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A Princess Worth Killing

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The Island of Winter is bound to a thousand-year-old curse that poisons each individual uniquely. It is only the blood of the curseless that can cure all, and Princess Lidya Winter has befallen that fate.

In this epic romantasy, Lidya is force to find trust in her academic rival, Phoenix Veylor, in hopes that he can free her from her confines and help her find a secondary cure—one that will not deprive her of life. It doesn’t matter that he kidnapped her. It doesn’t matter how much she hates him. She would do anything to cure her sister.

329 pages, Hardcover

Published August 14, 2026

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Kylie Somick

2 books9 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Alina Bryson.
88 reviews
July 28, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from author:

This was a fun and unique read! This is the author’s debut novel and is worth checking out! I will mention there is no spice but it’s still a great story!

The story follows a princes and her enemy as they end up teaming up to look for a cure that plagues the people from birth until death. Along the way they uncover mysteries and secrets that were kept hidden. The princess learns what the outside world is like. They slowly grow fond of each other along the way whether it be because they only have each other or realize they enjoy each other’s company.

I really enjoyed the nickname Phoenix gave to Lidya, I found it kind of endearing in a way even tho it’s not your typical pet name.

I loved the ending and how it ended on a cliffhanger! We still don’t exactly know what Phoenix’s curse is but can make some guesses! I loved that both characters realized why they were looking for the cure and that they both needed it for the same reason.
Profile Image for Tiffani.
110 reviews4 followers
August 14, 2026
3.5⭐️

Thank you to the author for this ARC!

The premise of this book was interesting - an island where its inhabitants receive a different curse, but Princess Lidya is the exception. Instead, as the curseless, her blood is the cure to everyone's curse. I really felt for Lidya! She has been forced into a life she doesn't want and has been treated like a object her whole life. She's desperate to be free from her obligations as future Queen and yearns for someone to love her for who she is.

I'm not sure how I feel about Phoenix. It's obvious that his curse can explain his behavior towards Lidya but honestly the way he treated her gave me whiplash - cruel indifference most of the time to fiercely protective and caring the next. He is definitely a tortured soul and I'm hoping we get his POV in the next book! I'm very curious what his curse is and I have some theories.

The world-building was well thought out, but pacing felt a bit uneven which kept me from staying engaged with the story. Overall, a good debut and I'm interested in seeing where this story will go!
Profile Image for Drie Corley.
165 reviews4 followers
July 25, 2026
A really great romantasy! I found Lydia and Phoenix very easy to root for and relate to! Also, that ending? I need the next book asap!
Profile Image for imani.
110 reviews3 followers
August 15, 2026
3.75 stars
★★★★☆

i was lucky enough to receive an arc for this book, which i thoroughly enjoyed.

₊˚⊹♡

synopsis:
in the island of Winter is bound to a curse which affects each individual differently. the blood of the curseless is the only cure, which Princess Lidya has flowing through her veins.
in order to find another cure that will not require her sacrifice, Lidya must partner up with her academic rival. she must tolerate him in order to cure her sister.

˚ ༘ ೀ⋆。˚
review:

the concept of her blood being a cure is so interesting. i loved the relationship between Lidya and her sister Gwendolyn. this book explores how far Lidya is able to go for those she loves and her desire to free herself from the life and expectations placed upon her as a Princess. Lidya’s longing for a life unobserved, beyond the walls of her castle which have begun to feel like a fortress resonated with me. i sympathised with her for wanting more than a life of constant performance and responsibilities, with pressure that she was always reminded to appreciate. just because others envied her life, it doesn’t mean that her lack of autonomy was pleasant.
i also enjoyed the complexity of Lidya’s relationship with her mother and how love can be twisted into something that resembles hatred out of a need for control.

within this story, history has been twisted, and the truth of the past is revealed, which continues to haunt them.

Lidya and her academic rival, Phoenix, have entwined fates, and she is constantly warned not to get too close to him. despite her best efforts, she finds herself craving his company. their bickering is seemingly endless, though we still don’t completely know exactly what is keeping them apart. i suppose that this would be revealed in further books.
if you like fabled stories and creatures, a slow burn and angry confessions in the rain; i think you’d enjoy this one too.
Profile Image for Twisted Chapters.
28 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2026
Is she a princess worth killing? Someone clearly thinks so! We have curses, prophecies, magical lands, witches, mythical beings, a crazed ancestor that needs to let things go and just enjoy the afterlife... What more could you want!

You would think being born without a curse would be a good thing, right? WRONG. Poor Lidya has never been able to just live her life or be herself. Not now, as the Winter Princess and not at 12 when she found out she was the cure for the curse- because she didn't actually have one. What would usually be a cause for celebration (because who wants a curse?!) is actually the main source of her troubles and whilst she seems fiercely independent and sassy on one level, she's also riddled with self doubt and anxiety on another- I'm very much looking forward to seeing her grow into herself in the next book. After all, if they find a cure (that's not actually her) she's free!

The jury is still out on Phoenix. Do we like him? Does he like Lidya? "Nix", as he likes to be called, is dark, entitled, brooding, often rude and a bit of a bully with a chip on his shoulder- let's face it, he's probably going to turn out to be a bit of a psychopath given his frequent changes of emotions... I'm totally with Lidya on how frustrating this guy is because to be honest I had started to wonder by the end of this book whether his curse was either a split personality or an evil twin.

That said, having met Gwen, I understand why Lidya would do anything, even partner up with her worst enemy to remove the curse from her sister.
Gwen is the type of annoying person that has never ending optimism and an answer for everything. Even after being the forgotten princess, she still only sees the bright side of Lidya's problems and is the definition of a "glass half full" girlie.

Mitterbog. What a word. No further comments.
Profile Image for LibraryofHols.
11 reviews7 followers
July 28, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- WTF WAS THAT ENDING?!? Im still not okay

First of all, thank you to the lovely Kylie for letting me be a part of your ARC team🤍

I absolutely loved a Princess Worth Killing. It had everything I CRAVE in a romantasy, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, hidden powers curses and witches oh my! ✨
Also... the SLOWEST of slow burns (the tension was UNREAL). Don't even get me started on the morally grey MMC🫠 That's me, melting into a puddle everytime he spoke

From page one, I was completely pulled into Lidya's world and I never wanted to leave. The world building was incredible, and the plot twists I did NOT see coming😩

Andddd Veylor, oh Veylor. Dark, moody, idgaf energy, but proving otherwise with his every action?? Yes, I'm obsessed. No notes

Beautifully written, completely addictive and now I'm left here waiting (very impatiently) for book 2 because that ending was criminal 🫣
6 reviews
July 30, 2026
✨ARC Review✨

Firstly, what kind of cliffhanger of an ending was that?! I am shook.

I enjoyed this romantasy with the enemies to lovers trope… although was it to lovers? The pace and scene setting of this book was really well written and it worked massively with the plot.

The storyline of two cursed people looking for the cure whilst unsure of each others curses and trying to uncover this throughout the story. I’m still unsure on Phoenix’s curse but I do have a sneaky suspicion🤭

Both, Lidya and Phoenix, have similar interests at heart but this only becomes clear later on in the book and it was interesting to see how their relationship unfolds

I cannot wait for Book 2 as I have so many unanswered questions!!!
Profile Image for alex.
1 review
August 14, 2026
Review of ARC from the author:

Firstly, thank you so much for letting me be a part of your ARC team, Kylie! This was such a fun read for my first ARC experience! (My apologies for the late-ish review and how long it took me to read, life has been hectic lately. Which was a shame because every time I picked this up, I didn’t want to put it down!)

I loved, loved, loved this book so much. It’s genuinely hard for me to believe that this is a debut novel, it was so beautifully written and the magic system was so unique and gripping.

The characters were really easy for me to relate to and root for and I really enjoyed the dynamic between Phoenix and Lidya (I love me a good enemies to lovers).

I loved the characters and the world building and I need more because what the hell was that ending? I look forward to seeing more from you and will be (not so) patiently waiting for my sequel!
Profile Image for Addie.
42 reviews4 followers
August 16, 2026
A Princess Worth Killing by Kylie Somick is a fantasy with tropes like enemies to lovers, witches and curses, strong FMC, one bed, banter and yearning.

My entire existence has been suffocated by you.

I loved the characters SO MUCH! I enjoyed their banter, it was so good. The characters' individuality wasn't lost as the story progressed. If anything, they just shone brighter.

The writing style was effortless and the plot was so unique it kept me hooked. I would say though that the pacing was definitely varied throughout the book and I don't know if that was intentional. Using modern scientific terminology like "DNA" etc threw me off a bit sometimes because I didn't expect it but I wouldn't look at it negatively because I enjoyed the story and the main theme a lot.

I would absolutely recommend this book! This is a great debut novel!
Profile Image for Shivvy.
10 reviews
August 7, 2026
First of all, I need book two!! I really hope we see more from this author because firstly the ending left me immediately wanting more and secondly I thoroughly enjoyed this story!

I found the whole curse aspect very intriguing and loved finding out more about the history of it later in the book. I also loved the mystery of Phoenix’s curse, I made so many guesses throughout the book as to what it could be!

The relationship with Phoenix and Lidya isn’t a straightforward one, and I think I loved it more because of that. And the fact people were warning her not to get close made it all the more intriguing.

Thank you so much Kylie for giving me the opportunity to read this book. I can’t wait to see more from you, this was truly an amazing read.

(Arc review)
Profile Image for millenialmichellereads.
10 reviews5 followers
August 1, 2026
Review of Advanced Reader copy received from author. I love the unique premise of this story, all the citizens of the island are born with a curse that emerges on their 12 birthday. The character development of enemies to friends as we follow them on their journey to find the cure is captivating. The world building is incredible and the plot twists leave you wanting more. I can’t wait for the next book in the se
Profile Image for Amy Fenton.
25 reviews
August 11, 2026
Thanks to Kylie Somick for my ARC 🫶🏼 I enjoyed this, it was a unique plot and I really enjoyed the writing! I both liked and disliked the FMC, she seemed to be a tough guy but then kept getting into situations where she became a damsel in distress? Hoping she grows into her tough guy persona in book two!
Profile Image for Olivia.
73 reviews3 followers
July 27, 2026
Since the first page, the first chapter I was automatically soaked into this book! I kept wanting to read it and read it and I loved every bit of it wow! I hope there is another book to come because I need more!!
Profile Image for Grace.
41 reviews
July 30, 2026
Oh my god the ending?! This was such a beautifully unique story and I was instantly hooked from the start. Constant emotional whiplash, loveable and hateable characters and so many tropes that I loved!

I am so excited to see where Lidya and Pheonix's stories go!
Profile Image for Bex.
41 reviews
August 16, 2026
Late ARC review😬

Thank you so much to Kylie and her team for the ARC.
This book pulled me in from the start. Great first book and the second is needed immediately!
The tension between the FMC and MMC was soo good! Between mysteries, prophecies, witches, monsters and new lands to explore it just kept on giving! Just when I thought, ah, I know where this is going….nope!
Even the side characters just left you wanting to know more! And added such depth to the plot! It was a great read!
Profile Image for Michelle Pennington.
13 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2026
A Princess Worth Killing 👑✨

Release day was August 14th, and I just finished my ARC read! If you’re a fan of the possibility of enemies-to-lovers with a slow burn, this one is definitely worth checking out.

Join a princess on an adventure as she searches for a cure to a curse, with plenty of mystery, danger, and that slow-burn tension that keeps you wanting more. 🖤

A fun fantasy adventure that had me hooked and wanting to see where the story goes next! ✨📚
Profile Image for Cierra.
22 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 4, 2026
Received as an ARC from the author, thank you for giving me the opportunity to reward and review

^^And that is why I feel kind of bad about having to rate this the way that I am.

This def ends in a cliffhanger, and I was not aware that this would be a series, as I very much do not like cliffhangers (and nothing indicates that this would be a series other than the aforementioned cliffhanger).

This also doesn't really feel like an enemies-to-lovers romance, more like a bully who basically preys on the FMC's loneliness to get her to capitulate to him? And like she knows this is happening half the time, but she still falls for it?

This book almost reminds me of the capital "R" semi-Romanticism genre books, like Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre, two books that I don't care for nor do I really see them as romance genre (my opinion on Wuthering Heights caused me to suffer in AP English IV btw).



Also, the sister is kind of a terrible sister to Lidya, as well. Like, yeah, essentially guilt trip her into doing all of this stuff that you can't because of your curse. Maybe you should instead have been trying to find a way out for both of y'all.

As it is, I would not really consider this as romantasy as the little bit of 'romance' there was (and it didn't even hit until literally 87% of the way through), was shoved out and killed by the literal murder attempts.

Kylie, if you're reading this, my apologies for my rant, I just got real heated about this because I opened it wanting some good romance and instead got my nemesis, Wuthering Heights-lite.
Profile Image for Brianna Farnam.
25 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 12, 2026
This book was such a fun read. It gripped by attention from the beginning and kept my interest throughout the whole book. The premise felt unique to me and I found myself genuinely shocked by the outcome of the book.

One of the biggest things that I loved about this book was the sibling relationships. Yes, there is a romance undercurrent, but it does not feel like the driving force of the book. Instead, what drives the plot forward is the FMC’s and MMC’s dedication to ensure the safety of their sibling, no matter the cost. Both of them are willing to literally risk life and limb to find a cure for the curses, even if it means the only person they save is their sibling. I am a sucker for sibling relationships and feel like they often are ignored in popular books but Kylie did such a great job of creating beautiful, dedicated, and loving sibling relationships.

I actually enjoyed that the romance was not a huge focus of the book, partially because it’s hard for me to invest in character romances when they are so young. Instead, the focus is on building their history, exploring who they are, dismantling prejudice between them, and slowly peeling away the walls they have so carefully erected to protect themselves. I found this way of exploring their stories far more compelling and believable than they just fall in insta-love because they are thrust together by fate.

Lastly, that cliffhanger… Kylie, what are you doing to me?! I usually don’t try to figure much out when I read, I am at the end of the day a vibes reader. However, I spent almost the whole book looking for clues to the MMC’s curse and literally still don’t know what it is.

I really enjoyed this book! I feel like it did a great job of weaving a mystery without giving too much away but giving just enough to make me continue to bite. I am a sucker for sibling relationships and the ones in this book are filled with selflessness, unconditional love, and loyalty. Thank you so much for the privilege of being able to read this before release! This is definitely a book worth buying!

I was provided an advanced copy of this book by the author. All opinions are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for her nose stuck  ina book.
30 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 13, 2026
Title: A Princess Worth Killing
Author: Kylie Somick
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5 / 🫑

✨📚 ARC Review 📚 ✨

Thank you to the author for the gifted eARC! My review and thoughts are my own.

A Princess Worth Killing is the debut fantasy story from indie author Kylie Somick - available August 14, 2026. It is the first book in a series.

The Blurb:
The Island of Winter is bound to a thousand-year-old curse that poisons each individual uniquely. It is only the blood of the curseless that can cure all, and Princess Lidya Winter has befallen that fate.

In this epic romantasy, Lidya is forced to find trust in her academic rival, Phoenix Veylor, in hopes that he can free her from her confines and help her find a secondary cure—one that will not deprive her of life. It doesn’t matter that he kidnapped her. It doesn’t matter how much she hates him. She would do anything to cure her sister.

My thoughts:
I'll be honest, I was not pulled in right away when I started the story. Lidya's life as a Princess is bleak - parental interactions ranging from neglectful to abusive and I was not a fan of Gwen. I know removing Gwen's curse is the biggest motivator for Lidya's journey - but for some reason I did not connect with Gwen and thought she guilted Lidya too much.

However!! Once Lidya makes the decision to work with Phoenix to find a cure (aside from herself) I was all in on their quest and their tension. WOW this has true enemies to lovers vibes and I ate it up! This book does not have spice, it doesn't even have a single kiss - but they spark enough to start a fire 🔥

Seeing the island away from the castle, learning more about the witches, the curse, and magical creatures and how Lidya and Phoenix are tied together in prophecies made for a fun adventure.

And that ending - what?!? I really hope I won't have to wait too long for book 2 because I will certainly be reading to find out what happens now. I try to keep spoilers out of me reviews, but dang I have so many questions and theories about where the story could go from here!

If you enjoy fantasy, adventure, enemies to lovers tension, and an epic quest to end a kingdom wide curse - then give this one a read!
Profile Image for ReaderLiv.
14 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 5, 2026
ARC Review
This is really 3.5 stars for me!!^^

Kylie Somicks debut novel A Princess Worth Killing was so impressive to me! I loved the story, the characters, and the way Kylie describes the curses/magic in this book. This style of magic is something I have honestly never seen done before, and I thought it was so cool. The way she described the FMC's mother's curse was so detailed and unsettling. This book is a TRUE enemies to lovers story with a very very slow burn (no spice in book 1 but some good tension). I loved the tension and conflict between the FMC and MMC, it kept me wondering and theorizing about how the story would play out. I read this book very quickly and thoroughly enjoyed myself the whole time. I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book because this one leaves us on one hell of a cliffhanger!!

I'm also so excited to see how Kylie continues to grow her already strong writing style, especially when it comes to expanding on details and letting certain moments breathe. The story is well thought out, and the world building is so unique that I honestly found myself wanting even more. I would have loved additional world building, more FMC/MMC academic backgrounds, and deeper descriptions of the monsters/creatures and landscapes because the world she created was so interesting. I also felt that a few transitional moments moved by too quickly, and I would have happily spent more time in those scenes with the characters. That is why I did decide to go with a 3/3.5 in my review, I absolutely enjoyed my time reading so much, and there were some areas that I was wishing for more! I'm genuinely so excited to see how Kylie's writing evolves because, as it is, this book is great!!

Thank you so much Kylie for choosing me as an ARC reader!

*This review Is my own and not influenced by any outside factors.*
Profile Image for Zulema Viurquiz Gonzalez.
15 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 12, 2026
Thank you to Kylie Somick for providing me with an ARC copy of A Princess Worth Killing.
I really enjoyed reading this fantasy.
I thought the world building was unique. I enjoyed the fact that there wasn't a presence of the typical fantasy creatures but rather group of unique monsters that were inspired by folklore. I also enjoyed the whole idea of everyone getting some form of curse by their 12th birthday and how it affected them individually.
Our FMC is Lidya Winter who is the princess - but she is a princess without a curse! And it's interesting to see how it is handled in a world where these curses have essentially defined individuals. She has a bit of anxiety and is prone to panic attacks but she does not let that stop her. She is a determined, stubborn, and willing to push through her own fears and doubts to help those around her.
Our MMC, Phoenix Veylor, and he is a piece of work (and I say that with love). He was a complicated character from time to time and he it was hard to read what he would do next - which I honestly loved. It was unsure whether we'd see the distant, arrogant, and selfish version of if we would get to see his caring side.
My biggest wish.. was getting to read more of Phoenix. I would have loved to see more from his perspective, what shaped him, what the past looked like, his thoughts, or his feelings.
And there is no spice in this book. Though there are moments of yearning and complicated emotions/ feelings. Personally.. I would not necessarily say this as an enemies to lovers book, at least maybe not yet.
Overall, this was a great read with a unique fantasy world build with unique monsters and intriguing curses. And after that ending.. I need more. I need to know what happens next, like
Profile Image for ChipmunksandDandelion (Cinnamon&Pine).
230 reviews10 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 5, 2026
A cursed island, a supposedly curse-free princess whose blood may hold the key to breaking an ancient affliction, and a looming wedding that threatens to change everything: this story had me hooked from the start.

The premise is straightforward enough, but the execution kept me guessing. Phoenix Veylor, Lidya’s school-day nemesis, returns desperate to find a cure for the curse. It took me roughly two-thirds of the book to piece together what I think his curse actually is and that slow realization was immensely satisfying. Assuming my theory is correct, because the story is still keeping its secrets.

Phoenix is also equipped with several highly effective literary weapons: leather and vanilla scent notes, a dimple, occasional slutty little glasses, and the habit of calling Lidya “Leech.” What an alarmingly effective combination.

What stood out most to me, however, was Lidya. Her anxiety, panic attacks, and self-harming tendencies felt painfully authentic. Her constant feeling of not being enough, of needing to become someone else, and of being used by those around her gave her character a vulnerability that resonated strongly. These moments never felt exaggerated and were among the most compelling parts of the book.

The world-building was intriguing, although a few word choices occasionally pulled me out of the story. References such as “DNA strands” or “bomb” didn’t quite fit the image I had built of the setting and felt somewhat out of place.

And then there is the ending

Aaaand another cliffhanger…



A compelling story with an engaging mystery, a memorable cast, and enough unanswered questions to keep me impatiently checking for news about the next book.
Profile Image for Wendy Minore.
37 reviews
August 9, 2026
Huge thank you to the author for an advanced reader copy of this book!

I absolutely loved the magic system and how well developed it was! Everyone receives a curse when they turn 12, and since the FMC didn’t get one, her blood is the cure (hence the title). Each person had an individual curse and they covered all sorts of things and it was always interesting to learn a new one.

The fact that they got the curses for a reason and learning that reason was also fun. It was just a really well developed and interesting magic system and plot.

The FMC and the MMC definitely hate each other, that’s for sure. Which is good in an enemies to lovers, but it feels like the MMC is going to have a lot to apologize for when they finally get together….

I also love to see a girl so dedicated to her sister like the FMC is. She’s just willing to do absolutely anything for her sister, but it’s also hurting her which is interesting. Her sister is totally manipulating her and guilt tripping her into all sorts of stuff. It’s an interesting dynamic to read about.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t as intrigued as I wanted to be. I so desperately wanted this book to be one of those up until 2 am books, and the pacing was off. I imagine most people will enjoy this, but to me there were a lot of nothing moments. Times where I was easily distracted and the characters weren’t doing much of note. I know it’s a me thing, so I’m sure most people will love it!

I do still plan to read the rest of the series because it was good, just not gripping me and keeping me up good.
Profile Image for Gabys_Vault .
34 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 8, 2026
First of all, that ending… when I read it I felt speechless 😶 I think I am really invest in this So, I will wait till the following book comes to life because I want to keep reading this story. And yes, it's that good.


Now, without any more delay I will start my review:  I give this book a 5/5⭐ It  left me speechless, not in a bad way but in a good way. And for me that's a lot! I'm a Gemini I always have something to say, I am a communicator!


Sooo, I was really surprised by the story. It's different from what I have read in all my living years and it's so well written that you devour the book without even noticing it. 


It has growing characters, you get to see how they interact with each other, it has story, we have lore, world building, a very interesting background, family secrets and we have a FMC Who is Witty and strong willed. I loved that and I really value all these ingredients in a story. That's why I have it 5/5 😊🫰


Now the story: it's about a realm where witches, magic and curses exists.

When you get to 13 yeas old, a curse awakens in your body and from that point on you get to live/ survive with that malefic state so, the story is about how our FMC gets to survive and tries to break the curse. I don't want to spoil it so I won't be explaing what happens.


But it's really worth reading!


Finally, I want to thank the writer for giving me this opportunity as an ARC reader. Thank you for trusting me 😘
14 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 12, 2026
Thank you Kylie for the ARC.

3.5⭐

Set in Winter, this book starts with a magical ceremony where Lidya is finding out her curse. Each member of the realm has one so surely it is good news that she doesn't receive one...right? Not. Quite.

Lidya, the youngest Princess, doesn't get a curse when she comes of age. After discussions and shared emotions with her hidden, forgotten sister, a cover up and lies from the monarchy starts the search for a husband. And so we meet Phoenix, her old Academy rival.

Circumstances change, and they find themselves having to work together against the twisted truths and evil creatures to save the people they love the most. The constant bickering, hatred and push/pull between Lidya and Phoenix was fantastic to read and kept me on my toes with the will they/won't they or even should they?

With the interference of the witches and magic relics Lidya struggles to know where to place her trust; Phoenix, The Witches or herself.

This was a really easy, great read. Fast paced, moving quickly onto the next challenge or destination. Enemies to tolerance with a hint of maybe more to come.

The ending.
The flip of POV to Phoenix.
Sets it up perfectly for Book 2.
Profile Image for Ash.
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 26, 2026
This one... this one had me hooked from start to finish. I devoured this. I read with a speed I rarely achieve because I NEEDED to know what happened next and I could barely put it down for even a minute. The beautifully thought out plot, the smooth way it's written and the ease of following the story without sacrificing any of the twists and turns or characters along the way, the clear picture of each location they journeyed through.. truly stunning!!

The enemies to sooo close, almost lovers has my yearning heart pleading for more. Will the characters find what or who they’re looking for? Will we see the inner workings of our mmc’s mind and what drives him to do what he does? I will be death gripping this book in anticipation and hopefulness that we get to return to this world soon!

To me, this felt like a love letter. To the author herself and to those who read it and need to hear it. A story about trusting yourself and how you have the power to remain strong and brave even when it feels like you can't be. About the bond between siblings, how that love is unmatched to anything else. Intimate, emotional and raw.
Profile Image for Jessica Sokol.
122 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 12, 2026
Omg I need to start by saying…THAT ENDING…Dear God what a cliffhanger!!!

I enjoyed this book. I thought overall the story was really good, the magic system was definitely unique and I really liked it. The FMC stands up for herself and is strong which is my favorite kind of FMC. The MMC, Phoenix, well he’s just a d*ck. Straight up mean. BUT he has reason, kind of. I felt really bad for him. He does finally in the very end of the book shows some real emotion but it was a sliver. For that reason I wouldn’t call this a romantasy. There was almost zero romance. He was just a bully the entire time and I think he may have had 2 paragraphs worth (if that) of nice things to say during the entire book. I would probably rate this 3.75 ⭐️ for that reason but I did enjoy the book. I don’t mind not having a lot of romance but I was going into this thinking it was a romantasy. I also would have loved more world building. I felt there was barely any, as well as character development.

I will continue this series because I did have a good time reading it and I’m dying to see where things go especially after that cliffhanger!
Profile Image for TattedmomREADS.
119 reviews3 followers
August 16, 2026
Fantastic debut novel from Kylie Somick!
This one felt like a twisty fairy tale. Witches, curses, potions, monsters. Tons of mystery and uncertainty. Everyone on the island of Winter is cursed--but only Lidya’s family knows that her blood holds the cure. But is there another way to save the island, and everyone she loves, without sacrificing her own life?
On the night before her wedding, Lidya is kidnapped by Phoenix, who was her rival (and bully) in school. He thinks she is the key to finding the cure--but doesn’t know her blood IS the cure.
Their journey is full of interesting twists and mysterious characters.
This is a grumpy x grumpier and the relationship between Lidya and Phoenix was giving me Dramione vibes (and I ate it up!)
One key mystery is Phoenix’s curse. He has unexplained scars and moments of lapsed memory. The more the two uncover about the island’s cursed history, the closer they get to confronting their growing attraction to one another.
This was such an easy, fun, one-sitting read!
I recommend this one to romantasy fans who enjoy a enemies/bully type romance, no spice, and fairy tale vibes!
Cheers to Phoenix’s sexy dimple!
19 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 27, 2026
This book is a definite 5⭐️ read. It’s a 5⭐️ for the unique plot, character development, slow burn/ enemies to lovers tropes, and for keeping me hooked.

Let’s start with the plot. The plot of living in a cursed land and Lidya being a “cure” to a curse was so interesting. I didn’t realize the extent of how the curses would be when I started this book, but, I was in for a surprise. The plot twist was also something I did not see coming, at all! It made sense for what was happening in the book, and it was executed wonderfully.

I loved that Lidya had anxiety, because it made her “flawed.” I love my characters to be flawed, because what good is a story if there is no character development. She definitely did have character development in this book btw.

The true enemies to lovers trope killed me. I waited for the confession and for feelings to be revealed, and it cut me open because of all the emotions that came out. I didn’t realize there would be a second book for this, until I got to the end. I was like, “Why is this the end? There’s so much left unsaid!”
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58 reviews
August 1, 2026
ARC rewiew

Åhhh jag ville att den här skulle vara bra. Den hade väldigt mycket potential och jag gillade verkligen temat med förbannelser och själva berättelsen kring det hela.

Dock föll den ganska platt för mig. Jag tycker att boken är lite för långdragen då nästan inget händer fram till typ s. 300. När något väl händer kändes det som att farten ökade till 100km/h och plötsligt sammanfattar författaren allt på bara några sidor. Avslutet kändes ”rushed” och därför kändes det också som att man läste allt annat i onödan.

Sista 15 sidorna var dock intressanta och jag antar att författaren vill skriva en serie av detta.

Jag antar också att detta skulle vara en ”enemies to lovers”-bok. Dock tycker jag typ de borde fortsätta vara enemies HAHAH asså FÖRLÅT känner mig så elak…. Jag kunde inte heller känna igen mig i karaktärerna så jag tyckte de föll ganska platt också.

Dock vill jag poängtera att jag läste detta nu under sommaren, vilket kanske gör att jag inte är lika motiverad och inte känner in ”stämningen” lika bra. Detta kanske är en mer höst/vinter-vibe.
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