This was a really fun character driven quest story. I really enjoyed getting to know Aleya, Kirby, and Nylo too eventually. Though they all grew on their journeys, Nylo actually had the most character development, but to be fair, he had the furthest to go too.

The world was really interesting and I loved traveling all over it. The mysterious "You" interlude chapters were intriguing and I'd have liked more of them to really build up this person. This book was kind of somewhere between cozy and epic. The sapphic element was a bit light and I wasn't overly invested in the relationship, but happy for them nonetheless.

While the ending made sense and I was happy for what Kirby and Aleya were able to accomplish respectively, the ending between the two of them was a bit disappointing for me.

Thank you DAW and NetGalley for the ARC!

Overall, I did enjoy the book, though I think the marketing of this as a road trip story was off. It felt more like an adventure story where they happened to travel as I believe roadtrip story comes with certain plot expectations and certain character growth that this book didn't really have. That phrasing set my expectations in a certain way that the book didn't meet which I don't think is necessarily the book's fault.

Idolfire sets up a world that’s visually compelling and full of potential. However, while the concept is engaging, the execution doesn’t always land. The pacing can feel uneven, with moments of intense action that sometimes drag into long stretches of exposition or slower character development. The protagonist is intriguing but not always relatable, which makes it harder to fully invest in their journey. Some of the side characters feel a bit underdeveloped, and there are parts of the plot that seem to rush by without fully resolving or exploring the stakes.

For a story rooted in such an imaginative world, the emotional weight doesn’t always hit as hard as it could. The writing style is solid, but there are moments where it feels like the potential of the world is greater than what’s on the page.

Overall, Idol, Fire has flashes of brilliance and some compelling ideas, but it doesn’t fully stick the landing

Floating Hotel was one of my favorite reads of 2024, so I was ecstatic for the chance to read Idolfire. But honestly, I'm not sure exactly what to make of this book. There were parts I liked but also parts that I didn't particularly care for; overall, this was just an okay book. I really struggled to get into this at first: I didn't feel connected to the story at all, and was completely lost on what direction this book was going in until about 35% through.

This book is an interesting take on the hero's journey—kind of boring at times and pretty much just built on vibes. I enjoyed the worldbuilding and was a bit confused on the lore, though I'm not sure if this was an intentional choice by the author to make the reader feel more connected to the protagonists, since they themselves didn't have much knowledge on what exactly awaited them on their journey. The magic system presented in the book was interesting, and I wish that we had gotten to see and understand it a bit more in the book.

It took me about halfway through the story for the characters to grow on me, and I found their adventures together engagingly companionable and pretty humorous at times. I applaud the author's ability to make the most unlikeable character in the story into someone I began to grudgingly adore haha!

3.25 stars! Thank you to NetGalley and DAW for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A walking book that I actually liked! That is hard to do but this one was overall lovely. Obviously the world has some "fall of the Roman Empire" vibes but it is also very obviously NOT just the post-Roman Empire world re-skinned. The locations are unique (though Curtis does talk about her inspirations in the afterword) and there is a distinct lore from our Earthly history. The magic system of Idolfire itself was one that really hit for me. I loved Aleya as a character and liked Kirby (more on that in a bit). I originally wasn't sold on Nylophon, mostly due to how he was introduced relatively late in the story, but he did grow on me. There are also some cool horror-like elements that come in towards the end of the book. The ending itself is one of those that just FITS the story so perfectly even though it might not be what everyone wanted.The ending is one of those that just FITS the story so perfectly even though it might not be what everyone wanted.

There was one thing I thought was a HUGE gap in this book, and that was an actual conversation between Aleya and Kirby about WHY EACH OF THEM WAS ON THIS TRIP. That just...never happened. And part of that conversation, which really leaves me wondering WTF was up with Kirby, would have been Kirby's backstory--how did her brother die? What was up with that line about it taking two days to kill his son (from an ambiguous point of view)? Kirby and Aleya never actually told each other who they were which also makes Kirby showing up to see Aleya in the end very odd. Had that tension point of conversation been added in and resolved, this would go up to a five-star read for me.

3.5 stars

I found myself quite misled by the synopsis; perhaps this is just my own bias, but the word “roadtrip” to me implies something rather unserious, often cozy. But this was, at its core, a quest novel. And a quest is very different from a roadtrip because the quintessential road trip involves deliberate detours and joyful discoveries whereas a quest has roadblocks and perils and catastrophes that blow one off course.

I also very much did not like the “you” chapters, the weird little colloquial history lessons that just felt super tonally off from the (unexpectedly serious) quest novel.

Though, more like a roadtrip than a quest, it felt rather like Kirby lucked into success more through sheer good cheer than any sort of directed growth. Indeed, she changes very little over the course of the story (acting instead as more of a catalyst for Aleya and Nylophon).

I did really like the nods to history (which are mentioned in more detail in the Author’s Note at the end) and the descriptions of the various cities and settlements - especially the ruins.

