I would say this was an interesting new author romantasy book. The blurb was a good sell, because the cover was not. The story started off very strong, but hit a peak around 3/4 of the way through. The writing got a choppy and it was a little bit of a struggle to continue, maybe because there is two authors?
-My review contains Spoilers-
The main character, Fia, definitely gave off 'there is no one like me' vibe. I was also iffy about the love interest, the general, because he had a 180 in demeanor. He was portrayed as a philanderer but then suddenly he is obsessed with her/ he hid his affection so well. It was a very long slow burn, and then huge plot points dump. It became a little juvenile with her jealousy, getting drunk and hitting on different guy because love interest gives a rival a bit of non romantic attention, but heroine thinks otherwise.
In the military academy there is no character development that integrated into the story. As side characters go, they left a lot to be desired. The nemeses were called a bigots and then that was it. No reasoning behind their hatred just that was it, surface level animosity. The authors seemed to favor that word with no real explanation. It seems like there is supposed to be this big class divide but it was portrayed only through her two classmates. Osta is ok, but also a bit of a nuisance. Why did she come on a military campaign being a dressmaker.
There were also little things that distracted me from the story, like questioning if this is a romantasy set in a semi contemporary period. I don't see people using language like "girlfriends" or characters drinking gin in a made up universe. Overall, concept of the story was good, could have fine tuned a little more. I would read the next book. I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

*********SPOILER ALERT*******

Thank you, NetGalley and ONYX Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I read this book in one day, it is so fast paced and such a fun, quick read! Riftborne is a new adult, fantasy romance that really had me feeling for our FMC Fia, from the start. She had such great character development, and her willingness to change to protect her friends and chosen family was really endearing. Not sure how I feel about our MMC, General Laryk Ashford, he had his moments (the sexy dream scene was great), but there were also red flags that had me questioning him and his intentions. So, I'm very interested to see where the twist at the end takes us, both for Fia's powers and heritage, and for a certain golden eyed, shadow wielder. Can't wait for book 2!

I loved this book. I could not put it down, once I started and got pulled into the story it was hard to convince myself to do anything else. Parker Lennox wrote one heck of a start to what I am sure will be a new favorite trilogy. The world building was well done, our characters were fantastic, and the plot was amazing. I also liked that the spice was there, but it wasn't through the whole book so it didn't take away from the plot, which can easily happen in this genre. I really can't wait to see what happens next with Fia, she already has started to develop into a strong FMC that can do so much with her power. I was sad this book ended, but I definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy and romantasy alike. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for the next book :)

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this book, its a new favorite!

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

Okay wow… holy sh**. I DEVOURED this book. The fmc… the mmc… the plotline… the supporting characters… I really fell in love with every aspect of this book. I really love how we actually saw the fmc grow from an unsure and self conscious person into a strong and confident badass. Don’t get me wrong, I love Aelin Galathynius as much as any fantasy reader, but going on Fia’s growth journey with her made her so much more relatable and I absolutely loved seeing her really come into her own power and strength.

The spicy dreamwalk?? *chefs kiss*

The final fight scene kept me on the edge of my seat and the realization at the end of everything left me well & truly gobsmacked. I knew everything couldn’t have been as it seemed, but I wasn’t expecting that big of a twist.

One of the things I didn’t love is the fmc and mmc’s relationship felt a little odd to me. Her trusting him almost immediately felt out of character for her, but I know that was important for the story’s development. Some of her friendship scenes did make me a little uncomfortable, but I think Fia’s power of forgiveness is stronger than mine haha.

Lastly, thank you for the pronunciation guide because I would have been absolutely lost without it 🙌🏼

Overall, I loved this book, it sucked me in from page one and I absolutely will be reading the next installment. I can’t wait for it to come out so I can recommend it to friends!


SPOILERS BELOW


Laryk and Fia’s quasi-enemy to lover arc was so fun to read and I really enjoyed it, he really helped her find herself, even if it was more for his own benefit & he made some questionable choices along the way, like his constant attention to Narissa and not even attempting to help Fia at the end (I don’t know what he could have done.. but like I said, Fia’s power of forgiveness is stronger than mine lol). I have a feeling I’m going to be falling for this dark haired, golden eyed, broody character that Fia has dreamt about…especially with the way he and Fia had their little moment at the end of the book?? I’m feeling like they may be the *real* enemies to lovers. But either way I can’t wait to see where this story goes!