New romance books – 2026

Reading lists

New romance books to read in 2026

Romantasy books – 2025 update

30 must-read romantasy books and series

The Tempest Blade

In the searing finale to the iconic Bridge Kingdom series, the battle for Ithicana comes to an epic conclusion—from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Fate Inked in Blood. 
 
A fugitive on the run, Ahnna has one goal: return to Ithicana with warning of the greatest threat her homeland has ever faced. But the man who broke her heart is hunting at her heels, and James wants more than justice. He wants revenge. 
 
To prove his loyalty to his family, James ventures into dangerous territory to capture his father’s killer. But the longer he follows Ahnna’s trail, the more his certainty of her guilt is tested—and the more the passion they once shared reignites. 
 
As war brews, Ahnna and James discover that the real enemy isn’t each other. With their loyalties on opposing sides of the battle to come, James and Ahnna must choose where their hearts lie: on the battlefield, or in each other’s arms. 
Tropes/themes: 
1. Political Intrigue2. Alternate World3. Enemies to Lovers4. Action &amp; Adventure5. Romantasy 
 
 Don’t miss any of Danielle L. Jensen's Bridge Kingdom series: THE BRIDGE KINGDOM,THE TRAITOR QUEEN, THE INADEQUATE HEIR, THE ENDLESS WAR, THE TWISTED THRONE, THE TEMPEST BLADE 
__ 
PRAISE FOR THE BRIDGE KINGDOM SERIES 
'Exquisite, phenomenal and sexy' Olivia Wildenstein, USA Today bestselling author of Feather 
'An epic, action-packed tale of love, revenge, and betrayal' Jennifer Estep, New York Times bestselling author of Kill the Queen 
'Heart-pounding romance and intense action wrapped in a spellbinding world. I was hooked from the first page!' Elise Kova, USA Today bestselling author of A Deal with the Elf King 
PRAISE FOR DANIELLE L. JENSEN 
'Richly-woven, evocative and absolutely impossible to put down...I loved every word' Sarah J. Maas, bestselling author of A Court of Thorns and Roses 
'Stellar world-building and multidimensional characters' Kirkus 
'Stunning world-building, a vivid cast of secondary characters, and a steamy slow-burn romance' Bookist

Danielle L. Jensen is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Fate Inked in Blood, A Curse Carved in Bone, and the Bridge Kingdom, Dark Shores, and Malediction series. Her novels are published internationally in twenty-three languages. She lives in Calgary, Alberta, with her family and guinea pigs.

A fugitive on the run, Ahnna has one goal: return to Ithicana with warning of the greatest threat her homeland has ever faced. But the man who broke her heart is hunting at her heels, and James wants more than justice. He wants revenge. 
 
To prove his loyalty to his family, James ventures into dangerous territory to capture his father’s killer. But the longer he follows Ahnna’s trail, the more his certainty of her guilt is tested—and the more the passion they once shared reignites. 
 
As war brews, Ahnna and James discover that the real enemy isn’t each other. With their loyalties on opposing sides of the battle to come, James and Ahnna must choose where their hearts lie: on the battlefield, or in each other’s arms.

A Curse Carved in Bone

THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER 
The thrilling finale to the No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling fantasy, A Fate Inked in Blood.______________ 
 
With the secret of her divine heritage revealed, Freya finds herself on a path that could see thousands of lives lost to the magic in her blood. 
 
Desperate to avoid this dark fate, she risks an alliance with Skaland's greatest enemy to seek answers from the seer who foretold her future - the same seer who sent Bjorn to kill her. 
 
While Freya still seethes with rage over Bjorn's betrayal, the blood oaths that bind her demand that she keep him close as she hunts for a way to avert the looming war. Her magic draws her to the front lines of an old enmity, embroiling her with Nordeland's Unfated - children of the gods who serve the king she was raised to fear. The same king who, unlike Bjorn, is now willing to fight at her back. For despite the desire that burns hot between Bjorn and Freya, his growing distrust of her chosen path threatens to drag them further apart. 
 
As war approaches, gods and mortals must choose their weapons. Yet the fiercest battle will be the one Freya wages within herself. With the magic of two goddesses burning in her veins, she must weave the threads of destiny to decide her own fate: 
 
Will she be the shield that protects her people or the curse that destroys them?

A shield maiden fights to break the shackles of prophecy - and to overcome betrayal of the man who broke her heart - in this searing conclusion to the Norse-inspired fantasy romance duology that began with the No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling A Fate Inked in Blood. 
 
 
With the secret of her divine heritage revealed, Freya finds herself on a path that could see thousands of lives lost to the magic in her blood. Desperate to avoid this dark fate, she risks an alliance with Skaland's greatest enemy to seek answers from the seer who foretold her future - the same seer who sent Bjorn to kill her. 
 
While Freya still seethes with rage over Bjorn's betrayal, the blood oaths that bind her demand that she keep him close as she hunts for a way to avert the looming war. Her magic draws her to the front lines of an old enmity, embroiling her with Nordeland's Unfated - children of the gods who serve the king she was raised to fear. The same king who, unlike Bjorn, is now willing to fight at her back. For despite the desire that burns hot between Bjorn and Freya, his growing distrust of her chosen path threatens to drag them further apart. 
 
As war approaches, gods and mortals must choose their weapons. Yet the fiercest battle will be the one Freya wages within herself. With the magic of two goddesses burning in her veins, she must weave the threads of destiny to decide her own fate: Will she be the shield that protects her people or the curse that destroys them?

The Bridge Kingdom

DISCOVER THE SPELLBINDING DARK FANTASY TIKTOK SENSATION FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES NO 1 BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF A FATE INKED IN BLOOD . . . 
 
'Do not walk to pick up this book. Run' JENNIFER L. ARMENTROUT, bestselling author of FROM BLOOD AND ASH 
 
'You will devour it! Badass females, slow burn romance, enemies to lovers . . . Do I even need to say more?' 5***** READER REVIEW 
 
'Enemies to Lovers and full of Angst . . . Loved the book so much I can't put it into words' 5***** READER REVIEW 
 
Disclaimer: Cover may vary 
__ 
 
Raised as a warrior, Princess Lara knows two things: 
 
King Aren of the Bridge Kingdom is her enemy. 
And she must be the one to bring him to his knees. 
 
The Bridge Kingdom is the only route through a storm-ravaged world, and it uses its power to deprive Lara's homeland of vital resources. So when she's sent to be King Aren's bride, Lara will do whatever it takes to bring down the kingdom's defences, even if it means seducing her new husband. 
 
Yet as she learns more about the war to possess the bridge, Lara's feelings for Aren transform from hostility to passion. 
 
And she faces a terrible dilemma: 
 
Which kingdom to save, and which to destroy . . . 
 
Tropes/themes: 
 
1. Political Intrigue 
2. Alternate World 
3. Enemies to Lovers 
4. Action &amp; Adventure 
5. Romantasy 
 
__ 
 
'This book is just everything!!! It's such an atmospheric read that completely immerses you. This book has me completely captivated, it honestly has stolen a piece of my heart' 5***** READER REVIEW 
 
'Heart-pounding. I enjoyed every moment of this book' 5***** READER REVIEW 
 
'I don't think I'll ever be over how amazing this book is . . .The world and characters were so immersive' 5***** READER REVIEW 
 
PRAISE FOR THE BRIDGE KINGDOM SERIES 
 
'Exquisite, phenomenal and sexy' Olivia Wildenstein, USA Today bestselling author of Feather 
 
'An epic, action-packed tale of love, revenge, and betrayal' Jennifer Estep, New York Times bestselling author of Kill the Queen 
 
'Heart-pounding romance and intense action wrapped in a spellbinding world. I was hooked from the first page!' Elise Kova, USA Today bestselling author of A Deal with the Elf King 
 
PRAISE FOR DANIELLE L. JENSEN 
 
'Richly-woven, evocative and absolutely impossible to put down . . . I loved every word' Sarah J. Maas, bestselling author of A Court of Thorns and Roses 
 
'Stellar world-building and multidimensional characters' Kirkus 
 
'Stunning world-building, a vivid cast of secondary characters, and a steamy slow-burn romance' Bookist 
 
A Fate Inked in Blood, No. 1 Sunday Times bestseller, March 2024 
A Fate Inked in Blood, New York Times bestseller, March 2024

A warrior princess - Lara how always known two things - that King Aren of The Bridge Kingdom is her enemy and that she must be the one to bring him to his knees. 
When she's sent as his bride Lara is prepared to do whatever it takes to kill the king. 
But when she lays her eyes on this man she begins to question whether he truly is a villain. As her feelings deepen for Aren she must choose which kingdom to save and which to destroy

The Inadequate Heir

A CRY FOR WAR. OR A CHANCE AT PEACE? . . . 
 
DISCOVER THE SPELLBINDING DARK FANTASY TIKTOK SENSATION FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF A FATE INKED IN BLOOD 
 
'Do not walk to pick up this book. Run' JENNIFER L. ARMENTROUT, bestselling author of FROM BLOOD AND ASH 
 
'The perfect combo of high-stakes fantasy and swoonworthy romance' 5***** READER REVIEW 
 
'A badass heroine, a fantastic world, gripping storytelling, with a forbidden romance that will have you unable to put the book down' 5***** READER REVIEW 
___________ 
 
She was raised as a soldier. And as an heir to an empire . . . 
 
General Zarrah is motivated by two truths: The Veliant family murdered her mother and that she will be the one to deliver vengeance. 
 
The Endless War has devastated Zarrah's people. So when she's given command of the city at the center of the conflict, Zarrah vows to destroy the gathered forces and their Veliant prince leader. 
 
Yet a chance encounter with an anonymous, and handsome, enemy soldier complicates Zarrah's plans. Especially as they discover they have the same dreams - and begin to find passion in each other's arms. 
 
When the enemy's identity is revealed, Zarrah must decide . . . war or peace? 
 
Tropes/themes: 
 
1. Political Intrigue 
2. Alternate World 
3. Enemies to Lovers 
4. Action &amp; Adventure 
5. Romantasy 
 
___________ 
 
 
'I loved this book from the first to the last page. The plot is incredible' 5***** READER REVIEW 
 
PRAISE FOR THE BRIDGE KINGDOM SERIES 
 
'Exquisite, phenomenal and sexy' Olivia Wildenstein, USA Today bestselling author of Feather 
 
'An epic, action-packed tale of love, revenge, and betrayal' Jennifer Estep, New York Times bestselling author of Kill the Queen 
 
'Heart-pounding romance and intense action wrapped in a spellbinding world. I was hooked from the first page!' Elise Kova, USA Today bestselling author of A Deal with the Elf King 
 
PRAISE FOR DANIELLE L. JENSEN 
 
'Richly-woven, evocative and absolutely impossible to put down . . . I loved every word' Sarah J. Maas, bestselling author of A Court of Thorns and Roses 
 
'Stellar world-building and multidimensional characters' Kirkus 
 
'Stunning world-building, a vivid cast of secondary characters, and a steamy slow-burn romance' Bookist 
 
A Fate Inked in Blood, No. 1 Sunday Times bestseller, March 2024 
A Fate Inked in Blood, New York Times bestseller, March 2024

She was raised as a soldier. And as an heir to an empire. 
If Zarrah knows anything, it is that the Veliant family murdered her mother and that vengeance will be hers. 
The Endless War between Maridrina and Valcotta has devastated Zarrah's people. She is determined to do whatever it takes to destroy the Maridrinian forces and kill their leader, the Veliant prince. 
But after a chance encounter with a handsome Maridrinian, Zarrah must question whether justice is truly hers to take. 
And she Zarrah must decide . . . war or peace?

The Traitor Queen

HER HUSBAND IS IMPRISONED. WHAT WILL SHE RISK TO SAVE HIM? . . . 
 
DISCOVER THE SPELLBINDING DARK FANTASY TIKTOK SENSATION FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF A FATE INKED IN BLOOD 
 
'Do not walk to pick up this book. Run' JENNIFER L. ARMENTROUT, bestselling author of FROM BLOOD AND ASH 
 
'The brilliant writing style, the pure angst and heartache; lust and longing - wow!' 5***** READER REVIEW 
 
'This book is EPIC. I'm in love with this series' 5***** READER REVIEW 
___________ 
 
A QUEEN IN EXILE AS A TRAITOR . . . 
 
Lara has watched Ithicana be conquered by her own father. But when she learns her husband, Aren, has been captured in battle, Lara knows her father is only keeping him alive to lure in his traitorous daughter. 
 
It is bait she fully intends to take. 
 
Risking her life, Lara returns to free the Bridge Kingdom and its king using her father's greatest weapons - her warrior sisters. 
 
But her greatest adversary of all might be the very man she's trying to free. 
 
Now Lara must decide who she is fighting for: her kingdom, her husband, or herself . . . 
 
Tropes/themes: 
 
1. Political Intrigue 
2. Alternate World 
3. Enemies to Lovers 
4. Action &amp; Adventure 
5. Romantasy 
 
___________ 
 
'So good I didn't want it to end. This book left me crying so hard' 5***** READER REVIEW 
 
'Absolutely phenomenal. These characters don't just jump out the page, they leap' 5***** READER REVIEW 
 
PRAISE FOR THE BRIDGE KINGDOM SERIES 
 
'Exquisite, phenomenal and sexy' Olivia Wildenstein, USA Today bestselling author of Feather 
 
'An epic, action-packed tale of love, revenge, and betrayal' Jennifer Estep, New York Times bestselling author of Kill the Queen 
 
'Heart-pounding romance and intense action wrapped in a spellbinding world. I was hooked from the first page!' Elise Kova, USA Today bestselling author of A Deal with the Elf King 
 
PRAISE FOR DANIELLE L. JENSEN 
 
'Richly-woven, evocative and absolutely impossible to put down . . . I loved every word' Sarah J. Maas, bestselling author of A Court of Thorns and Roses 
 
'Stellar world-building and multidimensional characters' Kirkus 
 
'Stunning world-building, a vivid cast of secondary characters, and a steamy slow-burn romance' Bookist 
 
A Fate Inked in Blood, No. 1 Sunday Times bestseller, March 2024 
A Fate Inked in Blood, New York Times bestseller, March 2024

A queen in exile as a traitor. 
Lara has watched Ithicana be conquered by her own father. But when she learns her husband, Aren, has been captured in battle, Lara knows her father is only keeping him alive to lure in his traitorous daughter. 
It is bait she fully intends to take. 
Risking her life, Lara returns to free the Bridge Kingdom and its king using her father's greatest weapons - her sisters. But her greatest adversary of all might be the very man she's trying to free. 
And Lara must decide who she is fighting for . . .

The Endless War

THREE LIFE-CHANGING CHOICES, TWO STAR-CROSSED LOVERS, AND ONE UNCLAIMED DESTINY . . . 
 
DISCOVER THE SPELLBINDING DARK FANTASY TIKTOK SENSATION FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF A FATE INKED IN BLOOD 
 
--- 
 
Newly crowned as king of Maridrina, Keris watches powerless as his forbidden relationship with Zarrah is exposed. 
 
He knows there is only one way to save her when she is imprisoned by the Empress: to ally with the kingdom he nearly destroyed. 
 
Zarrah, held captive on the dreaded Devil's Island, faces two choices: regain the favour of the Empress who condemned her or die a traitor by her royal command. 
 
But dare Zarrah seek a third path: a rebellion to overthrow tyranny entwined with a destiny she must fight to claim. 
 
Facing impossible odds, Keris and Zarrah must somehow find their way back to each other, before it's too late . . . 
 
