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Stones of Oraith #1
Of Iron and Moonlight
Not yet published
Expected 8 Oct 26Win a free kindle copy of this book!
2 days and 08:08:58
100 copies available
U.S. only
For generations, the fae have been absent from human lands—long enough for most people to forget they ever existed, and for the old stories to become little more than myth.
Then people start disappearing.
The search for answers draws a grieving duke into a growing political crisis, sends a young woman in desperate pursuit of her missing best friend, and traps a blacksmith inside the stolen identity he never intended to keep. Their paths converge as buried histories resurface, dormant powers awaken, and the boundaries between human and fae begin to unravel.
Because while humans forgot the fae, the fae never forgot them.
Then people start disappearing.
The search for answers draws a grieving duke into a growing political crisis, sends a young woman in desperate pursuit of her missing best friend, and traps a blacksmith inside the stolen identity he never intended to keep. Their paths converge as buried histories resurface, dormant powers awaken, and the boundaries between human and fae begin to unravel.
Because while humans forgot the fae, the fae never forgot them.
- GenresFantasyFaeEpic Fantasy
525 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2026
About the author
Irene Edwards
1 book29 followersIrene Edwards (@authorireneedwards) is a New York–based author who writes epic fantasies for readers who love a little romance too. Her novels blend sprawling worlds, political intrigue, slow-burn romance, and interwoven character stories that reward patience. Inspired in part by her time living in the Nordics, she created Stones of Oraith—a trilogy about a world that has long forgotten the fae exist and, more importantly, what happens when they return after generations of silence. The series begins with her debut, Of Iron and Moonlight.
If you'd like to stay connected, visit authorireneedwards.net to join my newsletter or follow along @authorireneedwards on socials!
If you'd like to stay connected, visit authorireneedwards.net to join my newsletter or follow along @authorireneedwards on socials!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
Did Not Finish
September 10, 2026couldn't get into itt
pre readd
im def in the mood for a fantasy rn, and this looks so good!!
date started ~ September 10th
date finished ~ ...
rating prediction ~ 4 stars
JUST GOT APPROVED MWAHAHAHAH
pre readd
im def in the mood for a fantasy rn, and this looks so good!!
date started ~ September 10th
date finished ~ ...
rating prediction ~ 4 stars
JUST GOT APPROVED MWAHAHAHAH
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much to Irene Edwards for trusting me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
How is this a debut?!
Irene’s writing completely swept me into Oraith. I genuinely don’t think there was a single perspective I wasn’t excited to return to, which is incredibly rare for me in a multi-POV fantasy. I loved that this wasn’t a story carried by one character alone. Every character had something meaningful to contribute
I loved how effortlessly Irene balanced two completely different romances without either one overshadowing the story. One relationship quietly grew through trust and respect, while the other simmered with tension and banter. Neither romance felt like it existed simply because the story needed one.
“I love that you ask the second question when others would stop at the first… And most of all, I love that you feel fear and never let it rule you.”
Neither romance relied on huge dramatic moments. It was the little observations & quiet conversations that makes the romance more real.
“Loss only exists because love came first.. It doesn’t make absence easier. But it means something endured.”
Irene trusted the reader. She doesn’t hand you the entire history of Oraith in one go. Instead, she lets you uncover it slowly through the characters, the politics and the choices they make. You feel the grief alongside them, you feel how every decision they make has consequences. It made the world so much more immersive and that I was learning alongside the characters.
If you’re looking for..
✨ Slow-burn romance
✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ Marriage of convenience
✨ Stolen Identity
✨ Political intrigue
then I genuinely think you’ll love this book.
Excuse me but the ending ?!!
Without giving anything away, Irene quietly plants the smallest seed that there could be more to this story.. I HOPE BECAUSE I NEED TO GO BACK pls
If Of Iron and Moonlight is what Irene Edwards can do with a debut novel, I genuinely cannot wait to see what she writes next. And I’ll be first in line to read anything in the future!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
How is this a debut?!
Irene’s writing completely swept me into Oraith. I genuinely don’t think there was a single perspective I wasn’t excited to return to, which is incredibly rare for me in a multi-POV fantasy. I loved that this wasn’t a story carried by one character alone. Every character had something meaningful to contribute
I loved how effortlessly Irene balanced two completely different romances without either one overshadowing the story. One relationship quietly grew through trust and respect, while the other simmered with tension and banter. Neither romance felt like it existed simply because the story needed one.
“I love that you ask the second question when others would stop at the first… And most of all, I love that you feel fear and never let it rule you.”
Neither romance relied on huge dramatic moments. It was the little observations & quiet conversations that makes the romance more real.
“Loss only exists because love came first.. It doesn’t make absence easier. But it means something endured.”
Irene trusted the reader. She doesn’t hand you the entire history of Oraith in one go. Instead, she lets you uncover it slowly through the characters, the politics and the choices they make. You feel the grief alongside them, you feel how every decision they make has consequences. It made the world so much more immersive and that I was learning alongside the characters.
If you’re looking for..
✨ Slow-burn romance
✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ Marriage of convenience
✨ Stolen Identity
✨ Political intrigue
then I genuinely think you’ll love this book.
Excuse me but the ending ?!!
Without giving anything away, Irene quietly plants the smallest seed that there could be more to this story.. I HOPE BECAUSE I NEED TO GO BACK pls
If Of Iron and Moonlight is what Irene Edwards can do with a debut novel, I genuinely cannot wait to see what she writes next. And I’ll be first in line to read anything in the future!
Review of advance copy received from Author
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 5/5⭐️
Of Iron and Moonlight by Irene Edwards
Stones of Oraith #1
Holy cow. This was an amazing epic fantasy! Such world building and characters! Is this really a debut novel??? My goodness I absolutely loved it so much. I honestly loved every single POV and I loved how everything connected but also seemed to have significant things to add to the story separately.
Thank you to the author for the eARC of this book.
I loved the romantic sub plot. This is not a romantic fantasy it is an epic fantasy with some romance. It wasn’t overshadowing the main plot but added in additional turmoil, angst, love, and learning.
The world building might have been my favorite part. I didn’t feel an info dump it was given to us slowly throughout the story. As the story continues the world grows and the characters grow. My heart felt ripped out in some parts and then put together in others. It was such an emotional journey! I cannot wait to see where this story goes because that ending, gosh!
Of Iron and Moonlight by Irene Edwards
Stones of Oraith #1
Holy cow. This was an amazing epic fantasy! Such world building and characters! Is this really a debut novel??? My goodness I absolutely loved it so much. I honestly loved every single POV and I loved how everything connected but also seemed to have significant things to add to the story separately.
Thank you to the author for the eARC of this book.
I loved the romantic sub plot. This is not a romantic fantasy it is an epic fantasy with some romance. It wasn’t overshadowing the main plot but added in additional turmoil, angst, love, and learning.
The world building might have been my favorite part. I didn’t feel an info dump it was given to us slowly throughout the story. As the story continues the world grows and the characters grow. My heart felt ripped out in some parts and then put together in others. It was such an emotional journey! I cannot wait to see where this story goes because that ending, gosh!
Review of advance copy received from Author
So, I think I stumbled upon Irene's work by simply scrolling through instagram on my author account. Of the many ads(that always seem to replace your actual followed accounts), Irene's was one of the first that really stood out to me. After a few interactions with her posts, I grew pretty excited for the upcoming release date for her book(HINT: October 8th). However, when she made a post about looking for ARC readers, I just had to throw my name into the hat and hope that I get picked.
Now, here we are, writing my first ever review for an ARC read. It's kinda exciting getting the chance to talk about something that only a select few has gotten a chance to read before its official release. Anyways, first things first, I'm not going to go into incredible detail about the plot, simply because I want to save that surprise for the next reader. So I'll be talking about the quality and style of the writing itself, as well as pacing of the story itself.
Characters:
The characters that Irene created and how she decided to reveal them are the biggest reasons why I found this book interesting. I have not read a story about a commoner taking on the identity of a nobel in a while. The Duke and his wife are just as equally interesting but I was originally Gavriel, the blacksmith who turned the tide of battle until he was captured. That happens at the beginning of the book and then we don't hear from him for the next few chapters. Instead we shift POV to the other characters in order for the reader to get a feel of the realm.
This is probably the best move that Irene could have done to keep a reader like me invested in a story. Normally I don't go for the political intrigue in writing, but because I wanted to know more about Gavriel, then I just had to keep on reading. Just because he was the character that I was interested in, doesn't mean the other characters are weak. Each of the characters could go through this story as the only POV and would hold the story together alibet making it that much shorter. So I am very thankful for all of the characters and extended length of the novel(split into three parts).
Plot & Vibe:
So the overall vibe of this story reminds me of a Brandon Sanderson novel. Heavy on the character interaction but not filled with political intrigue like Game of Thrones. Irene doesn't shy away from the challenges that you would find in a massive empire, but she does an excellent job at keeping the window small enough for the reader to not get swamped in detail and info dumps. If anything, that's probably the strongest aspect of this novel. Irene has a way with building her world through the interactions of her characters. She doesn't get caught up in the little tidbits of traveling and open space, but fills each scene with details that help create the image that she wants the reader to see.
