Thank you to NetGalley, Agency Press, and Sera Foxe for providing a free copy of Blood Iron and Bone in exchange for an honest review.

Tropes:
Prophecy, chosen one, fated mates
A fresh take on fae lore
A touch of found family
Magic - Witchcraft

Blood Iron and Bone is a new romantasy with a unique approach to fae lore. The way the author portrays the fae is unlike anything I’ve encountered before. The core elements that make fae fae are still present, but with intriguing twists that I found fascinating. I enjoyed the book a lot, but I’ll admit, there’s a lot of information, and at times it was a bit confusing for me.
If I’m being honest, though, I only truly liked one character—Aurelia, who is more or less the main protagonist in this first installment. The pacing was fairly slow, which isn’t necessarily bad, but only in Aurelia’s chapters did we get any real action or interesting twists.

I found the world-building unique and dramatic. The author’s writing style is different from what I’m used to, and I can see how it might unsettle some readers. However, after getting used to it (around 20-30% into the book), it didn’t bother me anymore.

Overall, this is a solid introduction to the world, lore, and characters. The pace picks up at some point, and then it’s twist after twist. While the twists and plot points were somewhat predictable, the author’s writing is so engaging that it doesn’t matter.

Thank you for the opportunity to try this ARC. Unfortunately, this book was not for me. I did not connect with the main character at all and that made it very hard for me to read. The main character's attitude towards her family and the small island she grew up on felt very pretentious and it rubbed me the wrong way. I ended up DNFing the book around 15%. Other readers may really enjoy this story, it just wasn't for me.

Finally some Fantasy with a unique story line. You follow several characters and their different POVs. The anticipation for the characters to start crossing is intense. I love that the main FMC isn’t “woe is me I’m so powerless” but just kinda knows she different but not sure why… I really enjoyed the Maw’s parts and her record keeping interjections. Solid 4 star read with a refreshingly unique story line 🫶🏻

P.S. I have never been so interested in the backstory of a freaking cat. PAT WHO ARE YOU.

This is the first book by this author I've read and it absolutely grabbed my attention! I don't often read multi pov books because I get lost easily but this connected everything so seamlessly that you almost didn't realize it was multi pov.

Lark, Andar, Nova, Auriella and Cillian are all connected by fate but none of them expected it to go this way. Lark and Andar born on the same night two halves of a proohecy linking them to be the light that saves the realm. While the human world is separate from the fae somehow hidden from mortals. The fae look down on humans sometimes stealing baby's and replacing them with hanglings. But the fae take advantage of just about anyone. The class system of mystical creatures favors those who are gifted. When a magical prophecy and a hidden girl that looks suspiciously like the princess lark show up suddenly there's more going on.

Auriella dreams of Andar
Andar dreams of her
And the princess dreams of freedom

A fun fantasy novel with found family, secret prophecys, but will they be able to save the relem from darkness?

Book Review: Blood, Iron, and Bone by Sera Foxe
(The Lightbringers, Book 1)

A Magnetic Fantasy Romance for the Ages

Sera Foxe’s Blood, Iron, and Bone, the first book in The Lightbringers series, sweeps readers into a mesmerizing world where destiny, love, and perilous prophecy collide. With a narrative rich in layered storytelling and characters who pull at your heartstrings, this novel delivers an unforgettable opening to what promises to be an epic fantasy saga.

Plot Summary
The story centers on Aurelia, a mortal girl drawn by an enigmatic call that seems to transcend her world. Meanwhile, Andar, a Fae prince betrothed to Áithrim’s future High Queen, struggles with his disconnection from his fated mate—a bond that should feel natural but doesn't. Their worlds collide under the shadow of a growing darkness that looms over the kingdom, and an ancient prophecy hints that only the Lightbringers can restore balance.

Aurelia and Andar’s destinies entwine in a tale that explores the weight of duty, the magnetic pull of fate, and the bonds forged amidst adversity. Alongside a diverse ensemble of characters, human and Fae alike, they face challenges that test not only their loyalty to the realm but also their understanding of themselves.

World-Building: A Kingdom Both Dazzling and Dark
Foxe’s world-building is exquisite. From the gilded halls of Áithrim to the shadowy edges of its cursed borders, each scene is painted with vibrant imagery and immersive detail. The contrast between the luminous beauty of the Fae realm and the creeping encroachment of darkness creates a vivid backdrop for the story’s central conflicts.

One of the novel’s standout elements is its use of mythology and prophecy. The idea of the Lightbringers—chosen ones destined to bring balance to a fractured world—imbues the narrative with both urgency and intrigue. The lore feels organic, seamlessly woven into the characters’ lives and decisions.

Characters: Complex and Relatable
Foxe’s character work shines in Blood, Iron, and Bone. Aurelia, though mortal, is far from ordinary. Her inner strength, curiosity, and determination make her a protagonist worth rooting for. Her journey from an unassuming young woman to someone pivotal in the fight against darkness is as compelling as it is heartwarming.

Andar, on the other hand, is a fascinating study in conflict. As a Fae prince burdened by duty and an imperfect bond with his fated mate, his struggles add depth to his character. His interactions with Aurelia crackle with tension and chemistry, building a slow-burn romance that feels both earned and electrifying.

The supporting cast—a mix of humans and Fae—adds richness to the story. Each character brings unique skills, perspectives, and vulnerabilities, creating a sense of camaraderie that amplifies the novel’s emotional stakes. Fans of found-family dynamics will find much to love here.

Themes: Fate, Duty, and the Weight of Choice
At its core, Blood, Iron, and Bone is a story about balancing the weight of destiny with the power of personal choice. The tension between duty and desire is palpable throughout the novel, as characters grapple with their roles in a prophecy that offers both hope and despair.

The themes of found family and unity shine as the protagonists—divided by race, class, and species—are forced to work together. Their bonds form the emotional heart of the story, proving that strength lies in diversity and cooperation.

Pacing and Prose
The novel’s pacing strikes a fine balance between action and introspection. The narrative steadily builds momentum, leading to a climax that is both thrilling and deeply satisfying. Foxe’s prose is lyrical yet accessible, blending poetic descriptions with sharp dialogue. The romantic tension is particularly well-executed, with moments of tenderness that feel achingly real.

For Fans of...
Readers who adore the works of Sarah J. Maas, Holly Black, or Jennifer L. Armentrout will find themselves right at home in Foxe’s world. The blend of slow-burn romance, intricate world-building, and high-stakes adventure is reminiscent of A Court of Thorns and Roses and The Cruel Prince.

Final Thoughts
Blood, Iron, and Bone is a stunning debut for Sera Foxe’s The Lightbringers series. With its unforgettable characters, immersive world, and emotionally charged narrative, it sets a high bar for the fantasy romance genre. Whether you’re drawn to tales of fated mates, prophecies, or found families, this book has something to offer.

This is a must-read for 2025 and beyond—be prepared to devour it and yearn for the next installment.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC.

I'll preface this by saying - there will be a market for this book, I have no doubt. I just don't think it was me.

I read about 20% of this before deciding to DNF, as nothing was clicking for me. I didn't connect, or care, about any of the characters, nor about what was happening. It reads very young adult, yet I get the sense it's meant to be new adult? I was just struggling with it, and eventually decided that it obviously wasn't going to be a book for me. But as I said, I can see this being popular when it finds it's audience!

I was bored. So very bored. I DNF’d at 23%. I think I had already read four different POVs and that is too much for me that early on, and I love me some multiple POVs. I understand world building, but I think it was just a little too slow for me.

“One constant: the room is soaked in blood. Another constant: he is there. And he is going to die. This time, it brings with whispers”

This fantasy story was soo complicated and yet so intriguing that I couldn’t put the book down. Five people who’s destiny is intertwined in each other’s and who’s fate still has to be written. Somehow human and fae working together, trying to understand a prophecy that links their lives in a way they were not expecting. A princess, two soldiers, a servant and a human from another universe. What could go wrong? Well start right off with the fact that the princess and the human resembles each other a bit too much and the princess is promised to one of the soldiers. But dreams are magical things and I really enjoyed how the author played with them in this book. Both when it comes to them being an escape from reality and as a portal to another dimension. Aurelia, Lark, Nova, Cillian and Andar. Oh, they are in such a mess. And the journey they take makes you constantly questioning what will happen next, and how they will react to the truth of the role they have to play. And the relationships do get complicated so … it’s another mess entirely !!! And then new powers and new plot twist and more complex dynamics are revealed throughout the book and the narrative gets more mind blowing. And then those last pages … wow !!! Way to leave a cliffhanger !!! I’m excited for more !!!

“Lark needed to see the prophecy itself. She needed to see her scroll. She would go to the Hall of Prophecy to find it”

"There exists, right over the top of the plain world (or perhaps underneath it, perhaps alongside) another world entirely."
And my my my does this world suck you in.

This book completely took me by surprise. I’m often wary of fantasy books about fae, as they can feel redundant, but this one offered a fresh and captivating premise. The found family aspects were beautifully done, and I instantly connected with the characters, a rare feat with a third-person narrative. The clues scattered throughout kept me on my toes, piecing together the puzzle, and I found it incredibly hard to put the book down.

If you’re a fantasy/romantasy lover, I cannot recommend this book enough. With its unique world, compelling characters, and a story that keeps you hooked from start to finish, this is a must-read.

Thank you to Sera Foxe, NetGalley, and Victory Editing for an advanced reader copy of this book.

This was AMAZING. I will say the book itself is a slow burn - there is a fair amount of world building and build up but I like that because I truly got to know the characters and it just made me all the more excited to continue as tidbits kept getting added as the book progressed. Your girl loves a slow burn! I could not put this book down whenever I got the chance to read it and I was hooked! There are twists and turns, loveable characters, prophecies, fated mates, and just fantastic storytelling. I already need book two this was truly one of my favorite reads this year!

A fast moving plot, found family AND fated mates, all my faves. Please sign me up!! More of my thoughts to come…
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the E-ARC.

Blood, Iron, and Bone by Sera Foxe is a captivating start to what promises to be an epic fantasy series. The book is packed with intriguing elements, such as multiple points of view, fated mates, mind connections, found family, and a fascinating parallel universe that sets it apart from other fantasy reads. The book is a bit slow at first but is setting the stage for what is coming.

The idea that they exist in a world parallel to ours, just on a different plane, was a new and fascinating take on blending the mundane world of humans with the magical and mysterious world of the Fae which I really enjoyed. Aurelia, starts off feeling like an outcast, dissatisfied with her life and disconnected from those around her. However, as the story progresses, the reasons behind her struggles in the human world start to make sense due to her deeper connection and to the Fea. Without giving to much away Aurelia is not meant for the human world and she can't shake why when she dreams of her " dream boy " why the feel so real.

There are multiple points of view which I usually really struggle with but the different POVs helped to gain a better understanding of the plot and world building.

Tropes
- fated mates
- parallel worlds
- winged men
- changelings
- curse
- slow burn
- it was always you

Overall, Blood, Iron, and Bone is a fantasy novel that takes its time to build a world, develop its characters, and set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling series. It was a slow start and the multiple POVs paid off in the end :) I had a lot of fun getting to know the characters and reading this book!

I would like to thank Sera Foxe and the publishers the opportunity to read this amazing book for my honest review. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for book two!

Firstly thank you to Sera Foxe, Agency Press and Net Galley for giving me the chance to read the Blood Iron & Bone eARC.

I rated Blood Iron & Bone 4 stars. I enjoyed reading Blood Iron & Bone and I thought there were several elements that were quite original.

I loved the world building. There’s lots of it and I’m here for it. Blood Iron & Bones sports a very familiar concept of our world and others that sort of overlap, but I loved that the Fey world was crafted around more typical Fairie/Folk myths than more modern Fey/Fae worlds in lots of current fantasy books. Fairie fruit, hidden doors…think Holly Black’s Folk of the Air series rather than SJM.

The characters are very likeable and really worked together as a motley crew! I found myself invested in all of the main characters fates, though I definitely had my favourites. I liked Aurelia and Lark, but did think there wasn’t as much depth to Andar. My favourite character has to be Nova. I loved her! Refreshing, brave and fierce. Cillian was also a firm favourite and I am very hopeful that one of the other two books might be about these two!

Lots of tropes I love in fantasy!
*Fated Mates
*Prophecy
*Forbidden Love

I loved the prophecy element which had a little twist on it in that they were given to the mothers on their child’s birth. Very cool concept.

Some minor snags for me: I’m not a huge fan of 3rd person POV and I think it does make some elements of this book confusing as there are several POVs. 1st person would have made it a bit more cohesive I feel. I also found some of the language Aurelia used was trying to be modern and show she had come from the human world, which I totally understand, but it didn’t work for me.

Overall an enjoyable fantasy read which takes a few chapters to settle into, but then you’re hooked! I will definitely be reading book 2!

It took me awhile to sink into Blood Iron and Bone by Sera Foxe, but eventually I got the hang of the dual author style and the multi POV set up and was more intrigued by the end.

