I loved The Phoenix Keeper and so I really wanted to love Voidwalker. But unfortunately this just didn’t work for me. I liked the idea of the setting, but I wasn’t connected enough to the side characters as I wanted to be. Keep reading this book review of Voidwalker for my full thoughts.
Summary
Fionamara 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.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
I love the premise of Voidwalker. With the past of The Phoenix Keeper, the expectations were high with this one. The whole premise of this monster romance but also this idea of smuggling and religion was an instant hook. But for me, while the beginning chapters started off strong, the momentum was lost. It ends up coming back together around 40% but I felt that was a strong ask for readers. Additionally, I wanted to be more invested in this cat and mouse dynamic, but I wasn’t? And I think the main reason why were the characters. When you’re slowly building the tension and you take your foot off the gas, the characters are often what holds up the book.
(Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links. For more information you can look at the Policy page. If you’re uncomfortable with that, know you can look up the book on any of the sites below to avoid the link)
And for me, unlike in The Phoenix Keeper, I found myself having a hard time hanging on. It’s always easier to be attached to the main character, but I felt like I couldn’t connect to anyone else? I know we are supposed to feel the tension as well, but I it was a slow uphill climb. I guess I wanted something to click a bit more whether it be with an intriguing side character, or an interaction, or even the world. I do think that the book picks up steam around halfway especially as the characters start opening up to each other way more, but I just felt it was important to caution before starting. I think it’s about people’s expectations and maybe it was unfair of me to compare my feelings with The Phoenix Keeper and this one.
After around the 50% mark it does become more delightful especially as some themes of monstrosity are built on. I would still recommend for people who love the idea of a monster romance and very much a rejects and perhaps losers unite because Fi and Antal certainly are up against a lot. Just know it will take a bit of patience before you can sink your fangs in. Find Voidwalker on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon, Bookshop. org, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.