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Cages of Alyssum
First, I was bound by the Treaty. Then, I was bound by her.
As a Treaty Princess of Lunamor, I would never have dared to cross the Threshold, for those fortunate enough to return from beyond the fog are stripped of their memories. But when I’m viciously attacked by my betrothed, the Treaty that demands our marriage becomes my prison, and the Threshold, my escape.
I’d feared an uninhabitable bog of demons on the other side. Instead, I find a mysterious village run by a dark-haired exile whose eyes are trained on me. Vayen Videa: a stoic, lowborn, irritatingly captivating woman. Her instincts keep me close. Her dominance provides protection. But when I refuse to risk my life for a prophecy I don’t believe in, she kidnaps me, and my protector becomes my captor.
She says I’m a Goddess Vessel—the only one capable of breaking the so-called curse placed on her people. I say she’s the most insufferable person I’ve ever met. I have every reason to despise her, and the rope marks on my wrists to prove it. So why do my cheeks flush when we’re riding her horse? And why does my stomach flutter when it’s her warmth warding off the forest’s chill?
As it turns out, I am more than just a Treaty Princess; I’m also an idiot. Because falling for your kidnapper is absurd... especially one who’s not quite as human as she seems.
Cages of Alyssum is the first book in an epic sapphic romantasy trilogy featuring a glacial burn, an only-soft-for-her exile, and a fish-out-of-water princess determined to break free of her cage.
As a Treaty Princess of Lunamor, I would never have dared to cross the Threshold, for those fortunate enough to return from beyond the fog are stripped of their memories. But when I’m viciously attacked by my betrothed, the Treaty that demands our marriage becomes my prison, and the Threshold, my escape.
I’d feared an uninhabitable bog of demons on the other side. Instead, I find a mysterious village run by a dark-haired exile whose eyes are trained on me. Vayen Videa: a stoic, lowborn, irritatingly captivating woman. Her instincts keep me close. Her dominance provides protection. But when I refuse to risk my life for a prophecy I don’t believe in, she kidnaps me, and my protector becomes my captor.
She says I’m a Goddess Vessel—the only one capable of breaking the so-called curse placed on her people. I say she’s the most insufferable person I’ve ever met. I have every reason to despise her, and the rope marks on my wrists to prove it. So why do my cheeks flush when we’re riding her horse? And why does my stomach flutter when it’s her warmth warding off the forest’s chill?
As it turns out, I am more than just a Treaty Princess; I’m also an idiot. Because falling for your kidnapper is absurd... especially one who’s not quite as human as she seems.
Cages of Alyssum is the first book in an epic sapphic romantasy trilogy featuring a glacial burn, an only-soft-for-her exile, and a fish-out-of-water princess determined to break free of her cage.
586 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2026
About the author
Ava Hardwick
1 book34 followersAva Hardwick is an author who escapes the horrors by writing epic sapphic romantasy with all of the longing. If you love slowburn romance set in immersive fantasy settings, coaxing the black cat out of her very stoic shell, and side characters you’ll be willing to fight for, then you’ve found a kindred spirit.
Originally from the west coast of the United States, Ava now lives in the southeast where it is objectively hotter and muggier (much to her dismay). When not subjecting her characters to torturous levels of yearning, Ava can be found lamenting the end of winter, discussing the very normal, very platonic relationship between Buffy and Faith, and desperately googling how to keep her three houseplants alive.
To find out more about Ava, including new releases and writing updates, sign up for her newsletter on her website and follow her on Instagram at @avahardwickwrites.
Originally from the west coast of the United States, Ava now lives in the southeast where it is objectively hotter and muggier (much to her dismay). When not subjecting her characters to torturous levels of yearning, Ava can be found lamenting the end of winter, discussing the very normal, very platonic relationship between Buffy and Faith, and desperately googling how to keep her three houseplants alive.
To find out more about Ava, including new releases and writing updates, sign up for her newsletter on her website and follow her on Instagram at @avahardwickwrites.
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August 6, 202665% and the story is extremely boring & slow 😑
May 3, 2026
Review of Advanced Reader Copy from Author
This book completely pulled me in.
I really loved the world building right from the start. It was detailed and immersive without ever feeling overwhelming, and I found myself settling into the story really easily. One of my favorite parts was watching Alyssum grow throughout the book. Her development felt natural, and seeing that growth alongside Vayan made everything more engaging. Their dynamic added a lot of depth to the story and kept me wanting to read just a little bit more each time.
The pacing was great. This was definitely a “just one more chapter” kind of book, especially as the stakes continued to build. As I got closer to the end, I could tell something big was coming, and the ending absolutely delivered without feeling rushed or incomplete.
Overall, this story does a really nice job balancing character growth, tension, and atmosphere. It left me excited to see where the series goes next, which is always a good feeling when you finish a book. An easy five stars for me, and one I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys immersive fantasy, strong character arcs, and stories that keep you thinking after you’re done.
This book completely pulled me in.
I really loved the world building right from the start. It was detailed and immersive without ever feeling overwhelming, and I found myself settling into the story really easily. One of my favorite parts was watching Alyssum grow throughout the book. Her development felt natural, and seeing that growth alongside Vayan made everything more engaging. Their dynamic added a lot of depth to the story and kept me wanting to read just a little bit more each time.
The pacing was great. This was definitely a “just one more chapter” kind of book, especially as the stakes continued to build. As I got closer to the end, I could tell something big was coming, and the ending absolutely delivered without feeling rushed or incomplete.
Overall, this story does a really nice job balancing character growth, tension, and atmosphere. It left me excited to see where the series goes next, which is always a good feeling when you finish a book. An easy five stars for me, and one I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys immersive fantasy, strong character arcs, and stories that keep you thinking after you’re done.
May 11, 2026
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
I loved EVERY SINGLE SECOND. From the first pages, I knew I was the target audience for this book and I devoured it. My favourite thing was that the book was somehow both dark fantasy and cozy fantasy in one book.
The world building was incredible, I loved all of the little details. I loved how everything felt like it was building up to something bigger.
The relationships between all of the characters were so good. There were such excellent found family vibes and I’m in love with Vayen and Alyssum.
I have no notes, and I cannot wait to find out what’s next for these two (there was a bit of a cliffhanger, so I’m eager to read the next book!!!)
If you want to read a sapphic fantasy book that will have you on the edge of your seat, and will completely draw you into the world, add this one to your TBR. You will not regret it!!
I loved EVERY SINGLE SECOND. From the first pages, I knew I was the target audience for this book and I devoured it. My favourite thing was that the book was somehow both dark fantasy and cozy fantasy in one book.
The world building was incredible, I loved all of the little details. I loved how everything felt like it was building up to something bigger.
The relationships between all of the characters were so good. There were such excellent found family vibes and I’m in love with Vayen and Alyssum.
I have no notes, and I cannot wait to find out what’s next for these two (there was a bit of a cliffhanger, so I’m eager to read the next book!!!)
If you want to read a sapphic fantasy book that will have you on the edge of your seat, and will completely draw you into the world, add this one to your TBR. You will not regret it!!
April 30, 2026
Though the book is good and the characters are enjoyable, I can only offer 3⭐️.
I love the fmc, her journey of leaving the kingdom, and her personal growth. From naive and somewhat helpless, to brave and willing to take on the unknown. I love the characters she meets on her journey of growth. Each one is someone you want to learn about.
My only issue with the story is that it felt extremely slow. I found myself struggling to push through more parts than I would have liked.
If you are looking for a relaxed read without too much action, this book is for you. It really is a great read. It’s just not my speed
I love the fmc, her journey of leaving the kingdom, and her personal growth. From naive and somewhat helpless, to brave and willing to take on the unknown. I love the characters she meets on her journey of growth. Each one is someone you want to learn about.
My only issue with the story is that it felt extremely slow. I found myself struggling to push through more parts than I would have liked.
If you are looking for a relaxed read without too much action, this book is for you. It really is a great read. It’s just not my speed
May 2, 2026
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book, this is my honest review. I really really enjoyed this read! With most fantasy series it takes a while to learn the world and really dive in, but I had no trouble at all with this one! It was easy to follow and extremely entertaining.
Alyssum is an extremely relatable main character, despite being a literal princess. She’s strong while also being vulnerable and it’s nice to see.
I cannot wait for the next installment in this series!
Alyssum is an extremely relatable main character, despite being a literal princess. She’s strong while also being vulnerable and it’s nice to see.
I cannot wait for the next installment in this series!
May 19, 2026
Tw: SA
I loved this so much omg. It was so much more than I expected. It got me with the forearms and I stayed for the incredible characters and interesting world building. Alyssum is so relatable and I would fucking die for Vayen! I love them both so much and I love the yearning omg.
There are a few potentially triggering scenes of SA/attempted rape that made me really uncomfortable, but they were manageable and I found the trauma coming with it was handled very realistically here. In so many other books, especially romantasy, it's just completely glossed over and no lasting effects shown at all. Generally with past trauma that happened before the story I felt like we could actually see that impact on Alyssum and I found the way flashbacks were described to be relatable and realistic.
The world building is deeper than in most romantasies and I was eager to find out more. What I found to be quite special about this one was that we discovered pretty much all (def most) of it alongside the MC. This way it didn't feel like being plunged into a world you don't understand.
The ending is the meanest cliffhanger, but I can't even be mad because I really loved every second of this book and I cannot wait for more!
I loved this so much omg. It was so much more than I expected. It got me with the forearms and I stayed for the incredible characters and interesting world building. Alyssum is so relatable and I would fucking die for Vayen! I love them both so much and I love the yearning omg.
There are a few potentially triggering scenes of SA/attempted rape that made me really uncomfortable, but they were manageable and I found the trauma coming with it was handled very realistically here. In so many other books, especially romantasy, it's just completely glossed over and no lasting effects shown at all. Generally with past trauma that happened before the story I felt like we could actually see that impact on Alyssum and I found the way flashbacks were described to be relatable and realistic.
The world building is deeper than in most romantasies and I was eager to find out more. What I found to be quite special about this one was that we discovered pretty much all (def most) of it alongside the MC. This way it didn't feel like being plunged into a world you don't understand.
The ending is the meanest cliffhanger, but I can't even be mad because I really loved every second of this book and I cannot wait for more!
August 18, 2026
Im gonna go 3.5 stars rounded up to four. I’m not a fantasy reader. I prefer more contemporary romance, for sure. When the author says slow burn, she effing means it. The first 60% of the book does not have the characters together, at all.
Alyssum is kind of annoying with her thirstiness over any female. She is immature, unrealized, and doesn’t have many thoughts of her own. But that was the point and once I figured that out, I kept going. I didn’t learn very much about Vayen until the last 25% of the book. I’m still a little unclear on the magic systems and the conflicts between all the kingdoms and how Alyssum is the key to all of these conflicts.
The writing is actually very decent, save for the overuse of the phrase “ironbark tree.” There’s gotta be a wider variety of trees in this world. I’ll definitely read the second one to see what happens. I like the writing, even if I don’t understand the magic systems.
Alyssum is kind of annoying with her thirstiness over any female. She is immature, unrealized, and doesn’t have many thoughts of her own. But that was the point and once I figured that out, I kept going. I didn’t learn very much about Vayen until the last 25% of the book. I’m still a little unclear on the magic systems and the conflicts between all the kingdoms and how Alyssum is the key to all of these conflicts.
The writing is actually very decent, save for the overuse of the phrase “ironbark tree.” There’s gotta be a wider variety of trees in this world. I’ll definitely read the second one to see what happens. I like the writing, even if I don’t understand the magic systems.
August 10, 2026
Fand es voll toll🥹
Viel word building, konnte mir die Welt voll gut vorstellen und war sehr cozy. Passt eigentlich besser in Herbst hahah.
Auch wenn es cozy war, war es sehr spannend und action hat auch nicht gefehlt.
Viele weibliche Charaktere, super süße Lovestory :D
Bisschen klischee ist der love(?) Bond den die eine iwi auf die andere hat, aber ist auch nicht super nervig oder so.
Hatte sorge dass es nicht so gut ist, auf kindle unlimmeted liest man ja manchmal sachen die sind oke aber catchen einen nicht soo doll. Aber war bis zum Schluss spanned und gut und ein super mieser Cliffhanger 🥲
Viel word building, konnte mir die Welt voll gut vorstellen und war sehr cozy. Passt eigentlich besser in Herbst hahah.
Auch wenn es cozy war, war es sehr spannend und action hat auch nicht gefehlt.
Viele weibliche Charaktere, super süße Lovestory :D
Bisschen klischee ist der love(?) Bond den die eine iwi auf die andere hat, aber ist auch nicht super nervig oder so.
Hatte sorge dass es nicht so gut ist, auf kindle unlimmeted liest man ja manchmal sachen die sind oke aber catchen einen nicht soo doll. Aber war bis zum Schluss spanned und gut und ein super mieser Cliffhanger 🥲
July 30, 2026
was lucky enough to arc read this and even on my second read i’ve fallen more in love with it
May 11, 2026
Cages of Alyssum
Arc Review
It was good. I feel like the book was way too long for what you actually get from the story. You get A LOT of in depth descriptions. World building is nice but if something isn’t actually going to play apart in the story, it doesn’t need multiple paragraphs to describe it.
The main characters…they’re there. There’s growth. But, I honestly feel like I still don’t know them enough to actually form any kind of connection. You get a lot of telling instead of showing.
The side characters are enjoyable.
The “living in the dark” and the constant “secrets” was honestly unnecessary. When the book is so long, the reader needs something to keep them wanting more. You can’t keep everything from us and then throw it all at us at the end. It’s overwhelming and we just sit there saying “okay. Well, I guess.”
Arc Review
It was good. I feel like the book was way too long for what you actually get from the story. You get A LOT of in depth descriptions. World building is nice but if something isn’t actually going to play apart in the story, it doesn’t need multiple paragraphs to describe it.
The main characters…they’re there. There’s growth. But, I honestly feel like I still don’t know them enough to actually form any kind of connection. You get a lot of telling instead of showing.
The side characters are enjoyable.
The “living in the dark” and the constant “secrets” was honestly unnecessary. When the book is so long, the reader needs something to keep them wanting more. You can’t keep everything from us and then throw it all at us at the end. It’s overwhelming and we just sit there saying “okay. Well, I guess.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
So this book does in fact have everything, it has adventure, a runaway princess, danger, an adorable run down town in the woods, herbalists including one very adorable one in training, yearning (lots of) and another town that keeps everyones knowledge about the outside world limited to keep them weak and compliant.
THERE IS SO MUCH GOING ON!!!
The main character in this book is called Alyssum, and she is the princess of Lunamor. Since her birth she has been promised to the prince of Hollowmire due to the treaty, Alyssum doesn't know why this treaty exists but she knows that any princess with her specilic half Lunamor half Sol blood is promised to the next prince of Hollowmire. People from Hollowmire are... not exactly the ideal husband material, or friend material, or decent person material, but this is kept from Alyssum until basically the day before she meets the prince. Most things are kept from Alyssum, it's a running theme throughout her life, nobody tells her anything but the bare minimum, it's incredibly frustrating.
This particular prince of Hollowmire is a disgusting vile man, it gets to the point where Alyssum has no other choice but to run, run into the unknown, run where nobody is allowed to run, cross what nobody has crossed and come back alive, cross what left the bakers husband with no memories at all.
Side characters introduced after Alyssums escape were the true highlight of the story for me, they were kind and caring and each scene with them in felt warm and cozy inside. Alyssum was still kept in the dark for a lot of things, but her growth while living as a normal person instead of a pampered princess was great to read, she had people who liked her and respected her even though they didn't have to, she made her first genuine friends.
Vayen is the other main character in this story, and she has A LOT of depth, there is so much to her character and it is a lot, Vayen lore is drip fed throughout the story so it is not overwhelming but her story is definitely a heartbreaking one, she has SO much on her shoulders and her actions are basically understandable when we are told why she did everything.
A note I do want to say though is there is a LOT of description and world building and internal dialogue in this book, like a lot a lot, I do think this book could be 100 pages shorter at least, I was regularly skipping paragraphs of description so I could carry on with the story or conversation occurring. Just a little thing though, I truly loved it otherwise!!
THERE IS SO MUCH GOING ON!!!
The main character in this book is called Alyssum, and she is the princess of Lunamor. Since her birth she has been promised to the prince of Hollowmire due to the treaty, Alyssum doesn't know why this treaty exists but she knows that any princess with her specilic half Lunamor half Sol blood is promised to the next prince of Hollowmire. People from Hollowmire are... not exactly the ideal husband material, or friend material, or decent person material, but this is kept from Alyssum until basically the day before she meets the prince. Most things are kept from Alyssum, it's a running theme throughout her life, nobody tells her anything but the bare minimum, it's incredibly frustrating.
This particular prince of Hollowmire is a disgusting vile man, it gets to the point where Alyssum has no other choice but to run, run into the unknown, run where nobody is allowed to run, cross what nobody has crossed and come back alive, cross what left the bakers husband with no memories at all.
Side characters introduced after Alyssums escape were the true highlight of the story for me, they were kind and caring and each scene with them in felt warm and cozy inside. Alyssum was still kept in the dark for a lot of things, but her growth while living as a normal person instead of a pampered princess was great to read, she had people who liked her and respected her even though they didn't have to, she made her first genuine friends.
Vayen is the other main character in this story, and she has A LOT of depth, there is so much to her character and it is a lot, Vayen lore is drip fed throughout the story so it is not overwhelming but her story is definitely a heartbreaking one, she has SO much on her shoulders and her actions are basically understandable when we are told why she did everything.
A note I do want to say though is there is a LOT of description and world building and internal dialogue in this book, like a lot a lot, I do think this book could be 100 pages shorter at least, I was regularly skipping paragraphs of description so I could carry on with the story or conversation occurring. Just a little thing though, I truly loved it otherwise!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review ❣️
❣️❣️❣️❣️
Some books pull you in slowly. Cages of Alyssum grabbed me from the very first chapter and refused to let go until the final page shattered me emotionally.
Going into a nearly 600-page fantasy, I honestly expected there to be moments where the pacing dragged for me but that never happened. Every chapter added something meaningful, whether it was the layered world-building, the political tension surrounding the Treaty, or the slow unraveling of the connection between Alyssum and Vayen.
Alyssum’s POV was incredibly immersive. You feel her fear, frustration, curiosity, and gradual emotional conflict so vividly that crossing the Threshold feels just as overwhelming to the reader as it does to her. Watching her go from trapped princess to someone questioning everything she’s ever known was one of my favourite parts of the story.
And then there’s Vayen.
Cold, controlled, intimidating, yet somehow impossibly magnetic. The dynamic between her and Alyssum carried this constant tension that made even the smallest interactions feel important. The romance truly is a glacial burn, but it works so well because every moment feels earned. The lingering looks, the reluctant protection, the emotional push and pull, it had me completely invested.
What I appreciated most was that the fantasy elements never overshadowed the characters. The side characters felt purposeful, the prophecy storyline stayed intriguing, and the mystery surrounding the curse kept me wanting answers the entire time.
The final chapters absolutely destroyed me in the best way possible. Confusion, desperation, heartbreak, hope, I felt all of it. And that cliffhanger? Cruel. Absolutely cruel.
For a debut novel, this was incredibly impressive. Ava Hardwick created a world that feels vivid, emotional, and addictive, and I already know I’ll be impatiently waiting for the next installment. If you love sapphic romantasy with slow-burn tension, morally complicated characters, emotional angst, and immersive world-building, this deserves a spot on your TBR immediately.
❣️❣️❣️❣️
Some books pull you in slowly. Cages of Alyssum grabbed me from the very first chapter and refused to let go until the final page shattered me emotionally.
Going into a nearly 600-page fantasy, I honestly expected there to be moments where the pacing dragged for me but that never happened. Every chapter added something meaningful, whether it was the layered world-building, the political tension surrounding the Treaty, or the slow unraveling of the connection between Alyssum and Vayen.
Alyssum’s POV was incredibly immersive. You feel her fear, frustration, curiosity, and gradual emotional conflict so vividly that crossing the Threshold feels just as overwhelming to the reader as it does to her. Watching her go from trapped princess to someone questioning everything she’s ever known was one of my favourite parts of the story.
And then there’s Vayen.
Cold, controlled, intimidating, yet somehow impossibly magnetic. The dynamic between her and Alyssum carried this constant tension that made even the smallest interactions feel important. The romance truly is a glacial burn, but it works so well because every moment feels earned. The lingering looks, the reluctant protection, the emotional push and pull, it had me completely invested.
What I appreciated most was that the fantasy elements never overshadowed the characters. The side characters felt purposeful, the prophecy storyline stayed intriguing, and the mystery surrounding the curse kept me wanting answers the entire time.
The final chapters absolutely destroyed me in the best way possible. Confusion, desperation, heartbreak, hope, I felt all of it. And that cliffhanger? Cruel. Absolutely cruel.
For a debut novel, this was incredibly impressive. Ava Hardwick created a world that feels vivid, emotional, and addictive, and I already know I’ll be impatiently waiting for the next installment. If you love sapphic romantasy with slow-burn tension, morally complicated characters, emotional angst, and immersive world-building, this deserves a spot on your TBR immediately.
May 14, 2026
Ava Hardwick has completely blown my mind with this book, it was intense, sweet, cruel, frightening, wonderous and mystifying. Every time you think you know what is happening another layer of plot and history would be peeled back like an onion showing how little you know about the world Alyssum finds herself in. The world building has amazing depth of which we have only scratched the surface of. We see the strength it takes to leave the only life Alyssum has ever known when she flees a cruel family and a future of violence and abuse, and the courage it takes to open her heart to the people who offer her a home and accept her for who she really is. But crossing the frightening Threshold might not be the reprieve Alyssum is hoping for, the village of Grenythwood is harboring many secrets, from the mysterious Videa family, to the reason that someone locks Alyssum inside at night. And then there is Vayen, the silent, brooding protector of the village. Vayen who's green eyes seem to always be watching, Vayen who's touch is burning hot, who's hands are always ready to catch a tumble, who's strong arms were there to rescue Alyssum after the crossing. Every time they are near the tension is simmering and the growing desire is a smoldering coal that neither realizes the other has. As truths are forced into the open it seems even Vayen herself is trapped in a cage and the key lies in Alyssum's past and possible future destiny, and the saving of one may be the destruction of the other. As a desperate journey unfolds it may push them past the breaking point and turn the budding friendship to enemies. This book has enough slow-burn, yearning and heated looks to last a lifetime. And I am going to need a few days to stop thinking about the dark curls, strong jaw and bare muscular arms of a certain overly protective warrior women 😳🔥🔥. Two thumbs up 👍👍 and a really impatient look for book 2 to Ava and I will be thrilled to see what is next in store for the exciting new world
May 16, 2026
ARC Review
Aaah! What was that ending? Ava, come take your flowers. This story gave exactly what was promised, sapphic, slow burn and fantasy. The world building was perfectly paced slowly easing you into the worlds of Morwyn, the writing was so descriptive helping you create a perfect imagination whilst reading. If you are looking for a slow paced, fantasy sapphic romance with an incredible slow burn, with tension and desire rippling just underneath the surface? This is definitely for you.
Alyssum, dear Alyssum, she really went through so much. She deserves to live in peace and be happy, something her shitty family couldn't do for her and all those men had to ruin. It was amazing to see her slowly gain confidence and face he fears despite her trembling while doing so. She is strongly determined and brave even though she doesn't believe it one bit.She played safe for such a long time, it was refreshing to see her take risk after risk trying to seize her life back .I can't wait to see more of her from in the next book of the trilogy.
Vayen, the one who had to cast aside her feelings in order to do something she would rather not do. I really like watching Vayen bounce between being mean to Alyssum and caring for her a bit too much. It really shows the indecisiveness she struggled with. However, Vayen is a goner, she stands absolutely no chance against Alyssum. God! I love her. A yearner who refuses to accept they yearn. She really took the phrase touch her and die quite literally, I mean just a touch was enough to set her off. I also like her character development towards the end and can't wait to see more of her.
Their incredible family, Catrin, Milo, Winnie, Ekko, Berig, this was the found family Alyssum absolutely needed. Milo is so adorable and I am glad they are there to support these two.
All in all, I loved this one and absolutely recommend it!
Aaah! What was that ending? Ava, come take your flowers. This story gave exactly what was promised, sapphic, slow burn and fantasy. The world building was perfectly paced slowly easing you into the worlds of Morwyn, the writing was so descriptive helping you create a perfect imagination whilst reading. If you are looking for a slow paced, fantasy sapphic romance with an incredible slow burn, with tension and desire rippling just underneath the surface? This is definitely for you.
Alyssum, dear Alyssum, she really went through so much. She deserves to live in peace and be happy, something her shitty family couldn't do for her and all those men had to ruin. It was amazing to see her slowly gain confidence and face he fears despite her trembling while doing so. She is strongly determined and brave even though she doesn't believe it one bit.She played safe for such a long time, it was refreshing to see her take risk after risk trying to seize her life back .I can't wait to see more of her from in the next book of the trilogy.
Vayen, the one who had to cast aside her feelings in order to do something she would rather not do. I really like watching Vayen bounce between being mean to Alyssum and caring for her a bit too much. It really shows the indecisiveness she struggled with. However, Vayen is a goner, she stands absolutely no chance against Alyssum. God! I love her. A yearner who refuses to accept they yearn. She really took the phrase touch her and die quite literally, I mean just a touch was enough to set her off. I also like her character development towards the end and can't wait to see more of her.
Their incredible family, Catrin, Milo, Winnie, Ekko, Berig, this was the found family Alyssum absolutely needed. Milo is so adorable and I am glad they are there to support these two.
All in all, I loved this one and absolutely recommend it!
May 26, 2026
Sloooow burn sapphic!!
A slooooow burn sapphic romantasy with a shifter twist? Check it out in Cages of Alyssum!
Alyssum has always known her fate - to marry the prince of a neighbouring kingdom in order to maintain a treaty. But when her betrothed attacks her and her father does nothing to defend her, she runs - and escapes across the mysterious Threshold.
The barrier of mist and magic that separates the forest from the city is known to change those that pass through it. After *just* making it through, Alyssum discovers a world she never knew about. More importantly, she needs the elusive Rayen - the woman who appears to be near the center of her new home’s mysteries.
Now all Alyssum needs to do is avoid capture by her father and betrothed, unravel the mysteries of the Threshold, and make a new life for herself…all while trying to ignore the deepening attraction to Rayen. Easy, right?
Well this was a wonderful debut. I loved the world building and the slow reveal of different aspects of the story. It is a really fantastic romantasy novel with a beautiful sapphic love story. Watching Alyssum’s journey of discovery was really special.
The romance is FF and is extremely slow burn. While there is no on page spice in this book, there is some explicit talk and there is an attempted assault. The book also includes an abusive parent and sibling, physical assault, kidnapping and panic attacks.
This book does end on a cliffhanger and I am eagerly looking forward to seeing what is in store for our characters. If you choose the bear, want to watch two amazing women slowly fall in love, and love romantasy, I highly recommend checking out Cages of Alyssum.
A slooooow burn sapphic romantasy with a shifter twist? Check it out in Cages of Alyssum!
Alyssum has always known her fate - to marry the prince of a neighbouring kingdom in order to maintain a treaty. But when her betrothed attacks her and her father does nothing to defend her, she runs - and escapes across the mysterious Threshold.
The barrier of mist and magic that separates the forest from the city is known to change those that pass through it. After *just* making it through, Alyssum discovers a world she never knew about. More importantly, she needs the elusive Rayen - the woman who appears to be near the center of her new home’s mysteries.
Now all Alyssum needs to do is avoid capture by her father and betrothed, unravel the mysteries of the Threshold, and make a new life for herself…all while trying to ignore the deepening attraction to Rayen. Easy, right?
Well this was a wonderful debut. I loved the world building and the slow reveal of different aspects of the story. It is a really fantastic romantasy novel with a beautiful sapphic love story. Watching Alyssum’s journey of discovery was really special.
The romance is FF and is extremely slow burn. While there is no on page spice in this book, there is some explicit talk and there is an attempted assault. The book also includes an abusive parent and sibling, physical assault, kidnapping and panic attacks.
This book does end on a cliffhanger and I am eagerly looking forward to seeing what is in store for our characters. If you choose the bear, want to watch two amazing women slowly fall in love, and love romantasy, I highly recommend checking out Cages of Alyssum.
August 13, 2026
I'm gonna be gonest, it shocks me there's people that actually likes this book so much.
I tried so hard to finish reading but I couldn't because all the time I kept waiting for Alyssum to finally explode and tell everyone how selfish they were.
The biggest mistake of this book was portraying Vayen as a victim, like she was the one suffering by putting Alyssum through all that ordeal: the kidnaping.
Her reasons were selfish all along, and to me it was incredulous that Alyssum knowing Vayen is her captor would immediately feel regret if she said something to Vayen that hurt her. Like, excuse me? Who's the real captive and victim here?
To me, deception is much worse behind that false sense of care and well being.
Vayen literally knows what Alyssum suffered in her home and for some reason decides to change her cage with another. Like if this probably wasn't something they could have talked through like normal human beings. Instead she kidnapped her. Vayen could at LEAST tried a little harder to talk with Alyssum and say all those "sweet" things she says (AFTER THE KIDNAPING) to her, at the very beginning.
At some point, it was manipulative. I hated it.
The girl is coming from trauma, and instead of reasurring her and wait for her to asimilate everything and actually see if she agress to go with that crazy plan, she kidnaps her and then the books TRIES, really hard, to make you feel sorry for her, when Alyssum is the one suffering and being treated as if she can't make decisions of her own.
I'm sorry, but reading this was... I was angry everytime, waiting for Alyssum to actually fight back and do something. I started reading it very excited, because I thought Vayen's character would have developed better, but I am disappointed.
I tried so hard to finish reading but I couldn't because all the time I kept waiting for Alyssum to finally explode and tell everyone how selfish they were.
The biggest mistake of this book was portraying Vayen as a victim, like she was the one suffering by putting Alyssum through all that ordeal: the kidnaping.
Her reasons were selfish all along, and to me it was incredulous that Alyssum knowing Vayen is her captor would immediately feel regret if she said something to Vayen that hurt her. Like, excuse me? Who's the real captive and victim here?
To me, deception is much worse behind that false sense of care and well being.
Vayen literally knows what Alyssum suffered in her home and for some reason decides to change her cage with another. Like if this probably wasn't something they could have talked through like normal human beings. Instead she kidnapped her. Vayen could at LEAST tried a little harder to talk with Alyssum and say all those "sweet" things she says (AFTER THE KIDNAPING) to her, at the very beginning.
At some point, it was manipulative. I hated it.
The girl is coming from trauma, and instead of reasurring her and wait for her to asimilate everything and actually see if she agress to go with that crazy plan, she kidnaps her and then the books TRIES, really hard, to make you feel sorry for her, when Alyssum is the one suffering and being treated as if she can't make decisions of her own.
I'm sorry, but reading this was... I was angry everytime, waiting for Alyssum to actually fight back and do something. I started reading it very excited, because I thought Vayen's character would have developed better, but I am disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2026
(Note: I was an ARC reader for this novel.)
This was the first romantasy book I've ever read.
So I first want to say that I really liked it, and it has made me interested in romantasy!
Yes, Cages of Alyssum is long, and yes, I did find the beginning somewhat slow, but it was engaging all the same. And I now appreciate not only the unfolding of this complex fantasy world in those first few chapters, but the way the pace reflects the reality of the heroine.
Alyssum Lunamor is a sheltered young woman desperate for but unused to agency. Her life's purpose was planned out as if she were a marionette, and there's nothing much to do in the plan but wait. There are unseen things just out of sight that she's been taught to fear, and there are so many things she has been taught to never dare express or do.
I can relate! And I could relate to the way Alyssum had to learn to ground herself in her body and how her deep absent-minded introspection is portrayed.
Alyssum starts as a Treaty Princess, betrothed at birth to the prince of another kingdom in her world. She accepted this role ... mostly, but when she meets the prince himself, the rumors and warnings prove true: he is a sadist, intent on not merely fulfilling his own role in the diplomatic arrangement, but on having Alyssum as a plaything to abuse.
Only when faced with the prospect of a lifetime of that, a fate her father is emphatic he will push her into, does she escape and run towards the only exit she knows. The mysterious Threshold is said to be something no Lunamorian returns from, and by the time she seeks it out Alyssum has horrible evidence of that.
But she crosses anyway...
This was the first romantasy book I've ever read.
So I first want to say that I really liked it, and it has made me interested in romantasy!
Yes, Cages of Alyssum is long, and yes, I did find the beginning somewhat slow, but it was engaging all the same. And I now appreciate not only the unfolding of this complex fantasy world in those first few chapters, but the way the pace reflects the reality of the heroine.
Alyssum Lunamor is a sheltered young woman desperate for but unused to agency. Her life's purpose was planned out as if she were a marionette, and there's nothing much to do in the plan but wait. There are unseen things just out of sight that she's been taught to fear, and there are so many things she has been taught to never dare express or do.
I can relate! And I could relate to the way Alyssum had to learn to ground herself in her body and how her deep absent-minded introspection is portrayed.
Alyssum starts as a Treaty Princess, betrothed at birth to the prince of another kingdom in her world. She accepted this role ... mostly, but when she meets the prince himself, the rumors and warnings prove true: he is a sadist, intent on not merely fulfilling his own role in the diplomatic arrangement, but on having Alyssum as a plaything to abuse.
Only when faced with the prospect of a lifetime of that, a fate her father is emphatic he will push her into, does she escape and run towards the only exit she knows. The mysterious Threshold is said to be something no Lunamorian returns from, and by the time she seeks it out Alyssum has horrible evidence of that.
But she crosses anyway...
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cages of Alyssum—where to start? Gifted writing with exquisite phrasing, creative storytelling, excellent editing. Exceptional world building, where myth brings both caution and invitation, a mysterious Threshold holding terrors imagined and real, a royal patriarchy of ghastliness, visiting royals of even greater creepiness, plus secrets, ugh. The story begins around the Princess Alyssum, who having little agency as a Treaty pawn finds her life in one cage after another, only moving when her curiosity is great enough, or horror drives her. No spoilers, but expect to find ‘hold my beer’ cruelty (just enough to make the point, not to live there), intriguing characters that draw the reader in and build out the story with depth, curiosity, sympathy, or foreboding. Beautifully leavened with humor, whether dialogue or situation, the book keeps moving along with discovery, action, internal struggles, betrayals, and then there’s that slow burn… Beautiful, strong, dark, mysterious Vayen—anchors the story while feeding the palpable edge of that tension, (maddening or delicious, depending on viewpoint). The book description does a wonderful job of introduction, plus noting this will be a trilogy, so Get the book, Be Excited for more, Enjoy each page. Then re-read, this time to savor, since desire for revelation tends to increase reading speed (at least for me 😊). I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review. Of course, I also preordered the book as I do when it’s That Good.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.25
Wow... this book was an absolute rollercoaster ride.
I'll admit, I was a little worried at first that I might get bored halfway through, considering it's nearly 600 pages long, and I had a feeling it would end on a cliffhanger (because of course it would). Thankfully, I was completely wrong about the boredom part.
From the very first chapter, being in Alyssum's POV immediately pulled me in. I was laughing, intrigued, and completely immersed in the rich world-building and incredible attention to detail given to every character. Ava Hardwick created a world that felt vivid and alive from start to finish.
Although we didn't get many chapters from Vayen's POV, the moments we did get were such a refreshing balance. They helped break up Alyssum's perspective while also giving insight into events from an outsider's point of view, which kept the story engaging and well-paced throughout.
I also loved how much care was given to the side characters. They genuinely felt important to the story rather than simply being there to fill space, and that made the world feel even more complete.
The final chapter had me feeling every emotion possible. From confusion and intrigue, to sadness & shock right up until the very last page. And that cliffhanger... I genuinely have no words for the level of desperation I now feel for the second instalment. I need it immediately.
For a debut novel, Ava Hardwick completely exceeded my expectations. I loved every minute of it, and I can already tell Ava is going to become a favourite author of mine in the future.
Wow... this book was an absolute rollercoaster ride.
I'll admit, I was a little worried at first that I might get bored halfway through, considering it's nearly 600 pages long, and I had a feeling it would end on a cliffhanger (because of course it would). Thankfully, I was completely wrong about the boredom part.
From the very first chapter, being in Alyssum's POV immediately pulled me in. I was laughing, intrigued, and completely immersed in the rich world-building and incredible attention to detail given to every character. Ava Hardwick created a world that felt vivid and alive from start to finish.
Although we didn't get many chapters from Vayen's POV, the moments we did get were such a refreshing balance. They helped break up Alyssum's perspective while also giving insight into events from an outsider's point of view, which kept the story engaging and well-paced throughout.
I also loved how much care was given to the side characters. They genuinely felt important to the story rather than simply being there to fill space, and that made the world feel even more complete.
The final chapter had me feeling every emotion possible. From confusion and intrigue, to sadness & shock right up until the very last page. And that cliffhanger... I genuinely have no words for the level of desperation I now feel for the second instalment. I need it immediately.
For a debut novel, Ava Hardwick completely exceeded my expectations. I loved every minute of it, and I can already tell Ava is going to become a favourite author of mine in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A slowburn sapphic romantasy, written by Ava Hardwick, in which two women meet through one major choice: crossing the Threshold.
Something that is forbidden and where dark, frightening stories have been passed down many times.
Alyssum is the Treaty Princess of Lunamor, and about to marry her betrothed, until he viciously attacks her.
All her life, she feels as though things are being kept from her and she is only ever told half the truth.
After the incident with her betrothed, the only way out she can think of is crossing the threshold; but that doesn’t come without its dangers.
And when she suddenly meets Vayen Videa, everything becomes much more complicated than Alyssum had originally planned.
I am glad that my first Arc contains such a good story!
The way Ava uses her words and describes situations often made me feel as if I was actually in the scene itself.
I couldn't always predict what was going to happen in the story, which I found enjoyable and surprising.
Ava promised us a slow burn, which she created really well and realistically, and where I sometimes waited with suspense to see how the bond would continue.
So don't expect it to end after 50 pages.
The story delivered more than I could have asked for, and if I have to choose a favourite character, I'll go for Milo!.
The book comes out on May 14, 2026, and if you enjoy a sapphic slow burn romance, I would definitely recommend this book!
Thank you, Ava, for giving me the chance to read this arc!
I am incredibly curious and excited for the second book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.25⭐️.5🌶
This book is a journey, one that you're not sure how it's going to end, so you have to enjoy the ride. Coming in at nearly 600 pages and being a debut novel, I'm in awe.
This tale unravels slowly, each step a layer of the onion is pulled back. There is epic world building and this is why the length is there.
Each castle, each kingdom, species, the magic, each detail is written with such detail that you become immersed in the world. Alyssum is the princess. A mixture of two different societies. She's betrothed to another kingdom in an ordained peace treaty. She wants more than to be the pretty face piece. Her hopes and dreams are dashed when she meets the prince of Hollowmire Rowland. He's a walking psychopath, a sadist who doesn't hide his dark desires.
Thus begins the journey. If the question is posed to you: would you accept your role and possibly succumb to your fiancée or would you strike out and go on the run knowing it could mean your death?
There is a love interest, but this is first and foremost a fantasy tale. The slow burn doesn't even spark in this book, it's building for the sequel.
I really enjoyed this book and don't want to give too much away. I'm looking forward to see what the author does with this intriguing world.
Tropes and triggers: ancient magic, damsel in distress, royalty in disguise, slow burn, goddess and gods, kingdoms, attempted sa, touch her & ☠️, discovering magic/powers, destiny, fated mates, political intrigue, warring factions, found family, forbidden forest
This book is a journey, one that you're not sure how it's going to end, so you have to enjoy the ride. Coming in at nearly 600 pages and being a debut novel, I'm in awe.
This tale unravels slowly, each step a layer of the onion is pulled back. There is epic world building and this is why the length is there.
Each castle, each kingdom, species, the magic, each detail is written with such detail that you become immersed in the world. Alyssum is the princess. A mixture of two different societies. She's betrothed to another kingdom in an ordained peace treaty. She wants more than to be the pretty face piece. Her hopes and dreams are dashed when she meets the prince of Hollowmire Rowland. He's a walking psychopath, a sadist who doesn't hide his dark desires.
Thus begins the journey. If the question is posed to you: would you accept your role and possibly succumb to your fiancée or would you strike out and go on the run knowing it could mean your death?
There is a love interest, but this is first and foremost a fantasy tale. The slow burn doesn't even spark in this book, it's building for the sequel.
I really enjoyed this book and don't want to give too much away. I'm looking forward to see what the author does with this intriguing world.
Tropes and triggers: ancient magic, damsel in distress, royalty in disguise, slow burn, goddess and gods, kingdoms, attempted sa, touch her & ☠️, discovering magic/powers, destiny, fated mates, political intrigue, warring factions, found family, forbidden forest
May 14, 2026
I received an ARC of Cages of Alyssum and am voluntarily leaving my honest thoughts and review.
This was such a strong start to a fantasy series and by the end of it I was already desperate for book two.
The world-building immediately stood out to me. It feels immersive without becoming too heavy, and it’s very easy to settle into the atmosphere of the story. You can tell there’s a much bigger world and storyline unfolding underneath everything, which made me even more invested as the book went on.
I also really liked the characters. Both the main cast and the supporting characters felt distinct and easy to connect with, which made the story flow naturally. The tension between the two FMCs especially kept me hooked. There’s that constant push and pull between them that slowly builds throughout the book and keeps you wanting just one more chapter.
The plot itself feels very promising, especially for the first book in a series. It lays a really solid foundation for what’s to come while still giving enough action, mystery, and emotional tension to keep things engaging all the way through.
And that ending… honestly rude 😭
That cliffhanger completely got me and now I need book two immediately. The final chapters raise the stakes in such a good way and left me very excited to see where the story goes next.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable fantasy read with strong world-building, likeable characters, and a storyline that feels like it’s only just getting started. I’ll definitely be picking up book two.
This was such a strong start to a fantasy series and by the end of it I was already desperate for book two.
The world-building immediately stood out to me. It feels immersive without becoming too heavy, and it’s very easy to settle into the atmosphere of the story. You can tell there’s a much bigger world and storyline unfolding underneath everything, which made me even more invested as the book went on.
I also really liked the characters. Both the main cast and the supporting characters felt distinct and easy to connect with, which made the story flow naturally. The tension between the two FMCs especially kept me hooked. There’s that constant push and pull between them that slowly builds throughout the book and keeps you wanting just one more chapter.
The plot itself feels very promising, especially for the first book in a series. It lays a really solid foundation for what’s to come while still giving enough action, mystery, and emotional tension to keep things engaging all the way through.
And that ending… honestly rude 😭
That cliffhanger completely got me and now I need book two immediately. The final chapters raise the stakes in such a good way and left me very excited to see where the story goes next.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable fantasy read with strong world-building, likeable characters, and a storyline that feels like it’s only just getting started. I’ll definitely be picking up book two.
May 16, 2026
Review of Advanced Reader Copy received from author
“That smile. Wars could be waged over that smile.”
This book absolutely committed to the glacial slow burn and while it was a little slower than what I’d usually read, I was still hooked the whole way through because the world building was so immersive and there was always this feeling that something bigger was happening in the background which kept me invested.
The characters were definitely the highlight for me though. Even the side characters felt well developed and I loved the found family dynamic throughout the book. Alyssum honestly could not catch a break and I really felt for her the entire time, but I loved how resilient she stayed through everything. You can already tell she’s connected to something much bigger and I’m really excited to see where her story goes in the rest of the series.
Vayen was probably my favourite though. She’s fiercely loyal, protective, emotionally damaged, slightly unhinged and somehow still very sweet underneath it all. A woman who can fight grown men, tie you up, bring you cookies and call you a “good girl” is apparently exactly my type. The tension and yearning between the characters was SO good and built up really slowly in a way that made every interaction feel important.
I also felt like this book was laying the groundwork for a much bigger story outside of where this book is centred and I’m really interested to see where everything goes from here.
Also… that ending was unfair. Massive cliffhanger and now I need book two immediately! Ava better write fast!
“That smile. Wars could be waged over that smile.”
This book absolutely committed to the glacial slow burn and while it was a little slower than what I’d usually read, I was still hooked the whole way through because the world building was so immersive and there was always this feeling that something bigger was happening in the background which kept me invested.
The characters were definitely the highlight for me though. Even the side characters felt well developed and I loved the found family dynamic throughout the book. Alyssum honestly could not catch a break and I really felt for her the entire time, but I loved how resilient she stayed through everything. You can already tell she’s connected to something much bigger and I’m really excited to see where her story goes in the rest of the series.
Vayen was probably my favourite though. She’s fiercely loyal, protective, emotionally damaged, slightly unhinged and somehow still very sweet underneath it all. A woman who can fight grown men, tie you up, bring you cookies and call you a “good girl” is apparently exactly my type. The tension and yearning between the characters was SO good and built up really slowly in a way that made every interaction feel important.
I also felt like this book was laying the groundwork for a much bigger story outside of where this book is centred and I’m really interested to see where everything goes from here.
Also… that ending was unfair. Massive cliffhanger and now I need book two immediately! Ava better write fast!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The ending broke my heart!
Slow to start, but the middle and ending is totally worth it!
There is ALOT of descriptive world building, which is fantastic, but really conflicted with my ADHD (not a bad thing AT ALL, Just a personal struggle.)
The Female MC Alyssum goes through a lot of personal growth throughout the story, from being a pawn of her father's, being forced into a marriage due to a Treaty with a neighboring Kingdom (to an absolute monster, unbeknownst to her until the last possible moment, Thanks Dad.)
So Alyssum, makes a choice, herself over her Kingdom, and even though it's a choice that takes her where no one has ever returned from unbroken, or so she thought.
But the place she arrives is not full of monsters, as she was led to believe. There she finds her first genuine friends, and the quiet life she dreams of so fiercely, before her world is turned upside down...again.
And Valen, the other FMC, who has Sooo much depth, a lot rests on those muscular shoulders. When the story picks up it moves fast, there is some casual kidnapping, lots of secrets (and apologies), and a moment of revelation when Alyssum realizes is it really freedom if she can't help her newfound family?
Can't wait for the next book!
*SA Trigger warning, descriptive!*
Slow to start, but the middle and ending is totally worth it!
There is ALOT of descriptive world building, which is fantastic, but really conflicted with my ADHD (not a bad thing AT ALL, Just a personal struggle.)
The Female MC Alyssum goes through a lot of personal growth throughout the story, from being a pawn of her father's, being forced into a marriage due to a Treaty with a neighboring Kingdom (to an absolute monster, unbeknownst to her until the last possible moment, Thanks Dad.)
So Alyssum, makes a choice, herself over her Kingdom, and even though it's a choice that takes her where no one has ever returned from unbroken, or so she thought.
But the place she arrives is not full of monsters, as she was led to believe. There she finds her first genuine friends, and the quiet life she dreams of so fiercely, before her world is turned upside down...again.
And Valen, the other FMC, who has Sooo much depth, a lot rests on those muscular shoulders. When the story picks up it moves fast, there is some casual kidnapping, lots of secrets (and apologies), and a moment of revelation when Alyssum realizes is it really freedom if she can't help her newfound family?
Can't wait for the next book!
*SA Trigger warning, descriptive!*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the luck of receiving an ARC copy of thid book . I thought it looked really ptomising and having read it I can now confidently say I was right!
I love the world this book creates and the story in it! I won't talk to much about the world because I think it's best experienced alongside Alyssum. If you enjoy fantasy you'll find a beautiful and at times terrifying world to discover.
I sympathized a lot with Alyssum and her journey and fpund her interactions with Vayen amazing to read. There's a whole set of wonderful characters besides a few of which I immediately fell in love with and a few others that intrigue me even after finishing the book. If you enjoy a really slow sapphic burn in a tense adventure I'm certain you'll love this book.
The one warning I'll give is to please take the trigger qarnings seriously, everything is handled very well in my opinion but this is a mature btook and as such it doesn't shy away from the ugly side of things. Please read with compassion for yourself.
This is a wonderful and to me incredibly emotional book that I'd recommend to anyone with an interest in either adult fantasy or sapphic romance and I'm already looking forward to the next part!
I love the world this book creates and the story in it! I won't talk to much about the world because I think it's best experienced alongside Alyssum. If you enjoy fantasy you'll find a beautiful and at times terrifying world to discover.
I sympathized a lot with Alyssum and her journey and fpund her interactions with Vayen amazing to read. There's a whole set of wonderful characters besides a few of which I immediately fell in love with and a few others that intrigue me even after finishing the book. If you enjoy a really slow sapphic burn in a tense adventure I'm certain you'll love this book.
The one warning I'll give is to please take the trigger qarnings seriously, everything is handled very well in my opinion but this is a mature btook and as such it doesn't shy away from the ugly side of things. Please read with compassion for yourself.
This is a wonderful and to me incredibly emotional book that I'd recommend to anyone with an interest in either adult fantasy or sapphic romance and I'm already looking forward to the next part!
May 22, 2026
Oh my gosh this book! I cannot even put into words how I feel after reading this book. I want to get a time machine and not only rewind time to read it again for the first time cause WOW the emotions this made me feel… I also wanna go forward in time to when the next book comes out because WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT ENDED LIKE THAT?!?! If you haven’t read this book, drop everything and read it now! It is absolutely amazing!
I loved everything about this story. The world building was next fucking level and I want nothing more than to jump into the pages and see it all in real life. The characters, every single one of them were incredible written and while I wanted to fucking punch some, others I wanted to hug and never let go. Alyssum and Vayen are some of the best characters I’ve read about in a LONG long time. Reading this book reminds me of when I picked up fantasy for the very first time and reading about this amazing world that someone just thought up one day and wanting so badly for it to be real. Everything was detailed to the tiniest little corner and I absolutely can’t get enough. I could ramble on forever about this book but it would be too long.
Please do yourselves a favor and READ THIS NOW!
💙🖤💙🖤
I loved everything about this story. The world building was next fucking level and I want nothing more than to jump into the pages and see it all in real life. The characters, every single one of them were incredible written and while I wanted to fucking punch some, others I wanted to hug and never let go. Alyssum and Vayen are some of the best characters I’ve read about in a LONG long time. Reading this book reminds me of when I picked up fantasy for the very first time and reading about this amazing world that someone just thought up one day and wanting so badly for it to be real. Everything was detailed to the tiniest little corner and I absolutely can’t get enough. I could ramble on forever about this book but it would be too long.
Please do yourselves a favor and READ THIS NOW!
💙🖤💙🖤
May 15, 2026
ARC Reader
I debated on 4 or 5 stars but ultimately decided on 5 stars because I would read again and would share this title with others.
My hesitancy is based on the dialouge in the beginning seems forced and awkward. I wish there was more dialouge between characters overall, but I feel like the last 1/3 of the book it got better and had more. I do realize that the beginning of books is usually more world building. I also felt like some of the back and forth I trust you and I don't trust you between the FMC and love interest was really quick turn around times, but I get that people are already shocked at it being a larger book.
Now for the good stuff. I really enjoyed the book. It is a very slow sapphic burn. Don't expect much from this book yet, I'm sure we will get more in the next. I expected a cliff hanger, and it was kind of where I expected it to be at. But man I want the next book alreay. The world building is great, the rootbinding is so fun in this word, and I love the creative ways to solve issues. I think this book is good for people who like From Blood and Ash series, so if you enjoy those books, give this one a try!
I debated on 4 or 5 stars but ultimately decided on 5 stars because I would read again and would share this title with others.
