Out, Root and Stem: Part One

by Jess Layne

510 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 30, 2026

Reviews

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, thank you, Jess, for the ARC! Holy mother, this was good! After my review of the last book, I'll be the first to eat my words. I did not like the introduction of a second mate for Althea towards the end of the last book, even though I still loved the book. I have read many MFM romance books so that wasn't the issue but didn't think it fit this story since the last book was so focused on Althea and Adathan. However, the transition of that in this book was SO well done and totally makes sense now that it's out there. I'm hoping for more in the next book. I loved seeing Adathan and Atlas get closer and become BFFs. I loved Sione's and Lina's relationship progression. And one of my least favorite romance/romantasy tropes is separation between the FMC and MMC, but it didn't bother me in this book and didn't take away from my enjoyment of it. It was maybe because all of the POV character chapters were well written and interesting that I was ok with the separation. The story in general was just that good! I am sooo excited for the final book! This is one of my favorite series I've ever read.

[Kelly Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m so thankful I get to continue ARC reading this series. Books one and two completely tore my heart apart and made me fall in love with these characters, so going into book three, part one, I was honestly a little nervous for Thea and several of the others.

One of my favorite things about this installment was getting multiple POVs. It made the story feel so immersive, like I was watching a movie unfold from different perspectives, and I loved seeing how everyone’s experiences connected.

I also really appreciated the sense of women empowerment throughout the story, especially through Thea’s actions and mindset, but also through several of the other female characters.

I’m so excited to see how this trilogy ends and where the why choose storyline ultimately goes.

My only regret is that I didn’t do a reread before diving into this one because I was a little confused at the beginning. So my biggest recommendation is to read these books back to back if you can. It’ll make the experience even better!

[natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“the world will not survive us. the stars will burn out. the universe will crumble. and, when we are all that’s left, we will still be together, safe in the darkness that we learned to love.”

i lack the WOOORRRRRRRRDS YAWL. I TRULY DO. this series gets more and more intense and perfect with each installment. i could actually go on forever and ever and ever and ever and ever and -

ok you get me.

these characters…yawl. down to my CORE i love them. the character arcs are so intricately woven. everything clicks into place exactly as it should. one of my favorite things about this book was seeing all of the relationships - romantic & platonic - really blossom. i laughed, i swooned, i teared up (“my boy” iykyk). some of these bonds were surprising (no spoilers but…teheheheeh) & i cannot wait to see where they go next.

and the plot ?? BRUTHA this was the best damn game of chess i ever did witness. i absolutely love a good court game - a tense, masterful bout of political intrigue. of manipulation and seduction that left me anxiously flipping the page for what came next.

jess layne continues to prove that she is a master at her craft. her characters are real and raw, her world building is fantastical but reflective of reality, and her words are so lyrical you just have to read them again and again.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW |

To sum up part one - An Emotional rollercoaster on steroids

Emmy goes to Thea for best actress
Adan + Atlas - The duo I didn’t know I needed
Dion & Ciara / Mom & Dad? Yes
Lina + Dion 1hand/9finger jokes? Absolutely 🤣
Lina & Sione… HAWT.com

CHAPTER 43?? Void take me 🫦

If you like FMCs that are absolute badasses, you NEED to read books 1 & 2 (then this one, obviously), and then all of the above will make sense.

Jess’ pen game is crazy okay? I have been hooked since the very first few lines of book one because it's just so captivating. It's like I’m right there on the battlefield or in the tent with Atlas and Adan …or at the masquerade with Thea 😏

Rent-free. In my Head. Forever.

But seriously, this series has easily become one of my favourites because of how much depth the plot and the characters have. The endless yearning and the multiple POVs and couples we follow… THE DRAMA, the cockroaches 🤣

hook it in my veins because there’s crack in this for sure.

Part two is sitting pretty in my Kindle library … I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready but I’ll return in a few weeks to report if I finished it or if it finished me. 🫠

& a big Thank You to Jess for the opportunity to read this early ✨

[Morgan | bookish_morgano · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️ rounded up / ARC review (thanks to the author!)

Getting to experience these beautiful characters as they continue their journey has been so satisfying. Especially Sione and Lina (swoon).

I really enjoyed the multiple POVs and seeing the mated pairs develop their relationships. As well as seeing the why choose element of this story really starting to bloom.

Jess’ writing style has always had me in a chokehold and it feels like coming home to immerse myself in this world again.

Definitely read the books in order! (Not standalones!)

Add to your TBR if you like:
- fae magick
- fated mates
- ‘it’s always been you’
- she saves herself
- friends to lovers
- well developed side characters
- open door spice
- why choose

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, thank you so much to Jess for allowing me to get an early copy <3

Out, Root and Stem
Book 3: Part One of The Canviant Trilogy

Review
I genuinely didn't think this story could get any better... but damn, I was wrong. This book completely consumed me. This is the kind of book that kept me up at night (till I physically couldn't stay awake any longer), thinking about the characters in the middle of the night to where I had to get up and continue reading.

One of my favourite things about Jess's books is the characters, especially the women. There are so many strong, powerful, and complex female characters that I love dearly. The feminine rage, the growth, the way they stand their ground and take no shit. I need more women like them in books, and this book completely delivered that.

The relationships in this book... Oh. My. God. I love every single one of them. I could write a novel about the relationships and the growth of each, and how they made me swoon, laugh, and cry.

In all honesty, it's so hard to write a non-spoiler review because I just want to spill the tea and chat about everything because it was SO GOOD.

So send help… or better yet, part two, because I'm stuck here, emotionally wrecked, completely obsessed, and counting down the days until part two because I need to know what happens next.

Some of My Favourite Quotes

"I'll be the villain with you."

I don't care how. I just know that I'll be covered in hundreds, thousands, of her marks before our days are done. And I will be glad for every new scar she gives me; layering over the old, and reclaiming them, just as she has with my heart and soul.

[Kristy Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jess,

You brilliant human you have done it again, again, and AGAIN!

This story is a continuation and picks up from T3V. So if you haven't read IBOF and T3V. I would definitely suggest that.
Now...with that being said this story is amazing to say the least. From the very beginning to the very end it captivated my attention. The building up to the climax of the story was so breathtaking. Each page left me wanting more and more each day. My heart hurt for the suffering Thea had to endure by her prisoners and her complete selflessness in order to keep not only the people she loved safe but also for the sake of her kingdom.

My Faaaavorite Chapter by far was Chapter 37. My heart melted and I sobbed. Reading Dion tell Adathan "I am so proud of you, My boy." ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME!?!
and Dion being the father that not only finally Adathan deserved but, also Dion stepping into that role so naturally. Them both allowing themselves to heal and love each other and rely on each other was so beautiful. Olin my Olin...the amount of times I felt like a giddy teenage girl whenever he would spew vile things! I had to constantly remind myself he was a horrible person(because he was!)...He will always be the villain that you love to hate. Lina and Sione having their moment in the sun as well! This was so fulfilling I cannot wait to begin Part Two!

Jess has such a beautiful way of writing and portraying her characters. I Have so much love for them all! They make you feel as if you a part of it and you become so immersed!

Thank you so much Jess for allowing me the privilege of reading Part One and Two early!! I love you bestie! ❤️

[DarkDigital Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

HAS OLIN FINALLY CAPTURED HIS PRIZE? OR DID HE BRING HOME SOME SILLY LITTLE GIRL? WELL HE WILL FIND OUT IN ….42 DAYS. YES THIS BOOK TAKES PLACE OVER THE COURSE OF A MERE 42 DAYS!!!

TURNS OUT THEA WENT THERE TO KILL FROM WITHIN! SHE IS NOT SOME SILLY LITTLE GIRL, SHE IS PREPARED TO SELF SACRIFICE TO END OLIN AND OLEANDER’S REIGNS OF TERROR. SHE WILL STILL TRAIN AND UNMAKE EVERYTHING FROM THE INSIDE OUT, SHE GETS THE PEOPLE TO LOVE HER, SAVES AND SHOWCASES JUST HOW INSANELY TALENTED SHE IS!

AND ? HER PEOPLE? THEY ARE COMING TO HELP HER TO ACCOMPLISH THIS. AS WELL AS THE FRIENDS SHES MAKING ON THIS CHESSBOARD- I MEAN - IN THIS CASTLE….. THERE IS SO MUCH EMOTION FROM EVERY SIDE AND ANGLE AND FINDING OUT SHE NEVER HAD TO CHOOSE ?????

THERE IS SO MUCH MORE TO THE CREATION MYTH AND I LOVE HOW IT'S ALL BUILDING AND FALLING INTO PLACE! ALSO THAT THE PURITY CULTURE THEA GREW UP IN WAS … NOT MEANT FOR HER AND SHE IS FREE TO CHOOSE MORE THAN 1? THIS IS AN EPIC SAGA…. AND I ADORE IT ALL SO MUCH!

AND WHAT MAKES ME MORE NERVOUS THAN ANYTHING IS SEEING THE CHAPTER TITLES AND KNOWING THERE'S A PART 2!

[Tara Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find myself in that precarious position where I want to wholeheartedly scream about all the good parts of this book, but also want to hold myself back so I don’t spoil ANYTHING.

I don’t think I’ve ever been so feral about a book series before. I devoured the first two books and was both excited and trepidatious to start the first part of the conclusion… because I knew I’d be sad once it was all over.

We get incredible multi character POV chapters. We get further into the minds and hearts of our main characters. We get subterfuge and devious plot twists, incredible spice and fated mate romantical goodness. We get the best banter, female empowerment, and side characters that have such fantastic main character energy that they take over every scene they’re in. I’m looking at you, Lina.

We get the set up to what is going to be an emotionally devastating last book… bet me. Jess has such a way with her writing. It’s gripping and lyrical and so full of power, these books suck you in and never let you go.

Read the books. Now. You won’t regret it.

[Mattie Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actually 6⭐️!! There are no words. There are MANY words. The multitudes of emotions that have eviscerated my body and soul while reading this some wouldn't understand. Those of you who do, how are you? I'll gladly be some emotional support. My emotional support has been the one and only author of this damned book, and I can only be thankful to her for not only creating this world, but for essentially being there for me through the turmoil of it all. Everything about this, from the pain, the fear, the LONGING, I truly felt it in my bones. I feel like I KNOW these characters. They aren't just people on a page, because the writing is just that immaculate and heartfelt and REAL. Now it's time to prepare myself for part two, I'm gonna need it.

[Michelle Day Da Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐ rounded up on account of how quickly I binged this.

Thea for President!!! I am obsessed with her. But it's not just her -- the whole cast is really coming into their best selves. They've been fighting for the future they want and for each other, and doing their own internal work to make sure they can be there fully for their loved ones and themselves. I'm moved by all of the characters' journeys.

Was also stressed out, like, the entire time -- the precarious position Thea finds herself in, as well as the anxiety her loved ones feel for her, keeps you from knowing even a moments piece. I loved watching the team build Thea's forces as Thea plays a dangerous game at court with Olin and Oleander.

There are moments of heartbreak in this one, so brave yourself. But I promise that there are also moments that will feel Oh. So. Satisfying. Let's just say that karma in the form of a sassy warrior princess is finally starting to have its way with our villains . . .

The 4.5 instead of 5 is for pacing in some places. I was so anxious to know what would happen next that some of the internal dialogue felt a little long, especially given that we have a well established base of how these characters are thinking and feeling. That said, I was still so invested in this story that I couldn't put it down and finished in less than 48 hours.

Salivating for the conclusion of this series to hit my email!