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.

Karina writes atmospheric novels- they just draw you in with the world building, the descriptors, the writing and everything about this book was so vivid and rich and detailed. The plot could use a bit of refinement but I am hooked by the characters and cannot wait to see where the action leads next!

Going in with no clue about what the story would be, I was really excited about the whole stealing dragon eggs. I felt this was an interesting spin on dragons, and throughout the story the part that the dragons play really hooked me. I enjoyed the character of Brynla, but was hooked on Andor, the dual POV was chef's kiss for this story to keep moving forward. I loved the bits and pieces we get of Andor's brothers and sister, and wish that we got more time with them.

Who else was hooked when they read this story was about stealing dragon eggs?!

Brynla Aihr knows all about danger. After escaping a terrifying dragon-worshipping cult, she’s made a living doing the impossible: sneaking into dragon nests and stealing their eggs. When she is kidnapped and blackmailed into working with Lord Andor of House Kolbeck, things somehow get even more dangerous—and a lot more complicated.

This book was incredible! Brynla’s story had me hooked from the very first page.

Dragon egg theft is such a cool and unique concept, and the way it was written so well.

Andor and Brynla’s chemistry was just perfect. I loved their banter.

The dangerous political games were intense—I was constantly on edge, guessing who was going to betray who next.

And the dog?! Obsessed.

If you love dragons, clever characters, and plots full of twists, betrayals, and tension, you’ve got to pick this one up.

Thank you Berkley Publishing for the free ARC!

Realm of Thieves by Karina Halle knocked it out of the park. Dark, twisty, romantic, and heartfelt I am in suspense for what is next!

Rating: 3.25 stars

Thank you to Berkley for providing me with an early copy in exchange for an honest review!

'Realm of Thieves' is a new romantasy by Karin Halle. The story follows Brynla, a dragon egg thief who steals for the highest bidder in Esland. During one of her expeditions, she encounters Andor, and her life as she knows it begins to unravel. I was thoroughly hooked by the setting, the power structures, and how the dragons are integrated into it. The mystery behind Andor's reasons for imprisoning Brynla kept me turning the pages.

However, midway through the story, I found the pacing dragging and the tone completely different from the first half. The characters felt one-dimensional, and the romance between Brynla and Andor seemed implausible. Although there were several significant twists, I felt that many essential details were glossed over. Despite the book's length, I honestly didn't grasp how the world operates. The minimal character development further detracted from my enjoyment.

Overall, while this book features a unique setting with enough mystery to keep you engaged, it falls short in other areas.

Thank you Berkeley Publishing and NetGalley for this amazing opportunity to ARC read this Romantasy!

Realm of Thieves was a fast paced, action packed Romantasy that immediately pulled in, and had me not wanting to put this book down! I will absolutely recommend this to my fellow fantasy and romantasy readers.

I wasn't sure what to expect with this one. It seems like Karina Halle writes mostly spicy dark books but this was so fun !

Absolutely no notes—this was an unforgettable romantasy that has firmly cemented itself as a new favourite! It effortlessly combines a unique and captivating magic system, a richly detailed world and just the right mix of adventure and political intrigue. What more could you ask for?

Brynla, the strong and fiercely independent female lead, quickly stole my heart. She’s stubborn to a fault and unapologetically flawed, which made her journey feel all the more authentic and relatable. Opposite her, Andor was the perfect romantic counterpart. I loved seeing his vulnerable side as he grappled with standing up for his beliefs, even when it meant going against everything he was taught. The angst and tension in their romance were immaculate—you could feel the longing and unspoken emotions radiating off the pages. Their connection was raw, emotional, and deeply impactful, with every interaction leaving me breathless.

The story itself was just as gripping. Brynla has carved out a dangerous life stealing dragon eggs—a trade fraught with risk, as it means breaching ancient wards and facing death at every turn. Having escaped the oppressive dragon-worshipping cult of her homeland, she’s loyal only to the highest bidder in the thriving black market. But when she’s kidnapped and blackmailed by Lord Andor of House Kolbeck, Brynla is forced into the treacherous world of rival dynasties and political power plays. As alliances shift and danger looms, she must navigate a game where survival is never guaranteed.

One of the most striking elements of this book was its representation of chronic pain. Brynla’s struggles with debilitating pain tied to her cycle were portrayed with such care and authenticity that they struck an emotional chord with me. It’s rare to see fantasy characters face challenges that are so real and relatable, and it added an incredibly raw and empowering layer to her character. For me, this representation was not only meaningful but deeply personal—it made Brynla’s journey even more powerful and unforgettable.

This book delivered everything I could ever want in a romantasy and more. It has easily become a new favorite of mine, and I already miss the characters and the fascinating world Karina Halle transported me to!

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for this ARC! This book is released on June 10, 2025!

Another absolute HIT for Karina Halle!! I have read some of her previous fantasy romances and this is by far my favorite one! She put crack or something in this because I couldn’t put it down to save my life

Karina Halle is one of my favourite authors and this fully lived upto my expectations! Intricate immersive world building, lush prose and relatable characters, I couldn't put this down, can't wait for the next book!

*Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read!*

This is the first Karina Halle book I've read, and I'm not disappointed! Halle creates a lush world full of dragons and unique settings. The world is different from so many fantasy series I've read, and it made it so much fun to dive in. Brynla and Andor have CHEMISTRY! I especially love how the characters aren't perfect and also have real-world issues that resonate with so many people. All-in-all, this was a really fun read, and I'm looking forward to the next book.

This was such a fun and entertaining romantasy read! The plot was interesting, the magic was so intriguing to follow and it kept you on your toes. I ate the romance up, there was the perfect amount of it in this in my opinion and the tension was so good. I'd definitely recommend this one when it comes out! Thank you to NetGalley and Berkely for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Karina Halle has truly unleashed fire with this captivating romantasy. I loved how alive this story feels. The world is gritty and dangerous, with every encounter pulling you closer to the heat of dragon fire and the treachery of rival empires. It’s not just about the romance (though, trust me, it delivers); it’s about survival, loyalty, and the fine line between risking it all for power or love. Halle’s writing completely immerses you, pulling you into a world where betrayal lurks around every corner and dragons are as much a threat as they are a promise. The dynamic between MCs is layered and brimming with intensity, they fight, they clash, they burn for each other in ways that feel deliciously unpredictable. In short, it is raw, thrilling, and utterly addictive. I can’t wait for the next book already.

I have mixed feelings about this enemies to lovers romance. On one hand the characters are interesting and the world building unique. But the quickness in which the characters jump into a relationship together is a bit fast. There is this whole "my period pain is a sign of my mystical heritage" that is really dumb. The world system itself doesn't really make sense and the main plot just kind of shot out from left field. It was like " I need to kidnap her for x reason but now we are going to do why, which was my plan all along" Whatever. It was a fun quick read just not a deep one.

LITERALLY ROMANTASY PERFECTION.

I can’t want to read this entire series, I am completely hooked already. This had everything my little fantasy heart desires and I couldn’t put it down.

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

This had me completely captivated from start to finish! The world-building was rich and immersive, and the story was packed with tension, danger, and intrigue. I truly ate this book up and didn’t want it to end.
I devoured every word and couldn't get enough of this gripping tale. The world-building is phenomenal, drawing you into a vivid, dangerous realm filled with intrigue and betrayal. The characters are complex and unforgettable, each with their own secrets that kept me hooked.If you’re a fan of thrilling adventures and masterful storytelling, you need to read this!

This was another brilliant fantasy romance from Karina Halle! While her values don’t align with mine, I still wanted to give this book a chance. I was hooked from the start and I loved how everything blended together. Can’t wait for book two!