Rebellion, curses, and slow-burn tension—The Arrow & The Alder is a spellbinding romantic fantasy that stole my heart.

Barbara Kloss has crafted a lush, emotionally resonant tale filled with ancient magic, political tension, and a romance that builds beautifully from distrust to devotion. The atmospheric world of the kith is one I didn’t want to leave—shrouded in mist and mystery, threaded with folklore and danger.

Josephine is a standout protagonist: stubborn, clever, and fiercely loyal. I loved that she wasn’t willing to bow to power or tradition. Her refusal to simply hand over the enchanted coat without answers sets the tone for a story rooted in resistance and identity. And then there's Alder—guarded, wounded, and noble in the most reluctant of ways. The dynamic between them is captivating, full of sharp edges and soft moments.

Their journey together is as much about truth and healing as it is about survival, and the curse spreading across both kith and mortal lands adds a constant, simmering urgency. The story unfolds at a perfect pace, balancing heart-racing chases with intimate emotional beats. Kloss’s writing is lyrical without ever slowing the plot, and she handles the worldbuilding with finesse, letting it bloom through action and character rather than exposition.

This feels perfect for fans of The Cruel Prince or The Bridge Kingdom—romantic fantasy readers who crave deep character work, richly layered lore, and slow-burn intensity. While marketed as adult fantasy, it has strong YA crossover appeal and will resonate with readers who love character-driven romantasy with heart and teeth.

The Arrow & The Alder is the kind of book that lingers after the final page—a gorgeous, mythic fantasy about who we are, who we fight for, and what we’re willing to risk for love and truth. I’d love to see this book get the attention it deserves—it’s an ideal fit for fantasy readers looking for thoughtful themes alongside romantic tension.