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A Wish So Deadly
Not yet published
Expected 12 Mar 26"Legends are never forged without a little ruin..."
An epic, heart-racing fantasy romance, for fans of Powerless, about the battle to survive a deadly tournament to win the wish your heart most desires.
When Talia unwittingly steals cursed jewels from a powerful Soulreaper, she pays the ultimate price: the Soulreaper takes her sister's soul. Desperate to save her sister, Talia strikes a deal. She will enter a deadly, magical tournament and if she survives, she will claim the prize of a wish - the only payment the Soulreaper will accept in exchange for the return of her sister.
But the tournament can only be won in pairs. Talia is paired with Taron, the Soulreaper's brooding, mysterious protégé harbouring secrets of his own. They must find a way to work together if they are going to make it through the deadly trials alive. And as Talia's feelings for Taron grow, the stakes get even higher. She realises the ultimate price might just be her heart.
This is a heart-pounding YA romantasy about a girl who is willing to sacrifice everything to bring her sister back from the dead. Prepare for swoon like no other, with slow-burn #EnemiesToLovers tension throughout.
An epic, heart-racing fantasy romance, for fans of Powerless, about the battle to survive a deadly tournament to win the wish your heart most desires.
When Talia unwittingly steals cursed jewels from a powerful Soulreaper, she pays the ultimate price: the Soulreaper takes her sister's soul. Desperate to save her sister, Talia strikes a deal. She will enter a deadly, magical tournament and if she survives, she will claim the prize of a wish - the only payment the Soulreaper will accept in exchange for the return of her sister.
But the tournament can only be won in pairs. Talia is paired with Taron, the Soulreaper's brooding, mysterious protégé harbouring secrets of his own. They must find a way to work together if they are going to make it through the deadly trials alive. And as Talia's feelings for Taron grow, the stakes get even higher. She realises the ultimate price might just be her heart.
This is a heart-pounding YA romantasy about a girl who is willing to sacrifice everything to bring her sister back from the dead. Prepare for swoon like no other, with slow-burn #EnemiesToLovers tension throughout.
- GenresRomantasyYoung Adult
Paperback
Expected publication March 12, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 3, 2025
Hi everyone! I just wanted to say that knowing A Wish So Deadly is going to be out in the world is an absolute DREAM. This story has had my heart since the moment I started writing it, and I'm delighted to have found the perfect publishing home with Scholastic. I can't wait for readers to dive into this adventurous tale of love, determination and survival! ❤️
January 15, 2026
Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for approving me to read this book, I’m rating it 4.25 stars.
This had me hooked! This book is quite fast paced I felt like it reminded me of fourth wing with how punchy it is like it just keeps coming while you try to catch your breath, but I liked it.
The magic system is unique, I’m not quite sure on the names for the magic, Emo threw me off a fair bit. The story absolutely strikes you in the feels early on with family at stake, it leads our FMC on a quest that’s beyond dangerous and her ally is not to be trusted or desired.
I will also say that the quest/tournament has a very hunger games feel to it so if you enjoy that world then this should be right up your street. I’m intrigued to see what happens next after that epilogue as things are about to get intense and I can’t wait.
This had me hooked! This book is quite fast paced I felt like it reminded me of fourth wing with how punchy it is like it just keeps coming while you try to catch your breath, but I liked it.
The magic system is unique, I’m not quite sure on the names for the magic, Emo threw me off a fair bit. The story absolutely strikes you in the feels early on with family at stake, it leads our FMC on a quest that’s beyond dangerous and her ally is not to be trusted or desired.
I will also say that the quest/tournament has a very hunger games feel to it so if you enjoy that world then this should be right up your street. I’m intrigued to see what happens next after that epilogue as things are about to get intense and I can’t wait.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and Scholastic for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
The world building in this book is very impressive. Marilize has done a wonderful job at immersing the reader in this world. Everything is described with such precision and detail that you can practically walk amongst the words on the page.
I loved her exploration of all the different types of magic and powers, I found that very interesting. Although I did find, at times, it was a little confusing, just because there's so many types and different names.
The dialogue is a little clunky. I know it's a fantasy novel and so it doesn't necessarily need to be realistic but at ties I felt it was obvious I was reading a book. But it didn't affect the enjoyment of the story.
There are similarities to a lot of well-loved fantasy novels such as Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, and Fourth Wing. But it is completely it's own thing, but if you enjoyed them then you'll enjoy this.
It's fast paced and punchy and full-on from start to finish.
She has balanced giving the reader an exciting and interesting plot, but has also given us deep, complex characters - good and bad - that we want to support through the journey.
It is your classical enemies-to-lovers romantasy (that's not a spoiler, it literally says about their feelings in the above synopsis) which was fun to read. Talia is an interesting protagonist. She's had to grow up quicky, looking after her sister, working, and trying to keep a roof over their heads. She is very family oriented and will do anything to protect her sister. Which leads her to pairing up with the mysterious Taron who is grumpy and quiet, but also protective and powerful.
Yes it's a fantasy, romantasy novel. It's fun and magical. But at the heart it is about love and community, family and what lengths you would go to to protect the ones you love.
Is it anything new? Not really, but I don't care. It gave me everything I wanted from a new romantasy story and I loved it.
Some fantasy novels can be bogged down in detail and make it hard to lose yourself in. And at over 400 pages, this is probably verging on the above-average page length, but it's so exciting and well written that the page count just zips by and, if you're like me, you'll look down and find you're already half way through.
I read it in a matter of hours, it was so addictive. I'm so glad there's a sequel already confirmed and I wonder if it will develop into a full series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Scholastic for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
The world building in this book is very impressive. Marilize has done a wonderful job at immersing the reader in this world. Everything is described with such precision and detail that you can practically walk amongst the words on the page.
I loved her exploration of all the different types of magic and powers, I found that very interesting. Although I did find, at times, it was a little confusing, just because there's so many types and different names.
The dialogue is a little clunky. I know it's a fantasy novel and so it doesn't necessarily need to be realistic but at ties I felt it was obvious I was reading a book. But it didn't affect the enjoyment of the story.
There are similarities to a lot of well-loved fantasy novels such as Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, and Fourth Wing. But it is completely it's own thing, but if you enjoyed them then you'll enjoy this.
It's fast paced and punchy and full-on from start to finish.
She has balanced giving the reader an exciting and interesting plot, but has also given us deep, complex characters - good and bad - that we want to support through the journey.
It is your classical enemies-to-lovers romantasy (that's not a spoiler, it literally says about their feelings in the above synopsis) which was fun to read. Talia is an interesting protagonist. She's had to grow up quicky, looking after her sister, working, and trying to keep a roof over their heads. She is very family oriented and will do anything to protect her sister. Which leads her to pairing up with the mysterious Taron who is grumpy and quiet, but also protective and powerful.
Yes it's a fantasy, romantasy novel. It's fun and magical. But at the heart it is about love and community, family and what lengths you would go to to protect the ones you love.
Is it anything new? Not really, but I don't care. It gave me everything I wanted from a new romantasy story and I loved it.
Some fantasy novels can be bogged down in detail and make it hard to lose yourself in. And at over 400 pages, this is probably verging on the above-average page length, but it's so exciting and well written that the page count just zips by and, if you're like me, you'll look down and find you're already half way through.
I read it in a matter of hours, it was so addictive. I'm so glad there's a sequel already confirmed and I wonder if it will develop into a full series.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received a review copy from the publisher in preparation for an upcoming UKYASpotlight interview. It has not affected my opinions.
A WISH SO DEADLY is a magical competition narrative that starts a romantasy series.
Magical competitions are nothing new in fiction but I liked how this one felt like a TV game show (the fantasy-set ones with story lines, like Raven, rather than challenge-only ones like Total Wipeout). There are teams and stages and uniforms to show which side you're on. Then there are the Games Master's Posts that report on what's happening for the public, very much like a commentator.
These stages were action packed sequences that read really smoothly - my reading pace certainly increased once the competition started. The monsters involved brought the most tension in and let the cast show off their different magics in cool ways.
With a large competition comes the chance for a large cast, but this book takes a restrained approach and focuses in on a few key competitors to allow the reader a better chance to get to know them. I liked the variety of the cast, from the spoilt prince (who was so much fun to dislike and I hope returns in the next book), to the confident and deadly girlfriends.
I liked that the romance doesn't go very far in this book. This is the first book in a series so by not having them get together here the relationship can be paced out over the series without requiring them to dramatically fall out at the end of the book to ensure there's tension in the next. Plus, this book takes place over a short period of time so having them starting to feel attraction but not get together felt more realistic to me. I like characters having time to fall in love.
There is another book to come, which will see Talia try to put right the mistakes she made. I would like it to have a competition-like element in it, given that is so key to this book for continuity (like how the was a HUNGER GAMES set up in MOCKING JAY to continue that idea across the books). I somewhat suspect that won't happen and it will be more of a battle/quest style narrative.
A WISH SO DEADLY is a magical competition narrative that starts a romantasy series.
Magical competitions are nothing new in fiction but I liked how this one felt like a TV game show (the fantasy-set ones with story lines, like Raven, rather than challenge-only ones like Total Wipeout). There are teams and stages and uniforms to show which side you're on. Then there are the Games Master's Posts that report on what's happening for the public, very much like a commentator.
These stages were action packed sequences that read really smoothly - my reading pace certainly increased once the competition started. The monsters involved brought the most tension in and let the cast show off their different magics in cool ways.
With a large competition comes the chance for a large cast, but this book takes a restrained approach and focuses in on a few key competitors to allow the reader a better chance to get to know them. I liked the variety of the cast, from the spoilt prince (who was so much fun to dislike and I hope returns in the next book), to the confident and deadly girlfriends.
I liked that the romance doesn't go very far in this book. This is the first book in a series so by not having them get together here the relationship can be paced out over the series without requiring them to dramatically fall out at the end of the book to ensure there's tension in the next. Plus, this book takes place over a short period of time so having them starting to feel attraction but not get together felt more realistic to me. I like characters having time to fall in love.
There is another book to come, which will see Talia try to put right the mistakes she made. I would like it to have a competition-like element in it, given that is so key to this book for continuity (like how the was a HUNGER GAMES set up in MOCKING JAY to continue that idea across the books). I somewhat suspect that won't happen and it will be more of a battle/quest style narrative.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5 Stars
Lightlark meets Little Thieves in this gorgeously magical, high stakes YA Fantasy; that’s bursting with yearning, elemental magic and an enemies to lovers dynamic that had me swooning the whole way through.
I genuinely loved how magical and enticing the worldbuilding was and adored our compelling (opportunistic thief) FMC Talia. Who, after stealing from a powerful Soulreaper, must enter a high stakes tournament to save her sister.
Her morally grey resourcefulness and Katniss-like determination to protect her sister was beyond heartfelt. I especially liked exploring the boundaries of her unique abilities (of sensing and manipulating negative emotions) and the darker aspects (including her own grief) that makes her power so complex and interesting.
Though, I did love Taron as well and found him just as intriguing. Protégé to the dangerous Soulreaper (Vera), Talia reluctantly joins forces with him to win the tournament. And I must say, if you like a strong silent type (who battles the secrets and tragedies of their past) then chances are you’re gonna really love him too!
The romance wasn’t as in-depth as I would’ve like, but the yearning and emotional build up (in the midst of an intensely pacy and deadly competition) was still pretty amazing. And kept me on the edge of my seat, with all those fabulous twists (and an ending that may just become my villain origin story, if I can’t get my hands on the sequel soon.)
Overall, an engaging and unputdownable debut exploring love, sacrifice and the lengths some will go to save the people they love. I’m honestly soo excited for whatever Marilize Loxton writes next.
Also, a huge thank you to Instabooktours & Scholastic for the PB copy (and spot on the tour.)
Lightlark meets Little Thieves in this gorgeously magical, high stakes YA Fantasy; that’s bursting with yearning, elemental magic and an enemies to lovers dynamic that had me swooning the whole way through.
I genuinely loved how magical and enticing the worldbuilding was and adored our compelling (opportunistic thief) FMC Talia. Who, after stealing from a powerful Soulreaper, must enter a high stakes tournament to save her sister.
Her morally grey resourcefulness and Katniss-like determination to protect her sister was beyond heartfelt. I especially liked exploring the boundaries of her unique abilities (of sensing and manipulating negative emotions) and the darker aspects (including her own grief) that makes her power so complex and interesting.
Though, I did love Taron as well and found him just as intriguing. Protégé to the dangerous Soulreaper (Vera), Talia reluctantly joins forces with him to win the tournament. And I must say, if you like a strong silent type (who battles the secrets and tragedies of their past) then chances are you’re gonna really love him too!
The romance wasn’t as in-depth as I would’ve like, but the yearning and emotional build up (in the midst of an intensely pacy and deadly competition) was still pretty amazing. And kept me on the edge of my seat, with all those fabulous twists (and an ending that may just become my villain origin story, if I can’t get my hands on the sequel soon.)
Overall, an engaging and unputdownable debut exploring love, sacrifice and the lengths some will go to save the people they love. I’m honestly soo excited for whatever Marilize Loxton writes next.
Also, a huge thank you to Instabooktours & Scholastic for the PB copy (and spot on the tour.)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to the author and publisher for an early copy of this book!!
I have been keeping my eyes on this book since it was announced. I loveeee a book with trials, enemies to lovers, and elemental magic so I just knew this would be a good read for me!
I really loved the author’s descriptions of the different scenes; they were in-depth and easy to picture without being too complex. There was a really good mix of plot and character development throughout the book. I really enjoyed the levels of angst and I liked the dynamic of the relationship. I do wish there was more romance building as it did go a bit quick but it was so thrilling when it hit its peak! I absolutely loved the trials and it reminded me of Divergent and The Hunter Games but it was also completely unique. I enjoyed the little ‘hints’ about the trials before we found what they were, and I found the back story of Madame Vera super interesting! I would’ve liked a bit more about that, and for the book in general to be longer, but it was also nice to have a quick and easy book to read which is good for me cause I have a low attention span! It was a hugely enjoyable YA novel and I would absolutely read anything else from this author as I think she’s fab!
Trials, angst and enemies to lovers, what more could anyone want? A stunning YA fantasy book bursting with plot twists and heartache. Marilize has blessed us with this book and her mind is incredible. If you love Powerless and The Hunger Games, you’ll *love* this book!!
Rating: 4/5 stars (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
I have been keeping my eyes on this book since it was announced. I loveeee a book with trials, enemies to lovers, and elemental magic so I just knew this would be a good read for me!
I really loved the author’s descriptions of the different scenes; they were in-depth and easy to picture without being too complex. There was a really good mix of plot and character development throughout the book. I really enjoyed the levels of angst and I liked the dynamic of the relationship. I do wish there was more romance building as it did go a bit quick but it was so thrilling when it hit its peak! I absolutely loved the trials and it reminded me of Divergent and The Hunter Games but it was also completely unique. I enjoyed the little ‘hints’ about the trials before we found what they were, and I found the back story of Madame Vera super interesting! I would’ve liked a bit more about that, and for the book in general to be longer, but it was also nice to have a quick and easy book to read which is good for me cause I have a low attention span! It was a hugely enjoyable YA novel and I would absolutely read anything else from this author as I think she’s fab!
Trials, angst and enemies to lovers, what more could anyone want? A stunning YA fantasy book bursting with plot twists and heartache. Marilize has blessed us with this book and her mind is incredible. If you love Powerless and The Hunger Games, you’ll *love* this book!!
Rating: 4/5 stars (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
Review of advance copy
A Wish So Deadly – Marilize Loxton
✨Deadly Tournament
✨Competition for a Wish
✨Save the Sibling
✨Deal with a Supernatural Being
✨Magic with Consequences
✨High Stakes Survival
✨Cursed Object (Cursed Jewels)
✨Forced Proximity
✨Reluctant Allies to Lovers
✨Brooding / Mysterious Love
Let me start with, this book was absolutely amazing I throughly enjoyed it!
A Wish So Deadly by Marilize Loxton is such a gripping YA fantasy that completely pulls you in. The story follows Talia, who ends up in a nightmare situation after stealing cursed jewels and losing her sister’s soul as a result. The only way to fix it? Compete in a deadly magical tournament where the winner earns a single wish. No pressure right?
What I really liked about this book is how emotional it feels. Talia isn’t fighting for glory or revenge she’s fighting for her sister, and that makes every challenge hit harder. The tournament setting adds constant tension because you never feel like anyone is safe. Every task feels dangerous, and the stakes stay high the whole time.
There’s also a slowburn romance that adds just the right amount of tension without taking over the plot. The chemistry builds naturally, especially with the forced partnership element, and it makes the dangerous moments even more intense.
Overall, it’s a fastpaced, dramatic fantasy with heart. If you like magical competitions, strong female leads, and a bit of enemies-to-allies romance, this one is definitely worth picking up.
✨Deadly Tournament
✨Competition for a Wish
✨Save the Sibling
✨Deal with a Supernatural Being
✨Magic with Consequences
✨High Stakes Survival
✨Cursed Object (Cursed Jewels)
✨Forced Proximity
✨Reluctant Allies to Lovers
✨Brooding / Mysterious Love
Let me start with, this book was absolutely amazing I throughly enjoyed it!
A Wish So Deadly by Marilize Loxton is such a gripping YA fantasy that completely pulls you in. The story follows Talia, who ends up in a nightmare situation after stealing cursed jewels and losing her sister’s soul as a result. The only way to fix it? Compete in a deadly magical tournament where the winner earns a single wish. No pressure right?
What I really liked about this book is how emotional it feels. Talia isn’t fighting for glory or revenge she’s fighting for her sister, and that makes every challenge hit harder. The tournament setting adds constant tension because you never feel like anyone is safe. Every task feels dangerous, and the stakes stay high the whole time.
There’s also a slowburn romance that adds just the right amount of tension without taking over the plot. The chemistry builds naturally, especially with the forced partnership element, and it makes the dangerous moments even more intense.
Overall, it’s a fastpaced, dramatic fantasy with heart. If you like magical competitions, strong female leads, and a bit of enemies-to-allies romance, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is such a solid debut and I enjoyed every single page of it. If you are a fan of the genre and the blurb got you intrigued, you will not be disappointed. Marilize says, this book is for you if you like:
- Deadly tournaments
- High-stakes magic
- Rivals forced into uneasy alliances
- A boy without a soul
- Betrayal that leaves scars
- Forced proximity romance
- An island riddled with beasts
- Magical monsters
and I couldn't agree more!
I think that for a debut the worldbuilding/ premise and magic system worked really well. You get a bit of Hunger Games but with a fresh spin to it. And, let's be honest, not every book I pick up, do I expect it to be the most original thing I've ever read. There are other themes here which take over and a great character arc for Talia, I was emotionally invested and fully immersed for the days I was reading this, the writing is SO GOOD! Her love for her sister, Elara, absolutely shines through!
In a nutshell, the story is interesting, the whole tournament/competition vibe is very well executed, the choices are impossible, the characters are deliciously flawed, the twists are twisting and the turns are turning, we have high stakes, action packed fast pace, it's a jolly good time!
Thank you to Marilize Loxton, Scholastic UK and NetGalley for my review copy, all opinions are my own.
- Deadly tournaments
- High-stakes magic
- Rivals forced into uneasy alliances
- A boy without a soul
- Betrayal that leaves scars
- Forced proximity romance
- An island riddled with beasts
- Magical monsters
and I couldn't agree more!
I think that for a debut the worldbuilding/ premise and magic system worked really well. You get a bit of Hunger Games but with a fresh spin to it. And, let's be honest, not every book I pick up, do I expect it to be the most original thing I've ever read. There are other themes here which take over and a great character arc for Talia, I was emotionally invested and fully immersed for the days I was reading this, the writing is SO GOOD! Her love for her sister, Elara, absolutely shines through!
