Review: REALM OF THIEVES by Karina Halle


REALM OF THIEVES (Thieves of Dragemor Book 1)
by Karina Halle

Publication Date: June 10, 2025

Genre: Romantasy

Two thieves vie for dominance in the illegal dragon egg trade, putting both their lives and their hearts on the line in this scorching romantasy from New York Timesbestselling author Karina Halle.

For Brynla Aihr, crime and survival have always gone hand in hand. Ever since she escaped the fanatical dragon-worshipping cult that controls her homeland, she’s had to carve out a life doing the unthinkable: stealing dragon eggs. Egg theft is illegal and, in most cases, fatal. To breach a dragon’s nest means a harrowing journey through the ancient wards spelled to keep the monstrous beasts confined. Dragons can’t get out and only those with a death wish can get in.

Despite the risks, dragon eggs are highly coveted for their magic. An illegal trade flourishes under competing criminal empires, and Brynla’s loyalty has always been to the highest bidder. Until she finds herself kidnapped and blackmailed by Lord Andor, a formidable lieutenant of House Kolbeck, and thrust into the dangerous political games of rivaling dynasties.

Brynla and Andor clash at every turn, sparking heat in ways Brynla’s never felt before. But in a world that’s prophesized to return to the dragons, and rife with betrayal and secrets at every turn…how close to the flames is she willing to stand?

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I binge read this one straight through. REALM OF THIEVES had a really unique take on dragons and great world building. It also had great chemistry between the characters, lots of action and steamy romance. I really got swept up in this new Romantasy series Karina Halle created. I think it will be one of my favorites this year. Go grab a copy. 

*Review copy provided by Ace in exchange for an honest review. 

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Buy Links

Kindle | Paperback 

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About the Author

Karina Halle is a screenwriter, former music & travel journalist, and the New York Times bestselling author of Realm of Thieves, Grave Matter, & Blood Orange, as well as 80 other romances across all sub-genres, ranging from spicy rom coms to gothic horror and dark fantasy. Needless to say, whatever you’re into, she’s probably written an HEA for it. When she’s not traveling, she, her husband, and their pup Perry, split their time between a possibly haunted 120 year-old house in Victoria, BC, and their sailboat Norfinn.

 

Weekly Releases (Romance & Paranormal Romance) 8/18 ~ 8/24

*Kindle buy links are included if they are available.

Monday, August 19, 2013
*How to Discipline Your Vampire by Mina Vaughn
*Wicked Firsts by Elisabeth Naughton, Alexandra Ivy, Cynthia Eden & Laura Wright (99 Cents Limited Time)

Tuesday, August 20, 2013
*Diamond Dust (Takhini Wolves) by Vivian Arend
*Shooting Scars by Karina Halle (Reading In Pajamas/Cori 4 Stars)

Wednesday, August 21, 2013
*Ruin (A Summer in Winter Novel) by C.J. Scott

Friday, August 23, 2013
*Soul Broker by Tina Pollick (Reading In Pajamas/Cori 3.5 Stars)

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Shooting Scars (TAT #2) by Karina Halle

Shooting Scars by Karina Halle
Publication Date: August 20, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

When Ellie Watt made the ultimate sacrifice for Camden McQueen, she never thought it would be easy. But walking away with her ex-lover, Javier Bernal, in order to ensure Camden’s safety has brought a whole new set of dangers. With Javier’s plans for Ellie growing more secretive by the moment, Ellie must find a way to stay ahead of the game before her past swallows her whole.

Meanwhile, Camden’s new life is short-lived. Fueled by revenge and pursued by authorities, he teams up with an unlikely partner in order to save Ellie. But as Camden toes the line between love and retribution, he realizes that in order to get back the woman he loves, he may have to lose himself in the process. He might just turn into the very man he’s hunting.

Told in dual POV from Camden and Ellie.

REVIEW:

I started this book and then had to go back and read the first book and the novella to fully understand the story. I recommend reading the series in order.This one was difficult for me to review. The characters are intense and I kept thinking that they would be redeemed, but that wasn’t what the story was about. This is a love triangle about three messed up people and there is no clear choice on who should end up together. That said I really enjoyed the stories and will be reading the next one when it comes out. I love characters that really make me feel and think. If you are looking for something intense, I recommend this series. Shooting Scars has a great plot with lots of twists and turns. You’ll be thinking about the story long after you put it down.

*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links:
Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iTunes