A unique story mixing fantasy with feminism, with a protagonist with some truly unique powers. An enjoyable read.

Woof. Dnf at 20% for me. It was just moving so slow, and I can’t bring myself to dive back in. I thought the idea of her powers was really creative, I just couldn’t bring myself to care where her story went

ARC Review ~ A Story Spun in Scarlet~

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Dugan did it again! Though it took me a bit to get into the story, once I did I fell in love. The twists and turns of this book had me on the edge of my seat and rooting for the main characters. I grew to adore the world Dugan created once again and can’t wait for more.

Thank you NetGalley and Wave Walker Press for this ARC!

A Story Spun in Scarlet is sprawling fantasy infused with great world-building and meticulous attention to the fantasy world that Dugan uses to immerse the reader in the story. This is a novel brimming with a cast of unique characters with a focus on marginalised groups. Dugan has created a compelling fantasy that follows the well-defined hero’s quest narrative while incorporating sociopolitical themes of marginalisation and persecution.

A well-written novel where the classic epic fantasy departs for strong feminism and focus on inequality.

Dugan writes with ease, compelling the reader deeper into the intricate world-building. At times there is a sense of slowed pace where the complexities of the world-building and sociopolitical intrigue could be more concisely delivered to maintain the high action pace of the beginning.

Conclusion

A recommend fantasy for fans of epic fantasy series, sociopolitical intrigue and thorough world-building in a classic hero’s quest fantasy but with strong feminist themes. Dugan has begun a new fantasy series to watch!

Unfortunately, this book didn’t really work for me, partly because it just wasn’t really my thing at all. The story felt really cliche—the heroes are all super good, the villains are all super bad and childish, and unfortunately none of the characters were interesting enough to make up for this. Both Audra and Jaik felt really bland and nothing about them stood out to me. I couldn’t really feel the chemistry between them, and their banter was really corny to me. Honestly a lot of the dialogue just came off as corny to me as well, especially with the way characters would replace swears with some variation like ‘luck’ instead of ‘fuck’. I generally don’t have a problem with fantasy curses, but it just becomes really silly and juvenile to me when the word is obviously used in place of an obvious curse and when you have characters saying things like ‘lucking hell’ or whatever.

The world-building felt very lacking in details especially for a novel that was 500+ pages. I feel like we were not given a lot of knowledge about how the world worked in relation to storycrafting, and whatever details we were given were just haphazardly thrown out without much fleshing out done. For instance, it’s stated that storycrafters are responsible for many inventions like airships and rifles, but that just made me have questions as to how the magic in the setting worked—like are these airships or rifles akin to what we’d see in the modern world with similar infrastructure or just magical items with no logic backing them? And if storycrafters were responsible for inventing them, where did they get the ideas from?

I’m not really sure how to best put this, but basically the world felt too much like a generic fantasy setting to feel like a world that was heavily influenced by storycrafters, even though the narrative was saying that the setting was. I guess if everything was written in a more ‘magical’ way it would’ve seemed more believable to me.

I also felt like this novel did not need to be as long as it was. I found myself bored throughout many parts of the story.

A lot of the main plot beats in A STORY SPUN IN SCARLET also strongly mirror another one of the author’s works that I read a few years ago—THE CHAOS CIRCUS. I don’t want to give too many details because of spoilers, but when the reason behind the lack of endings for stories was explained, all I could think was how similar these two stories were. I also wasn’t really a fan of how a lot of the main events in the story seem to have some sort of ‘destiny’ undertone to it, especially in regard to Jaik and Audra. I know that there’s a plot reason for it, but it just wasn’t really my thing.

Overall, this book just really wasn’t my thing. I didn’t think it was horrible—the concept was interesting, the writing was fine, the characters were decently developed. I just ended up not really enjoying it. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a romantic fantasy story with some plot twists.

I'm so sad that I didn't enjoy this as much as i thought i would!

I just couldn't connect with the story itself and the writing just wasn't for me.

The plot had originality, mystery and intrigue.
However, the novel's lengthy prose proved to be too much for me. It was all descriptive paragraphs with little dialogue.
That being said, preferences in writing style are inherently subjective, and while the heavy emphasis on description may not resonate with all readers like myself, it may be for you.
The author's vivid imagery and meticulous attention to detail in the narrative provided a clear image of the world in my head. This was one of the bonus of this novel.

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

4 stars

I loved this book! The plot was interesting and original. Each twist and turn in the story adds depth, making you really care about what happens next. And that ending? Get ready for some tears.

The writing is beautiful and poetic. The author's words paint a vivid picture in your mind, making you feel like you're right there in the story. It's emotional and adds a lot to the overall experience.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

Audra is a strong and determined character who you can't help but root for. She's tough on the outside but has a soft side too, which makes her really relatable.

Jaik is kind and caring, and you can't help but like him right away.

Audra and Jaik's relationship is the heart of the story. Their love feels real and will make you believe in happy endings. Their story will stay with you long after you finish reading.

« Let me tell you a story. »

I’m speechless. Wiping the tears off my cheeks, wondering how I’ll ever fill the hole left in my heart by Renée Dugan’s characters.

It had been a long time since I loved a story that much! After the first paragraph, I knew it would be a 5-star read.

First, it’s insanely well written. The number of sentences I highlighted because they were just so PRETTY is extremely high.

Second, it’s BRILLIANT. The twists and turns and how everything connects… brilliant.

Third, the CHARACTERS. I often find myself annoyed by the FMCs. Audra is not one of those annoying FMCs. She’s real, raw, flawed, caring, loving, creative and strong minded. I loved her. And what can I say about Jaik 🥹😍 Newest book boyfriend, here to stay. This man will stay rent free in my head and heart for a long time; fierce, true, loyal, funny af, he is EVERYTHING.

That book is a thick one, but do yourselves a favor and dive into it anyway.

The fact the main character has my name just drew me in completey im absolutely obsessed over this book

Thanks to netgalley and Renne Dugan for giving me a copy of this book to review it

In a world without endings, we met Aura, who is a storyteller and can't finish a story. Now, after being diswoned, she is desperate; and then she finds someone who could help her... Jalik.

This book was amazing, Renee Dugan has a great ability with words and the world she created for this universe is really good. I loved the way the romance is not the first thing in the story, but has its onwn protagonism, the magic system is amazing and loved how Jalik and Audra brought the best of the other,

Also, I didn't know this was a series so here I am, waiting (im)patiently for the second :D

This is a very good YA fantasy, with a sassy FMC and interesting side characters that compliment the story.

This was a good paced story and I loved how unique it was, I would love to read more by this author.

A Story Spun in Scarlet is my first time reading anything by Renee Dugan, and I can see why her work receives such high ratings. This tale follows a storyteller named Audra Jashowin who lives in a world where stories no longer have endings. Something broke magic storytellers possessed by telling complete stories, leaving the kingdom of Mithra-Sha facing poverty and starvation. Then, one day, Audra encounters a farmhand, Jaik Grissom, and rediscovers her magic.

Let me start with some of what I truly loved about this book:

- Audra is such an amazing main female character. She is strong, independent, and fiery, yet she has so many insecurities to work through. The fact that her actions have consequences, sometimes of the life altering variety, and that she is forced to face the reality of her choices just makes her all the more endearing.

- Jaik is just the calming presence of the story, and he balances Audra perfectly. They are such an incredible match romantically that I never missed the fact that this is a clean read and things never progress beyond kissing on the page.

- The ease with which we were able to get to know the diverse cast of supporting characters, even those who joined late in the book. Each one found a place in my heart.

The one thing I didn’t love:

- Dugan writes very poetically, which at times lends itself very well to a fantasy story. However, towards the middle I found it made the plot drag a bit with all the descriptions. I had to push through to the end, but I will say I am glad that I did because it was worth it.

Let me just speak briefly about the ending in case my opinion of the pacing is causing you to think twice about reading this tale. The ending is worth it. I cried through the last several chapters, which is not something I usually do when reading. There’s sometimes a moment that will get me emotionally, but this book came together so beautifully in the end that I was a mess for nearly three chapters. So, don’t let the length or pacing scare you, the ending is everything.

Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: None, just some kissing

This book is quite the sweeping tale, and it is a wonderful romance. If you like banter, found family, and a sassy main female character, read A Story Spun in Scarlet.

This story was a slow burn read that took a little bit to truly capture me, but once it did I loved it! It has such a unique magic system and world building. I thought the character.s were well written and enjoy the little hint of romance. I look forward to reading more books from this author!

Thank you NetGalley for the Arc!


I loved A Story Spun in Scarlet. Renee Dugan’s writing style is so beautiful, almost poetic. This book is beautifully written. It was difficult for me to get hooked during the first chapters, the information and explanations made me stop a few times before continuing it , but I’m so glad I did. Around 40% of the book I couldn’t stop reading until I finished it. I found the characters really enjoyable and I loved the way they cared for each other. They felt so real. So human. Overall, I thoroughly loved this story and the author's writing style.

I initially found this one hard to get into because I felt that the first third of the book was slow. After that I felt like I settled into the story and it's characters more. This will appeal to the younger readers, who love a tame romance and plenty of action.

FINALLY FINISHED THIS HUGE BOOK!

The plot kept me interested from the beginning until the end with action-packed scenes, mind blowing imagination, vivid and descriptive world building as well as the fun bantering from the grumpy x sunshine main characters!

I enjoy my time following Addie’s journey joined by Jaik later on as they travelled around to find the answers to their missing memories and the truth of what happened to the storytellers of this world.
I adore their chemistry, how supportive they are to one another – truly meant to be together!

This story is a slow-burned one which makes it perfect to build a vivid world building and character growth but some parts feel dragging and slightly repetitive which makes this book feel longer than it should.
The writing style can also be too descriptive at some parts that I skim past through some of the paragraph to keep the plot going.

The last few chapters are truly heart-breaking, I wasn’t expecting this to be quite an emotional read. But that epilogue at the end gives hope for the main characters for new beginning which I really like.

Overall, it’s an interesting read with unique element featuring storytellers.
I quite enjoy my time reading this one, I saw that this is the 1st book of an interconnected standalones so I’m looking forward to read the next adventure in this world!

I received an advanced review copy for free through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!

⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: blood, death, grief, torture

It's been a while since I've read a fantasy book with a unique magical world. The characters were well thought out, with flaws and needs that made them feel like real people. I enjoyed the world building as well, although I will say that the pace of the book threw me off a bit at times.

The beginning of the book felt a little slow, which I feel is pretty common with fantasy books. The pace picked up once Audra met Jaik, and it became almost impossible for me to put the book down until about two thirds of the way through. At that point, it felt like there was way more filler chapters than there needed to be, and I found it hard to keep reading. Took me weeks to finish the last couple of chapters. I will say though, even when I guessed how it would end, it still felt like a good ending!

I loved the magic that Storycrafters used, and the way the stories come to life with their words. The fighting scenes felt like they would look amazing to witness in real life. The magic of storytelling left me with some questions though. Do Storycrafters run out of magic, and what are the consequences of using too much of their magic?

Jaik stole my heart and refused to give it back, so I'm just going to say that he was my favorite character.

Audra was constantly struggling internally with herself and what she wanted. She did the best she could with the life she was dealt, and I felt like this made her feel more realistic and relatable.

There are little hints that are sprinkled throughout the book that have you wondering and guessing along with Audra and Jaik about what exactly is going on in their world, and I personally loved it.

The friendships and love formed along their journey were some of my favorite parts of this book. It never felt rushed or forced.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book!

I'm gonna be honest, it took me a while to get into this story. I found it a little slow and found myself in the beginning bored. As the story continued I found myself enjoying it more and more.

For me this book feels and reads like a fairytale. I love the world building, It's so convincing (and magical). When I closed my eyes I could see it right in front of me.

What I loved most about this book is that it is a fantasy romance story about writing and storytelling. It's unlike every fantasy book I've ever read.

Wow this book was amazing.

I haven't read something with such a unique magic system in a long time. I was intrigued by the description but reluctant to start it because I anticipated it being confusing or hard to follow but it was amazing.

The friendship between Jaik and AyJay is so strongly built. You can feel their faith in each other so strongly, and the banter is so realistic. It feels like a relationship truly build on trust and friendship and so real.

My only complaint is when they do remember everything, it feels like an inside joke you're not a part of. There's friendships and a world that we know nothing about. Although it's a complaint, I will say that it did fit the theme of the book; it does feel like a story that you're thrown into the middle of, which is exactly what's happened. I have such mixed feelings about that plot point. Although it makes you uncomfortable, I think it does fit the book.

All in all I loved this book and would definitely recommend it