What do you think?
Rate this book
A Fire in the Sky #3
Spellcast
New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan is back with an epic romantasy set in the world of A Fire in the Sky, about a girl on the hunt for the witch who cursed her, unaware of her own dormant power…waiting to emerge.
For ten long years, Arden has been invisible, trapped in her village by a spell she cannot break. She listens to friends chatter, watches her family grieve, but can never touch, speak, or be seen. Living like a ghost among those who’ve forgotten her, she dreams of vengeance against the witch who cursed her.
Until one fateful day, her village is devoured in flame, and everything changes.
From the wreckage rises a pride of dragons that can transform into humans. Their piercing eyes slice through her curse, and for the first time in a decade, Arden can be seen.
Swept off to the Crags by the enigmatic alpha dragon, Tage, Arden is forced into a world of fire and power, where danger lurks in every shadow. Though she plots her escape at every turn, Tage’s fiery intensity and undeniable magnetism spark an unwilling response in her.
But Arden’s fate is bound to a secret she has yet to uncover, a magic older and more perilous than she could ever imagine. With war on the horizon, Arden must decide whether to trust the dragon she swore to defy, harness the wild magic around her, or risk losing everything.
Sometimes all it takes to break a curse… is to cast another spell.
For ten long years, Arden has been invisible, trapped in her village by a spell she cannot break. She listens to friends chatter, watches her family grieve, but can never touch, speak, or be seen. Living like a ghost among those who’ve forgotten her, she dreams of vengeance against the witch who cursed her.
Until one fateful day, her village is devoured in flame, and everything changes.
From the wreckage rises a pride of dragons that can transform into humans. Their piercing eyes slice through her curse, and for the first time in a decade, Arden can be seen.
Swept off to the Crags by the enigmatic alpha dragon, Tage, Arden is forced into a world of fire and power, where danger lurks in every shadow. Though she plots her escape at every turn, Tage’s fiery intensity and undeniable magnetism spark an unwilling response in her.
But Arden’s fate is bound to a secret she has yet to uncover, a magic older and more perilous than she could ever imagine. With war on the horizon, Arden must decide whether to trust the dragon she swore to defy, harness the wild magic around her, or risk losing everything.
Sometimes all it takes to break a curse… is to cast another spell.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published July 28, 2026
About the author
Sophie Jordan
73 books9,107 followersPseudonym:
Sharie Kohler
Sophie Jordan took her adolescent daydreaming one step further and penned her first historical romance in the back of her high school Spanish class. This passion led her to pursue a degree in English and History.
A brief stint in law school taught her that case law was not nearly as interesting as literature - teaching English seemed the natural recourse. After several years teaching high school students to love Antigone, Sophie resigned with the birth of her first child and decided it was time to pursue the long-held dream of writing.
In less than three years, her first book, Once Upon A Wedding Night, a 2006 Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Nominee for Best First Historical, hit book shelves. Her second novel, Too Wicked To Tame, released in March 2007 with a bang, landing on the USA Today Bestseller's List.
Sharie Kohler
Sophie Jordan took her adolescent daydreaming one step further and penned her first historical romance in the back of her high school Spanish class. This passion led her to pursue a degree in English and History.
A brief stint in law school taught her that case law was not nearly as interesting as literature - teaching English seemed the natural recourse. After several years teaching high school students to love Antigone, Sophie resigned with the birth of her first child and decided it was time to pursue the long-held dream of writing.
In less than three years, her first book, Once Upon A Wedding Night, a 2006 Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Nominee for Best First Historical, hit book shelves. Her second novel, Too Wicked To Tame, released in March 2007 with a bang, landing on the USA Today Bestseller's List.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 377 reviews
July 29, 2026
🐉✨ Spellcast ✨🐉
🎉🙌🏾 Happy Release Day 🙌🏾🎉
I wanted a bit more from this romantasy. I was hoping for more worldbuilding, especially with the dragons, witches, magic, and a world at war. I wanted more development and detail from them. A large portion of the story also felt more YA than I expected.
The beginning was much longer than it needed to be, and I think the story would have benefited from reaching the dragons and the main plot sooner.
I also had a difficult time connecting with the FMC. After everything she had endured, I completely understood her anger and distrust, but some of her choices still frustrated me.
And that ending 😭 I understand what the reveal was trying to do, but it left me feeling like so much of what she endured had been for nothing. After all those years of loneliness, I really wanted something more satisfying for her.
While this wasn’t quite the story I hoped it would be, I’m still intrigued by the world and curious to see where the series goes next.
I enjoyed this book more after listening to the audiobook.
🖤 What to Expect
• Cursed FMC
• Dragon Shifters
• Captor x Captive
• Touch Her and Die
• Witch Magic
• Alpha Dragon MMC
• World at War
_ _ _ _
⭐ Final Score: 3.75 Stars
📅 Pub Date: July 28, 2026
🎧 Thank you to HarperAudio Adult, Avon, Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy. All thoughts are my own.
🎉🙌🏾 Happy Release Day 🙌🏾🎉
I wanted a bit more from this romantasy. I was hoping for more worldbuilding, especially with the dragons, witches, magic, and a world at war. I wanted more development and detail from them. A large portion of the story also felt more YA than I expected.
The beginning was much longer than it needed to be, and I think the story would have benefited from reaching the dragons and the main plot sooner.
I also had a difficult time connecting with the FMC. After everything she had endured, I completely understood her anger and distrust, but some of her choices still frustrated me.
And that ending 😭 I understand what the reveal was trying to do, but it left me feeling like so much of what she endured had been for nothing. After all those years of loneliness, I really wanted something more satisfying for her.
While this wasn’t quite the story I hoped it would be, I’m still intrigued by the world and curious to see where the series goes next.
I enjoyed this book more after listening to the audiobook.
🖤 What to Expect
• Cursed FMC
• Dragon Shifters
• Captor x Captive
• Touch Her and Die
• Witch Magic
• Alpha Dragon MMC
• World at War
_ _ _ _
⭐ Final Score: 3.75 Stars
📅 Pub Date: July 28, 2026
🎧 Thank you to HarperAudio Adult, Avon, Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy. All thoughts are my own.
July 29, 2026
Spellcast (A Fire in the Sky #3) Sophie Jordan
Book Blurb: For ten long years, Arden has been invisible, trapped in her village by a spell she cannot break. She listens to friends chatter, watches her family grieve, but can never touch, speak, or be seen. Living like a ghost among those who’ve forgotten her, she dreams of vengeance against the witch who cursed her.
Rating: ****
Feels: Amused, Puzzled, Intrigued, Satisfied
Style: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Audiobook
First published July 28, 2026: 327 pages
Themes & Setting: A war torn nation, the opening takes place on a small isolated village from the view of Arden as a child and we really uncover more of the world as she does. This reads almost as two parts with the first being Arden as a child being cursed and growing up in the village and then being discovered by the dragons and learning to be seen again and figuring out who she is and what it means to be seen. I really enjoyed those themes as well as the themes of how friends, family, loved ones, community and lovers all see you differently.
FMC: Arden is truly an intriguing character and I enjoyed watching her grown, learn and be seen. She is sassy, strong and the kind of FMC I tend to enjoy. Strong family vibes as well as found family ties.
MMC: Tage was really aggressive and possessive which is explained in the story and I enjoyed that aspect of the world building and how it interplayed with the character building and story with Arden. The Dragon shifters had a very interesting dynamic in this story and I felt like Tage really embodied that well.
Conclusion: This was a really interesting world build. I was not familiar with the world setting and was easily able to fall into the world without any previous knowledge. There was a lot of set up as Arden was cursed as a child and then was invisible to all those around her before the dragons arrived. We got a good sense of her and the growth and suffering she endured. Once the dragons showed up the fun and sparks really began !! Tage is possessive and hot in all the best ways. Then we get the chaos , wars and all the fun !!! Really enjoyed this read !!
Audiobook Review:
Narration Style: Solo
Listener Rating: ****
Audiobook Notes: I listened to this as an immersive read with my kindle as a read a long and really enjoyed it. I think it would have been just as enjoyable with just the audiobook as well as the audio was very well done. The pacing, tone and cadence were easy to follow and understand through out at all levels I typically listen to (1.5 - 2.5). Emotion was very well portrayed and I always knew who was speaking and what was going on. I felt the narration style very well fit the story and complimented the read.
Would definitely recommend as an audiobook, immersive read or read. All were enjoyable although I think my preference would be immersive or audiobook for this.
This book has:
Dragons vrs humans
Enemies to Lovers
Witches and Magic
Touch her and die
Spicy scenes !!
Captor / captive
Curses !!
Book Blurb: For ten long years, Arden has been invisible, trapped in her village by a spell she cannot break. She listens to friends chatter, watches her family grieve, but can never touch, speak, or be seen. Living like a ghost among those who’ve forgotten her, she dreams of vengeance against the witch who cursed her.
Rating: ****
Feels: Amused, Puzzled, Intrigued, Satisfied
Style: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Audiobook
First published July 28, 2026: 327 pages
Themes & Setting: A war torn nation, the opening takes place on a small isolated village from the view of Arden as a child and we really uncover more of the world as she does. This reads almost as two parts with the first being Arden as a child being cursed and growing up in the village and then being discovered by the dragons and learning to be seen again and figuring out who she is and what it means to be seen. I really enjoyed those themes as well as the themes of how friends, family, loved ones, community and lovers all see you differently.
FMC: Arden is truly an intriguing character and I enjoyed watching her grown, learn and be seen. She is sassy, strong and the kind of FMC I tend to enjoy. Strong family vibes as well as found family ties.
MMC: Tage was really aggressive and possessive which is explained in the story and I enjoyed that aspect of the world building and how it interplayed with the character building and story with Arden. The Dragon shifters had a very interesting dynamic in this story and I felt like Tage really embodied that well.
Conclusion: This was a really interesting world build. I was not familiar with the world setting and was easily able to fall into the world without any previous knowledge. There was a lot of set up as Arden was cursed as a child and then was invisible to all those around her before the dragons arrived. We got a good sense of her and the growth and suffering she endured. Once the dragons showed up the fun and sparks really began !! Tage is possessive and hot in all the best ways. Then we get the chaos , wars and all the fun !!! Really enjoyed this read !!
Audiobook Review:
Narration Style: Solo
Listener Rating: ****
Audiobook Notes: I listened to this as an immersive read with my kindle as a read a long and really enjoyed it. I think it would have been just as enjoyable with just the audiobook as well as the audio was very well done. The pacing, tone and cadence were easy to follow and understand through out at all levels I typically listen to (1.5 - 2.5). Emotion was very well portrayed and I always knew who was speaking and what was going on. I felt the narration style very well fit the story and complimented the read.
Would definitely recommend as an audiobook, immersive read or read. All were enjoyable although I think my preference would be immersive or audiobook for this.
This book has:
Dragons vrs humans
Enemies to Lovers
Witches and Magic
Touch her and die
Spicy scenes !!
Captor / captive
Curses !!
January 10, 2026
Thanks to Avon, Harper Voyager and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy of Spellcast by Sophie Jordan, to be published on July 28th, 2026.
This book is part of A fire in the Sky, which has already 2 books published. This is a spin-off.
The plot is entertaining from beginning to end, with characters such as a wraith, a healer, witches, shapeshifters, different flocks of dragons, and harpies.
There's also so much mystery in the story that keeps you intrigued at all times.
The book is divided into three parts: The first one is related to "the ghost", the second one to "the dragons", and the third one "to the witch."
I really liked the organization of the book, and I certainly loved the plot twists!
This book is part of A fire in the Sky, which has already 2 books published. This is a spin-off.
The plot is entertaining from beginning to end, with characters such as a wraith, a healer, witches, shapeshifters, different flocks of dragons, and harpies.
There's also so much mystery in the story that keeps you intrigued at all times.
The book is divided into three parts: The first one is related to "the ghost", the second one to "the dragons", and the third one "to the witch."
I really liked the organization of the book, and I certainly loved the plot twists!
July 26, 2026
I loved Spellcast so incredibly much! It’s a book you will absolutely not be able to put down until you turn that last page. My attention was utterly captivated from beginning to ending, if anything I simply wanted more. This is an incredibly addicting read.
A read that follows Arden, who, as a young girl, is cursed to turn invisible in both body and voice. She wanders years watching her family grow while she remains lost to them. And they to her once her village burns to the ground. Until a dragon pack finds her and its leader Tage sees her, truly sees her in a way she hasn’t been seen in years. And this dragon who can transform into human changes the course of Arden’s life.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is the amount of time we spend with Arden as she grows up in the loneliness her invisibility has caused. It’s heartbreaking to witness her see the lives of her loved ones go on without her there. She may be right next to her Da and brothers and best friend, but she cannot live with them in truth. Only in a lonely secret. Not everyone may be a fan of how much time we spend with just Arden’s loneliness, but I think it really helped to feel the impact of this presumed witch’s curse. I appreciated this narrative choice and it added even more of my love for this book.
A book that truly reads like a 5 star for most of it, but the reason it’s not (to me!) is because we went from a good, steady pace to a very fast one. It made for a quick read but it left a lot of potential out. For example, I truly and readily adored the chemistry between Arden and Tage. It’s dynamite, truly dynamite and I wanted to explore it in full. Instead it felt like several steps between meeting to in love were missed, specifically the falling into love part. Causing the romance to read underdeveloped. Furthermore, I also felt the ending was a touch abrupt. And I genuinely wish I felt differently because all the potential is right there! Like it’s all right there and at times presented perfectly, such as the ache of Arden’s loneliness. I felt it at times but missed it at other times!
Nevertheless, this book remains a fantastically worthwhile read. One I must have on my bookshelf for sure! And it once again cements my steadfastness as a Sophie Jordan reader. I have loved and enjoyed every book I’ve read of hers and will continue to trust in her work.
Thank you Avon and NetGalley for this complimentary eARC, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
____
Quick thoughts before full review:
I really and truly loved this. And I wish I could give 5 stars because so much of it read as a 5 star, but the reason I chose 4 is the ending felt too abrupt and, more significantly, the romance felt underdeveloped. Which is a shame because of how much I loved that dynamic overall, but it seemed to skip the “falling” in love part and went straight into “in love.” Part of me wants to go to 4.5 because I genuinely enjoyed so much, but I can’t quite overlook where the story fell short . But again, much much to love here! I simply wished for more upon it all.
A read that follows Arden, who, as a young girl, is cursed to turn invisible in both body and voice. She wanders years watching her family grow while she remains lost to them. And they to her once her village burns to the ground. Until a dragon pack finds her and its leader Tage sees her, truly sees her in a way she hasn’t been seen in years. And this dragon who can transform into human changes the course of Arden’s life.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is the amount of time we spend with Arden as she grows up in the loneliness her invisibility has caused. It’s heartbreaking to witness her see the lives of her loved ones go on without her there. She may be right next to her Da and brothers and best friend, but she cannot live with them in truth. Only in a lonely secret. Not everyone may be a fan of how much time we spend with just Arden’s loneliness, but I think it really helped to feel the impact of this presumed witch’s curse. I appreciated this narrative choice and it added even more of my love for this book.
A book that truly reads like a 5 star for most of it, but the reason it’s not (to me!) is because we went from a good, steady pace to a very fast one. It made for a quick read but it left a lot of potential out. For example, I truly and readily adored the chemistry between Arden and Tage. It’s dynamite, truly dynamite and I wanted to explore it in full. Instead it felt like several steps between meeting to in love were missed, specifically the falling into love part. Causing the romance to read underdeveloped. Furthermore, I also felt the ending was a touch abrupt. And I genuinely wish I felt differently because all the potential is right there! Like it’s all right there and at times presented perfectly, such as the ache of Arden’s loneliness. I felt it at times but missed it at other times!
Nevertheless, this book remains a fantastically worthwhile read. One I must have on my bookshelf for sure! And it once again cements my steadfastness as a Sophie Jordan reader. I have loved and enjoyed every book I’ve read of hers and will continue to trust in her work.
Thank you Avon and NetGalley for this complimentary eARC, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
____
Quick thoughts before full review:
I really and truly loved this. And I wish I could give 5 stars because so much of it read as a 5 star, but the reason I chose 4 is the ending felt too abrupt and, more significantly, the romance felt underdeveloped. Which is a shame because of how much I loved that dynamic overall, but it seemed to skip the “falling” in love part and went straight into “in love.” Part of me wants to go to 4.5 because I genuinely enjoyed so much, but I can’t quite overlook where the story fell short . But again, much much to love here! I simply wished for more upon it all.
February 17, 2026
I was a bit surprised at how much I loved this book! I went in fairly blind because when I requested this, I must've missed that this was a companion novel to a completed duology in the same world. Let me tell you though that regardless of whether you have read the other books or not, you can still easily fall in love with Spellcast.
We follow Arden, a youngest daughter of an unremarkable family in an unremarkable village, who gets cursed by a witch when she was 14. For ten years, she is invisible and spends her days watching her family, friends, and fellow villagers with only her own thoughts for company. One day, her village is razed by a group of dragon shifters leaving her as the only survivor. She is then kidnapped by our MMC, Tage, and his friends. Things pick up from there.
This is a very character driven novel, which worked for me, but I understand it won't work for everyone. I want to preface this before I get too far into this review. The first third of this is almost a different novel compared to the last 2/3. It is very heavy as a multitude of different topics are discussed like death of a minor, depression, grief, and loneliness. I thought these were all handled well, however, I do feel like this section of the book could've been significantly shorter. I understand the purpose of it, in regards to the heavy themes present, but I feel it dragged on a little.
This leads into the rest of the book. The content is not nearly as heavy, and it was fun to learn more about the dragons and how they live. I felt like each of our 6 dragons had distinctive personalities and were equally interesting characters. I wasn't entirely sold on Tage and Arden as a couple. He seemed to just decide he would sacrifice everything for her out of the blue with not much of a defense for why. The tension was well done, however, and I felt the attraction.
There really isn't much of a plot here, so be prepared for that. This book is more fun vibes, cool world building, and well done character arcs. I think Arden is very relatable. Even though none of us have ever been cursed to become invisible, I think we can all relate to not being heard at some point in our lives.
I will certainly be checking out Jordan's other books in this series now!
Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
We follow Arden, a youngest daughter of an unremarkable family in an unremarkable village, who gets cursed by a witch when she was 14. For ten years, she is invisible and spends her days watching her family, friends, and fellow villagers with only her own thoughts for company. One day, her village is razed by a group of dragon shifters leaving her as the only survivor. She is then kidnapped by our MMC, Tage, and his friends. Things pick up from there.
This is a very character driven novel, which worked for me, but I understand it won't work for everyone. I want to preface this before I get too far into this review. The first third of this is almost a different novel compared to the last 2/3. It is very heavy as a multitude of different topics are discussed like death of a minor, depression, grief, and loneliness. I thought these were all handled well, however, I do feel like this section of the book could've been significantly shorter. I understand the purpose of it, in regards to the heavy themes present, but I feel it dragged on a little.
This leads into the rest of the book. The content is not nearly as heavy, and it was fun to learn more about the dragons and how they live. I felt like each of our 6 dragons had distinctive personalities and were equally interesting characters. I wasn't entirely sold on Tage and Arden as a couple. He seemed to just decide he would sacrifice everything for her out of the blue with not much of a defense for why. The tension was well done, however, and I felt the attraction.
There really isn't much of a plot here, so be prepared for that. This book is more fun vibes, cool world building, and well done character arcs. I think Arden is very relatable. Even though none of us have ever been cursed to become invisible, I think we can all relate to not being heard at some point in our lives.
I will certainly be checking out Jordan's other books in this series now!
Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 1, 2026
Spellcast had a premise that immediately hooked me. A girl cursed to live unseen for a decade before dragons finally become the first beings able to see her again? I was all in. Arden's loneliness and grief were some of the strongest parts of the book, and those opening chapters carried a surprising amount of emotional weight.
Unfortunately, once the story shifted into the larger world of dragons, witches, and magic, it never fully lived up to the potential of that incredible setup. The pacing felt uneven, with so much time spent on Arden's isolation that the romance and bigger plot developments felt rushed by comparison. I also wanted far more worldbuilding because the dragons, magic system, and political conflict all sounded fascinating, but I never felt like they were explored deeply enough.
I still enjoyed parts of the journey, especially Arden's resilience and the emotional themes of finally being seen after years of invisibility. But by the end, I was left wanting more from both the story and the relationships. It wasn't a bad read by any means, just one that never quite reached the heights I was hoping for.
Unfortunately, once the story shifted into the larger world of dragons, witches, and magic, it never fully lived up to the potential of that incredible setup. The pacing felt uneven, with so much time spent on Arden's isolation that the romance and bigger plot developments felt rushed by comparison. I also wanted far more worldbuilding because the dragons, magic system, and political conflict all sounded fascinating, but I never felt like they were explored deeply enough.
I still enjoyed parts of the journey, especially Arden's resilience and the emotional themes of finally being seen after years of invisibility. But by the end, I was left wanting more from both the story and the relationships. It wasn't a bad read by any means, just one that never quite reached the heights I was hoping for.
August 7, 2026
📚 Spellcast by Sophie Jordan
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue meets the world of Firelight.
When I picked this up, I didn't realise it was set in an existing fantasy world, as it had been marketed as a standalone. Having finished the book, though, I can confirm you DON'T need to read the Fire in the Sky duology beforehand.
We follow the life of Arden, cursed as a teenager into invisibility, into a life where she can leave no mark. But all that changes after dragons destroy her village, setting her on a journey of self discovery.
💬 "I think that's what parents secretly wanted - to see themselves in their offspring. The reflection somehow validating, a sign from nature that they were... worth replicating."
Set into 3 parts, the world of Spellcast was easy to fall into, bringing a combination of witches, dragons, harpies and humans to life. A classic romantasy brimming with magic, yearning and a bit of spice.
My favourite part, though, has to be the introduction of the Harpies in Part 3 of this book. They're blunt, funny, and I'd love to have seen more of them. Can we get a harpy standalone next, please?
While I'd have loved a more in depth ending for the epilogue scene, this was a predictable and easy read once I got into it - plus, it helped me fight my reading slump.
Tropes:
✨️ Magic and Curses
🐉 Possessive Dragons
🔥 Slow Burn
💀 Touch Her and D!e
🎁 Thank you to HQ Stories for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue meets the world of Firelight.
When I picked this up, I didn't realise it was set in an existing fantasy world, as it had been marketed as a standalone. Having finished the book, though, I can confirm you DON'T need to read the Fire in the Sky duology beforehand.
We follow the life of Arden, cursed as a teenager into invisibility, into a life where she can leave no mark. But all that changes after dragons destroy her village, setting her on a journey of self discovery.
💬 "I think that's what parents secretly wanted - to see themselves in their offspring. The reflection somehow validating, a sign from nature that they were... worth replicating."
Set into 3 parts, the world of Spellcast was easy to fall into, bringing a combination of witches, dragons, harpies and humans to life. A classic romantasy brimming with magic, yearning and a bit of spice.
My favourite part, though, has to be the introduction of the Harpies in Part 3 of this book. They're blunt, funny, and I'd love to have seen more of them. Can we get a harpy standalone next, please?
While I'd have loved a more in depth ending for the epilogue scene, this was a predictable and easy read once I got into it - plus, it helped me fight my reading slump.
Tropes:
✨️ Magic and Curses
🐉 Possessive Dragons
🔥 Slow Burn
💀 Touch Her and D!e
🎁 Thank you to HQ Stories for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 27, 2026
Thanks to the author and publisher for my alc. Narrator did a fantastic job especially with different distinct voices for different characters.
I absolutely loved this premise, imagine being invisible and then captured by dragons! Because of her invisibility it starts out slow, and it’s a bit heartbreaking but once she is “kidnapped “ the story picks up. Love a good enemies to lovers, hidden power and dragon shifter trope and this doesn’t disappoint.
I absolutely loved this premise, imagine being invisible and then captured by dragons! Because of her invisibility it starts out slow, and it’s a bit heartbreaking but once she is “kidnapped “ the story picks up. Love a good enemies to lovers, hidden power and dragon shifter trope and this doesn’t disappoint.
August 8, 2026
I very much enjoyed this book! I requested it on NG months ago, was accepted, then I fell into the worst reading slump of my entire life and I knew I’d have to wait until the audiobook was released to be able to finish this one 😩 so thank you very much for the ARC, sorry I didn’t read it before release 🥹
I also somehow missed that this book is a continuation of a series. I believe it’s a standalone set in a pre-established world, so you don’t need to read the first two books to understand anything. I went in completely blind. But you know what? After finishing this one, I will be going back and reading the others. I’m fascinated by this world and characters!
The first 30-40% of this book is very different to the rest of it. It’s almost like a prolonged backstory. Or a condensed backstory, depending on who you ask. There was no romance to speak of until really quite late, we don’t even meet the mmc until about halfway, maybe a bit less. But it’s okay, but the way it was written was deeply compelling, and I found myself locked in even without the romance. Then I was rewarded with the romance. It was a bit rushed I feel, I usually prefer a slower burn. But man, I felt something when he kissed her for the first time. We didn’t really get a whole lot of info about the dragons, to my chagrin. They’re such interesting and hilarious characters, I’d have loved a longer arc with them, learning to coexist etc. But what we did get was very delicious. We are not deprived of some good open door intimacy in here, let me tell you. Hoo boy I was sweating. It’s not even that spicy, it’s just that it was steamy as hell and very tension-filled.
I want MORE! I was really hoping this would be a duology because I feel like it ended so abruptly with so many questions left unanswered. But the way it ended could go either way. If there’s another one though… I’ll be preordering that homie and requesting bright and early on NG!!
I’m really glad I requested this one. I wouldn’t have read it otherwise, and that would have been a real shame!!
I also somehow missed that this book is a continuation of a series. I believe it’s a standalone set in a pre-established world, so you don’t need to read the first two books to understand anything. I went in completely blind. But you know what? After finishing this one, I will be going back and reading the others. I’m fascinated by this world and characters!
The first 30-40% of this book is very different to the rest of it. It’s almost like a prolonged backstory. Or a condensed backstory, depending on who you ask. There was no romance to speak of until really quite late, we don’t even meet the mmc until about halfway, maybe a bit less. But it’s okay, but the way it was written was deeply compelling, and I found myself locked in even without the romance. Then I was rewarded with the romance. It was a bit rushed I feel, I usually prefer a slower burn. But man, I felt something when he kissed her for the first time. We didn’t really get a whole lot of info about the dragons, to my chagrin. They’re such interesting and hilarious characters, I’d have loved a longer arc with them, learning to coexist etc. But what we did get was very delicious. We are not deprived of some good open door intimacy in here, let me tell you. Hoo boy I was sweating. It’s not even that spicy, it’s just that it was steamy as hell and very tension-filled.
I want MORE! I was really hoping this would be a duology because I feel like it ended so abruptly with so many questions left unanswered. But the way it ended could go either way. If there’s another one though… I’ll be preordering that homie and requesting bright and early on NG!!
I’m really glad I requested this one. I wouldn’t have read it otherwise, and that would have been a real shame!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley, Avon and Harper Voyager for the eArc opportunity in exchange for an honest review.
I was sold from the first sentence of the blurb: witches and curses, sign me up. I haven’t read A Fire in the Sky yet, so I came into this world blind. I got lost in it, but it felt like two separate novels. The first part is a quiet character-driven portrait where we learn about Arden, the invisibility curse, and her loneliness. There are impactful moments that are beautifully written. As a reader, you feel as helpless as Arden.
After Arden’s village is attacked, the narrative shifts into a more plot-driven mode: Years have passed, and Arden is pulled back into the world, notably after she encounters shape‑shifting dragons. Most actions remains off-page until the climax. When it arrives Arden finally takes a proper central role, but by then the stakes, especially the romance, haven’t been fully earned: the relationship is sketched in broad strokes and feels rushed, so the emotional bond never quite lands.
Overall, I found this an enjoyable and easy read. Best for readers who enjoy character driven novels.
I was sold from the first sentence of the blurb: witches and curses, sign me up. I haven’t read A Fire in the Sky yet, so I came into this world blind. I got lost in it, but it felt like two separate novels. The first part is a quiet character-driven portrait where we learn about Arden, the invisibility curse, and her loneliness. There are impactful moments that are beautifully written. As a reader, you feel as helpless as Arden.
After Arden’s village is attacked, the narrative shifts into a more plot-driven mode: Years have passed, and Arden is pulled back into the world, notably after she encounters shape‑shifting dragons. Most actions remains off-page until the climax. When it arrives Arden finally takes a proper central role, but by then the stakes, especially the romance, haven’t been fully earned: the relationship is sketched in broad strokes and feels rushed, so the emotional bond never quite lands.
Overall, I found this an enjoyable and easy read. Best for readers who enjoy character driven novels.
July 16, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon, and Sophie Jordan for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I had a really good time with Spellcast! Even though it’s the third book in the series, I never felt lost, and I think it works really well as a standalone.
This story pulled me in right away, and I ended up listening to the whole thing in one sitting because I couldn’t stop. I really enjoyed following Arden’s journey as she discovers more about herself while navigating magic, danger, and an unexpected romance. The world was easy to get immersed in, and I loved the mix of witches, dragon shifters, and plenty of action.
The romance was one of my favorite parts. I loved watching the relationship develop, and there were several moments that had me smiling. The ending wrapped everything up in a satisfying way and left me really happy with how the story played out.
The audiobook narration was also fantastic and made it so easy to stay invested from beginning to end.
Overall, this was a fun, fast-paced romantasy that kept me entertained the entire time. If you’re looking for a fantasy romance you can easily binge in a day, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up.
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon, and Sophie Jordan for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I had a really good time with Spellcast! Even though it’s the third book in the series, I never felt lost, and I think it works really well as a standalone.
This story pulled me in right away, and I ended up listening to the whole thing in one sitting because I couldn’t stop. I really enjoyed following Arden’s journey as she discovers more about herself while navigating magic, danger, and an unexpected romance. The world was easy to get immersed in, and I loved the mix of witches, dragon shifters, and plenty of action.
The romance was one of my favorite parts. I loved watching the relationship develop, and there were several moments that had me smiling. The ending wrapped everything up in a satisfying way and left me really happy with how the story played out.
The audiobook narration was also fantastic and made it so easy to stay invested from beginning to end.
Overall, this was a fun, fast-paced romantasy that kept me entertained the entire time. If you’re looking for a fantasy romance you can easily binge in a day, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up.
August 3, 2026
{4.0 Stars}
ARC
I loved this premise and I loved the execution, I just think there should have been more than a book.
I think the talk of “the furs”, but then the random “fuck” coming out of their mouths was a little odd as it felt like they had two timelines in a sentence at times. I also think that the ending was extremely rushed, there was a lot of information that the author really wanted us to know, but it’s a short chapter, so there were little words for all the information that was thrown at us.
I wanted to know so much more about the Harpies, the dragons and how they became two separate people, what the humans were doing, how many witches are there out there…
I love the way the characters interacted, the pacing was good except for the epilogue, everything felt smooth to me and I would have definitely wanted more out of these characters! They were genuinely interesting and I think that the twist was actually shocking as, even though I expected it, I still was surprised by the amount of shit that the main character was blaming herself for after learning about it. I would have loved to learn more about her and getting to know what she could do.
I just want more from them!
ARC
I loved this premise and I loved the execution, I just think there should have been more than a book.
I think the talk of “the furs”, but then the random “fuck” coming out of their mouths was a little odd as it felt like they had two timelines in a sentence at times. I also think that the ending was extremely rushed, there was a lot of information that the author really wanted us to know, but it’s a short chapter, so there were little words for all the information that was thrown at us.
I wanted to know so much more about the Harpies, the dragons and how they became two separate people, what the humans were doing, how many witches are there out there…
I love the way the characters interacted, the pacing was good except for the epilogue, everything felt smooth to me and I would have definitely wanted more out of these characters! They were genuinely interesting and I think that the twist was actually shocking as, even though I expected it, I still was surprised by the amount of shit that the main character was blaming herself for after learning about it. I would have loved to learn more about her and getting to know what she could do.
I just want more from them!
May 1, 2026
I was immediately sucked into this book with that prologue! The descriptions are just incredible! This is a character driven story following Arden and I loved experiencing her emotional journey alongside her! My heart ached for her during the first third of this book as she is forced to watch life happen around her but never experience anything herself or help the ones she loves! Once Tage enters the picture (queue protective dragon shifter hehe), you can understand all her internal battles between being a captive but also the desire to be touched and feel that connection! Their relationship has all the push and pull, tension, and spice to keep you craving more! The twist toward the end was one I did NOT see coming and I loved the way everything concluded. It was great being back in this world and it was so easy to fly through those pages! 4.25 stars
✨Captive/Captor
✨Virgin and touch starved FMC
✨Touch her and die vibes
✨Wound care
✨Only one fur 😉
✨Dragon shifters and witches
Thank you so much to Avon, NetGalley and the author for the review copy!
✨Captive/Captor
✨Virgin and touch starved FMC
✨Touch her and die vibes
✨Wound care
✨Only one fur 😉
✨Dragon shifters and witches
Thank you so much to Avon, NetGalley and the author for the review copy!
July 17, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for approving me to read this book, I’m rating it 4.0 stars.
In Sophie Jordan’s last book in my review I said I wanted more witch info and content, and I got it, I legit manifested this read it feels like.
Anyway, I found this quite devastating and emotional, our FMC is so lost throughout most of this read and she has some real trials to overcome without really having much information it feels like. There’s romance, violence and heartbreak in this story, it reminds me of the invisible life of addie larue in some shape or form, it has a haunting quality to it, but I adore how it builds and comes full circle. I only wish the epilogue was longer.
In Sophie Jordan’s last book in my review I said I wanted more witch info and content, and I got it, I legit manifested this read it feels like.
Anyway, I found this quite devastating and emotional, our FMC is so lost throughout most of this read and she has some real trials to overcome without really having much information it feels like. There’s romance, violence and heartbreak in this story, it reminds me of the invisible life of addie larue in some shape or form, it has a haunting quality to it, but I adore how it builds and comes full circle. I only wish the epilogue was longer.
July 28, 2026
I haven't read the other books in the same universe and it was not an issue at all.
I have always loved when the heroine is somehow unseen. But it has never been literally. Until now. And I absolutely loved what the author made of her unseen character.
The story was great with a very good plot. Arden's recovery was both heartbreaking and very fulfilling.
I enjoyed the dragon characters, not only Tage but all of them.
The pacing was perfect, quite different in the first part and then the second one. But it fits the two parts of Arden's story.
I really enjoyed my reading and I need to look at the other books from this author.
I have always loved when the heroine is somehow unseen. But it has never been literally. Until now. And I absolutely loved what the author made of her unseen character.
The story was great with a very good plot. Arden's recovery was both heartbreaking and very fulfilling.
I enjoyed the dragon characters, not only Tage but all of them.
The pacing was perfect, quite different in the first part and then the second one. But it fits the two parts of Arden's story.
I really enjoyed my reading and I need to look at the other books from this author.
June 8, 2026
Thank you Avon & NetGalley for this eARC!
What a quick, exciting read with a concept that has me scared to ever make a wish out of haste/my mood again 😭
This is primarily character driven as our FMC learns to navigate the new world she’s thrust into. The plot twists were twisty and descriptions so vivid I was fully immersed.
If you like impressive character arcs, witches & dragons/dragon shifters, you will love this!
What a quick, exciting read with a concept that has me scared to ever make a wish out of haste/my mood again 😭
This is primarily character driven as our FMC learns to navigate the new world she’s thrust into. The plot twists were twisty and descriptions so vivid I was fully immersed.
If you like impressive character arcs, witches & dragons/dragon shifters, you will love this!
August 3, 2026
Thank you Avon Books for the gifted copies!
Did not see that coming!!! My mind is blown, my heart is broken. This book immediately pulled me in because Sophie Jordan is a beautiful author. It did lag for me a little near the middle with the romance as that didn’t feel like anything new or different from standard romantasy, but the overall story is where this book really shined. This world and the dragon lore is so good.
Did not see that coming!!! My mind is blown, my heart is broken. This book immediately pulled me in because Sophie Jordan is a beautiful author. It did lag for me a little near the middle with the romance as that didn’t feel like anything new or different from standard romantasy, but the overall story is where this book really shined. This world and the dragon lore is so good.
January 21, 2026
I had to sit on this one for a bit before reviewing. I love Sophie’s consistency in her writing, but I’ll be honest this one was a bit of a miss for me compared to the others in the series.
The first half of this was way longer than necessary and the second half was a lot of the same thing. I liked Arden but she’s also super naive. I knew the plot twit was coming which was disappointing. However her story is pretty tragic so be prepared to sit in some heavy feelings.
It was definitely an interesting addition to the series, but not my favorite.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager. All opinions are my own.
The first half of this was way longer than necessary and the second half was a lot of the same thing. I liked Arden but she’s also super naive. I knew the plot twit was coming which was disappointing. However her story is pretty tragic so be prepared to sit in some heavy feelings.
It was definitely an interesting addition to the series, but not my favorite.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager. All opinions are my own.
July 5, 2026
° ˖✧ 𝓣𝓛;𝓓𝓡 ✧˖°
An emotional fantasy romance perfect for readers looking for a tragic look into the human experience, a world of vivid and harsh realities, and an ending that makes it all worth it.
° ˖✧ 𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼 ✧˖°
3.5 ⭐
2 🌶️
° ˖✧ 𝓠𝓾𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓼 ✧˖°
"If I wanted you dead, you would be." He steps closer and reaches for me, his long fingers resting against my throat.
"And... perhaps put on some clothes?"
One corner of his lips twitch. "Does my lack of clothing still disturb you, Arden?"
"Every moment of our lives is risk. It's unavoidable."
"Except she is avoidable."
"Not to me she isn't."
"You're you, and I'm me. That's the only thing that matters."
° ˖✧ 𝓢𝔂𝓷𝓸𝓹𝓼𝓲𝓼 𝓢𝓾𝓶𝓶𝓪𝓻𝔂 ✧˖°
Trapped in her village under an invisibility curse, Arden seeks revenge on the witch responsible. But when the village burns, leaving her visible to dragon shifters left in it’s wake, she must escape from fiery captor Tage before war breaks out.
° ˖✧ 𝓣𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼 ✧˖°
🐲 Dragon Shifters
🔒 Captor x Captive
✨ Hidden Powers
💞 Reluctant Allies
💘 Enemies to Lovers
💀 Touch Her and Die
° ˖✧ 𝓣𝓻𝓲𝓰𝓰𝓮𝓻 𝓦𝓪𝓻𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼 ✧˖°
🪦 Death and Grief (inc. Children)
💥 Violence and Abuse
🌶️ Sexually Explicit Content
❤️🩹 Brief Suicide Ideation
⚖️ Power Imbalance in Romance
° ˖✧ 𝓛𝓲𝓴𝓮𝓼 ✧˖°
+ Emotive Moments
+ Rich Worldbuilding
+ Interpersonal Conflict
+ Unexpected Twist
+ Sweet Epilogue
° ˖✧ 𝓓𝓲𝓼𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮𝓼 ✧˖°
- Time Skip between Prologue and First Act
- Lots of Interiority
- More like a Fantasy Romance than a Romantasy
- Potential for Found Family not executed well
- Romance felt unnerving at times
- Uneven Pacing
° ˖✧ 𝓜𝔂 𝓣𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼 ✧˖°
After enjoying most of A Fire in the Sky, I was hoping Spellcast would improve upon A Scar in the Bone. Unfortunately, this isn't the book to change your mind on the series!
The prologue is action packed and emotive, as Arden watches her village be burnt down by dragons. Therefore, it's such a shame when the next first third of the book happens entirely before that moment. Time skips don't always work for me, and in this case I didn't appreciate the story going back so far.
The author does a wonderful job of setting the scene for Arden - but that's all it really is: backstory. We witness the moment that comes immediately before her curse, and then the 3000 days after (granted this is still split up to show only the "key" days/weeks).
I can appreciate Arden's emotions and the way they're described in this first act. I was completely immersed in her depression and the lives of the villagers she followed while invisible, especially her fraught relationship with her father. But it also just seemed very repetitive - which I guess is the point of displaying just how long she was invisible for, but as a reader it was extremely slow pacing.
Things got a bit more exciting once she met Tage, the shifter dragon and alpha of his pride. However, I believed this book to be a romantasy like the two books that came before it, and the execution of Spellcast had it looking more like a fantasy with a romantic subplot. The main love interest only appears after approximately 30% of the book.
I enjoyed her conflict with Tage and the other dragons in his pride. This new world after being stuck invisible in the village for so long was quite exciting! And the author has a talent for worldbuilding - everything is so rich and vivid. However, the rest of the book just fell a little flat for me.
I wish more time had been given to her experiences in the pride's den. I wanted her relationship with the other dragons to eventually flourish, but even the ones she marginally got closer to, there wasn't any kind of solid resolution to their relationships.
I was also marginally unnerved by her romantic dynamic with Tage. Sometimes it didn't actually feel like she wanted him, and he was forcing himself on her (albeit differently to other characters in the story). Then all of a sudden she loved him - very stockholm-syndrome. The quiet attraction between each of them was fun at the start, but I didn't like the end result unfortunately.
I found the final twist to be an interesting one I hadn't predicted, but that made more sense the more it was explained. But it happened so quickly at the end of the book that there wasn't much time for it to actually come into effect. Though the final scenes and eventual epilogue did make me tear up and were especially emotive, I would've liked to have seen a bit more of the resolution than just the lead up to it.
Overall, I think I would have enjoyed this book more if it had started closer to the action (i.e. Arden meeting the dragon pride) which would leave room in the story to expand on some of the later characters/events that I actually enjoyed.
Thank you to Sophie Jordan and HQ for the opportunity to receive an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
An emotional fantasy romance perfect for readers looking for a tragic look into the human experience, a world of vivid and harsh realities, and an ending that makes it all worth it.
° ˖✧ 𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼 ✧˖°
3.5 ⭐
2 🌶️
° ˖✧ 𝓠𝓾𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓼 ✧˖°
"If I wanted you dead, you would be." He steps closer and reaches for me, his long fingers resting against my throat.
"And... perhaps put on some clothes?"
One corner of his lips twitch. "Does my lack of clothing still disturb you, Arden?"
"Every moment of our lives is risk. It's unavoidable."
"Except she is avoidable."
"Not to me she isn't."
"You're you, and I'm me. That's the only thing that matters."
° ˖✧ 𝓢𝔂𝓷𝓸𝓹𝓼𝓲𝓼 𝓢𝓾𝓶𝓶𝓪𝓻𝔂 ✧˖°
Trapped in her village under an invisibility curse, Arden seeks revenge on the witch responsible. But when the village burns, leaving her visible to dragon shifters left in it’s wake, she must escape from fiery captor Tage before war breaks out.
° ˖✧ 𝓣𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼 ✧˖°
🐲 Dragon Shifters
🔒 Captor x Captive
✨ Hidden Powers
💞 Reluctant Allies
💘 Enemies to Lovers
💀 Touch Her and Die
° ˖✧ 𝓣𝓻𝓲𝓰𝓰𝓮𝓻 𝓦𝓪𝓻𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼 ✧˖°
🪦 Death and Grief (inc. Children)
💥 Violence and Abuse
🌶️ Sexually Explicit Content
❤️🩹 Brief Suicide Ideation
⚖️ Power Imbalance in Romance
° ˖✧ 𝓛𝓲𝓴𝓮𝓼 ✧˖°
+ Emotive Moments
+ Rich Worldbuilding
+ Interpersonal Conflict
+ Unexpected Twist
+ Sweet Epilogue
° ˖✧ 𝓓𝓲𝓼𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮𝓼 ✧˖°
- Time Skip between Prologue and First Act
- Lots of Interiority
- More like a Fantasy Romance than a Romantasy
- Potential for Found Family not executed well
- Romance felt unnerving at times
- Uneven Pacing
° ˖✧ 𝓜𝔂 𝓣𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼 ✧˖°
After enjoying most of A Fire in the Sky, I was hoping Spellcast would improve upon A Scar in the Bone. Unfortunately, this isn't the book to change your mind on the series!
The prologue is action packed and emotive, as Arden watches her village be burnt down by dragons. Therefore, it's such a shame when the next first third of the book happens entirely before that moment. Time skips don't always work for me, and in this case I didn't appreciate the story going back so far.
The author does a wonderful job of setting the scene for Arden - but that's all it really is: backstory. We witness the moment that comes immediately before her curse, and then the 3000 days after (granted this is still split up to show only the "key" days/weeks).
I can appreciate Arden's emotions and the way they're described in this first act. I was completely immersed in her depression and the lives of the villagers she followed while invisible, especially her fraught relationship with her father. But it also just seemed very repetitive - which I guess is the point of displaying just how long she was invisible for, but as a reader it was extremely slow pacing.
Things got a bit more exciting once she met Tage, the shifter dragon and alpha of his pride. However, I believed this book to be a romantasy like the two books that came before it, and the execution of Spellcast had it looking more like a fantasy with a romantic subplot. The main love interest only appears after approximately 30% of the book.
I enjoyed her conflict with Tage and the other dragons in his pride. This new world after being stuck invisible in the village for so long was quite exciting! And the author has a talent for worldbuilding - everything is so rich and vivid. However, the rest of the book just fell a little flat for me.
I wish more time had been given to her experiences in the pride's den. I wanted her relationship with the other dragons to eventually flourish, but even the ones she marginally got closer to, there wasn't any kind of solid resolution to their relationships.
I was also marginally unnerved by her romantic dynamic with Tage. Sometimes it didn't actually feel like she wanted him, and he was forcing himself on her (albeit differently to other characters in the story). Then all of a sudden she loved him - very stockholm-syndrome. The quiet attraction between each of them was fun at the start, but I didn't like the end result unfortunately.
I found the final twist to be an interesting one I hadn't predicted, but that made more sense the more it was explained. But it happened so quickly at the end of the book that there wasn't much time for it to actually come into effect. Though the final scenes and eventual epilogue did make me tear up and were especially emotive, I would've liked to have seen a bit more of the resolution than just the lead up to it.
Overall, I think I would have enjoyed this book more if it had started closer to the action (i.e. Arden meeting the dragon pride) which would leave room in the story to expand on some of the later characters/events that I actually enjoyed.
Thank you to Sophie Jordan and HQ for the opportunity to receive an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 8, 2026
Have you ever wished to disappear from this world, from everyone? Arden did, and her wish came true.
When Arden was forbade to leave the village that never cared for her, she ran and wished to disappear. And when she returned home, it was to a home that no longer sees or hear her. She did not die and became a ghost; she was no longer visible to anyone.
I'm not going to lie, I have wished to disappear from existence countless of times. But reading through this book, Arden being invisible for ten whole years, living while not living, trapped in a curse and guilt that she caused pain to her family yet unable to make them see that she was not dead... well, perhaps disappearing is not something I wanted after all. Almost half of the story was of Arden surviving alone, watching helplessly as her loved ones moved on with their lives. It was heartbreaking that she could not do anything when any of them died, even if none of the terrible things happened because of her.
When her village was burned down by dragons and she was then captured by a pride of dragons who can turned into humans, she was finally seen again—but only by them. While none of the dragons wanted her, the alpha of the pride was curious about her. Tage's protection ended up being another curse to her, yet also a balm to touch-starved Arden.
If I have to be honest, I would have liked Tage a little bit more if he was lesser of a brute to Arden at first, but getting to know more about his role in forming his pride did give a sense to why he treated her that way (at least he did not lick her and tell her he wants to eat her without consent 🥶). I appreciated Arden challenging him and the other dragons whenever she could, despite knowing she might not stand a chance against them. I love women with guts 𑣲⋆｡˚
Overall, I think this is a decent romantasy with forbidden love and dragons. Quite fun, but I felt that it ended too easily. Arden did suffer through a lot, but I would love to know more about her, especially after learning about her own dormant powers. I loved the moment she was finally able to unleash her powers, but I need more backstory on how it came to be, and how Tage's pride would fare now that she was accepted with her newfound powers. This books reads as a standalone, but if there ever will be a sequel, I will definitely get my hands on it.
Many thanks to Times Reads for sending me this book in exchange with my honest review.
When Arden was forbade to leave the village that never cared for her, she ran and wished to disappear. And when she returned home, it was to a home that no longer sees or hear her. She did not die and became a ghost; she was no longer visible to anyone.
I'm not going to lie, I have wished to disappear from existence countless of times. But reading through this book, Arden being invisible for ten whole years, living while not living, trapped in a curse and guilt that she caused pain to her family yet unable to make them see that she was not dead... well, perhaps disappearing is not something I wanted after all. Almost half of the story was of Arden surviving alone, watching helplessly as her loved ones moved on with their lives. It was heartbreaking that she could not do anything when any of them died, even if none of the terrible things happened because of her.
When her village was burned down by dragons and she was then captured by a pride of dragons who can turned into humans, she was finally seen again—but only by them. While none of the dragons wanted her, the alpha of the pride was curious about her. Tage's protection ended up being another curse to her, yet also a balm to touch-starved Arden.
If I have to be honest, I would have liked Tage a little bit more if he was lesser of a brute to Arden at first, but getting to know more about his role in forming his pride did give a sense to why he treated her that way (at least he did not lick her and tell her he wants to eat her without consent 🥶). I appreciated Arden challenging him and the other dragons whenever she could, despite knowing she might not stand a chance against them. I love women with guts 𑣲⋆｡˚
Overall, I think this is a decent romantasy with forbidden love and dragons. Quite fun, but I felt that it ended too easily. Arden did suffer through a lot, but I would love to know more about her, especially after learning about her own dormant powers. I loved the moment she was finally able to unleash her powers, but I need more backstory on how it came to be, and how Tage's pride would fare now that she was accepted with her newfound powers. This books reads as a standalone, but if there ever will be a sequel, I will definitely get my hands on it.
Many thanks to Times Reads for sending me this book in exchange with my honest review.
July 17, 2026
Spellcast is freaking addictive. There’s pulse-pounding action, harrowing twists, and intense romance. I can’t remember the last time I finished a book in a day. Needless to say, I inhaled this in less than 12 hours. Sophie Jordan’s writing is spectacular! I absolutely had to know what happened next. I started with the ALC (audiobook- advanced listener copy) and realized I could read faster, so in the last 30% I switched to the eARC (ebook- advanced reader copy) so I could race to the ending. This is set in the world of A Fire In The Sky but is a complete standalone that requires no knowledge of the previous stories. The world building is great - it is built throughout the story and not overwhelming, or overdone.
Arden is, quite literally, invisible. She moves through the world unseen. Her actions do not affect those around her. She can neither touch nor be touched. All because a witch cast a spell on her when she was a stupid teenager. Her invisibility quickly becomes the least of her worries when a dragon hoard burns down her town. Because of their magic, the dragons and see her and take her back to their dwelling. Arden needs to escape the dragons and find the witch who cursed her. She soon learns she knows nothing of the magical world.
Whew boy, this story has it all. It’s heavy on the heartbreak and self-discovery. The highs are high and the lows are low. It’s fast paced, but not so fast that it feels rushed. Arden is incredibly relatable as she matures. She is definitely not one-dimensional. The romance is slow and full of yearning. If I haven’t made it clear yet, I freaking ate up this book. Loved every minute of it. The narrator did a fantastic job! I would love to listen to more books read by her.
Thank you Avon for the gifted ALC and eARC!
Arden is, quite literally, invisible. She moves through the world unseen. Her actions do not affect those around her. She can neither touch nor be touched. All because a witch cast a spell on her when she was a stupid teenager. Her invisibility quickly becomes the least of her worries when a dragon hoard burns down her town. Because of their magic, the dragons and see her and take her back to their dwelling. Arden needs to escape the dragons and find the witch who cursed her. She soon learns she knows nothing of the magical world.
Whew boy, this story has it all. It’s heavy on the heartbreak and self-discovery. The highs are high and the lows are low. It’s fast paced, but not so fast that it feels rushed. Arden is incredibly relatable as she matures. She is definitely not one-dimensional. The romance is slow and full of yearning. If I haven’t made it clear yet, I freaking ate up this book. Loved every minute of it. The narrator did a fantastic job! I would love to listen to more books read by her.
Thank you Avon for the gifted ALC and eARC!
July 28, 2026
I was super fortunate to receive the ALC for this book. I throughly enjoyed the audio. This is a book I have been looking forward to. I really loved a fire in the sky and a scar in the bone, so when I heard that she was doing an interconnected standalone about a witch, I instantly knew it would be a must read for me. I really enjoy Sophie’s writing, the characters she creates and specifically this world.
This story started with Arden being only 14, growing up in a very remote harsh village with her family. As her brothers reach maturity and look to leave the village to start their own lives, she begs to leave with them. Her father though will not let her go, and has plans for her to stay and be married off when the time is right. Resigned to her fate Arden goes off into the woods for a solitary moment to wallow in the future ahead of her. In a moment of weakness, she wishes out loud to disappear. After returning home and going to sleep, she wakes up the next morning thinking life is the same as always. However, as her family continue on with their day no one can hear her and no one can see her. She is now completely invisible.
This was a really great story of perseverance. Arden has some pretty low moments while trying to undo this curse. She has a very strong will and desire to pull through. I really enjoyed Arden as a character and the growth she has through the years. She eventually finds herself entangled with the dragon shifters of the Craig. She must now prove her usefulness and trust to the shifters in order to save her life.
This is classified as a YA however I felt it read a bit older, which I loved. This is definitely a great series, if you love witches and dragon shifters, and I think you’ll really enjoy this one.
This story started with Arden being only 14, growing up in a very remote harsh village with her family. As her brothers reach maturity and look to leave the village to start their own lives, she begs to leave with them. Her father though will not let her go, and has plans for her to stay and be married off when the time is right. Resigned to her fate Arden goes off into the woods for a solitary moment to wallow in the future ahead of her. In a moment of weakness, she wishes out loud to disappear. After returning home and going to sleep, she wakes up the next morning thinking life is the same as always. However, as her family continue on with their day no one can hear her and no one can see her. She is now completely invisible.
This was a really great story of perseverance. Arden has some pretty low moments while trying to undo this curse. She has a very strong will and desire to pull through. I really enjoyed Arden as a character and the growth she has through the years. She eventually finds herself entangled with the dragon shifters of the Craig. She must now prove her usefulness and trust to the shifters in order to save her life.
This is classified as a YA however I felt it read a bit older, which I loved. This is definitely a great series, if you love witches and dragon shifters, and I think you’ll really enjoy this one.
March 9, 2026
When I finished A Scar in the Bone, the duology was over but I didn't feel done with this world. Spellcast has everything you know and love about A Fire in the Sky, but expands on the world with new characters in a standalone novel. Set in the same world, Spellcast follows Arden: a young girl who finds herself cursed to a life of invisibility by a witch. This character driven story takes us through multiple iterations of Arden. Most notably: as a young girl forced to watch her friends and neighbors but not be seen or heard, as the captive of an alpha who can't allow her to tell others that dragons still exist, and as a woman who is discovering what it means to be seen/ touched for the first time in over a decade.
As Arden adapts to being invisible, she is able to observe the world around her without consequence. When she is suddenly able to be seen by the dragons, it gives her the push to choose the future that she wants for herself. I think Sophie Jordan painted an excellent picture of what it means to truly be SEEN, and not just by a romantic partner. Arden's romance with Tage was definitely a slow burn, but it also allowed her to navigate her circumstances without her character arc being led by another person. I really loved Arden's journey, and thought the further exploration of witches, dragons, and magic was a wonderful way to expand this world. Secretly hoping that Sophie Jordan continues to write stories about swoon worthy dragons and strong FMCs.
Spellcast releases on July 28, 2026. Thank you Avon for gifting me with an eARC (via Netgalley widget), all thoughts expressed are my own.
As Arden adapts to being invisible, she is able to observe the world around her without consequence. When she is suddenly able to be seen by the dragons, it gives her the push to choose the future that she wants for herself. I think Sophie Jordan painted an excellent picture of what it means to truly be SEEN, and not just by a romantic partner. Arden's romance with Tage was definitely a slow burn, but it also allowed her to navigate her circumstances without her character arc being led by another person. I really loved Arden's journey, and thought the further exploration of witches, dragons, and magic was a wonderful way to expand this world. Secretly hoping that Sophie Jordan continues to write stories about swoon worthy dragons and strong FMCs.
Spellcast releases on July 28, 2026. Thank you Avon for gifting me with an eARC (via Netgalley widget), all thoughts expressed are my own.
July 3, 2026
I loved the first books in this series, so when I started getting lost in this world again, it was a pleasure. I enjoyed how the book kept the world but gave us a whole new perspective with this FMC. I enjoyed the MCs romance and the way it built. I really liked Arden and her curse. The way it shapes her as a character makes the story a 5 star read for me. The author added so much dynamic to the story with it, and I appreciated it. The author could’ve easily just gone straight to “dragon meets girl, bing bang boom, fell in love, and the end” like so many authors tend to do. But she didn’t. She really built the story and got you invested in it… which is what I, as a romantasy reader, want. I definitely recommend this one, especially if you enjoyed the previous books. The book is an adult romantasy, which means it will have darker themes and some mild open door spice, so be aware of that before you pick the book up. 100% is worth the read IMO.
This fantasy romance is a stand alone novel and book 3 in the Fire in the Sky series. The romance in this book is enemies to lovers. The book does have open door spice. Arden one night made a mistake that led her to being cursed. This curse follows her entire life. Even when the dragons come to take everything she loves. Taken hostage by their alpha, Tage, Arden is in his mercy for love or cruelty.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
📱Ebook
✨Thank You Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC✨
This fantasy romance is a stand alone novel and book 3 in the Fire in the Sky series. The romance in this book is enemies to lovers. The book does have open door spice. Arden one night made a mistake that led her to being cursed. This curse follows her entire life. Even when the dragons come to take everything she loves. Taken hostage by their alpha, Tage, Arden is in his mercy for love or cruelty.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
📱Ebook
✨Thank You Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC✨
July 28, 2026
Thank you HarperAudio Adult | Avon and Sophie Jordan for the ALC.
This was an enjoyable read overall. I liked the premise and found the story easy to get through, but it didn’t completely wow me.
I went into this one blind because the character art grabbed my attention. I am a sucker for good character art.
This is set in a world already established by the author, being book #3, but having been dropped in here without reading the others, I didn't have an issue picking anything up.
I never felt especially connected to Arden. I felt a lot of the beginning (maybe 25%) was a bit drawn out, and we could have gotten to the action a bit sooner. We seem to go through a lot of repetition in the beginning with much of what Arden experiencing being the same day in and day out.
That being said, I appreciated the emotional elements and thought it was a solid read for fans of romantasy.
I will say, the narrator, Fiona Hardingham was great! I loved listening to her tell the story.
Thank you to the HarperAudio Adult | Avon for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was an enjoyable read overall. I liked the premise and found the story easy to get through, but it didn’t completely wow me.
I went into this one blind because the character art grabbed my attention. I am a sucker for good character art.
This is set in a world already established by the author, being book #3, but having been dropped in here without reading the others, I didn't have an issue picking anything up.
I never felt especially connected to Arden. I felt a lot of the beginning (maybe 25%) was a bit drawn out, and we could have gotten to the action a bit sooner. We seem to go through a lot of repetition in the beginning with much of what Arden experiencing being the same day in and day out.
That being said, I appreciated the emotional elements and thought it was a solid read for fans of romantasy.
I will say, the narrator, Fiona Hardingham was great! I loved listening to her tell the story.
Thank you to the HarperAudio Adult | Avon for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2026
3.5
I wanted to absolutely love Spellcast because I really enjoyed the other books set in this world, but it just didn’t quite work for me.
I really enjoyed the plot, and Sophie did such an amazing job with bringing the reader along with the FMC and everything that she endured. My heart broke for her, and as someone who is in a lonely season of life, it felt so relatable.
I also really enjoyed the troop of dragons. I loved their different personalities and how they interacted with each other. The reveal at the end was something I predicted, but I thought it was satisfying.
Here is what didn’t work for me. The pacing was off. Although part one of the book brought so much emotional depth for me, it was just too long to get into the main plot of the story. I wish we would’ve gotten to the dragons sooner so that there would’ve been more time to grow the relationship between the FMC and MMC. The ending also felt rushed in my opinion.
Overall, I still really enjoyed my time reading it. I was glad to be back in the world.
Thank you, Avon, for gifting me a digital arc on NetGalley in exchange for a review.
I wanted to absolutely love Spellcast because I really enjoyed the other books set in this world, but it just didn’t quite work for me.
I really enjoyed the plot, and Sophie did such an amazing job with bringing the reader along with the FMC and everything that she endured. My heart broke for her, and as someone who is in a lonely season of life, it felt so relatable.
I also really enjoyed the troop of dragons. I loved their different personalities and how they interacted with each other. The reveal at the end was something I predicted, but I thought it was satisfying.
Here is what didn’t work for me. The pacing was off. Although part one of the book brought so much emotional depth for me, it was just too long to get into the main plot of the story. I wish we would’ve gotten to the dragons sooner so that there would’ve been more time to grow the relationship between the FMC and MMC. The ending also felt rushed in my opinion.
Overall, I still really enjoyed my time reading it. I was glad to be back in the world.
Thank you, Avon, for gifting me a digital arc on NetGalley in exchange for a review.
August 1, 2026
Spellcast is an emotional and fiery romantasy featuring dragon shifters, witches, hidden magic, and a heroine who has spent ten years desperately waiting for someone to see her.
Arden has been cursed to remain invisible in her village. She can see and hear her family and friends, but she cannot speak to them, touch them, or let them know that she is still there. The loneliness behind Arden’s curse immediately pulled me into her story.
Everything changes when her village is destroyed and a pride of dragons appears. Unlike the humans around her, the dragons can see through her curse. Arden is taken to the Crags by their mysterious alpha, Tage, where she finds herself trapped in a dangerous world of magic, secrets, and impending war.
I enjoyed Arden’s journey from someone who had been forced into powerlessness to a heroine beginning to recognize the strength and magic hidden inside her. The captor-captive tension, dragon-shifter mythology, touch-her-and-die energy, and romance made this a compelling addition to the A Fire in the Sky world.
A strong four-star read for fans of spicy romantasy, possessive dragons, witches, hidden powers, and heroines who refuse to remain invisible.
Arden has been cursed to remain invisible in her village. She can see and hear her family and friends, but she cannot speak to them, touch them, or let them know that she is still there. The loneliness behind Arden’s curse immediately pulled me into her story.
Everything changes when her village is destroyed and a pride of dragons appears. Unlike the humans around her, the dragons can see through her curse. Arden is taken to the Crags by their mysterious alpha, Tage, where she finds herself trapped in a dangerous world of magic, secrets, and impending war.
I enjoyed Arden’s journey from someone who had been forced into powerlessness to a heroine beginning to recognize the strength and magic hidden inside her. The captor-captive tension, dragon-shifter mythology, touch-her-and-die energy, and romance made this a compelling addition to the A Fire in the Sky world.
A strong four-star read for fans of spicy romantasy, possessive dragons, witches, hidden powers, and heroines who refuse to remain invisible.
June 16, 2026
Thank you Avon for the eARC!
Sophie Jordan truly can do no wrong.
Spellcast pulled me in right from the start with its unique premise. Arden has spent ten years cursed to live unseen and unheard, watching life move on without her. It was heartbreaking, fascinating, and impossible not to root for her.
Once dragons enter the story, the stakes get even higher. I loved the mix of magic, danger, and mystery, and the slow-building connection between Arden and Tage kept me turning the pages.
While this one feels like the beginning of something much bigger, it lays a strong foundation for the series and leaves plenty to look forward to. Sophie Jordan has once again created a compelling fantasy world filled with powerful magic, dragons, and characters you can’t help but become invested in.
If you love romantasy, dragons, curses, and discovering hidden magic, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.
Sophie Jordan truly can do no wrong.
Spellcast pulled me in right from the start with its unique premise. Arden has spent ten years cursed to live unseen and unheard, watching life move on without her. It was heartbreaking, fascinating, and impossible not to root for her.
Once dragons enter the story, the stakes get even higher. I loved the mix of magic, danger, and mystery, and the slow-building connection between Arden and Tage kept me turning the pages.
While this one feels like the beginning of something much bigger, it lays a strong foundation for the series and leaves plenty to look forward to. Sophie Jordan has once again created a compelling fantasy world filled with powerful magic, dragons, and characters you can’t help but become invested in.
If you love romantasy, dragons, curses, and discovering hidden magic, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.
July 28, 2026
This wasn't what I was expecting at all, in fact it was better. I love getting new perspective from a familiar world and this didn't disappoint.
From the world of Fire in the Sky comes a new story and a new power. A young girl got her wish to disappear when a witch cast a spell on her and made her invisible. For ten years Arden could only watch as her family and village lived and suffered year after year. Until one day dragons came and she was the only one left alive. It’s then she learns the dragons can become human and more importantly, they can see her. As she is held captive by their Alpha she starts to realize there’s more to magic than her curse and the stories of danger and war. Which dangerous path will she choose to save her life?
Spellcast takes a unique turn in this world of dragons and magic. We walk with a girl who is truly alone and watch her fight instead of becoming helpless. The beginning felt a little slow because you’re waiting for the dragons show up, and when they do everything changes fast. For first time in a decade Arden isn’t alone and is torn between what she thought she wanted and the possibilities in front of her. This tension is compounded with her undeniable attraction to the Alpha dragon and the real internal battle begins. If the beginning was slow, the end just kept coming with a perfectly magical ending that ties the book into the series as well as the YA Firelight series.
From the world of Fire in the Sky comes a new story and a new power. A young girl got her wish to disappear when a witch cast a spell on her and made her invisible. For ten years Arden could only watch as her family and village lived and suffered year after year. Until one day dragons came and she was the only one left alive. It’s then she learns the dragons can become human and more importantly, they can see her. As she is held captive by their Alpha she starts to realize there’s more to magic than her curse and the stories of danger and war. Which dangerous path will she choose to save her life?
Spellcast takes a unique turn in this world of dragons and magic. We walk with a girl who is truly alone and watch her fight instead of becoming helpless. The beginning felt a little slow because you’re waiting for the dragons show up, and when they do everything changes fast. For first time in a decade Arden isn’t alone and is torn between what she thought she wanted and the possibilities in front of her. This tension is compounded with her undeniable attraction to the Alpha dragon and the real internal battle begins. If the beginning was slow, the end just kept coming with a perfectly magical ending that ties the book into the series as well as the YA Firelight series.
July 28, 2026
3 stars for me.
Honestly at the beginning I was not sure if I would like the book.That changed after a 100 pages,and it was an enjoyable read but in some parts the plot was dragging,and in other it was to short and brush over.I had a mixed feelings and there was a good amount of information,but the ending was so short of anything resolved that it leave me with more questions then answers.Did Arden stayed with the pride?Did they accept her in the end?I know Tage did,but what about the others?Is it over with Kaldr,or will he be back?
The romance was a small part and there was never admiting any feelings for each other,I would like more of it.Still a good fantasy read wih dragons,some are good,some are bad and you never knew which one will want to literally eat you.
Thank you netgalley and HQ publisher for arc,my review is honest and my own.
Honestly at the beginning I was not sure if I would like the book.That changed after a 100 pages,and it was an enjoyable read but in some parts the plot was dragging,and in other it was to short and brush over.I had a mixed feelings and there was a good amount of information,but the ending was so short of anything resolved that it leave me with more questions then answers.Did Arden stayed with the pride?Did they accept her in the end?I know Tage did,but what about the others?Is it over with Kaldr,or will he be back?
The romance was a small part and there was never admiting any feelings for each other,I would like more of it.Still a good fantasy read wih dragons,some are good,some are bad and you never knew which one will want to literally eat you.
Thank you netgalley and HQ publisher for arc,my review is honest and my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 377 reviews