*Thanks to Netgalley for providing an ARC for an honest review!*

What I Enjoyed:
- This book is really for the people who just love a good story. It had such classic fairy tale vibes, with the story woven together to make it sound like an epic tale that would be told around the camp fire. It was beautifully written, and I loved how the magic system was based around the power of stories. I especially enjoyed how the author utilised this, and sprinkled the little stories that Audra tells with her power throughout the main plot!

- Talking of the plot – it was so fun! We got to see our two main characters, Audra and Jaik, travel the whole country looking to restore the power of stories, and see the devastation that came from people losing the power of a happy ending. There was action, a range of awesome settings to see our characters in, and an overwhelming feeling of hope as our characters tried to restore what was lost. I loved the adventure these two went on, and would love to see more from this world! I would especially like to see more sea-faring escapades in future books!

- I also adored our two main characters. Audra is so real to me. She is caring towards not only her friends, but the people of her country. However, she acknowledges that she isn’t perfect; she can be selfish, vain, and her trauma makes her quite closed off to others. But this is what makes her human, and I loved that we got to see her explore these faults and grow from them!

- Jaik, on the other hand, is just such a sweetheart. He would do anything to protect Audra, and his trust in her is unwavering. He is loyal as hell, but he also isn’t scared to speak his mind and tell Audra when she is simply being stupid. I just loved how he could go from protective and caring, to just straight-up goofy. His banter was the best part of his character for me: this man takes nothing seriously.

- The relationship between these two was just so well developed. We got to see them travelling together for months on end, and saw the connection slowly blossom between them. And it was lovely to see. They became such a powerhouse couple, protecting and loving each other at all costs. I just loved how they loved each other so much!


What Didn’t Work For Me:
- Despite me loving the writing style eventually, I will say it did make it really hard for me to get into the book . It was really lyrical and beautiful, but that also made it a bit difficult to get settled into the story. It wasn’t until Jaik was introduced, and the adventure fully got underway, that I fully started to vibe with the book.

- I liked what we got to see of the side characters, but I just wanted more. We spend a lot of time with Jaik and Audra, which is great as it truly gave the perfect pace for the slow-burn, but it just didn’t leave enough space for other relationships to be as developed. All of the relationships between our MCs and the side characters are pre-established, so we only get to experience the main development through memories of previous interactions. This just left me feeling less connected to the friendships with the side characters, which I think could have been helped by spending more time with them!


Overall thoughts:
This book was a great adventure, with an amazing magic system and two lovely characters to follow. I honestly would love to read more books set in this world! Would definitely recommend if you love a good fairy tale or a wholesome fantasy adventure!

Rating: 4 Stars!

Thank you Netgalley and Wave Walker press for the arc. This is an enticing tale of a storycrafter and a soldier who have forgotten who they are. It gripped me from the start and kept me on my toes till the very end. The writing is amazing, it is poetic and fluid, along with being downright enchanting and so full of emotion. As soon as it said, "let me tell you a story" it would send chills all over.
The plot and characters are well thought upon, it is a big book and a little intimidating but once you get into it time flies by. The main characters, Audra and Jaik are complex and interesting, and with their baggage and unrest one can connect to them well. Audra being a storyteller who cannot finish one no matter what and Jaik a farmhand who always feels like there is something missing.
It is a beautiful and unique story set around the power of storytelling and I loved the slow burn, pure romance. I loved the chemistry between the leads, like every time Audra would be close to having a breakdown Jaik would help her by asking her 5 things she sees, 4 things she feels, 3 things she hears, 2 things she smells and 1 thing she tasted... it was so endearing to see the progression of their relationship through this.
It is a good book for fantasy fans who are looking for something new and unique.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Overall Review (spoilers)

So, this is the second book I DNF’ed this year. Not that there really is anything wrong with this book, but it really is too slow for me to enjoy. Especially as it doesn’t really have a reason to be slow?

The characters are well written, the plot and concept excellent, and the world building is great. But the pacing sucks. I read over 50% of the book, and nothing had really happened beyond the initial fleeing of the city and the discovery of the forgetting. For a 600+ page book, the fact there was only two big things happen isn’t great. Especially as there isn’t enough world building to justify the fact that there is no plot movement in the time most books end.

I am going to give this book another chance this summer, and I did give it 3 stars because there is a lot of potential, but the pacing just isn’t the vibe currently.

Thank you to Netgalley, lovely author and publisher for this ARC~!

I felt a little bored at the beginning for there was too much narration and so little dialogue in this book. But who expects, after reaching chapter 10 onwards I enjoyed the story so much!

The book is long but short in each chapter so it's still enjoyable.

I was carried away by the adventures of our main characters. Their romance and relationship is very sweet and warm. I'm so fond.

If I were asked, would I like to read the continuation of this book?
The answer is: Absolutely!

Let me tell you a story....

This book revolves around storycrafters and their stories create the magic system in this world. What happens when the end to the stories never get finished? This book takes you on a journey to figure out how and why the stories lost their endings.

This book is wordy but beautifully written! It is lyrical and flows wonderfully. There's a lot of plot to keep you entertained. It does slow down 3/4 of the way through, but it's worth it to stick it out!

There is a lovely romance throughout the book. There is a lot of kissing, but that's about it. There is a bit other things that are alluded to, but never really mentioned.

This book WRECKED me!

I recieved an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. I want to thank R. Dugan, NetGalley, and Wave Walker Press for allowing me to review this book.

Overall rating: 4.5

“I was a woman who’d built her life around the power of words. And now words failed me.”

I’m at a loss for words. Upon first starting the book, I was unaware of how LONG it was. I don’t mind long books, but there’s a lot to unpack.

Audra, a Storycrafter, has lost the power of storyteller. In fact, every Storycrafter has lost their ability. Gone are the days of prosperity, wealth, and safety. Instead, disease, poverty, and despair run rampant through Mithra-Sha. Audra, unaware of her purpose, devoid of money, and alone, meets Jaik, a farmhand. From there, Audra and Jaik are forced into a relentless search for adventure and answers.

Audra. There are so many things I want to say about her. I often love characters from a book sense, but it felt different with Audra. Yes, I did love her, but more importantly, I understood her. Throughout the book, we watch Audra battle her self worth and her notion of happiness. She ties her intrinsic worth and power into others, and does selfless acts with a hope to be seen, heard, and acknowledged. Watching Audra’s struggles with people-pleasing and need for validation alongside her desire to be selfish was heartbreakingly real. She was not perfect, she was not all knowing. It was refreshing to see a character break down crying, feel lost and exhausted, yet still be able to push forward and do the necessary (right) thing. The respect for Audra I have is insane. And Jaik? At first, I felt really disconnected from him. He was just…a character. However, watching his devotion to Audra and seeing his relentless dedication to both Audra and the future of Mithra-Sha was beautiful. He wasn’t the traditional broody YA man. Instead, he was gentle, listened to and respected Audra, and had endless emotional maturity. Watching Audra and Jaik’s relationship develop felt delicate and raw. The slow burn was slow burning. They were gentle with each other, becoming each other’s shoulder to cry on, a right-hand man and partner in crime. Love and romance in novels is hard. Between insta-love and lust, love itself can get lost. In the novel, you can ~feel~ the love build and expand, and their feelings were believable and intense.

The world itself is great. The magic system wasn’t overly complicated, which is honestly a blessing because there are so many other aspects to focus on within the book. The settings within the book are vastly different, making Audra and Jaik’s journey across Mintra-Sha more diverse and appealing. Also! The lore is explained! Many many props to Dugan for being able to explain the lore of the characters, Mintra-Sha, AND the Storycrafters.

The ending…sigh. It was beautiful, it was poetic, and I get it. But I’m sad! I question what the ending brings for the sequel, and how the series will unfold from here. But honestly, with no cliffhanger, the story might just end here.

There were times when the novel seemed extremely wordy. Yes, there was an unmistakable beauty and eloquence to the writing style. Plot points, landscapes, descriptions, and emotions were woven into the story with an intrinsic delicateness, and the audience got to experience the beauty, happiness, evil, and hurt intertwining in Audra and Jaik’s world. With that being said, I did sometimes skip paragraphs or segments. With the length and writing style, I sometimes became overwhelmed with the amount of detail, and found the main plot was getting lost and muddled within my mind.

For readers that don’t like long books, this book might seem like an impossible read. The book ~is~ long, and it felt like there were three or four plotlines within one book. The story is, however, dynamic, ever-changing and expanding as we watch Audra and Jaik grow. There are flashes to the past and visions of the future, and at no point could I accurately guess the plot twists. The story is not especially fast paced—there are extended sections in which the two are just traveling or moving forward—but the writing is lyrical, and the audience is able to experience the journey alongside Audra and Jaik as opposed to being an omniscient reader.

Overall, I’m still reeling and at a loss for words. A Story Spun in Scarlet is a shining star of 2024. Its plot differs from any I’ve ever heard. Even if you have big book fear, this book is 100% worth it, especially if you’re into high fantasy.

* I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I won't give away any plot details, but I highly suggest this book—it's a true treat to read!  

What a delightfully surprising story it is—enchanting, and fascinating! It felt quite original and unlike anything I had read before. I've only read this one book by this author, the writing style really worked for me. The writing was exquisite, poignant, and lyrical.

A Story Spun in Scarlet is a captivating story with lots of romance, adventure, and exquisite writing. A book that celebrates the beauty and enchantment of storytelling. Audra now has to go on a trip she never expected to be on in a world where stories no longer have an ending. One of Renee's best qualities is her writing, which radiates elegance and a unique style that demonstrates her skill. It's fun to watch Audra's character navigate the difficulties as they try to solve the riddles of the past. The slow-burning relationship between, which feels both genuine and dreamily sweet, is the real treasure, though.

I appreciate NetGalley providing me with this advanced reader copy.

I loved the tropes! Romantasy, slow burn, and one bed and my favorites and this book had it all. The writing style is a solid 9/10 for me and I will definitely read more books by R. Dugan!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Wave Walker Press for providing me with a copy, all thoughts are my own!

5/5 stars

"Let me tell you a story"

A Story Spun in Scarlet takes place in a world where some people, called Storycrafters, have the power to create stories and bring bits of them to life. However, there's something wrong in this land as Storycrafters can't find the ending to their stories nor use their powers anymore. We meet Audra, a Storycrafter rejected by her family, who is trying to find her place in the world until she meets Jaik and their story begins to unravel.

"It was a chant, a song, a story rising around us. No... it was dozens of stories all braiding together."

How can I even start to describe how I feel about this book. It's amazing, it has everything I love reading about: an original magic system, a book inside a book vibes, loveable and authentic characters, a quest for knowledge and freedom and short chapters!
I loved the writing, Renee Dugan writes in such a poetic way I found myself trapped within the pages since chapter one. Everything was so tangible that I felt like I was one of the characters listening to the stories Audra told wanting to know how those stories would end.

Finally, I think this book is the perfect companion for 'The Reader' by Traci Chee where writing doesn't even exist! So if you enjoyed reading any of them you should, at least, add the other to your tbr list.

This book enchanted me and hade me hypnotised till the very end. It sucked me in and was really well written, I think that this could become one of the most popular books of the year.

A big thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review

What a beautiful, enchanting, captivating story. Nothing I say can do this book justice. It is utter perfection. The elegant, descriptive writing and world building made me feel as though I was transported into the story through the pages. The way the story line was woven to involve threads of a story within a story was a complete work of art. The evolution of Audra and Jaik was a mesmerizing journey.

This book was an emotional experience. I want to read it over and over just to experience it again. Incredible. Beautiful. Perfection. I highly recommend.

Thank you so much to Wave Walker Press for providing this ARC book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

~~ “Let me tell you a story..” ~~

An enchanting, mesmerizing, gut-wrenching story that I am so pleasantly surprised to have found! It really felt unique and something I haven’t read before. This IS the first book I’ve read by this author and I’m excited to read more! The writing was poetic, emotional and just beautiful.

A book about the magic and beauty of storytelling. In a world that’s lost its ability to end stories, Audra must now undertake a journey she never saw coming.


I don’t want to spoil the book here, but it’s a truly delight of a read, and I recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC! All opinions are my own. ❤️

4⭐️ 0/5🌶️

Thank you netgalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!

I enjoyed this book a lot! I thought that magic system was interesting, the characters drew me in, I loved the world building, but I felt it was super long. There was so much detail in these pages though that you forgot you were reading. I look forward to the next book!

I thoroughly enjoyed A Story Spun in Scarlet. I found myself captivated by Audra, the protagonist, in a world where storytellers face an unusual dilemma—unable to complete their tales, causing the disappearance of magic. The narrative takes a riveting turn when Jaik, a farmhand, enters the bar where Audra works, sparking the ability to finish a story. From that point, the tale unfolds into an adventure fraught with danger and unveils a terrible truth. The book's blend of banter, humor, mystery, and action immediately drew me in, and the main characters, Audra and Jaik, resonated with me. The well-developed world building, compelling story, and engaging writing style contribute to the overall appeal. The conclusion left me with a satisfied smile, making it a story I look forward to revisiting in the future.

Thanks to NetGalley and Wave Walker Press for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review!

Wow. This was an incredible story. I mean what a hook for readers...come read a story about stories that cant end. Descriptive, full of lyrical flourishes and a tale thats woven expertly through solid world building.
The story of Audra and Jaik is my new Roman Empire.

Up until the last 10 Chapters or so, this book was a solid 4 stars for me. Those last chapters though. What a ride! Brilliant. To say I SOBBED my way through the end of this book, would be an understatement. And it has been a very long time since a new author has made me cry at all.

Thank you to the Author,Publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this work. I received this book for free and my review is freely given.

3.5 rounded up

This was a very fun story. I enjoyed the characters, the plot, and writing style, but the world buidling was a bit messy and confusing.

4.5 stars. A Story Spun in Scarlet is an enchanting and magical tale of two people finding their way together in a broken world.

Audra Jashowin is a Storycrafter who can't finish a story. Once revered, the Storycrafters of Mithra-Sha used to weave magic with words, keeping crops growing, inventing new technology, and ensuring wealth and prosperity for the realm. Until one day, the stories stopped - no Storycrafter could finish their tales, the magic suddenly lost. Now reviled and shunned, Storycrafters are cast out of society, reduced to odd jobs and begging, and Audra is no different. Until one day, Audra sees a young farmhand in a tavern, and with their attention focused on one another, she completes her first story in years. Jaik Grissom is a human amplifier, and has the unheard of ability to help Storycrafters finish their stories and return magic to the realm. To keep Jaik from being used and hunted, Audra and Jaik flee the city and the soldiers pursuing them, travelling across the land hoping to find answers. Audra and Jaik begin to see the bravery and resilience in each other, and come to understand that they are stronger together, despite the forces attempting to pull them apart.

I adored this story! It was such a unique fantasy tale, and a real homage to lovers of stories of all kinds. The writing was beautiful, and the story is both exciting and sweet. Audra and Jaik have a wonderful relationship - the banter is great, and their love story develops naturally. The story unfolds a little slowly - sometimes I felt that the pacing could be better as we spend a lot of time in Audra's thoughts. But there is also plenty of action and rich character development. The pair journeys across the continent, and the story expands in magical ways as we see the devastation caused by the loss of Storycrafting. There is some romance, and it is sweet and comforting, There are many twists and turns, some that I anticipated and others that I did not see coming. It is sweet and heart wrenching at the same time. I definitely needed some tissues at the end. Overall, I really enjoyed this story, and I am hoping for more stories with these characters.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and to Wave Walker Press for the electronic advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

This one took me some time to read. I was a little hard to get through till maybe 60%. The overly descriptive scenes and world building wasn’t for me. I would gloss over a little and have to dial it back in. Some people enjoy the super descriptive world building, it’s just not for me. BUT! Every single time Audra would say “let me tell you a story”, goosebumps every single time. The whole concept of this story was something new to me. I haven’t read a book like this & I really did enjoy it, even if it was hard to focus at times. It was a really good story. Jaik? Where do I get myself someone like him, swoon! The epilogue had me on the edge of my seat, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I feel content with how it all unfolded on a somewhat HEA. If you love a good story about magic this one’s for you.

A Story Spun in Scarlet by R. Dugan

Thank you NetGalley and R. Dugan for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC copy.

𝐿𝑒𝓉 𝓂𝑒 𝓉𝑒𝓁𝓁 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒶 𝓈𝓉𝑜𝓇𝓎..

The author brings you along with Audra on an adventure unlike one I’ve ever read. She is fighting to find a place where she belongs and doesn’t know why she feels so alone and afraid. But through that quest she realizes, if she can help repair the world’s ending to their stories. She might be able to find out more about herself.

This book had the potential to be a 4 stars read for me. I enjoyed the story and kept dying to know more. The dialogue between the MMC and FMC was witty and sarcastic and I flew through their pages so quickly. I was going on this ride with them. The nickname the MMC had for the FMC was perfectly written and incorporated. I was completely smitten with their story. I found myself wanting to sit down during all my down time and read this book.

Troupes I enjoyed:
-Quest
-Only One bed
-Slow burn
-Nickname
-Tension

I want to recommend this book to everyone because I really did enjoy it so much but I have to explain my disclaimer to the readers.

There was at least four chapters of world building without a single piece of dialogue. I felt like I was being drowned by too many words and details right from the beginning. I couldn’t wrap my mind around it all and I considered not pushing through because this is a lengthy book. I believe this book could have been at least 100 pages shorter and would make it easier for people to pick up and enjoy because THE STORY IS THERE.

But I am SO glad I kept reading, and if you can make it 10 chapters in, you’ll be hooked from there forward.

The book is set to be published on March 8, 2024, and I think I’ll be in line for a physical copy. ♥️

I hope everyone enjoys, and thanks again tiger 😉

The universe of A Story Spun in Scarlet is one made of stories. The book features a compelling main character, an engaging romantic dynamic, and an intriguing premise. The settings are more appealing since they offer an aura reminiscent of Ketterdam. Though it begins slowly, the tale picks up in the middle. But superfluous characters, locales, and narratives cause the ending to drag on. The reader was nevertheless kept interested by the endearing characters, which included the love interest and the main character. All things considered, if you appreciate a distinct magic system and flawed but interesting characters, this is a good book that is worth reading.