ARC review: thank you to Sword and Silk Books for the opportunity to read this one!

Meet Valeria - an angsty, reckless 18 year old princess who grew up in the modern world but is swept into the magical realm she was born to one day rule (kind of like a Kid in King Arthur’s Court) after coming of age/kind of dragged back against her will, She acts out on hormonal rage, has daddy issues, is surprised by the consequences of her actions, and is attracted to every guy who steps in her path but has a hard time committing. Her frontal lobe is clearly not fully developed, but she has good intentions to save those dear to her - enter reckless behavior. Valeria embraces her villain era and learns to kicks major ass in Dante’s Inferno. Her indecisiveness gets her into trouble more ways than one. This book was filled with plot twists and turns that keep you guessing at where she’s headed in her journey that takes a burning turn. The love triangle (square? pentagon?) was complicated at best. Margie is by far the fairy godmother we all want and I wish she popped into the story more. .

There’s a definite YA/NA vibe that I’m here for - all hail the montages of a teenager living in a fantasy world!

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 out of ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I could definitely see this book being a bit controversial with some of the content in it. I wasn’t prepared for how graphic it got in some parts, but I’ve stomached worse.

A lot of this book was predictable, but I don’t think that’s always a bad thing. There was one plot twist that I was not anticipating, but almost everything else I saw coming. It was a solid book. I would recommend it, as long as there are trigger warnings!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would definitely read a sequel!

I received this arc free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Truthfully this book took a bit for me to get into, I felt like it was very slow going then at about my 1/2 way through it all started going at a lightning speed. At that point I couldn’t put it down. The story had good back story and great characters. I look forward to reading more from these characters and in this world.

WOW. Of all the things I thought might be going on in this book that was not it! Most of the main characters are shades of gray and I couldn't decide who to root for, and even though I read a lot of fantasy this book still had some surprising twists, I am very concerned about how things will play out in book two and will be reading it as soon as it's available

I was amazed to find this is the authors debut novel, it's incredibly well written and as big consumer of the fantasy genre (From the classics like Tolkien to more contemporary like Black) I can count very few that have as many clever twists and turns that made it so I didn't want to put the book down, it was nice to read a book where I could not predict the ending and the fact no characters were perfect and each had a perceived flaw within them.

Firstly, the writing style and descriptions by Lara was so well done. This book is a solid introduction to fantasy books but I would say perhaps more Young Adult than New Adult as it felt a little immaterial to truly be New Adult for me. A solid storyline although perhaps not the most original. Overall a decent read, which is largely down to the authors writing style.

Thank you to Netgalley And Sword and Silk Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

Thank you NetGalley for giving me an advanced copy for my honest review!

Book Review

Overall, I thought this book was a good entry for the fantasy world. It felt a little immature compared to other fantasy novels but I would recommend this for someone who is trying to find out / figure out if they like fantasy or not. Some of the plot felt like it had holes in it and some things just didn't tie together. It also felt a bit rushed in some ways and that might have been because the beginning of the book felt draaaaagged on and nothing really of importance happened. We would have understood the Realm of the Mortal and how meaningful Valeria and Mason's friendship was without having so many chapters dedicated to it. I think that later on in the story deserved more information. The middle and the ending of this novel was really interesting and kept my attention a lot more than the first 25% or so of the book. The rushing of the rest of the story did make for a lack of relationship development for characters that really deserved it.

Also, not to be a prude, but it was a little hard for me to enjoy reading about a girl that just turned eighteen and all of her sexual experiences. (Particularly the ones that happened when she was still 17.) Not saying that girls of that age don't have these experiences but as someone who is 30? I would rather not be reading that, I think.

I did enjoy all of the realms and I look forward to reading the future books to see how all of the realms and the people in them come to fruition.

Book Synopsis: Valeria Breault, a newly turned 18 year old Princess was exiled to the Realm of the Mortal from Empyrean, her home, when she was just a baby due to her father not wanting to raise her. During prom, one of her last experiences before returning to Empyrean, Valeria narrowly escapes being captured by the Realm of the Forsaken.
Once she is back in Empyrean, Valeria is battling the desire to belong and a craving for power. Her choices become more important and harder to make.

Things I liked:
It was a quick, fast paced read once the story really started going.

The world building and the potential it has to be really captivating. (Once the author dedicates more time to them!)
I liked most of the characters, even the ones we weren't really supposed to like.

Things I did not like:
The story being dragged on for quite some time before it got to the real story.
Some plot holes / plot feeling weak at some points.
Things just need to be fleshed out more.


All in all, I think this is a really good debut novel for the author and it is a good introductory book to the realm of fantasy. I think the author has a loooot of potential and I am hoping the next books in this series are more focused on world building, relationship building and just the story in entirety. I would recommend this book as I think it will only improve as the series goes on. :)

Valeria is a princess trapped in the mortal realm, eagerly awaiting her graduation from high school so she can return to her estranged father, the king of Empyrean. When things go awry less than a week from graduation, Valeria is forced to leave her keeper behind, as well as her FWB, as she is kidnapped by a super hot guy from her home realm. What she finds is the opposite of what she expected, and Valeria is quickly embroiled in the political intrigues of multiple realms who all want to use her as a pawn.

So Valeria is a sassy teen princess, who hides her insecurities behind a swaggering attitude that constantly gets her in trouble. Her emotions and reactions are so all over the place that I don't know how she doesn't get whiplash. She's had a fairly sheltered upbringing, so she's bound to dive in, trying new things. Love that for her. However my issue with her is her completely mercurial attitude and gullibility towards all the dudes she comes across. Now, I have no issue with a girl getting what she wants, but this girl thinks with her vagina. In love with one guy who is already engaged (and taking his word for it that it's ok to make out because he and his fiance are just pals), but suddenly catching feelings for another when that guy isn't around for five minutes, even though this guys is a literal demon god. She believes everything these guys say with barely a blink because they're hot and say what she thinks she wants to hear. This obviously isn't great when she is meant to be trying to save her friend and establish allies in her realm. But that's not to say that the story isn't compelling in other ways. There was some reveals I saw coming, and other's I didn't. I loved the band of friends she picked up along the way. And that ending definitely left me wanting more!

Thanks to Netgalley for this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

This book had all the components I love packed into its pages! A fantasy filled world, love, best friend side kick, evil villain…. However, it also read as a re-read/hodgepodge of some of my favorite books pieced together. This started slow for me, then got confusing, then picked up some at the end. All in all, it has potential, but I just struggled to become fully immersed in the journey.

* A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy for a fair and honest review ***

I could definitely see how this book was trying to be similar to popular New Adult fantasy/romance series like Kingdom of the Wicked and A Court of Thorns and Roses, but it really missed the mark. The writing itself was actually really good, and the world that Buckheit created was really interesting. However, it seemed like the author was trying to make the book as 'spicy' as the aforementioned NA titles, but it just wasn't. Instead, Valeria just briefly fantasized about literally every single male character until she was reminded that she was in a life-or-death situation. Mason is her best friend, but he was irrelevant for most of the book - out of sight, out of mind, despite the fact that he was being kidnapped and tortured. Gideon was an alright love interest, but it was very much a case of insta-love.
I'm extremely supportive of female characters being confident in their sexuality and being as promiscuous as they want. BUT not at the expense of any plot or character development. I would have enjoyed this a lot more if Valeria and her relationships had been just a little more well-developed.

A touch too mature for my classroom. However, while classed as new adult, I felt like it read more as a Young Adult. I agree with a few others that said that they found the language and theming jarring. For example, for me, it was the use of “guys” to describe the men she interacts with. I found the majority of it forgivable though since she was raised in the “mortal” realm.

Overall I really liked this. I did have a bit of trouble with the random creationism theming that popped up to hand wave a couple things. I felt like had the author taken the leap and gone a bit more adult, this could easily be up there with Hamilton and her reverse harem series.

I really loved the concept idea for this story, and the cover art really drew me in (it is amazing!).

The first third of this story is really interesting. The princess grows up in a normal town, then demons crash her prom and she stolen back away to her home realm which is nothing like she was told it would be. She then has to find her footing in this new world, and discover who she can and cannot trust. In the midst of this, she's thrown into a rebellion. I thought that the world building was interesting.

However, the jarring mix of an urban setting, and then putting the teenager from that setting into a high fantasy setting, was confusing at times. For example, she leaves her handmaidens a note that has a ';)'. I don't think that emoticons are common in the high fantasy setting. The main character is also very YA - she makes rash, stupid decisions and just couldn't really relate to her. I think that this story focussed too hard on the romance. For example, she has her soulmate who she is with around halfway into the story, and then she cheats on him with a God who tortured her best friend? I think that plot could have definitely been left out.

Was this an okay romantic fantasy? Yeah. Will I continue the series? Probably not.

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I quite enjoyed this! We follow Valeria who has lived her entire life up to this point in the Mortal Realm, dreading the day when she would have to go back to the realm she was born in. When that day comes it's unexpected and early and she might meet a handsome stranger who saves her life.

I really enjoyed the characters and the different relationships between the characters. Gideon and Malachi's friendship was definitely one of my favorites. I loved Cayden as a character because I found that he had an interesting backstory and plotline.

The romance was great, not too much spice and not too graphic. I really enjoyed Valeria and how she grappled with all the different emotions and feelings she had with Gideon and Vemdour. I found it quite fun to watch her struggle with the parts of her that wanted bloodshed and the parts that just wanted a break.

The plot twists were so fun and the turns had me gasping, and totally had my brother judging me for my facial reactions!

Overall if you enjoy a good fantasy with a romance plotline you'll enjoy this too! This comes out April 11th, definitely check it out!

yup - i‘m definitely addicted to this one!

I love all of it

could cry because i finished it and can‘t read more…

And i really NEED MORE

A bit of a bodice ripper. It was a jarring mix in the voice of a contemporary American teen, albeit a wee mite oversexed as a way to avoid her feelings, and a fantastical otherworld setting. Lots of descriptions of muscular guys and clothing. And bathrooms. This is the first book in what is likely a multivolume series.

4/5
Straight from the start I loved the concept and the plot had me hooked! Like any book, the storyline has its ups and downs, twists and turns but this felt different in the way I couldn’t seem to put it down. The story kept me interested all the way through, adding twists and turns along the way to make things interesting,

The main character Valeria is very likable and everything I wish I was, strong, sassy and isn’t afraid to back down. The connection between Valeria and Margie might be one of my favourite things in this book to be honest. Although I absolutely love Gideon, I am interested to see where the tension between Valeria and Vemdour will lead but I think Gideon will always have my heart in the end.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley and my opinion is my own, that being said I can’t wait to see what will happen next for Valeria and what new twists and turns Vemdour has in store. Overall I can definitely say I will be following this series until the end!

Lara Buckheit's A Realm of Ash and Shadow is a stunning work of dark fantasy that explores the intricacies of life and death, and the space in between. The story is narrated by Valeria, a young woman who was raised in a different realm, and her journey is one of self-discovery, redemption, and sacrifice.

Buckheit's writing is hauntingly beautiful, with vivid descriptions that transport the reader to a world that is both familiar and otherworldly. The characters are complex and fully-realized, with their flaws and struggles making them all the more human. Valeria's journey is particularly compelling, as she grapples with the weight of her newfound powers and the responsibility that comes with them.

One of the book's strengths is its exploration of themes such as grief, loss, and mental illness. Buckheit's portrayal of the realm of the mortals as a place of both beauty and horror is both chilling and captivating, and her examination of the different ways characters cope with death is poignant and thought-provoking.

The plot is intricately crafted, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing until the very end. Buckheit's attention to detail and her skillful pacing make for a truly immersive reading experience.

Overall, "A Realm of Ash and Shadow" is a haunting and beautiful work of fantasy that will stay with readers long after they've turned the last page. Buckheit's writing is masterful, her characters are compelling, and her world-building is unparalleled. This is a book that fans of dark fantasy and magical realism won't want to miss.

A Realm of Ash and Shadow by Lara Buckheit is a captivating fantasy novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey through a dark and mysterious realm. The story follows the protagonist, Valeria, a young woman who suddenly is attacked at prom. As she navigates this new danger in her life, Maeve uncovers dark secrets and hidden truths that threaten to tear her world apart.

Buckheit's writing is immersive and lyrical, and she does an excellent job of creating a vivid and atmospheric setting that draws readers in from the very first page. The characters are well-developed and complex, and readers will find themselves becoming emotionally invested in their fates.

One of the book's strengths is its world-building, which is rich and detailed, filled with intricate myths and legends that add depth and complexity to the story. The author also tackles themes of grief, loss, and redemption, which are woven seamlessly into the narrative and add a layer of emotional depth to the story.

The pacing of the novel is well-done, with enough action and suspense to keep readers engaged throughout. While the book is primarily a work of fantasy, it also touches on important real-world issues, such as mental health and addiction.

Overall, "A Realm of Ash and Shadow" is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to fans of fantasy and dark fiction. The writing is excellent, the characters are compelling, and the world-building is top-notch. This is a must-read for anyone looking for a thrilling and immersive reading experience.

The Realm of Ash and Shadows is an exciting and unique story that blends elements of fantasy and mystery to create a thrilling read. The world-building is well-crafted and imaginative, and the characters are multi-dimensional and relatable. Buckheit's writing style is engaging and keeps you invested in the story from start to finish.
The plot is intricate and full of unexpected twists and turns, which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the book. Overall, I highly recommend "The Realm of Ash and Shadows" to fans of both fantasy and mystery genres, as it offers a fresh and compelling take on both (especially if you enjoyed books like the ACOTAR series). The only reason I'm not giving it five stars is that there were a few instances where the pacing felt a bit slow. However, this is a minor criticism in what is otherwise an excellent read.

I struggled so hard to finish this book and almost dnf’ed multiple times.

Although the story has an interesting premise the execution was far from flawless. The MC was generally one of the most annoying I’ve read with very few positive traits. What irritated me the most was she seemed to throw herself at any man with a pulse unless they were related. Every time a new male character was introduced I was questioning whether or not she would hook up with them, and more than 90% of that time she did. Even the God of hell who tortured her supposed best friend??? who she also hooked up with??

There are so many more critiques I could make but I choose to not waste anymore time on this book.