Silver & Blood
Author: Jessie Mihalik
Reviewer: Jen
Rating: B
What I’m Talking About:
Riela is an untrained mage who discovered she has magic only a year ago. Bullied by the townspeople she once saved from a flood into entering the forest to fight off a monster, Riela discovers the fairytales shared to her in her youth aren’t make-believe. Garrick is an all-powerful sovereign of the Etheri that is trapped in his castle by his enemy. Leery of Riela’s ignorance and fearful she will betray him, Garrick cautiously allows Riela to stay. However accidents and mischief seem to follow her every action.
Silver & Blood is the first tale set in a new fantasy realm. The story is filled with magic, adventure, and a slow-burn romance. Overall, the book is engrossing and exciting. Mihalik creates a lovely mythology around the familiar story of good versus evil with a “chosen one” heroine. The story is a bit predictable, but that’s not a negative attribute.
Silver & Blood sets the scene with otherworldly magic, powerful monsters, and beautiful lands. The author takes time to describe everything in vivid detail, bringing the setting and action to life. We learn the history of the two main characters—what drives them and holds their hearts. We see Riela uncover her truth and discover her unknown history. We witness the start of a budding romance born from a powerful mutual attraction.
While the fantasy aspects of the story are well-written and balanced, I didn’t enjoy the romance as much. Yes, the couple has great chemistry. However, the pair spends too much time not listening to one another. I didn’t see much character growth in that respect.
I also had issues with Riela, who so often tries to sacrifice her well being for others. I don’t want to give specific examples to avoid spoilers; however, it’s a character trait that she clings to throughout the book. She doesn’t allow others to help her, which seems out of character because she was willing to allow the villagers to help her after her father died.
In the end, I loved getting wrapped up and lost in the world and story of Silver & Blood, and it ended too quickly. While I would have preferred an HEA romance (because I don’t want to wait), I’m invested and interested in what happens next.
My Rating: B Liked It — Recommend
Jen
About the Book:
On a deadly mission to kill the mythical beast that has been haunting her woods, a desperate mage finds her fate intertwined with the handsome and powerful man who saves her.
There’s something in the woods…
Untrained and barely armed, Riela reluctantly agrees to enter the forest and kill the deadly beast that has been attacking her fellow villagers as she’s the only mage available—or so she thought. When one beast turns into two, she fears her death is at hand, but unexpected aid from a scarred, strikingly handsome man with dangerous moonlit magic means a second chance at life—and an opportunity to learn more about her own fickle power.
After being rescued and healed from her fight in the forest, Riela awakens in a magical castle complete with a gorgeous library, a strange wolf, and the surly man who saved her life. Riela soon learns Garrick is not a mortal mage at all—he’s a powerful Etheri sovereign who has been locked out of his kingdom in Lohka for nearly a century, and his powers are weakening.
Trapped in his castle and surrounded by the treacherous woods, the spark of attraction between Riela and Garrick slowly ignites into fiery desire. But the more they discover about Riela’s magic, the more suspicious Garrick grows of her identity. As they unravel the secrets connecting Riela’s past to Lohka, the tenuous threads of trust between them begin to fray because Riela’s life—or her death—might be the key to regaining everything Garrick has lost.
Release Date: January 27, 2026
Publisher: Avon
Series: Silver & Blood #1
Genre: Fantasy with romantic elements
Format(s): paperback (448 pages), e-book, audiobook
Book Source: NetGalley