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The Sundering Duet #1
Defy the dusk
Not yet published
Expected 3 Nov 26When darkness means certain death and survival depends on reaching the dawn, the woman whose magic broke the world will carve another path: defy the dusk. From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Bridge Kingdom comes the first book in a gritty post-apocalyptic fantasy duology.
In the Sundered world, there are two options: Ride the dawn, or face what rises in the night.
Twenty years ago, Lirien’s magic fractured the world and unleashed nocturnal creatures that brought civilization to its knees. Amidst the carnage came salvation: The most powerful survivors were invited to board Dawnrider, a high-speed rig that would deliver those aboard into a new era.
The rest of humanity was left to die.
Instead, a king rose from the darkness to lead them.
In the years since, Lirien has dedicated her magic to Dawnrider while secretly plotting to overthrow the tyrant who rules the rig with an iron fist. But just as Lirien is ready to strike against him, she is violently abducted by Vox—the king of the feralists.
The mercurial Vox gives her two choices: Fight the creatures that hunt the night or be fed to them. Lirien agrees to join his ranks, but embarks on a strategy of seduction that will return her to Dawnrider.
Yet as Vox pushes the limits of her magic, Lirien begins to question whether defying the dusk is the true path to salvation. Intoxicated by both Vox and his war against the night, Lirien must decide where her loyalties truly lie—and how far she’s willing to go for redemption.
In the Sundered world, there are two options: Ride the dawn, or face what rises in the night.
Twenty years ago, Lirien’s magic fractured the world and unleashed nocturnal creatures that brought civilization to its knees. Amidst the carnage came salvation: The most powerful survivors were invited to board Dawnrider, a high-speed rig that would deliver those aboard into a new era.
The rest of humanity was left to die.
Instead, a king rose from the darkness to lead them.
In the years since, Lirien has dedicated her magic to Dawnrider while secretly plotting to overthrow the tyrant who rules the rig with an iron fist. But just as Lirien is ready to strike against him, she is violently abducted by Vox—the king of the feralists.
The mercurial Vox gives her two choices: Fight the creatures that hunt the night or be fed to them. Lirien agrees to join his ranks, but embarks on a strategy of seduction that will return her to Dawnrider.
Yet as Vox pushes the limits of her magic, Lirien begins to question whether defying the dusk is the true path to salvation. Intoxicated by both Vox and his war against the night, Lirien must decide where her loyalties truly lie—and how far she’s willing to go for redemption.
432 pages, Paperback
Expected publication November 3, 2026
About the author
Danielle L. Jensen
38 books22.7k followersJoin Danielle's mailing list for exclusive content, giveaways, and new release alerts: https://danielleljensen.com/newslette...
Danielle L. Jensen is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Fate Inked in Blood, A Curse Carved in Bone, and the Bridge Kingdom, Dark Shores, and Malediction series. Her novels are published internationally in twenty-one languages. She lives in Calgary, Alberta, with her family and guinea pigs.
Danielle L. Jensen is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Fate Inked in Blood, A Curse Carved in Bone, and the Bridge Kingdom, Dark Shores, and Malediction series. Her novels are published internationally in twenty-one languages. She lives in Calgary, Alberta, with her family and guinea pigs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
need-this-like-i-need-air
June 15, 2026the cover eats sbbbb omg pls
i'm OBSESSED.
why isn't it nov 3 already😭😭😭😭😭
i'm dying hereee.
i'm OBSESSED.
why isn't it nov 3 already😭😭😭😭😭
i'm dying hereee.
Want to Read
April 10, 2026What is she putting in her covers?!? I'm obsessed with every single one of them! Also, a dystopian duet by DLJ?! I'm ready 😋
Read
March 23, 2026From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Bridge Kingdom comes the first book of a gritty post-apocalyptic fantasy duology.
Check out the teaser!! https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWOzPP...
Check out the teaser!! https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWOzPP...
Read
April 9, 2026So first of all--I would survive approximately 2.5 seconds in this world. Holy crap. I saw someone describe this as Snow Piercer meets Mad Max and that feels pretty accurate...but also with magic! And forbidden romance! And man-eating monsters that come out at night!
Here's my official blurb:
A thrilling new dystopian romantasy set in an absolutely brutal world where monsters rule the night, and the only way to survive is to outrun them. Between the non-stop action and the angsty, forbidden romance, I *had* to keep turning the page. And the ending?! Shocking!! I will be counting down the days until I can read the sequel.
Here's my official blurb:
A thrilling new dystopian romantasy set in an absolutely brutal world where monsters rule the night, and the only way to survive is to outrun them. Between the non-stop action and the angsty, forbidden romance, I *had* to keep turning the page. And the ending?! Shocking!! I will be counting down the days until I can read the sequel.
Want to Read
April 13, 2026── ᝰ .ᐟ pre-read.
NO BC THIS COVER IS EATING!!! MOTHER IS SO BACK
NO BC THIS COVER IS EATING!!! MOTHER IS SO BACK
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A pulse-pounding dystopian romantasy that is sure to be a hit and primed for a big-screen adaptation. Defy the Dusk is action-packed with moments of sheer terror. Survival and scheming galore! For those who prefer romance as a subplot, it has a true enemies-to-lovers arc that does not dominate the story. Easily Jensen’s best yet.
Vibe check: Mortal Engines meets Grisha meets Mad Max with a dash of Snowpiercer!
Many thanks to Del Rey and NetGalley for the gifted ARC.
Vibe check: Mortal Engines meets Grisha meets Mad Max with a dash of Snowpiercer!
Many thanks to Del Rey and NetGalley for the gifted ARC.
misc
August 1, 2025An announcement for a new series by Danielle L Jensen was EXACTLY what I needed
Want to Read
March 30, 2026I’ve been on a massive dystopian kick so I fear I will EAT THIS UP ⚡️
Did Not Finish
June 28, 2026I give up. Honestly, I apologize to Starside. This was so much worse. I at least finished Starside. I couldn’t even finish this one. 620 times Dawnrider was said. The editor gave this a quick, 3 minute skim and said, “yep, good to go.”
Like, this is turning into a rant review, which I didn’t intend for, but I can’t understand how books this bad get reviewed highly. I understand how they get published: they’re cheap, with a built-in audience, but genuinely this book was atrocious with random terminology thrown at you immediately, ZERO subtly or subtext, extremely poor sentence structure, exposition so blatant it might as well be written in bold, non-existent description of ANYTHING—people, setting, magic…
Sorry, but If after pub date, this comes out to across-the-board rave review, we’re cooked. The future of “post-apocalyptic fantasy” is bleeeeak if this is what’s being served.
Like, this is turning into a rant review, which I didn’t intend for, but I can’t understand how books this bad get reviewed highly. I understand how they get published: they’re cheap, with a built-in audience, but genuinely this book was atrocious with random terminology thrown at you immediately, ZERO subtly or subtext, extremely poor sentence structure, exposition so blatant it might as well be written in bold, non-existent description of ANYTHING—people, setting, magic…
Sorry, but If after pub date, this comes out to across-the-board rave review, we’re cooked. The future of “post-apocalyptic fantasy” is bleeeeak if this is what’s being served.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
5☆ okay WOW!! this was one of my highly anticipated reads for 2026 and it blew every single one of my expectations out of the water. from the characters to the plot to the insane world building, i loved every single second of this story.
the world was one of my favorite things in this book. i genuinely haven’t read something like this and it was so refreshing to be immersed in something new and different. the fact that society lives and travels on trains aka rigs was so cool to me and honestly really interesting to wrap my head around. it was definitely giving dune meets dystopian with amazing fantasy elements sprinkled in. & i really enjoyed the magic in this story, it was the perfect mix of dystopian and the typical fantasy we love.
the characters were absolutely amazing. the fmc, lirien is such a special character and her backstory goes so much deeper than i was anticipating. not only her, but the mmc, vox’s backstory was devastating as well. it was something i wasn’t expecting. he had such a tough exterior, but knowing what he went through… safe to say i was a mess.
their romance was SO GOOD! the tension between them was unbeatable and i found myself giggling sooooo much. danielle l jensen does spicy scenes so well and this was no exception. i ate it up
& the plot!!!! oh my god i was hooked since the beginning. as the story goes on, you learn more about the politics of the world and by the end of the story, you will SCREAM!!! bc what. was. that. ending. the last 15% was absolutely insane. there was so much chaos and my heart was breaking… and the way i have to wait so long to know what happens next is killing me!!!!!! i have so many thoughts and theories in my head but i need to know what’s going to happen
this was an amazing story and i can’t wait for everybody to get their hands on it and to experience these characters! huge, huge thank you to del rey for sending me an early copy of this book 🤎
“𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒏 𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒂 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕.”
the world was one of my favorite things in this book. i genuinely haven’t read something like this and it was so refreshing to be immersed in something new and different. the fact that society lives and travels on trains aka rigs was so cool to me and honestly really interesting to wrap my head around. it was definitely giving dune meets dystopian with amazing fantasy elements sprinkled in. & i really enjoyed the magic in this story, it was the perfect mix of dystopian and the typical fantasy we love.
the characters were absolutely amazing. the fmc, lirien is such a special character and her backstory goes so much deeper than i was anticipating. not only her, but the mmc, vox’s backstory was devastating as well. it was something i wasn’t expecting. he had such a tough exterior, but knowing what he went through… safe to say i was a mess.
their romance was SO GOOD! the tension between them was unbeatable and i found myself giggling sooooo much. danielle l jensen does spicy scenes so well and this was no exception. i ate it up
& the plot!!!! oh my god i was hooked since the beginning. as the story goes on, you learn more about the politics of the world and by the end of the story, you will SCREAM!!! bc what. was. that. ending. the last 15% was absolutely insane. there was so much chaos and my heart was breaking… and the way i have to wait so long to know what happens next is killing me!!!!!! i have so many thoughts and theories in my head but i need to know what’s going to happen
this was an amazing story and i can’t wait for everybody to get their hands on it and to experience these characters! huge, huge thank you to del rey for sending me an early copy of this book 🤎
“𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒏 𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒂 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕.”
Want to Read
August 14, 2026Well hello there... 😏
✅ Danielle L.Jensen
✅ Gorgeous cover
✅ Dystopian duet
Count me in. 🤩
✅ Danielle L.Jensen
✅ Gorgeous cover
✅ Dystopian duet
Count me in. 🤩
May 5, 2026
I honestly don’t know how to start off this review except for the fact that I’m incredibly honored to be the first to read and write a review for this absolute masterpiece. I am a huge fan of Danielle Jensen’s work, and Defy the Dusk is like a darker, twisted and more magical version of Bridge Kingdom but still has the same amazing writing we know and love. If you like plot and world heavy exposition, dystopian landscapes, torn allegiances with betrayal and secrets, an age gap romance you can’t help but root for, then you are going to be thrilled reading Defy the Dusk.
𝐀 𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐞, 𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐰𝐧.
Book Blurb: Lirien Flintspire broke the world twenty years ago when her magic manifested and in doing so woke an ancient creature called the Strax, that multiply quickly and consume everything in their path. The only safety is following the sun, and the Dawnrider is the largest high speed rig, run by a man who thinks all those without magic are a plague to society. Lirien wants to make life better for everyone but is stopped by the King of those they left behind and taken hostage. Forced to play by his rules, she will need to fight the strax by his side or become their dinner. Will she take up the cause and forget her own, and what does it mean to be redeemed?
“𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞, 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐅𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞. 𝐃𝐚𝐰𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝.”
The world building in this book is extremely rich and I loved how it’s a dystopian that’s set twenty years after “the event” not hundreds of years later. It gives a rich amount of texture of those who remember the “before” and those who can only remember the “after” and how that affects their relationships with different characters. The politics of the old world still very much shape this current world with a battle between the Nulls (no magic) and the Elemars (those with magical capabilities), where those with magic have an advantage against the Nulls. However, in this new world with the majority of Elemars located on the Dawnsrider, those that are left have to work with the Null born in order to survive. All of this old world x new world juxtaposition works together to create a rich and detailed story that is given in a way that flows with the story instead of a brick of text to work through.
“𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰, 𝐰𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐰𝐧𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫,” 𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝. “𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰, 𝐰𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫.”
All of the characters felt fully fleshed out, with dynamic pasts and stories about their lives before and after and watching them work through their grief, especially when they have been directing it towards Lirien for the past twenty years. Creating a Found Family dynamic is always a balancing act of making it feel organic and not forced but there is an extra oomph in making them bitter enemies with loss of loved ones on both sides, and then still being able to bring them together in a way that doesn’t feel forced. Danielle Jensen walked that tight rope with ease and that definitely shows in the book.
“𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐱𝐢 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞, 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐫𝐮𝐧, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭, 𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐢𝐞.”
This is a high stakes, dystopian fantasy world, with very dark undertones of breeding programs, slavery, death and brutality…..of course the romance is still going to be present if not the main plot. And the amount of times I wanted to scream “AND THEN KISS”, well trust in Danielle Jensen’s vision because she picks her moments well in this one. With the amount of forbidden romance, age gap, forced proximity, jealousy, slow burn, and “what will I give to have you” by both sides, this is a romance for the ages and it’s filled with so much angst you could call it a hormonal teenager. I ate it up and I can’t wait for everyone else to feast on it as well!!
“𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧 𝐅𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞, 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐮𝐬. 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐫 𝐈’𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐫𝐦.”
If you like:
🌕 Dark Dystopian Fantasy
🌖 Slow Burn Romance with an Age Gap
🌗 Forced Proximity
🌘 Forbidden Romance
🌑 Secrets and Betrayal
🌒 Dangerous Monsters and Men
🌓 What does Redemption Mean?
🌔 A Brutal Cliffhanger
Then you are going to love this one. I will be bereft till I can be back in this world, especially after that ending. Thank you so much to Delrey and Penguin Random House for the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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𝐀 𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐞, 𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐰𝐧.
Book Blurb: Lirien Flintspire broke the world twenty years ago when her magic manifested and in doing so woke an ancient creature called the Strax, that multiply quickly and consume everything in their path. The only safety is following the sun, and the Dawnrider is the largest high speed rig, run by a man who thinks all those without magic are a plague to society. Lirien wants to make life better for everyone but is stopped by the King of those they left behind and taken hostage. Forced to play by his rules, she will need to fight the strax by his side or become their dinner. Will she take up the cause and forget her own, and what does it mean to be redeemed?
“𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞, 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐅𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞. 𝐃𝐚𝐰𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝.”
The world building in this book is extremely rich and I loved how it’s a dystopian that’s set twenty years after “the event” not hundreds of years later. It gives a rich amount of texture of those who remember the “before” and those who can only remember the “after” and how that affects their relationships with different characters. The politics of the old world still very much shape this current world with a battle between the Nulls (no magic) and the Elemars (those with magical capabilities), where those with magic have an advantage against the Nulls. However, in this new world with the majority of Elemars located on the Dawnsrider, those that are left have to work with the Null born in order to survive. All of this old world x new world juxtaposition works together to create a rich and detailed story that is given in a way that flows with the story instead of a brick of text to work through.
“𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰, 𝐰𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐰𝐧𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫,” 𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝. “𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰, 𝐰𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫.”
All of the characters felt fully fleshed out, with dynamic pasts and stories about their lives before and after and watching them work through their grief, especially when they have been directing it towards Lirien for the past twenty years. Creating a Found Family dynamic is always a balancing act of making it feel organic and not forced but there is an extra oomph in making them bitter enemies with loss of loved ones on both sides, and then still being able to bring them together in a way that doesn’t feel forced. Danielle Jensen walked that tight rope with ease and that definitely shows in the book.
“𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐱𝐢 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞, 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐫𝐮𝐧, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭, 𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐢𝐞.”
This is a high stakes, dystopian fantasy world, with very dark undertones of breeding programs, slavery, death and brutality…..of course the romance is still going to be present if not the main plot. And the amount of times I wanted to scream “AND THEN KISS”, well trust in Danielle Jensen’s vision because she picks her moments well in this one. With the amount of forbidden romance, age gap, forced proximity, jealousy, slow burn, and “what will I give to have you” by both sides, this is a romance for the ages and it’s filled with so much angst you could call it a hormonal teenager. I ate it up and I can’t wait for everyone else to feast on it as well!!
“𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧 𝐅𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞, 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐮𝐬. 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐫 𝐈’𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐫𝐦.”
If you like:
🌕 Dark Dystopian Fantasy
🌖 Slow Burn Romance with an Age Gap
🌗 Forced Proximity
🌘 Forbidden Romance
🌑 Secrets and Betrayal
🌒 Dangerous Monsters and Men
🌓 What does Redemption Mean?
🌔 A Brutal Cliffhanger
Then you are going to love this one. I will be bereft till I can be back in this world, especially after that ending. Thank you so much to Delrey and Penguin Random House for the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
| Insta | Tiktok |
July 31, 2026
Mad max + Snowpiercer + Handmaid’s Tale = this exhilarating apocalyptic tale.
Oh, and did I mention it’s enemies to lovers. 😏
I’m still REELING from that cliffhanger of an ending.
Immediately ordered the international special edition from Blackwell’s Books.
Danielle Jensen has done it again. ❤️🔥
RTC
Oh, and did I mention it’s enemies to lovers. 😏
I’m still REELING from that cliffhanger of an ending.
Immediately ordered the international special edition from Blackwell’s Books.
Danielle Jensen has done it again. ❤️🔥
RTC
July 13, 2026
[Thank you Del Rey for the gifted copy of one of my most anticipated releases this year!]
𝙒𝙤𝙬. 𝙋𝙝𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙖𝙡.
Give this movie an Oscar.
In the meantime, I have given it permanent space in my brain in the form of 273 highlights.
𝘈𝘴𝘩 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘥, 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩,
𝘞𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘸𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘯 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩
This dystopian fantasy is so well master crafted that you will forget who you are (a nightmauler… probably), where you’re at (onboard the Duskchaser rig), and what time it is (5 minutes until dark! Get to the top to fight the straxi!).
"𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘤𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘩 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘮, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘥𝘰 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵."
"𝘋𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶?"
𝘏𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘳. "𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘱𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦."
Just thinking about this book gives me goosebumps (or is that the feeling of straxi crawling over my skin?). It is filled to the brim (650+ pages) with punchy, action-packed scenes, post-apocalyptic emotional damage, and two enemies who share attraction, but is the conflict between them too insurmountable for them to become lovers?
"𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘬𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘦'𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘯𝘶𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘪𝘻𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘛𝘰𝘷𝘷'𝘴."
Danielle excels at mapping out the gray area in a dystopian world where one’s dream and goals is not what is best or makes sense for all. I spent a lot of time furious with characters only to later understand their thoughts and reasonings. So many arguments left me puzzled as to how the characters could possibly work together towards one goal. I am beyond excited to see where the next book goes from here. The only thing I am upset over is that this series is a duology, and I only get one more book in this incredible world.
"𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴, 𝘝𝘰𝘹, 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘢 𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘢𝘨𝘦. 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦, 𝘸𝘦'𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘨𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘷𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘯'𝘴 𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸."
I am a page counter as I read, and I found myself ignoring the page numbers because I was not prepared for this book to end. If this book is not the bar we are aiming to meet when reading dystopian fantasy, I truly do not know what is.
"𝘞𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘰 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘨𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘯 𝘢 𝘩𝘰𝘵 𝘥𝘢𝘺, 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘪𝘵?"
-Dystopian fantasy
-Feminine rage
-Elemental magic
-True enemies-to-lovers(?)
-She can fight for herself (and others)
-Slow burn
-Nonstop banter
-High octane fighting/magic use
Releases Nov. 3 - Book 1 - Duology
𝙒𝙤𝙬. 𝙋𝙝𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙖𝙡.
Give this movie an Oscar.
In the meantime, I have given it permanent space in my brain in the form of 273 highlights.
𝘈𝘴𝘩 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘥, 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩,
𝘞𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘸𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘯 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩
This dystopian fantasy is so well master crafted that you will forget who you are (a nightmauler… probably), where you’re at (onboard the Duskchaser rig), and what time it is (5 minutes until dark! Get to the top to fight the straxi!).
"𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘤𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘩 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘮, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘥𝘰 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵."
"𝘋𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶?"
𝘏𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘳. "𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘱𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦."
Just thinking about this book gives me goosebumps (or is that the feeling of straxi crawling over my skin?). It is filled to the brim (650+ pages) with punchy, action-packed scenes, post-apocalyptic emotional damage, and two enemies who share attraction, but is the conflict between them too insurmountable for them to become lovers?
"𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘬𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘦'𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘯𝘶𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘪𝘻𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘛𝘰𝘷𝘷'𝘴."
Danielle excels at mapping out the gray area in a dystopian world where one’s dream and goals is not what is best or makes sense for all. I spent a lot of time furious with characters only to later understand their thoughts and reasonings. So many arguments left me puzzled as to how the characters could possibly work together towards one goal. I am beyond excited to see where the next book goes from here. The only thing I am upset over is that this series is a duology, and I only get one more book in this incredible world.
"𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴, 𝘝𝘰𝘹, 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘢 𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘢𝘨𝘦. 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦, 𝘸𝘦'𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘨𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘷𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘯'𝘴 𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸."
I am a page counter as I read, and I found myself ignoring the page numbers because I was not prepared for this book to end. If this book is not the bar we are aiming to meet when reading dystopian fantasy, I truly do not know what is.
"𝘞𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘰 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘨𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘯 𝘢 𝘩𝘰𝘵 𝘥𝘢𝘺, 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘪𝘵?"
-Dystopian fantasy
-Feminine rage
-Elemental magic
-True enemies-to-lovers(?)
-She can fight for herself (and others)
-Slow burn
-Nonstop banter
-High octane fighting/magic use
Releases Nov. 3 - Book 1 - Duology
June 11, 2026
I am so incredibly thankful to have received this ARC as this is so far my favorite read of the year!! This honestly deserves 6 six stars!
On your toes the entire time and thrust into a world of slow burn and enemies to lovers to enemies. The world building is amazing and it will have you mad and angry and cheering for the good guys then questioning the good guys. I cannot wait for the world to enjoy this book this fall as it will be one to add immediately to read now list!
On your toes the entire time and thrust into a world of slow burn and enemies to lovers to enemies. The world building is amazing and it will have you mad and angry and cheering for the good guys then questioning the good guys. I cannot wait for the world to enjoy this book this fall as it will be one to add immediately to read now list!
July 19, 2026
Complex and tormented characters, a unique and heartbreaking plot and 90° turns that you don’t see coming at you.
The action scenes are just incredible.
Also, the FMC is the strongest and everyone knows it from the start and that’s refreshing.
Loved it, need the sequel like yesterday.
The action scenes are just incredible.
Also, the FMC is the strongest and everyone knows it from the start and that’s refreshing.
Loved it, need the sequel like yesterday.
July 3, 2026
I need a drink
August 21, 2026
WHAT THE FUCK
Read
July 9, 2026the premise was cool but the execution was not 😔
this was long, the magic system was inconsistent, way too much time was spent on motivations (telling not showing), the motivations didn’t make a lick of sense, the relationship didn’t work for me, anything around sex was blunt/crude (and I’m no prude!), and the whole thing was exposition. and straxi is bugs 🤢
That said, thank you for the ARC NetGalley!
this was long, the magic system was inconsistent, way too much time was spent on motivations (telling not showing), the motivations didn’t make a lick of sense, the relationship didn’t work for me, anything around sex was blunt/crude (and I’m no prude!), and the whole thing was exposition. and straxi is bugs 🤢
That said, thank you for the ARC NetGalley!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“𝙝𝙚’𝙙 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤’𝙙 𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙙𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙖𝙙𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙚’𝙙 𝙙𝙤 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝙙𝙞𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠 𝙫𝙤𝙬𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙧, 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙝𝙚’𝙙 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙖𝙨 𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙚𝙥𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚’𝙙 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚”
the premise instantly pulled me in because it gave me snowpiercer vibes, which i absolutely love. a world where humanity is forced to survive aboard massive rigs after an uprising of deadly creatures was such a unique setting, and adding magic into the mix made it even better. i loved learning how the magic system worked and seeing more of the world unfold with every chapter
the characters were another huge highlight. from lirien to vox and every single member of the crew, they truly felt like a family. their relationships, loyalty and banter made me love them even more, and i honestly couldn’t have asked for a better cast of characters
if you know me, you know i’m a sucker for a dystopian world, and this one absolutely delivered. i loved uncovering the history of what happened, learning about the politics behind everything and slowly piecing together the truth alongside the characters
and then came the last 15%…
nothing could have prepared me for those twists. every time i thought i had things figured out, another revelation completely changed everything. i genuinely didn’t know who to trust anymore, and i felt so betrayed - in the absolute best way. that ending left me completely bittersweet and already desperate for the next book
and finally… vox. 🥹 he completely stole my heart. after everything he’d been through, the way he chose to love so fiercely was so beautiful to read. every scene with him had me smiling, and those final moments absolutely shattered me - and we love a male pov
this was everything i want in a fantasy - an original world, unforgettable characters, incredible twists and an ending that leaves you emotionally wrecked. i already need book two
“𝙞’𝙫𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙖 𝙬𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙞 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙗𝙨𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙖 𝙬𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙞 𝙤𝙗𝙨𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙪𝙢𝙚𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙚, 𝙡𝙞𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣 𝙛𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙚. 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜”
the premise instantly pulled me in because it gave me snowpiercer vibes, which i absolutely love. a world where humanity is forced to survive aboard massive rigs after an uprising of deadly creatures was such a unique setting, and adding magic into the mix made it even better. i loved learning how the magic system worked and seeing more of the world unfold with every chapter
the characters were another huge highlight. from lirien to vox and every single member of the crew, they truly felt like a family. their relationships, loyalty and banter made me love them even more, and i honestly couldn’t have asked for a better cast of characters
if you know me, you know i’m a sucker for a dystopian world, and this one absolutely delivered. i loved uncovering the history of what happened, learning about the politics behind everything and slowly piecing together the truth alongside the characters
and then came the last 15%…
nothing could have prepared me for those twists. every time i thought i had things figured out, another revelation completely changed everything. i genuinely didn’t know who to trust anymore, and i felt so betrayed - in the absolute best way. that ending left me completely bittersweet and already desperate for the next book
and finally… vox. 🥹 he completely stole my heart. after everything he’d been through, the way he chose to love so fiercely was so beautiful to read. every scene with him had me smiling, and those final moments absolutely shattered me - and we love a male pov
this was everything i want in a fantasy - an original world, unforgettable characters, incredible twists and an ending that leaves you emotionally wrecked. i already need book two
“𝙞’𝙫𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙖 𝙬𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙞 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙗𝙨𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙖 𝙬𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙞 𝙤𝙗𝙨𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙪𝙢𝙚𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙚, 𝙡𝙞𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣 𝙛𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙚. 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜”
July 29, 2026
Blown away!! This book was absolutely PHENOMENAL! INFINITY STARS!!! The post-apocalyptic world, elemar powers, political intrigue, and romantic tension created an epic combination that had me hooked! The relationship between Lirien and Vox doesn’t really fit into any category. It’s kind of enemies, captor/captive, reluctant allies all mixed together which created incredible tension and I freaking loved their banter! They both have their own agendas and inner battles they struggle with along the way. Vox’s guilt from his past and how it impacts his decisions is completely relatable and had my heart hurting for him. The portrayal of Lirien’s inner battle on which path to take was written so well. I was constantly at war with what I wanted her to do throughout this book which just proves to me how masterful Danielle is when writing political intrigue within her books! All the pieces flow together effortlessly and when those plot twists hit, they HIT!!! She knows exactly how to weave storylines for maximum impact! The found family among the Duskchasers crew was also a highlight for me. The battles with the straxi had my adrenaline pumping and that cliffhanger ending has me feral for the next book! Danielle has once again proven why I will read anything she writes! This is definitely a top read of the year!!
Thank you so much to DelRey for the ARC!
Thank you so much to DelRey for the ARC!
August 22, 2026
OOOOOOOOH BOY!! Full course MEAL.
—
Oh man. OH MANNNNNN. WHAT A TREAT THIS WAS. I honestly don’t remember the last time I’ve truly been sucked into a new fantasy like this. THE WORLDBUILDING? Impeccable. THE ROMANCE? Delicious. THE PLOT TWISTS? Heartstopping. This was truly firing on all cylinders and I need it to be the next big fantasy book takeover.
Lirian, I LOVED HER. I loved her down from the beginning and she captivated me throughout the entire book. I loved her heart and her cunning and her drive. Vox was also a super compelling character and their romantic tension SIZZLEDDDD in the best way.
But honestly, the plot and worldbuilding of this kinda stole the show. I’m usually not one to be more interested in plot than characters or romance (though I am also VERY interested in them here) but I found myself really drawn in by everything happening, reading deeper through worldbuilding details I might typically skim through. Could I form a clear picture in my head of wtf a strax or rig looked like? NO! And I didn’t even care. I’m fascinated by the magic system and the environmental system and the strax hierarchy, all of it. AND this is a duology so I won’t have to suffer through a long, drawn-out, multi-book series that I usually end up not finishing? THE DREAM.
—
Oh man. OH MANNNNNN. WHAT A TREAT THIS WAS. I honestly don’t remember the last time I’ve truly been sucked into a new fantasy like this. THE WORLDBUILDING? Impeccable. THE ROMANCE? Delicious. THE PLOT TWISTS? Heartstopping. This was truly firing on all cylinders and I need it to be the next big fantasy book takeover.
Lirian, I LOVED HER. I loved her down from the beginning and she captivated me throughout the entire book. I loved her heart and her cunning and her drive. Vox was also a super compelling character and their romantic tension SIZZLEDDDD in the best way.
But honestly, the plot and worldbuilding of this kinda stole the show. I’m usually not one to be more interested in plot than characters or romance (though I am also VERY interested in them here) but I found myself really drawn in by everything happening, reading deeper through worldbuilding details I might typically skim through. Could I form a clear picture in my head of wtf a strax or rig looked like? NO! And I didn’t even care. I’m fascinated by the magic system and the environmental system and the strax hierarchy, all of it. AND this is a duology so I won’t have to suffer through a long, drawn-out, multi-book series that I usually end up not finishing? THE DREAM.
June 28, 2026
Thank you so much Del Rey! I have absolutely loved every Danielle L Jensen, book I have picked up and this is another absolutely amazing read! This is very fast-paced and exactly what I was hoping for when I heard it was a dystopian fantasy set on fast-moving engines. Also, just saying this would make an amazing tv show! This very much felt like a mad max western fantasy mash-up!
The characters are all incredibly complex with traumatic backstories that you would expect to find in such a dark dystopian world. These backgrounds shape how the characters interact and view the world. Hope is hard to find when the future is so uncertain and Liriens existence in the world brings equal amounts of fear and hope. Her magic is incredibly powerful, and she’s raised in a world that shouldn’t make her as kind and thoughtful as she is. I absolutely loved her so much, she is equal parts caring as she is ruthless.
The side characters definitely made this book and their relationship and love for each other and lirien grows organically over time. Each character has a reason to distrust each other, but they allow actions to speak louder than the past. This book does such a wonderful job of showing how different generations view the world based on their experiences and how they can influence each other to adjust those views. My absolute favorite sweet baby side character was Zint, who was so beyond charming with his plant affinity and allergies. Such is life to give you a gift and then make you allergic to said gift!
This world is so immersive, from the very first page, Danielle builds a complex world from the landscape to the language you are surrounded by and thrown right in. And I would absolutely struggle to survive in this world! There are so many horrifying things the characters deal with on a daily basis. I loved it so much and after how this book ends, I am dying for the next one!!
The characters are all incredibly complex with traumatic backstories that you would expect to find in such a dark dystopian world. These backgrounds shape how the characters interact and view the world. Hope is hard to find when the future is so uncertain and Liriens existence in the world brings equal amounts of fear and hope. Her magic is incredibly powerful, and she’s raised in a world that shouldn’t make her as kind and thoughtful as she is. I absolutely loved her so much, she is equal parts caring as she is ruthless.
The side characters definitely made this book and their relationship and love for each other and lirien grows organically over time. Each character has a reason to distrust each other, but they allow actions to speak louder than the past. This book does such a wonderful job of showing how different generations view the world based on their experiences and how they can influence each other to adjust those views. My absolute favorite sweet baby side character was Zint, who was so beyond charming with his plant affinity and allergies. Such is life to give you a gift and then make you allergic to said gift!
