Arc Read
Publish Date-21th March
Thank you Sera Foxe for allowing me to read Blood iron and bone, Here are my thoughts and rating

Rating- 3Stars
The synopsis of the book really drew me in, It sounded unique and grabbed my attention.

I did enjoy reading this book but I wasn't always fully immersed into this world. At the beginning as many have said in previous reviews, it did take me a while(40%) to fully wrap my head around what was going on and who each character was. I did write down notes to help myself remember who was who.

This book has a lot of world building and back story for the first half of the book. Which ends up being too much as(For me) you aren't just following the typical 2 pov's. I believe you are following 5 or 6.( Which I did eventually really enjoy!)

There is a little bit of romance going on but as this is just book 1 of 3 I would imagine we would get more in the next book with how this one finished. Definitely a good set up for the rest of the series

Moving past that, the 2nd half of the book I was gripped! I didn't want to put it down. I needed to know what was happening next. I actually sped through the last 40% of the book.
I wanted a happy ending for everyone ESPCIALLY NOVA&CILLIAN! They were my favourite and I do hope to see more of them in book 2.

With how long this book was I do think there could of been more action going on, mostly in the first 50% because some chapters at the beginning just weren't necessary or really dragged out and could of been replace with something more engaging/ Interesting without leaving out important information/backstory of characters.

This is a book I would recommend to those that prefer low spice and more worldbuilding and character driven fantasy books

Tropes-
Fated mates
Prophecy
Fae&Humans
Curse
Secrets
Multi Povs

I loved this book, the world building feels like threads being woven together and the whole book has a dreaminess to it. I loved the characters, and the prophecies, the dreams...

This started out slow for me with the world building and character development but about halfway through it picked up to the point I was flipping pages like a mad woman to find out what happened next! The story has magical beings, a Royal hierarchy, an ancient prophecy, family secrets, fated mates and cursed lands. Aurelia was my favorite character who was not afraid to voice her opinion and do what she felt was morally right. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book with Lark and Nova.

Exploring the Complex

Blood, Iron, and Bone is a fantasy novel that promises a rich and immersive reading experience. With its intricate world-building, multiple POVs, and complex plot, this book is perfect for readers who enjoy a challenge.

*Key Features:*
- *Multi-POV narrative:* The story is told through six different character arcs, which can be disorienting at times, but adds depth and complexity to the narrative.
- *Intricate world-building:* The author has created a unique and immersive world, with a focus on fae and human mythology.
- *Complex plot:* The story unfolds over just a few days, but the non-linear timeline and multiple POVs create a sense of depth and complexity.
- *Romance:* While present, the romance takes a backseat to the mystery and world-building.
*Reading Experience:*
- *Challenging but rewarding:* This book requires focus and investment, but the payoff is well worth the effort.
- *Immersive atmosphere:* The deliberate pacing and focus on exposition and description create an immersive atmosphere, but may slow the narrative momentum at times

Sera Foxe’s Blood Iron and Bone is a richly woven fantasy tale that combines intricate world-building, compelling characters, and a twisty plot that’ll keep readers on their toes. The story begins with Aurelia, a mortal girl drawn by a mysterious call, and Andar, a Fae noble torn between duty and destiny. Their lives intertwine in a realm teetering on the edge of prophecy, where humans and Fae must unite to battle a creeping darkness.

One of the standout features of this book is its ambitious six-point-of-view structure. While it takes some effort to track all the perspectives, it’s also a puzzle that makes the narrative deeply engaging. The multiple voices create a dynamic, layered story that rewards attentive readers with satisfying revelations. That said, there are moments where the POV shifts can feel jarring, requiring a bit of extra focus to navigate.

The pacing is generally strong, covering only a few eventful days in the kingdom of Áithrim. Occasionally, the story takes brief detours, but these moments don’t detract from the overall momentum. The romance subplot, centered around the idea of fated mates, adds emotional depth without overshadowing the high-stakes adventure.

Magic plays a subtle role in this first installment but feels primed for deeper exploration in future books. The hints of a larger, intricate magical system promise exciting developments for the series.

If you love epic fantasies with multiple POVs, fated mates, and hints of found family, Blood Iron and Bone is a must-read. While it’s not a light read, the mental workout is part of the fun. Sera Foxe’s ability to balance complex characters and plot threads makes this book an engaging and rewarding journey.

Perfect for fans of:
✨ Fae x Human dynamics
✨ Found family beginnings
✨ Multi-layered storytelling
✨ World-building with a touch of mystery
✨ Prophecy-driven fantasy with romance on the side

First off, thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Sera Foxe for giving me the opportunity to read this incredible book. Blood, Iron, and Bone pulled me into its pages with an effortless magnetism, immersing me in a world so vibrant and multifaceted that I found myself reluctant to step away from it.

Let’s start with the star of the show: 😍 Aurelia. She’s a mortal girl whose life changes when she’s drawn into the dangerous, glittering Fae kingdom of Áithrim. Aurelia is the kind of protagonist you root for instinctively—brave but uncertain, tough yet deeply human. Her journey felt personal and raw, and every decision she made left me wanting to know what would happen next.

Andar, ⚔️ the brooding warrior with a destiny he can’t escape, had me utterly invested. His internal struggles were written with so much depth, and his chapters brought an intensity that balanced beautifully with Lark, the poised and perceptive princess who has her own battle between duty and desire. Together, their dynamic added layers of tension and intrigue that were just so satisfying to read.

Then there’s Nova 😭😭 , the human girl raised among the Fae, and Cillian, the soldier who sees her as more than what the world defines her to be. Their relationship unfolded with the kind of slow, deliberate pacing that makes you savor every moment. The tension between them felt like a thread pulled taut, always on the edge of snapping—and it was perfect.

One of the strongest elements of the book is how seamlessly these characters’ lives and perspectives intertwine. Each point of view added something essential, creating a narrative web that felt deliberate and alive. Watching their paths cross in unexpected ways left me with that satisfying “ah-ha” feeling more than once.

Áithrim itself is a world to get lost in. The court intrigue, the carefully constructed magic system, and the way prophecy weaves through the story were handled with such skill that it all felt real, like I could almost reach out and touch it. The descriptions were lush without being overly detailed, and the balance between world-building and character development was spot-on.

While the story is beautifully written, there were a few parts that felt sluggish, especially in the middle. Some of the introspection, while meaningful, started to feel a bit repetitive, and I found myself itching for the plot to move forward. Also, while the main characters were wonderfully fleshed out, a handful of side characters felt more like background noise. I wanted to know more about them, to feel their presence in the story as strongly as I felt Aurelia, Andar, Nova, and the others.

And while I personally enjoyed the multiple POVs, I know they can be tricky for some readers. If you don’t pay close attention, it’s easy to feel a little lost at first. But for me, the payoff was worth it.

Blood, Iron, and Bone is the kind of book that lingers long after you’ve closed it. The characters are flawed and relatable, the world-building is immersive and detailed, and the tension—both romantic and otherwise—keeps the pages turning. It’s not without its slow moments, but those moments are outweighed by the emotional depth and the satisfying way the threads come together. This is a must-read for fans of multi-POV fantasy with strong characters, forbidden romance, and a world that feels alive. I can’t wait to see what’s next for these characters and their world. Highly recommend!

Thank you to the authors, Agency Press and NetGalley for an ARC of Blood Iron and Bone!
I enjoyed this one from start to finish. The world building was complex enough that it made the world and the story interesting and intriguing but was also easy to understand! I loved the depth of the characters especially Aurelia’s character development and I’m excited to see how Lark is able to develop her character further on in the series. The story kept me guessing all the way through, trying to figure out how the characters and their worlds were connected and I enjoyed figuring it out alongside them. Would definitely recommend for those who love reading fantasy!

This wasn’t the easiest to follow with there being multiple (six) POVs to follow, but it was a good and interesting read once I managed to keep up with the different POVs. Looking forward to seeing where this goes

3.75⭐️
1🌶️

The story starts off with Aurelia waking up from a recurring nightmare, but this time she hears a strange sound and decides to follow it into the night.