Honestly, this helps with the pacing of the story as well. I never once felt like the story was dragging or I was bored with the characters. Between the chapters, I was always left with wanting to know more. Heck, Irene does such a good job at leaving some chapters with cliffhangers, that I got irritated when I couldn't keep on reading due to an obligation that took me away from the book. So well done, Irene, well done.
Overall:
If you are looking for a story that is similar to a Brandon Sanderson or Tolkien Novel, then this book is definitely up your alley. Irene does compare it to other author writing styles, however I have not read those books yet. So if you want to see what other books she compares this one to, then I highly recommend that you check out her social media. Otherwise, I can't recommend this book enough.
Now, here we are, writing my first ever review for an ARC read. It's kinda exciting getting the chance to talk about something that only a select few has gotten a chance to read before its official release. Anyways, first things first, I'm not going to go into incredible detail about the plot, simply because I want to save that surprise for the next reader. So I'll be talking about the quality and style of the writing itself, as well as pacing of the story itself.
Characters:
The characters that Irene created and how she decided to reveal them are the biggest reasons why I found this book interesting. I have not read a story about a commoner taking on the identity of a nobel in a while. The Duke and his wife are just as equally interesting but I was originally Gavriel, the blacksmith who turned the tide of battle until he was captured. That happens at the beginning of the book and then we don't hear from him for the next few chapters. Instead we shift POV to the other characters in order for the reader to get a feel of the realm.
This is probably the best move that Irene could have done to keep a reader like me invested in a story. Normally I don't go for the political intrigue in writing, but because I wanted to know more about Gavriel, then I just had to keep on reading. Just because he was the character that I was interested in, doesn't mean the other characters are weak. Each of the characters could go through this story as the only POV and would hold the story together alibet making it that much shorter. So I am very thankful for all of the characters and extended length of the novel(split into three parts).
Plot & Vibe:
So the overall vibe of this story reminds me of a Brandon Sanderson novel. Heavy on the character interaction but not filled with political intrigue like Game of Thrones. Irene doesn't shy away from the challenges that you would find in a massive empire, but she does an excellent job at keeping the window small enough for the reader to not get swamped in detail and info dumps. If anything, that's probably the strongest aspect of this novel. Irene has a way with building her world through the interactions of her characters. She doesn't get caught up in the little tidbits of traveling and open space, but fills each scene with details that help create the image that she wants the reader to see.
Honestly, this helps with the pacing of the story as well. I never once felt like the story was dragging or I was bored with the characters. Between the chapters, I was always left with wanting to know more. Heck, Irene does such a good job at leaving some chapters with cliffhangers, that I got irritated when I couldn't keep on reading due to an obligation that took me away from the book. So well done, Irene, well done.
Overall:
If you are looking for a story that is similar to a Brandon Sanderson or Tolkien Novel, then this book is definitely up your alley. Irene does compare it to other author writing styles, however I have not read those books yet. So if you want to see what other books she compares this one to, then I highly recommend that you check out her social media. Otherwise, I can't recommend this book enough.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you, NetGalley and Irene Edwards, for the opportunity to review the ARC of Of Iron and Moonlight. My opinions are my own.
Of Iron and Moonlight is a breathtaking fantasy that grips your heart. It is a beautifully written epic fantasy that blends war, court politics, and romance. Did it take a minute to get into the story? Yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely! Read this book if you love epic fantasy and simmering romance.
Each point of view helps drive the story; nothing is lost. The woven storylines are beautifully balanced. Readers will follow Duncan and Kora on their journey as well as Njall and Elara on theirs. Edwards doesn’t info-dump, so you learn about the world as you go, and her descriptions paint a vivid picture. There are quiet intimate scenes and vibrant battles that remind me of The Lord of the Rings.
Duncan & Kora: These are another pair that romantasties should strive for. It's the relationship development. The learning to trust and open up to each other. This is peak yearning.
Njall & Elara: Fae and human who should hate each other in this world but totally don't, and everyone sees it before they do. I loved the subtlety of their romance. The glances, casually drifting to one another, almost heart-gutting loss.
Individually, Kora and Elara are strong female main characters. They are intelligent and honest, and they fight for those they love. They are not sidelined by their male counterparts. They may be young, but I thought Edwards created them with strength appropriate to their ages. They are not invincible – nor are they good at everything – they go on their journeys and develop their strengths. I especially loved how Duncan brings Kora into his council and listens to her advice; he treats her as his equal.
Fantasy Checks:
✅Court intrigues
✅Epic battles
✅Humans and fae
✅Arranged marriages
✅Found family
Other notable characters:
Isander: Duncan’s best friend and brother. He’ll steal your heart.
Gavriel: Provides a layer of humor at the beginning of the story.
Merrick: He’ll grow on you.
Favorite quotes:
“You may command armies, Duncan, but you do not command me in this.”
“The embrace settled over him like something he had not known he needed until it arrived.”
“For he would choose Elara. Before everyone on Oraith and whatever lay beyond, Njall knew—with the certainty of the sun rising each day—that he would always choose Elara.”
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Kindly received an ARC copy for an honest review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
⭐ Slow-Burn Romance
⭐ Enemies to Lovers
⭐ Found Family
⭐ Stolen Identity
As someone who has always loved multiple POV's this novel captivated me from chapter one! As the book developed I slowly became more and more obsessed with the characters in Oraith. The quests and romance scenes reminded me of Mistborn and Throne of Glass with the witty dialogues and sweet words.
We essentially got two entire stories for the price of one and they were both beautifully woven in together. I felt all the emotions and even cried during some of the chapters. Irene Edwards said she healed writing this book, reading this book healed parts of me I long forgot. She touches on grief and the impact of knowing we are not alone and always loved by those around us.
Kora's character reminded me much of myself in the sense of feeling like a wallflower who doesn't always realize how much she shines. We quickly learn there is more beneath the surface, as she is a knowledgeable, witty businesswoman with a love for learning. Elara is amazing, and I admire how she cares for the people in her life and the lengths she’s willing to go to support them.
The chapter lengths were not long at all which made it easy to keep reading. I quickly got hooked to this captivating fantasy world and I did not want to leave! I am so excited to see where the next story unfolds <3
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
⭐ Slow-Burn Romance
⭐ Enemies to Lovers
⭐ Found Family
⭐ Stolen Identity
As someone who has always loved multiple POV's this novel captivated me from chapter one! As the book developed I slowly became more and more obsessed with the characters in Oraith. The quests and romance scenes reminded me of Mistborn and Throne of Glass with the witty dialogues and sweet words.
We essentially got two entire stories for the price of one and they were both beautifully woven in together. I felt all the emotions and even cried during some of the chapters. Irene Edwards said she healed writing this book, reading this book healed parts of me I long forgot. She touches on grief and the impact of knowing we are not alone and always loved by those around us.
Kora's character reminded me much of myself in the sense of feeling like a wallflower who doesn't always realize how much she shines. We quickly learn there is more beneath the surface, as she is a knowledgeable, witty businesswoman with a love for learning. Elara is amazing, and I admire how she cares for the people in her life and the lengths she’s willing to go to support them.
The chapter lengths were not long at all which made it easy to keep reading. I quickly got hooked to this captivating fantasy world and I did not want to leave! I am so excited to see where the next story unfolds <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
First off, debut author??? The writing in this is impeccable!! So detailed and immersive. This felt like little Leah falling in love with the fantasy genre all over again. If you loved The Lord of the Rings story style and writing, you will LOVE Of Iron and Moonlight! Huge thank you to Irene Edward’s for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to its release on October 8th, 2026!!
Of Iron and Moonlight is a high fantasy, plot forward book. There is some romance, but it is not at the forefront, which to me is one of my favorite kinds of stories! The multiple POVs allowed for us to create a bond with each of the characters and really added to the overall experience. I would reference this feeling like Game of Thrones, as in the different POVs from different parts of the world. Regardless, it’s done seamlessly and I cannot express how well this story is written!
Irene does a phenomenal job of slowly building the world and the plot. It’s not all thrown at us at once, there are seeds planted throughout the book that lead to the plot.
I’m so excited to see where this series goes!! Irene, I cannot wait for more from you!
First off, debut author??? The writing in this is impeccable!! So detailed and immersive. This felt like little Leah falling in love with the fantasy genre all over again. If you loved The Lord of the Rings story style and writing, you will LOVE Of Iron and Moonlight! Huge thank you to Irene Edward’s for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to its release on October 8th, 2026!!
Of Iron and Moonlight is a high fantasy, plot forward book. There is some romance, but it is not at the forefront, which to me is one of my favorite kinds of stories! The multiple POVs allowed for us to create a bond with each of the characters and really added to the overall experience. I would reference this feeling like Game of Thrones, as in the different POVs from different parts of the world. Regardless, it’s done seamlessly and I cannot express how well this story is written!
Irene does a phenomenal job of slowly building the world and the plot. It’s not all thrown at us at once, there are seeds planted throughout the book that lead to the plot.
I’m so excited to see where this series goes!! Irene, I cannot wait for more from you!
August 23, 2026
I had the pleasure of receiving an arc in the post from the lovely Irene Edwards called ‘of Iron and moonlight’ and it did not disappoint!
This book is written in third person and has multiple POV’s throughout the book which focuses on different couples and their own different stories. We essentially get two main stories in one book and just like the multi POV’s - they are woven beautifully together and it was perfection when it all clicked together.
Honestly, I wouldn’t usually go for a book that has more than 3 POV’s but whatever Irene put in this has converted me entirely.
It has a bit of everything in this book, we are thrown straight into action from the very start. There are many well-loved tropes in this book and I think having those multi-POV’s really helped bring more of a selection of tropes out in one book rather than just the standard couple you would usually only get in a fantasy book.
Irene has an excellent talent for world building! The descriptions of the scenery and surroundings was rich whilst at the same time feeling natural and not overly done. I do believe her style of writing won’t be for everyone however I personally really enjoyed it and can’t wait for book two.
If your looking for:
✨ Slow burn romance
✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ Political intrigue
✨ Marriage of convenience
✨ Stolen identity
✨ Found family
✨ Grieving hero
✨ Ancient magic returning
Then of Iron and moonlight is the book for you and releases on 8th October 2026✨🤍
This book is written in third person and has multiple POV’s throughout the book which focuses on different couples and their own different stories. We essentially get two main stories in one book and just like the multi POV’s - they are woven beautifully together and it was perfection when it all clicked together.
Honestly, I wouldn’t usually go for a book that has more than 3 POV’s but whatever Irene put in this has converted me entirely.
It has a bit of everything in this book, we are thrown straight into action from the very start. There are many well-loved tropes in this book and I think having those multi-POV’s really helped bring more of a selection of tropes out in one book rather than just the standard couple you would usually only get in a fantasy book.
Irene has an excellent talent for world building! The descriptions of the scenery and surroundings was rich whilst at the same time feeling natural and not overly done. I do believe her style of writing won’t be for everyone however I personally really enjoyed it and can’t wait for book two.
If your looking for:
✨ Slow burn romance
✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ Political intrigue
✨ Marriage of convenience
✨ Stolen identity
✨ Found family
✨ Grieving hero
✨ Ancient magic returning
Then of Iron and moonlight is the book for you and releases on 8th October 2026✨🤍
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley
The writing is amazing and really pulls you in, especially when you start putting all the pieces and the characters together.
This is a multi POV book, with two major parallel couples, with two different settings - of the 'human' world and the 'fae' world - and these two come crashing together, after a long while of separation between these two. Of course, it comes together, for malicious intents which we and the characters find along the way.
This is definitely a book leaning more towards the fantasy element, with romance meshed into it. Although these two elements work great together, I wouldn't recommend it if you're just looking for a romance or spice-driven book. You definitely stay for the fantasy plot - very medieval and gritty vibes.
One thing that I hope gets answered in the next book is all the strings and questions left opened - from some characters' pasts, powers and seeing all of the characters coming back.
The writing is amazing and really pulls you in, especially when you start putting all the pieces and the characters together.
This is a multi POV book, with two major parallel couples, with two different settings - of the 'human' world and the 'fae' world - and these two come crashing together, after a long while of separation between these two. Of course, it comes together, for malicious intents which we and the characters find along the way.
This is definitely a book leaning more towards the fantasy element, with romance meshed into it. Although these two elements work great together, I wouldn't recommend it if you're just looking for a romance or spice-driven book. You definitely stay for the fantasy plot - very medieval and gritty vibes.
One thing that I hope gets answered in the next book is all the strings and questions left opened - from some characters' pasts, powers and seeing all of the characters coming back.
Review of advance copy received from Author
" Lovers can change the course of a life. But friendship steadies it. When passion fades or grief descends, it is any hand that reaches for yours and refuses to let go that keeps you from losing yourself. "
Imagine if Game of Thrones had a more prim and proper cousin? Less cursing, less beheadings. Now, replace the dragons with fae, and you have Of Iron and Moonlight.
Of Iron And Moonlight is more of a high / epic fantasy with a touch of romance. The story is well paced with story elements well woven.
I enjoyed Duncan and Kora's relationship. It was really interesting to see how it developed and how they helped reach other grow.
Because there was a lot of world building, characters, and politics, a cast of characters page might be helpful to track of who is who.
I love that there isn't a huge cliffhanger, but just enough wiggle room for book two.
Thank you for choosing me to be an ARC reader.
Imagine if Game of Thrones had a more prim and proper cousin? Less cursing, less beheadings. Now, replace the dragons with fae, and you have Of Iron and Moonlight.
Of Iron And Moonlight is more of a high / epic fantasy with a touch of romance. The story is well paced with story elements well woven.
I enjoyed Duncan and Kora's relationship. It was really interesting to see how it developed and how they helped reach other grow.
Because there was a lot of world building, characters, and politics, a cast of characters page might be helpful to track of who is who.
I love that there isn't a huge cliffhanger, but just enough wiggle room for book two.
Thank you for choosing me to be an ARC reader.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.75-4 ⭐️
1 🌶️
This was honestly a great debut. There are a lot of names & stations referenced in the first few chapters which felt a little overwhelming at first, but things really began to settle in for me around the 10% mark. The world building & details were rich & immersive, making this book captivating from start to finish. While this had multiple POVs as we see more than one romance/story unfold, everything came together flawlessly by the end. And I have to say that (even though I loved all of the characters), Elara was definitely my favorite with her quick & sassy remarks.
Now for me personally, I get a little pulled out of the story when there’s a lot of political talk & war strategy - and there’s definitely a lot in this one (add that to all of the names/places & I felt a bit lost at times). I do wish those chapters would’ve been a bit shorter, but again, that’s just my preference.
Overall, this was impressive & I can definitely see why there’s so many outstanding reviews. Thank you to the author for this advanced copy!
1 🌶️
This was honestly a great debut. There are a lot of names & stations referenced in the first few chapters which felt a little overwhelming at first, but things really began to settle in for me around the 10% mark. The world building & details were rich & immersive, making this book captivating from start to finish. While this had multiple POVs as we see more than one romance/story unfold, everything came together flawlessly by the end. And I have to say that (even though I loved all of the characters), Elara was definitely my favorite with her quick & sassy remarks.
Now for me personally, I get a little pulled out of the story when there’s a lot of political talk & war strategy - and there’s definitely a lot in this one (add that to all of the names/places & I felt a bit lost at times). I do wish those chapters would’ve been a bit shorter, but again, that’s just my preference.
Overall, this was impressive & I can definitely see why there’s so many outstanding reviews. Thank you to the author for this advanced copy!
September 3, 2026
4.5 stars
A well thought out story with multiple POVs and layers of intrigue and details.
I loved the different POVs. There were multiple storylines going on and multiple POVs from each storyline and I think it made the story fuller. We were able to see situations going on in different parts of the world and from different eyes within that event. Even though I enjoyed the different storylines, I did have my favorite storyline, but I didn’t feel like I was missing out when I was reading a different one. They all had a good story to follow, but as is natural, the storyline with my favorite characters was my favorite.
I thought the plot was well thought out, the characters well developed, and details placed well so they could be referenced to later when it came to reveals.
A well thought out story with multiple POVs and layers of intrigue and details.
I loved the different POVs. There were multiple storylines going on and multiple POVs from each storyline and I think it made the story fuller. We were able to see situations going on in different parts of the world and from different eyes within that event. Even though I enjoyed the different storylines, I did have my favorite storyline, but I didn’t feel like I was missing out when I was reading a different one. They all had a good story to follow, but as is natural, the storyline with my favorite characters was my favorite.
I thought the plot was well thought out, the characters well developed, and details placed well so they could be referenced to later when it came to reveals.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I actually loved this. I am so impressed this is a debut novel. She jumped right in to creating what looks like it could become an epic series.
I did find it a bit chaotic and overwhelming in the beginning, because it has many POVs. That said, I love a book that just throws you in and you have to figure out what’s happening as you go. In the end I loved jumping from perspective to perspective. If that’s not your jam, you might not love this, but I think it makes the story so much more dynamic.
The romances were slow burn, and I felt, fairly believable. None of that insta-love/fated mates.
Thank you NetGalley for this advanced e-book.
I did find it a bit chaotic and overwhelming in the beginning, because it has many POVs. That said, I love a book that just throws you in and you have to figure out what’s happening as you go. In the end I loved jumping from perspective to perspective. If that’s not your jam, you might not love this, but I think it makes the story so much more dynamic.
The romances were slow burn, and I felt, fairly believable. None of that insta-love/fated mates.
Thank you NetGalley for this advanced e-book.
August 11, 2026
Can I just start by saying thank you NetGalley and Irene Edwards for this ARC.
Let’s start by saying just wow! This book was absolutely amazing. This was hands down one of the best books I have read in awhile especially in the fantasy genre. If you are a fan of George R. R. Martin and Brandon Sanderson it is like they had a baby.
The world is so beautifully written you feel like you are there. You can imagine and see it clearly even the smells. All of the characters are so well written you feel like you know them and connect with them. She makes you fall in love with and grow attached.
I loved the multiple POVs there wasn’t one that I didn’t care for. I wanted to know everything that was going on with each one. The romance was done so well there was enough of it but it wasn’t the forefront of the story. I can not wait to step back into her world.
Let’s start by saying just wow! This book was absolutely amazing. This was hands down one of the best books I have read in awhile especially in the fantasy genre. If you are a fan of George R. R. Martin and Brandon Sanderson it is like they had a baby.
The world is so beautifully written you feel like you are there. You can imagine and see it clearly even the smells. All of the characters are so well written you feel like you know them and connect with them. She makes you fall in love with and grow attached.
I loved the multiple POVs there wasn’t one that I didn’t care for. I wanted to know everything that was going on with each one. The romance was done so well there was enough of it but it wasn’t the forefront of the story. I can not wait to step back into her world.
September 23, 2026
*Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC*
3.5 stars
This was a solid first entry to what could be an amazing series. It throws you into the deep end and while that isn’t for everyone, I thought it was the perfect way to experience this book.
I loved the characters and how quietly one love story came to life and how boisterous the other couple was. I felt so invested in the politics and the romance, it was definitely a good blend of fantasy and romance.
My only ‘complaint’ is that it felt a bit long for my taste.
3.5 stars
This was a solid first entry to what could be an amazing series. It throws you into the deep end and while that isn’t for everyone, I thought it was the perfect way to experience this book.
I loved the characters and how quietly one love story came to life and how boisterous the other couple was. I felt so invested in the politics and the romance, it was definitely a good blend of fantasy and romance.
My only ‘complaint’ is that it felt a bit long for my taste.
August 28, 2026
Review of ARC copy received from the author
A perfect high fantasy book! A brilliant blend of in depth world building, an interesting magic system, incredibly well thought out and realised characters, a plot full of political intrigue, war, and emotional depth, and beautiful prose reminiscent of Feist or Sanderson.
This is truly a book where ‘one more chapter’ quickly leads to being up until the early hours of the morning!
A perfect high fantasy book! A brilliant blend of in depth world building, an interesting magic system, incredibly well thought out and realised characters, a plot full of political intrigue, war, and emotional depth, and beautiful prose reminiscent of Feist or Sanderson.
This is truly a book where ‘one more chapter’ quickly leads to being up until the early hours of the morning!
August 11, 2026
ARC REVIEW
I’m not usually an fan of 3rd person writing but it was easy to follow along as there were multiple POV’s per chapter. The chapters were fairly short which helped with the flow of the book. I enjoyed this book and the growth of the characters all in all good read
I’m not usually an fan of 3rd person writing but it was easy to follow along as there were multiple POV’s per chapter. The chapters were fairly short which helped with the flow of the book. I enjoyed this book and the growth of the characters all in all good read
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed this story and it pulled at my heartstrings more than once. The setup is a bit slow and the long list of characters makes remembering who is who a bit confusing, but as a serial dnfer there was never a moment I wanted to put this down.
In the beginning I was much more invested in the fae portions of the novel than their human counterparts, and while that never entirely changed I did become invested in our human band of loveable soldiers too.
I do wish we had gotten to see some of the backstory between Elara and Lorraine. Elara spoke of her as if they were in love (which they weren't, but it can happen with best friends lol), but we never get the chance to understand their past bond that drives Elara so fearlessly into this perilous quest.
Overall, I enjoyed it and look forward to the next installment in the series.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a copy for review.
In the beginning I was much more invested in the fae portions of the novel than their human counterparts, and while that never entirely changed I did become invested in our human band of loveable soldiers too.
I do wish we had gotten to see some of the backstory between Elara and Lorraine. Elara spoke of her as if they were in love (which they weren't, but it can happen with best friends lol), but we never get the chance to understand their past bond that drives Elara so fearlessly into this perilous quest.
Overall, I enjoyed it and look forward to the next installment in the series.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a copy for review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Many thanks to Irene Edwards and Netgalley for the ARC opportunity!
Actual rating: 3.5/5 stars
First, I have to make it clear that this is an incredibly strong novel for a debut, and I enjoyed my time reading it and engaging with this world. This story has a HUGE Game of Thrones vibe (which, as a GoT fan, is a great thing!) with the addition of fae folk, which I was also really excited about while reading. The tone of the story was formal and the pace was slow - Edwards took her time telling this story and filling out the world from every angle, which I really appreciated. The pre-story relationships between the characters felt well-established while feeling natural and deepens the sense of immersion and world-building for the reader. Additionally, the story takes its time explaining the kingdom - its families, houses, geography, history, and everything in between - so the reader really feels the fullness of the world without feeling lost or smothered and unable to keep up. The story is told from a shifting perspective of several characters, both male and female, and does a great job of making the women feel just as powerful and impactful as their male counterparts. And, arguably even better, the men are supportive of the women and seek their thoughts, advice, and action when faced with a problem. This story also deals with severe trauma and offered what I felt was an authentic representation of someone recently traumatized, giving the experience a humane touch while maintaining its realism. It also gave a good representation of how friends and best support those are traumatized, and on the other hand, the devastating effects of pushing a victim past their limits. There is LGBT+ representation and strong LGBT+ characters, and the friendships formed between all the characters we meet feels natural and earned, as well as forgiveness between characters. There is also a lot of action in this book, and I felt that all of it was very well-thought-out, easy to visualize, and I could tell research was put into historical fighting to make it as accurate as possible.
Now, the reasons why I felt this rating could not be higher than what I gave it, and areas for improvement for the next books in the series. Throughout the novel, but especially in the first part, I found myself wanting to hear from other characters more than the two we focused on, as they seemed more interesting to me than the two we began with. Conversely, by the end of the book, I found that I wasn't very attached to any of the characters, though it's not that I didn't like them, either. There are two couples in this novel that slowly build their relationship over time, one which felt earned and meaningful, and the other which felt forced and sudden, though I attribute this second relationship feeling this way to the fact that the second couple got considerably less written time. I also just could not overlook the way the second couple met for their plot to feel feasible and natural to me - little Stockholm-Syndrome-y. I felt like there was not enough plot connecting the two sets of characters to justify telling their stories at the same time. Several characters die throughout the story (not necessarily main characters) and the way they arguably cause their own deaths annoyed me so much that I couldn't be sad for their passing. Some deaths also felt pointless and, worse, made whole arcs of the story feel as if they served no purpose. Due to the slow nature of the story, I found myself feeling pretty disinterested in the remainder of the book by around page 300 or so, though I am glad that I stuck with it, as I still believe it was an enjoyable book overall.
I would recommend this book to high fantasy fans and look forward to reading the next installments.
Actual rating: 3.5/5 stars
First, I have to make it clear that this is an incredibly strong novel for a debut, and I enjoyed my time reading it and engaging with this world. This story has a HUGE Game of Thrones vibe (which, as a GoT fan, is a great thing!) with the addition of fae folk, which I was also really excited about while reading. The tone of the story was formal and the pace was slow - Edwards took her time telling this story and filling out the world from every angle, which I really appreciated. The pre-story relationships between the characters felt well-established while feeling natural and deepens the sense of immersion and world-building for the reader. Additionally, the story takes its time explaining the kingdom - its families, houses, geography, history, and everything in between - so the reader really feels the fullness of the world without feeling lost or smothered and unable to keep up. The story is told from a shifting perspective of several characters, both male and female, and does a great job of making the women feel just as powerful and impactful as their male counterparts. And, arguably even better, the men are supportive of the women and seek their thoughts, advice, and action when faced with a problem. This story also deals with severe trauma and offered what I felt was an authentic representation of someone recently traumatized, giving the experience a humane touch while maintaining its realism. It also gave a good representation of how friends and best support those are traumatized, and on the other hand, the devastating effects of pushing a victim past their limits. There is LGBT+ representation and strong LGBT+ characters, and the friendships formed between all the characters we meet feels natural and earned, as well as forgiveness between characters. There is also a lot of action in this book, and I felt that all of it was very well-thought-out, easy to visualize, and I could tell research was put into historical fighting to make it as accurate as possible.
Now, the reasons why I felt this rating could not be higher than what I gave it, and areas for improvement for the next books in the series. Throughout the novel, but especially in the first part, I found myself wanting to hear from other characters more than the two we focused on, as they seemed more interesting to me than the two we began with. Conversely, by the end of the book, I found that I wasn't very attached to any of the characters, though it's not that I didn't like them, either. There are two couples in this novel that slowly build their relationship over time, one which felt earned and meaningful, and the other which felt forced and sudden, though I attribute this second relationship feeling this way to the fact that the second couple got considerably less written time. I also just could not overlook the way the second couple met for their plot to feel feasible and natural to me - little Stockholm-Syndrome-y. I felt like there was not enough plot connecting the two sets of characters to justify telling their stories at the same time. Several characters die throughout the story (not necessarily main characters) and the way they arguably cause their own deaths annoyed me so much that I couldn't be sad for their passing. Some deaths also felt pointless and, worse, made whole arcs of the story feel as if they served no purpose. Due to the slow nature of the story, I found myself feeling pretty disinterested in the remainder of the book by around page 300 or so, though I am glad that I stuck with it, as I still believe it was an enjoyable book overall.
I would recommend this book to high fantasy fans and look forward to reading the next installments.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Of Iron and Moonlight, book one of Stones of Oraith by Irene Edwards, was a breath of fresh air.
Not because it was some happy, cozy little story. Quite the opposite, actually. This book stood out to me for so many reasons, all of which make it an easy five star read for me and one that I think everyone should add to their TBR.
First, the writing style.
Irene Edwards has a very unique voice and writing style. I know that won't work for every reader, and there will definitely be people who don't enjoy it for that reason, but I loved it. There was something about the writing that felt like revisiting an old friend. It was comforting in a way that I didn't expect.
Now, if you're looking for a fast paced book packed with adventure and danger from the very beginning, this isn't that book. Don't misunderstand me, there is plenty of danger, but most of it is saved for the last third of the book. And when it arrives, be prepared for danger and heartbreak.
This book starts out quietly, and I think that is one of the things I loved most about it.
We are introduced to a whole group of characters whose paths intertwine throughout the story, even though they are all following very different paths. There is Gavriel, a blacksmith who is mistaken for a Baron; Isander, a loyal guard; Duncan, a grieving and reluctant Duke; Koraleise, a second daughter who is usually overlooked; Elara, who is searching for her missing best friend; and Njall, the King's Champion, who is beginning to question where his loyalty should really lie.
For a large part of the book, we are simply getting to know these characters. Who they are. Their flaws. Their fears. The things that make them who they are.
And honestly, that was my favorite part.
None of these characters are perfect. They make mistakes. They have flaws. But that is exactly what made me care about them so much.
The romance was another thing I really enjoyed. This isn't a spicy romantasy, but it does have the best kind of romance in it. The slow kind. And I don't mean a slow burn. I mean the kind of romance that comes from spending time with someone, really getting to understand them, and falling for them anyway.
The book is told from all of their points of view, and I thought the way the author handled that was brilliant. When the POV changes, we don't get a rehash of everything that just happened. Instead, the story seamlessly continues from another perspective.
Then you reach that halfway point.
And everything changes.
The danger and heartbreak start to kick in, and you are definitely not making it out of this book completely unscathed.
This is the first book in a series, but thankfully there is no gut-wrenching cliffhanger. It does, however, leave you wanting to know what happens next.
I cannot recommend this book enough. If you enjoy character-driven fantasy, unique writing styles, slow-building romance, and a story that takes its time getting you invested before everything starts falling apart, add this one to your TBR.
Not because it was some happy, cozy little story. Quite the opposite, actually. This book stood out to me for so many reasons, all of which make it an easy five star read for me and one that I think everyone should add to their TBR.
First, the writing style.
Irene Edwards has a very unique voice and writing style. I know that won't work for every reader, and there will definitely be people who don't enjoy it for that reason, but I loved it. There was something about the writing that felt like revisiting an old friend. It was comforting in a way that I didn't expect.
Now, if you're looking for a fast paced book packed with adventure and danger from the very beginning, this isn't that book. Don't misunderstand me, there is plenty of danger, but most of it is saved for the last third of the book. And when it arrives, be prepared for danger and heartbreak.
This book starts out quietly, and I think that is one of the things I loved most about it.
We are introduced to a whole group of characters whose paths intertwine throughout the story, even though they are all following very different paths. There is Gavriel, a blacksmith who is mistaken for a Baron; Isander, a loyal guard; Duncan, a grieving and reluctant Duke; Koraleise, a second daughter who is usually overlooked; Elara, who is searching for her missing best friend; and Njall, the King's Champion, who is beginning to question where his loyalty should really lie.
For a large part of the book, we are simply getting to know these characters. Who they are. Their flaws. Their fears. The things that make them who they are.
And honestly, that was my favorite part.
None of these characters are perfect. They make mistakes. They have flaws. But that is exactly what made me care about them so much.
The romance was another thing I really enjoyed. This isn't a spicy romantasy, but it does have the best kind of romance in it. The slow kind. And I don't mean a slow burn. I mean the kind of romance that comes from spending time with someone, really getting to understand them, and falling for them anyway.
The book is told from all of their points of view, and I thought the way the author handled that was brilliant. When the POV changes, we don't get a rehash of everything that just happened. Instead, the story seamlessly continues from another perspective.
Then you reach that halfway point.
And everything changes.
The danger and heartbreak start to kick in, and you are definitely not making it out of this book completely unscathed.
This is the first book in a series, but thankfully there is no gut-wrenching cliffhanger. It does, however, leave you wanting to know what happens next.
I cannot recommend this book enough. If you enjoy character-driven fantasy, unique writing styles, slow-building romance, and a story that takes its time getting you invested before everything starts falling apart, add this one to your TBR.
Review of advance copy received from Author
6*
Five stars is too few. Not since ACOMAF have I enjoyed, inhaled, been obsessed with, dreamt about a book as much. A different story, yes, (I wouldn't compare the two) but OIAM took me back to the heady days of discovering fantasy for the first time. Couldn't put it down, head in hands, reading through my fingers - heart bursting, pounding, breaking, soaring.
I give a lot of books 5* because they 100% deserve them, but sometimes something pushes a book above & beyond.
Irene wove my old love (almost forgotten due to my fantasy era) of historical fiction into my current love of romantic fantasy. The multi pov gave it depth & breadth, making me dash across her world's continent with such joy & anxiety, flipping from fear, to love, and tenderness, to rage, to disgust, back to hope. The pacing was spot on, a few chapters in each location then switching to another place, another character so you never settled, never got tired of one viewpoint (as if). Irene's characters are complex, likeable, understandable. I adored & rooted for them all.
The small sketches at the start of each chapter were a bonus to see what they looked like!
Politics & trade, court manoeuvring, family ties, bloodlines, Fae vs Human, battles & death & war.
Very Ken Follet (minus the Fae bit).
The 3rd person writing created an agonising detachment - watching & banging my fists on a glass screen, screaming at them but they couldn't hear. I still felt every emotion.
This could be a standalone, the threads are tied up to be a HEA, ish... but I'd be scratching my eyes out to keep reading. I'm very glad to hear book two is in the works.
SPOILERS BELOW - beware!!
The multiple POVs mean I have a few new book boyfriends - Duncan, Isander, Njall, Gavriel, Merrick. I was a touch disappointed Isander's end was so quiet - the only grey mark in an otherwise perfect story. I understand why he was talking to Firrigan but I was screaming to just kill him.
Duncan & Sera - FFS man, what were you thinking?! You made up for it but I wanted to slap you. (When this was eventually cleared up, I was glad they communicated so easily. Kora is wiser than her years.)
Gavriel, you deserve so much happiness 🫶🏼
Njall... Christ, you are incredible.
The FMCS are strong & smart, brave & loyal. Kora & Elara ♥️ Can't wait to see more of Kora & Duncan's love develop. Their dynamic & arc was first class - him bringing her into the fold, despite custom. And I could taste his grief.
Njall & Elara are just getting started. Can't wait.
So overall - 6*!!
Time for a reread.
Five stars is too few. Not since ACOMAF have I enjoyed, inhaled, been obsessed with, dreamt about a book as much. A different story, yes, (I wouldn't compare the two) but OIAM took me back to the heady days of discovering fantasy for the first time. Couldn't put it down, head in hands, reading through my fingers - heart bursting, pounding, breaking, soaring.
I give a lot of books 5* because they 100% deserve them, but sometimes something pushes a book above & beyond.
Irene wove my old love (almost forgotten due to my fantasy era) of historical fiction into my current love of romantic fantasy. The multi pov gave it depth & breadth, making me dash across her world's continent with such joy & anxiety, flipping from fear, to love, and tenderness, to rage, to disgust, back to hope. The pacing was spot on, a few chapters in each location then switching to another place, another character so you never settled, never got tired of one viewpoint (as if). Irene's characters are complex, likeable, understandable. I adored & rooted for them all.
The small sketches at the start of each chapter were a bonus to see what they looked like!
Politics & trade, court manoeuvring, family ties, bloodlines, Fae vs Human, battles & death & war.
Very Ken Follet (minus the Fae bit).
The 3rd person writing created an agonising detachment - watching & banging my fists on a glass screen, screaming at them but they couldn't hear. I still felt every emotion.
This could be a standalone, the threads are tied up to be a HEA, ish... but I'd be scratching my eyes out to keep reading. I'm very glad to hear book two is in the works.
SPOILERS BELOW - beware!!
The multiple POVs mean I have a few new book boyfriends - Duncan, Isander, Njall, Gavriel, Merrick. I was a touch disappointed Isander's end was so quiet - the only grey mark in an otherwise perfect story. I understand why he was talking to Firrigan but I was screaming to just kill him.
Duncan & Sera - FFS man, what were you thinking?! You made up for it but I wanted to slap you. (When this was eventually cleared up, I was glad they communicated so easily. Kora is wiser than her years.)
Gavriel, you deserve so much happiness 🫶🏼
Njall... Christ, you are incredible.
The FMCS are strong & smart, brave & loyal. Kora & Elara ♥️ Can't wait to see more of Kora & Duncan's love develop. Their dynamic & arc was first class - him bringing her into the fold, despite custom. And I could taste his grief.
Njall & Elara are just getting started. Can't wait.
So overall - 6*!!
Time for a reread.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advanced reader copy.
This book has a little bit of everything, in all the best ways. There are court politics, romance, secret pasts and identities, conspiring nobles, battles, and so much more. An amazing accomplishment from debut author Irene Edwards.
This book is filled with characters you love and hate. The book is written in third person with multiple POV characters. I love books with multiple POVs, though there are so many that, in the beginning, I was a little put off by all the new POVs that were being introduced. But by the end of the book, I looked forward to each POV. I love how the author intersected the storylines of different characters in unexpected ways, leading to a ragtag group of individuals all working together to save the empire.
The setting and world-building are top-notch. The world-building feels natural, and the descriptions are beautiful without being overly flowery or long. I loved how each of the different duchies and kingdoms felt unique in their way of life and the surrounding terrain. I already want to go back into this world, and I can't wait for the next book.
I loved the romance that was sprinkled in alongside all of the political intrigue and conflict of the world. The romance is closed-door, and it is present without feeling like the overwhelming focus of the book. Edwards also excels at writing the friendships in this book. Whether they are lifelong or newly formed, the friendships in this book are so believable and well done.
The ending was very well done. So many loose threads were wrapped up, and it doesn't feel rushed. There is also a nice cliffhanger for the next book, along with more questions to explore, without this book feeling unfinished.
Why it's not a five-star read:
The beginning is hard. There is a lot of information that takes a while to grasp, along with a lot of characters. It is worth it to keep reading, but just know that the beginning is a slow build. It's not overly exposition-heavy, and the world-building is subtly added rather than being dumped on you.
I loved all of this book aside from one part near the end. The choice the author made regarding one of the characters' directions was very jarring and felt completely unexpected. I don't want to spoil it, and other readers might not mind, so it is not a reason I wouldn't recommend the book.
Aside from those two areas, I loved reading this book, and I would highly recommend it.
This book has a little bit of everything, in all the best ways. There are court politics, romance, secret pasts and identities, conspiring nobles, battles, and so much more. An amazing accomplishment from debut author Irene Edwards.
This book is filled with characters you love and hate. The book is written in third person with multiple POV characters. I love books with multiple POVs, though there are so many that, in the beginning, I was a little put off by all the new POVs that were being introduced. But by the end of the book, I looked forward to each POV. I love how the author intersected the storylines of different characters in unexpected ways, leading to a ragtag group of individuals all working together to save the empire.
The setting and world-building are top-notch. The world-building feels natural, and the descriptions are beautiful without being overly flowery or long. I loved how each of the different duchies and kingdoms felt unique in their way of life and the surrounding terrain. I already want to go back into this world, and I can't wait for the next book.
I loved the romance that was sprinkled in alongside all of the political intrigue and conflict of the world. The romance is closed-door, and it is present without feeling like the overwhelming focus of the book. Edwards also excels at writing the friendships in this book. Whether they are lifelong or newly formed, the friendships in this book are so believable and well done.
The ending was very well done. So many loose threads were wrapped up, and it doesn't feel rushed. There is also a nice cliffhanger for the next book, along with more questions to explore, without this book feeling unfinished.
Why it's not a five-star read:
The beginning is hard. There is a lot of information that takes a while to grasp, along with a lot of characters. It is worth it to keep reading, but just know that the beginning is a slow build. It's not overly exposition-heavy, and the world-building is subtly added rather than being dumped on you.
I loved all of this book aside from one part near the end. The choice the author made regarding one of the characters' directions was very jarring and felt completely unexpected. I don't want to spoil it, and other readers might not mind, so it is not a reason I wouldn't recommend the book.
Aside from those two areas, I loved reading this book, and I would highly recommend it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A debut epic fantasy has no right to be this good!
From the very start this book grabbed my attention and stubbornly refused to let go. Seriously, I've slept for 4 hours in the last 2 nights because I couldn't put it down until I basically passed out.
As habitual readers of Multi-POV Fantasy will no doubt agree there's usually at least one voice that grates a little bit, the one you don't look forward to reading about as much as the rest. To my surprise that didn't happen to me at all reading this. The characters are all so relatable in one way or another, facing their circumstances with courage but also not hiding the damage they're enduring.
The fact that there are two romantic plots, again, would usually not appeal to me but I have to applaud the author here because I was solidly invested in both of them.
"She and the duke regarded one another in silence, as two parties might study the final lines of a contract before the ink dried."
This is far from the swooning rush of love at first sight but it ends up becoming an all conquering, empire saving love that is endearing and poignant.
The second, forced-proximity relationship is also natural feeling and touching in it's gentleness.
The main plotline of the Fae returning to threaten the human empire and the intrigues involved with that was so well realised - the pacing was precisely what I wanted and the tensions were palpable. The magic system and its limitations was expertly crafted and intriguing - especially as there's hints of a still-to-be-discovered aspect to it. Easy 5 star read!
For lovers of
● Epic fantasy
● Forced proximity
● Duty and Loyalty
● Fae and Elemental Magic
● Conspiracy and Treason
● Hidden Abilities
● Imperilled Empire
Favourite Quotes :
“Where a man is born defines the borders he defends, the customs he’s bound to observe, even the faith he inherits without consent. If all is fixed before the first true choice is made, what remains to define a life?”
“Lovers burn, write poems, and set history ablaze. But the love of friendship is quieter. It keeps the world from splintering. It reminds us who we are when life tries to strip that away.”
“Loss only exists because love came first,” Kora said with a sympathetic smile. “It doesn’t make absence easier. But it means something endured.”
𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒚, 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆.
From the very start this book grabbed my attention and stubbornly refused to let go. Seriously, I've slept for 4 hours in the last 2 nights because I couldn't put it down until I basically passed out.
As habitual readers of Multi-POV Fantasy will no doubt agree there's usually at least one voice that grates a little bit, the one you don't look forward to reading about as much as the rest. To my surprise that didn't happen to me at all reading this. The characters are all so relatable in one way or another, facing their circumstances with courage but also not hiding the damage they're enduring.
The fact that there are two romantic plots, again, would usually not appeal to me but I have to applaud the author here because I was solidly invested in both of them.
"She and the duke regarded one another in silence, as two parties might study the final lines of a contract before the ink dried."
This is far from the swooning rush of love at first sight but it ends up becoming an all conquering, empire saving love that is endearing and poignant.
The second, forced-proximity relationship is also natural feeling and touching in it's gentleness.
The main plotline of the Fae returning to threaten the human empire and the intrigues involved with that was so well realised - the pacing was precisely what I wanted and the tensions were palpable. The magic system and its limitations was expertly crafted and intriguing - especially as there's hints of a still-to-be-discovered aspect to it. Easy 5 star read!
For lovers of
● Epic fantasy
● Forced proximity
● Duty and Loyalty
● Fae and Elemental Magic
● Conspiracy and Treason
● Hidden Abilities
● Imperilled Empire
Favourite Quotes :
“Where a man is born defines the borders he defends, the customs he’s bound to observe, even the faith he inherits without consent. If all is fixed before the first true choice is made, what remains to define a life?”
“Lovers burn, write poems, and set history ablaze. But the love of friendship is quieter. It keeps the world from splintering. It reminds us who we are when life tries to strip that away.”
“Loss only exists because love came first,” Kora said with a sympathetic smile. “It doesn’t make absence easier. But it means something endured.”
𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒚, 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Of Iron and Moonlight is one of the best-balanced blends of epic fantasy and romantasy I’ve read.
You get two traditional romantasy tropes for the price of one - arranged marriage and enemies-to-lovers. These are adults with established loyalties, grief, responsibilities, and bad habits, and love gives them more to risk rather than solving everything for them. Duncan and Kora’s arranged marriage works because Edwards makes mutual respect as important as attraction. They fall for each other partly by watching the other person govern and solve problems. Njall and Elara bring a very different energy, with suspicion, sharp banter, and two people who are much more comfortable challenging than trusting each other. It is deeply satisfying to read romances where competence matters and partnership develops through more than chemistry.
The wider book has that same patience. It starts with people trying to survive the roles already chosen for them, then keeps widening until those private struggles are tangled up in imperial reform, fae politics, magical exploitation, and war. The separate storylines take time to show their connections, but the eventual convergence feels like something that was thoughtfully worked towards from beginning to end.
Edwards takes the political and cultural parts of the world seriously. Titles create obligations. Reform creates winners and losers. Roads, trade, food, climate, faith, and local customs all change what power looks like from one region to another. The atmosphere changes with them, moving from domestic warmth into something colder and increasingly threatening.
It is a long book, with more than one hundred short chapters and a large rotating cast, but I was rarely intimidated by its size while reading it. The chapter length keeps it moving, and each new connection makes the world feel larger without allowing the scale to swallow the characters. It is firmly epic fantasy in its density and scope, but the relationships keep all the politics and war personal.
Irene Edwards has arrived with an indie debut that leaves no doubt about what she can do. An easy five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Irene Edwards for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
You get two traditional romantasy tropes for the price of one - arranged marriage and enemies-to-lovers. These are adults with established loyalties, grief, responsibilities, and bad habits, and love gives them more to risk rather than solving everything for them. Duncan and Kora’s arranged marriage works because Edwards makes mutual respect as important as attraction. They fall for each other partly by watching the other person govern and solve problems. Njall and Elara bring a very different energy, with suspicion, sharp banter, and two people who are much more comfortable challenging than trusting each other. It is deeply satisfying to read romances where competence matters and partnership develops through more than chemistry.
The wider book has that same patience. It starts with people trying to survive the roles already chosen for them, then keeps widening until those private struggles are tangled up in imperial reform, fae politics, magical exploitation, and war. The separate storylines take time to show their connections, but the eventual convergence feels like something that was thoughtfully worked towards from beginning to end.
Edwards takes the political and cultural parts of the world seriously. Titles create obligations. Reform creates winners and losers. Roads, trade, food, climate, faith, and local customs all change what power looks like from one region to another. The atmosphere changes with them, moving from domestic warmth into something colder and increasingly threatening.
It is a long book, with more than one hundred short chapters and a large rotating cast, but I was rarely intimidated by its size while reading it. The chapter length keeps it moving, and each new connection makes the world feel larger without allowing the scale to swallow the characters. It is firmly epic fantasy in its density and scope, but the relationships keep all the politics and war personal.
Irene Edwards has arrived with an indie debut that leaves no doubt about what she can do. An easy five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Irene Edwards for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS IS A DEBUT NOVEL.
Seriously. I would not be remotely surprised if Of Iron and Moonlight gets picked up by a major publisher because this book feels BIG.
But first, let me get my house in order: a massive thank you to NetGalley and Irene Edwards for allowing me to disappear into this masterpiece for a few weeks. I genuinely loved getting lost in this world.
Let’s get to business.
Are you into world building, fae magic, found family, romance, war, secrets and that cosy feeling of finding exactly the right book?
GET THIS BOOK.
Of Iron and Moonlight is the first book in the Stones of Oraith series, and it follows multiple POVs, primarily our FMC Kora and MMC Duncan.
Duncan is expected to wed, but after tragedy strikes his family, he is forced to step into the role of Duke of Lemierre — a position that was never meant for him, but for his brother, who was tragically murdered alongside the rest of his family.
Kora has always been an outcast, living on the margins of her own family. She has spent her life feeling different, never quite belonging, and constantly living in her sister’s shadow.
So what happens when it isn’t her sister, as everyone expects, but Kora who is chosen by the duke?
And what if that feeling of never quite belonging isn’t something wrong with her at all, but an intuition of a heritage she hasn’t yet discovered?
AND THIS IS WHERE I NEED TO TALK ABOUT THE SIDE CHARACTERS.
Because they are SO interesting.
While reading, I kept getting that feeling I love in an epic fantasy series — the sense that there is an enormous world underneath the story you’re currently reading, and that every character has their own history, secrets and potentially an entire story waiting to unfold.
I got the same kind of feeling I had reading Crescent City: wait… how much bigger is this world going to get?
Honestly, some of these storylines could be entire books of their own and I would devour them.
There is so much potential here, and I cannot wait to see how all of these characters and storylines begin to intertwine more deeply in the next books.
For a debut novel, this is genuinely impressive.
Irene Edwards, I am going to need the next book immediately.
Seriously. I would not be remotely surprised if Of Iron and Moonlight gets picked up by a major publisher because this book feels BIG.
But first, let me get my house in order: a massive thank you to NetGalley and Irene Edwards for allowing me to disappear into this masterpiece for a few weeks. I genuinely loved getting lost in this world.
Let’s get to business.
Are you into world building, fae magic, found family, romance, war, secrets and that cosy feeling of finding exactly the right book?
GET THIS BOOK.
Of Iron and Moonlight is the first book in the Stones of Oraith series, and it follows multiple POVs, primarily our FMC Kora and MMC Duncan.
Duncan is expected to wed, but after tragedy strikes his family, he is forced to step into the role of Duke of Lemierre — a position that was never meant for him, but for his brother, who was tragically murdered alongside the rest of his family.
Kora has always been an outcast, living on the margins of her own family. She has spent her life feeling different, never quite belonging, and constantly living in her sister’s shadow.
So what happens when it isn’t her sister, as everyone expects, but Kora who is chosen by the duke?
And what if that feeling of never quite belonging isn’t something wrong with her at all, but an intuition of a heritage she hasn’t yet discovered?
AND THIS IS WHERE I NEED TO TALK ABOUT THE SIDE CHARACTERS.
Because they are SO interesting.
While reading, I kept getting that feeling I love in an epic fantasy series — the sense that there is an enormous world underneath the story you’re currently reading, and that every character has their own history, secrets and potentially an entire story waiting to unfold.
I got the same kind of feeling I had reading Crescent City: wait… how much bigger is this world going to get?
Honestly, some of these storylines could be entire books of their own and I would devour them.
There is so much potential here, and I cannot wait to see how all of these characters and storylines begin to intertwine more deeply in the next books.
For a debut novel, this is genuinely impressive.
Irene Edwards, I am going to need the next book immediately.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Of Iron and Moonlight by Irene Edwards was a total five-star read for me! I genuinely cannot believe this is a debut novel, and I can't wait for the rest of the trilogy.
This fantasy novel completely pulled me in. Fae, humans, political intrigue, rivalries, secrets, drama, battles, and two interconnected storylines and love stories that come together in such a clever way. There was always another mystery to uncover, another secret to question, or another reason to say, “Just one more chapter.”
And yes, it kept me up at night. I needed to know what would happen next.
I absolutely loved the romance. It felt incredibly real and emotional, and the slow-burn was perfect. There is practically no spice, but honestly, it didn't need it. The relationships and emotional connections between the characters were powerful enough on their own.
I was initially a little worried about keeping track of everything because there is quite a lot of information and several characters introduced early on, but Irene Edwards' storytelling made everything surprisingly easy to follow. The multiple POVs work really well, especially as the story moves between different characters and places. Before long, I felt completely immersed in the world.
The descriptions were another highlight for me. The settings, atmosphere, and emotions are so vivid that I constantly felt like I was there. And the characters! I loved getting to know them gradually until they started feeling incredibly familiar and close.
Kora and Duncan, Elara and Njall — I loved them all and I am already desperate to see what happens next.
I also loved the friendships and the strong female characters. The women in this story are intelligent, brave, outspoken, capable, and strong-willed, and they genuinely drive the story in so many ways. I loved seeing them take up space and make things happen.
There are still so many mysteries left to solve, and I am already impatient for book two.
And honestly… I want the movie adaptation NOW!
Thank you to NetGalley and Irene Edwards for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This fantasy novel completely pulled me in. Fae, humans, political intrigue, rivalries, secrets, drama, battles, and two interconnected storylines and love stories that come together in such a clever way. There was always another mystery to uncover, another secret to question, or another reason to say, “Just one more chapter.”
And yes, it kept me up at night. I needed to know what would happen next.
I absolutely loved the romance. It felt incredibly real and emotional, and the slow-burn was perfect. There is practically no spice, but honestly, it didn't need it. The relationships and emotional connections between the characters were powerful enough on their own.
I was initially a little worried about keeping track of everything because there is quite a lot of information and several characters introduced early on, but Irene Edwards' storytelling made everything surprisingly easy to follow. The multiple POVs work really well, especially as the story moves between different characters and places. Before long, I felt completely immersed in the world.
The descriptions were another highlight for me. The settings, atmosphere, and emotions are so vivid that I constantly felt like I was there. And the characters! I loved getting to know them gradually until they started feeling incredibly familiar and close.
Kora and Duncan, Elara and Njall — I loved them all and I am already desperate to see what happens next.
I also loved the friendships and the strong female characters. The women in this story are intelligent, brave, outspoken, capable, and strong-willed, and they genuinely drive the story in so many ways. I loved seeing them take up space and make things happen.
There are still so many mysteries left to solve, and I am already impatient for book two.
And honestly… I want the movie adaptation NOW!
Thank you to NetGalley and Irene Edwards for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 26, 2026
Giving it my "okay" rating because I've reached a point where I really struggle with this book, while being painfully aware it's a me-issue. I like the idea of this story more than the execution, and my joy keeps dropping more and more since the beginning, which was my favorite part so far.
I love the identity theft storyline and therefore this character, and I also found Duncan's story interesting right up until his marriage because I don't understand his choice. It was mentioned somewhere that he's over 30, and decides to marry an 18 year old girl simply because his older sister would've brought trouble into his house because she was actually trained for the role of a wife. Which he doesn't want. But then he needs to train his young wife anyway, in order for her to fulfill her role. What? I know this is Fantasy, so age differences shouldn't weird me out, but I really can't see her as this smart, capable girl who understands economics because she's giving me very heavy special girl vibes with her entire storyline. I just can't connect with her at all and keep wanting to skip chapters to get back to something else, but what I've seen from the other eventual couple so far, their interactions raise even more questions for me.
Someone else mentioned this book has too little romance, meanwhile I wish it had less. For the longest time I was confused over who was gonna end up together because almost every character's first impression of everyone else is noticing that they're pretty, or they've actually had something going on in the past already.
---
DNFd at 43% because I lost any reason to continue. The fae king does evil things for the sake of being evil, future-couple 2 consists of a fae who kidnapped a woman without thinking it through at all, while actually being in love with the priestess, who keeps her sanity by sleeping with other people, and she in return gets judged by the guy who gets harrassed by the fae princess. You'd think I hate romance in books, but I really just dislike whatever is happening here.
I love the identity theft storyline and therefore this character, and I also found Duncan's story interesting right up until his marriage because I don't understand his choice. It was mentioned somewhere that he's over 30, and decides to marry an 18 year old girl simply because his older sister would've brought trouble into his house because she was actually trained for the role of a wife. Which he doesn't want. But then he needs to train his young wife anyway, in order for her to fulfill her role. What? I know this is Fantasy, so age differences shouldn't weird me out, but I really can't see her as this smart, capable girl who understands economics because she's giving me very heavy special girl vibes with her entire storyline. I just can't connect with her at all and keep wanting to skip chapters to get back to something else, but what I've seen from the other eventual couple so far, their interactions raise even more questions for me.
Someone else mentioned this book has too little romance, meanwhile I wish it had less. For the longest time I was confused over who was gonna end up together because almost every character's first impression of everyone else is noticing that they're pretty, or they've actually had something going on in the past already.
---
DNFd at 43% because I lost any reason to continue. The fae king does evil things for the sake of being evil, future-couple 2 consists of a fae who kidnapped a woman without thinking it through at all, while actually being in love with the priestess, who keeps her sanity by sleeping with other people, and she in return gets judged by the guy who gets harrassed by the fae princess. You'd think I hate romance in books, but I really just dislike whatever is happening here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Incredible.
It is bewildering to know this is the authors debut novel. It reads like someone who has been writing and publishing works for years!
It has been some time since I have picked up a high fantasy book so my brain was definitely put to work in the beginning to sort out who, what and where, but the way this story built, schemed and unfolded was perfection. The political intrigue was easy to consume and follow along, but still kept you thinking and at times had me saying "oooh make a mental note of that for later". It had me feeling like I was part of discussions trying to unravel what was happening real time.
I love elemental magic, and the magic in this was done so tastefully, and not oversaturated, still leaving so much to be discovered. The found family element was beautiful! I loved the multiple POV's and getting to see perspectives, experiences and personal development from characters you would normally only see through a MC's POV. The battle and fight scenes were gritty, brutal and violent. The different aspects of grief and trauma touched on throughout the story was incredibly moving. There are two main love stories; both are so different and unique to each other, with excellent slow burn and very minimal spice.
This book had me reading through tear-brimmed eyes multiple times; one time in particular had me completely gobsmacked to the point where I had to put the book down and breathe for a moment. It takes its time making sure you are truly engrossed, connected and attached to all the characters before it pulls the rug out from underneath you (in the best way).
If you love high fantasy with multiple POV's, kingdoms at war, fantastic political and court intrigue, excellent character development, high stakes, brutal fight scenes, proper slow burn romance with minimal spice, arranged marriage, found family, hidden/stolen identity, unlikely allies - you need to pick this up.
It is bewildering to know this is the authors debut novel. It reads like someone who has been writing and publishing works for years!
It has been some time since I have picked up a high fantasy book so my brain was definitely put to work in the beginning to sort out who, what and where, but the way this story built, schemed and unfolded was perfection. The political intrigue was easy to consume and follow along, but still kept you thinking and at times had me saying "oooh make a mental note of that for later". It had me feeling like I was part of discussions trying to unravel what was happening real time.
I love elemental magic, and the magic in this was done so tastefully, and not oversaturated, still leaving so much to be discovered. The found family element was beautiful! I loved the multiple POV's and getting to see perspectives, experiences and personal development from characters you would normally only see through a MC's POV. The battle and fight scenes were gritty, brutal and violent. The different aspects of grief and trauma touched on throughout the story was incredibly moving. There are two main love stories; both are so different and unique to each other, with excellent slow burn and very minimal spice.
This book had me reading through tear-brimmed eyes multiple times; one time in particular had me completely gobsmacked to the point where I had to put the book down and breathe for a moment. It takes its time making sure you are truly engrossed, connected and attached to all the characters before it pulls the rug out from underneath you (in the best way).
If you love high fantasy with multiple POV's, kingdoms at war, fantastic political and court intrigue, excellent character development, high stakes, brutal fight scenes, proper slow burn romance with minimal spice, arranged marriage, found family, hidden/stolen identity, unlikely allies - you need to pick this up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3-3.5stars
First of all, I'd like to thank Irene for reaching out and gifting me a copy of her upcoming release.
This book is slightly out of my usual reading scope, because it is more high fantasy, and I guess it caught me off guard a bit. I do think that for those who prefer a sprinkle of romance in their fantasy, this is a perfect match. This was also a learning experience for me, because apparently, I prefer more romance with the plot.
At the beginning, I found it difficult to keep up with all the names, especially since the characters were also referred to as the part they resided over. Add this to a 3rd-person POV writing, I really had to focus on whose head I am in and who's who. I also felt, that introducing so many players made me simplify their appearance/role, which led to confusion from my part later on.
This book is long, and took nearly 40% to really get going. I found the converging of multiple storylines interesting. But this also brought with it the feeling that I was handed cliffhanger after cliffhanger, when the storyline changed, and for some time I preferred one story over the other. I have to mention that I haven't read Brandon Sanderson's books yet, so I do not know how Irene's writing compares to her inspiration.
I did find the world pleasantly refreshing. The whole concept of how humans are related to fae and the power dynamics. I also was positively surprised that Irene did not spare important characters, no one is safe, apparently! The strict societal structure and the tension from it was well described.
For the romance, I felt that the relationships developing were organic and genuine. They took enough time to feel real. The struggles of the main characters and baggages were tremendous.
I do think that a lot of people who read high fantasy will enjoy this book. And I wish Irene the best with her release!
First of all, I'd like to thank Irene for reaching out and gifting me a copy of her upcoming release.
This book is slightly out of my usual reading scope, because it is more high fantasy, and I guess it caught me off guard a bit. I do think that for those who prefer a sprinkle of romance in their fantasy, this is a perfect match. This was also a learning experience for me, because apparently, I prefer more romance with the plot.
At the beginning, I found it difficult to keep up with all the names, especially since the characters were also referred to as the part they resided over. Add this to a 3rd-person POV writing, I really had to focus on whose head I am in and who's who. I also felt, that introducing so many players made me simplify their appearance/role, which led to confusion from my part later on.
This book is long, and took nearly 40% to really get going. I found the converging of multiple storylines interesting. But this also brought with it the feeling that I was handed cliffhanger after cliffhanger, when the storyline changed, and for some time I preferred one story over the other. I have to mention that I haven't read Brandon Sanderson's books yet, so I do not know how Irene's writing compares to her inspiration.
I did find the world pleasantly refreshing. The whole concept of how humans are related to fae and the power dynamics. I also was positively surprised that Irene did not spare important characters, no one is safe, apparently! The strict societal structure and the tension from it was well described.
For the romance, I felt that the relationships developing were organic and genuine. They took enough time to feel real. The struggles of the main characters and baggages were tremendous.
I do think that a lot of people who read high fantasy will enjoy this book. And I wish Irene the best with her release!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Irene Edwards for an Advance Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Of Iron and Moonlight completely swept me away. I genuinely cannot believe this is a debut novel. Irene Edwards’ writing is beautiful, immersive, and flows so effortlessly that I could honestly read her writing all day, every day, and never get bored.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was the multiple POV structure. I loved that it felt almost like two stories unfolding within the same book, and watching those individual storylines gradually become intertwined was so satisfying. Each perspective added something meaningful to the overall story, and I never felt like the POV changes disrupted the pacing.
And then there’s Elara. She is absolutely my favorite character. She’s feisty, determined, and has such a fantastic outlook on life. I especially loved that she never seems to view a problem as a failure—just a small obstacle that needs to be worked around. That attitude made her such a fun character to follow, and I found myself rooting for her constantly.
The couples also complement each other so well. Their relationships felt like they brought out different strengths in one another, and I really enjoyed watching those dynamics develop alongside the larger story.
The worldbuilding was another huge highlight for me. There is clearly so much thought behind this world, but the information is introduced at a pace that makes everything easy to absorb without feeling overwhelming.
Overall, I loved all the vibes of this book. The writing, the characters, the intertwined storylines, the romance, and the worldbuilding all came together to make this a fantastic read for me.
This is an easy 5/5 stars and one I would absolutely recommend to fellow fantasy and romantasy readers. I sincerely hope this is the beginning of a series because I am not ready to leave this world yet!
Of Iron and Moonlight completely swept me away. I genuinely cannot believe this is a debut novel. Irene Edwards’ writing is beautiful, immersive, and flows so effortlessly that I could honestly read her writing all day, every day, and never get bored.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was the multiple POV structure. I loved that it felt almost like two stories unfolding within the same book, and watching those individual storylines gradually become intertwined was so satisfying. Each perspective added something meaningful to the overall story, and I never felt like the POV changes disrupted the pacing.
And then there’s Elara. She is absolutely my favorite character. She’s feisty, determined, and has such a fantastic outlook on life. I especially loved that she never seems to view a problem as a failure—just a small obstacle that needs to be worked around. That attitude made her such a fun character to follow, and I found myself rooting for her constantly.
The couples also complement each other so well. Their relationships felt like they brought out different strengths in one another, and I really enjoyed watching those dynamics develop alongside the larger story.
The worldbuilding was another huge highlight for me. There is clearly so much thought behind this world, but the information is introduced at a pace that makes everything easy to absorb without feeling overwhelming.
Overall, I loved all the vibes of this book. The writing, the characters, the intertwined storylines, the romance, and the worldbuilding all came together to make this a fantastic read for me.
This is an easy 5/5 stars and one I would absolutely recommend to fellow fantasy and romantasy readers. I sincerely hope this is the beginning of a series because I am not ready to leave this world yet!
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