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If you’re always on the lookout for your next romantasy obsession, Steelborn by Taylor J. LaRue is a title you’ll want to add to your reading list.
Already generating plenty of excitement ahead of its release, the first book in a planned new fantasy series promises dangerous magic, impossible heists, slow-burn romance and a heroine who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. Throw in an immortal warrior, a world where magic is forbidden and even a kraken, and it’s easy to see why readers are eager to get their hands on it.
So, what’s Steelborn about?
At the heart of the story is Reya Connery, better known as the Crimson Dagger – Rhiterra’s most notorious thief.
Reya has survived by following three simple rules: trust no one, keep your blade close and never leave secrets behind. But when one final heist goes disastrously wrong just as she’s about to clear her debt to a ruthless crime lord, those rules suddenly aren’t enough.
Enter Caelan Halcyon.
An immortal warrior with a deadly curse slowly creeping towards his heart, Caelan is running out of time. Legend tells of only one person capable of stealing the cure he desperately needs: the Crimson Dagger.
The problem? He can’t stand what Reya represents, while she has no interest in becoming anyone’s hero.
Forced together by circumstance, the pair embark on a journey that quickly becomes about far more than survival, uncovering dangerous truths that could change the future of their world forever.
Why is everyone so excited?
Romantasy continues to dominate bookshelves, but Steelborn brings together many of the elements readers can’t seem to get enough of.
There’s an enemies-to-allies dynamic, an impossible quest, outlawed magic, high stakes, ancient secrets and a romance that simmers alongside the action rather than overshadowing it. It also promises plenty of adventure, with the story taking Reya and Caelan to the very edge of the known world as revolution begins to stir.
And yes… there really is a kraken.
Meet the author
Although Steelborn is Taylor J. LaRue’s debut novel, it’s been more than a decade in the making.
Before turning to fiction, Taylor worked as a journalist in Chicago. She now lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, child and very enthusiastic puppy. Ahead of the novel’s release, she appeared on the cover of The Bookseller to discuss the long journey behind Steelborn, and has already announced an author tour following strong early interest from readers.
Is Steelborn for you?
If your ideal fantasy novel features layered world-building, morally complicated characters, reluctant partnerships, slow-burn romance and plenty of action, this is one to keep firmly on your radar.
It feels like the kind of story that balances character and adventure equally, offering enough romance for romantasy fans while still placing the wider fantasy world at the heart of the narrative.
Fantasy readers are never short of new worlds to discover, but every so often, a debut arrives with the feeling that it could become something much bigger.
With a fearless thief, an immortal warrior, forbidden magic and an impossible mission at its heart, Steelborn certainly has all the ingredients to become one of the standout romantasy releases of the year.
If you are in the US, you can pre-order here!
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