'I've read hundreds of books — this is easily my favourite fantasy novel of the year so far'

Daily Mirror

a day ago

Whatever your favourite genre, it's hard to argue with the fact that fantasy, or to be more specific, romantasy, is the genre of the moment. I really got back into reading last year and, like many others, I largely have romantasy books to thank for that.
They're so readable and with a seemingly endless supply of fantastical worlds ready to step into, you'll never be short of ideas on what to read next. But over time, the problem for me has been I feel like a lot of people have seen the huge successes of popular books like Sarah J. Maas' A Court of Thorns and Roses and Rebecca Yarros' Fourth Wing, and just decided to just give us more of the same.
Think BookTok -friendly stories, full of copy-paste love interests and a selection of the classic tropes thrown in for good measure.
But I'm pleased to report that after months and months spent trying to find my next five-star fantasy, I've finally done it. Enter: Silvercloak by L. K. Steven.
Silvercloak is the debut adult novel from the acclaimed author behind young adult books like Our Infinite Fates and Society for Soulless Girls.
It follows Saffron, an obsessive detective who is forced to go undercover to infiltrate a brutal underground mafia of dark magicians after her biggest secret is exposed on the eve of her graduation from the elite Silvercloak Academy.
In a world where magic is fuelled by pleasure and pain, Saff must contend with curious prophecies, rival gangs and the rather inconvenient problem of her growing feelings for the kingpin's tortured son.
I really enjoyed Our Infinite Fates when I first read it earlier this year, so I went into Silvercloak feeling optimistic. But this book absolutely blew me away; I was hooked from the very first chapter.
The world of Ascenfall feels truly original and the romance in this book is also a breath of fresh air.
As anyone who read Our Infinite Fates will already know, Steven is a master of the enemies to friends to lovers to enemies dynamic, and Saff and Levan's relationship, from its beginning to its prophesised end and beyond, is such a highlight of this book.
I'm a bit of a chaotic reader and tend to always have a physical book or two on the go at the same time as well as an audiobook for when I'm cooking or walking my dog.
I found it impossible to put Silvercloak down, however, even purchasing the audiobook so I could go between the two.
I was fully immersed in the story all the way through to the final page, and cannot wait to see where the series goes next. If you're going to read one fantasy novel this summer, make it this one.
You can buy Silvercloak now from Waterstones. Alternatively, you can order your copy from Amazon.