I didn’t know whether I would like this book as I had never read any monster
romantasy before and so was a little nervous, but I needn’t have worried as it was a
great read.
The main female character is Fi and first up she is in her 30’s which I absolutely loved,
so many romantasy leads are in their teens or early 20’s so this was a refreshing
change. Fi is spunky and sarcastic and not particularly sensible, she uses bravado as
a defence mechanism but ultimately wants to help people. She is carrying so much
trauma and guilt from her past and that is stopping her from really living and letting
people in. She is a great lead character with a fresh and funny voice.
Antal is written so well and has so many layers, the fact his tail or antlers weren’t an
issue for me was a huge surprise, as I had never read a character like him before. But I
loved him and loved the dynamic between him and Fi and how their interactions
developed.
I would have liked to see more from the side characters as they didn’t really feature a
whole lot until later in the book, and for me I generally like a book to have more focus
than just the two main characters, so I found myself searching for more interactions
with those side characters. And I adored the Void Horse and became attached to
them very fast.
The antagonists are fantastically portrayed and written with such variety and depth it
was really refreshing.
This book was such a fun adventure with great banter and a group of interesting and
varied characters and a truly unique world and magic system.

Fionamara is a smuggler caught up in a plot that she has no business being involved in. And when the newly deposed human-eating monster seeks her help to get back what she was mostly responsible for him losing, she finds herself embroiled in even more fraught circumstances than she could possibly have imagined.

Voidwalker has exquisite world building and is brilliantly written. The characters were captivating and I was a rollercoaster of emotions. A really brilliantly crafted fantasy!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

I wanted to love this book but it just really wasn't for me. I can't think of anything specifically wrong with the book, so while it's not for me I think this is something a lot of readers will really enjoy so let's talk about the positives;

•The FMC- I really like Fi! She is such a unique character and I love the bisexual representation in both her and other characters. She has very interesting relationships with the other characters, she is both soft and strong, and her job is pretty awesome.

•The writing style- I can't find any faults with this, everything flows great, it's in third person which I love, and the dialogue was not repetitive or annoying.

When it comes to the world building I wasn't really a fan. It just felt like something was missing and I think that had an impact on me not connecting with the actual plot of this book.

If you're looking for something more character focused, this enemies to lovers monster romance will be a great read for you.

I do not understand why the people in this world are so upset by the demons eating them because id 10000% let Antal have a taste.

Demon smut WITH a good and strong political plot - yes please.

While it did take a while to get into the world building I thoroughly enjoyed it! It took me 30% of the book to understand the concept and then it just started flowing. I also didn’t feel let down by the ending which is always nice.

I absolutely loved this authors debut book The Pheonix Keeper and when I saw she was writing a darker and spicier book with more bite I knew I needed it!

It is VERY different from her first book but keeps so many of the elements I loved somehow. This is a book at its heart is the characters learning to heal from their past and the guilt they feel over what happened.

Fi is a women in her 30s!!! (Which is already a bonus point for me) who had carefully crafted her badass smuggler persona to cover some deep hurts and Antal is just an oversized disgruntled cat who happens to be a very powerful immortal who eats humans.

I was initially a little intimidated by how long this book was but honestly I could not put it down and absolutely flew through it.

I am nervous for what the author is going to put the characters through in book 2 but I appreciate that it doesn't end on a massive cliffhanger because waiting for the next book is already going to be painful.

I laughed, I cried, I kicked my little feet!

The Cruel Prince meets Grace Draven's Radiance in a world like Final Fantasy in a perfect mix of action, slow-burn romance and spice. Absolutely phenomenal, potentially the best read of 2025 so far. Straight to my favorities list (even though I keep them very limited and competitive).

I rarely request books over 500 pages in length, but I've made exception for this one because I saw it promoted on Instagram in some bi4bi romantasy book raffle. And I'm a huuuuge fan of "queer MF", give me your bi, pan, omni, ace, demi, genderqueer etc. protagonists. And while some of the "bi romantasy" I've read only had 1 of the leads specified as bi, while the other one's sexuality was never discussed, this one confirms the bi status for both leads.

The opening sequence was action-packed and I was waiting with bated breath for the usual "30% romantasy drop off" where the act 1 starts very plotty and hooky but then devolves into no plot just vibes and banter - this never happened here. The strong fantasy plot thoroughline keeps the tension and pacing together all the way to the very end. While there are breather moments to focus on the romance or found family or interpersonal conflict, the high stakes overarching plot and looming danger is never truly forgotten and often repops in the most unexpected moments.

The romance doesn't start immediately, it takes some time for the leads to meet, and it starts in if not enemies-to-lovers scenario at least in a heavy mistrust and suspicion. Humans and Daeyari are if not enemies, then having a strained relationship where lots of Daeyari treat humans only as prey, food or slaves. Both of the leads have already experienced the complex and painful history of both races together. Daeyari are immortal or at least very long-lived and Antal is considered young among his kind, but he's 250 years old. Meanwhile Fiona is 32, departing from the common stereotype of romantasy heroines being in their late teens or early 20s. And yes, she has rainbow hair, like on the cover. Did I mention this cover is truly stunning?

As the story starts with Fiona being roped into a failed heist turned terrorist attack, we think situation can't get any worse - but of course it does. The conspirators wanted to oust Antal, the Daeyari leader of the region, and one would think off with the oppressors if his place wasn't immediately taken by another Daeyari, one 10 times worse than him. So Fiona has no choice but lesser evil - help Antal take his region back while hoping to convince him to treat humans as more than food.

I'm a complete sucker for enemies to lovers or enemies to allies where both sides are getting their butts kicked by the plot / villains and have to begrudgingly unite over a common goal. Gotta love an underdog hero x2. So I was immediately sold. The banter was also top notch. The dynamics of both leads being outwards badasses, secret softies inside was insanely cute and I loved how Fiona was never a damsel or just a human object of adoration of her immortal lover, but she held her ground and was an equally important hero and partner in the plot.

I also loved that this book avoided another common romantasy pitfall - there's no insta-lust and there's no "I only want to be with him cuz he's hot". It's very slow-burn. The whole book is from Fiona's perspective and when she meets Antal first, she assesses him like a warrior assesses an enemy or a veteran assesses the risks / dangers. It takes her time to warm up to him and only when she sees he's not a cruel monster, she starts developing attraction. It took her over 200 pages to develop attraction and likely another 100 on top of it to turn that attraction into action. Once the slow-burn starts burning it's very sizzling, but all it of feels very earned. There are 3-4 explicit scenes that were higher spice level than my typical fantasy read but very in-line with typical romance. If you're scared the spice was "too monstrous", nope, it's not. It was all very tastefully done.

The worldbuilding is complex and unique, a science-fantasy / magic-punk where everything is fueled by special kind of magical energy and the world is made of floating planes and shards in the void, and travelling between them is a highly coveted skill and an important plot point. A bit Final Fantasy, a bit Planescape: Torment, a bit steampunk / Arcane, overall it's a breath of fresh air on the fantasy market. There are even lightsabers, sorry, energy blades.

The side cast was fleshed out and the overarching theme of guilt and regret over mistakes of the past was strongly woven through multiple characters' arcs.

I reckon this is a 1st in a series, but worry not, it can perfectly stand alone, the plot wraps up in a very satisfactory manner. Looking forward what the author writes next!

TW: Humans being eaten. Is it cannibalism if they're eaten by fantasy creatures rather than other humans? Not sure. It's plot-important, but if that's a hard nope for you, be warned. Also typical adult fantasy levels of violence and gore, and explicit open door spicy scenes.

Recommended for: Readers who want a strong mix of fantasy and romance in their romantasy, and who want to see a "fantasy race" that's more alien than just "pointy-eared humans". People who always thought Cardan's tail was cute.

Thank you Netgalley & Gollancz / Orion Publishing Group for the ARC!

Oh this was great, it had me drawn in from the first chapter.

FMC is a smuggler, who inadvertently smuggles a bomb into MMC (the ‘monster’ ruler) building. He then enlists her help to find out who was trying to overthrow him.

The magic system was great - I really liked the concept of the curtains. And the use of technology with the energy capsules was a nice addition that worked well (it made me think of Arcane a bit tbh). The world building was well done - it wasn’t dense, or overwhelming at any points, it was well paced and spread out as needed.

FMC and MMC relationship is brilliant, I loved how it developed. They’re enemies when they meet (as in, she’s a human sacrifice he’s supposed to eat), and the progression to lovers and the time it took felt appropriate and well-fleshed out. Their banter is top notch as well.

It’s well-written; funny without being cringe. There’s mention of a past FF and MM relationship, and the queer representation/aspect didn’t feel shoehorned in. Spice levels were good and not boring/repetitive.

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC

5⭐️ 🌶️3

Fionamara, a skilled smuggler, utilises her unique abilities to navigate the hidden portals between dimensions, transporting contraband between worlds. However, a botched mission leads to a coup against the reigning immortal of her territory, putting Fi’s home in the crossfire. In a world where humans are sustenance for the Daeyari, the monstrous overloads wield immense power, exchanging sacrifices for feudal protection and essential resources. Despite the odds stacked against her, Fi finds her needs align with Antal, the overthrown Daeyari overlord, and they forge an unlikely partnership to reclaim what was taken. But as their plans gain momentum, surrendering to her intensifying feelings for Antal might prove to be her most dangerous undertaking yet…

Thanks so much to Orion Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC.

If I could give this more than 5 stars, I honestly would! I’ve read some really great books recently - I’m on a really good reading streak - but this was something else!

It’s a wild and romantic monster romantasy with detailed magic systems and a rich lore. The world-building is brilliant! It’s imaginative, evocative, and immerses you right from the beginning. It has an array of awesome characters and an exciting plot that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end!

Fi may be one of my all-time favourite FMCs. She’s witty, tough, and independent, but she also acknowledges and embraces her vulnerabilities (She’s also 32 years old - YES for a FMC in a fantasy book over the age of 30!). I absolutely loved her, and loved Maclean’s style of writing her point of view. Antel is also not your typical dark and tortured alpha type MMC either; he’s a lot more complex and interesting. If anything, Fi is the more formidable and demanding one in many respects, and I love how their relationship evolves!

I got about 70% through the book before I panicked that it was a standalone and I was almost done. But worry not, it’s the beginning of a duology! I’m just not happy with how long I’ll have to wait for the next one now that I’ve finished book one so quickly!

Wow. I wasn't sure what to expect going into this - but just wow.

This is not a book for the faint hearted. It deals with adult themes and subjects, and doesn't shy away showing the gore or the emotional damage that follows. But it is a fantastic book, a deep and rich world full of lore and stories - I particularly enjoyed the little fairy tales and rhymes scattered throughout.

The MFC is spikey, but hurting, putting on a brave face while she deals with past trauma and past choices. The MMC is a beautiful disaster. Avoiding emotion by hiding in a snow bank or in the rafters? Hiding feelings behind threats or sarcasm? Showing he cares when the MMF get hurt? Perfection. His tail is a little traitor too, betraying how he is really feeling.

Both have made bad choices in the past, and in this book that all comes back to bite - ha - them.

The supporting characters are great too, from an old friend turned enemy to a loyal brother, to a pain ridden friend who has her own reasons for hating the MMC. All wonderfully written, all come to life and despite the large page count, I couldn't put it down.

It works as a self contained book, but I do hope there is another. Perhaps we could spend more time in one of the other season planes then.

5/5

Voidwalker asks the age old question, what if you romanced your inner demons and the result is the best fantasy romance I have read all year. S.A. MacLean understood the assignment with this deeply bisexual fantasy novel involving the toils of revolution and the alluring call of the space between worlds. A world walking smuggler equipped with eyeliner as sharp as her energy blade and a cracking dye-job and a forest entity with antlers who is more than a little pathetic team up to take down their enemies, trying and failing to avoid romance in the process. As a fan of idiots to lovers and reluctant allies this book was already primed to be a hit for my reading tastes. But what makes Voidwalker so incredible isn't just MacLean’s two pathetic main characters and her select use of tropes, but in her soundly layered narrative. Integrating satisfying character arcs, romance, cross dimensional worlds, and an impeccably paced external plot, Voidwalker is fantasy honed to perfection. It’s also really really hot. Like SO hot. This book is for the readers who stare into the dark wishing the dark stared back…and was a hot forest demon equipped with antlers and claws with the disposition of a wet cat. Voidwalker is a dark, messy, romantic story—one that undoubtedly met my cravings but has me begging for more.

Am I now obsessed with monster romantasy?!
I was giggling from the get-go. I was in my feels - the funny, the deep, the painful. This was soft and sharp and vicious all at once.

Fi is a rainbow haired, spunky 32-year-old in the lucrative business of cross-Plane smuggling, able to travel across huge differences by cutting into doors most humans cannot see.
When her job goes wrong, she is offered as a sacrifice to the daeyari - carnivorous immortals who rule the humans and offer protection in exchange for sustenance. When Lord Antal and Fi discover betrayal, they strike up a bargain to help each other.

A cool magic system, protection, antlers, a tail, biting…
Would it be so bad, to be devoured?

<b>The middle of an argument with a carnivore: not the ideal time for discovering kinks.</b>

Fi is very good at pretending, a defence mechanism, masquerading as bravado. Aka my favourite kind of traumatised, sarcastic and biting heroine.

<b>‘Strength is easy to fake, Fionamara. Vulnerability is hard. Yet here you sit.’
</b>
Antal is scary until you find out he’s actually soft and tender and he needs to be hugged. Or to have a spunky human bite back. Figuratively… literally?

An amazing older brother. Hurt and comfort scenes. Easy queer normative rep. A Void Horse with a punny name. Hilarious chapter titles…
You will have a Void damned good time.

<b>‘Yet how odd, you assume all your folktales of devoured mortals end in death? There are other ways to enjoy flesh, Fionamara. Types of devouring that don’t work well as cautionary tales for misbehaving girls.’

‘I want to know you aren’t going to eat her,’ Boden said. Fi saw the response coming a mile away. Too slow to stop it.
‘Well,’ Antal drawled, ‘not unless she asks me to.’ Fi wondered what he’d look like reincarnated. After she murdered him, of course.
</b>
I will stop gushing now.

P.s. this is pretty different from The Phoenix Keeper, so go in knowing that!

Physical arc (still screaming) by Gollancz.