Atonement of the Spine Cleaver (The Atonement Series) Paperback – August 31, 2023

This is easily one of the best books I’ve read this year and although I only give a handful of books 5 stars a year, I KNEW from the beginning that this story had that good book magic✨Fantastic world building, magic system, regional history and belief system. Story occurs in a matriarchal society (SO fantastic).Incredibly fierce FMC who grapples with internal conflict and a lack of self worth. Strong female friendships, and friendships in general. Complex relationships between many characters and plenty of political intrigue.Slow(ish)-burn romance with explosive chemistry and a little bit of kink. I’d give it 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 - there are numerous POVs and some romance/spice between supporting/side character.Does NOT end with one of those pesky and heart wrenching cliff hangers! I can’t reccomend this book enough!

First, I'll say that this book is very impressive for a debut novel. The amount of detail and thought that went into creating this world is mind-blowing. If you read read the Game of Thrones novels, the world-building and culture/political system building is at a similar level. If you're looking for a light and breezy novel, this isn't one – this is very high fantasy, and it's definitely a novel you'll want to take your time with. This is one of my favorite types of books, so I ate this one up.This novel felt like Game of Thrones meets Throne of Glass meets Hunger Games. I loved Game of Thrones (the books and the show), but always wished the women had been written better and this novel excels at that. I also really appreciated the strength of the relationships between the women in this novel. So many stories pit women against each other and while there is still conflict in this story between characters, that conflict isn't centered around men, which is really refreshing to read. The main character, Rorax, is a strong, internally conflicted, fierce soul and I loved seeing her growth throughout this novel, and look forward to how she comes into her own in the next book. The MMC in this book is perfectly paired with her and I loved their dynamic, and I'm really curious to see how that relationship leads in the next book as Rorax takes the next step in her journey.

This is ridiculously good. I read trash for the funniest, but this had all of my attention. The story and wirld building and characters are all complex and they ALL feel real and dynamic and genuine. Sometimes romance is smut with a dash of plot. None of the romance here distracted from the very intense conflict and it was realistic (to me) for growing feelings. No insta love, no enemies for a week Nd then boning. The progression in the romantic and friendly relationships happen over MONTHS and read like strong and real connections between the characters. The beginning was slow, but after about 30-50 pages, I was unstoppable. Raengar’s “pov” chapters were a little less interesting than the other characters, but the intensity and importance of whats happening in his side of the world still shine through and are enjoyable. Im someone who doesnt like constant pov switches, but the author here did it in a way that flowed well. Perhaps its because it was third person? I dont know. She couldve changed the pov to that of a dandelion and i probably wouldve gobbled it up. If you like romance, characters overcoming trauma REALISTICALLY over time (50+ years), accepting the past, fantasy, badass main and supporting characters, and multiple WELL THOUGHT OUT plots/subplots/conflicts, this is the book for you

This book was so good. Even though I had a hard time getting properly into the story, as I felt kind of thrown into the book, pushing through turned out to be so worth it. Also, it was about 30 pages or so before I was absolutely hooked, which seems fair to me.I LOVE the FMC. She is badass and sassy, and doesn't care about what people think of her. She's described as being sort of morally grey, but she does carry a lot of guilt (rightfully so), but I do think it makes for a good story. I love following her progress and evolvement as a person throughout the entirety of the 1st book. I am so excited to see where the next book takes her.The MMC is obviously amazing as well. I won't review too much on the MMC, as I am not actually sure myself, who is actually endgame. I can go ahead and say that there are mentioned two different MC's, who are both very promising (I do have a favorite, though)I love the premise of this book. I didn't find it predictable at all, and it's a really nice break from the usual tropes and storylines that are present in fantasy-books. I love how there are actual character deaths (I won't spoil who, don't worry), which brings the reader closer to the characters experiencing the loss and grief.I can't wait for the second book. I have absolutely no idea what is going to happen and I LOVE THAT.

I’ve been in the romantasy book slump from hell, until this book. This book. There is everything I want from a romantasy book: a mature heroine who’s SEEN and DONE baaaaad things (and not a 19yo special snowflake); a real enemies-to-lovers romance (see above re: bad things); character development; a sloooow burn with major payoff 🥵; multiple POVs with secondary characters who are more than mere foils to the FMC; a fantastic magical system with solid world-building; a sexy as sin tatted-up MMC; and a lethal competition.Rorax is, I think, my favorite heroine ever. She’s badass, flawed, traumatized from a genocide she helped commit on the House of Death, complex, loyal,… and one of twelve young women who are magically marked to fight to the death to become the next Guardian of the Realms, at a time where war and armies of monsters are on the horizon. And Ayres. Sigh. He’s freaking amazing. And Jia and Volla, Cannon, Reignar, Kaiya… I could go on.I have now sunken into the pit of despair while I wait for book 2. Please let this be a duology (but also let there be so many more books).Read this. Just, read this.

I am completely obsessed with this book! I loved everything about the world, from the politics and the magic system to the rich history and lore. I think F.E. Bryce did a good job with writing and developing the characters; they were wonderfully complex and engaging. One of my favourite aspects in the book was the portrayal of almost all the female characters as total bad@sses! It was such a refreshing change and added an extra depth to the story. On top of that, I couldn’t get enough of the tension and banter between Rorax and Aryes. I think I literally highlighted every scene they were in together 😂

I am so glad I came across this book.Loved it, fell in love with each character, the story... everything!I wasn't sure if I was going to like it at first and I'm so, so, so glad I was wonderfully surprised and can't wait for the next one!

I thank God that I am alive and can read when I find such books and get to experience magic

I’m so sad I’m finished and so sad the next book isn’t out yet! I wish I could give it more than 5 stars

Really enjoyed this book. It’s the first book in a series that I’ve loved this much since Clarissa broadbent’s. Very much in line with Clarissa nyxia series. The first half of this book especially is absolutely perfect. No notes. The last 20% were a little bit repetitive and rushed but still better than most books I’ve read the past few years. I really like how well rorax is drawn. There was even a part that made me roll my eyes at first that the author redeemed so well that I ended up happy she did in the first place. I thought it was gonna be a cliche but she showed how well it fit the character. Definitely high on the spice but the world and culture of the books is what drew me to it. The story of atonement, self forgiveness, and strength is really powerful. Can’t believe this is a debut. It is also really really well written and mature. The book flies by despite its very hefty length. Similiar again to Carissa Broadbent. The author really understands her characters and her world. Can’t wait for the next book in the series as well as whatever else the author chooses to do. She will definitely be an instant buy for me