This book was pretty good, the characters were very interesting. The plot was well paced. I enjoyed the stories the main characters would tell. I enjoyed the character developments.

A Story Spun in Scarlet is a unique fantasy book about the power of storytelling. Renee Dugan creates a fantastic world in which stories have the power to change the physical world. Something has made it so the stories no longer finish and those storytellers that do try to finish their tale risk creating abominations with their magic. The main characters embark on a journey to find out how to fix the stories, and end up learning a powerful lesson about friendship, love, trust and perseverance.

The story does move slowly at first, but as it progresses it captivates your attention with exciting plot twists and turns. *content warning- the romance is no-spice, but does include a closed door scene, and descriptive kissing

Thank you Renee Dugan, NetGalley, and Wave Walker Press for the copy of the eARC. All opinions are my own.

I adore everything this author writes, and this book was no exception.

Her ability as a writer to create a magical and totally believable world of fantasy is outstanding. I don't think there is a character that Renee creates who doesnt CB steal my heart.

I loved the characters in this one. Audra and Jaik instantly sweep you into the tale and will have you screaming in their corner.

This one is slow burn EVERYTHING at it's best
A story filled with magic, adventure, romance, danger and teo characters who bring out the best in each other.

This is storytelling at it's best! A must read for all fantasy fans.

I have to admit that I had a hard time getting into this book and I felt that it dragged for the last 30% but once I hit that mark and we discovered more of the plot I was hooked and read the rest of the novel in a matter of hours. The magic system is amazing and really touches the heart of someone like me who loves stories. The romance is so genuine and beautiful without being overbearing and taking away from the main focus. I really enjoyed the characters and how unique each one was. I also love when a book actually surprises me I had absolutely no idea how things were going to play out and the plot twists were shocking. I feel that this book could have been one of my top books of the year but there were two things that I just didn't enjoy. One of those being the slow start and the difficulty I had connecting with the main character for the first fourth of the book and the second being how much inner dialogue we got about Audra's feelings. Although I love knowing what the main character is feeling I felt that it was becoming repetitive and she often disregarded Jaik's feeling because she was too scared to actually deal with her emotions. Despite the small issues I had with the book I really enjoyed it and I loved how beautifully tragic it was.

This story was so breathtaking and amazing! I loved every second of it so much I bought a gorgeous sprayed edge edition! Dugan knows what she's doing when she writes, and I highly suggest anyone read this.

I really enjoyed this book, but i am not sure if it was fully fledged out. It kind of felt a little wordy, and not as refined as it could've been. Some chapters felt really off and weren't super plot heavy which made it a bit distracting. I loved the FMC, she was willful, witty, and had a goal and morals. She was a refreshing FMC, but their romance was not enough for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wave Walker Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. I struggled with the pacing of this story and ultimately did not finish at around 40%. The book could have been edited more to bring its page count down without sacrificing content. Despite not finishing at this time, I am interested in picking it up again and learning more about where Audra and Jaik’s journey leads them.

"A Story Spun in Scarlet" by R. Dugan is a mesmerizing and intricately woven tale that seamlessly blends elements of mystery, romance, and historical fiction. Set against the backdrop of Victorian London, Dugan's debut novel transports readers to a world of gaslit streets, hidden alleyways, and dark secrets, where nothing is as it seems.

The novel follows the story of Evelyn Abernathy, a spirited young woman with a talent for unraveling mysteries, and William Montague, a brooding detective haunted by his own past. When Evelyn's brother goes missing under mysterious circumstances, she enlists William's help to uncover the truth. As they delve deeper into the seedy underbelly of London's criminal underworld, they soon find themselves embroiled in a web of deception, betrayal, and danger.

One of the novel's greatest strengths is Dugan's richly detailed portrayal of Victorian London. From the opulent ballrooms of the upper class to the squalid slums of the poor, Dugan paints a vivid and immersive picture of a city teetering on the brink of change. Her prose is evocative and atmospheric, transporting readers back in time to a world filled with intrigue and danger.

The characters in "A Story Spun in Scarlet" are equally captivating. Evelyn is a feisty and independent heroine, determined to uncover the truth at any cost. William, meanwhile, is a complex and enigmatic figure, whose stoic exterior hides a deeply wounded soul. Their burgeoning romance adds an extra layer of tension to the story, as they grapple with their growing attraction amidst the chaos of their investigation.

At its heart, "A Story Spun in Scarlet" is a tale of secrets, lies, and the power of love to conquer even the darkest of mysteries. Dugan deftly weaves together multiple plot threads, keeping readers guessing until the very end. The novel is filled with twists and turns that will keep readers on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the truth alongside Evelyn and William.

Overall, "A Story Spun in Scarlet" is a stunning debut that marks R. Dugan as a talent to watch in the world of historical fiction. With its compelling characters, immersive setting, and gripping plot, this novel is sure to delight fans of mystery and romance alike. I eagerly anticipate whatever Dugan has in store for readers next.

A story spun in scarlet- 2.75⭐️ .5🌶️

High Fantasy
Fantasy Romance
Storytelling magic
Amnesia
Friends to loves
Clean romance


This was a lot of exposition and not enough dialogue to make it compelling for me. The prose wasn’t focused enough to move the story forward. This is a slowly paced book. Beautifully written, but slow.

The premise was interesting and unique, just not fast enough for me to get swept up in.



Thank you NetGalley and Wave Walker Press for an eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC copy. I loved so much about this book, it's such an original concept (the idea of stories being magical and leading to physical manifestations), the writing is exquisite and the world building is expertly done.

If I have anything that I would change it would be to maybe swap out the descriptions of bile for a bit more passion between the main characters (haha), but it is a minor complaint and the slow burn romance was very well executed. I throughly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy and fairytales. 5 stars!

So this book would've been better had there been an edit where 1/2 the book was cut because it felt drawn out. However, the idea of the book is amazing and very creative.

I have to admit that I had a hard time getting into this book and I felt that it dragged for the last 30% but once I hit that mark and we discovered more of the plot I was hooked and read the rest of the novel in a matter of hours. The magic system is amazing and really touches the heart of someone like me who loves stories. The romance is so genuine and beautiful without being overbearing and taking away from the main focus. I really enjoyed the characters and how unique each one was. I also love when a book actually surprises me I had absolutely no idea how things were going to play out and the plot twists were shocking. I feel that this book could have been one of my top books of the year but there were two things that I just didn't enjoy. One of those being the slow start and the difficulty I had connecting with the main character for the first fourth of the book and the second being how much inner dialogue we got about Audra's feelings. Although I love knowing what the main character is feeling I felt that it was becoming repetitive and she often disregarded Jaik's feeling because she was too scared to actually deal with her emotions. Despite the small issues I had with the book I really enjoyed it and I loved how beautifully tragic it was.

What great storytelling and imagination thrown into this book. I loved the premise of the unfinished writing however, drew out a bit for me as I feel like I could have guessed the romance to come towards the end. Thankyou for this opportunity for an ARC!

Let me tell you a story...

Stories with a story. A high fantasy magical journey of unlocking the secrets from the past.

The final few chapters are devasting & the epilogue makes to want to read next installment. The sign of a true good storyteller.

Beautiful prose but at times felt fluffy and unneeded. The plot was enchanting from the get go, but seemed to be a tad to long for what the author was trying to say. Overall I enjoyed this book and this it was very emotional and enchanting read.

The book 'A Story Spun Scarlet' presents a truly unique and intriguing premise - a world devoid of endings, where the country's destiny lies in the hands of a Storyteller who can restore happy endings. The magic system in the book is intricately designed, and the writing style is immersive and well-crafted, drawing the reader into the narrative. However, despite these commendable aspects, the book falls short in certain areas.

The book's plot is unnecessarily drawn out, covering 665 pages, making me lose interest immediately. The editor could have cut it back to 300 pages or less without losing the essence of the story. As a result, I stopped reading the book when I was about 30% in, and even then, I still didn't understand the book's overarching plot beyond the fact that the two main characters, the FMC and MMC, fall in love as they travel together.

The characters in the book are undoubtedly intriguing, but I found it difficult to invest in their relationship. Their initial meeting felt rushed, with the female protagonist even resorting to assaulting the male protagonist with a bucket to get him to listen to her, which created an uncomfortable start to their relationship. Despite the book being marketed as New Adult, it felt more suited for a Young Adult audience, with the romance feeling contrived and overly presented to the reader. The love interest was the only character with detailed descriptions, and any development in their relationship occurred off-page.

Overall, while the book had potential, it left me wanting for so much more than it could deliver. The unique premise, intricate magic system, and immersive writing are strengths, but the plot's pacing, character development, and romance leave much to be desired.

A Story Spun in Scarlet is a captivating and magical narrative brimming with adventure, romance, and an intriguing magic system.

In a world where stories no longer have endings, Audra is compelled to abandon her former life and embark on an unforeseen journey.

What captivates me about this book is its refreshing originality. Magic intertwines with the art of storytelling, creating a narrative that feels like a story within a story—a concept that particularly resonates with me.

Renee's writing is truly enchanting, exhibiting a mastery of her own distinct style. Audra shines as the protagonist, gracefully navigating each trial on their quest to unravel the mysteries of the past. However, it's her relationship with Jaik that steals the spotlight.

Their connection is beautifully depicted, unfolding as a slow-burning romance that feels authentic and captivating.

With its whimsical atmosphere, this book is the perfect companion for a cozy fall or winter day. I'm eagerly anticipating how it will conclude!

thank you NetGalley and Wave Walker Press for providing me the Review Copy.

I really don't know why I couldn't get through this book because it seemed right up my alley but I tried twice to read it. I really struggled. I got 31% through before I had to officially put it down the second time. I love fantasy. I really liked the concept of this book, how it's a storyteller who can't finish stories and she slowly gets her mojo back. I feel like it just went on so long. Like they were getting places in the book but yet I was still only 30% of the way through. Don't get me wrong, I am all for a loooong book. But yet I kept checking my progress and it was like I was getting nowhere. I felt like I was never going to finish the book, which felt crazy because I really couldn't figure out how there was so much to talk about truly. I also liked the writing and the dialogue. It wasn't juvenile, it wasn't choppy. I liked the interactions between the male and female main characters. Maybe I'll give it another go one of these days because, again, this really did seem like my perfect cup of tea but it just wasn't working for me.

A story about a storyteller, and what a storyteller she is! Audra crafts fantastic and enthralling tales for the children of her people, a storyteller who is gifted and graced with the ability to make her stories capture minds and hearts. But sadly she, like all storytellers, is cursed for her stories, no matter how thrilling or glorious, to never have an ending. They just abruptly stop with no conclusion. This leads her parents to renounce her for her calling and she leaves her home to venture out in hopes for finding a way to finish her stories. Audra is a clever and driven character with a lot talent. Her stories drew me in as much as the story OF her life. Jaik , her romantic interest, may be the answer to her curse and the curse that plagues all the storytellers. He is a clever farmhand who can fight and is a natural amplifier as opposed to the addictive substances one can use to hopefully finish a story in Mithra Sha. Ultimately their story may be the greatest story of all. And the book is well worth the read. Read it for all storytellers that have struggled, read it for yourself to inspire you to create great things in spite of adversity or doubt.

Creative writing????!!! This author is one of the most uniquely creative authors I have read! This book is just unique, imaginative and absolutely captivating. Not to mention this cover art!! It is perfect for a book about stories that have no end - that is until they do.

This book is lyrical, a tapestry of words woven together in a slow threading of a story or rather several that weave together. The characters are likeable, the world building is good. And overall this is a sort of cozy read, one that you don't pick up for a quick read. It is more like a cup of tea to be sipped slowly, a glass of good red wine to be savored and enjoyed. It is the type of book you sink into and just let yourself enjoy - a holiday read when you have nothing else on the agenda.

Magical, captivating, unique, imaginative.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for this review copy.