Twisted Roots And Soil

by AJ Charley

504 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 4, 2026

About the author

AJ Charley is a lifelong reader and story weaver, who never had the courage to put metaphorical pen to paper and share her stories with the world—until now! After two years living in Australia turned into 11, she returned home to New Zealand—where the LOTR-movie set landscapes and a romantasy book about dragons, unlocked what would become her debut series set on the magical island of Atafye.

When she’s not writing soul-stirring, heart-stealing, spicy romantic fantasy filled with banter and flawed main characters, you’ll find her snuggled in front of the fire with her fur babies, or out walking the lush green hills in all kinds of weather, deviously plotting new ways to make her readers laugh and cry.

Reviews

[allymj · Rating 5 out of 5]

UM If you love romantasy, knock over your crusty, dusty TBR and move Twisted Roots & Soil straight to the top - like, today.

The worldbuilding: immersive
The romance: biting-your-fist top tier
My kindle: airborne

If you like star-lit caves with steaming pools, snow dusted mountains and rosy moonlight, you’re going to like this book.

If you like MMCs who are emotionally intelligent, could burn the world down & still make you a coffee in the morning, you’re going to LOVE this book.

If you enjoy finishing a book and staring at a wall for a few minutes… well, well, well.

My review could never do this book justice, READ THE BOOK!!

This is a gorgeous, confident debut from AJ Charley & I’m already rattling the bars on my cage waiting to see what she writes next!!

[Lana Cay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much for the ARC, AJ! 🩵

I enjoyed this! I will say, I wish there was something earlier on to really pull me in, but once I was in it, I was IN IT! The high stakes, the secrets, the tension. *chefs kiss* The back half of the book had me completely hooked.

Our FMC is relatable & complicated. The MMC is arrogant & duty bound. Their love is forbidden, but where will their hearts lead them? 😏 Idk that I’d classify this as a slow burn, but the flirty banter was fun & the moments shared were sweet as the momentum continued to build. I think on page, the slow part just wasn’t the burn. You know what I mean? 👀 No? Well, anywho—

I love Willa down, Aven is rightfully a star in this show for me & I loved Hendrix, too. Drea has my respect & Jeska … well … 🙃

I’m eager to see where all of these paths lead. Again, the stakes are high, everyone has secrets & the tension in the air is THICK!!! The pacing of most of the information roll out made sense by the end. The magic system with this one also seemed quite unique to anything I’ve read recently & that won a lot of points in my book. The descriptions on page really spoke life into everything that is 🎨this world🖌️ in my head.

I cannot wait to see what has yet to unfold in the next installment. ✨ Because that cliffhanger … 🫠

[Adriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

** Thank you to the Author and their team for allowing me to serve as an ARC reader**

Overall -- I found this story be a fantastic debut romantasy novel. I think if you are a real romantasy lover where you want similar ratio of plot to romance this is a solid read. It is definitely a slow burn, with the tension between the 2 characters building throughout the first half of the novel.

There were areas that fell a little flat for me, but overall this book was a pleasure to read and I will certainly be picking up book 2.

My weighted average:
📖 Storyline / Plot 15% 3 -- Solid -- The plot was ok but I felt it a little loose at times and there were certain scenes and things in the book that didn't really make sense to me and seemed a little out of structure. I felt this mostly in the beginning of the book, when we were being introduced to the characters and the world was building, I think this in book 2 this could be stronger.
✍️ Prose & Writing Style 15% 4 -- Good -- overall, I enjoyed the 1st person POV style
💕 Romance Chemistry 15% 4 -- Good -- I will say the start to the romance was a little loose for me. As I was reading it, the MMC's introduction seemed a little forced as it was written when I later found out the MMC was the FMC's best friends' brother. So I was like... oh so he's the brother? So I guess the overall start of their chemestry was a little akward for me, but the plot started moving I really enjoyed their dynamics and thought they had good romantic chemistry.
🌍 World-Building 15% 3 -- Solid -- It was a little superficial for me, but it works with the overall storyline so no issues there.
🎭 Character Development 10% 3 -- Solid -- I enjoyed the secondary characters and thought they could've been developed a bit more.
⚡ Pacing & Structure 10% 4 -- Good -- to be honest, after 40-50% of the book, I flew by reading it.
😮 Emotional Impact 20% 4 -- I am emotionally invested in Zenn and Aly's relationship and Aly's quest to figure out what is happening. So that's a 4/
🏆 WEIGHTED TOTAL SCORE (out of 5) 100% -- 3.6 out of 5

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to AJ Charley and Iris Influencer society for the ARC of Twisted Roots and Soil

So Alyxia who comes from one of the “foundation families” has little to no power. She wears a ring that her sister enchants so she can do magic. Alyxia goes to the grotto where her sister usually is, but she’s not there. Instead she runs into The Sage and tells Alyxia her sister left, but didn’t tell anybody why. She kind of gives her what I think sounds like a prophecy. So we’ll see how that plays out.
Gold blooded people can’t be together or get married to other gold blooded people, because even one touch of their blood can take away someone‘s magic.

Zenn and Aly are absolutely cute. I love their banter. They make me laugh. Zenn is I think a green flag MMC. He’s so sweet and thoughtful and caring. I absolutely adore him. Aly is also such a great character. She goes to any lengths to make sure her friends are okay. She’s headstrong, but that’s one of her qualities that you will love.
I didn’t know exactly where this story was going, but the twists and turns surprised and delighted me.
I loved the dynamics of the different characters. They each have very different personalities, but they compliment each other extremely well.
This was a slow, slow burn. When it started though it was blazing, and I was here for it. I’m pretty sure I highlighted almost 1/2 or more of one chapter. I loved it so much, that I wanted to find it easily again.

I just finished, and let me tell you if you love yourself some emotional damage this book will give it to you! I can’t believe this reading journey is over, because it was very, very good.
After that cliffhanger, I don’t know how I’m going to wait for the next book.
This book was absolutely perfect in every way 😭🥰

Zenn is a MMC you’ll want to meet, he’s super sexy, and he knows it too.
Seriously I will anxiously be awaiting and anticipating the next one!!

[Gwen Brophy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, crap. I love reading ARCs. (I received this as an ARC.) I love finding new books, new stories and new authors.

I hate knowing that I will now have to wait an undetermined amount of time before I get book 2 of this unexpectedly wonderful series. :)

This was utterly delightful, with incredible world-building and a unique magic system. Our FMC is neither the world's best assassin, nor is she even a fighter. And the idea of sleeping on the ground is like her worst nightmare. She was so absolutely refreshing in what is fast becoming an overdone trope in this genre and made it so easy for me to see myself in her.

The MMC has green flag written all over him, and as his obsession with Aly starts to clash with his orders, and hell, even the very state of his power, you can feel him trying to navigate a path forward that won't involve breaking his vows as a Shield or Aly's heart.

Plus, he's hot as hell, and the spice is delicious and satisfying.

But the best part of this book? Aven, Aly's horse. He says everything that I was thinking, like, "Hey, maybe we should actually talk about and consider thinking about that mysterious voice who spoke to you?" And "It's about time" when Aly finally decides to reach out to communicate with someone who dropped some pretty intense information on her. Aven's commentary turns every decision Aly makes that would otherwise drive me crazy into one that made me cackle.

I could definitely have used a glossary about terms, and maybe a bit more world history, since this world is very complex, and while I gathered a whole bunch of information as I read, I still felt a bit like I was just letting the story carry me, hoping I'd understand better down the line.

I will absolutely be ready for any news about book 2, because that ending? OUCH.

[Yolanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I started this book thinking I was getting a fun little fantasy read. Nothing too incredibly high stakes. Sure, there were some emotional moments, but nothing my black little heart couldn't handle.

And then...

BAM!

Those last couple of chapters hit and I was sitting there going, WTF?!?

Now that I got that off my chest, let's talk about the actual book.

This was such a well written story. The writing is engaging and detailed without becoming so much that the story gets bogged down. Quite the opposite, actually. This was one of those books that was really hard to put down because I needed to know what was going to happen next.

The world is not exactly friendly. In fact, it's kind of horrible. Aly is stuck in a world where people seem to care about little more than appearances and her womb. She has a secret, a missing sister, and very few options.

Enter Zenn, an off-limits Commander who might be able to help her find her missing sister.

Add in a couple of dangerous side quests, smart-aleck sidekicks, and a sassy horse who absolutely does not keep his opinions to himself, and you have yourself an amazing five star read.

This book is packed with secrets and little tidbits of information that kept me questioning things and turning the pages. Every time I thought I had an idea of where the story was going, there was another little piece of information to keep me guessing.

And then we get to that ending.

THAT ENDING KILLED ME.

I was absolutely not prepared for those last few chapters.

I need to know when the next book is coming out because I need to put it on my calendar now. I need to make sure nothing else is going on that day so I can sit down and focus entirely on reading it.

Five stars.

Absolutely recommend.

[Krista Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg that ending??? A betrayal, secrets being unraveled and the final hint about what might truly be going on in the kingdom! I am waiting on bated breath for the next book!

You follow the FMC Aly, who’s blood and family legacy make her important, but when she was finally able to get her own magic years ago, instead of getting multiple stars worth of power on her chest in the form of a tattoo, was not given any of the healing magic she wanted and has spent the past few years claiming to be a basic one star to hide her secret. When her sister suddenly disappears without any clear reason as to why, she decides to try to find her and learn what secret she is hiding that she would leave her life behind for. But when her and her friends are heading out, they run into Zenn and his group who are out on a mission of their own and don’t believe her cover story and force her to either head home or go with them on their mission and promise to escort her to her fake destination.

I loved the mix of adventures, training sequences and sassy banter that this book contained, especially the sass coming from their bonded. There was plenty of action, uncovering of secrets, life and death situations and burning heat between the main two characters that had me constantly flipping to the next page! I also felt very connected to the FMC with how hard she takes living up to her families expectations when she was not gifted her own powers and her struggles with mental health and her own personal body image. It’s awesome seeing her slowly coming into herself with more training and magic and I can’t wait to see her continue to grow! Overall my rating 4.7/5!

Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own

[Jayme Ball · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5-3.75 stars

Alyxia is a young woman that has been taught to be ashamed of her body, her natural curviness. She harbors insecurities and a few secrets. A failed ritual denies her powers but the color of her blood saves her life. When she receives a letter and is concerned that her sister may be in danger, she decides to finally leave her realm to find out more/help her. Her small group winds up running into Cayzenn (the most powerful wielder in a long, long time) and his group of highly trained warriors. This is where things got interesting. Cayzenn and Alyxia have a sweet (and spicy) connection despite the fact that their connection is very, very forbidden.

There is a mysterious plague, dead patches of land, popping up through realms.
There are rules about blood lines mixing as two gold bloods will cause the loss of power.
There are secrets and lies... amongst friends, allies, and beyond.
But also magical creatures, including a snarky, sarcastic horse.

I did find the first half of the book to be slow and frustrating at times. It felt like there were just so many secrets and half-truths being exposed. Some details like the magical travel route were utterly fascinating, but I'm not sure I quite understood it.

HOWEVER, the way that the book ends gives me a good amount of hope for the next book in the series being better. Our FMC will be going on a personal quest and I think the evolution of her into a strong, confident woman would be worth my time. So I will be picking up the next book.

[Lilith's_Library_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌿🖤 ARC REVIEW 🖤🌿
Twisted Roots And Soil
by AJ Charley

Thank you so much to AJ Charley for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review. 💙

✨ Beneath the surface, secrets take root… and some things buried are never meant to stay hidden. ✨

Twisted Roots And Soil pulled me into a world filled with mystery, atmosphere, and a beautifully haunting sense of the unknown.

AJ Charley creates a story that feels deeply connected to nature, secrets, and the darker corners of what lies beneath the surface. I loved the way the story built its atmosphere, creating a feeling that every shadow, every root, and every hidden truth had a story waiting to be uncovered.

The characters brought so much depth to the journey, each carrying their own struggles, discoveries, and moments of growth. Watching their paths unfold while navigating the challenges placed before them made this a compelling and immersive read.

There is something incredibly captivating about stories that explore the connection between people and the world around them — where beauty and darkness can exist side by side. Twisted Roots And Soil delivers a unique reading experience filled with emotion, mystery, and a sense of wonder.

A beautifully atmospheric read for anyone who loves stories that feel a little wild, a little mysterious, and impossible to forget. 🌱✨

Thank you again for the ARC, AJ Charley! 💙

[Brenda Stokvis · Rating 3 out of 5]

After a failed ritual ripped away her chance at magical powers, only the color of Alyxia's blood spared her. But her failure must remain hidden. When her sister mysteriously disappears, she decides to go find her with the help of some friends. She didn't anticipate Cayzenn joining their quest though, the most powerful Wielder their world has ever seen. And very dangerous to be around, one drop of her blood mixing with his and he loses every bit of power he has.
Twisted Roots and Soil was an OK book for me. On probably every front. The plot was descend, but not brilliant or surprising. The main characters were nice, but I'm not highly invested in them. The writing was fine, but I feel there were loose ends and it wasn't engaging enough for me to want to keep reading.
There are some really cool elements to the story though, using a mycelium network to travel between realms was a great idea. But then again, I wish it was explained better. I never really got a good visual of what that would look like. It just sounded like tunnels with a conveyor belt type situation going on (?) and so much more could have been done with that.
I did love that the author made our fmc a person with real life struggles. She struggles with her body, because she was always told she wasn't good enough. She has a lot of doubts and insecurities. And those don't magically disappear because some random dude tells her she is beautiful.
Another highlight was Aven, who is Alyxia's horse. And he has some opinions! He is sarcastic, funny, snarky, sassy, I wanted more of him to be fair.
So all in all, I don't think I will be continuing this series. It wasn't like I didn't enjoy myself, but there was just not enough there to make me want to continue.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so grateful to receive an eARC of Twisted Roots and Soil, and I genuinely think AJ Charley is an author to watch. This debut is a beautiful, compassionate romantasy that blends heartfelt character work with an intriguing quest, forbidden connection, and the kind of slow‑building closeness that makes you grin at your Kindle screen!

TRAS delivers all my favourite tropes: forbidden love, forced proximity, slow burn tension, a determined FMC, a quietly devoted MMC, world‑shifting secrets, and banter that feels like its own love language.

The story follows Alyxia Reyaal, whose ritual to determine her magic goes wrong — a secret she must carry alone. When her sister disappears and the earth of Atafaye begins behaving strangely, Aly sets out to find answers. Enter Commander Cayzenn Adiston, who insists on joining her for protection. Their reluctant partnership quickly becomes shared early‑morning conversations, strong coffee, and a growing connection neither of them expected.

What truly stayed with me was Aly’s inner world. Her self‑criticism, her journey toward self‑acceptance, her strength alongside her vulnerability — it all felt so real and refreshing. She’s powerful, capable, normal‑sized, and wonderfully human. Watching her growth was one of my favourite parts of the book. 🥹🫶🏼

This story lingers long after the final page.
Thank you so much to AJ Charley for trusting me with this eARC — and no pressure at all… but I need book 2 immediately because that ending!!! 😱

[Ivana Loustalot · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The path ahead is a web of secrets and lies, buried beneath a tangle of twisted roots and soil. I won't let fear be my guide, and I won't let comfort cover my eyes."
Do you know that feeling when you start a new book and you already know you don't want it to end? And that you'll be needing the sequel IMMEDIATELY? Because you can just TELL it's going to hurt ALL the way till the end? Well... this was one of those books! I'm so happy I got to read this ARC ✨
My gods! What a story — the forbidden love, the secrets, all that tension, that craving... and THAT ending! I absolutely loved it. And honestly, I don't even know who to trust anymore.
I think the worldbuilding and magic system were amazing, and the characters were so lovable and interesting. Especially the twins!
I really enjoyed reading about Aly's secret, her complicated relationship with her parents, and her inner struggles with her own body and self-worth. The mental health representation is so important in this book, and how it shows why we can have self-doubts because of what other people think or say about us.
And I loved, truly loved the dedication...
"For anyone who has ever felt like their body was the enemy.
You are brilliant, bright and beautiful.
Whether you see it, or not."

Tropes:
Slow-burn Forbidden Love
Sassy Self-doubt FMC
Arrogant "Perfect" MMC
Unique Magic System
All the Banter
Epic Quest
Secrets & Hidden Truths
Snarky Animal Companion
One Tent / One Bed
Mental Health Rep

[Eren Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I easily fell into this story and loved the authors writing. The world was interesting and the magic system was intriguing and the added touch with golden bloods vs just well those with red blood was a neat idea. The characters including side characters were all great and I easily was consumed by the story. I love that the fmc Alyxia isn't your typical fmc. She isn't a bad ass who's strong, can fight, and all that... she's definitely different. Her magic? Not anything like others, she's harsh on herself, she's smart and has a different method of thinking imo. But also Aven is literally the best thing. He's just so snarky and filled with banter with her and I adore him. It's definitely an interesting mix when you meet the mmc, his family and her sisters.... I'm incredibly curious to the next book with how relationships went and what the next steps she's going to take will be!

Now... that ending? Oh man I'm gonna need the next book for sure cause I absolutely loved the end of this and am wanting to know what comes next so bad.

If you love a book with interesting bloodlines and magic systems, a girl who isnt a fighter but doesn't give up, also a girl who isnt striving to be a top tier badass but is a badass in her own way, an amazing bonded horse that is gold for banter, a mystery to be solved, and a mission that was never planned for... I'd definitely recommend this one.

[Kristin Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisted Roots and Soil was such a tangle of emotions to read. I absolutely loved the story and cannot wait to see what book 2 brings.

Our introduction to Aly, our FMC, is of an insecure women who is trying to fit in to her life and hide a secret that could embarrass her family. From the start, I completely understand everything about Aly. From her body insecurities, her drive to help people and dislike of physical affection. However, after she decides to take a daring trip to find her sister, who left a cryptic note for her, she gains self confidence from the unexpected group that detours her travels.

While on the detour, Aly and Cayzenn become close. She starts to open herself up to not only him but others. During the trip that the group is on, Aly learns more about why the Ritual failed and possibly what that means for her.

After several challenges, the group splits up to head towards Orz to find Aly's sister. There, she finds out the truth about her sister but also where she is betrayed by the one man she let her guard down for. Instead of waiting around to be betrayed and lied to some more, she decides she needs answers to even more questions and sets off on a journey alone with her Amp, Aven.

I absolutely love the story line and the different magic in this book. And the fact that I can related to Aly just makes the book that much better. Hopefully book 2 will answer all those unanswered questions for us and Cayzenn grovels at her feet.

*I received this through an eARC, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to read it.*

[Bridget Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟ARC REVIEW🌟

I am not even sure where to begin with this review. I am whatever the opposite of low key is obsessed with the FMC, Aly. She is so insanely relatable. She’s not strong or fast or fierce. She may be noble born, but she’s not the chosen one, and honestly her parents are pretty shitty. She doesn’t have the magic that everyone expects her to have. She’s got mental health issues, food issues, and body image issues that I can relate to in ways I am not sure I have ever related to a character before. Despite all that, she’s resilient and remarkable. Her story is so inspiring. Obsessed is an understatement.
Then there’s her relationship with the people around her, who she can’t entirely let in.
The MMC is broody and mysterious. He’s instantly intriguing and, despite being the respected, all-powerful commander, he definitely has layers.
The slow burn, yearning, and banter had me in a choke hold.
The last 25% of this book was perfection, and the ending was so emotional I had to take a beat and re-read it.
But trust me when I say, that the emotional damage was one hundred percent worth it.
I cannot wait for the next book in this series, because I am all in.

Stars: 5/5
Spice: 3/5

[Cassandra Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, AJ Charley for this amazing book. A fabulous debut novel full of mystery, hidden secrets, great world-building, a unique magic system, tension, yearning, banter and forbidden love.

The story follows Alyxia, her ritual to determine her magic, went wrong - a secret she must keep to protect herself, her world of Atafye is starting to behave strangely and then her sister disappears, she chooses to set out on a quest to find her. Along comes Commander Cayzenn, who insists, for her protection, to join her and her friends despite her reluctance.

Alyxia is no fighter, has no powers, she has body image issues, food and mental health issues but she is sassy, vulnerable, harsh on herself, but you watch her work through all of that and her self development is refreshing. Her sidekick, Aven, he deserves a mention, he is bossy, snarky and sassy in his own way who can't keep his opinions to himself, and I can't wait to see their relationship develop.

Cayzenn is devoted, quiet, with his own secrets, who is off limits to Alyxia, but their relationship is full of tension and yearning. Their early mornings are strong coffees, banter and training as their connection grows.

The last 25% of the book kicked up a notch with the tension, leading into the ending that I didn't see coming, the brutal betrayal. I nearly threw my Kindle at the wall. I will now eagerly await book 2.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

Thank you so much to the author for the eARC of this book.
This romantasy had everything you typically love and was so well done! The world building was done on a way that had me feeling like I was actually there, on all the quests with them.

I enjoyed the mental health representation in the FMC, it made her feel more relatable and how the struggles she goes through are common. The second half of this book really picked up and had non stop action! There were a few times I was shocked.

The romance between Aly and Zeen 🤌🏻🤌🏻 I loved their banter. He’s the commander that she can’t have anything with, but with the forced proximity during the quests they get closer. I don’t know if I’d say slow burn since they were lusting pretty early on, but I did enjoy it!

I would have liked if the quests were broken up more, the journey felt long, but for a book 1 I am intrigued where it will go next.

[Rachael Zamora · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG WHAT A DEBUT!!

First of all, thank you to AJ for trusting me to ARC read your book baby. I loved it!

Twisted Roots and Soil has so many of my favorite romantasy elements: forbidden love, a sassy animal sidekick, banter, secrets… yet it feels so fresh and different from other books I’ve read. The FMC, Alyxia (aka Aly), is not your typical fantasy heroine. She’s not a trained warrior, she hates sleeping on the ground, she’s full of self doubt, and all of that makes her so relatable to me. The mental health rep is *chef’s kiss* and brought me to tears several times with how perfectly it depicts trying to live up to expectations, body image issues, and feeling less than/not enough. Aly is my girl and a soul character for me.

The romance and spice in TRAS are incredible with all the yearning and build up. AJ made us wait for the spice, but when it hits, it HITS and it’s so worth the wait. That ending though? Ouch. I need Book 2 asap!

[vampire•ink•drinker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story hooked me with its unique magic system and absolutely incredible world building.
There’s so much depth to the realms, the magic, the politics, and the mysteries surrounding everything that I was fully invested in figuring out what the hell was actually going on.

And the slow burn?
SLOW. BURN.
Like, ma’am, I am TRYING to be patient. 😂

The forbidden connection between Alyxia and Cayzenn adds just the right amount of tension, while the journey itself brings plenty of danger, secrets, and twists to keep things moving.

I especially liked how immersive the world felt. There’s clearly so much more beneath the surface, and I’m very much here for digging up every single secret.

Unique magic. Gorgeous world building. Forbidden romance. Secrets. Danger.
Basically, give me book two and stop making me wait.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Wow wow wow! Okay so honestly I don’t know where to begin. But I just want to say everyone needs to have this book on their radar. Aly is set to go on a secret mission to find her sister after receiving a secret message from her. The soil in her realm has mysteriously turned white. And Aly is led to believe her sister may know why. When she leaves the city she runs into the mysterious commander who gives her the option to return to the city or go with him on his own mission. Which Aly accepts in order to try and sneak away and find her sister. So much happens in this book. There is also a grumpy/sassy animal companion. There is magic, betrayal and something else I don’t want to say! But trust me when I say you need to add this to your tbr. I need the second book immediately! That ending was criminal AJ!!!

[Terri McCarrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I had been quite excited to read this one, but I struggled a good deal to get immersed in it. The characters didn't call to me, and outside of the bonded horse, they just didn't click with me. I will say that I am giving grace in the rating on this, because I can acknowledge to myself that I am in a bit of a book hangover after reading one of the best books of the year. So I believe my disconnect to the story may be more about my own headspace, than the actual book. I think there will a good audience for this, it just wasn't me. I am sad, because the body dysmorphia rep along with abusive parent trauma, really seemed like it would be something I loved. I may reread this one again in the future, to see where I sit with it long term.
Thank you to the author, and Iris Influencer for the opportunity to read this in advance.

