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Isle of Wrath
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Expected 8 Apr 26Win a free print copy of this book!
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A forgotten prophecy.
A 300-year-old curse.
And two people bound by a goddess to break it… if the bond doesn't break them first.
In Lunaris, everyone trades their memories for asylum. No one remembers their past, their homeland, or the curse that trapped them behind a wall of darkness called the Shroud. But they don't dare break the rules set upon them.
Ada Acevedo has spent years hiding her healing gift and keeping her head down.
But when her twin brother is struck by a poisoned arrow, she breaks the most dangerous rule of all. She bargains with the goddess of death to save his life.
She didn't expect the goddess to send Malachi Bain—an infuriating warrior—to collect. Much less to be soul-bound to him until she repays what she owes. Now Ada has no choice but to help him do the lift the Shroud and break the curse that's kept Lunaris hidden from the rest of the realm for three hundred years.
As she's pulled deeper into a world of forbidden prophecies and buried secrets, Ada discovers a devastating truth. Lunaris isn't the paradise she always thought it was. It's a cage. And on the other side, a monster is lurking—waiting for the Shroud to fall.
Waiting for her.
A 300-year-old curse.
And two people bound by a goddess to break it… if the bond doesn't break them first.
In Lunaris, everyone trades their memories for asylum. No one remembers their past, their homeland, or the curse that trapped them behind a wall of darkness called the Shroud. But they don't dare break the rules set upon them.
Ada Acevedo has spent years hiding her healing gift and keeping her head down.
But when her twin brother is struck by a poisoned arrow, she breaks the most dangerous rule of all. She bargains with the goddess of death to save his life.
She didn't expect the goddess to send Malachi Bain—an infuriating warrior—to collect. Much less to be soul-bound to him until she repays what she owes. Now Ada has no choice but to help him do the lift the Shroud and break the curse that's kept Lunaris hidden from the rest of the realm for three hundred years.
As she's pulled deeper into a world of forbidden prophecies and buried secrets, Ada discovers a devastating truth. Lunaris isn't the paradise she always thought it was. It's a cage. And on the other side, a monster is lurking—waiting for the Shroud to fall.
Waiting for her.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 8, 2026
15 people are currently reading
5243 people want to read
About the author
Claire Contreras
47 books17.8k followersClaire Contreras is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author, the mother to two amazing humans, and wife to a real life broody romance hero.
An Aquarian through and through, she’s obsessed with the occult and insists that silence is her favorite sound (a close second to laughter). Her favorite books to write are cloaked in mystery and typically feature a broody hero who falls first and a heroine who side-eyes his perpetual attempts to impress her.
She’s published over 25 books, all of which have been translated into various languages.
Claire was born in the Dominican Republic, raised in Miami, FL, and currently lives in North Carolina with her favorite people.
Sign up for her NL: geni.us/ClairesNewsletter
An Aquarian through and through, she’s obsessed with the occult and insists that silence is her favorite sound (a close second to laughter). Her favorite books to write are cloaked in mystery and typically feature a broody hero who falls first and a heroine who side-eyes his perpetual attempts to impress her.
She’s published over 25 books, all of which have been translated into various languages.
Claire was born in the Dominican Republic, raised in Miami, FL, and currently lives in North Carolina with her favorite people.
Sign up for her NL: geni.us/ClairesNewsletter
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the arc!
This book hit all the right notes for me: it features a strong female main character with genuine agency, a complex fantasy world, and a plot that continues to evolve and deepen as the story progresses. The reader is dropped into a world where it is clear that there are secrets and drama that are slowly revealed over the course of the plot. I appreciated that the world building was delivered in quick bites (often around action sequences or moments of intrigue) so the narrative didn't feel bogged down. There were also surprisingly deep moments where characters reflect on the nature of stories and legends (and the nature of truth). These reflections were appropriately placed in the story and left me with a deeper respect for what the book was trying to convey.
If I had to pick a least favorite part of this story it would have to be the side characters. I found many of the secondary characters flat and difficult to tell apart. This became a particular challenge because it became vital to know who had what ability and allegiance as the story progressed. Unfortunately I struggled to clearly picture some of these secondary characters in my mind.
This book is great for those looking for a fantasy novel that keeps the mystery going throughout the story. There is a romance storyline that is pivotal to the plot but not the main focus - unlike some popular "romantasy" books this one has a fully realized fantasy world with a romance integrated into it, rather than a romance that simply happens to have magical elements in the plot. I can be skeptical of books that promise to be a trilogy but this one works so well that I sincerely will be looking for the follow up book to see how the story continues.
This book hit all the right notes for me: it features a strong female main character with genuine agency, a complex fantasy world, and a plot that continues to evolve and deepen as the story progresses. The reader is dropped into a world where it is clear that there are secrets and drama that are slowly revealed over the course of the plot. I appreciated that the world building was delivered in quick bites (often around action sequences or moments of intrigue) so the narrative didn't feel bogged down. There were also surprisingly deep moments where characters reflect on the nature of stories and legends (and the nature of truth). These reflections were appropriately placed in the story and left me with a deeper respect for what the book was trying to convey.
If I had to pick a least favorite part of this story it would have to be the side characters. I found many of the secondary characters flat and difficult to tell apart. This became a particular challenge because it became vital to know who had what ability and allegiance as the story progressed. Unfortunately I struggled to clearly picture some of these secondary characters in my mind.
This book is great for those looking for a fantasy novel that keeps the mystery going throughout the story. There is a romance storyline that is pivotal to the plot but not the main focus - unlike some popular "romantasy" books this one has a fully realized fantasy world with a romance integrated into it, rather than a romance that simply happens to have magical elements in the plot. I can be skeptical of books that promise to be a trilogy but this one works so well that I sincerely will be looking for the follow up book to see how the story continues.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, was I completely absorbed in this world. I haven’t moved since I started this. I was so immersed and caught between the pages. The plot was p l o t t i n g.
I would love to go in length about this but I want you to truly experience it for yourself! This was so unique for me and I love it!
A world that isn’t what it seems, secrets, prophecies, gods, gifts and magic. Is the past being re-written or forgotten, what is true/real vs not? There is so much information to learn that was well delivered that I was so eager to read more!
And the chaos erupts, a bargain and a bond. Let me tell you I am LIVING for this bond. My heart twisted, yearned,kicking my feet and wanting to scream at times. Everything has meaning and our girl Ada is a wonder. She is fierce, loyal, strong.
I am really at the edge of my seat BEGGING to see how this plays out. We are getting to the g o o d stuff now, it’s about to be a storm and I am like 😅😅😅
Thank you so much for the ARC. I truly appreciate the opportunity and cannot wait to have this on my shelf 🫶🏼
I would love to go in length about this but I want you to truly experience it for yourself! This was so unique for me and I love it!
A world that isn’t what it seems, secrets, prophecies, gods, gifts and magic. Is the past being re-written or forgotten, what is true/real vs not? There is so much information to learn that was well delivered that I was so eager to read more!
And the chaos erupts, a bargain and a bond. Let me tell you I am LIVING for this bond. My heart twisted, yearned,kicking my feet and wanting to scream at times. Everything has meaning and our girl Ada is a wonder. She is fierce, loyal, strong.
I am really at the edge of my seat BEGGING to see how this plays out. We are getting to the g o o d stuff now, it’s about to be a storm and I am like 😅😅😅
Thank you so much for the ARC. I truly appreciate the opportunity and cannot wait to have this on my shelf 🫶🏼
Review of advance copy
The Council and the Sages of Veritas have rewritten the g0ds gifts & rules, making their own. You must not remember how it once was and always Follow The Rules of Lunaris. Ada is an alchemist that lives in Lunais where the Sages made it safe from w&r, pain but not everything can stay hidden forever. When chaos breaks out one day and her brother is hurt she uses her f0rbidden powers to save him and a warrior named Malachi Bain is also summoned. When bargains are made, the truth slowly reveals itself but at what cost? This is a slow building, gothic fantasy novel with magic, myths, action and secrets that become truths as you turn each page. Leaving you on quite the cliffhanger will have you wanting more of this new world. Told in first person and Ada’s POV.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Give it all the stars—Claire does it again. This story was so well constructed. From the character development to the world building and magic systems. There are so many components that work seamlessly together. I absolutely devoured this.
Ada our FMC is strong and defiant to the cage this world has placed her in. Mal our MMC will burn the world for her. Their bond is instant but you get so much building within their relationship that it doesnt feel like "instant love."
I will be recommending this to anyone who will listen.
Ada our FMC is strong and defiant to the cage this world has placed her in. Mal our MMC will burn the world for her. Their bond is instant but you get so much building within their relationship that it doesnt feel like "instant love."
I will be recommending this to anyone who will listen.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thanks to Claire for allowing me the opportunity to read this arc. I can’t say enough positive comments about this book. If you’re a romantasy reader who loves intricate world building, suspenseful plots, yearning slow burn love, and some spice, this is a book you have to add to your TBR. I felt like I was in Ada’s orbit throughout this book, trying to figure out things with her along the way. I cannot wait for book 2.
Claire, this one is a banger!
Claire, this one is a banger!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Full review to come but I need the next book ASAP!!!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews