The Godsblood Tragedy Review Spotlight

 The Godsblood Tragedy is a gripping fantasy novel with some sci-fi/steampunk elements that readers are not going to want to miss. The Godsblood Tragedy is Passage One of the Divine Godsqueen Coda and from page one you just know that this book and series is going to be epic.

The Godsblood Tragedy kicks things off with a cover that absolutely grabs the eye and holds your attention. A massive city dominates the cover of The Godsblood Tragedy. Everywhere you look you see lights, soaring towers, and tiers of the city on full display. Whispers of mist and clouds float all around. In the foreground, a woman stands with glowing tattoos on her left arm.

She’s standing facing this city of industry and full of danger. Soaring in the sky is dragon or vvyern. It flies unchallenged while small ships sail through the air, monitoring the populace. All of these elements come together to pique the interest of readers. To call to them to pick this book up and dive in to see what it’s all about.

The Godsblood Tragedy is the first book by Bill Adams in his Divine Godsqueen Coda. This epic fantasy novel blends together magic and technology into a unique story that will pull you in from the first chapter. Here you will meet a variety of characters who will be the focal of this book as each embarks on their own personal quests and vendettas.

The first character that you will encounter in The Godsblood Tragedy is Ashe. Of course, in this first chapter, she’s essentially nameless. She is an orphan looking to discover who she is and find her family. She goes from being called “Stray Cat” to Ashe once she lands in the desert city of Drenth. There she finds chaos is brewing and erupting. But this place will be her home, so she finds a place to call “home” and settles in.

As The Godsblood Tragedy gets underway, you “officially” meet Ashe. She’s in a bit of trouble, but she’s on a quest, so trouble tends to find you along the way. What she doesn’t expect to find is more questions than answers. Something happens on this “job” that she’s taken on and it rings the bell of trouble yet to come. Of course, the situation she’s in? It just keeps getting more complicated by the minute.

Author Adams shifts the story from Ashe to his next character in mind – Cadrianna. This character will absolutely spark readers' interest. It’s all in the eyes...same with Ashe. Same, but dynamically different. It will fuel your intrigue and have you digging deeper to learn more. But Cadrianna bears more uniqueness beyond her eyes...she carries a daemon blade. This blade is so unique it’s insanely cool. LOL! Bonded with a daemon it apparently also has a wicked sharp sense of humor and wit.

Trust us on this one...you’ll snort more than once when Stix is in a scene and has something snarky to say. Safe to say that Cadrianna isn’t always interesting in engaging with her blade. But, of course, author Adams has to make this blade something truly unique. Don’t worry, we’ll leave that tidbit for you readers to discover for yourselves.

Each chapter in The Godsblood Tragedy alternates between characters that you will be introduced to one at a time. One will be especially surprising when you learn about their past. Why do we say this? Because he’s supposed to be dead!!! Were we given a heads-up about this little tidbit of information? Honestly? Yes. Did our jaw still drop when we read the revelation? Absolutely. LOL!

The deeper readers go into The Godsblood Tragedy the more you will be drawn into the lives and fights of the main cast of characters. Each has their own agenda that they are moving towards. Lojen is one such fascinating character. A drakken without his horns he’s on a quest to reclaim what was stolen from him. A quest to reclaim tinged with a quest for revenge. Will he be able to balance the two against themselves?

Each chapter focuses on the specific character of that particular moment, but then ramping up the drama when their paths clash with the other characters. One thing you can expect from this book is a ton of drama that amplifies this book to the next level.

Wanting to know what the characters look like? Using your imagination only taking you so far? Well, you’re in luck, because author Adams gives readers images of the four main characters of this story. In the (physical) book author Adams includes character plates to give readers a better idea of what the characters look like.

The Godsblood Tragedy is an epic fantasy novel that will absolutely slam-dunk its way into your top favorite reads for 2024. Twists, dragons, drama, romance, secrets and so much more are tucked away in this novel’s pages. Once you start reading this book you’ll be hard-pressed to want to put it down. So, we recommend clearing your schedule, grabbing some snacks, and getting comfortable. This book is worth every second you will dedicate to it.

Hate cliffhangers? Well, this book ends on one, but it’s one that will have the hair on your head standing up with excitement and anticipation for where author Adams is taking this series next. We can’t wait to discover the rest of this story and where author Adams takes the characters from here!

5 out of 5 stars

The Godsblood Tragedy: Passage One of the Divine Godsqueen Coda

An orphan, without a trueborn name, returns to the city of her birth to uncover her past. Hounded by the servants of the Dark God and dying from the poisonous mist that covers the land, her path leads to one of the magical seals protecting the holy ruin of Eminence.

A father, murdered and reborn, aims to bring down the floating fortress hovering over his homeland. Burdened by loss, he’s willing to sacrifice his soul to free his city and get revenge for the destruction of his family.

A mother, captured and bonded to a daemon, kills in the name of the Dark God so she can free her tortured daughter. Relentless in her vengeance, she hunts the one person who could end her suffering: the man who would destroy her vile master.

A drake, the banished hatchling of a failed advisor, seeks his father’s stolen horns. Untested, he desires to right his father’s wrongs in the eyes of the gods and restore his family’s honor.

As all converge in the occupied desert city where the world’s fuel source is mined, one family’s bond will be tested. Old betrayals will resurface, anger and resentment will flourish, but one thing remains clear: blood rules all.

About the Author

When not writing, Bill is a product manager for a company that tests food using analytical chemistry and microbiology.

During his collegiate days at the turn of the century, he began to develop his passion for writing, especially within the epic fantasy genre about unlikely heroes. It was there, Bill began to formulate the story that would eventually become Ashe’s unwanted journey and The Divine Godsqueen Coda.

Aside from writing, Bill loves movies and reading, especially SFF B-movies. He likes to know all the useless trivia, like who played who, and what the stories were behind the curtain. He is a master at Scene It. Bill’s few other hobbies include soccer, a good whiskey, a slice of pizza, and growing a beard. It is the little things he enjoys most.

Bill currently lives in the greater Chicago, IL area with his wife and young son.

Thanks to the author, Bill Adams and Indie Book Tours for the opportunity to participate in this tour! We hope you enjoyed our stop! Be sure to grab your copy of this amazing book! We look forward to what comes next! 

 

Soulbound Spotlight

 

We're celebrating the newly released Soulbound by Amelia Cole, which is the gorgeous follow up to Shadowbound! Read on for more details!

Welcome to the book tour for Soulbound! 

The intent was for me to be doing a review spotlight for you today, unfortunately, I never received the book, so instead, this will be a spotlight for Soulbound. Hopefully, I will eventually be able to get the book on my own and come back at a later time to share my thoughts with you on it. 

Be sure to come back soon for my review for Shadowbound, which is book 1 in the Druadan Legacy series! 

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of the tour! 

                                                    Soulbound (Druadan Legacy Book 2)

Publication Date: October 8, 2024

Genre: Why Choose/ Sci-Fi Dystopian

*Grumpy/Sunshine
*Why Choose/Reverse Harem
*Dangerous Mythical Horses
*Age Gap
*Sci-Fi Dystopian Western
*Spice
*Slow burn

The hidden history of the druadan is emerging from the shadows…

During the attack at Meridian, a shocking truth was revealed: my sister leads a rebel group hellbent on stealing the last druadan egg. By sheer chance, I managed to save one, but as it begins to hatch, the three Master Riders—Heath, Logan, and Carter, with whom I've developed undeniable feelings—and I must surrender the egg to Circuit officials.

To keep the egg's survival a secret, Circuit shuts down Meridian, forcing us to relocate to Blackhawk Station. There, ancient secrets await, holding the key to understanding the rebels' desire for the druadan foal, my connection to it, and the bond I share with the three master riders and their stallions.

However, tensions escalate as Logan finally faces trial for his rogue stallion, and civil unrest engulfs Venovia, with strikes and violent protests pushing the country toward war. I must tread carefully. The long-buried truths I unearth at Blackhawk could prove the world's salvation—or the catalyst for utter ruin.

See Amelia Cole's website for CONTENT WARNINGS: Druadan Legacy series is intended for 18+ readers.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

Tour Organized by: 

R&R Book Tours 

Tar and Bone Review Spotlight

 

We're back in Achten Tan, but this time we are going back in time with new characters and a new adventure! Check out Tar & Bone by Debbie Iancu-Haddad!

 Tar and Bone by Debbie Iancu-Haddad is the prequel to the Sands of Achten Tan series. We’re going back in time to link up with Kamal and D’or. Before they became G’ant and Tar-tule riders. In Tar and Bone, we get to discover Achten Tan and two friends before they became friends.

Tar and Bone depicts a desert scene in which a city is surrounded by bones and a moat of tar is in the background. In front of the city is a giant turtle and a giant ant. Each of these creatures is a “guardian” of the city of Achten Tan. In front of the tar-tule and the g’ant are the two main characters of this story, Kamal and D’or. Kamal is light while D’or is dark. They appear to be complete opposites, but they will complement each other and balance each other out.

Tar and Bone is a standalone prequel to the Speechless in Achten Tan. This book introduces readers to characters who will be depicted in Speechless in Achten Tan. Told from a dual POV this story will alternate between Kamal and D’or.

Kamal will be the first character that readers meet in this book. He’s found injured and alone in the desert. He’s a gnome child, but the woman who finds him, she withholds the truth of who and what he is. Instead, she takes him home, adopts him as her own, and raises him. His leg which was severely injured, never heals correctly which leads to him having a disability.

Kamal’s dream is to become an An’cher. It's not an easy goal with a problematic leg, but it’s one that he’s determined to achieve. Only so many cadets are accepted each year, so Kamal has to do his best if he hopes to get accepted in. With his disability, he’ll have to work twice as hard as everyone else, because to be a part of this team you must prove yourself worthy of it.

D’or is a half-elf. D’or’s father is a G’ant rider, but D’or chose the path of being a Tar-tule rider. He has no idea that he even has powers until one day, a group of bullies pushes him just a little too far. With his magic unleashed it brings down danger upon him and his family. A cult wants to “guide” him in the path of an evil wizard, while a group of elves wants to murder him for having these strange powers.

Tar and Bone details how these two boys meet and gradually become friends. Readers will like how things aren’t perfect between these two boys. There seems to be a bit of a “rivalry” between the An’chers and the Tar-tule riders, but they all know that they must work together for the protection of the city.

Tar and Bone details the trials that Kamal must endure in order to achieve his dream. What he doesn’t expect along the way is to find himself falling for the cute Tar-tule rider, D’or. Sparks definitely fly between these two characters, but they aren’t the only ones who have a few hearts in their eyes when they look at each other.

Tar and Bone is a story that is relatively appropriate for most readers in their teens as this is a YA book. Despite there being a scene or two that takes place in a “brothel” this book is still teen-appropriate because author Iancu-Haddad keeps things very PG. You don’t get any inappropriate content in this book.

Tar and Bone is an engaging story that draws readers in and will leave them eager to continue discovering more about Achten Tan. The scene that Achten Tan is set in is a desert land with a city set in the middle of the bones of an ancient leviathan. Surrounded by a moat of tar this city is isolated but unique. Elves, gnomes, and humans all call this place home. Predominately though, this city is called home by elves and humans.

We get to watch the development of the friendship between D’or and Kamal. Initially, it will be disappointing how the two treat each other. The usage of slurs to describe each other, and the way the author showcases how both boys are uncomfortable with who they are.

Tar and Bone has magical elements sprinkled throughout. D’or discovering that he has magic, and the dangers of it. An evil wizard who is on a quest to gain more power, and D’or is his newest target. There is also LGBTQ representation in more ways than one.

Tar and Bone is a fantastic addition to the Achten Tan series and whether you have read Speechless in Achten Tan or not, this is a great book to start with. It gives readers the background to work with and move forward on with Kamal and D’or which will have readers eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series and wanting more Achten Tan stories to fill in all the gaps.

Readers who love a good fantasy novel with massive “sea” turtles, giant ants, magic, sweet romance (no spice), and a gripping storyline this is the book and series for you.

Pros:

• Engaging storyline
• Interesting characters
• Fascinating creatures
• Sweet romance

Cons:

• None of merit

5 out of 5 Stars

                                        Tar and Bone (The Sands of Achten Tan Book 1)

Publication Date: August 24, 2024

Genre YA Fantasy Adventure (Ages 12 to 18)

* Magic
* Adventure
* Disability & LGBTQ rep
* Friendly Giant ants!
* Non-European Setting
* A weird Desert town in a ribcage.
*No spice 🚫🌶️🚫

Thirteen-year-old Kamal has been waiting his whole life to join the An'chers - the giant ant riders who protect the desert town of Achten Tan. Despite his disability, a crooked leg caused by a childhood injury, he's determined to succeed in the try outs and become a cadet. To overcome the challenge, he strikes a bargain with an unexpected ally.

D'or is a half-elf with a dark secret. When the young giant Tar-tule rider agrees to help Kamal, his hazardous magic and the enemies it attracts put both boys in harm's way.

Now they must evade the fanatic high elves who see D'or's very existence as an abomination, and the dread sorcerer C'naga, whose interest in the boy threatens to lead them both down a dark path, from which there is no return.

Tar and Bone is a standalone prequel story to Speechless in Achten Tan. It includes themes of friendship, coming of age, and making tough choices. PG content is suitable for younger teen readers.

GET IT ON AMAZON

Misbalance Review Spotlight

 Misbalance is the first book in Amber Peterson’s Balance series. This fantasy crosses galaxies to come to Earth. The princess of a distant planet was sent to Earth to hide. Her memories were wiped away to keep her safe, and her powers bound. Now, something has come...someone has come to bring her “home.” If she is to survive what is coming...she’ll need to find a way to unleash her powers.

Misbalance has a beautiful cover that depicts a place of beauty. The sky has swirling blues and purples with stars mixed in. Two moons float on either side of galactic clouds and stars. Underneath them sits a range of mountains in the background. In the foreground, a once beautiful garden now lying desolate with a fountain that still flows.

Misbalance is told from the first person perspective and depicts Mandy’s story. Mandy is just your everyday high schooler, but today? Everything for her is about to change. Her day is about to go from “good” to down right terrible. An assailant attacks her school and takes her sister hostage. But it’s Mandy he wants.

Mandy is a fighter which readers will quickly see. Her younger sister Chloe is no twittering little girl who needs to be told twice to run from a bad situation. Rather refreshing to be honest. But while Mandy has some skills, she’s no match for this particular fighter. What happens next...utter heartbreak and shock.

When the news breaks Mandy is able to get free from her captivity, but now she is on her own. But it won’t be long before she finds some help in the form of a young man and his...drunk of a father. While now she has a place to hide and recover, her life will never be the same.

Of course, Misbalance isn’t solely Mandy’s story. No, we get multiple other characters who will make appearances as well. The first of the others we’ll be introduced to is Rose. She’s a feisty character and one we quickly took a shine to. Rose is strong, but she has her own demons that she’s battling. Big the question quickly becomes...what is her connection to Mandy?

Misbalance is a mix of a coming-of-age and YA fantasy novel with sci-fi elements mixed in. The magic from the primary main character is slow in coming, but you just need to exercise a touch of patience. Mandy has no idea who she really is, but the truth is coming to the surface piece by piece.

While Mandy is “hiding” from the world after her loss, the young man she crossed paths with helps her find a safe haven. Granted his father is someone to be avoided. Readers, beware there is abuse of a character or two in this book. As noted previously, Brian’s father is a drunk and when he gets deep into his cups he’s violent.

Readers will learn more about Brian and his backstory concerning what happened to completely break their family. It’s a heartbreaking story, but it is by no means an excuse for why he is made to endure what he must. With Mandy, Brian finds some happiness and a few moments of peace. Romance sparks up as well. The romance is clean for the time being. Can’t say for sure that it will stay clean, but for right now this book reads like a suitable YA fantasy for most readers.

As Misbalance continues Mandy makes quite a few discoveries. She has quite a few close calls with death and capture, but she discovers not all is as it seems. Rose and Moz are some dynamic characters who have a connection to Mandy. Author Peterson fills readers in on their history and clues readers in on why Rose is the way that she is.

Luke is another character readers will learn about. We won’t tell you much about him right now, but he’s an interesting character, too. Just...beware his younger brother. He is the definition of “unhinged.” Luke’s brother will probably have your jaw on the floor a couple of times in this book. But one thing is for sure...you will never be bored when he’s on the page.

Overall, Misbalance is an engaging and easy-to-read novel. Author Peterson does an overall good job with the details. But there are some details that we need more of. The time aspect of the story is hard to follow. You’ll think that only days or weeks have passed, but more time than that has gone by. We needed time to be more noted than it is.

We aren’t the biggest fan of Mandy throughout the book. Maybe it’s because of the over usage of the word “snapped.” Mandy does a lot of it - snapping. It honestly gets annoying and makes her appear to be a petulant teenager. Granted, yes, the word is used with other characters in their speech as well. However, it is overly used with Mandy. She’s constantly snapping at everyone, and add in she wants to view herself as the victim in certain scenarios...it gets exhausting. We wish that the author had used different adjectives in place of “snapped” that could have just as accurately represented it.

Misbalance is an interesting beginning to the Balance series. Reading the blurb gave us “Sailor Moon” vibes, but that’s not what you get when you actually get into this book. Author Peterson gives readers more than a few jaw-dropping surprises which will definitely keep you on your toes.

Misbalance ends on a mild cliffhanger. It’s enough to tease readers into being curious as to what happens next in the story, but not enough to leave you howling for more. Author Peterson leaves readers with the knowledge that Mandy is getting stronger now that she’s unlocked her powers. The threat is real, but there are still pieces of the puzzle that remain to be uncovered. It’ll be interesting to see where things go from here.

Pros:

• Interesting storyline
• Nice cast of characters
• Twists and surprises
• Fantasy element of the story is a gradual build

Cons:

• Passage of time is vague and difficult to decipher quantitatively speaking
• Over usage of the word “snapped”

4.5 stars

 

Forgotten Ashes Review Spotlight

 Forgotten Ashes is the first book in the Iolite Academy series by Kathryn Covens, and readers who love upper YA fantasy romance novels will absolutely devour this book.

Forgotten Ashes draws readers in with a gorgeous cover. Swirling branches and briar dance around the cover of this book. Gates of iron stand proudly in the center of the cover, rising up through a sliver of the moon. Beneath, swirl licks of flames as they rise up around the gates while embers dance higher into the air. Forgotten Ashes has a truly stunning cover that grabs the eye and makes one curious as to the story that lies inside.

Forgotten Ashes is book one in the Iolite Academy series. Author Covens has imagined a world of shifters, demons, witches, and other creatures. Get ready to meet a young woman by the name of Briar. There is something truly unique about Briar, and only a select few know her secret. To know the truth about her? It’s a dangerous thing, and it will mean the end of Briar. Why? Because she’s not supposed to even be alive.

Things are shifting in Briar’s world, and it’s not a good thing. As the Beta to her pack’s Luna. She’s earned her place, but not everyone is taking it in stride. A certain Enforcer is holding onto a tight grudge, and it’s causing some ripples of trouble. Sooner rather than later these ripples will impact everything.

But first things first, yes? Briar is getting ready to head to the Iolite Academy where she is supposed to take her place as Luna. Her packmate, Grayson is already there as the Alpha. Things between them? Oy vey. They are not what they used to be. You’ll find out really fast what caused a shift between them.

Forgotten Ashes is a page-turner of a novel, so when do you start this book? Buckle up. Settle in. Make sure you have some drinks and snacks because you’re not going to want to put this book down once you start reading it.

Forgotten Ashes starts out outside of Iolite Academy, but once it shifts there that is where the drama really ramps up. The tension and drama between Briar and Grayson is everything. They are packmates, so you’d think that he would be supportive of her. Nope! This guy undermines her at every turn! It will drive you absolutely crazy! But it will also have you digging deeper into this book to find out what Briar will do.

Typically when authors say “feisty female” they mean a female character who thinks that being overly sassy, mouthy, and brash. Let’s be real...for this reader, we absolutely HATE those types of female MCs. They typically detract from the storyline and have us (we personally) rolling our eyes every time she opens her mouth. LOL! Briar, thankfully is a truly unique character in that she is balanced, fun, and has just enough strength and sass to give some spice to the story.

Author Covens...you did that. Pat yourself on the back. Briar is a fun character. She’s strong when she has to be, but she also has a softer side. She stands up for those who are under her protection. We love her sense of humor and how she chooses to handle various situations. Honestly, she does better than we would have when it comes to Grayson’s constant undermining.

There are moments where she finally reaches her limits and we are not ashamed to say...we cheered her on. LOL! Another character that readers are absolutely going to love is Kenna. Girlfriend is a stick of dynamite in the best way. We worried that she’d be that “mean girl” character, but the friendship that sparks up between her and Briar is everything.

Get ready to laugh quite a bit when Kenna is on the scene. She is so out of the box you’re going to be “Team Kenna and Briar” before you know it. It’s rather funny since Kenna is the one that Briar is going to have to fight to obtain the title of Luna at the Academy. The knee-jerk reaction is to want to “hate” the person Briar is going to have to go up against, but Kenna is one shifter you’re going to love.

The drama isn’t contained to just the Academy grounds though. Though of course, you’re going to find a fae (teacher) you’re going to want to smack into another world, and that’s on top of the bs going on with Grayson.

Grayson is one of the most infuriating characters in this book. Author Covens does this delicate dance with him though. One minute you want to smack him for being a jerk to our girl Briar, and then you see those sparks of romance trying to kick up. You don’t know whether you want the sparks to take hold and ignite, or if you want Briar to just give him the cold shoulder or pull a Ceelo Green and say “F--- You!” LOL!

Forgotten Ashes is told from a dual POV. The story focuses heavily on Briar (The Rose) and then a second character, who you get to guess about (The Moon). Initially, we thought that it was one character, but then...it didn’t make sense when certain details were laid out. Author Covens does this to keep us on our toes. We’re sure of it. LOL! But then it appears to shift more solidly into one character’s direction and settle there.

Are there new sparks of a potential future romance building? Can we hope? Dare we hope? Well, we’re going to hope because...well, what’s the harm in it, right? Right!?! LOL! Things are sounding like maybe, so we’re going to just cling to it, and sit tight for book two...yeah.

Things aren’t supposed to exist anymore and proving that they do. The secret that Briar is clinging to is becoming more and more in danger, and with that so is her life. The future is becoming more and more uncertain. With one exposure Briar’s life will soon be under threat.

Forgotten Ashes ends on a cliffhanger that will have you howling for book two. Trust us on this one...we’re ready to get down on our knees and beg author Covens for book two...because we need it now!!

Forgotten Ashes blends fantasy, small glimpses of romance, dynamic characters, intrigue, and more than a little suspense. Nothing is what it seems and this book is an absolute feast. Readers who enjoy all of the above...grab this book and dive in! You will not be disappointed.  

5 out of 5 stars

Pick up your copy today! 

Amazon US 

 

Since We're Here Spotlight

 

It's release week and we are thrilled to be touring this adorable and spicy romance by Chrissy Hopewell!

Since We’re Here: A Grumpy Sunshine Irish Romance

Genre: Romance/ Interconnected Standalone

Publication Date: September 9

• Grumpy sunshine

• Irish setting

• Close proximity

• He falls first

• Fish out of water

• Main characters in their 30s

• Just once to get it out of our system

• Pet sheep

• Open door/ medium spice

Nine messy breakups, nine jobs lost. When restaurant manager Maddie Hart learns that number ten—a surf instructor based in the Caribbean—is cheating on her, she changes her destination flight (but not the contents of her suitcase) to Ireland. She’ll delay disappointing her family and figure out how to get her life back on track, while also planning her oldest sister’s pre-wedding Irish road trip. Except the groom-to-be’s best friend isn’t replying to her emails.

Ex-pro soccer goalkeeper Patrick McNulty has deep roots in the seaside town of Dingle, Ireland. He’s got clear priorities: be there for his aging parents, support his sister and nieces, and take over the family brewery while also managing his pub. None of that includes dating, because after one disastrous engagement, Patrick is done with relationships.

When the sunshine-y American tourist who asked him to kiss her in the pub turns out to be the same woman emailing for help planning a road trip, Patrick vows to keep it platonic. Especially after his pub manager quits and Maddie jumps in to help. Their sizzling chemistry leads them to sleep together just once, but it’s not nearly enough for either of them.

Maddie knows her future isn’t in Ireland—or with Patrick. And he needs to stay focused before his carefully planned life unravels with the distraction of the American tourist. The Irish road trip is their last chance…Will Patrick be able to convince her (and himself) that fighting for number eleven is worth the journey?

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

The Shadow of Polaris Review Spotlight

We're celebrating the release of The Shadow of Polaris by D.L. Houpt. Time to bump another book on your TBR list!

 The Shadow of Polaris is the first book in the Heir of Darkness series by D.L. Houpt. This fantasy romance novel is a slow build, but it’s worth hanging in there. Once the groundwork has been laid you’re in for quite a ride with this novel.

The Shadow of Polaris begins with Elpis and her nephew. He’s the king. He’s hurting and upset. Why? The Elders have spoken, and even he cannot go against what they have told him. Elpis has been declared guilty of killing her sister. She’s now “The Queen Slayer.” She’s condemned to live out the rest of her life locked in a tower. Giving Rapunzel vibes, right? Wait for it, this is no Rapunzel tale coming your way.

Elpis spends years locked away in this tower. Don’t worry you don’t spend chapter, after chapter, after chapter reading about how the years whittle by while she sits there and longs for the life she used to have. Author Houpt spares readers from that. LOL! You do learn some things about Elpis and what her life has been like locked away for these past few years.

There is a mild theme of abuse in this novel. It only appears a couple of times in the story, but it’s something readers should be aware of before diving into this story too deeply. Elpis has people who “take care” of her, and make sure that she remains in her tower. Her “chambermaid” is one such individual, but this toady of a woman takes pleasure in exerting her “power” over Elpis.

The first quarter of this book is slow in pace. There isn’t a lot of drama, action, or anything really to spice things up and give this book the jump-start you might be looking for. However, if you are patient you’ll soon find yourself getting to the good stuff.

Author Houpt throws Elpis a twist that no one really could have seen coming...a chance. It’s an odd occurrence, but it suits the story perfectly. With this chance that Elpis is given comes even more danger than we or she could have imagined. There are monsters roaming the land, and Elpis comes face to face with one. In the process though she makes a discovery that will truly benefit her. Cue the introduction of animal companion.

As The Shadow of Polaris continues you will constantly find yourself wondering...when is the other shoe going to drop? Elpis has managed to find a safe haven, but how long will this last? The storyline begins to point to trouble brewing and it all starts with one simple act of wanting more “freedom.” We get it, we’d go stir-crazy, too, but when you’re being hunted...it pays to be smart.

Once you get to about the 30% mark in this book the storyline really begins to pick up and come together. Elpis is having strange dreams, encountering one of the gods (goddess) themselves. She discovers the prophecy mentioned in the blurb, and we readers get some delicious backstory! But there are secrets swirling everywhere and you won’t be able to help but suspect that the Elders are hiding secrets as well.

Hoping for some romance? Well, it’s there. It’s a slow build romance, that ignites sooner rather than later. It’s a mix of “slow-burn” meets “getting to know you a bit, first.” But apparently, Elpis isn’t to be too favored when it comes to the romance department either. Watch for little hints that author Houpt is going to drip here and there. Not everything is as it seems.

Hoping for some serious steam to heat up the pages? Well, on that front you’re going to be disappointed. Author Houpt rates the steam in her novel as “one pepper” and we agree. There are no highly detailed scenes depicted on the pages. You’ll have to use your imagination, but you probably won’t get far, because the scenes are short before moving on.

Brace yourself for twists, and turns, premonition-like dreams, creepy monsters (we loved every second of that), and the gods working to bring about chaos. Okay, okay, only one particular goddess with a nasty attitude problem. LOL! Elpis is connected to it all, and she is going to have to figure out her part in all of this if she is to save lives from being lost.

The Shadow of Polaris is an engaging fantasy romance novel. There is a nice amount of world-building, twists and turns, and an ending that will leave you eager for book two. This is a good start to the series. Yes, the beginning is slow but it is absolutely worth it all because the rest of the book will keep you glued.

Looking for your next fantasy romance novel/series? Well, you’ve found it. So don’t miss out and grab your copy today!

4.5 out of 5 stars  

The Shadow of Polaris (Heir of Darkness Book 1)

Publication Date: September 3, 2024

Genre: Romantic Fantasy

🐺enemies to lovers
🗡️black cat/golden retriever
🐺animal companions
🗡️meddling gods
🐺morally grey FMC
Spice – 🌶️
World Building – 🏛️🏛️
Violence – 🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️

When winter and spring coincide, darkness’s heir brings the light of truth and the fall of vanity. Only embers of life can destroy visions of death.

Following the accusation of her sister’s murder, five years ago, Elpis was sentenced to a life in the Tower outside of Ursae. Banished, far across the Northern Flatlands, to an eternity of unruly abuse and mind numbing isolation.

Now, broken and beaten, she receives an anonymous gift that will alter her fate forever. Haunted by nightmares of a malevolent goddess, Elpis must unravel the secret of an ancient prophecy and tame the shadows rising within her in order to take back her freedom.

With enemies at every turn, Elpis must choose her allies wisely, and learn that sometimes, freedom may come at a price.

Trigger Warnings:
Suicidal thoughts, self harm, and self hate

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON