Realm of Thieves by Karina Halle is such a fun dual POV enemies to lovers romantasy with magic, politics, and dragons!

This one is fast paced - the world building is unique & intricate, but never overwhelming or boring. I had so much fun with this one and look forward to reading more from the author & of course continuing the series.

If you’re a romantasy & dragon lover grab your copy when it hits shelves June 10!

Thank you to NetGalley & Berkley for the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback!

Dragons and mafia! You can’t go wrong with that! Brynla and Andor melted my heart in this book. Realm of Thieves kept me on the edge of seat in this fast paced read full of risk and adventure. In this book you have a black market egg trade, fierce FMC, cinnamon roll hero, and a magical dog as a side kick. Be sure to check the trigger warnings if you have any.

Thank you berkley for the gifted eARC and early copy!

I am absolutely devastated that I’m dnfing this bc I had high hopes for this one. I’m just very underwhelmed and can’t get myself to want to continue.

After getting 50% through the book, I definitely expect to feel invested in the characters and have an understanding of the plot. There isn’t much going on with the plot so I don’t even know what we are building up to. The romance is also very underwhelming bc there’s no real buildup. Brynla goes from hating him for capturing her to being perfectly okay with it super randomly. And I just don’t really care for the characters 😔

All hail Karina!! She just never misses. My romantasy ever loving heart, loved this so much!!! It was a different take on world with dragons, which was refreshing.

I felt connected to Bynla and her grief. She is on badass FMC. Her spirit, her hair, her skills, a wonder!! Andor, he was just so sweet!!!
But really Lemmi stole the show. A magic side-kick dog? Yes please.

If you like:
enemies to lovers
only one cave
only one horse
touch her and die,
“who did this to you”
dragons but they’ll eat you
family politics
prophecies
neurodivergent rep
chronic illness rep
morally grey characters
adventure,
badass FMC
deadly cinnamon roll MMC
he falls first,
everyone has magic but you
a heist
animal sidekick

Thank you so much Karina, Netgalley and ACE for thr advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I am not really big into fantasy, I’m just starting to get into it so take this with a grain of salt! I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings!
This was just really disconnected for me in general. Karina’s writing isn’t like that usually.

So it’s like Mafia/fantasy, there’s different lands and syndikats- mafia family. Warring territories. Dragons are isolated to this Midland area that’s protected by wards and the dragons are true untamed beasts, they’ll kill you on site. (I appreciate this a lot and Jurassic park is my favourite movie too!!)

People go to the midland area to steal their eggs because inside is this magical stuff called Suen that gives humans powers: strength, speed, knowledge, telekinesis etc. There’s a lot of extensive lore, which I appreciate but the story itself gets a little choppy. I did read the glossary and map and prologue very well, but I still found myself skimming over the names of stuff like it didn’t really matter.

Our main FMC Brynla is from the dark city, which is a city underground and is considered a freeland, so she’s not controlled by a syndikat or the governments. She works as a contract thief for them tho, and has a magical suen enhanced dog Lemi who helps her steal eggs (we love Lemi).

Basically what happens is she’s working for one to steal eggs and then another syndikat royal kidnaps her to work for him- name is Andor.

I don’t see a lot of development between the two characters, it just seems like tension is implied with awkward encounters and they both end up attracted to each other. The bathroom scene, more awkward than anything in my opinion.

I’m also kind of tired of the ‘she’s special’ trope- the suen doesn’t work on her and there’s some implied background that she’s not like other people. You find out in the end but it’s like obviously she’s just special

I did read the entire thing and never once wanted to DNF, like it has good stuff and I love Karina’s writing! It just seemed like some parts were heavily detailed and others glossed over. I had a lot of whiplash.

And there’s this part where she’s grieving, and it’s like she’s super betrayed. But then he comes and they have sex and it’s all good? Like a good fuck fixed everything? It was weird.

The ending was a little too clean as well. No repercussions for their actions, the enemies never come knocking, his family just allows everything even though they were against it all. No retaliation from anyone.
It does set up for maybe a book 2 but I’ll be honest, I probably won’t read that one.

I received this as an advanced reader copy.

Karina is one of my favorite authors right now. Everything she puts out, I read. However, I was a little disappointed with this one. She keeps marketing it as a mafia romance, but where is the mafia? This has no mafia vibes to it at all. They’re more like overlords but I would not describe it as a “mafia romance”.

With that being said-the story was ok and I feel like it could have been so much more. I enjoyed the way she wrote the FMC but the MMC, he was a little soft for me.

The story didn’t really draw me in until the end and I am looking forward to seeing what the MMC’s family is looking to do in the next book.

It’s got dragons, people who have magic, loss and tragedy. It has all the bones for a good book, was just expecting a little bit more.

Realm of Thieves by Karina Halle
Book 1, Thieves of Dragemor

Thank you to Berkley and Karina for entrusting me with an early copy!

Interconnected standalones
Dual POV, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, they save each other, thief FMC, black sheep MMC, who did this to you, good girl, revenge, heist, chronic illness rep, morally grey characters, only one cave, touch her and 💀, dragons - but they aren't friendly🤣, secrets, he falls first, kidnapping, heartbreak, grief and loss, animal companion - blink dog!

Brynla escaped a dragon worshipping cult where she was entrapped as a child and now survives by stealing dragon eggs for the black market. The dragon eggs grant magic to those that eat them, but they are very dangerous to retrieve. Brynla was attempting to steal more eggs with her loyal, egg finding, teleporting dog, Lemi, when she is found by a dangerous rival to the family she currently works for. Andor has been watching Brynla, and his plan for finally proving his worth to his family relies on her help. He gives her the choice of helping him or getting turned over to be executed and they eventually come to an agreement. But can they learn to trust each other enough to act on the feelings they are growing for each other?

I love Lemi the blink dog so much!
Brynla and Andor were a great couple! Though there were definitely things kept from Brynla that were annoying, they were able to come together and support each other in a way that neither had ever experienced! It was nice to see vulnerability from Andor in his past use of his magic and how he was able to overcome it!
The epilogue set up the next book and I'm very intrigued by the couple and the set up! Excited for the next book!

A mafia-esque romantasy with dragons and rival thieves was such a unique and interesting plot I was not expecting. There's so much to this story and all the intricate character dynamics. Dragon eggs being used as currency and also the source of magic was pretty unique to the romantasy genre. The rivals to lovers trope was fun and entertaining. I really loved Lemi, the loyal dog sidekick to our FMC.

Overall, this was an exciting start to this new series, and I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes from here.

I really enjoyed this, as I do all of Karina Halle’s work, it wasn’t my favorite but I can definitely say I’ll remember it. It was different than the stories I usually read from her, but that’s my favorite thing about Karina- she never lets herself get boxed into one particular category or trope. She pushes the boundaries.

Realm of Thieves is a high-stakes, darker romantasy with mafia-style politics, an unforgiving dragon-infested world, and a FMC who’s as sharp as she is scarred. The illegal dragon egg trade and the brutal risks, kidnappings, violence, and deadly consequences involved gave the story a sense of danger that rarely lets up.

Brynla is layered and complex, and her survival instinct and staunch independence make her a compelling protagonist right from the start, especially as her past in a dragon-worshipping cult adds depth to her motivations. She's strong and smart, and I enjoyed her journey. Also, shout out to Brynla's dog, Lemi! I loved Lemi and the bond Brynla shared with her canine companion. It was my second favorite relationship in the story.

Of course, my favorite relationship in the book was the fantastic romance between Brynla and Andor! Their dynamic had so much tension, and there was a delicious push-and-pull between them. I loved their banter and how they slowly connected, and their more intimate scenes were sizzling! Andor’s mix of restraint and intensity made him a surprisingly perfect partner for Brynla, and his softer nature adds an unexpected layer to his morally gray role, which was a nice contrast to the otherwise intense world.

Other things that really stood out were the setting, world-building, and atmosphere. The dragons were amazing and intimidating, the magic system was complex and unique, and the looming presence of rival criminal houses all vying for dragon eggs and hiring people to steal them for their magical power added so much tension and suspense to the story. At times, the political threads were a bit dense, but the author generally does a good job of pulling readers back into the action and plot without feeling too much like an info dump.

This was a strong and immersive start to the series, and I loved the ending! While not everything was tied up, the world, characters, and plot left me curious about what’s to come. I’m especially interested to see how the shifting alliances and brewing wars, as well as some of the betrayals and surprising revelations, develop as the series continues.

Realm of Thieves is a fast paced romantasy centered around an illegal dragon egg trade. There are mafia elements, rival Houses, dragon eggs which grant magical abilities, religious fanatics, and prophecies. Brynla was a great FMC - she’s the orphaned daughter of rebels who escaped a traumatic situation following their deaths. She now works as a dragon egg thief despite not having magical abilities like the other thieves.

Our MMC Andor is a member of a rival House and things don’t get off to a good start when he kidnaps her to steal eggs for them instead. I wouldn’t say he was my favorite love interest ever, but I still enjoyed the romance. There were some pretty good plot twists and I was really intrigued by the epilogue - I feel like the next book could be even better!

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was really good! The characters and the story line? It’s a book that had me up well past 3am and regretting my decisions in the morning.
There’s just so much to talk about with this book but I’m unsure how to because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone!

This is definitely one I need on my shelf when it releases!!

First and foremost, thank you to the publisher and the author for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I loved this story and it was definitely worth the read!

Karina Halle proves once again why she is an auto buy author. This story has a heist, enemies to lovers, an interesting magic system, and best of all…dragons. So entertaining. Cannot wait to get to book 2!

First of all I am AMAZED by Karina Halle’s ability to write any genre. And she writes them consecutively, her brain must be a fascinating place.

I really liked the world building and the premise of this book. Rival cartels from different realms are all contracting thieves and smuggling Suen (nutrients from dragon eggs that give the consumer magical powers). The politics and class dynamics were done so well.

I personally was not a fan of the romance. Just my preference, but I wanted the burn to be a bit slower. There wasn’t enough tension/hatred between the kidnapper and the kidnapped before the enemies became lovers.

I’m so thankful to have received an arc of this book, and I’m excited to see what Karina Halle tackles next.

“My gods, you’re a stubborn little thief, aren’t you?”

This was one of the most fun reads! If you like The Sopranos, Jurassic Park, GOT, Mafia Romance and Romantasy? This book is for you!

From the vey beginning I was captivated by the characters, especially Brynla. As a woman that has dealt with painful, debilitating periods, it was such a breath of fresh air to have an FMC that was actually, ya know, HUMAN. The representation was tastefully done and I could really empathize with our FMC. I felt her pain and just wanted to give her a hug, a heating pad, blankies and snacks!

The romance, the pining, the “I don’t know if I want to kiss you or 🔪 you” vibes were on point. Andor, our MMC, reminds me so much of Dean Winchester with his attitude and snarky comments. Immediately adored him.

I was completely SURPRISED by the ending! Like OMG. I did not expect that. Also, magical dog as an animal sidekick? Heck yes!!!

5 star read for me.

This might be my favorite Karina Halle book yet!

I love a good romantasy and dragons? YES PLEASE!

The dragons in this series don't bond with humans, they literally kill and eat them(as they should) and so the dragons got forced onto a single island years ago where they are held by wards.

People realized if they eat the suen(from the dragon eggs) that they can get magic powers(HELL YEAH)!

Naturally, an illegal egg trade(cartel vibes) forms and each island/country has their people that they use to steal eggs.

That's all the backstory I'll give because people get mad about synopsis 🫠

Anyways, if you love:
🐉 Dragons
🪺 Fierce FMC(endometriosis rep)
🐉 ADHD CODED MMC
🪺 Evil nuns(one lands government is church ran and evil AF)
🐉HEISTS
🪺 Family drama
🐉 Magic dog
🪺 SPICE
🐉 Oh, and Andor kidnaps Brynla

Thank you Karina Halle and Ace Books Pub for providing an ARC of Realm of Thieves!

This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2026, and it did not disappoint!

Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DKXko0mpXPX/?igsh=NnNkNnZ0Y25oZ2V1

Goodreads Post: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7560632007

Really loved this book that featured romantasy, dragons and suspense! I loved the build up between andor and brynla and of course loved Lemi as well. We also get “he falls first” vibes which I loved! The world building in this one was on point as I felt the balance between action and romance. Can’t wait for more!

A solid romantasy with an intriguing and unique twist on the dragon world—Karina Halle always nails the romantasy genre! While the pacing was up and down, I had a fun time with Realm of Thieves.

The first four chapters...I WAS HOOKED, and those initial pages made such an impression. The author did a fantastic job quickly building the world and thrusting the reader right into the action + emphasizing the perils of the Midlands and its dragons.

As I mentioned, I loved the world-building. In the acknowledgements section, the author mentions taking inspiration from the ominous feeling of dinosaurs in movies like Jurassic Park. The dragons totally had that dinosaur-esque vibe, which I loved. The atmosphere felt like How to Train Your Dragon mixed with Jurassic Park, with mafia vibes and darker undertones. And not only did the author write a unique dragon element, she excelled at creating a political structure with increasing tensions among the kingdoms—which I'm guessing will explode in later books. And the religious aspect added another layer of intrigue.

Though the middle 15-40% was on the slower side, even though the book started off with a bang. The interspersed action scenes, mini quests, and heist is what kept me on the line. The romance and character development had a ton of potential. Yet I wish there was a little bit more of an emotional connection between Brynla and Andor. While it wasn't explicitly insta-love, it seemed that way at times. Their romance also felt almost surface level.

I wish this book were longer so there'd be more of a deep dive into each character's backstory. I think that would've helped improve the well-roundness of the individual characters + their romantic relationship. That's not to say I didn't love Brynla. She was quite headstrong and seriously was everything I need in a fantasy heroine. It seems like this is an interconnected standalone, and I will be continuing with this series. I do think there were a fair amount of looser ends in Brynla + Andor's story, so I hope we get more of a conclusion for them in later installments. Though overall an enjoyable, dragon romantasy!

Thank you so much to Ace Books for an ARC of Realm of Thieves. As always, my reviews are one hundred percent voluntary and all opinions are my own :)

Huge thank you to Karina Halle and the RRS for this ARC!

"I don’t think she can get any more beautiful. 'I stole more than an egg from the Harbringer,' she says proudly. 'A miniature poisoned arrow.' I stand corrected. She’s now the most beautiful sight in the world."

"I pull her up to her feet and for the first time I feel the full weight of her. I have to say, I kind of like it. She’s packed with muscle, she’s solid, she’s curvy, she’s strong. She keeps me anchored to her, my rock."
(quotes from an uncorrected ARC and are subject to change)

Karina Halle always blows me away with each new book she releases! I absolutely love her romantasy books and this one is a stellar addition to her collection! I actually loved it so much that I preordered a copy of it! (I've never preordered a book before so yay!).

Brynla is such a refreshing FMC in this genre. She's not tiny or frail, and she won't blow away in a stiff breeze. She has lavender hair, badass muscles, and a quippy tongue that gets her IN as much trouble as it gets her OUT. An escaped nun turned priceless thief who's willing to do what it takes to carve out a life entirely her own. Andor is secretive but calculated. A middle child prince looking to make his mark on the kingdom. Lemi is a fearlessly loyal pup who works with Brynla instead of for her. He's magic in more than one way, and might be the smartest person on the team.

I really loved this book, the worldbuilding was (of course) incredible!! I can't wait to see where this series goes if it gets continued!