Epic romantasy full of magic, battles, snark, royal betrayals, witches, and adventure all the way. A winner for all fantasy fans and delivers on a HFN that can lead to more, but definitely satisfies on all counts.

This book should be the next Romantasy hit.

4.75⭐
🌶️🌶️ Open door, descriptive

The world is rich and interesting. Not totally new with witches and dragons and powers, etc, but they're all twisted in a new and interesting way. Things do not go as expected and the story stays interesting and engaging.

I agree with others that the beginning starts at full force and quickly tapers to something sort of slow. I actually put the book down at 17ish% and almost didn't pick it back up, but I'm glad I did. I finished the rest in one sitting and now I'm desperate for more. The good news is, this book is satisfying enough on its own and knowing there will be more is just icing on the cake.

Thanks to NetGalley, Specter Publishing and J. Ember Hintz for this eARC.

Thanks for the advanced copy of this amazing book! The relationships are very realistic and I loved the bond between the witches ! The relationship between the main couple was written really well! I would recommend to anyone who enjoys witchy stories with dragon shifters ! I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next!

SPOILERS IN REVIEW:
“Masquerade of Bones” is an enchanting and immersive fantasy that weaves together a rich world of magic, political intrigue, and compelling character dynamics. The story centers on Everly, a witch who can sense magic through the bones of creatures. In a society where magic is forbidden, Everly struggles to keep her abilities hidden while navigating a world of secrets and betrayal. After the murder of her parents, Everly was forced to care for her brother, Adrian, and was ostracized by the royal family, including her former betrothed, Prince Gideon, who is now in a position of great power.

The world-building in this novel is stellar, creating a society rife with tension, where magic is feared and persecuted. Everly’s journey is fraught with personal and political conflict, and the introduction of Silas—an enigmatic reaver working for the rebel cause, who turns out to be a dragon—adds an exciting layer of mystery and danger to the plot.

One of the strongest elements of “Masquerade of Bones” is its character development. The multitude of characters is introduced seamlessly, each with depth and complexity that makes them relatable and easy to connect with. Everly’s inner struggle to hide her secret powers, while balancing her responsibilities to her brother and navigating the political landscape, makes her a compelling and sympathetic protagonist. Silas and Everly’s relationship is full of tension, mystery, and chemistry, evolving at just the right pace to keep readers hooked.

The dialogue throughout the book feels natural and relatable, enhancing the authenticity of the character interactions. The pacing is smooth, with the plot unfolding in a way that keeps the tension high without feeling rushed. There’s a perfect balance of action, emotional depth, and intrigue, with each chapter driving the story forward.

“Masquerade of Bones” is a captivating read for anyone who loves fantasy novels filled with complex characters, rich world-building, and an exploration of power, betrayal, and self-discovery. It’s a promising start to what could become a fantastic series.

Oh wow I was so in love with this book it only took me two days to finish! The witches aspect was amazing and fun and the world building was detailed and helped bring the story to life. Talk about Shadowdady Silas.. ugh I just loved it honestly. Hoping there is more to come!

So this is what obsession feels like...

Say hello to my first 5* of 2025!

From page one, I was in love with the writing, the world, and the magic structure.

Halfway through, I didn’t want it to end, and was praying it wasn’t a stand alone.

By the last page, I wanted to obnoxiously message J.Ember Hintz, to praise her, and try to make her my new best friend! I still might!

Masquerade of Bones follows Everly, a witch in hiding who, after the loss of her parents and her broken betrothal to the Prince, is just trying to keep a roof over her and her brothers' heads. Enter Silas (He’s going on my book boyfriend list!) a witch who knows Everly's secret, and after witnessing her knack for unraveling wards, blackmails her into a blood oath, forcing her to help him and his motley crew steal a powerful relic.

I felt this story was perfectly paced. I flew through it, and was begging for more by the end. This is one of those books where there is so much material to work with that I cannot wait to see where the story goes. I’m praying to all the Gods that there is a book #2!!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and J, Ember Hintz, for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Absolutely adored this story, which balances toe curling steam with intrigue and plot twists. Despite all the trigger warnings at the start, Masquerade and Bones is a light read.
The world building is limited, launching straight to plot - which I love but know more detail orientated readers will find frustrating. We don’t really get much description of our characters either (again, something I greatly appreciate but know others find annoying). However I did have to accept that I wouldn’t have a strong understanding and just trust the process as terms and magical systems were introduced.
I absolutely hope this is the first book in a series, but that we keep the main voice as we explore the back/future stories of the other players.
I also want more of Pig.
Highly recommend if you want a light HEA fantasy, are comfortable with slightly darker themes, and enjoy foreplay in its rawest form.
I was given this as an eARC, and the author is completely new to me. A couple of minor typos “I called out his mane” found and amused me.

This is the next Romantasy everyone needs to obsess over!

Everly is a Witch in disguise hiding her magic from the crown to avoid serving in the military. Down on her luck after her parents death and her engagement to the crown prince being broken, she make some shady and dangerous deals. Deals that will throw her head first into danger and temptation.

It's been an age since I have been so excited about a new "system" of magic. I love how magic the humans use stems from relic from other magical creatures. The fact that witches don't live long as the magic burns through them adds an extra layer of fear for the characters who literally live fast and die young.
The romance element is very well done we have an excellent shadow daddy, who veers to the darker side of grey at times. This is a slow burn which works well with the enemies to lovers aspect of the relationship.
The world building is great we are given information at a good pace without info dumping and we know there are several kingdoms with their own political systems.

The only thing that I found a little odd is how much the fmc sweats- it's mentioned alot alot. She is sweaty in almost every chapter, I am not sure if it's going to be a plot point or not, I hope so otherwise it is a tad weird.

I am so excited for the next book in this series and I am already obsessed! Yes obsessed with this new fantasy world.

Masquerade of Bones had such a hold on me that I kept scrolling thinking surely I wasn't at the end of the book. The worldbuilding was epic as was the magical system characters used. Everly's character development was masterfully crafted and beautifully executed. The same can be said of Silas. I absolutely loved them so much. I also enjoyed the bit of spice there was in the book. This book also contained many of my favorite tropes, one bed/on horse, forced proximity, found family, and secret identities to name a few. Definitely a favorite and I look forward to reading the next book.

I started this and didn’t stop until I finished it. J. Ember Hintz KNOWS how to write a man you want to devour. The story was amazing it had action, romance, high stakes, and a FMC that is risking it all.

This is an easy 5 star and I already don’t know what I’m going to do and if anything I’m going to read past this is going to hit the same way. Obsession was written so WELL and it had me kicking my feet and feeling my own butterflies. The world building was great I felt like I could transport myself there without everything being overly wordy. The characters had me thoroughly invested in their well being and the MCs were fleshed out well.

I will be singing this books praises I left it dying for the next. I will be recommending this to everyone expeditiously. Thank you NetGalley for allowing to enjoy this ARC. I will be anxiously waiting for the next in this series and adding it to my own bookshelf when it releases!

I LOVED the ending of this book. Silas gives off Daddy vibes but I don't think he's fully progressed into that role sooooo little daddy? Everly was such an intriguing fmc and I'm still so curious about her.
The plot was riveting and kept me reading into the wee hours of the night.

I can’t even begin to describe how much I loved this story, the romance was everything. I want more. I haven’t read much with witches before and this was honestly a perfect way to start. Silas and Everly were literally made for each other. The mission was cool, if not a little disappointing because they never made it to the destination. I was really worried it was going to end on a massive cliff-hanger but it rounded up pretty nicely but in a way that leaves it open. I started to leave each and every one of the characters

Thanks to NetGalley for the Arc

Thanks to net galley for the opportunity to arc read this. Omg this book is everything I have been wanting to read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved the story and characters, I was not ready for it to be over. The banter between the two main characters was so great. Definitely looking forward to the next book in this world.

˗ˏˋ 5 stars ⟡ ݁₊ .

i was completely hooked from page 1 and was able to finished it in one sitting. ngl, this book is going to live rent free in my head for the foreseeable future.

i loved everly's character development, she was such a badass. and omg morally grey shadow daddy silas. *screams in pillow* definitely adding him onto my top book boyfriends list.

i'm obsessed with all of the side characters, also secretly hoping we get little novellas about each of them, especially thale and serin. loved the unique magic system and the world-building was phenomenal.

this was such an emotional roller coaster, i screamed, i laughed and i cried. i'm so looking forward to the next book, i desperately need more everly and silas!! definitely recommend this book.

⤷ thank you to netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was hooked! This is an incredible romantasy filled with action, forbidden magic, gripping storyline, and romance. How the main characters hate each other but also want each other. Oof, that sexual tension was the best!

I wish I could read this book in one sitting, but life got in the way. This story is so well-thought and never a dull moment.

Every single character in this book was amazing. I loved the character development of the FMC throughout the story. I loved watching her grow to a fierce, sassy young witch. And of course, the grumpy but attractive shadow summoner was outstanding! *adding to my list of bookish boyfriends*

I sat on the edge of my seat the entire time. The action and suspense were splendid. The world-building was exquisite. When I was on the last page, I thought no, this can't be the end. I'm so looking forward to the next book!

Thank you, @netgalley, for the ARC!

Wow what an unforgettable ride. This book had me hooked from the first page. The way the author created a new and inventive magic system had me loving every second. Then the tension from our enemies to lovers was exquisite. If your looking for a feisty fmc and a shadow daddy that has the attitude of touch her and you die then this book is right up your ally.


Thanks to J. Ember Hintz and NetGalley for the free ARC for my honest review of this book!

I loved this book! It was a 5 star read from the beginning. The first chapter had me hooked. Masquerade of Bones follows Everly as she finds her self bonded to a rogue witch named Silas. She’s then forced to help him pull off an impossible heist only for it to go awry. Now, they have to salvage the situation while denying the attraction they feel for each other.

There were many wonderful aspects to this book. First, the tension between Silas and Everly was palpable. The spice was well done. The batter was witty and fun. There was hardly a dull moment and the book is action packed. I loved all the magical creatures we were introduced to and felt the world came alive on the page. I cannot express how much I wanted to know the next portion of the story. I am in desperate need of book 2.

Overall, this book has heists, magic, magical beats, tension and fated mates. It’s a perfect romantasy to allow your imagination to run wild. I cannot wait for the sequel.

Thank you to NetGalley and Specter publishing for the chance to read an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This book was addictive from start to finish, and I was still thinking about it each time I had to step away.

It felt fast-paced, with a lot happening and something new around every corner. It was a breeze to read through—I was surprised to reach the end of the book.

The setting was unexpected! I’m bored of the versions of medieval Britain that are usually the backdrop in fantasy novels, so to read about swamps and gators was a pleasant surprise. It was also a unique magic system, unlike anything else I’ve read.

There were so many mythological creatures popping up, but it didn’t feel overdone, it just kept surprising me as I read it.

The characters are flawed, in the best way. Everly, the FMC, is interesting, sometimes frustrating, sometimes relatable. The MMc, Silas, has shadow hands, and if that’s what you’re into, you’re going to love this. The tension between the Everly and her love interest was perfectly done. At no point did I know how they were going to end up.

The cast of characters was lovable and interesting—I was left wanting to know more about basically everyone, and I will, without doubt, need to read whatever comes next in this story.

It was an unexpected, exciting read, with all kinds of magical elements, spice, and tension. Although it had themes of grief and some darker elements, it still felt light. A lot of fun to read.

Okay, Masquerade of Bones completely blew me away. You know that feeling when you start a book and you just KNOW that it’s going to be something special? From the first chapter, I knew this would be a novel that people are going to be OBSESSED with. Honestly, books like this are why I am so passionate about reviewing ARCs—finding really great stories and getting to tell everyone just how much I loved it. What a rush!

This book had everything. The plot moved so fast, that it was completely unputdownable. I was up way too late reading it, and honestly? Zero regrets.

Let’s talk about Everly, because I was completely obsessed with her. She was kind, complex, and an absolute bad-ass. She’s the kind of heroine you just want to root for—seriously, I only wanted the best for her, even when the stakes were sky-high and things got intense. And the other characters? PERFECTION. Silas? Yeah, I’m officially in love. He was charming, complicated, and basically everything you could possibly want in a fictional boyfriend. The secondary characters were also all so delightful!

Oh, and let me just throw this out there: dragon. Yes, I repeat, dragon. That is all I’ll say on that (ahemmmmm perfection.)

If you’re into romantasy, this is the book you’ve been waiting for. It’s already available on Audible (so if audiobooks are your jam, go grab it now!), and it officially hits shelves on February 25th. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up ASAP— Trust.

I loved this book! The book's pacing was spot on, the characters were fantastic, the magic system was relatively easy to understand, and the enemies to lovers were amazing! Everly and Silas are the typical enemies to lovers, with he falls first, and there are some fantastic lines between them.

Everly and Silas's relationship in this book is summed up in two quotes:
Silas: "There isn't anywhere you can go that I can't find you while you carry my magic."
Everly: "If you try anything, I'll set your cock on fire while you sleep."

I absolutely adore it when the FMC is intelligent, and Everly is perfect in that regard. She wants to go against Silas, so she finds a way despite the magic binding them together. Everly wants to be stronger, so she runs, even if she hates it. Despite being weaker and facing insanity, she continued to push herself to be better the whole book. Silas, whew, he pushes Everly to be so much more than she thinks she can be. He holds so many secrets, and yet, over and over, he gives them up to save her. This book ends with a clear indication there will be more books to come; however, the cliffhanger is extremely minor.

While this first book was predictable, I still thoroughly enjoyed the journey. Watch out, Xaden, Rhysand, Kingfisher, and all the other shadow daddies...Silas is here!! I, for one, can't wait to read book two.

Next Romantasy five star
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

⚔️Enemies to lovers
🪄Magic
🐉Dragons
🖤Shadow daddy
🏠Found family
🦹🏻‍♀️Outlaws
😈Villain gets the girl

Put Silas Drake on your list of book boyfriends. He’s swoon worthy!

Everly Thorne is one ruthless FMC. Loved her character development in every way. While the odds are stacked against her, she somehow keeps pushing through. Her perseverance and banter had me hooked from page 1.

The spice is spicing, the tension is GREAT! Very unique storyline. Couldn’t put this read down.