This has some of my favorite fantasy tropes so I think there's great potential for the series to grow, but this first book reads like a very long prologue. The first 25% or so is incredibly world and character set up heavy, so we're not getting much in the way of plot. In fact, it's mostly what I garnered from the book description so I don't know how much of this telling was necessary. It makes for a slow moving story because not much happens, but it does start to pick up once we get to the characters finally interacting with each other. I think I could have been dropped in at Alasdair's first chapter (22%) and been fine continuing on from there without missing much! The middle is a bit repetitive, and then it seems like the book finds its footing near the end, so I am a little interested to see where things go.

If you like the style of Zodiac Academy without the bully aspect, you will enjoy likewise enjoy the multi POV fae switched at birth complex story lines style of Blood Iron and Bone. I think I could continue on in this series since I enjoyed it more at the end, but I don't think I'd rush out for book 2. 2.5 to 3 stars.

ARC Review of Blood, Iron, and Bone

Unfortunately, I was unable to finish this book, which is rare for me when reading an ARC. However, this is purely a matter of personal taste, and I recognize that Blood, Iron, and Bone may resonate well with other readers.

The story shows a lot of potential but could benefit from more defined world-building, clearer introductions to key characters, and more cohesive sentence structure. At about 40% through, I found the narrative to be somewhat repetitive, with similar events unfolding in slightly different wording. Shifting from a third-person perspective to alternating first-person points of view for the main characters might create a more intimate and emotionally engaging reading experience.

While this book wasn’t the right fit for me at the moment, I appreciate the opportunity to read it. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.

I have been on a fantasy romance kick this fall, so I was thrilled when I received the opportunity to read the ARC Blood Iron and Bone.

The overall story is good, but I had a difficult time getting into the multiple povs throughout the book. The main characters are many, and each has a chapter dedicated to their upbringing; with some personal histories being longer than necessary. The same can be said when the main characters are all together in a scene.. each main character has a chapter to describe their “side” of the same scene, which in turn doesn’t push the story forward.

I typically rate books based on the vibe, and how they stay with me.

I had a sick day and decided this book would be my book of choice to get me through it. And god am I glad I did I devoured it! I usually struggle to read a 3rd person book but i honestly didn’t really mind it for this story!
This book is so moreish I found myself pulled in and before long I’d finished it.
The characters so captivating and I love how they all brought their own thing to the story.

I received an ARC copy of Blood Iron and Bone. Thank you, Sera Foxe and NetGalley, for this opportunity.

A mortal girl, a fae princess, a fae warrior, and many more characters are engaged in a story to fulfill a prophecy to save their world from darkness.

The good first. I enjoyed the plot of this story, and the characters are pretty good. Aurelia and Lark were a tad annoying with their "woe is me" attitudes, but overall, the characters were interesting. I loved the different species of fae and how each had different strengths. I enjoyed the fated mate's aspect and the prophecy twists. The magic is cool as well. There is a lot underneath the not-so-good that I enjoyed, but some negatives were hard to overlook.

Now, the not-so-good part. This story is told from a third-person perspective, which I did not enjoy. The beginning felt very confusing as the story bounced between characters and worlds. The pacing of this book could have been faster, and the sentence length threw me off. The sentences were very short and choppy, especially at the beginning, so the reading tempo ended up feeling off for me. By the middle-end of the book, the sentence structure was longer and the story was more engaging. The spicy scenes near the end were disappointing. They were awkward, and the word choice made me cringe at some points.

This book was almost a 3-star, but ultimately, I had to rate it 2 stars because too many things disengaged me from the story. If you enjoy fated fae romance and fantasy, this may be the story for you. It didn't quite do it for me, but hopefully, the fully edited book in March will be better, as this book has some excellent bones.

Thank you Sera Foxe,The Agency Press Collective and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read the eARC of Blood, Iron & Bone.

I loved the premise of the book - there is so much potential for an incredible series. I really wanted to love it as it had a lot of the tropes I normally love and thoroughly enjoy in books. With some fine-tuning, this could really be an incredible book.

~Plot~
I struggled with grasping the plot for the majority of this book - I would say it really only picked up at around the 60% mark. The beginning of the book started off very slow; there was a lot of flashbacks, where I couldn’t easily differentiate between where it started and when it ended. I also felt like a lot of the flashbacks didn’t add much essence to the plot. Maybe if they were formatted to even be written in italics to make it easier to discern from the “now” would be helpful!
The pacing definitely felt disjointed and hard to follow, especially with so many POVs in 3rd person. I usually don’t mind the use of 3rd person, but there was a lot of internal monologues, which took away from that; at one stage it was hard to discern who’s it was when all the characters were in the same space. I understand the author was trying to convey each character’s thoughts and feelings to inform the reader but it got confusing. I think if the books focused on maybe 2-3 POVs would allow the story to shine and heighten the emotional depth.

Also, this whole book takes place in essentially the space of 2 days ?? That was wild to me; I feel like so much of what happened in the plot would’ve needed so much more planning to execute accordingly.

One thing I found very unique, that I don’t think I have read or come across in a book yet, is the idea of the women speaking a prophesy for each child that they give birth to - this is a really intriguing take on the “ fated “ aspect of many books and this really stood out to me.

~Writing~
Unfortunately, I found I struggled the most with the writing. I personally feel like it lacked depth and complexity; it seemed very surface level. I also couldn’t get on with the use of common internet slang or more modern language and phrases, such as references to Harry Potter, quotes from the Wizard of Oz, or the phrase “ Boomer “. I get that Aurelia grew up in quentisentially our world, but it’s a personal pet peeve to read common slang in a book dubbed as fantasy. Even in the Fae realm, soldiers were using “mate” as an informal way to refer to each other, which threw me off.

~World Building~
I found the world building to be the stronger point of this book; you’re provided with a lot of background information and knowledge about the ins and outs of the world in the book. I did like the Celtic/Irish links, but again, some Irish phrases were used that I personally feel like should’ve been explored more, or maybe the importance of the Celtic lore and background.
I do feel like the battle scenes and any action happened very quickly and ended abruptly; if it was explored in more depth it would definitely make a bigger impact. The climax of the story should have been dragged out a bit more in my opinion.

~Characters~
I actually really enjoy the Motley Crew that are all the characters - there’s a lot of variety which adds essence to the story, where each character seems just as important as the others. However, I couldn’t personally connect with any of them at a deep level - a lot of major events/reveals I feel like were completely brushed over and not explored enough to provide an emotional impact/shock factor. It just seemed like the characters had no chance to grieve or try to piece together the revelations that were happening; I would definitely focus on that more if possible.
I actually enjoyed Nova’s character the most - she showed the most resilience and courage and complexity in the circumstances she was put in, and I hope that continues into the series and doesn’t get overshadowed by the role of the other characters.
I couldn’t connect with Lark - she seemed quite selfish and very “woe is me”, even in the circumstances she found herself in, she really only thought about herself.
I do find myself intrigued with Aife, she seemed to know a lot more than she lets on, but again, I couldn’t make a connection with her because she really popped into the plot at random times when it was convenient.

There are formatting, grammar & editing issues throughout the book but considering that it's an ARC, hopefully they'll be caught & corrected.

In conclusion, I don't want to discourage anybody from reading this book, as everyone is different! There are plenty of 4/5 reviews for this book, so it just seems very subjective! You may find the complete opposite to what I found and felt, and it could become your new favourite series!

Overall I really do love the premise of this story and I encourage other readers to give it a shot. I look forward to seeing how Sera grows as an author, as this is a debut, therefore there is always time and room for exceptional growth!

Summary
In this sweeping fantasy romance, a mortal girl, Aurelia, is unexpectedly pulled into a prophecy that binds her fate to a fae prince, Andar, in a world on the brink of ruin. With fated mates, duty, and a quest for identity at its core, this story unfolds against a backdrop of prophecy and war as light and darkness collide.

Review
“Blood, Iron, and Bone” is a spellbinding romantasy that weaves a tale of prophecy, fated mates, and self-discovery, all while staying within the realm of clean romance. The poetic prophecy, which serves as the story’s foundation, sets the stage for an enchanting narrative filled with romantic tension, intricate worldbuilding, and compelling characters.

The story itself felt unique in many ways, although it does tread familiar ground with its human heroine entering the fae world and uncovering hidden truths about herself. The writing style, which seemed to oscillate between third-person and omniscient narration, initially required some adjustment. At first, the multiple points of view felt overwhelming, but once immersed in the story, this became a non-issue, and I found myself deeply invested.

The worldbuilding is beautifully crafted, though the pacing at the start is slow. However, this deliberate approach allows the reader to ease into the world and understand its complexities. Before long, I found myself completely hooked, unable to resist reading “just one more chapter.”

The romantic buildup is exquisite, offering a satisfying emotional depth without any explicit scenes, making it a perfect read for fans of young adult fantasy. The diverse and intriguing cast of characters adds richness to the narrative, though many threads remain unresolved, leaving me eagerly anticipating the next installment.

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC.