Fi and Antal are one of the few romantasy couples I can get behind, they're right behind Jude and Carden from Cruel Prince. I'm a picky romantasy reader and I tend to dislike alpha male leads, but Antal isn't that. There are echoes of the trope, but it's one that he doesn't stick with as he grows through the story. I even enjoy Fi. She's one of the few female characters who screws up, who owns her screw ups.

I think the main issue I have is hopefully be resolved in the future. At the start of the book, Fi is pulled into a heis,t and we find out later on the job she was needed for was already covered by another person in the group. It's just a bit messy, and I do hope they tell us why this is important.

I will say the bisexual/pansexual rep is fun and I got the fun straight girl moment of asking 'wait... are they ex's' and a moment later nodding and getting it confirmed. Perfect messy breakups and I felt for most of the characters involved. Considereing this is a duology I'll try to look out for the next book since I do root for the main couple and I hope the next book really hits on Antal's family and we can get some of that delicious angst.

Book review: ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Voidwalker was such a treat! I loved Fi and Boden and Antal and I need more books in this universe bc I think it’s very unique and we could see a wide cast of characters and scenarios. More monster romance?! 👀 Indef think this will be a hit for the bookish community. Huge thank you to Netgalley and Orbit for the eARC. I love and appreciate yall.

My very small gripe- I love Maclean’s books but they suffer from repetitive words/phrases. The word ozone-50 times, bristle-39 times, sclera-16 times. There are other words to describe these things/smells etc. This may just be a me issue and may be changed before the final drafts but regardless.

#voidwalker #bookreview #orbitbooks #orbit #monsterromance #booktok

This was an easy 5 star read, and the best book that I've read so far this year. These characters were so refreshing - complex, strong, and a budding ability to bare their vulnerabilities without fear or restraint. Some people, both human and daeyari alike, are more than their claws, sharp teeth, and bristles.

And for a self-proclaimed monster, Antal was quite the delight. I loved witnessing his and Fi's growth over the course of the story, both how they grow as individuals and how they allow themselves to grow towards one another.

Bravo! I can't wait to see where the story leads us next in book 2.

Beautiful covers seem to be a theme this year and Voidwalker is no exception to that. Just look at it!!
I haven’t gotten a chance to read this authors other novel “The Phoenix Keeper” so I went into this having no idea of her writing style or anything. But I can say I’m a huge fan of it. So now I must read The Phoenix Keeper! She writes in such a magical and mystical way that makes you never want the book to end and the way she set up the magic system in this book was amazing.
The magic in this story is interesting. I wish I could travel across the void or teleport to anyplace I’ve seen would honestly love that.
I loved the characters Fi and Antal, and their romance is an enemies to lover’s slow burn that fits the story extremely well. I mean, why would anyone truly trust a Daeyari especially when they’re known to consume humans right?
I’d love to learn more about the Daeyari in future books, and with the ending and the promise of a sequel makes me think we will and theirs some big political game that has been hinted at in this book that will be happening in the second half.
Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit books for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Yes yes yes!!! This was everything I didn’t know I needed. I have never laid eyes on monster smut but I can confidently say this did not disappoint. I was enthralled from page one. The unique magic/energy system was so interesting, unlike any I’ve personally read about.

While this was a fun and spicy read there were also serious themes peppered in like grief, regret, and the fight of nature vs. nurture.

I am already itching to get my hands on the second book.

All of the stars!!!!

(Definitely check the trigger warnings on this bad boy though)


Thank you to Orbit publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

And especially thanks to SA Maclean for writing this ♥️ I can see this deservedly blowing up and being the next big thing

The Phoenix Keeper was one of my favorite reads of 2024 so I was super excited to read the next book by the author! Even though the vibes of The Phoenix Keeper and Voidwalker are very different, I do also love monster romantasy so it seemed like the perfect book for me.

Voidwalker felt very fast paced and the start of the book drops you right into the action. The worldbuilding was very interesting and felt well planned and thought out. The magic and political systems of this book were great and super original and unique. The dynamic between monsters and humans, mixed with political strife, provided the background for a great monster romantasy.

Fi, the FMC, was a super strong and quick-witted character and her underdog nature made it very easy to root for her. She is the epitome of a bold, hardheaded FMC that seems sharp on the outside but holds a lot of love for those that she cares about. While she's far from a perfect person, her flaws and personal struggles only made her more relatable and interesting. Seeing her character development throughout the book was very fun.

Antal, the MMC and author-proclaimed 'wet cat', was also a great main character and he was also very relatable in terms of his relationship with his family and his reality of being forced to do something he doesn't want to do. I really enjoyed seeing him be able to come out of his shell and be able to stand up for himself when he had Fi's support.

I did really enjoy the romance between them, though I will say that I could've done with a bit more (but that's just a personal preference lol). I felt as though the romance between Fi and Antal intertwined itself really well into the plot and the personal struggles of the MCs.

The main reason that Voidwalker was a 4 star for me was that there were times where the plot felt a bit overly complex yet simultaneously rushed, leading to confusion. I think some slight editing of plot points and the speed would've made this read a lot better for me.

All in all though, I had a lot of fun reading S.A. Maclean's second book and I'm absolutely looking forwards to the next one!

Oh my god this book. Look, I’ve read a lot of romantasy novels, I haven’t EVER read one quite like this.

We’re going to get this out of the way first, this book is funny but deals with some heavy themes and has some INTENSE moments. Check those trigger warnings, people. Still interested? Well great because how the hell is one of my top reads so far this year a monster smut book where the monster race - spoiler for the prologue here…




EATS PEOPLE???????

I gasped, I got misty eyed, I laughed, I had to stop to go find my partner and make them listen to me talk about all the crazy stuff that happens in this book. I loved it. I’m not going to stop thinking about this book.

Our main characters in this book are fantastic. Fi and Antal are such complex characters and their relationship unfolds so beautifully across the book. They’re one of those couples who really feel like they’re in it for the long haul.

Our side characters are also so well done. The arcs that some of these side characters get had me gasping. I’m hoping for even more from our extended cast in the sequel!

For the mood readers, if you like a heroine in their thirties, if you like monster romances, morally gray/complex heroes, or if you’re cool with some dark themes in your romance novels, pick this up.

That’s 2/2 on books I’ve loved by S.A. MacLean looks like I might have a new favorite author to watch for!

This was a fun an interesting romance. It's a bit enemies to lovers and definitely monster romance. In this world of connected realities, several of which are seasonally locked, the human race has an uneasy relationship with an immortal species of predators. Predators that eat humans. Arranging a system of voluntary sacrifice in exchange for protection as well as technological, or technomagical, advancement. In this world where people fear their inhuman Lords lives Fi, a smuggler. She's a smartass rebel who wants to avoid the immortals at all costs. Unfortunately a deal gone rotten puts her right in the crosshairs of the Lord of her area. She has unique skills, the ability to move between the realities, that will help him in ferreting out rebellion in his land and she has unwittingly volunteered for the job. It's fun, spicy and a real interesting land and magic dynamic that carries on through the story. It is fast paced which I find enjoyable. All in all an enjoyable read.

Voidwalker by S.A. MacLean is a fresh, exciting read with unique worldbuilding and a perfect mix of action, emotion, and slow-burn romance. The pacing is spot on, the spice isnt cringey- it genuinely reflects Fi and Antals connection, and the plot keeps you hooked without ever feeling rushed. A must-read if you love character-driven sci-fi with heart and depth and a HEA.

Unfortunately not for me as a reader. I struggled to connect with the story and writing style of this one. Maybe others will like it, it just was not my cup of tea.

This book was on my radar because of the Phoenix Keeper - a book by the author is really loved. And while knowing this was a very different book, the premise sounded super promising.

The first 10% of the book made my head spin with awe and possibilities. The worldbuilding is swift, solid, and opens up a vast plane of dimensions, portals, monsters, and a sci-fi vibe that I really loved. In the middle of it: Fi - smuggler, badass, bi FMC and all around great main character.

When she wants to pull off a heist, but instead gets drawn into world-shattering revolutionary actions, I was all in.

Sadly, I did not stay in. While being aware that this is monster romance, I found the middle of the book way too focused on the monster romance (mostly physical) - and paired with weird pacing, I fell out of the story and didn't find my way back in.

I'm a bit sad about this, as the writing style is unique and the world is mind-blowingly great.

3,5/5 stars

Thank you @netgalley and @orbitbooks_us for the eARC!

#Voidwalker #Netgalley #Bookstagram

Voidwalker is a rebellious, romance-forward fantasy that dares to be both sexy and sincere, thrilling and thoughtful. With a razor-sharp bisexual heroine and a monster-with-antlers you’ll unexpectedly swoon over, this book delivers bold characters, electric chemistry, and a story that rips through genre conventions with style.

At the heart of the novel is Fi, a smart-mouthed, reckless, brave-as-hell protagonist whose voice is equal parts hilarious and aching. Her dynamic with Antal, the antlered, dry-witted creature she’s tied to by fate and friction, is absolutely magnetic. Their connection is deep, vulnerable, and playful—think cat-and-mouse banter meets intense emotional intimacy. The romantic tension is off the charts, but what really makes it shine is the foundation of open, healthy communication, a rarity in the genre and a true breath of fresh air.

Though romance takes center stage in the second half, the book begins with a well-balanced mix of relationship-building, political unrest, and mythos-defying worldbuilding. The rebellion plot, which pits humanity against monstrous overlords who underestimated human resilience, is compelling, if a bit overshadowed by the relationship arc in later chapters. Still, the themes of oppression, survival, and resistance pulse strongly in the background and offer emotional weight to the character-driven moments.

Beyond the romantic core, Voidwalker explores broken friendships, powerful sibling bonds, and the bittersweet messiness of human connection. There’s humor and heat, sorrow and hope—and a profound sense that even amid ruin, love and freedom are worth fighting for.

It’s sharp, it’s steamy, and it’s deeply, surprisingly moving. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll maybe curse the release schedule, and you’ll definitely want book two yesterday.

God, this frigging book. This frigging book! I've been gorging myself on romantasies lately & when I came across the blurb from this one, saw that it was a SCI-FI romantasy? I had to request it. And now I'm obsessed.

"Voidwalker" involves a smartass, sassy, bisexual heroine with equal amounts of recklessness & bravery. It involves a people-eating antlered monster with a dry wit & a gentle vulnerability that's astounding. It involves a once-in-a-lifetime friendship broken to shards & pieces. A bond between siblings, a superb example of unconditional love. And it involves a fight against oppression, a fight for a better life & a better future from the carnivorous creatures who overlooked the perseverance of the humans they thought they'd beaten into docile cattle. I laughed. I cried. I swooned. I frigging loved this book & I'm mad as hells that it doesn't come out until August, so I'll have to wait even LONGER for the sequel. Please give "Voidwalker" a go. You will not be disappointed.

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit for the arc! This was a fun and sexy romp that kept me entertained and kept my meow meow meowing. I’ve discovered some new things about myself it seems. Anyways, here are my takeaways.

There were some top tier characters lined up here. The leads stood on their own beautifully, and the side characters were just as engaging. I personally connected to Fi the most; she’s my absolute favorite. She’s bold, hilarious, bratty (heehee), emotionally constipated, and yet she acts her age. She has loads of depth, she has baggage, she has light, she has questionable coping mechanisms, and like her I also want to fuck a horned demon. Of course, I can’t not mention another one of my favorite characters. My sexy wet cat. My pathetic clawed coot. My sad little boy who just wants to be better. Seriously though, he’s my dream man. I want what those two have.

I also can’t not mention the side characters. Boden was a keystone character for me. I also love his dynamic with Fi as well as with Antal. I love any scene these 3 chaotic fucks are in. The sweet relationship between Fi and him make me almost want a brother… ALMOST. Along with Boden, Astrid was a fascinating character to me, and I loved the arc her character took. If you want some toxic yuri look no further. Lastly, I’ve gotta mention my girl Kashvi. I would go to Vegas with her and only her (okay maybe her wife can come too). I know that woman can party.

Also, I have to mention the main relationship here. Holy shit is it fantastic. These two are sexy, real, deep, comedic, and their chemistry was chef’s fucking kiss. I love the way different types of vulnerability are explored, and god do I love a playful and sexy cat and mouse game. Banter is HUGE for these two, and I live for the volleying. The thing I love the most though? Along with the vulnerability, I adored the open/healthy communication; it’s refreshing. The domestic parts were some of my favorite, and I love both of these characters fiercely. I love love.

The real strength of this book may have stayed with the characters and their relationships as opposed to the plot, but I well enjoyed that too. I love anything that challenges mythos, and we find that here. I also found that the plot took many twists and turns I didn’t expect, which is lovely. I was also locked in to that rebellion. If only…

The author is very ~colorful~ and good god I love that. Some truly banger lines in here. One of my favorites is as follows: “Then, another slow slip of eyes downward, less subtle than before. The correct response. This dress made Fi's tits look fantastic.”

Only nitpick really: some telling. Maybe because I’m a seasoned epic fantasy reader, but I always prefer not having my hand held. I just want to do a cold plunge and find my way. Next time, I would like to experience the world for myself instead of being told what to expect. It was both told and shown, I’d say. If there was little to no telling, this very well could have been a 5 star. I still really loved this book, though. There were also some info dumps in the beginning, but I’ve become pretty accustomed to those tbh.

Overall, I’m sat. The first book hasn’t been released yet and god knows when the second book is coming out, but my ass is superglued. Here I will sit until I (hopefully) get approved for an arc of the next book in the series. Until then, I’ll be thinking about sexy demons, fangs, and antlers. 4.5 stars-

I enjoyed this! I found the magic system/world unique, and both main characters compelling. The reason it’s 4 stars and not 5 is I felt it was a little too long and dragged in some parts. Thank you for the arc!

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit for the opportunity to read the eArc!

I believe this book leans more romantasy than fantasy romance in my opinion (I'm a strong believer that there is a difference). I say that because for the first 50%, I felt that there was a good balance between Fi and Antal's growing relationship and the things going on outside of this romance, like politics and the possibility of a war. But then for a bit after, the story does focus more on their relationship to the point that I briefly forgot about everything else going on. So it just seemed like those non-romance things weren't as important.

I liked Fi and Antal's relationship and I felt that they had great chemistry, worked well together, and had good banter. After Antal gets the boot from his city and is essentially barred from it, I liked that Fi took him in and gave him a chance. Despite him and his people (Daeyari) eating mortals like Fi to survive, she saw him differently and their relationship was very cute.

Antal has been immortal for a couple centuries and is forced by his family into this territory to rule. I believe he was in control for decades before getting kicked out which leads him and Fi to partner up. Once Antal got kicked out from his city, he didn't really put up much of a fight and I was surprised that he just accepted it. But it does make sense once you learn that he has no one in his life or anyone to champion for him until Fi comes along. Since he has some experience governing a territory, it would have been nice to see him give more input and ideas during the parts of them plotting/planning. It seemed like Fi had the loudest voice when it came to making decisions but yet Antal is the one with actual experience and we didn't really get to see that experience play out. He just kind of went along with whatever Fi said.

I do think Fi is a strong character and isn't afraid of speaking her mind or jumping into a fight that she might not even be prepared for. I think she was too forgiving when it came to Astrid. I understand they both went about things wrong but Astrid literally played a hand in Fi's brother dying and she essentially made sure all of them were a target.

One other thing that I felt lacked was the world-building. I had a hard time imagining their environment. Antal and Fi have the ability to teleport but each time they landed somewhere besides Fi's cabin, I couldn't really picture anything in my head.

Overall, I was still thoroughly entertained and I'm looking forward to the sequel.

I really enjoyed this title, it is one of the best read of 2025 so far. In terms of our readers, I'd recommend it for those who want a mix of romance and fantasy, with a strong romance plot / romantasy, and the main characters having black cat energy (one of my favorites!)

3.5 stars! This was my first ever Monster Romantasy and I had such a fun time. Will definitely be reading book 2.

Main things I liked:
1. The romance was delicious. I was so smitten over Fi and Antal’s relationship. The banter was funny, the spice was well done and I had no idea I’d find a tail hot..
2. The worldbuilding was great. Very gradual, mainly show not tell. Very unique magic system and the world itself with curtains and shards. There is also so much potential for the world do develop more.

A few things that did not work for me:
1. The plot had plot holes for me. There were things that just did not make sense the way it all happened but can’t say more without spoilers. In my opinion the plot was the weakest aspect of the book and not very well thought out.
2. Side characters. I was not interested in any of the side characters at all. They were all kind of one dimensional and just meant to serve a purpose. They would not stand on their own in my opinion.

Thank you NetGalley and Orbit for an eARC in exchange of an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Honestly, I’m not sure why everyone in this world is so terrified of demons—because I’d 1000% let Antal take a bite. No regrets.

This book serves up demon smut and a solid political plot? Yes, please. It's the perfect mix of heat, intrigue, and high stakes.

I’ll admit, the worldbuilding took a little time to settle in—about 30% of the way through, things finally clicked for me. But once it did, the story really took off, and I was fully hooked. The pacing picks up beautifully, the stakes get higher, and the layers of power, corruption, and desire unfold in all the best ways.

And the ending? Actually satisfying. No loose threads, no rushed conclusions—just a strong finish that made the journey worth it.

If you like your fantasy dark, a little spicy, and backed by a real plot, this one's absolutely worth the read.

I loved the world building and the dynamic between the two species we see throughout the book. I love that the main character continuously believed that she was a coward for something she did in her past, but made steps to overcome that. I enjoyed the romance and the slow burn aspect to it. The action and adventure kept me on my toes and guessing what would happen next. There were a few plot twist that I didn’t see coming but really enjoyed. This was a fun read that got me out of a reading slump.