Kendra here, your notorious Netgalley peruser! I, obviously, found this intriguing book during one of my Netgalley searches, was captivated by the book description and requested it! Special thanks to Netgalley and Ace Publishing for the advanced E-Arc!

For Brynla Aihr, crime and survival have always gone hand in hand. Ever since she escaped the fanatical dragon-worshipping cult that controls her homeland, she’s had to carve out a life doing the stealing dragon eggs. Egg theft is illegal and, in most cases, fatal. To breach a dragon's nest means a harrowing journey through the ancient wards spelled to keep the monstrous beasts confined. Dragons can’t get out and only those with a death wish can get in.

You all know I am a sucker for fantasy romance, but especially following the recent release of “Onyx Storm” I was looking for some dragons too. This book fit the mark and put in a fun twist with dragon egg heists!

I enjoyed my time in the universe, if you are looking for your next fantasy romance–her you go!

I really loved reading this book and I can not wait for more by this author!! I flew through this book because it was that good. The author did an amazing job keeping the plot interesting without it getting boring or slow. I will be recommending this book to all of the family and friends.

Karina Halle proves once again that she’s a master of her craft. Having enjoyed several of her books, I loved seeing her return to mafia-like dynamics in a fantasy setting. She seamlessly blends action, intrigue, and courtly romance, creating a world so immersive I devoured this book in one sitting.

Brynla is a fierce, headstrong heroine—flawed yet deeply relatable. Unlike the typical waif-like fantasy lead, she’s fuller-figured and strong in a way that feels real. Andor, despite being raised in a crime family, is intense, thoughtful, and deeply principled. Their chemistry is raw and compelling, striking the perfect balance between realism and intensity.

One of the standout aspects of this book was its portrayal of chronic pain. Brynla’s struggles were depicted with honesty and depth, making her journey all the more authentic and emotionally resonant. This rare representation in fantasy added an extra layer of meaning that many readers will connect with.

This book delivered everything I love in a romantasy—fast-paced quests, high stakes, vivid world-building, and a romance that lingers long after the last page. If you love mafia dynamics, dragons, and rich characters, this is a must-read. The series is just beginning, but it already feels like it belongs alongside romantasy titans like Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group | Ace and NetGalley for the ARC!

🔥 Dare to Dance with Dragons in Realm of Thieves by Karina Halle! 🐉✨

Get ready for an electrifying mix of danger, desire, and dragons in this unputdownable romantasy!

💎 Why you NEED this book in your life:
🐉 Dragons & Danger: Brynla's life as a dragon egg thief is thrilling, terrifying, and oh-so-addictive to read about.
🖤 Enemies-to-Lovers Heat: Brynla and Andor’s fiery banter will have you rooting for them even as sparks (and maybe flames) fly.
⚔️ Epic World-Building: Rival dynasties, illegal trades, and ancient prophecies—this world will pull you in and refuse to let go.
💥 High-Stakes Action: With betrayal at every turn, you’ll be holding your breath as Brynla navigates deadly alliances and shocking secrets.
✨ Karina Halle Magic: A master storyteller blending romance, fantasy, and suspense into a tale you’ll devour.

This is the kind of book that grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go. If you love dragons, slow-burn romance, and edge-of-your-seat twists, Realm of Thieves is your next obsession.

📖 Grab it now and let the adventure begin!

#RealmOfThieves #KarinaHalle #RomantasyReads #EnemiesToLovers #DragonEggHeist #FantasyRomance #BookstagramRecs #TBR #ReadNow #BerkleyPublishing #NetGalley #BookTok #Bookstagrammer

Excuse me!!!!! This was my first Karina Halle book and WOW. I was hooked from the first chapter. This fast-paced fantasy romance was everything! The female main character was BADASS and I could not stop cheering her on throughout this book. The MMC was also everything and more. The “Touch her and you die” vibes was his whole thing. The political intrigue and the whole concept of stealing dragon eggs gave this a mafia type of feel for a romantasy book and I honestly have not felt that before. It was very interesting and kept me on my toes. HIGHLY recommend!

I was excited to get this book, especially when I saw all the high reviews. I was into the first 25% of the book, but then it quickly lost its appeal. The romance was so fast it made my head spin, and there was no real connection to the characters. The story started interestingly but quickly delved into an unoriginal plot line.

At the heart of the narrative is Brynla Aihr, a young woman whose life has been shaped by her tumultuous past and the harsh realities of her present. Having escaped from a fanatical dragon-worshipping cult that once held her captive, Brynla is forced to navigate the treacherous landscape of illegal egg theft—a dangerous occupation where lives are often lost and betrayal lurks in every shadow.
The concept of stealing dragon eggs is not only steeped in risk but is emblematic of the power dynamics at play in this society. As Brynla embarks on her perilous quests, it becomes clear the lengths to which individuals will go in the pursuit of power and wealth. The dragon eggs themselves symbolize more than mere objects of desire; they embody the magic and unpredictability of the world Brynla inhabits.
The narrative truly shines when Brynla's path crosses with that of Lord Andor, a lieutenant of House Kolbeck. Their relationship is fraught with conflict and chemistry, showcasing Halle's ability to create complex characters with rich emotional landscapes. Brynla and Andor’s dynamic is a dance of power and attraction, filled with sharp exchanges and simmering tension. As they are drawn into the dangerous political games of rivaling dynasties, their clashing personalities reveal deeper truths about loyalty and trust, forcing Brynla to confront her own motivations and desires.
The blend of fantasy elements with relatable human emotions creates a story that resonates on multiple levels. Overall, this book is a captivating tale of adventure, romance, and the complexities of loyalty in a world filled with danger. This is definitely a must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure.

I couldn’t wait to start this new book by Karina Halle. The world building sucked me in right away, and I instantly immersed myself in the story. I usually can tell within the first two chapters whether I’m going to be in love with a book, and I felt that with the unique plot of Realm of Thieves immediately. This book is a well balanced game of survival sprinkled with adventure, romance, magic, and mystery. I fell in love with Brynla and Andor. Their romance seemed so authentic – filled with a plethora of emotion, angst, longing, and tension. I didn’t want the book to end!

✨Read If You Love ✨
Flawed Sassy & Morally Gray FMC
Kidnapping
Political Intrigue
Forced Proximity
Dragons
Banter
Dual POV
Secrets, Lies, & Betrayal
Who Did This To You?
Mental Health REP
Chronic Illness REP

Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC copy!

Realm of Thieves

After escaping a dragon worshiping cult with her aunt, Brynla Aihr has spent her days stealing dragon eggs that contain magical properties and selling them to the highest bidder. During one dangerous mission, she’s kidnapped and blackmailed by Lord Andro Kolbeck. Brynla and Andor soon find themselves players in a high stakes political game that has deadly and dangerous consequences. Secrets, lies and prophecies threaten to change the course of the future.

Brynla is a strong FMC. She suffers with chronic pain that is debilitating at times. She’s strong willed and sassy. Andor is a great MMC. Very “say another thing about her and die” vibes. And of course my favorite character was Lemi.

~Enemies to lovers
~He fell first
~Touch her and die
~Magic
~Dragons
~Political intrigue
~Chronic illness

4⭐️

On Sale Date - June 10th, 2025

Thank you NetGalley and Ace/Berkley for a copy of the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.

Thank you Berkley and Netgalley for this eArc.

I really enjoyed the first about 40% of this book. The world is really interesting and I love the concept of hunting dragon eggs. However, the romance in my opinion was a bit too fast. I'm also not really sure it was ever enemies to lovers. She seemed to get over him kidnapping her pretty quick. I need more tension in my romance.

4.5! Dragon egg heists, a cool magical world and a teleporting dog??? SAY NO MORE!!! This is such a fun, action packed romantasy! Brynla and Andor have great chemistry and the political drama kept me on edge. The pacing slows a little bit midway but the twists and banter make it a solid read. I loved so much 🩷🩷

I really enjoyed the first 35% and then after that it just kind of went down hill, I felt bored and didn’t care about either main character. Also trying to make a healing scene steamy just seemed one step too far in my opinion.

Karina Halle’s Realm of Thieves is a scorching romantasy that captivates with its high-stakes plot and fiery chemistry. Brynla Aihr is a fierce and resourceful heroine navigating the perilous world of dragon egg theft, while Lord Andor is her perfect foil—formidable, cunning, and impossible to resist.

The tension between them crackles, adding depth to a story already brimming with intrigue, betrayal, and the allure of forbidden magic. With vivid world-building and heart-stopping twists, Realm of Thieves is a must-read for fans of fantasy romance who crave adventure and heat in equal measure.

Karina writes atmospheric novels- they just draw you in with the world building, the descriptors, the writing and everything about this book was so vivid and rich and detailed. The plot could use a bit of refinement but I am hooked by the characters and cannot wait to see where the action leads next!

Going in with no clue about what the story would be, I was really excited about the whole stealing dragon eggs. I felt this was an interesting spin on dragons, and throughout the story the part that the dragons play really hooked me. I enjoyed the character of Brynla, but was hooked on Andor, the dual POV was chef's kiss for this story to keep moving forward. I loved the bits and pieces we get of Andor's brothers and sister, and wish that we got more time with them.

Who else was hooked when they read this story was about stealing dragon eggs?!

Brynla Aihr knows all about danger. After escaping a terrifying dragon-worshipping cult, she’s made a living doing the impossible: sneaking into dragon nests and stealing their eggs. When she is kidnapped and blackmailed into working with Lord Andor of House Kolbeck, things somehow get even more dangerous—and a lot more complicated.

This book was incredible! Brynla’s story had me hooked from the very first page.

Dragon egg theft is such a cool and unique concept, and the way it was written so well.

Andor and Brynla’s chemistry was just perfect. I loved their banter.

The dangerous political games were intense—I was constantly on edge, guessing who was going to betray who next.

And the dog?! Obsessed.

If you love dragons, clever characters, and plots full of twists, betrayals, and tension, you’ve got to pick this one up.

Thank you Berkley Publishing for the free ARC!

Realm of Thieves by Karina Halle knocked it out of the park. Dark, twisty, romantic, and heartfelt I am in suspense for what is next!

Rating: 3.25 stars

Thank you to Berkley for providing me with an early copy in exchange for an honest review!

'Realm of Thieves' is a new romantasy by Karin Halle. The story follows Brynla, a dragon egg thief who steals for the highest bidder in Esland. During one of her expeditions, she encounters Andor, and her life as she knows it begins to unravel. I was thoroughly hooked by the setting, the power structures, and how the dragons are integrated into it. The mystery behind Andor's reasons for imprisoning Brynla kept me turning the pages.

However, midway through the story, I found the pacing dragging and the tone completely different from the first half. The characters felt one-dimensional, and the romance between Brynla and Andor seemed implausible. Although there were several significant twists, I felt that many essential details were glossed over. Despite the book's length, I honestly didn't grasp how the world operates. The minimal character development further detracted from my enjoyment.

Overall, while this book features a unique setting with enough mystery to keep you engaged, it falls short in other areas.

Thank you Berkeley Publishing and NetGalley for this amazing opportunity to ARC read this Romantasy!

Realm of Thieves was a fast paced, action packed Romantasy that immediately pulled in, and had me not wanting to put this book down! I will absolutely recommend this to my fellow fantasy and romantasy readers.

I wasn't sure what to expect with this one. It seems like Karina Halle writes mostly spicy dark books but this was so fun !