Truthbound: What Lies Unspoken

by Kiki Hardt

Elliana Rian, an ice mage for the respected Blackledge Guild, has spent the last fifteen years burying her past and suppressing her desire for the truth. Though questions still haunt her, she won’t risk her found family to open doors she's spent years closing. Secrets are safest when no one can get close enough to discover them.

However, after a local merchant is targeted for assassination by a powerful demon clan, she must work with the top three battle mages in her guild. To make matters worse, one of them is Aleksai, an ex-assassin whose healing magic can detect lies.

When the mission reveals a demonic conspiracy tied to Elliana's past, she unearths answers that could change her fate. But the more she learns, the more determined Aleksai becomes to break down her walls…and she begins to suspect he's hiding secrets of his own.

With enemies closing in from all sides, Elliana must decide whether to keep her past buried or finally uncover the truth that could set her free. If she's wrong, she’ll lose everyone she's fought to protect, including the one man getting dangerously close to the truth—and her heart.

Genres: Fantasy

389 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 14, 2026

About the author

Kiki Hardt writes fantasy romance filled with dangerous magic, slow-burn yearning, and characters who will go through hell and back before they get their happy ending. Her stories feature wounded heroines, protective love interests, and relationships forged through impossible choices.

As a lifelong fan of fantasy, anime, and romance, Kiki has been imagining these kinds of stories since childhood. Her very first fanfic was all about adding a female warrior to The Fellowship of the Ring. Did she also add romance to it? Yes, yes she did.

Reviews

[InkedSirenXO]

Review of Advanced Copy received from Author


Truth has a way of finding you, even when you’ve spent fifteen years burying it.

This book pulled me in with its slow-burn fantasy romance, mysterious pasts, elemental magic, and characters carrying wounds that run much deeper than they let anyone see. Elliana is such a compelling heroine. She’s strong, guarded, fiercely protective of the people she considers family, and determined to keep her secrets buried, even when the truth starts clawing its way to the surface.

And then there’s Aleksai. 👀 The ex-assassin with healing magic that can detect lies? Yes, please. His determination to break through Elliana’s walls created exactly the kind of tension I love in a slow-burn romance. Their forced proximity and reluctant-allies dynamic had me completely invested, especially as the line between distrust and attraction continued to blur.

The world-building, demonic conspiracy, found-family elements, and emotional stakes gave the story so much depth. I loved that the romance wasn’t rushed. Every little moment, every stolen glance, and every hard-earned piece of trust felt meaningful.

This book is a perfect choice for readers who love slow-burn romance, kisses-only-for-now tension, forced proximity, reluctant allies, elemental magic, found family, wounded heroines, protective love interests, and secrets that could change everything.

I came for the fantasy and stayed for the tension, the mystery, and Aleksai breaking down Elliana’s walls one piece at a time.

A gorgeous beginning to the Vestige of the Veil series. I absolutely need to know what happens next!

“Just one more chapter” danger level: EXTREME

[Marinda]

I enjoyed this one! Especially the little fox! 🥰

[Lily Anodyne]

As someone who literally just finished this book, I can say with full certainty that this is truly one of the BEST fantasy books I have ever read, and I was so ADDICTED that it only took me a few days to finish it (which included work and college move-in). As someone who is obsessed with anything related to magic and romantasy, this book was the perfect blend of everything I love about the genre (including the beloved masquerade ball scene and legit true enemies to lovers!). I absolutely loved the lush world this author has sculpted within the pages of Truthbound and the intricate yet ruthless magic system is as unforgiving as the main characters when someone messes with those they love most. Although the powers explored in this book (mage magic and demonic magic) were both uniquely intriguing and manifested in different ways, I found that one of my favorite magical aspects of this novel was the relationships between all the characters. The sibling relationship was genuine, the friendships were fought for and, real and honestly, I just loved every interaction between different people because the characterization was so incredibly incorporated that I felt like I knew them like they were real. In short, this book made me laugh, cry, yearn, seek revenge and want really cool powers like the mages in the book. It 100% made me want to start the sequel novel immediately as I finished the last page. I found the main character, Elliana, to be relatable and courageous, strong and innovative but flawed as all well-written authentic characters should be. If you like Celaena/Aelin and Violet Sorrengail, Elliana is your girl. And the romance was TOP-TIER!!! I immediately fell in love with Aleksai the first time we met him and I never stopped rooting for them to get together, even with all the secrets between them. I found myself getting excited when they shared sweet and beautiful moments where they finally let their sturdy walls down for each other and began to trust what neither of them were used to or frankly wanted to do but were forced to because of how much they understood and cared for one another. There were twists and turns within this novel, none of which I expected, which is also really impressive despite the constant foreshadowing that worked perfectly to keep you on the edge of your seat but never too on top of things to realize just what was going on behind the scenes. Genuinely, this book felt like a combination of all of my favorite fantasy novels and aspects of fantasy combined into a single book that has great writing and an amazing plot. If you like Throne of Glass, Fourth Wing, Divine Rivals, Powerless, ACOTAR and the Hunger Games, you will absolutely love this novel! Get ready for the ride of your life and be sure to go pre-order Truthbound: What Lies Unspoken before it comes out so you can join the adventure!

(I got the privilege and honor of receiving an ARC copy which is now something I'll treasure for the rest of my life!)

[Amanda Booker]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

*Truthbound: What Lies Unspoken* by Kiki Hardt is the kind of fantasy that reminds me exactly why I love this genre.

The yearning was YEARNING. The plot was TWISTING. And just when I thought I had someone figured out, this book basically said, “That’s cute.”

This is such a delightful but genuinely suspenseful story, with elemental and healing magic, demons, forced proximity, dangerous secrets, and guild dynamics that add so much to the world. And one of my favorite things about it is that the plot comes first. There is romance and there is definitely chemistry, but the story never feels like it exists just to get two characters together. There is so much more happening here.

And then there’s our MMC. He’s the healer.

But is that *all* he is?

👀

The world-building is detailed without being overwhelming. You get exactly what you need to understand the magic, the guilds, and the world without spending half the book reading a history textbook disguised as a fantasy novel. It unfolds naturally as the story moves, which is exactly how I like my world-building.

The secrets in this book could literally get you killed, and figuring out who you can actually trust becomes part of the fun. Even some of the villains start out LIKEABLE. Do you understand the betrayal of realizing you enjoyed someone only to later sit there thinking, “EXCUSE ME, YOU DID WHAT?!” Some of those reveals left me astonished.

The side characters are another highlight for me. The guild dynamics are so good, and there are little moments between the characters that had me genuinely giggling in the middle of all the danger and suspense.

I was lucky enough to beta read *Truthbound*, and I already know this is one I want to experience again. I cannot wait to get my hands on the ARC and do my reread knowing all the secrets I know now—because I have a feeling there are things hiding in plain sight that are going to hit VERY differently the second time around.

I need everyone else to meet these characters so I have people to talk about them with.

[Heather]

Romantasy is not my usual genre; I’m one that typically reads murder mysteries and horror novels. Yet there was something about the cover of this particular romantasy that kept catching my eye. The vivid colors of the image were striking; then I read the description and found I was intrigued enough to pick it up. And I was not disappointed. Truthbound: What Lies Unspoken by Kiki Hardt was an absolute joy to read. It revolves around Elliana Rian, an ice mage, on a mission to discover why a powerful demon clan is trying to assassinate a high-level local merchant. She is partnered with three other powerful battle mages: Logan, Aleksai, and Fyn. During the course of the mission, they discover a conspiracy that runs deeper than they ever imagined.

This was a super easy novel to read. Writing was incredibly smooth and it had a nice flow that kept me in the story. The first chapter put me right into the action, made me become invested immediately, and then never let me go. There was never a point that my interest in the story faltered. Kiki Hardt was able to expertly paint a picture in my mind of the surroundings, making me feel like I was also in the Central Citadel. Additionally, she created characters that felt real. I cared about Elliana, Logan, Aleksai, and Fyn; I want to know everything about their lives and hope they will stay safe throughout the entirety of this series. They had an amazing dynamic, and I loved their playful banter. I also especially liked Bridget; she was so sweet and it was adorable how Elliana wanted to help train her to use her water magic. And yes, the slow-burn romance between Elliana and Aleksai was absolutely delectable. I just couldn’t get enough of their relationship as it slowly built up throughout the novel; I cannot wait to see where it goes next!

Truthbound; What Lies Unspoken was an absolutely amazing book. The one thing I am upset about is having to wait for the next one to come out!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Courtney Martin]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

ARC Review | Truthbound: What Lies Unspoken by Kiki Hardt

This book had me HOOKED! From the action-packed moments to the slow-burn, I had such a hard time putting this one down. Every time I thought I would read just one more chapter, something happened that made stopping absolutely impossible!

Elliana was such a compelling heroine. I loved watching her navigate her past, her fears, and the secrets she has worked so hard to keep buried while still fiercely protecting the people she loves. The found-family dynamic was one of my favorite parts of the story, and I became so attached to these characters.

And Aleksai?! A protective ex-assassin with healing magic who can detect lies paired with a woman determined to keep everyone from discovering her secrets? YES. Their dynamic was everything I wanted it to be. The forced proximity, tension, yearning, and gradual breaking down of walls made the slow burn so worth it.

I also loved the entire concept behind the story. The elemental magic, demons, mystery, danger, and emotional stakes blended together so well. The action felt nonstop, and the secrets and lies revealed throughout the story genuinely had my jaw dropping. There were moments that completely caught me off guard and left me reeling!

Underneath all the magic and danger, though, there is also a story about trust, healing, and learning whether you’re willing to let someone close enough to truly know you. That emotional layer made me love this even more.

Truthbound: What Lies Unspoken gave me action, found family, a wounded heroine, a protective love interest, hard-won healing, and SO much delicious slow-burn yearning. I finished it already wanting more, and I will absolutely be on the edge of my seat waiting for the next installment!

5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to the author, KiKi Hardt, and publisher for providing me with an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[JoAngeli Kasper]

Truth has a way of finding you, even when you have spent fifteen years burying it.

This is fantasy-first romantasy, and that distinction matters. The magic, the conspiracy, and the danger are load-bearing rather than scenery for a romance. If you have been burned by books that call themselves fantasy and deliver a relationship with a map in the background, this is not that.

Elliana is the reason it works. She is guarded, fiercely protective of the people she has claimed as family, and absolutely committed to keeping her secrets where she put them. Aleksai is an ex-assassin with healing magic that lets him detect lies.

Sit with that pairing for a second, because it is the smartest thing in this book. A woman whose entire survival strategy is concealment, and a man who cannot be lied to. As a therapist, I can tell you that is the exact dynamic that sends people out of a room, and Hardt builds an entire slow burn out of it. Every inch of trust between them is taken rather than given, and it costs Elliana something each time.

The forced proximity and reluctant allies setup earns its tension because the stakes are real. This is not two people being stubborn. It is a woman who has good reasons for her walls meeting someone whose gift makes those walls useless, and having to decide whether being known is worth the risk.

The rest holds up too. Elemental magic, a demonic conspiracy, genuine action, and a found family I got far too attached to. The romance is not rushed, which matters, because a slow burn only works when the delay means something. Here it does.

Underneath the magic, this is a book about whether you will let someone close enough to actually know you. That is what I will remember.

A gorgeous start to the Vestige of the Veil series. Available now on Amazon and free to read in Kindle Unlimited.

Just one more chapter danger level: extreme.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to KiKi Hardt for the advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Tammy Hoover]

I received a copy of this book for my honest review and I am so excited to give it.

Oh Kiki Hardt where do I start? I had stated when I signed up for this ARC, that I love supporting Indie Authors and that still has not changed. I am so incredibly honor that I got this read this early and that I enjoyed it sooo much.

I was a sucker for this book from the very beginning when I found you on Tiktok, but the moment I got my copy and I started to read this, I was completely hook for sure. Elliana was relatable to myself in some ways - minus the dark secret ;) and I very much enjoyed the story through her eyes.
The story is well written and I couldn't put it down sometimes (I stayed up until 12:30am this morning to finish it). I loved Aleksai, Fyn and Logan and their group partnership. They clearly have a good thing between them and it all works out.

I will say, I expert or I should say I really HOPE for "more" Aleksai and Elliana than what we got in this book. Clearly its there, and now I am just counting down the time the we will see that wonderful relationship become a force to reckon with. And written into the pages of the next book. I know a huge thing about this book was trust and that it is earned and can be lost at the same time, but I do hope that everyone learns to communicate with each other a little better in book too. Clearly after a battle they know who is worth saving but lets start really trusting and having those sometimes difficult conversations...

For Calen, PLEASSSSSE that "b-word" gets what is coming to her. Her, Arishi, Ridal and the rest of Varga get what is coming to them. But I want to know who is Elliana's father...and where is her mother?

All in all, this was such a wonderful book. I cannot wait for the next.

[Capricorn Chapters]

Thank you to Kiki Hardt for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I found this book to be an easy immersion with likable characters and a good pace. The book starts in the middle of action, yet the reader is given the necessary information as they read the story. It is a quick read because you will find yourself reluctant to put it down. Full disclosure, I popped my Kindle out at the Target checkout line because I was itching to read more.

Elliana and Aleksai go from a murky alliance to leaning in each other without realizing it. This is a book that focuses on plot and world building while the romance takes a step back, but you still get fed with little moments throughout the book. For me, it is perfect! You can see Elliana’s pull to Aleksai and vice versa through the ordeals they go through, making their attraction to each other understandable.

Do I recommend this book? Yes. Absolutely. The magic system alone is enough to be intriguing. It’s like a cross between Avatar: The Last Airbender (except there’s more than elemental magic) and what I imagine Final Fantasy is like. I found myself enjoying it immensely and wanting to learn more about each character’s powers and the extent they can go to.

The book is told through Elliana’s point of view in first person. This means that the reader is looking to connect the pieces as Elliana herself learns of things, which doubles as a mystery novel.

This is a lovely read and one that will have you flipping to the next page. It is a well-deserved five-star read.

[Tara M]

I received an advance copy of Truthbound; all opinions are my own.

Truthbound was such a fun read. Elli is an ice mage and demon hunter who has always worked alone—and for good reason. She’s been hiding a secret for fifteen years. Naturally, she’s assigned to a team with Aleksai: a healer with blue hair, gold eyes when he uses magic, and secrets of his own. As the one person capable of unraveling everything Elli has tried to keep hidden, he may be far more dangerous to her carefully guarded life than she expects.

I really enjoyed Elli and Aleksai’s dynamic. There was some tension and plenty of yearning, but not quite as much as I expected from a slow burn. I wanted a little more heat alongside it, and that’s what kept this from being a full five-star read for me.

The wider team adds so much heart and fun to the story. Logan, the fire mage, is the flirt and brings plenty of humor; Fyn is the thoughtful, intelligent one who can read the earth through plants; and there’s a little white fox who steals every scene it appears in. The found-family banter is fantastic, and I genuinely laughed out loud at the ice-mage-versus-fire-mage argument over the temperature.

A mystery that I’m dying to figure out, a magic system I’m eager to learn more about. I’m fully invested in seeing where this series goes next. I can’t wait for book 2!

[Lady Bianca]

Absolutely loved this!! I already need book 2!!

I'm more of an audiobook reader but this was such a joy to physically read!

I loved the pace of the story, it never felt like a dull moment to read. I really enjoy the slow-burn, it felt perfectly placed within the story. How it started with distrust between them and you get these small moments of them looking out for each other and it just keeps building on the tension as you read!

I also absolutely loved all the characters!!!
They each brought a great dynamic to the group. Have a variety of different elemental mages, 3 who were use to working together but now you have Eli who was use to working alone now have to work with a team. I love our main character Eli, who is an amazing ice mage who has secrets she has held onto her whole life about her true self. The way the story unfolds each secret as you go really kept me on my toes. I really enjoyed the Dynamic between Eli and Aleksai and how they distrust one another cause the both have secrets to keep but yet will look out for one another I'm so many monents. There banter moments and complements towards eachother are so cute!!!

I absolutely enjoyed this book and need the 2nd book to know how this story continues!

[Maria]

I received an ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily. Honestly, I would have happily bought this book if I hadn't!

A fantasy-first romantasy that had me hooked from the first chapter.

Truthbound was so easy to get lost in. The pacing is exactly what I want from a fantasy: it drops you into the action and builds the world and magic around you without burying you in information. Every chapter pulled me into the next.

Elliana and Aleksai completely won me over. Elliana is guarded, fierce, and protective of the people she loves, and Aleksai, a healer whose magic can sense lies, is the kind of love interest you can't help rooting for. Their slow burn actually feels slow, and every bit of trust between them is earned, which made each small moment between them hit so much harder.

The magic system is a huge win too. Elemental magic, healing, demons, and battle mages all add depth without the romance ever swallowing the fantasy plot. The found-family feel and the banter between the side characters were highlights as well.

If you love slow-burn romantasy, reluctant allies, forced proximity, and characters hiding dangerous secrets, add this to your TBR. I already need the next book!

[Amber]

The story was entertaining overall, and the writing was okay. There’s a lot of telling instead of showing, with many “As I…” sentences and “I felt” / “I realized” moments. It brought me out of the story several times, but since it’s a debut I’m willing to give some slack.

That said, I had some issues with the plot. The demon fights happen, then the demons vanish through portals and it starts again without any real resolution. This repetition kept draining the tension and got tiresome.

The villain also uses a “join me or die” approach, but there isn’t much convincing reasoning behind it. If she’s been looking for the protagonist for years, it felt strange that she couldn’t bring any better arguments or a stronger justification for why the protagonist should join her.

Another problem was the speechbinding mechanics. Other characters talk about their speechbinding in detail and nothing happens, but then hers triggers even though she doesn’t actually say anything—she just thinks about it. That inconsistency didn’t make sense.

The book was advertised as slow burn yearning, but I didn’t feel that at all. There’s barely any sexual tension and almost no romantic tension. The first (and only) kiss happens at around 94%, and it’s after she has her mouth full of blood—yikes.

[Kate]

4.5 stars

This was so easy to get sucked into. It throws you straight into the action and then builds the world and magic around you without dumping a mountain of information on your head.

I really liked Elliana, but the relationships between the characters were probably my favourite part. The banter, friendships and found-family feel worked really well, and I loved watching Elliana and Aleksai slowly start trusting each other despite both of them having approximately seven thousand secrets.

The magic system was another massive win for me. Ice magic, healing magic, demons, battle mages — there was plenty going on, but it never felt like the romance completely swallowed the actual fantasy plot. THANK YOU.

And the slow burn actually felt like a slow burn. Their relationship develops through all the shit they're going through together rather than them deciding they're soulmates because somebody has nice eyes at 12%.

Really enjoyable, really easy to binge, and there are enough unanswered questions that I absolutely want the next one.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ashley]

I wasn't sure what to expect when I received my copy of Truthbound: What Lies Unspoken from Kiki Hardt, as I've been in a HUGE reading slump for anything that isn't romance. But I am SO glad that I asked for this. Truthbound has been such a breath of fresh air in the fantasy realm for me. Elliana, a stubborn and lonely mage, gets wrapped up into a mystery involving demons while on a case with her guild, and is forced to work with her guild-mates Fyn, Logan, and Aleksai. These three are what everyone expects in a great trio - one a hotheaded jokester, one a steady and kind leader, and one a dark and mysterious enigma. Truthbound has so many amazing characters, and I loved the character development as Elliana is forced into uncomfortable situations. Just wait until you meet Bridget fluff butt.... they're a handful! I truly loved every second of this debut novel, and I already desperately want book 2 to come out. If you get the chance, I HIGHLY recommend that you take the time to fall into Narielle and the chaos of the Blackledge Guild.

[Cheyanne Immanuel]

Truthbound: What Lies Unspoken


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5/5

Thank you so much Kiki Hardt for the eARC! What a brilliant debut novel!
The world building was easy to follow, but not so simple as it was boring. The world building was detailed but not overwhelming I felt the pace was great.
The book overall I thought was great, the elemental magic, healing magic, demons, forced proximity, guild dynamics. I think all of this not only adds to the book, but doesn’t take away from anything else. It all works so well together!
The yearning!!! The plot twists?! I think the side characters were some of the highlights for me, Logan, Fyn and Aleksai friendship/group dynamics was great!

I cannot wait for the rest of the series please everyone add to your TBR!

Book comes out September 18!

Tropes:
Fantasy first
Protective Healer MMC
Reluctant allies
Forced proximity
Dangerous secrets
Who hurt you?
Slow burn
Yearning

[Missy]

ARC Review! What a fantastic book! Hooked and ready for the next one!

Magic protection missions, demon clans, ancient magic artifacts, conspiracies, prison breaks, spell binding scrolls and a fluffy butt white fox-really what more could you ask for?

Elliana, an ice mage, works at the respected Blackledge Guild, has hidden a secret for many years. Until a recent mission causes that secret to be exposed. You follow along with child hood trauma and grief, sisterly relationship, adopted father, friends, and her new “team” of 3 mages, Aleksai, Fyn, and Logan as they journey through trying to find out who is planning attacks on council members and what for.

Enemies all around Elliana and she has to find the truth about her mother and what happened to her, her powers, and uncovering secrets of Aleksai’s as well. Great found family, slow burn/no spice, and a heck of a cliff hanger! Holy moly!

[R. J.]

ARC REVIEW
I had two ARC books that I read this past week and both of them ripped my heart out in different ways. Kiki has written an impressive debut novel that it does not take long to become immersed in.
Elliana is focused on keeping her new found family within the Blackledge Guild but an opportunity arises where she can learn more about her past and she can’t refuse. As she navigates the new relationships she forms and the continued mysteries that plague her very existence, Elliana is faced with very difficult challenges and very real enemies among the demons that she faaces daily. No one is more surprised than her when she finds that a new acquaintance is becoming something more to her.
I loved how the actions scenes, the mystery and twists were woven together with heartfelt and heartbreaking moments throughout the book. Very well done and I look forward to reading more from Kiki!

[Monika Punia]

I am someone who is discovering new genres and this magical fiction has been one of them!!
It was so magical indeed i love how the story evolves , each character is spunned with so much intricacy that i want to see more of each one of them !
Elliana , aleksai i just loved them both and love their chemistry 🥹 but know that kiki you have tempted us so much at different points , i dont want to give any spoilers but the scene in the third room was amazing i wanted so much more 😭👀
Each character has something to themselves alone that whats make them special like how will this turn out and what will happen next 🙂‍↔️
I cant keep my hands off the book 🫣
Thankyou for giving the amazing opportunity to read this fiction and i love you for that ! Hope to see u soon again ♥️
All over this was my first 5 star read of any ARC i have received till now ♥️

[Emma]

Review of advanced copy received by author!

Where do I start?!
The cover is gorgeous, showing different parts of the book on an effective way.
I haven’t read a fantasy in a while but I was hooked from the first chapter.
It is well written and easy to follow. The characters are very likeable and have great relationships. I did feel maybe a bit more romance between the characters would have been good. Though if there’s a second book … I’d like to see where these characters go in terms of developing relationships.
I also wanted to shout at the characters at times! I have so many unanswered questions! Thank you for letting me read this book!! I would certainly recommend it!
Please let there be a second book!

[Elic Fray]

Truthbound: What lies Unspoken was given to me as a pre-release read from a friend. I have to say as someone who does not normally read fantasy romance, this book has a great balance of the two along with mystery,great world building and characters that stick with you. The characters and world have a perfect amount of attention to detail and just helps build along the story. The story keeps you hooked and had me feeling like I was there as a Blackledge Guild member with Elliana and crew. For me personally it felt like a classic fantasy story with some manga/anime influences. Amazing read and can't wait to see what's next!

[Catie Allen]

*Review based on ARC from BookSirens*

4.5 stars from me!

I absolutely LOVED this book. The only reason it loses half a star is because I felt the start of the book was a bit rocky in terms of writing style. World building and subtle plot points felt a bit forced at times, making it a bit frustrating to start with.

However, once you get past the first few chapters, the writing is amazing. So engaging and immersive. Really well written after this point - no notes! The story is fantastic, I loved the characters, I was so engaged and wanted to find out what happens. I will definitely read the next book and am already excited to read it! For a debut novel, brilliant work. Thank you so much Kiki!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Jen N]

4.25 stars

**eARC Review**

Absolute slow burn! This is fantasy with a dash of romance. Our FMC Elli is in a demon hunting guild along with our MMC, Aleksai. Elli prefers to be alone and spends most of missions as a one man band. However, she gets forced to work with a team for the first time. She ends up learning alot about herself and we see alot of character growth for her. Aleksai, is your broody, tortured soul, secretive MMC.As the story plays out you see all the characters grow together during some extremely dangerous missions.

This story was a really good time. I finished it in two days. Can not wait for the next book!

[RonniElizabeth]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was generally a quick fun read. Some parts of the story were a bit over explained while others were glossed over, but at the end of the day I found none of that mattered because the story itself was very engaging with an interesting magic system that had me hooked, staying up later than I should to read “one more chapter”. It ended on a major cliff hanger after a life altering revelation regarding the main characters magic and background and I’m excited to learn more about her in book 2. (Fluff butt was definitely the unexpected star side character that I hope to see more of soon!)

[Jason Eberhardt]

I have a wide range of genres that I enjoy and when a “romantasy”was recommended to me I was hesitant. Being a 50 year old guy I’m self aware enough to know what kind of stories attract me and I wasn’t sure about this. After I started reading I realized that this book is so much more. Great characters and exciting story development caught my attention early. As a writer myself I often find I can guess where a book is going. I was surprised multiple times by the story and even laughed out loud. I really do suggest you try this book especially if this genre is your cup of tea.

[Bobbi Bean]

Received ARC from Author!

I have to say that I love this book from the very beginning. From the uniqueness of the fantasy world, it's not like something I've read before. And the characters all just clicked so well, and there were so many twists and turns through the book; you never knew what was going to happen next, and then the end. Let's just say she leaves you ready for book two. Thank you for choosing me to read an advance copy of your book. I absolutely loved it and look forward to reading more from you!

[Suzie]

ARC Review: 4.5 Stars
I did not expect to love this so much! I got sucked in and so invested in the characters by the end. It's like a blend of Avatar: The Last Airbender and KPop Demon Hunters, while still giving an original story.
I loved seeing Elliana grow as she learned to let people in, and the found family element made my heart happy. I was smiling one second and gasping the next.
Everyone has secrets, but just how dangerous are they if they are spoken?

[Eva]

This is a good start to a new series. The romance is so slow burn that by the end of the book there is only one kiss and the tension throughout is what kept me going. She has also only just unlocked her other powers by the end, and the plot is queued up for the next adventure. There are still more secrets that need to be revealed and bigger villains to overcome. The rest of the series is shaping up to be a good one!

[Kat]

4.5 stars for this one!
I accepted an ARC and wasn’t sure what to expect, but found it to be a fun and engaging read. I binged it in two sittings of that tells you anything.
It had good pace to keep the pages turning, some decent character development, didn’t reveal too much about what’s going on too soon, plus some good banter and modern feeling to what otherwise is classic fantasy territory with demons and mages and elemental style magic.
I look forward to reading as the story continues

[Maya Rosaline]

This was such an addicting book I read it in a day! Holy plot twist, holy yearning. When I thought I pieced it together it was always a surprise. The chemistry with the main characters? Off. The. Charts. Demons, magic, guilds?! I’ve truly fallen in love. thank you for the opportunity for this arc, I’m already counting down the days till the next book!