Rorax, secretly known as the Spine Cleaver, is number three in realms for total number of kills. She is part of an elite military force who serve the Frost Kingdom. One of the most powerful kingdoms of the realm. But what is most important to her, is to save her imprisoned brother, who sacrificed everything to save her. But the gods ruin her plans to rescue her brother in a big way. And she must take part in a tournament or die. While trying to find a way out of the competition, she allies with a very handsome, and very dangerous enemy, But there is more than just a competition that is troubling the realm. Rorax will need to overcome her past sins and learn what it is to be human, while saving the realm,
If you like fantasy romance, with Throne of Glass or The Serpent and the Wings of Night vibes. F.E. Bryce brings together a dangerous and violent world with one of the best written badass heroines I have read. If you like trials, redemption, revenge, impending doom, slow-burn, enemies to lovers, this book is your next read.

This was a GEM of a novel.

This was such a good read. To summarize, this is about 40% murder, 40% romance, 20% politics. Bryce explores themes of loss, grief, guilt, and forgiveness throughout this multi-pov story. We follow our main character Rorax, one of the most powerful women in the realm, as she is forced to join a series of deadly trials called the Choosing. To protect herself best, she turns to help from a House of people she has a heavy history with.

The worldbuilding and magic systems were neatly organized, which I appreciate in a fantasy book. I cannot stand when authors set rules for their world at the beginning of their books and then spend the rest of their time breaking every rule they've set. The romance was a stunner. THIS IS ENEMIES TO LOVERS at its finest. They throw each other around for a good 50% of the story. There's a bit of heartbreak, a bit of groveling, a bit of pining, a bit of sex. It's perfect.

This is exactly what I mean when I say I want to read a fantasy romance. This is it. Word for word. And, as much as I loved this first book, the more you read, the more you realize that everything is being set up for the next novel. I am so fucking excited.

ARC Review

Rorax Greywood lives in the Realms and was trained to fight, kill, and steal for the House of Ice’s special forces unit, the Heilstorms, from the time she was ten years old. During her time as a Heilstorm, Rorax committed more violent atrocities in the name of her House than she could ever remember, but the blackest stain on her soul remains the Siege of Surmalinn—an infiltration and near genocide in the largest House of Death city.
Years later, when Rorax is called upon by the Gods to compete in the Choosing, a deadly competition that decides the next Guardian of the Realms, it quickly becomes clear the only House strong enough to protect her is the House of Death.
Rorax knows she isn’t worthy to become the Realms’ new Guardian, so she somehow needs to convince the House of Death—and their brutally handsome lieutenant—to help her find the next suitable Guardian, and free her from the Choosing before the Choosing kills her.


I’m obsessed with this book. We have a deeply flawed main character who is doing all she possibly can to make up from her past actions while also attempting to stay alive through the Choosing - if only so she can live to free the other competitors from the magic keeping them there. I do still have questions on *why* the siege happened and who’s secretly working against the group though. Bryce also really didn’t pull any punches just giving us death of meaningful characters right out the gate. Im so so excited for book 2 I need more Ayres

"You are enough, and you have done enough, to earn my forgiviness, my protection, my friendship, and my loyalty".

What. A. Ride. There's no better way to describe "Atonement of The Spine Cleaver".

The book gives us Rorax, an essentially lonely and troubled protagonist that's constantly fighting over the guilty and blame of her past actions. Someone who has been manipulated and, if I may, treated like garbage, and that has to deal with the consequences of her actions everyday.

I've never read a book with a morally gray protagonist before, and to begin with Rorax was the best decision I could make.

There wasn't a moment I couldn't understand her actions, even if they weren't deemed right. At some point, her troubles became my troubles, and while she's not a hero like Clary Fray or Percy Jackson — someone who has barely any flaw — it was impossible not to root for her.

Ayres is also a character to be praised. We don't have a male protagonist here that is 100% good, that does the right thing because he's supposed to do so — he's, just like Rorax, trying to be good in a world that has created to be bad. The burden he carries makes sure of it, and to see him struggling between hating and liking Rorax (as his friend and lover), was a work of art.

Even if some of their decisions almost made me become the Torch and kill them both.

F.E Bryce wove an amazing, enthralling story. She created relatable characters, and a group of friends — no, family — that had me wishing to be one of them, because if that's what being friends really mean... well, everyone should have a family like that.

To be an ARC Reader for this book was a gift, and I can't wait to read the next one.

This story surprised me! I didn’t go into it knowing much but it was enjoyable and kept me engaged the whole time. Think Fourth Wing style — lots of classic romantasy elements and the stakes also felt high enough to not just be about the relationship. The end was a bit unsatisfying and not just because it needed a cliffhanger for book 2 but because it felt like there wasn’t any definite resolution of any the main tensions. There’s so much that was going on that the author could have closed some doors or finalized some plot points. That being said it might end up being a good thing for starting the next book with a big bang…

Wowwww. I was a little terrified to read this book based on the name, but it turned out to be so good and such a fun read. This book gives adult Hunger Games plus magic vibes, with maybe a little inspo from HP and the Goblet of Fire. But more than that, this book gives us incredible world-building, an awe-inspiring yet truly relatable protagonist in Rorax, some wonderful male and female friendship and characters, aaaaand it is truly the sexiest book I have read all year, NFSW, 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🥵
I can’t wait to read the sequel!!

Absolutely enthralling!!

Bryce has created the next biggest epic fantasy to hit shelves!!

The cover and synopsis of Atonement of the Spine Cleaver are what first drew me in. But the ethereal world building, the complex magic systems, well developed fantasy lore, and astounding cast of characters did not disappoint.

Bryce truly takes the reader on an epic journey through the Realms and delivers a diverse cast of characters all fighting for something they strongly believe in. I was blown away by the captivating ups and downs of Rorax’s journey, and the other characters I came to love as well.

Bryce is a phenomenal writer, whose background and understanding of high and epic fantasy truly shines through this debut. I’m honestly beside myself that this is Bryce’s debut! If you’re a fan of Throne of Glass, and other multiple POV fantasies with a large cast of characters, you are going to covet this book. Anything Bryce publishes will have a home on my shelves, and I impatiently await the next book in the Atonement series!

This is an impressive fantasy debut. Rorax Greywood was groomed and trained as a killing machine by the Wolf and works now as a Heilstorm, a special forces unit of the House of Ice. One day, she is marked as a Contestar in the Choosing, a deadly competition to decide who the next Guardian of the Realms will be.

No matter how hard she tries, there is no escaping. The only House strong enough to protect her is the House of Death. Which is the House that was the victim of a genocide in which Rorax played a massive role. Nevertheless Milla, Ayres, Cannon and Kaiya do everything to help and protect her. And Jia, her friend and Heilstorm colleague, who watches over her as well.

Together they try to help her find the next suitable Guardian, and free her from the Choosing before the Choosing kills her.

Bryce has build a fully fledged new world, queer normative where everybody can be equal in power (gender is no issue), with different kinds of magick and magical creatures. The storytelling is excellent and I just raced through the book.

I loved the fact that the book had multiple point of views. It really enhances the story and gives the characters extra depth. The characters are very well developed and I loved the interaction between them.

The only thing that didn't always convince me were the sex scenes. I had to chuckle sometimes with them. But it's minor criticism. I definitely look forward to the next one!

Thank you NetGalley and F.E. Bryce for the ARC!

Thank you NetGalley and F.E. Bryce for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. And I absolutely mean that because this was A M A Z I N G. I have never been so happy to request a fantasy book for it’s pretty cover. I think this is Bryce’s debut? correct me if I’m wrong but that makes it enormously impressive. First of all, the name of the book is so sick so I knew straight off the bat this was gonna be good but DUDE this was actually 10000/10. Atonement of the Spine Cleaver was so TOG coded and not in a copycat kind of way, but in a “if you loved TOG you NEED to read this” kind of way. And TOG is one of my favorite, if not my absolute favorite fantasy. The world building and magic system does take some time but it is explained thoroughly so it definitely becomes easier to understand while reading. Rorax is such a well written strong female main character, there is nothing I love more than a woman who holds her own and is extremely powerful especially in a fantasy book delivered so hard. Speaking of hard (tehe), the MMC is the ultimate “touch her and die” trope and of course he is huge and tattooed and powerful and dark and sexy. I really don’t think I have a single complaint, this was excellent and I will be in complete agony until the second book comes out and no I am not being dramatic. I am now a faithful F.E. Bryce follower. Please gimme the second book pretty pretty please!!!

✨ Atonement of The Spine Cleaver by @f.e.bryce.writes ✨

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A story of a villain's reckoning and redemption.

When the prologue hooks you in, you know you're in for a fantastic read.

This world the F.E. Bryce created was done so with great intelligence, and Rorax's story was done with absolute artistry. The intense growth of the characters throughout the book was realistic, messy, and beautiful.

The multiple POVs and thought processes, self reflection and growth each of these chacters went through was unique to each individual, and you could feel the actual shift with the change of perspective. The comraderie is palpable. The tragedy, love, hope and determination were all portrayed so beautifully - I don't even know how many times I cried during this book from all of it.

The enemies to lovers storyline was absolutely electric. The disdain overtop their attraction and overwhelming passion and chemistry was
p e r f e c t. The spicy scenes were absolutely impeccable.

I cannot express how deeply impressed I am by F.E. Bryce for this being her debut novel.

I want to forget this book, completely wipe my mind of it, just so I can experience it for the first time again.

You can read this incredible book starting this Friday, (September 1st) and it will be available on Kindle Unlimited!

*Thank you to @f.e.bryce.writes, #smartmouthpublishing, and @netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book*

Atonement of the Spine Cleaver by F.E. Bryce is an ambitious and well written high fantasy about magic, deathly trials, and an intense romance. The world the F.E, Bryce built for us is beautiful and unique, one where flaws are encouraged and people are free to love.

In the beginning, I was a little lost with the world building. It does take a better part of the novel to really understand the complexity around the houses and countries of Illus. This is not a short read by any means but satisfying enough to where I can justify the need for over 650 pages.

I love a good enemies to lovers romance and the morally grey FMC and MMC made for an intense and spicy love affair. Speaking of spice, there is plenty of it and it starts from the beginning among multiple characters. No one is shy about their passion here. Rorax, the main vocal point, is a complex character that I enjoyed watching grow throughout the book.
I am not a fan of multiple POV in third person because I can lose track easily and forget who is who in the novel. Somehow F.E. Bryce is able to make this work as we follow not just one or two but multiple characters.
Overall, I enjoyed this read and I think its perfect for experienced fantasy fans who enjoy longer and complex novels. I cant wait for the second book!

4.5 stars rounded down mostly because of my own confusion at times. A fun and exciting read!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book provided by net galley and the publisher. Thank you so much for sharing the novel with me! All thoughts and opinions are my own

I just reviewed Atonement of the Spine Cleaver by F. E. Bryce. #AtonementoftheSpineCleaver #NetGalley

This book was one of the best magical systems I have read in the longest time. It was intricate, and well thought out. I enjoyed this book and was hooked from the moment I started it. This is not for the faint of heart, and will break your heart. It is grungy, gory, and just soo addicting I could NOT put it down. The character development and backstories were dark, and the multiple POV is what I live for.

I could not get enough of everyone's stories, and their relationships. It tackles the enemies to lovers trope in the BEST of ways and leaves you wanting more. The spice is top notch. If you want a fantasy romance this is it plus some. I cannot recommend this book more. It is a beautiful combination Sarah J Maas's Crescent City, and the world building of a Brian Sanderson book. Dying for the next installment! FIVE Stars!

This book deserves all the hype. This book has crack in it. I went from 30% to 80% in one night and the only realized I stopped was because it was 2:45 in the morning!

This intricate world has the politics and magic that will draw you in. The multipov gives you perspective of what is happening around all the people that are attached to the FMC. The side characters really give this book the depth it needs and shows how the FMC truly develops from the trauma she had at such a young age.

Rorax (FMC) is a complete badass, but has a soft spot for the people she loves. Ayres (MMC) is literally the epitome of touch her and die. The tension and angst between them throughout the entire book is amazing.


Thank you netgalley was the opportunity to review and be obsessed over this book.

Thank you for the ARC!

Bryce truly excelled in crafting a captivating world within these pages. I practically devoured the entire book in no time at all. As an avid enthusiast of multiple points of view, I was delighted by the abundance of perspectives that enriched the narrative.

Oh, magic – give me all the enchanting elements! The presence of found family dynamics and the tantalizing slow burn of enemies-to-lovers progression ticked all the right boxes for me. It's like the book had a checklist of everything I adore in a story and nailed it!

Setting out with little expectation, drawn in primarily by the allure of the cover, I was pleasantly surprised by how wonderfully the story unfolded. The representation in the love stories woven throughout the narrative was a shining highlight for me. In a world where diversity and inclusivity matter, seeing these aspects celebrated in the book's romances was truly heartwarming.

