What do you think?
Rate this book
City of Poison and Shadows: Rivermount Book One
Violet Hayes is a normal 26 year old volunteer that works for an organization helping dying children meet their heroes. That is until her favourite patient requests to meet a villain.
Avalanche is the most powerful and deadly supervillain in the world. His goal for the last five and a half years has been to take down the organization responsible for creating the incident, until he's tracked down by a brave volunteer and convinced to grant a dying child's wish.
As word spreads about Avalanche's visit to the little girl, more and more villains track down Violet in an effort to have the same experience. But what happens when Avalanche's focus begins to shift from taking down the secret organization to keeping his volunteer safe? When Violet starts receiving strange text messages from an unknown number?
With an apparent betrayal from a close friend and a new group with their sights set on Violet, can Avalanche keep everyone he loves safe? Or will something have to give in order for him to take down everyone responsible for the incident?
Avalanche is the most powerful and deadly supervillain in the world. His goal for the last five and a half years has been to take down the organization responsible for creating the incident, until he's tracked down by a brave volunteer and convinced to grant a dying child's wish.
As word spreads about Avalanche's visit to the little girl, more and more villains track down Violet in an effort to have the same experience. But what happens when Avalanche's focus begins to shift from taking down the secret organization to keeping his volunteer safe? When Violet starts receiving strange text messages from an unknown number?
With an apparent betrayal from a close friend and a new group with their sights set on Violet, can Avalanche keep everyone he loves safe? Or will something have to give in order for him to take down everyone responsible for the incident?
- GenresRomanceFantasyParanormal
445 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
Read
June 19, 2026I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
You know those books that make you kick your feet, giggle like a teenager, and immediately start mentally casting the movie adaptation? Yeah. This was one of those.
City of Poison and Shadows sucked me in from the beginning, but what really sold me was the main character. She felt real. Strong without being perfect, capable without being impossible, and someone I found myself rooting for every step of the way.
And can we talk about how this author somehow reached directly into the collective fantasy of female readers and said, “I got you”? Because wow. The tension, the chemistry, the moments that had me grinning like an idiot at my phone... it all absolutely delivered.
What made it even more special for me was the setting. The story takes place in Northern Ontario, where I grew up, and there was something magical about seeing familiar landscapes and that rugged northern atmosphere woven into a fantasy world. It added an extra layer of connection that made the whole experience feel even more immersive. It’s not often I get to see a setting that feels like home while escaping into a completely different world.
The world-building was immersive without feeling overwhelming, the pacing kept me turning pages, and I repeatedly told myself “just one more chapter” like the liar I am.
If you enjoy fantasy with a compelling heroine, delicious tension, and enough swoon-worthy moments to make you forget your responsibilities for a few hours, this book deserves a spot on your TBR.
Now excuse me while I stare into the distance and contemplate my life choices because fictional men have once again set unrealistic standards.
You know those books that make you kick your feet, giggle like a teenager, and immediately start mentally casting the movie adaptation? Yeah. This was one of those.
City of Poison and Shadows sucked me in from the beginning, but what really sold me was the main character. She felt real. Strong without being perfect, capable without being impossible, and someone I found myself rooting for every step of the way.
And can we talk about how this author somehow reached directly into the collective fantasy of female readers and said, “I got you”? Because wow. The tension, the chemistry, the moments that had me grinning like an idiot at my phone... it all absolutely delivered.
What made it even more special for me was the setting. The story takes place in Northern Ontario, where I grew up, and there was something magical about seeing familiar landscapes and that rugged northern atmosphere woven into a fantasy world. It added an extra layer of connection that made the whole experience feel even more immersive. It’s not often I get to see a setting that feels like home while escaping into a completely different world.
The world-building was immersive without feeling overwhelming, the pacing kept me turning pages, and I repeatedly told myself “just one more chapter” like the liar I am.
If you enjoy fantasy with a compelling heroine, delicious tension, and enough swoon-worthy moments to make you forget your responsibilities for a few hours, this book deserves a spot on your TBR.
Now excuse me while I stare into the distance and contemplate my life choices because fictional men have once again set unrealistic standards.
August 13, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
I really wanted to like this one, but unfortunately it just wasn’t for me. It started off intriguing, but I found it difficult to connect with the main characters. I didn’t feel the chemistry between the MC’s, which made it super hard to stay interested in the romance part of the story and care about where it was going. Their romantic relationship progressed very quickly once it got started, which didn’t feel natural to me. It felt like it diverted quite a bit from the overall story, and I almost forgot what was happening by the time we got back to the “real world.”
I did enjoy seeing bits of my Canadian culture throughout the book, however, and some of the characters did feel quite interesting. The execution of the story just didn’t work for me though, unfortunately.
I really wanted to like this one, but unfortunately it just wasn’t for me. It started off intriguing, but I found it difficult to connect with the main characters. I didn’t feel the chemistry between the MC’s, which made it super hard to stay interested in the romance part of the story and care about where it was going. Their romantic relationship progressed very quickly once it got started, which didn’t feel natural to me. It felt like it diverted quite a bit from the overall story, and I almost forgot what was happening by the time we got back to the “real world.”
I did enjoy seeing bits of my Canadian culture throughout the book, however, and some of the characters did feel quite interesting. The execution of the story just didn’t work for me though, unfortunately.
August 10, 2026
3.5 stars, rounded down.
I thought the premise of this book was so unique, and I was really excited to dive into it. The first ~50% flew by and I loved where the story was going. However, after that, I felt like we really lost the plot and the story barely moved forward until we hit the last 15% or so.
I really loved both of our main characters and their interesting pasts. They definitely still have a lot to learn about themselves. I know this is book one in a series, however the story did wrap up really nicely at the end of this book.
I did notice a few grammatical/spelling errors throughout which also took away from the story a bit. Overall I did enjoy it and I am looking forward to learning more about our characters and this world in the next book.
Thanks to the author for giving me an ARC of this book.
I thought the premise of this book was so unique, and I was really excited to dive into it. The first ~50% flew by and I loved where the story was going. However, after that, I felt like we really lost the plot and the story barely moved forward until we hit the last 15% or so.
I really loved both of our main characters and their interesting pasts. They definitely still have a lot to learn about themselves. I know this is book one in a series, however the story did wrap up really nicely at the end of this book.
I did notice a few grammatical/spelling errors throughout which also took away from the story a bit. Overall I did enjoy it and I am looking forward to learning more about our characters and this world in the next book.
Thanks to the author for giving me an ARC of this book.
June 22, 2026
“The way he said my name made me shiver. His tone didn’t sound threatening. In fact he said it so softly-like we’d known each other for years and he was greeting an old love.”
I was hooked after that line! It was a hard book to put down, something was always happening had to know what came next!
Has touch her or die vibes but not to the extent of other dark romance books.
I was hooked after that line! It was a hard book to put down, something was always happening had to know what came next!
Has touch her or die vibes but not to the extent of other dark romance books.
Read
June 10, 2026I don’t know in what world a volunteer (not even a dept head or surgeon) would have the guts to repeatedly, single-handedly, hold off entire SWAT teams from entering a building and cuss out the chief of police…but okay.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was intrigued by the premise of the story but could not get past issues I had with the characters, plot, and other technical aspects so unfortunately I had to DNF.
One of the biggest problems I had was that there were a multitude of scenes that were summarized--told, not shown, if you will.
One example is the two weeks that Avalanche spent with Violet. This was a missed opportunity to build the bond between them, have them learn details about each other, and ultimately set up the romance between them. Violet mentioned being a picky eater. Avalanche could've learned what foods she likes, what restaurants she orders from, etc. especially when there's a mention later where Avalanche talks about eating a specific food but cuts himself off before he can finish the thought. There are so many moments that were condensed to a paragraph or two instead of flushed out that could have helped build relationships between characters, helped with the world building, deepened the plot, added to the stakes, etc.
Another issue I had trouble with was inconsistent characterization. One example:
Avalanche is drawn to Violet because she makes him feel physical warmth, yet his first nickname for her is "Nightshade" (which he even admits the first time he says it that he's not sure where it came from but it fits).
Hemlock, a villain named after a poisonous flower, calls Violet "Sunshine".
To me, these nicknames would be better suited if they were reversed.
What ultimately led me to DNF the book was the scene where Violet's friends take her out for a girls' night and she ends up drugged. My reasons are as follows:
1) Violet's monologue of the summarized events between her and Avalanche are things the reader already knows. If Violet is as exhausted as we're meant to believe, I don't think she'd put the effort in to a full recap. I would've also liked to see how she's physically reacting to this exchange. Is she angry? Is she fighting back tears? Does she LOOK tired and defeated? This would've been great to see through Avalanche's POV so we can understand just how badly this is affecting him.
2) Violet returns to the bar and only her shot remains. I don't believe her friends would drag her out for a girls' night to cheer her up and then NOT wait for her to take their shots together.
3) Violet is Eva's first real girl friend. They've spent a lot of time together. I have a hard time believing that Eva would pour shots of bourbon because she thought Violet needed "something strong". Violet has drank tequila throughout the story. Tequila and bourbon both have an average of 40% ABV, so it doesn't make sense that Eva, a bartender, would give it to her because it's "stronger". It's definitely also NOT a "shots on girls' night" alcohol, as it's supposed to be slipped and savoured slowly.
4) I don't believe that Eva would've left Violet's drink unattended long enough to be drugged. Violet is very important to her and the villain community. This seems wildly out of character for Eva to allow that to happen.
5) There is quite the height difference between Avalanche and Violet. I'm assuming that difference also applies proportionately to the rest of his body. Using TWO of his bigger fingers to get Violet to vomit could cause her serious harm.
6) If Violet was already feeling the effects of the drugs, throwing up won't purge them from her system. They're already in her bloodstream.
This is where I have left the book. I don't know if the above may have been a misunderstanding, if there's an event--plot twist or not--that explains how Violet got drugged, or how the rest of the story will play out. Unfortunately between the "tell, not show", character inconsistencies, missed opportunities, and repetitive language, "City of Poison and Shadows" was not for me.
One of the biggest problems I had was that there were a multitude of scenes that were summarized--told, not shown, if you will.
One example is the two weeks that Avalanche spent with Violet. This was a missed opportunity to build the bond between them, have them learn details about each other, and ultimately set up the romance between them. Violet mentioned being a picky eater. Avalanche could've learned what foods she likes, what restaurants she orders from, etc. especially when there's a mention later where Avalanche talks about eating a specific food but cuts himself off before he can finish the thought. There are so many moments that were condensed to a paragraph or two instead of flushed out that could have helped build relationships between characters, helped with the world building, deepened the plot, added to the stakes, etc.
Another issue I had trouble with was inconsistent characterization. One example:
Avalanche is drawn to Violet because she makes him feel physical warmth, yet his first nickname for her is "Nightshade" (which he even admits the first time he says it that he's not sure where it came from but it fits).
Hemlock, a villain named after a poisonous flower, calls Violet "Sunshine".
To me, these nicknames would be better suited if they were reversed.
What ultimately led me to DNF the book was the scene where Violet's friends take her out for a girls' night and she ends up drugged. My reasons are as follows:
1) Violet's monologue of the summarized events between her and Avalanche are things the reader already knows. If Violet is as exhausted as we're meant to believe, I don't think she'd put the effort in to a full recap. I would've also liked to see how she's physically reacting to this exchange. Is she angry? Is she fighting back tears? Does she LOOK tired and defeated? This would've been great to see through Avalanche's POV so we can understand just how badly this is affecting him.
2) Violet returns to the bar and only her shot remains. I don't believe her friends would drag her out for a girls' night to cheer her up and then NOT wait for her to take their shots together.
3) Violet is Eva's first real girl friend. They've spent a lot of time together. I have a hard time believing that Eva would pour shots of bourbon because she thought Violet needed "something strong". Violet has drank tequila throughout the story. Tequila and bourbon both have an average of 40% ABV, so it doesn't make sense that Eva, a bartender, would give it to her because it's "stronger". It's definitely also NOT a "shots on girls' night" alcohol, as it's supposed to be slipped and savoured slowly.
4) I don't believe that Eva would've left Violet's drink unattended long enough to be drugged. Violet is very important to her and the villain community. This seems wildly out of character for Eva to allow that to happen.
5) There is quite the height difference between Avalanche and Violet. I'm assuming that difference also applies proportionately to the rest of his body. Using TWO of his bigger fingers to get Violet to vomit could cause her serious harm.
6) If Violet was already feeling the effects of the drugs, throwing up won't purge them from her system. They're already in her bloodstream.
This is where I have left the book. I don't know if the above may have been a misunderstanding, if there's an event--plot twist or not--that explains how Violet got drugged, or how the rest of the story will play out. Unfortunately between the "tell, not show", character inconsistencies, missed opportunities, and repetitive language, "City of Poison and Shadows" was not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2026
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was genuinely looking forward to this book because I enjoy romance, especially stories that leave you smiling, laughing, and emotionally invested in the characters. Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me.
From the beginning, I struggled with the writing style. The frequent use of italicized words and phrases felt distracting rather than adding emphasis or atmosphere. I understand the author may have been aiming for a film noir vibe, but instead it made the story feel choppy and took me out of the reading experience.
I also found myself pulled out of the story by a number of inconsistencies and editing issues. There were moments where details didn't match what had already been established, such as the heroine slipping in mud despite the story taking place during winter with snow on the ground. There was also confusion surrounding her role at the children's hospital, where she was described as both a volunteer and someone who was paid and worked regular shifts.
Working in healthcare, I had a particularly difficult time with the hospital scenes. The portrayal of the children's ward and the repeated interactions with police officers didn't feel authentic. The heroine's ability to repeatedly hold off law enforcement with little more than attitude and one-liners made those scenes difficult for me to believe and pulled me out of the story.
I also struggled to connect with the heroine. Rather than coming across as confident, she often relied on cocky one-liners, and I was left wanting more depth, vulnerability, and character growth. I never felt like I truly got to know her beyond the tough exterior.
Because this is marketed as a romance, I also want to mention that some of the intimate scenes blurred the lines of consent in ways that made me uncomfortable. I think readers would benefit from more comprehensive trigger warnings for those scenes.
Overall, I didn't find the romance compelling. Instead of rooting for the relationship, I found myself pushing through the book so I could give it a fair and complete review.
To earn a five-star review from me, I would have liked to see stronger editing with fewer grammar issues, a smoother story flow, and more attention to continuity. I think the heroine would have benefited from greater emotional depth and meaningful character development instead of relying primarily on witty or cocky dialogue. The romance itself could have been strengthened with more naturally written, emotionally engaging intimate scenes and fewer clichés. Finally, reducing the heavy use of stylized italics would have made the writing feel smoother and allowed the story and characters to shine on their own.
While this book wasn't for me, I appreciate the opportunity to read it and wish the author the best as they continue to develop their craft.
I was genuinely looking forward to this book because I enjoy romance, especially stories that leave you smiling, laughing, and emotionally invested in the characters. Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me.
From the beginning, I struggled with the writing style. The frequent use of italicized words and phrases felt distracting rather than adding emphasis or atmosphere. I understand the author may have been aiming for a film noir vibe, but instead it made the story feel choppy and took me out of the reading experience.
I also found myself pulled out of the story by a number of inconsistencies and editing issues. There were moments where details didn't match what had already been established, such as the heroine slipping in mud despite the story taking place during winter with snow on the ground. There was also confusion surrounding her role at the children's hospital, where she was described as both a volunteer and someone who was paid and worked regular shifts.
