Steelborn review

 

Book: Steelborn

Author: Taylor J. LaRue

Pages: 432

Date(s) Read: August 4^th, 2026 to July 23^rd, 2026

Date Published: August 4^th, 2026

Rating: 4/5

Genre: Fantasy, Romantasy

Characters: 4/5

Writing style: 5/5

Story: 4/5

Ending:  5/5

Cover: 5/5

Format: Hardcover

Date Bought: July 6^th, 2026

Book Cost: $32.00

Review:

Steelborn was a fun, fast-paced, romantasy novel.

 

In Steelborn, Reya Connery is the thief known as the crimson dagger. When she frees an imprisoned woman, it sets off a chain of events that takes Reya on a massive journey where she finds friends, a lover, and herself.

 

I enjoyed the pacing and various settings. This book is a journey through various environments that make the story feel like a long adventure game. The action and journey never get old and are broken up by a romance that is both rewarding and intense.

 

While nothing here is completely new, the novel feels fresh. There's a tremendous amount of character development and revelations for Reya that really keep you invested in her sojourn. The relationship aspect also features conversations about where the relationship is going before the sex happens, which is something I haven't encountered before in a romantasy but is a big part of most people's relationships, so it was a welcome addition to an already great story.

 

I loved the characters, especially the pirate woman Kalue. The love interest is your typical romantasy lead, but he is more open to conversations and a future with her than male love interests typically are, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

 

This novel doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it is a good time and worthy addition to any romantasy lover's library.