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The Lost Weapon
She’s been keeping secrets her whole life. He’s a secret she never saw coming.
Following a world-shattering war three hundred years ago, the tenuous peace between the Fire and Ice Dominions has been slowly fracturing. After a Fire Dominion attack fifteen years ago that led to the death of Sage’s parents, tensions have never been higher. So, when she’s tasked by the queen of the Ice Dominion to go to Earth and kidnap Aiden, the descendent of a noble Ice Dominion family, she has no problem with it. After all, this descendent is the only one who can wield the weapon that ended the war three centuries ago — and Sage will do whatever it takes to prevent a war from taking anyone else she loves.
Throughout their journey in the Ice Dominion, Sage and her friends-turned-family teach Aiden about their world and his magic. And Aiden teaches Sage that it’s okay to let others in.
Sage must learn there can be strength in weakness (as long as you can still beat the shit out of someone should the need arise) and Aiden must learn his place in this strange and magical world if they have any hope of their mission being a success.
Following a world-shattering war three hundred years ago, the tenuous peace between the Fire and Ice Dominions has been slowly fracturing. After a Fire Dominion attack fifteen years ago that led to the death of Sage’s parents, tensions have never been higher. So, when she’s tasked by the queen of the Ice Dominion to go to Earth and kidnap Aiden, the descendent of a noble Ice Dominion family, she has no problem with it. After all, this descendent is the only one who can wield the weapon that ended the war three centuries ago — and Sage will do whatever it takes to prevent a war from taking anyone else she loves.
Throughout their journey in the Ice Dominion, Sage and her friends-turned-family teach Aiden about their world and his magic. And Aiden teaches Sage that it’s okay to let others in.
Sage must learn there can be strength in weakness (as long as you can still beat the shit out of someone should the need arise) and Aiden must learn his place in this strange and magical world if they have any hope of their mission being a success.
- GenresFantasy
346 pages
Published May 12, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
May 11, 2026
4.5⭐️ for The Lost Weapon by Sophie Jay ⚔️✨
This book had me hooked so fast. The world-building, the tension, the mystery?? SO good. I loved the mix of action, magic, and emotional moments, and the characters had me fully invested from the start.
The stakes kept getting higher and I genuinely could not stop turning pages. Fantasy readers who love dangerous quests, found family vibes, and getting emotionally attached to fictional people… this one’s for you 👀
This book had me hooked so fast. The world-building, the tension, the mystery?? SO good. I loved the mix of action, magic, and emotional moments, and the characters had me fully invested from the start.
The stakes kept getting higher and I genuinely could not stop turning pages. Fantasy readers who love dangerous quests, found family vibes, and getting emotionally attached to fictional people… this one’s for you 👀
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April 25, 2026Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted book!
I’m not always a fast reader but I burned through these pages and did not want to put it down.
Adien is kidnapped but the Captain of the Guard from an alternate dimension where the world run on magic. Adien is apparently the key to finding a weapon to help win a war in the magical dimension he is unwilling forced into.
I absolutely devoured this story. It was simple, quick, easy read, and kept my ADHD brain engaged.
Highly recommend for a fun quick read!
I’m not always a fast reader but I burned through these pages and did not want to put it down.
Adien is kidnapped but the Captain of the Guard from an alternate dimension where the world run on magic. Adien is apparently the key to finding a weapon to help win a war in the magical dimension he is unwilling forced into.
I absolutely devoured this story. It was simple, quick, easy read, and kept my ADHD brain engaged.
Highly recommend for a fun quick read!
May 4, 2026
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted book.
There is a war brewing between the Ice & Fire Dominions. In order to get an upper hand the Ice Dominions need to find the lost weapon.
So we start off with our FMC Sage kidnapping Aidan who is from earth but is the key to hopefully finding the weapon. The kidnapping is just the beginning of this exciting adventure!
I really enjoyed Sage, she is strong, confident, fierce and gets the job done no matter what. Even struggling with a chronic illness does not stop her. She is a bad ass. Then there is Aidan who does not know what to think of everything around him. He is funny, and the banter/tension between him and Sage is on fire.
The ending to this book had my jaw dropping! I was not expecting it. I am excited for book 2 to see where this goes.
There is a war brewing between the Ice & Fire Dominions. In order to get an upper hand the Ice Dominions need to find the lost weapon.
So we start off with our FMC Sage kidnapping Aidan who is from earth but is the key to hopefully finding the weapon. The kidnapping is just the beginning of this exciting adventure!
I really enjoyed Sage, she is strong, confident, fierce and gets the job done no matter what. Even struggling with a chronic illness does not stop her. She is a bad ass. Then there is Aidan who does not know what to think of everything around him. He is funny, and the banter/tension between him and Sage is on fire.
The ending to this book had my jaw dropping! I was not expecting it. I am excited for book 2 to see where this goes.
Review of advance copy
First, let’s go over the book without spoilers. Later in this review, I’ll get into some spoiler-y thoughts, but don’t worry, there’ll be a warning first. :)
First of all, I really liked the world-building of Tirlun. It’s easy to understand that there are two dominions: the Fire Dominion and the Ice Dominion. Because Aiden is new to this world, a lot gets explained to him, which means it also gets explained to us as readers. That made it really easy to understand the world, the magic system, and everything else that was going on.
The story starts with Aiden being kidnapped by Sage, which I loved because it throws you right into the action immediately. It instantly made me curious about why it was happening and what exactly was going on. Sage is kind of a bitch, but she’s funny as fuck, and I absolutely loved that.
I felt the tension between Sage and Aiden right away, which I really liked. I love good tension, a little spice here and there, funny banter, sexual banter… yeah, I’m into it. So yes, there is spice in this book. I wouldn’t say it’s too much, but if you really don’t like spice in books, it’s something to keep in mind before reading.
I do feel like this book reads a bit like a YA novel — and I don’t mean that in a bad way — except for the spice. The writing style is easy-going, fun, modern, and simple. And with simple, I mean that if you enjoy reading in English but it isn’t your first language, this book is very approachable. It doesn’t use overly difficult words or a super complicated writing style, which makes it really easy to fly through.
The pacing of the book is great. I never felt bored for a second. I read this book within 24 hours — honestly, probably closer to 10. I think that says a lot about how much I enjoyed it because I could barely put it down.
The female main character has a chronic illness, which isn’t a spoiler because it’s mentioned in the summary. I really loved that because I have a chronic illness myself, so I connected with Sage straight away. The way she tries to hide it, the way she’s afraid people will think she’s weak or look at her differently because of it… Those are thoughts and feelings I know all too well. It made me feel really connected to her character. I also loved seeing her still be a complete badass despite her illness. She doesn’t let it stop her, and I think that’s such a powerful and motivating message for people with chronic illnesses.
For a debut novel, I think this is really good. I had so much fun reading it, and I can’t wait for book two. I’d rate it 4.5 stars.
--------------------------------------------- SPOILERS
I love books with animals like dragons, foxes, or wolves, but polar bears?! That is so unique and I ate it uppppp. Now I want a polar bear as my method of transportation too. I loved that twist because it felt different from the more “standard” fantasy animals. There’s also a fox called Fluffy with a very special “outfit,” which I loved as well.
Aiden might honestly be a little too relaxed and grounded because this man got introduced to magic, a whole new world, new people, and an entirely different life after literally being ripped away from his own world… and he was mad for like three seconds. While I get that Sage and her friends/family are funny, kind, warm, and easy to like, I would’ve completely understood if Aiden had been more difficult with them for longer. He escaped exactly once — twice if you count the half attempt on Earth — and then just kind of accepted the situation. Honestly, respect, because I think I would’ve gone fully insane lol.
Sage acts like a bitch, but she actually isn’t. She uses it as a mask to keep people at a distance, and honestly, I get it. Her friends/family are amazing though: loyal, funny, kind, and just really easy to love. I’m such an introvert, but even I know I would’ve felt comfortable being myself around them.
The storyline itself isn’t bad, but I do think parts of it could’ve been thought out a little more. The whole “find the magical weapon” and “you’ll feel it when we’re close” thing felt a bit underdeveloped to me. I think there could’ve been more history behind it, more about Aiden’s family, their powers, or what the magical weapon could actually do to some extent. The mystery and surprise element is fun, but a little more information, rumors, or speculation could’ve made the search feel more exciting and scary.
Also, because they’re all so confident — or arrogant lol — in their skills, I never really doubted whether they would lose a fight or not make it out alive. That made some of the action feel a little less tense. I do love a confident squad, but I think having someone besides Aiden get seriously injured or something would’ve raised the stakes a bit more.
The ending was pretty shocking. I was confused for a second, but in a good way. It was also kind of heartbreaking and definitely not what I expected. That’s exactly the kind of ending that makes me impatient for book two.
This book may not be a literary masterpiece for some, but it is such a fun, cute, and exciting read!
🤍 Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted book. #thelostweapon #thenerdfam 🤍
First of all, I really liked the world-building of Tirlun. It’s easy to understand that there are two dominions: the Fire Dominion and the Ice Dominion. Because Aiden is new to this world, a lot gets explained to him, which means it also gets explained to us as readers. That made it really easy to understand the world, the magic system, and everything else that was going on.
The story starts with Aiden being kidnapped by Sage, which I loved because it throws you right into the action immediately. It instantly made me curious about why it was happening and what exactly was going on. Sage is kind of a bitch, but she’s funny as fuck, and I absolutely loved that.
I felt the tension between Sage and Aiden right away, which I really liked. I love good tension, a little spice here and there, funny banter, sexual banter… yeah, I’m into it. So yes, there is spice in this book. I wouldn’t say it’s too much, but if you really don’t like spice in books, it’s something to keep in mind before reading.
I do feel like this book reads a bit like a YA novel — and I don’t mean that in a bad way — except for the spice. The writing style is easy-going, fun, modern, and simple. And with simple, I mean that if you enjoy reading in English but it isn’t your first language, this book is very approachable. It doesn’t use overly difficult words or a super complicated writing style, which makes it really easy to fly through.
