The Taste of Cinder

by Shaun Fitzpatrick

436 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication November 5, 2026

Reviews

[Joanne Johnson]

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy from Shaun, and this is by far a 5-star read! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The story follows our main MMC, Caelin, as he attends Calgrave, an academic school where he discovers what kind of magic he possesses and learns how to harness his power.

Shaun has a really good imaginative writing style that completely immerses you into the story. He eases you into the characters and the whole magic system, which I found really unique. It didn’t feel like information overload, which can sometimes happen with fantasy books. Everything we found out was explained really well, so I felt like I had a good understanding of what was going on and how the whole magic system worked.

The magic each student has is based on their memories and emotions. The stronger the memories and emotions, the more powerful the magic becomes, but the more powerful the magic, the greater the dangers.

There is so much to this story, with the Collectors, Founding Four and Fae, which all make this such an enjoyable read.

The side characters are also really enjoyable, and you really find yourself rooting for them. Especially Effie — I absolutely love her character! ❤️

And amongst all of this, we get one of the slowest-burn LGBT romances I think I’ve ever read between Caelin and Rowe. 😂 This never felt annoying or frustrating, though, and actually complemented the storyline really well, especially with Caelin trying to understand himself and his feelings. I love these two so much! 🥰

I highly recommend this book, and you all need to add it to your TBR for when it comes out on 5th November! 📚✨

[Sian Badich]

“A thread pulled too tight could snap, and a memory too heavy could break you.”

One of the easiest 5 star reads I have given this year!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of The Taste of Cinder, and honestly, my only disappointment is HOW LONG I NOW HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK!!! 😭

The story unfolds in an academic setting, where our MMC and the supporting characters learn to control their powers through a completely unique magic system based on emotion and memories. I genuinely don’t think I’ve ever read anything quite like it! It felt so fresh, creative, and different from anything else I’ve come across.

I had SO much fun theorising about the mystery. While I was thrilled when I managed to figure some things out, there were also twists that completely caught me off guard - and I LOVED every second of it!!

The characters are so loveable and relatable, that you can’t help but root for them for them from page one!! And the slow burn LGBTQ+ romance had me squealing, kicking my legs, and screaming at the page at times!!! 🔥♥️

Shaun has done an incredible job creating a world, magic system, and mystery that all feel unique, immersive, and intricately woven together. And the writing?! So beautifully poetic that I found myself reaching for my tabs basically every chapter!

Perfect for fans of books like Fourth Wing, The Will of the Many, and The Binding!

Seriously, ADD THIS TO YOUR TBR IMMEDIATELY. You do not want to miss this one. The 5th November cannot come quick enough 🙌

[Ash_reads24]

ARC Review - I’ve just finished this last night and honestly… WOW. 🤯 I barely breathed from chapter 36 onwards 😂

What an incredible debut. I am SO invested in this story and this world like truly cannot wait to be back in it! The Premise the magic so unique and I am obsessed with it!

I loved Shaun’s writing style. It’s beautiful and lyrical without being too much and the atmosphere throughout was just incredible. The way the setting, history and background are woven into the story in a beautiful way it made it so easy to get completely lost in it.

Effie’s character growth was one of my favourite parts, and I loved watching the relationships develop, especially the banter between Caelan and Rowe…👀🥹

There were so many little moments where I was like hang on WHAT?! The Founding Four, the hints around the Fae, Grandmother’s letter… there were definitely a few things I did NOT see coming ( trying to keep it spoiler free but like 👀)

And then the bonus chapter? 😂 I need the next book immediately.

I’m honestly speechless. How is this a debut?! Shaun, how did you learn to write this well?! I will not stop raving about how much I enjoyed this book!

I feel incredibly lucky to have ARC read this beauty. I already know I’m going to be thinking about this world and these characters for a long time, and I cannot wait to see where the series goes next.

I also think this would suit any type of reader it’s truly a fantastic read ✨

[Anoushka]

ARC Review | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received an ARC of The Taste of Cinder, and I should probably start by saying I've known Shaun for around 13 years, so of course I was going to read his debut novel.

What I wasn't prepared for was giving it SIX STARS.

I was completely immersed in Oravelle and Calgrave College from the beginning. The world building is incredible, but it was the magic system that really fascinated me. Power drawn from your emotions, with memories shaped into something tangible and powerful? I've genuinely never read anything quite like it before.

There are so many characters to love, a world I wanted to keep exploring and, because apparently I have a type, a deliciously slow-burn gay romance. Give me all the tension. Give me the yearning. I am seated for gay men kissing 🫠

It has that addictive fantasy feeling I love, with the atmosphere of dark academia, but still manages to feel completely like its own thing. I finished it feeling like I'd discovered something genuinely different rather than another variation of a fantasy story I'd already read.

If you love Fourth Wing, The Twisted Thorn Saga or dark academia, I think you'll feel very at home here.


Five stars apparently weren't enough. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Shaun, respectfully, you've had long enough. I need the next book immediately.

[Charlotte Francis-Ball]

I was so honoured to receive this book as an ARC from the author. I saw the book cover and descriptors in a random post on Instagram and the pull I felt towards it almost instantly was magnetic; I knew I had to read it!

This book gave me the same feeling I got the first time I read Harry Potter - like I was experiencing a whole new world that I was sure would become a part of my personality. I’m pleased to say that I was not wrong.

Shaun has perfect diction. His storytelling is impeccable. The magic system is easy to follow but unique. The world is immersive and there is something about the vibe of the book that is Fourth-Wingesque. As a lover of fantasy and The Empyrean Series I can wholeheartedly say this is a compliment, not a criticism!

The characters are great. Team Effie all day long - ‘they can’t take my light’.

I almost had a criticism at the end of the book as I was left somewhat short of what to think and how to feel about Rusk, but then came the epilogue and Shaun did not disappoint me!

This was a 5 star read. I cannot wait for the next book, and the fact that there will be more after that makes me thankful to have been selected to be privy to this world before most.

A must read book!!

[Bethan Williams]

**ARC Review**

I truly enjoyed stepping into Oravelle!

It was so fun to read such an unique magic system and the story flowed naturally enough that it wasn't an info dump when you as the reader learnt about it. 

Caelan is a main character you can't help but root for, you want him to do well at the academy and you want him to learn about his missing memories and well let's face it, maybe have a few more training sessions with Rowe...

Cannot wait to see where this story goes and need book two immediately. So without spoiling I'm just going to say...read the book!

[Danielle French]

Absolutely loved this story! I really loved the writing style and the development of the characters throughout. Caelan and Rowe 🫶🏼❤️

The magic system is so unique with the way memories are woven into it, and I enjoyed discovering more about how it all works throughout the story.
The perfect first book, it gives you just enough to keep you hooked, while leaving you desperate for book 2 to see how the story unfolds!

Amazing work, Shaun. You should be so proud of this story. I can’t wait to read more of your books! x

[Collette]

I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book (thank you Shaun Fitzpatrick!) and wow! I dabble in the fantasy world and whilst I enjoy it, this was completely absorbing.
It had a ‘matter of fact’ style regarding it being fantasy but the descriptions, the story, the characters were enthralling. Shaun has an unbelievable way with words and there were so many beautiful words and moments.
I truly am thankful I got to read an advanced copy and I cannot wait for the next book. No spoilers but I cannot wait to see what happens between the main characters. Bravo Shaun, 5 stars all the way!

[Pandoraopenedit]

This story had me gripped from the start, the story telling and world building is fantastic. The author's ability to create mood, setting and environment without writing three pages is a talent not every author has, to create a scene by simply referencing a few objects or the lighting is a true talent. The Taste of Cinder was thrilling, and heart felt, the story never dragged. I truly cannot wait to find out what happens in this saga.

[John O’Donnell]

This was such a fun and unique read! My favourite part was the magic system - the use of memories and emotions to fuel the magic was so cool. I really liked the MC, Caelen. He responded to a lot of situations like I would so I felt seen 😂 The slow burn with him and Rowe was 10/10. The library scene upstairs actually gave me palpitations (iykyk). Cannot wait for the next one already!

[Genien Blackwood]

Although it was a slow burn once it got going i enjoyed it .the ending blew me away