Voidwalker is a dark romantasy book with an incredibly rich fantasy plot that held my attention for the entire read. S. A. Maclean mixes a unique lore with steampunk energy/tech based magic to create a world that is so easy to immerse yourself in.

I loved the FMC Fionamara, because even though she is sassy and independent, and a
voidwalker, she is also flawed and emotionally scarred. The MMC Antal is Daeyari (a race that predates on human sacrifice) and he is one dark and broody,
complex character that matches Fionamara so well as they tackle political upheaval and a change in societal norma, all whilst developing a relationship that is forbidden.

Thank you to NetGalley, HattchetteAus and S.A Maclean for the eARC copy of Voidwalker. I will definitely be reading the next book in this duology!

Absolutely gripping from start to finish — this book is a rare gem in the romantasy genre. Think The Witcher meets A Court of Thorns and Roses with the queer, gritty goodness.

The protagonist, a sharp-tongued smuggler caught in a political power struggle, accidentally delivers a bomb to a monster prince’s palace — and from there, everything explodes (sometimes literally). What follows is an uneasy alliance, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance, and a world that feels like it stepped out of a magicpunk dream. The “curtain” magic system is clever, the floating shard-world evocative, and the blend of tech and energy capsules gave me Arcane vibes in the best way.

The romance? Earned. No insta-lust, no “he's hot so I’m into him” — just two battle-worn, morally grey badasses slowly learning to trust each other. The spice hits late but hits hard, and it’s all tasteful and character-driven.

🩷 Book Review 🩷
📚 Voidwalker
🗓 19th August 2025
💫💫💫💫💫

Thank you to @netgalley and @hachetteaus for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Read this book. Please.

I have never read a monster romantasy, this is my first and look I'm open to more but I think I'll need to take it slowly. A case by case situation.

But this book is great! We meet Fi, an FMC in her 30s who is not afraid to take charge and takes no poop from no one. She has a strong exterior, but she is carrying so much trauma and guilt from her past that she struggles to let people in. And I feel that personally. But she is an amazing character that you can't help but feel connected to.

Antal is an like an onion, yes that's a Shrek reference and if you don't get it please go watch the movies, he brings out the best of Fi and their dynamic is so well written.

The world building of this book was amazing and very unique.

Overall, I read this in a few sittings. It was just simply a great book.

But please, this book goes deep into themes and subjects that are very valid, but please check warnings.