Many thanks to Cornerstone Press, Random House UK, and NetGalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Silvercloak is a strong opening to a new fantasy trilogy from L.K Steven. The tropes include:
Magic system
Undercover
Prophecy
Enemies to lovers
Forbidden romance
Morally grey MMC

The story consists of Saffron going undercover in a mission to take down the group responsible for the murder of her parents when she was a child. I thought setting a revenge story against the backdrop of a world where magic is fuelled by pleasure and pain was an interesting concept which was executed well.

The worldbuilding was excellent, the characters felt layered and distinct, the magic system was unique and compelling, the plot held dramatic tension all the way to the end, and the story moves along at a steady pace without dragging or feeling rushed.

I appreciated the complexity of Saffron, our focal POV, as she must navigate difficult choices and come to terms with her shifting loyalties as she becomes embedded amongst her enemies.

Whilst this is not as tagged as a ‘romantasy’, there is a romantic subplot which is serviceable enough for the story but becomes crucial to the plot towards the end of the book and this is where I feel it could have been flushed out further. I hope we explore more of their dynamic in the next book.

There is a memorable animal companion who you will undoubtedly become attached to.

Overall, I found this an engaging read and the ending left me wanting more. I plan to read the rest of the series.

4 stars.

5⭐

Every aspect of the writing feels well-balanced. It’s definitely dark in places, with a significant number of lost limbs for the overall headcount, but it’s not overdone. Similarly, there are some spicy scenes, but they’re not the main focus, and the plot drives the romance rather than the other way around.

The magic system in Silvercloak deserves a special mention. It's definitely more of a hard magic system that s very intricate, and built on solid rules which is something I really tend to enjoy. Whether it’s elemental wielding, potion brewing, healing, enchanting objects, compelling, or foresight, every aspect is thoughtfully constructed to create a vivid tapestry of magic that drenches this world and perfectly complements the human drama on display.

What truly sets this book apart for me are its characters. Their complex histories, conflicting morals, and genuine aspirations made every decision they faced feel intimately personal.

The tension and the high stakes of the plot was fantastic, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Silvercloak is easily one of the best fantasy books I've read this year, I adored it. If you're looking for a fantasy book that combines darker and sometimes deadly magic, with all the tension and drama of a thriller novel, a complex female lead and a world filled with intrigue and secrets you know you've only just started to unravel, then you need to pick up Silvercloak this summer!

A fantastic fantasy novel which sees a disgraced mage deep undercover with a criminal gang. We reach the end of the book, and I truly don't know what I'm hoping will come next! The battle between Silvercloaks and Bloodcloaks has me hooked - Levan is a fantastic character, and much as I understand Saffron's desire to stay loyal to the Silvercloaks, I think her and Levan make a compelling team.

Saffron Killoran is out on a mission of revenge. A student with a dark secret, her heart’s desire is to bring down the Bloodmoons who caused a family tragedy, so when she gets an unexpected chance to go undercover, she seizes it. But it will prove to be more dangerous than she had ever imagined - and she’ll have to get closer than she ever anticipated to their leader’s heir, in a way that won’t just risk her life, but her heart.

Plainly: this is a mafia romance, except with wands and magic and cloaks. The world Steven builds is clever and fascinating and decadent, where experiencing pleasure fills up your well of magic - but pain sharpens it. Steven pushes the boundaries of Saff’s morality in a very believable way and keeps the tension turned up high. Whilst some results are inevitable to the reader, the route is unknown: and also be prepared for some genuine surprises. An excellently crafted genre-mash up that I predict is going to be extremely popular.

P.S. down with comps to HP let’s stop doing that and this doesn’t fit anyway

ARC Review – Silvercloak by LK Stevens - contains some spoilers


Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Genre: Fantasy Romance | Tropes: Undercover infiltration, enemies-to-lovers, tortured love interest

Saffron, a determined operative of the Silvercloaks, is tasked with a dangerous mission: infiltrate the notorious Bloodmoon gang and uncover their long-guarded secrets. As she delves deeper into the underworld, she must blur moral lines, question her loyalties, and grapple with a magic system fuelled by pleasure and pain.

This book has a lot going for it—gritty atmosphere, morally grey decisions, and a unique take on magic. I was particularly impressed by the more gruesome scenes, which were written with vivid intensity and didn’t shy away from the harsh realities of Saffron’s situation. I also really liked the concept of magic being fuelled through physical and emotional sensations, and the idea that different characters have affinities for different types of energy was fascinating.

However, the execution didn’t quite grip me. I found it slow to get through, and at times, I struggled to stay fully invested. The pleasure/pain theme, while unique, felt a bit heavy-handed and at times predictable, which undercut the tension in both the plot and the romance.

Saffron as a protagonist was a mixed bag. While I appreciated her inner conflict and the weight of the choices she had to make, her arrogance and immaturity in certain moments made it hard for me to fully connect with her. It also felt like she took far too long to realise the nature of her powers, especially given what’s hinted at early on.

Levan, the love interest, unfortunately lacked depth for me. The tortured boy trope was present but didn’t feel fleshed out, and I would’ve loved to see this explored more—possibly through a multi-POV format. Some emotional beats felt rushed, and key moments could have benefitted from more time and care.

The romance, which leans on the enemies-to-lovers trope, didn’t land as strongly as I hoped. The magical dynamic between Saffron and Levan made the relationship feel more transactional than emotionally compelling, and despite attempts to build a deeper connection, it didn’t quite deliver the spark or tension I wanted.

Overall, Silvercloak has some intriguing ideas and darker tones that fans of gritty fantasy may enjoy, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I wanted to love it more than I did, and while I appreciate the ARC, I’m not sure I’ll continue with the series.

Thank you to the publisher and author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5⭐

This was such a gripping read, I loved how from the start the writing completely pulls you in and keeps you engaged throughout. The world building is exceptional with all the descriptions and details and I really enjoyed how everything was so easy to understand.

It has such a unique story, well thought out and developed characters and plot. The enemies to lovers in this book was so good and I was living for every interaction between them, I'm so excited for the next book especially after that last line! Highly recommend

i knew from the moment this book showed up on my radar that i would really like it, it was just a matter of how much. the answer is A LOT.

this book had my jaw dropping with everything that was going on and all the reveals and plot twists? broke my brain. the last few chapters basically had me on the edge of my seat and the epilogue made me fall to the floor. LITERAL CHILLS. my anticipation for the sequel is absolutely through the roof like i legitimately don’t think i can wait for an entire year to find out where the story is going to go??

there’s much to talk about in terms of the characters as well. i was a fan of both of them honestly and the way the chemistry between them was built up? phenomenal. the entire book felt very high stakes and a lot of that reflected in the way the characters interacted with each other as well. since they’re essentially working for opposites sides, i would consider this enemies to lovers or at least something very close to it. the two of them don’t trust each other at all but are forced to in certain situations and also hate the side the other stands for.

i will say overall, i highly recommend picking this up when it releases!

This book sounded like it had everything I look for in a good fantasy book, in-depth world building, an interesting and unique magic system, a character with a gripping back story; and it did! But I also had to DNF this book at the 33% mark because I found it was so boring it was putting me to sleep, the characters seemed baseless and uninspired. The magic system didn't play as a big a role as I would have liked or expected considering that that was the selling point being used in the blurb and the tag line for the book, and overall this book felt like it should have gone through another couple rounds of revises and edits to the actual story because the pace seemed off. It started out super quick and captivating but a third of the way in I felt like I was having to force myself to pick it up, and found myself battling with pushing through or DNFing it. I'm sorry to say that although this book has everything I should love in a book, this one just wasn't for me.

The second of Laura Steven’s releases this year, this is her adult fantasy debut. You can definitely tell that this is written by an experienced author. I think it takes quite a lot of bravery now to release a book with magic that uses wands in a similar fashion to HP, but I am totally here for it! I love magic and wands and I want to see more of it in new releases.
This errs slightly more on the side of romantic fantasy than epic fantasy, it’s a tale of Saffron Killoran whose parents were killed as a child by a gang known as the Bloodmoons. She wants revenge and so trains as a Silvercloak, the equivalent of a magical detective, to bring them down. She lied her way into the Silvercloak academy, and just before she graduates is found out. The only way out of the mess she’s created is to go undercover within the Bloodmoons, which means acting like a Bloodmoon and all of the sadistic acts they undertake. She is prophesied to kiss and then kill the kingpins son which hangs over her the entire time she’s undercover.
I initially thought that the stakes of this book were a bit too low; I prefer my fantasy books to be epic in scale and saving the world type rather than undercover detective. HOWEVER, by the time I finished the book I can see that the author is just laying the groundwork for a much more expansive plot with much bigger stakes and consequences in the rest of the trilogy. She has put so much thought into the worldbuilding and it shows. The magic system is based on pleasure and pain, which is such an interesting idea. LK Steven has really thought about the impact that a magic system like that would have on the culture of a world and the consequences of using either type of magic. I can really see people becoming obsessed with this series. Saffron is under so much stress throughout the story you can tell she’s making erratic decisions that don’t make sense. So she’s entirely realistic as a human being which makes the annoyance with most of those decisions forgivable.
Whilst I think some people might write this off as another romantasy book, I urge you not to. I can tell that there is so much foreshadowing and that the payoff in books 2 and 3 is going to be epic.

R E V I E W

Silvercloak by L.K. Steven

☆☆☆☆☆

Advanced Reader Copy graciously provided by Random House UK, Cornerstone | Del Rey via Netgalley

I entered into this fantasy phenomenon completely blind, having no clue what the story was about or that this author is the very same to have penned the recently published 'Our Infinite Fates' which seems to be garnering a lot of praise at the moment.

Having now read Silvercloak and been exposed firsthand to Stevens' stunning prose, imaginative world-building, and addictive romantic storytelling, I can say with certainty that I will definitely be reading more of her backlist.

Silvercloak is an impressively imagined story set in a world where mages rule, each gifted with a specialism fueled only by pain (for quality) or pleasure (for quantity). In a world where vice and sin are currency, the city of Atherin's elite Silvercloak detectives work to ensure dark mages never prosper.

This story begins when young mage Saffron Killoran's parents are ruthlessly murdered by a brutal gang of dark mages; the Bloodmoons. Hellbent on retribution, Saffron works tirelessly for two decades to become a Silvercloak, only to fail at the final hurdle. But all hope is not lost when Saffron is offered the chance of a lifetime, something that could prove more fruitful to her vendetta than serving amongst the Silvercloak: a chance to infiltrate the Bloodmoons, to go undercover and decimate them from within.

Fuelled by her quest for revenge, Saffron soon realises that taking down this bloodthirsty organisation is not going to be plain sailing and that if she truly wants to bring them to their knees, she might just have to darken her own soul to do it. Immersed in a cutthroat gang where torture and murder lay at the tip of a wand, Saffron finds herself doing things she never thought capable and with an unlikely ally: the Kingpin's son. The one whom she is prophesied to both kiss and kill. But just how far is Saffron willing to go to see her parents' death avenged?

This book was unlike anything else I have ever read, from the magic system itself to how said magic is utilised. Every element is carefully considered within this narrative, from how magic is used to ensure poverty and homelessness are a non-issue to how that same magic can be used to heighten intimate experiences. Silvercloak is a unique fantasy delight, and after that ending and, more importantly, that epilogue, I can't wait to see what happens next.

I can’t help but sing “this is how villains are made” as I write this.

While I loved the premise of the book, the world-building and magic system, I just wanted a little more. The magic system was fascinating and utterly unique, and I think my desire to understand it better is what kept me intrigued throughout the story.

I didn’t quite get the connection I was hoping for with all the characters. While I enjoyed how the relationship between the MMC and FMC developed—and the shared history they had—there was just something slightly surface-level about it. I’m hoping that deepens in book two and really comes full circle.

Levan, the MMC, completely broke my heart and was easily my favourite character. He had the emotional depth I was craving from our FMC, Saffron. In some ways, I felt like he carried the book, while she sometimes came across as a bit juvenile in her approach to things.

That said—I’m very curious to see where the story goes next, because that ending? Chaotic is an understatement.

Trigger Warnings: Torture, suicide, murder
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, time control, morally grey MMC, magical institute

If you loved Harry Potter growing up and now crave a similarly detailed magic system—just with adult themes like organised crime, drugs, gambling, and pleasure houses—this might be one to add to your list.

I cannot wait for book two.

Thank you to L K Steven and Random House UK for the E-Arc and the opportunity to review.

My feelings about this book are complicated. I loved the beginning and the end. Both had me gripped. The middle felt like the story was going in circles. 

The main FMC was supposed to be one of the best in her year, but she didn't feel like it. She felt useless at points. I did like her though. She was a well rounded main character who had tough decisions to make. I just hate when books take a strong character and put her in situations where she needs saving all the time.

I love the relationship between the MMC and FMC. There was a lot of tension and build up. Perfect for slow burn and enemies to lovers fans.

The ending is wow! I can't wait to read book two after that ending!

Laura (LK) Steven has written a complex character driven fantasy where our two main characters are doing what they think is right for the memory of their family.
Using wands to cast magic and enchanting objects rather than relying on wholly inherited powers brings something fantastical and innocent to the magic system. However, there is inherited traits and there is a clear divide between between the good (silvercloaks) and the bad (bloodmoons), yet when reading this the lines get blurred, if you inherently wish for morally grey then you’ll love this and you’ll finish with no doubt more questions but a definite love for the damaged and broken characters of Saff and Levan and Laura Steven’s compelling storytelling
I received this book as an ARC and provide an honest review

Silvercloak pulled me in with its unique magic system and morally grey world, and while it wasn’t a flawless read, it definitely kept me hooked.

Saffron’s obsession with revenge made her a gritty, driven protagonist, and I appreciated how far she was willing to go to achieve her goals—even when it got messy. The undercover element added a great layer of tension, and the world of the Bloodmoons was dark, sensual, and brutal. The pleasure-and-pain magic concept was intriguing, though I would’ve liked a bit more exploration and clarity at times.

The romance subplot added a good emotional pull, though it occasionally felt a bit rushed. The plot had some pacing issues and a few moments where things felt a little too convenient, but overall, it was an enjoyable, fast-paced read that left me curious about what’s coming next.

If you enjoy dark fantasy with undercover stakes, danger around every corner, and a touch of forbidden romance, Silvercloak might be worth a spot on your TBR.

I have been trying to find the words for this review since I finished. Please be wary there are spoilers - nothing major but read on at your own will!

I enjoyed this book so much. Were there parts that annoyed me? Yes but when I take a step back and consider the fact that this is book 1 in a trilogy - I am okay with it! And I am obsesssed.

Our female main character is Saffron and she tragically loses her parents in an attack when she is just 6 years old. Since witnessing this attack, Saffron vows to get revenge on the group of people who orchestrated the attack - the Bloodmoons. Saffrons only way of getting anywhere near the Bloodmoons is by joining the Silvercloaks - a prestigious group who live to protect and care for their world. In a turn of events, Saffron is presented with an opportunity to go undercover with the Bloodmoons and she jumps at it.

This world has magic - you learn about spells and the use of wands in this world which for a Harry Potter fan I LOVED. It wasnt a direct copy and paste - it has its own mark which I really liked learning and reading about.

Character wise, we were introduced to a few different characters and yes you arent given immediate emotional ways of connecting with these characters straight away but I feel like this was done on purpose as remember this is book 1 - we have plenty of time to build more connections. The main connection we needed to make was with Saffron and I think it was great and even though there were times I wanted to shake some sense into her - it didnt annoy me like it does some other characters and I think this is because I knew how deep Saffrons want / need to make her parents proud - I really did like her character journey.

Now as for our primary male character - Levan - well. I love him. He made my heart swell and there were moments where I was smiling like a loon and I couldnt cope with how cute he could be. I also really enjoyed his character journey and I hope the next book follows / focuses on him a little more as I would love to learn more about him and his magic.

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin / Cornerstone / Del Rey for allowing me an Advanced Early Copy of this book. I enjoyed every moment and I honestly cannot wait for book 2.

A bold and refreshing fantasy debut with a brilliantly original magic system and a richly built world. With compelling characters and a gripping slow-burn romance, it’s an exciting start to a series that promises even more to come, I cant wait!

Oh wow! Is this the adult alternative to HP that I've been looking for?! Because I really think it is (except with *so* much more diversity, hell yeah).

While this book started off quite slow, it's understandable due to the world-building that's needed with a new fantasy book. Once I hit the 50% mark, I absolutely breezed through this and found myself always wanting to read "just one more chapter"!

I loved the world-building and the magic system, the diverse cast of characters and the story itself. While at times it feels familiar and reminiscent of other fantasy stories I've read, it also felt fresh and new.

The book contained a few spicier scenes, but it didn't feel like gratuitous sex just for the hell of it, especially given how people's magical wells are restored. It also didn't feel like the current trends that focus more on the romance than the plot - this definitely felt like a fantasy with romance elements rather than a full on romantasy, which is quite refreshing.

It was great to see an older FMC with strength and courage of her own, rather than a fresh 18-year-old who is so weak and defenseless who flies by the seat of their pants (although there were definitely times where Saff got out of or through a situation with sheer dumb luck).

Overall, a really fantastic new fantasy story, and I can't wait for book 2 (whenever that may be!)

The prologue was amazing, but unfortunately the rest of the story wasn't as enjoyable for me. There were too many characters and I wasn't really sure how I should feel about them. I didn't like the main character. The magic system was interesting but not easiest to follow.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I REALLY wanted to love Silvercloak. Unfortunately I didn't feel connected to the characters. I enjoyed the world and the fact that the author just threw you into it.

However, the FMC is described constantly as being intelligent and quick thinking yet this is literally proven wrong every single time.

I also found she has a very easy time of it despite the gang supposedly being the scariest most ruthless one around.

And it didn't read adult at all. At best it's new adult because of the themes but r ally could be a YA book. The characters are nearly 30 but read as 18-20 in my opinion. I feel like Silvercloak is a bridge book to transition the author into adult whilst still appealing to her ya fans.

It's not a bad book and I do feel there's lots of people who will enjoy it. But I personally struggled to want to pick it up.

3.75 Stars. I loved the magic system in this book. The morally grey characters were engaging and witty too. I am looking forward to the next book.