A gripping, atmospheric read! The pacing and plot were brilliant. I found the female characters stronger than the male ones but had a good time with all of them and will be looking forward to the sequel.

The world building in this book was thorough and well thought out. I liked the way that the main character was vengeful but in a meticulous and cunning way as opposed to the sheer aggression and violence that you see in other stories. Saffron is calculated and manipulative in a way that is cleverly downplayed and I found myself instantly supporting her decisions (partly due to her past trauma) without really thinking about what she was doing or the repercussions.

The additional characters were well developed and I enjoyed the different personalities that were introduced and well explained.

My understanding of the world, the story and the characters continued to evolve and it felt as though there was good, measured progression throughout that wasn’t falsified or sped up unnecessarily.

Silvercloak delivered some serious Harry Potter nostalgia—which I was not expecting, nor did I realise this was something I was missing in my life! I found the magic system and the world-building to be incredibly strong, the concept of replenishment taking the form of both pleasure and pain was quite unique in this space, and again, wands!!!

The author did a really good job of establishing the backstory, it lent itself to FMC's voice, which I found quite compelling. And I think, crucially, the best part about this book was just how open and accepting it was. From sexuality to physical descriptions, there was so much love throughout for people of all shapes and sizes, which I have to say is incredibly refreshing. Saffron was a real breath of fresh air for me!

I won't spoil anything, but highly, highly recommend and I cannot wait for book two!

I’d like to thank Netgalley, Randomhouse & Cornerstone and, Laura Steven for the e-ARC. This review is not biased and 100% my own.

What we love in any series like this is a fully thought out and executed magic system. But a magic system built on pleasure and pain? Gimme! The way Laura explains the many different ways different regions use this pleasure and pain system to refill their magic is so interesting (and a bit naughty 😏).

In fact, there is a refreshing way of storytelling that makes no excuses for how the characters are portrayed. Sexuality is open and free - without stigma in a way that is so refreshing. It’s like Laura can see how I think. The way that there is a permanent glitch because of something that happened a thousand years earlier that no one’s been able to fix - perfect! It shows that even in this perfect magical world where the flick of a wand and a whisper of words can repair a broken vase, it is possible that not everything can be fixed.

And then we have our characters:

Saffron. Soft belly rolls. Soft. Belly. Rolls. SOFT BELLY ROLLS!!!!! Never has a character describing her own body made me want to weep with joy. Body positivity is important. Saff isn’t saying she’s a big girl, but she is saying that she has soft belly rolls. And that is one of the most empowering and awesome things I’ve read in ages. She’s also strong, tenacious, kind, patient and funny. The kind of person you want your main character to be.

Levan. Tall, dark, you know the type. Except, like all the guys the main characters get close to, he’s misunderstood and a giant walking spoiler. But I promise - he’s a great one to get to know.

Rasso. Scene-stealer. 10/10. No notes. Absolutely perfect. Would not change a thing about him.

I don’t give 5 stars lightly. I haven’t given one since 2023, but this book had/has me in chokehold. I read the ~500 pages in less than 24 hours. If you like fantasy and mystery where the stakes are high then this is for you… unless you don’t like queer normative texts, then I’d steer clear.

This book is kind of like Harry Potter meets FourthWing, it was really good! The ending was the only part I’m unsure whether I liked, more generally because I’m not sure the FMC is very intelligent. She keeps leaping into things and messing them up with her harebrained plans, it feels a bit like watching a train crash.

However, I think this was really well-written and I especially liked the prophecy versus the ending and how it all tied together.

What a wonderfully fast-paced adventure this was! It felt very reminiscent to Harry Potter but with a more adult twist. I really enjoyed having slightly older main characters, as opposed to the usual teenage protagonists that dominate the fantasy world.
The story made me feel so many emotions and took me on a whirlwind! I was deeply immersed into the story and will definitely be purchasing a copy when this comes out!

Silvercloak is an electrifying, queer-led fantasy that brims with tension, magic, and morally grey dilemmas. Laura Steven crafts a world where magic is fueled by pleasure and pain, a legal system teeters on the edge of chaos, and undercover missions blur the lines between duty and desire. The story is gripping from start to finish, weaving together themes of family trauma, power struggles, and intense emotional stakes. The world-building is immersive, and every time I had to put the book down, I couldn’t wait to dive back in.

The cast of characters is a standout, with each one bringing depth, queerness, and cultural richness to the narrative. The protagonist, a deeply complex and relatable queer woman, is easy to root for, especially when paired with a brooding, morally ambiguous love interest whose hidden emotions only add to the intrigue. Their dynamic is packed with tension, making for an emotional rollercoaster of a read. With its thrilling pace, sharp wit, and captivating relationships, Silvercloak is a must-read for fantasy lovers. I’m already dying for the sequel!

4****

Thank you to NetGalley for the E-Arc.

This was like an adult Harry Potter with different magics, fast-paced and a world of deception. The FMC is so cunning!

The world building in this was fantastic and I loved the magic system! This was intriguing.

It was also great to read a fantasy book where the main characters are older (late 20’s- 30’s).

I loved that Levan had almost two different personas - I loved his “geeky” side.

Realise this is coming out later this year and I already want to read the second one.

Silvercloak started really strong, with a very unusual magic system for adult fantasy books. Wands! I didn't read a book with magic wands since Harry Potter! The fact that the magic well refuelled with either pain or pleasure was a very interesting concept too. I loved the idea, and the beginning with the tragic backstory of our FMC was really compelling.
Once she was given her mission, though, everything slowed down and felt a bit off. Her time in this extremely dangerous mission felt almost "safe"? I struggled from 25 to 75% to be fair, and I considered DNFing it multiple times. I'm glad I didn't because the last part of the book was really entertaining, with the various revelations on special powers and power struggles.
I struggled a bit with the world building, it felt messy and oftentimes disruptive to the story, where very long explanations of magic and legacies were dropped into action moments. It made me struggle understanding the world.
Over all, it's an entertaining book but it's a bit too confusing and messy for me, so I'm not sure I'll continue the series.
For me this book was a 2.5 stars

4-4.25⭐ My god, what an interesting story! I really loved the world-building and magic system.

Introductions to sagas can sometimes be slow, but this book delivers! I can’t wait for the next one—OMG, I need it now!

The core message of the book is to accept death as a natural part of our path. I need to know where the story goes with this.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I have been so excited to get to Silvercloak since I saw how much a friend loved it. This book is a masterpiece in world building! Morally grey characters you can’t help but love, high stakes and an intriguing magic system. I accidentally stayed up until 3am finishing this book, I didn’t want it to end.
Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Holy hell this book has destroyed me and I need the next one now! I am obsessed with the couple - Saffron and Levan are meant to be and I will fight to the death for them. I think the premise of power coming from pain and pleasure is so interesting, I love Saff’s constant internal war and the debate of what makes good and evil and I cannot wait to find out where the story goes from here.

I absolutely fell in love with Silvercloak from the very first page. Laura Steven’s writing completely captivated me, and considering this is her adult fantasy debut, I was blown away by how effortlessly immersive and gripping the story was. From the moment I started reading, I was hooked and simply could not put it down. The worldbuilding, the characters, the tension—it all worked together so seamlessly to create a book that I know will stay with me.

For me, this had serious Crimson Moth vibes, with its rich magic system, high-stakes betrayals, and relentless plot twists that kept me on edge the entire time. The magic system, in particular, was a standout element—pain versus pleasure as a source of magic? It was such a unique and compelling concept, and it added layers of depth and intrigue to both the world and the characters. It was everything I didn’t know I needed in a fantasy novel, and I loved every second of it.

My only issue? I made the mistake of reading this a full six months before release, and now I’m suffering because I immediately need book two! The wait is going to be unbearable.

If you love fantasy that blends magic, betrayal, and nonstop twists, Silvercloak is an absolute must-read.

I saw this described as Harry Potter with gore and was immediately hooked. I enjoyed the character and world building. I thought the enemies to lovers arc was done really well. Can’t wait to get a physical copy and continue the story when book 2 is released

Wow! What a book!

Everything about this book, from the magic system to the characters, was absolutely brilliant.

The magic system intrigued me most of all because I haven't read from an author who has used pleasure and pain in this manner, so it was really refreshing to have something totally new to understand.

Laura Steven's writing is so fast-paced that I binged this book! I just could not put it down! I am definitely going to be getting a physical copy of this book when it officially comes out so that I can have it as a little trophy on my bookcase.

I highly, highly recommend this book to any and all fantasy lovers. Please! Pick up this book!

Actually a 4.5 stars but this website won't allow me to rate like that. Oh well!

I really enjoyed the beginning of the novel, it was edgy and action packed with a lot of promise for some dark and exciting plots to ensue— namely the Blookcloaks— but I found Saf’s time with them pretty underwhelming after how terrifying and cruel they were built up to be. So, my enjoyment definitely waned since the pay off wasn’t really worth all the buildup. Everything was just a little too easy or convenient for Saf which meant I wasn’t really on the edge of my seat like I had originally expected.

But beautiful writing as always from Laura!

Enjoyed this book it kept me engaged the whole time! Love the characters and storyline. Has left me wanting more though. Great world building, characters were 🔥.
Can't wait to read more

Harry Potter meets Order and Chaos series!

This book was SOOOO much fun, and I was gripped from Chapter 1! BUT, also, WHAT THE FUCK because it made me cry at least three times 😭

I’m completely enamoured with the main characters in this series, Saffron and Leven. I would give ANYTHING for them. Anything. My kidney. My first born. Take it all!! ❤️🥹

The idea that their magic was fuelled by pleasure and pain is so interesting, and trust me when I say all of the characters are going THROUGH IT in this book. They all have their own traumas and view pain as inevitable. They seek pleasure to dull their senses and replenish their magic.

I was so immersed into this world, their culture, the characters’ lives and their magic system.

I haven’t had a book rip my heart out and stuff it back into my chest in a long time. It was worth it though.

I’m absolutely reeling that this book isn’t even out yet because I need the next book more than I need air.

Silvercloak started with lots of action and a clear backstory, which initially drew me in. However, I couldn't help but feel that the backstory was unoriginal, echoing similar narratives I've encountered in other fantasy books.

The descriptions in the book were quite intense, which, in my opinion, detracted from the storyline. It was as if the vivid imagery overshadowed the plot development at times.

I found myself struggling to connect with the characters. Despite the fast-paced and well-thought-out plot, I would have loved to see more fear and danger for the FMC. It felt like there was a missed opportunity to raise the stakes and add more tension.

On the positive side, I absolutely loved the concept of this book and found the magic system to be truly unique. It brought a breath of fresh air to the story and made it stand out.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publishers for access to this ARC 📚

🔥Quick Fire Review🔥

Genre/Themes : 🪄🧙🏻🐉🔮🏳️‍🌈🦹🏻‍♂️👩🏼‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏻
Tropes : Orphan, Found Family, Emotional Scars, Antihero, The Waiting Evil, Undercover Lover, Forbidden Love, Magic School, Dragons, Good vs Evil, Morally Grey Characters, Forbidden Magic, Betrayal
Positives ✅ : edge-of-your-seat plot and romance elements with rich world-building and lore. Managed to create a fairly unique magical universe even with influence from ones we already know and love. Complex and engaging main characters.
Room for Improvement 🔎 : very little! But occasional typos and could do with a world map in published edition as a little difficult to keep track of the different regions. The ‘pain versus pleasure’ lore occasionally felt a little thin at times. Some development of side characters couldn’t hurt.
Rating : 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕

✍🏻Full Review - RISK OF SPOILERS 🛑

Honestly the best book I have read in a hot minute. Excited about this author and absolutely cannot WAIT for a sequel. I was gutted when I got to the end. This is the sort of story I can see on the big screen or in a video game. Even my small qualms couldn’t stop me from rating 5 stars, I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to buying a copy - hopefully a collector’s edition! - to support the author on release day.

Characterisation
At first I was worried we were going to get a ‘tell not show’ writing style. The characters were introduced with a bit of a pet peeve of mine, which is when they say one sentence and then we get a paragraph summarising their personality and backstory. It always reminds me of 90s coming-of-age movies where each member of the gang is freeze-framed with the main character doing just that in a voiceover. Thankfully, it was only early on where this happened. The characterisation got notably stronger the further the book went on and it felt as if the author became more confident in them. World-wide pansexuality is also canon, which was honestly refreshing and prevented any overused tropes in that area.
Saff is a pretty awesome FMC. She starts out as your classic orphaned ‘chosen one’ with a sight for revenge, but she becomes so much more complex than that and it is DELICIOUS reading. She analyses before acting, she keeps her cards close to her chest and she is a good reader of others… or so she thinks. We watch this confidence unravel and see her lose this sheltered, binary idea of ‘good always defeating bad’. She also makes some great quips and it was relatable to watch her use humour to disguise negative emotions.
Levan. Oh Levan. I was so in love with this man and the way he was written was so painfully realistic and genuine I felt my heart break and mend time and time again. The contradiction of him, the brutality versus the vulnerability. His tiny facial expressions that broke through his facade, his moments of tenderness and vulnerability, his devout loyalty and commitment. All while battling a seemingly impenetrable wall of emotional shutdown. Ugh. YES. His ending has devastated me but left me wanting for more in book two.
I don’t think enough time was spent in their magic school for me to connect to the supporting characters. I found myself not really feeling much when they were in peril. Tiernan and the relationship with her father was sad and Saff’s kinship with him was understandable, while Auria’s unbreakably optimistic world view and magical aptitude was admirable. But I still felt somewhat detached from them. Nissa was mysterious and intriguing but I really wasn’t convinced of their chemistry, which was a shame as Nissa plays a huge part in Saff’s moral compass.
Levan’s father and his cronies of the Bloodmoons were genuinely very frightening and I felt on edge in every interaction with them.

World-building
Obviously there are always going to be parallels drawn with magical or fantasy universes we already know of such as being sonically ‘bound’ to a wand, magic schools and trying to pass the ‘final tests’, being ‘compelled’ or the fact there are different ‘classes’ of mage. But I still felt the author managed a fresh twist on all of it. The universe itself had a really dark, debauch twist on the whimsy you’d expect from a city of mages. Buildings that can rearrange themselves, but are usually done so to create a private nook for sex. Taverns with drinks that have almost child-like names made from sweet fruits or plants, but are actually fatally addictive narcotics used in a gambling bar. The ‘pain-pleasure’ outsourcing of magical powers occasionally felt a little flawed. Replenishing-type pleasure seemed to be attainable from quite run-of-the-mill things like a hot drink or looking at paintings. In my head I just feel like the novelty of a lot of these things would run out if you relied on them so entirely and the amount of pleasure you’d get from them would deplete, leading you to seek out more extravagant sources. Like a gateway drug, almost. The same with pain, surely after a while of slicing into your hand mid-fight you’d just grow used to it? Anyhow this didn’t take away from how intrigued I am about the Timeweavers and some of the other types of mage that weren’t touched on as much.

Prose/plot:
Dialogue was great, prose flowed beautifully and the plot was gripping. The prophecy hovering in the background of everything that occurred made it so that certain events weren’t predictable at all and had you questioning everything just like Saff did. The only other thing I could touch on is that the vocabulary during sex scenes was a little bit limited and repetitive, I felt like this was something the author was a touch less confident in. Otherwise? Very few issues for me.