The first book of a fantasy trilogy, Silvercloak follows an undercover agent infiltrating an underground gang. I wasn’t that fussed about the romance in this book. The magic system was interesting and the world building was strong though. I really enjoyed the timeweaving and look forward to more of this as the story continues!
Thanks Del Rey for the review copy

DNF at 13%. I loved OUR INFINITE FATES and was looking forward to reading more work by Laura Steven, but this just wasn’t my cup of brew. There were quite a few aspects of this story that was just a throw back to Harry Potter: Killing and disarming spells, a magical academy, ancient wands with powers, nickname for non-magical folks, and Auria was pretty much this story’s Hermione. It was hard for me to fall into and feel invested in a story that just felt like the adult (and tbh ratchet) version of a story I’ve already read.

I also wasn’t a fan of the magic system in SILVERCLOAK. For example, one of the ways they could replenish their well of magic in the story was by eating chocolate and sweets. Umm. Okay. Just really silly, I couldn’t jive with that.

Thanks to NetGalley and Del Rey for giving me the opportunity to read the e-ARC.

Silver Cloak follows a girl named Ava, who stumbles upon a mysterious silver cloak after the sudden death of her brother. As Ava grapples with her grief, the cloak begins to reveal strange powers: unlocking memories, revealing truths, and guiding her toward a hidden legacy. Through Ava’s journey, the novel explores the pain of loss, the weight of secrets, and the courage it takes to move forward. Sandiford’s writing is tender and evocative, making Silver Cloak a moving read for anyone who enjoys character-driven stories with a hint of the mystical.

I am devastated that this book is the first in a series and I have to wait for the next installment. In this first entry, Saffron, a member of the police force, goes undercover in the murderous gang that killed her parents when she was six. She has seen a prophecy that predicts that she will kiss and kill the kingpin's son. Saffron cannot imagine a circumstance in which she would kiss such a man, until she meets Levan. In a fantasy world where magic is made possible by pleasure and pain, Steven has built a rich world and a thrilling story.

YA author Laura Steven moves into the adult market with the start of her new series as LK Steven - Silvercloak. But despite the change of name, sex and violence, Steven can not quite leave her YA roots behind.
Silvercloak opens with the murder of Saffron’s parents by goons from the Bloodmoon organised crime family. Twenty years later and Saffron is on the verge of graduating as a Silvecloak, the magical police of her world, in her drive for revenge and justice for her parents. Only the head of the Silvercloaks has other ideas. It turns out that Saffron is immune to magic and this makes her perfect to go undercover with the Bloodmoons who use magic to keep their members in line. As she is immune, Saffron will be able to report back on their activities without suffering any effects. When she does this she finds herself falling for Levan, son of the head of the Bloodmoons but she has already had a vision of both kissing and killing him.
The magic system in Silvercloak is interesting. Power is drawn from pleasure and is can be amplified by pain. But the different categories of mages is very unclear, or why it is rare to be able to have more than one specialty. And then there are the wands, with powers pretty much lifted from JK Rowling (the wand chooses the user etc), down to a flashback to Saffron’s first trip to the wand shop.
Boiled down to its essence this is straight YA fare. Young woman on a mission of revenge but in doing so learns who she is. An enemies to lovers story where, despite her life’s mission she cannot help but fall for her rival. And then, of course, it turns out she is some sort of chosen one who can do a type of magic that no one else can do. This is definitely not a novel for kids- there is plenty of violence and sex – but those who grew up with slightly tamer YA novels will feel right out home with the narrative beats of this one.

I am only currently 40% into the book and will not be able to complete my full review in time before this expires but there will be a review coming on the first week of August!

Initial thoughts -
Great beginning, hooked from the start. Strong FMC with a strong plotline.
Great side characters, just hoping to see more of her time training.

Thank you for this opportunity and I have no doubt this book will receive a great review from myself shortly!

L.K. Steven's Our Infinite Fate was a book that stuck with me long after I finished reading it, and I was incredibly excited to read her magical adult debut. A lot of the marketing for this book has mentioned Harry Potter, but the book owes a lot to The Departed (Steven has admitted that she was inspired by the movie's cat and mouse game of undercover operatives) and even Batman.

After Saffron's parents are murdered by Bloodmoons, she spends her life seeking revenge against them - eventually going undercover to try to capture their kingpin, Lyrian. This is complicated by Saffron's vision that she will kiss Lyrian's son Levan...and then kill him. Saffron's loyalties are tested when she and Levan start to fall in love.

References to Harry Potter can't be mentioned without noting that this book is incredibly LGBT friendly - almost all of the characters (and most of the main characters) are pansexual. The book also is incredibly fast paced, with a lot more action than I expected. I will say that the ending feels far from satisfying, but this is unsurprising with a book that is clearly intended to start a series. I will be shocked if this series is not a massive hit. Thanks to Del Rey for the early copy - this one is for grown ups who still love magic.

Short synopsis: After watching her parents be murdered by the Bloodmoons, Saffron has wanted to join the SilverCloaks to exact revenge. Instead, she’s given the opportunity to go undercover as a Bloodmoon to spy and share knowledge with the SilverCloaks.

My thoughts: This had me gripped from the first chapters with young Saffron hiding in a closet while her parents are murdered. The plot thickens quickly when saffron joins the SilverCloak academy and is offered the chance to be a spy.

The Magic system was unique and interesting, where the mage’s magical “well” fills up due to intense pleasure or pain. I enjoyed watching the characters go from school like setting to the “real world” using their powers, and never knowing who to trust or which side each person was really on. I found myself rooting for morally grey, which is always a fun perspective.

Read if you love:
* Enemies to lovers
* Fight for right/morally grey characters
* Fun Magic system
* Forbidden love

Ohhhhh this was quite a ride! Loved the slow burn romantic subplot. Loved the morally grey characters. Loved the concept! Loved the book!!

Um WOW!? Thoroughly enjoyed this one

The world building was pretty heavy to begin with, but oh what a beautiful world Laura has created with so much history and an intricate magic system that felt really unique. I also loved that it was a queer normative society!

I loved Saffron’s revenge journey and how layered both her and Levan were as characters. They were both unreliable, what with Saffron’s undercover role and Levan’s secrecy, yet you couldn’t help but root for them as we got to know them both. I absolutely adored the fact that they’re both fans of the same fiction book series 🥹 those interactions were so cute!

There was never a dull moment in this book. There were constant reveals and high stakes situations, and the ending was WILD. I adore fantasy books that include revenge and hidden motives, and this one did not disappoint. I think this will be a popular one with both fantasy and romantasy lovers 😊

Silvercloak is a dark, original fantasy set in a harsh world where magic is fueled by pain and pleasure. The magic system is unique and deeply tied to the story and characters, making the world feel vivid and layered.

The plot follows Saff, an undercover agent working to dismantle a dangerous criminal family from within. Her strong ideals are challenged as she navigates the brutal realities of this world, while Levan, her target, emerges as a complex and layered character. Their relationship is intense, full of tension and difficult choices.

One small detail I really appreciated was how the body ideal in this world includes natural curves and softness — not the usual super-thin standard. It’s only mentioned a couple of times, but as a larger woman myself, that representation meant a lot to me.

The story involves betrayal, woven throughout Saff’s undercover mission, adding emotional weight without relying on sudden twists. This theme is explored thoughtfully, though it made parts of the book a tough read for me personally.

The prose is clear and engaging, with steady pacing that keeps the story moving. Violence and manipulation are present but handled without explicit detail, contributing to the overall dark tone.

Silvercloak offers a morally complex, emotionally charged fantasy experience that will appeal to readers who enjoy layered characters and difficult choices in a richly imagined world.

ARC provided via NetGalley in return for an honest interview

I knew from the prologue I was going to absolutely love this book.

Saff was a young girl when she witnessed her parents being murdered by Bloodcloaks. Now 20 years later she is in school to become a Silvercloak. Her goal is to bring down the Bloodcloaks. I did not want to put this book down. Truly it was so hard to stop reading at points. This is definitely a top read for me. The Magic system is unique. I really liked the FMC. The MMC has such a tragic backstory and has been through so much. I loved learning more about him throughout the whole book. The last 50 pages are a wild roller coaster! I need book two!!

“Yet one of the first things Saffron had learned in life what that when the worst could happen, it usually did.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5

Wow. I am speechless and have so much to say at the same time. Silvercloak was so completely enthralling. I could not get enough and I need this story to continue asap.

Saffron’s parents were murdered by the Bloodmoons when she was just 6. Wanting to avenge her their death, she works hard and attends Silvercloak Academy. After some of her own deceptions are uncovered she is sent to go undercover and infiltrate the Bloodmoons.

Magic comes from both pain and pleasure in this world. For part of the story you have a magical academy setting. There are wands, spells, charms, and enchantments. Once in the Bloodmoons world, there is organized crime, violence, betrayal, and a feeling of never knowing who you can trust.

There is an intense enemies to lovers storyline and the tension is so good while the betrayal and secrets are so hurtful. It is a beautiful reflection on how closely the line between good and evil can run.

I also love that part of the world is described like this, “Almost everyone in Ascenfall was attracted to all genders, and almost everyone was kinky as all hells.”

This book was intense and so addictive. 10/10 recommend.

Thank you to Del Rey for the e-arc. All opinions are my own.

Silvercloak by L.K. Steven was a compelling fantasy read filled with exciting turns, dark corners, and a blooming romance faced with a impossible obstacle. I found this story to be captivating and I'm still reeling from the ending. I love to see an exchange of morals and this book grapples really well with the very thin line between a hero and a villian. My only complaint is that there was a part about 70% of the way through that felt a bit long, but otherwise a phenomenal read. I'm desperate for the next one!

That ending. GOOSEBUMPS! Cant wait for the next book!! I absolutely devoured this book. The magic system was so unique and made for an interesting world. The blur between good and evil in this story is what made it for me.

Saffron’s parents were murdered by the Bloodmoons and it becomes her life work to seek revenge. She schools under the Silvercloak order only to find herself undercover where the lines of good and evil blur and she and her enemy have more in common than differences. Revenge, frenemies, magic spells and the quest for power all make this a really interesting and entertaining read and looking forward to the next!

Thank you to Random House Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!

#silvercloak

Tropes & Themes: Unique Magic System based on Pleasure and Pain, Organised Crime, Tentative Enemies to Lovers, Bi x Bi Relationships, High Stakes, Undercover FMC x Kingpins Son, Forbidden Love.

Plot: Told through the perspective of Saffron, the story kicks off with her on a mission of revenge. After her parents are murdered by the notorious Bloodmoons, she manipulates her way into the Silvercloak academy, an elite training ground for magical detectives. But when her lies are uncovered, so is her secret: she’s oddly immune to magic. Rather than being expelled, Saffron is offered a risky second chance - go deep undercover within the Bloodmoons and destroy them from the inside. Before her mission begins, she stumbles across a cryptic prophecy that foretells the death of the Kingpin’s son … at her hands.

The plot is tightly woven, linking Saff’s immunity, her infiltration of the gang, and the slow, complicated bond forming between her and Levan, the Kingpin’s son. These threads build a gripping story that doesn’t rely solely on romance, though the romance adds emotional depth. The stakes are intense, especially as Saff discovers that her immunity to magic won’t protect those she loves from the brutal world she’s entered. One of the biggest twists was how the narrative challenged my view of the Bloodmoons. By the end, I actually felt sympathy for the very gang that had caused so much pain, a twist I absolutely didn’t see coming.

Magic System: This magic system was a standout for me. It’s powered by emotions, specifically Pleasure and Pain, and is channeled through wands and enchantments. I love when magic comes at a cost, and Silvercloak delivers that in spades. The descriptions were vivid and immersive, making it one of the most unique systems I’ve read in a long time. I was also captivated by the extinct “Time Weavers,” and the diversity of Mages, especially those rare individuals who can specialise in multiple disciplines. It was magical without being overwhelming, and it added real texture to the world.

World Building: The amount of world-building in this book took me by surprise in the best way. The universe feels lived-in and rich with history, told through ancient prophecies and the varied backgrounds of its characters. We’re introduced to other countries with their own magical laws and limitations, adding depth to the geopolitical structure of the world. The organizations of the Silvercloaks and the Bloodmoons were especially compelling. Since Saff is deeply involved in both, we get a detailed look at each, and the contrast between them is fascinating.

Characters: Saffron is an incredibly engaging protagonist. She’s strategic and clever, but the story doesn’t shy away from showing her flaws. When she makes mistakes, they’re acknowledged both by the narrative and by Saff herself. That self-awareness made her feel so real. Her bisexuality is seamlessly woven into the story, and her past relationship plays an important emotional role that’s handled with care and weight. What I loved most was how raw and conflicted she is. She’s on a mission to avenge her parents, but the closer she grows to Levan, the harder it becomes to ignore the moral grey areas she’s navigating. One of my favourite details was how the world, where magic is linked to Pleasure, celebrates softness - curves, bellies, hips -n making them symbols of beauty and strength. It’s a refreshing and powerful choice, especially as someone who has features like this myself.

Levan was an unexpected favourite. He begins as cold and unreadable, but as the story unfolds, we see his softer, more awkward side. He’s a bookworm, kind in his own quiet way, and deeply layered. His bisexuality is also openly explored, and it’s wonderful to see that kind of representation mirrored in both leads. His magical strength is revealed gradually, keeping you guessing about the full extent of his abilities. And the twist involving him toward the end? Genuinely jaw-dropping.

I also want to shoutout L.K. Steven who out in such depth and characteristics for the side-characters, especially Saff's friends from the Academy. Although we didn't get to see much of them, their characteristics were all cemented and gave me such a good idea of them and what they mean to Saff.

Romance: The romance in Silvercloak was exactly the right balance. It’s a forbidden connection between two people on opposite sides of the law, each keeping devastating secrets. The slow burn was perfectly paced, especially in the first half, as Saff grapples with the prophecy that she’ll eventually kill Levan. Despite her fear, her feelings grow - and that internal conflict adds so much tension to their bond.

I especially loved how literature connects them; both are readers, and their shared love of books gives them a beautiful, grounded foundation. The spice was tastefully done, emotional rather than gratuitous, and left me eager to see how their relationship evolves after that ending.

Final Thoughts: Silvercloak is a gripping, emotionally complex fantasy that hooked me from the start. Its original magic system, strong character development, and moral ambiguity make it stand out in a crowded genre. Even when I predicted one reveal early on, the rest of the book more than made up for it with jaw-dropping twists, emotional gut punches, and a deeply satisfying narrative. I can’t wait to see where this story goes next!!!

4 - ⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I see you, Silver. For all that you are.”

Silvercloak is the first novel in the adult romantic fantasy series, The Silvercloak Saga. Written in third person POV, the story follows Saffron Killoran, a woman seeking to bring about an end to the Bloodmoons, a powerful gang that uses pain to fuel their magic and who also murdered her parents.

In her pursuit to attend Silvercloak academy so that she may exact her revenge she attempts to deceive her way into the academy of elite detectives...only to find herself caught. An opportunity is offered for her to get her revenge and to clear her name if she is willing to go undercover for the Silvercloaks and join the Bloodmoon gang to gather their secrets and expose them. So Saffron finds herself entering a den of pain and pleasure, where her every move could end her life. She finds herself faced with working alongside the kingpin's son with a tortured past that draws her in...add in a pesky prophecy that shows something will happen between them. Saffron must decide how far her vengeance will travel...and if she's willing to risk everything in the process because it's not just her life on the line…

This book is gritty in a way I thoroughly enjoyed.

Saffron is a detective determined to see things through. She has a core morality to her that is rubbed raw during this journey. I loved her fierceness and willingness to fight and stand up when possible. She definitely has to make some tough calls and I felt for her every choice.

Levan is the kingpin's son and boy is his past cruel and painful. At the same time he is not some broken character bent to his father's will. He is a character that is hard to pin down at times and he prefers to push people and emotions away but there are these glimmers into him that have me intrigued.

“You’re going to be the unmaking of me, Silver…and I swore to myself I’d never be unmade again…”

In terms of spice I would place this book at 2.5 spicy peppers out of 5 spicy peppers. There are approximately 4 spicy scenes throughout this book. While we do start seeing spice at the 32% mark it is because our FMC has a previous relationship that is not serious with a fellow female detective. Spice initially isn't super detailed but as time progresses and the relationship between Saffron and Levan intensifies we see it become more detailed and boy is one of the spicy scenes memorable. Magic plays a heavy role in spice, especially as it gives them power, and we also see elements of dominance in the spice (ie tying someone up, covering their mouth). Both main characters have pre-existing relationships that are present in the first half of the book. I wouldn't say they are together at the end of this book but they both recognize a connection.

The story itself builds with intensity and the second half had me in its tight grip. I found the magic system to be really interesting about how it is fueled as well as the banned magic that exists and how it plays a role. There is an investigative element to the story as Saffron must assist Levan in hunting down a person but she doesn't know why. She is also trying to gather secrets to give back to the Silvercloaks. This book doesn't hold punches in the brutality of the Bloodmoon gang so expect torture, death, and blackmail. Saffron is undercover and must sacrifice a lot of her honour to keep her facade and you see the effects. In addition you get to learn more about Levan that helps emphasize how far this has gone and the impact. This leads to some really great twists and reveals that drew me in. The romance is quite light and I enjoyed it but I am concerned with how it will continue into the next book. The climatic moment really upped the action and tension and my head was whirling at what it was leading to. It has me truly excited for the next book as the ending is sort of a cliffhanger.

Overall, this book drew me in! It takes some time to really get movement but once it starts you are on the ride of your life! Silvercloak is a romantic fantasy filled with grit and moral greyness that will keep you hooked from start to finish!

Thank you Delrey for this arc!

This was a solid 3 stars for me. I honestly don't think I requested this I think they sent it to me but I still read it anyways. I went in blind and personally it was not like a wow but also not a DNF. The author was pretty heavy on the tell not show and I felt a lot of repetitiveness. I was not a huge fan of some of the characters either. The romance fell a bit flat for me and I wanted more. It felt YA but in like not a good way. Some YA has INSANE tension which I devour but this was not that. I feel like this is meant for those that are newer to romantasy but also be aware it is a sex positive scene.

When I finished reading this book I felt more confused than anything. Not about the book–the book I understood just fine. It was more that my own feelings were so torn about this book that I don’t know if there’s any good way to put it into words. The pacing is erratic, the story is incredibly predictable to the point of feeling a little condescending, the romance between the two main characters feels somewhat forced, and for some reason the book as a whole felt immature for what is supposed to be an adult fantasy romance.

There’s a reasonable amount of good to work with here, too: Interesting lore, complex history, great worldbuilding, fascinating magic, the whole organized crime versus elite crime fighters aspect, the part religion and politics play in the larger scheme of things, and I’ve always loved origin stories. It wasn’t enough to make me love this book but it may be enough to make me read the next one in the series. 3⭐️



I was provided a copy of this title by the author and publisher via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.