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Melodies of the Damned
Not yet published
Expected 14 Feb 26A MONSTER FORGED BY THE GODS TO KILL HER. A PRINCESS WHO ISN'T AFRAID TO DIE. DESIRE WAS NEVER PART OF THE PROPHERCY... AND IT WILL DESTROY THEM BOTH.
Princess Lyra Meridian would do anything to be free, even if it promised death.
The sacrificial rite of Ascension is her only chance to escape. A ruthless offering to estranged gods where mortals either die or rise as their soldiers. She expected to die. Instead, when she leaped into the cursed ocean... It recognised her and something ancient awakened.
Now monsters crawl from the Hells to hunt her and her kingdoms nightmare, The Commander of Death, is the first to find her. Forced into a blood bargain, Lyra is his prisoner. But the Commander has motives far darker than she realised, and none of them involve letting her go.
As monsters close in and prophecy coils tighter around her throat, Lyra must decide whether the Commander is her captor, her protector... Or the temptation that will damn them both.
Princess Lyra Meridian would do anything to be free, even if it promised death.
The sacrificial rite of Ascension is her only chance to escape. A ruthless offering to estranged gods where mortals either die or rise as their soldiers. She expected to die. Instead, when she leaped into the cursed ocean... It recognised her and something ancient awakened.
Now monsters crawl from the Hells to hunt her and her kingdoms nightmare, The Commander of Death, is the first to find her. Forced into a blood bargain, Lyra is his prisoner. But the Commander has motives far darker than she realised, and none of them involve letting her go.
As monsters close in and prophecy coils tighter around her throat, Lyra must decide whether the Commander is her captor, her protector... Or the temptation that will damn them both.
424 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 14, 2026
32 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 25, 2026
ARC review
Wow, this book was truly amazing. I’ve had to give it 6 stars because 5 stars just wasn’t enough. THE ENDING?! I GASPED. My heart was racing after finishing this book😅 I genuinely loved every single second of this book, the twists, turns, the slow burn and the characters? Just perfection!
The Commander? Yes, yes please. The tension, yearning and brooding? Perfection.
Riven had me laughing out loud so many times throughout this book.
Lyra was an incredible FMC. Such a strong character and the growth was 👌🏻 loved the way she just couldn’t stop herself from saying anything!
Everyone needs to read this book!
Wow, this book was truly amazing. I’ve had to give it 6 stars because 5 stars just wasn’t enough. THE ENDING?! I GASPED. My heart was racing after finishing this book😅 I genuinely loved every single second of this book, the twists, turns, the slow burn and the characters? Just perfection!
The Commander? Yes, yes please. The tension, yearning and brooding? Perfection.
Riven had me laughing out loud so many times throughout this book.
Lyra was an incredible FMC. Such a strong character and the growth was 👌🏻 loved the way she just couldn’t stop herself from saying anything!
Everyone needs to read this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
She crashes a holy ritual, dives into the ocean, and dares the gods to either save her… or end her.
Instead? She survives and lands in brutal military initiation trials.
Add magic, fae, sirens, reincarnation, hidden identities, and fated mates.
Beautiful world, big feelings.
My only complaint is there was just TOO many things happening, like save some tropes for book 2.
Instead? She survives and lands in brutal military initiation trials.
Add magic, fae, sirens, reincarnation, hidden identities, and fated mates.
Beautiful world, big feelings.
My only complaint is there was just TOO many things happening, like save some tropes for book 2.
January 27, 2026
Holy wow, I am SHOOK. Everything about this was amazing. It was fast paced. It was twisty and dark and I truly had no idea what was what, and who was who. It had several of my favorite troped all packaged up into a beautiful box. The Commander was another perfect representation of “shadow daddy”, and I absolutely LOVED Lyra. I seriously cannot wait for the next one, this was wonderful!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Before I start my review I just need to give a huge shout out to Nakita Kirwan and Hawthorn and Astor for this opportunity
This book is destined to be a BEST SELLER!!!
I absolutely inhaled Melodies of the Damned and I am desperate for Book 2!
This story is dark, lyrical, and utterly immersive. The world-building is rich and haunting, layered with gods, monsters, prophecy, and dangerous magic that feels ancient and alive. The writing is so vivid it pulls you under and refuses to let you resurface. I finished it in less than a day!
Our FMC Lyra is beautifully fractured yet fiercely resilient. Watching her awaken to her power, even as everything hunts her, is both heartbreaking and empowering. And the MMC? The Commander of Death himself. Dark, brooding, morally grey perfection. Protective, possessive, and dripping with 'MINE' energy 💀🔥
Enemies to lovers. Loathing to fate-bound. Blood bargains, court politics, and a devastating 'who did this to you?' moment that absolutely wrecked me. The side characters shine just as brightly, each adding depth and tension rather than fading into the background
Just when you think you know who to trust… everything unravels.
And that ending? A brutal cliffhanger that left me stunned and desperate for more. This book is unforgettable, and I have no doubt it’s destined to be a bestseller.
GOD TIER READ
♾️⭐️
This book is destined to be a BEST SELLER!!!
I absolutely inhaled Melodies of the Damned and I am desperate for Book 2!
This story is dark, lyrical, and utterly immersive. The world-building is rich and haunting, layered with gods, monsters, prophecy, and dangerous magic that feels ancient and alive. The writing is so vivid it pulls you under and refuses to let you resurface. I finished it in less than a day!
Our FMC Lyra is beautifully fractured yet fiercely resilient. Watching her awaken to her power, even as everything hunts her, is both heartbreaking and empowering. And the MMC? The Commander of Death himself. Dark, brooding, morally grey perfection. Protective, possessive, and dripping with 'MINE' energy 💀🔥
Enemies to lovers. Loathing to fate-bound. Blood bargains, court politics, and a devastating 'who did this to you?' moment that absolutely wrecked me. The side characters shine just as brightly, each adding depth and tension rather than fading into the background
Just when you think you know who to trust… everything unravels.
And that ending? A brutal cliffhanger that left me stunned and desperate for more. This book is unforgettable, and I have no doubt it’s destined to be a bestseller.
GOD TIER READ
♾️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5 rounded up. This is such a good dark romantasy - I wish it didn't have such a generic cover because it's so good! I wasn't expecting such a developed fantasy from the cover, but this really is for the dark romantasy readers who expect a fully developed world & high stakes & hotttt spice after a slowwww burn!
It remixes familiar beats in romantasy in compelling ways. There's a war college like Fourth Wing, blood pacts like ACOTAR, imbuing weapons like Quicksilver - but those elements are just the building blocks toward an action packed adventure unraveling secrets about gods and monsters.
The fmc Lyra is dragged through a world so much bigger, more dangerous, and more complicated than she ever knew. The reader is along for the ride, as truths are slowly revealed and the stakes become increasingly more dire.
While the ending isn't necessarily surprising the cliffhanger is still agonizing in the best way. I think one specific dynamic could've been revealed earlier as soon as it's obvious to the reader yet somehow still a mystery to Lyra.
But the pacing, the slow burn, and the exploration of inner demons makes up for the predictability of that part of the plot.
There's also a lot of death that is never fully grieved, however understandably given the rapid pace of her journey. Because of Lyra's trauma it's believable that she doesn't linger on processing and healing from loss. But the pacing may also feel like it puts a period on past events that could require a deeper emotional acknowledgement. But again it doesn't necessarily feel like forced moving forward in the plot due to Lyra's upbringing.
It was incredibly refreshing to be in the POV of a fantasy fmc who feels and expresses unlikable ideas and emotions. You watch her compartmentalize her trauma for survival and it's relatable as much as it is heartbreaking. Her vicious tendencies and "madness" are deliciously compelling. She's so far from the perfect, noble, righteous typical fmc. She's flawed, sometimes dangerously and murderously so. She doesn't prioritize always doing the right or noble or selfless thing. But she's still someone you want to root for.
For romantasy readers that are looking for specifics: the spice is fully detailed on page in direct terms, not euphemisms, and occurs 3-4 maybe 5 times after the 70% mark. It also serves a purpose beyond on page hotness, and even beyond deepening the bond between the characters, it plays a role in the fmc's development.
Quote:
"You are f--ing perfect," he whispered, voice fierce.
The word sank into me, threatening to tear open old wounds. Perfect was all I was everewnt to be.
I hated perfect--until it came from him. Someone who saw every jagged piece of me and still held on despite the risk of getting cut.
*I received an ARC from the author/PR team.
It remixes familiar beats in romantasy in compelling ways. There's a war college like Fourth Wing, blood pacts like ACOTAR, imbuing weapons like Quicksilver - but those elements are just the building blocks toward an action packed adventure unraveling secrets about gods and monsters.
The fmc Lyra is dragged through a world so much bigger, more dangerous, and more complicated than she ever knew. The reader is along for the ride, as truths are slowly revealed and the stakes become increasingly more dire.
While the ending isn't necessarily surprising the cliffhanger is still agonizing in the best way. I think one specific dynamic could've been revealed earlier as soon as it's obvious to the reader yet somehow still a mystery to Lyra.
But the pacing, the slow burn, and the exploration of inner demons makes up for the predictability of that part of the plot.
There's also a lot of death that is never fully grieved, however understandably given the rapid pace of her journey. Because of Lyra's trauma it's believable that she doesn't linger on processing and healing from loss. But the pacing may also feel like it puts a period on past events that could require a deeper emotional acknowledgement. But again it doesn't necessarily feel like forced moving forward in the plot due to Lyra's upbringing.
It was incredibly refreshing to be in the POV of a fantasy fmc who feels and expresses unlikable ideas and emotions. You watch her compartmentalize her trauma for survival and it's relatable as much as it is heartbreaking. Her vicious tendencies and "madness" are deliciously compelling. She's so far from the perfect, noble, righteous typical fmc. She's flawed, sometimes dangerously and murderously so. She doesn't prioritize always doing the right or noble or selfless thing. But she's still someone you want to root for.
For romantasy readers that are looking for specifics: the spice is fully detailed on page in direct terms, not euphemisms, and occurs 3-4 maybe 5 times after the 70% mark. It also serves a purpose beyond on page hotness, and even beyond deepening the bond between the characters, it plays a role in the fmc's development.
Quote:
"You are f--ing perfect," he whispered, voice fierce.
The word sank into me, threatening to tear open old wounds. Perfect was all I was everewnt to be.
I hated perfect--until it came from him. Someone who saw every jagged piece of me and still held on despite the risk of getting cut.
*I received an ARC from the author/PR team.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Instant obsession. This book deserves to be the next best seller--the new Booktok sensation--the book that everyone will be talking about. It is THAT good! And I feel so privileged that I am one of the first to read it.
"They called me broken. Perhaps they were right --but broken glass cuts the deepest."
Lyra. Princess. Destined to be used by powerful men to further their agendas--her father, the King; her betrothed. Expected to be seen and not heard. But Lyra--and the voices in her head--have other plans.
With absolutely incredible writing, deep character development, and a twisting storyline, I could not put this book down. The plot hurtles along at epic speed that begged me to keep reading deep into the night. Filled with mystery, betrayal and epic twists, this book kept me guessing. This is not a story that broadcasts what will happen chapters later, it keeps you on the edge of the cliff waiting for salvation or destruction.
The characters enthralled me and struck me to my core. Side characters emerge just as compelling as the main ones--some will make you to love them, others will have you despising their very existence.
I was intensely drawn to every facet of Lyra's character. A little broken. Moderately unhinged. A total bada**. Everything I want in a fantasy FMC. And just when I think I can't love another character more... HE appears.
Hello, Shadow Daddy.
This is absolutely a must read. It is a book that will live rent free in my head for a very, very long time. I am already looking forward to book 2. A completely amazing debut by Nakita Kirwin.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Hawthorn and Aster. My review is completely honest and my opinions are my own.
Tropes
Deadly Trials
Forbidden magic
Fated mates
Unhinged FMC
Shadow Daddy
Forced Proximity
"They called me broken. Perhaps they were right --but broken glass cuts the deepest."
Lyra. Princess. Destined to be used by powerful men to further their agendas--her father, the King; her betrothed. Expected to be seen and not heard. But Lyra--and the voices in her head--have other plans.
With absolutely incredible writing, deep character development, and a twisting storyline, I could not put this book down. The plot hurtles along at epic speed that begged me to keep reading deep into the night. Filled with mystery, betrayal and epic twists, this book kept me guessing. This is not a story that broadcasts what will happen chapters later, it keeps you on the edge of the cliff waiting for salvation or destruction.
The characters enthralled me and struck me to my core. Side characters emerge just as compelling as the main ones--some will make you to love them, others will have you despising their very existence.
I was intensely drawn to every facet of Lyra's character. A little broken. Moderately unhinged. A total bada**. Everything I want in a fantasy FMC. And just when I think I can't love another character more... HE appears.
Hello, Shadow Daddy.
