It was so confusing and i felt that there was too many characters that were not relevant to the story.

Wow, all I can say is this is a top read of 2025 already and it's going to be insanely hard to top this. I can't wait for book 2, Sera is a new auto-buy author for me!

*Sigh*
Perhaps I have moved on from the fantasy romance genre because every single book that I try to read seems the same. Same characters. Same plot. Same romance. Nothing new, all formulaic. This book is no exception.
I truly did want to like this book and I did try to at least finish 50% of it, but I was dragging my feet by 15% and I did not want to waste my time reading a book I wasn't enjoying or rolling my eyes at, so I DNF'd at 27%. The blurb is what interested me (I thought, finally! A unique plotline) and when I saw that it had not been released yet, I was like bummer!! But then I saw it was available on NetGalley and requested an ARC (Thank you NetGalley!!). So here I am.
I would usually say something good at this point, but I seriously did not like anything of the 27% of what I read.
The world building was not so great, it felt like it was all condensed into a single place, never moving or expanding. There was barely any true details about the fae world or the fae themselves. The only thing I got was that they were pointy eared "humans" so to speak since their immortality and all their powers and stuff (the things that make them faeries) were diminished. There was unnecessary curse words that cheapened the dialogue (If you have the creativity to write an entire fantasy book, I'm sure you can come up with creative curse words). The sentences were choppy at times, ruining the reading flow. Some of the conversations between the fae felt like I was listening to random human beings talk amongst themselves. You'd think as creatures of myth, the fae would have their own manner of speech, different to the modern human world (not using words like 'boyfriend'). I didn't care for the FMC or the MMC. The FMC and her "Boring and useless life that she is so bored of that she could die of boredom" like WE GET IT! Every time Aurelia's POV appeared, that is all she talked about, literally. I don't even remember much of Andar tbh or Lark, they were both that unmemorable. Didn't care about Nova either. So, disappointed and tired is what I am. Gah, I'm done.
Though this was not my cup of tea, don't let my words stop anyone from reading this book. It did not work for me, but it may work for you.
Thank you again to NetGalley for this ARC!!

Blood Iron and Bone follows Aurelia Bartlett, a young woman who has never felt like she fits in, as she discovers another world and that her fate may be more complex than her first 20 years on Earth has led her to believe.

This is a romantic fantasy novel with complex world-building and STRONG 'fated'/prophesy vibes. Although there are a ton of characters and fairy 'races' to learn and remember, Foxe does a decent job at spacing out new information while giving readers enough detail to get by. I became invested in many of the characters' storylines by the end of the book (and now I want to know what happens in book 2!). Young adult or new adult readers would be best suited for this book due to the maturity level of the main characters and the writing voice.

The biggest thing that threw me as I was reading was the dialogue-- a notable portion of it sounds awkward and consist of lines that no one would actually speak out loud (either on Earth or in the Otherworld). The main character is also not very likable-- she is quite entitled with inflated self-worth, and overall annoying. It seems like more of the enjoyable characters will be the focus in the next book!

Quote that had me cackling: " '[info redacted for spoiler reasons]," she said, in a tone that hinted at just the slightest bit of disdain for men in general"

**TW: animal suffering & death**

*Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.*

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would give it a solid 4..5 Stars!! While the first half felt a bit slow for me, the second half more than made up for it- it was everything I wanted and more. Once all the puzzle pieces began falling into place, the story had me absolutely hooked!

The unique world-building was another standout feature; it felt like a fresh and imaginative take on most fae and magic books. I also loved how the multiple POVs were handled. Each character’s perspective added depth to the story, and seeing events unfold through their eyes made the connections between them even more satisfying. Like I said, it was a bit slow until about half way through, but by the second half, when all the characters finally came together, it felt like watching an epic TV show or movie—the tension, the reveals, the drama! It was all perfectly executed.

This book was well-written, with a good balance of intrigue, light romance, and action. I really couldn’t stop thinking about how easily this book could be adapted for the screen. Someone needs to make it happen!

If you enjoy a well written, richly detailed fantasy world with compelling characters, and fated destinies, this book is a must-read! Cannot wait to get my hands on the next Lightbringers novel, I need to know what happens next for everyone!!

I was intrigued by this book because of the description and I thought the cover looked interesting. I have only been able to make it 30% through and have to DNF it. This is way too difficult for me to follow with the 6 different POVs and makes it really hard for me to understand what is going on. I think maybe if the chapters had whose POV it was from, that would help clear up a lot of confusion. It took me almost halfway through the chapter to really know who’s POV it was actually from and then there wasn’t really a clear introduction to some of the characters.

I have a feeling I'm truly going to love this one if I read it again. I was unfortunately struggling with personal stuff while reading, so I had a hard time focusing and therefore it didn't get my full attention and I had soft dnf it. I will give it another try soon though, because this might become a new favorite of mine!

3.75 ⭐️!

- fated mates
- fae & humans
- multiple povs
- unique world building
- romance subplot
- puzzle pieces falling into place
- fast paced

the only thing i had a hard time with was the 6 different povs - they were all interesting and fun characters but it made the story a little hard to follow at times. as well as the plot only taking place over a few days but felt like it should’ve been spaced out longer. the found family feel of the book at the start was super fun (i eat it up every-time).

i had a fun time with this one and definitely recommend!

thank you net galley and sera foxe for the arc!

I didn't really like this, it was very difficult to get through and I don't think I'll continue with this series, however this is 100% due to my own taste and pet peeves in which I am often in the wrong and just really picky.
Aside from that, from someone else's perspective I can totally see a lot of people loving this, it is entirely a me thing. Normally I wouldn't review a book that I reacted to this way but I am since it is an ARC
Congrats to Sera Foxe on their new book, I can't wait for more people to find it, I'm sure it will do great :)

Blood Iron & Bone has a lot of potential, but it took me a while to get into it. The world-building is creative and detailed, but the first part of the book felt overwhelming with all the information thrown at once. It took until about 50-60% for me to narrow down what was what. While I get that it’s necessary for setting up the story, it came across as pretty info dumpy and slowed the pacing down.

The multiple POVs were interesting, but they didn’t always feel distinct enough to immediately know whose perspective I was reading. There are 6 different view points. That said, there are some standout moments, especially in the final stretch of the book where the action and twists really picked up. I loved the unique take on fae lore and the prophecy elements. There’s enough here that I’m curious to see where the story goes next but I do hope the next book feels much less info dumpy and gets more into the bulk of the story and action.

Thank you NetGalley and Agency Press for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

The first book in the Lightbringer series follows six main characters as they journey towards fulfilling a prophecy, a quest that promises to save the land of the Fae from the darkness. However doubt arises, will the prophecy truly deliver salvation, and can everyone be trusted?

The narrative employs 3rd person, multiple points of view, a technique I enjoy. It provides insightful glimpses into each character’s thoughts and motivations, even as their actions sometimes left me questioning their judgement. It was interesting to see them develop and I found them easy to connect with.

A significant portion of the book (probably the first 60% or so) is dedicated to world building and detailing the hierarchy and landscape of Aithim. While there are moments of adventure, this emphasis on setting the scene may feel slow-paced to some. Because of this, while necessary for the plot, the ending feels rushed in comparison.

The prophecy serves as the main plot driver throughout, yet the origins and underlying mythology surrounding the prophecy remain largely unexplained. While a more in depth explanation would have been great, it’s possible this will be explored in more detail in the following books (I hope!). Despite some predictable twists and turns, the writing style kept me captivated throughout.

By the last third, I didn't want to put it down and found the story and world captivating. The writing is purposeful and intentionally interwoven. There were a few moments where I questioned certain character responses but I'm hoping these will be explored more in the following books. Overall an enjoyable and solid introduction to the world of Aithim with characters I grew to care for by the end. I particularly hope Nova’s story is explored in more detail.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy with a touch of romance and Grimms fairytale vibes - I'm looking forward to the next installment and finding out more about the characters who’s stories remain incomplete.

An extra note, I greatly appreciate the inclusion of a pronunciation guide and glossary. Accurately reading names as the Authors intended them to sound makes it so much easier to read! I wish more Authors would adopt this practice!

Thank you to Sera foxe, NetGalley for an Advanced Reader Copy

Tropes: Fae + mortal | Curses | Magic | Fated mates | Found family

A fun unique story with just the right amount of mystery and romance that any romantasy lover would enjoy!

My reason for 3 ⭐️ is mainly due to the pacing of the book. I sometimes found Aurelia’s chapters throughout the beginning to be quite slow and lengthy with not much action happening until after about 50% into the book.

I also struggled a bit with the amount of POV’s in the story and jumping between so many. I felt like I couldn’t connect with the characters as much.

Apart from that I did really love the plot and characters in general!

Random and weird thing I noticed in this book that has nothing to do with anything: there's not that much dialogue. Why does that matter? It doesn't, it's just a random thing I noticed that someone might care about.

This had such a good premise and I did have fun reading it, I just wish there was a little more oomph to it. I didn't get as invested as I really like to for this kind of book.

Fae and humans, a magical curse, multiple POVs (maybe too many, it could get a bit confusing at times), lots of exposition (sometimes becoming info-dumpy) and fated mates.

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review! My Goodreads review is up and my TikTok (Zoe_Lipman) review will be up at the end of the month with my monthly reading wrap-up.

This book is perfect for anyone who has wished for there to be more to the world than meets the eye. Aurelia Bartlett always struggled to fit into society. But when she follows a mysterious path in the middle of the night, she discovers a whole new world that she fits into more than she knows.

I enjoyed a lot of the main characters and the storyline kept me hooked for a majority of the book. I did feel like it was a bit slow at times, mainly because the entirety of the book (aside from flashbacks/background info) takes place all within 24-48 hours. However, the author does a great job at creating an entirely new world without feeling like there are huge information dumps that pull away from the plot.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and I look forward to where the rest of the Lightbringers series takes us!

Thank you to Sera Foxe and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book. Such a great story, that was wonderfully told. Fast paced, and intriguing the whole way through. 6 different point of views that all end up woven together beautifully.
It has fated mates, found family, world building, magic and fae and human characters. This book kept my interest from the first page! Can’t wait to get my copy when it’s published, and also can’t wait for the next in the series!

Thank you NetGalley, Sera Foxe and Agencey Press for the ARC.

THIS BOOK!!!! This book was absolutely INCREDIBLE! Sera outdid herself and made me have a whirlwind of emotions I was not prepared to feel! I LOVED THIS BOOK, I was so in love with each character and getting to know them. The world building was also so incredible on it own, paired with the plot, I fully cannot wait to share this book with everyone I know!

Unexpected power, prophecy, fated mates, duty and responsibility. Interested to see what happens next for Nova, Cillian, Aurelia, Andar and Lark.

Sera Foxe’s Blood, Iron, and Bone is a breathtaking plunge into a world as brutal as it is beautiful, where loyalty and betrayal tangle like the roots of an ancient tree, and every choice carves its mark in flesh and soul. From the very first page, Foxe grips you with prose that is raw, evocative, and unrelenting, pulling you into a story where survival is an art and trust is a dangerous gamble.

The protagonist is a masterful creation—layered, resilient, and profoundly human. Foxe avoids the trap of perfection, giving us a flawed, fiery lead whose growth feels earned with every bloody knuckle and broken bond. The supporting cast is equally rich, their motivations and secrets revealed in tantalizing doses that leave you questioning everyone and everything.

The world Foxe builds is as much a character as the people who inhabit it. It’s a harsh, unforgiving landscape where beauty exists in the cracks of ruin, and danger lurks behind every shadow. Her descriptions are visceral, often brutal, yet never gratuitous. Each detail feels purposeful, heightening the stakes and immersing you deeper into this unforgiving reality.

What truly sets Blood, Iron, and Bone apart is its relentless pacing. The narrative doesn’t just move; it hurtles forward with the ferocity of a charging beast. Yet, Foxe masterfully balances this urgency with moments of quiet reflection, allowing the emotional weight of the story to land with devastating impact.

If there’s a flaw, it’s only that the sheer intensity might leave some readers breathless. The twists are unyielding, the betrayals cutting deep, and the victories often come at a staggering cost. It’s not a story for the faint of heart, but for those willing to endure its trials, the reward is a tale that lingers long after the final page.

Blood, Iron, and Bone is a testament to Sera Foxe’s storytelling prowess—a brutal, beautiful symphony of bloodshed and redemption. It’s a must-read for fans of dark fantasy who crave complexity, grit, and characters that feel achingly real.

Book one of the Lightbringers series. A far fantasy read. Full of twists & turns. A slow burn romance between the fated mates only adds to the story. Great characters & storyline. Can't wait to see what happens next
Thank you Netgalley & the publisher for the copy. This is my voluntary review.

"Dreams were when Aurelia lived. Her waking life was painfully uninteresting, devoid of color, but in dreams, even the bad ones, she came alive."

Thus we are introduced to Aurelia Bartlett.  A human girl who lives a simple life, on an isolating island with her parents and companion, Greymalkin - a gray cat with a smooshed face who has an uncanny ability to always be where Aurelia needs him. Aurelia lives on a farm with her elderly parents, a boring life that she laments about consistently. Her relief from this too-small life are her dreams, where a dream boy has visited her through the years. After a series of disturbing nightmares cause her to leave her bed in the middle of night, we find Aurelia wandering away from home in naught but her nightgown (and what is with fictional women wandering through the countryside in the dead of night only in their night gowns? It never seems to end well for them. These girls have got to learn to dress in some clothes and sensible shoes to be creeping through the wilderness after dark). When Aurelia spots a person whom she believes is the boy-turned-man who has haunted her dreams for years, she unthinkingly follows him, causing her to pass into the Fae realm of Aithrim. It is here that she finally meets her dream man in the flesh, only to find out that he has been betrothed since birth to the princess Lark, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Aurelia herself. Their betrothal was the result of a birth prophecy stating that their union would help break a curse spreading over Aithrim. Has Aurelia found the man of her dreams only to lose him the same day?

With world-building that is expansive without feeling burdensome to their story, Sera Foxe introduces us to the Fae realm of Aithrim, a place "not very far away, but in another world entirely." Aithrim is a realm that felt to me both familiar and new and exciting. It is here we meet a varied cast of characters - including those who are loyal, traitorous, and deceitful. I found myself second guessing the motives and statements of everyone Aurelia meets in Aithrim. While one of the major plot twists of the story is apparent from very early on, this story hooked me in and kept me up late reading to see what was going to happen to our characters next. The only less than stellar aspect of this story for me was that the main characters are all clearly very new adult and as such, are very self-centered and kind of whiny about their circumstances. The MMC was a very wishy-washy mama's boy who one minute was planning how he was going to lead the realm's armies and the next minute deferring one of the women in his life because he didn't have enough gumption to stand up for himself. I'm hoping this is deliberate on Foxe's part to help show character growth over the next stories of the series because for me, none of the main characters were especially likeable for me at this point in the storyline.

While this book is the first in a new Romantasy series titled "Light Bringers", for those who hate reading books that are part of series due to cliff hangers, fear not. While Blood Iron and Bone leaves us with very little resolved for our characters, it does not leave you on such a cliff hanger as to be in agony until the next book releases. This book would be especially good for those who are new to the Romantasy genre as Foxe does an excellent job introducing us to their world of Aithrim without it being overwhelming. I'm looking forward to the next story in this series and seeing how the characters evolve and change with their changing circumstances.

Spice rating: one and a half chili peppers

Thank you to NetGalley and Agency Press for providing me with an ARC copy of this story in exchange for my honest review.