My hesitancy is based on the dialouge in the beginning seems forced and awkward. I wish there was more dialouge between characters overall, but I feel like the last 1/3 of the book it got better and had more. I do realize that the beginning of books is usually more world building. I also felt like some of the back and forth I trust you and I don't trust you between the FMC and love interest was really quick turn around times, but I get that people are already shocked at it being a larger book.
Now for the good stuff. I really enjoyed the book. It is a very slow sapphic burn. Don't expect much from this book yet, I'm sure we will get more in the next. I expected a cliff hanger, and it was kind of where I expected it to be at. But man I want the next book alreay. The world building is great, the rootbinding is so fun in this word, and I love the creative ways to solve issues. I think this book is good for people who like From Blood and Ash series, so if you enjoy those books, give this one a try!
May 17, 2026
ARC review, with my honest thoughts.
This is Ava Hardwick’s debut novel, and what a novel it is, coming in just under 600 pages. We have Alyssum, the treaty princess of Lunamor, finding out that she needs to escape the life that has been planned for her since birth. The only way to do so is to pass through the Threshold (a fog like barrier outside her kingdom) into the unknown. Then we have Vayen, who’s in exile, and wanting to free her people from their tyrant ruler. She lives on the other side of the Threshold. There is loads of tension and longing between Alyssum and Vayen when they finally meet. This is the first book in a trilogy, and the world building is great. That being said, I wasn’t thrilled by how many topics felt left unresolved by the end of the book, but I am hoping these will be addressed in the following books. There may have been a few places the book could have been slimmed down. Over all I enjoyed it, I am (not so) patiently waiting for the second book, especially after that brutal cliff hanger.
"I'd rather have my final memories steeped in filth and stench than bathe in front of you”
This is Ava Hardwick’s debut novel, and what a novel it is, coming in just under 600 pages. We have Alyssum, the treaty princess of Lunamor, finding out that she needs to escape the life that has been planned for her since birth. The only way to do so is to pass through the Threshold (a fog like barrier outside her kingdom) into the unknown. Then we have Vayen, who’s in exile, and wanting to free her people from their tyrant ruler. She lives on the other side of the Threshold. There is loads of tension and longing between Alyssum and Vayen when they finally meet. This is the first book in a trilogy, and the world building is great. That being said, I wasn’t thrilled by how many topics felt left unresolved by the end of the book, but I am hoping these will be addressed in the following books. There may have been a few places the book could have been slimmed down. Over all I enjoyed it, I am (not so) patiently waiting for the second book, especially after that brutal cliff hanger.
"I'd rather have my final memories steeped in filth and stench than bathe in front of you”
Review of advance copy received from Author
5/4
LITERALLY SCREAMED INTO MY PILLOW ACTUAL REVIEW TO COME
5/12
Okay, actual review--
I don't read romantasy. Or romance. Unless you count fanfic. But Instagram offered an ad for this ARC, & it said "Sapphic". I didn't think i'd get it, since i'm not A Professional Reader or anything, but! Here we are.
I was surprised how into this i got, since it's not my usual reading. I can agree with others, that it may be a slower start, but i'm a fan of plenty of books like that. You're told just enough about the world as Alyssum knows-- which isn't much, because there's a lot she hasn't been told, on purpose. Part of her drive in the story is "I want to know, & I want to know the *truth*", which comes up time & time again. It goes hand in hand with her fighting for autonomy, which is denied to her from the start.
I actually liked the depictions of her panic attacks, & how she tries to ground herself-- &, later, has Vayen's help. It may seem weird to point out, but it was all very familiar, & depicted in a way that wasn't over the top.
Vayen though. Her motives, on top of what Alyssum is to her, on top of that protectiveness, is honestly like.... chef's kiss. I'm not even going to lie. No notes. She's perfect.
The burn *is* indeed slow, despite the yearning & attraction (& Vayen's jawline). After a certain point, i started saying "JUST KISS ALREADY" at my phone.
The ending. Has stuck with me. All this time. I literally screamed. Just. Oh my god, i need the next book already. I am making grabby hands motions. I went into this expecting nothing, much less to get as sucked in as i did to the point that i screamed.
I definitely recommend it. And i can't wait till the next book (i don't want to wait!!! i need it now!!!).
LITERALLY SCREAMED INTO MY PILLOW ACTUAL REVIEW TO COME
5/12
Okay, actual review--
I don't read romantasy. Or romance. Unless you count fanfic. But Instagram offered an ad for this ARC, & it said "Sapphic". I didn't think i'd get it, since i'm not A Professional Reader or anything, but! Here we are.
I was surprised how into this i got, since it's not my usual reading. I can agree with others, that it may be a slower start, but i'm a fan of plenty of books like that. You're told just enough about the world as Alyssum knows-- which isn't much, because there's a lot she hasn't been told, on purpose. Part of her drive in the story is "I want to know, & I want to know the *truth*", which comes up time & time again. It goes hand in hand with her fighting for autonomy, which is denied to her from the start.
I actually liked the depictions of her panic attacks, & how she tries to ground herself-- &, later, has Vayen's help. It may seem weird to point out, but it was all very familiar, & depicted in a way that wasn't over the top.
Vayen though. Her motives, on top of what Alyssum is to her, on top of that protectiveness, is honestly like.... chef's kiss. I'm not even going to lie. No notes. She's perfect.
The burn *is* indeed slow, despite the yearning & attraction (& Vayen's jawline). After a certain point, i started saying "JUST KISS ALREADY" at my phone.
The ending. Has stuck with me. All this time. I literally screamed. Just. Oh my god, i need the next book already. I am making grabby hands motions. I went into this expecting nothing, much less to get as sucked in as i did to the point that i screamed.
I definitely recommend it. And i can't wait till the next book (i don't want to wait!!! i need it now!!!).
Review of advance copy received from Author
WoW! What an amazing experience to read through.
THANK YOU SO MUCH AVA HARDWICK FOR THE ARC!
I was enraptured so quickly and that cliffhanger is actually gut wrenching... Ava how dare you..
Alyssum and Vayens slow burn it KILLING ME, but I love that 100%
This is definitely a 5 star read for me. My favorite ARC by far!
The amount of detail in this story is insane, I was literally able to imagine every location so well, because of the definition given..
I was so in love with the Found Family in this story too. As my favorite genre, I'm always there for a good relationship that ends in love, family, or friendship. We got all that! I'm absolutely throttled.
I'm still goin through the amazing high of that ending WOW!
I'm beyond excited for the next one and I'll definitely need to grab the physical for my trophies~
5/5 🌟 Overall
5/5 🌟 Characters
5/5 🌟 Plot
5/5 🌟 Cause my heart hurts from the ending..
Thank you again Ava!
THANK YOU SO MUCH AVA HARDWICK FOR THE ARC!
I was enraptured so quickly and that cliffhanger is actually gut wrenching... Ava how dare you..
Alyssum and Vayens slow burn it KILLING ME, but I love that 100%
This is definitely a 5 star read for me. My favorite ARC by far!
The amount of detail in this story is insane, I was literally able to imagine every location so well, because of the definition given..
I was so in love with the Found Family in this story too. As my favorite genre, I'm always there for a good relationship that ends in love, family, or friendship. We got all that! I'm absolutely throttled.
I'm still goin through the amazing high of that ending WOW!
I'm beyond excited for the next one and I'll definitely need to grab the physical for my trophies~
5/5 🌟 Overall
5/5 🌟 Characters
5/5 🌟 Plot
5/5 🌟 Cause my heart hurts from the ending..
Thank you again Ava!
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