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Pantheon
Vivienne Ho does not exist.
For five years the most composed woman in any Hong Kong boardroom has been a face Circe puts on by hand before seven each morning, and a life built so completely it became real to the woman wearing it.
Circe used to kill for a living, for a private house in Geneva, and she walked away from it six years ago. This is the season the house puts half a billion dollars on her head and every contractor in her old trade starts looking.
Damien Tang loses a container terminal to her on a Thursday and wants her by the weekend. His family opens a file on the woman he cannot stop thinking about, and he lets it run. He has money, no training, and no idea what he is buying.
The hunters only need to find her. Damien needs to see her, properly, at close range, and being seen is the one thing her craft cannot survive.
He is not going to stop.
A romantic conspiracy thriller for readers of Red Sparrow, First Lie Wins and The Night Manager. Romance and conspiracy carry equal weight, and both are explicit on the page. Book one of a trilogy; it stands alone.
Contains explicit sexual content and graphic violence. Intended for adult readers.
For five years the most composed woman in any Hong Kong boardroom has been a face Circe puts on by hand before seven each morning, and a life built so completely it became real to the woman wearing it.
Circe used to kill for a living, for a private house in Geneva, and she walked away from it six years ago. This is the season the house puts half a billion dollars on her head and every contractor in her old trade starts looking.
Damien Tang loses a container terminal to her on a Thursday and wants her by the weekend. His family opens a file on the woman he cannot stop thinking about, and he lets it run. He has money, no training, and no idea what he is buying.
The hunters only need to find her. Damien needs to see her, properly, at close range, and being seen is the one thing her craft cannot survive.
He is not going to stop.
A romantic conspiracy thriller for readers of Red Sparrow, First Lie Wins and The Night Manager. Romance and conspiracy carry equal weight, and both are explicit on the page. Book one of a trilogy; it stands alone.
Contains explicit sexual content and graphic violence. Intended for adult readers.
494 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2026
About the author
Lacunae
3 books5 followersLacunae writes love stories about people who are very good at dangerous work. She likes them best at the point where being good at it stops being enough.
She writes in two shapes. Pantheon is a romantic conspiracy thriller, the first of three, about a woman who used to kill for a living and has spent five years making sure nobody looks at her twice, and the man who will not stop looking. Perpetūra is five interconnected stories across five centuries, published as two books and also readable free as an interactive novel.
Both are self-published, and both are written in the evenings around a full-time job.
Everything, including a journal about how the books actually get made, is at lacunaedesigns.com.
She writes in two shapes. Pantheon is a romantic conspiracy thriller, the first of three, about a woman who used to kill for a living and has spent five years making sure nobody looks at her twice, and the man who will not stop looking. Perpetūra is five interconnected stories across five centuries, published as two books and also readable free as an interactive novel.
Both are self-published, and both are written in the evenings around a full-time job.
Everything, including a journal about how the books actually get made, is at lacunaedesigns.com.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh, Lacunae, you have SO much explaining to do!
Having already discovered Lacunae's extraordinary imagination through "Perpetūra", I knew I was entering another intricately constructed world. Yet *Pantheon* managed to surprise me, particularly with its psychological complexity and remarkable attention to detail.
What happens when your instincts tell you that the person standing in front of you isn't who they claim to be? Would you trust that feeling? Would you investigate? How far would you go before your curiosity became an obsession?
That, for me, is the fascinating psychological question at the heart of *Pantheon*.
Vivienne Ho is an extraordinarily compelling woman, intelligent, guarded and wonderfully complicated. Damien Tang fascinated and frustrated me in equal measure. Their relationship raises questions about trust, privacy, vulnerability and the dangerous territory between wanting to understand someone and wanting to control them.
Then there's the research!
Gosh, Lacunae, DID YOU STUDY LAW?
The legal reasoning, professional psychology and meticulous world-building genuinely impressed me. I can only imagine the hours spent researching everything. At times, the explanations became almost too detailed for my taste, slowing the narrative when I wanted it to move faster. Yet those same passages demonstrated extraordinary dedication and craftsmanship.
"Pantheon" reminded me that writing a novel involves so much more than telling a story. It requires research, discipline, imagination and the ability to construct believable worlds inhabited by complicated human beings.
Emotional Damage: 8/10
Trust. Identity. Obsession. Vulnerability.
Heat Index: 3/5 flames
Romantic chemistry, sexual tension and psychological intensity create a fascinating combination.
An ambitious, thought-provoking romantic conspiracy thriller that left me with far more questions than answers.
Thank you, Lacunae, for trusting me with an ARC of "Pantheon". It was a pleasure exploring another of your wonderfully intricate worlds, and I cannot wait for our conversation!
Having already discovered Lacunae's extraordinary imagination through "Perpetūra", I knew I was entering another intricately constructed world. Yet *Pantheon* managed to surprise me, particularly with its psychological complexity and remarkable attention to detail.
What happens when your instincts tell you that the person standing in front of you isn't who they claim to be? Would you trust that feeling? Would you investigate? How far would you go before your curiosity became an obsession?
That, for me, is the fascinating psychological question at the heart of *Pantheon*.
Vivienne Ho is an extraordinarily compelling woman, intelligent, guarded and wonderfully complicated. Damien Tang fascinated and frustrated me in equal measure. Their relationship raises questions about trust, privacy, vulnerability and the dangerous territory between wanting to understand someone and wanting to control them.
Then there's the research!
Gosh, Lacunae, DID YOU STUDY LAW?
The legal reasoning, professional psychology and meticulous world-building genuinely impressed me. I can only imagine the hours spent researching everything. At times, the explanations became almost too detailed for my taste, slowing the narrative when I wanted it to move faster. Yet those same passages demonstrated extraordinary dedication and craftsmanship.
"Pantheon" reminded me that writing a novel involves so much more than telling a story. It requires research, discipline, imagination and the ability to construct believable worlds inhabited by complicated human beings.
Emotional Damage: 8/10
Trust. Identity. Obsession. Vulnerability.
Heat Index: 3/5 flames
Romantic chemistry, sexual tension and psychological intensity create a fascinating combination.
An ambitious, thought-provoking romantic conspiracy thriller that left me with far more questions than answers.
Thank you, Lacunae, for trusting me with an ARC of "Pantheon". It was a pleasure exploring another of your wonderfully intricate worlds, and I cannot wait for our conversation!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book 1 in a trilogy and stands on its own, Pantheon is a story with a strong, female lead that used to kill and now needs to remain hidden to survive. This is a slow burn story with plenty to love.
"You do not get to correct a record by making another body."
The Hong Kong location is developed well and feels very authentic. You can see these characters in this atmosphere and in the timeline the author intended. The writing style is very unique. A diverse mix of very long sentences and short pointed sentences as well as very poetic at times while other times very direct. For me, at times the legal descriptions in the book weighed on me and interrupted the pacing of the story because I am not fluent in many of these legalities. The romance and violence is listed to be explicit and it is possible that this is so the reader goes in knowing these topics exist in the book. I did not find it to be graphic, in fact, it is very tasteful when compared to other books I read. But this again is all personal preference.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy slow burn conspiracy novels with secrets and a bit of romance.
Thank you @lacunaedesigns for the advanced copy of your book. I wish you much success on your writing journey!
#Pantheon #romanticthriller #romanticsuspense #slowburn #pantheonbook
"You do not get to correct a record by making another body."
The Hong Kong location is developed well and feels very authentic. You can see these characters in this atmosphere and in the timeline the author intended. The writing style is very unique. A diverse mix of very long sentences and short pointed sentences as well as very poetic at times while other times very direct. For me, at times the legal descriptions in the book weighed on me and interrupted the pacing of the story because I am not fluent in many of these legalities. The romance and violence is listed to be explicit and it is possible that this is so the reader goes in knowing these topics exist in the book. I did not find it to be graphic, in fact, it is very tasteful when compared to other books I read. But this again is all personal preference.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy slow burn conspiracy novels with secrets and a bit of romance.
Thank you @lacunaedesigns for the advanced copy of your book. I wish you much success on your writing journey!
#Pantheon #romanticthriller #romanticsuspense #slowburn #pantheonbook
Review of advance copy received from Author
• 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 - 4✨
• 𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝑫𝒂𝒕𝒆 - November 1, 2026
- dark romantic thriller
- morally grey characters
- assassin heroine
- obsessive hero
- secrets and hidden identities
- conspiracy and betrayal
- high.stakes tension
Circe is a former operative hiding behind different identities after a dangerous organization puts a bounty on her. Then she crosses paths with Damien Tang, a powerful businessman who becomes determined to figure out who she really is. But getting close to Circe means getting pulled into a dangerous world of secrets and conspiracies.
This book had me completely hooked. I loved the mystery and tension, but Circe was definitely the highlight for me. She’s smart, capable and doesn’t need anyone to save her, and I loved discovering the different sides of her.
Damien was such an interesting character too. I loved how determined he was to understand Circe, even when she kept so much hidden. Their dynamic was definitely one of my favourite parts.
The writing felt detailed and thoughtful, and I really enjoyed how everything connected as the story progressed. This isn't a simple, fluffy romance. It's dark, clever, and full of tension, and it kept me invested until the end.
Lacunae is a new to me author and honestly, what a way to discover a new author. 😭🖤 This book was such a pleasant surprise, and I'm so glad I got the chance to read it as an ARC. The ending has me curious about what comes next, and I'm definitely interested in continuing this series.
Thank you Lacunae for the book!
• 𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝑫𝒂𝒕𝒆 - November 1, 2026
- dark romantic thriller
- morally grey characters
- assassin heroine
- obsessive hero
- secrets and hidden identities
- conspiracy and betrayal
- high.stakes tension
Circe is a former operative hiding behind different identities after a dangerous organization puts a bounty on her. Then she crosses paths with Damien Tang, a powerful businessman who becomes determined to figure out who she really is. But getting close to Circe means getting pulled into a dangerous world of secrets and conspiracies.
This book had me completely hooked. I loved the mystery and tension, but Circe was definitely the highlight for me. She’s smart, capable and doesn’t need anyone to save her, and I loved discovering the different sides of her.
Damien was such an interesting character too. I loved how determined he was to understand Circe, even when she kept so much hidden. Their dynamic was definitely one of my favourite parts.
The writing felt detailed and thoughtful, and I really enjoyed how everything connected as the story progressed. This isn't a simple, fluffy romance. It's dark, clever, and full of tension, and it kept me invested until the end.
Lacunae is a new to me author and honestly, what a way to discover a new author. 😭🖤 This book was such a pleasant surprise, and I'm so glad I got the chance to read it as an ARC. The ending has me curious about what comes next, and I'm definitely interested in continuing this series.
Thank you Lacunae for the book!
October 22, 2026
The two main characters definitely make an interesting pair, but I have to give a special mention to Benny Chow. 😂 There’s just something about that name that I absolutely love! He ended up being my favourite character outside of the two main characters.
I really enjoyed this book. There’s plenty of intrigue, secrets, tension, and interesting character dynamics to keep you invested in the story. I also enjoyed the power plays and the way different interests and loyalties come into conflict.
One thing I’d say is that it’s a fairly long read, so if you’re looking for something quick, this might not be the book for you. However, if you enjoy a story that takes its time developing its characters and unfolding its plot, it’s worth the read.
Overall, I had a great time with this one, and Benny Chow definitely deserves his own special mention! 😂❤️📚
I really enjoyed this book. There’s plenty of intrigue, secrets, tension, and interesting character dynamics to keep you invested in the story. I also enjoyed the power plays and the way different interests and loyalties come into conflict.
One thing I’d say is that it’s a fairly long read, so if you’re looking for something quick, this might not be the book for you. However, if you enjoy a story that takes its time developing its characters and unfolding its plot, it’s worth the read.
Overall, I had a great time with this one, and Benny Chow definitely deserves his own special mention! 😂❤️📚
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Vivienne was the highlight of Pantheon for me. She is clever, guarded, and fascinating to follow. The small things she notices and the care she takes with everyday decisions tell you so much about her.
I really enjoyed the Hong Kong setting. The ports, business dealings, and everyday details made it feel lived in. Some of my favourite moments were the quieter conversations, where a small gesture or a carefully chosen answer carried a lot of tension. The attraction and suspicion between the characters gave me plenty to think about.
The financial detail and paperwork took some concentration, and a few passages spent longer explaining emotions than I needed. I found myself wanting a little more room to interpret things for myself.
Overall, a solid four stars. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy complicated characters, secrets, and a romance woven closely into the suspense.
I really enjoyed the Hong Kong setting. The ports, business dealings, and everyday details made it feel lived in. Some of my favourite moments were the quieter conversations, where a small gesture or a carefully chosen answer carried a lot of tension. The attraction and suspicion between the characters gave me plenty to think about.
The financial detail and paperwork took some concentration, and a few passages spent longer explaining emotions than I needed. I found myself wanting a little more room to interpret things for myself.
Overall, a solid four stars. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy complicated characters, secrets, and a romance woven closely into the suspense.
November 1, 2026
This is a very good psychological thriller, with a little bit of romance mixed in. Vivienne, the FMC, is strong, resilient, and everything you want in a good leading lady. She has to decide if she can trust Damien and others along the way. The writing style is very easy to follow and I loved the Hong Kong setting.
Review of advance copy received from Author
𝕍𝕚𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕟𝕖 ℍ𝕠 𝕕𝕠𝕖𝕤 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕖𝕩𝕚𝕤𝕥...
Pantheon by Lacunae
Release date ~ 1st November 2026
Chapters ~ 63
Rating ~ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
─── ･｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
For five years the most composed woman in any Hong Kong boardroom has been a face Circe puts on by hand before seven each morning, and a life built so completely it became real to the woman wearing it 🤯
Circe used to kill for a living, for a private house in Geneva, and she walked away from it six years ago. This is the season the house puts half a billion dollars on her head and every contractor starts looking 👀
Damien Tang loses a container terminal to her on a Thursday and wants her by the weekend. His family opens a file on the woman he cannot stop thinking about, and he lets it run. He has money, no training, and no idea what he is buying 😅
The hunters only need to find her. Damien needs to see her, properly, at close range, and being seen is the one thing her craft cannot survive 🫥
He is not going to stop… 🙅♂️
⚠️ PLEASE CHECK THE BOOKS TRIGGER WARNINGS ⚠️
#book #bookreview #ARC #violence #graphic
Pantheon by Lacunae
Release date ~ 1st November 2026
Chapters ~ 63
Rating ~ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
─── ･｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
For five years the most composed woman in any Hong Kong boardroom has been a face Circe puts on by hand before seven each morning, and a life built so completely it became real to the woman wearing it 🤯
Circe used to kill for a living, for a private house in Geneva, and she walked away from it six years ago. This is the season the house puts half a billion dollars on her head and every contractor starts looking 👀
Damien Tang loses a container terminal to her on a Thursday and wants her by the weekend. His family opens a file on the woman he cannot stop thinking about, and he lets it run. He has money, no training, and no idea what he is buying 😅
The hunters only need to find her. Damien needs to see her, properly, at close range, and being seen is the one thing her craft cannot survive 🫥
He is not going to stop… 🙅♂️
⚠️ PLEASE CHECK THE BOOKS TRIGGER WARNINGS ⚠️
#book #bookreview #ARC #violence #graphic
Review of advance copy received from Author
I didn't enjoy this book
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was sent this as a free book to review. It was billed for readers of Red Sparrow or The Night Manager but I didn't feel it achieved that. Action sequences were minimal, sparse and tame in nature.
I come from a background listening to what is unspoken, not just what is spoken and enjoyed the factual brevity in the choice of language used by the main characters.
Content warnings included explicit sex yet the two scenes were of a more tender gentle loving nature occuring under the bedclothes. The first arrived well over half way through the book.
The author warned the book was long, over 150,000 words and I would have personally preferred more plot twists, scenes of jeopardy and development of interesting characters like Leon and less discussion between the main characters about how they would set up shell institutions authorised by different regulatory authorities and managed by multiple cut out agents. I'm guessing the author has a legal background and didn't want to leave plot holes, but it felt like discussions regarding record management and document handling were endless and at times made this book a slog.
All that said I did enjoy how the story was brought to a close and always enjoy a strong female character.
I come from a background listening to what is unspoken, not just what is spoken and enjoyed the factual brevity in the choice of language used by the main characters.
Content warnings included explicit sex yet the two scenes were of a more tender gentle loving nature occuring under the bedclothes. The first arrived well over half way through the book.
The author warned the book was long, over 150,000 words and I would have personally preferred more plot twists, scenes of jeopardy and development of interesting characters like Leon and less discussion between the main characters about how they would set up shell institutions authorised by different regulatory authorities and managed by multiple cut out agents. I'm guessing the author has a legal background and didn't want to leave plot holes, but it felt like discussions regarding record management and document handling were endless and at times made this book a slog.
All that said I did enjoy how the story was brought to a close and always enjoy a strong female character.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews