Aracardis Book One: The Black Citadel

by B.A. Mchale

Welcome To The Citadel.
Jade has spent her entire life being managed. Trained since childhood by the Citadel, collared to keep her own ability in check, and handed from Master to Master like a problem nobody wanted to solve, she's never once been asked what she wants.

Then the Council assigns her to Nephrite, a squad of four Apex soldiers who don't quite know what to do with a Biomancer and who don't ask her to be anything other than exactly what she is. For the first time, someone hands her a key instead of a leash and calls it a choice.

Freedom, it turns out, comes with its own kind of danger. Learning to trust four very different men. Learning to want things for herself. Learning that being known isn't the same as being safe, especially when the past she's spent her whole life hiding starts clawing its way back into the light.

They were never supposed to feel like home. Somewhere between the sparring yards, the shared table, and four men who keep choosing her without being asked to, they do anyway.

But some collars aren't made of crystal, and not everyone who wants Jade back wears a Council badge.

A slow-burn, why-choose fantasy romance book.

355 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 21, 2026

About the author

B. A. McHale writes fantasy romance because creating an entire kingdom seemed easier than convincing the characters in her head to be quiet. Her stories are filled with dangerous magic, found family, sharp banter, complicated relationships and creatures that should probably come with warning labels. The Black Citadel is her debut novel and the beginning of the Aracardis series. When she is not writing, she is usually feeding a serious coffee addiction, surviving on far less sleep than any sensible person would recommend or obsessively adding to her duck collection, despite being genuinely afraid of real ducks.

Reviews

[Kristi C]

This book delivered! It’s been awhile since I laughed out loud while reading but the banter was on point. The author gave enough description of characters and environment that they almost played like a movie in my mind without being so in depth that they lagged the storyline. Also, it’s almost unheard of for me to become so invested in characters in such a small amount of time as I have with this book. It usually takes to book 2 of a series for that to happen for more than the main character. As I have been reading a lot of tropey romantasy/fantasy lately it was a nice change to have more than one realistic love interest for the main character, Jade. I’m not normally a lover of reverse harem but if it somehow happened in this series, I’d be down for it! I also appreciated that she was more than capable of taking care of herself but had a backstory that made you root for her. And Ashter? Don’t get me started as I want this review to be spoiler free. The author says they’re already writing the 2nd book, thankfully because I cannot wait!

[AussieBookDragon]

I was provided with an advanced copy this book from the author in return for an honest review.

It's been while since I was so engrossed in a book I skipped a meal! I really didn't want to put it down. I like the writing style and the sarcasm between the characters had me in stitches at times.

A Young Biomancer having spent her whole life managed by others and keeping her own ability hidden, is assigned to a squad of soldiers. This is her journey integrating into the squad and learning what freedom is, learning to trust those close to her with knowledge of her ability and slowly gelling with the team.

This really was a great read and I can't wait for the next book, and the rest of the series. You really don't want to miss out on this one.

[Pola N]

A Great Book wit capital letters. But dear Author, how could you? The cliffhanger is killing me!

I didn't want to finish this book. Shame I am such a fast reader. I would love to remain in this universum with astonishing atmosphere longer.

This is a story about one girl with an unique superpower (biomancy - check the book out if you want to know more), her familiar (totally mind blowing creature) and four different men. Each of them cares very much about her and helps FMC find herself in a new life.

Honestly, this novel has drawn me absolutely and left me completely devasted - because I want more and because I had to finish for now.

What I liked as well was a multiple POV. It's always good to see different sides of the same story.

I got a free copy as an ARC reader and I am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.

[Clem]

Received this as an ARC for an ✨honest✨ review.

Things I liked:
- The concept of the FMC’s abilities and how they’re revealed straight up
- No bullying trope!!! Thank you everyone for behaving like adults, if maybe a bit too pandering/nice (does it say more about me that I find this doubtful?)
This did overall feel more like a prologue than a first book, since the last ~30% or so introduces the plot.

Other comments:
Plot:
- Characters are sassy which is funny but sometimes feels a bit over the top and too scripted. “I’m aware” has been said so many times I wish someone would be self aware!!! I swear 50% of the dialogue is people being aware, fine, and noticing things
- No backstory/explanation of the world but lots of terms thrown around (e.g., menagerie, citadel, rift, etc.). Some more world building would be nice, especially as it does sound pretty cool
- Would I be able to tell Nykos and Halver apart without the author explicitly telling me who’s doing what? Maybe, maybe not. The individual PoVs made it worse across all four guys tbh since the writing style and thus narration/thought styles never changed
- Chapters 12 & 13 dropped a whole bunch of new characters (names) without any background, but the dialogue/narration imply they’ve been around already. Unnamed timeskip and extraordinarily convenient poly group? Then they’re not mentioned again apart from references to “Argentite” and random one liners
- Everyone cares so much for the FMC and vice versa but it’s only been a month? Which I guess is better than other fantasy books taking a couple days 😂

Writing style:
- Inclusion of modern day terms/sayings like man bun (which the author really hates on), 10/10 no notes, etc. Not for me, but probably doesn’t bother everyone. This happens more so in the beginning of the book and tapers off
- Lots of conversations without descriptors/context so it can be hard to follow who’s speaking. Is this for the people I’ve heard about who claim to only read dialogue lol
- Lots of breaks.
And fragments.
Like this.
Split up by a sentence here and there.
Then.
Some.
More.
Not my style but others may like it
- A lot of the “conversations” are also very similar:
A: statement
B: counter statement
Cue laughter, corner of someone’s mouth moving/doing small private things, etc.
Lots of short, snappy comments or statements, not so much conversations
- A surprising amount of non-FMC PoV chapters. Also not for me, but that’s just me

Overall an interesting enough read, with some pain points that could be addressed!

[Cheyenne Brock]

✨ ARC REVIEW ✨

I was lucky enough to receive an Advance Reader Copy of this book, and I have to say… this book is EVERYTHING.

I was completely engrossed from the very beginning! Jade is a healer with classified powers, and she suddenly finds herself placed in a house with four incredibly powerful men. Now she has to navigate her newfound freedom, figure out how to live with four very different men, and face all the obstacles waiting for her along the way.

Reading Jade’s story has been such a wild ride. I loved watching her discover herself, in this whole new world around her. There was so much mystery, tension and anticipation that I genuinely did not want to put this book down.

And THAT CLIFFHANGER?!

I NEED BOOK TWO. Immediately. 😂 I cannot wait to see what is in store for Jade and her four men next!

This is a slow-burn reverse harem, so if you love a story with a strong heroine, powerful men, mystery, tension and a romance that takes its time… definitely add this one to your TBR!

[Beth Rosser]

I really enjoyed this and read it over the course of an afternoon. I couldn't put it down. It's a fun, slow burn romantasy.

Things I liked:
- The powers of the characters
- Found family
- The FMC finding her feet and reactions to the world after being kept locked up for most of her life.

Things that could be improved:
- More world building. The focus is on the characters and relationships, but the world itself is interesting. I would love to see more of that.
- The actual plot. Not a lot happens until the very end of the book when we finally get a glimpse into what is going to happen in later books (I'm guessing). I get that a lot of it was a set up of the story, but it would have been nice to introduce the main plot earlier on instead of leaving it to the end of the book and then having the cliffhanger ending.
- The random introduction of characters in the middle that seemed like they had been there for a while but just kind of appeared was a bit confusing, and then they never appeared again.

[Samantha B]

Received an ARC from the author with the promise of an honest review

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book from start to finish. It pulled me in so much that 60 mins of cardio on the elliptical flew by in what felt like a mere 15 mins. It was a quick and easy read (I completed it in a weekend) with good pacing and the beginnings of some good slow burn romance. I got to know and like the characters enough to want to know more. I laughed outloud more than any other book I've read recently. The story told in alternating character POV was clear to follow, unlike some other books over read. So, I appreciated the way the author did that.

If characters like Riddoc and banter are your jam, you should definitely check this one out.

I can't wait to see what happens in the subsequent books! And, honestly, I'm a little sad I won't have my friends, Jade, Alex, Corian, Nykos, Halver, and, of course, Ashter, for cardio support for a bit 🥹

[Mary Addison]

I received this book as an advanced reader copy in exchange for a review.

This book wad good, but it to me a while to get into it. The main female character, Jade, grows up in the Citadel with a rare power that is nullified by a collar. She is subjected to training and testing her entire life and is sheltered to the extreme. She's placed on a squad that immediately gives her choices and respect, something she's never really had before. It proceeds with her adjusting to new life and there's no visible conflict. Conflict doesn't arrive until about 75-80% of the book. Even then it's shrouded in mystery. Then the book just, ends. No resolution at all. I know other people loved it, I just didn't. It's unlikely I'll read the next one.

[Serena Roan]

I was lucky enough to be given an ARC, and I was pulled in from the first page. I love that I got everyone’s point of view. Five main characters that were so incredibly developed and individualized. I want more from all of them.
I didn’t expect such an emotional journey. I wanted to hug Jade and say thank you to each of her squad mates. Their’s is a beautiful story about trust, reclaiming control over your life, and finding what it means to belong and be chosen by those around you. The perfect found family scenario!
I was holding my breath for the last few chapters. The ending is diabolical (curse you cliffhanger), and I can’t wait for book two!
(Also, I am definitely Team Halver. But Nykos is a very close second favorite!)

[Catie]

3.6/5 ✨

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of The Black Citadel, here is my honest review of the book.

I found the first half amazing and smashed through it.
I loved the magic system involved and the different ability of the FMC from other books I have read previously, it definitely made for a nice change and peaked my interest.

Whilst I would have loved to rate The black Citadel higher and really thought it may have been a 4-5 ✨ read, I did struggle around the middle and found my interest waning a little, with some slight confusion on the time line, which is the only reason it has a lower rating.
I’m glad I pushed through though because it picked back up and had me hooked once again.
Special mention to the cliff hanger at the end, because wow.

[LJ Reads]

ARC Review
This Book had me hooked from Chapter 1 - it was so intriguing. The banter was fun and playful. It had me laughing out loud. I loved the characters and can't wait to learn more about them and of cause there was a huge cliffhanger!!! Which just makes me want Book 2
There wasn't a lot of world building, so it does leave a few unanswered questions, but I think that added to the intrigue for me. The focus really was around the characters, their powers, their personalities and how they fit together. Jade is learning what freedom from control looks like and she is experiencing feelings she's never had before

[Jessica Ouzts]

I was one of the few fortunate persons to receive an ARC and the opportunity to devour this book before release day in exchange for an honest review.

Holy CLIFFHANGER!!!

This book is hilarious. Our FMC is awkward, not certain how to engage people in conversation. Really likes suggesting fruit baskets and dislikes a man-bun. There is government control. Shape shifting. Snoot booping, and food stealing. A group so tight that all movements are anticipated and all nuances are noted. Vale can suck one… just saying. IF you like Fourth Wing… Alex gives RIDOC energy.

Amazing read and I cannot wait for book 2!!

[Michelle Hasenzahl]

I enjoyed this read. Pacing for a slow-burn was good and I enjoyed the developing chemistry between all of the characters (No, I will not spoil the story for you). I read the entire book in a total of 3.5 days- which is fast for a person with a 5 and 2 year old.
Now I want to read the entire series and my TBR just got longer!

[Hannah]

✨ARC review✨

Sped through this so fast it keeps you wanting more! Would’ve loved for the book to be five times longer but already need the next one!

Love all of the characters and the magic system and can’t wait to see how to unfolds!

[Audrey Friesen]

Arc review! This was so well written and easy to follow even with different point of views. Solid character building! Look forward to find out what happens next especially with that cliffhanger ending!

[Tamara Dunne]

Holy smokes. This book is phenomenal. Absolutely INSIST you read it ASAP. I need more!!

[T Larcher]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. This slow burn quickly pulls you into the world and attaches you to the characters. I can't wait for the next book!

[Ink & Quill]

Review of Advance Copy received from Author

I was provided with an advance copy of this book from the author with a request for an honest review. I loved this book! Once I started reading it, i had difficulty with putting it down... and that is not something that happens very often. The way the characters in the book interact with each other, their sarcasm, wit and understanding all help to make you fall in love.

Jade is a young Biomancer who has spent her whole life living in the Citadel and suddenly finds herself posted with a squad of 4 men. This book is the story of Jade learning about who she is when she no longer lives at the Citadel. She is learning to trust those around her with her story and they slowly start to share their stories with her.

This was an entertaining and enthralling read and I am looking forward to book 2 and the rest of the series. This is one that I would highly recommend!

[Katy]

This was really well written, well paced and very enjoyable. I loved watching Jade slowly start to discover who she is underneath a lifetime of being forced to follow commands and have no say in anything. I loved all 4 guys who are all so unique quiet steady Halver, watchful and thoughtful Nykos, commanding but fair leader Corian and hyper funny Alex. And of course the show stealing bestest pup Ashter! This is a beautiful slow simmering build up and I can't wait for the guys and Jade to give into their feelings. The world building and magic system were unique and interesting with a lot of politics simmering in the background ready to eff things up for the squad in the future especially with a certain mean girl ex determined to find and expose Jade's secrets. And the last mission was really intense and laid the foundations for what's to come with a horrible cliffhanger that leaves me desperate for book 2!! This is mu honest and freely given review of the book.

[Marleen Spijkerman]

First i wanne thank B.A. Mchale for arc reading this book.
and omg i need more, i need book 2 like now.
its was so good, but that cliffhanger on the end, lets just say i want more i wanne know what is gone happen.

Jade grew up with a power no ones has, so she grew up very isolated and very strickt.
scedules, masters and always told what she can and can't do.

and then we have the 4 men she is gone team up with and live with, Alex, Corian, Nykos, Halver.
they all have their own personality and powers.

And ofcourse Ashter, i love that creature, he is bond to jade but has a mind of his own.

The banter is so good and i laughed so much.

like i said i need more and cant wait for book 2

[Beth Davies]

I am very fortunate to have received an arc of this book.

This book is really good and doesn't feel like other books, which is hard to do. This book brings the slowest of slow burns 🔥 from the tags this book has alot more than what we see may occur 👀 while I love this book it can cause some confusion with creature names and minimal understanding of the world built but other books to come may build on this. I can't wait for the second book because this has the cliffhanger of all cliff hangers!

[Jill M Sparrow]

A wonderful read that keeps you turning the pages, laughing at the sarcasm and snarky comments, and waiting for the next turn or curiosity of the story. The questions with every page turn - Why? What was the reason? Is there romance brewing? And even the author has the audacity to taunt the reader at the end - which I love and hate at the same time.

[Eca Jess]

First and foremost, I would like to thank the author for the opportunity to ARC this book!

THE AUDACITY FOR THAT CLIFFY.
This was so much fun! The banter was well written, the pacing made sense and the powers were fun! I liked seeing the way Jade learned how to open up to her squad mates and it was very interesting pitting her upbringing against theres. I cannot wait for book two!

[Leanne]

Well it's been a while since a book had me as engrossed as this one. I enjoyed the character development of characteristics. It's a romantasy that delivers a little bit of spice with a lot of fascinating action. I flew through it in a day and omg that cliffhanger is frustrating but enticing.

[Kristy]

Advanced copy in exchange for Review.

Great story and I love the character building and slow burn. Hate the cliff hanger but anxiously awaiting book 2. Definitely worth a read, you won't be disappointed.

[Sam11986]

Good book, haven't read many with a biomancer/life type magic. I also always enjoyed the interconnected relationships between the main characters. Overall a good book.