In a nutshell, the story is interesting, the whole tournament/competition vibe is very well executed, the choices are impossible, the characters are deliciously flawed, the twists are twisting and the turns are turning, we have high stakes, action packed fast pace, it's a jolly good time!
Thank you to Marilize Loxton, Scholastic UK and NetGalley for my review copy, all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5✨ Wow what a book 😍 After losing their parents at such a young age Talia being the oldest takes care of her younger sister, she’s steals anything she’s can find that is worth selling for a small price. After stealing jewellery from a cottage and giving them away a suspicious pattern has accord, 3 pieces of jewellery sold and given to 3 people that had turned into 3 deaths. One being her younger sister who soul has been taken by a Soulreaper. The same Soulreaper that killed her sister makes a deal that she’s can bring back her sister if she’s competes in the Reckoning trials, but competing in the Reckoning can only leave 3 possible outcomes: victory for the winner, and for the rest, death of something for worse.
Taron a mystery he’s grumpy, quite and don’t give much away when it comes to what agreement he has with the Soulreaper is to enter the trails along side Talia. Taron a Luna he can manipulate gravity, he’s also protective and willing to let a teenager go after he stole from him. Now Talia and Taron have to trust one another to win and compete the games to win a Wish for the Soulreaper.
The end has a plot twist I did not see coming at all!! 😱
Thank you NetGalley & Scholastic Uk for the arc 😍
Taron a mystery he’s grumpy, quite and don’t give much away when it comes to what agreement he has with the Soulreaper is to enter the trails along side Talia. Taron a Luna he can manipulate gravity, he’s also protective and willing to let a teenager go after he stole from him. Now Talia and Taron have to trust one another to win and compete the games to win a Wish for the Soulreaper.
The end has a plot twist I did not see coming at all!! 😱
Thank you NetGalley & Scholastic Uk for the arc 😍
Review of advance copy
Thank you to Instabookstours for the advance copy, this book releases on 12/03/2026.
I was so excited when I found I had been accepted for this tour, and the book did not disappoint. A deadly tournament, enemies to lovers and high stakes adventure? Yes please! As a YA book, there was no spice either, which was perfect for me.
To start, the world building is divine - I could smell the bakery, imagine the little house Talia lives in with her sister and get lost amongst the taverns and trees of the world Marilize has created. Talia is strong and dedicated to her cause, and she is willing to do whatever it takes to survive, even if this means theft.
Taron is a mystery right from when we first meet him, and I loved seeing him soften and open up - just slightly - as the book progressed. The stakes are high and the trust nonexistent, so I was so invested to see if they would make it through.
This book gave me hints of The Hunger Games, so if you loved that series you will love this too! I am anxiously awaiting the next book already because that ending leaves me with so many questions.
Well written and a fabulous read - thank you to Instabooktours for the advance copy and Marilize for writing such a great story.
I was so excited when I found I had been accepted for this tour, and the book did not disappoint. A deadly tournament, enemies to lovers and high stakes adventure? Yes please! As a YA book, there was no spice either, which was perfect for me.
To start, the world building is divine - I could smell the bakery, imagine the little house Talia lives in with her sister and get lost amongst the taverns and trees of the world Marilize has created. Talia is strong and dedicated to her cause, and she is willing to do whatever it takes to survive, even if this means theft.
Taron is a mystery right from when we first meet him, and I loved seeing him soften and open up - just slightly - as the book progressed. The stakes are high and the trust nonexistent, so I was so invested to see if they would make it through.
This book gave me hints of The Hunger Games, so if you loved that series you will love this too! I am anxiously awaiting the next book already because that ending leaves me with so many questions.
Well written and a fabulous read - thank you to Instabooktours for the advance copy and Marilize for writing such a great story.
Review of advance copy
I’ve been thinking about this book even after the last page. From the first chapter, I was pulled straight into the story, and I couldn’t stop reading it. The way it handles a desperate action for money that was a fatal mistake, leading to a brutal three-stage deadly tournament, is just captivating.
Talia (FMC) is a half-Emo, and Taron (MMC) is a Lunar; this is such a fresh perspective for a magical world. They have a high-tension dynamic. Talia has the ability to sense negative emotions, and her sister Elara has the ability to sense positive emotions. In Talia’s case, everything she feels is so deep, and every moment of the Reckoning feels incredibly high stakes. Talia and Taron have an electric chemistry.
Then there is Cyrus, who looks like a narcissist, but you can see the lack of love and recognition from his family shaped his behaviour. I think there was a spark of interest towards Talia, which added a nice layer to the story.
The ending is saving on massive twists, and that caught me off guard. Cliffhanger? Yes, it left me wanting the next book like yesterday. Fast-paced and high stakes romantasy with surprises, a must-read.
Talia (FMC) is a half-Emo, and Taron (MMC) is a Lunar; this is such a fresh perspective for a magical world. They have a high-tension dynamic. Talia has the ability to sense negative emotions, and her sister Elara has the ability to sense positive emotions. In Talia’s case, everything she feels is so deep, and every moment of the Reckoning feels incredibly high stakes. Talia and Taron have an electric chemistry.
Then there is Cyrus, who looks like a narcissist, but you can see the lack of love and recognition from his family shaped his behaviour. I think there was a spark of interest towards Talia, which added a nice layer to the story.
The ending is saving on massive twists, and that caught me off guard. Cliffhanger? Yes, it left me wanting the next book like yesterday. Fast-paced and high stakes romantasy with surprises, a must-read.
January 24, 2026
Thank you Netgalley and Scholastic UK for giving me a chance to read this ARC!
First of all, I devoured this book. I loved every second of it. The magic system felt very fresh and was very interesting! Originally, I was apprehensive about reading another trials/hunger games like book since they can be hit and miss but this one was so clever and fast paced, didn’t get boring reading the characters go through them! I didn’t feel like I was reading the same sort of characters again that usually feature in fantasy romances/romantasys so I ended up really loving our FMC and MMC! The whole book kept me on my toes and excited, very impatient for the second book already!
If you loved Caraval, Once Upon A Broken Heart and Serpents and The Wings of Nights. I do feel like you’d love this book!
First of all, I devoured this book. I loved every second of it. The magic system felt very fresh and was very interesting! Originally, I was apprehensive about reading another trials/hunger games like book since they can be hit and miss but this one was so clever and fast paced, didn’t get boring reading the characters go through them! I didn’t feel like I was reading the same sort of characters again that usually feature in fantasy romances/romantasys so I ended up really loving our FMC and MMC! The whole book kept me on my toes and excited, very impatient for the second book already!
If you loved Caraval, Once Upon A Broken Heart and Serpents and The Wings of Nights. I do feel like you’d love this book!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A fast paced YA fantasy novel that is reminiscent of the hunger games.
I really enjoyed this book. Even though it gave me the same vibes as the hunger games with the trials and even the setting for one of the trials, it is definitely completely it's own thing. The magic system was intriguing and the world building was done very well.
I would not say that it is an 'enemies to lovers' storyline between Talia and Taron. It is more two people who don't know each other being forced into working together to survive. Feelings develop but each has their own reasons for remaining distant from the other.
The ending was very well done and I would love to find out what comes next for Talia and Taron.
I really enjoyed this book. Even though it gave me the same vibes as the hunger games with the trials and even the setting for one of the trials, it is definitely completely it's own thing. The magic system was intriguing and the world building was done very well.
I would not say that it is an 'enemies to lovers' storyline between Talia and Taron. It is more two people who don't know each other being forced into working together to survive. Feelings develop but each has their own reasons for remaining distant from the other.
The ending was very well done and I would love to find out what comes next for Talia and Taron.
March 5, 2026
I went into A Wish So Deadly by Marilize Loxton not knowing exactly what to expect, but it completely pulled me in from the start. It was a bit slow to start off with the world building but I understand why, because when it got going it was so action packed.
And that ending… I was not prepared. The final page genuinely had me in a chokehold. I did not see that twist coming at all, and I love when a book manages to surprise me like that. It immediately made me desperate for the next installment.
I can’t wait for book two.
Thank you so much to Scholastic UK and Insta Book Tours for gifting me a finished copy for review. 📚✨
And that ending… I was not prepared. The final page genuinely had me in a chokehold. I did not see that twist coming at all, and I love when a book manages to surprise me like that. It immediately made me desperate for the next installment.
I can’t wait for book two.
Thank you so much to Scholastic UK and Insta Book Tours for gifting me a finished copy for review. 📚✨
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC Review - well I managed to read this whole book in an afternoon, that should tell you everything! But if doesn't here's some more:
This is fast paced but well paced story filled with deadly trials, an FMC with something to prove and an a MMC that's broody but with lilac hair, hello? 👀🔥
There is mystery and plotting with backstabbing, loveable side characters and twists when you least expect it.
And that epilogue?! 👀 I'm going to need book 2 quickly!!
I loved the different takeaway on magic and the blend of personalities with said magic, and the cheeky news updates from the games master giving a cheeky bit of humour.
This is fast paced but well paced story filled with deadly trials, an FMC with something to prove and an a MMC that's broody but with lilac hair, hello? 👀🔥
There is mystery and plotting with backstabbing, loveable side characters and twists when you least expect it.
And that epilogue?! 👀 I'm going to need book 2 quickly!!
I loved the different takeaway on magic and the blend of personalities with said magic, and the cheeky news updates from the games master giving a cheeky bit of humour.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If only I could give this book 6 stars! Alas I only rate with 5 stars Max 🌟
This was a brilliant beginning to what I assume will be a multi-book series. Love and hate go hand in hand with danger and a mystery that has you gripped from the first page. The characters are fresh and representative of all genders which is encouraging in today's day and age. I adored the magic system as it was unique and compelled me to dive more into the world and the lore of the author's story. I would say anyone who loves trials, task and life or death situations fraught with perils will enjoy this first thrilling installment. I can't wait for the next book!
This was a brilliant beginning to what I assume will be a multi-book series. Love and hate go hand in hand with danger and a mystery that has you gripped from the first page. The characters are fresh and representative of all genders which is encouraging in today's day and age. I adored the magic system as it was unique and compelled me to dive more into the world and the lore of the author's story. I would say anyone who loves trials, task and life or death situations fraught with perils will enjoy this first thrilling installment. I can't wait for the next book!
March 9, 2026
For a YA fantasy novel I cannot believe how quickly and ferociously this book drew me in. This is something a teenage me NEEDED to read and yet I loved it just as much now as I know I would have then.
The world building was brilliant and I loved the magic system and it was easy to keep track with a helpful guide at the start.
This gave me hunger games vibes mixed with magical powers that just absolutely captivated me. BUT I was not prepared for that ending..! It left me wanting more.
So if this sounds like it's your cup of tea l'd urge you to add it to your TBR because genuinely you won't be disappointed.
Thanks to insta book tours and scholastic for my ARC
The world building was brilliant and I loved the magic system and it was easy to keep track with a helpful guide at the start.
This gave me hunger games vibes mixed with magical powers that just absolutely captivated me. BUT I was not prepared for that ending..! It left me wanting more.
So if this sounds like it's your cup of tea l'd urge you to add it to your TBR because genuinely you won't be disappointed.
Thanks to insta book tours and scholastic for my ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This book gave me Hunger games vibes and I really liked the magic system. The characters let me down though, I never really bonded with any of them and I didn't feel any chemistry between the two main characters. A decent book and I'm interessed in the development of the series.
This book gave me Hunger games vibes and I really liked the magic system. The characters let me down though, I never really bonded with any of them and I didn't feel any chemistry between the two main characters. A decent book and I'm interessed in the development of the series.
December 2, 2025
Loxton deftly paints an intimate, morally complex partnership between two deeply guarded characters and unspools them over the course of a tournament where betrayal has bever been closer. Relentless, ruthless, and utterly compelling, this is high stakes at its best and so deliciously fresh.
March 6, 2026
4 1/2 ⭐️
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