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Vessels of Wild Light
468 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 22, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thanks so much to the author for the gifted, advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts. All opinions are entirely my own. { partner }
My reviews and content can also be found on StoryGraph, on Instagram @Tackling_TBR, on TikTok @TacklingTBR and on my blog at tacklingtbr.home.blog.
TW: death/murder, murder of children, SA, gore
I have only really jumped into the fantasy genre in the last handful of years, and even still I usually stick within a more romantasy-focused lane, so this is a book that up until recently would have really intimidated me - but I'm so glad I was able to read it, because it was such an wonderful read!
I love the world that Ariel has created, the unique systems of magic at play, and getting to know the characters - some that I loved and some that I loved to hate.
My absolute standout parts of the book, though, were the descriptions of the vessels' shifting magic and how the new forms are revealed to them. I found myself so invested in what the unknown forms might be, what trait or emotion might bring them to the surface, and what I would like for my forms to be and to say about me if I were a part of this world.
I will also say, without giving any information or spoilers, that I want to get absolutely lost in the Turning Gardens. It sounds like such a gorgeous, hidden treasure. If you're allowed in, that is.
And the last thing I'll say - I can't possibly go without mentioning the art. Ariel is an amazing artist and created some GORGEOUS art for this book. There is art sprinkled throughout the book, and it truly adds a special level of magic to the pages.
My reviews and content can also be found on StoryGraph, on Instagram @Tackling_TBR, on TikTok @TacklingTBR and on my blog at tacklingtbr.home.blog.
TW: death/murder, murder of children, SA, gore
I have only really jumped into the fantasy genre in the last handful of years, and even still I usually stick within a more romantasy-focused lane, so this is a book that up until recently would have really intimidated me - but I'm so glad I was able to read it, because it was such an wonderful read!
I love the world that Ariel has created, the unique systems of magic at play, and getting to know the characters - some that I loved and some that I loved to hate.
My absolute standout parts of the book, though, were the descriptions of the vessels' shifting magic and how the new forms are revealed to them. I found myself so invested in what the unknown forms might be, what trait or emotion might bring them to the surface, and what I would like for my forms to be and to say about me if I were a part of this world.
I will also say, without giving any information or spoilers, that I want to get absolutely lost in the Turning Gardens. It sounds like such a gorgeous, hidden treasure. If you're allowed in, that is.
And the last thing I'll say - I can't possibly go without mentioning the art. Ariel is an amazing artist and created some GORGEOUS art for this book. There is art sprinkled throughout the book, and it truly adds a special level of magic to the pages.
September 23, 2026
Go to the Light…or the dark.
Being an avid reader, you’d think writing a review would come easily…maybe? Bear with me, it’s my first book review…
I honestly had a slow start falling into the story, but-
I thoroughly enjoyed Ariel’s telling of Emriss’ journey of not just magical discovery but also the journey of self discovery. The main characters introspective nature was so refreshing to read. There’s a deep connection made early on that is consistent throughout the book.
With a bit of a love triangle thrown in the mix, there’s some palpable tension at times between Emriss, Clayton and Rouge.
With the growing threat to humans, vessels and mages, they have to work through seemingly impossible odds to save everyone.
Overall, I enjoyed Vessels of Wild Light and I CANNOT wait for the sequel!
Being an avid reader, you’d think writing a review would come easily…maybe? Bear with me, it’s my first book review…
I honestly had a slow start falling into the story, but-
I thoroughly enjoyed Ariel’s telling of Emriss’ journey of not just magical discovery but also the journey of self discovery. The main characters introspective nature was so refreshing to read. There’s a deep connection made early on that is consistent throughout the book.
With a bit of a love triangle thrown in the mix, there’s some palpable tension at times between Emriss, Clayton and Rouge.
With the growing threat to humans, vessels and mages, they have to work through seemingly impossible odds to save everyone.
Overall, I enjoyed Vessels of Wild Light and I CANNOT wait for the sequel!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is a fantastic. 👏
I found Vessels Of Wild Light to be beautifully written, the characters had emotional depth that made them relatable and lovable (or despicable🤣). It was so easy to become immersed in the world Ariel created, and enamored with the unique magic systems at play. Shape shifting with magical vessels✨️ is a highlight for me.
Thank you to Ariel for providing me with an e- arc. ♥️
I found Vessels Of Wild Light to be beautifully written, the characters had emotional depth that made them relatable and lovable (or despicable🤣). It was so easy to become immersed in the world Ariel created, and enamored with the unique magic systems at play. Shape shifting with magical vessels✨️ is a highlight for me.
Thank you to Ariel for providing me with an e- arc. ♥️
September 25, 2026
This book is very descriptive and at times with things that seem a bit unnecessary. It was a slow start for me because of all those details - like a lot of time spent on history, complicated details, the various beings, etc and not a lot of time spent on the plot. About 100 pages in I finally felt like I was understanding what the “problem” was and it gave me something to follow. Ultimately I enjoyed the story once it got moving and am looking forward to the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I got to beta read this book! The story was such a beautiful world of magic with such an interesting magic world! Honestly there is a character for everyone! I know who I’m rooting for! I can’t wait to see where book 2 picks up!
Review of advance copy received from Author
It was a little slow going at first with a lot of details thrown at you so you could understand the characters and their back stories. There were a few times I was a little loss with the going back in time and present.
Once the story got to a certain point, it just took off. I like the aspect of discovering who you are and that capabilities one can have. The magic that comes too is the most unique I've seen/read about.
Let not forget about the beautiful art work that Ariel drew for her book. STUNNING!!!
Over all I enjoyed the story and I can't wait to see were book 2 takes us.
Thank you for the ARC 🩷
Once the story got to a certain point, it just took off. I like the aspect of discovering who you are and that capabilities one can have. The magic that comes too is the most unique I've seen/read about.
Let not forget about the beautiful art work that Ariel drew for her book. STUNNING!!!
Over all I enjoyed the story and I can't wait to see were book 2 takes us.
Thank you for the ARC 🩷
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews