Book Review: Blood, Iron, and Bone by Sera Foxe

Blood, Iron, and Bone is the first book in Sera Foxe’s The Lightbringers series, set to release on March 21, 2025. This fantasy romance blends rich world-building, mythology, and a gripping storyline.

The story follows Aurelia, a mortal drawn into Áithrim, a dark and magical Fae kingdom. She meets Lark, a Fae princess who looks just like her, and together they are tied to a prophecy about fated mates destined to save their world from darkness.

The book shines with its imaginative world inspired by Celtic mythology and its complex, engaging characters. Themes of found family and destined love add emotional depth. While the beginning may feel slow due to detailed world-building, the fast-paced plot and romantic tension keep readers hooked.

Blood, Iron, and Bone is perfect for fans of Holly Black and Sarah J. Maas, offering an exciting mix of fantasy and romance.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Recommended For: Readers who love epic fantasy with prophecy, fated mates, and richly developed worlds.

I devoured this book. I got hooked from the start and the more I turned the pages the more fascinated I got with this incredible world!

It's the storytelling, the worldbuilding and the characters! Blood Iron and Bone is written in 3rd person and I feel like that made it even more enchanting.

There were many moments that tugged at my heart and left me emotional for the characters and what they were going through. Those last chapters were everything!

I read this book within a few days and loved every minute of it! It's an extensive story that takes you through the full range of emotions as it entwines its riveting tale.

I can not wait to read the next book!

I received an ARC through net galley for which I am SO grateful for! Firstly, I must say that one particular thing that stood out to me was the character building. Every character was introduced so well with so much back story. It felt like I knew every character in so much detail, even if they weren’t a main character.

Secondly, the plot is so unique and something i’ve never really read before. A story of fated mates and found family but in a different sort of way!

I throughly enjoyed reading this book, and can’t wait for others to be able to get the chance to read it also!

I want to be completely honest and preface by saying I did DNF this book about 20% through, however I am positive that there will be a loyal audience for this series! Unfortunately, it was not me.

I believe majority of the reason I DNF is one, that my reading genere has changed, I believe I have moved on from enjoying fae romantasy and two, I struggled with the multiple character POVS.

I really tried to keep up and enjoy this as I was so incredibly excited however, my brain could not focus on the multiple character POVS and I found it hard to connect with the story, as much as I would of liked to.

I have decided to give this book 2 stars, despite not finishing it, I can see this series blossoming into something wonderful and i am very appreciative of the opportunity to read this ARC and I want to thank NetGalley & Sera Foxe for that opportunity.

3.5 stars
Blood Iron and Bone is the first book in a fantasy trilogy and introduces The Prophecy of Light, where a fated match between two fae is predicted to prevent permanent darkness over Aithrim.

The betrothed, Andar and Lark, are approaching their 21st birthday on which their wedding is foretold as part of this Prophecy. Lark has doubts that their union is the solution to bringing back the light. Meanwhile, Aurelia is a living in the human world with a cat companion, some unloving parents, and no friends.

The beginning of the book has lots of world building, little action and a lot of flashbacks and dream sequences. There is a lot of back and forth in the inner monologues of Lark and Andar (there is a reason behind it), but I found it hard to like them and become invested in their story.

As the story catches up to the current events, my favorite characters are introduced. Nova, Lark’s maid who was stolen from the human world as a baby, and Cillian, a young fae soldier with the ability to read people with a touch, are involved in the arrival of Aurelia into their realm. I hope we see more of Nova and Cillian’s relationship later in the series.

So much action occurs in the last part of the story. There are reveals, betrayals, and not all the questions are answered. It hooked me enough to look forward to the next installment.

Thank you to the publisher for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.

The premise of the book was good and from the beginning you are captured by the fighting dream. The love between the main characters developed as the story developed and it was a romantic part of the story around a war in the world. The world building needed a bit of work, but all in all an enjoyable read.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

I honestly have mixed feelings about this one. In the beginning I was enjoying it, then I wasn’t, then I was… and on and on. I felt like this book could have been much shorter, and the conclusion could have been reached without the unnecessary fluff much faster. This book got pretty wordy at times, multiple versions of the same word used to describe something.

In all, I did enjoy the plot, and I am interested in seeing what this series has to offer next… I would love to see where Aurelia and Andar go next, if Lark finds her destiny like she wants to, and what comes of Nova and Cillian. I’m also super curious if the mysterious brother can be found, and the fate of Padraig.

Again, thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

blood iron and bone by sera foxe was a book i was excited to dive into- i’ve always loved stories set in the fae world 🧝🏼‍♀️ the premise seemed promising, with fate, prophecy, and a cursed sky drawing both fae and humans together in a kingdom on the brink of collapse - unfortunately, while the concept intrigued me, the execution left me wanting more

the biggest struggle for me was the writing itself. it felt surface-level and lacked the depth and complexity that would have really brought this story to life. everything moved too quickly, and considering the entire book takes place over just a few days, i found myself struggling to stay engaged with the pacing and timeline

on a more positive note, the world-building was one of the stronger aspects of the story. there’s a lot of background provided on the realm, and i appreciated the ties to celtic/irish lore - it added a unique touch. however, as someone who grew up in ireland, i found the use of irish phrases and lore somewhat confusing and underexplored. i felt like these elements could have been developed more to make them feel truly significant and impactful

overall, while the concept was solid, the writing and timeline didn’t work for me as much as i’d hoped. it’s a decent read with some good ideas, but ultimately, it didn’t fully deliver

I really liked the concept of this book and I liked the characters. The fae world was described really well and I liked the descriptions of the different types of beings. The story to me was a bit slow and I kept thinking, when is something going to happen?! I felt there was a lot of buildup and the fact that the entire book takes place in just days was maddening to me. I can tell that many readers will love this one and while I cannot say I loved it, I did enjoy it and thought it was an interesting and engaging story.

Thank you NetGalley and Agency Press for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Love this new fantasy book! Action packed and a plot like none other. The characters and plot are well developed and have you hooked!

I am going to start this by saying I DNF'd at 17%.

Blood Iron and Bone by Sera Foxe has this beautifully written poetic quality to it that can really make you feel the characters emotions and it is something I really appreciated as I was reading. The third person aspect of this story paired with the poetic feel of the story did not mesh for me. I feel as though if this were first person the story could really take off and fully submerge the reader into the world of light bringers and I can totally see where this story is going but I had a really hard time connecting to the characters and it felt like at certain points it took multiple pages to say the same thing over and over again from whichever characters p.o.v we were in. I am giving 3 stars because as I said I could feel the characters emotions and it painted a clear picture in my head I was missing really getting into the characters heads and hearing their thoughts.

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.