This is absolutely a must read. It is a book that will live rent free in my head for a very, very long time. I am already looking forward to book 2. A completely amazing debut by Nakita Kirwin.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Hawthorn and Aster. My review is completely honest and my opinions are my own.
Tropes
Deadly Trials
Forbidden magic
Fated mates
Unhinged FMC
Shadow Daddy
Forced Proximity
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
ARC Read, thank you to the author and publisher
What a ride this book was. It completely pulled me in and refused to let go. While it is fast paced, it never felt chaotic or rushed. The balance and flow of the story worked so well, and before I knew it I was flying through the pages telling myself just one more chapter, which was never actually just one more.
This was a true page turner and I absolutely devoured it. While there is some spice, it never overshadows the plot, which I really appreciated. It added to the tension without taking away from the story itself.
Overall, this book reminded me why I love reading so much. This is not a book to casually add to your TBR for later. This is a get it, read it now kind of book.
What a ride this book was. It completely pulled me in and refused to let go. While it is fast paced, it never felt chaotic or rushed. The balance and flow of the story worked so well, and before I knew it I was flying through the pages telling myself just one more chapter, which was never actually just one more.
This was a true page turner and I absolutely devoured it. While there is some spice, it never overshadows the plot, which I really appreciated. It added to the tension without taking away from the story itself.
Overall, this book reminded me why I love reading so much. This is not a book to casually add to your TBR for later. This is a get it, read it now kind of book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a spoiler free ARC review. Thank you to the author and Hawthorn and Aster for giving me the opportunity!
This debut novel ensnared me from the first page and I can't believe how quickly I read it. The world building and pacing are both great. The character development is solid and I loved how naturally the twists were incorporated into the plot.
The FMC Lyra is fractured but unbreakable. Strong but compassionate. The MMC is none other than the Commander of Death, with his broody shadows and morally grey unhinged chaos. And the "Who did this to you" moment is one of the most devastatingly well written that I've come across.
I cannot wait for a chance to read book 2!
This debut novel ensnared me from the first page and I can't believe how quickly I read it. The world building and pacing are both great. The character development is solid and I loved how naturally the twists were incorporated into the plot.
The FMC Lyra is fractured but unbreakable. Strong but compassionate. The MMC is none other than the Commander of Death, with his broody shadows and morally grey unhinged chaos. And the "Who did this to you" moment is one of the most devastatingly well written that I've come across.
I cannot wait for a chance to read book 2!
January 27, 2026
Thank you to Hawthorn & Aster and to the author for providing me with a ARC copy.
This was an enjoyable read, a lot of word building. I didn’t get fully into it until about 50% in. It’s definitely a slow burn with a lot of tension between both characters. 70% in is when the slow burn hits, so definitely have to be patient with that.
The ending though!!! Can’t wait for book 2. If you like fated mates, enemies to lovers, shadow daddy (with a twist), unhinged FMC, dark fantasy romance, and a slooowww burn. Then this book is for you
This was an enjoyable read, a lot of word building. I didn’t get fully into it until about 50% in. It’s definitely a slow burn with a lot of tension between both characters. 70% in is when the slow burn hits, so definitely have to be patient with that.
The ending though!!! Can’t wait for book 2. If you like fated mates, enemies to lovers, shadow daddy (with a twist), unhinged FMC, dark fantasy romance, and a slooowww burn. Then this book is for you
January 26, 2026
This was a great book! Kept me guessing the whole time. While I figured out parts, others I did not see coming. Be warned this is only part one and does end on a cliff hanger. But I am in love with these characters. Went from hating to loving some, and from loving to loathing others. Every time I put the book down, I would find myself reaching for it again. Just to see what happened next. Read in less than a day.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am shook. Utterly and irrevocably shook. I was sucked in from the first chapter...hell, the first page, even!
Melodies of the Damned is a beautifully written novel about betrayal, tragic love, growth, and strength. Its packed full of action, adventure, drama, romance, and spiiiice. 🥵 The world and character building along with the pacing are *chefs kiss!*
100/10 recommend!
Melodies of the Damned is a beautifully written novel about betrayal, tragic love, growth, and strength. Its packed full of action, adventure, drama, romance, and spiiiice. 🥵 The world and character building along with the pacing are *chefs kiss!*
100/10 recommend!
January 27, 2026
The tension between the FMC & MMC 🔥🔥.. The ending was not one that I was expecting!! Mind blown 10/10!!!
Want to read
January 9, 2026💀 Melodies of the Damned tropes 🥀
⚔️ Enemies to lovers
😉 Morally grey FMC
🔒 Captor / captive tension
🌡️ Forced proximity
🔥 Forbidden romance
🌶️ Slow-burn to SPICE
📏 Height difference (monstrous MMC / smaller FMC)
🩸 Blood bargain bond
🌕 Fated mates
🔮 Forbidden magic
⚔️ Enemies to lovers
😉 Morally grey FMC
🔒 Captor / captive tension
🌡️ Forced proximity
🔥 Forbidden romance
🌶️ Slow-burn to SPICE
📏 Height difference (monstrous MMC / smaller FMC)
🩸 Blood bargain bond
🌕 Fated mates
🔮 Forbidden magic
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
There is nothing kind or gentle about this book. It's a nightmare dressed in pretty words. It is not soft, instead, it is broken, and fragile pieces pressed together, that forms something truly magnificent. Every tender moment is fought for, it is hard won, and the price does not come easy.
This is a tale that is not afraid to deliver in what it promises; it is dark, it's twisted, it's filled with betrayal, and longing. You aren't eased into the story; you are thrown into it, plunging into the icy water the way Lyra does as she flees from all those who have harmed and caged her.
This story lulls you. It teases you with a sense of freedom, of tender moments, and friendships, of good, honest people. Only to tear it away from you as if it were nothing. We don't get to sit with the loss; it is a stark, harsh moment because war means loss, and you do not get to sit with loss in war. You simply have to accept it and move on. You do not get to linger on sadness when you are constantly fearful for your life.
It isn't just Lyra's pain that we feel either, but our own, because we feel everything that she feels, because the writing is so vivid and gut-wrenching that you can't help going through every moment as if you were right there with her, and that is not an easy feat.
There is something truly magical in this story and the way it is written, the feelings that it evokes. I didn't read this book; I devoured it, and it devoured in return. Even when I knew what was coming, even when I knew the twists long before they were written on page, it didn't take away from the shock; it didn't change the way you felt, because you were feeling it through Lyra. Her wonder, and her pain. Every moment of betrayal.
Her healing journey is one of the most beautiful journies i've read in a long time, she has this hidden strength that we're introduced right at the start of her story. Even when she was just this Princess, there was a strength that she'd been forced to have; she could have been this weak thing, but she wasn't. She was determined to do whatever it took to grant her own freedom, and even when it looked like she'll never have it, she never stops fighting. Her slow realization of who she is, of the power she actually holds, that the only person she truly needs is herself, is something done so well. You root for her, even when you want to grab her shoulders and shake her, and tell her to stop being so stupid and to put the pieces together, because everything is right there.
And the Commander, he's done brilliantly, I loved every single moment that he was on page, from the cruelty we're introduced to, to the slow breaking of who he is. We see the fractures, the cracks, the darkness that hides something else. And while he might be a shadow daddy, it's nice to see that he's not your typical Shadow daddy. He's who did this to you, made me melt. He isn't soft, nor particularly kind, and yet I wanted to shake him as much as Lrya and tell him that he is not a monster.
And oh, Lyra, she's a god damn mess in the best of ways, she's fractured, not broken, she's not your typcial FMC, yes, she wants to help, but more than anything, she wants freedom. She wants it so desperately that she is not afraid to hurt, to maim, to end life. And it scares her, everything she's fought against scares her, and the gradual acceptance of who she is, learning to love herself. To understand herself, it lingers.
That ending shocked me, and I can't believe I have to wait for the second book. The cliffhanger was the best thing, and it was another reminder that even those you think you can trust, you can't. I can not wait to see where the story goes next, and more importantly, where Lyra goes next, when she realises the only one who can truly free her. Is herself.
The Gods need to be afraid.
Thank you to Nakita Kirwan and Hawthorn and Astor for the Arc.
This is a tale that is not afraid to deliver in what it promises; it is dark, it's twisted, it's filled with betrayal, and longing. You aren't eased into the story; you are thrown into it, plunging into the icy water the way Lyra does as she flees from all those who have harmed and caged her.
This story lulls you. It teases you with a sense of freedom, of tender moments, and friendships, of good, honest people. Only to tear it away from you as if it were nothing. We don't get to sit with the loss; it is a stark, harsh moment because war means loss, and you do not get to sit with loss in war. You simply have to accept it and move on. You do not get to linger on sadness when you are constantly fearful for your life.
It isn't just Lyra's pain that we feel either, but our own, because we feel everything that she feels, because the writing is so vivid and gut-wrenching that you can't help going through every moment as if you were right there with her, and that is not an easy feat.
There is something truly magical in this story and the way it is written, the feelings that it evokes. I didn't read this book; I devoured it, and it devoured in return. Even when I knew what was coming, even when I knew the twists long before they were written on page, it didn't take away from the shock; it didn't change the way you felt, because you were feeling it through Lyra. Her wonder, and her pain. Every moment of betrayal.
Her healing journey is one of the most beautiful journies i've read in a long time, she has this hidden strength that we're introduced right at the start of her story. Even when she was just this Princess, there was a strength that she'd been forced to have; she could have been this weak thing, but she wasn't. She was determined to do whatever it took to grant her own freedom, and even when it looked like she'll never have it, she never stops fighting. Her slow realization of who she is, of the power she actually holds, that the only person she truly needs is herself, is something done so well. You root for her, even when you want to grab her shoulders and shake her, and tell her to stop being so stupid and to put the pieces together, because everything is right there.
And the Commander, he's done brilliantly, I loved every single moment that he was on page, from the cruelty we're introduced to, to the slow breaking of who he is. We see the fractures, the cracks, the darkness that hides something else. And while he might be a shadow daddy, it's nice to see that he's not your typical Shadow daddy. He's who did this to you, made me melt. He isn't soft, nor particularly kind, and yet I wanted to shake him as much as Lrya and tell him that he is not a monster.
And oh, Lyra, she's a god damn mess in the best of ways, she's fractured, not broken, she's not your typcial FMC, yes, she wants to help, but more than anything, she wants freedom. She wants it so desperately that she is not afraid to hurt, to maim, to end life. And it scares her, everything she's fought against scares her, and the gradual acceptance of who she is, learning to love herself. To understand herself, it lingers.
That ending shocked me, and I can't believe I have to wait for the second book. The cliffhanger was the best thing, and it was another reminder that even those you think you can trust, you can't. I can not wait to see where the story goes next, and more importantly, where Lyra goes next, when she realises the only one who can truly free her. Is herself.
The Gods need to be afraid.
Thank you to Nakita Kirwan and Hawthorn and Astor for the Arc.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨Shannen✨
Arc read-
I first saw this randomly on my insta before arc signs up! When I saw they was live I signed straight up and have been waiting since and now now here it is..
This story , the world building is amazing you can picture every little detail and it really fully immerses you into the story!
The writing sucks you in from the very first page and you can’t help but keep turning the pages to unravel the truths behind the story and watch everything unravel
Lyra has been through it! Watching her awaken into her power and find out the truth was truly an experience of empowerment, along with gods and prophecies that made you not want to put the book down !
The commander of death- our morally grey MMC, EURGH!! Watching him try to be his dark brooding self but knowing he’s protective, cares but doesn’t want to show is 🤌
The spice- extra bonus for this bc the slow burn to 👀
WHAT IN THE CLIFFHANGER!! Shook
Actually shook
In desperate need of book 2 and book 1 isn’t released yet!!
✨Enemies to lovers
✨Fated Mates
✨Captor Romance
✨Amazing world building
✨Tragic love
✨Trigger Warnings
✨Shadow daddy with a twist
✨Slow burn
✨One bed/Horse
✨Unhinged FMC
And much much more! Please add this to your tbr! It’s going to be a bestseller 110%!
Thank you Nakita For letting me read this!!! Obsessed loved it give me it all🤌🫣🤣🖤
Arc read-
I first saw this randomly on my insta before arc signs up! When I saw they was live I signed straight up and have been waiting since and now now here it is..
This story , the world building is amazing you can picture every little detail and it really fully immerses you into the story!
The writing sucks you in from the very first page and you can’t help but keep turning the pages to unravel the truths behind the story and watch everything unravel
Lyra has been through it! Watching her awaken into her power and find out the truth was truly an experience of empowerment, along with gods and prophecies that made you not want to put the book down !
The commander of death- our morally grey MMC, EURGH!! Watching him try to be his dark brooding self but knowing he’s protective, cares but doesn’t want to show is 🤌
The spice- extra bonus for this bc the slow burn to 👀
WHAT IN THE CLIFFHANGER!! Shook
Actually shook
In desperate need of book 2 and book 1 isn’t released yet!!
✨Enemies to lovers
✨Fated Mates
✨Captor Romance
✨Amazing world building
✨Tragic love
✨Trigger Warnings
✨Shadow daddy with a twist
✨Slow burn
✨One bed/Horse
✨Unhinged FMC
And much much more! Please add this to your tbr! It’s going to be a bestseller 110%!
Thank you Nakita For letting me read this!!! Obsessed loved it give me it all🤌🫣🤣🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
A million stars. All of them. Take them all.
🌶🌶🌶🌶
👑Romantasy
🔮Unique Abilities
🔪Deadly Games
♥️Slow Burn
🖤Enemies to Lovers
♥️Fated Mates
🖤Curse
💕Sarcastic, Playful Banter
☠️Touch her and die.. don't even look at her
"Who the f*** did this to you?" 😍 Gets me every time.
Lyra, a rebellious princess tired of never getting to decide anything for herself decides to listen to the voices in her head and RUNS. She finally takes control of her life or does she?
Pick this up and join Lrya on her journey to save herself her kingdom and her mate. You won't regret it. This is a roller-coaster of emotions in the best possible way.
Recommended for everyone who enjoys slow burn romantasy with intense intimacy after the enemies become lovers. For readers who enjoy high action and twists and turns that will leave you surprised and in awe. This God-tier read will keep you turning page after page and at the end you'll be looking for more pages.
Seriously, read it.
Thank you @nakita.writes.romantasy and @hawthorn.and.aster.services for the ARC. All thoughts and feelings are my own.
🌶🌶🌶🌶
👑Romantasy
🔮Unique Abilities
🔪Deadly Games
♥️Slow Burn
🖤Enemies to Lovers
♥️Fated Mates
🖤Curse
💕Sarcastic, Playful Banter
☠️Touch her and die.. don't even look at her
"Who the f*** did this to you?" 😍 Gets me every time.
Lyra, a rebellious princess tired of never getting to decide anything for herself decides to listen to the voices in her head and RUNS. She finally takes control of her life or does she?
Pick this up and join Lrya on her journey to save herself her kingdom and her mate. You won't regret it. This is a roller-coaster of emotions in the best possible way.
Recommended for everyone who enjoys slow burn romantasy with intense intimacy after the enemies become lovers. For readers who enjoy high action and twists and turns that will leave you surprised and in awe. This God-tier read will keep you turning page after page and at the end you'll be looking for more pages.
Seriously, read it.
Thank you @nakita.writes.romantasy and @hawthorn.and.aster.services for the ARC. All thoughts and feelings are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Could I put this book down? No! Did I expect the ending I got? No! And I dying for book 2 already? Yes!!
Lyra is a bad ass who is taking her life into her own hands. While she is a princess she’s one who has been through some stuff to cause her trauma. Once she escapes her family chains she’s finds who she’s meant to be. While everything thinks she’s crazy it’s really a secret that she’s not even privy to knowing.
While the Fae attack she is taken by the Commander of Death himself and she finds her self face to face with a monster of her court. Realizing that an alliance needs to happen and she needs to escape her patrol. She sets forth into marrying the king of the fae.
This book has Gods, Fae, spice and secret identities for you to find and a cliffhanger that will leave you wanting more. I read this book as an Arc reader and fell in love with it in 4 chapters!
Lyra is a bad ass who is taking her life into her own hands. While she is a princess she’s one who has been through some stuff to cause her trauma. Once she escapes her family chains she’s finds who she’s meant to be. While everything thinks she’s crazy it’s really a secret that she’s not even privy to knowing.
While the Fae attack she is taken by the Commander of Death himself and she finds her self face to face with a monster of her court. Realizing that an alliance needs to happen and she needs to escape her patrol. She sets forth into marrying the king of the fae.
This book has Gods, Fae, spice and secret identities for you to find and a cliffhanger that will leave you wanting more. I read this book as an Arc reader and fell in love with it in 4 chapters!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I genuinely can’t think of a single thing I would change about this book. It delivers a solid romance plot with a semi–love triangle that actually works. The story features a strong female lead battling both internal and external monsters, alongside a true slow-burn romance that feels natural and earned.
Neither the FMC nor the MMC is perfect and that’s what makes them compelling. They both carry wounds, secrets, and emotional weight. The banter is well balanced, the plot is engaging, and the pacing never drags. I especially loved the captor/captive moments, I snorted out loud during more than a few of those scenes.
The ending, however, was cruel. Absolutely brutal. I’m officially gutted that book two isn’t here yet.
If you love the emotional trauma of Throne of Glass, combined with the MMC vibes and worldbuilding of Quicksilver, I think you’ll really enjoy this book.
Neither the FMC nor the MMC is perfect and that’s what makes them compelling. They both carry wounds, secrets, and emotional weight. The banter is well balanced, the plot is engaging, and the pacing never drags. I especially loved the captor/captive moments, I snorted out loud during more than a few of those scenes.
The ending, however, was cruel. Absolutely brutal. I’m officially gutted that book two isn’t here yet.
If you love the emotional trauma of Throne of Glass, combined with the MMC vibes and worldbuilding of Quicksilver, I think you’ll really enjoy this book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Advanced Reader Copy review.
Holy smokes, this book is amazing!
FMC is emotionally complex and battles the voices that she has heard for years. Society labels her crazy, which is such an interesting perspective to read from, and how that affects her view of herself. The character arc she goes through is beautiful and it’s so rewarding watching her grow and learn about herself.
MMC is dark and brooding and seductive and the slow burn is everything! The romance dynamic adds to the vibes and plot, and shows how his support helps the FMC grow within herself.
Such a vibe of a read, very interesting characters and plot, would definitely recommend. An amazing debut novel, Nakita Kirwan has outdone herself 🙌🙌
Holy smokes, this book is amazing!
FMC is emotionally complex and battles the voices that she has heard for years. Society labels her crazy, which is such an interesting perspective to read from, and how that affects her view of herself. The character arc she goes through is beautiful and it’s so rewarding watching her grow and learn about herself.
MMC is dark and brooding and seductive and the slow burn is everything! The romance dynamic adds to the vibes and plot, and shows how his support helps the FMC grow within herself.
Such a vibe of a read, very interesting characters and plot, would definitely recommend. An amazing debut novel, Nakita Kirwan has outdone herself 🙌🙌
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was a pure masterpiece! I don’t have the right words to describe how it made me feel. It was perfection from start to finish. The plot, the characters and their growth, the pace, the spice and all the twists and turns was everything more you could ask for in a dark romance. The ending was so beautifully forshadowed in a way that you don’t see it coming until it smacks you in the face and rips your heart and then stomps on it for good measure. It’s a book you can read and reread and then wonder how you are suppose to function until the sequel comes out. It was nothing short of phenomenal and I cannot wait for book two!
January 29, 2026
4.5 stars
Not gonna lie wasn’t sure if I was gonna like this book. I’m not one for the “ old time-y” settings, however, from reading the blurb I gave it a go.
Once again, pleasantly surprised by this first time Author read!
The intrigue, the drama, the magical and mystical spice was off the charts. The twist and turns had my stomach clenched, like the highest roller drop.
Not happy about my visit with dear friend Cliffie so I really hope book 2 is not far behind!
Not gonna lie wasn’t sure if I was gonna like this book. I’m not one for the “ old time-y” settings, however, from reading the blurb I gave it a go.
Once again, pleasantly surprised by this first time Author read!
The intrigue, the drama, the magical and mystical spice was off the charts. The twist and turns had my stomach clenched, like the highest roller drop.
Not happy about my visit with dear friend Cliffie so I really hope book 2 is not far behind!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hooked from the first page. Instantly invested in the Characters and immersed in the story line. Captivating, Sexy, Enthralling, Mischievous, Dark, Romantic, Unhinged, Plot Twists, Betrayal, it has it all. Hanging already for the next book. Epic read 📚
January 28, 2026
This book! This book will be a bestseller for sure! An absolutely AMAZING debut!
I stayed up all night to finish this!
This book is everything! The word building, the story telling, the characters you fall in love with, the settings.
I am awed, I am distraught, I am obsessed!
I will be in limbo until the next book, I NEED it!
I feel beyond honored to be among the first to read such a fantastic story.
I stayed up all night to finish this!
This book is everything! The word building, the story telling, the characters you fall in love with, the settings.
I am awed, I am distraught, I am obsessed!
I will be in limbo until the next book, I NEED it!
I feel beyond honored to be among the first to read such a fantastic story.
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