Wow, this book was special! One of my faves all year even though I prefer romcoms and light stuff. I am just getting into the genre y of my favourite authors is moving to it so maybe I just need more time.

It took me a moment to settle in because I am used to first person and I was worried I wouldn’t be able to connect, but I don’t want to be a lazy reader, and I did my best. So glad bc the opposite happened and I connected to SO MANY characters equally! I loved the multi-perspective story, especially the found family and I need to know what’s next, especially for Lark!

Corny to say, but reading this book made me feel smarter. So many of the indie books are good but some I tried this year were not. Not to be mean, but they’re always full of clichés. I get the tropes, but I have been feeling like I am just getting the same stories over and over again and it’s annoying. This book was different.

I WAS lazy about starting because I had so many preconceived notions, but I am so glad I challenged myself with this one. It was anything but boring, but yeah, it’s not a mindless read for sure. Pay attention and you will love it! Thank you so much to the author for giving me a chance to read this early! But it was quite spicy and steamy. I think I need to go back to romcoms for a bit next.

This! This right here held me and had me gripped from the start!

Our FMC feels out of place, an outcast from the world that she is currently in. And out of the blue, from what she thought was a dream, she is pulled into a new realm where she meets someone who looks exactly like her. There are secrets, magic, and such a strong plot with a bit of romance. I'm so invested within this story, I am so ready to see where it goes.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the ARC.

A thrilling adventure with a well-built world, interesting characters, a fast-moving and surprising plot, and a really cool take on all things Fae. The chapters are so gripping you’ll be turning the pages quickly, eager to find out what happens next. The characters are incredibly captivating, each one bringing something unique to the story. I can't wait for the next book to see where their journeys take them. Thank you to #netgalley and @serafoxe and @agencypressbooks for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

An incredible ride with great world-building, complicated and well-executed characters, a fast-paced and unpredictable plot, and a very creative take on a Faerish parallel universe.

This book was absolutely incredible! It gripped me and pulled me in immediately! The perfect fantasy book for any fantasy lover!
A five star read easily!

I rated this book 4.5 stars because it's super good. I really loved this plot. The story is fantastic and the characters are so good. So so good. Totally recommend!!!

I loved this book! It’s full of mystery, deception, and intertwining fates across worlds. It is a story that is hard to put down as you try to fill in the missing clues. I am looking forward to reading the next book!

This story sets the tone perfectly right from the opening, drawing readers into its gripping atmosphere.

The world-building is exceptional—unique yet entirely cohesive, making even the most unfamiliar settings feel natural. The characters are deeply relatable, with motivations that ground them in reality. While I wish their relationships had been explored more, there’s plenty of room for growth in future installments.

The twists and turns are masterfully executed, giving every character a meaningful role in the unfolding destiny. Although the plot was occasionally hard to follow, when everything clicked into place, it was brilliant. The subtle foreshadowing had me wanting to scream at the characters (in the best way).

This book was an absolute joy to read, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next!

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.

"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.

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.