In Rachel N. Harker's By the Sharp and Shadowed Wings, the first book in the Fate of the Nine series, fate and the Gods collide in a world steeped in darkness. Revna, a shield maiden haunted by a past sacrifice, confronts the God of Destruction, Fenrir, nine years after a fateful event. Fenrir, a monster bound by his nature and the whims of the Aesir, finds his long-dormant hunger awakened by Revna's arrival. Their intertwined destinies force them to confront not only their personal demons but also a sinister force threatening to unravel the very fabric of reality. Bound by desire and driven by fate, Revna and Fenrir must forge an alliance, facing their pasts and the terrifying power of the Gods to save their worlds.
Review By the Sharp and Shadowed Wings
Oh my goodness, I just finished "By the Sharp and Shadowed Wings," and I'm still reeling! Rachel N. Harker has crafted something truly special here. It's a Norse mythology-inspired romantasy that completely swept me away. The world-building is phenomenal; Harker created this intricate, captivating world based on the gods and monsters we know, but with a fresh, unique twist – the separation of the realms by the roots of a world-tree is such a clever and visually striking concept. The map at the beginning is gorgeous, and it really helped me visualize everything.
The characters are equally amazing. Revna, the Commander of the Myddheim Maidens, is an absolute badass. She’s strong, brave, fiercely loyal, and incredibly relatable despite her extraordinary circumstances. She's a survivor, constantly fighting to control her own destiny and protect those she cares about, making her one of my new favorite FMCs. And her stubbornness? Absolutely endearing. The way she refuses to be broken, despite all she's endured, is truly inspiring.
Then there’s Fenrir, the God of Destruction. He's complex and compelling; a tortured soul burdened by his nature, yet fiercely protective of his found family in Vanaheim. His internal struggle is palpable, and his slow-burn romance with Revna is exquisitely done. The tension between them crackles from the very first encounter, making the eventual payoff utterly satisfying. It’s a slow burn that's worth every agonizing minute of waiting.
The romance between Revna and Fenrir is the heart of the story, but it's far from the only thing to love. The supporting characters are equally well-developed and captivating. Hel and Tyr, Fenrir’s siblings, are fantastic additions to the cast, offering both support and conflict. I especially adored Hel; she’s a force to be reckoned with and I'm desperate to learn more about her in the next book! The sense of found family, both among the Myddheim Maidens and within Fenrir’s family, is incredibly heartwarming and adds so much depth to the story.
The plot itself is a whirlwind of action, adventure, and emotional depth. The pacing is perfect, keeping me hooked from page one. The descriptions of the battles are vivid and intense, and the emotional moments land with a powerful impact. Harker doesn't shy away from exploring difficult themes—abuse, exploitation, sacrifice—making the triumphs all the more meaningful. The ending, oh my god, the ending! It left me breathless and desperately craving the next installment. Seriously, I need to know what happens next!
In short, "By the Sharp and Shadowed Wings" is a must-read. It’s a thrilling, emotionally resonant, and incredibly well-written romantasy that expertly blends action, romance, and a richly detailed world. If you love Norse mythology, strong female characters, slow-burn romances, and found family tropes, then this book is absolutely perfect for you. Five out of five stars – I can’t recommend it highly enough!
Information
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.09 x 8.5 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 436
- Publication date: 2025
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