Kudos to the author for masterfully crafting a world I was eager to immerse myself in and for weaving relationships that reflected the rich tapestry of humanity. This book is indeed a gem, and I'm grateful for the thoughtful representation it brings to the table.

Epic/Dark Romantic Fantasy
Multiple POV
Enemies to Lovers
Morally Grey FMC & MC
Queer Normative World
Found Family
Spicy
Book 1 of a series


Rorax Greywood, an orphan, is raised by the blood thirsty Wolf of the North as her own, she taught her to be a fearless, brutal, killing machine. She moulded her physically and mentally and manipulated her into killing thousands of people from a very young age.

Rorax is chosen by the gods to participate in a deadly competition known as The Choosing that decides the next Guardian of the North. It is a death sentence to every Contestar except one.

Lieutenant Ayres, better known to Rorax as Lieutenant Jackass, wants nothing more than to see Rorax dead. The devastation she has caused his people, during the Siege of Surmalinn is unforgivable. (Cue feelings of confusion, unwanted attraction with both murderous and lusty thoughts.)

The world building was done brilliantly, it had so many different aspects from the castle to the areas where the trials took place and the side missions. Throughout the whole book it felt like I was on a fast moving action packed adventure.

Each region has their own affinity to a certain type of magic and the more power you can wield the higher your social standing. Those with more power tend to be condescending to those with lesser power which then causes friction and tension amongst the Contestars.

The book is set in a queer normative world and everyone is free to love who they want.
It is also multiple POV and the side characters are absolutely wonderful. I have never felt this much empathy for book characters before.

The book also deals with a lot of personal journeys regarding loss, grief, guilt, shame and other internal struggles. Please read the trigger warnings in the Author’s note.

This is a slow burn romance with a lot of sexual tension and I give the spice 3.5 out of 5.

The Atonement of the Spine Cleaver is my new favourite book! The storyline is phenomenal, I was so absorbed in this book that I feel homesick now that it’s finished and I am dying to read the next book in the series. STANDING OVATION!
I recommend this book to lovers of dark epic fantasy, spicy romance, dangerous missions and death trials.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
A huge thank you to NetGalley for this e-arc.

Bryce did such a great job with the world building of this book.
I really blew through the whole thing!
I'm a huge huge fan of multiple POV and this was full of them.
Magic, give me all the Magic!!! found family, slow burn enemies to lovers, I mean what else can a girl ask for in a book!!
I really went into this book not knowing what to expect, I just loved the look of the cover, and I was very pleased with everything that went into it. I loved the representation that was showed in the love stories, I feel that's really important. Thank for that.

✨ARC REVIEW✨

This book was phenomenal. The world building was top tier for me and the multiple POV was done beautifully. The characters were so well put together and developed throughout. Slow burn enemies to lovers, action, found family, magic and fantasy. I CAN NOT wait for the next one. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received this title from NetGalley in exchange for my review.

Let me start by saying how incredible Bryce’s world-building skills are! From the start, I couldn’t put it down and wanted to keep learning about this new world. I loved that the main character, Rorax, is a flawed, multi-dimensional character whose story is skillfully told in a well-rounded and intriguing way. I appreciate that both the FMC and MMC are both morally gray characters and this dynamic adds to their relationship and the eventual romance (as this has a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers plot). I also enjoyed the varying perspectives, as it allowed me to gain insight into the motivations and actions of the various characters. Bryce’s story has an intense plot with a unique world, a deadly contest, and well-written spice that will hook you and leave you wanting more.

Atonement of the Spine Cleaver is perfect for fans of Throne of Glass, Kiss of Death, and The Shadows Between Us.

With spectacular writing and stunning world building, this book caught me totally off guard.

This is a dark, gritty, violence filled fantasy, with a lot at stake. The multiple POV was a great choice, considering the multi-faceted nature of the characters.

I am not even halfway through this book and I’m loving it! The main character is a kick ass heroine and the other characters are fully fleshed out as their own people instead of just supporting characters. The multiple POVs help to make the story that much more interesting, as well as provide context for history and cultures of the different characters. I also appreciate the fact that there is a wide array of genders, races, sexualities, and relationships that are not shown as anything but normal. These characteristics are part of each character, not the entire character.

I hope to finish the book prior to it being published, but I also wanted to post my thoughts beforehand because I’m also trying to take my time with the story. I will update my review once I’ve finished it.