Rage of Krakens: An Epic Standalone Romantasy with Enemies to Lovers and Bonded Creatures

by Juliette Caruso

He was the King of Witches. Now, he’s her captive.

Former lady knight Cai lives in exile after being accused of the very crime she despises most: witchcraft. After all, no human could have survived the brutal attack that sank her warship two years ago, leaving her wounded and with foggy memories of being rescued by an ancient beast beneath the sea.

Only witches bond to beasts.

To make matters worse, a notorious prisoner is brought to the barren isle where Cai lives in disgrace, and is placed under her guard. Roiven is the King of Witches, handsome but evil, and the very man responsible for the attack that ruined her life. He’s enchanted to obey her, but the cunning bastard finds loopholes in every command. Tethered to her greatest enemy, Cai begins to realize the witches aren’t what she believed.

But when Roiven breaks her newfound trust, the fate of their world rests on whether Cai can find the truth buried beneath the lies. Because no matter how hard Cai wants to forget about the Kraken that saved her life, only the witch bonded to it will be strong enough to save Roiven's people from annihilation.

Rage of Krakens is a standalone epic romantasy with lost identities, beast companions, and political rage hot enough to burn everything to the ground.

Rage of Krakens is Book 2 in the Forbidden Bonds Collection.
A multi-author fantasy romance collection where forbidden love, fire magic, and high-stakes danger collide. Featuring standalone romantasy adventures with smoldering tension, impossible choices, elemental magic, and lovers who should never be together. Each book is a standalone and can be read in any order.

411 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication July 14, 2026

Reviews

[Belinda Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are books you enjoy… and then there are books you completely devour. 🖤🐙 Rage of Krakens was absolutely the latter for me. I found myself constantly wanting “just one more chapter,” and before I knew it, I was flying through the pages. Juliette Caruso created a world that completely pulled me in, and I wasn’t ready to leave it.

Cai’s story immediately had me invested. After surviving an attack that should have killed her, she’s branded a witch and exiled for a crime she despises. When she’s forced to guard Roiven—the infamous Witch King she believes destroyed her life—everything she thought she knew begins to unravel. As secrets surface, old beliefs crumble, and an ancient Kraken tied to her forgotten past refuses to stay buried, the story becomes so much bigger than revenge. It becomes one of truth, identity, sacrifice, and choosing who you want to become. 🌊✨

One of my absolute favorite parts was the familiars and bonded creatures. 🐉🐙 They completely stole my heart. Every interaction with them made the world feel even more magical, and honestly, I wanted so much more of them.

Cai was such an incredible FMC. ⚔️❤️ She was fierce without losing her compassion, stubborn without being frustrating, and determined to protect those who couldn’t protect themselves. Even when everything she believed was challenged, she never stopped fighting for what she thought was right. Watching her grow beyond being treated as someone else’s weapon was one of my favorite parts of the story.

And then there’s Roiven… 🖤👑

The tall, dark, handsome Witch King absolutely won me over. Beneath all the sarcasm and clever loopholes was someone who carried so much kindness. The man literally rushed to comfort her after nightmares, made sure she ate, helped with her hair, and cared for her in the quietest ways—even when she had every reason to hate him.🥹

I also loved how the characters weren’t perfect. They made mistakes. They owned them. They learned, changed, and sometimes even chose darker paths because of them. That growth made everyone feel so much more human and believable.

The world-building was breathtaking. 🌊✨ From mysterious islands to magical cities hidden by impossible spells, every destination felt vivid and unique. I could almost feel the freezing ocean, the looming towers, and the emotional weight of a world torn apart by war. The story never forgot that both sides had suffered, and I appreciated how much care was given to the consequences of conflict.

My only small complaint was that the pacing slowed a little toward the final stretch. There were a few chapters where I was impatient to reach the climax because I was so excited for what was coming. It wasn’t enough to lessen my enjoyment, but I did feel the ending journey could have been a little tighter.

If you love romantasy with unforgettable characters, emotional growth, dangerous magic, and a romance that burns slowly before consuming everything in its path, this one absolutely deserves a place on your TBR. 🖤

✨ Perfect for readers who love:
🖤 Enemies to lovers
🌊 Slow-burn romance
🐉 Bonded creatures & magical familiars
⚔️ Strong warrior FMC
👑 Morally complex Witch King MMC
✨ Lost identities
🔮 Forbidden magic
🏰 Forced proximity
🔥 Villain FMC vibes
🌍 Rich fantasy world-building
💔 Emotional character growth
⚡ Political intrigue & war

Thank you so much to Juliette Caruso and Behind the Pages for the ARC opportunity. 💙 It was an absolute pleasure experiencing Cai and Roiven’s journey, and I can’t wait to read more from this incredible world.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Releasing July 14th 🐉 🐙

if you know me, you know how I love Juliette’s writing. I’ve read every single one of their books and devoured each.

RAGE OF KRAKENS was no different in how quickly it absorbed me. Its story and plot and magic system were entirely unique from Juliette’s other books, but the same things I’ve come to expect and appreciate from Juliette’s books were there: strong writing, a great relationship/love story that felt neither forced nor unbelievable, magic that was fantastical and fun, world-building that was detailed but not confusing, and a FMC and MMC that each were fleshed out with their own distinct voices and fantastic chemistry. I loved Cai and Roiven separate as their own strong characters, and together in a great dynamic.

I also would really like a bonded familiar now, please.

thank you to behind the pages & Juliette for an eArc in exchange for an honest review!

[Magpie's Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Thank you to Juliette Caruso for the ARC. All opinions are my own.***

“The truth?” he whispers hoarsely. “The truth is that you’re destroying me.”

 
The way I devoured this book by Juliette Caruso. Rage of Krakens hits the right notes for fans of spicy romantasy reads who love slow burns and journeys of self-discovery.

Some of my favorite tropes were in this story: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, forbidden magic, a villain FMC, and lost identities.

Cai is a fantastic FMC: strong in both the physical and mental sense and a champion of those who cannot defend themselves. She is steadfast in her beliefs, even if it would cost her everything she worked for. She is a ferocious warrior, unafraid to fight even if the odds are against her. From the moment she plummets from the sky to the sea, you find yourself bound to her, invested in seeing her become something more than a weapon for others to wield.

Now, onto our tall, dark, and handsome Witch King, Roiven. Do you need an MMC determined to save everyone, even those who would be his enemy? A man who will run to her aid whenever she has a nightmare, even though she has sworn to kill his people? Who will do her hair for her when she can’t or make sure she eats and has clean clothes to wear? If you said yes to any of these, then the Witch King is for you.

From The Bluff to the Hellions to the Tower, each destination is unique and well thought out. Caruso’s descriptions themselves leave the reader shivering alongside Cai after plunging into the depths of the vast ocean or staring in awe at towns and cities that only magic could create. Caruso also has a strong handle on the emotional toll the war has taken, capturing the pain and devastation of both sides at the hands of the War Father. The loss, the rage, the determination to win can be felt with every turn of the page. The dialogue tied everything together, offering quick-witted banter and tension as thick as the rains on The Bluff.

This is a slow burn, but when everything breaks loose and our main characters finally decide to spice things up, it makes the journey worth it. Every jab, every stolen glance, every touch between Cai and Roiven leads to this fantastic moment where two broken people come together, their jagged edges forging something new and beautiful.

I adored every second of Rage of Krakens and could not put it down. Fans of The Crowns of Nyaxia and Shield of Sparrows, this book is for you. Caruso is an incredibly talented author whose name deserves a place alongside Broadbent and Perry. I look forward to reading the other works that Caruso has published.

[Yolanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything I thought a Juliette Caruso book would be. Fun, easy to read, and best of all, the story wraps up in a single book.

If you have read and loved the Knights of Enar series, you will almost certainly love Rage of Krakens. While it takes place in a different setting with a different cast of characters, it has the same feel that made me enjoy those books so much.

The world-building was done really well. Juliette Caruso gives readers enough detail that the world feels real and lived in, but she never lets the world-building take over the story. Instead, it is woven naturally into the plot, allowing you to learn about the world as the story unfolds. It creates a setting that feels complete without ever slowing down the pacing.

The plot was one of my favorite parts of the book. Cai and Roiven come from people who are at war with one another, but as the story progresses, it becomes clear that things are not nearly as simple as they first appear. Questions of loyalty, responsibility, and perspective are woven throughout the story.

Cai and Roiven were both fantastic characters. Neither of them are perfect, and both are forced to confront mistakes they have made and decisions they have to live with. I really enjoyed watching their journeys unfold. Their interactions felt natural, and I loved seeing how their relationship developed throughout the story.

Honestly, my biggest complaint is that I wanted more time with them. By the end of the book, I had become invested in both characters and wasn't quite ready to say goodbye. Unfortunately, that is sometimes the downside of a standalone novel. The story reaches a satisfying conclusion, but you still find yourself wishing you could spend a little more time in the world with these characters.

The writing style is exactly what I have come to expect from Juliette Caruso. It is easy to read, engaging, and keeps the pages turning. I found myself flying through this book much faster than I intended because I always wanted to know what would happen next.

If you enjoyed the Knights of Enar series, or if you are looking for a fantasy story with great characters, solid world-building, and a complete story contained in a single book, I highly recommend Rage of Krakens.

[Aleksandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much Behind the Pages for sending me this ARC!

Rage of Krakens is a standalone Romantic Fantasy book and it’s such an amazing story, I absolutely loved it!

Cai is the best witch killer, but after an attack 2 years ago that killed most of her crew and got her exiled because of suspicions that she is a witch herself, she is doing everything she can to survive in hopes of her exile ending. She finally gets a chance to do that, but she needs to keep watch on a prisoner who turns out to be the king of witches who almost killed her 2 years ago, but after he kidnaps her, the more time she spends with him the more she realizes she might have been lied to and wrong about everything.

This book has so many of my favorite tropes and I was really excited to read it and it was even better than I expected, I was hooked from the first chapter and read it in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. The plot was perfectly paced and so interesting, I loved the world building and magic system, amazing characters, not knowing who to trust, secrets, plot twists, betrayals, dragons and of course the slow burn romance. Cai and Roiven were amazing as the MCs, they were both complex and not perfect and that made them really interesting to read about, I loved these two both individually and as a couple. Their relationship was definitely a slow burn that started as true enemies to lovers with literally trying to kill each other and some amazing sword to throat scenes and I loved seeing them slowly fall for each other and how Cai learned how to be vulnerable with Roiven. They both have been through a lot and it was amazing to see them slowly open up to and start trusting each other and with so much tension between them I loved how they finally gave in to it, they were incredible together and I hope we will get to see them again on this author’s other books, I loved these two a lot.

Rage of Krakens is an amazing romantasy book, I loved it and recommend it to everyone.

[Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

🐙🗡️🐉 "There is no end to their cruelty. The ocean has always been your birthright, even before I claimed you as my own." 🐙🗡️🐉

Tropes:
Enemies to Lovers (actual enemies)
Bonded Creatures
Magical System
Forced Proximity
Lost Identity

Words can genuinely not describe how much I loved this book. I gotta start off with admitting that I am a huge underwater creature/leviathan, kraken nerd, so this book was already immediately up my alley. After adding in a hot MMC, an actual badass FMC, bonded creatures (like dragons or normal creatures), and witches/knights, this quickly became a beloved book.

I absolutely LOVED Cai. She is definitely one of the best FMC's I have read about in a very long time, and I appreciated that while she was very mentally and physically strong, she had a lot of moments of doubt and guilt. This made her such a believable character, and I found myself empathizing with her. She struggled with herself and the world around her, but she learned and grew.

Roiven. I need a fan when thinking about this man. He was phenomenal. Not only is he Cai's worse enemy as he's the King of the Witches, but he's also the hottest man she's ever seen. I loved his entire relationship with Cai - actual enemies to lovers -, and I loved his interactions with his bonded creature.

One of the things I also desperately loved and appreciated about this book was that Caruso was able to find unconventional ways to change things in a fantasy setting. As an example, Cai's fear of the sea. I loved knowing that not everything was what it seemed to be, and the mystery of it all was extremely satisfying to read.

Overall, if you couldn't tell, I loved this book. I absolutely will be reading any other books by Caruso (which I have a few more to read), and if there is a second book, I will immediately be reading that one as well.

P.S. We love the Kraken <3 He is the best boy.

[Tanja Glavnik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so very, very luckily chosen as part of the ARC team for this book. All opinions following are completely my own!

Suffice to say, however, that I've found one of my favourite authors.

Cai and Roiven are about to sweep into your lives like a maelstrom, all fury and teeth and somehow bashfulness you wouldn't expect, not from war-hardened characters, but that's what makes them great.

Roiven as the MMC is actually a great green flag representation and I love how supportive he is and filled with hope. He DOES NOT give up, and that counts.

Cai is the kind of conflicted character you love to root for because she not only has the strength of knighthood, but an inner core that's ultimately good no matter the actions she takes. She doesn't run from danger but rather towards it, and in doing so she uncovers even greater strengths within herself.

The magic system could, perhaps, have been worked on a little bit more and hammered out to better understand some of its nuances, but ultimately this is a character-driven book leading one specific woman through a journey of self-discovery, and everything else falls in line to support this.

I feel like there are definitely still questions left unanswered - why did the Empire withdraw, for one; Cai's family, another, plenty of others betide - and that while this IS billed as a standalone, it could equally function as the first book in a series, should desire arise.

And too little time was spent on the actual enemy, the Exalted, who I definitely would want to know more about and of.

But overall this is a very engaging read, a definite enemies-to-lovers deserving readers' attention.

... and can we have more of the familiars, PLEASE? Sava's dialogue would have probably been a hoot, if Hafgúfa's is any indication 😂😂😂 you may keep him indeed LOL

10/10 recommend!

[Alcovia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never rooted harder for a Kraken in my life, and I genuinely could not put this book down.

I felt completely immersed in this world from start to finish, and even though there was mystery woven throughout, I never once felt lost or confused. The magic system is so creative, with warships powered by enchantment going up against witches riding dragons. It was all so cool.

Cai is such a strong and courageous FMC, but she still feels human. She carries guilt and doubt right alongside her strength, and I loved that she isn't physically perfect either. The scars she carries from war make her feel so real. One of my favorite parts of the book was watching Cai grow into the person she was always meant to be. Every challenge she faced felt like another step toward understanding herself and her place in the world.

Roiven was phenomenal. Even surrounded by darkness, he held onto his humanity and his ability to forgive and see good in others. Their dynamic felt earned, and the relationship they built together never once felt rushed or forced.

And can we talk about the familiars? Where do I sign up for an ancient bond? The Kraken and Sava completely stole my heart and ended up being some of my favorite characters in the entire book.

This is marketed as a standalone, but the way Caruso wrapped things up still left me hoping for a second book. There is clearly more story here, and I would be first in line to read it.

5 stars. I will absolutely be reading everything else Caruso has written.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Annie Ishmakovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, huge thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC, expected to be released on the 14th of July.

I started writing this review before I even finished the book.

I can't get over how good this was; I was hooked from the first page. It's in first person POV and there were things I expected to happen but I didn't mind because I was invested in the characters reaction.
The FMC is a bit of a badass and we witness what she knows of her world crumble around her in real time.

It is so well written, and the chemistry between the main characters is fantastic and, my oh my, if I wasn't fanning myself at their interactions and a certain hot springs scene (IYKYK).

This is a fantasy that does a fantastic job of showing and not telling when it comes to the world building, and deep down it is a tragedy. The author did a fantastic job of making you feel awful for the FMC who finds out her origins, and that she was manipulated from a young age. It's quite devastating, even though you see it coming.

The novel is very fast paced and manipulates the reader into caring about things and tearing them away.

I really struggled to put this down; I could have read it in one sitting but I had to go to bed so I could work my adult job to make my adult money that I spend on books.... ALAS! I can't believe this is a standalone, and I am keen to read more from Juliette Caruso.

5/5⭐s!

[Caitlynn Burnaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

He was the King of Witches. Now he’s her captive.

Rage of Krakens is a really exciting and fresh story of witches fighting an age-old war against a regime who established themselves on a throne of abusive, destructive power. 

I was completely enthralled from the first chapter. Rage of Krakens will make any fantasy fan feel right at home with common themes like enemies-to-lovers, forbidden magic, and bonded familiars. But the story itself is really far from common. It was beautifully emotional, full of tender grace and acceptance shown in spite of ugly pasts.

Rage of Krakens reminds you that sometimes we need to be willing to offer forgiveness and understanding. Second chances are hard but worth it when there’s true remorse. And above all, we should seek to really see and know someone before judging their decisions. 

This book was an adventure I didn’t want to step away from. Roiven was an MMC I will never forget. And truly , I know this is a standalone book, but I’d be happy to read an entire series of books like this! I look forward to reading more from the creative mind of Juliette Caruso.

Thank you to Juliette Caruso and NetGalley for access to read and share my honest review.

[Rachel Feeck]

Welcome to Romantasy, Brooding Maritime Edition. It’s misty, something stirs in the depths, a massive warship has just pulled up to a desolate island which Cai doesn’t like very much yet somehow the news she receives still makes it worse.

While I knew going in that this would be more romance-y than I prefer, I couldn’t pass up another story from Juliette about lady knights, and so I can now cheerfully report that a) yes it is quite romantasy (oh noooo, the terrible enemy is just trying to help his people? gasp) and b) the soldier and knight and magic bits are cool.

I was also endeared to Cai’s pragmatism. Life kinda sucks, and she calls it like it is. Neither she nor Roiven are let off easy for past (and not so past) actions, and even the ending goes to show that mental healing, atonement, and resolve are the result of a journey, not a moment.

Other features:
- What are these dark voices in my mind. Spooky magical being? Nah, it’s probably just anxiety.
- A lead duo who call lust for what it is
- Elemental powers or spells, why not both?
- We may be romantasy, but we sure ain’t cozy
- Dragons go rawr hehe

**Thanks to the author for the ARC**

[Reba Mayo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review and I am immensely thankful for this opportunity!! This was truly such a beautiful story that I could not put down. It was on my mind constantly and I did not want this to end! Our FMC Cai is ridiculously funny, so strong, and I loved her journey in this book. The relationship between her and Roiven was so grumpy x grumpy (but she was definitely grumpier and I ate it up). This story was paced so well; it knew when to be serious, when to share those brutal truths, and developed such a strong relationship with the characters you really went through it with them. Also, the spice was *perfect*. I wish this was a series because it feels like their story has just begun and I’m not ready to say goodbye! If you love forced proximity, true enemies to lovers, and want to meet the best kraken ever who I would do anything for, you have to read this one!
“Roiven is like the eye of a storm, the moment of calm that dragged me back to the here and now. But the calm can be dangerous, I remind myself. I can’t put my guard down just because he’s cunning enough to be kind to his captor.”

[Stephanie Hendrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of Advanced Copy Received by Author.

I REALLY enjoyed this!! First of all I loved that we had a physically scarred FMC with a metal arm, Cai. And who is responsible for those scars? None other than the King of Witches, Roiven, who she is tasked with guarding when he is taken prisoner.I was so entranced with her very difficult discovery of who she really is, her past, who she thought she could trust, her bond with the Kraken, and the truth about the witches she’s been brought up to hate…as well as her slow burn relationship to King of Witches himself. Roiven is my favorite kind of MMC. Everything he does is to protect and save his people. I did feel like Cai was so naive and stubborn for a good part of the book, just the fact that she thought the war father would negotiate was ludicrous. She was so brainwashed by him and was so unwilling to believe what was right in front of her. Loved how it ended, I know it’s a standalone but I could see a sequel for this book and I would definitely read it!

[KaleidoscopeLaiReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars ⭐️

Really enjoyed this standalone epic fantasy with witches, enchantments, knights, dragons, political warfare, incredible world building, and AMAZING disability representation that really stuck with me… oh, and did I mention there’s a kraken?!

Cai and Roiven had that good amount of chemistry that kept me screaming at my Kindle, begging them to stop with the fake “I hate yous” and get to the part where we’re all kicking our feet and giggling.

We follow Cai on her journey of self-discovery as she comes to terms with so many changes and learns to accept things she never imagined she’d have to face. We also follow Roiven as he does everything he can to protect everyone from the tyranny of the War-Father and see just how far he’s willing to go to keep the witches safe.

Honestly, this book sucks you in and gives you everything you need. So if you’re looking for a standalone fantasy with dragons, krakens, bonded creatures, immersive world building, sea exploration, and emotional growth, this one’s for you.

[Amber Cassidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Exiled former knight Cai has spent years hiding the secret that should have killled her: she survived a deadly attack that lefter her mysteriously connected to an ancient sea beast. When she’s assigned to Gerard the imprisoned King of Witches, Roiven, she begins to question everything she believed about her enemies—and about herself—as dangerous truths come to light. Rage of Krakens is an epic romantasy filled with forbidden magic, monstrous bonds, political intrigue, and an enemies.-to-lovers romance that could decide the fate of an entire world.

Enemies-to-lovers
Bonded Creatures
Forbidden Magic
Sword-to-the-Throat
They Gave Each Other Scars

This was such an immersive and addicting read with unforgettable characters, amazing world building, and a slow-burn romance that sets fire to the pages. This story has political intrigue, dangerous magic, and breathtaking sea-beast mythology that kept me awake late into the night.

Great for readers who love the sweeping fantasy of Danielle L. Jensen and the atmospheric, character-driven magic of Angelina J. Steffort.

[Sheree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was absorbed into this story from the very first chapter.

I really enjoyed the two main characters. Cai was strong, resilient, and had a clear set of beliefs she was determined to stand by, even when staying true to them put her own safety at risk. Her self-doubt and guilt over past actions and failures added depth to her character and made her easy to connect with.

Then there’s Roiven, determined to do whatever it takes to keep his people safe while extending forgiveness and kindness to Cai. He encouraged her to question everything she thought she knew, and I loved watching the trust between them slowly grow.

Add in bonded familiars, found family, hidden magic, high-stakes action, and plenty of forced proximity, and this had so many of the elements I love in a fantasy romance. It was such an easy book to get lost in.

Thank you to the author and Behind the Pages for trusting me with an early copy. 🖤📚✨

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was absolutely enthralled with this story.

The books starts off strong and the pacing continues right through to the last chapter. The magic system is different from any other book I have read and the world building was fleshed out perfectly.

This is an enemies to lovers and I loved the dynamics between Cai and Roiven. Watching their relationship develop never felt forced which is difficult to do in such a short story. (just over 400 Pages)
Cai’s character growth from the beginning of the book to the end was well written.

I believe this is a standalone but I’m hoping there is more from this world because the story feels unfinished with one of the major plot points not being wrapped up. Maybe the story will continue but through the POV of different characters.

Thank you from the author and Behind the Pages for the arc copy of Rage of Krakens.

[My Cozy Book Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I received this eArc and I thought "let me check out the first chapter to see what I think". Then proceeded to binge read the entire book!

This is fantasy at it's best. Knights (not as you know them), enchantments, witches, dragons, familiars and my personal favorite.... The Kraken!!!! And of course I could hear him speaking in Liam Neeson's voice.

Cai and Roiven are now a top tier couple for me.

I love nothing more than found family and animal bounds. So this book screamed to me. I was not let down, I loved this writing and the world building. While it is a standalone, I do have high hopes that we will see more from this world one day!

[Katherine Macdonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely ate this book up! 3 days, 3 sittings. It was banter-heavy with soooo much delightful tension and many a kicking-my-feet moment. I loved the strength and resilence of both characters, and the push-and-pull dynamic. Their sassy bonded creatures were my favourites, though! Perfect for those that like their fantasy a little bit dark, but their romances not toxic. (Yes, you really can do a captive/captor romance that isn't toxic, if you do it delicately, which Juliette Caruso definitely does)

[Ms Zou · Rating 5 out of 5]

The art made me sign up for an arc of this book, and I am so happy I got one! I binged this book, it was SO GOOD! Cai is an incredible character and I loved reading this book from her POV. I was rooting for the romance so much and I was ecstatic for the ending. Hafgúa was so much fun as well! While I love that this was a standalone, I also am sad it is over because I had so much fun reading this.

[Harriett Hendry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this book - I couldn’t stop turning the page, and I can’t believe it’s a standalone! There’s definitely space to expand the world but also it finishes in a place that allows the reader to imagine the rest.

I LOVE Cai. She’s the morally grey one, driven by revenge, killing without mercy working for the empire. Her and Roivens interactions were my favourite, they are such a good couple.

It was also fantastic to have dragons but also a kraken! Such a refreshing fantasy creature to read about.

Plot, tension and romance was all so well done. I will be recommending this book!

[Amy Ebeid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so lucky to have been given this ARC. Thank you to Juliette Caruso for this fun read. I loved the characters, the banter, the slow burn, and of course the animal familiars. This story has romance, betrayal, magic, plots twists, dragons, witches, and fantastic battle scenes and suspense. It was an easy read with just enough world building and a fantastic FMC and MMC. Highly recommend!

[Jessica Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best ARC I've read this year. No struggling to finish, I was completely hooked. Loved the relationships and the enemies-lovers, and who does not love a sassy Kraken? It made me giggle and kick my feet, loved her writing style. Will definitely be picking up more of her books! 🫶