For Brynla Aihr, crime and survival have always gone hand in hand. Ever since she escaped the fanatical dragon-worshipping cult that controls her homeland, she’s had to carve out a life doing the unthinkable: stealing dragon eggs. Egg theft is illegal and, in most cases, fatal. To breach a dragon’s nest means a harrowing journey through the ancient wards spelled to keep the monstrous beasts confined. Dragons can’t get out and only those with a death wish can get in.
Despite the risks, dragon eggs are highly coveted for their magic. An illegal trade flourishes under competing criminal empires, and Brynla’s loyalty has always been to the highest bidder. Until she finds herself kidnapped and blackmailed by Lord Andor, a formidable lieutenant of House Kolbeck, and thrust into the dangerous political games of rivaling dynasties.
Brynla and Andor clash at every turn, sparking heat in ways Brynla’s never felt before. But in a world that’s prophesized to return to the dragons, and rife with betrayal and secrets at every turn…how close to the flames is she willing to stand?
Release Date: Jun 10, 2025
Series: Thieves of Dragemor
Book: 1
Heat Level: Sensual
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: Ace
Price: $12.99
A romantasy that subverted expectations and genre thoughts.
This is my first Halle novel. I’m not sure if I’ll invest more in this series, and I’ll explain more below. Let’s start with this being more romance than fantasy. So, if you like romantasy because of the fantasy-driven plot, you may find yourself wondering why the plot is a bit all over the place.
From a romance aspect, this story hits the mark. Andor, our black sheep middle son, who has to do dangerous dragon-blood capture for his family, and Brynla, the daughter of rebels and a thief, who is able to somehow survive the dangerous Midlands without magical powers. Okay, even I know that’s a lot, I will say Halle does an excellent job of world-building and creating an immersive fantasy realm complete with religious, political, and magical elements, though very complicated.
Pacing, setting, and the progression of the romance were successfully executed, and I enjoyed the way Andor and Brynla’s relationship evolved. Even though Andor kidnaps Brynla to start… and maybe blackmails her. Their origins are dark, but they quickly evolve. My issue with their relationship is that Andor often has some remarks that imply a more kinky direction that never evolves.
Moving to the fantasy side of things, this is where the story is a bit of a mess. From Brynla and Andor’s motivations to the plot twists thrown in, often the reason they were happening was a bit weak. The stakes are not very high in this story, and they are ultimately each driven by their own expectations, they feel other people have for them or that they have for themselves. The back half of the book progressed in surprising ways and left me with more questions than answers. In the end, I felt like there were a couple of holes that were never resolved, and I only hope that the second book in the series ties everything together.
If you like a good romance set in a magical world, this one is for you. If you’re looking for something more plot-driven outside of the romance, may I recommend Kit Rocha’s Bound to Fire and Steal Duet.
~ Landra
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