In a parallel fae world, there is a prophecy that the Fae Princess, Lark, is fated to marry the High Commander's son, Andar, in order to break a curse over the Fae lands. But Andar has never felt drawn to Lark in the way fated mates are drawn to one another, so when Aurelia, a human girl hears a strange call in the middle of the night and happens to cross over into the Fae world, everything Andar and Lark have been told their whole life regarding their prophecy, comes into question.

Right from chapter 1, the FMC, Aurelia is instantly relatable. She is a human with a pretty boring life who wishes that the fae and magic from her fantasy books were real. (Honestly, dont we all??) She even pretends her cat is her familiar. (GIRL, SAME.)

I really enjoyed the world-building but there is a lot of information to take in and a lot of strange names of different magical species that was hard to keep track of. Unfortunately I didnt realise there was a glossary as its at the back of the book. Had I known it was there I would have referred to it a few times during the book. But at least now I know there is a glossary, which i'll most likely refer to when I read book 2.

This is quite a challenging read with 6 character POV's told through a single third-person narrator, but after the first few chapters I was used to it.

The writing was also very heavy on detail and on each character's inner monologue. It's very immersive, but wasnt particularly action-driven at first. However the action does pick up towards the end and I can see how the authors are setting the groundwork for books 2 and 3.

There was also a small touch of romance, but its a very light subplot.

At one point in the book when all 6 characters were in the same room arguing with one another and vital information was being shared with them yet NO ONE was listening to it made me want to throw my kindle across the room. But ultimately I think some of the message sunk in which im hoping will be revealed more in book 2.

Overall I enjoyed this book, it took a few chapters to settle into, but then I was fully invested in the story.

**Thank you NetGalley, Agency Press, Olivia and Vilyn (Sera Foxe) for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

3.75 ⭐️

I had to use all my brain power for this one but this book was a trip in the best way! The authors did a fantastic job at weaving six different POVs into a cohesive story line.

This story was extremely immersive and all events took place over the span of 2-3 days. I couldn’t keep up with all the POVs until the 60% mark which took me out of the story a bit. Overall this was an enjoyable read and I’m excited to see where the series goes!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for my honest review!

This book was incredibly entertaining, and it was perfect as my last read of the year!

The beloved tropes of fated mates found family and world-saving heroes come to life in Sera Foxe's unique voice. I encountered that feeling of wonder brought on by other fantasy series I love, but with a refreshing setting. Although at times I thought I could foresee the major twists, the resolution remained satisfying, and I want to continue on this journey in the next books.

My only caveat is that it took me a little while to connect with the main characters at first, but once I did, they were so much fun to get to know. Less significant was the narrative style, which was difficult to follow at times. However, as I became more invested in the characters and eager to explore the world with them, this issue took the backseat, and the story came to life for me.

The romance is one of my favorites I have read this year, too. Without saying too much, Cillian had my heart one paragraph after meeting him. I have to commend the character development, with this being the first book in the series, I do not want to pick favorites prematurely, but I will them in the back of my mind and see where the story takes them next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sera Foxe for the opportunity to read this lovely story before it is shared with the world.

This was a strong start to the Lightbringers series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed in this type of book. It uses the concept and genre perfectly and was glad it had that world that I was looking for. The characters had that feel that I was hoping for and was glad I was able to read this. Sera Foxe has a strong writing style and am excited for more.

ARC Review of Blood Iron and Bone by Sera Foxe
* * * * *
For all you lovers of fantasy and fae romance with a twist of fated mates, destiny and magic.

Aurelia was a nobody from nowhere, knowing she was in the wrong time and place even without evidence...but in her dreams, in this other place, she cannot but help be called to it.
We start off in a nightmare filled with screams and blood, a man who she always sees trying to pull her out of it.
Soon, her dreams become real, as the world of fae and magic come for her.

Not one for fae romance, but this was not too bad! A mellow read even with all the action.
The romance was a little hard to follow with all the information and changing POVs as it was all in third person with no section intro per change of setting.

Okay, so I just finished "Blood, Iron, and Bone," and I gotta tell you guys, it was a TRIP. I really enjoyed it, but fair warning, it's definitely not for everyone. This book has SIX different points of view. Like, seriously, six. It took, I swear, 90% of my brainpower just to keep track of who was talking at any given moment. It was kind of like a mental workout, which I actually found super refreshing, but I also think it could’ve been a tad smoother. Sometimes I was like, “Wait, whose head are we in again?!”

But honestly, that was part of the fun. It was like solving a giant puzzle, and the payoff was worth it. It’s crazy because the whole book basically covers just a few days! The pacing was generally great, although there were a couple of times where I felt like it got a little sidetracked, but it didn't happen often enough to be annoying.

Also, for anyone who’s into that kind of thing (GUILTY), there are fated mates in this book, but the romance isn't the main focus at all. It’s more like a subplot. I was way more invested in figuring out all the different pieces of the story that the author was throwing at me. It was like a giant mystery box unfolding, and I was hooked.

There isn’t a lot of magic in this book, but I can tell it’s being set up to be explained in the next book for sure..and I can’t wait!!

Overall, I’d give it four stars. It was a really unique read, and even though keeping track of all the POVs was a bit of a challenge, it made the whole experience more engaging. If you’re looking for something that’ll really make you think, love fantasy books with fae and good world building, definitely check it out. But if you're looking for a light and fluffy read not requiring a lot of brain power, maybe skip this one

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️/5


Read if you like:
✨ Fated Mates
✨ Fae x Human
✨ Multiple POVs (6)
✨ Animal guardian
✨ Found Family (the start of it)
✨ A bit of explicit romance
✨ World Building
✨ Magic

**Thank you NetGalley and Sera Foxe for the eARC. All opinions are my own and are completely voluntary.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Tropes: Fated mates, found family, fae and humans, prophecy, chosen one, plot twists, betrayal.

This book took me off guard a little bit, just in the way it was written (third person) and it was really heavy on the description and prose. It was a different pace than I have been used to. I had no problem with the various POV's and it's actually something that I prefer. The pacing of this book was slow, there's so much world building and flashbacks are used to flesh out the MC's. So, there's a whole lot of information and very little plot moving in the first 60% of the book. It is an interesting story but it's a lot to wrap your head around. I enjoyed it once I got into it, the story itself is sound and there's so much room for development.
The world building is good but to really delve into the Celtic mythology mentioned, the word count would need to be higher. The world building was good but the explanation of the lore/mythology of it was a bit superficial in places.
The prophecy is the main plot driver here, if the characters don't fulfill it, then the fae world will be cast into darkness forever. It is very important to note that not all is what it seems. There are so many little nuggets and hints that point you in a certain direction and it's so frustrating when you get to an important part and the characters take the stance of, 'it can wait, do this first', or 'let's ignore that hand out which would give us some answers. Instead, I think we should run off together and do something else that we think is important but the reader knows that we are absolutely wandering off the path of real answers'. WHY CAN NO ONE JUST TAKE THE TIME TO TALK TO EACH OTHER AND ACTUALLY LISTEN??? This is a common theme in many books and it's one of my pet hates.
The characters were actually pretty cool. Aurelia appears one night and talks mortal world slang, ruining the vibe and calling BS on everyone. It was a little annoying how she didn't struggle at all with the transition but I can let it slide.
Nova is a human servant and I NEED TO KNOW MORE!!!! She broke my heart a few times before I reached the end of this book.
Aife was the most fun and the only half kind of relief to a very tense story. I would love to follow her story more.
Cillian seemed like a good sort and I have my suspicions about his origins, but maybe that would be just too convenient.
Lark is a complete wet blanket, but how could she not be? Raised isolated in a tower like rapunzel and only every allowed out when she was to be shown off or people needed to be reminded of the prophecy, it's not a bit wonder that she's all doom and gloom. I want to see her find her freedom, spread her wings and find out who she really is.
Andar. I had the biggest problem with him. He was just so flat and corny. There is a little bit of angst in him but he's arrogant, stupid and not the strong MMC that I'm used to. There's no real banter between him and his fated, it's all waxed lyrical poetry and lovey dovey stuff, which is fine, but I like a bit of fun with my steam/spice.
Speaking of steam/spice/romance... For a story that's all about love and fate, it just didn't hit home for me. I didn't feel it and there was something missing between them. Nova and Cillian's not really a thing was more believable and I would've preferred their love story There was a bit of wanting, some attraction and then really soft and flowery description when it did come to fruition.
There's a lot to unpack in regards to the mythology of the story and if you aren't familiar with Celtic mythology then be prepared to be left scratching your head for a while.
This story can go so much further, I'm impatient and wanted more to happen in this installment but I suppose I'll just have to wait until the next one.

3.2 stars!!
Thank you to Sera Foxe, NetGalley, and Agency Press for this ARC!!
This is my first ever ARC! Super exciting, and this was a pretty good read!
I was interested in the plot of the story, especially for the Fae land (Aithrim) and I thought the twins aspect was a good and fun twist. I loved the prophecy for each person too, amazing concept.
I didn't really connect to the characters as much as I would've liked. I loved Nova, and I enjoyed Lark's perspective, but Andar and Aurelia weren't interesting to me. Cillian was fine lol
As for Aurelia, I feel like she had no likable character traits. I know her story is supposed to be sad, and for her to be a little edgy, but personally, her having no hobbies or traits, or even a job, made me not like her very much. I understand her story but she needed substance other than her love for Andar. I also didn't love the modern slang, although it makes some sense why it's included.
I did love Aurelia's protectiveness over her cat though
The story overall was engaging and interesting, even with the foreshadowing from the prologue. I liked how all of the characters meshed together, and became an unlikely group of "friends" or at least people they can rely on.
I felt bad for Lark, especially since she was working toward her goal, which eventually went a different direction so that Aurelia could marry Andar. Their love was super forced, but it's nice that it will make Lark's love story a bit more real.
Also, I loved the twist in realizing Nova was supposed to be Aurelia, and it was because of Andar's mother that it was all swapped around. Super good honestly.
Overall, a fun read and I'm looking forward to the sequel! :)

Read if you've ever imagined: your pet as your familiar, an alley in your neighborhood as a portal to another world, or yourself as a secret witch, wizard, princess, or fairy.

Aurelia Bartlett, a human whose life is steeped in normalcy, yearns for something extraordinary. Andar, a fae warrior destined to marry fae princess Lark and save his world from darkness, seeks a love free from obligation. Lark, trapped in a tower for her safety until the prophecy is fulfilled, desires freedom.

I really wanted to love this book, but I only liked it. It starts off a bit slowly (it took me a few tries to get into the story), with the plot really picking up around the 50% mark. My main issue is that it follows too many characters, flipping between about six points of view by the end of the story. The novel is somewhat too short to accommodate this, and it caused me not to engage with any of the six. The perspective swapping is rapid, giving a sense of character whiplash. I did finish the book wanting to know what happens next, and I will continue with the series hoping that the characters will develop over time. I hope Aife appears more in Book 2!

Rating: 2.5

3 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️


This story unfortunately was not for me. The writing style was a bit different…. But it was the multiple POVs that sold it for me as a difficult read.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the ARC!

First thanks to NetGalley and agency press for giving me a chance to read this arc! First thing I love about this book it has a glossary! I also think when world building in a new series things sometimes tend to get lost and having this is a great refresher. Okay now about the book Andar my man you are a dreamy one!!!! This book did such a great job weaving in and out multiple povs and keeping you invested in them all. Now with all of the multiple povs it does get a bit tricky keeping the storylines with each in order, so make sure you aren’t too tired heheheh. This is a book that you should know going into it super heavy on the details and if that bugs you this might be a harder read for you for sure. I think it did a great job keeping you interested in the mystery of the story and I can’t wait to read book two to dive further into that.

This story follows Lark and Andmar, the subjects of a prophecy destined to save their land, and Aurelia, a human girl who has strange dreams of the Faerish land.
I love the characters in this story, Andar, Lark and Aurelia were well developed with solid back stories and I could see why they acted the way they did. The supporting characters were just as enjoyable as the main characters and I found myself eager to continue their stories as well. There were a few good little twists that left me confused about where the story might be heading next.
The plot felt a little draggy at the start, the first half of the book felt like it could have been a bit more condensed as not a lot happened other than setting the scene for future events, and it felt like this could have been done a little more efficiently.
Overall, I enjoyed this story and will be checking out the next instalment once it is released. Thank you to Sera Foxe for providing an ARC for me to read and review.