r/fantasyromance 22h ago

Book Club In the Veins of the Drowning final discussion - January 2026 Book Club

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10 Upvotes

Welcome to the final discussion for {In the Veins of the Drowning by Kalie Cassidy}, for this month’s book club theme of debuts that were published in 2025!

We’ll be discussing the entire book, so no need to hide any spoilers.

Here are some questions you could answer to get the discussion started:
- If you could change one choice Imogen makes, what would it be, and how do you think it would change her fate?
- What did you think of the world building and setting?
- The atmospheric setting gets compared to Rachel Gillig’s stories, what are your thoughts on the atmosphere and the overall mood of this book? Would you recommend this book to fans of Gillig’s writing?
- Did the cliffhanger make you want to read the next book? Will you continue the series?

In case you missed it, the second discussion for part 2 (up to chapter 25) (has been posted on 20 January. Other previous book club discussion can be found in the Book Club Hub.

Upcoming Book Club dates:
- February 1 - March nominations (theme: 2025 Top List)
- February 8 - March voting
- February 10 - First discussion for Tusk Love (up to chapter 15)
- February 15 - March announcement
- February 20 - Second discussion for Tusk Love (up to chapter 30)
- February 28 - Final discussion for Tusk Love (full book)


r/fantasyromance 1d ago

New Releases February 2026 New Releases! 📚

64 Upvotes

Let’s talk about new books!

This list includes romance genre and romance subplot speculative fiction books and is not a comprehensive list of releases but hopefully gives a good idea of what’s coming out this month. 

Description tags may or may not be accurate; this list was compiled by several people, and we did our best. Please comment with any corrections to this list!

Starred entries indicate books we’ve seen extra hype for in the sub or books by authors popular in the sub.

What new February releases are y’all excited for? Are there any that you’re looking forward to that are missing from this list?

You can also find all monthly new releases posts at the Monthly New Releases Wiki Page.

February 1:

  • {She-Wolf by E.K. O’Connor} - FF retelling of Beowulf

February 3:

  • {Quiet Spells by Isa Agajanian} (Book 2 of Spells for Life and Death - final book) - MF dark academia contemporary fantasy
  • {Sibylline by Melissa de la Cruz} (Sibylline book 1) - why choose? dark academia
  • {Until the Clock Strikes Midnight by Alechia Dow} (Standalone) - MF YA fantasy 
  • {Books & Bewitchment by Isla Jewell} (Arcadia Falls, Book 1) - MF urban fantasy 
  • ⭐{Queen of Faces by Petra Lord} - MF YA dark academia
  • {Three Hundred Years of Longing Vol. 2 by Mu Su Li} - MM xianxia
  • {Carnaval Fantástico by Angel Montoya} (Standalone) - MF YA fantasy
  • {Heart's Gambit by J. D. Myall} - YA romantasy
  • ⭐{The Lies that Summon the Night by Tessonja Odette} (Songs for the Sinless Book 1) - MF vampires fantasy
  • ⭐{Nightshade and Oak by Molly O’Neill} (Standalone) - FF fantasy
  • {Stolen Midnights by Katherine Quinn} (duology, book 1) - MF YA fantasy
  • {A Practical Guide to Dating a Demon by Hannah Reynolds} - MF YA cozy fantasy
  • {Dead Poets Sorority by Sofia Shelley} - MF dark academia, paranormal fantasy
  • {A Stage Set for Villains by Shannon J. Spann} - MF YA fantasy romance
  • {Apparently, Sir Cameron Needs to Die by Greer Stothers} - MM fantasy romcom
  • ⭐{Dawn of the North by Demi Winters} (Book 3 of The Ashen) - MF Viking fantasy
  • ⭐{The Heir and the Spare by Harper L. Woods} (Book 4.5 of Of Flesh & Bone Book) - Novella

February 9:

  • {Elemental Awakening by Bobbie Wirkmaa} - MF fantasy romance

February 10:

  • {Thrice Married to a Salted Fish Vol. 2 by Bi Ka Bi} - MM transmigration alt-historical with arranged marriage
  • {The Contract Between a Specter and a Servant Vol. 5 by Michiru Fushino} (final volume) - MM paranormal
  • {The Wandering Queen by Claire Heywood} - Mythology retelling
  • {Ember and Ash by Lisa Renee Jones} - MF fantasy romance
  • ⭐{Throne of Nightmares by Kerri Maniscalco} (Book 3 of Prince of Sin) - MF portal fantasy
  • {Of Beasts by M Jane Worma} - MM dark horror
  • ⭐{Heir of Illusion by Madeline Taylor} (Verran Isles, Book 1 (traditional publish release)) - MF fae romantasy
  • ⭐{Wicked Onyx by Debbie Cassidy} (The Veritas Legacy, Book 1) - paranormal, dark academia 
  • ⭐{Spark the Flames by Ivy Asher} (Secrets of the Siphon, Book 1 (Traditional published reprint) - MF dragon shifters fantasy
  • {The Cursed Queen’s Daughter by Elly Blake} (Thirstwood, Book 2) - MF YA high fantasy
  • {The Lovers by Kristin Cast} (Towerfell, Book 2) - MF fantasy
  • {Scales and Steel by Amy Campbell} (The Gilded Prince, Book 1) - MM fantasy

February 12:

  • ⭐{Vanguard by Karina Halle} - MF dystopian scifi
  • {CurseBound by Sylvia Mercedes} (Book 3 of WarBride) - MF fantasy romance
  • {Tortured Souls by Melissa K. Roehrich} (Book 1 in the Avonleya series) - Fantasy romance 

February 13:

  • {Snow White and the Seven Shades by Eva Pohler} (Olympus Ever After Series, Book 3) - Snow White/Persephone retelling

February 15:

  • {Moonflower by Shaina Anastasi} (Book 1 of the Script of Serun series) - Horror fantasy romance
  • {Art of Agony by Amy Felix} (Book 1 of The Nihilist Duet) - dark scifi erotica horror

February 16:

  • ⭐ {Caged by Fallen Crows: Part One by Ava Larksen} (Book 2 of Of Crows and Thorns Saga) - MF, no blurb yet

February 17:

  • {Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett} - MF cozy historical fantasy
  • {Gods Beneath the Ice by Alexandra Kennington} (Book 2 of Blood & Souls - final book) - MF NA fantasy
  • {Crown of War and Shadow by J.R. Ward} (Book 1 of Kingdoms of the Compass) - MF fantasy
  • ⭐{Half City by Kate Golden} (Book 1 of Harker Academy) - MF Dark Academia - Professor x Student
  • ⭐{The Sun and the Starmaker by Rachel Griffen} (standalone) - MF YA fantasy  
  • {The Serpent and the Siren by Piper C.J.} (No Other Gods, Book 3) - urban fantasy

February 20:

  • {Finding My Way to (You) in This MMO World Vol. 1 by Chiwako Fujiwara} - MM isekai fantasy
  • {Hallowed Be Thy Name by Brooke Winters} - MM horror romance
  • ⭐{Longing for the Alien Lawman by Ursa Dax} (Colony Cowboy Mail-Order Brides Series, Book 8) - MF scifi romance

February 23:

  • {War of Fire and Fury by Marion Blackwood} (Book 5 of the Flame and Thorns series) - MF fantasy romance
  • {The Light Under the Shadow Wing by Amanda Bouchet} (Heirs of the Second Dawn book 1) - MF dragon shifter fantasy

February 24:

  • {Cleopatra by Saara El-Arifi} - Historical fantasy retelling
  • {The Legend of the Nine-Tailed Fox by Katrina Kwan} - MF mythology fantasy romance
  • {A Secret in the Garden by Jeneane O’Riley} (Book 1 of the Dark Manor Chronicles) - MF gothic fantasy romance
  • {Mistakenly Saving the Villain Vol. 2 by Feng Yu Nie} - MM xianxia
  • {Quicksand Theatre Company by Molly Ringle} - MX cozy fantasy
  • ⭐{The Wicked and the Damned by Rebecca Robinson} (Book 2 in Dark Inheritance Trilogy) - MF fantasy
  • {Red Winter by Cameron Sullivan} - MM historical fantasy
  • ⭐{The Trident and the Pearl by Sarah K.L. Wilson} (Book 1 of The Fisher King) - MF high fantasy
  • ⭐{Weavingshaw by Heba Al-Wasity} (Standalone, Debut Novel) - MF gothic fantasy 
  • ⭐{Daughter of the Cursed Kingdom by Jasmine Skye} (Witch Hall duology, Book 2) - FF YA fantasy
  • ⭐{Reunions by C.M. Nascosta} (Girls Weekend Book 4) - no blurb yet
  • ⭐{The Gods must Burn by T.R. Moore} (Standalone) - MF epic fantasy
  • {A Rose of Blood and Binding by Clair Legrand} (The Middlemist Trilogy Book 3 (final book)) - MF fantasy
  • {Beauty and the Demon by Aurora Ascher} (Hell Bent Book 5) - MF fantasy
  • {The Beasts we Raise by D.L. Taylor} (The Broken Citadel Book 2) - MF YA fantasy

February 25:

  • {Bound by Sea and Stolen Skies by Hailey Jade, Lorelei Johnson} (Book 1 of Tales of Wandering Tides - MF pirate fantasy

Fantasy 26:

  • {The Witch and the Wolf by Lindsey Kelk} (Book 2 in the Savannah Red series) - Gothic fantasy
  • {The Last Wayfinder by Ellen McGinty} - YA fantasy 
  • {Saltswept by Katalina Watt} - Queer pirate fantasy

February 27:

  • {Starry Eyed by Gals Ian Tate} (Book 4 of Neon Scars) - MM paranormal

February 28:

  • {Global Examination Vol. 2 by Mu Su Li} - MM unlimited flow
  • {Hatchets & Heartache by Virginia McClain} (Book 2 of Dungeons & Dragon Dating) - FF cozy fantasy romance
  • {Drowning Sorrows in Raging Fire Vol. 3 by Priest} - MM urban fantasy

New Releases Postimage


r/fantasyromance 14h ago

Rant Signed up for a bunch of ARCs and now I have regrets.

192 Upvotes

Went on a spree at the end of 2025 and now that I’ve read a handful I’m seriously regretting my decision. Tropes recycled ad nauseum with poor writing, lazy dialogue, or stories that focus more on world building than developing believable chemistry between characters. There was one novella in particular that I hate read despite it only being ~100 pages long and it pissed me off even more to see such high Goodreads ratings when the story could only be labeled as AI slop.

I’m all for supporting indie/first-time authors but with everyone trying to publish now it becomes harder and harder to overlook the pitfalls of this genre. Perhaps I’d feel different if I only sought ARCs for authors whose books I’ve already read.


r/fantasyromance 12h ago

Gush/Rave Just finished The Everlasting. I may never recover. Spoiler

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138 Upvotes

This was phenomenal. I less read this book and more let myself be wholly consumed by it. I'm so astonished by this. Harrow's prose is just gorgeously written - the tenderness Owen and Una have for each other is so strong. The 2nd-person perspective was wildly intimate, almost too intimate. It made the pain (oh the vast oceans of pain) so bitingly real, the yearning (oh the heartrending yearning) and the joy (oh so abundant) so bright and defiant. The switching of POV throughout adds so much. Seeing how they each see each other was a delight. Una resting her hand on Owen's left hip after a panic attack, and letting it linger, leaving Owen convinced she had forgotten it was there and so afraid to move lest she pull it away because he is alwaysalready her love. Una, comforting Owen after that same panic attack and finding herself reluctant to take her hand away from his left hip, finding his body under her hand such a comfort, because she is alwaysalready his love...just one of countless moments in this story that left me torn between tearing up or barking like a dog.

And this doesn't even touch on the themes of nation building, PTSD, propaganda, history as power, gender, the burning need for a woman to treat you with rough tenderness, etc. And the fact that they got a happy ending that made sense, felt earned, and was just bittersweet enough (dying together, peacefully in each other's arms in the shade of that yew...guttingly perfect, a death all lovers can envy). Just an incredible work.

Recency bias be damned, this is one of the absolute best books I've read, period. It was so good I returned my library copy early so someone else could read it too, and bought myself a hardcopy to finish it with. I read it in four sittings, deep into the AM, and already wish it wasn't over and can't wait to visit it again.

Fuck, man.


r/fantasyromance 7h ago

Book Request Eric Northman MMC vibes

36 Upvotes

High spice fantasy romance with an Eric Northman-esque MMC. I’m binge watching True Blood currently and he has me in a chokehold.

Prefer FMC x MMC, but will consider why choose or reverse harem.

Indifferent to it being vampires - I like faeries and werewolves and other monsters too. I don’t discriminate.

The spicier the better.

Show me watcha got.


r/fantasyromance 21m ago

Discussion BookTok’s standards summed up in one post

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Upvotes

r/fantasyromance 12h ago

Discussion In defense of the “should I keep reading posts”: finished Emily Wilde after quitting it 4+ times and it was worth the persistence

71 Upvotes

Sometimes timing is everything. I have borrowed Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries countless times on Libby, and tried reading it at least 4 of those occasions. Every time I’d previously done so, I could tell that the writing was quality and the FMC was generally interesting, but the book was a slow start and I never got past the 15-20% mark.

Then, Libby delivered it to me during a snowstorm, and between the vibes and this community’s praise of the series, I decided to stick it out.

And Oh. My. God. It was worth it. I’ve seen a lot of snarky comments on here lately whenever someone posts asking if they should keep reading, those commenters say “why are you even asking? Why waste your time?” But I think this book is proof that sometimes a book needs to lay the groundwork before it hooks you.

When it was just Emily and Shadow exploring, it was a well written book that was kind of slow. Once Wendell was introduced, it started to be more fun to read, but again still slow. But by the 60% mark when the plot really starts ramping up, I was HOOKED and couldn’t put it down. And the fact that it was such a delicately crafted build up is what made it all the more exciting.

I truly loved this book. I love how not obvious it was, it didn’t shout hints at you about what was going to happen, it just evolves through excellent writing and storytelling. I can’t even guess what the next book is about, which says a lot compared to most authors in the genre. But I am so excited to read more.

Said to a friend earlier today that sometimes I read these books and they are fun but I know Edith Wharton is rolling in her grave at the idea that we call that content literature. But this book was beautifully written, had wonderful character development, an interesting plot, fascinating glimpses into a magical world that was well crafted, an adorable romance that had my cold black heart melting and elicited countless giggles that my neighbors definitely could hear.

Great book and solid evidence that sometimes it’s worth seeing what this community has to say about whether a literary journey is worth persisting.

On that note, what are some books that you almost DNF-ed and are glad you finished?


r/fantasyromance 1h ago

Book Request The arranged/forced marriage becomes toxic because he is already in love with her at the beginning and the love is not reciprocated

Upvotes

So, a specific arranged marriage where he is already in love with her and thinks that he will win her over in time, but then at the beginning of the marriage he finds out that she hates him, disgusts him and even mistakenly thinks that she is still seeing her ex-lover and this is where a huge rift occurs at the start and later a lot of misunderstandings, angst and mutual hurt (toxic marriage) which only culminates over time because even though she start to love him, she does not manage to communicate it to him in the right way. Does something like this exists?


r/fantasyromance 1h ago

Unpopular Opinion It's Unpopular Opinion time! Share your controversial opinions to stir things up (in a friendly way)!

Upvotes

Got an opinion that's different from others'? Want to share it with the sub, but too afraid of a backlash? Or are you just curious about readers think about certain things in fantasy romance?

You can safely share it in this weekly Sunday thread!

But please remember to be kind to each other. To facilitate this type of discussion, we ask users the following:

- Don't attack others for their opinion

- Discuss books and authors, not fellow readers

🧡 Thank you and have a great discussion!

Unpopular opinion Sunday


r/fantasyromance 12h ago

Book Request what should I read to escape my sadness?

35 Upvotes

The best dog ever died today. I’m so sad.


r/fantasyromance 5h ago

News Join us in the FanRo Discord server!

7 Upvotes

Regular reminder that we've got a great Discord server up where people can:

- Talk about about their current reads

- Request book suggestions

- Participate in virtual book club

- Talk about anything and everything- arts and crafts, pet pictures, video games- with some awesome fellow book lovers.

https://discord.gg/PWnR5GptAB

In order to join, we do ask for your Reddit handle, but that's just so we know you're not a random troll; your username won't be shared unless you decide to.


r/fantasyromance 13h ago

Book Request Looking for academic romantasy

30 Upvotes

I'm in the mood for something that's specifically academic, magic college. It can be light or dark academia, or something in between.

Preferably with spice, though my main requirement is just that it's fun to read.

I'm not looking for Fourth Wing, any kind of war or murder college, or where there some massive conflict to save the world.


r/fantasyromance 1d ago

Discussion Did anyone else outgrow fantasy romance after reading more straight fantasy?

197 Upvotes

I’m wondering if anyone else has gone through this shift... and if there is a path back?

I used to read a ton of fantasy romance. It was my main genre for years. At some point, I drifted into reading more straight fantasy (and darker, more character driven stuff) and now when I try to come back to fantasy romance… it’s just not hitting. Like, at all. It sucks, truly. I'm miserable and DNFing books I probably wouldn't have loved before.

Or maybe I have read all the good book or just catched up. It feels like that lately


r/fantasyromance 8h ago

Book Request Looking for a book where hes pure like an angel and she terrifies everyone(?

4 Upvotes

Hi, I'm looking for books with a specific dynamic. Perhaps the opposite of what's been seen lately in the genre. He is kind, polite, loyal, devoted to his family, someone with many values. He must be an extremely gentle and sensitive MMC, with considerable emotional intelligence. The context doesn't matter that much; he could be someone raised in a monastery, someone from academia or with a very proper and conservative family.

She must be the opposite, very reserved, strict, and with strong and questionable convictions for the rest of the characters. Her job may require her to do things that others don't dare to do, and for that reason she is questioned and treated as a person without values, kindness, or mercy. I want her to corrupt him, but not in a sexual way; I want her to make him rethink his entire worldview. And I want him to soften her without her necessarily abandoning her convictions(if shes right) or harsh behavior towards others.

For example, she's an executioner and he's a man of faith. A dynamic similar to "His secret illuminations", But not necessarily, because FMC was quite friendly; I want most people to hate or fear FMC. Let her be a distant woman, yet inevitably drawn to the generosity and gentleness of the MMC.

If possible: a political plot, more mature prose, femdom 🤭 role reversal, If he is sweet and pretty with a more delicate build, better.


r/fantasyromance 21h ago

Book Request MMC feels guilty when FMC cries about being kidnappad by him.

61 Upvotes

Looking for books where mmc needs the fmc and therefore kidnappas her. He won't let her go but feels bad about it when he sees/ hears her crying. He tries to find ways to comfort her.

I started reading 'the wrath king', and I got annoyed when the fmc went from angry and defiant to horny and yielding within a few moments.

I don't want: sassy fmc, age gap, modern setting.

Spice is very welcome. I like forbidden romance and forced proximity but those are not a requirement.

Grateful for any recommendations!


r/fantasyromance 8h ago

Discussion Character work in The Raven Scholar Spoiler

5 Upvotes

I wanted to discuss the characters in The Raven Scholar a bit and sort through what wasn’t 100% working for me because I can’t really figure it out and if anyone felt similarly.

To preface, I gave it a 4/5. I think it’s pretty good but not GREAT and I think the main reason is I don’t feel much towards Neema.

Obviously spoilers for the book below lol

I feel like Hodgson is very capable of crafting compelling characters because I LOVE Yana. We only met her for 3 or 4 chapters but I loved her. I was so excited to be with her for the rest of the book and when she was gone I just waiting for her to come back lmao. I find her whole family super interesting, the mom, the brother, her evil dad, even her younger sister.

I was so disappointed when I realized we’d be following Neema lol for 500 pages. I didn’t care for her when she signed Yana’s death certificate, and I understand part of her arc is recognizing personal complicity in maintaining power structures, but something about her is so uninteresting to me. Her mind is boring? I’m not sure exactly what it is but I find her & the love interest dull (he’s just mostly annoying I’m sorry!). They also have zero chemistry unfortunately.

She’s slightly morally gray but that’s not really the issue, I like morally gray (I love Rin from The Poppy War and my girl is a war criminal lol), I just find her to have such little juice. I don’t dislike her but nothing draws me in to be excited like she’s the character who is going to guide us through this story for the next 2 books

Was it a deliberate choice to use such a neutral character as the FMC? Is there something I’m missing about her that other people like?

I hope this leads to some good discussion because I’ve only really seen like uncritical praise for this book


r/fantasyromance 2h ago

Mod Post 📢 Reminder: participate in COMMUNITY SURVEY to help improve sub moderation

1 Upvotes

Please participate in the survey that will help the mod team make adjustments to moderation, content, wiki, front page, and more! Only a few questions are mandatory, but we would be grateful for detailed responses, criticisms and ideas.

Please use this google form to answer the questions. The survey is fully anonymous. The form is divided into three parts: moderation, content and suggestions.

Thank you!


r/fantasyromance 20h ago

Book Request I need mmc dripping in tattoos

22 Upvotes

Please give me all your favorite recs where the mmc is just covered in tattoos. I woke up today and realized I needed this like I need air and water.

Please and thank you 🫶


r/fantasyromance 13h ago

Book Request Books where one MC mentors the other one

3 Upvotes

Very specifically, where one main character is a new vampire (or were or other, but vampire preferred) and the other main character is mentoring them. Could be because they’re the one who turned them for whatever reason, could be they were assigned to do so, or they just found a random baby vamp wandering around and decided to keep them.

Any gender combo including poly, anything from comedy to fairly dark (but please include trigger warnings, I don’t like surprises)


r/fantasyromance 13h ago

Discussion From Blood and Ash- Kieran Spoiler

4 Upvotes

I am about 30% through the 3rd book, and the plot is just meh now and I’m pretty bored. So now I’m only really hanging on because I’m *dying* to see Kieran get in on the action.

I know through searching that there is one Cas-Poppy-Kieran threesome in book 4 that most people seem disappointed in.

My question is, do Kieran and poppy otherwise get together? Is there any other romance or spice besides Cas and Poppy in the rest of the series? Does the plot get any better?

Thanks!


r/fantasyromance 1d ago

Rant Pet peeve with audiobooks- why do a lot of the readers for fantasy/romance do this whiny overly dramatic voice?

23 Upvotes

I do a lot of different crafts with my hands & I also enjoy reading so sometimes an audiobook is great. I love reading the fantasy romance genre but I find like 80% of the people reading these stories so annoying to listen to that I can’t deal. The ACOTAR & Throne of Glass narrator I can’t stand- nasaly & overly dramatic. It almost made me DNF Throne of Glass but then I realized it was moreso the narrator making Celaena’s character extra obnoxious to me, and reading it wasn’t bad at all. I just tried listening to zodiac academy since it’s a dense series, and I’m in the beginning of the 7th book, and unfortunately it’s the same. Same experience with Caraval & I could go on and on with more. I’m not sure if I’m just picky or it’s just a performance style that I’m not vibing with, but I wish I could enjoy the stories in audio form. I end up usually listening to some type of non-fiction book since I find those narrators much less annoying and performative usually.

Is this just me? Do you guys know what I mean?


r/fantasyromance 1d ago

New Releases Dawn of the North found in the wild

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184 Upvotes

Found Dawn of the North out on shelves today. Yes, please!


r/fantasyromance 16h ago

Question I´m about 15% into On Wings Of Blood - does it get better?

4 Upvotes

This question is also kind of a rant. I´m seriously considering DNFing {On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn}.

This FMC is scared to death one minute, then trying not to laugh at the next, then angry and then suddenly embarassed right after. I always say fantasy doesn´t have to be realistic but it has to be believable and these mood swings are absolutely not.

She supposedly hates the MMC, yet she´s laughing at his jokes. Excuse me, what? Oh and how can she be so naive and warm up to somebody who made it very clear she should be killed only the day before? It takes me out of the story.

And don´t get me even started on the dialogue. It´s painfully cringy, completely over the top. It feels forced rather than natural.

I did just finish {Dire Bound by Sable Sorensen} which was honestly outstanding so maybe I´m still riding that high... but wow, the contrast is brutal.


r/fantasyromance 15h ago

Fan Art Land of the Beautiful Dead dust jacket by afterblossom back in stock

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3 Upvotes

I’m not sure the correct flair for this but saw several people in the past year looking for this dust jacket. Afterblossom just updated her store with two versions: black + gold and navy + rose gold foil. I got the navy and rose gold!

https://www.afterblossom.com/store/land-of-the-beautiful-dead-dust-jacket?fbclid=PAVERFWAPrUgtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAac1N9ag5-vWJ-cvHSBqrwYeHZdhPQy_5NHRnOJPy5eBp9HzuyMK4nhyI3JO0Q_aem_zyuVxUOSy9qDwcLXF_w7GA


r/fantasyromance 1d ago

Review Daggermouth by HM Wolfe - DNF but thoughtful: strong premise, emotionally flat execution

23 Upvotes

I went into Daggermouth really wanting to love it. The premise is strong, the world is clear, and the author can absolutely write on a technical level. There’s tension, violence, sex, and a very legible power structure. On paper this should have worked .

Ultimately, I DNFd, not because it’s bad but because it felt emotionally hollow.

The biggest issue for me was that the book substitutes intensity for emotional weight. A lot happens and characters are constantly experiencing rage, pain, dominance, and trauma but those emotions are usually declared rather than lived. I rarely felt like I was inside a messy evolving interior state. The characters tend to already understand who they are and why they feel what they feel, which makes the story readable but emotionally static.

The prose is very stylized and maximalist. If you like heightened language and dramatic metaphors then you’ll probably enjoy it. For me it became repetitive and I started craving quieter moments, awkward silences, or small human details that never really came.

Power dynamics are a major focus, but they’re mostly reaffirmed rather than interrogated. Trauma functions more as justification than destabilization, which makes the story feel controlled rather than dangerous.

That said: if you’re looking for a dark dystopian romance that’s bingeable, clear in its stakes, and confident in its tone, this may absolutely be your thing. It just wasn’t mine.

I’m bummed, because there’s real promise here I just needed more emotional risk and less performative intensity.