ARC read! It’s out now!!
ARC Read! I am so blessed to be on the arc team for this series! This was a refreshing magic system that I really enjoyed reading. Lory lives in the slums of her city with her brother. She has no problem stealing food to keep her brother and herself alive. But one day her world getting flipped upside down. Now she finds herself at the gallows with a choice of death or going to the kingdoms most brutal military academy. While there, she figures out a dangerous secret about herself. Now she has to fight for her life with the help of just a few friends by her side, while the rest of the school wants her dead. Her trainer keeps looking at her like she is a ticking time bomb, but is there something bigger there? Slow burn 🔥 enemies to lovers 💕 Morally grey hero that falls first #bookrec #newbookseries #indiebooks #newfantasybooks #morallygreymen
Having recently finished this captivating read, I must say the unique magic system truly sets this series apart from typical fantasy novels. The vivid descriptions of settings and even smells immersed me completely into Lory's slums and the harsh military academy. The author's attention to detail made the world feel tangible, and the emotional depth of the characters kept me invested throughout. What resonated most was the complexity of Lory’s character—a morally grey heroine struggling to protect her brother and uncover her dangerous secret while navigating a hostile environment. The slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance added a satisfying layer of tension and growth, making the relationships feel authentic. The trials faced by the characters at Ashthorn Ward are brutal and well-crafted, challenging both their physical and mental limits. The mentor-mentee dynamics add warmth amidst the danger, providing hope and resilience. For those who appreciate richly built fantasy worlds with immersive sensory details and multi-dimensional characters, this series is a must-read. I’m eagerly anticipating the next installment and the unfolding of the secrets hinted at throughout. If you enjoy morally complex heroes, forbidden romance, and intense magic systems, this book will not disappoint.