I absolutely DEVOURED Silvercloak! The story and world that Steven has created is like nothing I have ever read before, and that's before I touch on the magic system. It is so unique and interesting, and I can't wait to see where she goes with it in the next books in the series!
The characters are so interesting and have so many layers to them, the definition of morally grey!!!!

This is easily my top read of the year and solidified Steven as an auto buy author for me!

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Laura Steven’s Silvercloak is nothing short of amazing. From the very first page, I was captivated by the rich world-building and fast-paced plot that perfectly balanced action, intrigue, and emotion.

The characters are unforgettable—complex, relatable, and brimming with personality. Their struggles and triumphs felt real, pulling me deeper into their journey. The way Steven blends humor with moments of intense vulnerability is masterful, creating a story that’s both thrilling and deeply moving.

The plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat, and the vivid descriptions brought every scene to life. Silvercloak is an epic tale of courage, loyalty, and the strength to face your destiny, and I loved every minute of it.

This is a must-read for anyone who loves fantasy with heart and soul. I’m already counting the days until I can read more from Laura Steven!

fantastic writing. incredible immersive world building with unique magic system. complex well developed characters. perfect slow burn enemies to lovers. strong engaging plot. loved the lgbtq rep. would highly recommend to anyone who likes fantasy/romantasy

As soon as I read the synopsis for Silvercloak, I knew I would love this book. I am so thankful that I was able to get an early copy (huge thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for the eARC!)

Silvercloak follows Saffron Killoran, whose parents were murdered by the Bloodmoon gang twenty years ago. Fuelled by grief and rage, Saff has dedicated her life to getting revenge. After lying her way into the Silvercloaks - the elite order of detectives dedicated to bringing down magical criminals - Saff is given an opportunity; infiltrate the Bloodmoons and bring their kingpin to his knees from the inside. The assignment is more deadly than she could have ever imagined, but even more dangerous are her growing feelings for Levan, the kingpin’s tortured son. 

First off, the world-building and magic system in this book were expertly woven. The world felt fully fleshed out, and the pleasure/pain magic system was so unique, but also easy to understand. The writing was stunning, and the vivid descriptions made me feel like I was really in this world.

The plot had me on the edge of my seat for the entirety of the book. The high-stakes dangerous missions, combined with emotional depth and ruthless characters who will stop at nothing to achieve their goals, made this book impossible to put down. There were so many unexpected plot twist that made the story even more compelling. I also really enjoyed the political intrigue and the corruption that was uncovered.

The characters are complex and really challenge the notion of good versus evil. Pretty much everyone in this book is morally grey and has their own agenda. I also loved the queer representation and positivity in this book, and how organic it felt.

Saffron and Levan were fantastic main characters. Saffron was such a strong, smart FMC, and I admired her determination for retribution, no matter the cost. When I first met Levan, I was thinking “how is this author going to make me love this awful man?!”. Of course, there is more than meets the eye to Levan, and by the end of the book I was head over heels for this broody, tortured MMC. The loathing and tension between the two main characters was written so well, and their chemistry and slow-burn romance was delicious.

The last 30 pages of this book were unhinged and chaotic, but in the best way. I finished the book with my jaw hanging open, and I am devastated that I can’t immediately read the second book!

If you’re looking for a dark, gritty, sexy fantasy with an immersive world, unique magic system, complex characters, and a slow-burn romance, I would implore you to pick up this book when it releases in July 2025.

The world building in this book was intense to say the least. It involves a rich, imaginative setting where the magic manages to feel both familiar and entirely new as different spells become known.
Steven’s ability to build tension and suspense through the interplay of the relationship between the two main characters is magical. I found myself screaming at some of the actions of the main characters then backing up their decisions in the next second.
Overall it was a very enjoyable read and I can’t wait to read the next book! Laura Steven has definitely cemented herself as a must read author in my mind!

Laura Steven's Silvercloak, the opening to the Silvercloak Saga, delivers a gripping tale set in a world where magic is fuelled by the interplay of pleasure and pain. This magic system is deeply integrated into the culture and politics of the novel's societies, making the world-building incredibly intricate and immersive. I found it fascinating to see how different groups adapted and manipulated this resource to their advantage, showcasing both creativity and moral complexity.

The story follows a young detective navigating a dangerous world of crime and magic while pursuing justice for her family’s murder. As she uncovers the secrets of the enigmatic Silvercloaks, a group dedicated to a complex version of justice, she confronts dilemmas that challenge the very notion of good versus evil. Themes of power, loss, and resilience weave through the narrative, keeping readers enthralled.

What stood out most to me was the vibrant queer representation and positivity within the book. It’s refreshing to read a fantasy—especially one with dark and gritty elements—that doesn’t shy away from fully embracing the queerness of its characters. This inclusion feels organic and celebratory, making the world of Silvercloak more inclusive and rich.

The blend of fast-paced action, emotional depth, and morally grey characters make this a standout fantasy debut. If you're a fan of complex magic systems, compelling LGBTQ+ representation, and stories that challenge traditional notions of heroism, Silvercloak is a must-read and thank you so much for this ARC copy.

It’s been a long time since I’ve found myself trying to sneak reading a quick chapter or two into every spare moment of my day, but Laura Steven, you got me. Magnificent.

LOVE ALL HER BOOKS. I am amazed by the worldbuilding - the whole idea is so unique. I am so obsessed, I just want to reread this forever and ever and ever.

I adored Silvercloak so much! Steven is on an absolute roll with amazing novels, and their first foray into adult fantasy does not disappoint!

The pain/pleasure magic is so intricately woven into the very fabric of the world, and I loved discovering how different societies choose to get the most of their magic.
I can't review this book without mentioning how much I LOVE the queer representation and positivity - it was so refreshing to read a (sometimes dark and gritty) fantasy that is actually embracing the queerness of the characters.

Silvercloak gave me everything I wanted and more: a unique FMC, a sexy and brooding MMC, wonderful magic, an immersive world, and a plot that had me hooked from start to finish.

If you've read Steven's YA books, you will find the same beautiful writing and relatable characters that you learn to expect - just packaged in a more mature, in depth and, frankly very sexy, world.