I have mixed feelings about this one. Some parts were really fun and interesting and other parts fell flat. I do think the last 80 or so pages really kicked up the intensity.

Saffron was set on a path of revenge after her parents were killed by a magical gang. On the eve of her graduation from Silvercloak Academy, her mentor approaches her with an undercover assignment to bring down the Bloodmoons. When she meets Levan, son of the Bloodmoon's kingpin, she recoginizes him as the man from the glimpse of her future given in a prophesy. One that she would kiss. Then kill.

Read if you like:
-Peaky Blinders
-Magic
-Revenge
-Cat and Mouse
-Secrets and Lies

Slivercloak has a really interesting premise, but it's a long book. It would have been a five star read for me had been about a hundred pages shorter. I really liked the magical system, where users must fill their well through pleasure or pain. And I enjoyed the gritty Peaky Blinders feel. I had a difficult time connecting with Saffron, but I was intrigued by Levan. The broody, damaged, tortured soul. This is the first book in a series, so of course there were huge cliffhangers at the end. I would definitely read book two because I'm shocked by the final chapters.

You know that feeling when you finish a book and you just have to sit and stare at the wall for a few minutes? That was this book. Just wow.

Silvercloak grabbing my attention from the prologue. When I tell you I was immediately hooked, I mean it! I was compulsively reading this book, sneaking in a chapter whenever I could. I NEEDED to know what was going to happen.

The exposition in the first few chapters was presented masterfully, just enough and just the right time, woven seamlessly into the plot. The world building was richly developed through the book, to the point that I was dreaming about it last night! (I stayed up late to finish the last 10%).

The synopsis of this book hints that it is enemies to lovers, and yes, it’s ACTUALLY enemies to lovers. This trope can go so wrong so easily, yet I am hard pressed to think of an instance where I enjoyed the use of this trope more than I did in Silvercloak.

Towards the end, there was so much going on I was starting to worry the author would be able to pull it all together. But, boy, did she ever. I honestly still can’t believe how everything came together.

My one nitpick with this book is what I perceived to be some slight inconsistencies in tone. The language was randomly anachronistic, juxtaposed against beautify crafted imagery. For example, the author took care to create an alternate calendar (months and days of the week) that was well-explained, but then used words like “superpowers” and “f*ck”. The author also used world-specific slang and curse words, so the use of “f*ck” was distracting. This was an ARC, so maybe some of these inconsistencies will be cleaned up before publication.

I really hope people ind this book because it’s one of my most exciting reads of the year!

Thank you to Net Galley and Del Rey for an advanced copy for an honest review.

Silvercloak is an addictive romantic fantasy, set in a world where magic is fuelled by pleasure and pain, an obsessive detective infiltrates a brutal gang of dark mages —knowing that one wrong move will get her killed.

The magic system is so wonderfully unique & extremely complex with consequences and limits that continuously challenge the characters throughout the book. One of the most interesting concepts I’ve seen in a while. They gain strength/power by experiencing pleasure & pain!

Anxiously awaiting the next installment

I loved this book! I thought the magic system with pleasure and pain was a fresh take, and the setting was gritty and real. There were several times where the author surprised me with a twist which I find less common the more fantasy books I read, so I really enjoyed that. I also loved the complexity of the characters and how they were not one-dimensional. I had to really think about how the events made me feel and I am so interested to see where this series goes next. I will absolutely read the next book in this series as soon as it's available!

Thank you Random House for the ARC!

In a world where a mage’s well of magic is refilled by pleasure and spells are intensified by pain, Saffron must bring the corrupt group, known as the Bloodmoons, down from within. Fuelled by grief and rage, Saff seizes an opportunity for revenge that has been two decades in the making.

Unsurprisingly, what makes Silvercloak really stand out is the pleasure/pain based magic system. Exploring the dynamics made this such a fun read and I was pleasantly surprised as it continued to expand as the story unfolded. This magic system formed the foundations of a dark and seductive world that is interspersed with just the right amount of wonder and whimsy. My only grievance is that, while lending an air of nostalgia, at times, the world felt slightly too reminiscent of Harry Potter.

I did find the first 40% more challenging to read as details were reiterated continually and there was little room for the reader to interpret details themself. Often we were told rather than shown how characters were feeling etc and circling back to details the reader should pick up on time and time again really slowed the momentum of the early plot. On the other hand, this may make this book more accessible to newer readers to the high fantasy
For the next 60% I must say, I became absolutely hooked. Once Saff infiltrated the Bloodmoons and the stakes continued to rise, I could not put this book down. I particularly loved Levan, the son to the leader of the Bloodmoons. He quickly became my favourite character with his contradictory traits and mystery. I became particularly invested in the romantic subplot and loved the softer moments between Saff and Levan. Frankly, I’ll admit Levan stole my heart.

I was absolutely glued to the end of this book. With such an explosive last 100 pages, I need book 2 yesterday and can’t wait to see where this series goes.

This was such a unique read, I have never read a fantasy book that utilises wands since Harry Potter! I really like the concept of using pain and pleasure to fuel magic and it was executed so well. I did find that it took me the first half of the book to really get hooked into the story and the characters but the second half really made up for it. It’s set the series up so well and I’m intrigued to see what happens with book 2!

This was ok...The beginning was interesting and enticing, despite the overload of new world and character building, but I never grew to care about the characters. Little things bothered me and the writing wasn't enough to put it out of my mind. And I don't really like when a book has any kind of time travel elements, I feel like it's a lazy trope and I don't know whether or not to be invested since everything could easily change to suit the author. Silvercloak might be fine for other people but it wasn't for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing - Del Rey for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me an early eARC of this book!

4.25 stars. This book is a fantastic addition to the fantasy romance genre.

This book follows Saffron who at a young age lost both of her parents and she is set out on revenge. She enters an academy to train so that she can go after the people who killed her parents. The story goes from there.

I really enjoyed this magic system being based on pain and pleasure. It was incredibly unique. I loved the politics/strategy in this book. With our FMC being undercover she had to make difficult decisions and weigh every potential carefully which was great to read.

I felt like the pacing in this book was pretty good. There were times when I felt it was a little slow especially towards the beginning of the book, but overall it was good. There were definitely twists and turns I did not see coming which was a lot of fun. Definitely high stakes.

The romance in this is true enemies to lovers. It was a slower burn. I love the fate element that was at play.

The book was absolutely beautifully written. In the end, I think some elements of the book were just not for me which caused me to rate it lower, but I would anticipate lots of people absolutely loving this book.

This review is currently available on Goodreads.

“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙚𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙮𝙞𝙚𝙡𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙛, 𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙞𝙩. 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙩𝙬𝙤 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙙.”

I’d like to start by apologising in advance for being insufferable about this book until the end of time, because it’s going to happen. This is, honestly, a masterpiece, and the bar has been set for future romantasies—and fictional men.

The magic system is something I’ve never encountered before—magic fuelled by pain and pleasure, and sorcerers with ‘wells’ that deplete at rapid paces the bigger and harder the spell is. The system blends time-weaving, necromancy, teleportation and, of course, the deadly curse. It’s so incredibly intricate and I’m in awe of the dedication Steven put into it.

There are no ‘good’ characters in this book—all are morally grey or just plain evil. I completely adore Saff, our female protagonist, but I started by despising Levan, our male protagonist. Well, I was wrong, because my Lord… that man. That damn man! If there’s one thing I like about my fictional men it’s traumatised, morally grey shitebags, but with a huge hearts and so much love to give. I don’t think I’ve ever drooled so much over a character before. I’d almost given up on the enemies-to-lovers in a fantasy setting trope, but this saved me. True enemies-to-lovers with a delicious slow burn, and romance scenes to make you swoon, shiver and ache.

The world-building and plot are phenomenal, seamlessly lacing into each other. It brings the nostalgic magic of cloaks, wands and potions. I’d also like to praise Steven on how grief is depicted—there’s no rule to it. Sometimes it’s suppressed, sometimes it seeps through the cracks, and sometimes it’s all-consuming and unbearable, but it’s what we do with it that counts.

This is my favourite romantasy I’ve read, hands down, but please don’t think it’s just that—it’s so much more. This book is my ‘lox’ and I’m completely enamoured. L.K. Steven, you’ve changed the game for me! I need book two tomorrow.

Side note: I’ve had to majorly cut this down and I had SO much more to say! 😅

I’m still reeling from this book. My heart hasn’t stopped pounding since I turned the last page. Silvercloak is powerful, immersive, and emotionally intense. L.K. Steven has crafted a world that is as ruthless as it is captivating, and I could not look away.

From the very beginning, I was drawn in by the sharp character dynamics, morally gray decisions, and a magic system that demands sacrifice. This isn’t a story that holds your hand. Every action has a cost. Every moment builds tension. The author has a rare ability to make you feel every twist deep in your chest, while slowly layering in worldbuilding that never overwhelms. It unfolds naturally, like breathing.

Saffron is a standout protagonist. Her journey is brutal and complicated, but she never stops moving forward. She messes up, she doubts herself, she survives. Watching her struggle through isolation, identity, and impossible choices was emotionally exhausting in the best way. The tension between loyalty and love is written with such nuance. Nothing felt predictable. Nothing felt easy.

The emotional weight of this book is staggering. There were moments I had to stop and process what I just read. The writing is unflinching. There are moments of graphic violence and deep emotional pain, but every beat feels intentional. The themes of power, corruption, trust, and revenge are threaded through every scene without ever feeling heavy-handed.

Even the side characters are compelling, with arcs and moments that add depth and richness to the story. No one feels like filler. And the plot? It never lets you rest. The pacing builds and builds until the final chapters tore me apart.

The last line left me breathless. I closed the book and just sat there, stunned. This is one of the most emotionally resonant fantasies I’ve read in a long time, and I’m already desperate for the next installment.

L.K. Steven has created something extraordinary here. I will be thinking about this story, these characters, and that ending for a long time.

Thank you publisher and Netgalley for this advanced reading copy.

A good story with good Fantasy. The worldbuilding is solid and Characters are interesting

Wow! What a compelling start to a series/ saga.

I picked up Silvercloak because I really loved Our Infinite Fates by the author, and it didn’t let me down! LK Steven knows how to write a good plot, great character development and compelling magic/ fantasy!

Queer romance, really unique magic that relies on pain or pleasure, revenge plot, and a mafia-esq plot with undercover work - I was instantly hooked by the plot! The romance took a little more time to weave, but I’m super excited for this series and to see where it goes!

4.4 stars

Thanks so much random house - del Rey for the arc. All thoughts are mine!

I really badly wanted to like this book. The premise sounded great. But I just did not. The FMC has zero personality for me and I was disinterested in what happened to her. And the time jumps so early kept me from being invested in the plot and the characters.

Spice level🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Saffron was a young girl when her parents are brutally murdered by the Bloodmoons. This sets her on a path to join the Silvercloaks and find those responsible. But Saff has a secret she's hiding from everyone that will make it easier for her to go under deep cover.

Wow, this pulled me on slowly at first and by the last fifth I could not put it down! I loved the world building and story in this. The world Laura creates is steeped in a unique magic system, but it doesn't feel like the learning curve of grasping the world is too high. Magic fueled by pleasure and made more potent by pain? This is book one of a trilogy, and I'm telling you I cannot wait to read more of this story. Give this a read if you enjoy:
- unique magic systems
- lots of morally gray
- spies deep under cover
- some forbidden romance
- revenge arcs

Thank you to Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore for an ARC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This book will be published on 7/29/25. I'll be posting to Instagram so shortly before publication.

I am OBSESSED with this book. I devoured it in two sittings and abandoned all personal and work responsibilities until I was done reading. I enjoyed every second of this story. It felt original in a time when romantasy reigns supreme and tropes seem the same across every book. The pacing was perfect and the world building kept me engaged and glued to my kindle screen. The character development, particularly with Saffron, felt so authentic. No one in this story came out with a clean conscience - morally grey in a world where pain and pleasure fuel magic was genius.

I was very excited to jump into this novel after reading this author’s book ‘Our Infinite Fates,’ and truly had a great time reading. Silvercloak follows an undercover agent, Saffron, as she infiltrates a notorious gang, gets wrapped up in prophecy (and the kingpin’s son), and deals with the magical workings of her world. As the first book in this series, it excels at creating a rich fantasy world riddled with violence and an intriguing magic system, alongside morally gray characters.

The world-building here is heavy. It takes a bit of getting used to, but by the second half of the book, it is easy to lock into it a bit more, though I will say, sometimes facts are thrown at us that don’t feel needed. Getting a grasp of some of the language just takes time, but I would expect that with any fantasy novel. I loved the magic system here and that there were wands!!! I feel like I’ve read so many fantasy novels that don’t use wands for their magic, so I was delighted that it was an integral part of this novel. The heavy world-building does have its positives; it sets the tone for the novel (which can come off a little gritty at times), and helps understand the morals of the world/characters, which is a pretty huge theme. There were a few points I had questions about the way of life, not necessarily plot holes, but things that feel like they should have been taken into account but weren’t.

I enjoyed Saffron as the main character. There are times I did question her intelligence because in the first few chapters, she comes off very observant and smart, but it unravels after that. Some moments make sense plot-wise, but it might dive too much into her not realizing things/making choices that do not align with how she was presented. I liked that she was not good, nor bad, which, again, morality is a huge theme for this novel. Not spoiling, but the last line of this book was so powerful for Saffron’s arc throughout the book, it gave me chills! I love the direction this ended up taking, and it made me all the more excited to see how Saffron evolves in the second installment of this series.