*3.5 stars*

I usually don’t do half-star reviews, but I’m struggling with this one, so it is what it is. In general, I really liked this book - the premise was interesting, the characters were appealing (though not always likable), the “You” interludes were intriguing, and the ending was tidy yet emotional.

So, why am I giving it 3.5 stars, you ask? There is something about the writing style that is just lacking - lacking flow, lacking clarity, just lacking that oomph. There were several instances (I can remember at least 4 specifically) where I had to go back and reread a section because there was a jarring jump in the dialogue and/or description, and I thought I missed a line or paragraph. Nope, that was just the writing, I guess? It took me out of the story, and I felt like the text could have been much more impactful without those blips.

I am sad to say I didn’t love this book! I was really looking forward to this when I heard it was a sapphic epic fantasy book. I didn’t love the authors writing and didn’t feel connected to our characters. I don’t think this was a bad book at all though and if it sounds interesting to you then you should pick it up!

A Sapphic Fantasy Adventure That Didn’t Quite Hit the Romantic Mark
⭐️⭐️⭐️½

Idolfire by Grace Curtis is a hard book to pin down. It’s a cozy, character-driven fantasy adventure full of heartfelt moments, but as a sapphic romance, it didn’t fully deliver the emotional payoff I’d hoped for.

The story follows Kirby, an earnest traveler from Wall’s End, and Aleya, a proud princess from Ash, as they navigate a rugged camping quest together. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their interactions are full of charm, wit, and subtle vulnerability. The addition of a Carthic boy soldier as an unlikely companion was an unexpected twist that brought depth to their journey. The trio’s dynamic is layered and emotional, with all three characters facing internal struggles that make their development feel authentic.

Where the book truly shines is in its cozy quest vibes and its exploration of friendship and found family. The world-building is understated but effective, allowing the characters to take center stage. I felt deeply connected to Kirby, Aleya, and their companion, understanding their motivations and feeling the weight of their choices.

But the romance? That’s where things stumbled for me. The slow-burn flirtation between Kirby and Aleya was sweet but lacked the tension and momentum I wanted. I rooted for them throughout the story, only to be met with a bittersweet ending where they part ways and meet again as friends in old age. It’s a realistic conclusion, but it felt at odds with the breezy, humorous tone of the rest of the book. I would have preferred either a full-fledged HEA or for their relationship to remain purely platonic throughout.

The humor, while light and casual, leaned too heavily into cringe for my taste, and a second-person perspective chapter—though jarring at first—ended up being one of the most intriguing parts of the book. That said, the pacing and structure felt uneven at times, and the lack of romantic closure left me a bit deflated.

If you’re looking for a sapphic romance with a happy ending, this might not be the book for you. But if you’re in the mood for a heartfelt adventure focused on character growth, found family, and personal discovery, Idolfire is worth the read. Just adjust your expectations accordingly.

This exceeded my expectations a lot! The world is mystical but well explained. The characters became friends to me during reading. I had a hard time putting it down. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the chance to read this book.

Had a bit of a slow start, but was an amazing immersing and nostalgic fantasy. FYI, it does not have a HEA, so keep that in mind when you pick it up. Still worth your time though.

Trigger warnings for: infertility

A decent story with what has to be one of my larger pet peeves: characters that talk like they’re in a mid-90s to early 200’s V show: “Paint a mural, it’ll last longer.” “Aren’t you being a big baby?” Or how it’s “your-funeral-pyre.” This along with the many parenthetical asides (fortunately the quippier ones were only in the early chapters and vanished quickly) made me roll my eyes more than once. If the humor hadn’t been so forced (the heavy hand of a 90s character about to slap his friend in the back of he head for making a ‘cute’ observation, complete with laugh track), I think this would have worked better, because there’s a lot to like in this book.

The world building is strong, and while the cultures feel a little … simplistic and derivative — the primitive tree people, the elegant, advanced city folk of Ur, the brutal warriors of Carthic, bloodthirsty pirates and rustic farmers, they’re all done with care and attention. There’s an acknowledgement that not every group of people speaks the same language or has the same customs, or even the same values. It felt like care was taken with how each person they encountered shaped Kirby and Aleya, leaving their marks. Sometimes for the better, sometimes not.

Honestly, if you’re looking for a stand-alone that feels like a cross between a road trip and an epic adventure, this book might be just what you’re looking for. Kirby and Aleya go from being indifferent to being friends to being lovers with nice, real character development, and while there were framing choices that didn’t work for me … they did, in the end, serve their purpose and help tie everything together.

All in all, I read this in a single setting and had fun while doing it. The fight scenes felt real, the book felt grounded in its own reality, and I do recommend it. Thank you very much to Net Galley and the publisher for letting me have an ARC!

Overall, a fun adventure fantasy with a very cool setting - I don't know that I would have picked up the inspiration of the fall of Rome if I wasn't told, but I think knowing that added to my reading experience, at least.

