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.

A strange mix of HP and the mafia but hey it works. I saw the twists coming but I loved the first half of the novel. I really enjoyed the magic system and the lore, but some of the story fell a little flat to me by the end. I was left scratching my head in confusion in some parts wondering what the heck happened. It just didn’t really feel like there were any real stakes and I never actually felt the protagonist was ever in any danger. Overall I did enjoy the story enough and am now invested in where the next book will take us. 3.5 stars!

This book left me speechless. I quite literally have read it *twice* in one week, and I am certain that I will read it again (and again and again and again.)

It was gritty and sensuous.
It was enchanting and raw.
It was an agonizingly delightful read for me. I simply cannot wait until the second book comes out. And until then, I won’t shut up about this book to every romantasy reader I meet!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers, and L.K. Steven for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review. It was an honor and a privilege to read this book!

This book completely surprised me in the best way. Silvercloak is a heart-pounding, morally complex, dark fantasy that had me on edge from beginning to end. The comparisons to Harry Potter are there, but don’t be fooled: this is no cozy boarding school tale. It's a much grittier, grown-up story filled with deception, danger, and dark magic fueled by pleasure and pain.

Saffron Killoran is a compelling protagonist: driven, determined, and deeply flawed in a way that makes her feel real. The premise (a young woman going undercover inside the gang that destroyed her family) hooked me immediately, and the execution kept me guessing throughout. There were genuinely shocking moments, emotional twists, and a looming prophecy that raised the stakes beautifully. I never knew who was safe or where the story would turn next, which made this a true page-turner.

If you like your fantasy on the darker side, with morally gray characters, gang rivalries, undercover intrigue, and a touch of doomed romance, this is a must-read. I'm already desperate for book two after that ending.

Wow this book was so good and a brilliant fresh take on romantasy. I adore Laura’s writing it’s so lyrical and beautiful but also magical. I really loved how this book perfectly set up for the rest of the series.

It had a slow but enticing start to the book which really introduced everything at a perfect pace and the world building and character development was done perfect.

I also think this kind of magic with mages and spells, wands and potions is my fav type? I’m so sick of fae this is so much fun!!

Can’t wait for book 2. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for this arc.

Silvercloak is a marvelous book that showcases Laura Steven's promise as a fantasy author.

“How quickly it was to end a life, to turn all that rich and complex essence into a pile of flesh and bones.”

Here, we meet young Saff, who is pursuing her long-held dream of becoming a Silvercloak. You see, Saff’s parents were murdered at the hands of Bloodmoons when she was six years old, and Silvercloak’s mission has been, for a long time, to dismantle this organization. Saff wants to join and do her part in bringing justice for her long-lost parents.

“But magic was as elusive as it was pedantic, and it had its own ideas as to what constituted good and evil.”

In a world where magic is fueled by pain and pleasure, our heroine will see herself infiltrating the Bloodmoons, with several risks associated to her life. The story is captivating from the start, and the world-building is splendid. The slow-paced narrative gives us the time to immerse in this new world, where we need to be acquainted with different concepts and how the magic works. Several cliffhangers keep us interested, while nothing comes easily to our heroine.

“Maybe this was how most murders became murderers - not because of some deep-rooted evil, some innate bloodlust, but because they had no other choice.”

Perhaps one of the things I enjoyed the most was the relationship between Saff and Levan. He is the perfect morally grey character. I felt sorry for him, I’ve hated him at times, and by the end, I could not decide where my heart landed, which means I MUST read the next to see his character evolution. Definitely a must-read for any fantasy lover out there!

“maturing into the understanding that evil was everywhere, so common place it was banal, and now that she knew this, she could never unlearn it.”

I was a little unsure going into this book as I liked but didn't love Laura's YA book "Our Infinite Fates" but I really really enjoyed this!

This was like an adult Harry Potter with mafia vibes, and I ate it up. The world/magic system was easy to understand, and the concept of magic being fuelled by pleasure and pain was fun, it gave more depth to the characters that chose to use other people's pain to refuel themselves too.

The main character Saffron was fairly likeable but for me, the real star of the show was Levan He was broody, complicated, dark and a really good love interest/villain. Some parts were a little obvious, but at this point, it takes quite a lot to get passed me so I didnt feel this was a negative for the story.

The ending was really good, I am excited to find out where the series will go now given that ending (iykyk)!

Thank you to Del Rey and NetGalley for the ARC!

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.75, rounded down for now)

Silvercloak was a wild ride—and while I’m not giving it a full 4 stars yet, I had a genuinely enjoyable time reading it. The world is dark, the magic is brutal, and the characters are complex in a way that keeps you hooked, even when you’re yelling at their choices.

The story follows Saffron, a girl caught in the middle of a magical conflict, political schemes, and a deeply personal quest for truth. She gets tangled up with Levan, a mysterious boy from the enemy side, and of course, the tension builds from there. Their relationship starts off in familiar territory: mistrust, banter, the reluctant alliance… then the softening, the spark, the bonding over shared grief. At first, I was into it. They had some genuinely sweet moments that made me pause and go, “Okay… maybe.” But as their bond deepened, the book leaned hard into fate-based coincidences—shared neighborhoods, parallel trauma, the same healing book—and it started to feel forced. Like the romance was trying too hard to justify itself instead of letting the chemistry build naturally.

Then the big twist hit: Levan is a Compeller—someone who can bend others to his will—and suddenly everything shifted. The book tried to balance the reveal with emotional weight, but I felt it undercut their entire relationship. There’s a line that shouldn’t be crossed, and compelling Saffron? That was it for me. What made it worse was his earlier promise that he would never compel her… only to do exactly that when it mattered most. It made me question every moment they’d shared before. If he was willing to break that promise, how do we know he hadn’t crossed the line earlier too?

Worse still, we learn that Levan had been compelling his own father to carry out the most horrific acts—acts that Saffron had always blamed on the father alone. So now the accountability is split… but the book doesn’t spend enough time exploring the implications of that. It left me unsettled and unconvinced that Levan could (or should) be redeemed.

Meanwhile, Saffron herself was a bright spot. She’s determined, thoughtful, and layered in a way that’s refreshing for YA fantasy heroines. And her dynamic with Nissa? Electric. I will not lie—I’m officially rooting for that pairing. Nissa and Saffron have far more emotional tension and history than anything between Saffron and Levan, and if the next book leans into that… I’m here for it.

The magic system (pleasure and pain as currency) was intriguing, and the stakes felt high throughout. Some parts were a bit underdeveloped or rushed, especially in the emotional aftermath of big revelations. But the ending sets up a lot of potential for a darker, twistier sequel, especially as Saffron starts making more morally gray choices herself.

I’m cautiously optimistic. This was a solid start with some rough edges, but if book two lands well, it could retroactively elevate this one.

Recommended for readers who enjoy high-stakes fantasy, secrets and betrayals, a morally gray love interest (if you’re still into that), and slow-burn political tension. Also: if you love queer undertones turning into actual plot threads, keep your eye on Nissa.

⭑ ⭑ ⭑ ⭒ ⭒
3.75 stars

♰ spoilers ahead

╰┈➤ Okay, so I need it to be known that I’m torn between giving this book 3 stars or 4 stars. I’m sitting at a solid 3.75 because despite the flaws, I really enjoyed my time with it.


╰┈➤ The Plot

ᝰ.ᐟ The story follows a girl named Saffron. When she was a child, her parents were killed by the Blood Moons (a violent mage gang that causes chaos, tortures people, and essentially operates as the most feared group of magic users)

ᝰ.ᐟ Their attack sets Saffron’s entire life on a mission: she joins the Silvercloaks, a sort of mage-police force, hoping to one day bring the Blood Moons to justice and prevent what happened to her from happening to others.

ᝰ.ᐟ But things go sideways. She ends up being assigned to infiltrate the Blood Moons as a spy. The person who was supposed to take them down from the outside was corrupt. But if they could get solid, undeniable evidence from the inside, they could stop that.

ᝰ.ᐟ Saffron was the perfect candidate because magic doesn’t work on her. So, torture methods like truth elixirs? Useless. The Blood Moons use a magical brand that binds spies with death spells, but since magic bounces off her, she’s immune. This makes her the best possible infiltrator.


╰┈➤ The Worldbuilding

➼ Honestly, it felt a little undercooked. The settings weren’t vivid, and the sense of place was lacking. I never really felt where we were. The magic system was simple enough to follow, but it felt like the rules kept changing.

ᝰ.ᐟ For example, we’re told that having more than two powers is rare. Then suddenly Auria’s doing three, then four, then almost five. And I’m sitting here like… didn’t we say that wasn’t possible? Then there’s Levan…he ends up being everything. Like, every kind of powerful. It just felt like the system was being made up as the story went.

➼ Also, the core of the magic is either pain-based or pleasure-based, which was an interesting concept.


╰┈➤ The Characters

➼ Saffron
ᝰ.ᐟ Shockingly, I liked her. main characters like her(silver haired) usually get on my nerves, but with Saffron? I hit 80% of the book without once getting annoyed. Not once did I sigh, cringe, or throw my pillow. That’s a big win.

ᝰ.ᐟ She’s headstrong, but that’s not her whole personality. She’s smart, she’s chill, and she’s actually cool. not in that try-hard “cool girl” way. Just genuinely cool.

ᝰ.ᐟ My favorite moment was at the end, when she had to choose between betraying Levan or betraying the Silvercloaks. And she said: absolutely not. She wasn’t about to let some lingering feelings for Levan push her into saving him at the expense of everything she stood for. The Blood Moons needed to go. I was like yes. Clock it🤏🏾
I love you now. That scene sealed it.

➼ Levan
ᝰ.ᐟ Listen, I don’t really vibe with Levan. As a character on his own, he was just… there. Not bad, not good. Just meh. He had a few cute scenes, and maybe one joke that made me almost laugh. Like 0.99% funny.

ᝰ.ᐟ But my main issue with him was in his relationship with Saffron. Every time they interacted romantically, I just cringed. It didn’t work for me. At all. Take that away and he’s fine, I guess. I’d give him a 5 out of 10. He’s strong, sure, but I wasn’t impressed. I honestly feel like I could take him in a fight.

➼ Nissa
ᝰ.ᐟ Nissa isn’t even a main character, but I’m submitting a formal petition to make her one. Because you really cannot dangle a sapphic relationship in front of me and expect me to root for a straight one. That’s not happening.

ᝰ.ᐟ She barely had scenes, but every time she appeared with Saffron? I was all in. Even ant 80% Saffron was STILL COMPARING LEVAN TO NISSA AND THINKING ABOUT NISSA WHEN WITH LEVAN!!!

ᝰ.ᐟ I’m a full Nissa x Saffron truther. If this doesn’t become canon, I will commit chaos.

➼ Auria
ᝰ.ᐟ Auria tested every bit of my patience. For most of the book, I didn’t care about her until the end, when I actively disliked her.

ᝰ.ᐟ She was messy, hypocritical, and exhausting. I don’t understand why Saffron was going so hard to protect her. As far as I’m concerned, the moment she pulled that “It’s your fault, you’re lying” even when all evidence clearly showed otherwise. Like should I tell you whose lying? Your little boyfriend who betrayed y’all 💋


➼ The Kingpin
ᝰ.ᐟ Now this surprised me! I actually felt bad for him at the end. I was like… damn. He didn’t even want to be this person. He used to be an agricultural farmer, for crying out loud.

ᝰ.ᐟ What made me pause was how Saffron handled him. She kept preaching about how villains are made, not born, and offering grace to people like Levan—who literally tortured others—but the Kingpin? She was like, “I’ll kill you.” EVEN AFTER hearing his sob story

ᝰ.ᐟ That didn’t sit right with me. He deserved at least a sliver of the grace she was handing out to others.

➼ Aspar
ᝰ.ᐟ And lastly, Aspar. I have beef. Why was she the only person who knew about the undercover mission? Like, no backup? No contingency plan? What if Saffron hadn’t told Nissa? That would’ve been game over. It was such a dumb, unrealistic decision, and it made me roll my eyes so hard.

➼ Everyone Else
Kinda forgettable.


╰┈➤ <b> Relationship </b>

➼ I have a lot of thoughts. We’re going to start from the beginning.

➼ Their relationship follows the classic, overused, and frankly dumb trope: “Oh no, I hate this group of people, but wait there’s one hot boy who’s not like the rest, and even though he’s supposed to be evil, he’s actually kinda nice. So… do I love him?” You know the one. The cliche.

ᝰ.ᐟ But here’s the thing, I didn’t care as much as I usually do with this trope. Maybe because in other books, it’s usually tied to bigger themes like oppressive regimes, and the “love interest” is part of some colonial or racist system.

ᝰ.ᐟ But here? He’s just a guy who tortures and murders people. Still bad, yes but not layered in the same political way. So my hate never got to that visceral level it usually does.

➼ That said, they did have some cute moments. I won’t lie. Occasionally they’d say something, and I’d be like, “Awnn.” But then I’d shake my head real quick because no! Saffron and Nissa have to end up together. I am pushing that agenda with my full chest. And I won’t breathe until it happens

ᝰ.ᐟ Anyway, things progressed in a very typical way. Their dynamic started out kind of fun. It was the usual “I don’t like you” vibe, but let me be clear: this is not enemies to lovers. I’ve seen people describe it that way, and it’s just not.

ᝰ.ᐟ They’re more like wary acquaintances at the start, not enemies. Then eventually they get closer, start sharing things, open up, blah blah blah.

I wasn’t invested, honestly. It was mid.

➼ Then they started doing this whole invisible string theory thing like, “Oh, we lived in the same neighborhood! Our parents died on the same day! We read the same book when we were depressed!” And I was just like… girl, breathe.

ᝰ.ᐟ It felt so try-hard. Instead of making the relationship feel meaningful, it made it feel forced. Like the author was trying too hard to convince me they’re “meant to be.”

➼ But the final nail in the coffin for me was the plot twist at the end when Levan is revealed to be a Compeller. And honestly? That ruined everything.

Let’s unpack that.

ᝰ.ᐟ When it’s revealed, Saffron spirals understandably. She’s like, “Oh my god, he was manipulating me from the beginning.” And I was right there with her. Because damn. That plot twist actually hit.

ᝰ.ᐟ Now, I’d noticed the red flags especially the moment he managed to use magic on her, even though magic isn’t supposed to work on her. But at the time, I brushed it off as the author throwing in another “fated connection” thing. So when the truth dropped, I was shocked… and then immediately frustrated.

ᝰ.ᐟ Because here’s the thing: the book doesn’t fully explore how serious it is that Levan is a Compeller. We find out that he’s been compelling his father to carry out the worst parts of his orders. Like his father, who Saffron always thought was cold and ruthless, turns out to be unable to stomach most of the actual violence. So Levan forces him to do it.

ᝰ.ᐟ What does that mean? It means Saffron’s hatred for the father—while valid—should also extend to Levan. He was the one pulling the strings.

ᝰ.ᐟ Then instead of this being deeply explored there was a sob story then a kiss🫩

➼ Then he swears that he has never ever compelled saffron because he hates compelling. But when push comes to shove, when the situation becomes urgent, what does he do? 💀

ᝰ.ᐟ He compels her. And suddenly, we’re supposed to trust that he never compelled her before?

ᝰ.ᐟ Absolutely not. Every moment of Levan’s journey has been crucial. So why should I believe that now, this is the first time he ever crossed that line? I don’t buy it. Once he used his powers on her, that was it for me. A point of no return.

➼ I already know what’s coming next. The classic, tired “I should hate him, but I don’t” trope. The fake-angst redemption arc. But honestly? He’s a bad person.

ᝰ.ᐟ I’ll admit, part of my rage is probably fueled by how hard I’m rooting for Nissa and Saffron. But also I just genuinely think his character was butchered in the final stretch of the book.


╰┈➤ Then there’s the ending. They try to frame Saffron as “going dark” which was kinda cringe to be honest but that last like did eat a bit.

╰┈➤ Still, I’m really excited to read the next book. I want to know where all this is going. And how the next book plays out will definitely influence how I rate this one. Because as it stands, I don’t want to rate this too high, only for book two to flop. So for now, I’m staying at 3 stars.

╰┈➤ I did enjoy the book. The journey was fun. Some things annoyed me, yes, but I’m not foaming at the mouth or flipping tables. Not yet. Maybe I will in the next book.

Thank you to NetGalley for giving this ARC, and this doesn’t influence my review. I had to DNF. The start was just info-dumping characters, places, and terms that made no sense.