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Beasts of the Void #1
Voidwalker
Not yet published
Expected 19 Aug 25Fionamara is a smuggler. Antal is the reason her people fear the dark.
Fi ferries contraband between worlds, stockpiling funds and stolen magic to keep her village self-sufficient - free from the blood sacrifices humans have paid to Antal's immortal species for centuries.
Only legends whispered through the pine forests recall a time when things were different, before one world shattered into many, and the flesh-devouring beasts crept from the cracks between realities, with their sable antlers and slender tails, lethal claws and gleaming fangs. Now, mortal lives are food to pacify their carnivorous overlords, exchanged for feudal protection, and the precious silver energy that fuels everything from transport to weaponry.
When Fi gets planted with a stash of smuggled energy, a long-lost flame recruits her for a reckless heist that escalates into a terrorist bombing - and a coup against the reigning immortals, with Fi's home caught in the crossfire.
She's always known the dangers of her trade - and of the power she's wielded since childhood, allowing her to see the secret doors between dimensions, to walk the Void itself. But nothing could have prepared her for crossing paths with Antal. For the deal she'll have to make with him, a forced partnership to reclaim his city that begins as a desperate bid for survival, only to grow into something far more dangerous.
A revolution.
And a temptation - for how sweet the monster's fangs might feel.
From the author of the instant Sunday Times-bestselling The Phoenix Keeper comes an era-defining new fantasy universe where spicy romantasy meets the Cosmere, unmissable for fans of the world-building scale of Sarah J. Maas and the world-shifting stakes of Rebecca Yarros.
Voidwalker will be your next romantasy obsession, a deliciously feral story that started with just two words: "bite me".
Fi ferries contraband between worlds, stockpiling funds and stolen magic to keep her village self-sufficient - free from the blood sacrifices humans have paid to Antal's immortal species for centuries.
Only legends whispered through the pine forests recall a time when things were different, before one world shattered into many, and the flesh-devouring beasts crept from the cracks between realities, with their sable antlers and slender tails, lethal claws and gleaming fangs. Now, mortal lives are food to pacify their carnivorous overlords, exchanged for feudal protection, and the precious silver energy that fuels everything from transport to weaponry.
When Fi gets planted with a stash of smuggled energy, a long-lost flame recruits her for a reckless heist that escalates into a terrorist bombing - and a coup against the reigning immortals, with Fi's home caught in the crossfire.
She's always known the dangers of her trade - and of the power she's wielded since childhood, allowing her to see the secret doors between dimensions, to walk the Void itself. But nothing could have prepared her for crossing paths with Antal. For the deal she'll have to make with him, a forced partnership to reclaim his city that begins as a desperate bid for survival, only to grow into something far more dangerous.
A revolution.
And a temptation - for how sweet the monster's fangs might feel.
From the author of the instant Sunday Times-bestselling The Phoenix Keeper comes an era-defining new fantasy universe where spicy romantasy meets the Cosmere, unmissable for fans of the world-building scale of Sarah J. Maas and the world-shifting stakes of Rebecca Yarros.
Voidwalker will be your next romantasy obsession, a deliciously feral story that started with just two words: "bite me".
592 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication August 19, 2025
27 people are currently reading
1,287 people want to read
About the author
S.A. MacLean
2books329followersS. A. MacLean is a romantasy author from Southern California. Her stories feature spiky banter, sassy animal companions, and queer casts who represent her voice as a chaotic bisexual woman.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 25, 2025
when both of you can be failures together<3 <3
why run from your fears when you can fuck them instead?
also them having an out topping contest (just bisexual things)
here for this rabid demon creature who would rather sulk inside a snow bank with his antlers sticking out and hang from the rafters like a feral bat than emote/behave normally
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing the advance copy to review.
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why run from your fears when you can fuck them instead?
also them having an out topping contest (just bisexual things)
here for this rabid demon creature who would rather sulk inside a snow bank with his antlers sticking out and hang from the rafters like a feral bat than emote/behave normally
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing the advance copy to review.
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April 8, 2025
Am I now obsessed with monster romantasy?!
I was giggling from the get-go. I was in my feels - the funny, the deep, the painful. This was soft and sharp and vicious all at once.
Fi is a rainbow haired, spunky 32-year-old in the lucrative business of cross-Plane smuggling, able to travel across huge differences by cutting into doors most humans cannot see.
When her job goes wrong, she is offered as a sacrifice to the daeyari - carnivorous immortals who rule the humans and offer protection in exchange for sustenance. When Lord Antal and Fi discover betrayal, they strike up a bargain to help each other.
A cool magic system, protection, antlers, a tail, biting�
Would it be so bad, to be devoured?
The middle of an argument with a carnivore: not the ideal time for discovering kinks.
Fi is very good at pretending, a defence mechanism, masquerading as bravado. Aka my favourite kind of traumatised, sarcastic and biting heroine.
‘Strength is easy to fake, Fionamara. Vulnerability is hard. Yet here you sit.�
Antal is scary until you find out he’s actually soft and tender and he needs to be hugged. Or to have a spunky human bite back. Figuratively� literally?
An amazing older brother. Hurt and comfort scenes. Easy queer normative rep. A Void Horse with a punny name. Hilarious chapter titles�
You will have a Void damned good time.
‘Yet how odd, you assume all your folktales of devoured mortals end in death? There are other ways to enjoy flesh, Fionamara. Types of devouring that don’t work well as cautionary tales for misbehaving girls.�
‘I want to know you aren’t going to eat her,� Boden said. Fi saw the response coming a mile away. Too slow to stop it.
‘Well,� Antal drawled, ‘not unless she asks me to.� Fi wondered what he’d look like reincarnated. After she murdered him, of course.
I will stop gushing now.
P.s. this is pretty different from The Phoenix Keeper, so go in knowing that!
Physical arc (still screaming) by Gollancz.
I was giggling from the get-go. I was in my feels - the funny, the deep, the painful. This was soft and sharp and vicious all at once.
Fi is a rainbow haired, spunky 32-year-old in the lucrative business of cross-Plane smuggling, able to travel across huge differences by cutting into doors most humans cannot see.
When her job goes wrong, she is offered as a sacrifice to the daeyari - carnivorous immortals who rule the humans and offer protection in exchange for sustenance. When Lord Antal and Fi discover betrayal, they strike up a bargain to help each other.
A cool magic system, protection, antlers, a tail, biting�
Would it be so bad, to be devoured?
The middle of an argument with a carnivore: not the ideal time for discovering kinks.
Fi is very good at pretending, a defence mechanism, masquerading as bravado. Aka my favourite kind of traumatised, sarcastic and biting heroine.
‘Strength is easy to fake, Fionamara. Vulnerability is hard. Yet here you sit.�
Antal is scary until you find out he’s actually soft and tender and he needs to be hugged. Or to have a spunky human bite back. Figuratively� literally?
An amazing older brother. Hurt and comfort scenes. Easy queer normative rep. A Void Horse with a punny name. Hilarious chapter titles�
You will have a Void damned good time.
‘Yet how odd, you assume all your folktales of devoured mortals end in death? There are other ways to enjoy flesh, Fionamara. Types of devouring that don’t work well as cautionary tales for misbehaving girls.�
‘I want to know you aren’t going to eat her,� Boden said. Fi saw the response coming a mile away. Too slow to stop it.
‘Well,� Antal drawled, ‘not unless she asks me to.� Fi wondered what he’d look like reincarnated. After she murdered him, of course.
I will stop gushing now.
P.s. this is pretty different from The Phoenix Keeper, so go in knowing that!
Physical arc (still screaming) by Gollancz.
April 6, 2025
The Cruel Prince meets Grace Draven's Radiance in a world like Final Fantasy in a perfect mix of action, slow-burn romance and spice. Absolutely phenomenal, potentially the best read of 2025 so far. Straight to my favorities list (even though I keep them very limited and competitive).
I rarely request books over 500 pages in length, but I've made exception for this one because I saw it promoted on Instagram in some bi4bi romantasy book raffle. And I'm a huuuuge fan of "queer MF", give me your bi, pan, omni, ace, demi, genderqueer etc. protagonists. And while some of the "bi romantasy" I've read only had 1 of the leads specified as bi, while the other one's sexuality was never discussed, this one confirms the bi status for both leads.
The opening sequence was action-packed and I was waiting with bated breath for the usual "30% romantasy drop off" where the act 1 starts very plotty and hooky but then devolves into no plot just vibes and banter - this never happened here. The strong fantasy plot thoroughline keeps the tension and pacing together all the way to the very end. While there are breather moments to focus on the romance or found family or interpersonal conflict, the high stakes overarching plot and looming danger is never truly forgotten and often repops in the most unexpected moments.
The romance doesn't start immediately, it takes some time for the leads to meet, and it starts in if not enemies-to-lovers scenario at least in a heavy mistrust and suspicion. Humans and Daeyari are if not enemies, then having a strained relationship where lots of Daeyari treat humans only as prey, food or slaves. Both of the leads have already experienced the complex and painful history of both races together. Daeyari are immortal or at least very long-lived and Antal is considered young among his kind, but he's 250 years old. Meanwhile Fiona is 32, departing from the common stereotype of romantasy heroines being in their late teens or early 20s. And yes, she has rainbow hair, like on the cover. Did I mention this cover is truly stunning?
As the story starts with Fiona being roped into a failed heist turned terrorist attack, we think situation can't get any worse - but of course it does. The conspirators wanted to oust Antal, the Daeyari leader of the region, and one would think off with the oppressors if his place wasn't immediately taken by another Daeyari, one 10 times worse than him. So Fiona has no choice but lesser evil - help Antal take his region back while hoping to convince him to treat humans as more than food.
I'm a complete sucker for enemies to lovers or enemies to allies where both sides are getting their butts kicked by the plot / villains and have to begrudgingly unite over a common goal. Gotta love an underdog hero x2. So I was immediately sold. The banter was also top notch. The dynamics of both leads being outwards badasses, secret softies inside was insanely cute and I loved how Fiona was never a damsel or just a human object of adoration of her immortal lover, but she held her ground and was an equally important hero and partner in the plot.
I also loved that this book avoided another common romantasy pitfall - there's no insta-lust and there's no "I only want to be with him cuz he's hot". It's very slow-burn. The whole book is from Fiona's perspective and when she meets Antal first, she assesses him like a warrior assesses an enemy or a veteran assesses the risks / dangers. It takes her time to warm up to him and only when she sees he's not a cruel monster, she starts developing attraction. It took her over 200 pages to develop attraction and likely another 100 on top of it to turn that attraction into action. Once the slow-burn starts burning it's very sizzling, but all it of feels very earned. There are 3-4 explicit scenes that were higher spice level than my typical fantasy read but very in-line with typical romance. If you're scared the spice was "too monstrous", nope, it's not. It was all very tastefully done.
The worldbuilding is complex and unique, a science-fantasy / magic-punk where everything is fueled by special kind of magical energy and the world is made of floating planes and shards in the void, and travelling between them is a highly coveted skill and an important plot point. A bit Final Fantasy, a bit Planescape: Torment, a bit steampunk / Arcane, overall it's a breath of fresh air on the fantasy market. There are even lightsabers, sorry, energy blades.
The side cast was fleshed out and the overarching theme of guilt and regret over mistakes of the past was strongly woven through multiple characters' arcs.
I reckon this is a 1st in a series, but worry not, it can perfectly stand alone, the plot wraps up in a very satisfactory manner. Looking forward what the author writes next!
TW: Humans being eaten. Is it cannibalism if they're eaten by fantasy creatures rather than other humans? Not sure. It's plot-important, but if that's a hard nope for you, be warned. Also typical adult fantasy levels of violence and gore, and explicit open door spicy scenes.
Recommended for: Readers who want a strong mix of fantasy and romance in their romantasy, and who want to see a "fantasy race" that's more alien than just "pointy-eared humans". People who always thought Cardan's tail was cute.
Thank you Netgalley & Gollancz / Orion Publishing Group for the ARC!
I rarely request books over 500 pages in length, but I've made exception for this one because I saw it promoted on Instagram in some bi4bi romantasy book raffle. And I'm a huuuuge fan of "queer MF", give me your bi, pan, omni, ace, demi, genderqueer etc. protagonists. And while some of the "bi romantasy" I've read only had 1 of the leads specified as bi, while the other one's sexuality was never discussed, this one confirms the bi status for both leads.
The opening sequence was action-packed and I was waiting with bated breath for the usual "30% romantasy drop off" where the act 1 starts very plotty and hooky but then devolves into no plot just vibes and banter - this never happened here. The strong fantasy plot thoroughline keeps the tension and pacing together all the way to the very end. While there are breather moments to focus on the romance or found family or interpersonal conflict, the high stakes overarching plot and looming danger is never truly forgotten and often repops in the most unexpected moments.
The romance doesn't start immediately, it takes some time for the leads to meet, and it starts in if not enemies-to-lovers scenario at least in a heavy mistrust and suspicion. Humans and Daeyari are if not enemies, then having a strained relationship where lots of Daeyari treat humans only as prey, food or slaves. Both of the leads have already experienced the complex and painful history of both races together. Daeyari are immortal or at least very long-lived and Antal is considered young among his kind, but he's 250 years old. Meanwhile Fiona is 32, departing from the common stereotype of romantasy heroines being in their late teens or early 20s. And yes, she has rainbow hair, like on the cover. Did I mention this cover is truly stunning?
As the story starts with Fiona being roped into a failed heist turned terrorist attack, we think situation can't get any worse - but of course it does. The conspirators wanted to oust Antal, the Daeyari leader of the region, and one would think off with the oppressors if his place wasn't immediately taken by another Daeyari, one 10 times worse than him. So Fiona has no choice but lesser evil - help Antal take his region back while hoping to convince him to treat humans as more than food.
I'm a complete sucker for enemies to lovers or enemies to allies where both sides are getting their butts kicked by the plot / villains and have to begrudgingly unite over a common goal. Gotta love an underdog hero x2. So I was immediately sold. The banter was also top notch. The dynamics of both leads being outwards badasses, secret softies inside was insanely cute and I loved how Fiona was never a damsel or just a human object of adoration of her immortal lover, but she held her ground and was an equally important hero and partner in the plot.
I also loved that this book avoided another common romantasy pitfall - there's no insta-lust and there's no "I only want to be with him cuz he's hot". It's very slow-burn. The whole book is from Fiona's perspective and when she meets Antal first, she assesses him like a warrior assesses an enemy or a veteran assesses the risks / dangers. It takes her time to warm up to him and only when she sees he's not a cruel monster, she starts developing attraction. It took her over 200 pages to develop attraction and likely another 100 on top of it to turn that attraction into action. Once the slow-burn starts burning it's very sizzling, but all it of feels very earned. There are 3-4 explicit scenes that were higher spice level than my typical fantasy read but very in-line with typical romance. If you're scared the spice was "too monstrous", nope, it's not. It was all very tastefully done.
The worldbuilding is complex and unique, a science-fantasy / magic-punk where everything is fueled by special kind of magical energy and the world is made of floating planes and shards in the void, and travelling between them is a highly coveted skill and an important plot point. A bit Final Fantasy, a bit Planescape: Torment, a bit steampunk / Arcane, overall it's a breath of fresh air on the fantasy market. There are even lightsabers, sorry, energy blades.
The side cast was fleshed out and the overarching theme of guilt and regret over mistakes of the past was strongly woven through multiple characters' arcs.
I reckon this is a 1st in a series, but worry not, it can perfectly stand alone, the plot wraps up in a very satisfactory manner. Looking forward what the author writes next!
TW: Humans being eaten. Is it cannibalism if they're eaten by fantasy creatures rather than other humans? Not sure. It's plot-important, but if that's a hard nope for you, be warned. Also typical adult fantasy levels of violence and gore, and explicit open door spicy scenes.
Recommended for: Readers who want a strong mix of fantasy and romance in their romantasy, and who want to see a "fantasy race" that's more alien than just "pointy-eared humans". People who always thought Cardan's tail was cute.
Thank you Netgalley & Gollancz / Orion Publishing Group for the ARC!
May 9, 2025
Voidwalker has been my best read of 2025 so far so I can't help but endorse it yet again. Many times when I pick a fantasy with a romance plot, the author is either great at establishing romance, but weak at worldbuilding and external plot, or the author is brilliant at the general fantasy aspects but the romance is sadly limping along. I've read only 2 books this year where both aspects are equally strong pillars: one is Voidwalker, the other was .
I loved how Fiona and Antal both tried to pretend they're scary badasses and loathed to admit they need help, they had trust issues due to past traumas, they tackled with survivor's guilt, but they also together learned confidence, opening to rely on others when necessary, and bonded extremely well.
I enjoyed a departure from common pseudo-medieval or pseudo-Victorian settings I usually see in fantasy. We have different planes suspended in the void connected with bridges and gateways, and everything runs fueled by magical energy capsules - from energy blades and crossbows to trains and central heating systems.
The story is well paced, with action-packed scenes intertwined with calmer found family moments and slow-burn romance and tense interpersonal conflicts. It's a great mix of dark and hopeful, not falling into either extreme.
The plot nicely wraps up, even though I am curious which direction will the sequel take us, since there are hints of bigger scope Daeyari politics going on in the background.
The romance was a breath of fresh air, Fiona wasn't your typical naive damsel or stubborn-without-a-cause step-into-every-trouble kind of protagonist. Antal was respectful and showed a surprisingly vulnerable side in interactions with Fiona. He didn't smother her with overprotectiveness, but enabled her growth and encouraged her strength.
Their interactions were extremely hilarious with top-notch banter.
Definitely recommend for anyone looking for fantasy with a strong romance plot or romantasy with a strong external conflict, and anyone who wants to see both leads exude black cat energy.
Thank you Netgalley and Orbit Books for the ARC, you're the best and I can always count on you. 💗
I loved how Fiona and Antal both tried to pretend they're scary badasses and loathed to admit they need help, they had trust issues due to past traumas, they tackled with survivor's guilt, but they also together learned confidence, opening to rely on others when necessary, and bonded extremely well.
I enjoyed a departure from common pseudo-medieval or pseudo-Victorian settings I usually see in fantasy. We have different planes suspended in the void connected with bridges and gateways, and everything runs fueled by magical energy capsules - from energy blades and crossbows to trains and central heating systems.
The story is well paced, with action-packed scenes intertwined with calmer found family moments and slow-burn romance and tense interpersonal conflicts. It's a great mix of dark and hopeful, not falling into either extreme.
The plot nicely wraps up, even though I am curious which direction will the sequel take us, since there are hints of bigger scope Daeyari politics going on in the background.
The romance was a breath of fresh air, Fiona wasn't your typical naive damsel or stubborn-without-a-cause step-into-every-trouble kind of protagonist. Antal was respectful and showed a surprisingly vulnerable side in interactions with Fiona. He didn't smother her with overprotectiveness, but enabled her growth and encouraged her strength.
Their interactions were extremely hilarious with top-notch banter.
Definitely recommend for anyone looking for fantasy with a strong romance plot or romantasy with a strong external conflict, and anyone who wants to see both leads exude black cat energy.
Thank you Netgalley and Orbit Books for the ARC, you're the best and I can always count on you. 💗
March 19, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! It hooked me in right at the start with such an interesting story and also the fantastic characters the author created. I laughed, I cried and had a bloody good time reading this story. Get this on your TBR for the August release!
The world building in this book is so good. I loved the magic system / technology system in the story. It's different and fresh and added such a unique dynamic to the book. I loved the whole idea of the void and curtains used to travel to different territories.
The FMC in this book might just be one of my favourites. She's a survivor, a grafter and she is hilarious! She's witty, she's funny and the banter between her and the MMC is great. Fi's inner monologue had me giggling away. Especially when she's trying her hardest not to be attracted to Antal.
Antal is a great MMC. He doesn't try to hold her back and he matches her banter blow for blow. They are great together. He enjoys her being wild and challenging him because ultimately he wants to be better. He is incredibly likeable!
The different territories are ruled by different Daeyari rulers. Daeyari are scary and otherworldly and they demand a human sacrifice from their territories each year. After Fi is hilariously caught up in a coup in Antal's territory the pair are forced to pair up in order for him to try and claim back what is his, despite being against the Daeyari and their demands of flesh.
The romance plot in this book is so well done and the spice scenes are well written. There are also elements of sapphic romance in the story. There's fantastic side characters especially in the residents of Nyskya.
The way this book is written keeps you fully invested. I really enjoyed the children's rhymes and fables interspersed between chapters. It adds to the mystery and terror that the Daeyari instill in all the territories.
"So let this be a lesson, a fate to avoid. Futile to fight the beasts born of the void."
The ending is such that this could be a standalone and also there's plenty of material for there to be more books in this series. I seriously hope there is!
Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group for the arc. This is my honest review of the book.
The world building in this book is so good. I loved the magic system / technology system in the story. It's different and fresh and added such a unique dynamic to the book. I loved the whole idea of the void and curtains used to travel to different territories.
The FMC in this book might just be one of my favourites. She's a survivor, a grafter and she is hilarious! She's witty, she's funny and the banter between her and the MMC is great. Fi's inner monologue had me giggling away. Especially when she's trying her hardest not to be attracted to Antal.
Antal is a great MMC. He doesn't try to hold her back and he matches her banter blow for blow. They are great together. He enjoys her being wild and challenging him because ultimately he wants to be better. He is incredibly likeable!
The different territories are ruled by different Daeyari rulers. Daeyari are scary and otherworldly and they demand a human sacrifice from their territories each year. After Fi is hilariously caught up in a coup in Antal's territory the pair are forced to pair up in order for him to try and claim back what is his, despite being against the Daeyari and their demands of flesh.
The romance plot in this book is so well done and the spice scenes are well written. There are also elements of sapphic romance in the story. There's fantastic side characters especially in the residents of Nyskya.
The way this book is written keeps you fully invested. I really enjoyed the children's rhymes and fables interspersed between chapters. It adds to the mystery and terror that the Daeyari instill in all the territories.
"So let this be a lesson, a fate to avoid. Futile to fight the beasts born of the void."
The ending is such that this could be a standalone and also there's plenty of material for there to be more books in this series. I seriously hope there is!
Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group for the arc. This is my honest review of the book.
Currently reading
May 6, 2025Do you see that cover?
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March 27, 2025
5⭐️ 🌶�
Fionamara, a skilled smuggler, utilises her unique abilities to navigate the hidden portals between dimensions, transporting contraband between worlds. However, a botched mission leads to a coup against the reigning immortal of her territory, putting Fi’s home in the crossfire. In a world where humans are sustenance for the Daeyari, the monstrous overloads wield immense power, exchanging sacrifices for feudal protection and essential resources. Despite the odds stacked against her, Fi finds her needs align with Antal, the overthrown Daeyari overlord, and they forge an unlikely partnership to reclaim what was taken. But as their plans gain momentum, surrendering to her intensifying feelings for Antal might prove to be her most dangerous undertaking yet�
Thanks so much to Orion Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC.
If I could give this more than 5 stars, I honestly would. I’ve read some really great books recently - I’m on a really good reading streak - but this was something else!
It’s a wild and romantic monster romantasy with detailed magic systems and a rich lore. The world-building is brilliant! It’s imaginative, evocative, and immerses you right from the beginning. It has an array of awesome characters and an exciting plot that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end!
Fi may be one of my all-time favourite FMCs. She’s witty, tough, and independent, but she also acknowledges and embraces her vulnerabilities (She’s also 32 years old - YES for a FMC in a fantasy book over the age of 30!). I absolutely loved her, and loved Maclean’s style of writing her point of view. Antel is also not your typical dark and tortured alpha type MMC either; he’s a lot more complex and interesting. If anything, Fi is the more formidable and demanding one in many respects, and I love how their relationship evolves.
I got about 70% through the book before I panicked that it was a standalone and I was almost done. But worry not, it’s the beginning of a duology! I’m just not happy with how long I’ll have to wait for the next one now that I’ve finished book one so quickly!
Fionamara, a skilled smuggler, utilises her unique abilities to navigate the hidden portals between dimensions, transporting contraband between worlds. However, a botched mission leads to a coup against the reigning immortal of her territory, putting Fi’s home in the crossfire. In a world where humans are sustenance for the Daeyari, the monstrous overloads wield immense power, exchanging sacrifices for feudal protection and essential resources. Despite the odds stacked against her, Fi finds her needs align with Antal, the overthrown Daeyari overlord, and they forge an unlikely partnership to reclaim what was taken. But as their plans gain momentum, surrendering to her intensifying feelings for Antal might prove to be her most dangerous undertaking yet�
Thanks so much to Orion Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC.
If I could give this more than 5 stars, I honestly would. I’ve read some really great books recently - I’m on a really good reading streak - but this was something else!
It’s a wild and romantic monster romantasy with detailed magic systems and a rich lore. The world-building is brilliant! It’s imaginative, evocative, and immerses you right from the beginning. It has an array of awesome characters and an exciting plot that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end!
Fi may be one of my all-time favourite FMCs. She’s witty, tough, and independent, but she also acknowledges and embraces her vulnerabilities (She’s also 32 years old - YES for a FMC in a fantasy book over the age of 30!). I absolutely loved her, and loved Maclean’s style of writing her point of view. Antel is also not your typical dark and tortured alpha type MMC either; he’s a lot more complex and interesting. If anything, Fi is the more formidable and demanding one in many respects, and I love how their relationship evolves.
I got about 70% through the book before I panicked that it was a standalone and I was almost done. But worry not, it’s the beginning of a duology! I’m just not happy with how long I’ll have to wait for the next one now that I’ve finished book one so quickly!
April 7, 2025
I do not understand why the people in this world are so upset by the demons eating them because id 10000% let Antal have a taste.
Demon smut WITH a good and strong political plot - yes please.
While it did take a while to get into the world building I thoroughly enjoyed it! It took me 30% of the book to understand the concept and then it just started flowing. I also didn’t feel let down by the ending which is always nice.
Demon smut WITH a good and strong political plot - yes please.
While it did take a while to get into the world building I thoroughly enjoyed it! It took me 30% of the book to understand the concept and then it just started flowing. I also didn’t feel let down by the ending which is always nice.
May 12, 2025
I gave this book a 4 star mainly because it was a little slow going. However, once it picked up, I enjoyed it very much. I enjoyed the amount of action and romance. I also loved the fmc and how she never backed down.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
May 12, 2025
Review to come later but this book was amazing!!
Currently reading
May 13, 2025I have been so excited for this and orbit heard my begging!
This was made for me. I’m gonna devour it.
32 year old fmc? �
Monster romance? �
Only one bed? �
This was made for me. I’m gonna devour it.
32 year old fmc? �
Monster romance? �
Only one bed? �
May 1, 2025
“The middle argument with a carnivore: not the ideal time for discovering kinks�
Where do I start? I don’t like having expectations before reading a book because I’m too often disappointed, but Void knows how it wasn’t the case here. Voidwalker delivered, point after point. (And, I’m sorry, my review will be so so messy because even after a month I remain mind-blowed)
From the beginning, I felt at a cross between Snowpiercer and His Dark Materials, my feet crackling in the snow, my eyes lost in the Auroras, my whole being tense because of the fears coming from the Daeyari. The writing is so immersive, the action so well mastered. Honestly, it has been (very) difficult to make this story last (a bit) and not inhale it in only one bit. The pace never let me down, and the story gave me all the possible feelings. I laughed (this book has the best chapter titles ever), follwed the cues, winced, shivered (in many ways), caught my breath (these action scenes!), yelled, cursed (and learnt to do it in another language), cried when my heart was full –or crushed.
Both Fi and Antlers –sorry, Antal� but team Antlers anyway� are amazing (so are side characters, Astrid especially), hot as he*l, with ARCs that answer each other like a mirror. From “nothing here is my fault� (right, Fi?), passing by “I carry the whole world on my shoulders� to “lets try to do the right thing�, they grew, a lot. They fought a lot, too. Between each other, against the rest of the world, against their fears and prejudices, against the established order. Voidwalker questions the most primal fear, the monster hidden in the dark, the bogeyman ready to eat you. What if you decide to confront him? But what if you dive into even more primal urges? What is the danger? The consequences? What if the predator becomes the prey? What if the dynamics change all the time? The fact that the world has its own cautious tales tells so much about it.
But the characters fight iin their own way. Fi does it with her energy sword and her (t)horny aura, Antal with the best irritated wet cat energy I’ve ever read. Like I TRULY pictured that while reading (I won’t ever see rafters the same way again).
I loved that the romance had such an important part in this, from fearful fascination to alchemy then vulnerability –and scorching hot spice. They turn around each other like starving big cats, then jump at each other, teeth and claws on display� If I’m being honest, I might have developed a bite and an antler k!nk. Sorry, not sorry, because this book was an absolute bi-panic (or more like a treat�)
It wouldn’t be a review from me if I didn’t mention the bestiary. The f*cking amazing bestiary. I loved the one in TPK, of course. But this one is something else. First, Aisinay has my full heart. The creatures are part of a whole ecosystem (that has such an importance in the plot), and have a major role to immerse us into the world adding depth to the world building and many visual elements.
Because everything in this book is cinematographic, thanks to the detailed world-building, and the way everything is written helps a lot.
As I said, the WB is a masterpiece: climates, architecture, cautious tales, spirituality, bestiary, ecosystems, energy, politics� Everything is perfect but sprinkled all along, so it’s not overwhelming at all. I almost started a drinking game for each time I said “oh� clever!� about the author’s choices. What she did about energy especially, all the interdependences, and the consequences of progress (where is the balance? what do you have to give up if you give in progress?) were the other questions that haunted me through my reading, beyond the very entertaining story (also, I wish I had “universal� energy capsules instead of body fat to mobilize my ATP� just saying). I can’t tell more here without spoilers, but that was one of my (many) favorite parts of the story. You can see some real world science dancing in that WB, but also some “fictional science� and that’s just jubilatory (and something that was in TPK already).
I said before I would read anything S.A. MacLean would write. That’s more than ever true. This is –by far� my favorite read of the year so far, and one of my favorite books ever. I can’t wait to have a hard copy (my precious!) for a new (new, new) read, and also to put my eyes (my hands, my soul) on book 2 –no matter how satisfying was this one.
In one world, BRILLIANT (and, despite its almost 600 pages, too short).
Many many thanks to S.A. MacLean and Gollancz for the eARC sent via NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
Where do I start? I don’t like having expectations before reading a book because I’m too often disappointed, but Void knows how it wasn’t the case here. Voidwalker delivered, point after point. (And, I’m sorry, my review will be so so messy because even after a month I remain mind-blowed)
From the beginning, I felt at a cross between Snowpiercer and His Dark Materials, my feet crackling in the snow, my eyes lost in the Auroras, my whole being tense because of the fears coming from the Daeyari. The writing is so immersive, the action so well mastered. Honestly, it has been (very) difficult to make this story last (a bit) and not inhale it in only one bit. The pace never let me down, and the story gave me all the possible feelings. I laughed (this book has the best chapter titles ever), follwed the cues, winced, shivered (in many ways), caught my breath (these action scenes!), yelled, cursed (and learnt to do it in another language), cried when my heart was full –or crushed.
Both Fi and Antlers –sorry, Antal� but team Antlers anyway� are amazing (so are side characters, Astrid especially), hot as he*l, with ARCs that answer each other like a mirror. From “nothing here is my fault� (right, Fi?), passing by “I carry the whole world on my shoulders� to “lets try to do the right thing�, they grew, a lot. They fought a lot, too. Between each other, against the rest of the world, against their fears and prejudices, against the established order. Voidwalker questions the most primal fear, the monster hidden in the dark, the bogeyman ready to eat you. What if you decide to confront him? But what if you dive into even more primal urges? What is the danger? The consequences? What if the predator becomes the prey? What if the dynamics change all the time? The fact that the world has its own cautious tales tells so much about it.
But the characters fight iin their own way. Fi does it with her energy sword and her (t)horny aura, Antal with the best irritated wet cat energy I’ve ever read. Like I TRULY pictured that while reading (I won’t ever see rafters the same way again).
I loved that the romance had such an important part in this, from fearful fascination to alchemy then vulnerability –and scorching hot spice. They turn around each other like starving big cats, then jump at each other, teeth and claws on display� If I’m being honest, I might have developed a bite and an antler k!nk. Sorry, not sorry, because this book was an absolute bi-panic (or more like a treat�)
It wouldn’t be a review from me if I didn’t mention the bestiary. The f*cking amazing bestiary. I loved the one in TPK, of course. But this one is something else. First, Aisinay has my full heart. The creatures are part of a whole ecosystem (that has such an importance in the plot), and have a major role to immerse us into the world adding depth to the world building and many visual elements.
Because everything in this book is cinematographic, thanks to the detailed world-building, and the way everything is written helps a lot.
As I said, the WB is a masterpiece: climates, architecture, cautious tales, spirituality, bestiary, ecosystems, energy, politics� Everything is perfect but sprinkled all along, so it’s not overwhelming at all. I almost started a drinking game for each time I said “oh� clever!� about the author’s choices. What she did about energy especially, all the interdependences, and the consequences of progress (where is the balance? what do you have to give up if you give in progress?) were the other questions that haunted me through my reading, beyond the very entertaining story (also, I wish I had “universal� energy capsules instead of body fat to mobilize my ATP� just saying). I can’t tell more here without spoilers, but that was one of my (many) favorite parts of the story. You can see some real world science dancing in that WB, but also some “fictional science� and that’s just jubilatory (and something that was in TPK already).
I said before I would read anything S.A. MacLean would write. That’s more than ever true. This is –by far� my favorite read of the year so far, and one of my favorite books ever. I can’t wait to have a hard copy (my precious!) for a new (new, new) read, and also to put my eyes (my hands, my soul) on book 2 –no matter how satisfying was this one.
In one world, BRILLIANT (and, despite its almost 600 pages, too short).
Many many thanks to S.A. MacLean and Gollancz for the eARC sent via NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
April 2, 2025
Oh this was great, it had me drawn in from the first chapter.
FMC is a smuggler, who inadvertently smuggles a bomb into MMC (the ‘monster� ruler) building. He then enlists her help to find out who was trying to overthrow him.
The magic system was great - I really liked the concept of the curtains. And the use of technology with the energy capsules was a nice addition that worked well (it made me think of Arcane a bit tbh). The world building was well done - it wasn’t dense, or overwhelming at any points, it was well paced and spread out as needed.
FMC and MMC relationship is brilliant, I loved how it developed. They’re enemies when they meet (as in, she’s a human sacrifice he’s supposed to eat), and the progression to lovers and the time it took felt appropriate and well-fleshed out. Their banter is top notch as well.
It’s well-written; funny without being cringe. There’s mention of a past FF and MM relationship, and the queer representation/aspect didn’t feel shoehorned in. Spice levels were good and not boring/repetitive.
I think it’s a standalone? It ends as if it’s a standalone, but there’s enough material to add on a sequel, which I would be so down for!
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC
FMC is a smuggler, who inadvertently smuggles a bomb into MMC (the ‘monster� ruler) building. He then enlists her help to find out who was trying to overthrow him.
The magic system was great - I really liked the concept of the curtains. And the use of technology with the energy capsules was a nice addition that worked well (it made me think of Arcane a bit tbh). The world building was well done - it wasn’t dense, or overwhelming at any points, it was well paced and spread out as needed.
FMC and MMC relationship is brilliant, I loved how it developed. They’re enemies when they meet (as in, she’s a human sacrifice he’s supposed to eat), and the progression to lovers and the time it took felt appropriate and well-fleshed out. Their banter is top notch as well.
It’s well-written; funny without being cringe. There’s mention of a past FF and MM relationship, and the queer representation/aspect didn’t feel shoehorned in. Spice levels were good and not boring/repetitive.
I think it’s a standalone? It ends as if it’s a standalone, but there’s enough material to add on a sequel, which I would be so down for!
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC
April 6, 2025
Well with how much I adored The Phoenix Keeper last year, this title was definitely one of my most anticipated releases this year!
Although this is VERY different from her debut, this book is intoxicating and immersive and I loved it so much!
Voidwalker is a dark and devilish story that I daresay will unlock a new Kink for some readers.. 🤭🤭
We have a female mc with radiant rainbow hair and a certain disregard for authority figures. We also have an antlered immortal who thinks he's the one in charge...
If you're in the mood for sassy, snarky characters and enjoy spice and high stakes then you will devour this 😈
😈Monster romance
😈Only One Bed
😈Reluctant Allies to Lovers
😈Bisexual characters
😈Parallel Worlds
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a proof copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Although this is VERY different from her debut, this book is intoxicating and immersive and I loved it so much!
Voidwalker is a dark and devilish story that I daresay will unlock a new Kink for some readers.. 🤭🤭
We have a female mc with radiant rainbow hair and a certain disregard for authority figures. We also have an antlered immortal who thinks he's the one in charge...
If you're in the mood for sassy, snarky characters and enjoy spice and high stakes then you will devour this 😈
😈Monster romance
😈Only One Bed
😈Reluctant Allies to Lovers
😈Bisexual characters
😈Parallel Worlds
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a proof copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 11, 2025
This was such a fun read ! I loved our fmc Fi ! She was badass, and her and antals interactions and banter had me laughing constantly throughout ! I also like how we watched fi grow as a person and tackled her past throughout the book , especially with Astrid. The magic system / Voidwalker powers were super interesting and also the daeyri , espeically Antal were extremely well written and depicted ! Also the last 100/150 pages had ME SO SAD with a specific character death. All in all this was such a great time and I cannot wait to read more from S.A Mclean!!
Thank you to Gollancz and S.A Mclean for the early proof physical copy !!
Thank you to Gollancz and S.A Mclean for the early proof physical copy !!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2025
I was pretty intrigued with the description of this book and wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, since it’s not really like a lot of what I typically read. I was expecting the immortal beasts to be a bit more like vampires, and I struggled a bit to picture them because they had antlers, tails, feet like a cat, but then Fi would often mention how human Antal looked and I couldn’t quite reconcile that? However, it quickly didn’t matter because I really loved Antal’s character, regardless of how he looked 😂
I surprisingly struggled a bit more with Fi. I would say her insecurities and struggles early on in the story and her development throughout the book were things I really liked about her. Her insecurity over a “mistake� she made 10 years ago that she’s still suffering from was incredibly relatable! But I did find some aspects of her personality a bit jarring - namely her cursing and the dry banter on occasion which took me a bit out of the fantasy/otherworldy setting a bit? For example there’s a scene very early on where she goes and gets a caramel coffee, but this world is one in which she rides a voidhorse around for transportation and which uses gramophones for music. Fi reads a bit more like an urban fantasy type character, while the rest of the world doesn’t feel that way. And I’m no prude and curse like a sailor, it’s more just that Fi cursing as much as she does also just would throw me off a bit. On the whole I liked her, it was just a bit bumpier road than it was with Antal for me and I’m glad I pushed through it early on because I really did enjoy the story later in the book.
Something I love and want to commend the author for is that, despite this being a duology, the book had its own story arc. I’m so tired of reading books which end on a cliffhanger just to hook you in for the sequel - there’s absolutely a bigger storyline I am hoping we get some answers on in the sequel, but I also feel really satisfied with the story we were presented and like it stands well on its own. In my opinion that’s quite rare at the moment in the genre, and I anticipate enjoying the sequel much more because I won't have a halfway finished storyline I'm only halfway remembering the details on.
As silly as this is, I also adore the cover! I think this is a case of the cover adding to the story - it gave me a very clear picture of Fi, her sword, etc which helped me get a better understanding in some scenes early on especially. All in all, this had a few pieces that for me kept this from being my perfect 5 star book, but was overall a really enjoyable read and I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel. Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for the ARC!
I surprisingly struggled a bit more with Fi. I would say her insecurities and struggles early on in the story and her development throughout the book were things I really liked about her. Her insecurity over a “mistake� she made 10 years ago that she’s still suffering from was incredibly relatable! But I did find some aspects of her personality a bit jarring - namely her cursing and the dry banter on occasion which took me a bit out of the fantasy/otherworldy setting a bit? For example there’s a scene very early on where she goes and gets a caramel coffee, but this world is one in which she rides a voidhorse around for transportation and which uses gramophones for music. Fi reads a bit more like an urban fantasy type character, while the rest of the world doesn’t feel that way. And I’m no prude and curse like a sailor, it’s more just that Fi cursing as much as she does also just would throw me off a bit. On the whole I liked her, it was just a bit bumpier road than it was with Antal for me and I’m glad I pushed through it early on because I really did enjoy the story later in the book.
Something I love and want to commend the author for is that, despite this being a duology, the book had its own story arc. I’m so tired of reading books which end on a cliffhanger just to hook you in for the sequel - there’s absolutely a bigger storyline I am hoping we get some answers on in the sequel, but I also feel really satisfied with the story we were presented and like it stands well on its own. In my opinion that’s quite rare at the moment in the genre, and I anticipate enjoying the sequel much more because I won't have a halfway finished storyline I'm only halfway remembering the details on.
As silly as this is, I also adore the cover! I think this is a case of the cover adding to the story - it gave me a very clear picture of Fi, her sword, etc which helped me get a better understanding in some scenes early on especially. All in all, this had a few pieces that for me kept this from being my perfect 5 star book, but was overall a really enjoyable read and I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel. Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for the ARC!
May 13, 2025
I am obsessed with Void Walker by S.A. Maclean! There are so many things I could say, but no combination of words could fully capture how much I loved this book. It was absolute perfection from start to finish—packed with thrilling adventure, high stakes, and the kind of forbidden love that will wreck your soul in the best way possible.
We follow our fierce and fearless heroine, Fionamara—Fi for short—who lives in a world ruled by an ancient, terrifying race... that eats humans. Yup, you read that right. But Fi? She doesn’t just survive—she fights back. She’s a smuggler between planes, dealing in everything from plants to booze, doing whatever it takes to protect her town and her brother, the mayor. In a world where you could be sacrificed at any moment, Fi takes the risks no one else dares to—until one mission goes horribly wrong, and everything changes.
Fi is the blueprint. Sarcastic, brave, and full of heart, she charges headfirst into danger even when she’s terrified. She's not just battling the monsters around her—she’s facing the ones within, and she’s willing to sacrifice everything, even herself, to save the people she loves.
And then there’s Antal. Oh. My. Gods. This ancient, brooding male lead stole my heart. He’s a creature of immense power, born into a world of cruelty, but he longs for something different—something better. When he meets Fi, she challenges him, forces him to confront everything his kind has done... and he can't look away. She’s blunt, fiery, and absolutely fearless—and Antal is hooked.
The supporting cast is just as memorable, each one bringing something unique and compelling to this richly imagined world. Void Walker is a romantasy masterpiece that explores what it means to defy expectations, fight for what’s right, and love with everything you’ve got—even when it could cost you everything.
This book had me kicking my feet, screaming, and desperately craving more. I am counting down the days until book two of this amazing duology drops. If you love strong heroines, morally gray love interests, forbidden romance, and edge-of-your-seat storytelling—Void Walker needs to be on your TBR right now.
We follow our fierce and fearless heroine, Fionamara—Fi for short—who lives in a world ruled by an ancient, terrifying race... that eats humans. Yup, you read that right. But Fi? She doesn’t just survive—she fights back. She’s a smuggler between planes, dealing in everything from plants to booze, doing whatever it takes to protect her town and her brother, the mayor. In a world where you could be sacrificed at any moment, Fi takes the risks no one else dares to—until one mission goes horribly wrong, and everything changes.
Fi is the blueprint. Sarcastic, brave, and full of heart, she charges headfirst into danger even when she’s terrified. She's not just battling the monsters around her—she’s facing the ones within, and she’s willing to sacrifice everything, even herself, to save the people she loves.
And then there’s Antal. Oh. My. Gods. This ancient, brooding male lead stole my heart. He’s a creature of immense power, born into a world of cruelty, but he longs for something different—something better. When he meets Fi, she challenges him, forces him to confront everything his kind has done... and he can't look away. She’s blunt, fiery, and absolutely fearless—and Antal is hooked.
The supporting cast is just as memorable, each one bringing something unique and compelling to this richly imagined world. Void Walker is a romantasy masterpiece that explores what it means to defy expectations, fight for what’s right, and love with everything you’ve got—even when it could cost you everything.
This book had me kicking my feet, screaming, and desperately craving more. I am counting down the days until book two of this amazing duology drops. If you love strong heroines, morally gray love interests, forbidden romance, and edge-of-your-seat storytelling—Void Walker needs to be on your TBR right now.
May 14, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and the Author for allowing me to ARC read this book in exchange for an honest review of my experience. 6 stars.
Fionmara, our FMC, is a smuggler with special skills. She can see the curtains between the worlds and traverse them with ease. She gained this ability at a young age, when she fell into a river, died, and came back. Along her travels as a smuggler, she gets roped into a scheme to overthrow, our MMC, Antal. Antal, is a creature of the void. His people jumped into the void and came out immortal. But its immortality with a little bit of a price. They eat humans. Fi, is terrified of him. She *hates* him. But she also knows that you can never run from his kind.. or they will follow and kill you faster than you can blink. You have about as much chance as a flailing rabbit caught in a trap, hung upside down by humans.
This story is the epitome of Enemies to Lovers smashed together with forced proximity, with a side of "you're fucking WHAT?!?!", monsters are hot? and new kinks are what?. I loved this story. The world building that went into it was detailed, but not overly so. It didn't weigh down the story or slow it down. The characters show massive amounts of growth that is intriguing and weirdly hot in so many ways. Fi, learns to not run from things.. She learns that being vulnerable isn't bad. She learns that even scary monsters have feelings and can absoluuuuutely be teddy bears. Antal, learns to be more.. *actual pause* better to humans. He learns that its okay to fuck the people that you're into and it doesn't make you weak. He learns that he actually has to stand up for what he (and Fi) believes in because he IS the lesser of two evils.. and his people have some serious therapy needs.
This story is incredibly written, incredibly detailed, very punny. There are no errors. There is no immersion breaking content. I love almost all of the characters. I can see this turning into a multi-book series or even a series with more series. I want the next book now pls *stares at the author* I think that I might become genuinely upset if I don't ARC read the next book XD
Fionmara, our FMC, is a smuggler with special skills. She can see the curtains between the worlds and traverse them with ease. She gained this ability at a young age, when she fell into a river, died, and came back. Along her travels as a smuggler, she gets roped into a scheme to overthrow, our MMC, Antal. Antal, is a creature of the void. His people jumped into the void and came out immortal. But its immortality with a little bit of a price. They eat humans. Fi, is terrified of him. She *hates* him. But she also knows that you can never run from his kind.. or they will follow and kill you faster than you can blink. You have about as much chance as a flailing rabbit caught in a trap, hung upside down by humans.
This story is the epitome of Enemies to Lovers smashed together with forced proximity, with a side of "you're fucking WHAT?!?!", monsters are hot? and new kinks are what?. I loved this story. The world building that went into it was detailed, but not overly so. It didn't weigh down the story or slow it down. The characters show massive amounts of growth that is intriguing and weirdly hot in so many ways. Fi, learns to not run from things.. She learns that being vulnerable isn't bad. She learns that even scary monsters have feelings and can absoluuuuutely be teddy bears. Antal, learns to be more.. *actual pause* better to humans. He learns that its okay to fuck the people that you're into and it doesn't make you weak. He learns that he actually has to stand up for what he (and Fi) believes in because he IS the lesser of two evils.. and his people have some serious therapy needs.
This story is incredibly written, incredibly detailed, very punny. There are no errors. There is no immersion breaking content. I love almost all of the characters. I can see this turning into a multi-book series or even a series with more series. I want the next book now pls *stares at the author* I think that I might become genuinely upset if I don't ARC read the next book XD
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2024
Hello! It’s me! That author who sold a cozy magical zoo book to my publisher, then on the call with my editor, had to also ask, “ok, but just out of curiosity . . . how do you feel about monster fucking?�
VOIDWALKER is a full-fledged adult romantasy. It’s got a bi4bi f/m romance front and center, it’s got *multiple* spicy scenes, it’s got a frankly ludicrous amount of pining over fangs.
It’s also a story about overcoming tyranny through trust and community, as well as the arduous road to earning forgiveness - forgiving others, and forgiving ourselves.
This book is for you if you love:
- The sweeping worldbuilding and romance of Sarah J. Maas
- A queernormative world with two openly bi leads and multiple queer side characters
- Doors to parallel worlds (and an endless black Void between realities)
- A shadow daddy LI who is actually a soft, pathetic wet cat
- A rainbow-haired FMC who cusses too much and isn’t afraid to take charge
- A messy childhood friends, to lovers, to enemies antagonist
- Spicy monster romance (where they’re BOTH switches)
- Brand new fantasy races (for fans of fae and vampires)
- Carnivorous immortals with antlers, fangs, claws, tails . . .
- A steampunk, art deco inspired world, with a fusion of magic and tech like Arcane
- Energy swords
- A sassy, scaled horse animal companion
- Siblings who will fight the world for each other
Content warnings:
- Strong language
- Open-door consensual sex (including bite play)
- Violence
- Blood
- Graphic injury depictions (including beheading and burn wounds)
- Depiction of humans being eaten by a humanoid (but non-human) immortal race
- Murder and attempted murder
- Drowning (brief mentions of a past occurrence)
- Parent with alcoholism (discussion of a past occurrence)
- Parental death (discussion of a past occurrence)
- Character death
VOIDWALKER is a full-fledged adult romantasy. It’s got a bi4bi f/m romance front and center, it’s got *multiple* spicy scenes, it’s got a frankly ludicrous amount of pining over fangs.
It’s also a story about overcoming tyranny through trust and community, as well as the arduous road to earning forgiveness - forgiving others, and forgiving ourselves.
This book is for you if you love:
- The sweeping worldbuilding and romance of Sarah J. Maas
- A queernormative world with two openly bi leads and multiple queer side characters
- Doors to parallel worlds (and an endless black Void between realities)
- A shadow daddy LI who is actually a soft, pathetic wet cat
- A rainbow-haired FMC who cusses too much and isn’t afraid to take charge
- A messy childhood friends, to lovers, to enemies antagonist
- Spicy monster romance (where they’re BOTH switches)
- Brand new fantasy races (for fans of fae and vampires)
- Carnivorous immortals with antlers, fangs, claws, tails . . .
- A steampunk, art deco inspired world, with a fusion of magic and tech like Arcane
- Energy swords
- A sassy, scaled horse animal companion
- Siblings who will fight the world for each other
Content warnings:
- Strong language
- Open-door consensual sex (including bite play)
- Violence
- Blood
- Graphic injury depictions (including beheading and burn wounds)
- Depiction of humans being eaten by a humanoid (but non-human) immortal race
- Murder and attempted murder
- Drowning (brief mentions of a past occurrence)
- Parent with alcoholism (discussion of a past occurrence)
- Parental death (discussion of a past occurrence)
- Character death
May 9, 2025
I picked this one up for the description of the daeyari alone and was not disappointed!
� Fi, our FMC is a really cool character. She’s funny, witty in a sharp way, but hiding a lot of vulnerability behind the spunky exterior. She’s also very imperfect - she makes mistakes and has to come to terms with her choices and try to consciously do better; her portrayal was a breath of fresh air. She’s also in her 30s and an experienced smuggler which was very fun.
� As expected, Antal was my favorite. He is the epitome of “cat-as-boyfriend�, but also had emotional baggage and growth that he worked through with Fi, which really fleshed out their relationship beyond a typical “monster romance�. In general, a lot of the characters and their relationships felt very real, with time spent fleshing characters out and developing their relationships with each other.
� Though this felt like a more character-driven/character growth oriented plotline, there was still the political/training/etc plotline that kept the story moving along and gave a sense of time passing while the relationship developed. Doing this made the romance feel very natural while also wrapping up the conflicts in a way that felt earned.
� The setting, steampunk in an eternal winter, was a bit unexpected, but really cool!
� However, I do think the worldbuilding in general could have had more to it. In some ways, the technology and the magic/daeyari/other planes were somewhat glossed over and I would have loved to see the world further developed.
4/5 stars!
This was a really fun read and I’m looking forward to book 2!
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books | Orbit for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
� Fi, our FMC is a really cool character. She’s funny, witty in a sharp way, but hiding a lot of vulnerability behind the spunky exterior. She’s also very imperfect - she makes mistakes and has to come to terms with her choices and try to consciously do better; her portrayal was a breath of fresh air. She’s also in her 30s and an experienced smuggler which was very fun.
� As expected, Antal was my favorite. He is the epitome of “cat-as-boyfriend�, but also had emotional baggage and growth that he worked through with Fi, which really fleshed out their relationship beyond a typical “monster romance�. In general, a lot of the characters and their relationships felt very real, with time spent fleshing characters out and developing their relationships with each other.
� Though this felt like a more character-driven/character growth oriented plotline, there was still the political/training/etc plotline that kept the story moving along and gave a sense of time passing while the relationship developed. Doing this made the romance feel very natural while also wrapping up the conflicts in a way that felt earned.
� The setting, steampunk in an eternal winter, was a bit unexpected, but really cool!
� However, I do think the worldbuilding in general could have had more to it. In some ways, the technology and the magic/daeyari/other planes were somewhat glossed over and I would have loved to see the world further developed.
4/5 stars!
This was a really fun read and I’m looking forward to book 2!
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books | Orbit for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 26, 2025
Wow. I wasn't sure what to expect going into this - but just wow.
This is not a book for the faint hearted. It deals with adult themes and subjects, and doesn't shy away showing the gore or the emotional damage that follows. But it is a fantastic book, a deep and rich world full of lore and stories - I particularly enjoyed the little fairy tales and rhymes scattered throughout.
The MFC is spikey, but hurting, putting on a brave face while she deals with past trauma and past choices. The MMC is a beautiful disaster. Avoiding emotion by hiding in a snow bank or in the rafters? Hiding feelings behind threats or sarcasm? Showing he cares when the MMF get hurt? Perfection. His tail is a little traitor too, betraying how he is really feeling.
Both have made bad choices in the past, and in this book that all comes back to bite - ha - them.
The supporting characters are great too, from an old friend turned enemy to a loyal brother, to a pain ridden friend who has her own reasons for hating the MMC. All wonderfully written, all come to life and despite the large page count, I couldn't put it down.
It works as a self contained book, but I do hope there is another. Perhaps we could spend more time in one of the other season planes then.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review of the book~
This is not a book for the faint hearted. It deals with adult themes and subjects, and doesn't shy away showing the gore or the emotional damage that follows. But it is a fantastic book, a deep and rich world full of lore and stories - I particularly enjoyed the little fairy tales and rhymes scattered throughout.
The MFC is spikey, but hurting, putting on a brave face while she deals with past trauma and past choices. The MMC is a beautiful disaster. Avoiding emotion by hiding in a snow bank or in the rafters? Hiding feelings behind threats or sarcasm? Showing he cares when the MMF get hurt? Perfection. His tail is a little traitor too, betraying how he is really feeling.
Both have made bad choices in the past, and in this book that all comes back to bite - ha - them.
The supporting characters are great too, from an old friend turned enemy to a loyal brother, to a pain ridden friend who has her own reasons for hating the MMC. All wonderfully written, all come to life and despite the large page count, I couldn't put it down.
It works as a self contained book, but I do hope there is another. Perhaps we could spend more time in one of the other season planes then.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review of the book~
April 14, 2025
DNF @ 66%
I wanted to love this book but it just really wasn't for me. I can't think of anything specifically wrong with the book, so while it's not for me I think this is something a lot of readers will really enjoy so let's talk about the positives;
•The FMC- I really like Fi! She is such a unique character and I love the bisexual representation in both her and other characters. She has very interesting relationships with the other characters, she is both soft and strong, and her job is pretty awesome.
•The writing style- I can't find any faults with this, everything flows great, it's in third person which I love, and the dialogue was not repetitive or annoying.
When it comes to the world building I wasn't really a fan. It just felt like something was missing and I think that had an impact on me not connecting with the actual plot of this book.
If you're looking for something more character focused, this enemies to lovers monster romance will be a great read for you.
*I received an ARC via Netgalley*
I wanted to love this book but it just really wasn't for me. I can't think of anything specifically wrong with the book, so while it's not for me I think this is something a lot of readers will really enjoy so let's talk about the positives;
•The FMC- I really like Fi! She is such a unique character and I love the bisexual representation in both her and other characters. She has very interesting relationships with the other characters, she is both soft and strong, and her job is pretty awesome.
•The writing style- I can't find any faults with this, everything flows great, it's in third person which I love, and the dialogue was not repetitive or annoying.
When it comes to the world building I wasn't really a fan. It just felt like something was missing and I think that had an impact on me not connecting with the actual plot of this book.
If you're looking for something more character focused, this enemies to lovers monster romance will be a great read for you.
*I received an ARC via Netgalley*
May 14, 2025
Voidwalker is undeniably ambitious, blending portal fantasy, monster romance, and revolution into a sprawling, high-stakes tale that aims to be the next big romantasy obsession. There’s a lot to admire here—the world-building is intricate, the premise promises bite (literally), and the author swings big on atmosphere and tension.
But while the setup is strong and the visuals are often striking, the execution doesn’t always live up to the hype. The pacing is uneven, especially in the middle stretch, where the plot gets bogged down in exposition and shifting alliances. Fionamara is a compelling protagonist in theory, but her arc sometimes feels more reactive than active, and her chemistry with Antal never quite reaches the feral heights the book promises. The romance leans more on vibes than emotional build-up, which may work for some, but left me wanting more depth.
That said, I really enjoyed the steampunky energy-core aesthetic—it’s not something I see often in fantasy and it gave the world a unique flavor that stood out.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
But while the setup is strong and the visuals are often striking, the execution doesn’t always live up to the hype. The pacing is uneven, especially in the middle stretch, where the plot gets bogged down in exposition and shifting alliances. Fionamara is a compelling protagonist in theory, but her arc sometimes feels more reactive than active, and her chemistry with Antal never quite reaches the feral heights the book promises. The romance leans more on vibes than emotional build-up, which may work for some, but left me wanting more depth.
That said, I really enjoyed the steampunky energy-core aesthetic—it’s not something I see often in fantasy and it gave the world a unique flavor that stood out.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
May 14, 2025
Thank you to Orbit and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Where to even begin with this story? I'm utterly obsessed with S.A. MacLean's writing style. It is so delicious and beautiful--truly some of the most stunning prose I've ever read.
Fi smuggles contraband between the Planes, but when a job goes wrong, she is forced to work along side Antal--one of the immortal creatures that humans have paid blood sacrifices to for centuries. The two make for an unlikely partnership--the prey and the predator--but have to rely on each other to reverse a coup and keep Fi's village safe.
I absolutely loved the world building in this novel. It took me a little bit to fully grasp the magic system, but after that I was hooked. Beyond that, I loved Fi and Antal, separately and together. Their banter and chemistry made me never want to put down the book and was easily one of my favorite things about it.
The only issue I'm having is the acknowledgement that I'll have to wait even longer for the sequel!
Where to even begin with this story? I'm utterly obsessed with S.A. MacLean's writing style. It is so delicious and beautiful--truly some of the most stunning prose I've ever read.
Fi smuggles contraband between the Planes, but when a job goes wrong, she is forced to work along side Antal--one of the immortal creatures that humans have paid blood sacrifices to for centuries. The two make for an unlikely partnership--the prey and the predator--but have to rely on each other to reverse a coup and keep Fi's village safe.
I absolutely loved the world building in this novel. It took me a little bit to fully grasp the magic system, but after that I was hooked. Beyond that, I loved Fi and Antal, separately and together. Their banter and chemistry made me never want to put down the book and was easily one of my favorite things about it.
The only issue I'm having is the acknowledgement that I'll have to wait even longer for the sequel!
April 30, 2025
Voidwalker is a dark, spicy romantasy book with an incredibly rich fantasy plot that held my attention for the entire read. I loved how S. A. Maclean mixed a unique lore with steampunk energy/tech based magic to create a world that was so easy to immerse myself in.
I loved the FMC Fionamara, because even though she is sassy and independent, and a
voidwalker, she is also so relatably flawed whilst trying to heal and grow. The MMC Antal is Daeyari, and he is one dark and broody,
complex character that matched Fionamara so well.
Their developing forbidden relationship not only has to navigate political upheaval and an unpopular change in societal norms, but overcome personal trauma and pain as well.
Thank you to NetGalley, HattchetteAus and S.A Maclean for the eARC copy of Voidwalker. I will definitely be reading the next book in this duology!
I loved the FMC Fionamara, because even though she is sassy and independent, and a
voidwalker, she is also so relatably flawed whilst trying to heal and grow. The MMC Antal is Daeyari, and he is one dark and broody,
complex character that matched Fionamara so well.
Their developing forbidden relationship not only has to navigate political upheaval and an unpopular change in societal norms, but overcome personal trauma and pain as well.
Thank you to NetGalley, HattchetteAus and S.A Maclean for the eARC copy of Voidwalker. I will definitely be reading the next book in this duology!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2025
Fionamara is a smuggler caught up in a plot that she has no business being involved in. And when the newly deposed human-eating monster seeks her help to get back what she was mostly responsible for him losing, she finds herself embroiled in even more fraught circumstances than she could possibly have imagined.
Voidwalker has exquisite world building and is brilliantly written. The characters were captivating and I was a rollercoaster of emotions. A really brilliantly crafted fantasy!
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Voidwalker has exquisite world building and is brilliantly written. The characters were captivating and I was a rollercoaster of emotions. A really brilliantly crafted fantasy!
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Shelved as 'dnf'
May 11, 2025DNF around 20%
Sorry but this is not my cup of tea 🫡 I gave it a solid effort, but the writing style and the overall direction the story was going in did not interest me.
I think if you like your sci-fantasy to be more quirky and fun then this could be for you! The plot moved along quickly, and the character voices were strong.
I just could not stand the constant mentions of the MC’s rainbow hair, or the jumping back and forth in tone (from sci-fi to fantasy to eating pancakes and caramel lattes at a coffee shop?).
Thank you to Orbit and NetGalley for this early copy for review!
Sorry but this is not my cup of tea 🫡 I gave it a solid effort, but the writing style and the overall direction the story was going in did not interest me.
I think if you like your sci-fantasy to be more quirky and fun then this could be for you! The plot moved along quickly, and the character voices were strong.
I just could not stand the constant mentions of the MC’s rainbow hair, or the jumping back and forth in tone (from sci-fi to fantasy to eating pancakes and caramel lattes at a coffee shop?).
Thank you to Orbit and NetGalley for this early copy for review!
April 27, 2025
I have no words...
This was amazing! I will be reading book 2, 3, 4 and 500 because this was everything.
Plus, I have never read a monster romantasy and I am now kind of questioning why I haven't before.
Please read this book!
This was amazing! I will be reading book 2, 3, 4 and 500 because this was everything.
Plus, I have never read a monster romantasy and I am now kind of questioning why I haven't before.
Please read this book!
May 12, 2025
3.25 stars!
I just needed more from this, and by that I do not mean more pages because WOW, this was longer than I was expecting. Definitely didn't hate it but I'm a little disappointed.
Full review to come closer to publication.
I just needed more from this, and by that I do not mean more pages because WOW, this was longer than I was expecting. Definitely didn't hate it but I'm a little disappointed.
Full review to come closer to publication.
May 13, 2025
Review to come closer to pub date!
Voidwalker is out August 19, 2025.
Thanks to Orbit Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Voidwalker is out August 19, 2025.
Thanks to Orbit Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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