When I talk about the setting, I mean that specifically each city or country had a very distinct personality. I loved how the book delved a bit into the history of each, as well as their individual gods. Each setting felt quite fully realized to me, and while I'm already a noted fan of road novels and picaresque writing, I definitely enjoyed the fact that the very plot of this book meant that we got to explore so many of its cultures.

It's a bit sad, then, that where this book didn't quite hit the mark for me was in the personalities of its actual characters. Aleya, Kirby, and even Nylo had great setups to their arcs, with strong motivations to drive them, and yet I just did not get attached to any of them. They were fine, but I could not bring myself to really care for any of them.

One other aspect that didn't quite work for me, though I appreciate the idea behind it and the ambition, was the handful of "You" chapters. I like the idea of these mysterious, lore-building chapters in the second person, but I felt like the author also liked the idea of it and didn't really go much beyond "wouldn't this be cool?"

There were many elements common to epic fantasy - a quest! Magic! A band of misfits-turned-found-family! - and it was a fun story and easy to read, even if I didn't connect with it as much as I'd like. The fact that the author is writing a companion set 2000 years later is intriguing enough to get me coming back, I think!

Thank you to the publisher, DAW, and to NetGalley for the ARC.

A bit slow to start but a very atmospheric and nostalgic fantasy with falling empires, great for young adults as nothing graphic occurs beyond a few hints of horror that aren’t fully fleshed out, and three-dimensional main characters. Would have liked more of the mechanics of Nivela.

I wasn't sure about this as I started it out, but I slowly fell more and more in love with these road companions, their slow romance, and the road that ultimately leads them down the paths they do. (I am also going to explicitly call out that this is not a HEA, and the fact that the author commits to it and adds in a neat omniscient second person POV also seals the deal for me.) Absolutely worth your time this spring.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Idolfire is a fantasy novel that follows:
•Kirby of Wall's End, who, armed with her brother's sword Cursebreaker, is determined to find the lost city of Nivela, to find a stolen god.
• Aleya, who can give life to idol statues who also has the same destination in mind, to prove herself worthy.
• A soldier, Nylophon, and his journey as he pursues a certain person for one last duel.

The world building in this novel is inspired by Ancient Rome, Mesopotamia, and other empires, and the book itself revolves around identity, gods and their godhood, and the power of organized faith.

The book focuses more on the journey itself, so don't jump in expecting lots of fight scenes and all. I mean, there are fight scenes, but like, it's more uhhh...idk....lotr-ish? If that makes any sense??

The romance is not rushed and feels natural, and the characters were fun to read about. I like Kirby, most of all. And the ending made me feel things. A lot of things. Grace. What happened at the end? You can't just do that to me-*muffled yelling*

Anyways, five stars. I haven't had so much fun reading in such a while.

Thanks to DAW and NetGalley for the ARC!

Oh this was a delight to read. I fell in love with our characters very quickly but I think Kirby stole my heart. She’s in a precarious place at the beginning and her choices and decisions were heartbreaking. Watching her grow and flourish as a character was excellent!

I cannot forget our other characters either, and the development of all of them was very well done. The characters felt believable and very grounded to me. I particularly enjoyed the world building in this. The world is vast and there’s a lot going on. But it didn’t feel like we were being overloaded with information.

I do recommend this one for those that like those “we’re all going on a quest but we also need to sit around this campfire and bicker” vibes.

I will definitely want to pick up the next book and continue reading in this world!

Unfortunately this wasn't for me. The pacing was too slow, the writing a bit too simplistic, and the dialogue just not as compelling as I would've liked it to be. I didn't feel like I had a real grasp of or filled-in image of what this world was like. And while I loved the concept of this in theory, sadly it didn't work for me in execution.

I read the authors first book and really enjoyed it so I was excited to see this announced. You can definitely see their style has evolved and improved and I found this a really enjoyable read.

The world in Idolfire felt vast and well realised with us being introduced to many countries and cultures. Some of them are more fleshed out but it didn’t feel confusing or lacking at any point. The idea of stealing gods and using their power was interesting and not something I’d read before. Although this is a fantasy the actual use of magic isn’t overdone and feels realistic to the story.

The characters felt believable and their relationship was well handled. I really enjoyed watching them develop and grow with each other. The romance is there but it is definitely not the main plot.

At its heart this book is about the journey and what it can take from us but also what it gives. It’s poignant and poetic with flashes of humour that gives it a grounding and realness. I can’t wait to see what the author does next

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me and eArc

I was promised serious Xena vibes with this one, and it didn't disappoint. But make no mistake, this book is a story all on its own and goes in many different directions that are far from the Warrior Princess.
There's Aleya and Kirby, and their paths cross in a world full of gods and history and magic, and they go on a hero's journey together...for a time.
There's even a third person with a sad past and the need for redemption, and another voice that will not be revealed until the end.

It's character driven and it's sweet, but also tragic at times.
I loved this book, even though it took a while for me to kick in. And I especially loved the least 15% or so. I had not expected this.

4/5 stars

Thank you @netgalley and @dawbooks and @hodderbooks for the eARC!

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