Loved everything about this book! The story, characters, the choice of focusing on the development of a friendship over the usual relationship angle. Amazing! Beyond excited for the second instalment.

This was definitely a unique read with the beast being the first POV we get when reading. I wish this book had take a different plot path at the end but I feel it was the authors wish to go that way.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this eArc!

This was very interesting! Fantastical and psychic elements but without falling into certain tropes. I did however find the MC hard to connect with- but that might just be me! This was a great book!!

Thank you to Netgalley and The Parliament House for granting me an early ARC of this book. Sadly, this failed to resonate with me and I DNF'ed at 20%. :c

Lyss is an aspiring warrior in hopes to exact revenge against her parents' killer, but when she gets bonded to a monster known as a rarkyn, both of them need to learn how to break the pact or risk Lyss being driven to madness.

I really wanted to like this book — the worldbuilding and magical system was very interesting and the concept of begrudging familiar and unwilling master is one of the fave tropes I like to read, but somehow,I couldn't find myself connecting emotionally for any of the characters. I also felt a bit lost with some of the magical terms sometimes, and I had to keep referring back to my notes.

While it does serve an action-packed punch from the start, the momentum of the story's pacing wasn't able to sustain my attention and motivation to continue the story.

This is one book that should be at the top of every fantasy lover's TBR!

The Rarkyn's Familiar hits the ground running very early on and doesn't let up until the very end. The last 20% of the book had me on the edge of my seat, and the epilogue had me wishing book two was already out and loaded onto my Kindle. I can't recommend this book enough. It's high stakes woven perfectly with a dual coming-of-age tale and a magic system, unlike anything you’ve read before. Stories like this keep me reaching for indie titles over and over again.

I couldn't get enough of the relationship between Lyss and Skaar. What begins as a forced bond between enemies slowly transforms into something like "I'm sticking with you out of need" and then morphs into "we are in this together" so beautifully. The book starts with two POVs, Lyss and Skaar. At first, I was concerned because the two travel together for most of the story. I thought there was no way I could read a book told through their eyes when they are literally right next to each other. Lee proved me wrong on that one. Not only did it work perfectly, but other POVs are introduced later on that amplify the story effortlessly. I won't mention the other POVs in any detail, as I do think not knowing is better for the progression of the story. Just know that every character has their own motives, and you'll find yourself sympathizing with each and every one of them.

I highly recommend this book for fans of: high fantasy, complex & multiple magic systems, non-human characters, companions, fast-paced plots, worldbuilding rich with history, and characters you hate to love.

Maybe I was just tired when I was reading, but I got lost in the terms and names right at the beginning and never really got it sorted out. Is this phrase a colloquial expression? Someone’s name? Magic runes? Or a deity?

The story unfolds in the dual POV of Lyss, a girl trained in magics but with better sword skills and a simmering desire for revenge, and Skaar, a magical being known as a rarkyn (don’t ask me what that means, cause I dunno).Through happenstance and mischance, the two end up bound together, starting Lyss on her path to finding her parents’ killer and what her real place is in the world (what Skaar wants, again, I dunno).

This one wasn’t for me, but there’s immediate action, mysterious magic and creatures and lore, and endearing childhood friends, plenty to entice a reader looking for the story of unwilling partners struggling with each other and the world to get what they want.

DNF at 20%.

**Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC**

Thanks to NetGalley & The Parliament House for the copy in exchange for an honest review. Sadly, I DNF'ed at 30% of the way through.

Lyss is having a great life until she's unfortunately bonded with a magical monster otherwise known as a Rarkyn. Now, both of them have to untangle the magical bond before it's too late and Lyss is driven to madness.

This book has everything I'd like but--it's missing some emotional connection with the characters. Its worldbuilding and magic system is very strong, I still couldn't connect with it. I feel bad about it though, the writing is comprehensive the magic system is something I haven't seen before. Other people who enjoy dark adult fantasy will most likely enjoy the story.

If you’re a fan of books like Mistborn, and The Witcher this book is for you! Like those, The Rarkyn’s familiar is not a light read, but one that you need to read slowly to really absorb. I don’t mean that it’s boring though. It’s a great book!

Lyss has her own reasons for training and wanting revenge; they keep her going but she’s not a cruel person and has formed meaningful relationships with those around her. When she and the rarkyn, who is someone I would die for, go on their journey to separate their link, they’re both able to be gentle with each other despite what has happened to them.

What a pleasant surprise this was! Anyone who's read my previous reviews (or even just glances at my reading history, honestly) knows that I'm not the biggest fan of YA. I am, however, a big fan of The Rarkyn's Familiar.

I saw somewhere that this book has been in the works since 2006, and it definitely shows (in a good way). The worldbuilding is intricate and complex and yet, very easy to understand! Usually, when I read a book with lots of original terms/phrases, I find myself going back to reread certain parts or wishing I had a glossary to help navigate the narrative. But with this book, the terms were surprisingly easy to pick up - even without the characters explaining them in the dialogue right away. Which, to me, seems like a tricky thing to do as a writer, so props to Nikky Lee for that!

On top of the immersive worlds of Terresmir and the Otherworld are the characters who are just as complex! Lyss, our orphaned main character, finds herself suddenly bound to Skaar, an aetherling creature known as a rarkyn. This bond and her connection to Skaar's magic will eventually drive her mad - but she's determined not to let it stop her from avenging her father's death. She's a stunning character full of grit and determination.

While Skaar is an entirely different species, he does share one thing with Lyss that brings them together: loss. And while they navigate their magical bond and individual experiences with grief, they find a different kind of bond along the way.

All of the characters in the book are so likable! Because of the multiple POV, even the villains of the story don't come across as true villains. Every character is a shining example of how the world is not colored in only black and white and how past experiences can change a person's view on what's right and wrong.

Another thing that I absolutely loved about this book was the imagery! Every scene comes across so colorfully - especially the fighting and action scenes!! Seriously, the last 20% of the book was so engaging - I couldn't put it down and I found myself holding my breath on more than one occasion! You might imagine that the book is full of paragraphs of scenic descriptive dialogue, but once again, that is surprisingly not the case. Nikky Lee gives us just enough to build the bare bones of the scene. I felt like it allowed me to fill in the gaps with my own imagination, and let me tell you, the scenes playing in my mind were WILD. Yet another writing ability that can be tough - to have a story be so immersive without exorbitant descriptors.

If I had to provide some kind of critique, it would be that I wished there was a bit more history for the characters. Don't get me wrong, we're given a lot, especially in the trauma they've experienced in the past - but I think including a few more anecdotes unrelated to their loss would have really rounded them out.

Overall, it's a marvelous first book! There are so many questions left unanswered, but the story's end is clearly just the beginning. Can't wait for book two!

Rating: 4.5/5 stars rounded up to 5!

Thank you, NetGalley and IPG, for the e-book in exchange for an honest review!

Link to Goodreads review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4756776101

The Rarkyn's Familiar by Nikky Lee is an epic fantasy perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo, Holly Black, or Sarah J. Mass. This book has all the ingredients of an Epic Fantasy. Detailed world building, interesting characters, devious magic, and tons of action made this book an interesting read but I felt disconnected from the characters and couldn't really get into it. I thought Lyss was a dynamic MC and I liked her perseverance through the book. Three stars from me due to confusing storyline at times and slow pacing.

I really had no idea what to expect going into this but I found the premise to be intriguing. I was really pleasantly surprised by this book and the level of world building in it. I really enjoyed delving into the different layers of the world and slowly learning about the politics and different types of magic. I also thought it was a pretty mature book with mature themes, which I always like. Overall, I thought that there was a lot of chemistry between the two main characters, I liked their banter back and forth a lot. I would definitely recommend this book to adult fantasy fans, it was dark and gritty with very fascinating world building.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I was blown away by this book. It has the closeness of a magical-psychic-bond without the tropes of a romance. Instead, that closeness and friendship is used to work through character arcs and themes of letting people in.

Check out my full video review at: https://youtu.be/Ds-Kr7YsD78

Lyss is training in magic and the sword to become strong enough to kill her father’s murderer. Skaar is a magical monster who has recently escaped from captivity. When they collide, they accidentally get tangled up in a blood pact that both forces them to stick together and is likely to drive them insane.

I think the moment when I fully realized how magnificent this book is this: we are introduced to a new POV character. He is likeable and relatable. Then we figure out that he is our villain. And his Point of View chapters throughout the book were utilized just as well as that first one, both to help us understand him and to up the stakes for the protagonists.

This book is rich with character development and dramatic moments. The emotional moments with the characters are wonderfully balanced with action scenes and a quest. I loved every scene from beginning to end. Even more impressively, this book wraps up nicely while also leaving room for an engaging sequel.

Thanks to The Parliament House and Netgalley for a copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.

When I pick up a book I’m expecting an immersive adventure, an escape, somewhere to get away from the world. This book gave me just that. The beautiful writing style and beautiful world I stepped into gave me such an adventure and such a vivid experience that can only be shared by reading the words yourself! What a GREAT read! HIGHLY recommend to everyoneee! Perfect the lover of Sarah J. Mass TOG series and fantasy lovers!

Thank you to NetGalley and The Parliament House Publishing for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

The Rarkyn's Familiar follows Lyss in her quest to sever her connection to the rarkyn, Skaar. It's a dangerous journey, as Lyss would be in significant trouble if caught with him, and people would pay good money to eat Skaar's eyes to gain the gift of second sight.

Magic isn't banned in this world, but it is tightly controlled. Magic is worked by runes, and there are only certain runes that are government approved. People are able to summon creatures from the Otherworld, but you are not allowed to summon above your station. Very powerful creatures are only allowed to be summoned by high ranking mancers, and there are few, if any, mancers who are allowed to tie themselves to a rarkyn.

This book is full of morally grey characters and interesting magic, and it ends in a pretty epic battle. There were times when it felt a bit young to me, but I can't really articulate why, perhaps the author's voice. I would have liked some more character development, but again, this is part of a trilogy so hopefully that's coming up. I feel like there is a lot left to explore. The magic system needs to be more fully fleshed out. I also want to know about Lyss' bloodlines. Who were her parents? What's the deal with the crown and the order? There are a few mysteries left to be untangled in the coming books. I'm interested to see where it all goes.

“The Rarkyn’s Familiar” is incredible, and I cannot wait for the rest of the series!!! The book follows Lyss, a skilled swordsman seeking vengeance, as she is suddenly thrown into a race against time trying to preserve her sanity following an unlucky encounter with a rarkyn. As an avid fantasy reader, I was blown away by the uniqueness of this world and all its creatures and magics. This book has all the essential elements — the writing is descriptive and engaging, the plot is quick paced and action packed, and the characters are interesting and complex. I can’t wait for the rest of this series and to follow along their adventures!

This took a long time for me to get through and I could not connect with the MC.

The author has created a very interesting magic system. Nikky has also crafted a very unique magical world that has philosophical tones in regards to man and monsters, good vs evil.

I personally was not as engrossed to the story, but that being said, there is something very special to this world, writing and plot, that I think this will capture quite a few readers' hearts

Thank you to NetGalley and Independent Publishers Group for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The story caught my attention from the first page. The author is extremely talented, and the world building is top notch.

The Rarkyn’s Familiar is perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo, Sarah J. Mass, and Miyazaki.

Intricate magic systems, dynamic characters, action packed scenes, and fascinating bonds will draw you in and leave you wanting more. The elegant prose and cinematic world are incredible and not to be missed! I can’t wait for the next book in the trilogy!

This book has been in the making since 2006! Funny enough, that’s when I was born too. Not to be dramatic, but it’s almost like I’ve been waiting my whole life for this.

This is easily my best book of the year!


Original review posted on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4629504078



Most of the arc’s I get (thank you, NetGalley) are debuts, like The Rarkyn’s Familiar. And with most, you notice that.


But this absolutely blew me away.

Lyss accidentally bonds herself to a rarkyn, an aetherling, a monster. What she doesn’t know is that he’s lost everyone dear to him too young, too. And when they find themselves trapped together, all they want is out.

A story of a girl and a monster trying to break their pact, whilst being chased by worse. Who will get where first?


The beautiful writing has enough YA in it to suck you in its fast-paced plot and has enough charm and allure to make the world feel as magical as it is.

The world has a Tolkien-like vibe to it, but a kind I much more enjoyed. Every monster, aetherling and magic was strangely unique and balanced.

(My favorite aetherling, besides Skaar, of course, is probably the Smarokk. They are the bugs and critters of the Otherworld: Small, perhaps a bit stupid, but mostly adorable with their little shadowy figures and piercing lights for eyes.)

It also lays its seeds for the later parts in the trilogy (which, off topic, I can’t wait for!) where, I’m guessing, politics and higher beings will be at play!


The world will draw you in, for sure, but it’s characters will make you stay. Lyss is sweet and fierce (and scared) and couldn’t be a better match for the rarkyn, who is kind of a softie behind all that trauma.

Another thing this book does extremely well is multiple pov’s. I like my books with multiple perspectives (especially from the main crew), but this book took it a step further and makes you feel for its villain, who is genuinely tragic.

These characters form real complicated relationships with each other and it makes you feel for them. Even if it goes against your moral code or the other characters you’re rooting for.

The Con
The only thing Nikky Lee wasn’t prepared for was my own stupidity. When I read YA I like to tune the working part of my brain out and just gobble up (like they say in my mother-tongue) pre-chewed words. Nikky Lee forces you to think, to put the pieces together yourself and pay attention.

I actually liked that in a way: All the more chance I’ll remember the details vividly. It did take some getting used to and some frustration learning how to focus.


And now please, GIVE ME THAT SEQUAL!


TW: Flashback on-page parent death, flashback on-page sibling death, lots of gore, beheading, injury, lots of blood, (no major character) death.

(Thank you Nikky Lee, the publisher and NetGalley for this amazing copy of The Rarkyn’s Familiar!)

The Rarkyn’s Familiar was a phenomenal read. The writing and world building was exceptional. This was one of the best books I’ve read in a while and I can’t wait to read the next books. I loved the characters, the magic, the world building, the multiple POV’s, honestly everything. I will definitely read this again as I thoroughly enjoyed it.

If you love strong female protagonists, you will enjoy The Rarkyn’s Familiar. The author, Nikky Lee, does an amazing job with world building. I would consider this book to be High Fantasy. I was a bit confused at times with the terminology, but it didn’t take long to catch on and entirely lose myself within this book.

The story begins with Lyss, an orphan burdened by watching her father be executed. While hunting with Hane and Darrin, two brothers from the camp, an accident occurred that left Lyss in a blood pact with a rarkyn, Skaar. A rarkyn is a creature with magic from the Otherworld flowing through it. After being bonded, they must join forces to find a way to break the pact. Though the journey may not be easy or kind for Lyss and Skaar.

With that being said…

The Rarkyn’s Familiar does a great job at defining the word “monster”. Lee does a brilliant job at making the reader wonder who the true monster is. Lee’s writing style makes this book a very intriguing read. It is very descriptive and makes you feel as though you are almost walking into the book.

These characters are written beautifully. Our leading protagonists, Lyss and Skaar, have a lot of depth to their characters. Their motives are clear and descriptive. Although they must work together, they don’t entirely trust one another. Even the antagonist’s motives were clear and somewhat understandable. Throughout this book, you’ll realize that evil isn’t black and white. There is no pure evil or pure goodness and I love the way Lee captures this concept perfectly.

Overall, The Rarkyn’s Familiar was a very fun, intriguing read and left me wanting to see what comes next in the following book.

Thank you The Parliament House and NetGalley for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review.