The pacing of the book is great. I never felt bored for a second. I read this book within 24 hours — honestly, probably closer to 10. I think that says a lot about how much I enjoyed it because I could barely put it down.
The female main character has a chronic illness, which isn’t a spoiler because it’s mentioned in the summary. I really loved that because I have a chronic illness myself, so I connected with Sage straight away. The way she tries to hide it, the way she’s afraid people will think she’s weak or look at her differently because of it… Those are thoughts and feelings I know all too well. It made me feel really connected to her character. I also loved seeing her still be a complete badass despite her illness. She doesn’t let it stop her, and I think that’s such a powerful and motivating message for people with chronic illnesses.
For a debut novel, I think this is really good. I had so much fun reading it, and I can’t wait for book two. I’d rate it 4.5 stars.
--------------------------------------------- SPOILERS
I love books with animals like dragons, foxes, or wolves, but polar bears?! That is so unique and I ate it uppppp. Now I want a polar bear as my method of transportation too. I loved that twist because it felt different from the more “standard” fantasy animals. There’s also a fox called Fluffy with a very special “outfit,” which I loved as well.
Aiden might honestly be a little too relaxed and grounded because this man got introduced to magic, a whole new world, new people, and an entirely different life after literally being ripped away from his own world… and he was mad for like three seconds. While I get that Sage and her friends/family are funny, kind, warm, and easy to like, I would’ve completely understood if Aiden had been more difficult with them for longer. He escaped exactly once — twice if you count the half attempt on Earth — and then just kind of accepted the situation. Honestly, respect, because I think I would’ve gone fully insane lol.
Sage acts like a bitch, but she actually isn’t. She uses it as a mask to keep people at a distance, and honestly, I get it. Her friends/family are amazing though: loyal, funny, kind, and just really easy to love. I’m such an introvert, but even I know I would’ve felt comfortable being myself around them.
The storyline itself isn’t bad, but I do think parts of it could’ve been thought out a little more. The whole “find the magical weapon” and “you’ll feel it when we’re close” thing felt a bit underdeveloped to me. I think there could’ve been more history behind it, more about Aiden’s family, their powers, or what the magical weapon could actually do to some extent. The mystery and surprise element is fun, but a little more information, rumors, or speculation could’ve made the search feel more exciting and scary.
Also, because they’re all so confident — or arrogant lol — in their skills, I never really doubted whether they would lose a fight or not make it out alive. That made some of the action feel a little less tense. I do love a confident squad, but I think having someone besides Aiden get seriously injured or something would’ve raised the stakes a bit more.
The ending was pretty shocking. I was confused for a second, but in a good way. It was also kind of heartbreaking and definitely not what I expected. That’s exactly the kind of ending that makes me impatient for book two.
This book may not be a literary masterpiece for some, but it is such a fun, cute, and exciting read!
🤍 Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted book. #thelostweapon #thenerdfam 🤍
Review of advance copy received from Author
Yes!! This was an enjoyable, magical, fun, sometimes unexpected read!
Sage the fmc in this is fiercely loyal, protective and a no bullshit kinda type! And she kidnaps Aiden from earth to their world Tirlun, through a portal, wich he and his family supposedly was from originally. I thought it was hillarious that he thought they were all crazy for so long before realising the truth. In many stories it just takes a short amount of time for the people to accept everything so it's refreshing that it wasn't the case here! And it has Ursa that they ride on, wich is like oir polar bears, wich is freaking awesome!!!
Sage calls Aiden "Shifrah" or "Pretty Boy" and he calls her "Princess". The tension between these two are excellent!!!! And I feel the trust and friendship is earned and not just there from the get go.
I love the friend group and that they all had their places within it and supported, helped and incurridged eachother.
Idris, Del, Aneira and Sage in their tight nit unite, group, friends, family: I looove them all with eachother and on their own!
That Aiden and his family was from Tirlun and that only he could find and use a lost weapon to help prevent a war was suspicious. Because there is an Ice dominian and a Fire dominion so I thought who is preventing it and why? But Aiden was from the ICE dominion and is included to find this with the group.
Sage has a chronic illness that makes her live in various degrees of pain also dependent on how much she excerts herself, but that she also hides it so well and put on a mask for everyone else. The descriptions of wanting to break a bone to have the pain consentrated in one place, the bitterness of it and the anger that's hard to reign in when the pain is too much. That it feels like it's ruining you but there's no visible effects to the pain other than the person feeling it. So why should anyone believe it? The big nudge to invisible chronic illnesses or pain was huge here, raw and so so real!
I liked that it was no particular religion here and that mother nature was the closest thing that would come to a god for them and that nature was their religion even though they did not see it as one. Theie respect for nature and to keep things natural and to try not to disturb nature to build housing and to build then in harmony with whats already present was beautifully shown through the worldbuilding and explanation of the different places throughout.
I have quotes that stuck with me:
"It's terrifying when things change. Especially when they change in ways you could never begin to prepare for. It's how you handle the changes that determine who you are."
The dedication in the book moved me:
"For the women who build walls so strong you forget they are there. And for the people willing to make a door.
The ending was awesome, romantic, thrilling, pageturning and unexpected!! I really look forward to the next book!!
Thank you nerdfam and to Sophie Jay for an ARC of this book!!
Sage the fmc in this is fiercely loyal, protective and a no bullshit kinda type! And she kidnaps Aiden from earth to their world Tirlun, through a portal, wich he and his family supposedly was from originally. I thought it was hillarious that he thought they were all crazy for so long before realising the truth. In many stories it just takes a short amount of time for the people to accept everything so it's refreshing that it wasn't the case here! And it has Ursa that they ride on, wich is like oir polar bears, wich is freaking awesome!!!
Sage calls Aiden "Shifrah" or "Pretty Boy" and he calls her "Princess". The tension between these two are excellent!!!! And I feel the trust and friendship is earned and not just there from the get go.
I love the friend group and that they all had their places within it and supported, helped and incurridged eachother.
Idris, Del, Aneira and Sage in their tight nit unite, group, friends, family: I looove them all with eachother and on their own!
That Aiden and his family was from Tirlun and that only he could find and use a lost weapon to help prevent a war was suspicious. Because there is an Ice dominian and a Fire dominion so I thought who is preventing it and why? But Aiden was from the ICE dominion and is included to find this with the group.
Sage has a chronic illness that makes her live in various degrees of pain also dependent on how much she excerts herself, but that she also hides it so well and put on a mask for everyone else. The descriptions of wanting to break a bone to have the pain consentrated in one place, the bitterness of it and the anger that's hard to reign in when the pain is too much. That it feels like it's ruining you but there's no visible effects to the pain other than the person feeling it. So why should anyone believe it? The big nudge to invisible chronic illnesses or pain was huge here, raw and so so real!
I liked that it was no particular religion here and that mother nature was the closest thing that would come to a god for them and that nature was their religion even though they did not see it as one. Theie respect for nature and to keep things natural and to try not to disturb nature to build housing and to build then in harmony with whats already present was beautifully shown through the worldbuilding and explanation of the different places throughout.
I have quotes that stuck with me:
"It's terrifying when things change. Especially when they change in ways you could never begin to prepare for. It's how you handle the changes that determine who you are."
The dedication in the book moved me:
"For the women who build walls so strong you forget they are there. And for the people willing to make a door.
The ending was awesome, romantic, thrilling, pageturning and unexpected!! I really look forward to the next book!!
Thank you nerdfam and to Sophie Jay for an ARC of this book!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2026
I was not expecting the FMC to be the one doing the kidnapping—but honestly? I was completely here for it 😌🔥
The beginning felt a little disorienting, like I’d been dropped into the middle of something bigger without a map. But once that opening hit properly? BAM. I was hooked and didn’t want to leave 🫠✨
Set in a world still fractured after a devastating war between the Fire and Ice Dominions, the story followed Sage—captain of the guard, chronic secret-keeper, and absolute menace 💅⚔️—who was sent to Earth to kidnap Aiden. Why? Because he was the last descendant capable of wielding the weapon that once ended a war… and might be the only thing stopping another. What unfolded was a journey through the Ice Dominion filled with magic, tension, found family, and the slow unraveling of both their guarded hearts 🧊🔥
Aiden’s POV really grew on me. At first, I wasn’t fully sold—but his development felt earned. Watching him go from confused outsider to someone trying to understand his place in this magical, dangerous world was genuinely satisfying 🥹
But Sage? Oh, Sage. She owned this book for me 😮💨 She was fierce, loyal, dangerous—and completely unwilling to be controlled. The fact that she was both incredibly powerful and chronically ill, without that being her entire personality, felt so refreshing. Her strength wasn’t softened, and her vulnerability wasn’t erased. I loved her depth from the very beginning ❤️🔥
The dynamics? So good. The banter? Even better 😌 The found family elements added warmth to the story, balancing out the heavier themes of war, loss, and responsibility.
There were moments where the pacing dipped slightly—those classic fantasy pauses where the world-building took center stage. Not bad, just noticeable.
But once everything settled into place? Oh, I was in. The tension picked up, the stakes felt real, and I found myself completely invested in their mission and their relationship 💥
The slow burn? YES. Thank you for feeding me properly 🫶
The action and tension? Delivered.
And that ending??? I needed about five business days to recover 😭🔥
Overall, this was such a fun and emotionally engaging read. It took me a little time to fully click with it, but once I did—I didn’t want to let go. I’m definitely excited to see where Sophie Jay takes this world next 💫
✨ Perfect for fans of:
Kidnapping but make it romantic tension 😌🔗
Enemies ➝ friends ➝ lovers 💥❤️
Slow burn romance 🐢🔥
Powerful, morally grey FMC 💅⚔️
“Who hurt you?” energy 😭
Found family 🫂
Magic + elemental worlds (Fire vs Ice) 🔥❄️
Reluctant hero discovering hidden power ⚡
Touch her and die vibes 😤
Thank you to Sophie Jay and The Nerd Fam for the ARC opportunity 💌✨
The beginning felt a little disorienting, like I’d been dropped into the middle of something bigger without a map. But once that opening hit properly? BAM. I was hooked and didn’t want to leave 🫠✨
Set in a world still fractured after a devastating war between the Fire and Ice Dominions, the story followed Sage—captain of the guard, chronic secret-keeper, and absolute menace 💅⚔️—who was sent to Earth to kidnap Aiden. Why? Because he was the last descendant capable of wielding the weapon that once ended a war… and might be the only thing stopping another. What unfolded was a journey through the Ice Dominion filled with magic, tension, found family, and the slow unraveling of both their guarded hearts 🧊🔥
Aiden’s POV really grew on me. At first, I wasn’t fully sold—but his development felt earned. Watching him go from confused outsider to someone trying to understand his place in this magical, dangerous world was genuinely satisfying 🥹
But Sage? Oh, Sage. She owned this book for me 😮💨 She was fierce, loyal, dangerous—and completely unwilling to be controlled. The fact that she was both incredibly powerful and chronically ill, without that being her entire personality, felt so refreshing. Her strength wasn’t softened, and her vulnerability wasn’t erased. I loved her depth from the very beginning ❤️🔥
The dynamics? So good. The banter? Even better 😌 The found family elements added warmth to the story, balancing out the heavier themes of war, loss, and responsibility.
There were moments where the pacing dipped slightly—those classic fantasy pauses where the world-building took center stage. Not bad, just noticeable.
But once everything settled into place? Oh, I was in. The tension picked up, the stakes felt real, and I found myself completely invested in their mission and their relationship 💥
The slow burn? YES. Thank you for feeding me properly 🫶
The action and tension? Delivered.
And that ending??? I needed about five business days to recover 😭🔥
Overall, this was such a fun and emotionally engaging read. It took me a little time to fully click with it, but once I did—I didn’t want to let go. I’m definitely excited to see where Sophie Jay takes this world next 💫
✨ Perfect for fans of:
Kidnapping but make it romantic tension 😌🔗
Enemies ➝ friends ➝ lovers 💥❤️
Slow burn romance 🐢🔥
Powerful, morally grey FMC 💅⚔️
“Who hurt you?” energy 😭
Found family 🫂
Magic + elemental worlds (Fire vs Ice) 🔥❄️
Reluctant hero discovering hidden power ⚡
Touch her and die vibes 😤
Thank you to Sophie Jay and The Nerd Fam for the ARC opportunity 💌✨
June 10, 2026
I absolutely devoured this book.
The Lost Weapon completely pulled me in from the very first chapters and refused to let go. I picked it up planning to read a little before bed and suddenly found myself flying through chapter after chapter because I needed to know what was going to happen next.
One of my favorite things about this story was getting to discover the world alongside Aiden. He's thrown into a world he knows absolutely nothing about, so as he learns about the Ice and Fire Dominions, the magic, and everything happening around him, we do too. Fantasy worlds can sometimes feel overwhelming, but Sophie Jay made everything easy to follow while still making the world feel rich, magical, and full of mystery.
Also, can we talk about the polar bears for a second?
Because I was obsessed.
Fantasy gives us dragons, wolves, and every magical creature imaginable, but somehow the polar bears completely stole the show for me. I'm sorry, not sorry. I would like one immediately.
But the real star of this book was Sage.
I am absolutely feral for strong female characters, and Sage was everything I wanted her to be. She's fierce, stubborn, protective, and incredibly capable, but she's also carrying burdens that most people don't see. As someone who deals with chronic health issues myself, seeing that representation meant so much to me. Her illness is part of her story, but it never becomes her entire identity. She continues to fight, love, protect, and show up for the people she cares about, and I loved her for it.
And then there's Aiden.
Watching him stumble through this completely unfamiliar world while slowly finding his place among Sage and her found family was one of my favorite parts of the book. The banter between him and Sage was so much fun, the tension kept building, and I found myself rooting for them almost immediately.
Speaking of found family...
You all know that's one of my favorite tropes, and this book delivered. Give me loyal friends who become family, people willing to stand beside each other no matter what, and I will eat it up every single time.
And that ending?!
That ending should be illegal.
I genuinely did not see it coming, and now I desperately need book two because I have questions, feelings, and absolutely no patience.
If you love fantasy with adventure, magic, found family, slow-burn romance, lovable characters, and a story that keeps you turning pages long past your bedtime, put this on your TBR immediately.
Read it. Then come scream with me.
Thank you to Sophie Jay and Nerd Fam for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.
The Lost Weapon completely pulled me in from the very first chapters and refused to let go. I picked it up planning to read a little before bed and suddenly found myself flying through chapter after chapter because I needed to know what was going to happen next.
One of my favorite things about this story was getting to discover the world alongside Aiden. He's thrown into a world he knows absolutely nothing about, so as he learns about the Ice and Fire Dominions, the magic, and everything happening around him, we do too. Fantasy worlds can sometimes feel overwhelming, but Sophie Jay made everything easy to follow while still making the world feel rich, magical, and full of mystery.
Also, can we talk about the polar bears for a second?
Because I was obsessed.
Fantasy gives us dragons, wolves, and every magical creature imaginable, but somehow the polar bears completely stole the show for me. I'm sorry, not sorry. I would like one immediately.
But the real star of this book was Sage.
I am absolutely feral for strong female characters, and Sage was everything I wanted her to be. She's fierce, stubborn, protective, and incredibly capable, but she's also carrying burdens that most people don't see. As someone who deals with chronic health issues myself, seeing that representation meant so much to me. Her illness is part of her story, but it never becomes her entire identity. She continues to fight, love, protect, and show up for the people she cares about, and I loved her for it.
And then there's Aiden.
Watching him stumble through this completely unfamiliar world while slowly finding his place among Sage and her found family was one of my favorite parts of the book. The banter between him and Sage was so much fun, the tension kept building, and I found myself rooting for them almost immediately.
Speaking of found family...
You all know that's one of my favorite tropes, and this book delivered. Give me loyal friends who become family, people willing to stand beside each other no matter what, and I will eat it up every single time.
And that ending?!
That ending should be illegal.
I genuinely did not see it coming, and now I desperately need book two because I have questions, feelings, and absolutely no patience.
If you love fantasy with adventure, magic, found family, slow-burn romance, lovable characters, and a story that keeps you turning pages long past your bedtime, put this on your TBR immediately.
Read it. Then come scream with me.
Thank you to Sophie Jay and Nerd Fam for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy
Welp. I was not expecting the FMC to be the one doing the kidnapping—but listen… I was HERE for it.
Okay, first things first—this one actually took me a minute to get into. I went in blind (as one does), so I had absolutely no clue what was happening at first. But once that opening hit? BAM. I was hooked.
Aiden ended up being a really fun POV to read. His growth throughout the story felt earned, and watching his journey unfold was genuinely satisfying.
Now Sage? Oof. Tell me you wanted a baddie without telling me you wanted a baddie. She’s the captain of the guard—fierce, loyal, dangerous, and absolutely refuses to be controlled. I actually liked her more than Aiden in the beginning because of how much depth she had so early on. And the fact that she’s both powerful and chronically ill—without being watered down or having that define her completely—felt like such a breath of fresh air. You really don’t see that enough in fantasy.
The world-building and magic system were easy to follow, and while I connected to some characters more than others, I really enjoyed the dynamics and the banter across the board.
Now… honesty corner.
At the start, I did get a little annoyed with how often Aiden’s attraction to Sage was emphasized. Like—yes, she’s attractive. Yes, you’re angry and conflicted. I get it. But did we need to revisit that every other chapter? It made him come off a little more lust-driven than I would’ve preferred. And there were a few moments where the plot felt like it stalled—not badly, just that typical fantasy pause while the world gets fully explained.
But once everything was established? Oh, I wanted MORE.
The enemies → friends → lovers progression? Chef’s kiss. The slow burn? (Despite my earlier complaint—yes, it is in fact a slow burn. THANK YOU.) The action? So good. The tension? 🤌 And that ending??? AHHH.
Overall, this was a really fun read. It took me a second to fully settle in, but once I did, I was all in. I’m definitely excited to see what Sophie Jay does next with this world.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted books.
Okay, first things first—this one actually took me a minute to get into. I went in blind (as one does), so I had absolutely no clue what was happening at first. But once that opening hit? BAM. I was hooked.
Aiden ended up being a really fun POV to read. His growth throughout the story felt earned, and watching his journey unfold was genuinely satisfying.
Now Sage? Oof. Tell me you wanted a baddie without telling me you wanted a baddie. She’s the captain of the guard—fierce, loyal, dangerous, and absolutely refuses to be controlled. I actually liked her more than Aiden in the beginning because of how much depth she had so early on. And the fact that she’s both powerful and chronically ill—without being watered down or having that define her completely—felt like such a breath of fresh air. You really don’t see that enough in fantasy.
The world-building and magic system were easy to follow, and while I connected to some characters more than others, I really enjoyed the dynamics and the banter across the board.
Now… honesty corner.
At the start, I did get a little annoyed with how often Aiden’s attraction to Sage was emphasized. Like—yes, she’s attractive. Yes, you’re angry and conflicted. I get it. But did we need to revisit that every other chapter? It made him come off a little more lust-driven than I would’ve preferred. And there were a few moments where the plot felt like it stalled—not badly, just that typical fantasy pause while the world gets fully explained.
But once everything was established? Oh, I wanted MORE.
The enemies → friends → lovers progression? Chef’s kiss. The slow burn? (Despite my earlier complaint—yes, it is in fact a slow burn. THANK YOU.) The action? So good. The tension? 🤌 And that ending??? AHHH.
