Brynla is a survivor. Having escaped from an influential cult that controls the government of her country, she lives underground and works for a crime family stealing dragon eggs to spite the cult. In the course of her work, she is kidnapped by a thief from crime family who wants her to work with him. Andor is the younger son of a noble family and is constantly trying to prove his worth by doing the dirty work that keeps their family in riches and influence. When he hatches his latest plan, he knows he wants Brynla's talents, but can he resist his feelings for her?

I love Karina Halle's contemporary and paranormal romances. I was excited to see what she would do with this romantasy genre, and I wasn't disappointed. While there is political intrigue and magic, adventure is more central to the plot of this fast paced love story. I know most fantasy readers enjoy detailed settings and descriptions of creatures and magics, and that is what keeps me from loving the genre. This book managed to build a world with a map and quick descriptions while keeping the plot centered. I will definitely recommend this to people looking for more romantasy, or looking to dip a toe into the genre but don't want to commit to 800+ pages. Looking forward to the next in the series.

I am a public librarian. Thanks to Karina Halle, Berkley and Random House Publishing, and Netgalley for the Advanced Reader Copy. I was not paid for this review. It is my honest opinion of the book that I was given.

I wanted to fully immerse into this world but I didn’t believe the romance and the progression of events.

I’m not even sure what else to say other than the pay off for a few reveals wasn’t worth it to get to.

I just wanted more from the premise I was promised

I really loved this book Realm of Thieves by Karina Halle. I was excited to read this because I've read other books by this author and have loved them. I think Brynla and Andors story was full of everything you want in a fantasy/romance. I would love to see a prequel /novella to this book about Brynlas time in the convent and how her aunt helped her escape. The only thing I would change is how often its mentioned that shes had other suitors.

I am a sucker for anything with dragons and Karina Halle delivered here. The world felt immersive and I enjoyed how information was discovered. My only complaint is that Brynla seemed to get over being kidnapped a little quickly but I did enjoy her dynamic with Andor. And of course, Lemi was the best character. I'm excited to see where this series goes next.

This romantasy was stunning and i am so happy i got to read it early!!
I really love this authors writing style, it was so immersive and easy to read.
This book was so much fun with the detailed world and the political intrigue it was perfect for me.
Brynla was such a strong and very independent character and she became my favorite character almost immediately. She is incredibly stubborn which i can definitely relate to and she is unapologetically flawed but she knows how to own it. Andor was such a great character to pair with Brynla and i just loved how vulnerable and strong he was throughout this book. his character growth was perfect.
The tension in their romance was stunning and i loved every minute of it!!
The story was fun and really interesting with the dragon eggs. I also really liked the representation for chronic pain that was in this book. You don't see it very often in books especially when it has to do with a womans monthly cycle.
This book was great and i will definitely be picking up more books by Karina Halle.

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for this ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for an advanced reader copy of this book. 5 stars are you kidding me this was amazing!!! This story has everything a romantasy book should have: it was full of action, adventure, heists, romance, and dragons! And a magical canine companion! I never wanted to put this book down and it had me intrigued from the start. The writing was beautiful, the plot was interesting, and the romance gaze me a buzz!

The flow of the story was so satisfying from start to finish and I read this whenever I got the chance to. Karina wrote such a compelling fantasy novel and I am fully drawn into this world now!

This book is wild. The world building and the magic was so original to me, as well as the history behind it. The humans trapped the dragons in the midlands, trapped by a powerful ward. However, the humans discovered they could get magical powers by consuming the yolk of any kind of dragon egg. But not anyone can get their hands on dragon eggs. For that, various thieves need to steal eggs from the continent of the dragons.

Brynla is a freelander and a thief of dragon eggs. I absolutely loved her character. She has suffered, endured, survived and still moves one. She is a very strong FMC. When she gets “kidnapped” by Andor the story takes a turn. We learn of another continent which is mostly ran by Andor’s family. I very much enjoyed reading about Andor but his character needs some work. He is impulsive, also smart and adventurous but when Brynla comes into his life is when you really see him change. I very much liked their relationship and how they start and how their love story evolves.
I truly think the bookish people will eat this book up, it was entertaining, full of twists and it has all the tropes most people like. Let’s not forget about the dragons.

Kendra here, your notorious Netgalley peruser! I, obviously, found this intriguing book during one of my Netgalley searches, was captivated by the book description and requested it! Special thanks to Netgalley and Ace Publishing for the advanced E-Arc!

For Brynla Aihr, crime and survival have always gone hand in hand. Ever since she escaped the fanatical dragon-worshipping cult that controls her homeland, she’s had to carve out a life doing the stealing dragon eggs. Egg theft is illegal and, in most cases, fatal. To breach a dragon's nest means a harrowing journey through the ancient wards spelled to keep the monstrous beasts confined. Dragons can’t get out and only those with a death wish can get in.

You all know I am a sucker for fantasy romance, but especially following the recent release of “Onyx Storm” I was looking for some dragons too. This book fit the mark and put in a fun twist with dragon egg heists!

I enjoyed my time in the universe, if you are looking for your next fantasy romance–her you go!

I really loved reading this book and I can not wait for more by this author!! I flew through this book because it was that good. The author did an amazing job keeping the plot interesting without it getting boring or slow. I will be recommending this book to all of the family and friends.

Karina Halle proves once again that she’s a master of her craft. Having enjoyed several of her books, I loved seeing her return to mafia-like dynamics in a fantasy setting. She seamlessly blends action, intrigue, and courtly romance, creating a world so immersive I devoured this book in one sitting.

Brynla is a fierce, headstrong heroine—flawed yet deeply relatable. Unlike the typical waif-like fantasy lead, she’s fuller-figured and strong in a way that feels real. Andor, despite being raised in a crime family, is intense, thoughtful, and deeply principled. Their chemistry is raw and compelling, striking the perfect balance between realism and intensity.

One of the standout aspects of this book was its portrayal of chronic pain. Brynla’s struggles were depicted with honesty and depth, making her journey all the more authentic and emotionally resonant. This rare representation in fantasy added an extra layer of meaning that many readers will connect with.

This book delivered everything I love in a romantasy—fast-paced quests, high stakes, vivid world-building, and a romance that lingers long after the last page. If you love mafia dynamics, dragons, and rich characters, this is a must-read. The series is just beginning, but it already feels like it belongs alongside romantasy titans like Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group | Ace and NetGalley for the ARC!

🔥 Dare to Dance with Dragons in Realm of Thieves by Karina Halle! 🐉✨

Get ready for an electrifying mix of danger, desire, and dragons in this unputdownable romantasy!

💎 Why you NEED this book in your life:
🐉 Dragons & Danger: Brynla's life as a dragon egg thief is thrilling, terrifying, and oh-so-addictive to read about.
🖤 Enemies-to-Lovers Heat: Brynla and Andor’s fiery banter will have you rooting for them even as sparks (and maybe flames) fly.
⚔️ Epic World-Building: Rival dynasties, illegal trades, and ancient prophecies—this world will pull you in and refuse to let go.
💥 High-Stakes Action: With betrayal at every turn, you’ll be holding your breath as Brynla navigates deadly alliances and shocking secrets.
✨ Karina Halle Magic: A master storyteller blending romance, fantasy, and suspense into a tale you’ll devour.

This is the kind of book that grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go. If you love dragons, slow-burn romance, and edge-of-your-seat twists, Realm of Thieves is your next obsession.

📖 Grab it now and let the adventure begin!

#RealmOfThieves #KarinaHalle #RomantasyReads #EnemiesToLovers #DragonEggHeist #FantasyRomance #BookstagramRecs #TBR #ReadNow #BerkleyPublishing #NetGalley #BookTok #Bookstagrammer

Excuse me!!!!! This was my first Karina Halle book and WOW. I was hooked from the first chapter. This fast-paced fantasy romance was everything! The female main character was BADASS and I could not stop cheering her on throughout this book. The MMC was also everything and more. The “Touch her and you die” vibes was his whole thing. The political intrigue and the whole concept of stealing dragon eggs gave this a mafia type of feel for a romantasy book and I honestly have not felt that before. It was very interesting and kept me on my toes. HIGHLY recommend!

I was excited to get this book, especially when I saw all the high reviews. I was into the first 25% of the book, but then it quickly lost its appeal. The romance was so fast it made my head spin, and there was no real connection to the characters. The story started interestingly but quickly delved into an unoriginal plot line.

At the heart of the narrative is Brynla Aihr, a young woman whose life has been shaped by her tumultuous past and the harsh realities of her present. Having escaped from a fanatical dragon-worshipping cult that once held her captive, Brynla is forced to navigate the treacherous landscape of illegal egg theft—a dangerous occupation where lives are often lost and betrayal lurks in every shadow.
The concept of stealing dragon eggs is not only steeped in risk but is emblematic of the power dynamics at play in this society. As Brynla embarks on her perilous quests, it becomes clear the lengths to which individuals will go in the pursuit of power and wealth. The dragon eggs themselves symbolize more than mere objects of desire; they embody the magic and unpredictability of the world Brynla inhabits.
The narrative truly shines when Brynla's path crosses with that of Lord Andor, a lieutenant of House Kolbeck. Their relationship is fraught with conflict and chemistry, showcasing Halle's ability to create complex characters with rich emotional landscapes. Brynla and Andor’s dynamic is a dance of power and attraction, filled with sharp exchanges and simmering tension. As they are drawn into the dangerous political games of rivaling dynasties, their clashing personalities reveal deeper truths about loyalty and trust, forcing Brynla to confront her own motivations and desires.
The blend of fantasy elements with relatable human emotions creates a story that resonates on multiple levels. Overall, this book is a captivating tale of adventure, romance, and the complexities of loyalty in a world filled with danger. This is definitely a must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure.

I couldn’t wait to start this new book by Karina Halle. The world building sucked me in right away, and I instantly immersed myself in the story. I usually can tell within the first two chapters whether I’m going to be in love with a book, and I felt that with the unique plot of Realm of Thieves immediately. This book is a well balanced game of survival sprinkled with adventure, romance, magic, and mystery. I fell in love with Brynla and Andor. Their romance seemed so authentic – filled with a plethora of emotion, angst, longing, and tension. I didn’t want the book to end!

✨Read If You Love ✨
Flawed Sassy & Morally Gray FMC
Kidnapping
Political Intrigue
Forced Proximity
Dragons
Banter
Dual POV
Secrets, Lies, & Betrayal
Who Did This To You?
Mental Health REP
Chronic Illness REP

Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC copy!

Realm of Thieves

After escaping a dragon worshiping cult with her aunt, Brynla Aihr has spent her days stealing dragon eggs that contain magical properties and selling them to the highest bidder. During one dangerous mission, she’s kidnapped and blackmailed by Lord Andro Kolbeck. Brynla and Andor soon find themselves players in a high stakes political game that has deadly and dangerous consequences. Secrets, lies and prophecies threaten to change the course of the future.

Brynla is a strong FMC. She suffers with chronic pain that is debilitating at times. She’s strong willed and sassy. Andor is a great MMC. Very “say another thing about her and die” vibes. And of course my favorite character was Lemi.

~Enemies to lovers
~He fell first
~Touch her and die
~Magic
~Dragons
~Political intrigue
~Chronic illness

4⭐️

On Sale Date - June 10th, 2025

Thank you NetGalley and Ace/Berkley for a copy of the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.

Thank you Berkley and Netgalley for this eArc.

I really enjoyed the first about 40% of this book. The world is really interesting and I love the concept of hunting dragon eggs. However, the romance in my opinion was a bit too fast. I'm also not really sure it was ever enemies to lovers. She seemed to get over him kidnapping her pretty quick. I need more tension in my romance.

4.5! Dragon egg heists, a cool magical world and a teleporting dog??? SAY NO MORE!!! This is such a fun, action packed romantasy! Brynla and Andor have great chemistry and the political drama kept me on edge. The pacing slows a little bit midway but the twists and banter make it a solid read. I loved so much 🩷🩷

I really enjoyed the first 35% and then after that it just kind of went down hill, I felt bored and didn’t care about either main character. Also trying to make a healing scene steamy just seemed one step too far in my opinion.

Karina Halle’s Realm of Thieves is a scorching romantasy that captivates with its high-stakes plot and fiery chemistry. Brynla Aihr is a fierce and resourceful heroine navigating the perilous world of dragon egg theft, while Lord Andor is her perfect foil—formidable, cunning, and impossible to resist.

The tension between them crackles, adding depth to a story already brimming with intrigue, betrayal, and the allure of forbidden magic. With vivid world-building and heart-stopping twists, Realm of Thieves is a must-read for fans of fantasy romance who crave adventure and heat in equal measure.