Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Untamed

Rate this book
She was sent to kill him.
The dagger had other plans.


Sera is the Obsidian Hand’s deadliest assassin. There is only one rule in her Never miss—or the Hand will make sure you never breathe again. When her best friend misses his target, Sera makes a desperate Take an impossible contract to save his life. Her target is the fae prince whispered about in fear.

Caelan has spent two centuries guarding the border—an exile disguised as duty. Feared by the two realms for a magic called the Untamed, he had once lost control and turned the skies into permanent darkness. He had long since stopped expecting mercy…or surprises.

Until her.

Sera failed to kill him and instead accidentally bound them together with blood magic, turning hunter and target into allies. If he dies, she dies. He makes her his reluctant personal guard. Line between duty and desire becomes blurred.

They are supposed to find a way to break the bond but they find secrets instead.

Who sent Sera in the first place.
The permanent night sky is not what you think it is.
Some powers were never meant to be tamed.
And some bonds were never meant to be broken.

For readers who loved the world of A Court of Thorns and Roses but wanted a sharper heroine. The Untamed features a propulsive pacing of The Inheritance Games and the romantic tension of From Blood and Ash.

ebook

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Analise Song

2 books49 followers
Analise Song is a former registered nurse turned stay-at-home mom who was advised to pick up a hobby while dealing with postpartum anxiety. She chose writing among the other 27 hobbies she has.
It did absolutely nothing to help her anxiety and now several fictional characters are also suffering.
She lives in an urban setting with her two kids, one husband, one chaotic Goldendoodle, six chickens, three ducks, five hundred book boyfriends, and five fish tanks—because at some point, “just one more” became a lifestyle instead of a decision.
When she’s not managing her ever-growing list of hobbies (of which there are far too many), she can be found writing stories filled with dangerous magic, complicated characters, and emotionally questionable choices.
She still isn’t sure if writing made things better, but it definitely made things more interesting.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
141 (58%)
4 stars
83 (34%)
3 stars
17 (6%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
Profile Image for Sarah.
152 reviews9 followers
July 2, 2026
✨ARC Book Review ✨

The twists and adventure in this story were so good!

Sera is a skilled assassin sent to kill a fae prince, Caelan. In the process of trying to kill him, she cuts him with a cursed blade and finds herself magically bound to him. The story follows their journey to break the bond while slowly falling for each other.

Sera is seriously such a cool chick. She can take out a room full of fae soldiers and still rock a dress. I loved her confidence and independence. She’s such a boss! I also really enjoyed the slow burn tension between her and the prince. Personally, I wouldn’t have wanted to sever the bond!

Caelan was my absolute favorite character. He has so much depth, especially because of his exile. There was so much mystery surrounding his past that I was constantly wanting to know more. He’s flirty, protective, and incredibly attractive. He totally falls first, and I loved that! His banter and the things he says to Sera had me dying. I would have been absolutely feral for that man!

The book is packed with adventure as Sera and Caelan travel to break the curse. There are so many times their lives were in danger. You’ll literally be on the edge of your seat! The ending of the book was very stressful, and I seriously didn’t expect the ending.
Profile Image for ChipmunksandDandelion (Cinnamon&Pine).
209 reviews8 followers
June 7, 2026
A not-one-bed situation is apparently the microtrope I didn’t know I needed.

Seraphae has spent years as an assassin and is finally facing her last assignment. Unfortunately for her, the target is Caelan, the moody, broody fae prince who smells of bergamot, pine, and a lingering hint of smoke. Despite the intimidating packaging, he turns out to be much more golden retriever than dark prince. For reasons Seraphae ends up bonding her life to his, and from there the story truly takes off.

What follows is forced proximity at its finest: sharp banter, exquisite slow burn, and a cast of side characters that are impossible not to love. I picked this ARC up almost as an afterthought with very few expectations, and it turned out to be the best kind of surprise. This is exactly why I keep reading indie ARCs: every now and then you stumble across a hidden gem.

The only downside for me personally was the seemingly endless amount of wine consumption, which occasionally felt a little bit over the top.

What truly earned this book five stars, though, was its emotional impact. It is rare that I keep thinking about a story long after finishing the final page, but this one lodged itself firmly in my brain. I kept turning the ending over and over, trying to work out how everything could possibly unfold from here. And then came the bonus chapter. Rather than offering any comforting sense of closure, it sent my thoughts spiraling in entirely new directions.

The best books leave me impatient for the sequel. This one left me emotionally devastated, full of theories, and already wanting to reread parts of it while I wait.
Profile Image for Books &Chaos.
61 reviews12 followers
July 7, 2026
I genuinely had such a fun time reading Untamed!

This story has excellent pacing, immersive world-building, and a plot that pulls you in immediately. I kept turning page after page and never wanted to put the book down.

The characters are incredibly likable—and I’m not just talking about the main characters, although they’re great. The supporting characters shine just as brightly (special shoutout to Brie). I found myself genuinely excited every time they appeared on the page and was rooting for all of them as well.

And that ending? Absolutely wild!

I won’t give any spoilers, but let’s just say that we get a huge revelation. I’m still not entirely sure what to make of it or where the author is headed next, but I’m fully invested and already can’t wait for book two.

If you are into a spicy fantasy romance with an exciting quest—this story is for you!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes ✨:
Black Cat Assassin FMC
Golden Retriever Prince MMC
Shadow Magic
Forced Proximity
Slow Burn
Magical Bond
Item Hunt/Quest
One Horse
Found Family


🖤: “If you’re a monster, then I’ll be the spine that keeps you standing. If you’re a storm, then I’ll be the eye you gather around. No matter what happens, I’m with you."

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Nat.
29 reviews1 follower
June 6, 2026
I really enjoyed Untamed, it's a great debut novel. The story is duel POV with Sera and Caelan and it was great to get insight into the two perspectives and made their relationship even more engaging. I especially loved Caelan's humour and found myself wanting to read more from his perspective. I am a sucker for a forced proximity trope and this did not disappoint. Their bond created plenty of tension while still allow their connection to deepen in what felt like an organic way.

I found all the characters interesting and toward the ending I become particularly intrigued by Riven. There is definitely more to his story and I can't wait for the next one so that I can read all about it. Sometimes I felt the pacing seemed slow or quick over parts where I expected to see a bit more, but I was always engaged with the story throughout. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for the next book!

Thank you Analise Song and NetGalley for the ARC.
Profile Image for Hira Khan.
86 reviews11 followers
June 28, 2026
Came for the assassin, left with emotional damage. I love a prince x assassin, especially when the prince was the job gone wrong and now she's bonded to him. Sera immediately won me over, and for an allegedly dangerous fae, Caelen was completely down bad for her from the start. The banter, tension, and found family had me hooked from the start. The ending had my jaw on the floor. Analise, I am begging you not to break my heart.
Profile Image for Sarah.
221 reviews15 followers
July 7, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for this advanced copy. I was immediately hooked by this book and by the FMC Sera. She was so witty, funny, and badass. I loved the banter between Caelan and Sera. And the last 10 chapters was full of emotional damage. The bonus Riven chapter has me very worried and conflicted.

Read this if you like
-spice 3🌶️
-fae x humans
-found family
-flirty cinnamon roll MMC
-banter
-assassin FMC who loves good wine
-magical bonds
-court politics
-🌶️ throne scene
-a quest
-emotional damage without a cliffhanger
Profile Image for Megan Witsche.
285 reviews1 follower
May 28, 2026
Early ARC Read from Netgalley

Tropes: Dark Romantasy, Accidental Magical Bond, Assassin FMC, Shadow Daddy MMC, Forced Proximity, One Bed/One Horse, Items Quest, Slow Burn, Found Family, Hidden Magic, Fae, Adversaries to Allies, Small Circle Loyalty, "The Ladder 🌶️”

Quotes: "Some secrets are never meant to be discovered. Some bonds are never meant to be broken. And some powers are never meant to be tamed."

