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Verran Isles #1
Heir of Illusion
Win a free kindle copy of this book!
9 days and 12:45:48
100 copies available
U.S. only
“This is how you do romantasy!” —Brigitte Knightley, New York Times bestselling author of The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy
An alliance between enemies. A weapon of untold power. And a bond that could rewrite fate.
Fall into the viral, propulsive dark romantasy everyone is reading. A fae assassin with the power of illusion, sworn to a king she despises. An enigmatic grim reaper, searching for freedom. Enemies collide in an unlikely alliance, brimming with desire and destruction.
She is not the pet they tamed.
Blessed with the power of illusion, Iverson Pomeroy has many tricks up her sleeve. However, none of them are a match for the enchanted collar at her throat that keeps her bound as assassin and mistress to a ruthless king. Forced to play the role of his obedient pet, she plots in secret to destroy him and claim the freedom she has always been denied.
She is the beast they let inside.
When a mysterious reaper, Thorne, arrives in the city with his sights set on the same weapon Ivy needs—the only artifact that can remove her collar—she must decide how far she’s willing to go.
And she will show no mercy.
With a tenuous alliance tying them together, Ivy learns there is more to her reluctant companion than meets the eye... He sparks her curiosity and ignites dangerous desires within her. But will the secrets they harbor destroy each other? And does it even matter, when anyone who so much as touches Thorne dies?
Tropes
Enemies to lovers / shadow daddy / female assassin / who did this to you / unlikely alliance / he falls first / banter / touch her and die / slow burn / morally gray MMC
An alliance between enemies. A weapon of untold power. And a bond that could rewrite fate.
Fall into the viral, propulsive dark romantasy everyone is reading. A fae assassin with the power of illusion, sworn to a king she despises. An enigmatic grim reaper, searching for freedom. Enemies collide in an unlikely alliance, brimming with desire and destruction.
She is not the pet they tamed.
Blessed with the power of illusion, Iverson Pomeroy has many tricks up her sleeve. However, none of them are a match for the enchanted collar at her throat that keeps her bound as assassin and mistress to a ruthless king. Forced to play the role of his obedient pet, she plots in secret to destroy him and claim the freedom she has always been denied.
She is the beast they let inside.
When a mysterious reaper, Thorne, arrives in the city with his sights set on the same weapon Ivy needs—the only artifact that can remove her collar—she must decide how far she’s willing to go.
And she will show no mercy.
With a tenuous alliance tying them together, Ivy learns there is more to her reluctant companion than meets the eye... He sparks her curiosity and ignites dangerous desires within her. But will the secrets they harbor destroy each other? And does it even matter, when anyone who so much as touches Thorne dies?
Tropes
Enemies to lovers / shadow daddy / female assassin / who did this to you / unlikely alliance / he falls first / banter / touch her and die / slow burn / morally gray MMC
458 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2025
1504 people are currently reading
78716 people want to read
About the author
Madeline Taylor
1 book1,080 followersMadeline Taylor is a fantasy romance author with a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing. She loves to escape reality whenever possible, so reading and writing are great outlets for her. Her other notable hobbies include maladaptive daydreaming, listening to Taylor Swift, and being bossed around by a senile pug.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,717 reviews
December 22, 2025
This is peak fantasy.
When I say I need a fantasy novel with an incredible plot, rich world building, layered politics, a unique magic system, and a romance full of banter, tension, and longing — this is exactly what I mean. Heir of illusion delivered everything I wanted in a fantasy novel. This book is such a hidden gem and genuinely deserves so much more limelight. It truly hurts how criminally underrated it is.
There wasn't a single moment in this book that bored me. I was genuinely rooting for the protagonists; their chemistry was unmistakable, and the growing tension between them had me hooked. He literally unalived a man for disrespecting her and mind you, this was when they both hated each other. He unalived the said man with his bare hands. In the ballroom. Within seconds. Need I say more?
And don't even get me started on the "who did this to you?" moment. I'm so down bad for both the protagonists, it's not even funny. Further, this book also features a strong tortured fmc who would go to any lengths to get her freedom. Her personality truly captivated my interest. I don't usually prefer reading books with a single pov but in this one, the fmc was so likeable and tenacious; I loved being in her head throughout without even needing the pov of the significant other.
I'm so glad I picked this book up. The plot twist in the end was absolutely criminal, and now I can't wait for the next book to come out. If you're looking for a fantasy novel that's both plot and romance driven followed by a unique magic system, then don't miss out on this one. Trust me, you won't regret it.
4.25 stars rounded down!
When I say I need a fantasy novel with an incredible plot, rich world building, layered politics, a unique magic system, and a romance full of banter, tension, and longing — this is exactly what I mean. Heir of illusion delivered everything I wanted in a fantasy novel. This book is such a hidden gem and genuinely deserves so much more limelight. It truly hurts how criminally underrated it is.
There wasn't a single moment in this book that bored me. I was genuinely rooting for the protagonists; their chemistry was unmistakable, and the growing tension between them had me hooked. He literally unalived a man for disrespecting her and mind you, this was when they both hated each other. He unalived the said man with his bare hands. In the ballroom. Within seconds. Need I say more?
And don't even get me started on the "who did this to you?" moment. I'm so down bad for both the protagonists, it's not even funny. Further, this book also features a strong tortured fmc who would go to any lengths to get her freedom. Her personality truly captivated my interest. I don't usually prefer reading books with a single pov but in this one, the fmc was so likeable and tenacious; I loved being in her head throughout without even needing the pov of the significant other.
I'm so glad I picked this book up. The plot twist in the end was absolutely criminal, and now I can't wait for the next book to come out. If you're looking for a fantasy novel that's both plot and romance driven followed by a unique magic system, then don't miss out on this one. Trust me, you won't regret it.
4.25 stars rounded down!
November 11, 2025
THE WAY MY JAW IS ON THE FLOOR!!!!
Oh my god. I am literally speechless. There is no way it ended like that. I think I’m malfunctioning!!!
“This is not the moment I stop reaching for you.”
Okay this was so freakin’ good from page 1!!! I was completely sucked into this world, the plot, the characters - literally everything. The pacing was absolutely spot on and every time I had to put this down, I couldn’t stop thinking about when I could pick it up again!
The world building is immersive yet digestible. The plot literally kept me on my toes the whole time, there is SO many twists and turns I wasn’t expecting. I knew from the get go I was going to rate this highly. This book has literally made me remember why I love being a reader.
Our FMC Ivy is a badass assassin! I love her so much, she is witty and has a tough exterior but she’s been through so much. Another powerful woman caged by a man who’s fuelled by hate and greed, but she not only stays strong and resilient through everything she endures, she puts everything she has into helping those who need it. My kinda girl!! Red head queen, ofc she is.
Then our MMC Thorne, HELLO HI! My actually favourite type of fantasy book man. Dark, broody, morally grey and a tortured soul… shadow daddy. He is the definition of he fell first mixed with touch her and die.
”You thought you could hurt what’s mine? You thought you could touch her?” - the scream that escaped me!!! The newest loml. Plus he calls her angel. Goodbye. I’m planning the wedding, you’re all invited.
The relationship between these two was full of actual proper flirty banter! Mixed with so much push and pull, tension for days and that slow burn, which let’s be real is still burning!!!! And now what! I need more of them!!
“You just watched me kill a man.”
“Eh.” He shrugs, waving off my recent homicide. “Three’s a crowd.” cackling, I love them so much 🤭
There are so many side characters I’m so invested in too!! The found family is starting to show. I AM DYING TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NOW! I am literally having a mental breakdown. Holy shit I’m actually unwell! There is no way. I have so many questions… what do you mean?!?!
Hahahaha someone sedate me.
If you ever want to listen to anything I say, it’s to listen to me beg you to read this book!!!!!!!
Quotes:
‘I learned long ago that the horrors we hide within our minds are never destroyed—we merely save them for later. They always find their way to surface.’
‘It’s almost funny that all of this soft beauty is required for such an ugly fate.’
“I’m not frightened of the violence inside of you. There’s no crime you could commit that would turn me away.”
“I saw you flying toward me, and I knew I didn’t have to be alone anymore, that you’d always be reaching for me.”
Thanks to netgalley and Zando Projects for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Oh my god. I am literally speechless. There is no way it ended like that. I think I’m malfunctioning!!!
“This is not the moment I stop reaching for you.”
Okay this was so freakin’ good from page 1!!! I was completely sucked into this world, the plot, the characters - literally everything. The pacing was absolutely spot on and every time I had to put this down, I couldn’t stop thinking about when I could pick it up again!
The world building is immersive yet digestible. The plot literally kept me on my toes the whole time, there is SO many twists and turns I wasn’t expecting. I knew from the get go I was going to rate this highly. This book has literally made me remember why I love being a reader.
Our FMC Ivy is a badass assassin! I love her so much, she is witty and has a tough exterior but she’s been through so much. Another powerful woman caged by a man who’s fuelled by hate and greed, but she not only stays strong and resilient through everything she endures, she puts everything she has into helping those who need it. My kinda girl!! Red head queen, ofc she is.
Then our MMC Thorne, HELLO HI! My actually favourite type of fantasy book man. Dark, broody, morally grey and a tortured soul… shadow daddy. He is the definition of he fell first mixed with touch her and die.
”You thought you could hurt what’s mine? You thought you could touch her?” - the scream that escaped me!!! The newest loml. Plus he calls her angel. Goodbye. I’m planning the wedding, you’re all invited.
The relationship between these two was full of actual proper flirty banter! Mixed with so much push and pull, tension for days and that slow burn, which let’s be real is still burning!!!! And now what! I need more of them!!
“You just watched me kill a man.”
“Eh.” He shrugs, waving off my recent homicide. “Three’s a crowd.” cackling, I love them so much 🤭
There are so many side characters I’m so invested in too!! The found family is starting to show. I AM DYING TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NOW! I am literally having a mental breakdown. Holy shit I’m actually unwell! There is no way. I have so many questions… what do you mean?!?!
Hahahaha someone sedate me.
If you ever want to listen to anything I say, it’s to listen to me beg you to read this book!!!!!!!
Quotes:
‘I learned long ago that the horrors we hide within our minds are never destroyed—we merely save them for later. They always find their way to surface.’
‘It’s almost funny that all of this soft beauty is required for such an ugly fate.’
“I’m not frightened of the violence inside of you. There’s no crime you could commit that would turn me away.”
“I saw you flying toward me, and I knew I didn’t have to be alone anymore, that you’d always be reaching for me.”
Thanks to netgalley and Zando Projects for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
August 15, 2025
honestly... I thought this was going to be predictable until the ending because I literally didn't predict a single twist?? wtf just happened??? I need book 2 immediately?
very enticing & dark fantasy world, and I adored our assassin fmc!!! i'll eat it up every mf time!!! this gave me JLA vibes in the best possible way
very enticing & dark fantasy world, and I adored our assassin fmc!!! i'll eat it up every mf time!!! this gave me JLA vibes in the best possible way
March 21, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ oh, this was such a good, fun, hehe-haha™ romantasy! it has so many great things about the genre — adventure, a fast pace on the plot, a magic system and political set-up that’s easy to understand and follow, twists and turns, and a chemistry-filled duo at the helm, leading the way.
our heroine, ivy? baddie. ‘nuf said.
our hero, thorne? give him my number NOW. enigmatic, charming and raven-haired? smash. mans practically had me under spells. i was giggling like a fool for him!
they had such a solid dynamic filled with banter and electricity, and they played off each other so well whenever they shared page time. i could have gone for a touch more intensity on the tension and yearning in their romance in the second half, perhaps a bit more mystery between them as far as their mutual feelings went too (especially since this is meant to be the first in a series) — but i still really enjoyed these two a lot, nonetheless. i can also spot the potential for things to get even more interesting between them based on the ending!
this also had some really fun side characters. i do wish that the big bad was a smidge more charismatic and cunning — he was a bit too one dimensional. that’s just a me thing though, as i like it more when the villains also engage me and have me cackling with their clever machinations. he was a bit simple and unmemorable, but ya know…he was making a few moves here and there, however transparent they may have been.
the first half of this was absolute CRACK, i kid you not. the thrills were UP! i was having so much fun and couldn’t put it down. if i didn’t have it in my hand, i was thinking about it. admittedly though, my energy with the book did dip in the second half. very unspecific and unhelpful commentary, i know. i really don’t have anything bad to say about this half per se, but i just wasn’t as locked in on it as i was with the first. while this half (and the ending) weren’t without some surprises, some of the reveals and sequences of events were a bit too predictable for me, and as hinted to before, i wish the romance was paced a bit differently — so these factors may have been contributors to me waning a little bit. i also wish there was deeper character development, as it did read a bit surface level by the end. otherwise, i can’t really put my finger on it too closely (outside of the things mentioned) as to why i wasn’t as obsessed with the second half as i was with the first.
i also can’t say i was super emotionally invested. my pulse was steady (except when thorne had me about ready to act up in parts of the first half 😋).
overall though, i did have a really good time with this book. i wouldn’t call it a fantasy masterpiece, but it was an enjoyable and easy read. i’ll definitely be picking up the next one!
our heroine, ivy? baddie. ‘nuf said.
our hero, thorne? give him my number NOW. enigmatic, charming and raven-haired? smash. mans practically had me under spells. i was giggling like a fool for him!
they had such a solid dynamic filled with banter and electricity, and they played off each other so well whenever they shared page time. i could have gone for a touch more intensity on the tension and yearning in their romance in the second half, perhaps a bit more mystery between them as far as their mutual feelings went too (especially since this is meant to be the first in a series) — but i still really enjoyed these two a lot, nonetheless. i can also spot the potential for things to get even more interesting between them based on the ending!
this also had some really fun side characters. i do wish that the big bad was a smidge more charismatic and cunning — he was a bit too one dimensional. that’s just a me thing though, as i like it more when the villains also engage me and have me cackling with their clever machinations. he was a bit simple and unmemorable, but ya know…he was making a few moves here and there, however transparent they may have been.
the first half of this was absolute CRACK, i kid you not. the thrills were UP! i was having so much fun and couldn’t put it down. if i didn’t have it in my hand, i was thinking about it. admittedly though, my energy with the book did dip in the second half. very unspecific and unhelpful commentary, i know. i really don’t have anything bad to say about this half per se, but i just wasn’t as locked in on it as i was with the first. while this half (and the ending) weren’t without some surprises, some of the reveals and sequences of events were a bit too predictable for me, and as hinted to before, i wish the romance was paced a bit differently — so these factors may have been contributors to me waning a little bit. i also wish there was deeper character development, as it did read a bit surface level by the end. otherwise, i can’t really put my finger on it too closely (outside of the things mentioned) as to why i wasn’t as obsessed with the second half as i was with the first.
i also can’t say i was super emotionally invested. my pulse was steady (except when thorne had me about ready to act up in parts of the first half 😋).
overall though, i did have a really good time with this book. i wouldn’t call it a fantasy masterpiece, but it was an enjoyable and easy read. i’ll definitely be picking up the next one!
December 30, 2025
4.5🌟 a fun, fast paced and addictive romantasy involving a badass female assassin wraith and a morally grey shadow wielding reaper daddy (that was a mouthful)! The world was interesting and the plot had me completely hooked. There were a ton of plot twists, some I guessed but others COMPLETELY took me by surprise which I find so rare these days! For that alone I wanted to give this a high rating! The only thing that marked this down for me was the banter between characters sometimes felt very juvenile and a bit cringe 🫣
March 12, 2026
4.5☆ 𝓗𝓮𝓲𝓻 𝓸𝓯 𝓘𝓵𝓵𝓾𝓼𝓲𝓸𝓷 (ᴠᴇʀʀᴀɴ ɪsʟᴇs #𝟷)
🐍 🗡️ 🪽 ⋆˙⟡♡𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒃 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅♡⟡˙⋆
⋅ 𝐈 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐠𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐝, 𝐰𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 ⋅
i was completely immersed into this world with these characters. i really loved the magic system and how each isle has its own unique magic. and the plot? had me on the edge of my seat. not a boring moment!!
𖧧. ݁𝙸𝚟𝚢 is our wraith/assassin (absolute baddie btw) she is so strong. everything she endures just to survive… ❤️🩹 *𝘴𝘰𝘣𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸*
i adore her character so much and am so excited to see her in the next book. her magical abilities 10/10 ily queeeen 😚
𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚛𝚗𝚎 ₊˚»𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙥𝙚𝙧 𓌜 . ݁ and also our broody shadow daddy (who has shadow snakes uhm say less) this man 🫦 𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓵 is now a new fav nickname of mine 🖤🪽 ohhh and a man that begs >>>
the tension between these two?? the banter?? off the charts 📈 had me giggling the whole book 🤭 i do wish the romance progressed just a tad slower but still so good!! and i did in fact eat up the “𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘪𝘦” and “𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶” moments hehe
༘⋆ 𑣲 𝘐 𝘴𝘢𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘭𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘮𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘐 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘣𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦 ⋆˚࿔
honorable mention to 𝙳𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚘𝚠 and 𝙶𝚛𝚒𝚏𝚏𝚎𝚗 🫶🏻
ok so i really like some of the reveals in this, a little predictable but still good. AND THAT ENDING?? … idk how i felt about how a certain someone was acting 🫣 i have many questions!! especially after that bonus chapter
˚☽˚.⋆ 𝒢𝑜𝑜𝒹𝓃𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓹𝓮𝓻 …
… 𝒢𝑜𝑜𝒹𝓃𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝓐𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓵 ⋆⭒˚.⋆
🐍 🗡️ 🪽 ⋆˙⟡♡𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒃 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅♡⟡˙⋆
⋅ 𝐈 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐠𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐝, 𝐰𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 ⋅
i was completely immersed into this world with these characters. i really loved the magic system and how each isle has its own unique magic. and the plot? had me on the edge of my seat. not a boring moment!!
𖧧. ݁𝙸𝚟𝚢 is our wraith/assassin (absolute baddie btw) she is so strong. everything she endures just to survive… ❤️🩹 *𝘴𝘰𝘣𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸*
i adore her character so much and am so excited to see her in the next book. her magical abilities 10/10 ily queeeen 😚
𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚛𝚗𝚎 ₊˚»𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙥𝙚𝙧 𓌜 . ݁ and also our broody shadow daddy (who has shadow snakes uhm say less) this man 🫦 𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓵 is now a new fav nickname of mine 🖤🪽 ohhh and a man that begs >>>
the tension between these two?? the banter?? off the charts 📈 had me giggling the whole book 🤭 i do wish the romance progressed just a tad slower but still so good!! and i did in fact eat up the “𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘪𝘦” and “𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶” moments hehe
༘⋆ 𑣲 𝘐 𝘴𝘢𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘭𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘮𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘐 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘣𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦 ⋆˚࿔
honorable mention to 𝙳𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚘𝚠 and 𝙶𝚛𝚒𝚏𝚏𝚎𝚗 🫶🏻
ok so i really like some of the reveals in this, a little predictable but still good. AND THAT ENDING?? … idk how i felt about how a certain someone was acting 🫣 i have many questions!! especially after that bonus chapter
˚☽˚.⋆ 𝒢𝑜𝑜𝒹𝓃𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓹𝓮𝓻 …
… 𝒢𝑜𝑜𝒹𝓃𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝓐𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓵 ⋆⭒˚.⋆
May 25, 2025
Not only was this book completely original with the world, and the magic system, but the FMC is one of my favorites ever.
You get so much back story on our FMC Ivy that everything she does makes sense- and I love her personality so much. She is just a girl. A tough girl, but a girl nonetheless.
THE MMC BROOOO. I love him, he’s my fav type of man in a book. A little tortured, a bad history and a penchant for killing people who touch her. LOVE!
The end of this book had me gobsmacked??? I’m READY for book 2.
5 stars ⭐️ good times were indeed had.
You get so much back story on our FMC Ivy that everything she does makes sense- and I love her personality so much. She is just a girl. A tough girl, but a girl nonetheless.
THE MMC BROOOO. I love him, he’s my fav type of man in a book. A little tortured, a bad history and a penchant for killing people who touch her. LOVE!
The end of this book had me gobsmacked??? I’m READY for book 2.
5 stars ⭐️ good times were indeed had.
March 15, 2026
5 🌟 “𝐵𝑒𝓌𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓉𝑜𝓊𝒸𝒽 𝑜𝒻 𝒟𝑒𝒶𝓉𝒽…” 🖤
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚌𝚕𝚞𝚋 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍: 𝑯𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝑰𝒍𝒍𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 ✨
This was so easy to absolutely devour!! Plot was plotting, the pacing did not slow down once and the fmc has illusion magic while the mmc is a shadow daddy… YES YES YES
The tension HELLO?? I was giggling kicking my feet by chapter 2 likeee🤭😚
Thorne is honestly such a golden retriever, he folded under zero pressure for Ivy. And as soon as Thorne’s shadows came out, Ivy was down bad for him too LOL honestly I don’t blame either of them! 🤪
Reaper + assassin wraith? HOT 🔥 really enjoying them as our main characters and can’t wait to see how they progress.
“��𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦?” 🤸🏻♀️🫦
𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝟸𝟷 ₊⊹⁀➴ “𝓕𝓵𝔂”ִֶ.𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ🪽་༘࿐🤍
“𝘐𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺, 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢��𝘨𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘴𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘦. 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦. 𝓢𝓪𝓯𝓮𝓽𝔂.” Our poor girl Ivy💔
The last couple of chapters I was clutching my pearls but the last page?! Plot twist I did not see coming!! I hope Madeline is in the office cooking up book 2 because I need that asap!
“𝓣𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮’𝓼 𝓷𝓸 𝓻𝓸𝓸𝓶 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓶𝓮𝓻𝓬𝔂 𝓽𝓸𝓷𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽. 𝓞𝓷𝓵𝔂 𝓭𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓱.” 🪦🤏🏼
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚌𝚕𝚞𝚋 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍: 𝑯𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝑰𝒍𝒍𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 ✨
This was so easy to absolutely devour!! Plot was plotting, the pacing did not slow down once and the fmc has illusion magic while the mmc is a shadow daddy… YES YES YES
The tension HELLO?? I was giggling kicking my feet by chapter 2 likeee🤭😚
Thorne is honestly such a golden retriever, he folded under zero pressure for Ivy. And as soon as Thorne’s shadows came out, Ivy was down bad for him too LOL honestly I don’t blame either of them! 🤪
Reaper + assassin wraith? HOT 🔥 really enjoying them as our main characters and can’t wait to see how they progress.
“��𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦?” 🤸🏻♀️🫦
𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝟸𝟷 ₊⊹⁀➴ “𝓕𝓵𝔂”ִֶ.𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ🪽་༘࿐🤍
“𝘐𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺, 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢��𝘨𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘴𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘦. 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦. 𝓢𝓪𝓯𝓮𝓽𝔂.” Our poor girl Ivy💔
The last couple of chapters I was clutching my pearls but the last page?! Plot twist I did not see coming!! I hope Madeline is in the office cooking up book 2 because I need that asap!
“𝓣𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮’𝓼 𝓷𝓸 𝓻𝓸𝓸𝓶 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓶𝓮𝓻𝓬𝔂 𝓽𝓸𝓷𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽. 𝓞𝓷𝓵𝔂 𝓭𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓱.” 🪦🤏🏼
March 10, 2026
This was such an enjoyable read!!
I loved the concept of the FMC being a wraith, and I thought it was so unique!! I also loved the MMC (obviously) and I was so intrigued just from the first few chapters!!
my only *issue* with this one was that the writing felt a bit choppy? I’m not sure if it was just me, but I didn’t feel that the story really flowed. I felt like I was turning the page to the next chapter and kinda wondering how we got to that point. I also felt like the relationship between the characters was very insta-lovey and I felt like we didn’t really get to see their relationship with each other develop. It was kinda like they hated each other, and then just suddenly loved each other. Maybe I was reading too much into it but I still really enjoyed it!! The ending was also so insane!! I need the next book now!
I loved the concept of the FMC being a wraith, and I thought it was so unique!! I also loved the MMC (obviously) and I was so intrigued just from the first few chapters!!
my only *issue* with this one was that the writing felt a bit choppy? I’m not sure if it was just me, but I didn’t feel that the story really flowed. I felt like I was turning the page to the next chapter and kinda wondering how we got to that point. I also felt like the relationship between the characters was very insta-lovey and I felt like we didn’t really get to see their relationship with each other develop. It was kinda like they hated each other, and then just suddenly loved each other. Maybe I was reading too much into it but I still really enjoyed it!! The ending was also so insane!! I need the next book now!
March 15, 2026
⋆˙⟡ 5 ⭐️ i fear heir of illusion might actually be romantasy perfection. top tier screaming, giggling, kicking your feet material. i don’t make the rules.
i actually picked this up while i was in the middle of a brutal reading slump. i got about five chapters in… and then life absolutely kicked my ass and i didn’t touch a book again for months. poor little heir of illusion just sat there, neglected and partially read, patiently waiting for me to come back to it.
fast forward to yesterday afternoon. i sat down to read “just a few chapters.” how naive of me. i was very quickly hooked - line and sinker.
this book completely possessed my mind, body, and spirit. i genuinely cannot remember the last time a book had me up reading until 2am, but here we are. the sleep deprivation was absolutely worth it. i even woke up ridiculously early this morning just so i could finish the last few chapters.
and the characters? obsessed.
our girl, ivy, is exactly the kind of heroine i love in a romantasy - sharp, sassy, and just reckless enough to get herself into situations that spiral completely out of control. she’s clever without being infallible, stubborn without being unbearable, and watching her fight tooth and nail for her freedom was everything.
and then there’s thorne. mysterious. unreadable. morally grey in the most delicious way. the kind of man who clearly knows more than he’s saying and absolutely refuses to explain himself. every scene he appeared in had me immediately sitting up straighter because you just know something is about to happen. the tension, the secrets, the constant sense that he’s playing a game no one else fully understands.
together, ivy and thorne make so much sense. the chemistry is there, the tension is there, and the constant push-and-pull between trust and suspicion makes every interaction feel palpable.
since finishing this read, i’m now officially a conspiracy theorist. because apparently i know absolutely nothing. i was so smug while reading this. fully convinced i had everything figured out. i was sitting there thinking i was some seasoned romantasy veteran, having the time of my life while confidently predicting exactly how everything would unfold. turns out… i was spectacularly wrong. i knew nothing.
so here i am, spiralling. i have theories stretching for miles. my brain is connecting dots that may or may not even exist. every little detail suddenly feels suspicious in hindsight. and the most criminal part of all? book two is nowhere in sight.
i genuinely do not know what i’m supposed to do with myself now, short of showing up on the publisher’s doorstep monday morning and begging on my knees for book two.
"I don't want to let go. What if this was just a dream?"
Do you dream of me often?
Every night."
⋆˙⟡ pre read → my first fantasy read of the year - and my first since november 2025? honestly… who even am i?! this was recommended by my beautiful laura jane, who continues her flawless streak of never letting me down ✨
i actually picked this up while i was in the middle of a brutal reading slump. i got about five chapters in… and then life absolutely kicked my ass and i didn’t touch a book again for months. poor little heir of illusion just sat there, neglected and partially read, patiently waiting for me to come back to it.
fast forward to yesterday afternoon. i sat down to read “just a few chapters.” how naive of me. i was very quickly hooked - line and sinker.
this book completely possessed my mind, body, and spirit. i genuinely cannot remember the last time a book had me up reading until 2am, but here we are. the sleep deprivation was absolutely worth it. i even woke up ridiculously early this morning just so i could finish the last few chapters.
and the characters? obsessed.
our girl, ivy, is exactly the kind of heroine i love in a romantasy - sharp, sassy, and just reckless enough to get herself into situations that spiral completely out of control. she’s clever without being infallible, stubborn without being unbearable, and watching her fight tooth and nail for her freedom was everything.
and then there’s thorne. mysterious. unreadable. morally grey in the most delicious way. the kind of man who clearly knows more than he’s saying and absolutely refuses to explain himself. every scene he appeared in had me immediately sitting up straighter because you just know something is about to happen. the tension, the secrets, the constant sense that he’s playing a game no one else fully understands.
together, ivy and thorne make so much sense. the chemistry is there, the tension is there, and the constant push-and-pull between trust and suspicion makes every interaction feel palpable.
since finishing this read, i’m now officially a conspiracy theorist. because apparently i know absolutely nothing. i was so smug while reading this. fully convinced i had everything figured out. i was sitting there thinking i was some seasoned romantasy veteran, having the time of my life while confidently predicting exactly how everything would unfold. turns out… i was spectacularly wrong. i knew nothing.
so here i am, spiralling. i have theories stretching for miles. my brain is connecting dots that may or may not even exist. every little detail suddenly feels suspicious in hindsight. and the most criminal part of all? book two is nowhere in sight.
i genuinely do not know what i’m supposed to do with myself now, short of showing up on the publisher’s doorstep monday morning and begging on my knees for book two.
"I don't want to let go. What if this was just a dream?"
Do you dream of me often?
Every night."
⋆˙⟡ pre read → my first fantasy read of the year - and my first since november 2025? honestly… who even am i?! this was recommended by my beautiful laura jane, who continues her flawless streak of never letting me down ✨
November 23, 2025
JA MANNNNNNNNNNN
Currently reading
March 20, 2026pre-read:
Lots of sad books back to back.. time for some romantacy 👀
Lots of sad books back to back.. time for some romantacy 👀
Currently reading
March 4, 2026first fantasy/romantasy book after about.. a year? LMAO. reading this with bsf annnenenene <3 i'm intimidated
March 18, 2026
Oh pretty, pretty please… can I read book 2 already?!
The banter. The pacing. The plot. The characters. Everything about this was addictive.
Diving into this story, you’ll meet Ivy. A badass, sharp-tongued assassin FMC with a traumatic past and struggles with her mental health. She gives more than she takes, always putting others first. But then she meets someone who reminds her that it’s okay to be selfish sometimes.
Enter Thorne. The shadow daddy. The man who is absolutely obsessed with her from the moment he lays eyes on her and who just might be the only one capable of saving her.
Tropes:
~ Enemies to Lovers
~ He Falls First
~ Touch Her and Die
~ Banter
Full transparency: I inhaled this book. The banter between the main and side characters alone had me giggling and giddy. And that plot twist toward the end? I genuinely did not see it coming. I thought I knew exactly where the story was heading and I love when an author proves me wrong.
Easily a 5-star read for me. I am impatiently waiting for book 2.
I want to thank Netgalley, Zando | Slowburn, and Madeline Taylor for the eARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The banter. The pacing. The plot. The characters. Everything about this was addictive.
Diving into this story, you’ll meet Ivy. A badass, sharp-tongued assassin FMC with a traumatic past and struggles with her mental health. She gives more than she takes, always putting others first. But then she meets someone who reminds her that it’s okay to be selfish sometimes.
Enter Thorne. The shadow daddy. The man who is absolutely obsessed with her from the moment he lays eyes on her and who just might be the only one capable of saving her.
Tropes:
~ Enemies to Lovers
~ He Falls First
~ Touch Her and Die
~ Banter
Full transparency: I inhaled this book. The banter between the main and side characters alone had me giggling and giddy. And that plot twist toward the end? I genuinely did not see it coming. I thought I knew exactly where the story was heading and I love when an author proves me wrong.
Easily a 5-star read for me. I am impatiently waiting for book 2.
I want to thank Netgalley, Zando | Slowburn, and Madeline Taylor for the eARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
January 26, 2026
━━━ઇଓㅤ⤸
꒰ 𝐚𝐫𝐜 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 ꒱ Ⓘ pub date: february 10th 2026
𝟓 ✩
🎧꒱ ‘A Little Death’ | The Neighbourhood
𝒮𝒽𝑒 𝒾𝓈 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓅𝑒𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝓉𝒶𝓂𝑒𝒹.
𝒮𝒽𝑒 𝒾𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒷𝑒𝒶𝓈𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝓁𝑒𝓉 𝒾𝓃𝓈𝒾𝒹𝑒.
𝒜𝓃𝒹 𝓈𝒽𝑒 𝓌𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝓈𝒽𝑜𝓌 𝓃𝑜 𝓂𝑒𝓇𝒸𝓎.
꒰ 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: ꒱
Oh my goodness, this was outrageously, outstandingly, incredibly phenomenal. I have never in my life read anything like this, and I must say, Heir of Illusion has exceeded my expectations of all fantasy out there.
The writing was sensational, the only way I can describe it. Madeline Taylor has created such a unique world with extraordinary characters and magic so unlike any I’ve ever read before. It’s deliciously dark. Deadly. And yet so dangerously, achingly beautiful. Tensions are high. The stakes are even higher. And a lethal weapon is causing destruction in Solmare. For the first time in what feels like so long, I was actually hooked from page one. It's no exaggeration, I needed to know more immediately. Every chapter was addicting in its own way. Action-packed, emotional, chaotic, thrilling. I couldn’t get enough. I’ve never been so overwhelmed by information in such a good way. There were twists and turns I never would’ve seen coming. And when I had even an inkling of suspicion about what was going on, the twist twisted.
And the romance? It was everything all in one. Sizzling tension you could cut with a knife, angsty scenes that made you feel like your heart was being ripped straight from your chest, and a slow burn that burned. I adored the concept of an unlikely alliance between two enemies, with secrets that could unravel them both. The same questions repeated as I turned the page: Should they trust each other? Should they not? What are they hiding? What will happen between them? I absolutely love a badass fmc, and I wasn't disappointed with Iverson one bit. She showed true strength and determination in a way that made me want to both wrap her in my arms and tell her she will be okay while also cheering her on for how she just never gave up no matter how bad her life got. And Thorne was the perfect morally grey mmc. Willing to do anything and everything to protect her, secretive yet also trustworthy. He made her finally feel safe and cherished in a way she hadn't been in years. And their special connection made what they had run so much deeper.
Just when I thought the book was sad enough, it got even more devastating. That whirlwind of an ending had me shocked to my core. A big round of applause to the author for that spectacular act of deception. You’ve truly knocked me off my feet, and I cannot wait to get my hands on book 2.
━━━
ᰔᩚ 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝: ꒱
eek i just got approved of my first arc!! i can’t wait to start my journey. this is my second first fantasy and first arc of the year, and from what i’ve heard and read, it sounds very promising. i’m really excited to be reading this and am especially thrilled since Krisha rated it so high. it seriously sounds like an incredible read: [ An alliance between enemies. A weapon of untold power. And a bond that could rewrite fate. ] oooh, count me in!!
Ⓘ thank you @netgalley for giving me the chance to read this free arc, i'm very eager to share my thoughts.
pub date: february 10th 2026
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝: 13/1/2026
𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝: 15/1/2026
-𝓖
꒰ 𝐚𝐫𝐜 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 ꒱ Ⓘ pub date: february 10th 2026
𝟓 ✩
🎧꒱ ‘A Little Death’ | The Neighbourhood
𝒮𝒽𝑒 𝒾𝓈 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓅𝑒𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝓉𝒶𝓂𝑒𝒹.
𝒮𝒽𝑒 𝒾𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒷𝑒𝒶𝓈𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝓁𝑒𝓉 𝒾𝓃𝓈𝒾𝒹𝑒.
𝒜𝓃𝒹 𝓈𝒽𝑒 𝓌𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝓈𝒽𝑜𝓌 𝓃𝑜 𝓂𝑒𝓇𝒸𝓎.
꒰ 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: ꒱
Oh my goodness, this was outrageously, outstandingly, incredibly phenomenal. I have never in my life read anything like this, and I must say, Heir of Illusion has exceeded my expectations of all fantasy out there.
The writing was sensational, the only way I can describe it. Madeline Taylor has created such a unique world with extraordinary characters and magic so unlike any I’ve ever read before. It’s deliciously dark. Deadly. And yet so dangerously, achingly beautiful. Tensions are high. The stakes are even higher. And a lethal weapon is causing destruction in Solmare. For the first time in what feels like so long, I was actually hooked from page one. It's no exaggeration, I needed to know more immediately. Every chapter was addicting in its own way. Action-packed, emotional, chaotic, thrilling. I couldn’t get enough. I’ve never been so overwhelmed by information in such a good way. There were twists and turns I never would’ve seen coming. And when I had even an inkling of suspicion about what was going on, the twist twisted.
And the romance? It was everything all in one. Sizzling tension you could cut with a knife, angsty scenes that made you feel like your heart was being ripped straight from your chest, and a slow burn that burned. I adored the concept of an unlikely alliance between two enemies, with secrets that could unravel them both. The same questions repeated as I turned the page: Should they trust each other? Should they not? What are they hiding? What will happen between them? I absolutely love a badass fmc, and I wasn't disappointed with Iverson one bit. She showed true strength and determination in a way that made me want to both wrap her in my arms and tell her she will be okay while also cheering her on for how she just never gave up no matter how bad her life got. And Thorne was the perfect morally grey mmc. Willing to do anything and everything to protect her, secretive yet also trustworthy. He made her finally feel safe and cherished in a way she hadn't been in years. And their special connection made what they had run so much deeper.
Just when I thought the book was sad enough, it got even more devastating. That whirlwind of an ending had me shocked to my core. A big round of applause to the author for that spectacular act of deception. You’ve truly knocked me off my feet, and I cannot wait to get my hands on book 2.
━━━
ᰔᩚ 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝: ꒱
eek i just got approved of my first arc!! i can’t wait to start my journey. this is my second first fantasy and first arc of the year, and from what i’ve heard and read, it sounds very promising. i’m really excited to be reading this and am especially thrilled since Krisha rated it so high. it seriously sounds like an incredible read: [ An alliance between enemies. A weapon of untold power. And a bond that could rewrite fate. ] oooh, count me in!!
Ⓘ thank you @netgalley for giving me the chance to read this free arc, i'm very eager to share my thoughts.
pub date: february 10th 2026
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝: 13/1/2026
𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝: 15/1/2026
-𝓖
March 6, 2025
It’s 130 in the morning and I just finished this book (that I started this afternoon) and HOLY CRAP. I am SWEATTTTTINGGGGG.
that ending?!? Help???? I’m unwell.
Madeline’s writing style was wholly enjoyable. This book is so well written and honestly, a top read so far this year.
Where to start…first things. Thorne is probably my new favorite book boyfriend. The perfect blend of “she’s mine” and “who did this to you” wrapped up in a snarky shadow daddy.
And Ivy? My strong, persevering, bad a**, Ivy. I love her journey of finding her fight and realizing who she is. I love them. I love them separately but them together?? Perfection.
Also. Darrow and Griffen coming in hot as my new favorite witty side characters. The banter in this book is unmatched and I laughed quite a few times.
Sad I have to wait for the next book because I NEED ANSWERSSSSSS
that ending?!? Help???? I’m unwell.
Madeline’s writing style was wholly enjoyable. This book is so well written and honestly, a top read so far this year.
Where to start…first things. Thorne is probably my new favorite book boyfriend. The perfect blend of “she’s mine” and “who did this to you” wrapped up in a snarky shadow daddy.
And Ivy? My strong, persevering, bad a**, Ivy. I love her journey of finding her fight and realizing who she is. I love them. I love them separately but them together?? Perfection.
Also. Darrow and Griffen coming in hot as my new favorite witty side characters. The banter in this book is unmatched and I laughed quite a few times.
Sad I have to wait for the next book because I NEED ANSWERSSSSSS
July 15, 2025
i beg your finest pardon??? nothing could’ve prepared me for that ending — I ATE THIS UP!!! THORNE… ur hand in marriage pls
July 22, 2025
hold up…. WHAT???
please standby for a full review because my brain is still trying to process that ending🤯
4⭐️ for the vibes though, this was so entertaining
please standby for a full review because my brain is still trying to process that ending🤯
4⭐️ for the vibes though, this was so entertaining
April 2, 2025
reread release day mar 31 -
YEP it still hits 🙂↕️❤️🔥❤️🔥 i was so happy to be back with ivy + thorne! i'd highly recommend this to honestly any romantasy lover, it's such a fun, fast paced read! i cannot WAIT to learn more about what is in store for these two in book two ❤️🔥
first read feb 19 -
the first arc to ever leave me in a book slump 😅🫶🏼 i’m ngl, it’s taken me a few days to process the ending and find proper words to do this book justice, but i’m now fully prepared to be insufferable about it!! 🤭
you’re gonna want to make room for this on your april tbr!! this is slowwww burn, reluctant allies to lovers, with GOD tier banter, and found family who will nestle their way right into your heart!
book one is set in solmare, where gods, high fae, and mortals coexist. there’s both glamour and elemental magic at play in this world. we follow ivy as she partners with reluctant allies to find the key to not only a dark prophecy, but also the key to her freedom from the control of her brutal oppressor.
ivy is a fearless, sharp tongued assassin with a heart of gold who has endured so much. the way madeline tackles both the trauma involved in this, as well as the mental health hurdles that come along with it is done with such empathy and care. it was so refreshing to read the inner monologue of such a relatable character.
thorne, *sigh* our tortured, but thoughtful, confident, shadow protector, who would burn the world down for his girl (and she deserves it!!) i absolutely MELTED anytime he said ‘angel’ 😭 these two are officially in my top 3 🔐
i was NOT expecting the last 30% of this book to go so hard, omg!! 👀 just when i thought i had it all figured out, i was humbly mistaken. it had me audibly gasping in parts, and ofc i shed a few tears 🥹 that ending?? i have about a thousand questions i need answered immediately 😅
thank you again, madeline for sending me this digital arc 🤍 it was such an honor to be trusted with your debut. i’m so excited for your future, this book is pure magic!! thank you for bringing ivy and thorne to life on page, their story is truly one for the books 🫶🏼
YEP it still hits 🙂↕️❤️🔥❤️🔥 i was so happy to be back with ivy + thorne! i'd highly recommend this to honestly any romantasy lover, it's such a fun, fast paced read! i cannot WAIT to learn more about what is in store for these two in book two ❤️🔥
first read feb 19 -
the first arc to ever leave me in a book slump 😅🫶🏼 i’m ngl, it’s taken me a few days to process the ending and find proper words to do this book justice, but i’m now fully prepared to be insufferable about it!! 🤭
you’re gonna want to make room for this on your april tbr!! this is slowwww burn, reluctant allies to lovers, with GOD tier banter, and found family who will nestle their way right into your heart!
book one is set in solmare, where gods, high fae, and mortals coexist. there’s both glamour and elemental magic at play in this world. we follow ivy as she partners with reluctant allies to find the key to not only a dark prophecy, but also the key to her freedom from the control of her brutal oppressor.
ivy is a fearless, sharp tongued assassin with a heart of gold who has endured so much. the way madeline tackles both the trauma involved in this, as well as the mental health hurdles that come along with it is done with such empathy and care. it was so refreshing to read the inner monologue of such a relatable character.
thorne, *sigh* our tortured, but thoughtful, confident, shadow protector, who would burn the world down for his girl (and she deserves it!!) i absolutely MELTED anytime he said ‘angel’ 😭 these two are officially in my top 3 🔐
i was NOT expecting the last 30% of this book to go so hard, omg!! 👀 just when i thought i had it all figured out, i was humbly mistaken. it had me audibly gasping in parts, and ofc i shed a few tears 🥹 that ending?? i have about a thousand questions i need answered immediately 😅
thank you again, madeline for sending me this digital arc 🤍 it was such an honor to be trusted with your debut. i’m so excited for your future, this book is pure magic!! thank you for bringing ivy and thorne to life on page, their story is truly one for the books 🫶🏼
May 20, 2025
2.75⭐️ I wanted to DNF but I kept going with this book because the reviews were so high. After I finished I thought “did we read the same book” so I was checking the reviews…all 5 stars were ARC reviews 🙄
The FMC mostly screamed, shouted or whispered in her interactions with the MMC. It really bothered me that she could talk to her guards in the hallway outside her door but nobody would hear her screaming or shouting at Thorne in her room.
The phrase “somewhere in the back of my mind” was in this book 7 times.
“The Fates work in mysterious ways”
-not with the irl religion reference. there were several, this was just the only one I quoted.
“Relief melts my bones, leaving me weightless. Helplessness paralyzes me as the seconds pass, spreading into minutes. And yet…nothing happens.”
-errr…what?
“As much as I hated the man, if *** did care for him, then he deserves to grieve however he wishes. It’s not my place to judge”
-this is about someone who literally tried to murder her as a child and buried her alive but yeah okay, it’s not your place to judge.
The FMC mostly screamed, shouted or whispered in her interactions with the MMC. It really bothered me that she could talk to her guards in the hallway outside her door but nobody would hear her screaming or shouting at Thorne in her room.
The phrase “somewhere in the back of my mind” was in this book 7 times.
“The Fates work in mysterious ways”
-not with the irl religion reference. there were several, this was just the only one I quoted.
“Relief melts my bones, leaving me weightless. Helplessness paralyzes me as the seconds pass, spreading into minutes. And yet…nothing happens.”
-errr…what?
“As much as I hated the man, if *** did care for him, then he deserves to grieve however he wishes. It’s not my place to judge”
-this is about someone who literally tried to murder her as a child and buried her alive but yeah okay, it’s not your place to judge.
July 30, 2025
I am 90% convinced this was at least partially written by ChatGPT.
I cannot even begin to describe how sloppily this book is written.
I cannot even begin to describe how sloppily this book is written.
November 29, 2025
Say HELLO to what is going to be your NEW FAVORITE ROMANTASY OF 2026 YALL!! 🤨🫵🫵🫵
I am shook. I am not okay. I am emotionally devastated and also somehow alive after finishing Heir of Illusion. This book stole my heart and then proceeded to crush it over and over in the best way possible.
The chemistry between Ivy and Thorne?! 😭🔥 The tension, the slow burn, the stolen glances, the dangerous trust…it had me swooning, biting my nails, and literally yelling at the pages. I could feel every spark between them, and I am obsessed.
The twists… THE TWISTS. I thought I knew where the story was going. I thought I was clever. I WAS WRONG. Every time I thought I had it figured out, this book slapped me in the face with another jaw-dropping revelation. I was gasping, flailing, and re-reading passages because I could not believe what just happened.
The mystery, the world-building, the pacing!!! It’s all chef’s kiss. I was never bored for a second. Every chapter left me desperate to know what happens next, and the unanswered questions kept me up at night.
And the ending. OH. THE. ENDING. I am not okay. My heart is broken, my brain is exploding, and I am counting down the seconds until the release of Heir of Illusion in February 2026. This first book sets up the series SO WELL, and I know the sequel is going to be even bigger, darker, and hotter, and I am HERE FOR IT.
If you love enemies-to-allies, swoon-worthy tension, mind-blowing twists, and a romance that will consume your soul… mark your calendars for Feb 2026 and read this book. ASAP. 🤨🫵
Received this book as an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Tiffani from Zando!
I am shook. I am not okay. I am emotionally devastated and also somehow alive after finishing Heir of Illusion. This book stole my heart and then proceeded to crush it over and over in the best way possible.
The chemistry between Ivy and Thorne?! 😭🔥 The tension, the slow burn, the stolen glances, the dangerous trust…it had me swooning, biting my nails, and literally yelling at the pages. I could feel every spark between them, and I am obsessed.
The twists… THE TWISTS. I thought I knew where the story was going. I thought I was clever. I WAS WRONG. Every time I thought I had it figured out, this book slapped me in the face with another jaw-dropping revelation. I was gasping, flailing, and re-reading passages because I could not believe what just happened.
The mystery, the world-building, the pacing!!! It’s all chef’s kiss. I was never bored for a second. Every chapter left me desperate to know what happens next, and the unanswered questions kept me up at night.
And the ending. OH. THE. ENDING. I am not okay. My heart is broken, my brain is exploding, and I am counting down the seconds until the release of Heir of Illusion in February 2026. This first book sets up the series SO WELL, and I know the sequel is going to be even bigger, darker, and hotter, and I am HERE FOR IT.
If you love enemies-to-allies, swoon-worthy tension, mind-blowing twists, and a romance that will consume your soul… mark your calendars for Feb 2026 and read this book. ASAP. 🤨🫵
Received this book as an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Tiffani from Zando!
March 21, 2026
Big thanks to Zando and Netgalley for a copy of Heir Of Illusion for review purposes.
I've been on a fantasy romance hiatus for months! They all feel the same, predictable. Not this one. This is one of the best books I've read this year. I could go on and on about it, but nothing I could say would do it justice. All I can say is give this new romantasy a chance and read this book! 😍😍
I've been on a fantasy romance hiatus for months! They all feel the same, predictable. Not this one. This is one of the best books I've read this year. I could go on and on about it, but nothing I could say would do it justice. All I can say is give this new romantasy a chance and read this book! 😍😍
February 15, 2026
I had really high hopes going into this book, and it absolutely did not disappoint. I kept seeing so many of my mutuals rave about it, so I knew I had to pick it up—and shoutout to my bestie Laura for pushing me to read it, because she has never steered me wrong. Also, thank you to her for patiently listening to every single wrong theory I came up with along the way 😆
When I tell you I was SHOOK by the revelations in this story… I didn’t guess a single thing correctly. And what I loved most is that the twists actually made sense. Nothing felt random or thrown in for shock value—I just genuinely didn’t see it coming, which made it even more satisfying.
This was such a fun, easy, and addictive read. Sometimes you just need a romantasy that’s immersive, fast-paced, and easy to digest, and this delivered exactly that. The pacing worked really well for me, the world felt vivid without being overwhelming, and I quickly grew attached to the entire cast. The banter between Ivy & Thorne had me giggling 🤭
Ivy is such a strong, resilient FMC—truly a baddie—but my heart also broke for her multiple times throughout the story. I’m really rooting for her to get the happiness she deserves.
And Thorne… the broody, shadow-wielding, morally gray king? The perfect combination of protective, possessive, and secretly soft. Exactly my type.
I need book two immediately. Like, yesterday.
When I tell you I was SHOOK by the revelations in this story… I didn’t guess a single thing correctly. And what I loved most is that the twists actually made sense. Nothing felt random or thrown in for shock value—I just genuinely didn’t see it coming, which made it even more satisfying.
This was such a fun, easy, and addictive read. Sometimes you just need a romantasy that’s immersive, fast-paced, and easy to digest, and this delivered exactly that. The pacing worked really well for me, the world felt vivid without being overwhelming, and I quickly grew attached to the entire cast. The banter between Ivy & Thorne had me giggling 🤭
Ivy is such a strong, resilient FMC—truly a baddie—but my heart also broke for her multiple times throughout the story. I’m really rooting for her to get the happiness she deserves.
And Thorne… the broody, shadow-wielding, morally gray king? The perfect combination of protective, possessive, and secretly soft. Exactly my type.
I need book two immediately. Like, yesterday.
August 6, 2025
Oh, SHIIIIIT, I expected one part of that ending, but what I was not expecting was her birth title.
GO YOU, BADASS! She is going to slaaaay in book 2, and I'm so ready for it.
I'm usually a big fan of medium-high spice. This was very low spice, but it was still so good.
The tension, angst, and plot all made up for the lack of, ya know...👉🏼👌🏼
It was a little predictable, but honestly, that didn't bother me.
I loved the side characters and all the microtropes thrown in.
GO YOU, BADASS! She is going to slaaaay in book 2, and I'm so ready for it.
I'm usually a big fan of medium-high spice. This was very low spice, but it was still so good.
The tension, angst, and plot all made up for the lack of, ya know...👉🏼👌🏼
It was a little predictable, but honestly, that didn't bother me.
I loved the side characters and all the microtropes thrown in.
August 31, 2025
4.5 🌟 this was so good! Best romantasy I’ve read all year. The plot was thick like literally I was clocked in bitch. I at no point was 100% sure where this was going. The FMC is likeable(I love her actually), the MMC is likeable, and the side characters too. Hello?? *WTF* I feel revived 🌅
My only negative is I wish the FMC and MMC had a few more scenes of convos/development before the romance really kicked in. But still definitely a slow burn 🙂↕️
My only negative is I wish the FMC and MMC had a few more scenes of convos/development before the romance really kicked in. But still definitely a slow burn 🙂↕️
February 17, 2026
This was a GOOOD time!! The illusion magic and world building in this one was so unique and fun that I was hooked from the first chapter. This book starts off with a bang that had me really excited for this story. I loved the fmc and her snarky personality. She felt different from other fantasy fmcs in a way that I really enjoyed. I LOVEDDD the mmc and the banter between these 2!! It was so entertaining and added so much tension to their story. I loved how they had to be reluctant allies but slowly opened up to one another. I was really intrigued by Thorne’s backstory and my heart hurt for Ivy’s, but I really loved how she didn’t let it slow her down. The world itself and the plot were really interesting and fresh enough that I was interested the whole time. There were twists and turns, betrayals and reveals that I didn’t see coming. The ending was CRAZY and threw me for such a loop that I know I’ll have to read it again. It only makes me more excited for book 2!! One of the most enjoyable romantasy stories I’ve read in a long time that felt unique and enjoyable. Thank you to the publisher for the arc in exchange for my review <3
March 3, 2025
5⭐️ {Arc Review} this was absolutely incredible!! A fantasy romance debut that needs to be on everyone’s tbr!
This book has incredible banter, enemies to lovers, a shadow daddy, and an fmc who is an assassin. I was hooked from chapter one and the ending?!!! Madeline you will be getting my therapy bill because I am unwell and need the next book immediately!
Ivy and Thorne were such amazing characters and the tension between them was HOT! Ivy is such a badass and is stuck in such a heartbreaking situation. Even with everything she is dealing with she is so strong. Let’s talk about Thorne for a second. This man!! He is so protective of Ivy! Literally anything he said had me giggling like crazy and his cute little shadow snakes! I’m obsessed!!
Absolutely blown away by this debut and can’t wait for book 2!
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. #heirofillusion #thenerdfam
This book has incredible banter, enemies to lovers, a shadow daddy, and an fmc who is an assassin. I was hooked from chapter one and the ending?!!! Madeline you will be getting my therapy bill because I am unwell and need the next book immediately!
Ivy and Thorne were such amazing characters and the tension between them was HOT! Ivy is such a badass and is stuck in such a heartbreaking situation. Even with everything she is dealing with she is so strong. Let’s talk about Thorne for a second. This man!! He is so protective of Ivy! Literally anything he said had me giggling like crazy and his cute little shadow snakes! I’m obsessed!!
Absolutely blown away by this debut and can’t wait for book 2!
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. #heirofillusion #thenerdfam
November 12, 2025
This was absolutely phenomenal I thought I could predict the plot twists and see which direction the story was going in but I didn’t and I need the second book now!
February 28, 2026
3.5 stars
okay! this wasn’t awful! i had low expectations but it was fun and fast paced for sure, i really zoomed through the whole book.
some plot twists were obvious, while others did get me. overall it wasn’t that unique or scintillating, though some aspects were new! certainly an addictive romantasy and i thought the concepts were interesting.
did the romance go from 20% to 100% in like one chapter? maybe. ease up on the possessiveness, batboy. and side note - this is NOT enemies to lovers, no matter what the blurb says!
but i still had fun, and that’s what matters 🙂↕️
okay! this wasn’t awful! i had low expectations but it was fun and fast paced for sure, i really zoomed through the whole book.
some plot twists were obvious, while others did get me. overall it wasn’t that unique or scintillating, though some aspects were new! certainly an addictive romantasy and i thought the concepts were interesting.
did the romance go from 20% to 100% in like one chapter? maybe. ease up on the possessiveness, batboy. and side note - this is NOT enemies to lovers, no matter what the blurb says!
but i still had fun, and that’s what matters 🙂↕️
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