot of pain, both physical and emotional.
This book will have you surfing through the world of Lundaris, sweating alongside Sabhana as she searches for the hidden magic she just knows is out there and fights both internal and external wars of grief and love. It will have you clamoring for book #2!
April 29, 2026
I was honored with an advanced copy of Beneath the Desert Moon. A slow-burn fantasy set in Lundaris, where magic has become nothing more than a bedtime story for children. Our FMC, Sabhana, is a 27-year-old town drunk who still believes magic is out there on the desert plains and is determined to find it.
Sabhana is grieving the loss of her grandfather, who helped keep her hope of magic and dragons alive. We go on a healing journey to find herself again. Luckily, she has a great support system with her siblings and best friend, if she can learn to open up to them.
Sabhana is also a sand surfer, who rides the sand dunes of Sionna, a semi-sentient desert. Once Sabhana accepts Sionna’s hep, an adventure begins that Sabhana doesn’t know if she is ready for but takes the leap of faith. I can clearly envision Sabhana traveling and exploring each unique city. The author does a great job of painting the mental pictures of each character and city.
Our slow-burn barely starts in book 1 and I am excited to see it increase in book 2. Sabhana is attracted to someone but cannot figure out why. He is very secretive and mysterious and always leaves her with more questions than answers.
The ending of this book is NUTS but in all the best ways!! I can clearly see that the author has planned out the books and know where the adventure will go from here. There is 5 books planned for this series so book 1 is just the beginning of an epic tale for Sabhana.
Sabhana is grieving the loss of her grandfather, who helped keep her hope of magic and dragons alive. We go on a healing journey to find herself again. Luckily, she has a great support system with her siblings and best friend, if she can learn to open up to them.
Sabhana is also a sand surfer, who rides the sand dunes of Sionna, a semi-sentient desert. Once Sabhana accepts Sionna’s hep, an adventure begins that Sabhana doesn’t know if she is ready for but takes the leap of faith. I can clearly envision Sabhana traveling and exploring each unique city. The author does a great job of painting the mental pictures of each character and city.
Our slow-burn barely starts in book 1 and I am excited to see it increase in book 2. Sabhana is attracted to someone but cannot figure out why. He is very secretive and mysterious and always leaves her with more questions than answers.
The ending of this book is NUTS but in all the best ways!! I can clearly see that the author has planned out the books and know where the adventure will go from here. There is 5 books planned for this series so book 1 is just the beginning of an epic tale for Sabhana.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What would you do if you lived in a land that used to have magic and dragons but both have now been gone for generations? Would you search for magic? The dragons? Or would you simply live in the aftermath of their loss?
Sabhana is devastated. Her beloved grandfather, Ead, has died. He taught her how to surf the sands of the desert, told her stories of how the world used to be, before magic and dragons disappeared. They have spent years searching for magic and dragons….how can she carry on without him? They were a team and the only ones who were still searching.
Sab struggles but continues in her search. Will she be able to succeed when her beloved grandfather didn’t? Will she be able to discover exactly what happened in the last war that banished magic?
Beneath the Desert Moon is Sabhana’s story. It made me laugh. It made me cry. I struggled a little with the beginning but it pulled me in and made me want more. It has some spice in it but the focus of the story is her search.
Sabhana is devastated. Her beloved grandfather, Ead, has died. He taught her how to surf the sands of the desert, told her stories of how the world used to be, before magic and dragons disappeared. They have spent years searching for magic and dragons….how can she carry on without him? They were a team and the only ones who were still searching.
Sab struggles but continues in her search. Will she be able to succeed when her beloved grandfather didn’t? Will she be able to discover exactly what happened in the last war that banished magic?
Beneath the Desert Moon is Sabhana’s story. It made me laugh. It made me cry. I struggled a little with the beginning but it pulled me in and made me want more. It has some spice in it but the focus of the story is her search.
May 17, 2026
I really liked this story, it was a unique take on dragons and magic. I liked how the biggest obstacle was herself and she had to learn to accept her powers and those around her before she could make progress. And the thing I liked most was that she wasn't this badass who immediately learned what she needed and implementedit with little problems, she struggles the whole way through this book and has to pull herself out of a hole before she can begin. There's a touch of romance in it but that just leads to the betrayal that happens later and is a blimp within the story. So the fmc has always been aware of the sand being full of power but shes never accepted it, same with herself. She comes across piece of what looks like glass that leads her on a search to uncover everything she can. Shes assisted by a mystery male and what she assumes is his pet. Until people from her village come to steal something they shouldn't have touched leading to the world burning.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First I want to thank M.K. Barnett for blessing me with the opportunity to be an ARC reader. Truly a joy and an honor.
I went into Beneath the Desert Moon not quite sure what to expect, but it ended up being a really engaging and atmospheric read. The desert setting is beautifully written—it feels vivid and almost alive, adding a quiet intensity to the story.
The characters are well-developed and easy to connect with, each dealing with their own struggles in a way that feels real and grounded. I appreciated how the story focused not just on plot, but on personal growth and the emotional layers behind each character’s journey.
It’s a slower, more reflective read, but in a good way—it gives you time to really take everything in. Overall, a thoughtful and immersive story that stayed with me after I finished.
I went into Beneath the Desert Moon not quite sure what to expect, but it ended up being a really engaging and atmospheric read. The desert setting is beautifully written—it feels vivid and almost alive, adding a quiet intensity to the story.
The characters are well-developed and easy to connect with, each dealing with their own struggles in a way that feels real and grounded. I appreciated how the story focused not just on plot, but on personal growth and the emotional layers behind each character’s journey.
It’s a slower, more reflective read, but in a good way—it gives you time to really take everything in. Overall, a thoughtful and immersive story that stayed with me after I finished.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review!
I love that we have a realistic FMC with Sabhana, and that we can see how she sopes with grief and struggles with self sabotaging. I feel like a lot of readers love seeing more relatable FMCs. As well as one that isnt 18 or 19!
Now for the story itself!
I felt like it was a slow start and took some time to get into but once things sped up it was an amazing read! The world building could have been a tad bit more but overall I could follow.
The slow burn romance was SLOW BURN. But I loved it! Honestly this whole book made me feel like theres more to just the standard fantasy genre and it was a breath of fresh air inbetween reads and I cant wait to see what happens in book 2!
Thank you to M.K. Barnett for the ARC copy and hopefully we dont have to wait toooo long for book 2!
I love that we have a realistic FMC with Sabhana, and that we can see how she sopes with grief and struggles with self sabotaging. I feel like a lot of readers love seeing more relatable FMCs. As well as one that isnt 18 or 19!
Now for the story itself!
I felt like it was a slow start and took some time to get into but once things sped up it was an amazing read! The world building could have been a tad bit more but overall I could follow.
The slow burn romance was SLOW BURN. But I loved it! Honestly this whole book made me feel like theres more to just the standard fantasy genre and it was a breath of fresh air inbetween reads and I cant wait to see what happens in book 2!
Thank you to M.K. Barnett for the ARC copy and hopefully we dont have to wait toooo long for book 2!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Beneath the Desert Moon is the debut novel of @m.k.barnett. I am so grateful to have been able to get an e-arc copy. Can’t wait for the audiobook to come out as I feel like it will highlight elements that I may have missed or at least give tone to them. I do tend to be more of an audiobook reader.
There’s so much potential from the first book. I’m very curious to see how the writing and the story progress. It has a slower start because she’s building the world and the character for you. But with some patience, it really does build. Sabhana has a lot to work through but also feels alone in the purpose of finding the magic that as once so prevalent. Also, the dragons. She surfs the desert often searching. It continues to call to her as if her grandfather was right. What do you think she will find?
There’s so much potential from the first book. I’m very curious to see how the writing and the story progress. It has a slower start because she’s building the world and the character for you. But with some patience, it really does build. Sabhana has a lot to work through but also feels alone in the purpose of finding the magic that as once so prevalent. Also, the dragons. She surfs the desert often searching. It continues to call to her as if her grandfather was right. What do you think she will find?
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you M.K. Barnett and the publishers for the ARC ahead of release!.
I am so stoked I got to read this one early. It absolutely deserves a spot on my shelf! If you want a Romantasy that feels truly different, you need to meet Sabhana. A morally gray FMC who is a sand surfer? I’m obsessed.
While the beginning takes its time, the exploration of Sab’s grief made her feel so real and made her character development that much more impactful. Once the adventure kicks in, the desert truly comes to life, and I couldn't put it down. Watching Sab evolve from a hardened fighter to someone finding grace and healing was beautiful.
A fantastic debut from M.K. Barnett. I can’t wait for the release!
I rated it 4 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am so stoked I got to read this one early. It absolutely deserves a spot on my shelf! If you want a Romantasy that feels truly different, you need to meet Sabhana. A morally gray FMC who is a sand surfer? I’m obsessed.
While the beginning takes its time, the exploration of Sab’s grief made her feel so real and made her character development that much more impactful. Once the adventure kicks in, the desert truly comes to life, and I couldn't put it down. Watching Sab evolve from a hardened fighter to someone finding grace and healing was beautiful.
A fantastic debut from M.K. Barnett. I can’t wait for the release!
I rated it 4 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 22, 2026
I had the pleasure of not only BETA reading this but also to ARC read this as well, so thank you so much to the author for this opportunity.
Going into this book, I really didn’t expect to fall so deep into how this was written. Me personally I haven’t read a book that explains very well on how grief can strike someone. And the hardships and just overall the struggle over losing a loved one. This book also gives you immense world building and our FMC goes on this trek to find the lost magic and the dragons. The author sprinkles in our MMC with some slow burn and oh my gosh gives us just enough to fall in love with him but then oop…..gotta wait for more! Like aghhhhh I need book 2…..please…..pretty please with a cherry on top 🤭
Going into this book, I really didn’t expect to fall so deep into how this was written. Me personally I haven’t read a book that explains very well on how grief can strike someone. And the hardships and just overall the struggle over losing a loved one. This book also gives you immense world building and our FMC goes on this trek to find the lost magic and the dragons. The author sprinkles in our MMC with some slow burn and oh my gosh gives us just enough to fall in love with him but then oop…..gotta wait for more! Like aghhhhh I need book 2…..please…..pretty please with a cherry on top 🤭
Review of advance copy
okay… I’m a little conflicted on this one
going into this, I already knew I’m still pretty new to fantasy—and I definitely felt that while reading. there were a few moments where I was confused and had to reread things, which pulled me out of the story a bit
BUT
the character relationships?? I actually really loved those. the connections felt genuine and that’s what kept me reading
and the grief representation… that part hit. it felt real, it felt emotional, and I honestly wish more books explored it the way this one did
overall, this is a solid 3 star for me. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t fully connect with it either
I do think if you read a lot of fantasy, you might have a completely different experience than I did.
May 19, 2026
Wow the cliffhanger … 🤯.
I seriously can’t wait for the next book to see where Sab’s story goes next!
I want to give thanks to the author M.K Barnett for giving me not only a chance to read her book but also listen to it as well!
I will admit that it took me a bit to get into it but with any good fantasy the world building must be laid to have a great outcome! And even though I struggled a bit the story kept me engaged till the very end!
This story deals with more than just magic, it deals with grief and what one goes through when they lose someone that’s close. It’s the struggles a person finds themselves in when nothing seems to give you the comfort and strength to keep pushing forward. It’s about being there for the people who need you and never giving up on them.
I seriously can’t wait for the next book to see where Sab’s story goes next!
I want to give thanks to the author M.K Barnett for giving me not only a chance to read her book but also listen to it as well!
I will admit that it took me a bit to get into it but with any good fantasy the world building must be laid to have a great outcome! And even though I struggled a bit the story kept me engaged till the very end!
This story deals with more than just magic, it deals with grief and what one goes through when they lose someone that’s close. It’s the struggles a person finds themselves in when nothing seems to give you the comfort and strength to keep pushing forward. It’s about being there for the people who need you and never giving up on them.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book has an amazing story!
Bad A** female main character ✅
Magic ✅
Dragons ✅
As with most fantasy books, there is a lot of world and character building in the beginning. This makes the first half a little slow. BUT YOU MUST KEEP GOING!!
It really turns up with some action around 45% and then you are hooked you don’t want to put it down! I almost dropped my kindle on my face reading because I was so tired but wanted to know what happens 🤣
There’s some plot twist that has you 🤯 and then you will be begging for a second book. I can see so much potential for this author. I can’t wait to see the worlds and stories she will tell in the future.
Bad A** female main character ✅
Magic ✅
Dragons ✅
As with most fantasy books, there is a lot of world and character building in the beginning. This makes the first half a little slow. BUT YOU MUST KEEP GOING!!
It really turns up with some action around 45% and then you are hooked you don’t want to put it down! I almost dropped my kindle on my face reading because I was so tired but wanted to know what happens 🤣
There’s some plot twist that has you 🤯 and then you will be begging for a second book. I can see so much potential for this author. I can’t wait to see the worlds and stories she will tell in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was so good I really enjoyed it. The vibe of the book reminded me of a mix of a court of thorns and roses and the powerless series. As someone who doesn’t really read fantasy I actually really enjoyed it. The desert setting feels vivid and almost alive, adding this quiet intensity to the story that lingers long after you’ve finished. If you enjoy stories with emotional depth, a strong sense of place, and a touch of romance woven into something a little more introspective, this is definitely worth picking up. It’s the kind of book that stays with you—soft, haunting, and beautifully told.
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