The Bone Dagger by Clara Rhodes is live!
An exciting, emotional and well-developed enemies-to-lovers romantasy, this is the first book in the Out of Darkness series, and a remarkably impressive debut novel from Clara Rhodes. I really enjoyed this one!
Amazon | Audio
Audiobook is narrated by Mollie Stark and Sebastian Grove
Blurb
In this spellbinding debut fantasy, passion and peril entwine in a tale of curses, monsters, and forbidden desire. Perfect for fans of dark romance, this sweeping first installment introduces a heroine whose heart may be as dangerous as her power.
Born with the blood of a hell god in her veins, Helaina Ironblood has lived her life in secrecy, hidden from a realm already teetering on the edge of ruin. When tragedy shatters her family and the heir to the throne is lost, Helaina is cast into exile—her cursed power now a beacon to enemies who would see the world burn. Beyond the Ash Cliff Mountains, monsters stalk the land, and darker forces hunger for the weapon Helaina carries within her.
Seized by Theodon Wrenn, the feared captain of a mysterious legion, Helaina is thrust into a war that stretches far beyond her imagining. Ruthless, commanding, and bound by secrets of his own, Theodon believes she is the key to victory. Yet the more he tries to bend her to his will, the more he is drawn to her defiance—and to the dangerous fire in her blood. Unlocking her power requires the Bone Dagger, an ancient relic that binds gods, beasts, and mortals alike, but demands a price—Helaina’s mortal life.
Torn between the man who would sacrifice her and the destiny she never wanted, Helaina must decide whether her curse will bring salvation … or ruin.
Review
4 stars
An exciting, emotional and well-developed enemies-to-lovers romantasy, this is the first book in the Out of Darkness series, and a remarkably impressive debut novel from Clara Rhodes. I really enjoyed this one!
Helaina is a mortal princess born with a curse that gives her terrifying powers. Hidden away for most of her life, she has endured heartbreaking tragedy and is now being forced into an arranged marriage and sent to a distant land, when she’s kidnapped by three warriors who whisk her away in the night.
Theoden is the captain of a legion of demi-gods who believes Helaina’s power may be the key to winning the war against the monsters that threaten the realm. He plans to train her but didn’t expect her to be a total spitfire who fights him every step of the way.
Of course, it’s only a matter of time before sparks ignite between them, but they have quite the tumultuous journey ahead of them. Helaina is wracked with grief and guilt over her past, and she’s been taught to fear the very shadows that Theo is trying to draw out of her. But as evil lurks and danger draws nearer, she will have to face up to all of it to become who she is truly meant to be.
She needed to learn to protect herself. She was not some fragile soul. She was a mighty weapon of godly descent. It was time she started acting like it.
It’s a great premise, Rhodes tells the story well, and I was quickly drawn into this world. Helaina is instantly likeable, and as her story unfolds, the emotion is beautifully written, and my heart ached for her. I loved watching her adjust to her new life with Theo and his troops, finding her strength and her place along the way. I also really enjoyed the back and forth between the two of them. Theo has that fabulous broody-yet-cocky vibe that I love in a romance hero, and the dual POV brings his perspective to life in a way that enhances the story beautifully. The romance is secondary to the main story, but it still brings heart and steaminess. And though they have their ups and downs, I loved watching these two tortured souls find their way to each other.
“Now that I’ve known you, I fear you have gained a shadow in me, Helaina Ironblood. There is nowhere you could go that I won’t follow.”
The story moves between the past and the present, each glimpse into the past giving us more context for the present, and the world-building continues throughout the whole book as all of the pieces come together. There’s a great cast of side characters that help to progress the story, and I enjoyed getting completely wrapped up in the journey.
Full of emotion, action and excitement, this is a really enjoyable read. I loved these characters and the world, and the story builds to an epic climax that leaves the book on a brutal cliffhanger. I’m excited to see where the series goes from here.
Such a great read – 4 stars.
An Advanced Reader Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.