Tropes/themes: 
 
1. Political Intrigue 
2. Alternate World 
3. Enemies to Lovers 
4. Action &amp; Adventure 
5. Romantasy 
 
--- 
 
Praise for Danielle L Jensen's previous work:- 
 
Heart-pounding romance and intense action wrapped in a spellbinding world. I was hooked from the first page! - Elise Kova, USA Today bestselling author of A Deal with the Elf King 
 
Richly-woven, evocative, and absolutely impossible to put down - I was hooked from the first lines! Dark Shores has everything I look for in a fantasy novel: fresh, unique settings, a cast of complex and diverse characters, and an unflinching boldness with the nuanced world-building. I loved every word - Sarah J. Maas 
 
The book grabs readers from the beginning with its stellar world-building and multidimensional characters - Kirkus Reviews 
 
Stunning world-building, a vivid cast of secondary characters, and a steamy slow-burn romance between two exceedingly competent and compelling heroes. Dark Shores is not one to miss - Booklist 
 
 
A Fate Inked in Blood, No. 1 Sunday Times bestseller, March 2024 
A Fate Inked in Blood, USA Today bestseller, March 2024

Newly crowned as king of Maridrina, Keris watches powerless as his forbidden relationship with Zarrah is exposed. 
 
He knows there is only one way to save her when she is imprisoned by the Empress: to ally with the kingdom he nearly destroyed. 
 
Zarrah, held captive on the dreaded Devil's Island, faces two choices: prove her loyalty to the Empress who condemned her or die a traitor. 
 
But dare Zarrah seek a third path: a rebellion to overthrow tyranny entwined with a destiny she must fight to claim. 
 
Facing impossible odds, Keris and Zarrah must somehow find their way back to each other, before it's too late . . .

The Twisted Throne

She was promised to a Prince. But it’s his brother who holds her heart. 
 
Read the next epic chapter in The Bridge Kingdom series . . . 
 
-- 
 
A beloved ruler who has her people’s heart. A forbidden prince who may have hers. 
Ahnna bled for her kingdom and now is haunted by the destruction of her homeland. 
So when the wealthy kingdom of Harendell claims her as a bride for its crown prince, Ahnna is prepared to do whatever it takes to gain influence as the future queen. 
But she soon discovers that beneath the beautiful surface of Harendell's court lurks dark secrets and even darker schemes. These revelations force her to question whether her new kingdom is the ally is claims to be... 
The only person who she feels she can trust is not her future husband, but his infuriating half-brother, James. 
And now Ahnna must decide whether saving her people will be achieved as a wife...or as a weapon. 
Tropes/themes: 
1. Political Intrigue2. Alternate World3. Enemies to Lovers4. Action &amp; Adventure5. Romantasy6. Brother Love Triangle 
__ 
PRAISE FOR THE BRIDGE KINGDOM SERIES 
'Exquisite, phenomenal and sexy' Olivia Wildenstein, USA Today bestselling author of Feather 
'An epic, action-packed tale of love, revenge, and betrayal' Jennifer Estep, New York Times bestselling author of Kill the Queen 
'Heart-pounding romance and intense action wrapped in a spellbinding world. I was hooked from the first page!' Elise Kova, USA Today bestselling author of A Deal with the Elf King 
PRAISE FOR DANIELLE L. JENSEN 
'Richly-woven, evocative and absolutely impossible to put down...I loved every word' Sarah J. Maas, bestselling author of A Court of Thorns and Roses 
'Stellar world-building and multidimensional characters' Kirkus 
'Stunning world-building, a vivid cast of secondary characters, and a steamy slow-burn romance' Bookist 
A Fate Inked in Blood, No. 1 Sunday Times bestseller, March 2024A Fate Inked in Blood, New York Times bestseller, March 2024

Ahnna is haunted by the destruction of her homeland so when the wealthy kingdom of Harendell claims her as a bride for its crown prince, Ahnna is prepared to do whatever it takes to gain influence as the future queen. 
 
But she soon discovers that beneath the beautiful surface of Harendell's court lurk dark secrets and the only person who she feels she can trust is not her future husband, but his infuriating half brother, James. 
 
And it isn't long before Ahnna finds herself attracted to a forbidden prince . . ,

A Fate Inked in Blood

‘THE must-read fantasy’ Jennifer L. Armentrout, author of From Blood and Ash 
 
'Your newest fantasy obsession.' Kerri Maniscalco, author of Kingdom of the Wicked 
 
'Danielle L. Jensen at her best. A delicious fantasy romance that was completely unputdownable!' Katee Robert, author of Neon Gods 
IF YOU LIKE SARAH J. MAAS, YOU’LL LOVE DANIELLE JENSEN 
-------- 
 
A sizzling fantasy romance from the No.1 Sunday Times bestseller & TikTok sensation Danielle Jensen, perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas & A Court of Thorns and Roses. 
 
Trapped in an unwanted marriage, Freya dreams of becoming a warrior – and of putting an axe in her controlling husband’s back. 
 
But those dreams become a nightmare when he makes a deal with their fanatical ruler, and she’s forced into a fight to the death. To survive, she must reveal her deepest secret: she possesses a drop of a goddess’s blood and magic that will unite their nation beneath the one who controls her fate. 
 
Believing he’s destined to be king, the ruler binds Freya with a blood oath and orders his fierce but charming son to train her to fight, to control her magic . . . and to make sure no one lays a hand on her. 
 
But the greatest test of all may be resisting her forbidden attraction to the son of her enemy. 
 
------- 
 
***** 'One of the best books I've read this year' 
 
***** 'Everything about this novel is sheer perfection' 
 
***** 'I flew through this book from start to finish' 
 
***** 'I NEED THE SEQUEL MORE THAN I NEED MY NEXT BREATH' 
 
***** 'I ate this book up' 
 
***** 'I am OBSESSED guys!' 
 
***** 'Danielle really outdid herself with this one!!' 
 
 
Number 1 Sunday Times bestseller, March 2024

A dazzling start to a series. I used every excuse to sneak away from life to spend another chapter with Freya and Bjorn.

K.A. Tucker, USA Today and Internationally Bestselling Author 

Captivating and sexy . . . Everything you want in a fantasy romance.

Elise Kova, author of A Deal with the Elf King

Your newest fantasy obsession. Beautifully brutal, action-packed, and full of tension, I couldn’t turn the pages of this epic tale fast enough.

Kerri Maniscalco, author of Kingdom of the Wicked

'Danielle L. Jensen at her best. It’s a delicious fantasy romance that was completely unputdownable!

Heart pounding romance and action in equal parts, A Fate Inked In Blood swept me up from the first page.

A dazzling story filled with exactly the right amount of magic, romance, and action, all set within a perfectly woven world. My favourite Danielle L. Jensen book yet...I’m desperate for the sequel!

S. M. Gaither, author of The Song of the Marked

A captivating first instalment in what promises to be a compelling, feminist Viking fantasy.

‘THE must-read fantasy’ Jennifer L. Armentrout, author of From Blood and Ash 
 
'Your newest fantasy obsession.' Kerri Maniscalco, author of Kingdom of the Wicked 
 
'Danielle L. Jensen at her best. A delicious fantasy romance that was completely unputdownable!' Katee Robert, author of Neon Gods 
IF YOU LIKE SARAH J. MAAS, YOU’LL LOVE DANIELLE JENSEN 
-------- 
 
A sizzling fantasy romance from the No.1 Sunday Times bestseller & TikTok sensation Danielle Jensen, perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas & A Court of Thorns and Roses. 
Trapped in an unwanted marriage, Freya dreams of becoming a warrior – and of putting an axe in her controlling husband’s back.But those dreams become a nightmare when he makes a deal with their fanatical ruler, and she’s forced into a fight to the death. To survive, she must reveal her deepest secret: she possesses a drop of a goddess’s blood and magic that will unite their nation beneath the one who controls her fate.Believing he’s destined to be king, the ruler binds Freya with a blood oath and orders his fierce but charming son to train her to fight, to control her magic . . . and to make sure no one lays a hand on her.But the greatest test of all may be resisting her forbidden attraction to the son of her enemy. 
------- 
 
***** 'One of the best books I've read this year' 
 
***** 'Everything about this novel is sheer perfection' 
 
***** 'I flew through this book from start to finish' 
 
***** 'I NEED THE SEQUEL MORE THAN I NEED MY NEXT BREATH' 
 
***** 'I ate this book up' 
 
***** 'I am OBSESSED guys!' 
 
***** 'Danielle really outdid herself with this one!!'

Danielle L. Jensen

I didn’t know I needed a Mad Max inspired fantasy until I read this book. Riveting. Fresh. Unique. A standout favorite read of the year! Five stars for Defy the Dusk!

Devney Perry, #1 New York Times bestselling author 

Propulsive and unstoppable, Defy the Dusk is a furious machine of a book, with a tremendous heart at its core. I would follow Lirien, Vox, and the crew anywhere. All aboard Duskchaser.

Victoria Aveyard, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Tempest

Defy the Dusk is Danielle L. Jensen at her absolute best. A fresh, gritty, high-octane fantasy world is the perfect background for a memorable cast locked in a fight for survival that is sure to grip readers from the first page to the very last. Fantasy fans, this is a must read.

Elise Kova, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Arcana Academy

Buckle up, babes, we’re chasing the dawn! Defy the Dusk has all of my favorite things—found family, wickedly great worldbuilding, and a hero and heroine having a sexy good time (with some murder on the side!). You won’t want to miss it!

Katee Robert, New York Times bestselling author

In a stunning, fast-paced fantasy, Jensen delivers delicious yearning and characters readers will root for as they race to outrun tragedy and reclaim the night.

Laura R. Samotin, author of The Sins on Their Bones

A thrilling new post-apocalyptic fantasy set in an absolutely brutal world where monsters rule the night, and the only way to survive is to outrun them. Between the non-stop action and the angsty, forbidden romance, I had to keep turning the page. And the ending?! Shocking!! I will be counting down the days until I can read the sequel.

Demi Winters, New York Times bestselling author of The Ashen series

This book is equal parts emotional and suspenseful as readers enter a world that is unlike anything they've read before. The magic system feels familiar but unique at the same time, so readers will find their footing fast. The characters are flawed but endearing, and the pacing will make hearts pound as Lirien and Vox try their best to break from their molds and cultivate the light in a dark world. It is definitely one not to miss.

Jensen delivers an exhilarating adventure that immerses readers in a world reminiscent of Mad Max, blending relentless action, compelling worldbuilding, and a satisfying slow-burn romance into an unforgettable read.

Jensen’s worldbuilding is strikingly original and terrifying… With an enthralling plot, enticing romance, and a willingness to confront the tolls of leadership, this dystopian epic fires on all cylinders.

When darkness means certain death and survival depends on reaching the dawn, the woman whose magic broke the world will carve another path: defy the dusk. From the #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of The Bridge Kingdom comes the first book in a gritty post-apocalyptic fantasy duology. 
 
In the Sundered world, there are two options: ride the dawn, or face what rises in the night. 
 
Twenty years ago, Lirien’s magic fractured the world and unleashed nocturnal creatures that brought civilization to its knees. Amidst the carnage came salvation: the most powerful survivors were invited to board Dawnrider, a high-speed rig that will deliver those aboard into a new era. 
 
The rest of humanity was left to die. 
 
Instead, a king rose from the darkness to lead them. 
 
In the years since, Lirien has dedicated her magic to Dawnrider while secretly plotting to overthrow the tyrant who rules the rig with an iron fist. But just as Lirien is ready to strike against him, she is violently abducted by Vox—the king of the feralists. 
 
The mercurial Vox gives her two choices: Fight the creatures that hunt the night or be fed to them. Lirien agrees to join his ranks but embarks on a strategy of seduction that will return her to Dawnrider. 
 
Yet as Vox pushes the limits of her magic, Lirien begins to question whether defying the dusk is the true path to salvation. Intoxicated by both Vox and his war against the night, Lirien must decide where her loyalties truly lie—and how far she’s willing to go for redemption. 
 
Book One of The Sundering Duet

Danielle L. Jensen

Books by Danielle L. Jensen

Series by Danielle L. Jensen

Saga of the Unfated2 Books

The Bridge Kingdom6 Books

Articles featuring Danielle L. Jensen

New romance books to read in 2026

30 must-read romantasy books and series

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