⭐⭐⭐⭐ Was I hooked by that book? Yes. Reign is an emotional story about a love big enough to overcome just about anything.

As Lady of the Varroki, Malene was powerful and revered. But after a battle, she awakens in Norway as Dagny, a witch with no memories of her past. Her identity fragmented, Dagny finds herself entangled in a life far removed from the path she once trod and seduced by the lure of power. Until that need shifts to passion for the one who has imprisoned her, hoping to make her remember. As a warrior and the Lady’s right hand, Armir will not stop searching for Malene. When he does, she’s not the woman he remembers. Driven by an undying love that transcends the boundaries of time and space, Armir risks everything for her. But enemies lurk in the shadows, waiting to strike. Will he and Malene overcome their pasts to find a future together?

MY THOUGTHS

The things I enjoyed most about this book: Armir and Malene spent a lot of time alone in the cave that Armir had bespelled so she could not leave. The author created this magical, intimate atmosphere there that drew me in. I was supremely curious about what had happened to Malene and will she ever remember again? Armir’s loyalty and devotion to her were admirable and made me like him even more. I also liked that Armir and Malene had actively worked together before to make some very necessary changes to the way the Varroki do things.

What bothered me somewhat: A big deal was made of Malene’s intentions (as Dagny) after her memory loss and she had crafted a new identity for herself, and how it was Armir’s intention to stop her. But somewhere along the way that just kind of fell away. I felt like it was only there to rationalize Armir keeping her captive, but not necessary at all to the rest of the story.

This series is related to the Kindred series, of which I had only read the very last book. Reign can be read as a stand-alone, but I do feel like I missed out on some crucial information that might’ve helped me to understand Armir and Malene better.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Were you hooked by that book? Let me know in the comments below.

Genre: Fantasy Romance
Published: November 7, 2023
Sensuality Rating: Warm
Series: Kindred: The Fated
Other books in the series: Rage, Ruin