Greed of Giants

by Angela J. Ford

A forbidden love. A sleeping fire god. A scholar who dares to wake him.

Exiled for breaking too many rules, scholar Ilaris is sent to catalog the forgotten runes of the fire giants, a race erased from history.

Then the earth splits open.

She awakens Killian: a chained fire giant prince, furious, achingly beautiful, and dangerous enough to destroy kingdoms. His touch burns. His freedom could end the world. And a blood oath has bound them together on an impossible quest.

But the one thing they both crave—to touch—is the one thing that could destroy them.

And desire is not the only danger waking beneath the earth.

Killian is only the beginning.

Ancient powers are waking. The gates are weakening. And the Unmaking are coming.

Bound by magic and forbidden desire, Ilaris and Killian must choose what they are willing to sacrifice and whether love is worth burning for.

For readers who love slow-burn yearning, forbidden fantasy romance, mortal/immortal romance, elemental magic, mythology-rich world-building, morally gray heroes, fierce heroines, and impossible quests with heart-wrenching stakes.

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

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance

344 pages, Hardcover

Published July 7, 2026

About the author

Angela J. Ford is a bestselling fantasy romance author who writes mortal × immortal forbidden romance featuring Black heroines in worlds where gothic cinema meets fantasy.

Angela's standalone novels deliver steamy yearning, atmospheric world-building, and complete emotional satisfaction in one book. No cliffhangers. No waiting years for sequels. No series commitment required.

Perfect for readers who love the ache of mortal/immortal romance, want meaningful Black representation in fantasy, and prefer complete standalone stories over multi-book series commitments.

When she's not crafting fantasy romance worlds, Angela can be found with her nose in a book, curating romantasy book boxes for readers, or exploring new ways to bring her stories to life through signed editions and immersive book experiences.

Visit her website (angelajford.com) for signed hardcovers, exclusive book boxes and luxe bookish candles.

Reviews

[Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was quite a surprise and I’ll never regret reading it 😭😭😭
💫 BOOK REVIEW 💫

No supero el hecho de que este libro tenga solo 280 páginas porque Angela Ford consigue meter en tan poco espacio más emoción, tensión y desarrollo de personajes que muchas novelas el doble de largas.

Me enganchó desde el principio, pero lo que realmente me conquistó fue la combinación de un banter brillante, un yearning exquisitamente doloroso y una prosa tan bonita que varias veces tuve que releer párrafos solo para disfrutarlos otra vez 🖤🖤

✨ TROPES:
❤️‍🔥Slow burn
😭Yearning
🤯Romantic tension
😜Witty banter
❤️‍🩹Characters you can't stop thinking about

Este ha sido mi primer libro de Angela Ford y puedo asegurar que no será el último. Si el resto de sus historias están escritas con este nivel de cuidado y sensibilidad, necesito leerlas todas.

¡¡Por favor, añadirlo a vuestros TBRs ya!! ¿Cuál has sido la última historia que os ha tenido enganchadas?💌
———————————————————————————-

I genuinely cannot believe this book is only 280 pages long. Angela Ford managed to pack so much emotion, tension, and character work into such a short story that it felt far bigger than its page count.

What stood out the most for me was the balance between the sharp banter, the aching yearning, and a writing style that completely pulled me in from the very first page. 🖤🖤

✨ TROPES:
❤️‍🔥Slow burn
😭Yearning
🤯Romantic tension
😜Witty banter
❤️‍🩹Characters you can't stop thinking about

This was my first Angela Ford book, but it definitely won't be my last. If this is the standard she sets, I can already tell I'm going to be working my way through her entire backlist.

💌 Please add this one to your TBR immediately.
What's the last book that had you completely hooked?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
.

[Maria Elena | pagesofmaria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want a Prince of Giants who tells me things like “I want to kiss you because the words that come from your mouth are sweet and beautiful.”

Greed of Giants is Greek Mythology Forbidden Fantasy Romance standalone featuring slow-burn yearning, mythology-rich world-building and a mortal/immortal romance between a sleeping fire god and the scholar who wakes him.

Exiled for breaking too many rules, scholar Ilaris is sent to catalog the forgotten runes of the fire giants, a race erased from history. Then the earth splits open and she awakens Killian, chained fire giant prince, furious, achingly beautiful, and dangerous enough to destroy kingdoms. His touch burns. His freedom could end the world. And a blood oath has bound them together on an impossible quest to wake the other princes and find three ancient relics to stop the Unmaking once and for all.

I loved the mythology in this book, to the point that it made me sad to know that the age of giants was gone. The simple act of the princes waking up from their long slumber made me feel things. Killian and Ilaris were great protagonists to follow through this journey. He’s a man haunted by guilt who just wants to right his wrongs, while Ilaris is intelligent, brave, with a strong moral compass and so much compassion. Together, they make a great power couple, though I would have liked for them to have a slower burn.

The ending left me staring at the ceiling for a long while. I was not expecting it. While I like to think that things will be okay eventually, I would have loved to have a true a happy ending on paper just to put my heart at ease.

Here are some tropes!
Forbidden Love
Lord of the Rings vibes
Greek Mythology
Interracial Romance
Mortal x Immortal
Forced Proximity
Fire Magic

Thank you to the author for sending me an eARC. Opinions are my own.

[Chiara | wordsbychiara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the gifted eARC. Opinions are my own.

Greed of Giants is the first book in a multi-author collection of romantasy standalones focused on fire magic and forbidden romance!

It follows Ilaris, an exiled scholar who awakens a fire giant prince and is bound to him by magic.

This is a fun, adventurous story brimming with magic, mythology and exquisite yearning! Experiencing the world through Killian's eyes felt especially nostalgic, and I adored the interactions with Ilaris. She really brings out the best in our fire giant prince with her bravery, selflessness and strong will.

However, I was expecting a slower burn for the romance and more tension, but things develop rather quickly between the two despite the added obstacle of Killian’s fire. I also was not expecting the ending to be quite so bittersweet.

You'll love this story if you enjoy:
💕 Slow burn yearning
💕 Forbidden romance
💕 Mortal x Immortal romance
💕 Elemental magic
💕 Greek Mythology
💕 Quests with high stakes

[Lauren Nash · Rating 4 out of 5]

this one surprised me in the best way.

ilaris is an exiled scholar sent to catalog forgotten ruins, and she ends up waking killian, a chained fire giant prince whose touch could kill her. a blood oath binds them together, and from there it’s a quest to stop something much bigger than either of them.

what stood out:
🔥 forbidden mortal x immortal romance
📜 mythology-rich world building
⚡ their connection builds fast but feels earned by the end
🗝️ high stakes, impossible-quest energy
💔 a hero carrying real guilt, and it shows
🌶️ closed door romance

the ending is what really got me. no easy fixes, just two people deciding what they’re willing to give up for each other. it’s not your typical tidy HEA, and that’s exactly why it’s stayed with me since I finished it.

if you like standalone romantasy with real emotional weight behind the ending, this one’s worth picking up. 🖤

[Deb Wieskamp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this paranormal romance story. The two main characters went through considerable changes personally in their search quest to close the rift. They started out being rather selfish having their own agendas in the search to having empathy for civilizations and willing to sacrifice themselves for that cause. I have to mention Jasper the dog/hellhound was a humorous addition to the plot.

[Cassandra Jerido · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT!!!!

Kudos to Ms. Ford for a well written book. It had everything, suspense, drama, and of course romance. I did not want the book to end it was so good.

[Jessica Martinez · Rating 3 out of 5]

**Greed of Giants** by Angela J. Ford was one of my most anticipated reads, largely because of the representation, and I was excited to dive into its unique blend of mythology, fantasy, and romance.

The story starts off strong with Laris, who is punished for exposing one of the wealthy and powerful families in her world. Her punishment sends her to catalog the forgotten runes of the Fire Giants—a race that has been erased from history. Things quickly become interesting when she accidentally releases a Fire Giant prince, Killian, setting off a chain of events that awakens ancient powers, weakens the gates between worlds, and threatens the arrival of the Unmaking.

Unfortunately, this is where the story began to lose me. The plot follows Laris and Killian as they embark on a quest to free his fellow giants in hopes of preventing catastrophe, but along the way the story becomes increasingly muddled. Between the guardians, Lady Justice, ancient prophecies, and the larger conflict, I found it difficult to stay fully invested. There were a lot of moving pieces, and at times the narrative felt overwhelmed by its own ambitions.

My biggest disappointment, however, was the romance. As someone who loves mythological fantasy romances, I was expecting much more from the relationship between Laris and Killian. There is an undeniable connection between them from the start, and the story hints at something deeper—almost a fated mates type of bond. But the romance never quite develops in the way I hoped. I kept waiting for the tension to build, for the emotional payoff, for the declarations and yearning that make these stories so satisfying, but it never fully arrived.

The ending also wasn't what I expected. While not every story needs a traditional happily-ever-after, I finished the book feeling somewhat unsatisfied by both the romantic and overall story arcs.

That said, I did appreciate the representation, the intriguing premise, and the mythology-inspired worldbuilding. There are definitely elements here that will work for readers who enjoy epic fantasy adventures and higher-stakes mythology-driven stories.

Overall, **Greed of Giants** was a solid 3-star read for me. It had a promising beginning and some interesting ideas, but ultimately the romance and plot execution didn't quite deliver what I was hoping for.

*I received an advance reader copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*

[Aly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts!

That single-minded focus on accomplishments and recognition. She wanted the world to know who she was and what she'd done- more importantly, what she'd discovered. - Greed of Giants

I very much enjoyed this book! I liked reading about the two main characters, Ilaris and Killian. As a huge history buff, I found the history of the giants just as fascinating as Ilaris did. I found myself wanting to know more about the lore of the giants and what exactly it was like to live back during their time. One of the characters that definitely stole the entire book for me was Jasper, and if you read it, you'll definitely understand why!

When I started reading this, I genuinely thought that there would be some more build up to Ilaris and Killian, but there definitely was some insta-lust from Ilaris's side. For a while, it seemed very much one-sided, but it eventually played out more.

While I enjoyed the characters and the overall plot of the story, there were a few things that kind of blared at me. One of the things that was a bit much was the pacing of the story. For a standalone, I feel like it should have been longer or put into two books. There was so much that Ilaris and Killian had to do, especially traveling wise, that how it played out was too fast. At some points what should have been a few chapters, just ended up being a few pages, was quickly figured out, and was moved on from. Usually I'm on the other side where books are too slow, but this one was too fast. While the tropes say Lord of the Rings vibes, I definitely did not get any from that (especially as a LOTR nerd).

I also just had issues with how the world building was in general. I was super into the lore in the beginning, but it just kind of fell off in favor of the fast paced plot, and I genuinely was sad that I couldn't learn anything else about the world, historical or in the present time.

One of the other things that didn't quite make sense to me was the fact that Ilaris had read from the scroll, but she never continued to read the rest. While she stated she was afraid to, this is the same woman that is a huge scholar, and that is not something that would deter her. I felt like this was such a weird thing from a scholarly character!

Overall, while I did have a few issues with the book, I still very much enjoyed the story!

[unzeniablybookish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC. This review contains my own honest thoughts.

My Rating: 3 / 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐

​The Greed of Giants was a wild ride for me. While I’m leaving this book with mixed feelings, I ultimately had a pretty good time reading it!

​What I loved:
The book is a very fast and smooth read from the very first page. The writing style is lovely, and the formatting and editing were clean, I didn’t spot any typos, which is always a huge plus for an ARC. On top of that, the main characters (Killian and Ilaris) are genuinely likeable. Their chemistry felt real and engaging, which easily kept me hooked and turning the pages.

​Structure, world-building & plot twists:
Where the story fell short for me was the overall consistency in both structure and world-building. Right from the start, there was a noticeable difference between the prologue (written from Killian’s perspective) and the later POV chapter from Ilaris that covers the exact same moment. Having the same scene play out differently depending on the POV felt like a major oversight.

​As the book progressed, the world-building turned into a massive blend of genres It starts out with ancient Greek mythology and giant vibes, but quickly throws in steampunk elements like modern transportation, specific modern drinks, and humming air balloons. There were also very obvious lore parallels to The Lord of the Rings (with an underground setting that felt a bit too much like the Mines of Moria), followed by a literal classic fairy tale trope overnight to reach a 'Sky Kingdom'. It took me out of the story a couple of times.

​Additionally, there was a frustrating plothole in the epilogue involving a character named Scholar Ben. Without giving too much away, the way a certain information exchange was handled made a previous plot point feel a bit pointless, which was a shame for the overall wrap-up.

​The ending:
That being said, I was actually very satisfied with the actual ending for Killian and Ilaris. The emotional and romantic sacrifice they make together (no cheap magical fixes here!) was beautifully done and fit their dynamic perfectly.

​Overall, it’s a fun, easy slump-breaker with great characters, but the structural flaws and chaotic world-building definitely could have used some more consistency.

[Lilith's_Library_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Angela J. Ford for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

Greed of Giants is the kind of fantasy that reminds me why I love the genre. Filled with epic adventure, dangerous secrets, unforgettable characters, and a world brimming with magic, this was a story that completely swept me away from the very first page.

Angela J. Ford has crafted a richly imagined world where ancient legends and looming threats shape every decision the characters make. The world-building is immersive, gradually revealing layers of history, mythology, and mystery that kept me completely invested. Every new revelation raised the stakes, making it impossible not to keep turning the pages.

The characters are wonderfully developed, each carrying their own fears, strengths, and ambitions. Their journeys are filled with impossible choices, personal sacrifices, and moments of triumph that felt genuinely earned. I loved watching the relationships evolve throughout the story, proving that courage isn't the absence of fear—it's choosing to move forward despite it.

One of my favourite aspects of this novel was its balance between epic action and emotional storytelling. The battles are thrilling, the mysteries are compelling, and the quieter moments allow the characters to truly shine. Every victory felt hard-won, every setback carried weight, and I found myself emotionally invested until the very last chapter.

By the time I reached the ending, I was already eager to return to this world. Greed of Giants is an exciting fantasy filled with adventure, heart, and the promise of even greater things to come.

"The greatest monsters aren't always the giants we fear—they're the greed, ambition, and choices that shape who we become."

If you're looking for a fantasy packed with ancient legends, epic quests, powerful magic, and characters who refuse to give up when everything is against them, Greed of Giants deserves a place on your TBR.

✨ Tropes & Themes
🗿 Giants & Ancient Legends
⚔️ Epic Fantasy Adventure
✨ Magic & Mythology
🗺️ Quest Fantasy
👑 Kingdoms in Conflict
🗝️ Hidden Secrets
🤝 Found Family
💖 Character Growth
🔥 High Stakes
📚 Rich World-Building

[Elizabeth Dragina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went into this book excited for the possibility of high stakes fantasy with a side of romance. Maybe it’s my own fault for setting expectations high?

I was immediately disappointed by the author’s total lack of consistent world building. Then as soon as the characters meet they are in “love” (lusting over each other).

I tried to decipher whether it was part of the magical bond that they shared or something to due with the “awakening” but nothing was ever explained?

There were so many plot holes and unanswered questions. I was left at the end of a chapter wondering what just happened and how that was at all realistic within the world building. Things were way too convenient and it kept giving me the impression it was lazy writing? Not that I ever want to assume or discredit the amount of work an author puts into their book ….. but it seemed to me some good editing would have caught the plot holes.

I did not connect with the characters at all. They “fell in love immediately” and started lusting after each other while at the same time trying to convince themselves they weren’t attracted to the other. There were so many inconsistencies within their characters that I had a hard time understanding how they truly felt about a situation.

The entire story felt like it had no structure. They had a plan and then the plan got changed like 4x. Also can someone explain how they had no map and they were both lost about the exact location of all these “stone frozen giants” but somehow conveniently ended up everywhere they needed to be “on accident”.

The romance felt so rushed and forced and entirely lust driven while the author tried to paint it as “sacrificial love”.

While I did appreciate the end of the story and the overall message I couldn’t connect with the writing or the characters at all. I can’t help but think if the story was flushed out a bit more and gave the characters more time to get from point A to point B it could have been truly magnificent.

*FTC DISCLOSURE* I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are meant to be constructive and not rude. Thank you!

[Sonderous Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ilaris dreams of finding answers that will carry her name across lifetimes. Unfortunately, as an acolyte not yet recognized by the House of Scholars, her research creates more scandal than it does fame and success. Now tasked with the research of rocks and ruins on the Island of Vold, Ilaris hopes to uncover something new about the giants that once lived there. And she does… somehow, through a blood oath and an ancient scroll, Ilaris awakens Killian, the Prince of the Fire giants, whose second-chance at life comes as the harbinger of a fate of fear and fiends. Together, the scholar and the prince must traverse the world and find the means to stop the end before the creatures of the deep claw their way back to the surface. If not, the age of man will end just as the giants had. What price will they pay to stop fate? 


“Greed of Giants” is the first novel of the “Forbidden Bonds” collection. Each book is its own story, celebrating the heartbreaking connections made by the star-crossed. It's clear to see why this book would be the first foray into the collection. Though bound together by fate and blood oaths, Killian and Ilaris are forbidden to touch. The heat of his magic could kill her, devouring her and leaving naught but ash and dust and heartbreak ever after. And the longer they are in each other's company, the harder it is to pull away. While their quest is exciting, it's their emotional journeys that take center stage. I finished this in literal hours because of how close I felt to the characters.


By the time I reached the end of their story, I had grown in ways I hadn't expected. It forced me to face the questions I would have chosen to run from; it asked me to contemplate what I wanted from my future and if it was the same thing that had started me on my journey so long ago. We find ourselves in every book in so many different ways. Ilaris and Killian carried not only their burdens but the fragments of the heroes we were before we had to choose between ourselves and the world. I think I will carry this book with me forever.

[Nova McCormack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this read. The pacing was quick, and while it's a shorter book, I never felt like anything was sacrificed because of it. The story flowed effortlessly, kept me completely engaged, and I found myself getting swept away in the adventure.

Ilaris is an apprentice at the House of Scholars, but after a scandal leaves her disgraced and on probation, she's sent away for six months to study the runes of the ancient giant gods. She sees it as the perfect opportunity to let the whispers surrounding her fade and hopefully earn back the House's trust.

What she doesn't expect is to discover a mysterious scroll that awakens and blood bonds her to Kilian, Prince of the Fire Giants. Even worse, the magical seals holding the terrifying creatures known as the Unmaking are beginning to weaken. With the world on the brink of disaster, the two must embark on a quest to restore the ancient protections before the Unmaking escapes and destroys everything.

I just love a good quest!! It gave us all the forced proximity, high stakes, elemental magic, and fickle gods. The mythology was especially interesting, and the take on Pandora's box was so smart. If anything, I wanted more of that, but that’s just because I’m selfish and love it all!

What I loved most was the emotional depth woven into the story. Kilian carries the crushing weight of guilt, knowing that his own greed and ambition ultimately led to the downfall of his people. In many ways, Ilaris and Kilian’s journeys mirrored each other. They both longed to prove themselves, to discover more, to be significant, and to leave behind a legacy worth remembering.

Their relationship was a true slow burn, and for good reason. Kilian is literally a fire giant, so getting too close would actually burn Ilaris. It made every moment of yearning feel even more intense, and the tension between them was so worth the wait. I loved watching their reluctant alliance build into something real, something easy, and something inevitable.

The story didn't unfold the way I expected, but I loved where it ended up. It was the perfect conclusion for these characters, bringing their journey to a heartfelt and memorable close.

Thank you so much to Angela J Ford for this gifted ecopy!!

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

***Thank you Angela J. Ford for this ARC. All opinions are my own.***

Never judge a book by its cover.

I did not follow that advice, judged this book by its cover, and was rewarded with an incredible five-star read.

Angela J. Ford creates a vibrant world in this standalone story. Using the myth of Pandora’s Box along with sprinklings of biblical tales, she creates a romance packed full of bravery, adventure, and yearning. Greed of Giants is a memorable tale about the painful reminder of chasing greed and atoning for our sins at any cost.

The varying landscapes - from fields of flowers to the depths of jungles and the barren landscape of an ancient society destructed - allowed me to envision myself standing alongside Ilaris and Killian exploring the world.

I especially loved Ilaris’ character: her family history, the way she has not allowed the trauma of her past to change who she is, the way she chased her dreams instead of giving in to the depths of grief. I adored the fact that she was a scholar, not a fighter, using her wits to gain the advantage instead of trying to fight.

And Killian’s character, wracked with grief and wielding powers that threatened to burn everything in his wake, proved both memorable and thought-provoking. Especially as the story went on, seeing his grief change, watching him grow and become something more than his destruction, was inspiring.

Greed of Giants is a wonderful romance full of twists and turns, love and loss. I could not put it down, no matter what, and finished it in a day. I wish there were a sequel, only because I loved the world and the characters, but it functions as a perfect standalone. Bravo, Angela Ford, you have a new reader of your work.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing tale between a scholar who seeks recognition and a fire giant who had sought greed and brought destruction upon his race.

Ilaris had a poor beginning in life and sought knowledge in the House of Scholars. After sharing truth about a situation about a powerful family, she is sent into the field to translate runes for the next six months as penance and her membership. As she visits the ruins on the island, she discovers a scroll and reads from the old language, and awakens a fire giant.

Killian and Ilaris, who are now blood bound, must journey to awaken four other giant princes to seal the door before the Unmaking is leashed upon the mortals. Through this journey the attraction between the two is evident, but she is unable to touch him, as his fire can burn her.

The both come to understand and learn to forgive themselves and learn what loving the other means. Their love is what allows Killian to change heart and help Ilaris to seek the relics that will help to bring salvation to the mortal realm, but the price will be their ulimate sacrifice.

I will say this was a touching book and focused on the character development. They each had growth to achieve, past acts to bury, and love to accept. I did not predict the ending and I my heart wish it had ended differently. But, at the same time, I think it was the best ending for this story.

TROPES: slow burn yearning, forbidden love, mortal x immortal, elemental magic, mythology rich world building, morally gray heroes, fierce heroines, quest driven

[Drie Corley · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨✨✨ 3 Stars

This one was such a mixed bag for me, but I still had a good time reading it.

The Greed of Giants had me hooked right away. The writing is super easy to get into, the pacing moves quickly, and Killian and Ilaris were definitely the highlight for me. Their chemistry kept me turning the pages, and I really wanted to see where their story would go.

The Greek mythology inspiration mixed with giants was such a cool concept, and I loved the ambition behind the world. That being said… there were a lot of different fantasy elements thrown into the mix. At times it felt like Greek mythology, epic fantasy, steampunk, and fairy tale vibes were all competing for attention, which made the world feel a little overwhelming and occasionally pulled me out of the story.

I also wish the romance had packed a bit more of an emotional punch. The connection between Killian and Ilaris was there, but I kept waiting for those heart-fluttering, tension-filled moments that never quite reached the level I was hoping for.

Even with a few plot inconsistencies and a wrap-up that left me wanting a little more, I still enjoyed the adventure and appreciated how unique the premise was. If you love mythology-inspired fantasy, giant lore, magical quests, and don’t mind a world that’s a little ambitious, this one is still worth checking out.

✨ Overall: not a new favorite, but definitely an entertaining fantasy that had some really strong moments—and I’d still be interested in seeing where Angela J. Ford takes this world next.

[Charlie Mouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review - 4.5 stars

This is so not something I would normally pick up, but apparently I need to start trusting books that make me question my life choices because this had me hooked from page one.

Also, I think this wins the award for the weirdest opening chapter I've read so far, in the best way possible. No notes.

I loved the representation, the constant yearning (seriously, these two had me suffering right alongside them), and the whole feeling of getting completely lost in this world. The elemental magic was so much fun, the morally grey characters were actually morally grey, and Ilaris was exactly the kind of heroine I love reading about.

Then there's Killian, a chained fire giant prince who's equal parts terrifying and "I can fix him." (I could not fix him. Kudos to Ilaris.)

The premise is honestly so cool. Exiled scholar Ilaris is sent to catalogue the forgotten runes of the long-erased fire giants, accidentally wakes up Killian, gets magically bound to him through a blood oath, and suddenly they're off on a quest that basically nobody asked for, while trying very hard not to touch each other. Peak slow-burn torture.

The sacrifices everyone had to make really hit, and I was way more emotionally invested than I expected to be.

If you're into:

slow-burn yearning
forbidden romance
mortal × immortal
elemental magic
morally grey characters
fierce heroines

I'd definitely recommend giving this one a shot.

I'd 100% reread this, and the paperback has officially earned a spot on my wishlist.

[Sixella MK · Rating 4 out of 5]

July 2026 Small Business BookTok ARC Reviews (BookFable Edition): “Greed of Giants” by Angela J. Ford

Note: This ARC was given to me for free by the author and I am reviewing this book voluntarily.

"The one thing they want most..Could destroy them both!” - Angela J. Ford

Jump back into the magical world of the Fordiverse as “Tower Knights” series author Angela J. Ford presents the first installment in the author-collaborated Fantasy Romance series “Forbidden Bonds”! Join Illaris, a scholar tasked to deliver a mysterious scroll, and Killian, the former ruler of the Fire Giants she accidentally awakened from his stone statue state, as they go on an adventure to prevent a world-ending disaster all while trying to fight the forbidden, growing chemistry they feel for each other! It’s Ford’s signature whimsical, tension-filled storytelling combined with the Greek mythological tale of “Pandora’s Box,” a “Lord of the Rings” atmosphere, and an unexpected twist ending that will have your jaw dropping to the floor! Ready to get immersed in this brand new Romantasy series? Then don’t miss out on this book when it hits online shelves on July 7, 2026!

Rating: 4/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tropes: Fantasy Romance, Greek Mythology Retelling, Interracial Romance, Mortal Scholar FMC x Immortal Fire Giant MMC, Forbidden Romance, Forced Proximity, Fire Magic, Magical Animal Sidekick, Mysterious Magic Scroll, Giants, Gods & Goddesses, and Cryptic Prophecy!

[Bess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not an HEA.
Gotta get that out there first.
The story was well written. It was as if Pandora had to pull all the evil back into the box after accidentally releasing it.
All Ilaris wants is to be recognized for some monumental discovery. After publishing a truthful article that endangers the elite, she's sent to the furthest reaches to research the lost Giants. And she opens the "box."
Killian is the prince of the Fire Giants. Trapped in stone for his relentless greed and desire for accolades. While searching for more, he stumbled upon the Unraveling. Creatures of darkness intent on total destruction.
Ilaris releases Killian, and now the two are bonded and have to save the world together. No honor, no glory, and their names won't even be remembered.
Are they ready to make that sacrifice?! Would you?
Content: mentions of drug use, on-page sex (not descriptive), clothes removed, adult language, magic, slow burn, we see all the types of Giants that once ruled the land, selflessness, and redemption. And the most adorable hellhound named...guess what?! Jasper! Yep! 3rd book in a row with a Jasper for me!
I'm really torn about how to rate this story. On the one hand, it was very imaginative and creative!
On the other hand, it had elements I would rather not read. The reason I won't read book 2.
I find in my reading that Angela really walks a very tight line between no-low spice and spicy. To me, I would like the divide to be wider because I like her stories.

[Shawna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greed of Giants
3.75⭐️

Ilaris is a scholar who is trying to make a name for herself after being exiled for speaking the truth of powerful individuals. She’s been sent to catalog forgotten ruins when she accidentally awakens Killian, a the fire giant Prince. A blood oath soon binds them, as they go on a journey together. This quest will take them across the land to hunt for objects that will suppress the Unmaking from ruining the world as they know it.

This book caught my attention with the idea of being somewhat Greek inspired with the idea of “Pandora’s Box” and the presence of gods and giants. There were many aspects I really enjoyed about this book. The concept was interesting, it started off great with world building, and the romance was a large factor, but not overpowering. I was looking for a faster paced story and short chapters, which this also checked boxes for.

I do wish the world building would’ve remained strong throughout the story. The romance is more insta-lust than slow burn. There are moments that feel rushed at times due to the idea of skipped time as they are traveling. This book could’ve easily been longer, or a duology. However, I feel like there was a decent story told within the pages.

Thank you Angela J Ford and Storygram Tours for a copy of this book.

[Kandee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoy this as a myth versus a romantasy. Ilaris and Killian were brought together because both were punished for their ambitions. As a result they needed to go on several epic quests in order to solve the problem they created. Along the way, they learn and that sometimes a personal sacrifice benefits the greater good.

As a standalone romance their attraction is obviously sparked because Killian had been encased in stone for thousands of years so the desire for female companionship makes sense. There is also an implied connection in that others were sent on this task before but she was able to “succeed” where others had failed. The author writes beautiful prose to describe their feelings in the moment, especially toward each other.

I also appreciate the author’s limited and respectful intimacy scenes.

Only had a couple critiques. I appreciate the world that she created. I believe that The Four could have been explained a better, especially since the elementals were very detailed. I assumed that they were The Four Horsemen of the apocalypse. But since it’s a series they may appear later. Also, our MMC is an older immortal but his civilization isn’t much different than the time he woke up in. Like, the FMC didn’t have to explain much because he already knew.

I enjoyed Greed of Giants very much.

[Stephanie Rhamstine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. It leaned much more into the characters than the romance, and I think that's what made it so memorable. Watching both Ilaris and Killian grow, face the mistakes of their pasts, and learn to accept love felt incredibly rewarding. Their development was the heart of this story, and I found myself invested in both of their journeys.
The world-building was another standout. Angela J. Ford created a rich world full of ancient legends, forgotten history, elemental magic, and looming danger. Every new piece of the puzzle revealed something bigger, and I loved slowly uncovering the mysteries alongside the characters.
I also have to mention the ending because I absolutely did not see it coming. My heart wanted something different, but after sitting with it, I really think it was the right ending for this story. It was bittersweet, emotional, and fit everything these characters had been through.
If you're looking for a romantasy with immersive world-building, strong character development, forbidden love, and emotional stakes, I definitely recommend giving this one a chance.

[Kananiy Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

SIGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH 💔

When I first picked this book up, I thought it was going to be a cute little slow burn with a happily ever after.

Boy was I wrong. 🥺🥲

Killian & Ilaris deserved so much better. They deserved more time. More everything. Their story was beautiful. There was a lot of moving parts, Unmaking, Lady Justice & the other giants. This book could’ve been 600 pages and I would’ve DEVOURED IT. 😩

I am so hoping for a book about Castor. A winged giant?! I’d pay good money for an entire series solely based on the other Giants. Numen included. He was giving off major Poseidon vibes. 😩

I read this book after finishing a particularly sad book and thought this would be a pick me up. NOPE. I was so upset with that ending. I was hoping against all hope that they would save the world together and stay together.

I mean when he proposed??????? When they made love underneath the sky and he could finally touch her? 🤤

The yearning was so intense, to touch the untouchable and not be burned. 🔥

I would happily read more about these Giants if the author decides to write more about them!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn't love when a scholar and a giant goes on a quest to save the world?

I thought that this story had a great premise. It had immersive world-building from the start. The way the surrounding were described were lush and you couldn't help but be able to picture everything in your head. Both main characters were interesting; they were well rounded and likeable. Ilaris is extremely curious with a strong need for justice, which I can relate to. The yearning was palpable bewteen the two as well.

What I thought was problematic was the marketed genre. I've seen it marketed as a Romantasy/ fantasy romance. Some.readers, like myself, will suspect certain outcomes and promises. The ending is shocking because of what I've come to understand is a promise of Romantasy novels. Now if this would have been marketed as a romantic fantasy or just a fantasy, I wouldn't have been as shocked. Because I had a certain idea of how this was going to end, I felt a bit unsatified by the ending. This, however, doesn't take away from the strong underlying theme of the entire novel, which I think was the main point of it.

[Reagan Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

To start off we gotta talk about THAT ENDING 🤯 🔥 😭 DANGGGG but also the way it was so perfect. Definitely will be thinking about that for a LONG time 😭 ❤️‍🔥

Ilaris. I loved her scholarly drive 🪶 her passion for discovery and learning was so fun to read about, especially regarding the ancient runes and civilizations 🏛️ and her initial physical attraction morphing into the bone-deep, earth-shattering love the ending had was beautiful 🥹

Killian. I love a good redemption story and this one was awesome 💪🏼 The guilt and anger he felt when he was first awoken was all consuming 🔥I loved watching love soften him and focus his determination for good 🥹

The questing 🗺️ the prophecies ✨ the statues 🩶 and the bond between them ♥️ were so engaging. The romance, while at some times was a bit physical attraction heavy at first slowly morphed into a all-consuming love that saved the world 🌎

I’m excited to continue this series 📚

⚠️ CW: minor and infrequent swearing, steamy and emotionally charged makeouts ‼️ a fade-to-gray scene, discussion of dr*gs, the MC’s are bound together by an accidental blood oath⚠️

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greed of Giants was a quick read, but one that left a lasting impression.

To me, this story feels like a historical fairy tale. By the time I reached the ending, it almost felt as though I had witnessed the beginning of a legend rather than the end of a story.

Ilaris and Killian are kept apart by a curse placed upon him, making this a true slow burn. While there's an immediate attraction between them, the real tension comes from the way they're forced to navigate their growing connection while the curse keeps them at a distance. I really enjoyed watching that dynamic unfold.

Their quest leads to a twist I wasn't expecting, but surprisingly, I didn't mind it at all. In fact, it reinforced what I'd been feeling throughout the story. The ending made it seem as though this wasn't simply the conclusion of their journey, but the moment their story became something remembered throughout history.

If you enjoy mythology, fantasy, forbidden romance, and a romance that takes its time to develop, this is well worth picking up.

I received this book as an ARC, however, this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings, shared voluntarily.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greed of Giants by Angela J. Ford is an adventure read that mixes together the myths of ancient Giants, magic, and love. It hits all the marks that I have for a standalone: quick read, great pacing, easy world building/visuals, character growth.

We follow Ilaris, FMC, who has been sent away from House of Scholars to the Vold to study stonework and the runes left behind thousands of years ago by the ancient Giants who ruled the world before where she meets Killian, MMC, and is taken on a journey that will give her glory, praise and accolades; everything she's always wanted.

The development between Ilaris and Killian is fast and slow-burning at the same time. They both feel an undeniable pull from the beginning but circumstances and personal internal battles keep each other at bay. As their journey progresses, the time spent together changes them and their views on what they want and what they thought they were meant to do.

Great read overall!

I received this as an ARC from the author. Thank you!

[Sarah J Prentice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am glad I gave greed of giants a try as I wasn't disappointed. It is a standalone romantasy set in a world where giants where wiped about centuries ago and a Scholar who broken a rule is sent to the site of where the fire giants once lived to study the ruins. She wakes a sleeping fire giant and forms a blood bond and so their quest begins to save the world. The events that destroyed the giants could happen again and it is up to these two to save everything. Dual pov which I love. You see how the fmc and mmc might have more in common then they think. Author did an absolutely amazing job in the world-building but also the history of the giants so you understood past events and their relevance to now considering it is a standalone. Romance was good. I did wonder how it was going to wrap when at 80% as they still had things they need to do. But the ending was, actually not going to say as do not want to spoil anything but I still think about it now.
Thank you to author for an arc for an honest review. Will definitely read more for this author.

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unique story that blends what feels like The Odyssey, The Mummy, and Thor all together. Ilaris is a scholar banished to an isle of ruins to document and learn from ancient artifacts (as penance for angering the wrong people). Instead, she wakes an ancient giant who has a strong mission to save the world he had condemned to death.

Ilaris is sensitive but tough, with a curiosity that can’t be denied. Killian is somewhat brash, quick to decide, and passionate (with a firepower that makes enemies and friends alike bow). The two must go on a quest to find the other punished princes and stop the end of the world.

This wasn’t my favorite read. There is a lot of world building, but the characters didn’t deepen for me. The romance felt a little rushed and I just didn’t fall in love with anyone. I am also not a fan of books involving quests, so that might be my true reason for not rating this one higher.

Rated PG-13 for some violence
—low spice
—no language
—mild to moderate violence

I received this eARC free from the publisher. My opinions are my own and given voluntarily

[Kassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this book! Ahhh! From the first few chapters, I was completely invested and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I was up until 4am, with the usual “just one more chapter” excuses! 😍

The world building felt immersive without being super overwhelming or too much, and the characters had so much depth that I found myself emotionally invested in EVERY decision they made. The story strikes a great balance between action, emotion, and high stakes, with enough plot twists to keep me reading AND guessing.

THE YEARNING had me yearning for the sequel, ASAP, please! I have no patience when it comes to a good book. This is the kind of fantasy book that stays with you long after you’ve finished. I’ve already pre-ordered the special edition and got the audible version lol!

Tropes: Magical bonds, morally grey hero, smart heroine, forbidden love, slow-burn but INTENSE chemistry

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (definitely romantic/spicy scenes, but not explicit)

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️