Levan was very interesting, and the best part for me was that he’s a mirror of Saffron, hence why they connect on such a deep level. I like what the author was trying to do with him, show that he is ruthless, but there is a part it that’s a mask, where underneath he is sensitive and caring and a bit of a nerd, but I think that line felt too distinct. It did not feel like a gradual understanding that Levan is both, but rather in this moment he’s horrible, in this moment he’s sweet, with little in between. It’s more told to us by Saffron that he’s both than being able to gradually understand it. With that said, it was entirely the right choice for the character to bring home the connection to Saffron, but I hope for the next books, it doesn’t feel as flip-floppy.

The author does not shy away from the violence of this world, but at times, some of the dialogue reads a little too YA to me, which does mess with the tone, but not enough for it to be a huge issue. It’s an intriguing premise, and a promising start to the series. I feel entirely too impatient to wait for the second book, but I will be reading!

Thank you to NetGalley & Del Ray for the ARC! Book publishes July 29, 2025!

Thank you to Netgalley and Del Rey for the ARC of this book.

I was very excited to read this fantasy book from L.K. Steven aka Laura Steven as I really enjoyed Our Infinite Fates.

Silvercloak takes place in a world of mages who use wands and verbal spells to cast magic. Saffron, the main character, is looking to join the Silvercloaks to try and take down the Bloodmoons, a mafia-esque group who are responsible for her parents' deaths. She ends up on a secret mission to infiltrate the Bloodmoons and in the process, gets close to the Kingpin's son, a powerful and stoic mage. The book is exciting and full of action, and the romance hits at just the right pace.

First off, the love interest: He's very stoic and quiet and falls to the darker side of morally grey, especially in the beginning. He gives so little to Saffron in the beginning, so she's reading into quick facial expressions to try and figure him out. I really like how his character is slowly fleshed out and given more interest as the story unfolds. Despite torturing people and having dubious motivations, he is an interesting character with his own place in the world. He doesn't just exist to please the main character. He's actually kind of a huge nerd and I love that representation.

The magic system of pain/pleasure is interesting and leads to a very sexually open society, which makes sense. It leads to some queer/pan representation that feels natural to include. My one complaint is that a plot point revolves around certain teleportation magic being forbidden and stripped from all wands, but then the killing spell is just widely available to anyone who wants it? It's established that magic can be stripped from wands, and one character has a wand imported from another country so that he can still cast it. Wouldn't a lawful society want to strip out the killing spell for all but law enforcement? A sentence explaining that most people don't have access to the killing spell would have helped me digest this part of the world-making.

Saffron, our main character, is a capable person who will stop at nothing to bring her parents' killers down. She was quick on her feet and dealt with most situations in a level-headed, capable way. I appreciate that she is an older main character with some life experience and not a 17-year-old fresh out of school. I look forward to reading more when the rest of the series comes out.

“In this addictive new fantasy series set in a world where magic is fueled by pleasure and pain, an obsessive detective infiltrates a brutal gang of dark mages—knowing that one wrong move will get her killed...”

With stores—and the entire genre space overflowing with romantasy, I honestly didn’t think I had room for another one… until I got the email. Thank you to Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore, and NetGalley for the chance to dive into Silvercloak. And wow, am I glad I did.

Silvercloak completely caught me off guard. Magic is everywhere right now, but this world felt fresh. I’m not going to say “you’ve never seen anything like this before!!” — but the way it was executed made it feel new. The magic system had limits; it didn’t feel like the kind where the hero could just do everything. The stakes were real. The consequences mattered. And the plot? Completely unpredictable.

Yes, it’s romantasy—but also so much more. There's gritty action, layered politics, deep friendships, fierce rivalries, and romance that doesn’t overpower the plot. It balances everything in a way that could appeal to a wide range of fantasy readers, no matter their usual subgenre.

The violence caught me off guard a little—it’s darker than I expected—but in a way that made it stand out. This isn’t one of those “everything is scary but we’re actually safe” books. The danger feels dangerous, and that raised the emotional stakes in all the right ways.

What really made this book shine was its characters. Everyone enters the story with strong values or clear motives—but over time, those foundations start to shake. There were moments where I swore I could never root for someone again… or didn’t understand a choice a character made… and then a few chapters later, my entire perspective flipped. It was a thrill to be proven wrong again and again.

All I’ll say to close is: Don’t trust anyone, and nothing is written in stone.
And for some reason? “She Knows” played on loop in my head as I read the epilogue.
I cannot wait to see where this series goes next.

A new stunner in the romantasy genre! Steven’s mastery of character development is met with a stunningly creative system of magic in SILVERCLOAK. I truly enjoyed the pacing of the first in this new series, even the last 5%, which is a whirlwind of twists and time warps and cliffhangers.