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The Silk and Iron Trilogy #1
Dominion
A woman with no past. A warrior with no future. Their love could save the world—or burn it down.
Fourth Wing—by way of Chinese mythology—meets The Hunger Games in a perilous world where a young woman with no memory and little magic may hold the key to uniting the Dominions and saving the mortal realm, from the New York Times bestselling author of Read with Jenna pick Searching for Sylvie Lee and Girl in Translation.
This deluxe limited first run edition features a cover with foil, designed sprayed edges, and gorgeous map endpapers—while supplies last!
“A page turner. Tender yet tense, loving yet steamy, dangerous yet darkly humorous…Dominion creates something entirely new.” —Brigitte Knightley, New York Times bestselling author of The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy
In a world divided into four rival Dominions, power is everything—and Rubi Morningtail has almost none. Three years after the Annihilation destroyed her homeland and shattered her memories, she lives as an Azure refugee in the Dominion of the Silver Tyger, scraping by as a ribbon dancer and hiding her little bit of singing magic. When she wounds a massive battle tyger on her doorstep, she draws the notice of Blake Axefire—supreme metal mage, leader of the royal tyger warriors, and the last man an Azure should trust. His sentence? Cast her into the Bonding, a brutal trial where tygers choose their riders and slaughter the rest. Surviving is unthinkable.
But survive she does. Now she’s stuck on Blake’s elite team racing to reseal the Anchors to the demon realm. With rebels striking, demons rising, and the Dominions at each other’s throats, Rubi must unlock the truth of her magic and her past…while resisting her dangerous attraction to the ruthless warrior who could be her redemption—or her ruin.
Fourth Wing—by way of Chinese mythology—meets The Hunger Games in a perilous world where a young woman with no memory and little magic may hold the key to uniting the Dominions and saving the mortal realm, from the New York Times bestselling author of Read with Jenna pick Searching for Sylvie Lee and Girl in Translation.
This deluxe limited first run edition features a cover with foil, designed sprayed edges, and gorgeous map endpapers—while supplies last!
“A page turner. Tender yet tense, loving yet steamy, dangerous yet darkly humorous…Dominion creates something entirely new.” —Brigitte Knightley, New York Times bestselling author of The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy
In a world divided into four rival Dominions, power is everything—and Rubi Morningtail has almost none. Three years after the Annihilation destroyed her homeland and shattered her memories, she lives as an Azure refugee in the Dominion of the Silver Tyger, scraping by as a ribbon dancer and hiding her little bit of singing magic. When she wounds a massive battle tyger on her doorstep, she draws the notice of Blake Axefire—supreme metal mage, leader of the royal tyger warriors, and the last man an Azure should trust. His sentence? Cast her into the Bonding, a brutal trial where tygers choose their riders and slaughter the rest. Surviving is unthinkable.
But survive she does. Now she’s stuck on Blake’s elite team racing to reseal the Anchors to the demon realm. With rebels striking, demons rising, and the Dominions at each other’s throats, Rubi must unlock the truth of her magic and her past…while resisting her dangerous attraction to the ruthless warrior who could be her redemption—or her ruin.
436 pages, Hardcover
First published July 14, 2026
About the author
Jean Kwok
12 books2,497 followersJean Kwok is the award-winning, New York Times and international bestselling author of Dominion (coming 7/14/26), The Leftover Woman, Searching for Sylvie Lee, Girl in Translation, and Mambo in Chinatown. Her books have been selected by Read with Jenna, Good Morning America, CBS New York, Book of the Month, LibraryReads, Indie Next, Goodreads Choice Awards, Belletrist, and Discover Great New Writers, and most of her work is in development for film and television.
She has been selected for numerous honors, including the American Library Association Alex Award, the Chinese American Librarians Association Best Book Award, and the Sunday Times EFG Short Story Award international shortlist. She immigrated from Hong Kong to Brooklyn when she was five and worked in a Chinatown clothing factory for much of her childhood. She received her bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and earned an MFA from Columbia University, working as a professional ballroom dancer between degrees.
She reviews for the New York Times Book Review and has served as judge for International Thriller Writers, Tucson Festival of Books, Ragdale, and San Miguel Writers’ Conference, and her work has been published in more than twenty countries and is taught in schools across the world. She lives in the New York area.
Learn more about Jean here:
www.jeankwok.com
https://www.facebook.com/JeanKwokAuthor
She has been selected for numerous honors, including the American Library Association Alex Award, the Chinese American Librarians Association Best Book Award, and the Sunday Times EFG Short Story Award international shortlist. She immigrated from Hong Kong to Brooklyn when she was five and worked in a Chinatown clothing factory for much of her childhood. She received her bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and earned an MFA from Columbia University, working as a professional ballroom dancer between degrees.
She reviews for the New York Times Book Review and has served as judge for International Thriller Writers, Tucson Festival of Books, Ragdale, and San Miguel Writers’ Conference, and her work has been published in more than twenty countries and is taught in schools across the world. She lives in the New York area.
Learn more about Jean here:
www.jeankwok.com
https://www.facebook.com/JeanKwokAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 570 reviews
July 23, 2026
3.5 🌟
this one had me so conflicted until the very end oh boy!!!
so we follow Rubi who is an Azure refugee living in the Silver Tyger dominion. she is a ribbon dancer (very cool) with little magic and is considered very weak (i think ive seen this before…) then we have Blake, leader of the Silver Tyger riders (they ride big ass tigers). these two “run” into each other and after a series of unfortunate events Rubi is forced into a ceremony for unbounded tigers. will she die, will she survive, will she bond??? (….. you can imagine where this is going…..) ANYWAYS the plot takes off from there
first off let me get it off my chest, the romance boooooo 🍅🍅 i’m sorry i was not a fan of Blake really. it’s very insta lust/love yeah yeah whatever. but he just sort of lacked personality to me. also Rubi i don’t dislike girly but she did have me rolling my eyes a bit. i think we are forsure going to get some good character development next book which im looking forward too.
now the world building i loved. we have 4 dominions all with different rules, traditions and magic. zodiac signs, demons, yin and yang balance, and Chinese mythology inspirations sprinkled throughout. i was super intrigued by the magic system and excited to learn more next book. but of course the best part of this book for me was the animal bonds with the tigers (are we ever surprised!!)
i will say the plot was a bit predictable but i liked the way things were revealed and done, especially that ending!! now THAT EPILOGUE ????!!?!! JAW ON THE FUCKING FLOOOOOOR ACTUALLY. what do you mean what do you mean WHAT DO YOU MEAN ..… oh this could be going somewhere lemme tell you 😜😜😜 that genuinely bumped my rating up a whole lot ⭐️ !!!!!!
so yeah… was it sorta like other books i read? 1000% but it had enough uniqueness (for me) within the world building to stay engaged and caring. overall i think a solid start to a series!! we shall see where it goes
⟡˙⋆ 𝘼𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙡𝙡, 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙚𝙙 ⋆˙⟡
˗ˏˋ ꒰ 💙🎶🐯🪞✨🐍🎗️🐦🔥⚔️☯️ ꒱ ˎˊ˗
this one had me so conflicted until the very end oh boy!!!
so we follow Rubi who is an Azure refugee living in the Silver Tyger dominion. she is a ribbon dancer (very cool) with little magic and is considered very weak (i think ive seen this before…) then we have Blake, leader of the Silver Tyger riders (they ride big ass tigers). these two “run” into each other and after a series of unfortunate events Rubi is forced into a ceremony for unbounded tigers. will she die, will she survive, will she bond??? (….. you can imagine where this is going…..) ANYWAYS the plot takes off from there
first off let me get it off my chest, the romance boooooo 🍅🍅 i’m sorry i was not a fan of Blake really. it’s very insta lust/love yeah yeah whatever. but he just sort of lacked personality to me. also Rubi i don’t dislike girly but she did have me rolling my eyes a bit. i think we are forsure going to get some good character development next book which im looking forward too.
now the world building i loved. we have 4 dominions all with different rules, traditions and magic. zodiac signs, demons, yin and yang balance, and Chinese mythology inspirations sprinkled throughout. i was super intrigued by the magic system and excited to learn more next book. but of course the best part of this book for me was the animal bonds with the tigers (are we ever surprised!!)
i will say the plot was a bit predictable but i liked the way things were revealed and done, especially that ending!! now THAT EPILOGUE ????!!?!! JAW ON THE FUCKING FLOOOOOOR ACTUALLY. what do you mean what do you mean WHAT DO YOU MEAN ..… oh this could be going somewhere lemme tell you 😜😜😜 that genuinely bumped my rating up a whole lot ⭐️ !!!!!!
so yeah… was it sorta like other books i read? 1000% but it had enough uniqueness (for me) within the world building to stay engaged and caring. overall i think a solid start to a series!! we shall see where it goes
⟡˙⋆ 𝘼𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙡𝙡, 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙚𝙙 ⋆˙⟡
˗ˏˋ ꒰ 💙🎶🐯🪞✨🐍🎗️🐦🔥⚔️☯️ ꒱ ˎˊ˗
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5-3.75, maybe. Hmm, lots of thoughts on this book. Have to sit and think about the rating a little while.
FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW
Demonds, bonded animals, prophecies
By the way of Chinese mythology--The Hunger Games meets Fourth Wing, let's just say I was very excited. This is a new author for me and seeing how much praise this book was initially getting so far, I couldn’t resist.
This book is featured on Allurial! They are a part of my most favorite book subscription-BOTM!
Allurial features gorgeous deluxe editions of upcoming romantasy books that you can’t buy nowhere else. The quality is amazing. Use this link to get your first copy for $10 and a free hat: https://www.allurial.com/refer/g7sai1...
Many thanks to NetGalley, Putnam/G.P. Putnam's Sons and the author, Jean Kwok for an early copy!
Publication date: July 14, 2026
FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW
Demonds, bonded animals, prophecies
By the way of Chinese mythology--The Hunger Games meets Fourth Wing, let's just say I was very excited. This is a new author for me and seeing how much praise this book was initially getting so far, I couldn’t resist.
This book is featured on Allurial! They are a part of my most favorite book subscription-BOTM!
Allurial features gorgeous deluxe editions of upcoming romantasy books that you can’t buy nowhere else. The quality is amazing. Use this link to get your first copy for $10 and a free hat: https://www.allurial.com/refer/g7sai1...
Many thanks to NetGalley, Putnam/G.P. Putnam's Sons and the author, Jean Kwok for an early copy!
Publication date: July 14, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
✨⚔️ Dominion ⚔️✨
🎉🎉Happy Release Date 🎉🎉
I was immediately interested in this book because of the “Fourth Wing by way of Chinese mythology” marketing, and I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The worldbuilding was strong and immersive, and the magic system felt just as solid.
I did want a bit more backstory on the political side of the world, but since this is a trilogy, I can see that being explored more in books two and three. The found family aspect was naturally one of my favorite parts.
The pacing stayed steady throughout, and I never lost interest in the plot.
And that ending was sooooo good but also so freaking HEARTBREAKING 💔💔😭😭
🤯🤯 And don’t get me started on that epilogue!
I will definitely be continuing this series. I need book two asap!
❤️🔥What to Expect
• Amnesiac FMC
• Warrior MMC
• Elemental magic
• Magical tyger
• Found family
• Deadly trials
• Forced proximity
_ _ _ _
⭐ Final Rating: 5 Stars
📅 Pub Date: July 14, 2026
📝 Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
🎉🎉Happy Release Date 🎉🎉
I was immediately interested in this book because of the “Fourth Wing by way of Chinese mythology” marketing, and I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The worldbuilding was strong and immersive, and the magic system felt just as solid.
I did want a bit more backstory on the political side of the world, but since this is a trilogy, I can see that being explored more in books two and three. The found family aspect was naturally one of my favorite parts.
The pacing stayed steady throughout, and I never lost interest in the plot.
And that ending was sooooo good but also so freaking HEARTBREAKING 💔💔😭😭
🤯🤯 And don’t get me started on that epilogue!
I will definitely be continuing this series. I need book two asap!
❤️🔥What to Expect
• Amnesiac FMC
• Warrior MMC
• Elemental magic
• Magical tyger
• Found family
• Deadly trials
• Forced proximity
_ _ _ _
⭐ Final Rating: 5 Stars
📅 Pub Date: July 14, 2026
📝 Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
Did Not Finish
November 7, 2025I like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me a read.
I love Asian fantasy. I really, truly do. I jump for joy when one comes around because it's 'yes, something fresh and new'.
However, at 10% in I started getting worried, and at 70% in and two sex scenes later I threw in the towel.
I never read more than two pages of Iron Wing, but I can say - if you enjoyed Iron Wing, you'll enjoy this. The writing is very juvenile, accentuated by 'fuck' 'damn' and sex scenes. A woman with blue hair (and the power of using ribbon dancers) and a mysterious background bonds with a tiger queen making her public enemy #1 in a world where people hate her type. She also doesn't have powers at 24 (or almost 24, she turns 24 in the book) because they just haven't manifested. She acts tough in her first two chapters and the more she hangs around the twin blade leftover, her bravado slips and she becomes too infatuated with him and needs to know where he is 24/7.
Cue a mystical plot by a woman that is a cross between Zordon from Power Rangers and one of Draculas Brides saying that the four dominion locks are breaking, rebels are trying to take down the mean bad king, a princess who likes to be mean just to be mean, and other trope-y things, nothing felt sensical. I felt like I had read a lower-grade version of this when Eragon came out years ago.
All in all, there is a lot of ideas that COULD have been good and should have been good, but when you see others do it better why try?
Out of respect for the author I am choosing not to rate it due to not finishing it.
I love Asian fantasy. I really, truly do. I jump for joy when one comes around because it's 'yes, something fresh and new'.
However, at 10% in I started getting worried, and at 70% in and two sex scenes later I threw in the towel.
I never read more than two pages of Iron Wing, but I can say - if you enjoyed Iron Wing, you'll enjoy this. The writing is very juvenile, accentuated by 'fuck' 'damn' and sex scenes. A woman with blue hair (and the power of using ribbon dancers) and a mysterious background bonds with a tiger queen making her public enemy #1 in a world where people hate her type. She also doesn't have powers at 24 (or almost 24, she turns 24 in the book) because they just haven't manifested. She acts tough in her first two chapters and the more she hangs around the twin blade leftover, her bravado slips and she becomes too infatuated with him and needs to know where he is 24/7.
Cue a mystical plot by a woman that is a cross between Zordon from Power Rangers and one of Draculas Brides saying that the four dominion locks are breaking, rebels are trying to take down the mean bad king, a princess who likes to be mean just to be mean, and other trope-y things, nothing felt sensical. I felt like I had read a lower-grade version of this when Eragon came out years ago.
All in all, there is a lot of ideas that COULD have been good and should have been good, but when you see others do it better why try?
Out of respect for the author I am choosing not to rate it due to not finishing it.
June 30, 2026
I was provided this ARC through Netgalley.
Let's start with what I loved:
Beautiful world building and an interesting magic system. The Four Dominions and the way they each have their own unique magic was interesting and fresh. The concept of balance and power, and how the magical strength is classified between yin and yang is a refreshing change from the usual magic systems.
What was mid:
Character building and development- a lot of this felt rushed, especially between Rubi and Blake. There was almost no space between not knowing each other, hating each other, declaring undying love for each other.
Rubi's character as a whole was just... meh. I think she started out as a decent character, but somewhere along the way her development flat-lined and she just kind of floats through the rest of the book.
The Gods- about halfway through the book one of them shows up and essentially says "Hey, the gods said it's time for you mortals to do some damn work and pitch in against the big baddie, pick your best and brightest and let's get on with it."
I don't know why other reviews have compared it to Hunger Games meets Fourth Wing. There really isn't any comparison. There was a split second where I thought there would be, but it was basically just a bunch of people thrown into an arena with tygers who ate anyone that wasn't interesting enough. 3 pages and it was over.
What I disliked:
Rubi suffers from an extreme case of Mary Sue. She starts out as a nobody with barely any magic, but by the end she's the ONE, the ONLY ONE, and suddenly she's the most powerful ever to be born and everyone wants a piece of her. It feels like she's now every single romance and fantasy trope combined. And of course she can't be with Blake even though they swore their undying love to each other five pages ago because now she has her memories back and guess what? She's already in love with a DIFFERENT super powerful man, while a THIRD super powerful man secretly pines for her from the shadows. And let's not forget the other super powerful guy who kidnaps Rubi for the big baddie, but needs to have her before he hands her over. She's a walking aphrodisiac, apparently.
Ok, this might be personal preference... but the names. The names are so cringe. Rubi Morningtail? Blake Axefire? Ire Frostbane? It sounds like the author opened up Wizards 101 and just kept hitting random for the name generator.
While I'm at it, let's talk about the fact that for the first half of the book, Rubi mentally refers to Blake Axefire by his full name. Several times in one page. I felt like Regina George... "Stop trying to make Blake Axefire happen. It's not going to happen."
To summarize- it was a decent read that felt like it could have been a good one with a little more editing and character development, and maybe some paring down of the tropes. It has a lot of potential, and I'll probably read the second book to find out what happens next!
Let's start with what I loved:
Beautiful world building and an interesting magic system. The Four Dominions and the way they each have their own unique magic was interesting and fresh. The concept of balance and power, and how the magical strength is classified between yin and yang is a refreshing change from the usual magic systems.
What was mid:
Character building and development- a lot of this felt rushed, especially between Rubi and Blake. There was almost no space between not knowing each other, hating each other, declaring undying love for each other.
Rubi's character as a whole was just... meh. I think she started out as a decent character, but somewhere along the way her development flat-lined and she just kind of floats through the rest of the book.
The Gods- about halfway through the book one of them shows up and essentially says "Hey, the gods said it's time for you mortals to do some damn work and pitch in against the big baddie, pick your best and brightest and let's get on with it."
I don't know why other reviews have compared it to Hunger Games meets Fourth Wing. There really isn't any comparison. There was a split second where I thought there would be, but it was basically just a bunch of people thrown into an arena with tygers who ate anyone that wasn't interesting enough. 3 pages and it was over.
What I disliked:
Rubi suffers from an extreme case of Mary Sue. She starts out as a nobody with barely any magic, but by the end she's the ONE, the ONLY ONE, and suddenly she's the most powerful ever to be born and everyone wants a piece of her. It feels like she's now every single romance and fantasy trope combined. And of course she can't be with Blake even though they swore their undying love to each other five pages ago because now she has her memories back and guess what? She's already in love with a DIFFERENT super powerful man, while a THIRD super powerful man secretly pines for her from the shadows. And let's not forget the other super powerful guy who kidnaps Rubi for the big baddie, but needs to have her before he hands her over. She's a walking aphrodisiac, apparently.
Ok, this might be personal preference... but the names. The names are so cringe. Rubi Morningtail? Blake Axefire? Ire Frostbane? It sounds like the author opened up Wizards 101 and just kept hitting random for the name generator.
While I'm at it, let's talk about the fact that for the first half of the book, Rubi mentally refers to Blake Axefire by his full name. Several times in one page. I felt like Regina George... "Stop trying to make Blake Axefire happen. It's not going to happen."
To summarize- it was a decent read that felt like it could have been a good one with a little more editing and character development, and maybe some paring down of the tropes. It has a lot of potential, and I'll probably read the second book to find out what happens next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2026
Magical tiger bonding anyone? Hello I feel sick, the PLOT TWIST? THE END? I am unwell send me to hospital because I have NEVER ✋️ let me compose myself, I'm gonna be honest I went into this expecting a kind of y'know run of the mill romantasy/fantasy (nothing wrong with that, hello I love them) but what I got was something entirely different, this is fast paced and such a ride, it had all the stuff I enjoy, theres political intrigue, deadly trials, elemental magic, found family, a fierce warrior FMC, slow burn (teehee) super interesting Chinese mythology, I did want more from the world building but as this is the first in a trilogy that's fine I'm assuming as it progresses we will get more DID I MENTION THE ENDING? took me out, like a bullet to the chest, I'm wheezing help.
November 14, 2025
By the end of this book, I had a whiteboard out and looking like the meme from "Always Sunny" because things were adding up and I have so many thoughts and possibilities for the next books to come. If you love a girl coming into her power, bonding to powerful animals, and a blossoming relationship with the deadliest warrior, then this is a great start for you. Also, the side characters keep you on your toes and they are so easy to fall in love with. They make transitions and heavy moments a little lighter with hope and humor.
Rubi has no memories from her life before coming into the Silver's land. She dances to earn her living to keep Edith and herself alive, even just barely. The dominions are balanced by yin and yang. Yangs are the powerful ones that have the most magic and are chosen to rule. Yangs are mainly men and made all decisions with themselves in mind, even if the Silver Princess is a yin and bonded to a tyger, which is very rare.
Demons are escaping through weakening anchor points, and it is up the different dominions to work together and fix them to save their lands. The demons are working to take control, devour the one spoken of in the prophecy, and then they will take control of the land. The Azure dominion has already fallen years before in The Annihilation.
Rubi has no memories from her life before coming into the Silver's land. She dances to earn her living to keep Edith and herself alive, even just barely. The dominions are balanced by yin and yang. Yangs are the powerful ones that have the most magic and are chosen to rule. Yangs are mainly men and made all decisions with themselves in mind, even if the Silver Princess is a yin and bonded to a tyger, which is very rare.
Demons are escaping through weakening anchor points, and it is up the different dominions to work together and fix them to save their lands. The demons are working to take control, devour the one spoken of in the prophecy, and then they will take control of the land. The Azure dominion has already fallen years before in The Annihilation.
July 10, 2026
First, I would like to point out that if you enjoyed reading Dyre Bound, Half City, or Metal Singer, you would definitely enjoy Dominion. Now this is NOT a carbon copy of those books. I don’t think there is another book on the market like Dominion, and that is coming from someone who's already read over 100 books this year. Still, I know that the same feeling I had while reading those other three books I got while reading Dominion.
There were so many theories that I had going into the story, and they were all wrong except for one, and that wasn’t even fully correct. I was on the right track to find out the truth about Rubi, but I was still wrong. Rubi is a character that intrigued me from the beginning. I am not big on the whole amnesia trope. I don’t like it when the character doesn’t know their history or who they are. However, I enjoyed this story because it really makes you piece together who you think Rubi is, and with all the different dominions they are (Onyx, Azuri, Silver, and Phoenix), you wonder where she belongs.
I was less screaming for 20 minutes while reading the last chapter because I felt like I had been lied to the whole time. I hate being lied to in real life, but in a book it's acceptable..
Also, there are so many love triangles... good luck figuring out who the real one is. I hope it’s B***, but I don’t know if it will be him. I am dying to get my hands on this book too, and it hasn’t even been released yet, so best of luck when you read it.
There were so many theories that I had going into the story, and they were all wrong except for one, and that wasn’t even fully correct. I was on the right track to find out the truth about Rubi, but I was still wrong. Rubi is a character that intrigued me from the beginning. I am not big on the whole amnesia trope. I don’t like it when the character doesn’t know their history or who they are. However, I enjoyed this story because it really makes you piece together who you think Rubi is, and with all the different dominions they are (Onyx, Azuri, Silver, and Phoenix), you wonder where she belongs.
Also, there are so many love triangles... good luck figuring out who the real one is. I hope it’s B***, but I don’t know if it will be him. I am dying to get my hands on this book too, and it hasn’t even been released yet, so best of luck when you read it.
November 18, 2025
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
TW: death, murder, attempted rape, violence, torture, kidnapping, slavery, loss of agency, harassment, sexism
Damn. This is an enthralling combination of Silver Elite, Divergent, and a classic Disney tale* and it is inspired by the best parts of each. There are shifters as well as metal, water, and fire benders, organized under clans with different social hierarchies (e.g., magic power, matriarchy, patriarchy). However, the clans aren't in the best of terms with each other and there's internal unrest so there's a wartime sentiment made worse by not so natural disasters and an impending prophecy.
In the midst of this increasing danger, a 23 year old Azure (shifter clan) finds herself thrown into a challenging new position in the Silver Tyger clan (martial combat and tygers). Can she find herself and maybe even love? Can she survive the battles to come? Who can she rely on and what secrets is everyone hiding? The plot twists are excellent and the book is a true page-flipper.
There are some points where the info dump of world lore could be much more subtle but that's outweighed by the positives.
* Not mentioned here for a non-spoiler review.
TW: death, murder, attempted rape, violence, torture, kidnapping, slavery, loss of agency, harassment, sexism
Damn. This is an enthralling combination of Silver Elite, Divergent, and a classic Disney tale* and it is inspired by the best parts of each. There are shifters as well as metal, water, and fire benders, organized under clans with different social hierarchies (e.g., magic power, matriarchy, patriarchy). However, the clans aren't in the best of terms with each other and there's internal unrest so there's a wartime sentiment made worse by not so natural disasters and an impending prophecy.
In the midst of this increasing danger, a 23 year old Azure (shifter clan) finds herself thrown into a challenging new position in the Silver Tyger clan (martial combat and tygers). Can she find herself and maybe even love? Can she survive the battles to come? Who can she rely on and what secrets is everyone hiding? The plot twists are excellent and the book is a true page-flipper.
There are some points where the info dump of world lore could be much more subtle but that's outweighed by the positives.
* Not mentioned here for a non-spoiler review.
![Profile Image for minnie. [traveling hiatus!].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1779543772i/190542410._UX200_CR0,23,200,200_.jpg)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
i love chinese mythology, and since this is basically chinese fourth wing, i was hooked. however i’m not quite sure how to feel and i might need to think about my rating for a bit. it was enjoyable but i didn’t love the info dumping or plot armor. i did read it at 1 am at the airport, so i need to mull to make sure i’m not just sleep deprived. full review to come!
July 10, 2026
Thanks so much NetGalley for this ARC! I loved every minute of it! This was such a fun read and I absolutely LOVE the representation incorporated throughout! I knew with just being a few chapters in that I immediately needed a physical copy for my shelves! Allurial for the win with their cute edition! Can we talk about that twist though and that ending!? 😭 How am I suppose to wait for more?
*Fav Characters: Nelly, Thyme, Blake.
*Fav Quotes:
~“Rubi. Your integrity, your bravery, your—everything calls to me. You are a songbird and your song . . . it’s irresistible. Ties me up in gods-damned knots, as if you’ve wrapped me in your ribbons. And I don’t want to be untethered from you.”
~“By the gods,”—“When are you going to get some appropriate sleepwear?”
~ “Easy, songbird.”—“Always sleep in a handkerchief with a blade in your hand?”
~“You have made me a better man, and I am forever grateful for it. I don’t know if I—”-“I’d made peace with my death, what would inevitably come for me. But now—now, for the first time in a long time, I want to live. Desperately, with you by my side.”
~“It is! I am here. Now. And I will fight for you—”-“I will be what you need.”
~“I have a duty. I’m no longer free to simply follow my heart. And I don’t even know what my heart wants anymore.”
~“I’ll protect you until you get to him safely. If you cannot be mine, then I will be yours. Whatever way I can.”
*Fav Scene: The Makeover. The Tent. IYKYK.
I think fans of stories like Direbound and Fourth Wing are sure to love Dominion!
*Fav Characters: Nelly, Thyme, Blake.
*Fav Quotes:
~“Rubi. Your integrity, your bravery, your—everything calls to me. You are a songbird and your song . . . it’s irresistible. Ties me up in gods-damned knots, as if you’ve wrapped me in your ribbons. And I don’t want to be untethered from you.”
~“By the gods,”—“When are you going to get some appropriate sleepwear?”
~ “Easy, songbird.”—“Always sleep in a handkerchief with a blade in your hand?”
~“You have made me a better man, and I am forever grateful for it. I don’t know if I—”-“I’d made peace with my death, what would inevitably come for me. But now—now, for the first time in a long time, I want to live. Desperately, with you by my side.”
~“It is! I am here. Now. And I will fight for you—”-“I will be what you need.”
~“I have a duty. I’m no longer free to simply follow my heart. And I don’t even know what my heart wants anymore.”
~“I’ll protect you until you get to him safely. If you cannot be mine, then I will be yours. Whatever way I can.”
*Fav Scene: The Makeover. The Tent. IYKYK.
I think fans of stories like Direbound and Fourth Wing are sure to love Dominion!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2025
GASP!!!!!! I ate every single page up in this book. The plot and world building were so extraordinary that I was completely immersed in it. FMC no memories of her past. Thinking she is weak and nothing. Knowing nothing of herself at all thrown into something she felt she didn’t belong then ending up being the center of it. Then the tiger bonds! I mean huge tigers! The tension! The slow burn. The hidden identities! Yes there is more than 1!!!! The twist and turns not knowing what’s going to happen next! The MMC feared by all. Extremely powerful. Hidden royalties everywhere. The way this author wrote this book there is so much information but she wrote it so extremely well that it flowed and flowed seemingly. Then the cliffhanger at the END!! I was floored!!!! I cannot wait to read more! -Kerin Ray
November 2, 2025
Absolutely a 5 star read. I devoured this book in 2 sittings. The scenes that the author paints are so vivid. The story is engrossing and pulls you in from the very beginning. The pacing is even and keeps you enthralled. The magic system isn't complicated so you never feel like you don't understand what is happening, which is something many readers look for in a fantasy.
The plot twists at the end, honestly, had my jaw on the floor. I can't believe that I'm going to have to wait likely years to find out what happens next.
The plot twists at the end, honestly, had my jaw on the floor. I can't believe that I'm going to have to wait likely years to find out what happens next.
January 2, 2026
I literally devoured this story and I think that this has the potential to be such a fun series! It definitely had some cliche romantasy moments but the politics of the four dominions, the different types of magic, the action scenes, interesting characters, and the bonded Tygers kept my attention! The world is so well explained, the pacing is enjoyable, and the romance is well balanced with the prophecy, war, and quest from the gods.
I cannot wait to continue this series, especially after how that ending sets us up for book two!
4.5 ⭐️
🖤Thank you NetGalley for this eARC!
I cannot wait to continue this series, especially after how that ending sets us up for book two!
4.5 ⭐️
🖤Thank you NetGalley for this eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
this was phenomenal great storytelling and characters you love.
2026
November 19, 2025ANHPI TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons
July 23, 2026
I actually had such a good time with this one! I thought that the world building was extremely unique and I really appreciated the addition of Chinese lore that was incorporated into this narrative
I genuinely sat down and binged this book in one sitting.. that’s how much I liked it 😝👌🏽
I will say they’re definitely worth some plot holes in the narrative and some character development that I do think needed more work.. but overall the plot in general was really great. I don’t think those negatives affected me to the point to where I don’t want to continue the series.. in fact, I cannot wait for the next book!
I genuinely sat down and binged this book in one sitting.. that’s how much I liked it 😝👌🏽
I will say they’re definitely worth some plot holes in the narrative and some character development that I do think needed more work.. but overall the plot in general was really great. I don’t think those negatives affected me to the point to where I don’t want to continue the series.. in fact, I cannot wait for the next book!
July 19, 2026
I had originally bought this with my allurial subscription because it was so beautiful. At first, I wasn't sure if I would read it, but then I heard it was like Fourth Wing but with tigers so I thought why not? I am so glad that I did. I was never bored and loved the read. I highly recommend reading this one!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
the blurb really brought me in for this one but these are opinions alone.
Fourth Wing w/ an Asian mythological twist. Hunger games not so much. I almost, almost gave this a 2.5 round up to 3 and then found myself being more angry about all the potentials and what left me disappointed vs what I really enjoyed. Thus dropped it to a solid 2. I'll tell you why:
Likes:
Demons, 4 dominions that specialize in different magics, tygers, zodiacs. Sooo much here that can be expanded on and I loved it. World building on point. So much potential here but that was it. The yin and yang, the balance. Oh, and the epilogue really saved this one.
Everything else:
Writing felt juvenile, really. Pacing was so sporadic so I'm sure there could be points that will be hopefully, be fixed. Not a fan of the insta-love kind of thing either
Rubi felt like a whole ass Mary Sue:
◤classic romantasy trope “ am a nobody w/ very powerful powers but i don't actually know who I really am”
I said what I said.
and then I am suddenly very strong @ the end and now all men will pin for me
◤quite literally, all the men for some reason did pin for her?
Blake
◤You had some good points, you really did but when you started to show favoritism for Rubi despite all the clan politics going on man. At least you had layers for character.
I'm not sure if I will pick up book two.I saw the vision, but I don't know, I was mostly disappointed; overall I enjoyed the world building but it's going to have to do more than that for me. I'll reconsider this rating if there are any changes to the final version.
Thank you netgalley & gp putnam sons for the e-arc for an honest review
Fourth Wing w/ an Asian mythological twist. Hunger games not so much. I almost, almost gave this a 2.5 round up to 3 and then found myself being more angry about all the potentials and what left me disappointed vs what I really enjoyed. Thus dropped it to a solid 2. I'll tell you why:
Likes:
Demons, 4 dominions that specialize in different magics, tygers, zodiacs. Sooo much here that can be expanded on and I loved it. World building on point. So much potential here but that was it. The yin and yang, the balance. Oh, and the epilogue really saved this one.
Everything else:
Writing felt juvenile, really. Pacing was so sporadic so I'm sure there could be points that will be hopefully, be fixed. Not a fan of the insta-love kind of thing either
Rubi felt like a whole ass Mary Sue:
◤classic romantasy trope “ am a nobody w/ very powerful powers but i don't actually know who I really am”
◤quite literally, all the men for some reason did pin for her?
Blake
◤You had some good points, you really did but when you started to show favoritism for Rubi despite all the clan politics going on man. At least you had layers for character.
I'm not sure if I will pick up book two.I saw the vision, but I don't know, I was mostly disappointed; overall I enjoyed the world building but it's going to have to do more than that for me. I'll reconsider this rating if there are any changes to the final version.
Thank you netgalley & gp putnam sons for the e-arc for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
5 ⭐
I absolutely LOVED this book! My least favorite thing about this book is that I read it as an ARC so I have to wait even longer to read the next book in the series...
This book follows Rubi our FMC. She's an Azure refuge in the Silver dominion. Rubi lost all of her memories from before the annihilation. She lives with Edith the woman who has cared for her since she woke up on a boat, leaving the Azure dominion.
Rubi is a ribbon dancer and one night she attracted the attention of a Tyger warrior. Not just any warrior, a leader.
Blake is the leader of the Silver Tygers. He forces Rubi to participate in a trial that starts the chain reaction of changes for Rubi.
In search of her memories, Rubi discovers more than she ever thought possible. She learns about what really happened to the royal families during the annihilation.
Just like in any good fantasy, Rubi also has to help save the world from total destruction. Rubi grows as a person but also as a friend, lover and family.
I couldn't put this book down and I am BEGGING for the release of book 2!!!!
Thank you so much NetGalley for this incredible ARC!
I absolutely LOVED this book! My least favorite thing about this book is that I read it as an ARC so I have to wait even longer to read the next book in the series...
This book follows Rubi our FMC. She's an Azure refuge in the Silver dominion. Rubi lost all of her memories from before the annihilation. She lives with Edith the woman who has cared for her since she woke up on a boat, leaving the Azure dominion.
Rubi is a ribbon dancer and one night she attracted the attention of a Tyger warrior. Not just any warrior, a leader.
Blake is the leader of the Silver Tygers. He forces Rubi to participate in a trial that starts the chain reaction of changes for Rubi.
In search of her memories, Rubi discovers more than she ever thought possible. She learns about what really happened to the royal families during the annihilation.
Just like in any good fantasy, Rubi also has to help save the world from total destruction. Rubi grows as a person but also as a friend, lover and family.
I couldn't put this book down and I am BEGGING for the release of book 2!!!!
Thank you so much NetGalley for this incredible ARC!
November 23, 2025
Thank you Putnam Books and NetGalley for the eARC!
What a ride! I couldn’t put this down! Dominion is a romantic epic fantasy filled with tenuous power dynamics, vibrant scenes, and high-stakes.
This book was a bit of rollercoaster. While I had some inkling of where this might go, I was still left in shock at the end.
There was a point in the middle of the book where I thought “hmmm…this is ok. But I something felt missing.” The final chapters turned it around completely! Things really fell into place, and this went from four star territory to five stars! I am definitely eager to continue to see where this series goes.
Some highlights for me:
🔥 Elemental magic
⚔️ World-spanning conflict with high-stakes
🐅 Tyger bonds and other mythical animals
⚔️ Deadly tournaments
🔥 Themes of generational trauma and colonialism
🐅 Secrets!!!
Read this if you like vibrant, intense romantasy with open-door scenes in a world on the brink of destruction.
What a ride! I couldn’t put this down! Dominion is a romantic epic fantasy filled with tenuous power dynamics, vibrant scenes, and high-stakes.
This book was a bit of rollercoaster. While I had some inkling of where this might go, I was still left in shock at the end.
There was a point in the middle of the book where I thought “hmmm…this is ok. But I something felt missing.” The final chapters turned it around completely! Things really fell into place, and this went from four star territory to five stars! I am definitely eager to continue to see where this series goes.
Some highlights for me:
🔥 Elemental magic
⚔️ World-spanning conflict with high-stakes
🐅 Tyger bonds and other mythical animals
⚔️ Deadly tournaments
🔥 Themes of generational trauma and colonialism
🐅 Secrets!!!
Read this if you like vibrant, intense romantasy with open-door scenes in a world on the brink of destruction.
July 24, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5/5
Dominion by Jean Kwok
OMG, this book had me on the edge of my seat! I expected to enjoy it because of the KPop Demon Hunters vibes mixed with Fourth Wing... but with tigers. What I didn't expect was just how much more it would be.
The different realms, the incredible world-building, and the character development completely pulled me in. Right until the very last pages I was sitting there thinking, "Is this really happening?!" Every twist had me more invested than the last.
The romance between the FMC and MMC develops quite quickly, but honestly, it worked. We still got that delicious grumpy MMC energy, and I loved watching their dynamic unfold.
I also really enjoyed the FMC's journey. The mystery surrounding her past kept me hooked, and when all the truths started coming out towards the end... I'm genuinely surprised she didn't have a full-on menty b because WOW.
And that ending?! I was literally gasping. I already need book two because I HAVE to know what happens next. This is so hard to review without spoilers, but bravo, Jean Kwok—you completely surprised me.
⭐️ 4.5/5
Dominion by Jean Kwok
OMG, this book had me on the edge of my seat! I expected to enjoy it because of the KPop Demon Hunters vibes mixed with Fourth Wing... but with tigers. What I didn't expect was just how much more it would be.
The different realms, the incredible world-building, and the character development completely pulled me in. Right until the very last pages I was sitting there thinking, "Is this really happening?!" Every twist had me more invested than the last.
The romance between the FMC and MMC develops quite quickly, but honestly, it worked. We still got that delicious grumpy MMC energy, and I loved watching their dynamic unfold.
I also really enjoyed the FMC's journey. The mystery surrounding her past kept me hooked, and when all the truths started coming out towards the end... I'm genuinely surprised she didn't have a full-on menty b because WOW.
And that ending?! I was literally gasping. I already need book two because I HAVE to know what happens next. This is so hard to review without spoilers, but bravo, Jean Kwok—you completely surprised me.
⭐️ 4.5/5
July 22, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5/5
Dominion by Jean Kwok
OMG, this book had me on the edge of my seat! I expected to enjoy it because of the KPop Demon Hunters vibes mixed with Fourth Wing... but with tigers. What I didn't expect was just how much more it would be.
The different realms, the incredible world-building, and the character development completely pulled me in. Right until the very last pages I was sitting there thinking, "Is this really happening?!" Every twist had me more invested than the last.
The romance between the FMC and MMC develops quite quickly, but honestly, it worked. We still got that delicious grumpy MMC energy, and I loved watching their dynamic unfold.
I also really enjoyed the FMC's journey. The mystery surrounding her past kept me hooked, and when all the truths started coming out towards the end... I'm genuinely surprised she didn't have a full-on menty b because WOW.
And that ending?! I was literally gasping. I already need book two because I HAVE to know what happens next. This is so hard to review without spoilers, but bravo, Jean Kwok—you completely surprised me.
⭐️ 4.5/5
Dominion by Jean Kwok
OMG, this book had me on the edge of my seat! I expected to enjoy it because of the KPop Demon Hunters vibes mixed with Fourth Wing... but with tigers. What I didn't expect was just how much more it would be.
The different realms, the incredible world-building, and the character development completely pulled me in. Right until the very last pages I was sitting there thinking, "Is this really happening?!" Every twist had me more invested than the last.
The romance between the FMC and MMC develops quite quickly, but honestly, it worked. We still got that delicious grumpy MMC energy, and I loved watching their dynamic unfold.
I also really enjoyed the FMC's journey. The mystery surrounding her past kept me hooked, and when all the truths started coming out towards the end... I'm genuinely surprised she didn't have a full-on menty b because WOW.
And that ending?! I was literally gasping. I already need book two because I HAVE to know what happens next. This is so hard to review without spoilers, but bravo, Jean Kwok—you completely surprised me.
⭐️ 4.5/5
July 16, 2026
Wow.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
But wow …….. HOLYYYYYYYY promise of more! I don’t think I took a proper breath that last 10%. What do we do now??? Wait for book 2? Ugh.
If you’re wondering what the vibes are, it’s giving Fourth Wing, ATLA & KPDH for me. & I loved it! Elemental magic, forbidden love, enemies to lovers, high stakes, secret identities, Chinese mythology & … fated mates? 👀 Feeeeeels like that *might* cover it. Idk. 🫣 The burn didn’t feel too slow to me, but I am in NO WAY complaining.
This is our typical “FMC not fully knowing what lies beneath.” Rubi is a refugee, ribbon dancer whose singing will stop you in your tracks. But she’s also haunted by the ghost of a past she can’t name & power she can’t claim.
Just for us to get what we ask for & sooo much more. The ending has left me FEENING. I need it! The world building had me sucked in from the gate. Any elemental magic usually intrigues me. It’s the little touches that make it unique. The colors, the beasts .. both familiar, yet their purpose was reframed in this world.
Blake was delicious. A yearning, selfless, duty-bound lover. “You don’t know what you need.” The already down bad type. 🙂↕️ We love to see it! I really loved all of our core group of characters & what they added. Quinn, Calla, Nelly, Edith, Auron, Yvonne & even Jace. Auron was giving little daddy Zuko vibes, so. 😏❤️🔥
The plot was plottingggg. Only getting thicker. & even IF things started to feel predictable, others simply could NOT be predicted. Not by me anyway. 🥴 You think you know until you KNOW you don’t. I cannot wait until the next installment! Had a ball!
4.75⭐️
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
But wow …….. HOLYYYYYYYY promise of more! I don’t think I took a proper breath that last 10%. What do we do now??? Wait for book 2? Ugh.
If you’re wondering what the vibes are, it’s giving Fourth Wing, ATLA & KPDH for me. & I loved it! Elemental magic, forbidden love, enemies to lovers, high stakes, secret identities, Chinese mythology & … fated mates? 👀 Feeeeeels like that *might* cover it. Idk. 🫣 The burn didn’t feel too slow to me, but I am in NO WAY complaining.
This is our typical “FMC not fully knowing what lies beneath.” Rubi is a refugee, ribbon dancer whose singing will stop you in your tracks. But she’s also haunted by the ghost of a past she can’t name & power she can’t claim.
Just for us to get what we ask for & sooo much more. The ending has left me FEENING. I need it! The world building had me sucked in from the gate. Any elemental magic usually intrigues me. It’s the little touches that make it unique. The colors, the beasts .. both familiar, yet their purpose was reframed in this world.
Blake was delicious. A yearning, selfless, duty-bound lover. “You don’t know what you need.” The already down bad type. 🙂↕️ We love to see it! I really loved all of our core group of characters & what they added. Quinn, Calla, Nelly, Edith, Auron, Yvonne & even Jace. Auron was giving little daddy Zuko vibes, so. 😏❤️🔥
The plot was plottingggg. Only getting thicker. & even IF things started to feel predictable, others simply could NOT be predicted. Not by me anyway. 🥴 You think you know until you KNOW you don’t. I cannot wait until the next installment! Had a ball!
4.75⭐️
July 16, 2026
4.5🌟 What an absolute ride! I honestly could not put this book down.
Think Fourth Wing but with tigers! I loved the incredibly unique magic system and how seamlessly Chinese mythology was woven into the very fabric of this fantasy world.
And oh my gosh, that ending. It was so epic, twisty, and packed with turns I did not see coming at all. My jaw was literally on the floor by the final page. What a spectacular way to end a book! I cannot wait to see what happens next.
Think Fourth Wing but with tigers! I loved the incredibly unique magic system and how seamlessly Chinese mythology was woven into the very fabric of this fantasy world.
And oh my gosh, that ending. It was so epic, twisty, and packed with turns I did not see coming at all. My jaw was literally on the floor by the final page. What a spectacular way to end a book! I cannot wait to see what happens next.
November 23, 2025
I am excited to review Dominion by Jean Kwok! First off, this novel was my introduction to the romantasy genre, and Dominion is the first novel in the genre that I've completed from start to finish. I have a tendency to DNF if I'm not feeling it, but I do give every book an honest-to-god college try before that happens!! Anyway, on to my personal review. This was such a fun read! I loved, loved, loved the cover design and was mesmerized by the artwork, the vibrant blue ribbon, and just the flow and movement evoked from a still image. The story is about a young woman who has no memories of her past and takes refuge in a rival land (Dominion) by working as a dancer. She also has buried talents she doesn't understand. I was sucked into the story of Rubi quickly as the novel jumped right into the plot without the world-building info dump that I thought was part of every start to a novel in the fantasy/romantasy genre. I appreciated the fast-paced beginning, as I am an avid reader of thrillers and suspense novels and pacing matters. I am not familiar with the rules of this genre, so I saw that as a plus because I wasn't looking for anything specific or a trope to play out, and I was able to enjoy the storyline purely for the pleasure of reading it. Of course, there's a level of suspension of disbelief required due to the genre itself, and I think that's what made it so fun for me...it was so out of the realm of my usual reading list. I am a huge fan of Jean Kwok and her suspense novels, so I was obviously excited to read anything she wrote next. Another aspect I appreciated was the absence of dragons. Sorry, I loved Game of Thrones on HBO, never read the books. I love watching The Witcher, but I have never read the comics or the books. I think this is closer to The Witcher, which I absolutely adore. Instead of dragons, there are tigers, mind-reading tigers, lots of action, and tension developing between Rubi and Blake, without giving too much away. BUT Rubi is a ribbon dancer from another Dominion, and everyone wants her (of course, it's a romance and a fantasy)!! I will say there is quite a bit of spice (remember this is my opinion, and this is my first romantasy). Anyway, I loved Rubi, her makeshift family, and her spunk. The story arc kept me engaged, and by the end of the book, I was invested. The ending was a surprise to me, and it serves as a significant lead-in to Book Two, which continues Rubi's journey. I look forward to the next book in the series! Thank you, NetGalley, for the advance copy!
November 7, 2025
Alright, after a long hiatus, I’m back on my romantasy grind.
The story started off a bit quickly, not fully developing the main characters – or the setting – before jumping straight into Rubi and Blake meeting. And, per requirements of romantasy books, Rubi was a poor, distressed peasant who could stop demons with her singing. Later in the book, she gets like one whole month to train up to the level of elite warriors from basically scratch and somehow pulls it off as these FMCs tend to do. She then spent a lot of time doubting herself which, like, yeah…
But those romantasy cliches aside, I liked this story. The scale and politics of the four Dominions created something larger than just the usual romance, which I needed to stay engaged with the plot. I appreciated the balance between a divine quest and the slow burn between Rubi and Blake, who I actually think is a pretty chill dude. I liked them together and a lot of it was him being vulnerable, generally cool (especially with his family), and apparently laying wicked pipe. Speaking of family, I loved the entire found family: Sweet Edith, Anibaba the cat, and the rest of them. Those moments provided levity between the drama of Rubi and Blake falling in love and smashing constantly (including when she was near death, which, like, get after it I guess).
I get why others have noted this has undertones of Fourth Wing, particularly thanks to Flame, but for this to be compared to The Hunger Games I would have needed more from the Culling, which I still don’t fully understand. But much of that was redeemed in the last 15% of the book, where the action kicks off in earnest. And it definitely hits. The warriors from every Dominion – and their different fighting styles – coming to repair the Anchor while fighting twisted demons was good shit.
Ultimately, I wanted more from the Culling and the Ravager – but it was a fast & fun read with a solid ending that really sets up book two storyline to have potential... and adding Draven to the mix means there’s some crazy shit ahead for these dramatic & possessive lovers.
Be careful reading this on a crowded bus when heading to work.
### eARC review ###
The story started off a bit quickly, not fully developing the main characters – or the setting – before jumping straight into Rubi and Blake meeting. And, per requirements of romantasy books, Rubi was a poor, distressed peasant who could stop demons with her singing. Later in the book, she gets like one whole month to train up to the level of elite warriors from basically scratch and somehow pulls it off as these FMCs tend to do. She then spent a lot of time doubting herself which, like, yeah…
But those romantasy cliches aside, I liked this story. The scale and politics of the four Dominions created something larger than just the usual romance, which I needed to stay engaged with the plot. I appreciated the balance between a divine quest and the slow burn between Rubi and Blake, who I actually think is a pretty chill dude. I liked them together and a lot of it was him being vulnerable, generally cool (especially with his family), and apparently laying wicked pipe. Speaking of family, I loved the entire found family: Sweet Edith, Anibaba the cat, and the rest of them. Those moments provided levity between the drama of Rubi and Blake falling in love and smashing constantly (including when she was near death, which, like, get after it I guess).
I get why others have noted this has undertones of Fourth Wing, particularly thanks to Flame, but for this to be compared to The Hunger Games I would have needed more from the Culling, which I still don’t fully understand. But much of that was redeemed in the last 15% of the book, where the action kicks off in earnest. And it definitely hits. The warriors from every Dominion – and their different fighting styles – coming to repair the Anchor while fighting twisted demons was good shit.
Ultimately, I wanted more from the Culling and the Ravager – but it was a fast & fun read with a solid ending that really sets up book two storyline to have potential... and adding Draven to the mix means there’s some crazy shit ahead for these dramatic & possessive lovers.
Be careful reading this on a crowded bus when heading to work.
### eARC review ###
July 24, 2026
I don't often enjoy young adult but this was a lovely little read.
We have some elements we are all familiar with, standard fantasy troupes but with a dusting of far eastern culture. This made for a refreshing take on source material that isn't necessarily original but was entertaining.
I have never read a Jean Kwok before, I enjoyed her style, it is YA and therefore a lot can happen in the span of a few pages as it lacks the same descriptive depth that we would expect from an adult novel. I must say I have enjoyed her style. It is condensed, compact and fast paced. We have a clear cut case of insta love in this one but I enjoyed the portrayal of this, it was charming and reminded me of my first love. There is a naivety in the way the MMC interacts with the FMC which showed vulnerability. I enjoyed this and found it endearing. The magic system was beautifully written and described and the world and characters rich. I enjoyed the world build, there was a lot to explain but this was mostly done smoothly and not in info dumps which I appreciated. The found family was lovely and the development of friendships was again, charming. And then finally, twists and turns. Some I saw coming a mile off and one or two that totally surprised me.
There is a lot to love in this book. Honestly I think it's a beautifully written young adult novel. And whilst not original it is definitely unique. I will not forget this book. I will remember the ribbon girl and I think my mind will take back there every now and then. With a writing style and talent like Kwok's I'm sure the rest of the series will be one to watch.
Overall I found this a fantastic read and I would recommend it. I think it's unique, unusual and charming. It's not perfect but it was an awful lot of fun. And do you know what, for me a five star read is a book you thoroughly enjoy. I'm not looking for war and peace, I'm looking for the perfect wave. The book that takes you away so effectively that you transcend this place and enter the writers world. And this book gave me that perfect ride.
We have some elements we are all familiar with, standard fantasy troupes but with a dusting of far eastern culture. This made for a refreshing take on source material that isn't necessarily original but was entertaining.
I have never read a Jean Kwok before, I enjoyed her style, it is YA and therefore a lot can happen in the span of a few pages as it lacks the same descriptive depth that we would expect from an adult novel. I must say I have enjoyed her style. It is condensed, compact and fast paced. We have a clear cut case of insta love in this one but I enjoyed the portrayal of this, it was charming and reminded me of my first love. There is a naivety in the way the MMC interacts with the FMC which showed vulnerability. I enjoyed this and found it endearing. The magic system was beautifully written and described and the world and characters rich. I enjoyed the world build, there was a lot to explain but this was mostly done smoothly and not in info dumps which I appreciated. The found family was lovely and the development of friendships was again, charming. And then finally, twists and turns. Some I saw coming a mile off and one or two that totally surprised me.
There is a lot to love in this book. Honestly I think it's a beautifully written young adult novel. And whilst not original it is definitely unique. I will not forget this book. I will remember the ribbon girl and I think my mind will take back there every now and then. With a writing style and talent like Kwok's I'm sure the rest of the series will be one to watch.
Overall I found this a fantastic read and I would recommend it. I think it's unique, unusual and charming. It's not perfect but it was an awful lot of fun. And do you know what, for me a five star read is a book you thoroughly enjoy. I'm not looking for war and peace, I'm looking for the perfect wave. The book that takes you away so effectively that you transcend this place and enter the writers world. And this book gave me that perfect ride.
March 29, 2026
Dominion is super fast paced and action packed. There was honestly never a dull moment. It just keeps moving and I was fully along for the ride.
I loved the cultural elements and mythology woven throughout. The world building felt rich, immersive and intentional. Its vivid imagery is what makes this romantasy stand apart from others.
As for Rubi and Blake... they are fire. The tension, the chemistry, the push and pull… it’s all there. They balance each other so well. Things are going to get real interesting in the next book.
There are definitely a lot of moving pieces, but it never felt overwhelming, more like everything is slowly clicking into place. I’m really excited to see what happens next! Count me in for book two!
I loved the cultural elements and mythology woven throughout. The world building felt rich, immersive and intentional. Its vivid imagery is what makes this romantasy stand apart from others.
As for Rubi and Blake... they are fire. The tension, the chemistry, the push and pull… it’s all there. They balance each other so well. Things are going to get real interesting in the next book.
There are definitely a lot of moving pieces, but it never felt overwhelming, more like everything is slowly clicking into place. I’m really excited to see what happens next! Count me in for book two!
July 17, 2026
Thank you to @putnambooks + @prhaudio for the free finished copy + ALC ♡
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Although I vehemently disagree with the comp to Hunger Games, I do see the Fourth Wing vibes. The concept of mates and magical creatures that choose their rider (in this case 🐅) and who speak mind to mind through their bonds was there.
Rubi has lost her memory and is unable to harness her latent abilities, leaving her weaker and unlike the rest of the magic wielders. There will be a powerful shadow daddy also, hello Blake Axefire.
Each chapter kept me wanting to know what would happen next. At first I was guessing almost every twist and wanted more plot in the way of plot complexity, but by the time I got to that last 1/3, I was sold. Now I’m eagerly anticipating the sequel! That epilogue 🤯
Bottom line, I had a good time with this one. This is the start of what could be a great fantasy series. I recommend to fantasy romance readers who like open door spicy scenes. 🌶️🌶️
https://www.instagram.com/p/DazCQrADCOS/
▶︎ •၊၊||၊|။||။|• 🎧 Annie Q. Riegel’s voice sounds so young! Which did throw me a bit during the spicy scenes 🙈 although I enjoyed the audio, I preferred print edition.
.
Although I vehemently disagree with the comp to Hunger Games, I do see the Fourth Wing vibes. The concept of mates and magical creatures that choose their rider (in this case 🐅) and who speak mind to mind through their bonds was there.
Rubi has lost her memory and is unable to harness her latent abilities, leaving her weaker and unlike the rest of the magic wielders. There will be a powerful shadow daddy also, hello Blake Axefire.
Each chapter kept me wanting to know what would happen next. At first I was guessing almost every twist and wanted more plot in the way of plot complexity, but by the time I got to that last 1/3, I was sold. Now I’m eagerly anticipating the sequel! That epilogue 🤯
Bottom line, I had a good time with this one. This is the start of what could be a great fantasy series. I recommend to fantasy romance readers who like open door spicy scenes. 🌶️🌶️
https://www.instagram.com/p/DazCQrADCOS/
▶︎ •၊၊||၊|။||။|• 🎧 Annie Q. Riegel’s voice sounds so young! Which did throw me a bit during the spicy scenes 🙈 although I enjoyed the audio, I preferred print edition.
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