[Angela Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book. The only reason it got 4 stars instead of 5 was because of the FMC. I understand why she was the way she was, but I struggle with FMCs that have so much self doubt. With that being said, the way the book ended gives me hope that she is going to come back with a vengeance in the next book. The little twists and turns she came across towards the end and then that ending!!! I am absolutely looking forward to seeing how the next book plays out. Dragons, a society based on levels of power, a princess living with a secret that sets out on an adventure to find her sister, and so much deception. I received an ARC of this book and am willingly giving my honest review. Thank you!

[Emily Hourihan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it. It was enjoyable. I felt like the pacing was a little off. It was a little slow in the beginning but towards the end it really picked up. I loved the world. The world was great. The writing was okay. It had a great romance. I think that the book is more character driven than plot driven. I also found the characters a little confusing as well as following what was happening. I did think that the writing was beautiful and it made the world building magical. Overall, it is a great debuts a book that everyone should read. I want to thank the author for giving me the earc for a honest review

[April More · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. The banter was perfectly executed, and the worldbuilding was beautifully written. You have banter between siblings, the FMC and her animal companion, and the FMC & MMC. It all had me laughing out loud. The tension between them was hot too.

You have friendships, sisterly bonds, secrets, mental health representation, magic, magical horses, forbidden love, betrayal, gods, and mystery. The FMC has my heart. I felt her insecurities and all the loneliness throughout the book. The ending left my jaw on the floor. I was shocked, and my heart stopped. I need book 2. I am definitely continuing this series. 5 stars....

[Emelie Schneeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The path ahead is a web of secrets and lies, buried beneath a tangle of twisted roots and soil. I won't let fear be my guide, and I won't let comfort cover my eyes.”

What an absolutely brilliant debut! I was blown away page after page. Honestly, the way I inhaled this book should probably be studied.

Alyxia was so relatable. Particularly when it came to her self image. My girl went through hell for what seemed like the entire book.

I had no idea what was coming with that ending, and now I’ll be anxiously awaiting book 2!

[Jordan Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twisted Roots and Soil by AJ Charley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Release Date: September 4, 2026

Thank you AJ Charley for the opportunity to read an eARC of Twisted Roots and Soil! This is a fantastic debut novel. I love a good animal companion in a fantasy book and Aven is a great one.

My favorite part of this book was the relationship between Aly and Zenn. I loved the little bit of slow burn, the tension, and the banter between them. I enjoyed how the progression of their relationship felt very natural. The side characters were interesting and I really enjoyed getting to know them. The setting was really interesting too. I think it will be interesting to learn more about how the Mycelium network works in the next book.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I have some questions about world building and things that I feel needed covered a little more in this book but I am hopeful I will get my answers in the second book as the characters learn more about their world. This was a great debut and I will be reading the next book.

[Vanessasbooksta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the FMC Alyxia who’s witty, powerless, and battling her own invisible demons. This was a fun high stakes adventure with slow burn and the best forbidden romance.

🧠 Realistic mental health rep
❄️ Forbidden love (in more ways than one)
😏 Forced proximity
🐎 High-stakes quest (complete with a sassy horse)
💁🏻‍♀️ Banter, banter, banter!
🔥 Slow burn to spicy
🥰 He falls first
🌎 Word building

[Meagan Avitable · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this ARC read!! It was highly engaging with great plot and character development throughout! I loved the unique magical system and methods of transportation. I could truly visualize every scene!

[The · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC! I enjoyed this book.

[Kaycee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to AJ and Iris Influencer for the gifted ebook.

What a great debut fantasy from AJ Charley. I had a really good time with this one! I thought this book really sets up the world nicely, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes throughout the series.

I was really connected to the FMC, Aly, and her body image struggles. I saw so many pieces of myself in her, and I thought AJ did a great job handling those struggles with care! I also enjoyed AJ’s tension and banter with the broody commander.

All-in-all a very strong debut fantasy novel that kept me invested until the very end.