Working in healthcare, I had a particularly difficult time with the hospital scenes. The portrayal of the children's ward and the repeated interactions with police officers didn't feel authentic. The heroine's ability to repeatedly hold off law enforcement with little more than attitude and one-liners made those scenes difficult for me to believe and pulled me out of the story.
I also struggled to connect with the heroine. Rather than coming across as confident, she often relied on cocky one-liners, and I was left wanting more depth, vulnerability, and character growth. I never felt like I truly got to know her beyond the tough exterior.
Because this is marketed as a romance, I also want to mention that some of the intimate scenes blurred the lines of consent in ways that made me uncomfortable. I think readers would benefit from more comprehensive trigger warnings for those scenes.
Overall, I didn't find the romance compelling. Instead of rooting for the relationship, I found myself pushing through the book so I could give it a fair and complete review.
To earn a five-star review from me, I would have liked to see stronger editing with fewer grammar issues, a smoother story flow, and more attention to continuity. I think the heroine would have benefited from greater emotional depth and meaningful character development instead of relying primarily on witty or cocky dialogue. The romance itself could have been strengthened with more naturally written, emotionally engaging intimate scenes and fewer clichés. Finally, reducing the heavy use of stylized italics would have made the writing feel smoother and allowed the story and characters to shine on their own.
While this book wasn't for me, I appreciate the opportunity to read it and wish the author the best as they continue to develop their craft.
Review of advance copy received from Author
City of poison and shadows by AX Clarke
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶🌶.5
MMC - Avalanche/Matt/Austin
FMC - Violet/Nightshade
I had no idea what to expect going into this ARC Read, but it gave me Batman(dark night)/Incredibles vibes.
The story is set in Rivermount with Violet who works at a hospital with sick children. One of the sick kids, Scarlett has requested Avalanche, her favorite supervillan, come and meet her. Obviously Violet pulls through and finds him at the local hangout,The Crossroads, and so begins the relationship for Avalanche and Violet.
He definitely falls first and hard at that. His powers consist of ice and his secret one which is shadow wielding(love me a shadow daddy)! He is so intrigued with Violet the only thing he can do is stalk her while using his shadows( insert the that's terrible meme with Bill Hader).
The story behind the supervillans is a chemical was put into the main water source for the city. Anyone who was in the city the weekend the water was polluted, either died or obtained super powers. The SuperVillans kill, but they only killed criminals who really deserved it. So they are more vigilantes than supervillans.
Once Avalanche and Violet start a bit of a friendship, other villans reach out to her and leave her their contact information so she can reach out if any children would like to meet with them. She definitely has a bit of a following and makes friends with many of the villans. It appears she starts to upset the crooked police force and starts finding out more about what is going on with the group behind the poisoning of the water. Violet comes onto the radar of the group called the Culling and things start to get exciting.
I dont want to give too much away, but this was such a great book. I loved the banter and how quickly Avalanche fell for Violet. There was action, suspense, humor, romance and a great plot! Violet is your strong willed, but not annoying FMC and Avalanche is your sweet touch her and die MMC.
There are so many quotes I have Ill share a couple.
"So you have two options. One, you let me walk you home. Two, I stalk you home. Which would you prefer?" "Isnt stalking supposed to be anonymous or something?"
"Look, dude, you barge in here with your guns not taking no for an answer so how about this? Ill take your gun and fuck you with it, and then I'll let you pass. I promise I wont pull the trigger but, you know sometimes accidents happen. No? Oh come on, it will only hurt a little and you probably wont die."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶🌶.5
MMC - Avalanche/Matt/Austin
FMC - Violet/Nightshade
I had no idea what to expect going into this ARC Read, but it gave me Batman(dark night)/Incredibles vibes.
The story is set in Rivermount with Violet who works at a hospital with sick children. One of the sick kids, Scarlett has requested Avalanche, her favorite supervillan, come and meet her. Obviously Violet pulls through and finds him at the local hangout,The Crossroads, and so begins the relationship for Avalanche and Violet.
He definitely falls first and hard at that. His powers consist of ice and his secret one which is shadow wielding(love me a shadow daddy)! He is so intrigued with Violet the only thing he can do is stalk her while using his shadows( insert the that's terrible meme with Bill Hader).
The story behind the supervillans is a chemical was put into the main water source for the city. Anyone who was in the city the weekend the water was polluted, either died or obtained super powers. The SuperVillans kill, but they only killed criminals who really deserved it. So they are more vigilantes than supervillans.
Once Avalanche and Violet start a bit of a friendship, other villans reach out to her and leave her their contact information so she can reach out if any children would like to meet with them. She definitely has a bit of a following and makes friends with many of the villans. It appears she starts to upset the crooked police force and starts finding out more about what is going on with the group behind the poisoning of the water. Violet comes onto the radar of the group called the Culling and things start to get exciting.
I dont want to give too much away, but this was such a great book. I loved the banter and how quickly Avalanche fell for Violet. There was action, suspense, humor, romance and a great plot! Violet is your strong willed, but not annoying FMC and Avalanche is your sweet touch her and die MMC.
There are so many quotes I have Ill share a couple.
"So you have two options. One, you let me walk you home. Two, I stalk you home. Which would you prefer?" "Isnt stalking supposed to be anonymous or something?"
"Look, dude, you barge in here with your guns not taking no for an answer so how about this? Ill take your gun and fuck you with it, and then I'll let you pass. I promise I wont pull the trigger but, you know sometimes accidents happen. No? Oh come on, it will only hurt a little and you probably wont die."
August 15, 2026
I received an advance review copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.
I went into A City of Poison and Shadows almost completely blind, and the moment I realised we were getting a volunteer whose job is to help sick children meet their heroes - even when their hero is technically a villain - I was hooked. It’s such a unique premise and easily one of my favourite things about the book.
Violet was a strong female lead, but what I appreciated most was how true she stayed to herself throughout the story. I loved her banter and the way she accepted the morally grey and downright villainous sides of the people around her without feeling the need to change them.
Avalanche worked for me for much the same reason. I particularly loved that he had those darker tendencies even before gaining his powers. He can be supportive and respectful while still maintaining that villainous edge.
The slow burn between them was paced beautifully for the most part, and the eventual payoff was worth the wait. And the phone scene… oh. my. god.
The side characters were another highlight. Eva, Hemlock, Wisp, the shadows and Scarlett all had their own roles to play and made the world feel much fuller. The story genuinely wouldn’t have been as enjoyable without them. Eva and Hemlock were definite standouts for me.
And Scarlett? My heart. There were tears.
Where the book lost some points for me was that it didn’t feel completely finished in places. I would have loved to see some parts of the wider story explored in more depth. There were plotlines and questions I expected to have more resolution, and one element introduced later didn’t quite feel like it fit with everything that had been established beforehand. Some of the dialogue also felt a little busy and could have benefited from being tightened up. There was also a portion where the pacing felt rushed compared with the otherwise really well-paced build-up.
That said, I enjoyed my time with this book. It’s a cute, easy romantasy read with an interesting storyline and characters who remain true to their nature, which was probably my favourite thing about it.
I think Ax Clarke has created a really interesting foundation. There are definitely areas I would have liked to see developed further, but I’m interested enough in the world that I’d happily pick up another book.
If you enjoy easy-to-read romantasy, morally grey characters, slow-burn romance and a different take on heroes and villains, this one is worth checking out.
I went into A City of Poison and Shadows almost completely blind, and the moment I realised we were getting a volunteer whose job is to help sick children meet their heroes - even when their hero is technically a villain - I was hooked. It’s such a unique premise and easily one of my favourite things about the book.
Violet was a strong female lead, but what I appreciated most was how true she stayed to herself throughout the story. I loved her banter and the way she accepted the morally grey and downright villainous sides of the people around her without feeling the need to change them.
Avalanche worked for me for much the same reason. I particularly loved that he had those darker tendencies even before gaining his powers. He can be supportive and respectful while still maintaining that villainous edge.
The slow burn between them was paced beautifully for the most part, and the eventual payoff was worth the wait. And the phone scene… oh. my. god.
The side characters were another highlight. Eva, Hemlock, Wisp, the shadows and Scarlett all had their own roles to play and made the world feel much fuller. The story genuinely wouldn’t have been as enjoyable without them. Eva and Hemlock were definite standouts for me.
And Scarlett? My heart. There were tears.
Where the book lost some points for me was that it didn’t feel completely finished in places. I would have loved to see some parts of the wider story explored in more depth. There were plotlines and questions I expected to have more resolution, and one element introduced later didn’t quite feel like it fit with everything that had been established beforehand. Some of the dialogue also felt a little busy and could have benefited from being tightened up. There was also a portion where the pacing felt rushed compared with the otherwise really well-paced build-up.
That said, I enjoyed my time with this book. It’s a cute, easy romantasy read with an interesting storyline and characters who remain true to their nature, which was probably my favourite thing about it.
I think Ax Clarke has created a really interesting foundation. There are definitely areas I would have liked to see developed further, but I’m interested enough in the world that I’d happily pick up another book.
If you enjoy easy-to-read romantasy, morally grey characters, slow-burn romance and a different take on heroes and villains, this one is worth checking out.
July 15, 2026
I was in a reading slump that had lasted for months. There were books I'd been excited to read sitting on my shelf, but I just couldn't get myself to start them. This book completely broke that slump!
I found it incredibly easy to get into. The pacing was excellent and felt almost cinematic, making it effortless to follow along and stay engaged. I binged the entire book in three days.
I love superhero/villain movies, but I'd never read a romance set within that kind of world before. It felt fresh and unique while still delivering all the fantasy elements I enjoy most.
I also loved the dual POV. Getting to experience both the FMC and MMC's perspectives added so much depth to their relationship. It was especially refreshing to read a MMC who was just as invested emotionally as the FMC. Watching their feelings develop from both sides made everything seem more meaningful.
I absolutely loved the romantic and heartfelt moments. The characters genuinely spend time together, care for one another, and show affection through small acts that made their relationship feel believable and endearing. Those quieter moments were some of my favourites. They had a lot of really sweet moments. Books I've read in the past never usually go that far into detail on acts of care so it was nice to see!
The powers and abilities were another highlight. They felt creative, fun, and memorable, and I enjoyed seeing how they were incorporated throughout the story. The modern setting also made the world feel familiar and relatable, which helped me connect with the characters even more. I loved the pop culture references, really made me feel like the characters existed in my world.
I went into this book with no expectations and came away completely impressed. If you're looking for a fantasy romance with great pacing, lovable characters, emotional depth, and a unique twist on familiar tropes, I highly recommend giving this one a chance.
I'm sad it's over I hope book two is on the way!! <3
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I found it incredibly easy to get into. The pacing was excellent and felt almost cinematic, making it effortless to follow along and stay engaged. I binged the entire book in three days.
I love superhero/villain movies, but I'd never read a romance set within that kind of world before. It felt fresh and unique while still delivering all the fantasy elements I enjoy most.
I also loved the dual POV. Getting to experience both the FMC and MMC's perspectives added so much depth to their relationship. It was especially refreshing to read a MMC who was just as invested emotionally as the FMC. Watching their feelings develop from both sides made everything seem more meaningful.
I absolutely loved the romantic and heartfelt moments. The characters genuinely spend time together, care for one another, and show affection through small acts that made their relationship feel believable and endearing. Those quieter moments were some of my favourites. They had a lot of really sweet moments. Books I've read in the past never usually go that far into detail on acts of care so it was nice to see!
The powers and abilities were another highlight. They felt creative, fun, and memorable, and I enjoyed seeing how they were incorporated throughout the story. The modern setting also made the world feel familiar and relatable, which helped me connect with the characters even more. I loved the pop culture references, really made me feel like the characters existed in my world.
I went into this book with no expectations and came away completely impressed. If you're looking for a fantasy romance with great pacing, lovable characters, emotional depth, and a unique twist on familiar tropes, I highly recommend giving this one a chance.
I'm sad it's over I hope book two is on the way!! <3
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
There's something so addictive about discovering the first book in a new fantasy series, and City of Poison and Shadows was a world I was more than happy to get lost in.
From the very first chapter, A.X. Clarke pulled me into the city of Rivermount with its intriguing atmosphere, hidden dangers, and unfolding mysteries. I loved slowly piecing together the world alongside the characters, and every new revelation kept me eager to turn the page. ✨📖
One of my favourite aspects of the story was the cast of characters. They felt layered and believable, each bringing their own strengths, flaws, and motivations to the journey. Watching their relationships grow while navigating the dangers around them added plenty of emotional depth and made me genuinely invested in what happened next. 💛
The world-building was immersive, striking a wonderful balance between mystery and discovery without feeling overwhelming. While there were a few moments where I wished certain plot threads or character interactions had been explored in a little more detail, it never took away from my overall enjoyment. Instead, it left me excited to learn even more as the series continues.
By the final pages, I was already looking forward to returning to Rivermount and seeing where the story goes next. That's always a great sign for the start of a new fantasy series. 🖤
💌 A huge thank you to A.X. Clarke for the opportunity to read an advance copy of City of Poison and Shadows. I'm so grateful to have been trusted with an ARC and to experience this adventure before its release. As always, these thoughts and opinions are entirely my own. 🤍
From the very first chapter, A.X. Clarke pulled me into the city of Rivermount with its intriguing atmosphere, hidden dangers, and unfolding mysteries. I loved slowly piecing together the world alongside the characters, and every new revelation kept me eager to turn the page. ✨📖
One of my favourite aspects of the story was the cast of characters. They felt layered and believable, each bringing their own strengths, flaws, and motivations to the journey. Watching their relationships grow while navigating the dangers around them added plenty of emotional depth and made me genuinely invested in what happened next. 💛
The world-building was immersive, striking a wonderful balance between mystery and discovery without feeling overwhelming. While there were a few moments where I wished certain plot threads or character interactions had been explored in a little more detail, it never took away from my overall enjoyment. Instead, it left me excited to learn even more as the series continues.
By the final pages, I was already looking forward to returning to Rivermount and seeing where the story goes next. That's always a great sign for the start of a new fantasy series. 🖤
💌 A huge thank you to A.X. Clarke for the opportunity to read an advance copy of City of Poison and Shadows. I'm so grateful to have been trusted with an ARC and to experience this adventure before its release. As always, these thoughts and opinions are entirely my own. 🤍
Review of advance copy
⭐️ 4 / 5 Stars | A Fun, Twisty Fantasy Romance
I received an ARC of City of Poison and Shadow for free and this is my opinion about it.
It was a really fun and exciting read. The plot kept me on my toes with a few twists that I honestly didn't see coming.
What I Liked the most:
• The Characters: I really enjoyed the characters in this book. The FMC is incredibly brave, strong, and I loved that she is a total book girlie. The MMC was also fantastic—he was funny, empowered the FMC, and at times, he gave me some Josh from Lights Out vibes.
• The Banter: I love good banter, and this book definitely delivered. The chemistry and back-and-forth between the leads literally had me kicking my feet.
• The Villains: The villains were interesting. I probably would call them the "good" guys, if their methods weren't so villainous.
• The Spice: The spice took a little longer to start than I initially expected, but once it finally kicked in, it did not disappoint. The spice was spicing.
Why it's a 4-Star instead of a 5-Star:
The main reason this wasn't a perfect five stars for me was partly because of the different POV execution. I felt like the writing style didn't change between the different POVs, making the distinct POVs sound similar.And a few times I wasn't entirely sure who was saying what, during a conversation. Other than that, i totally enjoyed it.
My Final Thoughts:
Overall, it was a highly entertaining read with great chemistry and a fast-moving plot. I was reading every free second i had. I definitely recommend checking it out!
I received an ARC of City of Poison and Shadow for free and this is my opinion about it.
It was a really fun and exciting read. The plot kept me on my toes with a few twists that I honestly didn't see coming.
What I Liked the most:
• The Characters: I really enjoyed the characters in this book. The FMC is incredibly brave, strong, and I loved that she is a total book girlie. The MMC was also fantastic—he was funny, empowered the FMC, and at times, he gave me some Josh from Lights Out vibes.
• The Banter: I love good banter, and this book definitely delivered. The chemistry and back-and-forth between the leads literally had me kicking my feet.
• The Villains: The villains were interesting. I probably would call them the "good" guys, if their methods weren't so villainous.
• The Spice: The spice took a little longer to start than I initially expected, but once it finally kicked in, it did not disappoint. The spice was spicing.
Why it's a 4-Star instead of a 5-Star:
The main reason this wasn't a perfect five stars for me was partly because of the different POV execution. I felt like the writing style didn't change between the different POVs, making the distinct POVs sound similar.And a few times I wasn't entirely sure who was saying what, during a conversation. Other than that, i totally enjoyed it.
My Final Thoughts:
Overall, it was a highly entertaining read with great chemistry and a fast-moving plot. I was reading every free second i had. I definitely recommend checking it out!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I recieved this book as an alpha and beta read for free, and all opinions are my own.
This is a genre I usually don't read, and it was refreshing. The characters were rich, layered, funnny, carring, had great banter. So well written. It had a strong plot and the author obviously had a good plan of where they wanted to take it. These misunderstood super villains were interesting and full in their own right. The MMC Aus, was obsessive, soft, head over heals for the FMC, and dangerous. They were a great match and had a lot of chemistry. The plot felt a little rushed or chaotic at the end, but this was a minor point and the book was still really enjoyable. There was a clear ending, but still room for other spin offs of this world witch I would love to see. So this is the type of review I really don't do anymore. I am more known for a more fun, interpreted review. So I thought i would add this to the end.
POTATO SCALE:
VIOLET: Twice baked Sweet Potato with salt pepper and a large amount of chili crisp. Crisp on the outside, soft and sweet on the inside, and perfectly seasoned. Quite a kick to it which makes it fun, spicy and enjoyable if you can handle the heat.
AUS: Perfectly Crisp Roasted Potatoes. Seasoned well. A secret sauce that the chef only tells a few people about. And a spicy aoli that makes these potatoes dangerous but addictive.
PLOT: only CANADIAN books get the poutine scale. Crispy French fries, some might have gotten a little scorched at the end. Perfect cheese curds. Great gravy. You devour it.
This is a genre I usually don't read, and it was refreshing. The characters were rich, layered, funnny, carring, had great banter. So well written. It had a strong plot and the author obviously had a good plan of where they wanted to take it. These misunderstood super villains were interesting and full in their own right. The MMC Aus, was obsessive, soft, head over heals for the FMC, and dangerous. They were a great match and had a lot of chemistry. The plot felt a little rushed or chaotic at the end, but this was a minor point and the book was still really enjoyable. There was a clear ending, but still room for other spin offs of this world witch I would love to see. So this is the type of review I really don't do anymore. I am more known for a more fun, interpreted review. So I thought i would add this to the end.
POTATO SCALE:
VIOLET: Twice baked Sweet Potato with salt pepper and a large amount of chili crisp. Crisp on the outside, soft and sweet on the inside, and perfectly seasoned. Quite a kick to it which makes it fun, spicy and enjoyable if you can handle the heat.
AUS: Perfectly Crisp Roasted Potatoes. Seasoned well. A secret sauce that the chef only tells a few people about. And a spicy aoli that makes these potatoes dangerous but addictive.
PLOT: only CANADIAN books get the poutine scale. Crispy French fries, some might have gotten a little scorched at the end. Perfect cheese curds. Great gravy. You devour it.
Review of advance copy
My review of the book City of Poison and Shadows.
Rating: 5, excellent.
Goddamn it, it's good. Just the right amount of serious and cliche. Tastefully done. No notes on that part.
There's only one part where I rolled my eyes with annoyance at the writing and that is sort of fine because she's a bitch and her monologue game is subpar obviously.
Now, when it comes to romance...... The beginning was magnificent, a tiny bit of chase, some flirting and a whole lot of stalkerish protection. Just my stuff. The prolonged chase is in last place but I like that as well so no worries there. And when they get together? So mighty fine.....😩
I mean, the night after that fight? Or the cabin? Any scene in cabin? And the swooning and soft parts, the best of all, naturally. I won't say more than that for I'd wish for everyone to read it for themselves.
Lastly, for it as the book one of a series - it opens a lot of possibilities. Whether it be about some of the side characters from here, or same leads but different problems and enemies, I'm down for it. With that being said, for I know others appreciate standalone stories as much as I do, this can easily pass as one and done too. It's closed enough of an ending that there is no need for book two, and the wish for another book in the series comes strictly from me liking all the characters and how it's written.
--
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Rating: 5, excellent.
Goddamn it, it's good. Just the right amount of serious and cliche. Tastefully done. No notes on that part.
There's only one part where I rolled my eyes with annoyance at the writing and that is sort of fine because she's a bitch and her monologue game is subpar obviously.
Now, when it comes to romance...... The beginning was magnificent, a tiny bit of chase, some flirting and a whole lot of stalkerish protection. Just my stuff. The prolonged chase is in last place but I like that as well so no worries there. And when they get together? So mighty fine.....😩
I mean, the night after that fight? Or the cabin? Any scene in cabin? And the swooning and soft parts, the best of all, naturally. I won't say more than that for I'd wish for everyone to read it for themselves.
Lastly, for it as the book one of a series - it opens a lot of possibilities. Whether it be about some of the side characters from here, or same leads but different problems and enemies, I'm down for it. With that being said, for I know others appreciate standalone stories as much as I do, this can easily pass as one and done too. It's closed enough of an ending that there is no need for book two, and the wish for another book in the series comes strictly from me liking all the characters and how it's written.
--
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 30, 2026
Loved this book. I revived an advance copy electronically for free and do I’m giving it my honest review of it. I really enjoyed all the little details of Canadian culture.
Loved Violets I don’t need no one to fight my battles. And god dame she’s got more balls than some men out there. I also enjoy that she was a book girlie and that like the author referenced a few popular dark romance books
I also enjoy the development of Austin from being a closed off hurt boy to being a big teddy bear. But still being the Morley grey man that he is.
When violet was kidnapped and it had been a while and the idiot that try and r***p her and she went full on American horror story just different appendages I went like dame you go girl.
I also like that you keep thinking that her powers were telepathy but you don’t know till the time is right.
One thin is that I wish the beginning was shorter it felt like it dragged on a bit to long but then the ending was cut short. But I find that in most books.
I also need an update on the little girl. And maybe she gets to meet violet with her powers and maybe introduce Avalanche. And they tell her his real name.
So if you are in the market for a fantasy where villains kinda rule the city and country, a heroine that doesn’t need her princess charming. But finds herself a Morley Grey villain that lets her fight her own battles and wins every single time but is always there lurking to jump in if need be.
Loved Violets I don’t need no one to fight my battles. And god dame she’s got more balls than some men out there. I also enjoy that she was a book girlie and that like the author referenced a few popular dark romance books
I also enjoy the development of Austin from being a closed off hurt boy to being a big teddy bear. But still being the Morley grey man that he is.
When violet was kidnapped and it had been a while and the idiot that try and r***p her and she went full on American horror story just different appendages I went like dame you go girl.
I also like that you keep thinking that her powers were telepathy but you don’t know till the time is right.
One thin is that I wish the beginning was shorter it felt like it dragged on a bit to long but then the ending was cut short. But I find that in most books.
I also need an update on the little girl. And maybe she gets to meet violet with her powers and maybe introduce Avalanche. And they tell her his real name.
So if you are in the market for a fantasy where villains kinda rule the city and country, a heroine that doesn’t need her princess charming. But finds herself a Morley Grey villain that lets her fight her own battles and wins every single time but is always there lurking to jump in if need be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.75/5
Book two can't come fast enough because I am not ready to leave this world.
Who gave this book permission to consume my entire personality for two days?
I picked this up expecting a fun romantasy, and somehow ended up emotionally attached to fictional people who now live rent free in my head.
Violet?? ICON. She's sarcastic, stubborn genuinely competent, and never loses herself for the romance. She gives "touch her and die" energy while also making me laugh every other chapter.
And Avalanche...
Yeah….
Protective without being controlling. Confident without being arrogant. The chemistry between these two was INSANE. The banter? Top tier. Every interaction had me grinning like an idiot.
The world felt like Marvel and DC had a baby with romantasy, and somehow it just worked. Superheroes, villains, secrets, found family, action, romance... I ate it UP.
Was the beginning a little slower while everything was being set up? Sure. That's honestly the only reason this isn't a full five stars. Once the story found its rhythm, I absolutely flew through it and couldn't put it down.
If you love:
✨ badass FMCs
🖤 protective MMCs
⚡ witty banter
❤️🔥 slow-burn tension
🦸 superheroes + villains
📖 a story that feels like watching a comic book come to life
...this needs to be on your TBR immediately.
Book two can't come fast enough because I am not ready to leave this world.
Who gave this book permission to consume my entire personality for two days?
I picked this up expecting a fun romantasy, and somehow ended up emotionally attached to fictional people who now live rent free in my head.
Violet?? ICON. She's sarcastic, stubborn genuinely competent, and never loses herself for the romance. She gives "touch her and die" energy while also making me laugh every other chapter.
And Avalanche...
Yeah….
Protective without being controlling. Confident without being arrogant. The chemistry between these two was INSANE. The banter? Top tier. Every interaction had me grinning like an idiot.
The world felt like Marvel and DC had a baby with romantasy, and somehow it just worked. Superheroes, villains, secrets, found family, action, romance... I ate it UP.
Was the beginning a little slower while everything was being set up? Sure. That's honestly the only reason this isn't a full five stars. Once the story found its rhythm, I absolutely flew through it and couldn't put it down.
If you love:
✨ badass FMCs
🖤 protective MMCs
⚡ witty banter
❤️🔥 slow-burn tension
🦸 superheroes + villains
📖 a story that feels like watching a comic book come to life
...this needs to be on your TBR immediately.
July 31, 2026
Story 6 ⭐
Spice 3.5 🌶️
City of Poison and Shadow is a dark romantasy where the FMC is a fan of dark romances and the MMC is a morally grey villain.
The world is fascinating, with villains who gained super powers playing a huge role. More information on what happened continues to be unveiled as the book progresses, with everything being so much worse than what was initially thought. There is so much more to almost all the villains than what you would expect, everything is shades of grey.
There is a great balance between world building, story, character development, and romance, with lots of great banter throughout.
This book will put you through all the emotions. There are so many laugh out loud moments, especially early on in the book, and other times that will seriously pull at the heart strings, and everything in between. This was a single day read, I could not put this down for anything
I received a digital copy of this book as an ARC, but I now have a "book trophy". Not even 50% into this book I knew I needed a physical copy. I will be reading this again in the future. I will sometimes add notes to the Kindle versions and highlight spots I really enjoyed, this book has notes and highlights all over the Kindle version. Probably 10x the amount I would normally have.
I can't wait for more in this world, and hopefully more with Violet and Avalanche.
Spice 3.5 🌶️
City of Poison and Shadow is a dark romantasy where the FMC is a fan of dark romances and the MMC is a morally grey villain.
The world is fascinating, with villains who gained super powers playing a huge role. More information on what happened continues to be unveiled as the book progresses, with everything being so much worse than what was initially thought. There is so much more to almost all the villains than what you would expect, everything is shades of grey.
There is a great balance between world building, story, character development, and romance, with lots of great banter throughout.
This book will put you through all the emotions. There are so many laugh out loud moments, especially early on in the book, and other times that will seriously pull at the heart strings, and everything in between. This was a single day read, I could not put this down for anything
I received a digital copy of this book as an ARC, but I now have a "book trophy". Not even 50% into this book I knew I needed a physical copy. I will be reading this again in the future. I will sometimes add notes to the Kindle versions and highlight spots I really enjoyed, this book has notes and highlights all over the Kindle version. Probably 10x the amount I would normally have.
I can't wait for more in this world, and hopefully more with Violet and Avalanche.
August 24, 2026
Overall this book was a pretty good time. It took me a little while to fully get into the super villain vibe and all the names associated with them. But by the end they had grown on me and/or I didn’t notice as much.
I was completely hooked at the beginning, but towards the 60-90% mark I was dragging. I can’t put my finger on exactly what it was but I had to push through to the end. That being said, I still enjoyed reading about the Volunteer and the Villain. There were a couple twists at the end that didn’t have my jaw on the ground but they worked. I did struggle with the multiple info gaps and situations throughout the book that just happened and we needed to accept them and try to figure out what was going on. There were parts that were glossed over or totally left out that I wish I didn’t need to piece together and other aspects that definitely didn’t need as much detail.
As for spice, it was there. This was a part that was glossed over yet I feel like the author wanted to have us think it was super spicy 🤷🏻♀️ not sure but it was just kind there and pretty underdeveloped.
I’m not sure if there will be more to the series or what the authors plan is, so it could be interesting to continue following - if the vibes caught me at the right time.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was completely hooked at the beginning, but towards the 60-90% mark I was dragging. I can’t put my finger on exactly what it was but I had to push through to the end. That being said, I still enjoyed reading about the Volunteer and the Villain. There were a couple twists at the end that didn’t have my jaw on the ground but they worked. I did struggle with the multiple info gaps and situations throughout the book that just happened and we needed to accept them and try to figure out what was going on. There were parts that were glossed over or totally left out that I wish I didn’t need to piece together and other aspects that definitely didn’t need as much detail.
As for spice, it was there. This was a part that was glossed over yet I feel like the author wanted to have us think it was super spicy 🤷🏻♀️ not sure but it was just kind there and pretty underdeveloped.
I’m not sure if there will be more to the series or what the authors plan is, so it could be interesting to continue following - if the vibes caught me at the right time.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Review of advance copy received by Author.
From the very first pages this book had me completely hooked. The author promised me I'd be giddy, and she absolutely delivered on that promise.
The main characters are an absolute delight! quirky, lovable, and the kind of people you root for from the moment you meet them. Their dynamic felt natural and genuinely fun to follow, and I can say without hesitation that they've both earned a permanent spot on my book boyfriend list (yes, both of them! You'll understand when you get there).
The pacing was great. The plot moved in a way that felt earned and not rushed, and the character development unfolded organically alongside it. There's also a clever little nod that fans of Little Stranger will absolutely catch… a quiet wink that made me smile.
And the reveal? I will say nothing except: I stopped reading, stared at the page, and said something very impolite out loud, something that sounds like Other Clucker… Well done, AX Clarke. Well done.
Overall, this was a book I genuinely could not put down, and I cannot wait to see it in readers' hands. Highly recommend!!!! and please go in as blind as possible and let it take you by surprise.
From the very first pages this book had me completely hooked. The author promised me I'd be giddy, and she absolutely delivered on that promise.
The main characters are an absolute delight! quirky, lovable, and the kind of people you root for from the moment you meet them. Their dynamic felt natural and genuinely fun to follow, and I can say without hesitation that they've both earned a permanent spot on my book boyfriend list (yes, both of them! You'll understand when you get there).
The pacing was great. The plot moved in a way that felt earned and not rushed, and the character development unfolded organically alongside it. There's also a clever little nod that fans of Little Stranger will absolutely catch… a quiet wink that made me smile.
And the reveal? I will say nothing except: I stopped reading, stared at the page, and said something very impolite out loud, something that sounds like Other Clucker… Well done, AX Clarke. Well done.
Overall, this was a book I genuinely could not put down, and I cannot wait to see it in readers' hands. Highly recommend!!!! and please go in as blind as possible and let it take you by surprise.
Review of advance copy
This book had such a unique premise that I was immediately intrigued. The story ended up being not quite as cute and lighthearted as I anticipated based on the synopsis, but I still really enjoyed the very original take on a world of villains. There were some funny moments, though much of the humor felt overly juvenile, and I liked some of the side characters. Furthermore, the ending was very satisfying with full circle growth for the characters, despite some loose ends remaining.
My biggest issues were with the pacing of the plot and the main male character, Avalanche. The beginning of the novel was engrossing, but it didn’t take long for the story to drag. There were a fair number of scenes that could’ve been tightened or eliminated to improve the pacing. And I had mixed feelings about Avalanche. At times he was the perfect alpha hero, but then there were other moments when he was potentially open to Violet being with another guy. It was very disappointing and significantly took away from the romance.
Overall, I think this book had promise, but it didn’t quite deliver on the romance and pacing. I recommend this book to readers who are looking for a really unique storyline. *I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
My biggest issues were with the pacing of the plot and the main male character, Avalanche. The beginning of the novel was engrossing, but it didn’t take long for the story to drag. There were a fair number of scenes that could’ve been tightened or eliminated to improve the pacing. And I had mixed feelings about Avalanche. At times he was the perfect alpha hero, but then there were other moments when he was potentially open to Violet being with another guy. It was very disappointing and significantly took away from the romance.
Overall, I think this book had promise, but it didn’t quite deliver on the romance and pacing. I recommend this book to readers who are looking for a really unique storyline. *I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
August 12, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved the story! This was the first time I’d read a story centered around a supervillain, and I loved it. It felt refreshing and different. The supporting characters felt well-defined, while the main characters had noticeably more depth. I especially loved their banter, it genuinely made me laugh.
Despite being 446 pages long, the story was such an easy and engaging read that it never felt that long. The first half did a great job of establishing the world and the characters, and I became genuinely invested in both. Knowing this is Rivermount Book 1 makes me even more curious to see where the series goes and whether we’ll get to spend more time with these characters and their universe.
My only downside was that the ending felt a little rushed compared to the rest of the story. After becoming so invested in the characters and their world, I would have liked the final part of the story to have a little more room to breathe. It left me with a slightly bittersweet feeling, mostly because I wasn’t quite ready to leave these characters behind.
Overall, I really enjoyed it and would definitely keep reading the Rivermount series.
I loved the story! This was the first time I’d read a story centered around a supervillain, and I loved it. It felt refreshing and different. The supporting characters felt well-defined, while the main characters had noticeably more depth. I especially loved their banter, it genuinely made me laugh.
Despite being 446 pages long, the story was such an easy and engaging read that it never felt that long. The first half did a great job of establishing the world and the characters, and I became genuinely invested in both. Knowing this is Rivermount Book 1 makes me even more curious to see where the series goes and whether we’ll get to spend more time with these characters and their universe.
My only downside was that the ending felt a little rushed compared to the rest of the story. After becoming so invested in the characters and their world, I would have liked the final part of the story to have a little more room to breathe. It left me with a slightly bittersweet feeling, mostly because I wasn’t quite ready to leave these characters behind.
Overall, I really enjoyed it and would definitely keep reading the Rivermount series.
August 21, 2026
First off: this book was not purchased as I agreed to be part of the review team. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Onto the review!
Based in Canada which made me thrilled. Could have used a couple Canadianisms in there but it was good!
The MFL was so painfully human. A lot of her tendencies are so real that she felt very much like someone who could be my bestie. That I would give a hard time over the stammers and self-embarrassment (and the second hand for this reader!)
Witty and realistic banter. Had me laughing out loud more than once. Ugly gigglesnorting at revolving nicknames.
The ML, I have to say, paled in comparison to the MFL. Don’t get me wrong, the villain thing is hot and such, but the MFL was so much brighter and seemed fleshed out.
The pairing was quite brilliant and the interaction between the secondary/supporting characters was great.
It felt like the last bit of the book was almost rushed? I understand wanting to wrap things up, but there could have been so much more involvement. That could have gotten the five stars.
I read it in almost one sitting (work got in the way of it being a full sitting), and I can’t wait for the next one!
Onto the review!
Based in Canada which made me thrilled. Could have used a couple Canadianisms in there but it was good!
The MFL was so painfully human. A lot of her tendencies are so real that she felt very much like someone who could be my bestie. That I would give a hard time over the stammers and self-embarrassment (and the second hand for this reader!)
Witty and realistic banter. Had me laughing out loud more than once. Ugly gigglesnorting at revolving nicknames.
The ML, I have to say, paled in comparison to the MFL. Don’t get me wrong, the villain thing is hot and such, but the MFL was so much brighter and seemed fleshed out.
The pairing was quite brilliant and the interaction between the secondary/supporting characters was great.
It felt like the last bit of the book was almost rushed? I understand wanting to wrap things up, but there could have been so much more involvement. That could have gotten the five stars.
I read it in almost one sitting (work got in the way of it being a full sitting), and I can’t wait for the next one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
OH MY GOSH!! I reallyyyy enjoyed City Of Poison and Shadows! It was exactly what I needed and it was an amazing fantasy romance(heavy on the romance eheh)!! I loved how well thought out the buildup to the two main characters meeting and I LOVEDDD how Violet(our protagonist) was so involved with the hospitals and taking care of kids! Avalanche was such an interesting supervillain and he's such a flirt(so are all the other villains) but also how fierce and protective of the people he loves and that he will become the villain so that he can do good in the world instead of evil. The switches between whos good and whos evil really kept me intrigued and I dont know how to describe it but this book is jsut so addictive! I read it in like 5 days because I couldn't put it down! The romance is SO incredible and it was on the spicier side which i didnt know until reading(so for more adult audiences) but I still adoreeee them!
I really enjoyed this book and I'm still debating a rating but somewhere in between a 3/75- 4.25⭐!! Thank you so much to A.X. Clarke who generously provided me with an ARC(Advanced Readers Copy) and I am so excited for the next one!!
I really enjoyed this book and I'm still debating a rating but somewhere in between a 3/75- 4.25⭐!! Thank you so much to A.X. Clarke who generously provided me with an ARC(Advanced Readers Copy) and I am so excited for the next one!!
July 10, 2026
This was my first time getting an ARC and I was so excited. I definitely enjoyed the premise of the book. I liked the build up between the 2 main characters and the fact that they didn’t just jump into bed together. I felt some of the middle drag a little bit. If you’re really into the romance part of the fantasy romance genre, maybe you’ll like those chapters but I think they could’ve been cut back. I liked the world building and the character development. I didn’t predict who the villain would be, but I didn’t love the reveal, just didn’t seem to fit him and the secondary villain just felt really cliché. It seems to always be the person closest to the main character. Also, even after reading the whole thing, I don’t understand why the villain was after the main character. It didn’t explain who offered her up to him and why they were so concerned with her at a young age. He said they would just pair her with someone else, but who are these people and why did they even know of Violet? That part didn’t make sense to me. And also, why do men think they can torture women and have that woman fall in love with them? But overall, it kept my attention and I did enjoy it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2026
City of Poison and Shadows by AX Clarke is filled with flirty banter, snark and a cast of adorable, morally grey men and women: villains who mostly kill “the bad guys”.
My fav character is Violet, a woman who volunteers with children but has a ramrod spine. She stutters when she is talking to hot men/woman (Bi), but tells off police detectives and villains alike. Reads dark romances, has sworn off dating and is her own superhero (saving herself by beating up muggers on the nightly). In the end she is way more than she seems! It is her origins story (IYKYK).
I also adore that the love interest Aus is a supervillain who stays up all night with a kid dying of cancer, taking funny selfies and making ice/glass sculptures for her. His sister Eva describes his dream girl and it turns out it’s an exact description of Violet. He also loves Violet unconditionally: the good, the evil, and the average parts of her.
It is a dark romance (on the light side), so expect some dark romance tropes, but makes fun of Violet’s love of dark romances.
It takes place in a Northern Ontario (Canadian) city, so loved the references to all things Canadian!
My fav character is Violet, a woman who volunteers with children but has a ramrod spine. She stutters when she is talking to hot men/woman (Bi), but tells off police detectives and villains alike. Reads dark romances, has sworn off dating and is her own superhero (saving herself by beating up muggers on the nightly). In the end she is way more than she seems! It is her origins story (IYKYK).
I also adore that the love interest Aus is a supervillain who stays up all night with a kid dying of cancer, taking funny selfies and making ice/glass sculptures for her. His sister Eva describes his dream girl and it turns out it’s an exact description of Violet. He also loves Violet unconditionally: the good, the evil, and the average parts of her.
It is a dark romance (on the light side), so expect some dark romance tropes, but makes fun of Violet’s love of dark romances.
It takes place in a Northern Ontario (Canadian) city, so loved the references to all things Canadian!
July 27, 2026
Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Violet works at the hospital with terminally ill children, when one of the kids wishes to meet a super villain, Violet tracks him down and convinces him to come in. It’s not long until Violet and the super villain, Avalanche catch feelings. As Violet and Avalanche's relationship grows they find themselves facing off against a secret organization as well as creepy text messages from an unknown number.
There were a couple small things in the book that bothered me, some cheesy dialogue but also the main characters would tell us something happened instead of getting to read it happening. Instead of one of the main characters saying something like: “Two months have passed, in that time I took out this target..” it would have been nice to read that happening, I think this would have helped break up some of the romance sections with a little more super power scenes sprinkled in.
Otherwise this was a fun super hero/villian dark romantasy book! Lots of bratty banter between the main characters and lots of fun spicy scenes. The super powers were really cool and the ending was super satisfying!
Violet works at the hospital with terminally ill children, when one of the kids wishes to meet a super villain, Violet tracks him down and convinces him to come in. It’s not long until Violet and the super villain, Avalanche catch feelings. As Violet and Avalanche's relationship grows they find themselves facing off against a secret organization as well as creepy text messages from an unknown number.
There were a couple small things in the book that bothered me, some cheesy dialogue but also the main characters would tell us something happened instead of getting to read it happening. Instead of one of the main characters saying something like: “Two months have passed, in that time I took out this target..” it would have been nice to read that happening, I think this would have helped break up some of the romance sections with a little more super power scenes sprinkled in.
Otherwise this was a fun super hero/villian dark romantasy book! Lots of bratty banter between the main characters and lots of fun spicy scenes. The super powers were really cool and the ending was super satisfying!
August 4, 2026
This was my first time being part of an ARC, and I loved getting a digital copy! I would have loved to have a physical copy too. 😊
The story is so unique. I had never read anything like it before. The characters are incredibly well developed, and every decision they make makes sense. Everything feels very coherent.
What I loved the most was Violet's character. She is a strong and independent woman from the very beginning, and her character development takes a completely unexpected direction that fits the story perfectly. I do not want to say too much because I do not want to spoil anything.
I did not see the second plot twist coming at all. I figured out the first one pretty quickly because I already knew who the benefactor was. But the assistant... That literally left me speechless. 😱
The plot was amazing, and their love story was so pure and beautiful. If you enjoy books with spice, this is a great one to read. I am not used to reading that much spice, but I think it fit the story well.
I absolutely loved this book. Thank you for such an incredible story full of intrigue and surprises! 💜
The story is so unique. I had never read anything like it before. The characters are incredibly well developed, and every decision they make makes sense. Everything feels very coherent.
What I loved the most was Violet's character. She is a strong and independent woman from the very beginning, and her character development takes a completely unexpected direction that fits the story perfectly. I do not want to say too much because I do not want to spoil anything.
I did not see the second plot twist coming at all. I figured out the first one pretty quickly because I already knew who the benefactor was. But the assistant... That literally left me speechless. 😱
The plot was amazing, and their love story was so pure and beautiful. If you enjoy books with spice, this is a great one to read. I am not used to reading that much spice, but I think it fit the story well.
I absolutely loved this book. Thank you for such an incredible story full of intrigue and surprises! 💜
August 15, 2026
Review of ARC from author.
This book had me hooked pretty quickly. The broody but secretly goofy MMC. The strong FMC who doesn't need no man. The banter. The relatively unique plot line. The will-they-won’t-they, obviously-they-will-but-when-and-how-many-times.
But somewhere around the 30-50% mark it kind of lost the plot.
Because they did. So many times. And for a while, that's all they did apparently.
We went from an intriguing story to a weirdly obsessive insta-love, kind of fated mates but not thing, and their relationship became the only plot point up until the last 15% of the book when the characters suddenly remembered there was an actual plot.
Then we had to squeeze in way too much graphic story line into way too few pages and still wrap everything up nicely.
Did all that take away from my enjoyment of the book? Barely. There was still fun banter. Hot spicy scenes. And some great “I won't do this for you, but I will stand beside you while you solve it for yourself” from the MMC.
Overall, it had all of the essentials in any good romantasy and was a pretty good read.
This book had me hooked pretty quickly. The broody but secretly goofy MMC. The strong FMC who doesn't need no man. The banter. The relatively unique plot line. The will-they-won’t-they, obviously-they-will-but-when-and-how-many-times.
But somewhere around the 30-50% mark it kind of lost the plot.
Because they did. So many times. And for a while, that's all they did apparently.
We went from an intriguing story to a weirdly obsessive insta-love, kind of fated mates but not thing, and their relationship became the only plot point up until the last 15% of the book when the characters suddenly remembered there was an actual plot.
Then we had to squeeze in way too much graphic story line into way too few pages and still wrap everything up nicely.
Did all that take away from my enjoyment of the book? Barely. There was still fun banter. Hot spicy scenes. And some great “I won't do this for you, but I will stand beside you while you solve it for yourself” from the MMC.
Overall, it had all of the essentials in any good romantasy and was a pretty good read.
August 18, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed this read. The bases of this book is fairly original. This book is heavy on the romance with elements of fantasy. Here is what i really enjoyed. I loved that the FMC violet is strong. She has this fierceness to her that is just so well done. She displays an incredible amount of empathy and compassion for those she allows in her circle. She is loyal and quick witted. I really enjoyed her POV!
The MMC (Avalanche) written as a villain type but really just comes off as more of a lover boy! Hes would do anything for Violet and his friends.
What i struggled with was the instant love trope of this book. Felt a bit rushed and not quite realistic. For me some areas of the relationship growth between both characters was forced.
City of Poison and Shadows- it gets you thinking about morality. What you would do to protect your community and those you love. Is this group of Villains just that, villains. Or are they keeping their city safe from criminals and law enforcement that turns their cheeks?
3.5 stars!
I enjoyed this read. The bases of this book is fairly original. This book is heavy on the romance with elements of fantasy. Here is what i really enjoyed. I loved that the FMC violet is strong. She has this fierceness to her that is just so well done. She displays an incredible amount of empathy and compassion for those she allows in her circle. She is loyal and quick witted. I really enjoyed her POV!
The MMC (Avalanche) written as a villain type but really just comes off as more of a lover boy! Hes would do anything for Violet and his friends.
What i struggled with was the instant love trope of this book. Felt a bit rushed and not quite realistic. For me some areas of the relationship growth between both characters was forced.
City of Poison and Shadows- it gets you thinking about morality. What you would do to protect your community and those you love. Is this group of Villains just that, villains. Or are they keeping their city safe from criminals and law enforcement that turns their cheeks?
3.5 stars!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews