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Of Bones and Lilac
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Expected 29 Sep 26Win a free print copy of this book!
7 days and 22:59:21
5 copies available
U.S. only
Four years ago, Lehlia lost everything.
Once a gifted alchemist, she now lives in the shadow of the tragedy that stole her magic and shattered her future. Her quiet life with Toad, a sharp-tongued talking cat, is shattered when her older brother vanishes without a trace.
With nowhere else to turn, Lehlia seeks the Council's help. They assign her to work alongside a masked man burdened by a loathsome secret and wretched powers.
Together, they must hunt the remnants of Vildra, a notorious organization responsible for creating and trafficking magical creatures. As the truth of her tragedy begins to surface, old wounds are torn open, the past refuses to stay buried, and the line between hero and monster begins to blur.
Can she survive a world of magic without mana?
What connects Lehlia to the man behind the mask?
And what truly makes a monster?
Once a gifted alchemist, she now lives in the shadow of the tragedy that stole her magic and shattered her future. Her quiet life with Toad, a sharp-tongued talking cat, is shattered when her older brother vanishes without a trace.
With nowhere else to turn, Lehlia seeks the Council's help. They assign her to work alongside a masked man burdened by a loathsome secret and wretched powers.
Together, they must hunt the remnants of Vildra, a notorious organization responsible for creating and trafficking magical creatures. As the truth of her tragedy begins to surface, old wounds are torn open, the past refuses to stay buried, and the line between hero and monster begins to blur.
Can she survive a world of magic without mana?
What connects Lehlia to the man behind the mask?
And what truly makes a monster?
330 pages, Unknown Binding
Expected publication September 29, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of advanced copy received by author:
First of all, Tayloranne Worley, you are a warrior. Reading the Afterword, I am amazed by you and your recovery and how you have taken something devastating and created a beautiful story.
Now, as for the story itself - I would consider this a High Fantasy with a romance subplot. Both Lehlia and Noxus are complex characters with tremendous trauma, each of them handling it in a different way - Noxus is extremely guilt ridden and rejects the thought of deserving anything nice. Meanwhile, Lehlia is often anxious, clumsy and easily distracted, which I believe is, in a way, a coping mechanism. I, also, believe she often prefers to look the other way or has "toxic optimism", especially when finding out Noxus' past with Vildra. Side characters such as Toad and Pavel add a charm. Pavel, in particular, adds a breath of fresh air, considering Noxus' and Lehlia's trauma responses. Pavel himself is an interesting character with an intriguing back story that I would not mind reading more about.
The descriptive writing is very good, descriptions of sceneries and world building almost whimsical. The writing style reminds me of Hannah Kaner. This being said, I believe there is potential for more emotional depth - The cheeks and ears flush with a blush - but why? Those feelings feel more hinted at rather than fully explored. The pacing at the beginning felt a little off, and understanding of characters and intentions grows as the book goes on. As Ashton was missing, Lehlia seemed almost too positive and the stakes did not appear very high. However, the author acknowledges this in a conversation between Lehlia and Pavel - this inherent toxic positivity within Lehlia could have perhaps been explored a little more for clarity. The last 100 pages of this book had a tight grip on me and everything came together.
I also felt Tayloranne added a realistic ending, with Lehlia giving up alchemy, giving up the one thing she had yearned for the most for years. Love it!
First of all, Tayloranne Worley, you are a warrior. Reading the Afterword, I am amazed by you and your recovery and how you have taken something devastating and created a beautiful story.
Now, as for the story itself - I would consider this a High Fantasy with a romance subplot. Both Lehlia and Noxus are complex characters with tremendous trauma, each of them handling it in a different way - Noxus is extremely guilt ridden and rejects the thought of deserving anything nice. Meanwhile, Lehlia is often anxious, clumsy and easily distracted, which I believe is, in a way, a coping mechanism. I, also, believe she often prefers to look the other way or has "toxic optimism", especially when finding out Noxus' past with Vildra. Side characters such as Toad and Pavel add a charm. Pavel, in particular, adds a breath of fresh air, considering Noxus' and Lehlia's trauma responses. Pavel himself is an interesting character with an intriguing back story that I would not mind reading more about.
The descriptive writing is very good, descriptions of sceneries and world building almost whimsical. The writing style reminds me of Hannah Kaner. This being said, I believe there is potential for more emotional depth - The cheeks and ears flush with a blush - but why? Those feelings feel more hinted at rather than fully explored. The pacing at the beginning felt a little off, and understanding of characters and intentions grows as the book goes on. As Ashton was missing, Lehlia seemed almost too positive and the stakes did not appear very high. However, the author acknowledges this in a conversation between Lehlia and Pavel - this inherent toxic positivity within Lehlia could have perhaps been explored a little more for clarity. The last 100 pages of this book had a tight grip on me and everything came together.
I also felt Tayloranne added a realistic ending, with Lehlia giving up alchemy, giving up the one thing she had yearned for the most for years. Love it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2026
I received this as an ARC from the author and this is my first ever ARC review so bear with me as I’m not good with expressing myself!
This book was fantastic, it had longing and magic and alchemy and mystical creatures. It was adventurous and treacherous and sad!
It warmed my heart and the artwork was by far my most favourite part of the book! Toad was giving me Salem from Sabrina the teenage witch vibes and I adored him and his straightforwardness!
I loved the mission to save her brother and in the process finding herself and accepting herself! Just as Noxus also had to learn that he didn’t have all the answers either!
I also greatly appreciate that the author struggles with paralysis due to Conversion disorder and hand drew all that artwork! I have never read a book so detailed in that way and it just made me love and enjoy it all the more!
This book was fantastic, it had longing and magic and alchemy and mystical creatures. It was adventurous and treacherous and sad!
It warmed my heart and the artwork was by far my most favourite part of the book! Toad was giving me Salem from Sabrina the teenage witch vibes and I adored him and his straightforwardness!
I loved the mission to save her brother and in the process finding herself and accepting herself! Just as Noxus also had to learn that he didn’t have all the answers either!
I also greatly appreciate that the author struggles with paralysis due to Conversion disorder and hand drew all that artwork! I have never read a book so detailed in that way and it just made me love and enjoy it all the more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2026
ARC review:
This story is dark fantasy with a tiny bit of cozy. As a Dungeons and Dragons lover the story felt so much like a “one shot” that I instantly fell in love. Not only were the descriptions and comparisons of the setting and characters done well I also was a huge fan of the drawings every chapter! More books should definitely have that. The short chapters did this book a justice, a lot of fantasies have long, drawn out chapters that sometime make me want to not pick it back up but I was interested right away! The only thing I do wish for in this book is a map. It would have been nice to see where their journey took them. All in all, I would recommend this!
This story is dark fantasy with a tiny bit of cozy. As a Dungeons and Dragons lover the story felt so much like a “one shot” that I instantly fell in love. Not only were the descriptions and comparisons of the setting and characters done well I also was a huge fan of the drawings every chapter! More books should definitely have that. The short chapters did this book a justice, a lot of fantasies have long, drawn out chapters that sometime make me want to not pick it back up but I was interested right away! The only thing I do wish for in this book is a map. It would have been nice to see where their journey took them. All in all, I would recommend this!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of Advanced copy received from author.
Of Bones and Lilac had me going in completely blind and somehow I was still NOT prepared for the revelations 😩😩🥺🥺🥺Lehlia’s story is filled with grief,magic,mystery and a search for answers that goes so much deeper than I expected….the atmosphere? Immaculate….the mythology? Intriguing…..the twists? EXCUSE ME?! 👀 her story teaches us that it doesn’t matter what happens to you…it does not define who u are…❤️🩹
Of Bones and Lilac had me going in completely blind and somehow I was still NOT prepared for the revelations 😩😩🥺🥺🥺Lehlia’s story is filled with grief,magic,mystery and a search for answers that goes so much deeper than I expected….the atmosphere? Immaculate….the mythology? Intriguing…..the twists? EXCUSE ME?! 👀 her story teaches us that it doesn’t matter what happens to you…it does not define who u are…❤️🩹
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A dark and imaginative fantasy that combines magic, mystery, magical creatures, and a touch of humor into a compelling story.
I went into this one with fairly high expectations, and the premise immediately drew me in. Lehlia’s backstory, as a gifted alchemist who has lost her magic and is still struggling with the aftermath of a devastating tragedy, gives the story an interesting emotional foundation. Her search for her missing brother adds another layer of personal stakes, while the mystery surrounding Vildra kept me curious about where the story was headed.
This is a no-spice romance, but the tension is still there. The emotional intimacy and tragic connection between Lehlia and Noxus were some of the stronger aspects of the story. I especially appreciated that Lehlia is a complex protagonist that is strong and capable, but also flawed, conflicted, and carrying plenty of emotional baggage.
Where the story started to lose me was with the constant secrecy. I’m not a particularly impatient reader, but when so much of the plot relies on characters refusing to communicate with one another, it eventually became frustrating. Both Lehlia and Noxus keep major, potentially dangerous secrets from each other for far too long. Rather than creating organic tension, the secrecy sometimes felt more like a plot device designed to postpone revelations and keep the story moving.
Overall, Of Bones and Lilac is a creative fantasy with a unique premise, intriguing characters, and plenty of imaginative elements. It didn’t completely work for me, but there was enough here to appreciate, and I can definitely see it appealing to readers who enjoy darker, unconventional fantasy with mystery, magic, and fantastical creatures.
I went into this one with fairly high expectations, and the premise immediately drew me in. Lehlia’s backstory, as a gifted alchemist who has lost her magic and is still struggling with the aftermath of a devastating tragedy, gives the story an interesting emotional foundation. Her search for her missing brother adds another layer of personal stakes, while the mystery surrounding Vildra kept me curious about where the story was headed.
This is a no-spice romance, but the tension is still there. The emotional intimacy and tragic connection between Lehlia and Noxus were some of the stronger aspects of the story. I especially appreciated that Lehlia is a complex protagonist that is strong and capable, but also flawed, conflicted, and carrying plenty of emotional baggage.
Where the story started to lose me was with the constant secrecy. I’m not a particularly impatient reader, but when so much of the plot relies on characters refusing to communicate with one another, it eventually became frustrating. Both Lehlia and Noxus keep major, potentially dangerous secrets from each other for far too long. Rather than creating organic tension, the secrecy sometimes felt more like a plot device designed to postpone revelations and keep the story moving.
Overall, Of Bones and Lilac is a creative fantasy with a unique premise, intriguing characters, and plenty of imaginative elements. It didn’t completely work for me, but there was enough here to appreciate, and I can definitely see it appealing to readers who enjoy darker, unconventional fantasy with mystery, magic, and fantastical creatures.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Of Bones and Lilac is a whimsical, imaginative story with a strong premise and a cast of characters I think many readers will genuinely fall in love with. Tayloranne Worley creates an engaging world, and there are moments where her descriptive, lyrical writing feels especially magical.
Unfortunately, this just was not quite the right fit for me. While I remained interested in the story and wanted to see it through to the end, I had trouble connecting with the characters. They often felt a little drab and long-winded, which made it harder for me to become fully invested in their journeys.
The writing style was also somewhat uneven for my personal taste. Some chapters leaned heavily into detailed, whimsical description, while others were more direct and to the point; a style I found easier to follow and really enjoyed. Moving between those approaches made it difficult at times to stay focused and eager to continue, though I did push through and finish the book.
One of the most intriguing parts for me was the author’s note. Learning about the struggles Tayloranne Worley has endured left a real impression on me. I sincerely hope she someday writes a memoir, because I think many readers would be interested in hearing more about her life and journey.
Overall, this is a charming and imaginative read that will likely find its audience, even if I was not fully able to connect with it personally.
Unfortunately, this just was not quite the right fit for me. While I remained interested in the story and wanted to see it through to the end, I had trouble connecting with the characters. They often felt a little drab and long-winded, which made it harder for me to become fully invested in their journeys.
The writing style was also somewhat uneven for my personal taste. Some chapters leaned heavily into detailed, whimsical description, while others were more direct and to the point; a style I found easier to follow and really enjoyed. Moving between those approaches made it difficult at times to stay focused and eager to continue, though I did push through and finish the book.
One of the most intriguing parts for me was the author’s note. Learning about the struggles Tayloranne Worley has endured left a real impression on me. I sincerely hope she someday writes a memoir, because I think many readers would be interested in hearing more about her life and journey.
Overall, this is a charming and imaginative read that will likely find its audience, even if I was not fully able to connect with it personally.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4⭐️ Voluntary ARC Read
Of Bones & Lilac by Tayloranne Worley
From the very first pages, Of Bones & Lilac pulled me into a beautifully vivid world I could see unfolding in my mind. The descriptions of the people and places were SO good, making every part of the journey feel real and immersive.
Lehlia is an alchemist FMC on a mission to find her brother, Ashton. Along the way, she travels with Toad, her sidekick cat, and they pick up another traveler, Pavel, who joins them on their journey to Alaxi.
And Toad… 😂 I absolutely loved him! He has an opinion about EVERYONE, and his commentary made me laugh so much. Usually, it has to do without their smell! 😂
Then there’s Noxus, the dark, broody, mysterious MMC—and I definitely wanted more of his story and I got it! 👀
Lehlia has been through so much, especially after losing her mana. Those old wounds still haunt her, and she constantly feels less than. Because of that, watching her grow, heal, and find herself throughout the story was one of my favorite parts.
The story kept me turning the pages, and I loved how refreshing, clean, emotional, and beautifully written it was. From the characters and mystery to the journey itself, every little piece helped bring this world to life.
If you love fantasy, alchemy, adventure, a little mystery, and a dark and broody MMC, definitely add this one to your TBR! ❤️
Of Bones & Lilac by Tayloranne Worley
From the very first pages, Of Bones & Lilac pulled me into a beautifully vivid world I could see unfolding in my mind. The descriptions of the people and places were SO good, making every part of the journey feel real and immersive.
Lehlia is an alchemist FMC on a mission to find her brother, Ashton. Along the way, she travels with Toad, her sidekick cat, and they pick up another traveler, Pavel, who joins them on their journey to Alaxi.
And Toad… 😂 I absolutely loved him! He has an opinion about EVERYONE, and his commentary made me laugh so much. Usually, it has to do without their smell! 😂
Then there’s Noxus, the dark, broody, mysterious MMC—and I definitely wanted more of his story and I got it! 👀
Lehlia has been through so much, especially after losing her mana. Those old wounds still haunt her, and she constantly feels less than. Because of that, watching her grow, heal, and find herself throughout the story was one of my favorite parts.
The story kept me turning the pages, and I loved how refreshing, clean, emotional, and beautifully written it was. From the characters and mystery to the journey itself, every little piece helped bring this world to life.
If you love fantasy, alchemy, adventure, a little mystery, and a dark and broody MMC, definitely add this one to your TBR! ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Fantasy isn’t usually my favorite genre, so I’ll admit this was a little harder for me to get into. That said, I thought Of Bones and Lilac had a really interesting premise, and I can definitely see why so many readers are enjoying it.
I found the journey itself interesting, but I often found myself wondering why the characters were traveling to the places they did and what led them in those directions. There were also quite a few moments where I felt like I was missing pieces of the story or was left with questions that never really got answered.
The twist surrounding who Noxus really was is something I actually figured out very early on, so unfortunately the big reveal at the end didn’t have quite the impact I think it was intended to have. I also struggled a bit with the relationship between Lehlia and Noxus. One minute they were arguing and seemed completely opposed to each other, and the next they were flirting, which felt a little abrupt to me.
Overall, I think there’s a really good story idea here, but there were enough loose ends and gaps for me that I had a hard time fully connecting with it. That said, if you enjoy fantasy and romantasy, especially a no-spice romantasy, I definitely think this is one to try. It’s clearly resonating with a lot of readers, even if it wasn’t quite the book for me.
I found the journey itself interesting, but I often found myself wondering why the characters were traveling to the places they did and what led them in those directions. There were also quite a few moments where I felt like I was missing pieces of the story or was left with questions that never really got answered.
The twist surrounding who Noxus really was is something I actually figured out very early on, so unfortunately the big reveal at the end didn’t have quite the impact I think it was intended to have. I also struggled a bit with the relationship between Lehlia and Noxus. One minute they were arguing and seemed completely opposed to each other, and the next they were flirting, which felt a little abrupt to me.
Overall, I think there’s a really good story idea here, but there were enough loose ends and gaps for me that I had a hard time fully connecting with it. That said, if you enjoy fantasy and romantasy, especially a no-spice romantasy, I definitely think this is one to try. It’s clearly resonating with a lot of readers, even if it wasn’t quite the book for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I feel incredibly grateful to have received Of bones and lilac as an Arc book. I really enjoyed it. Of bones and lilac managed to start getting me out of a massive reding slump.
Of bones and lilac gave of vibes of lord of the rings and the assistant to the villain. It had the action, adventure and the mission feeling that lord of the rings gives but had the magic and fun like assistant to the villain. The art that was hand drawn by the author was a wonderful touch and was incredible. The art was like something out of a Zelda video game and given the authors challenges with paralysis, it’s incredibly inspiring that she put so much work into her beautiful artwork.
I love the cute and sassy cat and the excellent use of mythical and magical creatures and monsters.
There were amazing plot twists and and emotional scenes. Its incredibly easy to connect with the story and the characters and when events in the book happen you can feel them the same way the characters do.
I very highly recommend Of bones and lilac. It is a very fun read and extremely enjoyable. Very hard to put down
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Of bones and lilac gave of vibes of lord of the rings and the assistant to the villain. It had the action, adventure and the mission feeling that lord of the rings gives but had the magic and fun like assistant to the villain. The art that was hand drawn by the author was a wonderful touch and was incredible. The art was like something out of a Zelda video game and given the authors challenges with paralysis, it’s incredibly inspiring that she put so much work into her beautiful artwork.
I love the cute and sassy cat and the excellent use of mythical and magical creatures and monsters.
There were amazing plot twists and and emotional scenes. Its incredibly easy to connect with the story and the characters and when events in the book happen you can feel them the same way the characters do.
I very highly recommend Of bones and lilac. It is a very fun read and extremely enjoyable. Very hard to put down
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Speechless!! Literally what can I say about this book that isn’t just omg a bunch!! First the art within the book is just so amazing like so detailed and just gorgeous it makes you fall in love with the characters just that much more with the character art scattered around especially in sincere moment just phenomenal. Then the actual plot of the book again omg it just grabs you from the start there’s no waiting around for the book to suck you in it just does from the start instantly into the journey!! I absolutely adored Toad the cat as a character and just love to see a little side kick to the main characters and the banter created but also how wise and guideful Toad was! The characters especially Lehlia (FMC) show so much grows through the story because the character arcs are just amazing, and she’s not and damsel in distress saved by Noxus (MMC) like you see in some fantasy romance books she is her own hero and is so strong standing on her own brave as anything to take this journey. And with no spoilers that plot twist is not something I saw coming at all!!! Overall I just feel In love with these characters from chapter one Tayloranne has done phenomenal work here!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Of Bones and Lilac was an amazing story. I'm usually not a fantasy reader, but this book had me hooked. Noxus and all his secrets and Lehlia with all her struggles were the perfect MC's. The journey through the story show's how our views on things can change and how people can change.
Learn that everything isn't so black and white. Ask questions and form an opinion, but accepting that your opinion may change. Lehlia asked the questions, but without the full answers, she's left to come up with the rest on her own. Communication is definitely important.
Secrets are dangerous. Secrets hurt people. Intentions don't matter to when feelings come into the equation.
Toad the cat has to be my favorite cat ever. Snarky and sweet and full of personality. Was definitely rude, but also sweet. All of the characters were really diverse and added important parts to the plot. Character growth off the charts!
This story would be great for a younger audience as well. I know teenager me would have loved it back then too!
Learn that everything isn't so black and white. Ask questions and form an opinion, but accepting that your opinion may change. Lehlia asked the questions, but without the full answers, she's left to come up with the rest on her own. Communication is definitely important.
Secrets are dangerous. Secrets hurt people. Intentions don't matter to when feelings come into the equation.
Toad the cat has to be my favorite cat ever. Snarky and sweet and full of personality. Was definitely rude, but also sweet. All of the characters were really diverse and added important parts to the plot. Character growth off the charts!
This story would be great for a younger audience as well. I know teenager me would have loved it back then too!
August 17, 2026
Thank you Tayloanne Worley for the privilege of reading this advanced copy.
Of Bones and Lilac is a well written story with a world that is descriptive enough to let you fully visualize it without ever feeling overwhelming. I especially enjoyed the magic system—it was thoughtfully developed and fit seamlessly into the world and story.
I was able to connect with the characters and become invested in their individual stories and journeys. While the story had a slower start, it absolutely paid off because the second half was a banger and the final battle scene was intense. The pacing picked up, and I found myself completely captivated.
The twists and ending really pulled me in and kept me guessing. By the time I reached the end, I was fully invested and couldn't put it down.
Overall, Of Bones and Lilac was a great read with it's world-building, a well-crafted magic system, characters you can connect with, and a fantastic finish. The slow start is definitely worth pushing through for the payoff!
Of Bones and Lilac is a well written story with a world that is descriptive enough to let you fully visualize it without ever feeling overwhelming. I especially enjoyed the magic system—it was thoughtfully developed and fit seamlessly into the world and story.
I was able to connect with the characters and become invested in their individual stories and journeys. While the story had a slower start, it absolutely paid off because the second half was a banger and the final battle scene was intense. The pacing picked up, and I found myself completely captivated.
The twists and ending really pulled me in and kept me guessing. By the time I reached the end, I was fully invested and couldn't put it down.
Overall, Of Bones and Lilac was a great read with it's world-building, a well-crafted magic system, characters you can connect with, and a fantastic finish. The slow start is definitely worth pushing through for the payoff!
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ARC Review✨ I really enjoyed this! The world-building was descriptive and easy to visualise and I thought the story was imaginative. I also loved the illustrations throughout the book! While there were some darker themes in this book, there were cosy elements to it that were a nice contrast.
The FMC, Lehlia, suffers from grief and trauma and I liked seeing her determination and perseverance throughout the story. I really liked the MMC, Noxus, and the mystery that surrounded him. His own trauma is depicted in a different way which I thought was really well done.
I loved the different take on animal familiars and the darker connotations they had as this felt quite unique. The challenges the characters faced along their journey kept me entertained and invested in the story! Overall, this was a fun read and I appreciated that the story had a satisfying conclusion!
The FMC, Lehlia, suffers from grief and trauma and I liked seeing her determination and perseverance throughout the story. I really liked the MMC, Noxus, and the mystery that surrounded him. His own trauma is depicted in a different way which I thought was really well done.
I loved the different take on animal familiars and the darker connotations they had as this felt quite unique. The challenges the characters faced along their journey kept me entertained and invested in the story! Overall, this was a fun read and I appreciated that the story had a satisfying conclusion!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was amazing. For no spice, romantasy, I was cautious. But this book really showed what romance can be- heartbreaking and tragic.
Lehlia endures so much and grows just as much. She has her faults and is her own character outside of the romance. She is both a soft FMC and strong, but definitely not a damsel in distress.
Noxus is guilt-ridden and is a perfect example of morally grey. He has done evil things. What's worse is that everything stems from a single tragedy.
This book really makes you question who should be forgiven. Can they be forgiven? And asks what even is forgiveness.
Of Bones and Lilac was just a wonderful, refreshing read. I hope everyone give it a chance.
Lehlia endures so much and grows just as much. She has her faults and is her own character outside of the romance. She is both a soft FMC and strong, but definitely not a damsel in distress.
Noxus is guilt-ridden and is a perfect example of morally grey. He has done evil things. What's worse is that everything stems from a single tragedy.
This book really makes you question who should be forgiven. Can they be forgiven? And asks what even is forgiveness.
Of Bones and Lilac was just a wonderful, refreshing read. I hope everyone give it a chance.
August 14, 2026
Review of an advanced read copy:
This is a great fantasy read, the story itself is top-tier, and is so well written you just get enveloped into the story pretty quickly. You will follow Lehlia through so many trials and tribulations on the search for her brother, while grieving the loss of her mana and her healer. As someone who normally reads spicy romantasy or dark romance books, this was a change for me but I enjoyed the plot and I guessed the plot twist but was still convinced I was wrong until the reveal near the end. I would love to continue to follow Lehlia or even her brother in a future book and catch glimpses of their HEA.
This is a great fantasy read, the story itself is top-tier, and is so well written you just get enveloped into the story pretty quickly. You will follow Lehlia through so many trials and tribulations on the search for her brother, while grieving the loss of her mana and her healer. As someone who normally reads spicy romantasy or dark romance books, this was a change for me but I enjoyed the plot and I guessed the plot twist but was still convinced I was wrong until the reveal near the end. I would love to continue to follow Lehlia or even her brother in a future book and catch glimpses of their HEA.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was honestly a very cute story about relationships and forgiveness. It’s about overcoming self doubts and trusting in our own abilities. I would have loved to have more inner dialogue from the characters to better understand their motives and thought processes. A lot of what we learn from the characters is from their dialogue with other characters and I just needed more depth.
Overall, it’s a fun little quick read with a great message. I’m honored to have been an ARC reader for this piece and grateful to Tayloranne for the opportunity to be one of the first to enjoy it.
Overall, it’s a fun little quick read with a great message. I’m honored to have been an ARC reader for this piece and grateful to Tayloranne for the opportunity to be one of the first to enjoy it.
August 17, 2026
Thank you for this advanced copy!
This book is a quick paced story about forgiveness, grief in a world full of magic. We read in 2 POV Noxus who works for the council and is to aid Lehlia who has lost everything in finding her only living relative.
I felt the book could be a little more fleshed out and I think a bit more of a back story to the magic world I struggled a bit with, but the author does come back to discuss it throughout. However I did enjoy the book and did not see that plot twist coming towards the end!
This book is a quick paced story about forgiveness, grief in a world full of magic. We read in 2 POV Noxus who works for the council and is to aid Lehlia who has lost everything in finding her only living relative.
I felt the book could be a little more fleshed out and I think a bit more of a back story to the magic world I struggled a bit with, but the author does come back to discuss it throughout. However I did enjoy the book and did not see that plot twist coming towards the end!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of advanced copy - thank you!!
3.5⭐️ but I rounded up because the only reason it isn’t a full 4, is because of the flowery language. That’s not my jam, but I know a lot of people enjoy that. The plot is great! Our FMC is sent on a mission with a council member to find her missing brother. Along the way we learn about her past, and secrets the council has been keeping. While the “twist” is pretty predictable, it doesn’t take away from the moment our FMC realizes the truth.
3.5⭐️ but I rounded up because the only reason it isn’t a full 4, is because of the flowery language. That’s not my jam, but I know a lot of people enjoy that. The plot is great! Our FMC is sent on a mission with a council member to find her missing brother. Along the way we learn about her past, and secrets the council has been keeping. While the “twist” is pretty predictable, it doesn’t take away from the moment our FMC realizes the truth.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed this book. It was a very easy read. It's a fantasy book but it's not like most with all the world building. There is magic, elves,portals, and some mythical creatures in the books. The FMC is grieving and has issues. She asks the council for help finding her brother. Who works for them. They send her Nocus and they go on an adventure to find him. This is a good clean book. There is no spice
Review of advance copy received from Author
A heartfelt story of forgiveness and working through loss and pain, this book hit me right in the heart! Lehlia and Noxus’s journey to find her brother presents challenges that force them to confront their pasts and, in turn, discover themselves. I was hooked from the very beginning, and my mind remained in a constant state of bewilderment. At its core, this is a beautiful story of healing and second chances.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I would first like to thank the author Tayloranne Worley for giving me the chance to read an ARC of this book. It kept me guessing until nearly the end of the book who the mysterious stranger was, the FMC struggles with losing her family and her true love, after her brother disappears she travels with this stranger to find him. She doesn’t know how she can trust him as he has many secrets. I really enjoyed this book and it had so many twists and turns and a surprise at the end. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
To start, I absolutely loved this book. It's sweet, sassy and heartfelt. Also, what a fantastic, magical world!
Tayloranne clearly put her whole self in to making this, and it shows.
The artwork is incredible, and balances so well with the story. The plot keeps you along for the ride, with the ups and downs.
The ending wasn't what I expected, and I am so incredibly glad for that!
Tayloranne clearly put her whole self in to making this, and it shows.
The artwork is incredible, and balances so well with the story. The plot keeps you along for the ride, with the ups and downs.
The ending wasn't what I expected, and I am so incredibly glad for that!
Review of advance copy received from Author
First of all thank you to the author for sending me an ARC! Romantasy is definitely not my genre of choice but I enjoyed my time reading this book. I especially liked how the author did not shy away from the graphic nature of a battle. The characters were all compelling. Toad specifically was a favorite of mine. And I did not see the twist at the end coming.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Such a beautiful story! I was so excited to read this and it did NOT disappoint! I am so honored to have been selected to ARC read this amazing book! Thank you so much and I look forward to seeing more 5 🌟 reviews pouring in!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as an arc. It kept my attention really well and i even enjoyed the art work that went along with it even as a kindle edition. I’m not gonna lie Toad is my favorite spicy side animal character !
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was great. The FMC goes on a quest to find and rescue her brother. Through this process shes battling truama from her past. My favorite character was Toad.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a good READ! I was in the worst book slump and this jump started my reading! I woke up everyday wanting to read this book. Highly recommend:)
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