The Novel Navigator

As I start this book review, I am about 25% through the 5th and final book of this series and can tell you that it’s been refreshing and intriguing every step of the way. When reading fantasy and romantasy as often as I do, sometimes you you start to notice similarities in story lines and can get lost in the same tropes time and time again… Must share a horse? Only one bed at the inn? The MMC and FMC have to go on some sort of quest to realize they’re meant for each other and that love and conquers all and that’s their true power? Bleh. I don’t hate it but sometimes I yearn for a deeper and more unique plot. While it’s quite a bit lighter on the smut than I normally roll, the plot is PLOTTING. I was hooked and kept on the hook throughout the entire series. Author Melissa K. Roehrich knows how to weave a tale of fantasy and adventure with twists and turns and amazing character development. While book one is through the FMC, Scarlett’s POV, as you continue in the series and Melissa introduces you to other truly amazing characters along the journey, for which she provides their POVs as well! Its quite possibly my favorite thing because instead of a normal single/dual POV story, you’re not only getting the thoughts, feelings, and back stories of these “side” characters, you’re also getting insight and details into the journey that you don’t typically get. It’s like seeing behind the curtain… instead of “my friend got abducted by the bad guy” or “I got abducted by the bad guy”, you’re getting the abducted friend’s experience being held and most likely tortured by the bad guy or the friends’ experience planning and executing your rescue. Also hopefully that makes sense- it was a much better metaphor than I previously thought of! In the case of Lady of Darkness, that insight provides a unique spin on an already magical world.

Update: I finished the final book last night and boy oh boy was I crying my eyes out at like 2am. I couldn’t put it down and go to sleep and when that happens, it’s immediately put into my 6-star series group. Before you dive in, prepare yourself for a shit ton of world building, details, character development and backstory, cause that’s what good fantasy is about- getting lost in this alternate world and going on a journey with the characters. And yes, I would consider this fantasy with a side of romance, so don’t go into this series thinking it’s a romantasy and expecting tons of romance or smut. In my opinion, romantasy is heavily centered around the couple and there’s a side of fantasy/quest. While you do get multiple relationships throughout the books, great romance elements, and deep connections, that’s not only what the series is about. It’s about uniting a world that was torn apart, restoring strength to the people, bridging the gaps between communities and finding love and family amidst the struggles and darkness. Happy reading friends ❤

A few of my favorite things from the books are:

• female assassin(s)
• shadow mommy
• badass stabby FMC
• the idea of not only a twin flame romantic relationship but that you also can have a soulmate which is a non-romantic relationship and they’re of equal value/importance
• found family
• sometimes its not about reaching for the light, but sitting in the dark and finding your peace there
• cool powers and dragons

A few things to note:

• I’ve heard this series referenced as enemies to lovers but its really not so please don’t go into if thinking that’s what’s happening
• this is fantasy with a side of romance – not romantasy!
• please remember the upbringing of the FMC as you go…
• third person POV writing style, so may be tougher for some to get into
• some people say it give Throne of Glass vibes (which I haven’t read despite the peer pressure from my girlies)