This book was everything I hoped for and more—an absolutely fulfilling read! The writing is rich and poetic, weaving a story that feels both immersive and deeply emotional. The characters are complex, facing real struggles that shape them into stronger, better versions of themselves.

I was completely captivated by the enchanting worldbuilding, the magic of storytellers, and the beautifully crafted love story at its core. Every page was a delight, and the prose itself felt almost magical. A truly stunning read!

Description of the book is definitely intriguing, and while the world-building is beautifully done with such unique magic system, I found the writing style a bit challenging. Although it’s undeniably lovely novel, the "wording" itself made it difficult for me to fully connect with the story and characters.

So I saw a review that said the promise of the premise was drowned by purple prose and I was a bit iffy but I feel the complete opposite. I love the way this is about the magic of storytelling and the beautiful writing really captures that. It makes it flow so nicely and fits the theme. The worldbuilding is fantastic, the characters were great and so endearing. I even cried but in a good way, just magical

I ended up not fully finishing this book. While I do think it was a very interesting and unique concept as well as a cool world, it just failed to keep my attention. I think this was maybe due to the writing style and longer chapters. It just wasn’t for me but I don’t think it’s a bad book and would still recommend to hard core fantasy readers.

˗ˋˏ ♡Thank you R. Dugan and NetGalley♡ ˎˊ˗

This was definity a very long read, however the storyline was done really well and the writing was beutiful, there was a lot of quotes that i highlighted, i would recommend this book a lot to people, howver it did feel a bit long for me.

Very good fantasy! Had some unanswered questions at the end, and I see I'm not the only onw that feels that way.

A LOT of description in the beginning of the book, and it was a struggle to read through at times due to that.

This is a story about stories, set in a world cursed with fantastical beginnings but plagued by the absence of endings. At the heart of the tale is Audra, a disgraced storycrafter struggling to find purpose now that magic has vanished from her craft. Disowned by her family and abandoned by friends, she is left destitute and desperate, working as a barhand to survive. One fateful evening, she finds herself forced to tell a story—knowing it cannot have an ending. But everything changes when Jaik walks into the bar, reigniting her ability to finish what she starts and setting her on a transformative journey.

Renee Dugan’s writing is nothing short of breathtaking, showcasing her mastery of crafting lyrical, poetic, and evocative prose. Every sentence feels like a brushstroke in a vivid painting, immersing the reader in a world brimming with adventure, love, and unexpected twists. However, this deliberate and richly detailed storytelling might not suit those looking for a fast-paced plot. The narrative unfolds like a slow, intricate tapestry, requiring patience and focus to fully appreciate its beauty.

Audra’s journey is as heart-wrenching as it is inspiring. Her compassion and resilience make her a deeply relatable protagonist, while Jaik serves as her perfect counterpart—quirky, protective, and grounding. Together, they form a bond that evolves naturally from strangers to friends and, finally, to lovers, their connection bringing out the best in one another. The romance, though understated, is stunning in its authenticity, adding layers of emotional depth to the story. With its unique world-building and expertly woven magic system, this book is a masterpiece.

A Story Spun in Scarlet by Renee Dugan is a captivating fantasy romance that blends magic, action, and emotion into a beautifully crafted tale. From the very start, the world-building immerses you in a magical universe that feels both expansive and relatable. The romance is tender and slow-burn, with heartfelt moments and sweet kisses that add depth to the characters' connection.

The real standout here are the stunning moments of raw emotion that brought tears to my eyes. Dugan weaves anxiety, loss, and the weight of near-death experiences into the narrative, making the stakes feel deeply personal. The twists and revelations throughout the story keep you guessing, and the emotional payoff is incredibly satisfying.

The action is intense, with graphic violence and blood that heighten the tension of the story. These darker elements are balanced by the romance and magic, creating a thrilling read from start to finish. The pacing is perfect, with plenty of high-stakes moments and quieter, emotional scenes.

Audience Notes:

Genre: Fantasy Romance
Language: Very little
Romance: Kisses
Violence: High (blood, gore)
Trigger/Content Warnings: Anxiety, loss of life, near-death experiences, blood/gore

This story was incredibly gripping from the first page. The writing style was beautiful and the storyline easy to follow. The storyline and writing, like the main character who is a storyteller is a slow and methodical weaving of a story that will pay off in the end! Book 2 is already on my wishlist.

Beautifully written magical story! Great storyline loved the characters and how you can fall in love with me. It kept you wanting more and more.

This was a good read, I think readers who enjoy retellings and stories such as Shadow and Bone and The Liars Crown will enjoy it.

I felt like this book was so good and gave me so much with the plot and the lore of the storycrafters!
The world building is insanely interesting! And the writing? So expansive and wonderful!

I want to give this a higher rating because there was a part of the book was super dope. It did get a bit wordy which made it feel like things just took too long to be said or get done. I love the premise and I love the story.

The world-building is so vivid, it’s easy to get lost in the story. I loved how the twists kept me guessing, even if some parts were a little predictable.

The main character felt real, and I enjoyed their journey, though I wish some of the side characters had more depth. The writing is beautiful and sets the mood perfectly. It’s a solid 4-star read and a great pick if you like stories that keep you hooked with a touch of magic.

Audra is a Storycrafter in a time when stories have dried up. Jaik is a seemingly simple farmhand, who miraculously has the ability to amplify a Storycrafter's powers, bringing the stories to their rightful conclusion. Together, they go on an adventure to unravel the mystery of their powers and their past.

This book is over-written. And it's too long. It could benefit from a strong-handled editor. But I think you should look past that and read it anyways.

It's just good.

The characters are likeable. The magic system in interesting and unique. The slow-burn is the slowest of burns. And the mysteries of the story are telegraphed in a way that makes them genuinely fun to unfold as the read.

This sat in my TBR for like a year. I'd pick it up, read and few pages, and put it back down. But when I finally got past the first couple chapters, I was captivated throughout.

I loved everything about this! I love the work building and the stories. The characters were so good and although I’m not a fan of the friends to lovers trope here it worked for me.

I cannot wait to read the next book in this standalone series

firstly, let me just say this author can write a 600 page book about a tub of butter and im gonna read it.
the writing is absolutely impeccable and I loved immersing myself in it and I will be sure to get a copy for myself.
In a world where stories can come alive and some people possess the ability to animate them into reality, audra finds herself struggling to spin tales and her journey from one place to another she tries to find a solution to her writers block.
In one of the taverns she encounters a farmhand who becomes an amplifier and the remedy to her woes.
I absolutely loved the slow burn romance and the magic system this book has built up.

The writing and narrative of this story are done beautifully, it is quite a unique plot and the way she weaves the stories within the story is magical but the journey is long and arduous to get to the end. The love story falls flat for me as the characters seem to lack a certain definition and chemistry. For a YA book, it fits the narrative perfectly, but if you are looking for more than this story, it will leave you feeling lacking.

A Story Spun in Scarlet ♦ Renee Dugan | Review

Renee Dugan‘s novel, A Story Spun in Scarlet, is full of ambition, charm, and a touch of enchantment. The premise is unquestionably intriguing: a world in which stories have lost their endings, and two unlikely heroes must solve the secret underlying these phenomena. The plot revolves around Audra, a storyteller dealing with rejection and self-doubt, and Jaik, a farmhand who has a special skill that enhances the power of stories. They start on a quest of adventure, peril, and self-discovery.

Opinion

One of the book’s finest qualities is its narrative, which contains some truly compelling scenes. The enigma surrounding the broken storylines and underlying stakes in Mithra-Sha is intriguing. Dugan‘s world building is inventive and thorough, transporting readers to a country of broken stories and rich tradition. Certain story twists and moments of tension kept me interested, anxious to see how Audra and Jaik‘s journey would play out. The story also has emotional depth, as it explores topics such as purpose, connection, and the power of storytelling.

However, while the plot has some merit, the writing style detracts from the entire experience. The text is definitely rich, featuring vivid details and beautiful uses of phrase. Unfortunately, this excessive flourish frequently made the text difficult to read. The quantity of one-sentence paragraphs disrupted the flow, making it difficult to remain engaged with the story. While these short paragraphs may have been intended to generate drama or contemplation, they often came off as disconnected and overused, disrupting the story’s pace and alienating me from the characters.

In terms of characters, the relationship between Audra and Jaik is one of the book’s highlights. Their developing bond feels palpable and genuine, with moments of vulnerability and connection that add warmth to the plot. Despite this well-crafted interplay, I couldn’t fully identify with either character. Audra‘s psychological troubles and Jaik‘s unshakable nature are intriguing on paper, but they did not elicit a strong emotional response. Perhaps this was a result of the fragmented literary style, which made it difficult to immerse myself in their inner lives.

Conclusion

To summarize, A Story Spun in Scarlet is a mixed bag. It excels in its innovative premise and intriguing relationship dynamics, but falls short in execution. The extravagant writing style, while rich, sacrifices readability and emotional connection in favor of beauty. This book may appeal to those who like sumptuous prose and the elegance of one-sentence paragraphs. Others may consider it a squandered opportunity to tell a truly unique story. It’s a fascinating read, but it left me wanting more clarity and emotional depth.

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

This book was fun and easy to read. R. Dugan brought to life an interesting world and system full of characters the reader will grow to love.

A Story Spun in Scarlet is a mesmerizing and enchanting tale full of adventure, rich writing, romance and a unique magic system.

In a world that has lost its ability to end stories, Audra is forced to leave the life she once loved and embark on a journey she never saw coming.

What I love about this book is that it feels like something I haven't read before. The magic is wrapped up in the ability to weave a good story. Its one of those books that feels like a book within a book and I think those are my favorite.

I really enjoy Renees writing, its beautiful and feels like she's really mastered her own unique style. I love Audra as a main character and seeing her navigate each trial on their journey to unlock the mysteries of the past. The best part of the book is her relationship to Jaik. The connection between the them is wonderful and believable and made of slow burn romantic dreams.

This book has such a whimsical vibe thats perfect for a fall or winter day and I cannot wait to see how it ends!