This world is so immersive, from the very first page, Danielle builds a complex world from the landscape to the language you are surrounded by and thrown right in. And I would absolutely struggle to survive in this world! There are so many horrifying things the characters deal with on a daily basis. I loved it so much and after how this book ends, I am dying for the next one!!
July 20, 2026
Twenty years ago, the manifestation of Lirien’s magic fractured her world and unleashed nocturnal creatures that nearly destroyed civilization. While most of humanity was left to die, the most powerful survivors were offered salvation aboard Dawnrider, a high-speed rig that chases the daylight. To survive you must either ride the dawn or face the creatures that arise in the night. After 20 years on Dawnrider, Lirien is plotting to overthrow the tyrant who rules the rig. However, one night Lirien is abducted by the all powerful Vox—king of the feralists. He gives her the option to either be fed to the creatures of the night, or help him hunt them. As time passes on Vox’s rig, Lirien begins to question where her loyalties lie and the true path to survival.
Danielle Jensen has created one of the most interesting post-apocalyptic fantasy worlds I have ever read! The magic system, the means of survival, and the creatures that she created are so unique!
Lirien was such an incredible character! Given the fact that the manifestation of her magic is what led to the destruction of civilization, every thought, action and feeling she had represented the guilt she feels. She’s truly complex. She is so powerful, yet from such a young age has had so much blame placed on her shoulders that she is trying to repair.
And Vox? Wow I just loved him so much. The hatred between Vox and Lirien was all consuming. The more we dove into Vox and his backstory, the more you feel for him and the position he’s been placed in.
There are so many twists and turns throughout this book. Secrets, lies, and a cat and mouse game between Vox and Lirien.
If you’re looking for something unique, a great enemies to lovers story, and an incredible world to get lost in, you should pick up Defy The Dusk the second it’s released in November!
Danielle Jensen has created one of the most interesting post-apocalyptic fantasy worlds I have ever read! The magic system, the means of survival, and the creatures that she created are so unique!
Lirien was such an incredible character! Given the fact that the manifestation of her magic is what led to the destruction of civilization, every thought, action and feeling she had represented the guilt she feels. She’s truly complex. She is so powerful, yet from such a young age has had so much blame placed on her shoulders that she is trying to repair.
And Vox? Wow I just loved him so much. The hatred between Vox and Lirien was all consuming. The more we dove into Vox and his backstory, the more you feel for him and the position he’s been placed in.
There are so many twists and turns throughout this book. Secrets, lies, and a cat and mouse game between Vox and Lirien.
If you’re looking for something unique, a great enemies to lovers story, and an incredible world to get lost in, you should pick up Defy The Dusk the second it’s released in November!
June 29, 2026
First of all, thank you Del Rey and Netgalley for the eARC!! My heart jumped out of my body when I got that email!
How am i supposed to form words after finishing this masterpiece? Wow. First of all, the premise of this story is very unique. I haven’t read anything like this. We’ve got a very post-apocalyptic/fantasy genre, where our main characters are on these rigs (which I imagine are similar to trains) to keep them safe from the monsters that lurk at night. I was intrigued from page one!
Second of all, the characters were built so well! Lirien was an unforgettable FMC that was flawed and yet very relatable. You could understand her purpose, especially finding out about the trauma she went through. Also, THANK YOU FOR MAKING HER 29 YEARS OLD!! Love to see a character who isn’t 19 haha
Vox was amazing as well. You see him make mistakes in the book, but then you understand why because of what he’s been through and what he’s holding onto. I love realistically flawed characters!
The ending had me screaming, and I cannot believe we ended there, but alas I get it! My excitement for the next book is sky high and I need to know what happens to my girl Lirien and my boy Vox!!
How am i supposed to form words after finishing this masterpiece? Wow. First of all, the premise of this story is very unique. I haven’t read anything like this. We’ve got a very post-apocalyptic/fantasy genre, where our main characters are on these rigs (which I imagine are similar to trains) to keep them safe from the monsters that lurk at night. I was intrigued from page one!
Second of all, the characters were built so well! Lirien was an unforgettable FMC that was flawed and yet very relatable. You could understand her purpose, especially finding out about the trauma she went through. Also, THANK YOU FOR MAKING HER 29 YEARS OLD!! Love to see a character who isn’t 19 haha
Vox was amazing as well. You see him make mistakes in the book, but then you understand why because of what he’s been through and what he’s holding onto. I love realistically flawed characters!
The ending had me screaming, and I cannot believe we ended there, but alas I get it! My excitement for the next book is sky high and I need to know what happens to my girl Lirien and my boy Vox!!
July 10, 2026
Thank you Danielle, Del Ray, and NetGalley for this eARC!
Wooooow. Okay I was so unsure for a good portion of this book. Magical trains and big scary spider monsters. What? Okay so hear me out, it is quite literally a wild ride. Mad Max vibes anyone?
Lirien destroyed the world and wants to save it. She’s been used her entire life and that doesn’t change for her throughout this book. Vox is the feralist king who had slaughtered her own. He wants to kill her but resorts to a lil light kidnapping instead. Everything just tumbles from there.
The writing is wordy, the whole beginning is full of terms from the world it feels like I’m supposed to understand and 100% don’t until about 15% in. Once I finally got into it, there was no stopping. While this plot is unlike any other that I’ve read, it’s complex and confusing at times but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
Betrayal upon betrayal upon heartbreak and death. My heart was RACING the last 20%. I’m sure my bpm was elevated.
This isn’t going to be for everyone, that’s for sure. But I think those that want a dystopian, with fantasy elements and a romance subplot - this will be a 5 star for them.
Wooooow. Okay I was so unsure for a good portion of this book. Magical trains and big scary spider monsters. What? Okay so hear me out, it is quite literally a wild ride. Mad Max vibes anyone?
Lirien destroyed the world and wants to save it. She’s been used her entire life and that doesn’t change for her throughout this book. Vox is the feralist king who had slaughtered her own. He wants to kill her but resorts to a lil light kidnapping instead. Everything just tumbles from there.
The writing is wordy, the whole beginning is full of terms from the world it feels like I’m supposed to understand and 100% don’t until about 15% in. Once I finally got into it, there was no stopping. While this plot is unlike any other that I’ve read, it’s complex and confusing at times but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
Betrayal upon betrayal upon heartbreak and death. My heart was RACING the last 20%. I’m sure my bpm was elevated.
This isn’t going to be for everyone, that’s for sure. But I think those that want a dystopian, with fantasy elements and a romance subplot - this will be a 5 star for them.
August 9, 2026
As always, thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!!!
4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Dear lord, this was exhilarating!! Defy the Dusk has comparisons to Mad Max, which I 100% agree with, but also, and this may age me, the Straxi in this book reminded me of the Kevin Bacon classic, Tremors!!!
The cover art alone will get people to pick up this book, even if they aren't familiar with the author's work. I absolutely loved Danielle L. Jensen's Bridge Kingdom series, so I was incredibly grateful to receive an ARC of Defy the Dusk and get to see just how well she pivoted into a brand-new world. And what a world she made!!! Thrilling, brutal, and quite unique!
Defy the Dusk is a fast-paced, dystopian enemies-to-lovers fantasy that had me on the edge of my seat. The cast of characters is phenomenal, from Lirien and Vox to Crackjaw, Tovv, and our feisty, foul-mouthed Jessie (who I REALLY hope we get more of in book two). Even the villains are interesting! Danielle L. Jensen really knows how to write an annoying prick, because I cannot WAIT to see a certain someone get their ass kicked!!!!
I docked half a star because things did slow down a bit around a third of the way through. BUT when it picked back up... BOY, DID IT PICK. BACK. UP!!! There was also a certain moment between Lirien and Vox that really got on my nerves, especially after everything they went through, only for it all to crumble because of the word of a smelly jackal. 😩
I cannot wait to see where this series goes! Bravo, Danielle L. Jensen! 👏
4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Dear lord, this was exhilarating!! Defy the Dusk has comparisons to Mad Max, which I 100% agree with, but also, and this may age me, the Straxi in this book reminded me of the Kevin Bacon classic, Tremors!!!
The cover art alone will get people to pick up this book, even if they aren't familiar with the author's work. I absolutely loved Danielle L. Jensen's Bridge Kingdom series, so I was incredibly grateful to receive an ARC of Defy the Dusk and get to see just how well she pivoted into a brand-new world. And what a world she made!!! Thrilling, brutal, and quite unique!
Defy the Dusk is a fast-paced, dystopian enemies-to-lovers fantasy that had me on the edge of my seat. The cast of characters is phenomenal, from Lirien and Vox to Crackjaw, Tovv, and our feisty, foul-mouthed Jessie (who I REALLY hope we get more of in book two). Even the villains are interesting! Danielle L. Jensen really knows how to write an annoying prick, because I cannot WAIT to see a certain someone get their ass kicked!!!!
I docked half a star because things did slow down a bit around a third of the way through. BUT when it picked back up... BOY, DID IT PICK. BACK. UP!!! There was also a certain moment between Lirien and Vox that really got on my nerves, especially after everything they went through, only for it all to crumble because of the word of a smelly jackal. 😩
I cannot wait to see where this series goes! Bravo, Danielle L. Jensen! 👏
July 22, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC. I think this is my favourite DLJ book yet! It’s dystopian and magic with slow burn, true enemies to lovers romance. While I did get some Shadow and Bone vibes (and I just kept picturing the Straxi like the creatures in I am Legend), the characters were all their own. I loved the found family aspect as well.
It did take me some time to get sucked into the store, world building can be like that sometimes, but once it grabbed me I couldn’t put it down. I hate that I have to wait for the sequel! I NEED to know what happens to Lirien and Vox.
If you love dystopian, elemental magic, found family, slow burn enemies to lovers, age gap, forced proximity and morally grey MCs then this should absolutely be your next read!
4.5 stars rounded up
It did take me some time to get sucked into the store, world building can be like that sometimes, but once it grabbed me I couldn’t put it down. I hate that I have to wait for the sequel! I NEED to know what happens to Lirien and Vox.
If you love dystopian, elemental magic, found family, slow burn enemies to lovers, age gap, forced proximity and morally grey MCs then this should absolutely be your next read!
4.5 stars rounded up
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
୨ৎ 5 stars, a horrifying combination of snowpiercer, the handmaid's tale, and the last of us, and in the midst of it all lies a slow burn, true enemies-to-lovers subplot. My tummy hurts, and I fear for my sleep hygeine in the coming days because I will likely lie awake at night worrying about this girly's fate.
everyone kindly take note because DLJ is singlehandedly reviving the fantasy romance genre from dire straits.
thank you to Del Rey for the physical arc in exchange for an honest review
source: physical arc
Want to Read
June 11, 2026i want to read this book right now so badly
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