Overall, this was a really fun read. It took me a second to fully settle in, but once I did, I was all in. I’m definitely excited to see what Sophie Jay does next with this world.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted books.
May 9, 2026
I received this as an e-ARC from the Nerd Fam, and I was so happy and grateful to get the opportunity to read it early. Huge thanks to Sophie Jay and The Nerd Fam for providing me with a copy — I really appreciated it!
One of my favorite things about this book was the elemental powers. I absolutely love that trope, and not many books. I also really liked that Sage, the female main character, was the most powerful one instead of always making the male character stronger. Sage was definitely one of the highlights of the book for me. I especially loved how she became stronger through her illness rather than being held back by it.
Another aspect I enjoyed was the worldbuilding. The idea of a world parallel to Earth that deeply cares about their planet was really interesting and refreshing. The characters also had a lot more depth than I expected and didn’t feel shallow, which made it easier to connect with them. I also loved the found family trope and the dynamic between the group overall.
The plot itself was really enjoyable, and the plot twist was done well. You could kind of suspect parts of it, but it still wasn’t completely predictable, which I liked.
There were a few things that didn’t fully work for me, though. Some of the dialogue felt a little cringe at times, but considering this is the author’s first book, it’s understandable because writing natural dialogue can definitely be difficult. I also felt like Sage and the group were sometimes a little too cocky, even if they were very skilled. The ending also felt a bit rushed, and I think some moments could have used a little more time to fully develop.
As for Aiden, the male main character, he was a little too soft for my personal taste, especially in the beginning. He seemed a bit lost and honestly kind of stupid at times — but in a funny way haha.
Overall, The Lost Weapon was an enjoyable read with strong characters, interesting powers, and a great found family dynamic. Even though there were a few weaker points, I’m definitely interested to see where the story goes next.
3,5/5
One of my favorite things about this book was the elemental powers. I absolutely love that trope, and not many books. I also really liked that Sage, the female main character, was the most powerful one instead of always making the male character stronger. Sage was definitely one of the highlights of the book for me. I especially loved how she became stronger through her illness rather than being held back by it.
Another aspect I enjoyed was the worldbuilding. The idea of a world parallel to Earth that deeply cares about their planet was really interesting and refreshing. The characters also had a lot more depth than I expected and didn’t feel shallow, which made it easier to connect with them. I also loved the found family trope and the dynamic between the group overall.
The plot itself was really enjoyable, and the plot twist was done well. You could kind of suspect parts of it, but it still wasn’t completely predictable, which I liked.
There were a few things that didn’t fully work for me, though. Some of the dialogue felt a little cringe at times, but considering this is the author’s first book, it’s understandable because writing natural dialogue can definitely be difficult. I also felt like Sage and the group were sometimes a little too cocky, even if they were very skilled. The ending also felt a bit rushed, and I think some moments could have used a little more time to fully develop.
As for Aiden, the male main character, he was a little too soft for my personal taste, especially in the beginning. He seemed a bit lost and honestly kind of stupid at times — but in a funny way haha.
Overall, The Lost Weapon was an enjoyable read with strong characters, interesting powers, and a great found family dynamic. Even though there were a few weaker points, I’m definitely interested to see where the story goes next.
3,5/5
Review of advance copy received from Author
🌟 5-star review of this incredible arc!
**Tropes:** romantasy, fire and ice magic, FMC kidnaps him, MMC falls first, soulmates, betrayal, forced proximity, war, tension, frenemies to lovers, found family, chronic illness, animal companion.
**Spice:** 3.5 for this installment of the trilogy.
You jump straight into action with the FMC, Sage, kidnapping the MMC, Aiden. The pace picks up quickly as you learn Aiden is needed to find a magical lost weapon shrouded in mystery. Meanwhile, the bond between Sage, Aiden, Idris, Aneira, and Prince Delywn, who make up this found family, unfolds beautifully.
The world-building in the Ice Domination is stunning; you can truly visualize the landscape. Plus, there's a map at the start of the book that showcases this enchanting world!
Sage is fierce, powerful, and secretive, making her character grow on you as the story progresses. Aiden, on the other hand, is a bit clueless, yet he navigates everything with such enthusiasm, you can't help but adore him from the start.
As the quest to find the lost weapon unfolds, you discover new sides of each character, throughout the story. The cliffhanger at the end is perfectly placed, setting the anticipation for book two. This trilogy shows great promise—I was hooked from the beginning!
This arc features dual POVs, Sage and Aiden, bringing depth to the narrative. You also see aspects of the hierarchy within the Ice Domination royalty with minimal political exchanges, which are easy to follow, all while highlighting the deep-rooted tension between the Ice and Fire dominations.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read and can’t wait for the next installment! If you love magic, world-building, character development, tension, quests, cliffhangers, betrayals, and secrets, you will definitely love *The Lost Weapon*.
**Tropes:** romantasy, fire and ice magic, FMC kidnaps him, MMC falls first, soulmates, betrayal, forced proximity, war, tension, frenemies to lovers, found family, chronic illness, animal companion.
**Spice:** 3.5 for this installment of the trilogy.
You jump straight into action with the FMC, Sage, kidnapping the MMC, Aiden. The pace picks up quickly as you learn Aiden is needed to find a magical lost weapon shrouded in mystery. Meanwhile, the bond between Sage, Aiden, Idris, Aneira, and Prince Delywn, who make up this found family, unfolds beautifully.
The world-building in the Ice Domination is stunning; you can truly visualize the landscape. Plus, there's a map at the start of the book that showcases this enchanting world!
Sage is fierce, powerful, and secretive, making her character grow on you as the story progresses. Aiden, on the other hand, is a bit clueless, yet he navigates everything with such enthusiasm, you can't help but adore him from the start.
As the quest to find the lost weapon unfolds, you discover new sides of each character, throughout the story. The cliffhanger at the end is perfectly placed, setting the anticipation for book two. This trilogy shows great promise—I was hooked from the beginning!
This arc features dual POVs, Sage and Aiden, bringing depth to the narrative. You also see aspects of the hierarchy within the Ice Domination royalty with minimal political exchanges, which are easy to follow, all while highlighting the deep-rooted tension between the Ice and Fire dominations.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read and can’t wait for the next installment! If you love magic, world-building, character development, tension, quests, cliffhangers, betrayals, and secrets, you will definitely love *The Lost Weapon*.
May 12, 2026
First of all, huge thank you to Sophie Jay for sending me an ARC copy of The Lost Weapon 🖤⚔️✨
This story follows Sage, our brave, beautiful, and sometimes overly confident FMC, whose mission is to travel to Earth and kidnap the one man capable of preventing a war in her realm. Enter Aiden, who is just trying to survive life in Colorado after the loss of his parents… only to suddenly find himself transported into a world filled with magic, dominions, and secrets far greater than he ever imagined.
As Aiden struggles to accept the reality of Tirlun, we get introduced to Sage’s loyal crew: Delwyn, the prince of the Ice Dominion, Idris, the fierce warrior from the Fire Dominion, and Aneira, who may be sweet but is absolutely savage when needed 😭✨ Together, this group embarks on a dangerous journey to locate a powerful weapon capable of stopping war between the dominions.
But what truly touched me was Sage herself. Beneath her strength and bravery, she lives with a chronic illness that leaves her in constant pain, and I loved how the story explored both physical and mental health with such care and humanity. Watching Aiden slowly become someone willing to learn, train, and stand beside her instead of letting her carry the weight of the world alone was honestly beautiful. I also know Sophie has a personal connection to these themes, and I just want to say: Sophie, you are amazing. The care and authenticity you brought into Sage’s journey truly shines through, and I hope you know your readers are here supporting you always 🖤✨
The crew dynamics were funny, emotional, and lovable, the writing was easy to get immersed in, and the world building made the adventure feel magical from beginning to end.
And yes… Blizzard stole my heart 😭
Sophie, I am absolutely ready for book two because I NEED to continue this journey ⚔️
This story follows Sage, our brave, beautiful, and sometimes overly confident FMC, whose mission is to travel to Earth and kidnap the one man capable of preventing a war in her realm. Enter Aiden, who is just trying to survive life in Colorado after the loss of his parents… only to suddenly find himself transported into a world filled with magic, dominions, and secrets far greater than he ever imagined.
As Aiden struggles to accept the reality of Tirlun, we get introduced to Sage’s loyal crew: Delwyn, the prince of the Ice Dominion, Idris, the fierce warrior from the Fire Dominion, and Aneira, who may be sweet but is absolutely savage when needed 😭✨ Together, this group embarks on a dangerous journey to locate a powerful weapon capable of stopping war between the dominions.
But what truly touched me was Sage herself. Beneath her strength and bravery, she lives with a chronic illness that leaves her in constant pain, and I loved how the story explored both physical and mental health with such care and humanity. Watching Aiden slowly become someone willing to learn, train, and stand beside her instead of letting her carry the weight of the world alone was honestly beautiful. I also know Sophie has a personal connection to these themes, and I just want to say: Sophie, you are amazing. The care and authenticity you brought into Sage’s journey truly shines through, and I hope you know your readers are here supporting you always 🖤✨
The crew dynamics were funny, emotional, and lovable, the writing was easy to get immersed in, and the world building made the adventure feel magical from beginning to end.
And yes… Blizzard stole my heart 😭
Sophie, I am absolutely ready for book two because I NEED to continue this journey ⚔️
May 13, 2026
Thank you to THE NERD FAM for the gifted copy..
If I had to pick one best thing about this book, then it would be the morally grey, sharp tongued FMC who knows she’s difficult.. The book is set in world divided between the Fire and Ice Dominion after a war centuries ago..
The story follows Sage, a fierce Ice Dominion warrior who is sent on a mission to Earth to kidnap Aiden who is the only descendant capable of wielding a long lost weapon that once ended the war.. What began as a kidnapping soon turned into a journey filled with magic, adventure, political tension and slow unravelling of the emotional wall built within Sage.. I really loved their dynamic..
He’s learning how to belong in a world that isn’t his, while she’s slowly realizing that strength isn’t just about enduring alone. The found family element is just as awesome as the romance.. The side characters feel like a unit rather than background noise, adding depth to the Ice Dominion and making the stakes feel personal instead of just political. One of the most refreshing aspects is the chronic illness representation woven naturally into Sage’s character without defining her entirely. It adds vulnerability without taking away from her strength, which makes her feel real in a genre that often leans into invincible heroines. The pacing leans more into character driven than action-heavy, but when the stakes hit, you can feel the weight of what’s coming, especially with the looming threat of another war between the dominions.... Overall, this is a solid start to a romantic fantasy trilogy...
And I can’t wait for more...
If I had to pick one best thing about this book, then it would be the morally grey, sharp tongued FMC who knows she’s difficult.. The book is set in world divided between the Fire and Ice Dominion after a war centuries ago..
The story follows Sage, a fierce Ice Dominion warrior who is sent on a mission to Earth to kidnap Aiden who is the only descendant capable of wielding a long lost weapon that once ended the war.. What began as a kidnapping soon turned into a journey filled with magic, adventure, political tension and slow unravelling of the emotional wall built within Sage.. I really loved their dynamic..
He’s learning how to belong in a world that isn’t his, while she’s slowly realizing that strength isn’t just about enduring alone. The found family element is just as awesome as the romance.. The side characters feel like a unit rather than background noise, adding depth to the Ice Dominion and making the stakes feel personal instead of just political. One of the most refreshing aspects is the chronic illness representation woven naturally into Sage’s character without defining her entirely. It adds vulnerability without taking away from her strength, which makes her feel real in a genre that often leans into invincible heroines. The pacing leans more into character driven than action-heavy, but when the stakes hit, you can feel the weight of what’s coming, especially with the looming threat of another war between the dominions.... Overall, this is a solid start to a romantic fantasy trilogy...
And I can’t wait for more...
May 27, 2026
The Lost Weapon by Sophie Jay is a fast-paced fantasy romance that throws you straight into chaos in the best way possible. Sage is a fierce, determined FMC working in a world on the brink of another war between the Fire and Ice Dominions—and she is absolutely not afraid to make questionable choices to get results. Like, for example… kidnapping a man from Earth.
Aiden is unexpectedly easy to like as the “fish out of water” in Tirlun. He’s optimistic, grounded, and balances Sage’s intensity really well, which makes their reverse grumpy/sunshine dynamic one of the highlights of the book. Watching him slowly adapt to magic, danger, and the politics of this new world keeps the pacing engaging throughout.
The worldbuilding is rich with elemental magic, political tension, and hints of a much deeper history behind the legendary weapon they’re searching for. I also appreciated the found family elements that start to form as the group travels together, as well as the chronic illness representation woven into Sage’s character—it adds depth without feeling forced.
There’s a solid blend of adventure, romance tension, and emotional growth, plus a few classic tropes like “one bed” that romance readers will definitely enjoy. While some parts felt a bit fast or could have used more breathing room, it clearly sets up an exciting foundation for the rest of the trilogy.
Overall, The Lost Weapon is an addictive start to a fantasy romance series with strong character dynamics and plenty of intrigue to keep you turning pages. I’ll definitely be picking up the next book.
Aiden is unexpectedly easy to like as the “fish out of water” in Tirlun. He’s optimistic, grounded, and balances Sage’s intensity really well, which makes their reverse grumpy/sunshine dynamic one of the highlights of the book. Watching him slowly adapt to magic, danger, and the politics of this new world keeps the pacing engaging throughout.
The worldbuilding is rich with elemental magic, political tension, and hints of a much deeper history behind the legendary weapon they’re searching for. I also appreciated the found family elements that start to form as the group travels together, as well as the chronic illness representation woven into Sage’s character—it adds depth without feeling forced.
There’s a solid blend of adventure, romance tension, and emotional growth, plus a few classic tropes like “one bed” that romance readers will definitely enjoy. While some parts felt a bit fast or could have used more breathing room, it clearly sets up an exciting foundation for the rest of the trilogy.
Overall, The Lost Weapon is an addictive start to a fantasy romance series with strong character dynamics and plenty of intrigue to keep you turning pages. I’ll definitely be picking up the next book.
Review of advance copy
I received an advanced reader copy.
I absolutely loved this book.!!!
The characters! The ending! The writing!
It’s a story of two main characters Sage and Aiden and how they to find this lost weapon to prevent war. And the building of trust and friendship to lovers.
The chemistry between Sage and Aiden I felt immediately but it didn’t feel forced. I loved their dynamic and it just flowed so well.
The use of the chronic illness in the story was very eye opening. Unless you suffer from something that is beyond your control it’s hard to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. I loved how Sophie showed that strength is so powerful in spite of the obstacles faced with that illness. It’s shows that even the strongest people need someone to lean when the burden is just too much for them alone to bare. Although I don’t have the same illness as Sage, I resonated with her story and the fact she never gave up and put everything before her own needs even when there was someone right in front of her willing to hold that burden. It the fear of weakness that was so hard to overcome. That alone was a very powerful ideal expressed here to me.
It hit all the tropes I enjoy. Enemies to lovers. Found family. The age of the characters was also a plus! I liked the pacing. Nothing felt rushed to me. I went through the book fairly quick and it never got boring. I look forward to where the next book will take the readers.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted book.
I absolutely loved this book.!!!
The characters! The ending! The writing!
It’s a story of two main characters Sage and Aiden and how they to find this lost weapon to prevent war. And the building of trust and friendship to lovers.
The chemistry between Sage and Aiden I felt immediately but it didn’t feel forced. I loved their dynamic and it just flowed so well.
The use of the chronic illness in the story was very eye opening. Unless you suffer from something that is beyond your control it’s hard to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. I loved how Sophie showed that strength is so powerful in spite of the obstacles faced with that illness. It’s shows that even the strongest people need someone to lean when the burden is just too much for them alone to bare. Although I don’t have the same illness as Sage, I resonated with her story and the fact she never gave up and put everything before her own needs even when there was someone right in front of her willing to hold that burden. It the fear of weakness that was so hard to overcome. That alone was a very powerful ideal expressed here to me.
It hit all the tropes I enjoy. Enemies to lovers. Found family. The age of the characters was also a plus! I liked the pacing. Nothing felt rushed to me. I went through the book fairly quick and it never got boring. I look forward to where the next book will take the readers.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
An exciting adventure into a world where instead of technology that destroys our planet advancing the world, magic and being one with nature allows the world to thrive.
You follow a MMC, who’s grown up on earth, but one day is randomly kidnapped by a woman who claims to be from another realm with magic that he is supposedly also from. This woman states he’s from a long lost line of the ice kingdom that fled to earth when they created a weapon only they could wield but it would be too powerful and potentially destroy their world. When she finally convinces him that he’s not going crazy and this magical world is real, they embark on a mission along with her friends and cousin the crown prince to find the weapon.
This book was full of action and adventure and even a surprise plot twist at the end that kept me engaged. I really enjoyed the way the MMC doubted what was going on around him and didn’t believe what was happening because that’s exactly what I would do. Of course there was some tension between the MMC and the FMC who captured him that got stronger throughout. I also really liked the way the author showed the FMC dealing with her chronic pain and those around her supporting her through it and doing everything they can to help her, making her even more of a badass in my mind. Overall my rating 4.4/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
You follow a MMC, who’s grown up on earth, but one day is randomly kidnapped by a woman who claims to be from another realm with magic that he is supposedly also from. This woman states he’s from a long lost line of the ice kingdom that fled to earth when they created a weapon only they could wield but it would be too powerful and potentially destroy their world. When she finally convinces him that he’s not going crazy and this magical world is real, they embark on a mission along with her friends and cousin the crown prince to find the weapon.
This book was full of action and adventure and even a surprise plot twist at the end that kept me engaged. I really enjoyed the way the MMC doubted what was going on around him and didn’t believe what was happening because that’s exactly what I would do. Of course there was some tension between the MMC and the FMC who captured him that got stronger throughout. I also really liked the way the author showed the FMC dealing with her chronic pain and those around her supporting her through it and doing everything they can to help her, making her even more of a badass in my mind. Overall my rating 4.4/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
Review of advance copy
This book was such a fun, quick read! Aiden is kidnapped by Sage and taken to Tirlun, a world similar to Earth, but filled with magic. Once there, his powers awaken, setting him and Sage on a quest to find a lost weapon that only someone from his family can wield. Tirlun is divided into two domains, ice and fire, both teetering on the brink of war. Together, Aiden, Sage, and their companions set out to find this weapon and prevent the coming conflict.
I really enjoyed the quest driven plot. It kept the story engaging and fast paced. The worldbuilding was woven in naturally through Aiden’s introduction to Tirlun, which made it easy to follow without feeling overwhelming. I especially loved the dynamic between Aiden and Sage; their back and forth and evolving relationship added so much heart to the story. It was also great to see chronic illness representation through Sage, which added depth to her character and made her feel more relatable. The dual POV was nice, it gave deeper insight into both main characters and strengthened the emotional connection to their journey.
Overall, this is a fun, easy to read fantasy romance with elemental magic and great characters. Perfect for readers who enjoy fantasy adventure, a golden retriever MMC, a black cat FMC, and found family. Be warned this book ends on a cliffhanger that will have you wanting the next book immediately!
Thank you to The NerdFam for the gifted eARC. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed the quest driven plot. It kept the story engaging and fast paced. The worldbuilding was woven in naturally through Aiden’s introduction to Tirlun, which made it easy to follow without feeling overwhelming. I especially loved the dynamic between Aiden and Sage; their back and forth and evolving relationship added so much heart to the story. It was also great to see chronic illness representation through Sage, which added depth to her character and made her feel more relatable. The dual POV was nice, it gave deeper insight into both main characters and strengthened the emotional connection to their journey.
Overall, this is a fun, easy to read fantasy romance with elemental magic and great characters. Perfect for readers who enjoy fantasy adventure, a golden retriever MMC, a black cat FMC, and found family. Be warned this book ends on a cliffhanger that will have you wanting the next book immediately!
Thank you to The NerdFam for the gifted eARC. All opinions are my own.
May 19, 2026
I was so drawn in by the premise and unique concept of The Lost Weapon! I absolutely loved the reverse grumpy x sunshine dynamic, especially having a broody female protagonist kidnap a naive, tender "chosen one" like Aiden. Watching him go through his training montage while Sage hid her inner goodness beneath a tough exterior, and dealing with a secret illness, was such a refreshing flip on traditional fantasy tropes. The wartime plot between the Ice and Fire Dominions was intriguing, the dual POV set up the sequel beautifully, and the found family elements were heartwarming. Plus, the polar bear companions were fantastic (I would have loved even more of them!).
While the plot and final twist were excellent, the execution fell a bit flat for me in places. At times, the narrative felt more like a summary of events rather than an immersive experience, which made it difficult to fully connect with the characters or feel the weight of high stakes moments like the prison scene and the betrayal. I also occasionally struggled to differentiate between Sage and Aiden’s POV voices.
It took me a bit longer than usual to get through this one, though that may have been partly due to a busy season in my personal life. Overall, it’s a brilliant concept with wonderful ideas and a great plot twist. I just found myself wishing for a bit more depth and detail to truly bring the world and emotional stakes to life.
Thank you to the Nerd Fam for the gifted book.
While the plot and final twist were excellent, the execution fell a bit flat for me in places. At times, the narrative felt more like a summary of events rather than an immersive experience, which made it difficult to fully connect with the characters or feel the weight of high stakes moments like the prison scene and the betrayal. I also occasionally struggled to differentiate between Sage and Aiden’s POV voices.
It took me a bit longer than usual to get through this one, though that may have been partly due to a busy season in my personal life. Overall, it’s a brilliant concept with wonderful ideas and a great plot twist. I just found myself wishing for a bit more depth and detail to truly bring the world and emotional stakes to life.
Thank you to the Nerd Fam for the gifted book.
June 1, 2026
The Lost Weapon is a romantic fantasy story that immediately pulled me in.
I don't usually do well with fantasy stories, but this one was really easy to follow.
We have Sage, who is from Tirlun, which is basically like earth, but in another dimension. She goes to Earth and kidnaps Aiden since he is the last of a bloodline needed to locate a lost weapon. Sage... is everything. I love everything about her. Her strength and tenacity, her brains, her leadership, the way she takes her pain and secrecy and privacy without allowing it to affect her job. She is fierce. Aiden... at first, think he's been drugged. Because he can't believe what he's being told or what he's even seeing with his own eyes. Every time sage or one of the members of the group shows him magic, he just thinks, it has to be drugs. But he learns very quickly, it is indeed not drugs, it's magic and he has it too.
I love the magic system in this story. They have the power of fire and ice and the lost weapon is needed to help aid in the war. Aiden agrees to embark on the journey with them to retrieve the lost weapon, all while being trained on how to fight and use his powers, and get the know the crew. He definitely has an undeniable attraction to Sage and the banter between them is light, fun, and sweet. The story does take a twist at the end though and leaves us hanging a bit.
I am so excited for the next one. This was a great intro into this world and I am eager for the next one!
I don't usually do well with fantasy stories, but this one was really easy to follow.
We have Sage, who is from Tirlun, which is basically like earth, but in another dimension. She goes to Earth and kidnaps Aiden since he is the last of a bloodline needed to locate a lost weapon. Sage... is everything. I love everything about her. Her strength and tenacity, her brains, her leadership, the way she takes her pain and secrecy and privacy without allowing it to affect her job. She is fierce. Aiden... at first, think he's been drugged. Because he can't believe what he's being told or what he's even seeing with his own eyes. Every time sage or one of the members of the group shows him magic, he just thinks, it has to be drugs. But he learns very quickly, it is indeed not drugs, it's magic and he has it too.
I love the magic system in this story. They have the power of fire and ice and the lost weapon is needed to help aid in the war. Aiden agrees to embark on the journey with them to retrieve the lost weapon, all while being trained on how to fight and use his powers, and get the know the crew. He definitely has an undeniable attraction to Sage and the banter between them is light, fun, and sweet. The story does take a twist at the end though and leaves us hanging a bit.
I am so excited for the next one. This was a great intro into this world and I am eager for the next one!
July 22, 2026
📚✨ The Lost Weapon by Sophie Jay
⭐️ 3/5 | 🌶️ 2/5
I really liked the premise of this one—a magical world on the brink of war, elemental magic, found family, and a quest to recover a legendary weapon had so much potential. The story starts off strong and the world-building is easy to follow, especially as Aiden is introduced to the magical realm alongside the reader.
Sage was definitely my favorite character. I appreciated her strength and determination, and I loved seeing chronic illness represented in a capable, resilient FMC. The banter between the characters and the found family dynamic were some of the highlights for me.
That said, I struggled to fully connect with the romance, and parts of the story felt a little predictable or rushed. I wanted more depth in both the character development and the emotional moments, which made it harder for me to become fully invested. While the ending leaves things open for the next book, I personally needed a little more throughout the journey to make it a standout read.
Overall, this was an enjoyable fantasy debut with an interesting magic system and plenty of adventure. It just didn't completely click for me, but I'd still recommend it to readers who enjoy portal fantasy, elemental magic, found family, and slow-burn romance.
🍃⚔️ Reading mood: Cozy blanket, rainy afternoon, and a cup of tea while escaping into a magical world.
⭐️ 3/5 | 🌶️ 2/5
I really liked the premise of this one—a magical world on the brink of war, elemental magic, found family, and a quest to recover a legendary weapon had so much potential. The story starts off strong and the world-building is easy to follow, especially as Aiden is introduced to the magical realm alongside the reader.
Sage was definitely my favorite character. I appreciated her strength and determination, and I loved seeing chronic illness represented in a capable, resilient FMC. The banter between the characters and the found family dynamic were some of the highlights for me.
That said, I struggled to fully connect with the romance, and parts of the story felt a little predictable or rushed. I wanted more depth in both the character development and the emotional moments, which made it harder for me to become fully invested. While the ending leaves things open for the next book, I personally needed a little more throughout the journey to make it a standout read.
Overall, this was an enjoyable fantasy debut with an interesting magic system and plenty of adventure. It just didn't completely click for me, but I'd still recommend it to readers who enjoy portal fantasy, elemental magic, found family, and slow-burn romance.
🍃⚔️ Reading mood: Cozy blanket, rainy afternoon, and a cup of tea while escaping into a magical world.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read this book in one day! The world and character building were effortless & the story has a great flow that made putting it down feel anathema to my day.
Sage, out FMC, is a girl after my own heart! An orphan who has built herself an amazing found family while also becoming a top Captain for her Queen, Sage also has to deal with an autoimmune disease. In a world where folk live to be a millennia, such things aren’t normally seen. Luckily she can travel to Earth for treatment, so she was a natural to go when the Queen decided they needed to collect Aiden.
Aiden, our MMC, is the most Cinnabon of cinnamon rolls! He handles being kidnapped pretty well, despite having been living a pretty decent life.
Also an orphan, Aiden is a self made man but was clueless that he secretly was perhaps the last living member of a secret bloodline from another world.
What follows is a story of adventure and trust-building, all in hopes of saving the realm.
The Lost Weapon is first in a series, and first self published book by the author, which is pretty dang impressive!
With enough spice to make this old lady blush a time or two!
Thank you, Sophie Jay, for allowing me the opportunity to enjoy this arc before publication! I look forward to watching you grow as an author and to following along the story of Sage & Aiden!
Sage, out FMC, is a girl after my own heart! An orphan who has built herself an amazing found family while also becoming a top Captain for her Queen, Sage also has to deal with an autoimmune disease. In a world where folk live to be a millennia, such things aren’t normally seen. Luckily she can travel to Earth for treatment, so she was a natural to go when the Queen decided they needed to collect Aiden.
Aiden, our MMC, is the most Cinnabon of cinnamon rolls! He handles being kidnapped pretty well, despite having been living a pretty decent life.
Also an orphan, Aiden is a self made man but was clueless that he secretly was perhaps the last living member of a secret bloodline from another world.
What follows is a story of adventure and trust-building, all in hopes of saving the realm.
The Lost Weapon is first in a series, and first self published book by the author, which is pretty dang impressive!
With enough spice to make this old lady blush a time or two!
Thank you, Sophie Jay, for allowing me the opportunity to enjoy this arc before publication! I look forward to watching you grow as an author and to following along the story of Sage & Aiden!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Lost Weapon by Sophie Jay
"You can do anything, as long as you start with one breath and one step"
This journey starts with Aiden , recently captured from the his home, and thrown into the Turlin, a magical realm war between their two dominions. Aiden is at the centre of a propechy in a world he did not know existed. Can he harness his power be the Key they've been searching for ?
Thanks to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC.
Sage strong powerful Captain, strong , sure yet still vulnerable - her battle with her body and mind are the stand out for me in this book.
Aiden , I struggled with his charter alittle. He was very forgiving of being kidnapped ( maybe there's more back story to be uncovered later) and everything seems to come just a little to easy for him for my tastes.
The sexual tension starts immediately, which is alot of fun.The pacing at times felt a little slow , but does feed into the slow burn of Sage and Aiden's relationship. I really liked the wind talking, I was there had been more.
The found family aspect was well exe used and the ending is a good set up for the next book.
