I love a good read that leaves me breathless, questioning my moral compass, and wanting more! I was completely captivated by Fia—her deep love for her closest friends, her wild and wayward hair, and her fierce yet fearful spirit. Her growth and changing perspective, along with the increasing pace of storytelling, made this an easy, engaging, and intriguing read. I appreciated the layers of world-building and the straightforward magic system, and I was especially grateful for the pronunciation guide! It’s funny to think that it was actually the book cover that drew me in—such a cool graphic! I’m super grateful for the opportunity to read this, NetGalley and Onyx Publishing. Please don’t leave us hanging too long for the next one, Bree Grenwich and Parker Lennox!

I found this book extremely challenging to get through at times. My biggest issue is that the female main character, Fia, comes across as incredibly immature, often jumping to conclusions. I found the side characters far more likable.

The enemies-to-lovers trope was present(ish?), but it felt more like a misunderstanding. Fia's judgments of Laryk seemed based on her assumptions rather than any real conflict between them. Their relationship felt underdeveloped; they hardly spend any time together, and most of their interactions are summed up in a few paragraphs during Fia’s training. It would have been nice to see more organic relationship building between them.

The relationship between Fia and Ma also felt off. Instead of providing guidance, Ma's approach seemed childish, resorting to silent treatment for much of the book.

While I enjoyed the writing for the most part, certain word choices, like "cringey," pulled me out of the story and detracted from my overall experience.
The pacing was another issue; it wasn't well-balanced. I frequently forgot that the characters were Elven-like, "Aossi", until the occasional reminder about their pointy ears. I wish the story had focused more on world-building, history, and religion, which felt underdeveloped.

Overall, I'm giving this book 3 stars. The story itself was interesting, but it could have been executed better, and I found myself putting it down often. That said, the story has potential, and I’m hoping the next installment will be better. I will give the second book a chance when it becomes available, as it left on an interesting cliffhanger.

3.5 ⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and Onyx publishing for the ARC!

No direct spoilers.

**Over all, wonderful writing, underdeveloped in some aspects of the story and relationships, but knowing some of my questions will be answered in due time in the next books I would recommend it.**

I would consider this book to be a mashup of Hunger Games, Divergent, and Fourth Wings if I had to choose comparisons. Fourth wing and divergent in that those with powers being divided up and utilized by the military to fight. Hunger games only due to a rebellion and leaving the people on the losing side seen as less than and branded for their association.

First and foremost the writing was beautiful. Descriptive, and perfectly done. Where some books run on with descriptions and inner monologue, I feel like Riftborne could have given me MORE. I still have no real understanding of why there was a rebellion, Fia and Laryk’s romance seemed to come out of no where. One chapter he was a manipulative enemy with no redeeming qualities, and the next interaction it was filled with lust and jealousy. I would have liked to see more building up to it. However, the other relationships I felt like were developed perfectly and I would protect Osta with my life. The last third of the book is where the story really ramps up and kept me more engaged. I didn’t see the spoiler coming. I had reservations about whether or not I would read the next book but I’m hooked now and will be picking it up.

I was super excited for this book based on the premise of the story. I loved the fact that Fia had powers and her character had room for a lot of development which is exactly what I saw throughout this book. She goes from someone timid and scared to really finding herself and power. It was nice to see such a change.

This book was a bit difficult for me to get into. There were times that I put it down and I might have just been in a reading rut at the time but, I wasn't itching to pick it back up. I thought there were some seems that were a bit unnecessary and her friendship with Osta, although sweet, at the time didn't seem like it brought much to the story besides being something too keep her in line with general ashford.

I didn't think that the relationship between Fia and General Ashford really make sense given he was gone for a good portion of the book. I would have like to see more scenes with them. Instead when we finally got to their biggest scene together it just seemed rushed an a little out of place given the situation and timing.

I greatly appreciate being sent an Arc and being able to give some honest feedback. Thank you to Netgalley, ONYX publishing and the writers of this book.

I love love loved this story!
The cliffhanger was well done, I’m itching for the next book!
I read this book in 2 sittings.
Fia is a relatable character and the tension between her and the general is so good! I can’t wait to see what happens with their relationship or if it doesn’t happen. The magical special ops is also another thing I love, it’s not like anything I have read yet!

Very well done and engaging book.

