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Truthbound: What Lies Unspoken
Not yet published
Expected 14 Sep 26Elliana 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.
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.
387 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 14, 2026
About the author
Kiki Hardt
1 book5 followersKiki 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Review of advance copy
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!)
(I got the privilege and honor of receiving an ARC copy which is now something I'll treasure for the rest of my life!)
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
*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.
*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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from Author
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!
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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?
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?
Review of advance copy received from Author
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!
Review of advance copy
Amazing loved it ! Got a fan here for sure I followed your newsletter right after I ended the last chapter! I really can't wait for the next one to see where we go from there. I loved the ending even tho we still have questions . It was such a good mix of fantasy a little flirting and missions it was so fun I read in a little over a week .
Review of advance copy received from Author
such a fast, fun read. there was some expectation subversion and I love a found family read 😍 i read through it in a weekend. would recommend. The magic system is also interesting and something i enjoyed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Could not put this down, finished the book in 3 days. it had me hooked and I hope there will be more in this series.
Review of advance copy
For me i didn't love it. I think it was more my head space when I read it. Cause the writting was lovely, it was action packed.
Semi romance.
Semi romance.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews