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Dance with a Dreadwolfe
What if Fate is a cruel Goddess?
In the kingdom of Gratia, maidens are being rounded up by the Gladius Fati and punished for breaking Fate's Law.
A law that decides who marries and condemns unsanctioned intimacy.
When a maiden is executed, Hera is shaken awake.
As a clerk serving the King’s Court, she has never questioned the enforcement of Fate’s Law. Until now.
Hera is forced to make an impossible choice: stand by and do nothing or risk her life to save the maidens.
Her choice pulls her onto a dangerous path where she must embrace her darkness and power. As enemies close in, she finds herself unable to resist the one thing she should fear:
A Dreadwolfe.
Step into a realm of forbidden intimacy, bloodshed, and heartache.
Would you dare to dance?
In the kingdom of Gratia, maidens are being rounded up by the Gladius Fati and punished for breaking Fate's Law.
A law that decides who marries and condemns unsanctioned intimacy.
When a maiden is executed, Hera is shaken awake.
As a clerk serving the King’s Court, she has never questioned the enforcement of Fate’s Law. Until now.
Hera is forced to make an impossible choice: stand by and do nothing or risk her life to save the maidens.
Her choice pulls her onto a dangerous path where she must embrace her darkness and power. As enemies close in, she finds herself unable to resist the one thing she should fear:
A Dreadwolfe.
Step into a realm of forbidden intimacy, bloodshed, and heartache.
Would you dare to dance?
450 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 12, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well...
What a journey.
This is one of those books that's incredibly difficult to review because my experience was driven almost entirely by personal reading preferences rather than the quality of the writing itself.
Ezra Marz has a beautifully descriptive writing style that feels almost Victorian, reminding me of classic authors like Jane Austen. Every scene is rich with detail, the world-building is meticulous, and there's a real elegance to the prose. If you love immersive fantasy that takes its time building every piece of the world, you'll likely feel right at home here.
For me, though, it took until around Chapter 39 before everything truly clicked into place.
The story is unlike anything else I've read recently. While a lot of modern fantasy tends to follow familiar formulas, Dance with a Dreadwolfe confidently carves its own path. The plot is original, unexpected, and refreshingly different.
Once the pieces finally started coming together, the emotional payoff was worth the investment. Betrayals genuinely made my stomach twist, and the story took me through some unexpected emotional highs and lows.
I did find the pacing quite slow, particularly through the first three quarters of the book. While the world-building was exceptionally thorough, I found myself wishing a few of the supporting characters had received the same depth and attention. Hopefully that's something we'll see explored further as the series continues.
One thing to note for my fellow romance readers...
This is definitely fantasy first.
The romance is subtle, beautifully woven into the story, and there is no spice.
(Yes... this spice-loving reader felt the absence. 😂)
Overall, this is a genuinely good book—just a different kind of good than we're used to seeing in fantasy right now. It's thoughtful, beautifully written and refreshingly unique, and while it wasn't quite the perfect fit for my personal tastes, I'm genuinely intrigued to see where the story goes next.
Please note this is an ARC Review 🫶
What a journey.
This is one of those books that's incredibly difficult to review because my experience was driven almost entirely by personal reading preferences rather than the quality of the writing itself.
Ezra Marz has a beautifully descriptive writing style that feels almost Victorian, reminding me of classic authors like Jane Austen. Every scene is rich with detail, the world-building is meticulous, and there's a real elegance to the prose. If you love immersive fantasy that takes its time building every piece of the world, you'll likely feel right at home here.
For me, though, it took until around Chapter 39 before everything truly clicked into place.
The story is unlike anything else I've read recently. While a lot of modern fantasy tends to follow familiar formulas, Dance with a Dreadwolfe confidently carves its own path. The plot is original, unexpected, and refreshingly different.
Once the pieces finally started coming together, the emotional payoff was worth the investment. Betrayals genuinely made my stomach twist, and the story took me through some unexpected emotional highs and lows.
I did find the pacing quite slow, particularly through the first three quarters of the book. While the world-building was exceptionally thorough, I found myself wishing a few of the supporting characters had received the same depth and attention. Hopefully that's something we'll see explored further as the series continues.
One thing to note for my fellow romance readers...
This is definitely fantasy first.
The romance is subtle, beautifully woven into the story, and there is no spice.
(Yes... this spice-loving reader felt the absence. 😂)
Overall, this is a genuinely good book—just a different kind of good than we're used to seeing in fantasy right now. It's thoughtful, beautifully written and refreshingly unique, and while it wasn't quite the perfect fit for my personal tastes, I'm genuinely intrigued to see where the story goes next.
Please note this is an ARC Review 🫶
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Reader Review
I’ll start with the world-building, because the author did a phenomenal job. Without exposition dumps or pages of dense lore, we get a clear understanding of the different worlds and the creatures that inhabit them. The magic system never feels overwhelming or confusing. Instead, the author slowly peels back each layer in a way that keeps you curious and invested.
And the creatures! So exciting. We have Dreadwolves, Sylks, and Nixies alongside more familiar fantasy races like elves and pixies.
Characters
The MFC is fantastic. Even in a completely fictional fantasy world, I felt deeply connected to Hera and her journey. Her struggles and emotions feel incredibly human and emotionally grounded, which made me invested in her from the start. Most of the supporting cast are also well developed, each with a distinct voice and personality. I could easily tell who was speaking even without dialogue tags.
Pacing
Really well done. A lot of indie fantasy novels struggle with pacing, but this book absolutely nailed it. The author balances introspective moments, world-building, secrets, and action beautifully, keeping the story engaging the entire way through.
Prose
Very fitting for the genre. Lush, emotional prose that reflects Hera’s inner world while perfectly capturing the atmosphere of the setting.
I’m a huge fan of well-written fantasy, and this book stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading it. Hera’s journey is powerful, emotional, and deeply compelling.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Well done, Ezra!
I’ll start with the world-building, because the author did a phenomenal job. Without exposition dumps or pages of dense lore, we get a clear understanding of the different worlds and the creatures that inhabit them. The magic system never feels overwhelming or confusing. Instead, the author slowly peels back each layer in a way that keeps you curious and invested.
And the creatures! So exciting. We have Dreadwolves, Sylks, and Nixies alongside more familiar fantasy races like elves and pixies.
Characters
The MFC is fantastic. Even in a completely fictional fantasy world, I felt deeply connected to Hera and her journey. Her struggles and emotions feel incredibly human and emotionally grounded, which made me invested in her from the start. Most of the supporting cast are also well developed, each with a distinct voice and personality. I could easily tell who was speaking even without dialogue tags.
Pacing
Really well done. A lot of indie fantasy novels struggle with pacing, but this book absolutely nailed it. The author balances introspective moments, world-building, secrets, and action beautifully, keeping the story engaging the entire way through.
Prose
Very fitting for the genre. Lush, emotional prose that reflects Hera’s inner world while perfectly capturing the atmosphere of the setting.
I’m a huge fan of well-written fantasy, and this book stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading it. Hera’s journey is powerful, emotional, and deeply compelling.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Well done, Ezra!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
"Fate is said to have two faces. One of benevolence and one of vengeance."
In the kingdom of Gratia, maidens are being rounded up by the Gladius Fati also known as the enforcers/knights of the kingdom who punish those who break the law. This law essentially cndemns unsanctioned intimacy between parties that are not married.
We meet Hera as she's running from the Gladius Fati for an intimate relationship.
Hera is forced to make a choice pulls her onto a dangerous path where ends up as an entertainer and having to understand the true magic she possesses. I really enjoyed Hera having to come to terms about her heritage and magic. Especially with her grappling with learning to love herself.
This world that has been created is incredibly rich and filled with such incredible lore. I really enjoyed learning about the different kingdoms, species and characters within the story.
However this book felt super slow to get into. It took me about 20% to feel like I connected and understood the characters. I also feel like the main relationship between Hera and Jeremir a Dreadwolfe had something missing. I'm not entirely sure what though.
I did really enjoy the side characters especially the shadow cat familiar that would provide guidance to Hera throughout the journey. I also thought the plot twist and magic that was revealed was really well done especially with the foreshadowing earlier within the novel.
This book is definitely for those who want a twisted fairytale and rich world filled with unique magical species.
In the kingdom of Gratia, maidens are being rounded up by the Gladius Fati also known as the enforcers/knights of the kingdom who punish those who break the law. This law essentially cndemns unsanctioned intimacy between parties that are not married.
We meet Hera as she's running from the Gladius Fati for an intimate relationship.
Hera is forced to make a choice pulls her onto a dangerous path where ends up as an entertainer and having to understand the true magic she possesses. I really enjoyed Hera having to come to terms about her heritage and magic. Especially with her grappling with learning to love herself.
This world that has been created is incredibly rich and filled with such incredible lore. I really enjoyed learning about the different kingdoms, species and characters within the story.
However this book felt super slow to get into. It took me about 20% to feel like I connected and understood the characters. I also feel like the main relationship between Hera and Jeremir a Dreadwolfe had something missing. I'm not entirely sure what though.
I did really enjoy the side characters especially the shadow cat familiar that would provide guidance to Hera throughout the journey. I also thought the plot twist and magic that was revealed was really well done especially with the foreshadowing earlier within the novel.
This book is definitely for those who want a twisted fairytale and rich world filled with unique magical species.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was 3.75 ⭐️ for me
I was attracted to this book as it was sold as a little red riding hood retelling, I would not call it that at all.
What it is, is a story that tells of female repression and the fight to survive and gain control all wrapped in a fantasy setting.
The FMC grows so much through the book, I won’t lie at the start I was not a fan but she grew on me. She is flawed but grows from her flaws and mistakes. She is a fighter a savage and I enjoyed that.
I love the different aspects of how one chooses to survive, the ideas that there are different looking prisons but they are still prisons.
The storytelling was ok a bit clunky at times and does more telling than showing but not enough to distract from the story. If you do not like lots of world building I would not recommend.
Overall I really enjoyed it, was a bit long but set up for the next book I am intrigued to see where the author takes this.
Recommend if you like fantasy with a Romantasy tone. Love strong female characters and watching females fight back
I was attracted to this book as it was sold as a little red riding hood retelling, I would not call it that at all.
What it is, is a story that tells of female repression and the fight to survive and gain control all wrapped in a fantasy setting.
The FMC grows so much through the book, I won’t lie at the start I was not a fan but she grew on me. She is flawed but grows from her flaws and mistakes. She is a fighter a savage and I enjoyed that.
I love the different aspects of how one chooses to survive, the ideas that there are different looking prisons but they are still prisons.
The storytelling was ok a bit clunky at times and does more telling than showing but not enough to distract from the story. If you do not like lots of world building I would not recommend.
Overall I really enjoyed it, was a bit long but set up for the next book I am intrigued to see where the author takes this.
Recommend if you like fantasy with a Romantasy tone. Love strong female characters and watching females fight back
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow. I have a lot of feelings about this book. I am so sad that I have to wait for book 2 because I NEED to know where Hera’s story goes from here after the way the entire last chapter went. I spent the entire book wanting to love Hera as an fmc but being totally frustrated with her choices and how much worse they made her life every single time she made one. Like, girl please let’s stop being so impulsive all the time. Now that I understand more why she HAD to be that way I feel more forgiving of it and her. Of all the male characters I like Prince Azdian the best. Jeremir broke my heart several times, I hope he gets a redemption arc somewhere because I wanted to love him and he kept disappointing me. Definitely check the trigger warnings before you read this if you have any triggers. I don’t but even still this was heavy and sad and heartbreaking but so well done that I couldn’t put it down.
Thank you to The Berry Agency for the opportunity to arc read this in exchange for my honest review, I can’t wait for the next book.
Thank you to The Berry Agency for the opportunity to arc read this in exchange for my honest review, I can’t wait for the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
ARC COPY REVIEW
I genuinely don't know how I'm supposed to wait for book two after that ending.
Dance with a Dreadwolfe is so much more than a fantasy romance. It's a beautiful story about healing, self discovery, and learning to embrace all of yourself.
Hera was such a refreshing FMC. Her growth felt real and emotional, and I found myself rooting for her from the very beginning.
The world building was incredible. The magic and creatures unfolded so naturally that I never felt overwhelmed, just completely immersed in their world.
Every chapter had me wanting to read just one more.
If you love rich fantasy worlds, some slow burn romance, heaps of character growth, and a story that will keep you hooked until the very last page, I can't recommend this enough.
Now excuse me while I desperately wait for book two.
I genuinely don't know how I'm supposed to wait for book two after that ending.
Dance with a Dreadwolfe is so much more than a fantasy romance. It's a beautiful story about healing, self discovery, and learning to embrace all of yourself.
Hera was such a refreshing FMC. Her growth felt real and emotional, and I found myself rooting for her from the very beginning.
The world building was incredible. The magic and creatures unfolded so naturally that I never felt overwhelmed, just completely immersed in their world.
Every chapter had me wanting to read just one more.
If you love rich fantasy worlds, some slow burn romance, heaps of character growth, and a story that will keep you hooked until the very last page, I can't recommend this enough.
Now excuse me while I desperately wait for book two.
July 13, 2026
Review of advanced copy received by The Berry Agency
This was a slow start for me but picked up about a third of the way through. The world building and writing was brilliant, it gave you enough information without being bogged down by exposition or feeling like you were missing anything.
I wasn’t a big fan of the love interest but the romance subplot felt small enough that I could deal with it. I’m definitely still interested to see where that character goes though.
My favourite part of this book was the exploration of femininity and how it was written. The FMC is so complex as she discovers new parts of herself, her body, her place in society and how to be comfortable in her own skin. I loved how comfortable in its sensuality this book was without even having any spice. I’m excited to continue following this character and her journey.
This was a slow start for me but picked up about a third of the way through. The world building and writing was brilliant, it gave you enough information without being bogged down by exposition or feeling like you were missing anything.
I wasn’t a big fan of the love interest but the romance subplot felt small enough that I could deal with it. I’m definitely still interested to see where that character goes though.
My favourite part of this book was the exploration of femininity and how it was written. The FMC is so complex as she discovers new parts of herself, her body, her place in society and how to be comfortable in her own skin. I loved how comfortable in its sensuality this book was without even having any spice. I’m excited to continue following this character and her journey.
July 15, 2026
ARC REVIEW:
Note: Unfinished as of 15/07/2026 (to be updated when complete)
Dance with a Dreadwolfe explores a well thought out and described world that I was able to picture with ease. I did find the different ranks, families, laws and systems a bit confusing and hard to follow to start with, but as I continued reading I felt it was starting to become a bit easier to remember.
The individual characters are well described and have their own strong personalities which is refreshing.
The world building and some general themes did remind me of ACOTAR which was nice since I loved reading that series.
Overall it has been a pleasant read. (Full review to come).
Note: Unfinished as of 15/07/2026 (to be updated when complete)
Dance with a Dreadwolfe explores a well thought out and described world that I was able to picture with ease. I did find the different ranks, families, laws and systems a bit confusing and hard to follow to start with, but as I continued reading I felt it was starting to become a bit easier to remember.
The individual characters are well described and have their own strong personalities which is refreshing.
The world building and some general themes did remind me of ACOTAR which was nice since I loved reading that series.
Overall it has been a pleasant read. (Full review to come).
July 11, 2026
ARC review
I can say I really enjoyed it!
I’ll be honest—at the start, I wasn’t sure it was my kind of book. I tend to struggle with stories that lean heavily into “females are lesser” dynamics, and some of the early vibes had me a little hesitant. Thankfully, once the story got going, the plot completely pulled me in and I found myself very much invested 🙌
One of my favourite things about this book was the world-building and variety of characters - I loved the focus on different fae creatures and the unique magic associated with them. It made the world feel fresh and interesting, and I enjoyed getting to explore it alongside the different mix of personalities!
Im really enjoying Hera’s journey - the choices she makes, her reactions to every situation, her growth.
Overall, this was a fun and engaging read, and I’m definitely excited to see what happens in the next book!
I can say I really enjoyed it!
I’ll be honest—at the start, I wasn’t sure it was my kind of book. I tend to struggle with stories that lean heavily into “females are lesser” dynamics, and some of the early vibes had me a little hesitant. Thankfully, once the story got going, the plot completely pulled me in and I found myself very much invested 🙌
One of my favourite things about this book was the world-building and variety of characters - I loved the focus on different fae creatures and the unique magic associated with them. It made the world feel fresh and interesting, and I enjoyed getting to explore it alongside the different mix of personalities!
Im really enjoying Hera’s journey - the choices she makes, her reactions to every situation, her growth.
Overall, this was a fun and engaging read, and I’m definitely excited to see what happens in the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I can’t believe I have to wait for the second book and the first one isn’t even released yet 😭😫
What a beautiful book about feminine power, self discovery and learning to embrace both light and dark sides of you ❤️ a book for anyone who has been made to feel less than they, told to follow the rules, to not speak up. For anyone who has found their strength through trauma.
I can’t recommend this enough ☺️💛✨
A beautifully written FMC and a MMC who makes you want to Dance with a Dreadwolfe 🔥
What a beautiful book about feminine power, self discovery and learning to embrace both light and dark sides of you ❤️ a book for anyone who has been made to feel less than they, told to follow the rules, to not speak up. For anyone who has found their strength through trauma.
I can’t recommend this enough ☺️💛✨
A beautifully written FMC and a MMC who makes you want to Dance with a Dreadwolfe 🔥
Review of advance copy
THIS IS AN ARC READER REVEIW!!
Oh the plot twists in this book. WHEN WILL NUMBER TWO BE AVAILABLE BECAUSE CLIFF-FREAKING-HANGER!!
This book was intoxicating, addictive and I chewed this book up and spit it out.
The way things took a turn that was completely unexpected was insane.
This book is a woman finding herself, choosing herself and finding her beauty and value.
One of my top favorite reads so far this year!
Oh the plot twists in this book. WHEN WILL NUMBER TWO BE AVAILABLE BECAUSE CLIFF-FREAKING-HANGER!!
This book was intoxicating, addictive and I chewed this book up and spit it out.
The way things took a turn that was completely unexpected was insane.
This book is a woman finding herself, choosing herself and finding her beauty and value.
One of my top favorite reads so far this year!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 ⭐️
Wow!! I really enjoyed this!
The growth and healing journey of the FMC was my favourite part of the book! It was written beautifully.
The world building was amazing. It wasn’t too complicated, and I genuinely felt like I was there.
I also really enjoyed all the characters, there was a solid mix of personalities.
There are so many elements in this book that I haven’t read anywhere before, and it made me want to keep reading.
Oh, and that ending… yeah, I need book two. 😭
Well done, Ezra. You’ve created something really special. 👏🏻
Wow!! I really enjoyed this!
The growth and healing journey of the FMC was my favourite part of the book! It was written beautifully.
The world building was amazing. It wasn’t too complicated, and I genuinely felt like I was there.
I also really enjoyed all the characters, there was a solid mix of personalities.
There are so many elements in this book that I haven’t read anywhere before, and it made me want to keep reading.
Oh, and that ending… yeah, I need book two. 😭
Well done, Ezra. You’ve created something really special. 👏🏻
July 12, 2026
What an incredible journey this book has taken me on. The world building is deeply woven in the story and although it felt like a slow burn at the start, the wait was worth it! At every turn you think you figured the plot out and then a twist comes you didn’t see coming.
I’m used to books with a heavy romantic plot and it’s refreshing that’s it’s not the central part of the story. Seeing the growth in the main character has been great to read and I cannot wait for the next book.
I’m used to books with a heavy romantic plot and it’s refreshing that’s it’s not the central part of the story. Seeing the growth in the main character has been great to read and I cannot wait for the next book.
July 12, 2026
Unexpected and beautifully written! Lots of world building and descriptive lore.
I loved the characters. They are complex and intriguing. The FMC Hera is a survivor who grows and develops over time. The plot is emotional and keeps you hooked. I adored all the creatures throughout too.
Then that cliffhanger... I can't wait for the next book!
I loved the characters. They are complex and intriguing. The FMC Hera is a survivor who grows and develops over time. The plot is emotional and keeps you hooked. I adored all the creatures throughout too.
Then that cliffhanger... I can't wait for the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book. I was fully engaged in Hera's journey on so many levels. The characters came alive. The final pages were uplifting in a very unexpected way. I felt a vibrancy that stayed with me for days.
July 11, 2026
4.5 stars
I received an advance reader copy and am leaving my honest review.
I was hooked from the opening with the mysterious forbidden woods. The magical atmosphere felt cosy while still keeping me curious about what was really going on. I especially enjoyed watching the main character grow in confidence as she uncovered truth about herself and her past. The mystery kept me reading, and I found myself invested in both her journey and the relationships she developed
I received an advance reader copy and am leaving my honest review.
I was hooked from the opening with the mysterious forbidden woods. The magical atmosphere felt cosy while still keeping me curious about what was really going on. I especially enjoyed watching the main character grow in confidence as she uncovered truth about herself and her past. The mystery kept me reading, and I found myself invested in both her journey and the relationships she developed
arcs-from-theberryagency
June 17, 2026This is a dnf for now I just can’t focus on this kind of book right now
Thanks to the author and theberryagency for the arc
Thanks to the author and theberryagency for the arc
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews