The Reader

by Hope E. Davis

Perfect for fans of the plot of Quicksilver and the magic system of One Dark Window, The Reader is an adult romantsy with dystopian themes written for those who feel powerless in life because of their stature, position, or gender.

I was born into this life only to walk another
Until the front lines began to falter
The viscount came and knocked on my door
Demanding that my brother join the war.
I disguised myself and volunteered in his stead
Only to discover I wasn’t the person they thought they had.

Forced to pass on magic, I lived my life in chains
But little does the viscount know…
I’m the biggest threat to his unending reign.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance

Unknown Binding

Expected publication January 15, 2026

About the author

When Hope isn’t writing her next novel, she is busy traveling the world, trying new foods, or hanging out with friends. A graduate from Metropolitan State University, Hope grew up in Colorado, USA, but currently calls the Netherlands her home. To find information about her other or future novels, follow Hope on TikTok or Instagram: @hopeedavisauthor.

Reviews

[Kimmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Reader by Hope E. Davis
Release Date: January 15, 2026

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

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

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

Thank you so much to Hope E. Davis and MTMCTours for the gifted copy.

[Ceacea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Hope E. Davis for the gift of this eARC.
Genre: Fantasy Romance
⭐️4/5
🌶2/5
🧠3/10
Cliffhanger: 7/10
Noteworthy: Book 1 of an incomplete trilogy. Single first-person POV. Publication date is 1/15/2026.

This book has some unique aspects for the genre. Two kingdoms at war for reasons that seem to be as vast as they are unknown. It's full of secrets we haven't even scratched the surface of in this relatively short first book. Magic has been purged and is forbidden. but to what extent is the question. Our main girl Runa was born a twin which is forbidden not just because of a one child rule, but also her family's covens superstitions. Instead of giving her up to die or be sent into service, her parents make her and her brother share the same life under his name. Keeping them looking as much a like as possible. A day comes when Runa is no longer able to hide who she is and is thrust into the war without allegiance to either side. Chaos issues!

The pacing in this book is really nice. The mysteries and secrets seemed to be just stacked on top of each other. The plot seems to be only partially revealed in this first installment keeping us waiting and wanting more knowledge of what is actually going on. There is a love triangle here but it's shorter on one side if that makes sense. 😂 I wish we had time to establish more depth for the side characters so they were more than just tools to move the plot along. Hopefully they keep getting development throughout the series.

Overall all this is a very quick, good fantasy romance read that will have you wishing is was longer. Beware the cliffhanger!

[Aly | Thealylifestyle ⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ ⏦ﾟ♡︎ ⋆ 𐙚 ̊. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was unputdownable!! Woow from the moment I open it, I was hooked trying to figure out everything about Runa and Milo. The thought of living in a world where a family was only able to have one child, Runa has always felt like her life wasn’t hers so I was instantly drawn to her story and wanting her to be happy. The magic system and the Reader having the abilities to give someone else powers as well was so intriguing. The romance in here as well uff just be prepared because it gets complicated and the ending!!! Let’s just say this book is not officially out yet and I’m already craving the next one!!

[Jennifer Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read, a Mulan-ish vibe, easy to follow magic system,Love triangle and fated mates. And yes this leave you on a cliffhanger but its sooo worth it!!.

[Unleishd_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Runa is the chaos I crave!
Magic, rebellion, and a girl who refuses to be underestimated. The Reader delivers dystopian romantasy with sharp teeth and a heroine who’s done playing nice. Hope E. Davis understood the assignment!

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
As a reader, I have to appreciate a story where the heroine's power comes from reading. I mean, as a fantasy/romantasy reader, that's a dream come true.
Runa is an identical twin sister to Milo, in a kingdom that has a one child policy. Even worse identical twins are considered an abomination. She and Milo have spent their lives sharing one identity until Milo fails to show up for mandatory military service. Runa is forced to go in his place. At the viscount's, she meets General Otho and Leif.
At times, this story gave me Orphan Black, Mulan, and A Deadly Education vibes.

The story is very fast-paced with lots of action and a sense of humor. I mean, when she meets Leif, one of the MMCs for the first time and the confusion that ensures. I couldn't stop laughing. Then, when she meets Otho, literally one of the first things he says to her is," Who did this to you?" 🔥

However, the story moves around to a lot of different settings with similar names and is a tad confusing. Also, Runa goes with the military so her brother can stay in the university. The university and military base are in the same town . I feel like this would have made more sense if they were in different locations.

But the ending?! Absolutely brutal in the best way possible. I can't wait for book 2
Thanks for choosing me to be an ARC Reader.

[Serrendippiet · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anyone who has ever wished that reading was a magic power.
Born into this life, only to walk it in the shoes of another. Will Runa ever be free to be herself or will she be stuck as a pawn in a war she didn't sign up for?

The Reader takes you on a striking adventure full of lies, secrets and betrayals. The plot was perfectly paced with genuine, non-stop suspense, there was always something happening or being revealed that kept it easy to continue reading well into the early morning. I liked that while The Reader had great depth, it also had simple and easy to understand world-building. The Reader felt like a book that was well thought-out with a dark, mysterious history. However, it never felt confusing and explanations on the why, what and when felt like they were seamlessly integrated into story without info-dumping. The book is filled with complex, emotionally charged characters that leave you wondering their true intentions the whole time. There were plenty of times my heart really broke for Runa, the girl can't seem to catch a break when all she wanted was a quiet life to be herself. Instead, it seems, life in Heimland has greater plans for her and with a cliffhanger like that, I can't wait for the second book, The Seeker.

This book was a rollercoaster with high-stakes and a heroine literally fighting for her own life. The Reader is the perfect introduction to the trilogy!

[Summer Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! There's magic, fantasy, adventure, and so much more! Hope E. Davis creates a world to fall in love with. There's a strong FMC who blooms into her true self with every turn of the page. A slow burn that keeps you wanting more!

[J White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Davis has created a beautiful, magical world. The characters' personalities are each unique and crafted in a way that adds to the storyline. For me, some explanations are not well created, but overall, this is a fun world to get lost into!

[Carli.Reads.A.Latte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm still processing WHAT
The Reader is an electrifying start to a new trilogy that fans of One Dark Window and Quicksilver will absolutely devour. Set in the oppressive world of Ralheim—where twins are feared as harbingers of dark magic and peasant families are forbidden from having more than one child—the story follows Runa Potson, a woman who shouldn’t exist.
​A Life Shared in the Shadows
​The premise is immediately hooky: Runa and her twin brother, Milo, have spent twenty-five years sharing a single identity—his. From matching tattoos to alternating days at university, their survival depends on the world never knowing there are two of them. This tension is palpable from page one, making every interaction feel like a life-or-death gamble.
​Magic in the Words
​The world-building truly shines when Runa is forced into the service of the ruthless Viscount Adis as "The Reader". In this world, magic isn't just cast; it is read from the ancient Seid language. I loved the concept that the cadence and pronunciation of these texts can grant incredible powers like wind manipulation, empathy, and persuasion to those who hear them. The discovery of "Seekers"—those who can sense magic—and the fated, "weighted" bonds between individuals adds a layer of soul-mate-level romance that kept me turning the pages.
​A Heroine Finding Her Voice
​Runa’s transformation is the heart of the book. Watching her go from a woman literally hidden from the world to a pivotal player in the brewing war between Ralheim and Malheim is incredibly satisfying. Her relationship with Leif, a Seeker with secrets of his own, provides plenty of heat and emotional complexity, especially as they navigate the intensity of their potential fated bond.
​
​With its dark themes, high stakes, and a cliffhanger that leaves the fate of Heimland hanging in the balance, The Reader is a must-read for romantic fantasy lovers. It’s a story about reclaiming identity and the power of knowledge in a world that wants to keep you silent.
​I am officially counting down the days until Book Two: The Seeker!

[Erin Arkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

The Reader by Hope E. Davis is a solid entry into the adult romantasy genre, offering a unique magic system set in a world grappling with dystopian control and secrets. The novel has strong core concepts and a fast-paced plot that keeps the pages turning, establishing a compelling foundation for what promises to be an intense series.

The story is set in a kingdom where magic is outlawed and controlled, existing only in whispers and ancient texts following a violent "Purge." The stakes are immediately high for our protagonist, Runa. Born a twin in a society where having more than one child is strictly forbidden—and the second child often claimed by the King for servitude—Runa and her twin brother, Milo, have been forced to share a single life, constantly living under the guise of the sole male child. This setup provides an immediate, high-tension premise that is both brave and heartbreaking.

The fragile secret shatters when Runa is forced to volunteer in her brother’s stead on the front lines of a brewing war. Thrust out of her sheltered existence, she begins to uncover truths about her family, the Purge, and the terrifying power she unknowingly holds as a "Reader." This specific magic—the ability to harness power through texts and the act of reading—is truly original, grounding the fantasy in a concept that resonates deeply with anyone who loves books. As the plot unfolds and Runa’s secret is inevitably compromised, she finds herself caught between two kingdoms, two strong male leads, and the destiny of her world.

The biggest highlight of the book is the gradual unfolding of the world-building and the mysteries surrounding the forbidden magic. The complex web of secrets, betrayals, and political machinations kept me hooked, eager to see the next twist.

However, the book's main obstacle for me was the execution of Runa's character arc. While she is introduced with incredible potential—a character physically strong, highly intelligent, and capable of wielding immense power—her behavior often felt frustratingly wishy-washy. Runa is repeatedly put in situations where she is underestimated, bullied, or manipulated, and her reaction often felt passive rather than proactive. Despite the immense power she begins to access and the high stakes of her circumstances, Runa frequently allowed secondary characters to walk all over her, failing to leverage her intellect or new-found magical prowess to defend herself or seize agency. For a heroine fighting for her life and identity, her lack of assertive self-preservation throughout crucial parts of the narrative made it difficult to fully connect with her journey and root for her success.

The Reader delivers a genuinely imaginative concept and an engrossing plot with plenty of political tension, slow-burn romance, and solid fantasy elements. The world-building around the magic system is fantastic, and the dual-identity trope adds compelling emotional weight.

While the story itself is a strong piece of fantasy, my struggle with Runa’s consistent passivity prevents me from fully embracing the series. The massive cliffhanger certainly demands a sequel, and the unresolved mysteries about the war and the king’s secrets are tantalizing. However, my desire to continue hinges entirely on seeing Runa evolve from a reluctant pawn into the powerful, kickass heroine the synopsis promises she will become. If the next book, The Seeker, features a Runa who actively fights back, trusts her own instincts, and stops letting others dictate her life, I would happily return to this world. As it stands, I am pausing here, hopeful but uncertain about where her character journey will lead next.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Stina Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cliffhangers should come with warning labels, because The Reader by Hope E. Davis ends with one that nearly ended me. When I saw “Seeker August 2025” at the end, I genuinely thought the sequel was already available. Discovering that it won’t release until next August felt like emotional sabotage. Once I recovered from that heartbreak, I realized the book itself was worth every bit of the chaos it caused.
The Reader offers a gripping premise set in a world where families are restricted to only one child. Runa, however, is a hidden twin, forced to live her entire life pretending to be her brother Milo. She dresses like him, talks like him, and essentially becomes him in order to protect her family from harsh consequences. The fragile lie starts to crumble when her parents overlook one crucial rule: every firstborn son must enlist in a brutal, never-ending war. That moment marks the end of Runa’s disguise and the beginning of her true story, one shaped by sacrifice, danger, and a world far more intricate than she ever realized.
Runa herself is an incredibly compelling protagonist. She’s selfless in that classic romantasy-heroine way, strong, loyal, and willing to give everything for the people she loves, and that very trait makes it all too easy for others to take advantage of her. Her relationship with Milo is especially frustrating; he is selfish, oblivious, and frankly undeserving of the protection she’s given him all her life. In contrast, side characters like Friar and Astrid absolutely shine. They add heart, humor, and depth to every scene they’re in, and I sincerely hope they play an even bigger role in the next book.
While the pacing slows in places, much of that stems from the complexity of the magic system, which demands close attention. The worldbuilding is layered and detailed, and the relationships, both romantic and familial, are messy, morally gray, and emotionally charged. The family dynamics in particular are uncomfortable in a way that feels intentional, highlighting just how much Runa has been forced to sacrifice.
By the time I reached the final pages, I was furious in the best, most emotionally invested way possible. The ending is bold, dramatic, and guaranteed to linger in your mind. I have a long list of questions I desperately hope will be answered in book two, along with one very firm opinion about the love interest I’m rooting for. From his first appearance, he became the one for me. He deserves so much more than he’s gotten so far, and if Runa doesn’t appreciate him properly, I absolutely will. He can be my Weighted mate any day.
Despite the agony of waiting for the sequel, The Reader is a powerful and compelling beginning to a series with rich worldbuilding and unforgettable characters. I’ll be counting the days until the next installment arrives.

[love, Mona · Rating 3 out of 5]

A truly imaginative and unique world and magical system in a kingdom where magic is forbidden and on the edge of war.

Runa is a twin in a society where having more than one child is against the law. She grows up hiding, sharing a life with her twin brother and pretending to be him. She is thrust into the front lines of the war when her brother is conscripted and she is taken in his place. There she begins to uncover the truth of her heritage and her power as a Reader - the ability to give magic to individuals by the act of reading magical books. In a kingdom where magic is outlawed and exists only in the cautionary tales of the Purges, Runa’s heritage is uncovered and she finds herself thrust into a precarious position.

I really enjoyed the premise of this book and felt it had a lot of potential but something fell short for me in the execution unfortunately. I think this was due to a factor of character development and the use of the world building.

Runa had the potential to be a strong and compelling protagonist but her character arc unfortunately didn’t allow for this in my eyes. She is capable of wielding and granting magic and is resilient and strong due to her upbringing. Despite all these strong traits, she lets other characters frequently walk over her and diminish her. I found this incredibly frustrating as it wasn’t an area of development for her but almost a permeant trait. I felt that she never took control of her own story and let every move be dictated by others. Even, getting to shed the persona of pretending to be Milo, didn’t change her personal arc and I felt that there were many missed moments where she could have decided to take agency but didn’t and this made the plot feel rather flat as well as I couldn’t connect with her properly.

The world building and magical system had many great elements to it and this was a definite highlight. However, there were areas that I felt could have been further developed and felt a little two dimensional without this development. This is rather a hard point to describe but I felt that the bones of the world were really strong and had a lot of potential but it wasn’t fleshed out in a convincing way for me?

There were certainty a lot of tantalising questions left unanswered and an ending which leaves an interesting direction for the sequel. I feel that the series has potential if the future books show a more compelling character arc and flesh out the world to make it more convincing for the reader and allow them to become engrossed in the world.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hope E.Davis for the opportunity to read the arc.

[Kari Turvey-Gantz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was selected by this author to do an advanced read.

I have to say that my main and only real conflict with this book comes down to one simple problem: I want MORE. In this singular book lies the potential for (in my opinion), the ability to break the story up into 3 books. And had she done that, I would've devoured them as quickly too!

The author has so much detail and information and works building all crammed into 322 pages. I would've read entire books about the MFC, each portion of her existence, what life was like before the Purge, exploring her abilities, etc.

The details that went into building such a vast and complex world does not go unnoticed. I love the indications that these cities within the realm are all connected; but to what length is not yet revealed. There's so much possibility in this series!

I really enjoyed the fact that the FMC is so driven to protect those around her and that there's no real limit to her self-sacrificing for those she truly cares about. She has those beautiful *what if* moments, but then just as quickly is willing to do whatever it takes to protect those she's closest to. I do believe there's a future for our FMC in which she's not so duty-bound, but she still has many hurdles to get to a place she feels free to do so.

The FMC, Runa, has so much more to her than just her romantic existence. Her duty to her family, the drive to help others, the hope for a better world. It makes her a multidimensional character. And that she's capable of still having this drive and these hopes for something BETTER, makes her a relatable and easy character to empathize with and root for.

While there's themes that are often seen in Romantasy books, the author has done a beautiful job in making them uniquely her own. I very much loved the parallels that exist between Runa, Lief, and Otho. None of these themes feel forced. I think it is a pleasant change from some of the more *expected* tropes that Romantasy readers come across in almost every single book.

I cannot wait to continue this series and hope that there's much more to come!

[Em Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series has so much potential and I loved the beginning. I thought the magic element was fresh, I enjoyed the sacrificed twin aspect, and was really excited to see the character growth. I felt like the foundation to be great was there but the execution just missed the mark for me.
My biggest holdups were:
The characters and descriptions - I need more than just hair color, eye color, and tall. I couldn't picture the characters a lot of the time and was confused when everyone suddenly believed throwing a dress on "Milo" completely changed him into Runa.
Collum's sudden personality change, what's the basis, is she good or not? Why do we act like she was a mother figure to 15 year olds. 15 year olds are old enough to remember more and have more opinions than what was being portrayed.
Based on Runa's initial description, she is physically strong, gifted with potions/herbs, and studying engineering. Why do we see none of these attributes at play throughout the book? She is a weakling "male" with zero fighting skills, she never uses her potion prowess except in mention and towards the very end (which was comically written that she was hurrying to heal her cousin's fever so she makes a potion but then is too tired to give it to her, and when she takes the time to make the "pepper gas" which was only used on the soldiers who broke into the room she was working in; that made no sense.) And its never shown that she has any bit of a sharp mind or cleverness.
The Transitions - I felt like there was a lot of "and suddenly he appeared" type scenarios. Do these men have teleportation powers? Because it sure seems like it. I found it tough to get through the meat of the book - it just felt like a whole lot of nothing to me unfortunately.
The magic - where is it??? It's such a cool concept yet it is barely integrated into the story.
I did enjoy the ending and I felt like that potential picked back up from where I felt it missing in the middle.
But what do I know, I certainly could never write a book, so take my opinions with a grain of salt.

[Mels · Rating 3 out of 5]

★★★⯪☆ 3.5

*Sort of spoilers ahead*

We start learning about Ralheim in snippets at the beginning, so the world is discovered throughout the book alongside Runa, our magical second twin protagonist. Seems that because we have to know the world asap to understand upcoming events, Runa is kidnapped again and again and again and so we are thrusted into different settings in a short period of time and we meet A LOT of characters, which overall made the plot feel rushed and the world-building feeble; I hope the over explanations we are given when Runa is going from place to place so goddamn quick are to expand the Seid history and the information on Salheim on the next book.
There was information given on the main character’s family which got me going “huh?!” i.e. a lot of contradictions regarding MC’s feelings towards her cousin and the magic they read, she doesn’t feel like she is on her side but later wants to save her? There are more instances like this in which Runa contradicts her feelings without justification but for something we find out later on.

For the romance I feel conflicted, usually dark romances are a little more intense on the psychological or physical aspect, but this is pretty light on the dark tbh. Although most of the book I felt the romantic relationships were one dimensional and forced, it started making sense towards the end of the book which in all honesty I really liked, so for me it was more of a “give it time” book since most of what had been learned and well, what I’d felt regarding some characters, starts to connect.

This is an entertaining reading if you like magic, if you read and liked Inkheart, and if you are patient to find the answers to the questions that may come up while reading this book which I do recommend.

Thank you Victory Editing and NetGalley for the eARC!

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Reader: A Fun & Frustrated Review (4/5 Stars)
👯 The Plot Starter: "I Can Totally Pass for My Twin Brother" – Our heroine, Runa, makes the tactical genius move of replacing her twin brother in the military draft. Because why just hide when you can risk execution by committing military impersonation? It’s bold, but honestly, the fact this worked for longer than a minute proves that Ralheim’s recruitment system is flawless.
✍️ The Draft Twist: "The War Needs... A Linguist?" – Before Runa can even load a rifle, she’s judged "too thin" and conscripted into service at the Viscount's palace. This is peak military efficiency: rejecting a soldier for being slight, but immediately forcing them into high-stakes espionage because they know the magical equivalent of Latin.
👑 The Viscount: The Grumpy CEO of War – Viscount Adis is your classic morally gray anti-hero. He's cold, he's powerful, and he wants Runa's magic to win his "petty war." He’s the boss who assigns you a project that will decide the fate of the nation on a Friday afternoon.
✨ The Magic System: Grammar Is Power – The magic revolves entirely around a specific language. This book will make every English major feel truly powerful. Runa isn't fighting dragons with swords; she's fighting tyrants with well-structured clauses. It's truly revolutionary.
🧐 Overall Vibe: "This Is Above My Pay Grade" – A delightfully intense romantasy that constantly reminds the reader that Runa is just one misplaced magical modifier away from chaos. A highly fun read, despite the obvious lack of a union for magical conscripts.
💌 Acknowledgments
Thank you to the NetGalley Editor for the chance to review, and to the brilliant writer, Hope E. Davis, for this imaginative, word-powered adventure!

[Cinnamon&Pine · Rating 3 out of 5]

When reading aloud becomes power

Runa grows up in a city where both the state and the local coven have a problem with more than one child aka twins. Thanks to loving parents, she survives hidden, taking turns pretending to be her brother. That works out—until her 25th birthday, when said brother is due to be conscripted. Cue disaster.
Dragged off under the wrong name and believed to be a man, Runa’s unusual ability to read aloud books of magic makes her a valuable tool—and a target.
What follows is an escape attempt that spirals into a love triangle, a handful of betrayals, and enough impulsive decisions to make you wince.

My favorite MMC fell first (of course he did), but she fell for the other one. What a mess.


It’s for you if you like
• Love triangles
• The concept of reading as magic
• One moody, broody MMC who practically drips intensity


Not for you if you don’t like
• Love triangles (for obvious reasons)
• Impulsive, naïve heroines who confuse attention and love and trust everyone
• Cliffhangers
• “Using your body to reach your goals” moments
• Worldbuilding with city names like Salheim, Malheim, Walheim
• More questions than answers at the end


⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)
A solid concept with some frustrating choices and a heroine I want to shake—repeatedly. But the idea that reading is magic and the emotionally tangled MMCs kept me going. Just… brace yourself for that cliffhanger.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cathryn Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Reader is the story of Runa, a twin forced to share her brother’s life in order to avoid death from a strictly enforced one child policy. Unaware that she has magic, she is taken prisoner by the Viscount and forced to give him magical abilities by reading them. Runa is then unwittingly involved in the rebellion, where her life takes a drastic turn, and she is able to finally live as herself.

This is a fast-paced, enjoyable read. The world-building is great and the story unfurls nicely along with Runa’s growing knowledge. The main characters are well-developed and flawed, making them much easier to empathise with. I’m looking forward to seeing how Runa deals with events in book two, as one thing I struggled with a little in this one was her habit of passivity. She didn’t start taking an active role in her life until towards the end of the book, some of which was understandable, but given her level of education and the skills she’d developed pretending to be her brother, her growth felt a little late in the story.

The magic system is refreshingly new (what bookworm wouldn’t want this!) and explained well. There are plenty of secrets and hidden motives to keep you guessing, as well as wider political schemes. The slow-burn romance is nice, and Runa’s inexperience was done very well, shown through her confused feelings.

I enjoyed this book from the start, but the second half especially grabbed me, and the cliffhanger ending was a killer! I’m looking forward to book two.

Thank you to Hope E. Davis for the ARC.

[Natalie Lapointe · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a read! I had the pleasure of reading this as an Advanced Reader and I can’t wait for this to drop in January 2026!

The plot gave Mulan vibes with a woman taking the place of her male family member in a war, but boy, you cannot mix Runa up with Mulan. Runa might cut you. Rather than being sent to the barracks to be trained as a soldier, Runa ends up as “The Reader” to a Viscount looking for magic power so he can take over other Viscount’s territory.

This was the start of a great fantasy series. You have a very likable yet somewhat naive FMC, Viscounts fighting for power and rewriting maps to fit their narrative, and an entire population that was “purged” because they knew magic. What more could you want? Oh…yeah…ROMANCE! The weirdest love triangle (and it being the weirdest makes it the most unique).

The love triangle plays off of the idea the higher powers that be have fated people to be together but there is no “official” sign here. I was thrown back and forth between rooting for Leif and Otho. This seriously could be the next Edward/Jacob fiasco.

Overall, this was a book I wanted to take my time with. I was enthralled from the beginning, and as I got closer and closer to the end, I was more and more on the edge of my seat. I needed to know what was gonna happen. And now that I know, I wish I could scrub the memories from my brain and start again. I will be rather impatiently waiting for the second and third installments!

[Jenny P · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.25
While I received this as an Arc, I really hope people don't take this as bias because I genuinely really enjoyed reading this one! I found myself really sympathetic to what Runa was being made to endure and how her family seemed to continue to fail her over and over again. Despite that, her growth and resilience were cathartic to experience. There were several aspects that I found to be predictable, but that's not something that actually bothers me, since it still made for a compelling story. Though, there were a few moments in there where I got super frustrated with Runa, despite logically being able to make excuses for her actions or beliefs due to having not lived a normal life. I'm trying to be as vague as possible.

I really did love this though and the magic system is pretty interesting! Basically, anyone can learn under the right circumstances and I love that idea over it being just for an elite few. It levels the playing ground massively.

I will say, the guy who ends up being the MMC is a forest of green flaggery just in his actions alone. I am excited for the next book and hope we get to know him better since I really like him at this point.

That ending was super rude. It was a heck of a cliffhanger, that's for sure, but it was a little jarring.
I have certain hopes and beliefs that will get me through till the next book's publishing date without setting things on fire, hopefully.

[T || · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Reader is a dystopian romantasy. I enjoyed the read. It took some getting into, it wasn't 1 of those major page turner's for me. That being said as I said above i did enjoy the read. It started really ramping up for me around the 50% mark onwards, so if you want to give it a chance push until then.  Anyways, on with the review.

The cover was gorgeous, the art was awesome.

Milo & Runa are doomed to a life like that, due to reasons explained in the book (not giving spoilers). Then her doing what she did for her brother to have some sort of live. Damn. Crazy

The ordeal Runa puts herself through in life, just so her brother can have a life is crazy! The whirlwind of capture was insanity. And possibly of double crossing of a family member? Wtfff. I really hated Adis & how he treated Runa, forcing her to do what she had to do - although he thought she was her brother - but even still. That didnt excuse it.

Mind. Blown 😪🤯

I surprisingly grew to like Otho. With how he aids Runa.
Lief- i didnt trust as far as I could throw him. There was something off about him throughout the whole book! And the ending confirmed it all.  And the twist from Otho's side of things I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING. It explains so much with regards to Runa.

The cliffhanger sucked. All that being said. For me there was just something i couldn't put my finger on that was missing to make this a 5 star read for me.

[Dianisse Marrero · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, thanks for a chance to read this eARC. Secondly… I have to wait until August to know what's happening next? I can't wait, this was a work of art! I rarely finish a book this quick, but I couldn't put this down. I loved every second of this masterpiece, the tension. I was all in for this and will be with the next one.

This book got wrapped around my heart and refused to let go throughout the story. Even from the beginning, The Reader pulls you into a word in which sacrifice is expected from families and silence is enforced. It's heartbreaking how Runa sacrifices herself for her and her brother's sake, taking his place in the front lines.

The magic system is is rich and, at the same time, unsettling. Layered with restrains and consequences. All of this while the dystopian setting presses down, making every simple act of defiance feel monumental.

In my opinion, what truly makes this book shine is the emotional pressure. How they live in chains, both forced and chosen. And through it all they learn that survival itself it's an act of rebellion.

With romance shimmering underneath the danger, we get a glimpse of warmth without affecting all the chaos around it. Even when said romance can be a double sided weapon.

The Reader shows us how an invisible FMC can become a menace.

Coming out in January 15, 2026. It's the first book of an incomplete trilogy, with a single first-person POV. Beware of the cliffhanger!

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5


Runa nació sentenciada a muerte. En Ralheim, los gemelos son considerados portadores de magia oscura y uno debe morir al nacer. Pero sus padres decidieron desafiar la ley y ocultar que Milo tenía una hermana. Así, Runa creció viviendo la vida de su hermano, escondida detrás de vendas, imitaciones y miedo constante a ser descubierta.

A punto de cumplir veinticinco años, el engaño se rompe cuando los soldados del Viscount Adis llegan exigiendo el servicio militar obligatorio de Milo. Para proteger a su hermano y darle la libertad que ella nunca tuvo, Runa toma su lugar y es llevada al palacio del Viscount.

Allí descubre un secreto aún más peligroso: el Viscount está obsesionado con recuperar la magia perdida de los Seid, la misma magia que costó la vida de sus padres y miles más en las purgas. Runa posee la clave para despertarla: cada palabra que lee en un antiguo libro prohibido libera poder. Pero ese poder no se queda solo en Adis… también empieza a despertar dentro de ella.

Ahora Runa debe sobrevivir ocultando su identidad, sus crecientes habilidades y un fuego interior que podría convertirse en su única salida o en su condena.


__

Espero se pueda romper el vínculo.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Reader, Hope E. Davis conjures a world where magic is language, rebellion is survival, and power is never what it seems. Set against the backdrop of a petty war in Ralheim, this adult romantasy unfurls with quiet intensity and lyrical grace. Runa, a twin bound by love and defiance, steps into her brother’s place, only to find herself conscripted not to the battlefield, but to the Viscount’s palace—a gilded cage where secrets and sorcery simmer beneath the surface.

Davis’s prose is both haunting and poetic, weaving a tapestry of memory, sacrifice, and the fragile strength of connection. The magic system—reminiscent of One Dark Window—is uniquely intimate, rooted in language and emotion. Runa’s journey is not just one of survival, but of self-discovery, as she navigates a world that seeks to exploit her gifts while she learns to wield them on her own terms.

What lingers most is the atmosphere: a blend of dystopian tension and old-world enchantment, threaded with slow-burn stakes and aching beauty. Fans of Quicksilver will find echoes in the plot’s clever turns, while those drawn to stories of quiet rebellion and dangerous magic will be utterly captivated.

The Reader is a love letter to those who find solace in stories—and a reminder that true power often lies in the words we dare to speak.

With thanks to Hope E Davis, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.

[Ewok_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of secrets and mysteries. I spent half the book with more questions than answers, but it was not frustrating—it just motivated me more to finish. The pacing of the book was perfect, and it was easy to read and understand the politics.

The world-building is compelling: there are two kingdoms at war, magic is being purged and is forbidden, and there is a harsh law where each household is allowed to have only one child.

This single-child rule sets up the central, heartbreaking conflict. The main female character (FMC) is a twin, and instead of her family giving her up or abandoning her, she is forced to share the same life as her sister. The core question driving the narrative is, "Will Runa ever be free to just be herself?" For most of the book, she is a pawn in her kingdom, and when she can no longer hide her identity, she is thrust directly into a war.

There was a love triangle in this book, and I wish the story was a little bit longer so that I could get to know the romantic interests and all the other side characters more deeply. But overall, this was an awesome read, and an amazing fantasy romance to fall into.

A quick heads-up: Make sure you enter this world with the mindset that this is Book 1 in a series—it ends in a brutal cliffhanger. I will be sitting here staring at my wall until the next book comes out.

[Elisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, thank you Netgalley and Hope E. Davis for this ARC :)

Brief Description:
In the Heim region magic has been outlawed and Purged, and twins are seen as bringers of Hel. The Reader is about a girl, Runa, who spent her whole life pretending to be her twin brother, to keep from being put to death, when one day she volunteers to join the Viscount's army in place of her brother in the war. However, she was deemed not strong enough to fight, so the Viscount decides to use her Seid reading skills to help him dominate the war. Watch as Runa finds out more about her heritage and what she's actually capable of.

My thoughts:
This book was so good! I could not stop reading it, the plot was amazing and I loved seeing Runa grow and change throughout the book. She loves her family and will do anything for them, but that doesn't stop her from also thinking what's best for her and the Seid.The unique magic system was also such a good touch in this book.

The romance between the FMC and MMC was to die for. I honestly might have to re-read this book to see them interact from the beginning.

This book was fast paced and I have to say I was entertained for the whole thing. Whenever I had to pause reading for real life things all I could think about was what could happen next.

Hope E. Davis did such a good job and I can't wait for book 2!

[Kate B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Adult Fiction
⭐️4/5
🌶2.5/5

PROS:
Runa and her twin brother are raised in a place where siblings are not allowed so Runa was raised to "be" her twin brother. Runa (acting as her brother) is taken by the viscount for his duty to serve in the war but is quickly demoted to servant. Instead of war service, Runa is forced to help the viscount win the war, or so he thinks. In this book, Runa's life went from boring and hopeless to thrilling and uplifting. The resiliency Runa faces in this story is admirable. The lesson I learned from this book is even though you think you are small, you can do big things.

This book is a fast-paced, on your toes fantasy book with magic and found families. Runa is presented as a nobody who believes her duty in life is to protect her brother, even if it means being a servant forever. The Reader is full of twists that you didn't see coming and a HUGE cliffhanger that leaves you wanting more.

CONS:
I wish this book had deeper world and character building as it was difficult to picture what the scenes and characters looked like at times. There were chapters that were intense and then ended abruptly, leaving me wanting more.

[Tracy Emro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Born in a world where there is a one-child rule, Runa is a forbidden twin, she’s been forced to live a double life, hiding her true identity to survive in a society that would rather erase her existence. The story begins in a dramatic fashion when she must take her brother’s place on the front lines of an impending conflict. As she’s thrust from a life of secrecy into the chaos of war, slowly her world begins to unravel. Runa is introduced as intelligent, strong, and uniquely gifted, but throughout the book, she doesn’t quite live up to that persona. Repeatedly, she allows others to make decisions for her, even after she begins to display serious magical abilities, making it hard to take her seriously.

While this book is a fresh perspective in the romantasy genre and I did enjoy the magic system and morally gray characters, I am not a fan of first person single POV, love triangles or cliffhangers, so this book was a miss for me. However, if you don’t mind FPN, love triangles, morally gray characters and a spectacular cliffhanger ending – this book might be something you might want to check out.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

[Anne Opel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. I was entertained by the story, even if it was at times predictable, and seemed to hit on popular romantasy tropes. However, there were some plot points I could not ignore.

Runa spends 22 years sharing her brother's life. Yet, when she is finally allowed a "season" (which is not given a specified amount of time, but one could assume to be a few months) to be her own self, suddenly people she interacted with regularly or even daily do not recognize her, or her immense similarities to her brother.

I also did not understand why these small cities are warring with each other when they are so close (less than a days ride by horse), and under the rule of the same king.

The love triangle between Runa, Leif, and Otho feels a bit trite. I hope the next book really explores the weighted concept more.

I would also like to know more about the cousin Collum, because there was some suspicious things going on with her actions versus how Runa described their relationship.

I felt like this story is closer to Daughter of No Worlds than Quicksilver or One Dark Window. But a less gritty, moral quandary.

This review is based on an ARC and is my honest opinion.