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Of Bones and Lilac
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?
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?
326 pages, Paperback
Published September 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
October 4, 2026
Such a fun gothic fantasy with the perfect mix of spooky, whimsical, and cozy. The world building was beautifully done without drowning me in descriptions, and the illustrations throughout were such a cool touch. Noxus was easily a favorite—I loved the mysterious mask and shadows mixed with how emotional he actually was. And Toad? A sarcastic talking cat with zero interest in being helpful? Obviously he stole the show. I never fully connected with Lehlia, and this definitely felt more YA than truly dark fantasy to me, but I still really enjoyed the magic, atmosphere, and characters. A unique, beautifully written read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had to take a day to reflect on exactly what I wanted to say about this book. First, I want to thank the author for providing me with an ARC and the opportunity to share my thoughts. MILD SPOILERS in this review ahead to fully understand my 3 star rating.
While I did not exactly dislike Of Bones and Lilac, I didn't love it either. That said, I genuinely think I could have loved it with some additional developments and polish.
One of the things that worked exceptionally well for me was the descriptive writing. The prose for the world around our characters is lush and vivid. The action scenes in particular were incredibly visceral and detailed, and I often felt completely immersed in what was happening. There is a real strength here in the author's ability to make the physical aspects of the story feel immediate and tangible.
I also absolutely adored the original artwork illustrated throughout the book. The illustrations added another layer of whimsy to the story and helped me visualize the characters and certain scenes in a way that complemented the writing beautifully. They were a lovely addition and gave the book a distinctive visual quality that I really appreciated.
Where I struggled more was with the dialogue and character development. The dialogue often felt stilted and didn't always have the depth necessary to make the characters feel fully developed. The group dynamic seemed to happen primarily off-page rather than through the characters' interactions with one another, which made it difficult for me to become invested in those relationships.
At one point early on, Lehlia openly tells Noxus that she doesn't like him and then a few pages later she is hurt and saying, "I thought we were friends." She often gets angry out of nowhere and it rarely explored as to why she has these explosive moments. Pavel suddenly asks her out at one point, but it didn't feel as though he was actually interested in her up until that point. The brother that started the journey feels like a throwaway character at the end as there's barely any interaction with him beyond being a mechanism to force her to leave her home.
I also felt that the worldbuilding needed more depth. It isn't absent, but I frequently found myself with questions about how certain aspects of the world worked. For example, I still don't fully understand what the Durain/Lurain are. I understand that they are some kind of zombie-like beings, but I was left wondering how they become familiars and how these animals suddenly acquire the ability to speak. These concepts felt like they needed more explanation for me to fully understand and appreciate the world.
Another issue for me was the marketing/genre label. This book is labeled as a "Dark Fantasy Romance," but I didn't find much darkness or romance in the story. To me, this felt much more like a straightforward fantasy. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, but the label set up an expectation for a very different reading experience. I went into the book expecting a darker fantasy with a stronger romantic element, and that simply wasn't what I found.
There were also some developmental editing issues that occasionally made the story confusing. One example involved the FMC's cat familiar. On one page, she breaks her bond with the familiar, but a few pages later she is still hugging him and talking about him being wrapped around her arms. Then, a couple of pages later, Pavel asks where her familiar is, and she says that she set him free. I actually had to go back and reread those sections because I thought I had somehow missed the familiar returning (but he did not).
I also struggled to understand why the FMC had a familiar in the first place when she was so traumatized by and strongly opposed to the Durain/Lurain. Her familiar didn't ultimately seem to contribute much to the story beyond being the one character she consistently spent time talking to. I think there was an opportunity there to make the familiar much more meaningful to her character arc and to the larger story.
Interestingly, the character who felt the most developed to me was Noxus. I really appreciated his motives and backstory, and I found myself much more invested in understanding him than I was in some of the other characters. However, I also struggled with the ending. I don't personally consider this a HEA because Noxus ultimately returns to the Council that has essentially enslaved him, and there isn't a clear or satisfying plan established for his future with Lehlia. Given the book's classification as a romance, I expected more resolution in that relationship.
Overall, I would describe this as a sweet fantasy with a lot of potential. I could actually see recommending it to some of my high school students, particularly students who enjoy fantasy but aren't necessarily looking for a darker or romance-heavy story. I think a lot of them would enjoy the premise and action.
For adult fantasy readers, though, I think this story could become exceptional with more depth in the character development, worldbuilding, relationships, and overall developmental editing. There is a strong foundation here, and I would be interested to see what the story could become with another round of polishing and expansion.
While I did not exactly dislike Of Bones and Lilac, I didn't love it either. That said, I genuinely think I could have loved it with some additional developments and polish.
One of the things that worked exceptionally well for me was the descriptive writing. The prose for the world around our characters is lush and vivid. The action scenes in particular were incredibly visceral and detailed, and I often felt completely immersed in what was happening. There is a real strength here in the author's ability to make the physical aspects of the story feel immediate and tangible.
I also absolutely adored the original artwork illustrated throughout the book. The illustrations added another layer of whimsy to the story and helped me visualize the characters and certain scenes in a way that complemented the writing beautifully. They were a lovely addition and gave the book a distinctive visual quality that I really appreciated.
Where I struggled more was with the dialogue and character development. The dialogue often felt stilted and didn't always have the depth necessary to make the characters feel fully developed. The group dynamic seemed to happen primarily off-page rather than through the characters' interactions with one another, which made it difficult for me to become invested in those relationships.
At one point early on, Lehlia openly tells Noxus that she doesn't like him and then a few pages later she is hurt and saying, "I thought we were friends." She often gets angry out of nowhere and it rarely explored as to why she has these explosive moments. Pavel suddenly asks her out at one point, but it didn't feel as though he was actually interested in her up until that point. The brother that started the journey feels like a throwaway character at the end as there's barely any interaction with him beyond being a mechanism to force her to leave her home.
I also felt that the worldbuilding needed more depth. It isn't absent, but I frequently found myself with questions about how certain aspects of the world worked. For example, I still don't fully understand what the Durain/Lurain are. I understand that they are some kind of zombie-like beings, but I was left wondering how they become familiars and how these animals suddenly acquire the ability to speak. These concepts felt like they needed more explanation for me to fully understand and appreciate the world.
Another issue for me was the marketing/genre label. This book is labeled as a "Dark Fantasy Romance," but I didn't find much darkness or romance in the story. To me, this felt much more like a straightforward fantasy. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, but the label set up an expectation for a very different reading experience. I went into the book expecting a darker fantasy with a stronger romantic element, and that simply wasn't what I found.
There were also some developmental editing issues that occasionally made the story confusing. One example involved the FMC's cat familiar. On one page, she breaks her bond with the familiar, but a few pages later she is still hugging him and talking about him being wrapped around her arms. Then, a couple of pages later, Pavel asks where her familiar is, and she says that she set him free. I actually had to go back and reread those sections because I thought I had somehow missed the familiar returning (but he did not).
I also struggled to understand why the FMC had a familiar in the first place when she was so traumatized by and strongly opposed to the Durain/Lurain. Her familiar didn't ultimately seem to contribute much to the story beyond being the one character she consistently spent time talking to. I think there was an opportunity there to make the familiar much more meaningful to her character arc and to the larger story.
Interestingly, the character who felt the most developed to me was Noxus. I really appreciated his motives and backstory, and I found myself much more invested in understanding him than I was in some of the other characters. However, I also struggled with the ending. I don't personally consider this a HEA because Noxus ultimately returns to the Council that has essentially enslaved him, and there isn't a clear or satisfying plan established for his future with Lehlia. Given the book's classification as a romance, I expected more resolution in that relationship.
Overall, I would describe this as a sweet fantasy with a lot of potential. I could actually see recommending it to some of my high school students, particularly students who enjoy fantasy but aren't necessarily looking for a darker or romance-heavy story. I think a lot of them would enjoy the premise and action.
For adult fantasy readers, though, I think this story could become exceptional with more depth in the character development, worldbuilding, relationships, and overall developmental editing. There is a strong foundation here, and I would be interested to see what the story could become with another round of polishing and expansion.
September 28, 2026
Review of Advanced Reading Copy received from the author.
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5 Stars) — The Perfect Gothic, Slow-Burn Autumn Read!
If you are looking for a book with immaculate spooky-season vibes, a unique magic system, and a talking animal sidekick that will absolutely steal your heart, Of Bones and Lilac by Tayloranne Worley needs to be on your TBR immediately!
This standalone dark fantasy completely swept me away with its atmosphere.
It is the perfect blend of cozy, whimsical, and genuinely dark gothic elements.
What I Absolutely Loved: Toad the Cat: Let’s be real, Lehlia's sharp-tongued, sarcastic talking cat entirely stole the show.
His commentary on how everyone smells and his absolute refusal to be a helpful companion provided the perfect comedic relief to a dark story.
The Magic System & Dynamic: I loved the contrast between Lehlia (a former alchemist completely stripped of her mana due to past trauma) and Noxus (a mysterious, masked investigator wielding wretched shadow and necromancy powers).
The Stunning Interior Art: Reading an E-copy of this book is an experience!
Tayloranne Worley illustrated the chapters herself, and the artwork brings the dark, whimsical world to life beautifully!
The Yearning: This is a no-spice, slow-burn romance, but the emotional pining and trust-building between two incredibly broken, morally gray characters was so well done. The "touch her and die" protective energy was peak.
A Few Caveats:If you are going into this expecting a heavy, high-spice "romantasy," you might want to adjust your expectations.
This reads much more like a dark fantasy quest and mystery focused on trauma, self-forgiveness, and uncovering a dark organization.
The romance is definitely secondary to the plot, but honestly, it made the emotional payoff feel so much more earned.
The Verdict:A beautiful, atmospheric standalone with incredible mental health and chronic illness subtext (handled so gracefully by the author).
Highly recommend for fans of gothic fantasies, dark academia aesthetics, and slow-burn mysteries!
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5 Stars) — The Perfect Gothic, Slow-Burn Autumn Read!
If you are looking for a book with immaculate spooky-season vibes, a unique magic system, and a talking animal sidekick that will absolutely steal your heart, Of Bones and Lilac by Tayloranne Worley needs to be on your TBR immediately!
This standalone dark fantasy completely swept me away with its atmosphere.
It is the perfect blend of cozy, whimsical, and genuinely dark gothic elements.
What I Absolutely Loved: Toad the Cat: Let’s be real, Lehlia's sharp-tongued, sarcastic talking cat entirely stole the show.
His commentary on how everyone smells and his absolute refusal to be a helpful companion provided the perfect comedic relief to a dark story.
The Magic System & Dynamic: I loved the contrast between Lehlia (a former alchemist completely stripped of her mana due to past trauma) and Noxus (a mysterious, masked investigator wielding wretched shadow and necromancy powers).
The Stunning Interior Art: Reading an E-copy of this book is an experience!
Tayloranne Worley illustrated the chapters herself, and the artwork brings the dark, whimsical world to life beautifully!
The Yearning: This is a no-spice, slow-burn romance, but the emotional pining and trust-building between two incredibly broken, morally gray characters was so well done. The "touch her and die" protective energy was peak.
A Few Caveats:If you are going into this expecting a heavy, high-spice "romantasy," you might want to adjust your expectations.
This reads much more like a dark fantasy quest and mystery focused on trauma, self-forgiveness, and uncovering a dark organization.
The romance is definitely secondary to the plot, but honestly, it made the emotional payoff feel so much more earned.
The Verdict:A beautiful, atmospheric standalone with incredible mental health and chronic illness subtext (handled so gracefully by the author).
Highly recommend for fans of gothic fantasies, dark academia aesthetics, and slow-burn mysteries!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved the lush world building in this book. I could see everything! I could feel what the characters were feeling physically and mentally. I loved the representation of the FMC along with the rest of the characters. They all had lots of depth and problems that they had to deal with. They learned how to forgive and trust one another. What I took from this book was that not everything is black & white, there are grey areas...and that we should give people grace. Loved it! I can't wait to read her other works now
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Tayloranne for the arc. One of the things I love about her writing is her almost lyrical descriptions in her books. This one had aspects of that and I enjoyed the moments of vivid detail. Pavil a secondary character was my favorite and right behind him was Toad who's a talking cat but I have a soft spot for animal companions. I wasnt a fan of the fmc. I wanted to love her but just didnt. I liked the mmc. He was reminding me a bit of Riker from Starside with the whole mask thing and I really enjoyed how emotional Noxus the mmc was throughout the book. He wasn't afraid to show his emotions and that he was affected. This book was really giving strong Ya vibes. Im not opposed to YA but it felt like it would make a great novel for a 12 year old. It is not dark at all in my opinion. The author had illustrations through out the book that made it feel more like a children's books to me or early teens. I recommend this book for young readers between the age range of 11 and 15. I think they'd thoroughly enjoy it.
September 26, 2026
Of Bones and Lilac
ARC Review
3.75/5 Stars
Tayloranne created a world with interesting characters and unique creatures. The world was whimsical and descriptive while being easy to follow. I did find myself wishing for a little more world building, but I’m hoping we get more in the next book.
I enjoyed the quick chapters and the beautiful artwork throughout the book that was created by Tayloranne. The illustrations really added so much to the story.
Toad the cat was my favorite character! He is our FMC Lehlia’s animal familiar. He added so many fun moments to the story.
The pacing was a bit slow at times, but I still enjoyed the overall story. It also read more like a fantasy rather than a dark fantasy romance.
Tayloranne's own personal journey added at the end of the book was very touching.
Thank you Tayloranne for the eARC of Of Bones and Lilac. I’m excited to see where Lehlia and Noxus’s story goes next.
ARC Review
3.75/5 Stars
Tayloranne created a world with interesting characters and unique creatures. The world was whimsical and descriptive while being easy to follow. I did find myself wishing for a little more world building, but I’m hoping we get more in the next book.
I enjoyed the quick chapters and the beautiful artwork throughout the book that was created by Tayloranne. The illustrations really added so much to the story.
Toad the cat was my favorite character! He is our FMC Lehlia’s animal familiar. He added so many fun moments to the story.
The pacing was a bit slow at times, but I still enjoyed the overall story. It also read more like a fantasy rather than a dark fantasy romance.
Tayloranne's own personal journey added at the end of the book was very touching.
Thank you Tayloranne for the eARC of Of Bones and Lilac. I’m excited to see where Lehlia and Noxus’s story goes next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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!
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!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2026
I did not connect well with this story. I was confused from the beginning, and just did not connect with the story or the characters. This is not due to the writing, though. I did like the illustrations throughout the book because that brought Taylor's visions to life and helped me understand what she was wanting the reader to see.
If you are a romantasy reader who likes books about alchemy, mages, and magic, you will love this book. I was just not the intended audience for this book.
Thank you Taylor for the e-ARC, and for allowing me the opportunity to be introduced to Noxus & Lehlia.
If you are a romantasy reader who likes books about alchemy, mages, and magic, you will love this book. I was just not the intended audience for this book.
Thank you Taylor for the e-ARC, and for allowing me the opportunity to be introduced to Noxus & Lehlia.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
August 19, 2026
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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from Author
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…❤️🩹
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…❤️🩹
Review of advance copy received from Author
Firstly I want to say thank you so much to Tayloranne for providing me with the arc of this book.
Of Lilac & Bones was one of those books where I could see what it was trying to do, but unfortunately it never quite managed to pull me fully into the story.
I really liked the concept & there was enough mystery early on to make me curious about where everything was going, especially when it came to Noxus. The artwork throughout the book was also such a gorgeous touch & definitely added something special to the reading experience!
There were some really vivid moments too, particularly when things got more action packed. The writing could be incredibly descriptive when it came to the setting & what was happening around the characters, which helped me picture certain scenes really well.
Where I struggled was with the characters & the way their relationships developed. I often found myself wanting more from their interactions, as some of the emotional shifts didn't feel fully built up for me. There were also quite a few parts where I had questions about the world or certain things happening within it, which made it harder for me to feel completely grounded in the story. The Durain/Lurain were probably one of the biggest examples of this for me. I understood the general idea of what they were, but I still had quite a few questions about how they worked, some of the rules surrounding them. I think having more explanation around these aspects would have helped me understand the world a lot better.
The pacing was a bit hit or miss for me as well. I was really interested at the beginning, but I found the middle started to drag & my attention wandered. Things did become more interesting again towards the end, with some of the reveals helping to bring everything together, although I did guess the big reveal quite early on.
I also think I went into this with the wrong expectations. With it being marketed as a dark fantasy romance, I was expecting something darker & a stronger romantic storyline, whereas this felt much more like a fantasy adventure with romance playing a smaller role, it is a YA however & definitely reads as one, so if this is your type of book then I think you will thoroughly enjoy it.
There is definitely a creative idea at the heart of this book, & I can see why it will work for some readers. For me, though, I needed a little more from the characters, the world & the relationships to really become invested.
A solid 3 for me, there were things I enjoyed, but it ultimately didn't quite hit the mark I was hoping for.
Of Lilac & Bones was one of those books where I could see what it was trying to do, but unfortunately it never quite managed to pull me fully into the story.
I really liked the concept & there was enough mystery early on to make me curious about where everything was going, especially when it came to Noxus. The artwork throughout the book was also such a gorgeous touch & definitely added something special to the reading experience!
There were some really vivid moments too, particularly when things got more action packed. The writing could be incredibly descriptive when it came to the setting & what was happening around the characters, which helped me picture certain scenes really well.
Where I struggled was with the characters & the way their relationships developed. I often found myself wanting more from their interactions, as some of the emotional shifts didn't feel fully built up for me. There were also quite a few parts where I had questions about the world or certain things happening within it, which made it harder for me to feel completely grounded in the story. The Durain/Lurain were probably one of the biggest examples of this for me. I understood the general idea of what they were, but I still had quite a few questions about how they worked, some of the rules surrounding them. I think having more explanation around these aspects would have helped me understand the world a lot better.
The pacing was a bit hit or miss for me as well. I was really interested at the beginning, but I found the middle started to drag & my attention wandered. Things did become more interesting again towards the end, with some of the reveals helping to bring everything together, although I did guess the big reveal quite early on.
I also think I went into this with the wrong expectations. With it being marketed as a dark fantasy romance, I was expecting something darker & a stronger romantic storyline, whereas this felt much more like a fantasy adventure with romance playing a smaller role, it is a YA however & definitely reads as one, so if this is your type of book then I think you will thoroughly enjoy it.
There is definitely a creative idea at the heart of this book, & I can see why it will work for some readers. For me, though, I needed a little more from the characters, the world & the relationships to really become invested.
A solid 3 for me, there were things I enjoyed, but it ultimately didn't quite hit the mark I was hoping for.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First of, thank you Author Tayloranne Worley for making me one of her ARC members it was an honor, truly❤️
There are some books you finish and immediately know you need a minute before you can properly talk about them. Of Bones and Lilac was one of those books for me.
This story has such a haunting atmosphere, but what really stayed with me was the emotional depth. Beneath the fantasy, mystery, and romance, there’s so much grief, trauma, forgiveness, and healing woven into the characters and their choices.
Noxus and Lehlia’s relationship especially kept me invested. There’s so much tension, uncertainty, and emotion between them, and I loved that their relationship wasn’t just about the romance. It made me question what I thought I understood about certain characters more than once.
And the atmosphere??? The rain, lilacs, masks, magic, and those two moons created such a beautiful, almost eerie world. It felt dark without losing its sense of hope.
I obviously cannot say too much because the less you know going in, the better. There are things in this book that deserve to be experienced rather than explained.
If you enjoy fantasy with romance, mystery, emotional complexity, and characters who are much more complicated than they first appear, Of Bones and Lilac is definitely one to put on your list.
I went in expecting one thing and came out thinking about something completely different.
And one more thing I wished there was some certain level of yearning from Noxus there was but I expected more and the love confession too💕❤️
There are some books you finish and immediately know you need a minute before you can properly talk about them. Of Bones and Lilac was one of those books for me.
This story has such a haunting atmosphere, but what really stayed with me was the emotional depth. Beneath the fantasy, mystery, and romance, there’s so much grief, trauma, forgiveness, and healing woven into the characters and their choices.
Noxus and Lehlia’s relationship especially kept me invested. There’s so much tension, uncertainty, and emotion between them, and I loved that their relationship wasn’t just about the romance. It made me question what I thought I understood about certain characters more than once.
And the atmosphere??? The rain, lilacs, masks, magic, and those two moons created such a beautiful, almost eerie world. It felt dark without losing its sense of hope.
I obviously cannot say too much because the less you know going in, the better. There are things in this book that deserve to be experienced rather than explained.
If you enjoy fantasy with romance, mystery, emotional complexity, and characters who are much more complicated than they first appear, Of Bones and Lilac is definitely one to put on your list.
I went in expecting one thing and came out thinking about something completely different.
And one more thing I wished there was some certain level of yearning from Noxus there was but I expected more and the love confession too💕❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2026
Of Bone and Lilac was such a beautiful, atmospheric fantasy read. I really loved the dark, almost gothic feel of the story and the way the magic, mystery and emotional aspects all came together.
Lehlia was a character I enjoyed following, especially seeing her deal with everything she's lost while trying to uncover the truth about her brother. Noxus was also such an intriguing character. The mystery surrounding him kept me guessing, and I definitely wanted to know more about him and his past.
One of my favorite things about this book was the atmosphere. The descriptions, the magic, the creatures, and even the little illustrations throughout the book made the world feel unique. it also made me wan to keep reading so I can see an image of what I just read. And I HAVE to mention Toad because a sarcastic talking cat is always going to be a highlight.. Cats are sassy so it just made sense and I loved that haha
The pacing is easy to follow I would have oved to learn more about the magic system and the world but I know we'll get more of that in book 2. I enjoyed the relationship and emotional tension between the characters.
Overall this was a creative, emotional, and atmospheric fantasy with a lot of hear, it has that perfect rainy day/ fall reading feel, and I can definitely see myself rereading this book and revisiting this world in future books <3
Lehlia was a character I enjoyed following, especially seeing her deal with everything she's lost while trying to uncover the truth about her brother. Noxus was also such an intriguing character. The mystery surrounding him kept me guessing, and I definitely wanted to know more about him and his past.
One of my favorite things about this book was the atmosphere. The descriptions, the magic, the creatures, and even the little illustrations throughout the book made the world feel unique. it also made me wan to keep reading so I can see an image of what I just read. And I HAVE to mention Toad because a sarcastic talking cat is always going to be a highlight.. Cats are sassy so it just made sense and I loved that haha
The pacing is easy to follow I would have oved to learn more about the magic system and the world but I know we'll get more of that in book 2. I enjoyed the relationship and emotional tension between the characters.
Overall this was a creative, emotional, and atmospheric fantasy with a lot of hear, it has that perfect rainy day/ fall reading feel, and I can definitely see myself rereading this book and revisiting this world in future books <3
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5 ⭐⭐⭐
I really wanted to love Lilac and Bones. The concept is strong and the world-building is detailed, imaginative and full of interesting possibilities. Unfortunately, the writing style made it difficult for me to fully settle into the story.
Tayloranne Worley’s prose is whimsical, descriptive, and almost fairytale-like. It’s easy to read and gives the book a distinct personality but as someone who reads a lot of fantasy and romantasy, I found it a little too simple at times. The pacing also felt slower than I expected, which made it harder for me to stay fully invested.
That said, I can absolutely see this working for readers who enjoy clean fantasy, rich world-building, fairytale-inspired storytelling and a more whimsical writing style. I think this would be especially appealing to younger adult readers or anyone looking for a softer, less romance-focused fantasy experience.
I also struggled with Toad, the talking cat familiar. I think he was meant to be sarcastic and dryly funny, but his personality often came across as abrasive and at times his comments felt more unkind than amusing.
For me, the concept and world had a lot of potential but the writing style and pacing kept this from being the reading experience I hoped for.
I really wanted to love Lilac and Bones. The concept is strong and the world-building is detailed, imaginative and full of interesting possibilities. Unfortunately, the writing style made it difficult for me to fully settle into the story.
Tayloranne Worley’s prose is whimsical, descriptive, and almost fairytale-like. It’s easy to read and gives the book a distinct personality but as someone who reads a lot of fantasy and romantasy, I found it a little too simple at times. The pacing also felt slower than I expected, which made it harder for me to stay fully invested.
That said, I can absolutely see this working for readers who enjoy clean fantasy, rich world-building, fairytale-inspired storytelling and a more whimsical writing style. I think this would be especially appealing to younger adult readers or anyone looking for a softer, less romance-focused fantasy experience.
I also struggled with Toad, the talking cat familiar. I think he was meant to be sarcastic and dryly funny, but his personality often came across as abrasive and at times his comments felt more unkind than amusing.
For me, the concept and world had a lot of potential but the writing style and pacing kept this from being the reading experience I hoped for.
September 22, 2026
First off I want to say thank you so much to the author for granting me an ARC copy of this book. This is a very anticipated Read for me as I think I signed up for the ARC back in April.
Overall, I did really like this book. It was a different type of Read for me.
At first for me, the book was kind of hard to connect with, but I think the last hundred to 150 pages was where everything tied together and I really was able to give it the rating it deserved.
Both main characters have so much trauma and coping mechanisms to go along with that.
I connected with Nox the most for sure I felt as if he didn’t think he deserved anything good I feel that way about myself a lot so I understood him as a character.
Lehlia on the other hand was harder for me to understand and I think that was because I don’t share her “ coping mechanisms”
I felt she was really overly positive in a situation that I think needed a sense of urgency or higher stakes. And that was a little hard for me to grasp at first
The world building and lyrical/whimsical writing in this book. I did love I wasn’t necessarily expecting it at first, but as the book went on, I did thoroughly enjoy it. Some chapters were better than others in that sense as some super to the point and other others were more lyrical.
The romance subplot I loved the interaction between the two characters so much.
The side characters totally have My Heart ,I loved them so much and they added such a cute element to the story. Toad was my favorite. I’ve loved his relationship with Lehlia.
Overall, I think this book was very well written, and after reading the afterword I am even more impressed
I would definitely read anything at this author wrote in the form of an autobiography because man she is a warrior.
Overall, I did really like this book. It was a different type of Read for me.
At first for me, the book was kind of hard to connect with, but I think the last hundred to 150 pages was where everything tied together and I really was able to give it the rating it deserved.
Both main characters have so much trauma and coping mechanisms to go along with that.
I connected with Nox the most for sure I felt as if he didn’t think he deserved anything good I feel that way about myself a lot so I understood him as a character.
Lehlia on the other hand was harder for me to understand and I think that was because I don’t share her “ coping mechanisms”
I felt she was really overly positive in a situation that I think needed a sense of urgency or higher stakes. And that was a little hard for me to grasp at first
The world building and lyrical/whimsical writing in this book. I did love I wasn’t necessarily expecting it at first, but as the book went on, I did thoroughly enjoy it. Some chapters were better than others in that sense as some super to the point and other others were more lyrical.
The romance subplot I loved the interaction between the two characters so much.
The side characters totally have My Heart ,I loved them so much and they added such a cute element to the story. Toad was my favorite. I’ve loved his relationship with Lehlia.
Overall, I think this book was very well written, and after reading the afterword I am even more impressed
I would definitely read anything at this author wrote in the form of an autobiography because man she is a warrior.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Tayloranne really does a wonderful job at creating detailed and interesting scenes. The characters are well written as well, but the relationships between the characters felt a little dull at times.
Lehlia struggles with coping losing her inner mana and has resorted to alchemy to use magic now. There were times I that I was confused, but that was the point, because Lehlia also struggles with reality at times. A good example for this was after she released Toad, then the next chapter she says she was squishing him. I took a minute to double check that she did in fact let him go.
Noxus was also confusing to me at times I was always questioning his draw and feelings to Lehlia. I was wondering how could he be so concerned about how Lehlia felt about him, why did that matter? It made sense after the truth was reveled. It was a twist that I wasn't expecting but after I read it all the pieces fell into place.
While I did love the story, a few things fell a little flat for me. One major thing that didn't work for me was the relationships between the characters lacked depth. They didn't seem to really connect or care for one another even though they were all risking their lives for this mission. The emotions the characters were going through didn't feel authentic, I think because of that I didn't connect with the characters much at all. The few moments that stood out and made me feel anything were when Noxus was reveled to be Eric and when Pavel died.
The other thing that I wish we had more info on was the Durian creatures. I understood the concept of them, but there wasn't much information really about them. I wish there was more clarification on that.
The authors note was so sad to read, but I'm happy that Tayloranne found something that gave her joy again!
Overall it was a very entertaining read with some plot twists and a epic fantasy feel. There were some things that didn't work well for me personally, but it was still a very good read nonetheless.
Lehlia struggles with coping losing her inner mana and has resorted to alchemy to use magic now. There were times I that I was confused, but that was the point, because Lehlia also struggles with reality at times. A good example for this was after she released Toad, then the next chapter she says she was squishing him. I took a minute to double check that she did in fact let him go.
Noxus was also confusing to me at times I was always questioning his draw and feelings to Lehlia. I was wondering how could he be so concerned about how Lehlia felt about him, why did that matter? It made sense after the truth was reveled. It was a twist that I wasn't expecting but after I read it all the pieces fell into place.
While I did love the story, a few things fell a little flat for me. One major thing that didn't work for me was the relationships between the characters lacked depth. They didn't seem to really connect or care for one another even though they were all risking their lives for this mission. The emotions the characters were going through didn't feel authentic, I think because of that I didn't connect with the characters much at all. The few moments that stood out and made me feel anything were when Noxus was reveled to be Eric and when Pavel died.
The other thing that I wish we had more info on was the Durian creatures. I understood the concept of them, but there wasn't much information really about them. I wish there was more clarification on that.
The authors note was so sad to read, but I'm happy that Tayloranne found something that gave her joy again!
Overall it was a very entertaining read with some plot twists and a epic fantasy feel. There were some things that didn't work well for me personally, but it was still a very good read nonetheless.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2026
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!
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!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2026
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for reaching out to me and giving me a chance to read an advanced copy of this book!
The beginning of the book would hook you to Leila's cozy world and the mysterious Noxus, their sweetly awkward encounter, and this very sassy cat. But to me, the enchantment stopped there. Leila suddenly became like a child with tantrums, and my heart went to poor Noxus who was trying his best to be this gallant savior.
I honestly didn't understand the addition of the third character. It seemed that he was supposed to be a love triangle interest, then his role was changed and it seemed blurry to me.
I did like the magic system, especially when Leila was doing the saving. I wanted to see more of that.
Overall, an exciting new fantasy book for newbies like me!
The beginning of the book would hook you to Leila's cozy world and the mysterious Noxus, their sweetly awkward encounter, and this very sassy cat. But to me, the enchantment stopped there. Leila suddenly became like a child with tantrums, and my heart went to poor Noxus who was trying his best to be this gallant savior.
I honestly didn't understand the addition of the third character. It seemed that he was supposed to be a love triangle interest, then his role was changed and it seemed blurry to me.
I did like the magic system, especially when Leila was doing the saving. I wanted to see more of that.
Overall, an exciting new fantasy book for newbies like me!
October 23, 2026
The concept of the book is about a girl who hires someone from the Magical counsel to help her find her brother that has gone missing. As they go on this journey they battle multiple groups and many secrets sit between them that make getting along very difficult. There were times I got a bit confused about what was going on in the story and it was super slow paced. The story itself and concept was interesting and can be good, but I think the book needs some more fine tuning to grow it to where it could be. The descriptions were simpler, and I think it could use more detail and imagery. I did enjoy the afterward and thought that gave the book more character and connection.
September 13, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up for goodreads
This was a cozy, atmospheric fantasy read. My favorite character was Toad the cat, but I’m a sucker for black cats in books this time of year. Especially talking ones with sassy remarks.
I did struggle getting into the world and feeling connected to the main characters, but that’s my only major complaint! Speaking of characters, I love how this book featured art throughout. More books need this!!
Thank you to Taylor the author for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review. Congrats on your book!
This was a cozy, atmospheric fantasy read. My favorite character was Toad the cat, but I’m a sucker for black cats in books this time of year. Especially talking ones with sassy remarks.
I did struggle getting into the world and feeling connected to the main characters, but that’s my only major complaint! Speaking of characters, I love how this book featured art throughout. More books need this!!
Thank you to Taylor the author for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review. Congrats on your book!
October 2, 2026
Of Bones and Lilac by Tayloranne 🖤💜
Okay, this was such a cute YA romantasy! ✨ And can we PLEASE talk about Toad?! A TWO-TAILED TALKING CAT with attitude?! 😭🐈⬛ He absolutely stole the show for me!
I did find myself wanting MORE. I was a little confused by some of the character development and felt like I needed more time with the characters to really understand their growth and motivations. But even with that, this was still such a fun, magical read!
Give me more Toad, more character development, and I’m in! 🐈⬛✨
Okay, this was such a cute YA romantasy! ✨ And can we PLEASE talk about Toad?! A TWO-TAILED TALKING CAT with attitude?! 😭🐈⬛ He absolutely stole the show for me!
I did find myself wanting MORE. I was a little confused by some of the character development and felt like I needed more time with the characters to really understand their growth and motivations. But even with that, this was still such a fun, magical read!
Give me more Toad, more character development, and I’m in! 🐈⬛✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arc review -
I really enjoyed learning more about the characters and their development throughout the book I feel like their layers kept me wanting to know about them.
One of my fave things about the book is the illustrations throughout, you don't see that much anymore and it helped with visualising the plot
Great atmosphere and a good book for a spooky season tbh.
I really enjoyed learning more about the characters and their development throughout the book I feel like their layers kept me wanting to know about them.
One of my fave things about the book is the illustrations throughout, you don't see that much anymore and it helped with visualising the plot
Great atmosphere and a good book for a spooky season tbh.
Review of advance copy received from Author
An amazing introduction to the romantasy genre, however I don’t think this book was for me. The characters fell a little flat for me, and the relationships were very cliche. There were some very creative uses of magic, however, that really drew me in. An amazing vibe if you’re into atmospheric reading.
Great pacing, amazing descriptions, but overall wasn’t my cup of tea. Support indie authors, people, check it out!
Great pacing, amazing descriptions, but overall wasn’t my cup of tea. Support indie authors, people, check it out!
September 29, 2026
Unfortunately, I am going to “DNF” at 37% and put this on my not right now shelf. I can’t seem to connect with the characters, and I feel some of the repetition so far is what makes me feel less invested. I did however like the darker magic concepts, Toad; the 2 tailed cat, and all the author’s hand drawn illustrations throughout the book.
September 30, 2026
I loved this book. I don't usually read about magic and fantasy. It was so good and interesting. I really loved the talking cat and her wanting to find her brother. Loved how she forgive people for lying to her.
October 9, 2026
Of Bones and Lilac
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tayloranne Worley
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy of this book.
I enjoyed the story and Toad stole the story for me. I did struggle at times but overall I enjoyed this dark fantasy and its unique elements.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tayloranne Worley
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy of this book.
I enjoyed the story and Toad stole the story for me. I did struggle at times but overall I enjoyed this dark fantasy and its unique elements.
Read
September 14, 2026This was a good book plot twist was well written and looking forward to more. No spoilers but This is a MUST read
September 4, 2026
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.
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