Why Read This?The one-sentence sell. What do you get for showing up to this book, even when it's hard?
A unique magic system, cutthroat court politics, and a brooding shadow-wielding prince who cannot stay away from the woman he swore to hate. If you love enemies to lovers with real bite and a FMC who grows into her power, this one delivers.
book details below may contain spoilers. some hidden
At a Glance
Threaded scratches that itch for intricate fantasy worldbuilding paired with a romance that makes you want to throw your Kindle. The pacing is steady rather than breakneck - this is a curl-up-and-sink-in kind of read, not a stay-up-all-night sprint. Tay Rose writes strong female friendships alongside the central romance, and the shadow magic system feels genuinely fresh. Fair warning: that cliffhanger ending will have you immediately grabbing Scourged.
trope onetrope twotrope threetrope four
Book Details
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Primary GenreWhat type of book this is. Romance? Fantasy? A 400-page therapy session disguised as a thriller?
Romantasy
PairingWho's falling in love? The gender makeup of your main romance. Helps you find your specific flavor of love story.
M/F
POVWhose head are you in? First person = deep in the feels. Third = watching from above. Dual = emotional whiplash (affectionate).
Multi-POV
Romance PacingHow long until they kiss? Slow burn = 300 pages of tension. Insta-love = page 12 and it's already chaos.
Slow Burn
CliffhangerEnding type: HEA = forever happy (you'll cry happy). HFN = happy for now (open to interpretation). Bittersweet = complicated feelings. Know what you're signing up for.
reveal ending
AudiobookCan you experience this book while driving? Washing dishes? Working out while emotionally destroyed? Check here.
AvailableCan you experience this book while driving? Washing dishes? Working out while emotionally destroyed? Check here.
Yes
FormatHow fancy is the audio? Standard = one narrator. Full cast = theater kids went off. GraphicAudio = a MoViE iN yOuR mInD.
Dual Narration (M+F)
NarratorThe voice in your ears.
Luna Rey and Tyler Darby
TropesPlot devices and story situations that drive the romance. These are the circumstances that throw characters together or create conflict, not how they personally relate.
Relationship DynamicsThe interpersonal dynamic between the main characters. How do they relate to each other? This is about character energy and connection style, not plot situations.
Spice StyleNot just how much spice, but what kind. Emotional intimacy? Explicit but vanilla? Plot-driven heat? Know your flavor.
Angsty tension-fueled scenes with shadow magic woven in. The hate-to-love energy makes every touch feel earned and electric. Expect possessive intensity and slow-burn payoff.
Getting SteamyGentle kinks. Fun but nothing too crazy. The appetizer, so to speak.
World TypeWhat kind of world are you stepping into? High fantasy = full secondary world. Urban fantasy = magic in modern cities. Portal = starts here, goes there.
high fantasykingdom / empire
Primary SettingWhere does the story physically take place? Court intrigue = palace. Dark academia = campus. Cozy witch vibes = small town. This is about location, not world rules.
Fantasy kingdom with court politics, ancient magic, and dragon legends
Fantasy CreaturesWhat supernatural beings populate this world? Fae courts, vampire covens, dragon riders, or just regular humans doing their best.
RepresentationIdentity representation in the book. LGBTQ+, race/ethnicity, disability, neurodivergence, body type, age and more.
N/A
Reading Context
spoiler protected·tap tags to reveal
Emotional PayoffWhat you get for showing up. The catharsis, the growth, the 'I'm a different person now' moment. This is why the hard books are worth it.
