Heir of Illusion

A fae works to escape slavery in Taylor’s spellbinding romantasy debut, the first in her Verran Isles series. Wraith assassin Iverson “Ivy” Pomeroy has been enslaved by King Baylor of the Seventh Isle since she was 10, forced by the magical collar around her neck to use her powers of illusion to do his will. When the legendary sword Almanova goes missing from Baylor’s court, reaper Killian Blackthorne, the ambassador to the God of Death, turns up in the kingdom seeking the weapon on behalf of his master. Ivy strikes up a forbidden alliance with Blackthorne upon learning that Almanova is the only thing capable of breaking her collar and setting her free. Unfortunately, anyone who touches the blade will fall under its curse. The pair’s search for the sword brings them closer, sparking an enemies-to-lovers romance as they fight those who fall victim to the sword’s influence. There’s nothing groundbreaking here, but Taylor hits familiar romantasy beats cleanly, delivers some genuine third-act surprises, and makes Ivy’s desperate struggle for her freedom emotionally resonant. This is a strong start. (Feb.)