Wera's 2026 Q2 Arc Reviews
- Wera Niyom
- 17 hours ago
- 4 min read
Hello, fellow eggs!
I had the privilege of reading the following advanced reader copies (ARCs) and offering a review prior to release. To contribute to a successful release, my reviews for these ARCs do not contain spoilers.
1.  THE HEART OF WAR by Olivia Snow (forthcoming, April 7, 2026)
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC ahead of this review! The following feedback is my own opinion.
THE HEART OF WAR is an enemies-to-lovers historical romance with a regency backdrop that focuses on Helena Weston’s fierce battle for survival amidst the collapse of her family’s fortune and a budding rivalry with a handsome noble.
I began my search for more historical romance books with the idea that I wouldn’t delve into a regency romance for a long, long time. However, when I saw Sun Tzu’s The Art of War in this book’s blurb, I knew I had to forgo that just to read this. I am pleased to say I wasn’t disappointed! The romance is full of so much drama, pride and prejudice (yes, I made that pun), betrayal, and opulent high society balls. The Pride and Prejudice vibes are so strong in this book, which made for a very entertaining and addicting read. I liked how, despite it being a regency romance, it was an accessible read that didn’t require a dictionary or multiple takes of the same line.
The author did an excellent job of showcasing the romance evolving and had that deliciously satisfying amount of push and pull. Green flags and mutual yearning for the win! It is also easy to become invested in the story’s B plot without it overshadowing Helena’s journey. Although I often questioned Helena’s decisions, I appreciated how she didn’t compromise her morals just to get ahead. This is one of the best historical romance novels I’ve ever read and would happily devour it again and again.
5 Jade Rabbits / 5
2.  HEIR OF GRIEF by Allison Blanchard (forthcoming, April 14, 2026)
Thank you to the author and Varus Publishing Core Readers for providing an ARC ahead of this review! The following feedback is my own opinion.
HEIR OF GRIEF is a YA slow-burn romantasy that follows Mari Pollard as she navigates forbidden magic fueled by grief, death, and blood, an unseen war between Bloodwright and Stonebound, and a romance with an enigmatic classmate. It features an academic setting, secret bloodlines, and a morally gray love interest. Readers looking for more no-spice slow-burn books will enjoy this story.
I first came across HEIR OF GRIEF during the author’s ARC promos on Instagram and was instantly interested in magic nurtured through grief. Coming out of pandemic restrictions and the ever-changing world we live in now, I thought it’d be a rejuvenating read to connect with a fictional character who has experienced loss and is now struggling to figure out where they go from there. Although it helps to have a support system, I was relieved to discover that Mari coped with her loss in her own way, instead of relying on another person to do it for her. There’s a quiet strength in her that many can draw from as they navigate through their own personal turmoil. I believe the cover perfectly reflects the melancholy tone of the story, never romanticizing loss. The practice of healing one’s grief is quite poetic, and that’s why it was such a compelling premise for me.
While the story tackles grief in a respectable, real way, I had difficulty connecting with the story’s prologue and epilogue. I really wanted to dig in, so it felt like it delayed my immersion. Some sentences are quite long and contributed to the initial and ending disruptions. In terms of setting description, I wanted more details, as some scenes were harder to visualize, though the author displayed attentiveness regarding character appearances. Aside from that, the world felt very real, and the magic concepts were easy to understand.
The romance had several cute moments, though it felt slightly underdeveloped. It’s unclear when like transitions to love. Other emotions are chaotic and sudden. Rather than building slowly, it’s explosive and often makes the pacing jarring. There were times I wanted more interiority because Mari has such a relatable perspective!
3 Jade Rabbits / 5
3.  BETWEEN SUN AND SHADOW by Laura Genn (forthcoming, May 5, 2026)
Thank you to Netgalley and Peachtree Publishers | Peachtree Teen for providing an ARC ahead of this review! The following feedback is my own opinion.
BETWEEN SUN AND SHADOW is a sapphic reimagining of Hades and Persephone that follows Shadowlands queen Adria and the Daylands heiress Kori as they navigate the complex dynamic between their two worlds and a romance full of delightful yearning. Readers will enjoy the perfect blend of science and magical wonder in this YA science fantasy.
When I first came across BETWEEN SUN AND SHADOW, I was blown away by the cover’s unique color scheme and the premise’s retelling told through a diverse lens. I’m always on the hunt for more sapphic fantasy, and it ticked off all the boxes I have when searching for something new to read. The world is absolutely wondrous, spinning several figures and creatures of Greek mythology in a completely new way. For any myth lover, identifying those easter eggs is the greatest joy I find in reading any retelling/reimagining. It stays true to the source material while becoming an exciting adventure that can stand on its own.
Queen of the Shadowlands, Adria, resonated with me the most in the story as she navigates the pressure of being the queen everyone wants her to be, while aspiring to be someone she can be proud to see in the mirror every day. I really enjoyed her banter with Lori and watched as it grew into something more. Each word is written with such care and depth. AND THE YEARNING!! The yearning is so visceral, it left me hungry for more.
4 Jade Rabbits / 5
Are any of these books on your list to read in 2026? Let me know in the comments!