Overall rating: 4.5

“I was a woman who’d built her life around the power of words. And now words failed me.”

I’m at a loss for words. Upon first starting the book, I was unaware of how LONG it was. I don’t mind long books, but there’s a lot to unpack.

Audra, a Storycrafter, has lost the power of storyteller. In fact, every Storycrafter has lost their ability. Gone are the days of prosperity, wealth, and safety. Instead, disease, poverty, and despair run rampant through Mithra-Sha. Audra, unaware of her purpose, devoid of money, and alone, meets Jaik, a farmhand. From there, Audra and Jaik are forced into a relentless search for adventure and answers.

Audra. There are so many things I want to say about her. I often love characters from a book sense, but it felt different with Audra. Yes, I did love her, but more importantly, I understood her. Throughout the book, we watch Audra battle her self worth and her notion of happiness. She ties her intrinsic worth and power into others, and does selfless acts with a hope to be seen, heard, and acknowledged. Watching Audra’s struggles with people-pleasing and need for validation alongside her desire to be selfish was heartbreakingly real. She was not perfect, she was not all knowing. It was refreshing to see a character break down crying, feel lost and exhausted, yet still be able to push forward and do the necessary (right) thing. The respect for Audra I have is insane. And Jaik? At first, I felt really disconnected from him. He was just…a character. However, watching his devotion to Audra and seeing his relentless dedication to both Audra and the future of Mithra-Sha was beautiful. He wasn’t the traditional broody YA man. Instead, he was gentle, listened to and respected Audra, and had endless emotional maturity. Watching Audra and Jaik’s relationship develop felt delicate and raw. The slow burn was slow burning. They were gentle with each other, becoming each other’s shoulder to cry on, a right-hand man and partner in crime. Love and romance in novels is hard. Between insta-love and lust, love itself can get lost. In the novel, you can ~feel~ the love build and expand, and their feelings were believable and intense.

The world itself is great. The magic system wasn’t overly complicated, which is honestly a blessing because there are so many other aspects to focus on within the book. The settings within the book are vastly different, making Audra and Jaik’s journey across Mintra-Sha more diverse and appealing. Also! The lore is explained! Many many props to Dugan for being able to explain the lore of the characters, Mintra-Sha, AND the Storycrafters.

The ending…sigh. It was beautiful, it was poetic, and I get it. But I’m sad! I question what the ending brings for the sequel, and how the series will unfold from here. But honestly, with no cliffhanger, the story might just end here.

There were times when the novel seemed extremely wordy. Yes, there was an unmistakable beauty and eloquence to the writing style. Plot points, landscapes, descriptions, and emotions were woven into the story with an intrinsic delicateness, and the audience got to experience the beauty, happiness, evil, and hurt intertwining in Audra and Jaik’s world. With that being said, I did sometimes skip paragraphs or segments. With the length and writing style, I sometimes became overwhelmed with the amount of detail, and found the main plot was getting lost and muddled within my mind.

For readers that don’t like long books, this book might seem like an impossible read. The book ~is~ long, and it felt like there were three or four plotlines within one book. The story is, however, dynamic, ever-changing and expanding as we watch Audra and Jaik grow. There are flashes to the past and visions of the future, and at no point could I accurately guess the plot twists. The story is not especially fast paced—there are extended sections in which the two are just traveling or moving forward—but the writing is lyrical, and the audience is able to experience the journey alongside Audra and Jaik as opposed to being an omniscient reader.

Overall, I’m still reeling and at a loss for words. A Story Spun in Scarlet is a shining star of 2024. Its plot differs from any I’ve ever heard. Even if you have big book fear, this book is 100% worth it, especially if you’re into high fantasy.

* I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I won't give away any plot details, but I highly suggest this book—it's a true treat to read!  

What a delightfully surprising story it is—enchanting, and fascinating! It felt quite original and unlike anything I had read before. I've only read this one book by this author, the writing style really worked for me. The writing was exquisite, poignant, and lyrical.

A Story Spun in Scarlet is a captivating story with lots of romance, adventure, and exquisite writing. A book that celebrates the beauty and enchantment of storytelling. Audra now has to go on a trip she never expected to be on in a world where stories no longer have an ending. One of Renee's best qualities is her writing, which radiates elegance and a unique style that demonstrates her skill. It's fun to watch Audra's character navigate the difficulties as they try to solve the riddles of the past. The slow-burning relationship between, which feels both genuine and dreamily sweet, is the real treasure, though.

I appreciate NetGalley providing me with this advanced reader copy.

I loved the tropes! Romantasy, slow burn, and one bed and my favorites and this book had it all. The writing style is a solid 9/10 for me and I will definitely read more books by R. Dugan!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Wave Walker Press for providing me with a copy, all thoughts are my own!

5/5 stars

"Let me tell you a story"

A Story Spun in Scarlet takes place in a world where some people, called Storycrafters, have the power to create stories and bring bits of them to life. However, there's something wrong in this land as Storycrafters can't find the ending to their stories nor use their powers anymore. We meet Audra, a Storycrafter rejected by her family, who is trying to find her place in the world until she meets Jaik and their story begins to unravel.

"It was a chant, a song, a story rising around us. No... it was dozens of stories all braiding together."

How can I even start to describe how I feel about this book. It's amazing, it has everything I love reading about: an original magic system, a book inside a book vibes, loveable and authentic characters, a quest for knowledge and freedom and short chapters!
I loved the writing, Renee Dugan writes in such a poetic way I found myself trapped within the pages since chapter one. Everything was so tangible that I felt like I was one of the characters listening to the stories Audra told wanting to know how those stories would end.

Finally, I think this book is the perfect companion for 'The Reader' by Traci Chee where writing doesn't even exist! So if you enjoyed reading any of them you should, at least, add the other to your tbr list.

This book enchanted me and hade me hypnotised till the very end. It sucked me in and was really well written, I think that this could become one of the most popular books of the year.

A big thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review

What a beautiful, enchanting, captivating story. Nothing I say can do this book justice. It is utter perfection. The elegant, descriptive writing and world building made me feel as though I was transported into the story through the pages. The way the story line was woven to involve threads of a story within a story was a complete work of art. The evolution of Audra and Jaik was a mesmerizing journey.

This book was an emotional experience. I want to read it over and over just to experience it again. Incredible. Beautiful. Perfection. I highly recommend.

Thank you so much to Wave Walker Press for providing this ARC book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

~~ “Let me tell you a story..” ~~

An enchanting, mesmerizing, gut-wrenching story that I am so pleasantly surprised to have found! It really felt unique and something I haven’t read before. This IS the first book I’ve read by this author and I’m excited to read more! The writing was poetic, emotional and just beautiful.

A book about the magic and beauty of storytelling. In a world that’s lost its ability to end stories, Audra must now undertake a journey she never saw coming.


I don’t want to spoil the book here, but it’s a truly delight of a read, and I recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC! All opinions are my own. ❤️

4⭐️ 0/5🌶️

Thank you netgalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!

I enjoyed this book a lot! I thought that magic system was interesting, the characters drew me in, I loved the world building, but I felt it was super long. There was so much detail in these pages though that you forgot you were reading. I look forward to the next book!

I thoroughly enjoyed A Story Spun in Scarlet. I found myself captivated by Audra, the protagonist, in a world where storytellers face an unusual dilemma—unable to complete their tales, causing the disappearance of magic. The narrative takes a riveting turn when Jaik, a farmhand, enters the bar where Audra works, sparking the ability to finish a story. From that point, the tale unfolds into an adventure fraught with danger and unveils a terrible truth. The book's blend of banter, humor, mystery, and action immediately drew me in, and the main characters, Audra and Jaik, resonated with me. The well-developed world building, compelling story, and engaging writing style contribute to the overall appeal. The conclusion left me with a satisfied smile, making it a story I look forward to revisiting in the future.

Thanks to NetGalley and Wave Walker Press for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review!

Wow. This was an incredible story. I mean what a hook for readers...come read a story about stories that cant end. Descriptive, full of lyrical flourishes and a tale thats woven expertly through solid world building.
The story of Audra and Jaik is my new Roman Empire.

Up until the last 10 Chapters or so, this book was a solid 4 stars for me. Those last chapters though. What a ride! Brilliant. To say I SOBBED my way through the end of this book, would be an understatement. And it has been a very long time since a new author has made me cry at all.

Thank you to the Author,Publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this work. I received this book for free and my review is freely given.

3.5 rounded up

This was a very fun story. I enjoyed the characters, the plot, and writing style, but the world buidling was a bit messy and confusing.

4.5 stars. A Story Spun in Scarlet is an enchanting and magical tale of two people finding their way together in a broken world.

Audra Jashowin is a Storycrafter who can't finish a story. Once revered, the Storycrafters of Mithra-Sha used to weave magic with words, keeping crops growing, inventing new technology, and ensuring wealth and prosperity for the realm. Until one day, the stories stopped - no Storycrafter could finish their tales, the magic suddenly lost. Now reviled and shunned, Storycrafters are cast out of society, reduced to odd jobs and begging, and Audra is no different. Until one day, Audra sees a young farmhand in a tavern, and with their attention focused on one another, she completes her first story in years. Jaik Grissom is a human amplifier, and has the unheard of ability to help Storycrafters finish their stories and return magic to the realm. To keep Jaik from being used and hunted, Audra and Jaik flee the city and the soldiers pursuing them, travelling across the land hoping to find answers. Audra and Jaik begin to see the bravery and resilience in each other, and come to understand that they are stronger together, despite the forces attempting to pull them apart.

I adored this story! It was such a unique fantasy tale, and a real homage to lovers of stories of all kinds. The writing was beautiful, and the story is both exciting and sweet. Audra and Jaik have a wonderful relationship - the banter is great, and their love story develops naturally. The story unfolds a little slowly - sometimes I felt that the pacing could be better as we spend a lot of time in Audra's thoughts. But there is also plenty of action and rich character development. The pair journeys across the continent, and the story expands in magical ways as we see the devastation caused by the loss of Storycrafting. There is some romance, and it is sweet and comforting, There are many twists and turns, some that I anticipated and others that I did not see coming. It is sweet and heart wrenching at the same time. I definitely needed some tissues at the end. Overall, I really enjoyed this story, and I am hoping for more stories with these characters.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and to Wave Walker Press for the electronic advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

This one took me some time to read. I was a little hard to get through till maybe 60%. The overly descriptive scenes and world building wasn’t for me. I would gloss over a little and have to dial it back in. Some people enjoy the super descriptive world building, it’s just not for me. BUT! Every single time Audra would say “let me tell you a story”, goosebumps every single time. The whole concept of this story was something new to me. I haven’t read a book like this & I really did enjoy it, even if it was hard to focus at times. It was a really good story. Jaik? Where do I get myself someone like him, swoon! The epilogue had me on the edge of my seat, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I feel content with how it all unfolded on a somewhat HEA. If you love a good story about magic this one’s for you.

A Story Spun in Scarlet by R. Dugan

Thank you NetGalley and R. Dugan for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC copy.

𝐿𝑒𝓉 𝓂𝑒 𝓉𝑒𝓁𝓁 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒶 𝓈𝓉𝑜𝓇𝓎..

The author brings you along with Audra on an adventure unlike one I’ve ever read. She is fighting to find a place where she belongs and doesn’t know why she feels so alone and afraid. But through that quest she realizes, if she can help repair the world’s ending to their stories. She might be able to find out more about herself.

This book had the potential to be a 4 stars read for me. I enjoyed the story and kept dying to know more. The dialogue between the MMC and FMC was witty and sarcastic and I flew through their pages so quickly. I was going on this ride with them. The nickname the MMC had for the FMC was perfectly written and incorporated. I was completely smitten with their story. I found myself wanting to sit down during all my down time and read this book.

Troupes I enjoyed:
-Quest
-Only One bed
-Slow burn
-Nickname
-Tension

I want to recommend this book to everyone because I really did enjoy it so much but I have to explain my disclaimer to the readers.

There was at least four chapters of world building without a single piece of dialogue. I felt like I was being drowned by too many words and details right from the beginning. I couldn’t wrap my mind around it all and I considered not pushing through because this is a lengthy book. I believe this book could have been at least 100 pages shorter and would make it easier for people to pick up and enjoy because THE STORY IS THERE.

But I am SO glad I kept reading, and if you can make it 10 chapters in, you’ll be hooked from there forward.

The book is set to be published on March 8, 2024, and I think I’ll be in line for a physical copy. ♥️

I hope everyone enjoys, and thanks again tiger 😉

The universe of A Story Spun in Scarlet is one made of stories. The book features a compelling main character, an engaging romantic dynamic, and an intriguing premise. The settings are more appealing since they offer an aura reminiscent of Ketterdam. Though it begins slowly, the tale picks up in the middle. But superfluous characters, locales, and narratives cause the ending to drag on. The reader was nevertheless kept interested by the endearing characters, which included the love interest and the main character. All things considered, if you appreciate a distinct magic system and flawed but interesting characters, this is a good book that is worth reading.

I loved this, in a certain way. I think that the ending won me over. I will admit that this was a bit of a chore to get through as it is quite wordy. There are a lot of descriptions and long paragraphs which sometimes work, and sometimes didn't for me. Although I struggled a bit with reading, I think the author has a nice style. Audra was a good character and the tame romance we got was actually just perfect for me in this.

The uniqueness of the story with the magic system and the storytellers is why I would recommend it for reading and there are some truly heartbreaking moments in it.

🕮 ARC review 🕮

✰⋆☾ ⋆ A Story spun in Scarlet⭑☽ ✧˖°. Renee Dugan ✰

🕮 Romantasy
🕮 Slow burn
🕮 LOVE the cover
🕮 Only one bed trope
🕮 strangers to lovers
🕮 He does her hair
🕮 Unique magic system
🕮 -/🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

"Let me tell you a story." ❤

“What a terribly beautiful thing it was, to be cared for… knowing so many things could change that forever.”


Such an unique Fantasy book and magic system. This is the first book I've read by Renee Dugan and it won't be the last one. Love the writing style and I couldn't put the book down. 😍

This concise text tells the captivating story of Audra Jashowin, a Storycrafter from the capital city of Mithra-Sha. In her world, Storycrafters have lost the ability to find endings for their magical stories, causing chaos and suffering. Audra, ostracized and forgotten, searches for a new life and finds work at a tavern in Krylan. Despite her inability to finish a story, she agrees to entertain patrons and locks eyes with a farmhand named Jaik Grissom. Their connection allows Audra to complete a story, setting off a whirlwind of magic and mayhem. The novel explores complex characters, a detailed world, and magnificent magic. Though the length may seem daunting, once the story captures your attention, it becomes impossible to put down. The emotional epilogue leaves questions and anticipation for a sequel.

Thank you R. Dugan and NetGalley for giving me an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

While I found that the writing style wasn't suited for me, I did enjoy the book. I wasn't a fan of the stories that Audra told and I found myself skimming them and not taking anything in, by the end I stopped reading them entirely because everything important mentioned in the story was mentioned again so I felt it unnecessary. I also found that the book dragged quite a lot and I feel that it could have been a lot shorter without losing any substance.

I loved the relationship between Audra and Jaik, I was rooting for them through the whole book. It was their relationship and the twist near the end that saved this book for me.

Unfortunately, I don't plan on continuing this series but I know that there are people who would love this book.

This was a long one for me but I'm so glad I finished it. I'm not one for a lot of world building usually but I'm glad I took my time on this hook because the author did a wonderful job with the writing.
This story intrigued me with the character being a storyteller while in real like I am also struggling to finish a story that I'm writing.
I was able to fully love all the characters and I really hope to see more from this author soon. The fantasy in this book really came to life for me and it felt so immersive.