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Fate Spinner
Win a free print copy of this book!
4 days and 09:36:01
5 copies available
U.S. only
Her dreams are powerful enough to transport her to places unknown—and directly to him—in this harrowing romantasy from the USA Today–bestselling author.
Some girls fall for the villain; she falls into entire worlds.
Bound to a prophecy that marks her for death, Seraphine transports to places that shouldn't exist every time she closes her eyes. They're realms filled with magic and monsters—and one cursed man who was never meant to lay eyes on her.
Royal is cold, powerful, and dangerous. He's the king of his forbidden world; guarded by dragons, no one is allowed in or out. Seraphine doesn't understand why she can reach him or why only he can see her. But from the moment they meet, her dreams intensify as she's pulled further into his orbit.
Terrified she'll suddenly vanish, Royal takes Seraphine captive and holds her in an underground dungeon, the one place in his kingdom where magic is impossible—or so he thought. But Seraphine continues to be transported in her dreams, portals tearing open and seals unraveling across realms.
Even as she accidentally crosses into a werewolves' domain, she finds herself back in Royal's presence while she sleeps, bound by a connection she can't control. And Seraphine's journey becomes increasingly dangerous as she discovers new worlds, each one more fearful of who—and what— she is . . .
Narrated in duet style.
Some girls fall for the villain; she falls into entire worlds.
Bound to a prophecy that marks her for death, Seraphine transports to places that shouldn't exist every time she closes her eyes. They're realms filled with magic and monsters—and one cursed man who was never meant to lay eyes on her.
Royal is cold, powerful, and dangerous. He's the king of his forbidden world; guarded by dragons, no one is allowed in or out. Seraphine doesn't understand why she can reach him or why only he can see her. But from the moment they meet, her dreams intensify as she's pulled further into his orbit.
Terrified she'll suddenly vanish, Royal takes Seraphine captive and holds her in an underground dungeon, the one place in his kingdom where magic is impossible—or so he thought. But Seraphine continues to be transported in her dreams, portals tearing open and seals unraveling across realms.
Even as she accidentally crosses into a werewolves' domain, she finds herself back in Royal's presence while she sleeps, bound by a connection she can't control. And Seraphine's journey becomes increasingly dangerous as she discovers new worlds, each one more fearful of who—and what— she is . . .
Narrated in duet style.
350 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication November 17, 2026
About the author
T.L. Smith
89 books7,338 followersUSA Today Best Selling Author T.L. Smith loves to write her characters with flaws so beautiful and dark that you can’t turn away from. Her books have been translated into several languages. If you don’t find her in her home town of Queensland, Australia you can usually find her travelling around the world to sitting on a beach in Bali, to exploring Alcatraz in San Francisco or walking the streets of New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Currently Reading
November 9, 2026Her dreams open portals. His kingdom has no doors, so he locks her up. She keeps escaping and coming right back....
Filled by prophecy, this world is full of monsters and magic, with only one man who was never meant to lay eyes on her.
One of my Allurial picks and I'm so ready for some forbidden love.
Get the deluxe copy here before it hits the stores on 11/17: https://www.allurial.com/refer/g7sai1...
Filled by prophecy, this world is full of monsters and magic, with only one man who was never meant to lay eyes on her.
One of my Allurial picks and I'm so ready for some forbidden love.
Get the deluxe copy here before it hits the stores on 11/17: https://www.allurial.com/refer/g7sai1...
Want to Read
October 24, 2026November Alluriel pick
June 13, 2026
SHOUT OUT TO EDELWEISS FOR THIS ARC READ!
I absolutely devoured this book.
I had been stuck in a major book slump for about two and a half weeks before picking up Fate Spinner, and the second I started reading, I knew this one was different. Every few chapters I found myself thinking, “There’s no way!” because T.L. Smith kept throwing in things I never saw coming.
Vampires? Cool.
Werewolves? Even cooler.
Dragons? Excuse me?!
The funny thing is I went into this pretty blind. I had read the blurb, but I hadn’t paid attention to the cover, the sprayed edges, or any of the little hints that might have prepared me for what was coming. So every reveal felt like a complete surprise, and I loved every second of it.
Honestly, I could have finished this book in 24 hours if I wanted to. But for the first time in a long time, I didn’t want to rush. It was so refreshing and so unique that I found myself intentionally dragging out the last 25% because I wasn’t ready for it to end.
In a market where it sometimes feels like everything is starting to blend together, Fate Spinner felt like something entirely its own. It was exciting, unpredictable, and had me hooked from beginning to end.
This was such a cool read, and I already know it’s going to be one of the books I’m most excited to recommend and sell from our mobile bookstore.
I absolutely devoured this book.
I had been stuck in a major book slump for about two and a half weeks before picking up Fate Spinner, and the second I started reading, I knew this one was different. Every few chapters I found myself thinking, “There’s no way!” because T.L. Smith kept throwing in things I never saw coming.
Vampires? Cool.
Werewolves? Even cooler.
Dragons? Excuse me?!
The funny thing is I went into this pretty blind. I had read the blurb, but I hadn’t paid attention to the cover, the sprayed edges, or any of the little hints that might have prepared me for what was coming. So every reveal felt like a complete surprise, and I loved every second of it.
Honestly, I could have finished this book in 24 hours if I wanted to. But for the first time in a long time, I didn’t want to rush. It was so refreshing and so unique that I found myself intentionally dragging out the last 25% because I wasn’t ready for it to end.
In a market where it sometimes feels like everything is starting to blend together, Fate Spinner felt like something entirely its own. It was exciting, unpredictable, and had me hooked from beginning to end.
This was such a cool read, and I already know it’s going to be one of the books I’m most excited to recommend and sell from our mobile bookstore.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The true definition of dark and gritty!
The MFC soon discovers she is a witch with the strangest power, one so rare that there hasn't been anyone like her in at least 1,000 years. She also soon learns that her fated mate is the worst possible candidate known throughout the realms, an evil king whose title was not an exaggeration. Not only does she have that to worry about, but coming into her untapped power has its own challenges. This includes fighting off every creature that now knows she exists and sees her as a threat.
There was a lot going on in this book! It kept things interesting. Most of it had to do with self discovery. The MFC had been hidden off from her homeland as well as from her powers and she has to try and learn her magic all while facing unrelenting threats. If you like Fated Mates, Supernaturals, Family Secrets, Emerging Powers, Touch her and 💀, Multiple Threats, and Unlikely Allies, you would like this book.
I was blessed with the audiobook so as far as narrations go, this was solid! It was a duel narration production. The voice actors did an incredible job at protraying the many different characters.
Trigger warnings include On-Page Death, Betrayal (not from MMC), Kidnapping, death of friends/family, & torture. There are a lot of spicy scenes in this book! This book is definitely intended for 18+ readers.
There were a few inconsistencies but they were so small, it did not affect the story in any way. They were just mild contradicting details. Overall, it was a pretty good book and I'm looking forward to the second!
I'd like to thank the author and Podium Entertainment for the ARC of this book. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
The MFC soon discovers she is a witch with the strangest power, one so rare that there hasn't been anyone like her in at least 1,000 years. She also soon learns that her fated mate is the worst possible candidate known throughout the realms, an evil king whose title was not an exaggeration. Not only does she have that to worry about, but coming into her untapped power has its own challenges. This includes fighting off every creature that now knows she exists and sees her as a threat.
There was a lot going on in this book! It kept things interesting. Most of it had to do with self discovery. The MFC had been hidden off from her homeland as well as from her powers and she has to try and learn her magic all while facing unrelenting threats. If you like Fated Mates, Supernaturals, Family Secrets, Emerging Powers, Touch her and 💀, Multiple Threats, and Unlikely Allies, you would like this book.
I was blessed with the audiobook so as far as narrations go, this was solid! It was a duel narration production. The voice actors did an incredible job at protraying the many different characters.
Trigger warnings include On-Page Death, Betrayal (not from MMC), Kidnapping, death of friends/family, & torture. There are a lot of spicy scenes in this book! This book is definitely intended for 18+ readers.
There were a few inconsistencies but they were so small, it did not affect the story in any way. They were just mild contradicting details. Overall, it was a pretty good book and I'm looking forward to the second!
I'd like to thank the author and Podium Entertainment for the ARC of this book. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
October 31, 2026
Thank you to podium for my ALC. the opinions are my own.
A this is duet so automatically 1000000/10 for audio. Narrators did a phenomenal job.
More bonus points for being a standalone with really excellent pacing. Really enjoyed this story it’s a fun chosen one with witches, werewolves, dragons , vampires and portals.
Didn’t really completely understand the mmcs motivation to lock her up and hurt her in the beginning but once we’ve moved on from the edgey villain vibes it was really fun
A this is duet so automatically 1000000/10 for audio. Narrators did a phenomenal job.
More bonus points for being a standalone with really excellent pacing. Really enjoyed this story it’s a fun chosen one with witches, werewolves, dragons , vampires and portals.
Didn’t really completely understand the mmcs motivation to lock her up and hurt her in the beginning but once we’ve moved on from the edgey villain vibes it was really fun
Review of advance copy
This was my pick from Allurial, the special edition is gorgeous! 🩵
This was fun and I loved the concept of different realms, portals & forbidden love.
For me though, the story flow was all over the place and I struggled to stay engaged. Still a really unique concept though.
This was fun and I loved the concept of different realms, portals & forbidden love.
For me though, the story flow was all over the place and I struggled to stay engaged. Still a really unique concept though.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Thank you Edelweiss for the advance reader copy!
This book is described as dark romantasy and let me tell you, it checked all the boxes! The plot was action packed and very intriguing. The level of heartbreak was unexpected. I will also be thinking of strawberries very differently now haha.
The romance felt like it flowed properly. I enjoyed the friendships throughout the story. I felt connected to the characters.
Overall, it was an easy read. Will there be more?
This book is described as dark romantasy and let me tell you, it checked all the boxes! The plot was action packed and very intriguing. The level of heartbreak was unexpected. I will also be thinking of strawberries very differently now haha.
The romance felt like it flowed properly. I enjoyed the friendships throughout the story. I felt connected to the characters.
Overall, it was an easy read. Will there be more?
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A little cheesy and underdeveloped. There was just SO much happening, and not all of it came together in a way that made sense. I struggled to feel connected to the story or the characters, even though the elements and tropes had a lot of potential. Unfortunately, I don’t think they were executed in a way that allowed me to fully enjoy the story. Overall, it was just fine. Neither good nor bad, just kinda mid. Not very memorable.
Thank you Podium Entertainment for the ALC.
✨Dark Romantasy
✨Possessive MMC
✨Enemies to Lovers
✨Dream Powers
✨Fated Mates
✨Magical Realms
✨Prophecies & Fates
✨Witches, Vampires, Werewolves
🎧Duet Narration
🌶️🌶️(2/5)
Thank you Podium Entertainment for the ALC.
✨Dark Romantasy
✨Possessive MMC
✨Enemies to Lovers
✨Dream Powers
✨Fated Mates
✨Magical Realms
✨Prophecies & Fates
✨Witches, Vampires, Werewolves
🎧Duet Narration
🌶️🌶️(2/5)
October 28, 2026
Wow. This surprised me in the absolute best way! I have not had a book hook me and sink its claws in like this one did in a long time.
The plot & world building was easy to comprehend but also descriptive to get your imagination running wild. Vampires, werewolves, dragons, witches & more; different realms, magic & prophecies; but all with a uniqueness to the mix without being overwhelming. The banter between Seraphine & The Cursed King had me drooling for more from the first. I loved their dynamic and the development of each of their characters.
I cried. I laughed. It left me staring at the wall with my mouth hanging open. It made me feel, exactly like I want a book to do so.
The audiobook (ALC):
I mean, you had me at Sean Masters. His voice and the passion you feel with his narrations has never let me down. Of course, it did not disappoint this time either. I think he captured each of the male characters, along with their personalities, perfectly.
This is the first time (that I’m aware of) that I have heard Avery Crais narrating & I’m sold!! Beautiful work and did amazing! She captured the softness and the fierceness behind the characters, especially with Seraphine.
BIG THANK YOU to Podium for allowing me to listen early!
The plot & world building was easy to comprehend but also descriptive to get your imagination running wild. Vampires, werewolves, dragons, witches & more; different realms, magic & prophecies; but all with a uniqueness to the mix without being overwhelming. The banter between Seraphine & The Cursed King had me drooling for more from the first. I loved their dynamic and the development of each of their characters.
I cried. I laughed. It left me staring at the wall with my mouth hanging open. It made me feel, exactly like I want a book to do so.
The audiobook (ALC):
I mean, you had me at Sean Masters. His voice and the passion you feel with his narrations has never let me down. Of course, it did not disappoint this time either. I think he captured each of the male characters, along with their personalities, perfectly.
This is the first time (that I’m aware of) that I have heard Avery Crais narrating & I’m sold!! Beautiful work and did amazing! She captured the softness and the fierceness behind the characters, especially with Seraphine.
BIG THANK YOU to Podium for allowing me to listen early!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Fate Spinner was an engrossing, interesting and intriguing read. It grabbed me by the throat from the very beginning and held me captive to the very end. I loved this book so much. It was emotionally engaging and wrecking all in the same breath. It was packed with action, adventure, magic, so many paranormal beings, drama, betrayal, secrets, lies, a prophecy, twists, turns and so much more. The world was pretty awesome too. I loved the magic system as well. I had a few issues with the romance as far as the way it was developed. It didn't feel like a natural progression. It felt a bit wonky. That said I loved the main characters, Seraphine and Royal. I loved watching them grow over the course of the story especially Seraphine, watching her come into her own was truly to watch. Watching evil getting its comeuppance and supremely enjoyable, I took immense joy in those moments. I loved it and highly recommend it.
Copy provided by publisher through Edelweiss
Copy provided by publisher through Edelweiss
Did Not Finish
November 9, 2026DNF at 30%. The writing felt very underdeveloped and too much happening at once.
Review of advance copy received from Book of the Month
Note to self: you don’t need to read this author again.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Allurial box advance copy!
1.5 / 2 stars
Fate Spinner had such a good hook, and I had really high hopes for this book, but it fell very flat for me. Honestly, the whole story felt undercooked and underdeveloped. Nothing about the characters' feelings, the magic system, or the warring factions got more than a superficial explanation, and frankly, there were some pretty glaring inconsistencies that were hard to ignore.
Several little details mentioned in passing just stuck with me and completely chipped away at my suspended disbelief. I can't get over the fact that we have a road trip where the FMC, who grew up in the human realm, can't drive because she never learned how, but the werewolf who's been imprisoned in a medieval dungeon for 400 years can take the wheel without a problem. Make it make sense. By the end, there were simply too many impossibilities that were suddenly, inexplicably, and far too easily overcome.
And the mate bond, which was one of the things I was most excited about (I love a good fated mates romance), was never really explained or developed beyond "oh, these two are in love." But don't mind those mates over there who apparently hate each other for no discernible reason. I wanted more from this part of the story, and I got nothing.
There were also a fair number of missing punctuation marks and odd grammatical choices that made the reading experience even more frustrating. Overall, I just wasn't impressed. The book felt rushed, the worldbuilding needed a lot more development, and I wasn't a fan of the trope delivery. Such a promising premise, but the execution just wasn't there for me.
1.5 / 2 stars
Fate Spinner had such a good hook, and I had really high hopes for this book, but it fell very flat for me. Honestly, the whole story felt undercooked and underdeveloped. Nothing about the characters' feelings, the magic system, or the warring factions got more than a superficial explanation, and frankly, there were some pretty glaring inconsistencies that were hard to ignore.
Several little details mentioned in passing just stuck with me and completely chipped away at my suspended disbelief. I can't get over the fact that we have a road trip where the FMC, who grew up in the human realm, can't drive because she never learned how, but the werewolf who's been imprisoned in a medieval dungeon for 400 years can take the wheel without a problem. Make it make sense. By the end, there were simply too many impossibilities that were suddenly, inexplicably, and far too easily overcome.
And the mate bond, which was one of the things I was most excited about (I love a good fated mates romance), was never really explained or developed beyond "oh, these two are in love." But don't mind those mates over there who apparently hate each other for no discernible reason. I wanted more from this part of the story, and I got nothing.
There were also a fair number of missing punctuation marks and odd grammatical choices that made the reading experience even more frustrating. Overall, I just wasn't impressed. The book felt rushed, the worldbuilding needed a lot more development, and I wasn't a fan of the trope delivery. Such a promising premise, but the execution just wasn't there for me.
November 13, 2026
This sounded very promising and ambitious, but it just falls flat for me. It felt extremely underdeveloped. This could have used more chapters or another book to give room to develop the world and plot, characters, and romance.
One of my biggest issues was the pacing. It felt uneven and rushed at many points. Seraphine goes from realm to realm, then trains with witches, then all hell breaks loose and it seems like an epic battle is about to happen, then she’s back at the castle with Royal getting her back blown out. I can’t tell what is urgent or not. Why are we being taken away from what seems like it should be a major plot point?
The worldbuilding requires heavy suspension of disbelief. A werewolf who’s been trapped in a dungeon for hundreds of years can drive? There are shower heads in this realm that’s been sealed off? The world kind of ended and Seraphine’s farming strawberries? There were many points I had to just accept what was happening and move on.
The romance wasn’t compelling either which I was sad about. The whole concept of this book feels like there should be this yearning and tension happening, but I don’t feel like we get any of that. Nothing suggests Seraphine and Royal had built anything outside of their fated bond. Also, the king’s name is Royal?
Overall, I think this was just a hot mess and I don't believe this author is for me.
One of my biggest issues was the pacing. It felt uneven and rushed at many points. Seraphine goes from realm to realm, then trains with witches, then all hell breaks loose and it seems like an epic battle is about to happen, then she’s back at the castle with Royal getting her back blown out. I can’t tell what is urgent or not. Why are we being taken away from what seems like it should be a major plot point?
The worldbuilding requires heavy suspension of disbelief. A werewolf who’s been trapped in a dungeon for hundreds of years can drive? There are shower heads in this realm that’s been sealed off? The world kind of ended and Seraphine’s farming strawberries? There were many points I had to just accept what was happening and move on.
The romance wasn’t compelling either which I was sad about. The whole concept of this book feels like there should be this yearning and tension happening, but I don’t feel like we get any of that. Nothing suggests Seraphine and Royal had built anything outside of their fated bond. Also, the king’s name is Royal?
Overall, I think this was just a hot mess and I don't believe this author is for me.
November 11, 2026
I was debating on what rating to give this book when I finished it last night. It wasn't like a jaw dropping amazing book, but I had a good time reading it. Definitely under my #turnmybrainoff category. There's like no fluff, barely any descriptions. I would says 80% was dialogue, so it was super fast and easy to read. It read almost like a dramatic CW tv show. Something was always happening and it would just go to the next scene.
The romance wasn't really there. The spice was a slow burn, but once it happened it was like boom spice every chapter. The plot was a bit all over the place. I think the story should have been at least two books to fully flesh out the descriptions and slowed the pace a bit. It is a standalone, but there are hints that another book could come. Overall, it's not a bad book to just turn your brain off for.
Also, there's dragons.
2026 Book #139
Rating: 4.25/5
Tropes: Human FMC x Cursed King MMC, Werewolves, Bonds, Dragons, Witches, Portals, Vampires
Spice: 3/5 once it happens (Ch 31 42 48 49 51 53)
Romance: If you squint
Plot: Yes
Pages: 350
My November Allurial Pick, so join for $9.99 if you want the gorgeous cover too!
The romance wasn't really there. The spice was a slow burn, but once it happened it was like boom spice every chapter. The plot was a bit all over the place. I think the story should have been at least two books to fully flesh out the descriptions and slowed the pace a bit. It is a standalone, but there are hints that another book could come. Overall, it's not a bad book to just turn your brain off for.
Also, there's dragons.
2026 Book #139
Rating: 4.25/5
Tropes: Human FMC x Cursed King MMC, Werewolves, Bonds, Dragons, Witches, Portals, Vampires
Spice: 3/5 once it happens (Ch 31 42 48 49 51 53)
Romance: If you squint
Plot: Yes
Pages: 350
My November Allurial Pick, so join for $9.99 if you want the gorgeous cover too!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
**ALC REVIEW**
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Okay, I had SO much fun with this one! 😍 Fate Spinner was such an entertaining Dark Romantasy. The action, secrets, twists, and all the magical elements kept me glued to my headphones!
Fated mates, magical realms, vampires, dragons, witches, werewolves, and dark magic?! YES, PLEASE! This book had so many things I absolutely LOVE in my romantasy reads.
I loved Royal and Seraphine's story! Their connection, the tension, and the push and pull between them had me hooked. Royal definitely brings that dark, dangerous, and possessive MMC energy, while Seraphine kept things interesting with her unique dream powers and ability to travel between realms.
🎧 The audiobook was fantastic! Avery Caris and Sean Masters did a wonderful job bringing Royal and Seraphine's story to life. The duet narration made the listening experience even more enjoyable!
If you're a Dark Romantasy lover who enjoys fated mates, possessive MMCs, magical worlds, dangerous secrets, and a little bit of everything supernatural, definitely add this one to your TBR!
Thank you, T.L. Smith and Podium, for the ALC! ❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Okay, I had SO much fun with this one! 😍 Fate Spinner was such an entertaining Dark Romantasy. The action, secrets, twists, and all the magical elements kept me glued to my headphones!
Fated mates, magical realms, vampires, dragons, witches, werewolves, and dark magic?! YES, PLEASE! This book had so many things I absolutely LOVE in my romantasy reads.
I loved Royal and Seraphine's story! Their connection, the tension, and the push and pull between them had me hooked. Royal definitely brings that dark, dangerous, and possessive MMC energy, while Seraphine kept things interesting with her unique dream powers and ability to travel between realms.
🎧 The audiobook was fantastic! Avery Caris and Sean Masters did a wonderful job bringing Royal and Seraphine's story to life. The duet narration made the listening experience even more enjoyable!
If you're a Dark Romantasy lover who enjoys fated mates, possessive MMCs, magical worlds, dangerous secrets, and a little bit of everything supernatural, definitely add this one to your TBR!
Thank you, T.L. Smith and Podium, for the ALC! ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Podium Audio/Podium Entertainment and the author for a gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I absolutely loved this book and devoured it in like a day! The narrators for this were excellent for the characters. They both did an amazing job bringing the characters to life and keeping me engaged. The emotion felt real and the narration was animated and lively bringing everything to life. It was easy to distinguish which character is which and the pacing in my opinion was perfect. They had me hooked, fully invested, and excited to keep listening to find out what happens, which I did… and I didn’t stop until I finished the whole thing! I absolutely love this plot and storyline. I was invested in all the characters, good or bad. Why yes Royal master sir. Rawr. Overall, I had fun with this world, loved the plot, was fully immersed in the world, and I highly recommend it.
If you love dark romantasy, possessive MMC, enemies to lovers, fated mates, werewolves, witches, dream powers, and a magical realm then I absolutely recommend checking this book out!
I absolutely loved this book and devoured it in like a day! The narrators for this were excellent for the characters. They both did an amazing job bringing the characters to life and keeping me engaged. The emotion felt real and the narration was animated and lively bringing everything to life. It was easy to distinguish which character is which and the pacing in my opinion was perfect. They had me hooked, fully invested, and excited to keep listening to find out what happens, which I did… and I didn’t stop until I finished the whole thing! I absolutely love this plot and storyline. I was invested in all the characters, good or bad. Why yes Royal master sir. Rawr. Overall, I had fun with this world, loved the plot, was fully immersed in the world, and I highly recommend it.
If you love dark romantasy, possessive MMC, enemies to lovers, fated mates, werewolves, witches, dream powers, and a magical realm then I absolutely recommend checking this book out!
Review of advance copy
The premise of this book was so intriguing & I was so excited to get it early in my Allurial box. However, it just really didn't land for me.
Things that were major to the story were barely developed or not even talked about, while other things were talked about over and over and over. There was a LOT of repetition of what seemed irrelevant to the storyline. There was also a lot of repetition in scenes. Promise, after you read the first spicy scene, you read the rest. On top of that, the contradictions throughout were impossible to ignore.
MMC choked her hard enough to leave bruising for days, locked her in a cell, and broke her finger to "teach her a lesson." No apology...in fact, I'm pretty sure he straight up said he wasn't sorry about it. But yeah, sure, we'll just ignore that and go straight into sexual activities when she sees him again after escaping his dungeon?! What do you mean?!
I think what really killed it for me was that nothing was left for me to figure out or infer on my own. Everything was explicitly described on page.
Things that were major to the story were barely developed or not even talked about, while other things were talked about over and over and over. There was a LOT of repetition of what seemed irrelevant to the storyline. There was also a lot of repetition in scenes. Promise, after you read the first spicy scene, you read the rest. On top of that, the contradictions throughout were impossible to ignore.
MMC choked her hard enough to leave bruising for days, locked her in a cell, and broke her finger to "teach her a lesson." No apology...in fact, I'm pretty sure he straight up said he wasn't sorry about it. But yeah, sure, we'll just ignore that and go straight into sexual activities when she sees him again after escaping his dungeon?! What do you mean?!
I think what really killed it for me was that nothing was left for me to figure out or infer on my own. Everything was explicitly described on page.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Did Not Finish
November 12, 2026The concept had me intrigued for sure. Unfortunately, I just can’t make myself power through the writing. The book reads extremely young, particularly the inner monologues of the standard snarky, mad-at-the-world orphan MC.
Some reviews note that too much is happening at once, which is certainly a fair comment. I liked the idea that the MC kept bouncing around realms and think there is a way that kind of whiplash and confusion can be done well, but doing so without becoming wildly sloppy requires more nuance than this book has in it. Instead, it has superficial world-building and unclear character motivations. Like can someone please tell me exactly what this big bad evil king with the power to heal the MC with his tongue (ew) would do if he got out of his realm? What evil is he going to impose on the world with his mean vine magic?
Anyway, big bummer that this was just too messy and underwritten for me to keep going. DNF at 105 pages.
Some reviews note that too much is happening at once, which is certainly a fair comment. I liked the idea that the MC kept bouncing around realms and think there is a way that kind of whiplash and confusion can be done well, but doing so without becoming wildly sloppy requires more nuance than this book has in it. Instead, it has superficial world-building and unclear character motivations. Like can someone please tell me exactly what this big bad evil king with the power to heal the MC with his tongue (ew) would do if he got out of his realm? What evil is he going to impose on the world with his mean vine magic?
Anyway, big bummer that this was just too messy and underwritten for me to keep going. DNF at 105 pages.
November 13, 2026
I received an early copy of this book from my November Allurial box. The sprayed edges and the cover designs are so beautiful and they are one of the reasons I picked this book for my November box. I would rate this 6 stars if I could!!! I enjoyed this book so very much and it is one of the first books in a long while that really “wowed” me. The premise was unique, I did NOT expect the twists which is great because I can normally predict the twists. I enjoyed the entirety of Seraphine’s journey and learning about the realms as she did. The author did an AMAZING job at keeping us in the dark along with Seraphine so that when things were revealed to her it was new to us as well. It felt more immersive to experience things with her, rather than knowing what’s going to happen prior to it being explained. I have no complaints about this book at all and it’s easily in my top 5 books I’ve read this year so far!!!
Review of advance copy
(4.8 Stars)
Every time Seraphine Darris closes her eyes she can transport to other realms. No one can see her just like she is walking in a dream but when she transports to a new realm there is a stranger that can see her, everything she knew will change. Royal is the cursed king of the shadow grave and has been waiting 500 years for the fate spinner to make an appearance. She is the key he needs to free his realm but at what cost. This is a dark adventurous quest between realms, vampires, shifters, witches and so much more. A suspense filled journey between a trapped king and the fate spinner that can either free them or destroy them. A definite must read for fans of dark romantasy with magic and two characters with a strong connection. Be careful when you fall asleep…who knows where you might end up! Told in first person and dual POV.
Every time Seraphine Darris closes her eyes she can transport to other realms. No one can see her just like she is walking in a dream but when she transports to a new realm there is a stranger that can see her, everything she knew will change. Royal is the cursed king of the shadow grave and has been waiting 500 years for the fate spinner to make an appearance. She is the key he needs to free his realm but at what cost. This is a dark adventurous quest between realms, vampires, shifters, witches and so much more. A suspense filled journey between a trapped king and the fate spinner that can either free them or destroy them. A definite must read for fans of dark romantasy with magic and two characters with a strong connection. Be careful when you fall asleep…who knows where you might end up! Told in first person and dual POV.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I just finished this book and I am speechless. I read it in one day it was so good I couldn’t put it down once I started. It hooks you from the very beginning and keeps weaving through the story and giving you snippets to try and decipher. Serephine has to grapple with finding out nothing is as it seems while trying to figure out who and what she can trust. She has to rely on her intuition and trust her instincts while also having harsh realizations. Royal was hard to decipher his intentions his character is so good at hiding his true feelings and keeping his knowledge close to his chest. I loved how their relationship evolved and how they had to learn to trust each other and themselves. I loved the characters we meet along the way and the richness they add to the story and her journey. I highly recommend reading this book!
Review of advance copy
This was okay. It was a nice little snack to break up some longer series I've been reading lately. The plot was predictable. The writing was very surface level. I never felt connected to any of the characters. Even some of the deaths of side characters weren't enough to make me feel anything. The ending makes it seem like the author might revisit this world, but I'm not interested. I'm mostly just disappointed because this was such a cool premise. The execution was severely lacking though. Also, I never grew to like the MMC. He locked her up, choked her (to the point he left marks on her throat that remained for several days) and broke her finger to teach her a lesson. He reasoning for his awful behavior was non-existent and he never apologized or showed remorse. I'm all for a villain love interest, but only if he's not a villain to her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
Seraphine 25 years old woman raised as human
Royal a 500 year old cursed king.
Tension ✅
Enemies to lovers ✅
Dragons ✅
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 book is a little dark. Not too much but still...🤏 Mmc is morally 🖤
Seraphine grows up raised as a human in the human realm. But when she dreams she escapes to other realms (unbeknownst to her) when she turns 25 she starts dreaming of him. Until one day she gets seen by him and he finds out she's exactly who he's been searching for.
They spend the whole book with tension, practically hating each though. There's dragons, monsters, vampires, mates, werewolves. She finds out who her mother and father really are, as well as who the women that raised her is. She kills the bad guy who she thought was one person but plot twist, but then, the dragons warn her this is not the end.
Very good book.
Royal a 500 year old cursed king.
Tension ✅
Enemies to lovers ✅
Dragons ✅
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 book is a little dark. Not too much but still...🤏 Mmc is morally 🖤
Seraphine grows up raised as a human in the human realm. But when she dreams she escapes to other realms (unbeknownst to her) when she turns 25 she starts dreaming of him. Until one day she gets seen by him and he finds out she's exactly who he's been searching for.
They spend the whole book with tension, practically hating each though. There's dragons, monsters, vampires, mates, werewolves. She finds out who her mother and father really are, as well as who the women that raised her is. She kills the bad guy who she thought was one person but plot twist, but then, the dragons warn her this is not the end.
Very good book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2026
I really loved the concept & it kept me intrigued, but the delivery felt rushed and disjointed. The story could’ve benefited from way more world building and backstory. Wtf happened to the human world to make it dystopian-esque? Why is her eye color different? Why was her mom BFF with the dragons? What happened to Jessika? Eris? What was the deal with Rez and the hybrids? How does the werewolf locked in a cell for a billion years just hop behind the wheel and know how to drive?! I could go on for a while. If this is truly a standalone and no one is going to answer my 800 questions, mistakes were made. Also, that first kiss just stuffed in there awkwardly with a side of instalove was not it for me. I’m not usually team rewrite, but the potential was totally there for this to be great.
Read
November 10, 2026Dnf around 40% so I’m not rating. While the book I have is stunning (the Allurial box version), I didn’t really connect with the story. It was kinda confusing in the beginning and I immediately disliked the MMC Royal. He lets his guards be extremely rough with the FMC, locks her in a cell and even made his guards break her finger. I don’t care that he just met her then, that’s something unforgivable and pissed me off the whole time. Our FMC Seraphine is just stupid and lust fuelled the whole time by him. It made her weak af and I was rolling my eyes everytime she was thinking about his body, even when he just chocked her out. I couldn’t continue and had no interest to finish.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was an entertaining and quick read and a great duet narrated audiobook.
I really liked the concept of dream magic, but it wasn't anything special and was mostly used to get spicy time with a Vampire who can't leave his realm. Also, this book was advertised as highly spicy and so maybe my expectations were higher, but there wasn't anything too outrageous about this. Just keep that in mind.
It seems like it's a standalone and I did really appreciate that. Easy read to breeze through.
Thank you to Podium for the gifted copy and ALC of this book. My thoughts are entirely my own.
Finish date: 11/11/26, Release date: 11/17/26
I really liked the concept of dream magic, but it wasn't anything special and was mostly used to get spicy time with a Vampire who can't leave his realm. Also, this book was advertised as highly spicy and so maybe my expectations were higher, but there wasn't anything too outrageous about this. Just keep that in mind.
It seems like it's a standalone and I did really appreciate that. Easy read to breeze through.
Thank you to Podium for the gifted copy and ALC of this book. My thoughts are entirely my own.
Finish date: 11/11/26, Release date: 11/17/26
Review of advance copy
Let me start by saying this is a first time author for me, and I wanted to like this one sooo bad because it sounded so intriguing, but unfortunately this was just incredibly too shallow of a book all around. I wanted to DNF at only 50 pages in, but forced myself to push through. I did not connect to a single character in here. None. The plot itself was sort of a hot mess, and a lot of things didn’t add up or make sense. Would I recommend it? Probably not, but the Allurial copy is so stunning I'm definitely keeping it as a trophy for my shelf. Visually, they knocked this special edition out of the park.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Witches, shifters, vampires and dragons. An enemies to lovers dark fantasy romance.
Seraphine dreams she visits other worlds. She always dreams of the same man. When she finds out she is jumping through portals to other realms the action kicks off.
Royal is cold and dangerous to everyone but Seraphine.
As Seraphine jumps into forbidden realms she learns about who she really is and how strong her magic is.
I listened to the audiobook and I can tell you Avery Caris and Sean Masters were supurb in bringing these characters to life.
Seraphine dreams she visits other worlds. She always dreams of the same man. When she finds out she is jumping through portals to other realms the action kicks off.
Royal is cold and dangerous to everyone but Seraphine.
As Seraphine jumps into forbidden realms she learns about who she really is and how strong her magic is.
I listened to the audiobook and I can tell you Avery Caris and Sean Masters were supurb in bringing these characters to life.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Let me start with saying I really liked this story. However, it is severely underdeveloped. I also noticed a few errors in my Allurial print. This needed a lot more world building. This could have been fantastic but honestly it was too short. We hardly have any time to actually connect with these characters. This was definitely instalove because the MCs hardly have any time spent together to build a relationship. This is an enjoyable standalone, but I hope this author is able to do better world building in the future. 350 pages was just to short to do the story justice.
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