Review No Spoilers: The FMC a skilled female assassin who takes on an incredibly risky contract; she must eliminate a fae target to clear her best friend's name. Her mark is a powerful fae prince feared across two realms for wielding an ancient, volatile power known as "the Untamed". When her assassination attempt fails, it triggers an accidental magical bond that tethers the two together; If one dies, the other dies. With their lives now permanently linked, the prince hires his would be killer as his personal guard. Together, they are forced into close proximity as they travel across the realm to find magical artifacts to break the bond. However, as they navigate dangerous court politics and haunted forests, they face non-stop assassination attempts from other factions. The closer they get to destroying the link, the more they begin to question if they actually want to be parted.

Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for JudyReadsFantasy Naude.
73 reviews2 followers
May 28, 2026
Some books entertain you and then some books quietly consume your entire personality for a few days. Untamed did the second one. I picked up Untamed thinking I was getting a fantasy romance.
What I got was emotional sabotage in the best possible way.
The atmosphere?
Absolutely addictive.
The tension?
Unbearable. In the ways that you want it to be.
Every interaction felt layered — dangerous, intimate, sharp, emotional. The kind of chemistry where even a conversation feels more intense than most romance scenes in other books. You keep guessing characters intentions. And the thing is… Untamed doesn’t rely on nonstop action to keep you hooked. It’s the slow unraveling. The looks. The mistrust. The pull between characters that absolutely should not want each other but do anyway.

This book gave me:
✨ dark fantasy tension
✨ morally grey energy
✨ masked ballroom scenes
✨ forced proximity
✨ emotional damage
✨ “this is a terrible idea” attraction
✨ the constant feeling that something devastating is about to happen

I finished this book with my heart completely conflicted and immediately needed the next one.

BookTok fantasy readers?
You need this on your radar.
Profile Image for Isabelle Omelczuk.
57 reviews
June 1, 2026
Ok let’s chat about this book. I give it 3 stars maybe 3.5. My thoughts might not be coherent, or people may disagree, but I like what I like. And this one was so close, but disappointed me at the end.

Let’s start with the FMC and MC. I love the banter between them. The book touches on some danger but still is able to keep a humorous edge to it. The honesty in their inner thoughts honestly made the story much better. It felt like actual thoughts. Ok his obsession and yearning for her was so perfect. I love him so much. And I love how strong she is.

The romance builds in a way that you are giddy and rooting for them. But there’s also this sense of doom because it seems like everyone else is trying to keep them apart.
I love how hard he fell for her. And so unapologetic. It made me love him even more

I do wish we had a little more of the journey part of the story. More of there initial attraction and banter. Because they both fell pretty fast. Or maybe a little more of the fighting and adventure. That part of the book was really fun to read but seemed to end a little quickly.


SPOILERS AHEAD ********










Ok let’s talk the ending. I love how despite evyerhtign calean is still determined to make sera is wife. im so into the determination. I just wish that they would have had some moments of them together at the cottage, like picturing what life would be like if they left and lived together in the cottage with turquoise walls.

Riven started out as such a great character arch. But I was heavily disappointed by the bonus chapter. I think it was a ruined chance to show loyalty and found family. I think having him be in love with her, kinda soiled the book in my mind. i can see the romance budding with Brie and Mallar. Great set up for future books. That’s what I was expecting with Riven and the witch, so again that decision for the other was very dissapointing.


I really enjoyed the majority of the book. But Sera’s resignation to just live in exile and not see Calean, seemed against her character. She had been a really strong FMC so again very disappointed in the change of her character.

Some people may be into love triangles of a MMF book, but that’s not my style. If that is the premise of the next book then
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1 review
May 4, 2026
Sooo.... got a lil sneaky peak, and let me tell you! So far I am hooked and can't wait to get my hands on more. The book is well written, great plot and world building and I feel once I get my hands on the whole thing, it'll be the only thing I'm doing til it's read through.
Profile Image for Karla Andreina.
56 reviews8 followers
July 7, 2026
My life definitely changed after reading this book, it was a breathtaking experience, an absolutely masterpiece.

I felt in love with the world building, with the magic aspects of all and how immersive the realm of Primoria was, the plot twist was utterly extraordinary and every single character was perfect in their own way.

This book was pure magic, it is full with sacrifices and devotion. Seraphae life is deeply connected to Caelan, since the beginning of their story they were meant to be together like star-crossed lovers.

Destiny brought them together and a bond connected their souls, without any judgment they started to realized that they needed each other and slowly they fall in love, a love so selfless that they sacrificed their own happiness to save a realm that didn’t want them together.

Both Saraphae and Caelan are the epitome of resilience and strength, they build a live purely based on their live circumstances.

Caelan lived for so many years a life of grief, living every day with the consequences that his untamed and raw magic has caused, he lived as the Prince of a court that misunderstood him and thought of him like a monster but without judgment Seraphae proved him that he wasn’t a monster and that he deserved to be loved.

Seraphae acted as a conduct of Caelan’s magic, she showed him the light of his darkness, she believed and trusted him blindly and support and encourage him to always reach his magic without fear.

After years of living a life of contracts, Seraphae thought that she wanted to be free, to live a quiet life but slowly she realized that want she wanted was a life full of love and laughter surrounded by her found family in the kingdom of Twilight, her dreams were shaping because finally she found a place where she could belong, she became an important part of Caelan, Maelor, Brie and Riven lives.

A love like both of them is very rare to find, they are the definition of soul mates but with her being human and him fae their love story is impossible.

This is an ARC review and if I could give infinity starts I would✨💫🌟
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mura ³².
79 reviews10 followers
June 24, 2026
[ARC review] 💜🗡️ Jun 23

I am obsessed. I’ll be obsessing over it until the second book comes out, then I’ll obsess over that, too.

I am SO grateful I got an arc for this and discovered this book. Also, hello, this is a debut novel? So good.

I appreciate a romantasy with actually good story, plot and main/side characters. The found family in this is immaculate. The plot? So fun. Hooks you from the start and I couldn’t put this down genuinely. The only reason I had to take more time with it is because I didn’t want it to end😣 I enjoyed it so much.

Sera is such an iconic queen I love her sm I think I grew too attached to her early on for personal reasons but she’s an amazing fmc. Strong, independent, smart, resilient, ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS DID YOU SEE THE ART HELLO?

And Caelan?! The greenest flag ever. I didn’t expect to love him this much but it was so HARD NOT TO. He makes it so easy to love him with his incredible character. The way he loves Sera alone should be turned into a poetry book or something.

The side characters were also a big part in why I loved this so much. They had a big impact on the story and the main group was so lovable. I can’t wait to read more about them in book 2 !!
Profile Image for Kimberly Fairbanks.
85 reviews1 follower
May 28, 2026
I absolutely love this book.

Every word upon the page, the way it was written, both excited me and went straight to imprinting on my heart.

From the beginning my full attention was captured. Completely enthralled and enthused. It must be the right mix of everything for me. It has a solid and interesting plot and premise. It has action, adventure, and a strong female lead that is humerous and joyful to read. It has a male lead who in actions and responses made me smirk, or made my heart sing. It has fascinating elements, great world building, and the spice was delicious. It had great characters and great relationships and interactions between them. All facets excited curiousity and intrigue.

It is easy to read yet full of details. The sneaky-unsuspecting details that carry its own significance that threads throughout this work of art. Almost everything expressed carried its own weight. As I reread it (yes already!) I was like oh! There was a passive meaning in those [already great the first time around] interactions and responses from the characters. Genius. Truly masterful crafting there!

So.. I think this book truly swept me off my feet - and I am not mad about that. It is already deemed as my favorite. I want this book in print in my hands like yesturday! I am definitely looking forward to book two!
Profile Image for Bevany.
768 reviews16 followers
June 11, 2026
This is a fun debut fantasy novel. I liked the characters and the world that was built. There are some fun twists for the reader. First in a series. I liked the magic system in the book it was fun, I will be looking forward to book 2.
Profile Image for Katie.
802 reviews3 followers
July 7, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and author, Analise Song,for the ARC of Untamed.

HOLY SHIT. This is one of my top fantasy books ever. Here are my very sporadic thoughts:

-Very similar to tog and acotar in the best ways (Sera was like a brunette badass like Calena and Caelan was similar looking and personality wise like Dorian, but fae), Maelor and Riven are like the cadre, Sera is magical in some ways and is also an orphan than was raised by assassins.

-I love the forced bond and proximity

- I have too many quotes highlighted to list, but I love the characters so much and how Caelan loved Sera like immediately was EVERYTHING
- THE BONUS CHAPTER. WTF!?

I need all of the authors book like now and I'm going to be getting a hard copy as a trophy, it was so good. Analise will forever be an auto buy author for me now. Girl, how is this your debut??!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jessica Sokol.
82 reviews4 followers
June 28, 2026
Another night of sacrificing sleep because this book had me up until 4:00 am. This can’t be healthy but it’s worth it. I was literally wide awake, clinging to every word on every page until it was over, and then I felt empty and lost. Another top read for me.

This was such an amazing story. Sera is an assassin sent to kill the fae prince, instead she ends up getting bonded to him and if he dies so does she.

The author’s writing is so witty and damn it is addicting to read. I was literally laughing out loud so much. The banter between all of the characters was top notch. The dual pov’s between the FMC and MMC were perfection. Every single character in this book was written so well and they are all so memorable. The found family is absolutely beautiful. The world was described with such detail you could picture yourself there, in a garden, talking to silverbell flowers. 🩵 The twists…well let’s just say I was beyond shocked and totally clueless. Jaw open. WTF. They were good, really good, especially that one at the very end. 😳😳

The way this book was written you could feel all of the emotions. The wit, the humor, the love, the friendship, the loyalty. Most of the book I was laughing and smiling, then I was crying and angry, then I was just mind blown at the end. That’s how you know a book is good. When you feel like you’re there, with these characters, feeling what they feel.

Another banger. Another book you should absolutely add to your TBR. Thank you Analise for letting me ARC read this!
Profile Image for Dalia M.
47 reviews8 followers
July 8, 2026
What an incredible read! Thank you Analise for giving me the privilege to read this before release!

Our FMC, Sera, an assassin who was ordered to kill the Prince of Twilight to save her friends life. Only in trying to do so, she failed her assignment and somehow became bonded with the prince.
Our MMC, Caelan, he is considered a monster amongst everyone for the powers he couldn't control. He fell first for Sera and it was absolutely adorable.
I loved every minute of their interactions. Caelen is funny and a true green flag MMC. Their banter has me giggling and I couldn't help to fall in love with them both.
The found family in this was truly amazing. Brie with her wine, Maelor a total cock block, Riven a broody Captain who never shows emotion but shows up at exactly the right time.
I was not expecting that ending with the bonus chapter. 😱 I mean i kinda thought it but then was like nahhh it couldn't be true. Hahaha boy was I surprised. I really hope to see how that plays out in the next book! 👀👀

I definitely recommend adding this book to your TBR if you like:

Assassin x Prince
Black cat x Golden retriever vibes
Found Family
Green Flag MMC
Betrayal
Slow burn tension
Forced proximity
Profile Image for Riina.
50 reviews
June 16, 2026
Oh Analise what a masterpiece as a debut novel 🫶🏼🖤

I LOVED the humor, the banter and the humoristic writing style! This was by no means a rom-com but I laughed out loud almost in every chapter 🤭 One of the side characters reminded me so so so much for my sarcastic hubby it was almost ridiculous 🙈😂

Loved the dual-POV and would have loved to be inside of Caelan's head more🙂‍↕️ The spice 🌶️, oh boy when we got there it was so good 🥵🥵

Oh and the BONUS CHAPTER??!!? It made the whole book so much better 🤩🖤 I KNEW IT!!!

I received an advance review copy, and I am willing to leave this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Scarlet.
195 reviews9 followers
July 4, 2026
I highly enjoyed this read from the fierce Sera (Fmc) to the depth of Caelan (Mmc). This book is about Sera (Fmc) being a skilled assassin who decides to take a somewhat risky contract, she must eliminate a fae target to clear her best friend's name. Her target is a powerful fae feared across two realms for an ancient magic called the Untamed. Will she succeed or will it go catastrophically wrong? You'll have to read to find out more. This book emotionally wrecked me in the best way possible. The chemistry was tense from characters who shouldn't want each other but can't stay away at the same time. If you love a Shadow Daddy Mmc, Slow Burn, Fae, and Hidden Magic then this is the book for you! Highly Recommend!


"Some secrets are never meant to be discovered. Some bonds are never meant to be broken. And some powers are never meant to be tamed."
Profile Image for Marie.
8 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2026
I can't wait until everyone is talking about this book!! Untamed is officially one of my favorites. It is now on the list to always recommend to everyone.
What Analise has created had me captivated instantly. The world is vividly painted and has me wanting to visit it. The characters develop and come together beautifully. There is mystery and problem solving going on that kept me on my toes. The humor and banter between characters had me giggling. Not to mention the moments that turn the heat up too 😉. I had to slow my reading down because I didn't want the book to end. I cant wait to see how this series develops. I will keep thinking about pretty flowers, sharp objects, wine, and shadows for now.
Profile Image for Eve.
14 reviews
June 27, 2026
'You're a mildly irritating candle at best'

Untamed is the first book in the Primorian Crown Series and the debut novel from Analise Song. I gratefully recieved this book as an ARC from Netgalley.
A strong beginning and well paced storyline kept me invested throughout and looking forward to book two.

What I loved:
✨️ Assassin FMC
✨️ Dual POV
✨️ The banter
✨️ The magic system

What I want more of:
✨️ Xander
✨️ Sera's magic
✨️ Sera's background

The vibes:
✨️ Found family
✨️ Forced proximity
✨️ Court politics
✨️ Open door spice
✨️ Magical bonds

Favourite quote:
"Preferred angle, or should I turn?" "Right there is fine," I said to his obliques, specifically.
22 reviews
July 1, 2026
I am very thankful for the eARC I received of Untamed by Analise Song and really enjoyed a lot of aspects of this book and see a lot of potential for future books in the series. The book follows a mortal assassin who is sent to kill the fae prince but ends up as his personal guard instead. Some of the things I really loved included the banter, exciting spice, unique magic and world building, found family, and a sarcastic and witty FMC. The book had a lot of mystery to it and had you waiting in suspense to see where everything would lead. There were a lot of unanswered questions that I’m sure will be explained in the sequels but made the reading experience slightly confusing and frustrating for me personally. Unfortunately the MMC was also just not my cup of tea. As the romance developed it seemed more like extreme attraction/infatuation vs a deep emotional connection which is not my personal preference. This made it hard for me to become invested in some aspects of the story. Overall it was a good read and there were definitely aspects I truly loved about it. I see a lot of potential as the author continues the story depending on where it goes.
17 reviews
May 28, 2026
ARC review with spoilers:
I love the banter between the FMC and the MMC. His shameless flirting left a smile on my face. I enjoyed the journey they both went on throughout the book. The plot is great. It kept me guessing who could want them dead throughout the book. I hated when their bond was forcibly broken and I hate that she didn’t stay with him. But I am excited that he found a way to hopefully (fingers crossed) bring her back to him. Can’t wait for book 2!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kayla.
107 reviews4 followers
May 28, 2026
Arc review

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, from the compelling characters to their engaging dialogue and the emotions they evoked. The narrative was expertly crafted, maintaining a high level of engagement throughout with its action-packed sequences. I am eagerly anticipating reading the second installment and any future works by this author, who has undoubtedly gained a new fan
7 reviews
May 27, 2026
FORCED PROXIMITY, STRONG FMC, SLOW-BURN
Okay I already want more. Im waiting for book number 2! I love the world and the new power. I want to know more! I can’t wait to see more of Sera, Caelan and Riven! 👀👀

We have a lot of mystery to know that I hope to see in book 2. Thanks for this good read and i can’t wait to know more.

Epilogue #2 😱👀👀

Rate : 4,5
Spice: 2.5
Profile Image for Lacy (BookBunLady).
306 reviews13 followers
July 7, 2026
4.5⭐️ Thank you to Author Analise Song for this ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.

The way she writes sarcasm and banter is perfection. The banter fit the characters age and personalities in the best way and I don't find that often. And I'm not just talking about the banter between the FMC & MMC, each side character's personality had their own humor and sarcasm that just hit so perfectly and makes them stand out helping to build a great connection to the reader.

I am fully invested in the world, magic and characters!

Lets talk about that ending... I was shocked how this ended. Its not your typical "happy ever after together" ending. THANK YOU FOR THAT!! Yes, we know the story is not over, but the guy doesn't always have to get the girl in a cute castle at the end of world by the end of book one. Thanks for keeping that suspense alive in the first book.

And that bonus chapter, ahhhh damn! How's that gonna go...?
Profile Image for Zuzanna&#x1f31a;.
247 reviews1 follower
June 15, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Analise for the arc!

If you like, assassins, fae, bonds and side characters that are unintentionally funny?? This book is for you. It wasn’t anything new by any means, but I did enjoy myself! For Analise’s first book, I’m thoroughly impressed.

Caelan was slowly growing on me throughout the book, his cheesy lines did actually make me laugh out loud. Sera.. I feel for you girl, I really do. Can she finally be happy?? I have a soft spot for Riven 🙂‍↕️ I don’t know why, I do like the morally grey side characters, they have a spot in my tiny, little, black, heart.

I can’t lie, he beginning was a little too quick for me. A lot was happening in the first few chapters, we were moving very quick. But, I enjoyed the pacing onwards, the pacing kept me on my toes and made me want to read more.

But that ending?? 👀 I’m very curious how book two will play out.
Profile Image for Letica Rice.
12 reviews
May 16, 2026
I got a sneak peek into this book and let me say I’m hooked!!!! I can’t wait to finish this book. I love the story building and the banter. I’m completely intrigued as to how these 2 characters I read about will be intertwined. Eagerly awaiting the arc to hit my inbox!
Profile Image for Tiffany Moore.
31 reviews
July 7, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
A strong fantasy debut that has me excited to see where this series goes! The pacing kept me engaged throughout, and while the romance wasn’t quite as slow burn as I’d hoped, I still loved the tension between the FMC and MMC. The moments of humor were a fun touch, and I’m always a sucker for a dual POV.

The world building was solid, though I found myself wanting just a little more depth. With a strong FMC, a swoon-worthy MMC, and plenty of promise, I’ll definitely be picking up the next book!

Thank you Analise Song and Victory Editing for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for brooklyn.
1 review
June 16, 2026
Got a sneak peak today and I can’t wait to get my hands (or eyes) on the rest of this book! Instantly sucked in, no regrets.

Update: finished. Emotional damage. This is ACOTAR x ToG vibes for me. Strong MMC. Perfect amount of spice/ tension.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews