Amazon
Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2026
Format: Hardcover
As a single mom dealing with a lot and struggling through burnout I stopped reading. I used to read about a book a day and then life took over and I haven’t read a fiction book, except maybe a child’s nursery rhyme book, in over 10 years. I was able to borrow a Kindle and while I feel a little dirty because books are supposed to be held and smelled, I hoped that I would be able to read more. I am a murder mystery fan and if it’s not a book on psychology, that’s what I’m reading. Harlen Coben, Karen Slaughter,the more murder and twisty it is the more I’m into it. In no way did I ever imagine that a fantasy book would be the first fiction book I read coming back to it. Let alone LOVE!
Full disclosure, I know the author personally and wanted to read it mostly to support her. I know her in a different realm and I really had no clue what I was getting myself into except that it was a fantasy book and I would read it, understand what she was talking about when she mentioned the characters, be able to tell the people I know who are into fantasy about it, and another book I read but with sentimental value for my friend attached to it. I have had it for a few months so I started with this book. After all, what kind of friend would I be if I didn’t get around to reading it. In no way did I think that I would be so invested that I would drop everything and stay up until 3 AM reading it like I used to when I was a child with no adult responsibilities.
By the first two sentences I was hooked. Without giving too much away, there is a little bit of murder, a little bit of mayhem, humor, and just an awesome all-around story full of adventure and danger with a little bit of mystery and Dungeons and Dragons vibe. It even has somewhat of a twist at the end that I didn’t even fathom was possible (and I have been reading murder mysteries since I was 8 years old). I’m almost envious at the ability she has to bring the reader fully in. I laughed, felt sadness, anger, cheered for the characters accomplishments and growth, and felt proud of them like they were my own friends and family.
Then the most wondrous and amazing thing happened. I started to feel the memories of my younger self and the reasons I fell in love with reading in the first place. Not only was I transported into this awesome world, but I hungered for it. It took me about two days to read it because after all, I am still an adult with responsibilities, but even then I was stealing moments to read, forgetting to eat, not realizing the time as I lost myself in the story. Disappointed I had to pull myself away from reading it to tend to those responsibilities just as my mom used to have to do to get me to school or to get me to go to bed at night. Disappointed knowing it would end soon. I missed that so much!
I am so glad that this was the first book I was able to read; it was like I was falling in love with reading all over again! Something that most people only get to experience once. Not only is this such an amazing story that everyone who reads it will love, it will always hold a special place in my heart.
I wasn’t a fantasy reader, so I don’t have all the fancy fantastical words that belong in this genre, but if all fantasy books are this good then fantasy is my new favorite genre!
So for any reader who wants a good story and/or to remember why they love reading, this is a book for you! It even smells good (IYKYK)!
I can’t wait to read the second in the series. I will be first in line, not just as a supportive friend this time, but a fan!
Goodreads
February 7, 2026
As a single mom dealing with a lot and struggling through burnout I stopped reading. I used to read about a book a day and then life took over and I haven’t read a fiction book, except maybe a child’s nursery rhyme book, in over 10 years. I was able to borrow a Kindle and while I feel a little dirty because books are supposed to be held and smelled, I hoped that I would be able to read more. I am a murder mystery fan and if it’s not a book on psychology, that’s what I’m reading. Harlen Coben, Karen Slaughter,the more murder and twisty it is the more I’m into it. In no way did I ever imagine that a fantasy book would be the first fiction book I read coming back to it. Let alone LOVE!
Full disclosure, I know the author personally and wanted to read it mostly to support her. I know her in a different realm and I really had no clue what I was getting myself into except that it was a fantasy book and I would read it, understand what she was talking about when she mentioned the characters, be able to tell the people I know who are into fantasy about it, and another book I read but with sentimental value for my friend attached to it. I have had it for a few months so I started with this book. After all, what kind of friend would I be if I didn’t get around to reading it. In no way did I think that I would be so invested that I would drop everything and stay up until 3 AM reading it like I used to when I was a child with no adult responsibilities.
By the first two sentences I was hooked. Without giving too much away, there is a little bit of murder, a little bit of mayhem, humor, and just an awesome all-around story full of adventure and danger with a little bit of mystery and Dungeons and Dragons vibe. It even has somewhat of a twist at the end that I didn’t even fathom was possible (and I have been reading murder mysteries since I was 8 years old). I’m almost envious at the ability she has to bring the reader fully in. I laughed, felt sadness, anger, cheered for the characters accomplishments and growth, and felt proud of them like they were my own friends and family.
Then the most wondrous and amazing thing happened. I started to feel the memories of my younger self and the reasons I fell in love with reading in the first place. Not only was I transported into this awesome world, but I hungered for it. It took me about two days to read it because after all, I am still an adult with responsibilities, but even then I was stealing moments to read, forgetting to eat, not realizing the time as I lost myself in the story. Disappointed I had to pull myself away from reading it to tend to those responsibilities just as my mom used to have to do to get me to school or to get me to go to bed at night. Disappointed knowing it would end soon. I missed that so much!
I am so glad that this was the first book I was able to read; it was like I was falling in love with reading all over again! Something that most people only get to experience once. Not only is this such an amazing story that everyone who reads it will love, it will always hold a special place in my heart.
I wasn’t a fantasy reader, so I don’t have all the fancy fantastical words that belong in this genre, but if all fantasy books are this good then fantasy is my new favorite genre!
So for any reader who wants a good story and/or to remember why they love reading, this is a book for you! It even smells good (IYKYK)!
I can’t wait to read the second in the series. I will be first in line, not just as a supportive friend this time, but a fan!
–for Catching Qat (Drakkaen Nakkla, Book 1)
