Because the Beasts Came is not an easy read. It’s heavy in a way that just kind of sits on your chest the whole time. Even when nothing huge is happening, there’s this tension underneath everything, like something is about to break.

The atmosphere is what got me first. It feels isolated. Quiet. Almost eerie. Like the setting itself is watching everything unfold. It’s not loud horror or over-the-top drama — it’s more subtle and unsettling. The kind of book where you keep turning the page not because it’s fast-paced, but because you need to know what’s really going on.

The characters feel trapped in more ways than one. Not just physically, but emotionally. There’s this sense of fear and control and power dynamics that made me uncomfortable — but in the way the author clearly intended. It doesn’t hand you easy answers. It doesn’t soften the edges. You kind of just have to sit with it.

What I liked is that it trusts you as a reader. It doesn’t over-explain. It lets you piece things together. Sometimes that made me pause and reread a line because I felt like there was more underneath it. And usually there was.

There’s also this underlying commentary about violence — not just physical violence, but the quieter kinds. The emotional, psychological kind. And that hit harder than I expected. It makes you think about what people are capable of when fear takes over.

It’s not a comforting book. It’s not warm. But it’s powerful. And honestly, I respect books that aren’t afraid to make you uncomfortable.

When I finished it, I didn’t feel satisfied in a clean way. I felt unsettled. Thoughtful. A little disturbed. But also impressed.

It’s the kind of story that lingers in the back of your mind, especially when things get quiet.

And I think that’s exactly the point.

“I’ve bled for this fort just like you had … And I’m not going anywhere. So you can either keep trying to shove me out, or start dealing with the fact that I’m not yours to order around”

This book was one of the BEST fantasy I have read in a while. I loved it. I’m in love with it. Innovative. Original. Enchanting. Powerful. Magical. Painful. Hopeful. Wonderfully human and not. I’m speechless. And I wish I could find more appropriate words to describe just the impact it had on me. Iryana’s story felt tragical in its beauty. Hopeless and yet still with a little bit of hope. Loveless and yet with such tender caring. Strong and yet so painfully damaged. She is the tormented character in the book. She is the badass warrior we all want to be. But she is also a little girl, estranged from her family for reasons we know nothing about who is desperately looking for acceptance and approval. She wants to belong and don’t we all?
We want to be part of something and following her along in this journey felt so incredibly easy to relate to, despite this being a fantasy book.
Such originality in the action a the magical system. I would say that it’s a character’s dynamic fans of Shadow and Bone will love. But with a darker tone. And the sprinkle of romance in there … to die for!! Absolutely brilliant!! I genuinely need book two now !!!

“We’re both stuck here … and neither of us want a war”

“Why keep clawing for a place in the world, when you already have one in mine?”

NetGalley Advanced Reader Copy:

This book completely swept me away and reminded me why I fell in love with fantasy romance in the first place. From the opening chapter, the immersive world building pulls you into a vivid, layered realm filled with political intrigue, hidden histories, and cultures that feel deeply lived-in.

At the heart of the story is a strong FMC who is as emotionally complex as she is formidable. She isn’t fearless — she’s resilient, scarred, and stubborn in ways that make her victories feel earned. Watching her navigate impossible choices while refusing to lose her family was one of the most compelling aspects of the novel.

The relationships are equally unforgettable. What begins as a tense enemies to lovers dynamic evolves with exquisite restraint, driven by slow trust, reluctant respect, and breathtaking yearning that lingers in every glance and unfinished sentence. The romantic tension never overshadows the character growth; instead, it deepens it.

One of the most exciting elements is the magic system, which feels fresh and original.

Beautifully written, emotionally resonant, and utterly absorbing, this is a story that lingers long after the final page. If you love slow-burn romance, layered characters, and inventive fantasy worlds, this book is an absolute must-read.