In Riftborne, by Bree Greenwich and Parker Lennox, our FMC, Fia Riftborne, is a lower-class woman, who works in an apothecary as an assistant to the very wise and knowledgeable woman who runs it. When asked to make a delivery during a party, Fia encounters a problem with some classic mean girls and as a result, her magic is unloosed, bringing her to the attention of the dashing MMC, General Laryk Ashford. Ashford discovers Fia’s secret and believes he can cure her, or at least help her gain control of her magic, but not for free. Fia must join the military in order to pay back the General for his help. Fia and her friends are from another region, and are looked down upon in society, given the worst jobs, etc. Fia being in the military is not something that is done and she tries to avoid joining up with those who killed her family and friends. Eventually, Fia is given no choice but to join up with the military and finds new friends and a family there. She is in contact with General Ashford quite a lot and begins to discover that she has feelings for him, despite the fact he wants to use her magic as a weapon. As Fia progresses through her military training, the General shows a dedicated interest in the training and the results of her training trials, particularly because a new threat has emerged that the General believes only Fia can combat. When the new enemy begins to threaten the country, Ashford takes Fia, in her new role as Initiate, to fight the forces, along the way declaring his love for her. Fia’s work with the apothecary gives her a new idea of how to combat the evil forces that she attempts just before the cliffhanger leading to book 2.

There is an element of insta-love that is represented as enemies to lovers, but the enemies’ part is not that evident. Fia is a strong female character who never takes what is given her but fights for more always. The plot is similar to those of Divergent and the Hunger Games, but it is done with a twist of magic. The book was easy to read and did not drag. It is a slow-burn romance fantasy. And those who like enemies to lovers, slow romance, internal magic systems and military themes will enjoy the book. This book is a new-adult romantasy and it is exactly as it is billed.

I gave the book 4 stars and will read the sequel when it is released, because I must know the ending to the cliffhanger.

Overall, this is a good book and is a fun read for those of the romantasy genre

Thank you to NetGalley and Onyx Publishing for the ARC.

Lately romantasy has been disappointing lately. I don't think I have read a romantasy book in the last two years that was different from any previous ones. I get that it is hard to create new things when there are so many books already out there.
Riftborne was so identical to Fourth Wing that at times I felt like I was reading Fourth Wing. The romance is different from fourth wing in some ways but for the most part it's the same. General Laryk was only interested in Fia because she was powerful and he can't use his magic on her and because she is hot. There is no chemistry between them, except sexual. I believe the stranger from Ravenfell is going to be her mate or something like that, and General Laryk isn't endgame.
I felt like at times the book was YA because of the dialogue and the character traits. Fia was in the middle of something big and life changing, and all she cared about was her friends and of course, drooling over the General. She reminded me of Violet a lot and General Laryk reminded me of Xaden.
I think fans of fourth wing will either love this or hate it.

Unfortunately, this book didn't live up to the promise of its premise. While the world-building is straightforward and easy to grasp, it lacked the depth that could have made it truly immersive. The main character seems immature, while the supporting characters lack depth and personality. Fia and Laryk's relationship feels unconvincing, as there is little chemistry between them. Instead of showing, the writing style relies too much on telling, and the dialogue comes off as awkward. Additionally, the excessive use of ellipses makes the text hard to follow and disrupts the flow of the story. Overall, this book had potential, but it ultimately fell short in execution.

Thank you to Netgalley and Onyx Publishing for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️ 3.75
🌶️ 2 (only one scene)
⚔️ 3 (talk of broken bones and blood)
🤬 3 (f- used infrequently throughout)


Plot summary: “Fia Riftborne navigates a city rife with prejudice so deep, it's often deadly. But she harbors a secret, one that would paint an even larger target on her back. A hidden power within her is growing, threatening to destroy everything she's built for herself.”

Huge thanks to NetGalley and ONXY publishing for this arc in exchange for a honest review!

I found Riftborne to be very fast based, easy to read and engaging! I will say it took me a while to really get into it, but once the story starts to pick up it SPRINTS! Overall, I enjoyed this read. The ending is what really made it for me!! I am already eager to get my hands on the second book when it comes out!!

This is perfect for readers wanting to get into fantasy, but not wanting to commit to an overwhelming amount of world building.

Goodreads review up now!

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

5⭐️
1🌶

Tropes:
⚔️Enemies-to-lovers
⚔️Slow Burn
⚔️Morally Grey MMC
⚔️Found Family

SCREAMINGGGGGG WHERE IS THE NEXT BOOK. OHMIGOD.

This book starts with a bang. With General Laryk seeing Fia using her hidden powers. Then him blackmailing her into joining the Guard. And then the lessons. Yes, dear reader. The lessons. The hate-filled, simmering rage kind where the MMC is trying to teach the FMC to own her power, and it's so deliciously tense while you're waiting for the SNAP. Just when you think there can't possibly be more, now there's a hidden enemy we are fighting in the West?

This book has it alllllll. A rigid class system, hidden powers, a secret enemy, soiree shenanigans, hateful side characters, and that slow burn lust that will have you screeching.

I loved Fia. She is such a strong character. Her growth throughout the book is incredible. Laryk is one of those MMCs you love to hate. He's a real jerk, and he's kind of shady, but dang, does he grow on ya.

Everyone needs a BFF like Osta. The support she gives to Fia is *chef's kiss*. And her talents are pretty great. I also love that even though Laryk shoved Fia into the Guard, she does end up forming some semblance of family within her faction.

This book was incredible. I absolutely devoured it. I barely wanted to close my eyes to go to sleep. Mind the cliff! It was a doozy, and I was left with a ton of questions. I'm so looking forward to the next installment.

Thank you for the ARC!

This book follows the story of Fia Riftborne. She is an orphan from the Riftdremar rebellion. Growing up branded and mistreated for something she had no part in, she learns to hate the elite and the Guards of Sidhe. When General Laryk Ashford sees her lash out and almost kill two girls with her magic ability, he exploits her weaknesses in order to recruit her into the Guard.
Fia is unable to trust the General, even though she can't deny her attraction to him. She understands that her powers are not easily controlled, and one day she might hurt someone she loves. Regardless of the Generals motives, Fia decides to take control and learn exactly what she is capable of, and let the General teach her to control her power.

The premise of this book sounded really good. My biggest issue is that this is so similar to Fourth Wing, that I almost felt like I was reading the same story with different names and places. I wasn't a fan of Fourth Wing, but that isn't because of the story, it is because of the way it was written. I would prefer Riftborne to Fouth Wing, simply because it was written better.
Fia had been through a lot, and so in some ways, she was very smart and methodical. But at the same time, she was very immature, and kind of let people walk over her. She wasn't good at communicating, which is so frustrating as a reader. She was very lustful, which is to be expected in a spicy romantasy, but her and Laryk had little chemistry. Their relationship was very confusing. She went from not trusting him and knowing that he is manipulative, to calling him by his first name and getting jealous of another womans relationship with him, even though nothing had changed between them. I also think that Laryk was only interested in her because she is powerful, and that excites him.
There were some characters that were very involved in the story, like Osha. Her story as a seamstress and designer was very prominent in the story, and I am not sure if it was necessary, or if it will have a part to play in the next books. I think the dialogue was a little clumpy and awkward.
When the book ended, I had more questions than answers. The main character has no clue what is going on the entire time, and she doesn't seem to be interested in finding out. Her focus is her friends and General Laryk.
The ending in fantasy books is usually rushed, and a bunch of things happen all at once. It is hard to keep up with and is usually disappointing. But I don't think that was the case with Riftborne. The ending was very smooth and was easy to keep up with. It was definitely a cliff hanger, but it wasn't overwhelming or confusing.
Overall, I think it was really good, even though it didn't feel new. I think fans of Fourth Wing would like this one a lot.

This enemies-to-lovers romantasy will totally sweep you off your feet!

Twenty years after a rebellion branded her an outcast, Fia Riftborne navigates a city full of prejudice. She has a secret, one that would paint an even larger target on her back, a hidden power.

Laryk Ashford is building a unit of powerful wielders within the Guard. He gives her a choice: join the Sidhe Guard or face execution.

This was such a good read!

Romantasy is my favorite genre, and there's nothing better than a well-done enemies-to-lovers trope.

Fia is such a strong character—her resilience drew me in from the start.

The magic system in this book was incredibly creative!

If you're into strong female protagonists, intricate magic systems, and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat, this one’s for you.

Thank you NetGalley and Greenwich and Lennox for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and ONYX Publishing for the ARC. I think this had potential but for me the execution fell flat, and I did make the decision to stop reading at around 40%. From what I read, there needed to be more development, the pacing felt off and I was unable to connect with the characters.

I’m sorry but if you like Romantasy read this book!!! It is my favorite read of 2024 so far! I can’t say how much I loved everything about this book, the magic system, the class system, the CHARACTERS.

If you liked Powerless, Fourth Wing, or even Lightlark I think this truly could be the book for you (authors didn’t say this, it’s my own opinion but the good vibes from those books are all put together in Riftborne!!!) also making a note, I read throne of glass this year. And I’m saying Riftborne is the best read of my year. So like take that as you will but this book was everything. I didn’t think I would like it during the first chapter but my god. Once it picked up I was done. I read it in one complete sitting and I don’t regret it. I only regret reading the ARC because now I’m left wanting more!! The book isn’t even released and I already want the next!

Fia is a badass and I love her. Amazing FMC in my own opinion. Also the enemies to lovers? SO GOODDDD!!! Also that ending? I had an inkling 😏 something was up, but I did NOT see that coming with Aether! I am so excited for this book to release and hope you all read it and give it the love it most definitely deserves!

Ill just start by saying that im in love with the magic system in this book!! So unique and interesting. This book has the perfect mixture of fantasy and romance and a constantly thrilling and amazing plot with action. To be allowed to read Fias journey and growth was amazing. You could see how events affected her and how she started to be more brave as the story went on. If i must point out one thing i had a small issue with was how the mmc & FMc relationship evolved in a way very very fast. For it to be a slowburn enemies to lovers they went to trusting each other incredibly quickly. But i did enjoy this book so much! And would definitely recommend it for all romantasy readers!

3.5/5

This is the kind of fantasy where I can see so much potential, but it wasn't quite pulled together well enough to live up to that potential. Don't get me wrong, I still definitely enjoyed this book, but I wasn't as invested in it as I like to be when it comes to fantasy.

This had an interesting story and plot and was fast-paced, but it was a little too fast-paced. I did not feel like I had enough time to really get to know these characters and understand them in a way that got me connected and invested.

I always find a hidden powers/identity story to be enticing and intriguing, a touch of mystery is always fun.

And we do get ourselves a morally grey MMC (and who doesn't love those)!

This did feel a touch YA to me, I think it has to do with how the FMC makes choices and behaves. And there's also a YA quality to the writing and simple world-building. Since this is going to be a trilogy (and it's only the first book), I hope that this world and the magic within it gets expanded upon.

Thanks to NetGalley for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review! My review is up on Goodreads and my TikTok (Zoe_Lipman) review will be up at the end of the month with my monthly wrap-up.

“I had always considered myself the weaker of two species, the mouse in a sea full of serpents. Perhaps I was a predator too.”

This book is honestly one of my favourite reads of the year so far! The world, the characters, the plot, the ending! I could not put this down.

Fia Riftborne, an outcast facing prejudice and danger is forced to join an exclusive faction of the Guard, and train to fight a growing threat. Fia is hiding something within her, she believes she is a monster. Her powers are a mystery and it seems only General Laryck Ashford can help her train her focus.

This book was fast-paced from the first page, and kept me absolutely hooked until the ending. I felt instantly immersed into the world of the Isle of Sidhe, and I loved unravelling the mysteries as the plot unfolded. It had everything I love in the Romantasy genre; full of action, witty banter, a fun assortment of side characters, and a mysterious MMC that I needed to know more about with every page.

“Fia. He either wants to kill you or bed you. And there’s absolutely no in between.”

This story was just so much fun. I am already itching for book 2, and will definitely be following the rest of the series!

Fia Riftborne is an outcast. Years after the rebellion caused the death of her parents and the other Riftborne children’s parents, Fia is still navigating the consequences. Her power is growing and she needs to keep it hidden or face certain death.

When one of the military’s most influential General sees Fia lose control of her power she expects him to come knocking on her door to announce her death. She is surprised to find him offer to train her, to wield her power. The last thing Fia wants to do is join the Guard, but it is that or face execution.

I absolutely could not put this book down. This is an enemies-to-lovers story with a lot of world-building, but it is easy to understand. Watching her relationship evolve with the general was addicting, but I am a little nervous about the plot twist and cliffhanger at the end. I need to know what happens next and I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

Such a fun debut novel for Bree Greenwich & Parker Lennox!! So grateful to them, NetGalley, and ONYX Publishing for providing me with an ARC of Riftborne! 💚 I’d give this 3.75 stars ⭐️ This fantasy book has enemies to lovers and “touch her and die” vibes. It follows Fia—who is an outcast in society since she is Riftborne—as she is forced into the Sidhe Guard to use her magical focus to fight the Wraiths threatening their country. I loved the focuses on Fia training for the Guard, and enjoyed the friendships she developed throughout the book. I liked how the romance was sprinkled throughout, without it overwhelming the plot—and I liked both the FMC and MMC, even though he seemed like a player haha (and I’m not a fan of long hair on men 😂). I do feel like the General is hiding something and knows more than he lets on 🫢 The most thrilling part of the book was the last 15%, and it made me excited for book 2! I did feel like the progress toward the climax was a little bit slow, and I was a little bit confused about some of the world building. The gods weren’t really outlined until the end of the book, so I sometimes didn’t follow the swearing of “oh, for Esprithe’s sake!” and the other ones, I was like who’s Esprithe 😂 But besides that the world building was easy enough to understand—it’s basically Aossi/Sidhe against the Wraiths.

⚠️ SPOILERS AHEAD ⚠️

Okayyy the ending?! 🤯 Let me just say, I am wanting this to be like “This Woven Kingdom” so bad where we fall in love with this new guy even though he’s the “villain.” I loveee when a plot goes from being lied to by the “good guys” to falling in love with the one who “kidnapped” her… can’t wait for book 2!





- I’ve already posted to Goodreads and will post to Instagram within the week!

Such a fun adventure!! I couldn't put it down once I started!!

It's not common where I start off immediately likeing both the fmc and mmc but I was shipping them so hard together! I do wish she didn't trust him so quickly as I wanted that to develop more, but all in all, so fun!