This book was said to be Harry Potter but adult version. I definitely get where they are getting that comparison. There is magic and the system at which it replenishes is interesting. Bubble sure or pain you can refill your well. Kinda cool idea. The plot is about a young girl who has done everything for revenge for her family that were killed by the bloodmoons. She had to hide a very important secret about herself so she could gain enough knowledge and experience to do so. Where the story heads had a lot of building and you stay with the FMC the entire time with not weird time jumps. The characters you meet start with a found family and then you discover the MMC and what path each character plays with him in the mix. I really enjoyed the FMC and her ability to think things through and reroute plans when needed. There is some spice and some darker themes including torture and death.

The only negative thing I would say the book seemed like it had parts that made it seem like the book was taking way to long. I think it was at about 57% that I was like how much longer is this book I feel like I’ve been reading this book for a week and it’s only that much?!? But then you get to action parts and the climax near the end and you are like okay here we freaking go! So over all I liked it and think the next book will definitely be interesting with how it ended. Looking forward to seeing what the rest of the book community thinks.

Holy HELL. THANK YOU DEL REY for sending this one my way, because I honestly don’t know if I’d have picked it up otherwise, and that would be a tremendous loss on my part.

THIS WAS INSANELY FUN. I loved the magic system and I LOVED Saffron! Her snarky personality had me cackling throughout, even when she made insane wild decisions that had me wanting to shake her. Levan …. oh man. Talk about an intriguing character. He kept me on my toes the entire book and his and Saff’s relationship was delicioussss! His moments of softness hidden behind all his dark actions … phew. It’s enough to give me whiplash.

I was thoroughly invested throughout this entire book—undeniably STRESSED by the end because the last 20% was terror-inducing. SO many twists that I didn’t expect!! I usually find myself exhausted by time-bending stories but I was incredibly captivated by this one. I’m so anxious about how the next book will pan out, especially after that wild ending and frankly, terrifying epilogue. Saff is definitely about to go on a JOURNEY and I’m here to see it.

One of my favorites of the year so far! SHOUT OUT RASSO WHAT A GOOD BOY

This was like an adult Harry Potter. I like that the main characters were three dimensional and morally grey. I liked the slow burn of Saffron and Levan and seeing Saffron discover the different sides to him. I’m not a big fan of them sleeping with other people throughout. I’m not going to lie, at points I was bored, but the last 20% made up for it (although a little predictable) and I’m excited to read the next one.

Thank you so much to Del Rey and Netgalley for an eARC of Silvercloak! This was a highly anticipated title of mine after enjoying Our Infinite Fates, and I was thrilled to see that L.K. Steven had an adult debut novel.

The premise of this book was SO intriguing- the first chapter had me hooked. Unfortunately, as much as I wanted to truly love this one, Silvercloak wasn't quite everything I hoped it would be- something about the pacing and the characters had me feeling really disconnected from the storyline. I do think this is a well-written book with a unique world/magic system, but I just wasn't as invested as I hoped I'd be.

With that being said- I think if you enjoyed Nightstrider by Sophia Slade, One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig, anything by Allison Saft or Ava Reid, you'll likely enjoy this book. Silvercloak is out this upcoming July, and I hope that if it speaks to you, you'll give it a shot!

I wanted to love this SO badly. I loved this author’s other book, Our Infinite Fates, and hoped I’d find a similar magic in the writing. I know they are two completely different books, but it almost felt like two different authors. None of the charm was there in the characters or the writing style. This also felt like it was trying to be grown up Harry Potter which I just don’t vibe with.

I'm just gonna preorder the entire series.
WOW. I needed a minute.
The chemistry. The sense of impending doom. Thirst for revenge and retribution. Spying. Undercover. Queer. Chemistry!! GAH!
CANNOT recommend enough - clear your day, order food and just immerse yourself!

5 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
1.5 🌶️

This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year so when I got approved for an e-arc I was so excitedddddd.

Brief Summary -

Saffron sees her parents murdered by Bloodmoons as a young child. Years later she is a member of the Silvercloak academy, and ends up being given the task of going undercover within the Bloodmoons 🩸 🌙

But then there’s the prophecy involving her and the kingpin’s son, the one she’s fated to kiss… and kill.

The world building in this is incredible. Yet it’s all told in a way that makes it easy to understand and isn’t confusing. The magic system, I’ve never read anything like it where magic is fuelled by pain or pleasure (and they use wands 🪄)

This book was so well packed, with events and things going on. There was never a dull moment and there were times when I didn’t even see things happening the way they did. Magic had such a heavy presence throughout the entire book, so many spells used, it wasn’t just a background kind of thing, it was used for the simplest of tasks at times to the biggest of events.

This book had me hooked ALLLL the way through, there wasn’t a single moment where I was bored or wanting to rush ahead. It was well written and captivating.

L.K.Steven also did such an incredible job at writing about grief. Especially how Saff was still dealing with it all those years later and how it affected her.
“You can either yield to grief or you can use it’”.

The chemistry between the FMC and MMC.. just .. urgghhh 😩😩 I need more.
“I see you Silver. For all that you are”

🪄 Political intrigue & Corruption
🪄 Found family
🪄 Forbidden Romance
🪄 Magic/Forbidden Magic
🪄 Morally Grey characters
🪄 Queer representation

I cannot wait to see how book two will pick up where this book ended, to see how things unfold 🪄✨

Silvercloak kicks off a dark, gripping fantasy series set in a world where magic is drawn from pleasure and pain—an idea that’s both haunting and compelling. While some readers compare it to Harry Potter, I found it leaned more toward the tone and edge of A Deadly Education. This is no cozy boarding school tale—it’s raw, ruthless, and filled with morally gray choices.

Saffron Killoran is a determined and damaged protagonist who worms her way into the prestigious Silvercloak Academy, not out of ambition but revenge. When her deception is uncovered, she's given a high-stakes shot at redemption: infiltrate the very gang that tore her family apart and destroy them from within. What follows is a tense, slow-burn descent into the underbelly of a society where nothing—not even power—comes without a price.

The worldbuilding is smart and layered, full of danger and desire, with flawed characters that reveal surprising depths as the story unfolds. Saff’s time undercover is a constant tightrope walk, and the moment she slips—everything threatens to unravel.

One of the standouts is Levan, the gang leader’s enigmatic son. As Saff is drawn deeper into his orbit, their complex connection and the prophecy hanging over them add tension and emotional weight. You won't know whether to root for them or brace for betrayal.

Silvercloak delivers an intense ride full of twists, tough choices, and the promise of even more chaos to come. If you're into dark fantasy with strong female leads, forbidden dynamics, and high-stakes undercover missions, this one is worth diving into. Book two can't come soon enough.

I haven't been this enamored with a fantasy world in a long time. This book is like season 1 of any anime. Lots of world building. Lots of magic. Lots of learning. This book is going to be perfect for fans of Harry Potter (but make it adult), Doctor Who timey whime-y-ness, mage mafias, and murder mysteries. Also, the FMC has some great dry humor while also being almost detrimentally determined. Did she do what I wanted her to do? Absolutely not. Did I love seeing an FMC be tenacious and back stabby bc she is a woman on a mission? Absolutely, yes. Plus, an enemies to lover to...to be determined for the romance subplot? Sign me up. I love this book and am so grateful that I was able to get an ARC! I can't wait to get a physical copy to tab and annotate in preparation for book 2...which I know...just KNOW is going to be like going from Season 1 to Season 2 of Solo Leveling.

I liked the concept of the magic system and the plot. I did find the writing a little choppy. There were a few inconsistencies with the magic system that were confusing, and things that were mentioned but never explained how they were done. This was partly my issue because books with time weaving/travel are always more difficult for me to get through. I wasn’t really connected to any of the characters and found parts predictable. I’m not sure if I will continue the series or not.

Thanks to the publisher, without and NetGalley for my eARC.

Silvercloak was a such great read! Thoroughly enjoyed the addition of wands within the magic system and pleasure/pain element of keeping their magical ‘well’ filled up was a cool part of the story — especially when it came to topping it up.

Keeping all the places, names etc clearly sorted in my head was a bit difficult at first. I felt confused at times with the info dumping and wasn’t sure who or what I needed to keep an eye on for the sake of the storyline, but this settled down eventually and I got a better grasp on what was going on.

FMC Saff’s progression throughout the story was slow and felt like it was going backwards at times but needed to set the pace of her relationship with Levan and the trajectory of her powers/abilities. I love them together!

After that ending I’m SO curious to see what happens! Villain arc? True enemies? Time broken?? I am hooked 🧎🏻‍♀️🙂‍↕️🪄

I think that this book will be the next big YA book! This book had me hooked! This book blended magic, politics, and secret mission beautifully.

Thank you to del rey and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Overall, the magic and world building in this book was very interesting and quite unique, with the magic depending on pain and pleasure for replenishment. The world is based around a crime syndicate where there is an organisation called the blood cloaks and the governing police association is called the silver cloaks. I found the criminal underworld influences really added a lot to the plot and is something I would like to see more of.

The main female character is a silver cloak who’s parents were murdered by the blood cloaks and it delves into her training and the tasks she is given in her new role. Which includes going undercover.

Additional aspects:
⭐️Queer representation in the main characters
⭐️some explicit sexual content 🌶️🌶️
⭐️Unique magic system
⭐️Time travelling
⭐️Some dragon influences (which I think will be explored more)
⭐️morally grey MMC

I do really recommend this book and I believe you will throughly enjoy it if you enjoyed assassins blade or one for my enemy.
My only complaint was that I wish there was a bit more depth and yearning to the romance sub plot but at the same time that may be me being picky.

I just knew I was gonna love this book when I read the sypnosis.
I was hooked from the very beginning.

Fast paced, with morally grey main characters, political intrigue and a unique magic system.

The ending was so good and I did not see it coming. And those last lines.. Can't wait for book two!

Laura Steven is giving us gold this year. I can't wait to read more of her books. I definitely recommend pre-ordering this book, don't miss out!

Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

“And my favorite time of year is summer.”
He tsked. “How can someone so beautiful have such bad taste? Autumn is objectively correct.”

• This author is quickly. becoming a favourite of mines
• This was a pretty different from what I usually read, there's magic, wands & spell casting. It did feel a bit nostalgic as I feel we don't really get much cloak & wand vibes anymore
• This is an adult book so there are some darker elements nothing crazy but there is an orginaised crime theme going so you can imagine where that will lead at times
• There are romantic relationships and there are a few spice scenes.
• Id say this one is for the people who like a bit more plot with their romance. Id compare it to the likes of the hurricane wars & when the moon hatched, not for plot lines or tropes but just for the plot to romance percentage and of how much I had to concentrate when reading it.
• Once I was about 50% in and immersed in the world I found myself not wanting to stop reading. The ending ! That last line ! I really enjoyed the characters and the romance. I’m really excited for the next book.

Thanks you delray for this arc.

Silvercloak

“From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Our Infinite Fates comes an addictive new fantasy series where magic is fueled by pleasure and pain and an obsessive detective must infiltrate a brutal gang of dark mages—knowing that one wrong move will get her killed. . . .”

Harry Potter meets the mafia vibes. I thought the magic system was super cool, the enemies to lovers vibe was vibing. It took me a bit to get into the book, but I would say the last 40% were action packed and lead up to a twisty ending. Looking forward to book 2!

~Morally gray MC’s
~Pain/pleasure magic
~Forbidden Romance
~Enemies to lovers

3.5⭐️

Release date: July 29th, 2025

I received a copy of this ARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

#TeamPRH #Silvercloak #NetGalley

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this eARC in advance of publication.

Personally, I had to DNF Silvercloak at 40%. The specific flavour of romantasy that Steven brings to this novel simply isn't to my preference. Having said that, I thoroughly enjoyed the concept of the magic system she employs and the overall worldbuilding was intriguing enough to push me as far through the book as it did.

I believe that this book will resonate with a lot of audiences- those who enjoy undercover missions, fated enemies-to-lovers and a hefty helping of magic will hopefully adore this. Steven has put a lot of love and care into her work and it certainly deserves a strong readership.

Saffron has spent decades working towards her goal of becoming a Silvercloak to take down the Bloodmoons, an organised crime operation who killed her parents when she was six, but when her final test reveals a prophecy that shows her kissing and then killing the kingpin's son her plan unravels and she must go undercover to bring them down from within.

L. K. Steven has crafted a rich cloak-and-wand world where magic is fulled by pleasure (quantity) and pain (potency). The characters are well rounded with conflicting motivations and particular circumstances which inform their decisions and behaviours in a way that feels real. This also meant that the twists and turns felt unpredictable and exciting - it wasn't always clear which way a situation would go based on their choices. I did find Saffron's characterisation to be a bit inconsistent though - at the beginning of the book, she's painted as a stoic, focused Silvercloak-hopeful, focused on nothing but achieving her goals. After a few chapters though, she became a lot more sarcastic and goofy, let foolish things cloud her judgement and decision making, and didn't seem to always take the operation as seriously as I'd expect given the unique opportunity it presents her with.

The book is fast paced and jumps right into the action with a heartbreaking prologue. At no point did it feel slow or lagging, and the constant risk Saffron faced in being identified as an undercover agent added an element of tension to the reading experience that made me want to keep going.

Despite the developing, complicated relationship between the two main characters being integral to the plot, I didn't feel as invested in it as I thought I would. It felt more like an interesting puzzle piece within the wider jigsaw of the story, rather than a captivating romance. Whilst there were parts of themselves that fitted together so well and would breed a lot of mutual understanding, I just didn't feel that their romance was compelling enough to make me believe that a kingpin's son would ever risk it, or that the woman hell-bent on avenging her parents would either.

I did enjoy this book, and I'd recommend this if you enjoy the fraught thrill of cat-and-mouse detective stories but want to experience it in a rich, well-developed fantasy world. If you were more hoping for an earth-shattering romance set amongst all of these chaotic events, I'd perhaps try something else.

This was 3.5 stars for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for the eARC!

Rating - 5/5 🌟

Thank you to Del Ray for sending me an eARC of this book!

ADULT Harry Potter style wizard book but with a mafia twist!

Absolutely love how they have to use wands and say the spells! Speaking of spells, no spells are forbidden like a killing one!

The concept of the MFC being immune to magic but being able to cast it and having such a rare type made this so interesting!

The MMC is our damaged bad boy, but damn is he hot and full of secrets!

I need the second book, like now!!

Pain and pleasure magic, mafia, revenge, undercover detective. Silvercloak by L.K. Steven was exactly what I needed. Saffron is seeking revenge for the Bloodmoon's killing of her parents when she was a child. She lies her way into school to try and be one of the best Silvercloak detectives to get revenge. One thing leads to another and she's undercover in the Bloodmoons which is basically run mafia-style. I absolutely loved this book and am off to buy one to have in my own library. It's so worth it.