Steelborn (Deluxe Limited Edition) (The Steelborn Saga, 1)
Introducing an epic, slow burn enemies-to-lovers romantasy novel about a heroine forged in steel and rage, and the cursed immortal who might turn out to be as much her salvation as she is his, perfect for fans of Danielle L. Jensen and Callie Hart. This DELUXE LIMITED EDITION is available while supplies last and features:
- Gilded silver edges
- Illustrated endpapers
- A foil-stamped case cover
- Special effects on the jacket
Never run. Never bow. Never die. Reya Connery became the Crimson Dagger, the most notorious thief in Rhiterra, by following a strict set of rules. One: There is no honor among thieves. Two: A good blade is key to any negotiation. Three: Only the dead keep secrets. And Reya has a secret that must be kept at all costs. But when a heist goes wrong on the eve of paying off her debt to a ruthless crime lord, Reya may need a new set of rules. And lots of coin. Fast. Enter Caelan Halcyon, an immortal warrior whose magic makes him a valuable target--if the curse inching closer to his heart doesn't kill him first. There's just one person who might be desperate enough to try and get their hands on the fabled cure in time to save his life, someone whose legend claims they can steal anything: the Crimson Dagger. A male of honor, Caelan loathes everything the beautiful, cocky thief represents, yet knows that Reya is his last hope for survival. Their search takes them to the edge of the known world, where Reya discovers that there is far more at stake than her and Caelan's own lives. Now, Reya must confront deadly foes, her growing attraction to the immortal who is as lethal as his jawline is perfect, and the rage she's spent a lifetime trying to bury. This time, her daggers aren't going to cut it, and the fate of all magic-born hangs in the balance. Enter a world ruled by tyrants and thieves, where magic is outlawed, revolution brews, desire is dangerous, and an impossible cure may prove deadlier than the curse. Fan-favorite tropes include:
- Slow-burn romance
- Enemies-to-lovers
- Deadly curses
- Tortured immortal hero
- Secret identity
- Forced proximity
- Found family
- Only one saddle
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Community Reviews
Give me a fierce heroine, a cursed immortal, and an adventure across the open sea, and I am SOLD! Taylor J. LaRue's Steelborn is a story with doses of female rage, forbidden magic, and a heroine who refuses to make herself smaller for a world determined to control her.
Reya Connery has survived Rhiterra's ruthless criminal underworld by becoming its most notorious thief. Her freedom is finally within reach until a disastrous heist leaves her indebted to a dangerous crime lord. Enter Caelan Halcyon, an honorable immortal warrior with forbidden fire magic and a deadly curse creeping toward his heart. He needs Reya to steal the ingredients for an impossible cure and she needs his money to buy her freedom. Naturally, these two couldn't be more different and their reluctant alliance sends them sailing toward the edge of the known world.
Reya's anger is more than a personality trait. It reflects the exhaustion of surviving in a male dominated society that demands women suppress their power, ambitions, and identities to remain acceptable. Watching Reya confront those expectations and begin reclaiming her agency was incredibly gratifying. I am fond of morally gray heroines who refuses to apologize for their strength.
Caelan, our honorable immortal with a weakness for dangerous women, never stood a chance against her. I enjoyed their enemies to lovers dynamic. Although, their banter didn't consistently give me the butterflies I wanted. Caelan is a good man and his steadiness provides a lovely contrast to Reya's sharp edges. Unfortunately, I found him a little too tame romantically. The spicy moments are present, but relatively mild. I wanted more chemistry, playful tension, and creativity in the bedroom. Caelan, you're immortal. Surely you've picked up a few tricks?
LaRue's maritime setting was a highlight for a beach girlie at heart. The dangerous waters, distant horizons, and adventurous atmosphere made the voyage appealing. I appreciated that the larger conflict surrounding outlawed magic didn't require endless court politics or exhausting political maneuvering. The narrative explores oppression and resistance without making every chapter a mind game competition for a throne.
My criticism is with the pacing. The journey frequently becomes bogged down in elaborate descriptions and extended action sequences that contribute little to the story. I found myself bored during stretches of the voyage despite enjoying the larger narrative. The supporting characters deserved more attention. A ship filled with sailors should be an opportunity for colorful personalities, memorable friendships, and entertaining interactions. Unfortunately, I finished the book without feeling particularly connected to anyone outside the central couple.
Pick up Steelborn if you love fierce heroines, ocean voyages, forbidden magic, and slow burn romance.
