Yes yes yes! Loved this one so much. I think this one is going to be all over socials! I loved the cony, characters and the world here. Plus this cover is stunning! Looking forward to more from the author!

The Reader by Hope E. Davis is a beautifully written, haunting, and deeply emotional story that completely captivated me. From the very first chapter, I was drawn in by the lyrical writing and the quiet intensity of the characters. Davis crafts a story that feels both intimate and profound — it’s about stories, memory, and the power of connection.

The pacing is thoughtful, the world feels vivid and immersive, and every scene is infused with emotion. What stood out most to me was the author’s ability to weave together heartbreak, hope, and the quiet magic of words and storytelling. It’s the kind of book that lingers with you long after you finish.

Poetic, moving, and unforgettable — The Reader is a love letter to those who find solace in stories. I absolutely loved it.

The Reader surprised me, I went into it not knowing what to expect and was very pleased with what I found. It’s dark, emotional, and layered with that kind of slow-burn tension that keeps you flipping pages just to see what breaks first—the magic or the people caught in it.I loved the blend of dystopian and old-world magic, and the writing has a lyrical rhythm that fits the story perfectly.
If you enjoyed One Dark Window or crave that quiet, dangerous type of magic threaded through rebellion and sacrifice, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.

The Reader is a strong entry into dark fantasy / romantasy: imaginative magic, high-stakes conflict, and a heroine forced to reclaim her identity under dire circumstances. It’s especially compelling if you enjoy morally complex worlds, slow-burn character arcs, and gritty fantasy where magic isn’t just a tool — it’s a burden.

Have you ever picked up a book and found that you couldn't put it down??

I received an arc for The Reader by , freely given and I am so grateful. This story had me in a chokehold and I genuinely devoured it in under 24 hours. Runa is such a real one for putting up with everything life has given her and I found myself dying to see if she'd ever get the life of normalcy that she craves. From being forced to live her life as her brothers doppelganger, to taking his place in a military conscription which later leads to her discovering she is capable of gaining magic skills and also giving others those magic skills by reading certain forbidden books aloud.

This story hands you an interesting love triangle (I already know my favorite 😏) amid the chaos of war, forced servitude and self discovery. The twists and turns had me gripped and by the time I finished reading I was begging for more!

For fans of:
-Romantasy
-Hidden identity
-Love triangles
-Unique magic systems
-Dystopian themes

I honestly could not put this book down once I started it, I finished it within 24 hours across just two days. The world-building was solid, and the scope expanded naturally as Runa was forced to venture beyond her small town. I personally love this kind of progression because it lets you discover the world alongside the main character. With so many magic-users killed during the Purge, Runa knows very little about her own powers, and as she unravels the truth, we learn right along with her.

The magic system was fascinating and felt refreshingly unique. I’ve never read anything quite like it, and I really enjoyed the idea that a Reader could be the most powerful person in the room. I’m excited to see Runa grow into a truly kickass FMC.

Overall, this was a fantastic read for anyone who loves fantasy with a strong thread of romance especially if you enjoy a slightly morally grey male lead.