WOW! This book had me hooked from the first page! I absolutely loved the magic system in This and the plot/world building and romance per perfectly paced! I couldn’t fault this and I will definitely be pre ordering! I can’t wait to find out what happens next :)

Thank you for the Arc NetGalley

Great from beginning to end. Such a great job from world building to the suspense, romance, drama. I’m already looking forward to the next one!

Rift by CB Woods is a thrilling, slow-burn romantasy that hooked me from the first page. The story follows Astra, a character whose development is as compelling as it is heart-wrenching. From the start, the tension between Astra and Lux builds slowly, creating the perfect enemies-to-lovers arc that’s so satisfying to watch unfold. Their dynamic is filled with suspense, emotion, and chemistry, and the slow-burn romance between them makes each moment feel earned.

The plot is a rollercoaster ride—full of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. The stakes are high, as Astra and her allies are revealed to be pawns in a larger game orchestrated by the gods, adding layers of intrigue and mystery to the story. The foreshadowing is subtle but well-placed, making it easy to anticipate certain events while still being blindsided by unexpected turns. Each twist kept me guessing, and I couldn’t put the book down.

The unique magic system is another standout element of Rift. It’s rich, intricate, and adds a fresh layer to the world-building. The way magic interacts with the characters and their growth is fascinating and gives the story a unique feel that sets it apart from other fantasy books.

The only downside? The agonizing wait until 2026 for the next book in the series. But even with that looming, I’m already eagerly anticipating the next installment. If you’re a fan of slow-burn romance, enemies-to-lovers dynamics, divine intrigue, and complex world-building, Rift is a must-read.

so grateful to have received an ARC of this book, it did not disappoint!! THE TENSION THE YEARNING ugh yes

the FMC, Astra, is so relatable and also just such a badass all at the same time. she’s trying to find her place in the world, make a difference, find love, navigate her CRAZY family dynamics, control her powers and intuition, and manage anxiety

the BANTER the TENSION the SLOW BURN between her and Lux is just everything - forbidden love AND fated mates done just so well. the spice is not overly descriptive or in your face, so if you are not a huge fan of spice, i feel like you would still love this world!

the world building was rather straight forward without having major info dump paragraphs which i loved, but it felt clunky at times in the beginning that felt confusing for a small percentage of the book. once i hit 30% it was smooth and so action packed that i finished the last 70% in one sitting

i love the astrological vibes, the characters, the dragons and the magic here so i can’t wait to see how these characters grow and continue on their journey

I would like to thank NetGalley, Emrae Publishing and CB Woods for the ARC copy of this book.

Synopsis:
Astra, Princess of the Lunar Court is in exile because of her uncontrolled magic. Years later, her mother calls her back home when the courts are at the brink of war. She agrees to marriage of convenience to attempt to take control of her life and help her kingdom. Adventure ensues.

Rift was a fun adventure into a magical land. The dragons, magic, and unique world building got me interested. The complex family problems, court intrigue, and romance kept me hooked!

I enjoyed the various relationships that we encountered on Astra's journey; a complex mother/daughter who are at odds with another, sisterly bonds, and close friendships. The romance was well developed and interesting. Overall, this was a well paced story that I could not put down. I look forward to reading the next installment!

I would like to thank NetGalley, Emrae Publishing and CB Woods for the ARC copy of this book.

When I saw the tension and yearning in this book had me CLAWING at my kindle, honestly. I’m a slow burn girlie and the burn was burning slowly (in a good way)

This is a great adventure, fantasy, magic, dragons, and the world building was perfect.

The FMC is relatable and strong and the banter is SO good.

I was a bit slow with the first 25% or so of the book but once I hit a certain point I just FLEW and devoured it in less than 2 days

This book had me jumping up and down and screeching like a.....bog witch!

This was the slowest of slow burns! The yearning,the misery, the stolen touches!

It genuinely broke my heart at times and made me legitimately cry with sadness and eventually eventually joy!

Everything about this is perfect: the world is so fascinating and new, the magic is so cool, and the characters are dynamic and are fleshed out - I actually liked all of them, ALL OF THEM! their backgrounds, their personalities, the mystery and tension, everything was written so well!
You can really tell a lot of thought and love went into creating this world.

100% a five star read!
I cannot wait for the rest of the books in this series, novellas and otherwise!

Wow, wow, wow! The world building, the magic, the banter, the suspense! I ate this book up! I feel like this might be the next big thing! I absolutely loved this story so much!!

*Rift* is a stunning romantasy filled with court intrigue, forbidden power, and a love that defies fate. Astra, a fierce Lunar demi-goddess, wants nothing to do with the throne—until she’s forced back into a world of political games, family betrayals, and an arranged marriage that entangles her with the brooding and secretive Luxuros.

The slow-burn romance is *everything*—full of banter, tension, and aching longing. The celestial world-building is lush and immersive, with moonlit forests, glittering courts, and powerful gods pulling the strings. And the twists? Absolutely devastating in the best way.

If you love enemies-to-lovers, fated mates with a twist, and high-stakes drama, *Rift* is an unmissable read.

Thank you NetGalley, Emrae Publishing and CB Woods for an early copy of this book for review.

Astra is a Lunar demi-goddess who dreams of a world where of equality and rid of titles. Following a (literal) fiery incident, she is exiled to Ellume by her mother, the Lunar Queen. When she is called home to the Lunar Court by her mother, she is quickly thrust back into a world of politics where she has always felt out of place. She must make the difficult decision to make peace in a world she doesn’t feel she belongs or follow her intuition which has always gotten her in trouble.

A celestial-themed, magical world with political intrigue, bonded pairs (aka Tethers), strong female relationships, and a main character who just wants to make a difference? Sign me up.

I genuinely enjoyed watching the story unfold. I could feel the work that went into creating this world that feels like nothing I have read before. I loved that the main characters are all older, as in 30+ years which is rare in the fantasy world. I loved that the tension, the slow burn, the growth of each character. I loved that none of the characters lost themselves.

Astra is a relatable character despite wielding magic in a fantastical world. She spent her life feeling misunderstood and alone in a world that wasn’t ready for her, overwhelmed with a power that everyone tried to stamp out of her. And despite all the hurdles, all the times she was made to feel small and foolish, she pushed through the pain and made a difference. And when she got pulled back into the world that quickly threw her out years before, she still made a deal to marry the Mecurian King if it meant continuing to better the world. Astra has my heart.

This story explored the complexities of family dynamics, both blood and found families. The relationships were well written, thoughtfully developed.

The relationship between Astra and Luxuros was a slow burn with bickering and yearning and everything in between. They went through all the varying stages of a developing romance and at no point did it feel rushed.

My only issue with Rift was the writing, it felt overworked at times. If my rating was solely based on story this would have been a quick and easy 5 star, but the writing left something to be desired. I think this could easily be fixed with an extra round of edits and a more critical eye to make the story flow a bit better. I will absolutely be following this series because there is no way I’m missing out on the rebellion.

What an amazing read!
We begin by meeting Astra, a Lunar Demigoddess Princess, as she’s hung called back home by her mother the Queen of the Lunar Court. After living in exile for the last few years, Astra feels like an outsider within her own court, often dreaming & pushing for a better world for her people. It’s these feelings that spark her to engage in a deal with the King of Mercury & bring us deeper into the politics of her world as Astra & her friends work to dismantle all that they know at the risk of angering the Gods.
This story is not without romance, in fact it’s full of it! The romance was so beautiful & well written. It was intense & you could really feel the yearning.
Aside from romance, the relationships between all of the side characters were amazing as well! Everyone seemed well fleshed out & played an important role in furthering the story in some way.

I also really enjoyed the ending, the author did a great job tying up enough loose ends to have a satisfying ending without a cliff hanger, but with still plenty more to tell! I can’t wait for the next book!

First off, I would like to thank you guys deeply for allowing me the opportunity to read this lovely book. I absolutely enjoyed it! The world building concept was super interesting. I do have to admit that I was a bit lost in the beginning and felt like I was missing information and needed more context to understand what was happening, but as the story continued, I gathered enough information to really enjoy the entire book and believed the story flowed super well!

One thing that I will mention that isn’t on my Goodreads review (simply because it may just be a personal preference on artist choice) but the third-person point of view left certain scenes during the book confusing or a feeling of detachment from the characters.

The romance factor I felt was also executed super well, personally I’m a huge fan of a good romance that also has a good plot, and I felt like the romance didn’t cut into the plot which I loved. Overall will definitely be reading more from CB Woods and look forward to what comes next!

Let me start by saying this book that I was approved by netgalley as an arc and it’s one I really wanted to read. This book did not disappoint. The characters were really good and the plot made you wonder what was next. I love the journey the FMC goes through and how there was so much to learn and discover on her way. Little did she know that not only did she find herself on the path to not just save her family but her people. It’s a book of the start of a huge change needed in a world of lies and the addiction of power. The importance of not being selfish and choosing the path that might not be the easiest but the right one. The pace of the book was good and I love her relationship with the male love interest. The ending wasn’t what how I thought it would end but it leaves the book off leading to the next part of her journey. I’m looking forward to it.

Thank you CB WOODS, Emrae publishing & NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to review this e-arc.

The Rift followed the popular tropes of arranged marriages, enemies to lovers, and several others. It was a fun and easy read. I think it was easier to understand from a “witchy” perspective of knowing the lunar, solar type names, knowing where the names originated from.

Following Astra, Lux, Mirquios, and Lunelle on their adventure of finding that life may not be exactly as it seems was a fun trip. They questioned everything they were taught and eventually came across the age old thought every adult ponders is beliefs and whether what they’ve been taught is right (or not) and why.

For me, it was a very easy read & it sucked me in from page one. I love that Astra was the essential black sheep of her family, the non-conformist. As I relate (also being the black sheep IRL) it was just an enjoyable book for me. I couldn’t put it down, so I read it in one day. It was the perfect fantasy read, for me. The world building was elaborate. While some of it felt familiar because it’s been done before, other parts were very original and fresh feeling.

This is a fun, easy read that makes you think but isn’t super heavy. I think we can all relate to their experiences, no matter what our walk in life happens to be. It did have some mild love scenes but mostly left to imagination. So I’m going to call it pretty smut-free. I believe this was geared towards adults but I think anyone above the age of 16 would enjoy it. It had a tiny bit of cursing, but compared to most fantasy, I think it was fairly mild.

Astra dreams of a better world where there are no monarchies and titles. As a Demi-goddess and a princess of the Lunar Court, she is determined to try and convince her mother to make these changes. After being exiled for a few years after an incident involving her fire magic her mother has called her back because the courts are about to go to war. After coming home Astra ends up in a marriage of convenience to help her court and her dreams of a better world, an unexpected tether, and realizing everything she has been told growing up is wrong.

Overall I really enjoyed this book. The world-building was pretty easy to follow and I enjoyed the characters and seeing their development throughout the book. One thing that I wish there was more of is descriptions of the world as I struggled to picture some parts of it. If you like marriage of convenience, enemies to lovers, tension, celestial-themed worlds, magic, and dragons you should definitely check this book out.

I really enjoyed this story about Astra, a princess/demigoddess in the Lunar Court who has been exiled for using her fire powers, an action her mother, the Queen, has banned from her court. Astra dreams of a better world, one built upon community and equality, as opposed to being born of privilege and wealth, and her story here begins when her mother forces Astra to return to court, which begins an unraveling of mysteries several decades in the making. Many favorite tropes are here, including (not quite) enemies-to-lovers, slow burn, one bed and forbidden romance. The magical system here is fresh and unique, and the world building complex.

My one critique of the book is in that world building, actually, in that while it has been richly woven, the delivery is oftentimes excessively complicated, which left me scratching my head at times. I’m hoping some of those holes will be patched up in the next book(s) as well. Regardless, I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

Thank you NetGalley, Victory Editing and Author CB Woods for the Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of Rift.

Honestly, I could not put this book down. I was interested by the first page and the magic system unraveling before me kept me entrapped. The descriptions throughout the book easily transported my imagination to vividly see the world and the characters as they went along their journey.

The story's point of view really worked to benefit the reader for a deeper understanding of the story and the characters.

If this book was double in size I would have stayed in the world, but alas I must wait patiently for the others in the series.

“Sun and Moon, bound by Fate, broken by blood.”

thank you NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book!
this book has the famous enemies-to-lovers trope and, let me tell you, it did not disappoint!
the book starts when the exiled princess Astra is called back to her mother's kingdom in order to perform her awaiting duties. after that, the chaos begins: a marriage of convenience, a grumpy hottie, an unexpected tether, war, adventure and so on.
i loved the plot, but i think it lacked some information regarding the lore. i expected more explanations to be honest because i had a hard time keeping up with everything. and, when i was under the impression that i understood what's happening, new things were coming up. do not get me wrong, it was interesting and original all in all!
the characters' development was respected, though, and i got attached to them. one thing i want to point out is that i think Ameera was a bit forgotten in the background. it felt that she was showing up only for her presence to be there and to carry trays to Astra's room, that was all. wish i could learn more about her and her affairs (wink) because she showed up in many important scenes.
finally, the smut was spot on!! props for that, hehe.
thank you again for the opportunity to read this book and i'm looking forward to the next one!

I literally have no words - my heart is so full of emotions right now. When I started this book I didn’t know how I’d feel but the more and more I read, I honestly became obsessed! I honestly couldn’t put it down and when I did I was just WAITING until I could pick it up again. The story of As & Lux is a brilliant one and I cannot wait for the second book! There’s action, sadness, romance, and everything in between! It started out a bit slow in the beginning but the pick up was 100% worth it! I’m a huge sucker for a love story and this didn’t disappoint. I’m really intrigued to learn more and visit more Courts as well as learn more about Lux’s family history. Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC that I didn’t know I needed in my life!

#Rift #NetGalley

Wow talk about jumping into the rift and falling in love. I enjoyed reading this book so much. I’m so grateful for the eARC but now I’m burning for more! If you are a fan of court scheming, political intrigue, unique magic systems, fake relationships, enemies to lovers, and fated mates this book is for you. The plot was so good and the characters developed beautifully, especially Astra and Lux.

I loved this book so much. I am thankful to have been given an opportunity to read it and I absolutely can not wait for the next one.

Thank you to Netgalley, CB Woods and Emrae publishing for the early e-arc!

I thought I was going to dnf at 10-15% but then I got totally sucked in and read half the book in one night and finished in 2🙊

✨Celestial courts rife with political intrigue and on the brink of war, feisty royals with secret agendas, curious magic and a soul tugging tension between an exiled princess and an arrogant commander. The banter, the sweet moments and a little bit of cheesiness made for an enjoyable read ☺️

A heartwarming ending to book 1 of The Courts Between series 😊

Rift is a captivating blend of romantic fantasy and high-stakes political intrigue, perfect for readers who revel in stories of fated mates, powerful court dynamics, and gods who play with the threads of fate. From its first page, this novel transports you into a world where loyalty is as fickle as the shifting celestial bodies and where the weight of the crown could be both a symbol of power and a dangerous burden.

The protagonist, Astra, is a complex and intriguing character who embodies the struggle between duty and self-determination. As a Lunar demi-goddess exiled from the oppressive royal court, Astra is a fierce and independent soul, haunted by the expectations that come with her bloodline. She dreams of freedom—a future untethered by titles and rank—and her fiery nature and strong will immediately set her apart from the stereotypical princess. Yet, this very defiance makes her a target for the political machinations of her mother, the queen, who sees Astra as little more than a pawn to solidify alliances.

The pacing of Astra’s reluctant return to the court after an object of great significance is discovered is expertly done, blending intrigue and tension. The stakes escalate quickly as Astra finds herself tied to the charming but rebellious King of Mercury in a strategic marriage meant to secure her loyalty. However, her true entanglement comes through her interaction with Luxuros, the king's haughty yet magnetic commander. Their dynamic is filled with the right amount of tension—romantic and otherwise—keeping the reader constantly questioning whether they can trust each other or if betrayal lies around every corner.
Luxuros, with his enigmatic secrets and growing connection to Astra, is an excellent foil to her character. Their relationship is built on mutual distrust, but the chemistry between them is undeniable, and their partnership evolves into something much deeper as they uncover long-buried family betrayals and face threats from both human and divine forces. This slow-burn romance is both thrilling and heartbreaking, as Astra and Luxuros struggle with their respective duties and growing feelings for one another.
The world-building in "Astra's Oath" is a highlight. The realms between the Lunar, Solar, and human courts feel richly developed, with the gods' influence looming like a dark cloud, ever-watchful and ever-plotting. The tension between these realms—each with its own power dynamics and historical grudges—creates a palpable sense of danger that never lets up. Astra's journey of self-discovery is intertwined with uncovering the truth behind the gods' crumbling control and the legacy of betrayal that haunts her family. It’s a world where everyone has their own agenda, and Astra must navigate it with both caution and courage.

What truly elevates the novel is its exploration of power, sacrifice, and identity. Astra’s internal struggle between fulfilling her duty to her bloodline and carving out her own future is compelling. Her desire to protect the people she loves, even at great personal cost, makes her an incredibly sympathetic character. The novel does an excellent job of showing how the ties that bind us—whether by blood, duty, or love—can be both empowering and destructive.
The threat of war that looms over the plot adds a sense of urgency and tension, and the final act sets the stage for a high-stakes battle where allegiances will be tested, and secrets will be revealed. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and readers will find themselves on the edge of their seats as Astra and Luxuros face both external and internal conflicts that could change the course of their world.

In conclusion, Rift is a thrilling, romantic fantasy that blends political intrigue, forbidden power, and a slow-burn romance against the backdrop of celestial warfare. The strong, multifaceted characters, intricate world-building, and ever-present tension between duty and desire will appeal to fans of high fantasy and courtly drama. Astra’s journey toward embracing her legacy, and her evolving relationship with Luxuros, will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next installment in this unforgettable series.

The Rift is the first book in a Romantic Fantasy series full of magic, forbidden relationships, plot twists and amazing main characters, I already miss Astra and Lux and am excited for book 2!

Astra is a rebellious princess of Lunar Court and when, after 3 years of exile, she is summoned to court because of the threat of war, the last thing she wants to do is to get married for her mother’s political games. She agrees to a marriage of convenience with a Mercury King, but the longer she is home the more she realizes that everything she thought she knew about the courts, the gods and even her own family might be a lie and she needs to decide who she can trust and what is best for her people while trying not to fall for her betrothed’s commander who is supposed to be her enemy but she can’t ignore their growing feelings for each other.

I loved the world building in this book which is based on the solar system, all the courts, kings and queens, gods and goddesses and their politics were written in such a fascinating way I couldn’t get enough of it. The plot was perfectly paced, after a few chapters I was fully immersed in this fascinating world and all the plot twists had me on the edge of my seat. Astra was a great FMC and I loved reading her story and seeing how much she grew in this book, she was really strong and clever and my favorite kind of heroine. Lux is the kind of mysterious MMC I always love in romantasy books and I enjoyed discovering his secrets (even those he didn’t know himself), I can’t wait to see him deal with everything that happened at the end in book 2. Astra and Lux had an amazing slow burn enemies to lovers relationship and OMG the fated mates trope combined with forbidden love is one of my favorites and the author wrote it so well here, I absolutely loved reading about these two and I’m sure when this series is complete they are going to be one of my favorite bookish couples, I can’t wait to see how their story will unfold.

The Rift is an incredible Romantasy book that I’m sure everyone who enjoys this genre is going to love as much as I did. And I really appreciate that it doesn’t end on a big cliffhanger, the ending still makes you want to read the next book soon, but I can wait a bit and I already know it’s going to be as amazing as this one!

Thank you to netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Demi-god Astra is summoned home to the Lunar Court by her mother after she was exiled for the last 3 years. She is thrown back into court politics and is fighting for equality. This story explores complex family dynamics and I loved every bit of it. It made me wish I had a sister to be so loyal to.

I like how the characters are in their 30s. It feels like a breath of fresh air compared to the younger characters in other romantasy novels. I absolutely love the celestial world. It feels so magical to read.

I find Astra to be so relatable and love her character. She is so strong for being misunderstood her whole life. Watching her grow and use her magic was so fun to read. I loved the banter between her and Luxuros. The tension between the two was so good.

The rebellion was my favorite part. I loved getting little snippets of what they were fighting to build and the ending was SO good. I think this needs another round of editing, there’s a few typos and some parts are over explained. Overall the story was amazing and I loved this. I can’t wait for the next one!


You’ll like this if you like
*Dragons
*Celestial themes
*Slow burn
*Strong FMC
*Fated mates
*He trains her

This book snuck up on me. I almost DNF’d it around the 10-15% mark because I was having so much trouble getting into it. It was a bit slow to start.

But once it started getting into the relationships is where I felt that the story really found its strength. The main relationship (Astra and Lux) was delicious and angsty, it hit especially hard starting around the 50% mark

The world and courts were really intriguing, but some world building and powers were a tiny bit lacking (not fully fleshed out, sorta halfway explained). For a debut story, however, I was blown away!

But once we were eased into the world, I fell in love with the Solar courts and their rulers. Can’t wait for the sequel!

Read if you love:
Fated mates
Inter-court intrigue
Let’s get the gang together to piss off some powerful beings

Rift is a beautifully written fantasy novel with an intricate, well-crafted storyline that kept me hooked from beginning to end. This book stands out with its nuanced world-building, compelling plot, and brilliantly developed characters—especially the fierce and capable female main character, Astra, who is refreshingly over 30!

The story follows Astra, a Demi-Goddess who dreams of a world where title and rank mean nothing. Exiled for her fiery tendencies and unpopular politics, she’s spent the last few years far from the court’s suffocating expectations. But when an ancient threat reemerges, she is forced to return to the life she tried to leave behind. With reluctant allies and enemies at every turn, she must navigate treacherous politics, uncover long-buried secrets, and decide where her heart truly belongs. As tensions rise and secrets unravel, Astra finds herself in an unexpected alliance.

The slow-burn romance is wonderfully done, embodying the “reluctant allies to lovers” trope in a way that feels organic and deeply satisfying.

The cast of multidimensional characters all bring something special to the narrative.

While I thoroughly enjoyed the book, there were a few moments that felt a bit drawn out and the world was a little confusing to get my head around, which is why I landed on a solid 4-star rating.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC copy—I can’t wait to see what C.B. Woods writes next!

What a fantastic read! The world building is incredible and so detailed. The celestial world is unlike anything I’ve read in romantasy books before. Starts off slow but once it gets into it, it’s incredible and I hated having to put it down. The court politics, all the secrets and the slowwww burn enemies to lovers, the tension 🔥 I loved that the focus wasn’t just on the main FMC, that we got to see so much of the other characters too.
I can’t wait for the next book to continue the story!!

Thank you to NetGalley and CB Woods for ancebook in exchange for an honest review!

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Had a great time with this read! It did take a bit for me to get fully invested in it since it was a bit confusing for me in the beginning, but once that passed I really was into it. Loveeee the enemies to lovers in this, and appreciated the slow burn.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Emrae Publishing and CB Woods for the ARC copy of this book.

What a refreshing, original, well-written book. Rift is a slow-burn, mildly spicy romantasy featuring Astra as our FMC, who is a princess and second-daughter to the king and queen of her kingdom. As the book progresses, we learn Astra is far more than she appears, and are plunged into complex and well-done world building with high stakes and emotional twists and turns. The magic system is original and it's more than just your standard war between Faerie courts series.

Rift is so well written. Refreshingly well written. I also loved having an FMC who isn't 18-22 and has lived a few years, with a more nuanced perspective on life. Her relationships with her family and friends felt real, and the slow burn between her and the FMC is full of enemies-to-lovers/fated mates tropes done very well. Our FMC is down bad in a real way, but he doesn't lose his sense of self and remains the same type of person he's initially introduced to us as.

Highly recommend this book - can't wait to read the second when it comes out.

Cheers to my first #ARC!! Thank you @netgalley, Emrae Publishing, and and @cbwoodsbooks for a stellar read 🤩

"Sun and Moon, bound by fate, broken by blood."

If you like celestial courts and political intrigue with engaging characters, this is for you!

The FMC, Astra, is a Lunar demi-goddess who has been exiled due to her unruly magic. Now on the brink of war with the Solar Court, Astra strikes a deal to wed the King of Mercury in order to better her alliances with both the human courts and her people who are struggling for resources across her homeland in the Lunar Court. As they navigate their courtship and attempt to gain allies among the planets/planes, Astra becomes intertwined with the King's commander, Luxuros (helloooo MMC!!). Together, they untangle secrets, lies, and betrayals that change the course of history.

This took me a bit to get into, but once I hit about 20%, I was hooked! I truly loved each main character and enjoyed watching them grow from beginning to end. The conclusion was complex, but the author did an amazing job of tying up each loose end while still keeping me reeled in for the next one!

Tropes include: tethered/fated mates, court politics, celestial world building, gods and goddesses, warring realms, twists and turns, betrayals, strong FMCs

Before I dive in, I want to thank NetGalley, Emrae Publishing and CB Woods for an early copy of this book for review.

When I first read the synopsis for this story, I was hooked. Fated pairs? Enemies to lovers? An abundance of lunar settings and imagery? Dragons? Give. It. To. Me.

For the most part, I really enjoyed this story. The setting was stunning. From the waves of the sea to the towering buildings on Mercury. It’s easy to fall in love with the world as the author describes palaces, hot springs, and even dreams.

The world building was also impressive. I loved that Astra can see people's emotions, color coordinating them in a simple way for the audience to understand. The rift itself was immersive and a great detail to add that sets it apart from so many other fantasy novels. The telepathic conversations. How Tethers work. The court systems and how they weave into the fabric of above and below. It’s all a fascinating aspect to the world that Astra lives in. I can also appreciate that Lux wasn’t some dark haired, shadow wielding, winged zaddy with tattoos. (5 stars in my opinion.)

The family relationship was interesting to explore. The sisterly love, the issues with Astra’s mother, the relationships of the past and how they impacted the family years later was a great aspect, too. It was one of the things I was eager to inspect as the story went on.

However, some of the story left me wanting more. For instance, and trying to avoid spoilers here, there’s a part where Astra’s dragon is injured. After that, we never hear about him again. Throughout the entire story, she only rides him two or three times. Although dragons do not play a huge part in this story, I always want to see more of them. Especially if Astra is kind of rare for riding a dragon.

A few of the scenes play out quickly. One moment in a chapter, characters are in one room then jump to another. Not a huge deal, since readers should be able to read between the lines, but a little more clarification would be nice in future books.

One major instance that annoyed me was the constant use of names and/or nicknames in a conversation. I had to read “Astra” and “As” so many times I started to roll my eyes whenever someone mentioned her. It took place even when there were only two characters speaking to each other. I can appreciate a cute nickname now and again, but there were so many abbreviated names I started to get aggravated.

Unfortunately, I felt like the last few chapters went on a little too long. One chapter was a long flashback of everything that happened with little to no insight from anyone else’s point of view. A tad bit of info dumping that had my head spinning trying to take in so much more information. It could have been a little flushed out but it didn’t make me hate the book.

All in all, I was really fond of this story. Give me anything that has any sort of resemblance to Sailor Moon, and I’m a pile of putty in the author's hands. I loved the slow burn here too, how it wasn’t some sort of insta-lust that made the main characters suddenly change. The world is gorgeous, the characters are interesting, and the ending definitely leaves you wanting for a second book.

Rift by C.B. Woods is an immersive fantasy novel that hooked me with its intricate world-building, well-developed characters, and high-stakes tension. The story balances action, intrigue, and emotion in a way that kept me turning pages, eager to uncover the secrets of the Rift and its impact on the characters.

One of the novel’s strongest elements is its character development. The protagonists are flawed yet compelling, making their struggles and triumphs feel earned. I especially appreciated how Woods didn’t shy away from morally complex decisions, forcing the characters to grapple with difficult choices. This added depth and made the story feel more grounded despite its fantastical setting.

The pacing was well-executed, with moments of intense action balanced by quieter, character-driven scenes. The imagery was vivid, pulling me into the world with ease.

If I had one critique, it would be that certain plot points felt a little predictable, but that didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment. The themes of resilience, identity, and belonging resonated with me.

Overall, Rift was an engaging read that left me eager to explore more of Woods’ work. If you’re a fan of richly detailed fantasy with strong character arcs, this is definitely worth picking up.

Thank you to the author and publishers for allowing me an ARC for this book via NetGalley!

Summary: this books follows a female character who has a gift of fire wielding as she discovers secrets about her court and her family, and makes new friendships along the way. This book details the inner and outer workings of courts, conflicts, and learning about yourself.

What I liked:
- I LOVE a strong FMC. Astra is broody, powerful, and very realistic
- there were plot twists that genuinely had me surprised
- the story is intricate, but not difficult to follow. All loose ends are tied by the end and it’s very satisfying
- the romance aspect is very refreshing and it’s so nice to see relationships that aren’t all fluff
- the characters are multi-dimensional. Every character is unique and vastly different to one another
- the LGBTQ+ representation is written in such a good way. The writing of those characters feels very genuine, and it doesn’t feel like a ‘token’, and as a bi female the representation is so important

Overall I really enjoyed this book, and I’ll definitely be keeping my eye out for the next one 👀

Rating: 5/5 stars (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)

Astra is an exiled fiery princess from the Lunar Court who has made a name for herself in the thriving village of Celene. After an urgent summons from her mother, the icy, detached Queen of the Lunar Court, Astra reluctantly makes her way back home after three years and is thrust into a whirlwind of political plots, a looming war with the Solan court, and is only uncovering more and more mysteries as she tries to uncover the truth about the past. Refusing to follow the predetermined path her mother has laid out for her, Astra ties herself to the King of Mercury in order to pave her own way. Although the Mercurian King surprises Astra by holding the same dreams of a free court, she can't get her mind off his looming Commander, Luxuros, a mysterious man with his own troubled past. Together, they embark on an epic journey to uncover the truth, overthrow the traditions of a long established system that takes advantage of its people, and discover love, identity, and that everything they thought they knew was a lie.

I don't even know where to begin with this stellar novel! I absolutely loved it and was pulled in from the very first page. This was such a refreshing read with original ideas and a world-building that I feel rivals some pretty big current authors like SJM and Jennifer Armentrout. CB Wood's writing is so immersive and dream-like I felt I was right there traversing the Rift with Astra and co. Her descriptions are tantalizing and her magic system is unique and new. Astra is also a very refreshing female lead, she is strong and passionate, but is also selfless and really cares about others. She is a very grounded, real character and I can seeing her being the next It Girl in romantasy.

I really have to give credit to the care with which this novel was written. I feel like nowadays it's really hard to find a romantasy that packs a punch and makes the characters and their world feel real and make sense. The slowburn was beautifully done, it wasn't cheesy, there was so much delicious tension and "will they/won't they", and the payoff was everything I wanted it to be as a reader. The plot is also so well thought-out and goes farther than expected. There were twists and turns and a surprising amount of layers that I wasn't expecting, but delighted to discover. I really appreciate that CB Woods wrote as a "show-er" and not a "tell-er". It was very satisfying to learn how the world worked just by being alongside Astra in her journey rather than just info-dumping. Probably my most favorite thing about her writing.

I also love the complexity of the relationships we see in this book. CB writes a compelling romance, but definitely just as important is the relationship we see between Astra and her mother, the bond between sisters, what truly makes family and that it is not always blood, and also the relationship Astra has with herself and her identity. I can't believe the depth we saw in all of these facets of relationships in just one novel, and it didn't feel rushed or bogged down because of it, but elevated the story even more.

I could really go on and on about everything I loved, but you'll just have to read it to see what I mean! If I had to give a critique (besides having to wait until 2026 for book 2!!) I did feel that at points the explanation of a few things were a little confusing, such as what is Astra actually doing when she is tampering down Solan heat, and I do wish there was more of a moment for Astra's character development where she is like "oh maybe I don't know everything" but honestly these are such minor things that didn't take away from the book at all.

Read this book if you love a truly well-written romantasy story with a fully fleshed out plot and immersive world building that will having you dying for more. This is for fans of slow-burn, political intrigue, adventure, mystery, and all the twists and turns along the way. I can't wait to purchase a physical copy when it comes out, and I'll be anxiously waiting for the sequel!

First let me say, what an interesting and fresh take on Romantasy. Rift has all the things you know and love in Romantasy; fated mates, magic, enemies to lovers. However, instead of elemental magic or dragons or fairies, this book centers around a celestial court system, where each court is a celestial body in the our solar system. Astra is a force to be reckoned with, as she champions change in the celestial courts by dismantling the oppression of the gods and royals, and pushes for equality amongst all people. The journey Astra goes on, with the lies and deceptions she uncovers, and the unlikely allies she makes she makes along the way, make Rift a worth while read.

I need book 2 now!! 4.25 🌟

Safe to say I loved this one! It started off slow for me but when I got to around 20-25% in my goodness I was completely hooked. The world building felt unique and unlike anything else I’ve seen in other romantasies, the characters were diverse and multidimensional and the writing was great.

The tension, omg the tension and yearning was excruciating and I absolutely loved it! I think a huge strength of this was the age of the characters (30+) meaning we really did get true yearning from the MCs which was amazing.

The plot was dynamic and kept me on my toes with multiple plot twists I didn’t expect! There was political intrigue, corruption, scheming and it meant that we got a great balance of romance but also a solid plot to go with it.

I will absolutely be buying (or if I’m very lucky, reading the ARC) for book 2! Congratulations CB Woods on an incredible debut, this deserves to be the next bestseller in my eyes! Thank you to Netgalley and Emrae publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Dreams don’t do the truth of you justice”

This book has it all. The complex detailed world, unique political system, magic structure and layered detailed characters with a beautiful plot line.

Following Astra as she navigates her world, her role in it and how to fight for the people she loves was such a treat. Following the romance of her and Lux was a slow burn that had me turning page after page. It was flawless: whitty banter, organic growth and just enough spice to keep me hooked. Astra and Lux are some of my favorite ships in quite some time.

While the beginning of the book drops you head first into the world, it is quickly explained and easy to follow. I devoured this read and I cannot wait for the novella and next book in the series. This is a phenomenal five star read for me!

Thank you to NetGalley, Emrae Publishing, and CB Woods, for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

THIS BOOK WAS STUNNING!!
Astra is such an amazing character in this book and I loved her so much! This was honestly such a refreshing read and just so much beautiful world building. The plot was gorgeous and so entertaining. CB Wood's writing is so immersive and easy to read. Astra was just a very refreshing character to follow and she is incredibly strong. she is a very humble character that is easy to relate with.
The slowburn was stunning and had me giddy the entire time. There was no cringy moments with the romance and it was easy to see the feelings of each character and what they wanted. I could go on forever about this book but I don't want to spoil it for anyone. I highly recommend everyone go read this book.

Thank you Netgalley and CB Woods for the ARC!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review. All opinions are my own.

Lunar demi-goddess Astra dreams of a world where title and rank mean nothing dangerous for someone a heartbeat away from the Lunar Throne. She had been exiled due to her fiery tendencies and beliefs and spent the last three years far away from the court's politics. However, when a mysterious object is found, her intuition earns her a summons, and she goes back to the palace and away from the community she helped build. Once she is back in the court, it is clear her mother only plans to use her as a bargain, so she strikes a deal with the King of Mercury. This deal, however, entangles her with the king’s commander, Luxurious.

I loved this book. I have said that a lot recently, but I am very invested in this world. I love the fantasy world CB Woods has built and the characters she has created. I am so invested in the world's politics and the character's happiness. I am obsessed with how the courts are all based on planets from our world with the most incredible magic system in place. I am so interested in how the Tethers work. I love it compared to how other fantasy world’s fated mates work. I am so excited for the next book because I genuinely cannot wait to see how Astra's story continues or where her sister Lunnelle’s story may go. I also cannot get over the slow-burn romance; I genuinely loved their story, especially the bickering and banter and how protective they are. I loved the world-building in this book, and I loved learning alongside our main character. It is my favorite way to learn about the world. The characters' growth and development are wonderful, and I love how the dynamics change between everyone. I just fell in love with this world and am so sad that I must wait for the next book. So much of it felt so relatable to how I feel now, and I have needed that lately.

🌖Fated Mates
🌗Court Politics
🌘Book 1 in Series
🌑Enemies to Lovers
🌒Priness x Commander
🌓Forbidden Love
🌔Slow Burn

So thank you, NetGalley, Emrae Publishing, and CB Woods, for an early copy of this book for an honest review.

Now, this is one of the easiest 5 stars in my life. Where do I even begin?

I guess... firstly? I AM YELLING AND ABSOLUTELY FERAL FOR THIS BOOK. LIKE EXCUSE ME? WHAT GAVE IT THE RIGHT TO DO THIS TO MY HEART???

I'm sorry for this stream of conscious nonsense, but... I'm SHOOK. I went into this with reasonably high expectations, and it SHATTERED them. God, I just know I'm going to leave stuff out, and for that, I apologize, but I'm gonna do my best.

This is something really special. If I were to liken it to anything, it would be like Sailor Moon meets Game of Thrones meets The Witchlands series by Susan Dennard.

Also, forget Enemies to Lovers. This book. THIS BOOK! It has my favorite trope of all. Idiots to Lovers, which, in my humble opinion, is the infinitely superior trope. I was living my best life reading the words on these pages.

The characters were phenomenal, and I've said it once; I've said it 1,000 times. In this house, we love complex and flawed characters, but we also accept perfect characters too. There was no shortage of either, and I am so grateful for the interesting push and pull of everyone's dynamics.

Lunelle and Ameera have never done a god damned thing wrong in their whole lives, and I live for them.

NAYSAN??? BEST DAD EVER!
Ostera... Girl... I like you, but you are on thin fucking ice.
THE LUNAR ELF QUEEN.
Mirquios!!! What a good guy! I loved all the twists and turns with him, especially with *his* love interest. I'd say more, but spoilers... >:3
ALASTAIR
Oh!!! Also! Lmao poor Arcas just existing and trying his best. I see you, buddy. It'll be okay XD

Finally, Astra and Luxuros, chef's kiss, you perfect pair, you. I have not been this amped about a ship in YEARS. ***Chapter 30*** omg, like I knew, I did know *it* and even though I knew it and saw it coming. I did not care. That is the most angsty, delicious confession ever. I am forever grateful for their bickering, witty banter, protectiveness, NOT possessiveness over each other. I could not have asked for more.

Now, I am in AWE of the lore, world-building, magical system, and socioeconomic/political systems. It's such a cool, rich world.

I have one nitpicky criticism, which is that it was a bit clunky at times, especially in the beginning, but genuinely, it was not enough of an issue to hinder the book as a whole.

I cannot wait for the novella and the second book!!! I just wish this came in a physical copy, but I will happily settle with supporting the author and buy the digital copy as soon as it becomes available.

Exiled for her rebellious nature, Lunar demi-goddess Astra is forced back to court when a mysterious object is discovered, only to find her mother scheming to use her as a political pawn. Determined to seize control of her own fate, Astra strikes a marriage bargain with the Mercuryan King, though her entanglement with his infuriating commander, Luxuros, drags her into a web of secrets, celestial power and looming war. As buried betrayals resurface and the gods watch closely, Astra and Luxuros must navigate deadly politics and forbidden magic before their world is torn apart.

I devoured this book - I simply couldn’t put it down! It’s such a fun, easy read that had me hooked from the very beginning. The world-building, though a bit confusing at times (nothing I couldn’t piece together as the story unfolded), is brilliant. I absolutely loved that the characters are 30+, which isn’t something you often see in fantasy. And the magic? I adored how Astra sees emotions as colours - it made it so easy to understand what she was sensing.

Speaking of Astra, our FMC, she is a fantastic character. She never backs down and is always fighting for the ones she loves. Her development throughout the story is truly heartwarming. Luxuros, our MMC, is an absolute delight and such a tease! I loved their romance - the tension was palpable, and the way they tried (and failed miserably) to fight their feelings made the slow burn even more enjoyable.

I really enjoyed all the side characters too, as they added even more depth to the story, not to mention the engaging family dynamic. The cliffhanger at the end was a bit predictable but still satisfying, and I can’t wait for the next book!

Congratulations CB Woods, for this amazing debut!

Another great start to a new romantasy series! I really enjoyed these characters and this world. Looking forward to more!

Wow! The world building, the magic, the banter, the suspense! This book had everything I wanted. I devoured this story so quickly! I absolutely loved this story so much!!

Astra is the rebellious younger daughter of the Lunar Court and she fit her part so well, running around doing her own thing and letting her sister Lunelle shoulder the responsibility. She’s not selfish though, she’s focused on positive change in her court. She and Lunelle are best friends and their relationship is written so well.
Luxuros is stubborn and tough on Astra but also easy to love.
I loved the cosmic setting of this world, with the planetary theme for the Courts and the Rift, the stream of travel used to go between courts.
The writing was good, straight forward, easy to read, but there was the odd bit here or there that felt a tiny bit out of place - it was written in 3rd person but from Astra’s POV and every so often there was a comment about what Lux was thinking or feeling. Not sure if it was intentional.
I liked the plot, this is a romantasy with so much more happening thanks to the political unrest in the courts. I feel like things made sense and flowed well.

I really enjoyed this - for some reason I wasn’t expecting it to be so politically motivated and I loved that extra layer! I am definitely going to be watching for the next instalment, Rift had an epic feel and I think things will only get bigger in book 2.

I would like to thank CB Woods, NetGalley and Emrae Publishing for the opportunity to review this advance reader copy.

I really enjoyed this book. It has an interesting plot, a strong willed FMC & Broody MMC, unique magical elements, political intrigue, and a slow burn forbidden romance. It started out a little slow and took me some time to figure out the world & courts…but I’m glad I stuck it out and I’m excited to see how the story evolves in book 2!!

I found the plot of *Rift* to be both engaging and novel. The lore explanations felt insufficient as new elements were frequently and unexpectedly introduced.

I was invested in the characters and their growth throughout the story. In my opinion, however, Ameera’s involvement appears to have been an afterthought. The smut was very entertaining!

The writing quality was a major problem; it felt forced and overworked in the wrong areas that disrupted the story’s flow. It could undergo one more round of edits as the plot alone justifies a four/five-star rating given the genre, tropes, and target market.

I love a good romantasy, so when I saw this I had to add it to my TBR. I was not disappointed, I loved the characters in this book. The slow burn romance was well done, it didn't feel rushed or forced. The plot though, I still can't get over it and will probably give this a reread sooner rather than later because it was well done. It did take a minute to orient myself and get into the world, but that happens going from one book to another, so it could have totally been me and not the book itself. Definitely recommend :)

Romansty with SciFi elements
Enemies to Lovers
Fated Mates

🌶1.5

This book that CB Woods has given us is overall a delightful journey that delves into the Rift and what adventure lies with it. The main characters Lux and Astra give readers an enemies to lovers trope with humorous banter.

The world building aspect of Rift is given in detail and is plentiful throughout the story. Readers should not worry about if they will get stuck in this adventure as Woods gives us a fast paced plot and adventure.

At first I was not sure of the plot, however once the characters stories were developed and the stage was set, I could not put my kindle down!

If unique world building, a well thought out plot and loveable characters are up your alley, Rift is the book for you. Readers will not be disappointed! Personally the sequel is already on my TBR.

Thank you to CB Woods, NetGalley and Emrae Publishing for an ARC.
Comment

This is Book 1 of a new Romantacy series (“The Courts Between”). So there’s enemies to lovers with fated mates and royal intrigue. There is a lot going on. It was interesting but also confusing. The magic and world seemed overly complicated and I’m still not sure I fully understand either. Oh and there were a lot of characters. New ones just kept showing up! The plot moved quickly but maybe too quickly. Overall enjoyable but did make my brain hurt a little. 3.5/3.75 stars. ✨

Thanks to NetGalley and Emrae Publishing for this advanced copy. Pub date 2/25/25.