This was giving major Buffy Vibes, which is exactly what brought me to this title! I think it’s the perfect way to describe our “champion” in this story. Demons, hero, and high stakes! I cannot wait for the physical print! Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this title!

What a riveting book! I read this book in one day because I couldn’t put it down. I read an eARC of this book on NetGalley so thank you to the author and the publisher.

This has several things quite familiar to the fantasy genre but it’s the lens provided by the main character that makes it feel unique. Our terrified and reluctant main character was forced to take a ‘blessing’ and become a ‘champion’. Exiled to fight demons, only visited once a month by couriers who bring supplies. Their strength to fight the demons, tempered by the constant anxiety they feel. They rely on routines and rituals to help them through challenging experiences. They’ve been horribly neglected by their family and excluded from society, leading a life of isolation, only being allowed to return to town once a year which they have chosen not to do. Ten years of this and their world is rocked when the heir to the kingdom decides to visit to try to convince them to come back for the day of breath.

I really liked this book. I had one tiny issue which is that when the perspectives changed between the champion and the heir, it also jumped between first and third person which I found a bit jarring. But that was one small thing in a book that was otherwise exciting, thrilling and with some great lore.

The Champion was a character I could really root for. She’s so strong despite the challenges she faces and she’s so dedicated to her duty. She’s got a layer of sadness which we delve deeper into and she’s been treated really poorly, by her parents yes, but also by the society that condemns her to constant isolation and danger for their own safety.

This was outstanding. It's final fantasy for the modern age. I loved it and I just need Darby to go on and write more

I absolutely loved this debut novel. The most action packed 24 hrs! Demon slaying, a charming bi boy, everyone is a little anxious and neurodivergent and it doesn’t stop them from fighting like hell against a system built to destroy them. I love Oly she is precious and deserves nothing but goodness. I saw the author was inspired by Buffy, and I totally see season 6 Buffy rep here. Absolutely so so good everyone needs to read this ASAP!

Imagine one woman standing between a kingdom and its ruin, tirelessly holding back hordes of demons, given only one day per year to rest. Oly, chosen ten years ago to serve as the sole Champion of Niawa, is stationed alone at the Edge. Blessed with superhuman strength and healing, she battles demons from the Rive. But one day per year, every year, when the goddess's comet crosses the sky, no demons emerge: a phenomenon known as A Day of Breath.

When this month's supplies arrive, two days before the comet's appearance, the cart also brings a stowaway in the form of the Heir to the kingdom. What follows is a dark young adult fantasy tale that unravels over a 24-hour period. The author explores the nature of duty versus self, as well as how our relationships with those around us sharpen and hone our actions and words.

I wish that the side characters had been given as much depth as the main characters. I also felt that Fallon's relationship with his sibling Abner prior to heading to the Edge could have been fleshed out a bit more. Their actions and the reasons for those actions were more reflective of teenagers than to adults in their mid-20s.

All in all, a solid novel with a good premise, interesting main characters, and a nice dose of Eldritch fantasy!


Note: Thank you NetGalley and Angry Robot for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

What a great book thanks to Darby Cox. A unique mythra with cults opening rifts to the realm of demons for their personal use is reminiscent of many other novels, but this is done very well.

The story highlights oly, the greatest champion who's power is waning, what happens nexr? Combination of her waning powers and tue day of breath makes this book tense & builds steam as the need to save the world becomes apparent.

A well written book along mythic background lines with a high stakes goal that keeps you engaged by the supporting casts.of unique characters like magical holy beings to add a little tension and fun.

Dark fantasy on a grand scale

3.5 Rounded up.

A Day of Breath was a comforting coming of age fantasy until of course, the body horror ramps all the way up. You are in for a wild ride!

We follow Oly, the longest running champion of Niawa, she has been monitoring the Rive for over a decade, keeping the city safe from any demons who sneak through its dangerous portal. Chosen from a young age, she takes her duties seriously, not even stopping to bathe fully until the Day of Breath each year. On this day, the city celebrates a champion they haven't seen in a decade. Oly never once deeming it necessary to give up her sole day of rest, but all that is about to change.

Within the city of Niawa we follow Fallon, a young heir adjacent to the throne. His curiosities about the Rive and its Champion, coupled with his own ambition lead him to the ultimate, fool proof conclusion, that he will single-handedly convince Oly to join their Day of Breath celebrations. Surely nothing could go wrong right?

Religious conspiracy and dark underpinnings threaten the Day of Breath. Oly and Fallon will have to work together, if they have any chance of saving an entire town from total devastation.

I liked a number of things about Cox's story, from the comforting, familiar feel of the fantasy elements, the experimentation of horror from the demons and above all, the beautifully (sometimes frustratingly) authentic exploration of neurodivergence.

Oly is a chosen one, but she is as far from a Mary-Sue as you can get. This poor young woman gives everything she has to her demon fights, and later to an entire town. She is battered and bruised, she knows she cannot keep this up, but she will die fighting if it means saving her people. I loved the realness of her character, alongside a familiar fantasy setting.

Without going into spoilers, I will say this book lulls you into a false sense of security. Sure, there are demons and battles, but nothing prepares you for the insanity which takes over the second half of this book. In a good way, I promise. If you are squeamish, prepare yourself.

And finally, my favourite part of this book hands down, was how the author has treated Oly's on page neurodivergence with upmost care, while also giving the readers a look at some real life examples of how it can affect our lives from a characters perspective. Oly is anxious, she needs comforts, namely in the colour green and a bowl she has carried with her from her schooling days. I also loved the authenticity of how others interacted with her surrounding her needs. Some looked down upon it (hello mother) and others embraced it and did what they could to make our hero feel not only comfortable, but like they weren't a burden one little bit.

While there was a fair bit I enjoyed about A Day of Breath, there were certainly some scenes I felt like could do with a bit more detail, particularly around the build up of emotional impact as we come into the latter half of the book. It felt like some of the characters had more potential than they were allowed to explore on the page. There was also some slight repetition, which is absolutely a me thing, but I would be remiss not to mention it grated on my experience slightly.

Overall, I had a good time with this one and I am glad I picked it up! Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy of A Day of Breath.

A Day of Breath is a fast paced, dark fantasy with relatable characters and atmospheric scenery. This book deals with betrayal, longing, and finding friends in unexpected places. Since the novel takes place in a span of day, the stakes are high, even if not everyone can tell. Oly, the main character was extremely relatable. She has to grapple with the fact that what she thought made her worthy might have all been a lie. She's independent because she has to be and seeks comfort in her own company. The one day she gets to take a breath from fighting demons; everything gets turned on its head. Oly is a fierce warrior, who has vulnerable parts that made me root for her even more. We also are following Fallon, one heir to the throne, who is trying to save the kingdom in his way while struggling with his own insecurities. Another aspect I enjoyed was the sibling relationship between the twins. This relationship was very back and forth, but the love they had for each other, even while disagreeing, jumped off the page. A Day of Breath has vivid battle scenes, gruesome demons., and lovable characters. Being on this journey with these characters is a ride I did not want to end! I loved it!

The characters in this book are incredible! Oly, Abner, Denya, Velma, even Fallon later in the book. They were characters that I haven't felt like I've seen in fantasy before. Some of these characters were so deeply unwell, but they just had to continue on with their lives. In the face of anxiety, loneliness, feelings of inadequacy, trying to prove themselves, parasitic demons - they kept fighting to keep living. This was a very unique read in the best way!

What a story - Demons, a champion, political intrigue and twins at odds on how to rule, wow just wow! I stayed up late and picked it up first thing as I had to know how the story went. I was so engrossed and really couldn't put it down.

Completely different to any other fantasy I've read, the story was entertaining and gripping with elements of heartbreak in there. I am still trying to process, Oly is such a powerful character, she takes you through such a range of emotions - fear, pity, delight in her strength, panic when it begins to ebb, the courage she has to keep fighting, the sadness over her parental relationship and the wisps of hope in returning to the city. I think I was as attached as Oly to that bowl by the end!!

The complicated relationship between the Heir's was engaging and had me flip flopping between them as the story revealed more.

The side characters were fully fleshed out and brought their own strength to the story that you invested in them. Honestly, I'm going to be thinking about this story for some time to come!

Oly is chosen to be the champion, to be given strength to fight the demons released through the Rive. Her battles mean that none will get through and keep the lands safe. But the price she pays is a sacrifice few before her have been able to borne for long. Ten years she succeeds until she feels her strength ebbing.

The kingdom's twin Heirs are vying to be named the successor. In a bid to further his claim, Fallon vows to journey to Oly and persuade her to return to the city on the Day of Breath, the one day reprieve she has from the ongoing demon spawn battles. His eyes are opened when he sees the life she leads, the horrors she faces and the consequences of failure. Reluctantly agreeing she returns to the city only to find a new demon has found a way to waken, dark forces are at work within the city and the ensuing chaos rips the city apart and they must all fight to survive.

“Demons aren’t supposed to show up when there’s peace. They really didn’t read the calendar.”

🗓 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: February 10, 2026
📚 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: A Day of Breath
👑 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Darby Cox

✨️𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆 & 🍵𝗧𝗲𝗮 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
Oly has spent ten years as the Champion of Niawa, a warrior granted magical strength to stand alone at the Edge and keep back demonic hordes from a rift between worlds. Her powers are fading, though, and she hasn’t been home in a decade. When Fallon — the heir who wasn’t chosen to rule — convinces her to return for the Day of Breath, the one day a year demons can’t cross the rift, it sounds like a chance to renew her strength. Instead, parasitic demons spread through the kingdom on the very day they shouldn’t be able to. Now Oly and Fallon have until midnight to figure out how to stop the carnage and protect a kingdom that might not want saving.

This was an engaging blend of grim fantasy energy and personal drive. Oly feels like someone who’s been carrying her job, her trauma, and her responsibilities for way too long.. it’s heavy, but she makes it compelling rather than exhausting. Fallon brings a different kind of tension and awkward ambition to the mix, and watching them try to figure out how to work together is fun in the “please figure it out before everything collapses” way. Some parts lean into familiar fantasy beats, and the pacing dips into setup now and then, but the demon threat tied to the one safe day of the year kept me invested throughout.

🫶 Thank you to @angryrobotbooks for this gifted copy!

🔥 Demon horde chaos
⚔️ Champion struggles
🧠 Kingdom politics + conspiracy
⏳ One night to save everything
🌘 Dark fantasy mood
✨ Gritty worldbuilding

good plotting, though a little simplistic. great characters, especially Oly. the worldbuilding was fantastic and easily the strongest part. 4 stars. tysm for the arc/

I read A Day of Breath by Darby Cox in a day. I was hooked from the opening scenes with Oly, who has been chosen and forced to become Champion, with the role of protecting everyone. A rift is open allowing demons of all the slimy grotesqueness you can imagine to pass through to hunt and tear humans apart and Oly's role is to kill them all until her own strength wavers and she is killed, or takes her own life.

It follows the perspectives of Oly, the Champion and the twin Princes who have an intense riivalry to become the one ruler of the Kingdom. There are a few characters struggling with crippling anxiety which I think was explored really well.

I really like the old style fantasy cover and I felt this was quite a unique story in the current fantasy books I have been picking up. An author I would happily pick up again.

Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

A Day of Breath by Darby Cox doesn’t quite align with the marketing - a Buffy-inspired dark coming-of-age fantasy. I’m sorry, I just didn’t get the Buffy element, but what I did get was a real grim dark fantasy story that for me was reminiscent of those stories told by travelling bards. I truly had this vision of an ancient bard in robes, stood by a fire in a hostelry with a drink in their hand telling this story. In terms of coming of age, I really didn’t see that element, as whilst the story showed Oly (FMC) as a teen becoming the Champion, it very soon skipped to adulthood and all the demon gore you could imagine. Despite this, I actually really was pulled into A Day of Breath and devoured it on 2 x 1.5 hour train journeys. Not even the heavy breathing and knocking of my seat hogging, man-spreading neighbour in the seat adjacent to me on one of the journeys could distract. That is a sign of a good story!

Told from two PoVs and dual perspectives, Oly the FMC and the Champion and Fallon, competing heir to the throne alongside his twin, the story is primarily about Oly’s journey. There’s no question that Oly is neurodiverse and has anxiety, this is underpinned by her struggles with people interactions, engagement, and focus on the green bowl. She manages her anxiety with the help of medication and totally without the help of her parents from a very young age.

Fallon is totally Oly’s opposite, he is blessed with wit, charm, personality and is most definitely a people person but, no one is perfect, he is driven by his desires, from drinking, gambling and cheating at cards, to wanting to inherit the throne in place of his brother. A desire that is perpetuated and encouraged by the adviser to the throne, who for his own reasons does not support Fallon’s brother Ander, who on paper is significantly more qualified and better suited to inheriting the kingdom.

Oly was ‘forced’ into accepting the role of the Champion at the young age of 17, when she was given a magic blessing that gifted her super-human strength and fortitude to fight the demons and protect the kingdom of Niawa at their entry point into the world – The Edge of the Rive, a rift between the demon realm and Niawa. The story truly starts a decade after Oly was gifted the ‘blessing’. Oly has been fighting and killing demons for 10 years, Oly is exhausted, her powers are fading and to say she has PTSD is an understatement. Fallon finds himself failing in his attempts to be appointed heir to the throne, as his parents get ready to name his brother and in a last ditch attempt to be named heir he to go to The Edge and persuade the Champion to return to the capital of the Kingdom on their one day of rest a year - the Day of Breath, a sacred day where demons can’t cross the rift. This triggers a whole chain of events, think dominoes that force Oly, Fallon and his twin Abner to face their fears, their mistakes and their past to save the kingdom.

Initially this isn’t the most action packed story, despite the gore, the demons, the dismembering and killing, the focus is really on the characters, in particular Oly and I actually found that really engaging. However, this focus did mean that certain elements of the story were quite predictable but, I could forgive that. I really enjoyed the insight into Oly, I was a little sad that we didn’t get this level of depth into Fallon and Abner, whilst there was some exploration, I would have liked more.

The world-building, plot, storyline and pacing were well structured and overall engaging. I found this to be an interesting and engaging read that brought to life neurodiversity, anxiety and the effort that is needed simply to survive life when you are different. Overall, I have zero regrets, I enjoyed the story and even the side characters, in particular Velma – the carriage driver and Darya the guard. A great slash, kill, destroy grim dark fantasy that will send creepy demon chills down your back.

This was a very original storyline for a new fantasy book, which is hard to find in this day and age. The character development for both of the main characters felt natural and the way they interacted with each other to move the plot forward was very well crafted. Demon-fights, political intrigue, and a bit of romance - what more could you want? Loved it

There is something about those quiet hours when the world settles, and it was then I found myself with A Day of Breath by Darby Cox. The story drew me in almost before I realised it. It felt like one of those old tales you’d hear whispered by firelight, the sort that invites you closer. At its heart is a young woman, thrust into a struggle against shadows seeping in from unseen places. The gods are meddling in her path, and there’s this weight to her journey, as if fate simply pointed at her and said, you will bear this. It made me think how these sorts of burdens can reshape us without warning.

As I read, a slow unease crept through the pages, a sense of waiting for a storm just out of sight. The whole book is steeped in solitude, danger, and that quiet, persistent dread. You feel it in every moment. The author never lets the tension slip; there are small breaths of calm, but for the most part, I found myself holding my breath alongside the characters.

Cox leans into the darkness and suspense, choosing to anchor the grand battles in the quieter, personal struggles. The world is vast and threatening, yet the real force of the story comes from the silent pain each character carries. It is not just another lone hero’s journey. The story looks plainly at what time and power do to a person, and it does not shy away from the true cost of saving others.

Power here is not simply a gift; it is also something that can be lost. The way blessings and gifts twist the bonds between people is woven tightly through the story. The main character is full of nerves and doubts, and it never feels contrived. Her growth is slow, hard-won, and honest, and it pulls you into her mind. What makes this story different is the way it explores divine influence and fractured relationships, especially those difficult parts: unbalanced love from a parent, self-importance, all those social pressures that grind people down. Still, even in all the darkness, there is something gentle at the core, especially in the bond between siblings, the sort that grows stronger when everything else is breaking.

I appreciated the way the book shows survival, not only in the obvious struggles, but in the small ways people manage to go on. The details are never heavy-handed, but you feel the weight of every decision. The attention to her inner world brings her surroundings to life, and the connections she makes matter more and more as the story unfolds.

By the middle, all the different threads of the story came together. Suddenly, the choices people made—why they stayed loyal, or didn’t, when things turned—became clear. The book dives into family power struggles and shifting allegiances, and it reminded me a little of The Last of Us, with its tangled relationships in the midst of disaster. Here, though, it is more rooted in fantasy, not apocalypse, and always returns to the ties that hold people together.

If you’re drawn to stories where heroes are flawed and the world is complicated—something in the vein of The Poppy War—this is one to try.

An ambitious debut fantasy novel.

I received this advanced reader copy from NetGalley and I’m glad I did.

This was a tinge bit less hard fantasy with incredible world building. I was engrossed into this medieval world with magic, demons and twin heirs to throne with political intrigue and religious conspiracy/psychosis.

This felt like a debut novel - the plot is sometimes super hard fantasy and complicated and then weirdly spelled out and fully explained thru dialogue. There’s some tone shifting that’s a little abrupt, but easily digestible.

I really enjoyed the characterizations. Everyone felt like real people and you understood their motivations. Every choice/action made perfect sense in context.

There’s also this tinge of romance sprinkled throughout that so enjoyable and isn’t overbearing.

What if being “The Chosen One” isn’t such a blessing after all?

I would watch the heck out of a movie adaptation and would be pumped to read this author’s next book.

I was first intrigued in this book after reading the blurb, and it made me really want to read this book to be able to find out what was going to happen within the book. The writing style within this book was amazing, it really gripped me and told the story in a very interesting way. The way the story developed from the very first start. I wanted to keep reading to be able to find out what was going to happen next. With the twists and turns that occurred were very clever and gripping to the story. There were so many interesting challenges the main character had to face made the story something that you wanted to read. And I was surprised at the ending.

I had the pleasure of reading this as an ARC and enjoyed the story quite a bit. The main character is a great representation of someone who struggles with anxiety, past family trauma, and finding where they fit in. There were times it felt a bit heavy handed but overall it was done well. The story was engaging and gives me the same vibes as a d&d campaign which I loved (as an avid d&d player). Our secondary character was unfortunately my least favorite. His story was told well I just found him incredibly unlikable, but seeing his growth at the end was rewarding. The overall world building wasn't super dense but it gave the reader enough to clearly picture this kindgom and the people who live in it, their goals, and motivations. The fight scenes were well done and the demons had great (very unsettling) descriptions.
If you are in the market for a fast paced adventure with a unique hero this would definitely be a book I'd recommend.