🩷 Book Review 🩷
📚 Sacred Struggle
🗓 22nd May 2025
💫💫💫.5

Thank you, Netgalley, for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sacred Struggle, Tales of the Vanir book 1 follows Sifa. An elf who is hiding from the malicious Queen and is unknowingly partnered up with her dragon shifting mate.

I really enjoyed this book. There are some dark themes and definitely open spice scenes. I had a small issue with the hierarchy of the government in this book, and I would've liked a glossary or something similar. I did not mind the fated mates. It felt like it was brought in a little too early, but it was a slow progression instead of an instant lust, which I liked.

The book finished on a cliffhanger that isn't super brutal but has me itching for book 2.

I love dragons. I see them and I think, I need that. I have read so, so many dragon romance books that some of the blend together. This one stands out! love

If you enjoy Dragons, Elves and magic then i would definitely recommend this gorgeous book! This hooked me from the very beginning! I love that the book was mainly in Sifa's POV but the few chapters that were in Fhord's POV were perfect!! The chemistry between the main characters was really good and you could definitely feel the tension. This is going to be such a fun series, and I can't wait to read the next book!

I really like the book, the fact that there wasn’t any slow moment and the action was always there really made me love the book.
It had everything I wanted in a good book, good banter, the characters who are independent and not afraid of anything.
If you love dragons you’re gonna love this.
There was some moments were I was stressed for some of the characters but it just prove that you get attach to them.

4⭐️

If you’re a fan of dragons, elves and magic then this is for you. This book held my attention straight from the beginning. It’s a fast paced, fun, quick read.

The book is told mainly from Sifa’s POV (an elf hiding her identity in a world that hunts her kind, but all the while, she’s desperately trying to find her way home), with a few chapters from Fhord’s POV (a dragon rider who tries his best to stay away from Sifa, yet only seems to get closer and closer). I loved the chemistry between these too (although Fhord constantly referring to his ‘savage’ got a bit annoying) as well as the side characters.

Themes: fated mates, forbidden love, slow burn, found family

First and foremost, thank you, Netgalley, for providing this ARC!
This was a fast paced read for sure, and it truly grasped my attention from the first page, it was certainly well written, with subtle details and enchanting description.
The rest of this series is going to be quickly released, and that is such a relief for me, I need the next one, NOW.

The Story--
Sifa, my badass FMC, is an elf on the run. she's doomed to elven prison if anyone finds out about her elf-ness...
Sifa wants to find out the evil queen's secrets, she's searching for answers by doing some sneaky overseer's dirty work. But then, she's sent on a job with a dragon rider to the prison she narrowly escaped years ago, there's no telling what the mission might cost.
Fhord can't make up his mind between his dragon and his fated mate.
When they join together on a job, he tries to disregard their bond, because when riders sin, their dragons suffer. (Don't know why but that is just how it is.)
Sifa is scared that Fhord will discover her secret and give her up to the monarchy, she battles their growing passion. But they say in battle, there's always a winner.
Tropes~~
Enemies to Lovers~
Fated Mates~
Grumpy x Grumpy~
Mortally Grey Leads~
Touch Her And Die~

Overall,
This book was nice, a good palate cleanse after Keeping 13, there were definitely some issues, but none too monumental.
Overall, it was a pleasant way to spend my day, and I would recommend to people who like Fourth Wing, but wanted a powerful FMC.
3.75 stars rounded up.

Sacred Struggle is an engaging and exciting fantasy romance, with a complex but mostly cohesive plot and believeable characters. I really enjoyed this read, though at times found it a little repetitive and cringey with clumsy phrasing. However that is a matter of opinion and I believe this style of narration will appeal to many romantasy lovers. Plenty of tension and a bit of spice, with a satisfying ending that leaves enough of a cliffhanger.

Firstly, this was my first ever ARC read so thank you so much to the team for letting me read this book early!

This book had a strong start that immediately hooked me, but unfortunately, it lost some of its momentum by the end. I was initially drawn to the FMC, Sifa, who comes across as a strong, independent, and badass woman. She’s also incredibly caring and selfless when it comes to those she loves, which made her easy to root for.

The early chapters—especially those set in Revalle and the beginning of her journey with Fhord—were engaging and well-paced. I loved their banter, and the world-building during this part was clear and immersive. The chemistry between Sifa and Fhord, driven by a mysterious connection, added a nice layer of intrigue.

However, the second half of the book felt rushed. New elements of the world seemed to appear out of nowhere, often introduced through sudden conversations rather than gradual buildup. The dragons, while an exciting concept, felt underdeveloped and almost like an afterthought, which was disappointing given their potential.

Overall, I really liked the premise and the characters, but the pacing and plot execution in the latter half left me wanting more. With a bit more development and cohesion, this could’ve been a standout read.

Addicting read! Love the dragons, elf’s and magical world the author created. It definitely left me curious for book 2 and hungry for my information and background on the MMC and FMC. It’s a fast pace book throughout and just keeps you wanting to read. I did wish for a little more detail into the side characters but am hoping for that in the next books.

I’m so so happy I got to read this book. So so happy. It was the classic fantasy romance you enjoy but with more dragons more enemies to lovers and a deeper forbidden but undeniable bond between the two main characters that you doubt until the very end without possibility to find it out earlier before. It’s insane how deep a story can get you and how crazy obsessed with two characters you can be. I found myself very interested to reveal the dragons and dragon riders dynamic, the truth beyond Sifa’s story, her emotions, her relationships and her heritage. I wanted to know more and when you’re suddenly hit by that feeling while reading, it’s the best sensation ever !!! And our MMC … oh boy, the way I felt completely overwhelmed by his obsession with her … I wanted it. Totally and completely. That’s why after that couple of last chapters … I need to read book two !!

⭐5/5 – My Heart? Stolen by a Dragon Rider and an Elf⭐️

Sacred Struggle swept me into a world of danger, magic, and a romance that burned. Sifa is fierce yet vulnerable, and Fhord? A brooding, loyal dragon rider who had me swooning from the start. Their connection is slow-burn perfection—with just enough angst to make you yell at your book.

The emotions hit hard, but Rochelle Wilcox balances the intensity with moments of warmth, humor, and hope. I binged this book in one sitting—I couldn’t stop. If you love fated mates, forbidden love, and dragons (who doesn’t?), this book will absolutely enchant you. I didn’t just read it—I felt every second.

Overall, 3.75 stars.

I received an ARC copy of this, and I meant to take my time reading it but I ended up pretty much finishing it in one sitting.

Starting with the plot, it was pretty fast paced. It’s a huge part of why it held my interest because there was always something happening. I wasn’t completely a fan of where it all ended, but I’m curious and interested enough that I’ll definitely read the next book when it comes out.

I’m a sucker for dragons, so they were absolutely my favourite characters and I wish we’d had a bit more of them.

Sifa and Fhord were an interesting relationship to explore. Their chemistry was something I really enjoyed and I loved watching the development and I was happy with where things left off with them.

An interesting concept, and a fun and quick read. I look forward to the sequel.