In a world where stories have lost their endings, Audra, a wandering storyteller, and Jaik, a farmhand with a rare gift, embark on a journey to restore the lost magic of Mithra-Sha.

While I loved the world building and the unique concept, it took me some time to finish reading the book. It took me some time to warm up to Audra.

It was overall a great read.

Thank you NetGalley and Wave Walker Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!!

A Story Spun in Scarlet is a beautifully woven fantasy about lost endings, magic, and the power of storytelling. The story follows Audra, a storyteller searching for meaning, and Jaik, a farmhand with a rare gift that could help restore lost tales. Their journey is full of mystery, twists, and emotional depth. The book cleverly includes stories within the main story, adding extra layers to the narrative.

Audra and Jaik’s relationship grows naturally from strangers to allies, making their bond feel real and heartfelt. While the writing is rich and immersive, some readers may find the pacing a bit slow. However, the depth of the story and the emotional payoff make it worth the read. If you love fantasy with intricate world-building and a strong focus on the magic of stories, this one is definitely worth picking up!

I won't be reading this. I've tried multiple times and haven't gotten into it. Thank you though for the opportunity. If I read it in the future I will come back and change this review.

Currently catching up on reviewing my arcs so I will give a more detailed review in the future!

I somehow completely missed that this book was a romance...I originally dnfed it because of this but recently picked it back up so I could get my netgalley rating up. Sadly I didn't enjoy it. It felt very YA and Im very much not the intended audience

In a world where stories once held great power, Audra, a Storycrafter who can no longer finish her tales, hunts for new purpose. But it seems the stories are not finished with her. As she stumbles onto the mystery of what really happened to the Storycrafters' power, Audra is thrust into an adventure that rivals all the wildest tales she could tell.

Renee Dugan weaves a masterful tale, full of magical stories, intrigue, love and loss. The worldbuilding and magic system were great. I loved the characters, especially the way that Audra grew and confronted her past . I also really love the way that the author wrote the ending, where both main characters make the more difficult, self-sacrificing choice. I did not see that ending coming and it brought me to tears, Beautiful! I also enjoyed the romance, it was a lot more real and raw than a lot of others I've read and I loved that. Messy, complicated, but full of trust and respect and friendship alongside all the romantic moments.

I didn't want the story to end!

This book was everything I hoped for and more—an absolutely fulfilling read! The writing is rich and poetic, weaving a story that feels both immersive and deeply emotional. The characters are complex, facing real struggles that shape them into stronger, better versions of themselves.

I was completely captivated by the enchanting worldbuilding, the magic of storytellers, and the beautifully crafted love story at its core. Every page was a delight, and the prose itself felt almost magical. A truly stunning read!

Description of the book is definitely intriguing, and while the world-building is beautifully done with such unique magic system, I found the writing style a bit challenging. Although it’s undeniably lovely novel, the "wording" itself made it difficult for me to fully connect with the story and characters.

So I saw a review that said the promise of the premise was drowned by purple prose and I was a bit iffy but I feel the complete opposite. I love the way this is about the magic of storytelling and the beautiful writing really captures that. It makes it flow so nicely and fits the theme. The worldbuilding is fantastic, the characters were great and so endearing. I even cried but in a good way, just magical

I ended up not fully finishing this book. While I do think it was a very interesting and unique concept as well as a cool world, it just failed to keep my attention. I think this was maybe due to the writing style and longer chapters. It just wasn’t for me but I don’t think it’s a bad book and would still recommend to hard core fantasy readers.

˗ˋˏ ♡Thank you R. Dugan and NetGalley♡ ˎˊ˗

This was definity a very long read, however the storyline was done really well and the writing was beutiful, there was a lot of quotes that i highlighted, i would recommend this book a lot to people, howver it did feel a bit long for me.

Very good fantasy! Had some unanswered questions at the end, and I see I'm not the only onw that feels that way.

A LOT of description in the beginning of the book, and it was a struggle to read through at times due to that.

This is a story about stories, set in a world cursed with fantastical beginnings but plagued by the absence of endings. At the heart of the tale is Audra, a disgraced storycrafter struggling to find purpose now that magic has vanished from her craft. Disowned by her family and abandoned by friends, she is left destitute and desperate, working as a barhand to survive. One fateful evening, she finds herself forced to tell a story—knowing it cannot have an ending. But everything changes when Jaik walks into the bar, reigniting her ability to finish what she starts and setting her on a transformative journey.

Renee Dugan’s writing is nothing short of breathtaking, showcasing her mastery of crafting lyrical, poetic, and evocative prose. Every sentence feels like a brushstroke in a vivid painting, immersing the reader in a world brimming with adventure, love, and unexpected twists. However, this deliberate and richly detailed storytelling might not suit those looking for a fast-paced plot. The narrative unfolds like a slow, intricate tapestry, requiring patience and focus to fully appreciate its beauty.

Audra’s journey is as heart-wrenching as it is inspiring. Her compassion and resilience make her a deeply relatable protagonist, while Jaik serves as her perfect counterpart—quirky, protective, and grounding. Together, they form a bond that evolves naturally from strangers to friends and, finally, to lovers, their connection bringing out the best in one another. The romance, though understated, is stunning in its authenticity, adding layers of emotional depth to the story. With its unique world-building and expertly woven magic system, this book is a masterpiece.

A Story Spun in Scarlet by Renee Dugan is a captivating fantasy romance that blends magic, action, and emotion into a beautifully crafted tale. From the very start, the world-building immerses you in a magical universe that feels both expansive and relatable. The romance is tender and slow-burn, with heartfelt moments and sweet kisses that add depth to the characters' connection.

The real standout here are the stunning moments of raw emotion that brought tears to my eyes. Dugan weaves anxiety, loss, and the weight of near-death experiences into the narrative, making the stakes feel deeply personal. The twists and revelations throughout the story keep you guessing, and the emotional payoff is incredibly satisfying.

The action is intense, with graphic violence and blood that heighten the tension of the story. These darker elements are balanced by the romance and magic, creating a thrilling read from start to finish. The pacing is perfect, with plenty of high-stakes moments and quieter, emotional scenes.

Audience Notes:

Genre: Fantasy Romance
Language: Very little
Romance: Kisses
Violence: High (blood, gore)
Trigger/Content Warnings: Anxiety, loss of life, near-death experiences, blood/gore

This story was incredibly gripping from the first page. The writing style was beautiful and the storyline easy to follow. The storyline and writing, like the main character who is a storyteller is a slow and methodical weaving of a story that will pay off in the end! Book 2 is already on my wishlist.

Beautifully written magical story! Great storyline loved the characters and how you can fall in love with me. It kept you wanting more and more.

This was a good read, I think readers who enjoy retellings and stories such as Shadow and Bone and The Liars Crown will enjoy it.

I felt like this book was so good and gave me so much with the plot and the lore of the storycrafters!
The world building is insanely interesting! And the writing? So expansive and wonderful!

I want to give this a higher rating because there was a part of the book was super dope. It did get a bit wordy which made it feel like things just took too long to be said or get done. I love the premise and I love the story.

The world-building is so vivid, it’s easy to get lost in the story. I loved how the twists kept me guessing, even if some parts were a little predictable.

The main character felt real, and I enjoyed their journey, though I wish some of the side characters had more depth. The writing is beautiful and sets the mood perfectly. It’s a solid 4-star read and a great pick if you like stories that keep you hooked with a touch of magic.

Audra is a Storycrafter in a time when stories have dried up. Jaik is a seemingly simple farmhand, who miraculously has the ability to amplify a Storycrafter's powers, bringing the stories to their rightful conclusion. Together, they go on an adventure to unravel the mystery of their powers and their past.

This book is over-written. And it's too long. It could benefit from a strong-handled editor. But I think you should look past that and read it anyways.

It's just good.

The characters are likeable. The magic system in interesting and unique. The slow-burn is the slowest of burns. And the mysteries of the story are telegraphed in a way that makes them genuinely fun to unfold as the read.

This sat in my TBR for like a year. I'd pick it up, read and few pages, and put it back down. But when I finally got past the first couple chapters, I was captivated throughout.

I loved everything about this! I love the work building and the stories. The characters were so good and although I’m not a fan of the friends to lovers trope here it worked for me.

I cannot wait to read the next book in this standalone series