Tropes
- Capter x Captive
- One bed
- Found family
- Fire 🔥 and Ice 🧊
Highlights
- Chronic illness rep
- She kidnaps him
- Wind Talking was fun
Overall 3.75/5
#thenerdfam #foundfamily #romantasy
"You can do anything, as long as you start with one breath and one step"
This journey starts with Aiden , recently captured from the his home, and thrown into the Turlin, a magical realm war between their two dominions. Aiden is at the centre of a propechy in a world he did not know existed. Can he harness his power be the Key they've been searching for ?
Thanks to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC.
Sage strong powerful Captain, strong , sure yet still vulnerable - her battle with her body and mind are the stand out for me in this book.
Aiden , I struggled with his charter alittle. He was very forgiving of being kidnapped ( maybe there's more back story to be uncovered later) and everything seems to come just a little to easy for him for my tastes.
The sexual tension starts immediately, which is alot of fun.The pacing at times felt a little slow , but does feed into the slow burn of Sage and Aiden's relationship. I really liked the wind talking, I was there had been more.
The found family aspect was well exe used and the ending is a good set up for the next book.
Tropes
- Capter x Captive
- One bed
- Found family
- Fire 🔥 and Ice 🧊
Highlights
- Chronic illness rep
- She kidnaps him
- Wind Talking was fun
Overall 3.75/5
#thenerdfam #foundfamily #romantasy
Review of advance copy received from Author
Tell Me Why I wanted To Cry After Finishing This Book!!
Let’s just start off by saying if you are into Woman Ruled ! Well, you are about to have your world rock on by Sage 🥵🔥🥶❄️
She is one badass shorty you cannot keep your eyes off her hot curvy body 👀. She has everything I’ve want to be possessed and obtain. She embodies the leader of a lifetime, possesses strong pain tolerance, smells like flowers all the time, her magic is goals, her hair and body are to die for, she stands up for the right of the people, and many more things. Sage will take you through an emotional roller coaster of sexual desire, pain, success, amusement and major plot twist. Being the baddie, she is you will become fixated on her and keep reading till no words lefts. She has one goal in mind find the “lost weapon” and be prepared for war. She will go to extreme lengths to advocate the people who were caught in the crossfire between dominions. Stay tuned for “Release Date May 12th” and find out more about Sage 👸🏻
Troopes:
- She Kidnaps HIM 👨🏼🥶
-Found Home& Family 🏠🧑🧑🧒
-Chronic Illness 🤕
-Fire & Ice 🔥❄️
-Woman Ruled 👸🏻
Overall, this book has earned ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars and I cannot wait for the second part . What a wonderful read!!! 🩷 My heart goes out to you after you finished reading this you will need extra strength to get through the waiting of the second book!!
Let’s just start off by saying if you are into Woman Ruled ! Well, you are about to have your world rock on by Sage 🥵🔥🥶❄️
She is one badass shorty you cannot keep your eyes off her hot curvy body 👀. She has everything I’ve want to be possessed and obtain. She embodies the leader of a lifetime, possesses strong pain tolerance, smells like flowers all the time, her magic is goals, her hair and body are to die for, she stands up for the right of the people, and many more things. Sage will take you through an emotional roller coaster of sexual desire, pain, success, amusement and major plot twist. Being the baddie, she is you will become fixated on her and keep reading till no words lefts. She has one goal in mind find the “lost weapon” and be prepared for war. She will go to extreme lengths to advocate the people who were caught in the crossfire between dominions. Stay tuned for “Release Date May 12th” and find out more about Sage 👸🏻
Troopes:
- She Kidnaps HIM 👨🏼🥶
-Found Home& Family 🏠🧑🧑🧒
-Chronic Illness 🤕
-Fire & Ice 🔥❄️
-Woman Ruled 👸🏻
Overall, this book has earned ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars and I cannot wait for the second part . What a wonderful read!!! 🩷 My heart goes out to you after you finished reading this you will need extra strength to get through the waiting of the second book!!
Review of advance copy
“It’s terrifying when things change. Especially when they change in ways you could never begin to prepare for. It’s how you handle the changes that determine who you are.”
Sage kidnaps Aiden from the mortal earth world to return his blood line to the magical realm. Only someone of his lineage has the ability to find the “lost weapon” that could put an end to the Cold War between the fire dominion and the ice dominion. As a child of both fire and ice, Sage wields powerful magic and serves as the captain of the Ice Queen’s guard, and happens talks be the queen’s niece.
The story alternates between Aiden’s and Sage’s point of view as he is at first forced to be a participant in the search for the weapon. Sage’s small band of friends including her cousin, take Aiden on a very long journey to find the weapon. However the feelings and attraction Aiden and Sage have for each other turns into an epic slow burn for the bulk of their journey.
The dialogue for the most part seems pretty stereotypical and only a blind man wouldn’t see the twist coming. Aiden is likable enough and Sage channels her inner Celena Sardothian style ego. However on a whole the story felt flat and predictable. What keeps this at a three star is the way the author handles chronic illness and Sage’s feelings around her disease.
Than you, Net Galley and Sophie Jay for the ARC
Sage kidnaps Aiden from the mortal earth world to return his blood line to the magical realm. Only someone of his lineage has the ability to find the “lost weapon” that could put an end to the Cold War between the fire dominion and the ice dominion. As a child of both fire and ice, Sage wields powerful magic and serves as the captain of the Ice Queen’s guard, and happens talks be the queen’s niece.
The story alternates between Aiden’s and Sage’s point of view as he is at first forced to be a participant in the search for the weapon. Sage’s small band of friends including her cousin, take Aiden on a very long journey to find the weapon. However the feelings and attraction Aiden and Sage have for each other turns into an epic slow burn for the bulk of their journey.
The dialogue for the most part seems pretty stereotypical and only a blind man wouldn’t see the twist coming. Aiden is likable enough and Sage channels her inner Celena Sardothian style ego. However on a whole the story felt flat and predictable. What keeps this at a three star is the way the author handles chronic illness and Sage’s feelings around her disease.
Than you, Net Galley and Sophie Jay for the ARC
Review of advance copy
3.5⭐️ | This book was such a fun, quick read!
The world-building and magic system were easy to follow, especially because the MMC was new to this world. So while he was learning all about the world and magic system, you as a reader were right there with him learning all about it.
I really enjoyed the dynamics and the banter across the board.
I also really liked the way the author showed the FMC dealing with her chronic illness, making her even more of a badass in my mind.
To me this book reads a bit like a YA novel. The writing style is modern and simple. It doesn’t use overly difficult words or a super complicated writing style.
I struggled a little with the MMC’s charter a little. At first he was very repetitive about being kidnapped but still feeling attracted to the FMC. Then he was very repetitive about forgiving her and still feeling attracted to the FMC…. We get it. Everything else really seems to come just a little to easy for him to master. I know that he was training in the mornings … but damn … he mastered his magic like really really fast (for my liking at least).
This book was full of action, adventure and even a surprise plot twist at the end that kept me engaged.
I’ll definitely be interested to see where this story goes next.
🤍 Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted book / ARC 🤍
The world-building and magic system were easy to follow, especially because the MMC was new to this world. So while he was learning all about the world and magic system, you as a reader were right there with him learning all about it.
I really enjoyed the dynamics and the banter across the board.
I also really liked the way the author showed the FMC dealing with her chronic illness, making her even more of a badass in my mind.
To me this book reads a bit like a YA novel. The writing style is modern and simple. It doesn’t use overly difficult words or a super complicated writing style.
I struggled a little with the MMC’s charter a little. At first he was very repetitive about being kidnapped but still feeling attracted to the FMC. Then he was very repetitive about forgiving her and still feeling attracted to the FMC…. We get it. Everything else really seems to come just a little to easy for him to master. I know that he was training in the mornings … but damn … he mastered his magic like really really fast (for my liking at least).
This book was full of action, adventure and even a surprise plot twist at the end that kept me engaged.
I’ll definitely be interested to see where this story goes next.
🤍 Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted book / ARC 🤍
Review of advance copy received from Author
I went into The Lost Weapon curious, and it ended up being one of those reads that just pulls you in without much effort.
The premise is strong—parallel world, magic, a reluctant main character pulled out of his normal life—but what really worked for me was the execution. The world of Tirlun (with the Fire and Ice Dominions) feels fully built out without being overwhelming, and the transition from Earth into that world is done in a way that feels natural.
At the 50% mark, I already felt completely immersed—and that only continued through the rest of the book.
The characters are what made this stand out. Sage is sharp, guarded, and layered in a way that makes her feel very real, and Aiden brings a balance to that dynamic that just works. But more than anything, it’s the group dynamic. The found family element is genuinely well done—they feel like people, not placeholders, and it’s easy to see why those relationships matter.
The emotional undercurrent, especially around strength, vulnerability, and chronic illness, adds depth without ever feeling heavy-handed.
And the twists kept things moving. Nothing felt thrown in for shock—everything added to the momentum of the story.
If you’re into fantasy that leans into character relationships, found family, and a world you can settle into quickly, this is absolutely worth picking up.
The premise is strong—parallel world, magic, a reluctant main character pulled out of his normal life—but what really worked for me was the execution. The world of Tirlun (with the Fire and Ice Dominions) feels fully built out without being overwhelming, and the transition from Earth into that world is done in a way that feels natural.
At the 50% mark, I already felt completely immersed—and that only continued through the rest of the book.
The characters are what made this stand out. Sage is sharp, guarded, and layered in a way that makes her feel very real, and Aiden brings a balance to that dynamic that just works. But more than anything, it’s the group dynamic. The found family element is genuinely well done—they feel like people, not placeholders, and it’s easy to see why those relationships matter.
The emotional undercurrent, especially around strength, vulnerability, and chronic illness, adds depth without ever feeling heavy-handed.
And the twists kept things moving. Nothing felt thrown in for shock—everything added to the momentum of the story.
If you’re into fantasy that leans into character relationships, found family, and a world you can settle into quickly, this is absolutely worth picking up.
May 12, 2026
The Lost Weapon is a debut novel set in a unique realm where there are two dominions. The Fire and Ice Dominion have been at war off and on for centuries.
Sage is a high ranking soldier in the Ice Dominion. Her aunt also happens to be the Queen. Sage is sent on a mission to Earth to find and bring back a decendent in the hope of finding a hidden weapon.
Aiden is kidnapped and brought back to Tirlun by Sage. He does not believe that magic is real until his powers come to life.
Aiden and Sage both feel a pull to each other but they can't figure out exactly what the pull is. Sexual tension also continues to rise between them.
Aiden trains and learns and asks questions. Sage does not always handle the questions being asked. She has things she is keeping hidden even from her close group/family. Their squad is made up of friends and family who all are very close. Each person has secrets of their own they try to keep hidden.
While out on their mission to reveal and obtain the lost weapon, more secrets come to light.
I really enjoyed the uniqueness of the world, the dominions, and the different ways that the powers and magic were used. The found family bond is so strong with the squadron. I can't wait for the next book already! 5/5 stars!
Thank you to the author and The Nerd Fam for the ARC opportunity!
Sage is a high ranking soldier in the Ice Dominion. Her aunt also happens to be the Queen. Sage is sent on a mission to Earth to find and bring back a decendent in the hope of finding a hidden weapon.
Aiden is kidnapped and brought back to Tirlun by Sage. He does not believe that magic is real until his powers come to life.
Aiden and Sage both feel a pull to each other but they can't figure out exactly what the pull is. Sexual tension also continues to rise between them.
Aiden trains and learns and asks questions. Sage does not always handle the questions being asked. She has things she is keeping hidden even from her close group/family. Their squad is made up of friends and family who all are very close. Each person has secrets of their own they try to keep hidden.
While out on their mission to reveal and obtain the lost weapon, more secrets come to light.
I really enjoyed the uniqueness of the world, the dominions, and the different ways that the powers and magic were used. The found family bond is so strong with the squadron. I can't wait for the next book already! 5/5 stars!
Thank you to the author and The Nerd Fam for the ARC opportunity!
May 18, 2026
I love a fast-paced story and this one delivers! I was immediately pulled into this story from the first couple of pages. It has all of the best tropes: found family, slow burn, enemies to lovers, kidnapping and magic! Not to mention complex character dynamics and a chronic illness rep.
Tirlun is a magical world that mirrors the earth. Its people are facing a war between its two dominions and need a magical weapon that only an old bloodline can find. The problem is that bloodline left to Earth. The Tirlun team must find this bloodline and take them to retrieve the weapon. After the kidnapping the descendent the leader of the Tirlun group finds more than she bargained for on their journey to find the weapon.
I love a strong FMC who knows what she is doing and that is Sage. She is well trained and extremely powerful. She puts everyone before herself and is incredibly loyal. All things I want to see in an FMC.
Sophie Jay's world building is incredible. I felt as if I was right there with the characters. And the plot twist?! I never saw it coming!
Don't wait to add this book to your TBR!
Thank you Nerd Fam for the gifted book! I enjoyed the read. I can't wait to see what happens next!
Tirlun is a magical world that mirrors the earth. Its people are facing a war between its two dominions and need a magical weapon that only an old bloodline can find. The problem is that bloodline left to Earth. The Tirlun team must find this bloodline and take them to retrieve the weapon. After the kidnapping the descendent the leader of the Tirlun group finds more than she bargained for on their journey to find the weapon.
I love a strong FMC who knows what she is doing and that is Sage. She is well trained and extremely powerful. She puts everyone before herself and is incredibly loyal. All things I want to see in an FMC.
Sophie Jay's world building is incredible. I felt as if I was right there with the characters. And the plot twist?! I never saw it coming!
Don't wait to add this book to your TBR!
Thank you Nerd Fam for the gifted book! I enjoyed the read. I can't wait to see what happens next!
May 31, 2026
Okay but a fantasy where the FMC kidnaps the MMC? I was immediately sold
The Lost Weapon is set in a world split between Fire and Ice Dominions which are two opposing forces barely holding a fragile peace. Sophie Jay wastes zero time getting you into the action. We open with Sage, a chronically ill Ice Dominion warrior dragging Aiden out of his ordinary Earth life because he's the only person alive who can wield a weapon that might stop a war. He has no idea what he's walked into. Neither did I, honestly.
LOVED dynamic between these two. Sage has walls and Aiden, bless him, doesn't notice them or doesn't care. The banter was peak, the tension builds slowly, and by the time the romance starts to bloom you are invested. The found family surrounding Sage is also a genuine standout.
The chronic illness representation woven into Sage's character was so well done. It doesn't define her, but it makes her feel genuinely human in a genre that too often trades in invincible heroines. As a debut, this book's character work punches well above its weight.
Tropes:
FMC kidnaps MMC
forced proximity
frenemies to lovers
fire & ice magic
found family
portal fantasy
chronic illness rep
slow burn
Can't wait for book two!!!!!
The Lost Weapon is set in a world split between Fire and Ice Dominions which are two opposing forces barely holding a fragile peace. Sophie Jay wastes zero time getting you into the action. We open with Sage, a chronically ill Ice Dominion warrior dragging Aiden out of his ordinary Earth life because he's the only person alive who can wield a weapon that might stop a war. He has no idea what he's walked into. Neither did I, honestly.
LOVED dynamic between these two. Sage has walls and Aiden, bless him, doesn't notice them or doesn't care. The banter was peak, the tension builds slowly, and by the time the romance starts to bloom you are invested. The found family surrounding Sage is also a genuine standout.
The chronic illness representation woven into Sage's character was so well done. It doesn't define her, but it makes her feel genuinely human in a genre that too often trades in invincible heroines. As a debut, this book's character work punches well above its weight.
Tropes:
FMC kidnaps MMC
forced proximity
frenemies to lovers
fire & ice magic
found family
portal fantasy
chronic illness rep
slow burn
Can't wait for book two!!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Buckle up champs and get yourself ready for a ride!
WHEN I TELL YOU SHIT WAS GOING DOWN AS SOON AS YOU OPENED THIS BOOK. Our girl Sage does not play, and I simply adore a kidnapped man situation. Aiden was really sweet and he was swooning for our girl Sage pretty dang quick (we can't blame him. He has eyes!).
I wish I had more world building and lore because I have recently discovered I'm a lorehound (and I can never be fed too much), but I hope we find out more in book 2 about the two domains and this 'weapon'.
The pacing was excellent, it didn't feel rush even whilst transitioning from enemies, to friends and then to 👀🔥💜. The banter was above expectations, but speaking of expectations - I was unprepared for that ending to chapter thirty five.
I enjoyed this sincerely. It had short chapters, witty exchanges, a dual pov and chronic illness representation that is personal to me.
And finally, to the author (if you ever read this). You should be so proud of yourself for getting this out there and this bring your first book. Thank you truly for letting us into your world.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted books. #thelostweapon #thenerdfam 💜
WHEN I TELL YOU SHIT WAS GOING DOWN AS SOON AS YOU OPENED THIS BOOK. Our girl Sage does not play, and I simply adore a kidnapped man situation. Aiden was really sweet and he was swooning for our girl Sage pretty dang quick (we can't blame him. He has eyes!).
I wish I had more world building and lore because I have recently discovered I'm a lorehound (and I can never be fed too much), but I hope we find out more in book 2 about the two domains and this 'weapon'.
The pacing was excellent, it didn't feel rush even whilst transitioning from enemies, to friends and then to 👀🔥💜. The banter was above expectations, but speaking of expectations - I was unprepared for that ending to chapter thirty five.
I enjoyed this sincerely. It had short chapters, witty exchanges, a dual pov and chronic illness representation that is personal to me.
And finally, to the author (if you ever read this). You should be so proud of yourself for getting this out there and this bring your first book. Thank you truly for letting us into your world.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted books. #thelostweapon #thenerdfam 💜
May 14, 2026
You ever start a book thinking you know exactly what kind of fantasy ride you’re in for… and then it surprises you completely?
⚡🧊 The story follows Sage and her friends from the magical realm of Tirlun as they travel to Earth to kidnap Aiden—the last of an ancient bloodline originally from Tirlun. He’s the only one who can locate and wield a long‑lost weapon needed for an impending war between the dominions of Fire and Ice. Sage is tasked with leading the mission, training Aiden in his newly awakened magic, and guiding him on the quest to find the weapon before the war erupts.
🧙 This one was definitely an original for me. Instead of the usual Fae‑vs‑human setup, it leans into magical vs. non‑magical and Earth vs. not‑Earth. Different—but in a refreshing way.
🔥 I’ll be honest, it took me a bit to find my footing. The plot moves slow, and when people say “slow burn,” this one takes that to a whole new level. There’s barely any action until the final chapters.
⛰️ But that cliffhanger? Enough to pull me straight into the next book because I need to know how this all resolves.
⚡🧊 The story follows Sage and her friends from the magical realm of Tirlun as they travel to Earth to kidnap Aiden—the last of an ancient bloodline originally from Tirlun. He’s the only one who can locate and wield a long‑lost weapon needed for an impending war between the dominions of Fire and Ice. Sage is tasked with leading the mission, training Aiden in his newly awakened magic, and guiding him on the quest to find the weapon before the war erupts.
🧙 This one was definitely an original for me. Instead of the usual Fae‑vs‑human setup, it leans into magical vs. non‑magical and Earth vs. not‑Earth. Different—but in a refreshing way.
🔥 I’ll be honest, it took me a bit to find my footing. The plot moves slow, and when people say “slow burn,” this one takes that to a whole new level. There’s barely any action until the final chapters.
⛰️ But that cliffhanger? Enough to pull me straight into the next book because I need to know how this all resolves.
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