The Virtue and the Vixen Volume One

by Sarah M. Cradit

A doomed rescue. An irrevocable bond. A darkness centuries in the waiting.

Plunge into this haunting, tangled odyssey of a disgraced noble, a black widow, and the devastating secrets and chilling magic binding them.


Elloven Hawthorne flees for her life after murdering her noble husband and four of his friends. Never mind the reasons; no one will care. No one ever has.

When a mob seizes her carriage, Jesstin Skylark intervenes. She’s grateful—if confused—because he looks like he’d rather be anywhere else.

Then he shocks her with an invitation: an evening in the infamous village of vice, where he runs a tavern catering to illicit desires. She shouldn’t accept, but she does. What begins as a scandalous escape ends with Jesstin condemned to hang for a crime he didn’t commit.

Elloven exploits a legal loophole in a desperate bid to save him. There’s just one catch.

She must bind herself to him. For life.

The bond can’t be undone by magic—at least not magic from their world.

Convinced the answer lies in her ancestral lands, which have whispered to her for years, they set out for a place she’s never seen with a man who now wishes they’d never met.

But Jesstin has a secret. Two years ago, he murdered Elloven’s brother. And he carries a dark magic of his own: necromancy, though he doesn’t yet know the name for it.

None of this is coincidence. Every piece is part of a sinister design centuries in the making.

And the shadowed mountain necromancers have been patiently awaiting their arrival for a very, very long time…



The Virtue and the Vixen Volume 1 is a gothic, dark, romantic fantasy set in the Kingdom of the White Sea Universe, featuring a character first introduced in The Altruist and the Assassin, as well as one readers are meeting for the first time. It is the third and penultimate story in the Guardians Cycle of The Book of All Things.

The Book of All Things is a series of fantasy romance tales set in the vibrant, epic world first introduced by USA Today Bestselling Author Sarah M. Cradit in the Kingdom of the White Sea trilogy.

Genres: Fantasy

361 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 29, 2026

About the author

Sarah is the USA Today and International Bestselling Author of over forty contemporary and epic fantasy stories, and the creator of the Kingdom of the White Sea and Saga of Crimson & Clover universes.

Born a geek, Sarah spends her time crafting rich and multilayered worlds, obsessing over history, playing her retribution paladin (and sometimes destruction warlock), and settling provocative Tolkien debates, such as why the Great Eagles are not Gandalf's personal taxi service. Passionate about travel, she's been to over twenty countries collecting sparks of inspiration, and is always planning her next adventure.

Sarah and her husband live in a beautiful corner of SE Pennsylvania with their three tiny benevolent pug dictators.


Connect with Sarah:

sarahmcradit.com
Instagram: @sarahmcradit
Facebook: @sarahmcradit

Reviews

[Ana-Maria Derzsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

❗Disclaimer: eBook received from the author

🜲 Characters 🜲
I loved Elloven and her attitude. Once you get to learn about her history, her actions in my opinion totally make sense. Jesstin was such a mystery to me, because he supposedly was a virgin by choice, yet he was engaging in some... activities. Very strange man, but i liked his character and it grows on you once you get to know him better. He's definitely better than Taven. He gave me the weirdest vibes, and showed his true colors over and over throughout the book.

⚔︎ World-Building ⚔︎
The magic system made in the book was really easy to understand, and so interesting. I loved how Jesstin had no idea what exactly he is and learned about it throughout the book. Also the underworld descriptions felt like a fever dream, and that part I loved it a lot because it felt more realistic on how someone going there would feel like. Loved the little details of magic information and the descriptions offered.

♡ What I liked/Disliked ♡
I loved the pace of the story. There was never a dull moment, you were thrown from action to action and things were just moving. Not at an alarming pace, but fast enough to remain entertaining and still keeping track of the events. The triangle of doom in my opinion is such a plot twist, because Taven is not a good person, yet he also had his good moments. Jesstin is portrayed as such a bad person, but I just feel he's so missunderstood, and I'm so curios of what's yet to come with him. And Elloven she's a girl that's gone through a lot, and her story is a sad one. But yet she's a strong character.

🔥 Spice Level/Potential Triggers 🔥
There were no sex scenes in the story, however there was quite a lot of *dirty* language throughout the book. You can check the TWs on author's website before picking the story, but whatever was told in the book didn't trigger me, however, some subjects can definitely be more sensitive.

[Caitlyn (delightful.reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Virtue & the Vixen is the newest addition to The Book of Life’s interconnected standalone series. It’s also a direct sequel to The Altruist & the Assassin.

Volume 1 follows Jesstin & Elloven. I love both of them as main characters! Jesstin has his own moral code he follows as a way to stop himself from becoming his adoptive or biological father. Elloven just wants freedom, especially after her abusive marriage ends when she kills her husband. Elloven’s strength definitely shows up as she keeps doing her best to survive and create a life of her own.

I have a soft spot for marriage of convenience / unintentional bonds, so “the bonding to save you from death” moment that happens was definitely one of my favorite moments. It really sets up Elloven and Jesstin’s dynamic- she can’t let him die, so she sacrifices her newfound freedom BUT he doesn’t want to take her freedom away and he never asked to be saved. Their slowburn this book is really making me need part 2!

There’s also a pretty solid family / found family dynamic with Jesstin and his loved ones. Rhiain & Asterin & Sesto really are a great family / support group.

I’m really not sure how I feel about Taven, but he does make an interesting character. Sesto is great - he doesn’t let Jesstin get away with shutting people out and is a fun character!

This novel definitely has a little bit of everything, especially with the journey that takes the group to the fae-like lands of Elloven’s family / ancestors.

This is part 1, and it does end on a cliffhanger. But I cannot wait to see what happens next!

Many thanks to Sarah M. Cradit & Luna Blooms LLC for the eARC! I’m really grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the street team!

*Please Check out TW/CW as there are heavier themes and events in this - I’ve listed the author’s list below*

Content Warnings:
History of SA in FMCs past (multiple)
Grooming and manipulation of FMC
Alcohol ab*se
References to child traff!cking and SA
Deep unresolved trauma
Su!cide (on-page as a past event) and su!cidal ideation (on page)
Generational ab*se and trauma
Self harm
References to child de4th
Parental neglect and ab*se
M🗡rder. Lots of m🗡rder.

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

This interconnected series is a hard YES PLEASE! I have read and enjoyed each "segment" of different characters, unique and diverse, following them avidly, these books are unputdownable immersion! The hunger gnawing inside me could only be sated by devouring this book. From inception to conclusion, this was a riveting read. Ms Cradit takes storytelling to a new level. This book has it all in abundance, with prose that settles like a whisper in ones soul, each word a masterpiece. Forced marriage, unpredictable powers, hard hitting emotions, this complex and dark tale, of tortured souls, unique characters and an even more unique magic system, set around two characters shrouded with suspicion, reputations in tatters, severely compromised, locked by rumours and accusations, unfolds into an adventure of a lifetime. For them as well as for me. Angst, hidden truths, peer through every page, attaching to my heart, pulling all the strings taut. This dark tale is full of manipulative forces, even darker magic and midnight black intentions. A story this author had me gaping and gasping, one of beauty, countered with one of horror. Exceptionally riveting. The next installment can't come fast enough!

There are three vital characters in this book. Their lives are inter-entwined, all carry secrets, all are victims in one way or another. Ellovan, abused, tormented, for years at the hands of her husband, finally snaps, unleashing a force within her she has no idea how to control. She flees...but nowhere is safe, not even the sanctuary of her home. Gads did the author play my heart like a violin! I was ready to sweep in and carry Ellovan to safety. But there is no safety, she's being hunted to pay for her "crime". What she did was a fitting retribution for crimes done against HER! Her fear of her power, prompt her to travel to find her people, much to the dismay of her mother. Jesstin and she share many intimate moments, not the sexual kind but the heartfelt kind. I honestly was so in love with both of them, their banter and they understanding of each other was gorgeous. Ellovan's words to Jesstin, sum it up perfectly, "You look at me and see a woman who’s been abused and wounded. You see the scars.”

Jesstin, an outcast, drowns his greatest shame and secret in alcohol and women in the tavern he owns, but he cannot escape the spectre, once his friend, the brother of Ellovan, who met his end by Jesstin's hand. What Jesstin sees as a curse, turns out to be a gift. A gift coveted by others. My heart bled for him, his entire stance is a facade which he hides so well. He's bright, he's smart and in so much internal pain, it matters not for him whether he lives or dies. He's impetus, impulsive and reckless. Not with Ellovan though. Tasked with seeing her home safely, she has a profound effect on him. Jesstin is his own worse enemy, he's built a concrete wall around himself but even concrete can crack and oh my heck, the author took a chisel to break off piece by piece. I was agog at how Ms Cradit opened up all the characters, the depth she gave them, the emotions she infused in them, just wowza!

Then there's Tavern...The intrigue, the burning desire to know exactly what Taven is up to, was overtaking my senses, feeling pity for him alternated with my disgust for him and his manipulation. Delusional at best, crazy at worst, the voices in his head direct him. But... the author kept throwing me off, I felt as though I were battling against a storm, blown onto way, then the next. I honestly didn't know what to make of him, is he villain or victim, so expertly did Ms Cradit mask his character. But, in truth, I really really didn't like him! The fates of all three are bound in ways none could predict.

Meeting her father's people, her people, was illuminating, and entirely nothing like she'd envisaged. The revelations, the things she learns, are mind-blowing. It should have been a place to learn about her magic, who she really was, what she really was, but geez, a pit of vipers can't hold a candle to the inhabitants of Rivenholde! What incredible penmanship! My head was spinning, I had no idea where I'd land, I had no idea of what would happen, all I did know was that everyone had their own agenda...
And Ellovan, together with Jesstin were well and truly caught up in the lies, the deception, the manipulation. Lexsea and Ryquin, made my blood boil! And gentle, sweet Daire, made me weep.

It's virtually impossible to capture the essence of this book. There were so many nuances, there were so many layers, there was so much deception. Ms Cradit, superbly crafted an intricate plot and subtle nuances that took me by surprise, a lot! This is a very complex, layered read. It shines a light at the darkness that resides within, it weaves and spins a rawness of emotions. It offers hope and friendship, it's so well written, it's so compelling, each character has a story of their own and lordie do I need the next book, urgently!!!!

[Elizabeth Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

As is often the case with Sarah Cradit's books, I have only one complaint. It's a cliffhanger. I've certainly encountered worse ones (although this one is pretty bad), and she did her readers the courtesy of labeling this volume one, but I'm still not a fan. Now, I'll be anxiously awaiting volume two.

This book takes place in the Kingdom of the White Sea, but it's detached from other stories by the fact that so much of it takes place in the lands of the Seven Sisters. Elloven is related to this secretive community of magical people who refer to their brethren as belonging to a different world. And in a way, they're right. Elloven’s mother has been super secretive about her parentage, refusing to tell Elloven anything about her people.

Elloven has just returned from a seven-year hellish existence as the wife of now-deceased Lord Fabrien Quinlanden, a sadistic monster who abused her from day one. After she loses control and her chaos magic and kills Fabrien and his equally sadistic friends, Taven Consadine, the man who lived with her family and controlled her while she was there, shows up to whisk her away. Her resentment is immediately apparent. She hesitates to even go with him, but decides she's more likely to escape with his help.

Esmeray, Elloven’s mother, aware of her imminent arrival, requests that Jesstin go to meet Elloven and escort her past the curious villagers and to her home. Because he was best friends with Elloven’s younger brother, he begrudgingly agrees and is surprised by his sense of kinship with her. He mentions a nearby community, Mythgarde, where she can go, and she won't be judged. It just so happens, he owns a business in this “outlaw” town, the Azure.

Jesstin’s older sister is Rhiann, now married to Prince Asterin from The Altruist and the Assassin. Although they share the same parents, Jesstin is a byproduct of their mother's infidelity. This makes him a brother to Asterin, as well. Because of his illegitimacy, Jesstin has long viewed himself as an outcast. And because both of his fathers are terrible people, he has vowed never to be like them. This includes never having children.

As expected, Elloven goes to Mythgarde. Jesstin is waiting for her, hoping she’ll come, for reasons he cannot fathom. But Taven follows her, and after starting a fight with Jesstin, he manages to convince the authorities that Jesstin should be put to death, over a lie. Elloven tries to speak out on his behalf and finds the only way she can save him is to bond with him. If they don't conceive a child within one year, they will both die. Jesstin is furious that she did this and refuses to even consider fulfilling the requirements of the bond. He was ready to die, but even more significantly, he doesn't like how he feels around her. He’s afraid. So, they decide they must break the bond. And the only way they know to do that is by visiting Elloven’s relatives from whence the curse originated. Unfortunately, Taven is the only one who knows the way.

And so, they travel together to Curia Rivenholde. After a friendly welcome, they begin to realize that almost everyone has a hidden agenda, and they are not looking out for Elloven or Jesstin. They're not really looking out for Taven either, but he’s a jerk, so who cares?

There's a fight that occurs near the end, and the future survival of our main characters is uncertain. How annoying is that? I still recommend it, but I want volume two now!

There were some quotations that I particularly liked, so I’ll share them in closing:

Jesstin: “He loved the spike of morality’s contours crossed, over and over.”

In response to Taven, Jesstin says, “Look at you, giving orders like anyone gives a f@ck.”

Taven tries to tell Jesstin that they both want the same thing. Jesstin’s response is wonderful: “You also want to see yourself transformed into a heaping pile of sh!t, so your external form finally matches what's inside? What are the odds?”

“His tethered ankles felt like syrupy fire.” – describing Jesstin.

“His head felt like someone had thrown a handful of briars inside and shook him for hours.” – also describing Jesstin.

[Kati · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Virtue and the Vixen is a third person two book duology set in the Guardians cycle of Sarah Cradit's Kingdom of the White Sea. The first book can be read as a standalone, but if you are like me, you'll love seeing Rhiain and Asterin again and want to revisit The Altruist and the Assassin. This will cause you to put down The Virtue and the Vixen for 3 days to relive Rhiain and Asterin's story and remind yourself who Jesstin is.

But I digress...

Cradit drops the reader right into the heart of Elloven's story. She's on the run after committing a shocking murder spree and her magic is really intriguing. I loved how Cradit dripped the details out through dialogue and discovery. Characters are introduced and we get to know them through the story, not a massive info dump. The magic system is chaotic and interesting and I liked the hints at a deeper lore.

I really appreciate how Cradit tells a story. Everything and everyone is fleshed out. The world exists and is believable. Cradit's world-building feels full and even if something pertaining to a world is not mentioned, you know Cradit has thought about it. The characters do things that are self-serving, but not all the time. Cradit really spends time developing characters and their motivations. There are no stock mustache-twirling villains and there's no throwaway scenes. The romantic moments are slow building and Elloven and Jesstin's slow fall into each other worked on multiple levels. And Taven might just be my favorite character. I love character growth in someone who's presented to be the antithesis of the protagonist.

Just a couple of things I struggled with that led me to not giving a full 5 stars. Jesstin's age of 19 is a struggle for me to believe. He's seen a lot and done a lot and I get that age works differently in fantastical settings. But I struggled to fully buy his jadedness. The other issue I had was the last third of the book. It was too many events shoved into a small time frame and it was almost overwhelming. I had to stop reading and go back a few times just to make sure that I understood the events.

And then that ending! You'll definitely want book 2 in your hot little hands immediately!

Thank you to Sarah Cradit for the arc for review purposes.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super excited I got to read the next installment in one of my favorite fantasy series early!

This volume has all the twisty gothic vibes, an MMC who can speak to the dead, and an FMC with chaos magic she can’t control. Both characters with rough pasts, and yet ~something~ is drawing them together.

Elloven just killed her abusive husband and his friends, and is on the run. Jesstin, someone from her past, agrees to help get her to safety. With no time to even breathe, Elloven finds herself saving him after a false accusation has a noose around his neck. Now they are bonded together and must produce a child in a year, else they face death. There has to be a way to break this bond, right?

Elloven’s parents come from magical peoples, and they believe they have the answers to breaking this bond. Elloven wants to know more about her magic and the people she hails from. But of course not everything is as it seems. Elloven and Jesstin find themselves pawns in a greater scheme, and now they must rely on each other to make it out alive.

While falling for each other on the way…

Elloven is neurodivergent, and it was very comforting to see a character portrayed with anxiety the way I feel it myself. She’s strong and coming into her own power and I love to see it!

TVATV starts dark, and it ends arguably darker. Elloven has been used by men her whole life. Jesstin comes from terrible men, and he’s tried to be good, only we see he is willing to accept his darkness if anyone stands in the way of him getting to her.

That cliff-hanger 😮‍💨 Will be picking up volume 2 immediately!!

TL;DR
🖤 an inexperienced MMC
🖤 neurodivergent FMC
🖤 forced proximity
🖤 rough pasts
🖤 uncanny setting
🖤 ghosts aren’t the scariest thing in this book
🖤 unreliable characters
🖤 low spice — lots of tension

[Kellie Nylund · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is an amazing read. The way Sarah expands the Kingdom of the White Seas is always fascinating and intriguing to explore. This story follows Elloven Hawthorne after she murdered her husband and his four friends and flees to Riverchapel to get answers about her Magic form her mother. She is saved from a mob that attacks her carriage on the way home by Jesstin Skylark and he does show kindness to her instead of the way everyone else is treating her. Something happens Jesstin in Mythgard thanks to Taven, I really don’t like than man, and it leads to Elloven to bind herself to Jesstin to save his life. The only way they can find out how to break the bond is to travel to her father’s people in Seven Sisters. The journey there and when they do arrive has a lot of build up tension between Elloven and Jesstin. While a lot of things happens to make these two believe that Elloven’s family don’t have good intentions towards her. We also learn more about Jesstin’s magic. That cliffhanger at the end has me wanting to dive into the next book because I got to know how this ends.

I highly recommend reading this. I do suggest you start with The Altruist and the Assassin, Book 1 of this cycle, for the full immersive experience.

[Kats Bookish World · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love returning to the White Kingdom for new stories and this one really had me on the edge of my seat. The tension, the danger, the intrigue and all the lies and deception made this into a great story.
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Jesstin is a character with a lot of depth and so many hidden sides, even from himself at times that it was great to read the story from his perspective. I just want to wrap him in a blanket and tell him all will be fine.
Elloven is so strong, all the trauma she has endured broke my heart. Yet she continues on and has some great character development.
Taven is a terrible person. I could not care less if he lives or dies.
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The plot was so full of lies and intrigue that I couldn't tell what happens next and there were so many twists and turns that had me spinning.
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The ending of Volume 1 is quite sudden and I can't wait to see how this story continues!
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I received an advanced copy by the author which I am so thankful for. This review is freely given and are my honest thoughts.

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am SO HAPPY to have been accepted to read an early copy of this as an ebook! I have loved Cradit from the first time I read Altruist and the Assassin back in 2021. And this completion of the trilogy is so far falling into perfect place. This one has really expanded the world and feels a lot less isolated than the first two. I love how different all of these books feel from each other but how they all relate to each other in small ways. I really abhor Taven, he's sooo gross and I hate how he can't see how yucky he is.
I feel like we could have delved a lot deeper into Elloven's past though with how traumatic it is!
I can't wait to see what Part 2 is going to bring, Part 1 ended on such a bang!

[thespookybooknerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Virtue and the Vixen is the eleventh book in The Book of All Things series - a series of stand-alones set in the same world, The Kingdom of the White Sea by Sarah M. Cradit. TVatV is the third book in the Guardians Cycle - the first two being The Altruist and the Assassin and The Belle and the Blackbird (can still be read as a standalone).
Ohhh how good it feels to be back in the Kingdom of the White Sea world! I tore right through volume one of The Virtue and the Vixen. I found myself always needing to know what was going to happen next. The suspense had me on the edge of my seat. As always with this series, I loved getting to see old characters again. I also enjoyed getting to know some new ones. There were some characters in this book that I just could not stand cough*Taven*cough. Some of the new characters are on the mysterious side, and I honestly have no idea who is trustworthy and who isn't. This story is a dark one. If you're someone who likes to know trigger warnings beforehand, you should definitely check those out (I'll include them down below). I did not see that ending coming. With that being said, I am so beyond ready to tear through volume two! I can not wait to find out what happens next.

If this book sounds like something you'd enjoy, I'd recommend giving it and the rest of the series a read sometime!

⚠️TW: History of SA in FMCs past (multiple). Grooming and manipulation of FMC. Alcohol ab*se. References to child traff!cking and SA. Deep unresolved trauma. Su!cide (on-page as a past event) and su!cidal ideation (on page). Generational ab*se and trauma. Self harm. References to child de4th. Parental neglect and ab*se. Murder. Lots of murder.⚠️

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars! This is book one of a duet, a departure from previous books in The Book of All Things universe, and after just finishing book one, I can understand why. There is so much happening, the complicated relationships, political machinations, and emotional roller coaster of it all is mind boggling in the best way. I am very much enjoying this ride, trying to determine who to trust, who to, well, not trust, what is going to happen, what has already happened. Agh! There's so much! You have Elloven, finally free from a terrible situation, only to be plunged into something potentially even more precarious. Jesstin, hiding a massive secret that would upend everything, just trying to survive, and now keep Elloven alive. Tavin, well, I won't even go there, I have very mixed feelings about Tavin, lol. As Elloven struggles to find her place, find out who she really is, things just get more and more complicated, more and more dangerous, and in the end, more and more de@dly. I'm completely sucked in, and I want more. Can't wait for book 2 in this duet!

[Selena-Marie books_cats_andchemistry_tt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a lot. Dive into a world of magic and deception like you've never seen before.

Jesstin is a necromancer and doesn't know it, all he knows is he killed Gennedy and his spirit won't leave him alone. 

Elloven is a witch with chaos magic and she has no control over it. She's been through a lot of stuff and my heart breaks for her. Taven is this icky guy that I don't even want to mention and been giving me serious ick vibes the entire book and keeps chastising Elloven like he wants complete control of her and he disgusts me. 

That last chapter is really crazy and I need volume 2 like right now. 

I loved reuniting with. Rhian and As. I absolutely loved the Altruist and the Assassin and I was so excited to see them and Sesto whom I loved. 

[Andra · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the complex and heavy-hitting emotions in this first volume of the next installment in an overall interconnected series of dark fantasy at its best representation. This book is filled with all the angst, hidden secrets, and a unique magic system to hold the reader captive from beginning to end. At times, I was left holding my breath and other times I was shocked to my core with the revelations and obstacles set before the characters. Cradit never ceases to amaze me with her descriptive writing abilities. Can hardly wait for the next volume.

[Heather M · Rating 5 out of 5]

LISTEN. The reluctant pining and denial is what I need and this book DELIVERED. The clear PULL to each other from the start from Jesstin and Elloven but not being fully IN from the start was perfect.

Elloven is on the run from murdering her husband and had had toxic and trauma after trauma from the “men” in her life including her late husband.

I think of Jesstin as a wayward priest who never was. He was set for a scholar path with a minimal life and was thrust down another path all together. Now he’s a proprietor at a den of inequities but maintains “some” of his virtues.

Jesstin and Elloven have known each other for years but are now back in each other’s lives and forced to stay that way through a bond created by magic neither fully knew the extent of.

I’m obsessed with the layering of this story. There is manipulation and trauma that may bother some people but I think it’s written in a way that empowers and isn’t just used as a tool.

[Anshul (stories.buddy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, Nooooooo. I need the second book of this duet right now. Sarah, you just can’t end it like this. I’m shocked. And I’m thrilled too, for the next book, because I can’t imagine what’s going to happen now. I don’t even have a theory right now.

The plot is addictive, and once you start reading it, you will not want to put it aside. I love Jesstin and Elloven. Their struggles, their life got me thinking a lot. Good, bad, everything, so much uncertainty.

Sarah is the only writer whose third-person PoV I like reading. She writes it in a way that you will not lose your focus, and you’ll get the experience of everything happening in the story with everyone.

It’s a 4.5⭐️ for me.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this wonderful story. The characters were very interesting and the beginning had me wrapped in its clutches. This young poor soul running for her life and then finding her way to her mother. That’s where it definitely gets good. Elloven got herself bound to jesstin to save him. That’s where things didn’t go as planned . As she Jesstin and Taven go in search of a way to unbind. Elloven learns where she truly comes from. So many secrets revealed and found family and a betrayal . This was an amazing journey and it’s only the first part. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

[Katie Buckingham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cradit's books are always the wide aweeping epic takes that bring many characters to life. They are well rounded and the world building is great. You are always invested in the characters. This one has a lot of magic that is unknown and uncontrolled. The main characters are definitely enemies and in volume 1 do not become lovers! Will have to check out Volume 2 to see the ending! Necromancer, dream walking, chaos magic, world of the dead? Lots of new interesting plots.

[Safphire (Aasiyah) · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing about Sarah? She knows how to reel me in! I can’t get enough of her writing. This book was the perfect balance of action and romance. Elloven and Jess? Chefs kiss 😘😮‍💨and as always the magic 🪄 keeps you intrigued. If you haven’t started her catalog i recommend starting with “The claw and the Crowned”. 4.5 stars ⭐️

[The Literary Vixen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Virtue and the Vixen Part One offers readers an intriguing and riveting story. Quickly making this a binge worthy read. Taking place in the Kingdom of the White Sea, this story is teeming with mystery, deception, and characters with questionable morals. Who is friend and who is foe? Emotionally charged and sure to leave readers wanting more.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

*The Virtue and the Vixen* is a gothic, dark fantasy romance that serves as the third and penultimate story in the **Guardians Cycle** of the broader *Book of All Things* series. Set in the Kingdom of the White Sea universe, the story is split into two volumes, both released in early 2026.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh the complex ways Jesstin and Elloven's lives intersect has been deliciously woven throughout this first volume!

I absolutely love the tension, the pain, and the journey!

[Marie-Lyne (Gonewithflynn) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am absolutely floored at the world building Cradit has put into this series - each book adds layers onto the world while somehow being unique and lush in its own right. The Vixen & the Virtue, so far, is no different. It was fun to reconnect with Rhiain and Asterin, they are some of my favourites in the series, and I'm happy we get Jesstin's story in this book! The journey to an intriguing new location, with new characters who have cool magic but don't seem fully trustworthy, along with the tension between Jesstin and Elloven (and Taven 😒) had me engrossed in the story the entire way. The tone of this book is a bit darker and a little haunting, which I am totally here for! Though, be sure to check content warnings. From Elloven and Jesstin's back stories, to how their fates meet and collide, the yearning and emotion, all the way to the twist at the end of part 1... The Vixen & the Virtue is gearing up to be utterly tragic in the best possible way. Whether you are after high fantasy world building, political intrigue, romance that conquers the odds, characters that grip you, are complex and have depth... The Book of All Things series has something for everyone! I can't recommend it enough.

[Jill (Me_Myself_And_Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, we went on a wild ride with Elloven and Jesstin in the beginning of their story. So much has happened that I can't quite keep it all straight. Elloven and her quest to find out more about her magic. Jesstin falling into a bond with Elloven in order to spare his life, that he was ready to give up willingly. Their quest had some interesting twists and turns and that ending.... well, let's just say I'm happy at a few things and not so happy about others.

I can't wait to finish their story.