Thank you NetGalley and BookBuzz.net for a chance to read and review this book.

This is one those books that feel like you jump on a fast train that does not stop until the end.

I could not put it down (read it over a weekend). There is always something going on, no slow parts at all. But do not think that there is only action. We have a great focus on the relationships between the characters. Everything just clicks together.

Personally, I like this kind of storytelling where you are thrown inside and learn how the world works on the move (no boring info dumping). The author still manages to make the story cohesive and not confusing at all. This is one POV first person narration. Lately, I learned that not everyone can work with this type of narration (even though it might sound as the easiest one). Seeing and feeling everything just through one person's POV can be tricky but here it was done brilliantly.

I do not want to reveal any spoilers, but I love Cali (the FMC). Her life was very difficult, but she still managed to hold on to her worth. She was not satisfied with "getting the leftovers" because she knew she deserves more. Apart from her tenacity she also endeared herself to me by using humour and irony as a coping mechanism. This is something a lot of authors does, and some people can see it as obnoxious, but I think it suited the character very well.

The broader theme throughout the book is the human tendency to shun others because that is how it is done. Someone said that this is bad or banned and we need to comply, because they have the power. This belief when taught to people form a very young age is very hard to overcome. But as in life, there are characters who can shake off their prejudices and beliefs and there are some that don't. So as much as this is an action-packed book, it also gives you something to think about.
Honestly, this book can easily compare with the more popular series on the market. It deserves a read!

Reviled by J.P. Taylor has me gobsmacked. I’d give it six stars - yes, I said it - if it weren’t for the cliffhanger at the end when this hasn’t even been published! Absolutely brilliant and could not put it down. Call me a mere mortal but one of my favorite parts about this book was not knowing what was going to happen next and eating it up.

The unlikable characters were unlikable for the best reasons. Except for the baddy boss (no spoilers). He’s a coward. Cali was likable for all of the right reasons. One of my favorite kinds of books are those that make you feel what characters feel rather than being told what to feel. The imagery, prose, and warps alone made me want more.

This review doesn’t do it justice, for me. Being in my feminine rage era, I needed the escape.

Reviled – J.P. Taylor
Publication Date: 1 July 2026

Reviled is a dark and compelling fantasy that pulled me into its brutal world from the very first page. J.P. Taylor delivers a story filled with prejudice, forbidden magic, political intrigue, and emotional depth, all wrapped around a heroine who is impossible not to root for.

Cali is a wonderfully resilient protagonist. Scarred by her past and carrying the weight of her sister's disappearance for fifteen years, she has every reason to be bitter, yet her determination and loyalty make her incredibly engaging. Her journey is filled with danger, difficult choices, and revelations that constantly challenge everything she believes to be true.

The world-building is rich and immersive, creating a kingdom where fear and faith are used as weapons against those born different. The mystery surrounding the Revilers, the Guardians, and Cali's missing sister kept me turning the pages, while the slow-burn romance added just the right amount of tension without overshadowing the larger story.

What stood out most was the emotional weight behind the narrative. Themes of survival, identity, family, trust, and belonging are woven throughout the story, giving it far more depth than a typical fantasy adventure. The twists kept me guessing, and the darker elements added a sense of danger that never let up.

Reviled is an engaging fantasy packed with action, secrets, found family, and forbidden magic. Fans of character-driven fantasy with strong emotional stakes and a slow-burn romance will find plenty to enjoy here.

#Reviled #JPTaylor #FantasyBooks #BookReview #FantasyReaders

This book was exceptional! This was really engaging from start to finish. I would absolutely check out more from this author. I would recommend this one to my followers.

I haven’t read an action packed book in a very long time and this book was filled with it, twists and turns every few pages! I couldn’t put it down! The growth of the FMC was unmatched and now she in her bad bitch era AND I’M HERE FOR IT!!!
the different aspects of this book blew me out of the water!

if you like anathema with a side of fourth wing, with a sprinkle of magic on top, RUN DO NOT WALK and pick this up!

Reviled is a dark and compelling fantasy book that contains forbidden magic, dangerous secrets and emotional depth, making it difficult to put down.

Cali is strong and relatable. This story is packed with twists, tension and heartbreak in a richly imagined world, where the slow-burn romance feels genuine.

This book is perfect for readers who enjoy dark fantasy with character driven adventure.