I read this book a while back and forgot to post my review! I really enjoyed reading this, I love an enemies to lovers and this did not disappoint! I can’t remember too much of the detail now but I struggled to put this down, however now the next one is out I may have to reread!

There were definitely some pros and cons with this book, but overall I'd say that I enjoyed it. The story, overall, was well written and there's a lot of character/world building and development. While I appreciate the vividness, at times it made the plot confusing. I don't mind multiple POV's, but I think the author could work on the execution of this for future books. I think the plot was engaging, premise was intriguing and characters were likable. The ending was surprising and I would be interested in reading the next book!

Carved Amidst The Shadows by M.T Fontaine is such a well written read, it’s immersive, fast paced and addictive, I don’t think I could pinpoint anything I didn’t like at all, I did think it was a little slower for the first third or so, but that’s to be expected with the world building in the first book of any fantasy series, but this was no info dump, it was an intelligent and gradual development, I loved the background of the society set up.

The character development is brilliant, our FMC Kaianne is a wonderful, strong lead, I loved the journey I took with her and how natural it felt. I also really liked Andreiyes our MMC, he is charming, loyal and fiercely protective of those he cares for, but I loved Kaianne the most. There is some romance in this, but it isn’t the main focus of the story and it’s slow burn , which I absolutely adore, it’s my favourite.

The story itself was fast paced after the world building set up, it’s full of action, rebellion, revenge and so much tension, I was on the edge of my seat and didn’t leave it until the end. Speaking of the ending, that made me pay attention, now I need more and I want the next book so badly, because I think it’s going to be just as good, if not better than this, which is a fantastic debut to begin with!

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

Carved Amidst the Shadows is the first book in an explosive new fantasy series and sets the roots for a fantastic new series to grow from.
We follow Kaianne, whose entire family was murdered all because her infant brother was born 'flawed'. Kaianne then found a group of rebels and has since been training her entire life to get her revenge. I loved the word building in this book and how the author has cleverly written enough to fulfil the story but leave it open to further explanations, plotting, and building. As a debut, this was fantastic, and I can't wait for book two to see where it takes us! This had some of my favourite tropes, too - slow burn romance and enemies to lovers. After that cliffhanger of an ending, I'm hoping book two isn't too far off release!

This was an incredibly well written book. The MC is written amazing - her character development is exceptionally done and I loved how naturally it all progress - from all the past trauma with her family and her spoiled being to her path of revenge, being a fighter.
Worldbuilding was well written to get into quickly and get used to it. It was also quite immersive, which I appreciate. The romance part of this book is a slow burn and I am a sucker for those, so I definitely quite enjoyed that. I enjoyed the plot twists and betrayals in the story, I quite liked some of the characters in it, with, of course, some exceptions. Although, to be fair, I think it's impossible to write a book where every single character you're meant to like, you actually do.
I loved the fast pace and action packed story. I love revenge plots, so this was right up my alley. I'd be interested in reading more!

DNF at 8%

This book is so badly written, oh my lord. The author simply tried to hard to make it sound like an old royalty novel.
Not to talk about the fact that I could barely keep track of what was going on and I've only read 8% of the book... I just couldn't continue reading this disaster.

This is a wild fantasy story with complex characters and world. I found it engaging and I was hooked from the beginning. There were some slow-paced parts, but it did a good job of balancing the story. The writing was good, I found it easy to follow, it had good descriptions and enough detail to really paint a picture of this world without feeling like info dumping. The idea about being born with a certain mark was very interesting and unique. The book cover is beautiful and really drew me in, the story was what was really captivating. The romance aspects of this story and relationship were pretty good, I am hoping for a little more in book two. I would really recommend checking out this series out. It was a great first book and I can't wait for the next book to come out.
I received this advanced ebook, via Netgalley. This review is my own honest opinion.

This was a good read i really enjoyed it and loved the writing and all the characters definitely couldn't put it down

An epic fantasy that promises revenge and brings you found family along the way.

+ Slowburn
+ Enemies to Lovers
+ Forced Proximity
+ Betrayal
+ Found Family

I came for the promise of noble turned orphan that gets revenge and stayed for the fantastic world building. Fantasy can come off as info dump heavy, especially in the first book in a series. This managed to be beautiful and build gradually and captured my attention enough to binge it in under a day. There is still enough questions and world to be built and explored that I am excited for the next books in the series.

Andreiyes was a fantastic MMC. I am generally not a fan of the "playboys," but he was charming and loyal to those he cares about. And we all know I love a protective MMC. His love for the people in his life that matter was fierce. Kaianne is very reminiscent of Arya Stark but grows into her own person as the story develops. This is a huge compliment from me as I love Arya as a character.

If you want something romance heavy, this is not it. Romance was a tasteful compliment that was woven into the story and balanced very well.

Thank you to the publisher and author for a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

This one surprised me. The characters were well rounded and the pacing of this story was wonderful. The ending was great for the story and I enjoyed every page. I will say there were parts where I think the characters could have chosen a different path to make things easier but in the long run them taking a different route worked out well for the story as a whole. I will pick up the next one.

I enjoyed this book and how the marked / carved system is explained to give a better understanding of the book. The ending was a big surprise and I’m eager to read the sequel for further understanding.

<b> <I> Thank you so much for providing me with a free copy of “Carved Admist the Shadows” by M.T. Fontaine in exchange for an honest review. All of the following opinions are formulated on my own. Any quotes in this review should be cross-referenced with the final copy for any possible edits.</I> </b>

<b> Overall rating: </b> 3.75 out of 5 painful stars

An interesting and unique fantasy

The birth of a brandless brother marks the end of Kaianne's Marked life. As the rumor spreads, her entire family is killed for the sin they couldn't control and she becomes a Carved orphan with nothing. But when she discovers a rebellion, a new family to take her in, she finds her purpose. As she fights her way up to avenge the wrongs did to her family and her new people, ghosts from her past will stand in her way. But she will stop at nothing to change the world.

What I loved most about this book was the world. The whole idea about Marked, Carved and unbranded people was truly unique and created a very interesting world for the characters to evolve in. Some of the plot reminded me of dystopian novels, with the protagonist rebelling against the systems, fighting for what they believe in. In that way, Kaianne was a very interesting and inspiring character, and I really liked her resillience and evolution throughout the story. If I found the first part of the book rather long and slow, the second part kept me up. I really grew attached to the characters and I was eager to know what they would stumble upon next. The writing was truly beautiful and addictive and once the pace picked up, it was amazing. I really enjoyed the romance subplot too and that the characters had a lot of feelings about one another to unpack given their pasts and positions in the world. It was very interesting to see them come together again. I'm really excited to read the sequel!

I would recommend if you like fantasy with intricate worldbuilding and a romance subplot.

"If you are like me, every kill shall haunt you every spare moment you have."

TW: death, fire, violence, blood, murder, childbirth, assault, war

When I requested an arc of this book I had high expectations - the precis sounded different but intriguing
Well , I was left feeling slightly disappointed - I am not a fan of multiple POVs and timelines as they can be difficult to follow .
That being said I persevered and found myself wanting vengeance for Kaianne's murdered family ,.... her journey would not be smooth but full of twists and turns
To say I was surprised at the ending does not express my feelings fully - the sequel might just prove a better read if the Author can tidy up the POVs a little

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

I went into this book with high expectations and I´m happy to say that it was worth it. This book made me think about it even when I wasn´t reading it and that´s a really good sign for me, as it made me feel things. The characters are also well-built, annoying at times but it happens to everyone, nothing too big, just those moments where you think that somethings could be easily avoidable but they had to take the long path. But I don´t see that as a bad thing, it makes us want to keep going. Also, the ending was something else. Of all the things, I wasn´t expecting that, so I cannot wait until I have my hands on the sequel. My thanks to the publisher, the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

i loved the medieval, fantasy tone of the book. I really enjoyed the dual pov and how we see our male and female protagonist as children and then we have the time jump for when we see to as young adults in their quests for revenge and vengence

I also really enjoyed how the marked/carved system was explained to the reader and how we see the difference in how we are treated in the society of that time. Kaianne has been both in her life and because of this, she wants revenge for her mother and brothers

from the moment the book started i was hooked and shocked, especially when the baby was born a flawed and boom, killed by his father and the whole family is burnt and killed for one simple act that couldn't have been predicted or prevented

Thank you Netgalley for this eARC
I had a hard time processing the world building, phrases, and names at first. I was struggling to follow and remember everything . I think if I had the physical book it would have been much easier to go back to the glossary and I would have enjoyed the story more. Nonetheless, this is a strong debut epic fantasy full of rich world building and packed with action and political intrigues. I am definitely interested and I so want to get my hands on a physical copy.
Rating : 3.5 stars

This was a slow burn, enemies to lovers, slightly spicy adult fantasy that I enjoyed very much. There were some slower parts, but it always picked back up with action and on the edge of my seat reading. I love me some betrayal and forced proximity, and this book had both!

I will definitely read the next book in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley for the free eARC in exchange for my review.

Born branded as a Marked, Kaianne trusts the system. When her brother is born brandless, her misconceptions come crashing down. Now, an orphan and with only one uneasy ally, she turns to the Carved.

What she finds is purpose, a chance for revenge, and a family as strong as the one she lost. She will stop at nothing to protect them and further their growing rebellion.

If the talented disciples from the realms' religious order cannot dissuade her, a prince certainly cannot stop her. Her once ally must either step aside, cut her down, or join her people's crusade.

The Brand Edicts were meant to bring stability, but more people are born brandless as the decades pass. The Carved are growing more combative against the realms' edicts. And like wounded animals, those in power are more dangerous than ever. It's time for a change. The question is how.

Actual rating: 4.5/5
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Spice: 1.5/5
For those who loved the cunningness of Jude from The Cruel Prince and having a society based on two classes of people challenged by a young girl like Red Queen will love this book.

I absolutely loved, almost, everything about this book!! It was an immersive new world in which I found myself totally obsessing over and thinking about when I had to put it down for necessary breaks. Now the concept of having “Marked” and “Unmarked” (Carved in this case) people is not new, the author revamps the idea into something entirely fresh with her characters. Kaianne is a fierce girl who knows what she wants. Andreiyes is a royal with a soft spot for the Carved. And, personally, I think their paths intertwine way to late in the book. We get a glimpse of them together in the beginning of the book and their dynamic is one that many fantasy readers love- enemies (kinda) who relish in the banter between themselves. Then we get a long stretch of Master Rau and learning his story. I really did not care for him but I understand the importance his role had in the story. I honestly thought the story could have been enhanced if we had stuck with Kaianne and Andreiyes POV and learned the necessary information through them. But I digress. Once I got past his parts and on to my faves this book was something I could not put down.

The only reasons I don't give the book 5/5 is because I am terribly lazy. I know I should not complain, because this was high fantasy, but having to attempt to figure out what "Bilial", "Quint", and "Stretch" meant was dreadful. I spent a good amount of time trying to find context clues just to finish the book and realize there was a glossary with all the measure of times there for me with defintions. I also thought that as important Kaianne's backstory was it could have been condensed. I wanted more time to develop the relationship between the two main characters and I possibly think this would have opened the door for a lot more plot.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an Advance Readers Copy in exchange for my honest review.

I LOVE a slow burnnnnn! I really loved this book. The best kind of epic fantasy there is!! There were some slow parts that we a bit slow but still a fantastic read! The tragedy and heartbreak really hits hard, but wow the world building and characters!!!

Thank you NetGalley and M.T. Fontaine for access to this ARC in exchange of an honest review.