This book is exactly what I want in a Romantasy! The plot was good, the characters well developed, and the romance believabl. I feel like this is one of the few true Enemies to Lovers. The main character, Fionamara, was easy to like and relatable through her journey of being thrust into a conflict she wanted no part of but was forced into. The magic in this world is so cool, and the world building is top tier! I don’t think I’ve read anything like this before. The only downside I would give this book was there were some pacing issues in my opinion where the plot kind of hit a lull in the middle. But other than that, I would absolutely recommend this to anyone looking for a plot driven fantasy romance!

Fionamara is just your average, run of the mill smuggler, keeping out of trouble and avoiding the notice of the ruling Daeyari, the monsters who rule each territory and who require human sacrifices from those they rule. But when a job goes south, she finds herself in the direct sight of the ruler of her territory, Antal. Unknowingly starting a coup, Fionamara has to try to make things right with Antal or risk being his next meal. Becoming unlikely allies, they plot to retake his territory and slowly Fi realizes Antal might not be the monster she thought he was.

There is so much to love about Voidwalker. I have to admit, I was both nervous and excited for this book. I loved S.A. MacLean's debut, The Phoenix Keeper, but Voidwalker's premise seemed to be as far from that of Phoenix Keeper while also remaining in the same genre. Despite my apprehension, I was not disappointed in Voidwalker and absolutely loved this book, even more I did her last and I highly recommend picking up this book.

From the first few pages of this book were notable standouts about the book and story that I adored.
- This book as chapter titles! Sometimes absolutely unhinged chapter titles, several of which had me laughing out loud as I was reading
- The FMC is 32 years old, and I love having a slightly older FMC. Side note, I am also 32 yo, and realize that I am describing myself as being slightly older here as well. Her age isn't mentioned other than at the beginning, but it is relevant in her backstory, experiences, and motivations, which really added depth to the story.
- We love ourselves a blind Voidhorse (and Aisinay's naming is just :chefkiss: ) - This was something that made me realize S.A. does really well with her character development, even with smaller side characters/animals, which carries across both her works to date.
- At one point around 15% through I realized that I had absolutely no idea where this book was going (on me for not reading the synopsis any time remotely close to when I read the book), but I had no issues with simply being along for the ride.
- This was a pretty true enemies to lovers - I genuinely wasn't sure who the love interest was going to be early on. This was a slow burn (over halfway through before things started to heat up), but the tension is immaculate.
- Even after getting together, I was loving every bit of tension and banter between Fi and Antlers.
- While this is this first part of a duology, you aren't left with a massive cliffhanger. I was left with some speculation as to the focus of the next book, and I definitely can't wait to read it and see the story continue, but feel really pleased with the resolution of this first book.

Thanks to the author, Orbit Books, and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book!

This was such a different book in its approach to monster romance. While it wasn't my type of read personally, I did appreciate it for the amazing story. I feel we have a lot of readers who will enjoy this, the sassy FMC and her black cat of a MMC.

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This review is going to be a tough one for me to write simply because I was too busy enjoying it to bother taking any notes. I'll start by saying I've read and enjoyed the author's previous work, The Phoenix Keeper. That one I would classify as a cute mystery set against the background of a fantastical zoo. When I heard the description for Voidwalker a part of my brain paused and said, "Wait what? That can't be the same author." The stakes are high in this splintered world ruled by man-eating monsters called daeyari. Fi is a smuggler who's spent her adult life running, desperate to escape notice by the daeyari who rule the territories of her world and the world's beyond her season-locked planes. Fi is a voidwalker, a person capable of stepping through tears in the worlds and traveling across dimensional planes, this ability makes her invaluable as a smuggler but also puts a target on her back for the daeyari would love to have someone like her under their control. (A small note this is one of the things continuity-wise I struggled with. The daeyari are capable of this same dimensional hopping, so it is more that they want her simply because she's more special than regular humans than any need to use her power.) I really enjoyed reading about the world and especially how Fi saw the space between world's as she navigated the shard pathways to get to where she needed to go. Fi occupies a world split into the four seasons and we spend the vast majority of the book in the winter realm with some small mentions of the other seasons. I'm extremely curious to see world's beyond these season planes as we get small hints about how vast the universe here is, perhaps it will be explored in the sequel.

I would classify Fi a bit as your typically fantasy heroine. She's rough around the edges, running from her past, and capable with weaponry. Oh and of course, she has special powers. This might sound disparaging of her character but there's a reason we as a populace eat this up every time, it's just enjoyable to read. I love Fi's humor and every moment she's allowed to be a badass. Antal, our displaced daeyari overlord was perfection to me, He's essentially the new kid on the block in terms of how few centuries he's lived and how short his rule has been within the realm. This is a man who desperately wants to do his best but doesn't necessarily know what that should look like. The chemistry between Fi and Antal was very well done and I appreciate the slow burn as these enemies learn to trust each other.

I would like to address the monster romance marketing because while I am by no means an expert I have read a few and I would classify on this on a more introductory end. Daeyari are very humanoid, they possess a tail, claws, fangs, and antlers that get more impressive as they age. Beyond that they are described as looking quite human with a gray caste to their skin because their blood is different than a humans. The more monstrous quality comes from the fact that they eat humans. They can supplement with a specially bred beast but they cannot survive without consuming humans. It's a bit like taking a vampire and putting it to the next level since blood replenishes but the quantities they need of flesh will not. I found this interesting to watch Fi and Antal navigate.

I'm looking forward to putting a finished copy of this on my bookshelves next month! I'm also curious about where we're headed in the sequel. The book ends in such a way that feels complete. There are certainly open threads that can be explored and not all of them involving our main couple so I'll be eagerly awaiting news on the sequel.

4.25 ⭐️
3 🌶️
eARC review
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Tropes: Monster romance, found family, enemies to lovers, one bed/forced proximity, touch her/him and 💀

First, a big thank you to NetGalley, Orbit, and S.A. Maclean for allowing me to get and review an eARC of Voidwalker. This isn’t a short book and it took me a minute to get into it, but it is worth the investment in time. In a genre with a lot of rinse and repeat worlds, storylines, and narratives, Voidwalker stands out. It has an incredibly unique magic system, a well thought out world, and wonderfully rich characters.

This story follows Fionamara (Fi) who is a voidwalking smuggler that finds herself in a WORLD of trouble, when she gets unwittingly pulled into a turf war by her ex that is between two immortal daeyari (people of dusk with red and black eyes and antlers). In this world, the magic system is built from void energy that the daeyari have in spades and taught the humans to leverage.

Fi gets tied into helping one of daeyari, whose town she unknowingly participated in blowing up, in taking back his territory from an older and fiercer daeyari, who also has a beast and Fi’s ex on her team. The MMC daeyari is named Antal and he is going to be a popular monster book boyfriend, me thinks.

Of course our monster and FMC fall in love along the way, but it is a bit of a slow burn. There is no 🌶️ until maybe 60% of the way through the book, but the payout is worth it because the characters build an actual relationship before then.

There is a lot of good representation in this book. The MCs both represent the LGBTQIA community and both have traumas they have to work through. Overall this book was really thoughtfully done and a fun read. Would definitely recommend and will continue with the series.

This book was so good! I have always been a fantasy girlie, but the monster romance genre is one I’m newer to (and love) and I will be recommending this book to friends who want to maybe try this genre out. I loved how complex the characters and world building were while also giving us a sizzling romance story. I cannot wait to get my hands on a finished copy.

great concept, clunky delivery.

This book had all the right ingredients: an adult FMC, morally gray universe, monster/alien romance. But the execution left me frustrated.
The writing felt repetitive and over-explained, with certain words and metaphors beaten into the ground. The world-building read more like exposition than atmosphere, which made it hard to stay engaged.
Fi (FMC) is supposed to be a top smuggler in her 30s, but her choices felt careless, and her voice often skewed much younger. Her dialogue and nicknames ("Fi-Fi" and “Antlers”) gave me the ick, and the romance lacked spark. Honestly, the side character Astrid felt more compelling than anyone else.

3 stars

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for this one <3 I will admit, I read because the fan art SUCKED me in. I was hesitant, because I didn't <i> love </i> the Phoenix Keeper, but I think her writing has gotten much better since then.

Here's what I enjoyed:
- The lore of the daeyari
- The lore of the other monsters (more hinting at for later)
- Decently fleshed out magic system
- Positive communication, like UGH, I loved their relationship, he is the best monster boyfriend
- The romance
- The creature features

What I didn't enjoy:
- Constant use of descriptors (Fionamara's hair color did not change; therefore, you need not remind me). Other reviewers mention this, so I need not include how many times the word " void was used.
- Her and Astrid: This was just drawn out, and it got old. We get it, you abandoned her and fucked up, but c'mon man, it was 10 years ago and you don't seem as interested in changing as you wish you were. Honestly, if Astrid does not exist in the next book, the world will be better for it
- The world building could use some serious work... NOT even close to the cosmere. Like..this is a joke..right? The planes are poorly defined, and while we have splits in reality, these are not fleshed out at all. I enjoyed this book, but to label it as such is a lie. Honestly, I don't like it when books are advertised as fans for xyz, because I don't need to reread a book I've read. I love different stories! Make it your own!

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I think it's a step above the previous book (if you like carnivorous monster romance), and I will be continuing the series. I look forward to seeing Fi and especially Antlers again!

I absolutely loved Voidwalker. I was drawn in very early to the world of the Void. Our main character, Fi is so feisty and independent almost to a fault. She has to figure out to stop running from her past after she accidentally blows up a capital city. And of course, our favorite Daeyari aka Antlers comes to need her aid to get his territory back.

The best part of this story was how the relationship between Fi and Antal builds naturally and in a way that was believable. They slowly begin to trust each other through very clear actions versus instantly just falling in love.

Parts of this book made me cry including Bodie giving Antal permission. Overall, I genuinely enjoyed this story and cannot wait for book 2.

Overall: 5⭐️

Voidwalker is stunning Romantasy about a human and a predator. In a world where Daeyari eat humans to sustain themselves, we have Fionamara, a human smuggler caught in the tumultuous world of Daeyari politics.

World building: 5/5 ⭐️
Before I delve in, I just wanted to say how the world building is exquisitely done. Somehow, she manages to weave rich world building throughout the scenes. It’s not heavy with info-dumping, and yet, we get such an intimate feel of the world. We can feel the magic that humans through our FMC, the copper plates that power their houses.

Romance 5/5⭐️
The romance between Antal and Fi feels genuine and EARNED. There is no insta-lust - which is sooo incredibly refreshing!!! You can literally spot the moments where they both slowly fall for each other.

Spice 5/5 ⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
The spice is incredible!!! If you’re into soft bdsm, a little biting here and there, you will love this book. I know I did. But not just that- the consequences of said spice is also present. I won’t spoil the book but I just wanted to say that was my favorite part of the story. The spice is so real.

Overall, if you enjoy a good romantasy with wholesome and earned monster romance, I highly recommend Voidwalker!

Thank you to NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group for this eARC. All thoughts are my own.

Voidwalker was a good lesson in not judging a book by it's cover for me.
I was unsure about this one, even though the juvenille-ish cover had me wanting to pass, something pushed me forward. I am SO GLAD I did!
This book was everything.
I laughed, I cried, I blushed... I had all the feels.
The FMC and MMC are top-notch. Their growth, their complexities, their romance, the spice, all of it was a wonderful and engaging story.
The plot was intriguing. A great balance of politics, and battles.
The world building and 'magic' system was unique and fun.
Side characters were also a great addition to the story and just as lovable as the main characters.
Let's not forget the monsters and beasts!

I would also like a special mention to the chapter titles. Chef's kiss! As soon as I opened the book and read through them, I knew I had misjudged what I was about to read.

I can't wait for book 2!

I think my favorite part was the banter. I love good banter and sass between the main characters.

It was original enough that it didn't seem stale or ''just another romantasy story''

I already ordered a physical copy and will be doing my hair similar to Fi's.

3.5 stars

Fionamara is a smuggler. She does well for herself and her town.
Until she takes the wrong job and draws the notice of the daeyari that rules over her territory.

I liked this. I thought the world was intriguing, the magic unique. The characters are great. I think the spice was a bit much. And I'm not sure monster romance is my thing. Overall, I liked the story and I'm a fan of this authors writing style. I liked her cozy fantasy a bit more though.

"Her greatest freedom had always come from fleeing into nothingness."

"His proximity was a weapon, stirring the same thrill in her heart as when she'd first stood her ground against him. The same smolder in her belly as when he'd held her against the wall with his teeth. The same shudder as when he'd pressed his forehead against her."

Haunted by your past and constantly trying to run from it is exhausting. Smuggling goods between planes however, a welcome and thrilling distraction from those memories. Who has time to think about that nonsense when you're busy with the thrill of hauling illicit goods and running from wardens through beautiful terrains and open calm of the void-stunning in its vast expansion of seemingly nothingness. That is, until it leads you right back to the doorstep of the horrors and regrets you spent a decade running from.

This story was so descriptive in it's world building. As someone who basically sees a movie playing through their head while they read, I really appreciated the author's attention to detail. I loved the FMC, with her quick witted humor and snark. She really had a propensity for getting herself into insane situations, but that's honestly part of the allure of her character for me. Always wondering what she's going to get herself into next. Though what I love most is the chemistry between her and the MMC. The way that they feed off each other and fire insults and innuendos back and forth is absolute gold, and their spicy scenes are great. His character is probably my favorite in the book. Thank you so much to Orbit Books for the opportunity to read this ARC for reviewing consideration through NetGalley. My opinions on this awesome peace are strictly my own. If you are in the mood for a slow burn monster romance with detailed world building, definitely pick this up and give it a read. Make sure to check the trigger warnings as there is a bit of material in the book that some may be sensitive to.

TOP read of 2025!!!

STORY 5/5:

Super funny right from the jump, Fi is sarcastic and hilarious. The banter between her and Antal is great, and i like how he shows his soft side right from the jump, and that the other daeyari see him as weak because of it, but we as the readers see that it is not a weakness.

The main plot is similar to other stories, but adding in the voidwalking, the dying and then coming back to life giving you special abilities, and the back story of the daeyari really put this book up there in terms of a unique plot.

This book literally had no slow points. It was hitting hard from start to finish. I cannot wait to read the next book when it comes out.

WRITING 5/5:

First off, the chapter titles 👏👏👏👏 they are pure gold.

I loved how Fi's point of view was written throughout this book. I really enjoyed when there were moments of high tension or sadness, the sentences got cut shorter and shorter, to follow along with how it feels when you are freaking out about something or distraught. No spoilers, but there is a point near the end of the book where this is done perfectly. Chef's kiss!

CHARACTERS/ROMANCE 5/5:

It was obvious from the start that Antal was going to be the "enemy to lover", but that didn't take away from any of the build up and character development that he and Fi went through. I enjoyed the side characters a lot too, and felt like they each had very unique vibes and personalities. There were just enough characters without it being overwhelming and they all had some type of growth as the story went on.

The spice in this book was around a 3 🌶 in my opinion, not too crazy but also I really liked the way the spice was written. Would it be so bad, to be devoured?

Thank you to Netgalley for offering me thjs book early in exchange for my honest review.

I didn’t realize this book has monster smut in it. This one is just not for me.

Here’s what I loved and why you might love it and why I stopped reading at 40%:

Loved:
-Cool world building with curtains and shards
-Teleportation
-Humor and snark
-Paced quickly, always something happening
-The cover is way too cool
-Writing style was fun

Why I DNF’d this at 40%:
-I was excited for a smuggler fantasy sci fi with fun banter. One of my favorite books is a sci fi book about a smuggler and it includes a lot of political commentary.
-The politics in this makes little to no sense, I had no desire to see what was happening and why
-If one includes political elements in a book it’s nice to have a bigger message behind it, or have the conflict be of a different type as there’s an opportunity to create a bigger meaning. I assume I just didn’t get that far but I wanted info on if there were issues in this society that would lead to political tensions. This wasn’t super described as a political book either. It just kinda became a source of conflict and mystery.
-I’m grateful for the reviews mentioning monster smut. I am not a monster smut girly. That genre doesn’t appeal to me so I wouldn’t have enjoyed the monster smut scenes. I did keep reading to see what the build up would be to this smut and it did feel a bit shallow and not built out? Hesitation from trauma makes sense but why does she suddenly want him so so bad?? lol

Let me be clear as to how much I loved the first 12% of this book. It started out so so so cool. I couldn’t put it down.

If you like monster smut, cool political tensions, amazing world building with some humor thrown in, you’ll love this one.

Thank you for this ARC! I appreciate the opportunity to leave honest feedback voluntarily.

What happens when you’re forced to team up with the antlered monster that literally feeds on your kind in order to save your home?

Fi is a Voidwalking smuggler, able to navigate the plains, curtains and shards of the universe to travel distant lands. When she’s hired for a heist in the capital, she unwittingly becomes part of the plot to take down the person-eating ruler of her land by an even crueler monster. Antal, the deposed ruler, demands she partner with him to bring him back to defeat the usurper and bring him back to power.

Worldbuidling - complex magic system that is well-defined with a rich history along with hints of a wider world within the Void that I hope we learn more about as the series progresses. I also can’t wait to learn if Fi’s power and/or abilities will be affected from her encounter with Veshri and success at navigating the Void.

Characters - I loved watching Fi and Antal navigate their growing attraction to each other. Fi’s voice is sharp and humorous and their interactions contain so much snark and chemistry. I also loved to hate Astrid and I understood her. There’s a delightfully deep community in the found family of Fi’s village with her brother, Boden and other side characters. Notable is Kashvi. I want to be her when I grow up. She takes crap from no one.

All in all, this monster fantasy romance was a delight. I can’t wait to continue with the series.

Thanks so much to NetGalley, Orbit Books and S.A. Maclean for the ARC. All opinions are my own

Voidwalker was an interesting story, it had a very Sci Fi/futuristic vibe since the human territories in this world are ruled by this alien like creatures called the Daeyari. They require human sacrifices in exchange of technology and protection so they are highly feared. The existence of different dimensions/worlds, portals, the void and advance technology is very prevalent here. Main character Fionamara is a smuggler of goods between this worlds as she is one of the few that can create portals through them. She gets trick while doing a job that puts in jeopardy the lives o a lot of humans so she must join forces with a Daeyari named Antal so save her town.

The beginning of the story was full of information so it took me a second to understand was happening and I didn't fully grasp how the magic worked. Fi is a strong character that has gone through some trauma involving the Daeyari so the beginning of her relationship with Antal was somewhat reluctant with lot's of snark and banter. Despite that I didn't really feel the connection between them once it became a physical relationship, Antal's character was a bit more subdued than what I expected. Overall it was a good story, I think some descriptions just needed to be a more fleshed out and less repetitiveness.

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for this ARC, all opinions are my own.

I genuinely had a good time reading this book. It’s fun, it’s quick, and there’s some great spice. The world building confused me a little, the magic/energy system seemed kind of futuristic but then to communicate the characters sent telegrams and the FMC had a gramophone. She also made references to her makeup multiple times and that took me out of the story a little bit. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a fun romantasy with a touch of monster smut.

This was a great book. The story was very well written and the world building was wonderfully done. I also loved the romance in this book.