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Crucible
After leaving Elissa behind in Treiaul, Hayward returns home, determined to stop a war before it begins. Afraid diplomacy will inevitably fail, he gathers his closest friends and races back to the elven kingdom to prepare its woefully untrained people for battle.
The elves are outnumbered. Outmatched. And running out of time.
As tensions rise within the royal court, old wounds begin to reopen—especially when Elissa’s former lover joins their ranks, igniting a jealousy neither she nor Hayward can ignore. Surrounded by political pressure, buried secrets, and the growing expectation of an arranged marriage meant to unite their kingdoms, the bond between prince and princess is tested at every turn.
The king and queen demand a wedding before war arrives at their doorstep. Hayward and Elissa want something far more the chance to truly know one another before surrendering themselves to forever.
But fate may already have made the choice for them.
Meanwhile, Aeris—the proper, bookish second princess—is assigned the impossible task of teaching Elvish to Deker, Hayward’s infuriatingly charming best friend. What begins as a reluctant partnership quickly blossoms into friendship and more?
As war closes in, loyalties fracture, secrets surface, and love becomes both a weapon and a weakness in this second installment of The Kanraadi Saga.
The elves are outnumbered. Outmatched. And running out of time.
As tensions rise within the royal court, old wounds begin to reopen—especially when Elissa’s former lover joins their ranks, igniting a jealousy neither she nor Hayward can ignore. Surrounded by political pressure, buried secrets, and the growing expectation of an arranged marriage meant to unite their kingdoms, the bond between prince and princess is tested at every turn.
The king and queen demand a wedding before war arrives at their doorstep. Hayward and Elissa want something far more the chance to truly know one another before surrendering themselves to forever.
But fate may already have made the choice for them.
Meanwhile, Aeris—the proper, bookish second princess—is assigned the impossible task of teaching Elvish to Deker, Hayward’s infuriatingly charming best friend. What begins as a reluctant partnership quickly blossoms into friendship and more?
As war closes in, loyalties fracture, secrets surface, and love becomes both a weapon and a weakness in this second installment of The Kanraadi Saga.
- GenresRomantasy
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2026
About the author
Marlissa Cunningham
3 books16 followersMarlissa Cunningham is a storyteller at heart, with a lifelong passion for creativity in all its forms. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Performance Studies and began her artistic journey on the stage, later channeling her talents into floral design—earning certification and launching a successful wedding and event business.
After becoming a stay-at-home mom, Marlissa struggled to find space for her creative spark. But writing—always a quiet constant in her life—became the outlet that reignited her imagination. Inspired by the vibrant community of readers and writers on BookTok, she made the bold decision to pursue her long-held dream: to become a published author and share the stories that had lived in her heart for years.
Her debut Catalyst is available on KU, ebook, paperback, and duet audiobook.
The sequel Crucible is currently in ARC and set to release summer 2026.
After becoming a stay-at-home mom, Marlissa struggled to find space for her creative spark. But writing—always a quiet constant in her life—became the outlet that reignited her imagination. Inspired by the vibrant community of readers and writers on BookTok, she made the bold decision to pursue her long-held dream: to become a published author and share the stories that had lived in her heart for years.
Her debut Catalyst is available on KU, ebook, paperback, and duet audiobook.
The sequel Crucible is currently in ARC and set to release summer 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved the first book, but this one was even better. The world continues to expand, the political intrigue keeps the tension high, and the threat of war had me glued to every page.
Hayward and Elissa have been devoted to each other from the very beginning, but an almost tragic moment reminds them just how much they have to lose. Watching them put everything else aside and fight for each other made me love them even more. Their chemistry is undeniable and the spice is so well done and absolutely lives up to the anticipation.
Aeris stole my heart in this book. She was incredibly relatable, and I loved seeing her confidence grow. Her relationship with Deker was one of my favorite parts of the story.
That ending was incredible. Secrets are revealed. It left me desperate to know what happens next, and I already can't wait for the next book in the series.
Hayward and Elissa have been devoted to each other from the very beginning, but an almost tragic moment reminds them just how much they have to lose. Watching them put everything else aside and fight for each other made me love them even more. Their chemistry is undeniable and the spice is so well done and absolutely lives up to the anticipation.
Aeris stole my heart in this book. She was incredibly relatable, and I loved seeing her confidence grow. Her relationship with Deker was one of my favorite parts of the story.
That ending was incredible. Secrets are revealed. It left me desperate to know what happens next, and I already can't wait for the next book in the series.
July 15, 2026
I had the pleasure of receiving this as an e-ARC and voluntarily will be giving my honest review. This was my first from this author and it was well written. The world building was phenomenal. This book kept me intrigued and on the edge of my seat. Man the twist in this threw me for a loop and didn’t see it coming and can’t wait to see whats next!!
“After leaving Elissa behind in Treiaul, Hayward returns home, determined to stop a war before it begins. Afraid diplomacy will inevitably fail, he gathers his closest friends and races back to the elven kingdom to prepare its woefully untrained people for battle.
The elves are outnumbered. Outmatched. And running out of time.
As tensions rise within the royal court, old wounds begin to reopen—especially when Elissa’s former lover joins their ranks, igniting a jealousy neither she nor Hayward can ignore. Surrounded by political pressure, buried secrets, and the growing expectation of an arranged marriage meant to unite their kingdoms, the bond between prince and princess is tested at every turn.
The king and queen demand a wedding before war arrives at their doorstep. Hayward and Elissa want something far more dangerous: the chance to truly know one another before surrendering themselves to forever.
But fate may already have made the choice for them.
Meanwhile, Aeris—the proper, bookish second princess—is assigned the impossible task of teaching Elvish to Deker, Hayward’s infuriatingly charming best friend. What begins as a reluctant partnership quickly blossoms into friendship and more?
As war closes in, loyalties fracture, secrets surface, and love becomes both a weapon and a weakness in this second installment of The Kanraadi Saga.”
“After leaving Elissa behind in Treiaul, Hayward returns home, determined to stop a war before it begins. Afraid diplomacy will inevitably fail, he gathers his closest friends and races back to the elven kingdom to prepare its woefully untrained people for battle.
The elves are outnumbered. Outmatched. And running out of time.
As tensions rise within the royal court, old wounds begin to reopen—especially when Elissa’s former lover joins their ranks, igniting a jealousy neither she nor Hayward can ignore. Surrounded by political pressure, buried secrets, and the growing expectation of an arranged marriage meant to unite their kingdoms, the bond between prince and princess is tested at every turn.
The king and queen demand a wedding before war arrives at their doorstep. Hayward and Elissa want something far more dangerous: the chance to truly know one another before surrendering themselves to forever.
But fate may already have made the choice for them.
Meanwhile, Aeris—the proper, bookish second princess—is assigned the impossible task of teaching Elvish to Deker, Hayward’s infuriatingly charming best friend. What begins as a reluctant partnership quickly blossoms into friendship and more?
As war closes in, loyalties fracture, secrets surface, and love becomes both a weapon and a weakness in this second installment of The Kanraadi Saga.”
August 20, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶️🌶️🌶️
First off, I wanna say thank you to the author, and my friend, Marli, for gifting me a copy of the eARC for Crucible.
I am a bit late to be finishing it, but honestly based on how this ended…. I’m glad I waited 😂😂
And now…
WHAT THE HECK!!! I’m so mad at you for ending this the way you did. Things went from 0-100 so fast and there’s nothing I can do but wallow and wait patiently for book 3.
Reason I’m not giving this the full 5⭐️ is because of some loose ends… some characters seem to have gotten left behind and I don’t know their whereabouts since the last time we had them on page. Other than that, I ate this up!!!
I’ll say what I said about Catalyst for this book- I was hooked from the start. Continuing where we left off, and things just got more exciting as we met some new characters!! And more POVs, which, major props to you for writing 3rd person so well!!
Even though I’m not the biggest fan of insta-lust as much as I used to… this worked for our MCs, and to see their relationship grow over this short time has been sweet to read about.
Now, get your butt back in front of your laptop and keep writing!!! I need to know what happens next!!!💜💜💜
🌶️🌶️🌶️
First off, I wanna say thank you to the author, and my friend, Marli, for gifting me a copy of the eARC for Crucible.
I am a bit late to be finishing it, but honestly based on how this ended…. I’m glad I waited 😂😂
And now…
WHAT THE HECK!!! I’m so mad at you for ending this the way you did. Things went from 0-100 so fast and there’s nothing I can do but wallow and wait patiently for book 3.
Reason I’m not giving this the full 5⭐️ is because of some loose ends… some characters seem to have gotten left behind and I don’t know their whereabouts since the last time we had them on page. Other than that, I ate this up!!!
I’ll say what I said about Catalyst for this book- I was hooked from the start. Continuing where we left off, and things just got more exciting as we met some new characters!! And more POVs, which, major props to you for writing 3rd person so well!!
Even though I’m not the biggest fan of insta-lust as much as I used to… this worked for our MCs, and to see their relationship grow over this short time has been sweet to read about.
Now, get your butt back in front of your laptop and keep writing!!! I need to know what happens next!!!💜💜💜
November 8, 2026
Going into this second book I was interested to see how things would go from the way the first book ended as we knew that Prince Hayward (MMC) had a rocky home life with his dad (the king) being the way he his... if you read the first book you know what I'm talking about.
This picks up right where book one ended so I would recommend reading the first one before jumping into this one.
After listening to the first book I knew better what to expect, if you enjoy an epic romantasy with detailed world building and complicated magical systems you won't find that here. This is a spicy, cozy romantasy where the characters share witty banter and a spicy good time.
This has political intrigue as we follow Hayward trying to convince his father not to invade the elven kingdom... he manages to push off the upcoming war for now (but knows he can't hold them off forever). What he can do is help the elven kingdom learn to defend themselves better.
I really liked the addition of more story with Elissa's shy younger sister Aeris and her relationship with Deker (Hayward's shy and scholarly friend) and honestly wish that more of the book had been focused on these two, they were truly adorable together.
I also loved Morgana (Hayward's friend and fighting master) she was brave, fierce, protective and funny, her back story broke my heart she's been through so much. Would love to see a story on this baddie.
From the first book we know that Hayward is hiding something that is very close to him.. we arn't sure what it is in the first book but secrets are revealed in this one and it's a big one!
The ending of this book was a wild ride... just when we are getting more detail on the backstory to this world... things twisted and now my world is upside down and I need the next book now... like seriously that ending!!
The narrators R.L. Hemm & Luke Persiani did a great job bringing this story to life! Thank you to the author and High Gravity Audio for this early listen copy!
If you enjoy a cozy romantasy with some political intrigue, family drama, big secrets revealed, banter and spice add this series to your tbr!
Book Blog: https://elbyslibrary.blogspot.com/202...
*High Gravity ALC *Romantasy *insta lust/love *Spice *family drama *Indie Author
*Curvy FMC *Royalty *politics *Fantasy *Fae FMC x Human MMC *Read in order
*magic *secrets revealed *found family *Trigger warnings (SA & 💀) *cliffhanger
This picks up right where book one ended so I would recommend reading the first one before jumping into this one.
After listening to the first book I knew better what to expect, if you enjoy an epic romantasy with detailed world building and complicated magical systems you won't find that here. This is a spicy, cozy romantasy where the characters share witty banter and a spicy good time.
This has political intrigue as we follow Hayward trying to convince his father not to invade the elven kingdom... he manages to push off the upcoming war for now (but knows he can't hold them off forever). What he can do is help the elven kingdom learn to defend themselves better.
I really liked the addition of more story with Elissa's shy younger sister Aeris and her relationship with Deker (Hayward's shy and scholarly friend) and honestly wish that more of the book had been focused on these two, they were truly adorable together.
I also loved Morgana (Hayward's friend and fighting master) she was brave, fierce, protective and funny, her back story broke my heart she's been through so much. Would love to see a story on this baddie.
From the first book we know that Hayward is hiding something that is very close to him.. we arn't sure what it is in the first book but secrets are revealed in this one and it's a big one!
The ending of this book was a wild ride... just when we are getting more detail on the backstory to this world... things twisted and now my world is upside down and I need the next book now... like seriously that ending!!
The narrators R.L. Hemm & Luke Persiani did a great job bringing this story to life! Thank you to the author and High Gravity Audio for this early listen copy!
If you enjoy a cozy romantasy with some political intrigue, family drama, big secrets revealed, banter and spice add this series to your tbr!
Book Blog: https://elbyslibrary.blogspot.com/202...
*High Gravity ALC *Romantasy *insta lust/love *Spice *family drama *Indie Author
*Curvy FMC *Royalty *politics *Fantasy *Fae FMC x Human MMC *Read in order
*magic *secrets revealed *found family *Trigger warnings (SA & 💀) *cliffhanger
July 21, 2026
Omgeeee!! I was an ARC reader and holy crap batman!! This book was sooo good! The first book in the series was super good but this one topped it!! Elissa and Hayward are one of my favorite love stories. The spice was *chefs kiss*. The twists, the surprise admissions, and the dang cliffhanger at the end made the story move along rather quickly, but not too fast. It wasn’t rushed like some books do when they have a lot of information to pack in. Aeris’ arc was so beautifully done! Overall, I absolutely LOVED this book and cannot wait for the next one in the series!!
June 25, 2026
I received this ARC via BookFunnel and the Author here is my voluntarily review.
4.2⭐️ This is book 📕 2 in the series . I really enjoyed this read the world itself keeps expanding without becoming overwhelming. Every new revelation added another layer to the story, and I never felt like the plot slowed down. If anything, the tension only continued to build, making it nearly impossible to stop reading the story just kept getting better and that twist I didn’t expected. Can’t wait to see what happens in book 📕 3 .
4.2⭐️ This is book 📕 2 in the series . I really enjoyed this read the world itself keeps expanding without becoming overwhelming. Every new revelation added another layer to the story, and I never felt like the plot slowed down. If anything, the tension only continued to build, making it nearly impossible to stop reading the story just kept getting better and that twist I didn’t expected. Can’t wait to see what happens in book 📕 3 .
November 1, 2026
Crucible by Marlissa Cunningham—brought to life through a compelling, highly immersive duet audio performance by R.L. Hemm and Luke Persiani—is an epic, high-stakes fantasy romance that serves as a thrilling, action-packed second installment in The Kanraadi Saga.
The story picks up as Hayward returns home after leaving Elissa in Treiaul, fiercely determined to avert a devastating war. Realizing that political diplomacy is bound to fail, Hayward gathers his closest companions and races back to the elven kingdom to prepare its woefully untrained population for battle against an overwhelming enemy force. However, preparing for war is only half the battle, as high-stakes royal court intrigue, reopening past wounds, and mounting political pressures threaten to tear everything apart from the inside. When Elissa’s former lover joins their military ranks, intense jealousy flares between Elissa and Hayward, further complicating their deep devotion. With the king and queen demanding an immediate arranged marriage to unite their kingdoms before battle arrives, Hayward and Elissa long for the chance to truly know one another before making a lifelong commitment. Their undeniable chemistry and slow-burn connection build toward breathtakingly passionate moments that make every bit of anticipation worthwhile.
Parallel to the main couple, Aeris, the proper and bookish second princess, is tasked with the seemingly impossible assignment of teaching Elvish to Deker, Hayward’s infuriatingly charming best friend. What begins as a reluctant partnership blossoms into a standout, heartwarming romance where Deker helps Aeris step into her confidence and embrace her perfection. Cunningham excels at creating a expanding world filled with fierce, unapologetic characters—including the badass, stunning Morgana, who effortlessly puts overconfident men in their place—while balancing high-tension political moves, hidden shifter revelations, and snappy banter.
R.L. Hemm and Luke Persiani elevate the audio adaptation with exceptional emotional range and distinct character portrayals, capturing both the gripping military urgency and the intimate, romantic vulnerability of the narrative. Culminating in an incredible, jaw-dropping cliffhanger filled with shocking secret reveals, Crucible is a fantasy romance that leaves listeners eagerly craving the next chapter in the saga.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All words and opinions are my own; no AI was used in writing this review.
The story picks up as Hayward returns home after leaving Elissa in Treiaul, fiercely determined to avert a devastating war. Realizing that political diplomacy is bound to fail, Hayward gathers his closest companions and races back to the elven kingdom to prepare its woefully untrained population for battle against an overwhelming enemy force. However, preparing for war is only half the battle, as high-stakes royal court intrigue, reopening past wounds, and mounting political pressures threaten to tear everything apart from the inside. When Elissa’s former lover joins their military ranks, intense jealousy flares between Elissa and Hayward, further complicating their deep devotion. With the king and queen demanding an immediate arranged marriage to unite their kingdoms before battle arrives, Hayward and Elissa long for the chance to truly know one another before making a lifelong commitment. Their undeniable chemistry and slow-burn connection build toward breathtakingly passionate moments that make every bit of anticipation worthwhile.
Parallel to the main couple, Aeris, the proper and bookish second princess, is tasked with the seemingly impossible assignment of teaching Elvish to Deker, Hayward’s infuriatingly charming best friend. What begins as a reluctant partnership blossoms into a standout, heartwarming romance where Deker helps Aeris step into her confidence and embrace her perfection. Cunningham excels at creating a expanding world filled with fierce, unapologetic characters—including the badass, stunning Morgana, who effortlessly puts overconfident men in their place—while balancing high-tension political moves, hidden shifter revelations, and snappy banter.
R.L. Hemm and Luke Persiani elevate the audio adaptation with exceptional emotional range and distinct character portrayals, capturing both the gripping military urgency and the intimate, romantic vulnerability of the narrative. Culminating in an incredible, jaw-dropping cliffhanger filled with shocking secret reveals, Crucible is a fantasy romance that leaves listeners eagerly craving the next chapter in the saga.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All words and opinions are my own; no AI was used in writing this review.
September 11, 2026
I love an author who isn't scared to just put shit out there. The way the characters in this book are unapologetically themselves had me smiling almost the entire time. Except for when one jerk cannot take a hint. I'm happy that Aeris gets some attention and Deker doesn't allow her to accept she is anything but perfect. Elissa is my type of girl no shame in her game. On that note this castle definitely needs some doors that lock. Morgana is everything nothing better than a stunning bad ass that protects her people and puts dumb over confident men to shame. I was not expecting the shifter revelation very interesting and that ending had me screaming I hate a cliffhanger I need to know what happens ASAP!!!
November 10, 2026
so I got this one as an ALC. Thankfully, the first one was on the free catalog. Otherwise, I would have been lost. But d*** as this good it's getting better and better
And this is not your typical epic fantasy, where you get the whole magic system. And what the world is all about laid out for you in the first book. No, you hit it as little snippets and tidbits throughout the entire series, which that is actually my preferred way. so I'm enjoying this book because you have to use your brain and pick out the little hints of what the different things are going on. In this world.
I really like those kind of fantasy books. Even though this one does have some, what the hell moments.
And this is not your typical epic fantasy, where you get the whole magic system. And what the world is all about laid out for you in the first book. No, you hit it as little snippets and tidbits throughout the entire series, which that is actually my preferred way. so I'm enjoying this book because you have to use your brain and pick out the little hints of what the different things are going on. In this world.
I really like those kind of fantasy books. Even though this one does have some, what the hell moments.
July 18, 2026
This is such a wonderful fantasy world. The banter between the Elves and the Humans is so much fun. I love that they try to understand each other even though they have grown up hating each others species.
A lot happened in this book and I wish it had been longer to really delve into what we learn as the reader. The way book 2 ends though has me wishing I had the next book in my possession already!
A lot happened in this book and I wish it had been longer to really delve into what we learn as the reader. The way book 2 ends though has me wishing I had the next book in my possession already!
November 3, 2026
I got this as an ALC and absolutely enjoyed it. It kept me intrigued from beginning to end.
I fell in love with Morgana and her wisecracking, tough attitude. Would love her to have her own book!
Alyssa is funny and can be such a smart ass and the banter and relationship with Hayward is so good. Absolutely love these pair.
Would definitely recommend this audio. The narrators did a fabulous job bring the book and characters to life.
I fell in love with Morgana and her wisecracking, tough attitude. Would love her to have her own book!
Alyssa is funny and can be such a smart ass and the banter and relationship with Hayward is so good. Absolutely love these pair.
Would definitely recommend this audio. The narrators did a fabulous job bring the book and characters to life.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is an amazing sequel to book 1. We get some amazing world building elements and secrets start to come to light and I'm just obsessed with the found family vibes and the new relationships and the twists I did not see coming! I'm still trying to piece everything together and figure out where book 3 is going to go!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this arc from the author and this is my opinion of the book.
This was an amazing sequel to book 1. The tension was turned all the way up on this book, delivering incredible world building, high stakes political intrigue, and a slow burn romance that pays off beautifully. I couldn't put it down!
This was an amazing sequel to book 1. The tension was turned all the way up on this book, delivering incredible world building, high stakes political intrigue, and a slow burn romance that pays off beautifully. I couldn't put it down!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Marlissa Cunningham turns the tension all the way up for Elissa and Hayward, delivering incredible world building, high stakes political intrigue, and a slow burn romance that pays off beautifully. I couldn't put it down!
Did Not Finish
August 4, 2026I enjoyed book one, however this just didn’t live up to it. I didn’t feel the connection and magic like I did with Catalyst.
August 14, 2026
Review coming soon! I just finished book 1 and it was a 11/10!
November 2, 2026
Cute spicy Romantasy with a great found family trope. There are a lot of emotions here along with the twists and turns.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews