Genres: Dark Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Fantasy | Release Date: 7 January 2025 | Series: Fate of the Nine | Series Book: #1 | Indie Author | Review
“We may burn, but we do not break.”
Rachel N. Harker
Overview:
A huge thank you goes to Rachel N. Harker for letting me read an e-ARC of By the Sharp and Shadowed Wings, her debut fantasy romance! I can honestly tell you I read this book in one day. And yes, that day was today. Do I usually sit and wait to write a review, so I’m not ridiculously overexcited? Yes. But could I wait to do that for this one? NO. Because What. A. Ride. So let’s give you an overview before I go completely off the beaten path!
Revna has been trying to prove herself worthy of a sacrifice for nine long years, devastated that a friend went in her place. Now a Commander, she’s been fighting alongside a group of Maidens ever since, to save those struggling in the darkness of Myddheim. So when the boat returns, and her name is being called once more? Revna doesn’t hesitate to accept this demand from the Gods. Fenrir, the God of Destruction, awaits. Bound in servitude to Odin, he never expected a shield maiden could cause his control to slip. Because if his wolf is let out? The protection granted to those he loves will be null and void. What chance does a mortal woman have against a realm of deities and monsters? Why do all the prophecies point to her being a key to something more? And who will be left standing when the very realm trembles from great powers being unleashed?
Happiness Boost:
By the Sharp and Shadowed Wings has completely and utterly bewitched me. It has thrilled me to my very bones, and left my heart in shreds. I’m so in love that I started this review without a plan. And glitterbugs, I always have a plan when I write my reviews. But for this one? Who can tell what’s coming?! I’m dizzy with delight at Rachel’s *impeccable* world building. I’ve gasped and cried and laughed. This fantasy romance has enthralled me from the first line to the very last. Do you have any idea how much I want to shove this book into your hands and beg you to read it? Seriously, go pre-order it now. I’ll be here when you return!
I won’t lie, I’m just sitting here in awe. I’ve long loved tales of deities that make me rethink what we know, of Odin, Freyja and so many more. This isn’t just a dark fantasy which delves into the heart of their desires and lays it out before us. What By the Sharp and Shadowed Wings does instead is grip the heart and drag us into the darkest parts of the soul. It demands we sacrifice reality until we’ve turned the very last page, because who could look away?! You, Rachel N. Harker, haven’t just delivered a great debut. You’ve crafted a tale I want in every format, to be read over and over again. This is, clearly, a must read for fantasy lovers in 2025.
I want to tell you *so* many things. But I’m trying to be good here and not spoil anything for you. Just please, for the love of everything, go pre-order this. I am begging you. There’s epic characters, dangerous adventures, and I promise you one of the best love stories I’ve ever read within these pages.
Downside:
The cliffhanger might be the end of me, but is that really a downside? I’m willing to pay this emotional devastation!
Final Thoughts:
By the Sharp and Shadowed Wings by Rachel N. Harker is a dark fantasy romance of vicious Gods, dangerous promises and a steadfast love. Will I buy anything Rachel writes, just from reading this story alone? Of course I will! How could I not, when a tale like this is written so well?! Love what you’ve heard here? Just click the link below to pre-order yourself a copy of this exquisite dark fantasy romance! Happy reading, glitterbugs!
You can pre-order By the Sharp and Shadowed Wings via this link: Amazon
