Of Bones and Lilac

by Tayloranne Worley

Four years ago, Lehlia lost everything.



Once a gifted alchemist, she now lives in the shadow of the tragedy that stole her magic and shattered her future. Her quiet life with Toad, a sharp-tongued talking cat, is shattered when her older brother vanishes without a trace.



With nowhere else to turn, Lehlia seeks the Council's help. They assign her to work alongside a masked man burdened by a loathsome secret and wretched powers.



Together, they must hunt the remnants of Vildra, a notorious organization responsible for creating and trafficking magical creatures. As the truth of her tragedy begins to surface, old wounds are torn open, the past refuses to stay buried, and the line between hero and monster begins to blur.



Can she survive a world of magic without mana?



What connects Lehlia to the man behind the mask?



And what truly makes a monster?

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance

326 pages, Paperback

Expected publication September 28, 2026

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy received by author:

First of all, Tayloranne Worley, you are a warrior. Reading the Afterword, I am amazed by you and your recovery and how you have taken something devastating and created a beautiful story.

Now, as for the story itself - I would consider this a High Fantasy with a romance subplot. Both Lehlia and Noxus are complex characters with tremendous trauma, each of them handling it in a different way - Noxus is extremely guilt ridden and rejects the thought of deserving anything nice. Meanwhile, Lehlia is often anxious, clumsy and easily distracted, which I believe is, in a way, a coping mechanism. I, also, believe she often prefers to look the other way or has "toxic optimism", especially when finding out Noxus' past with Vildra. Side characters such as Toad and Pavel add a charm. Pavel, in particular, adds a breath of fresh air, considering Noxus' and Lehlia's trauma responses. Pavel himself is an interesting character with an intriguing back story that I would not mind reading more about.

The descriptive writing is very good, descriptions of sceneries and world building almost whimsical. The writing style reminds me of Hannah Kaner. This being said, I believe there is potential for more emotional depth - The cheeks and ears flush with a blush - but why? Those feelings feel more hinted at rather than fully explored. The pacing at the beginning felt a little off, and understanding of characters and intentions grows as the book goes on. As Ashton was missing, Lehlia seemed almost too positive and the stakes did not appear very high. However, the author acknowledges this in a conversation between Lehlia and Pavel - this inherent toxic positivity within Lehlia could have perhaps been explored a little more for clarity. The last 100 pages of this book had a tight grip on me and everything came together.
I also felt Tayloranne added a realistic ending, with Lehlia giving up alchemy, giving up the one thing she had yearned for the most for years. Love it!

[stacey leader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC from the author and this is my first ever ARC review so bear with me as I’m not good with expressing myself!

This book was fantastic, it had longing and magic and alchemy and mystical creatures. It was adventurous and treacherous and sad!
It warmed my heart and the artwork was by far my most favourite part of the book! Toad was giving me Salem from Sabrina the teenage witch vibes and I adored him and his straightforwardness!

I loved the mission to save her brother and in the process finding herself and accepting herself! Just as Noxus also had to learn that he didn’t have all the answers either!

I also greatly appreciate that the author struggles with paralysis due to Conversion disorder and hand drew all that artwork! I have never read a book so detailed in that way and it just made me love and enjoy it all the more!

[Sonja · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨ ARC Review ✨

3.5 ⭐️

I received an ARC of this book directly from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own 🤍

I really loved the cozy and descriptive writing style. It made the world feel very atmospheric.
While I didn’t always love the main characters, Toad and Pavel were definitely my favorite characters!

I did lose a little bit of interest in the middle, as the pacing felt a bit slow for me. I also would have loved to dive deeper into the magic system, a little more background info on the Durains and Lurains, as well as on how Vildra operates and why. Learning more about these aspects would have made the world even more fascinating.

That being said, I really enjoyed the plot twist - it was definitely one of my favorite parts of the book.

I honestly think this story needs and deserves a part two. There is still so much that could be explored, and I would definitely love to see where the story goes from here.

Overall, this was a cozy and atmospheric read, and I’m very grateful to the author for giving me the opportunity to read it as an ARC.

[Millie Webber · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very cozy and atmospheric read. This is the perfect book to pair with a rainy day, a hot cup of chai and a cat on your lap (or in my case… a dachshund!).

When reading, it often felt a little more YA in the writing style than I was expecting, but once I adjusted to that more I did really enjoy it.
This book has no spice and it was very refreshing to have a nice fantasy read without the spice!

I would have loved to have the magic systems and the Durians explored more. They were so interesting!

The artwork scattered through out the book was the absolute cherry on top! I loved the ‘surprise’ of having a cute little picture of Toad or the divine picture of Noxus and Lehlia with the fireflies!

ARC Review 💫
Thank you to Tayloranne for the ARC.

[Allison Huisingh · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review:

This story is dark fantasy with a tiny bit of cozy. As a Dungeons and Dragons lover the story felt so much like a “one shot” that I instantly fell in love. Not only were the descriptions and comparisons of the setting and characters done well I also was a huge fan of the drawings every chapter! More books should definitely have that. The short chapters did this book a justice, a lot of fantasies have long, drawn out chapters that sometime make me want to not pick it back up but I was interested right away! The only thing I do wish for in this book is a map. It would have been nice to see where their journey took them. All in all, I would recommend this!

[Lyn Doodnauth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Advanced copy received from author.

Of Bones and Lilac had me going in completely blind and somehow I was still NOT prepared for the revelations 😩😩🥺🥺🥺Lehlia’s story is filled with grief,magic,mystery and a search for answers that goes so much deeper than I expected….the atmosphere? Immaculate….the mythology? Intriguing…..the twists? EXCUSE ME?! 👀 her story teaches us that it doesn’t matter what happens to you…it does not define who u are…❤️‍🩹

[Ella (DearFuturePublisher) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book described in emojis:
🌸🦴🔮🎭🐈‍⬛🧪🗺️🤫💔✨

Spice:
🚫 no spice

Book quote:
“Because love is precious, and when it dies, it is a dark thing.”
“I can recognize that darkness anywhere, and you, my dear, don’t have it.”

Reading Mood Check:
If you’re in the mood for an emotional fantasy adventure with a missing brother, a mysterious masked mage, magical creatures, a wonderfully sassy cat, and a completely clean slow-burn romance, this is the book to pick up. 🦴🔮✨

Quick Summary:
Lehlia was once a gifted alchemist, but a devastating tragedy took away her magic. When her brother disappears, she submits a job request to the council asking for help finding him. That request brings Noxus to her home, a powerful and guarded mage who tells her they still don’t know just how much trouble her brother may be in. Together, they set out to investigate Vildra, an organization connected to the creation and trafficking of magical creatures, while uncovering secrets that could change everything Lehlia believes about her past. 🔮🧪

Worldbuilding, Characters, Plot and Pacing:
The worldbuilding is beautiful! I did struggle slightly with the writing style at first because the prose was more flowery and descriptive than I typically prefer. Once I settled into the world, though, I became accustomed to the style and was able to thoroughly enjoy the story and its premise. This really comes down to personal preference, and I can absolutely see this writing style working beautifully for readers who love rich, lyrical descriptions. Now the characters? Toad was easily one of my favorite parts of the entire book! I lived for his dialogue and the personality he brought to every scene. 🐈‍⬛ I also loved the artwork included throughout the book. The illustrations brought the characters and world to life and made the reading experience feel even more special. 🎨✨ You can tell the author devoted an incredible amount of time, care, and thought to creating this story.

Tropes/what to expect:
🌸 Slow-burn, clean romance
🎭 Mysterious masked mage
🗺️ Missing-sibling quest
🧪 Alchemy and lost magic
🐈‍⬛ Magical creatures and familiars
🤫 Secrets and betrayal
💔 Grief, guilt, trauma, and forgiveness
🔮 A strong-willed FMC
🦴 A morally complicated MMC
🎨 Original artwork throughout the book

Final thoughts:
While the writing style took me a little time to settle into, I thoroughly enjoyed the story itself. Toad, the artwork, and the amount of care woven throughout the book made this a 4.5 star read for me. 🐈‍⬛🎨 This is such a creative and heartfelt fantasy, and I’m excited to see what this author writes next!

Perfect for readers who love:
Atmospheric fantasy adventures, emotional character journeys, clean slow-burn romance, magical companions, mysterious men with complicated pasts, and illustrated books that allow you to see the fantasy world as you read.

I received an ARC from the author, but all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

First thank you Tayloranne Worley for this ARC opportunity to read and review your fantasy book!

I finished this book last night and I have spent hours deciding on how to write a review for this book, I read other reviews and I'm confused as to why they say Dark Fantasy because this book wasn't dark in the least bit, it's definitely more just Fantasy and I know the genre tags say Romance but there was no romance in this book whatsoever so I would label it first and foremost a Fantasy. Now knowing the Authors background adds a depth to the story that allows for one to understand the anger so often displayed in the fmc Lehlia however I felt at times she was overly angry, too quick to anger and angry over seemingly nothing alot of the time. She takes a great deal of her anger out on Noxus throughout the book and at one point is upset that he did something and she said I thought we were friends which I had to laugh at because he has made every interaction thus far known how he feels about her and none of his outward thoughts to her have been nice and he is constantly calling her a hindrance to his mission so I'm not sure why she was so delusional about his intentions or goodness the whole time. Next we have Pavel a fairly random character that stays throughtout the story offering a bit of a buffer between the 2 and he seems fairly nice and upbeat considering his own situation. Her familiar Toad is kind of a jerk to be honest and I am surprised she felt such love for the creature considering her past with his kind and how much she has a hate for the Durain, I felt he was constantly mean and unnecessary with his words to her but yet she continued to be kind and I believe that was simply because her brother was the person who gifted her the 2 tailed cat. Now I want to be very clear I actually very much enjoyed this story, I thought it had beautiful descriptive moments and wonderful fighting scenes however I do believe that it needs more refinement because there are alot of areas where I was left wondering how we got from a to b and alot felt left unsaid which made it hard to piece some things together. The pacing was fairly quick so that may be why it felt so unfinished in spots, I also think that the whole reason she goes on this journey with Noxus wasn't as full as it should have been, when we get to the end goal it kind of just feels like it ends and that's it, she finds out who Noxus really is fast forward a bit and boom done...I think the book could be revised a bit, add more explanation in areas where it needs and maybe a longer ending and this would be a greater Fantasy novel...as it sits it is still incredibly good and I am truly glad I got to be one of the first ones to read it!

[Sherree Nickels · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review — Of Bones and Lilac by Tayloranne Worley

I really enjoyed Of Bones and Lilac. This is an adult gothic romance with no spice, and I honestly loved how much atmosphere and emotion the story had without needing spice to make the romance interesting.

From the beginning, there was something about the dark, haunting feel of this book that pulled me in. I love books that have that slightly eerie, mysterious vibe where you feel like there’s always something more waiting to be uncovered, and this definitely gave me that.

I really enjoyed Lehlia as the FMC. She has been through so much, and I loved watching her navigate everything she was dealing with while still showing so much determination. Her journey to find her missing brother, Ashton, gave the story such an emotional side and made me even more invested in what was happening.

Then there’s Noxus, the mysterious masked MMC. I loved the mystery surrounding him and constantly found myself wanting to know more about who he was, what he was hiding and how everything connected. Watching the relationship between Lehlia and Noxus slowly develop was one of my favourite parts. Even though there is no spice, I never felt like the romance was missing anything. Their connection, emotions and slow-burn tension were enough to keep me invested. 🖤

And I absolutely have to mention Toad! The sharp-tongued talking cat brought so much personality to the story and was easily one of the most entertaining characters. I loved the little bit of humour and attitude he brought into some of the darker moments.

Pavel was another character I enjoyed meeting along the journey, and I liked how the different characters each brought something to the story rather than simply feeling like they were there to fill space.

The atmosphere was probably my favourite part overall. It felt dark, magical and beautifully gothic, and I could really picture the world while I was reading. There were so many little moments that had me wanting to keep going just to find out what was going to happen or what secret would be revealed next.

Overall, this was such an enjoyable read and something a little different for me. I loved the gothic atmosphere, the mystery, the darker elements and getting to know Lehlia, Noxus and the rest of the characters.

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Of Bones and Lilac, and I’m really glad I got the opportunity to read it. Thank you so much to the author for allowing me to read and review this book ahead of release. All thoughts and opinions in this review are completely my own. 🖤🥀

I’d definitely recommend this to anyone who loves a darker, atmospheric romance but doesn’t necessarily want spice.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of Bones and Lilac is such a beautiful, atmospheric story with a world full of magic, danger, mystery, and emotion. What I really loved was how the story goes beyond the fantasy elements and explores grief, trust, guilt, and what it means to keep moving forward when everything you knew has changed.

Lehlia was a character I really connected with. She’s grieving, stubborn, determined, and trying to find her way through situations that constantly push her past her limits. I loved watching her grow throughout the story and seeing how everything she experiences shapes her without taking away the person she is.

And Noxus… there is so much I could say about him without giving anything away. He is complicated, guarded, and carrying so much pain. Watching his relationship with Lehlia develop was one of my favorite parts of the book. Their dynamic has so many layers, and there were definitely moments when I wanted to reach through the pages and tell them to just TALK.

The world building was another favorite of mine. The magic, creatures, different groups, and darker elements all came together to create a fantasy world that felt vivid and unique. I also loved the symbolism throughout the story, especially the lilacs. Those details added another emotional layer that made the story feel even more meaningful.

There are definitely some dark and painful moments, and parts of this story genuinely broke my heart. But there is also something beautiful about the way it explores healing, loss, and finding hope when you least expect it.

Of Bones and Lilac is a fantasy filled with magic, mystery, danger, complicated characters, and an emotional story about finding your way through grief. It was a beautiful journey, and that ending left me sitting there for a minute just taking it all in.

Definitely one I’m glad I picked up.

[Jensen McCorkel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A dark and imaginative fantasy that combines magic, mystery, magical creatures, and a touch of humor into a compelling story.

I went into this one with fairly high expectations, and the premise immediately drew me in. Lehlia’s backstory, as a gifted alchemist who has lost her magic and is still struggling with the aftermath of a devastating tragedy, gives the story an interesting emotional foundation. Her search for her missing brother adds another layer of personal stakes, while the mystery surrounding Vildra kept me curious about where the story was headed.

This is a no-spice romance, but the tension is still there. The emotional intimacy and tragic connection between Lehlia and Noxus were some of the stronger aspects of the story. I especially appreciated that Lehlia is a complex protagonist that is strong and capable, but also flawed, conflicted, and carrying plenty of emotional baggage.

Where the story started to lose me was with the constant secrecy. I’m not a particularly impatient reader, but when so much of the plot relies on characters refusing to communicate with one another, it eventually became frustrating. Both Lehlia and Noxus keep major, potentially dangerous secrets from each other for far too long. Rather than creating organic tension, the secrecy sometimes felt more like a plot device designed to postpone revelations and keep the story moving.

Overall, Of Bones and Lilac is a creative fantasy with a unique premise, intriguing characters, and plenty of imaginative elements. It didn’t completely work for me, but there was enough here to appreciate, and I can definitely see it appealing to readers who enjoy darker, unconventional fantasy with mystery, magic, and fantastical creatures.

[Janelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The beginning of Of Bones and Lilac really pulled me in. I was immediately intrigued by Noxus the mysterious stranger who seemed to be stalking Lehlia while somehow already knowing her. I wanted to understand who he was, how he knew her, and what their connection was. Unfortunately, as the story progressed, I struggled to connect the dots. There were so many secrets being kept between the characters, and Lehlia's growing hatred and distrust of Noxus felt like it came somewhat out of nowhere. There were also several things that happened throughout the story that left me wondering how we got from one point to the next. I also found it disappointing that her missing brother, who essentially sets the entire story in motion, ended up feeling almost forgettable by the end. I expected his disappearance and Lehlia's search for him to remain a bigger part of the overall story.

As the plot started moving in a different direction, I found myself losing some of that initial interest, and the middle became a struggle to get through. I think if it had maintained that original mystery and pace, I probably would have enjoyed it more. That said, the ending did help reel me back in. The twists and reveals finally started bringing some of the pieces together and definitely helped save the story for me. It wasn't quite the jaw-dropping ending I was hoping for, but it gave the story a stronger finish.

Overall, this just wasn't quite the story for me, but I can appreciate the creativity and the work the author put into building this world. I can definitely see newer fantasy readers enjoying this more than I did, especially those who enjoy slower, mysterious fantasy with a unique premise.

[pageswithlindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huge thank you to Tayloranne Worley for gifting me an earc of this book!!

I rated this book; 4.25 stars

I want to start this review by saying that Tayloranne Worley is one of the sweetest humans ever. You can tell how much of her heart and soul she put into this book. She drew the cover herself, created all the illustrations, and is even making an animated movie for her book. How incredible is that!!!

She shared her personal journey in the back of the book. It was so inspiring to read. She has been through so much!!

My thoughts;
I went into this book completely blind so I didn't know what to expect. I really enjoyed this dark fantasy filled with different types of magic and magical creatures.

This story followed the main characters Noxus and Lehlia who go off in search of Lehlia brother. I really enjoyed both Lehlia and Noxus character. I feel like we saw Lehlia grow so much in the story. I loved seeing the relationship form between her a Noxus. I loved his character so much. I loved that he wore a mask so his identity was a mystery for much of the book. Also the way he cared for Lehlia and always saved her when she was in danger.

I loved the side characters so much. Toad the two tailed cat was one of my favorite characters. I really enjoyed Pavel's character as well.

My favorite thing about this book was all of the beauitful illustrations throughout the book. You dont see that in alot of books so it was such a sweet touch.

The ending of this book had me completely shocked. I didn't see that coming at all. I had to stare at the wall for a few minutes to process what had happened.

I higly recommend this book if you liked the Assistant To The Villian series!!

[Angel Starr · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review is as spoiler-free as possible.
First off, thank you so much for the opportunity to ARC read Of Bones and Lilac!

Of Bones and Lilac is a darker fantasy with a no-spice romance subplot surrounding the main characters, Lehlia and Noxus.

The story is full of whimsical/magical creatures, secrecy, and emotional trauma that heavily influences the characters.
The story also has some very entertaining side characters, with my personal favorite being Toad, because who doesn’t love a feline familiar?!

Anyways, with that being said, I did, for the most part, enjoy the story. However, the pacing began to feel very slow towards the middle despite the shorter chapters, with much of the descriptive language throughout the book reading as incredibly wordy and, at some points rather contradictory. I think I would have enjoyed a little less descriptive/flowery language and more dialogue, especially between the FMC and MMC. I definitely get the mild forced-proximity vibes, coupled with both characters not being particularly forthcoming with conversation, but I think some parts definitely would have benefited from more communication.

So, thanks to Pavel (my second favorite side character) for filling the conversational void with some extra chit-chat!

Ultimately, if you’re looking for a new fantasy read with no spice and a bit of emotional turmoil, I do think this one may be for you!

Official rating for the book itself: 2.5 stars. However, bonus points for the fun illustrations throughout the book, bringing the final rating to 3 stars!

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐ rounded up.

Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book overall very much had the feel of following a D&D adventuring party on a quest! The journey was enjoyable and the characters were fun to spend time with.

The focus on trauma and disability underlying the characters motivations and actions was definitely the strongest and my favourite part of the book overall. Lehlia's struggles and determination to overcome them felt very real and visceral and she's certainly a strong character. I also felt for Noxus and the weight he was carrying through the journey.

It sadly fell a bit short for me in terms of the world building and exposition. I think it would have benefited with some explanations about certain story aspects over some of the descriptions. I really would have liked to feel like there was a world outside of what was happening with the characters. I also think it ended a bit abruptly, and I think the story resolution would have benefitted from happening a bit sooner than it did, but that's mostly because I would have liked a bit more time with the characters post end story action.

The addition of illustrations is always a plus for me as well, and I loved the amount of emotional moments that were captured through them. As someone with Aphantasia, illustrations mean a lot to me as it allows me to get visuals on how the characters look!

Overall, a very clearly personal story shared through the lens of some troubled characters. The journey was a fun one to follow them on.

[Amanda N · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Tayloranne Worley for the Advance Readers Copy.
Of Bones and Lilac is a fantasy read that truly makes you feel every emotion. It starts a little slow, and it took me some time to fully grasp the world. Details are woven in gradually rather than front‑loaded, but it never becomes overwhelming or bogged down with heavy lore. The worldbuilding is accessible and easy to settle into once the story finds its rhythm.
At the heart of the book is an unlikely duo: Lehlia and Noxus, who set out on an expedition to find Lehlia’s brother after he goes missing on a mission for "the council"—the same council Noxus serves. What begins as a rescue mission quickly spirals into something much deeper.
What follows is a twisted, emotional journey through trauma, love lost, past regrets, guilt, PTSD, unraveling conspiracies, and so much more. This story doesn’t shy away from the hard things, and because of that, it hits with real weight. It’s a tale of resilience, camaraderie, and found family, all set against a backdrop of magic and danger in a fantastical world.
I clocked the twist around the 50% mark, and at 75% I was proven right—yet somehow still stunned by how it unfolded. From that point on, the story takes off. It’s one revelation after another until the very end. It’s a hopeful tale, though not necessarily a happy one, and the ending feels like the only one that truly makes sense for these characters.
I’d absolutely be interested in seeing what happens next for Lehlia, Noxus, and the rest of this world. If there’s another installment planned, I’ll be picking it up.

[Armando Ramirez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of Bones and Lilac is a whimsical, imaginative story with a strong premise and a cast of characters I think many readers will genuinely fall in love with. Tayloranne Worley creates an engaging world, and there are moments where her descriptive, lyrical writing feels especially magical.
Unfortunately, this just was not quite the right fit for me. While I remained interested in the story and wanted to see it through to the end, I had trouble connecting with the characters. They often felt a little drab and long-winded, which made it harder for me to become fully invested in their journeys.
The writing style was also somewhat uneven for my personal taste. Some chapters leaned heavily into detailed, whimsical description, while others were more direct and to the point; a style I found easier to follow and really enjoyed. Moving between those approaches made it difficult at times to stay focused and eager to continue, though I did push through and finish the book.
One of the most intriguing parts for me was the author’s note. Learning about the struggles Tayloranne Worley has endured left a real impression on me. I sincerely hope she someday writes a memoir, because I think many readers would be interested in hearing more about her life and journey.
Overall, this is a charming and imaginative read that will likely find its audience, even if I was not fully able to connect with it personally.

[Keiko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for providing an ARC of this book.

This story follows Lehlia (FMC) as she searches for her brother with the help of Noxus (MMC). It is set in a fantasy world filled with magical creatures, featuring a slow burn romance, clean content (no spice), and a heavy focus on emotional trauma.

There was a lot I enjoyed about the first half of the book. I loved the beginning, the quest to find her brother, meeting Pavel, and watching them journey together. Toad was easily one of my favorite characters! I always adore books with a familiar! The illustrations included throughout were also a fantastic touch, helping me visualize scenes so much better.

However, I don't think this book was the right fit for me. While I usually love slow burn romances, the pacing here felt overly slow and the prolonged secrecy became frustrating, to the point where I occasionally felt annoyed with the FMC. Additionally, I wished for more backstory on the characters and a deeper dive into the magical elements, like the Durain and Lurain, which felt a bit flat in their descriptions.

As for the plot reveal regarding Noxus, it was something I had already figured out early on, but it was still satisfying to see it finally unfold.

Overall, it's a solid story with a great premise. I think it would be a wonderful read for teenagers or younger audiences who are looking for a light, romantic fantasy to dive into!

[Cursed and Crowned · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC kindly provided by the author. All opinions are my own.

This is a short, cozy fantasy with a fairytale-like atmosphere, a touch of romance, plenty of adventure, magical creatures, beautiful illustrations, and characters who all feel wonderfully unique. It belongs on a chilly autumn afternoon with a blanket and a hot cup of tea. ☕🍂📖

What I loved most was the protagonist. She has lost her magic and this isn’t a story about magically “fixing” her. She has learned to adapt, finding creative ways to work around her limitations, while still struggling to accept what happened to her. Her journey to find her brother slowly becomes a journey of finding and accepting herself, too. 🥹🪻

I also adored the subtle chemistry between the characters and that the romance never felt forced. And THAT ENDING. No spoilers, but… I loved it. 👀✨

My one struggle was the worldbuilding. I wanted more explanations of the magic and some of the creatures unique to this world (a little glossary would have been perfect!). The beginning is also slower before everything really picks up toward the end.

But ultimately? This book gave me ✨vibes✨. It entertained me, made me care about its characters, and wrapped a surprisingly dark little adventure in so much warmth.

The story is cozy, magical, a little dark, beautifully illustrated, and full of heart. I’m very glad I got to experience this little adventure. 🪻✨

[Katie Vanderhoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fantasy isn’t usually my favorite genre, so I’ll admit this was a little harder for me to get into. That said, I thought Of Bones and Lilac had a really interesting premise, and I can definitely see why so many readers are enjoying it.

I found the journey itself interesting, but I often found myself wondering why the characters were traveling to the places they did and what led them in those directions. There were also quite a few moments where I felt like I was missing pieces of the story or was left with questions that never really got answered.

The twist surrounding who Noxus really was is something I actually figured out very early on, so unfortunately the big reveal at the end didn’t have quite the impact I think it was intended to have. I also struggled a bit with the relationship between Lehlia and Noxus. One minute they were arguing and seemed completely opposed to each other, and the next they were flirting, which felt a little abrupt to me.

Overall, I think there’s a really good story idea here, but there were enough loose ends and gaps for me that I had a hard time fully connecting with it. That said, if you enjoy fantasy and romantasy, especially a no-spice romantasy, I definitely think this is one to try. It’s clearly resonating with a lot of readers, even if it wasn’t quite the book for me.

[Angel aka BooksnCats007 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute for fall! Portals and spells, and an FMC with a familiar thats a talking black cat with two tails.

The art throughout the book took me back to the days with picture books. Loved how the author brought us into this little imaginary world with that!

Whimsical, lyrical, and descriptive writing, sometimes the pacing slowed down too much.

I was intrigued from the beginning, it hooked me at first, wanting to see where their journey would take them. 50% we have some action, and things continue to stay steady from there.

Noxus the MMC, was definitely mysterious from the start. That reveal made total sense though I did not catch on!

The ending did feel a bit rushed which is why its not 5 stars but the entire premise of the story was so beautiful.
I wanted more of the brothers story... Will there be a book two?

Overall, I enjoyed this no spice, dark fantasy and recommend as a pallet cleanser.

Favorite quotes:
“You were the first person in a long time to show me kindness- and more importantly, forgiveness.”

"...sometimes you should start with yourself. Know that you are cherished. And everything else will come next.”

"Her eyes are like a thousand crushed sapphires- broken and beautiful - even when they are pained."

“Forgiveness isn’t something that can be earned or deserved. It is freely given…”

[Fedythereader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so so much to the author for sharing an ARC of this book with me !!!

“Hemos trouble. And only trouble awaits him”

“You are an amazing alchemist. Don’t shackle yourself”

Imagine being a mage stripped of her power, but, knowing everything about alchemy, wanting to help your brother after he disappeared on you and engaging a powerful, mysterious mage to do that. How does that sound? Because to me … it sounded amazing. A book that’s filled with magic. Perfect for spooky season !!! Filled with secrets and lies and betrayals and trauma and new friends and familiars and everything you might want in a spooky fantasy book!
And the art inside it … amazing !!! I started reading Lehlia’s story with no expectations and it turned out one of the best fantasies I have read in a while!!! Check your trigger warnings before reading it but … I swear you’ll enjoy this !! Especially if you’ll fall for a dark, bit brooding, and morally grey complicated mage that will have you twist your mind around him !!! And after that plot twist in the end? I loved it !!! I can’t wait for this book to be out !!

“He smells like flower and death”

“Every day is a blessing. And if you constantly look back, you might as week be a pile of salt”

“You know, Lilacs are still my favourite flower”

[impulsivebookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of bones and lilac is a dark fantasy filled with magic, secrets and mystery. The book follows Lehlia, who is searching for her brother that vanished. She enlists the help of the council and they send a mysterious, masked man named Noxus. The plot of the book seemed extremely interesting to me as the characters are also searching for members of an organisation that torture animals to turn them into familiars.

I loved the emotional aspects of the characters. Pavel’s story was heartbreaking but I’m glad that he managed to escape. He was my favourite character from ‘of bones and lilac’. As well as Toad, the 2 tailed cat. I also enjoyed that this book didn’t have any spice to take away from the plot.

I have to say that my absolute favourite part of this book was actually the illustrations in every chapter. It’s so uncommon for an adult book to have pictures and so it was a wonderful surprise. I then read the acknowledgements at the back of the book and the authors story was revealed. Wow. I’m so glad the author managed to get through that difficult time. How scary it must have been!

I want to thank Taylor Anne Worley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I hope to read more of your work in the future.

[Isabella Beves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel incredibly grateful to have received Of bones and lilac as an Arc book. I really enjoyed it. Of bones and lilac managed to start getting me out of a massive reding slump.

Of bones and lilac gave of vibes of lord of the rings and the assistant to the villain. It had the action, adventure and the mission feeling that lord of the rings gives but had the magic and fun like assistant to the villain. The art that was hand drawn by the author was a wonderful touch and was incredible. The art was like something out of a Zelda video game and given the authors challenges with paralysis, it’s incredibly inspiring that she put so much work into her beautiful artwork.

I love the cute and sassy cat and the excellent use of mythical and magical creatures and monsters.

There were amazing plot twists and and emotional scenes. Its incredibly easy to connect with the story and the characters and when events in the book happen you can feel them the same way the characters do.

I very highly recommend Of bones and lilac. It is a very fun read and extremely enjoyable. Very hard to put down
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speechless!! Literally what can I say about this book that isn’t just omg a bunch!! First the art within the book is just so amazing like so detailed and just gorgeous it makes you fall in love with the characters just that much more with the character art scattered around especially in sincere moment just phenomenal. Then the actual plot of the book again omg it just grabs you from the start there’s no waiting around for the book to suck you in it just does from the start instantly into the journey!! I absolutely adored Toad the cat as a character and just love to see a little side kick to the main characters and the banter created but also how wise and guideful Toad was! The characters especially Lehlia (FMC) show so much grows through the story because the character arcs are just amazing, and she’s not and damsel in distress saved by Noxus (MMC) like you see in some fantasy romance books she is her own hero and is so strong standing on her own brave as anything to take this journey. And with no spoilers that plot twist is not something I saw coming at all!!! Overall I just feel In love with these characters from chapter one Tayloranne has done phenomenal work here!!

[BookieMille · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received as an ARC
This story wasn’t bad I just dont think it was for me, I did not quite understand the purpose of the story and I will not be reading it again so that’s why I can only leave 3 stars.

So we follow Noxus and Lehlia on their journey to find Lehlia’s brother. From start you get the feeling that Noxus knows Lehlia from before and that he is hiding things - these things gets unraveled through the story.
They walk and experience different things through this walk, they meet people and creatures.
It felt like a very long walk with them having so huge emotions that did not make sense because she did not know him but still she had some feelings for him and then got really mad. I don’t know it just did not get me.
The thing I loved in this story was all the drawings that where in each chapter. I cannot see things when I read so it was a huge bonus to see what the author had in mind with the caracters and creatures in the story.
So as I said, the story was not bad, it just wasn’t anything for me. I do hope that it will find it’s readers that will love the huge work that was put into this story with all the beautiful drawings.

[Kylee Ball · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the ARC!

4.25 ⭐️
0🌶️
This story felt whimsical. The writing was lyrical and sweet even though it’s high fantasy. The FMC has a toxic positivity issue, and I do think that could’ve been explored a little more, but it was very well demonstrated and you definitely got the point. A masked MMC?? Of course! He was so mysterious and I was always curious to know more about him. The romance is definitely a subplot, which was what this book needed. It wouldn’t have made sense otherwise. The bonded cat was perfect. I want him. I really enjoyed the illustrations throughout! I smiled every time one came up. It helped connect to the characters just a little bit more and showed insight to the author’s vision.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! The plot was very intriguing and even though it was a standalone and fairly short, the world felt well built and explored.
I cannot end this review without commenting on the afterword. Taylor, you are a warrior and I admire your strength. You have an incredible story and it really touched me even though you only shared it through a couple of pages. You are an inspiration.

[Susan Stover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one! It had magic, mystery, adventure, darker moments, and just enough romance without the romance taking over the entire story.

Lehlia was such an interesting character to follow. She has been through so much and is still dealing with everything she lost, but when her brother goes missing, she refuses to just sit back. I loved watching her grow throughout the story and slowly realize that losing her magic didn't mean she lost who she was.

Then we have Noxus, who is Dark, mysterious, masked, and hiding things... so of course I needed to know EVERYTHING about him. I really enjoyed the dynamic between him and Lehlia and how their story slowly unfolded.

But I have to mention Toad because that cat was easily one of my favorite parts of the book. His attitude and comments added some much-needed humor during the darker parts of the story.

There were definitely moments where I thought I had things figured out, only for the story to make me question myself again. The ending?!  I won't spoil anything, but it definitely made the journey worth it.

I definitely recommend giving **Of Bones and Lilac** a try! To the TRB it goes!

[Jersey B Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of Bones and Lilac was an amazing story. I'm usually not a fantasy reader, but this book had me hooked. Noxus and all his secrets and Lehlia with all her struggles were the perfect MC's. The journey through the story show's how our views on things can change and how people can change.

Learn that everything isn't so black and white. Ask questions and form an opinion, but accepting that your opinion may change. Lehlia asked the questions, but without the full answers, she's left to come up with the rest on her own. Communication is definitely important.

Secrets are dangerous. Secrets hurt people. Intentions don't matter to when feelings come into the equation.

Toad the cat has to be my favorite cat ever. Snarky and sweet and full of personality. Was definitely rude, but also sweet. All of the characters were really diverse and added important parts to the plot. Character growth off the charts!

This story would be great for a younger audience as well. I know teenager me would have loved it back then too!

[Holly Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss+ for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Of Bones and Lilac is a slow-burn fantasy that ultimately delivers a massive payoff, even if the road to get there is a bit rocky.

The world-building relies very heavily on long descriptions and inaction, which made the middle sections drag, and I found myself wishing the dialogue was much snappier to help break up the dense, descriptive text blocks. Additionally, the ending felt incredibly rushed given how much time was spent setting up the plot earlier on.

However, the character work really saved the experience for me. I enjoyed Lehlia as the protagonist, Toad was highly entertaining, and Pavel was an absolute highlight and a joy to follow whenever he was on the page. While I thoroughly enjoyed the main journey, I do wish we had gotten more backstory regarding Lehlia’s brother, Ashton, as his history felt like a missed narrative opportunity.

Ultimately, the stunning late plot twist revealing Noxus’ story was easily the best part of the book and salvaged the ending.