This book was so. good.
I cannot even begin to say how much I enjoyed this book and yet I will TRY. Riftborne had a very cool magic system and yet not overly complicated to understand. Fia was such an interesting character because she so clearly wants to just live her life and be unbothered and yet she cannot seem to escape her power. Very much a true "greatness thrust upon them" type hero. Watching her transform and strengthen her skills was intriguing and exciting.
Great enemies to lovers plot line but also [ THAT TWIIIIST at the end. Had me shook and gasping.
The worst part about reading this book was realizing it was book ONE of a TRILOGY. So I will simply be refreshing the authors' page waiting for book two.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I just finished this book and I devoured it in a day!
I'm so impressed and I am needing book 2!
It has all the tropes but in a new and refreshing way. Plot twists are wonderful and the character development for the MFC is fantastic!
Enemies to Lovers Forced Proximity
Magic xx Training
Plot Twist
Dash of Spice
Mind the Cliff
I received the eARC from ONYX publishing through NetGalley for my honest review.
Thank you ONYX! I loved it!

I was drawn in from the beginning. The characters, the world, the BANTER. This book kept me wanting to read more. The relationships are so real the change in the FMC made sense and weren't just "overnight". The revelations/twists I did not see coming from the beginning. The cliff we find ourselves on at the end? Perfect spot to end the book even if my reader heart wants MORE NOW. Please.

If you are debating this book, don't. Pick it up and start reading. I highly doubt anyone would ever regret it.

Thank you Netgally, Bree Grenwich, and Parker Lennox for the ARC!

This book 😮 it had everything I love. It’s fast paced, gripping, me gasping 😂 the growth within the FMC Fia was on point.
Not to sure about her chemistry of her and MMC but that might just be me 😂
Riftborne made me forget that I was reading and made me feel like part of the story and that ending 😮
I cannot to grab a physical copy as a trophy 🤩

•RIFTBORNE•

by Bree Grenwich & Parker Lennox
Pub. 9/3/2024 (UPCOMING RELEASE)
•💅🏼💅🏼💅🏼 (3️⃣ manis)•

Thanks to @netgalley, #onyxpublishing and the authors for the advance digital copy!) 🐍

Hey friends 👋🏻! RIFTBORNE is a new romantasy novel coming out in early September. I really enjoyed the world built within this novel - a realm based on the author's adventures and the fun of playing D&D with their friends, which I love! It's great to see authors channeling their many passions into their work.

I liked the unique magic system that was created and explored and I liked several of the characters a lot, but found others to be a bit less “likeable”, but in a way I think is intentional for the characters to show an arc.

This first book in the Esprithian Trilogy feels like a setup for more exciting adventures in the subsequent two novels. While I enjoyed it, I felt a little disconnected from the ending. Perhaps it's due to my own expectations of what we would get out of this first book in the trilogy.

I think the book stood decently well on its own, but wish there was a more fully cohesive message. It offers good commentary on the class divide and the military industrial complex, showing how some choices are forced upon us and affect those we care about. The book also highlights the importance of communication and empathy. However, I hope that the other books will provide a more comprehensive "POV" on certain aspects. Maybe on a reread, I’ll feel differently!

With other tropes like “enemies to lovers” and “forbidden romance” embedded, lovers of dark fantasy and some spice will likely enjoy this one 🌶️ 💖 ✨.

See the synopsis on slide 2 and the QR code to a curated Spotify playlist by the authors on slide 3!

Excited to see who reads this one and to chat more about it in September! 💚🩶🖤

DNF at 63%

I got very excited to read this book at the very beginning of it, thanks to the decree put as a first chapter. I thought it really set the scene of the social climate. Unfortunately, 60% in, I still don't understand the world : in what sort of society are we? in what period are we (middle ages, renaissance,...)? I was just lost.
I also thought we should have had another chapter before the first one to get to know our main character before the action starts, but it wouldn't have changed anything because I still don't know Fia as well as I should 60 % in the book.
Now, the fact that I knew who the love interest was from the first chapter made me laugh. It isn't a negative point, but he was introduced so early in the story, I just had to laugh. But we don't know anything about him, so why does Fia want to jump his bones? No idea.
We need to talk about dynamics, especially between Fia and the General : she's supposed to hate him/be afraid of him and yet she talks to him as if he was just an arrogant boy from school. And he just drops his mask almost instantly before her. Where is the yearning? Also, they never really talked so why is there a strong attraction between them? I'm absolutely not on board with this relationship.
Generally, I love when there is a training bit in a book. Here, it just wasn't appealing, like I didn't care. Also, the Lieutenant isn't even respected by his recruits, which is weird I think.
Am I gonna talk about the character of Ma? You know, that unsufferable, selfish, borderline abusive person? No, I won't spend more time thinking about her.
In summary, I just felt left down by this book, who had such good premise.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25 stars
🌶️🌶️ spice

Why you should read it:
✨Military/War College Setting
✨Army General x Outcast/child of the rebellion recruit
✨Forbidden Romance
✨Enemies to Lovers
✨Elite force for those with rare powers
✨Found Family
✨Slow burn

Favourite Quote:
"I was his, utterly and irrevocably. His weapon. His lover. His salvation. And then I knew. I would cripple armies, break minds if that's what he desired."

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, you can never trust a redhead in a fantasy book.

And there are too many redheads for just one plot twist in this series…I’m suss about you Laryk, you’d better not fuck with my girl Fia. Is he a reformed playboy or is he up to his old tricks? Time will tell.

This book was the slow burn of all slow burns, I couldn’t tell half the time if anything was going to happen and them BAM! Ooft, it was worth the wait.

Overall the pace started quite slow but it felt ok for the narrative to have the character development breathe a little bit to start off. The action really ramped up in the last quarter of the book, and although it was lighter on the world building, it feels like there's so much to come for book 2 on that front given the big old McTwist at the end.

And then you threw old smoldery gold eyes at me?! I honestly can’t tell what’s going to happen in this series and it’s legitimately thrilling.. I can’t wait to read the next book!

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.