Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Silver & Blood by Jessie Mihalik Narrator: Stefanie Kay, Fajer Al-Kaisi
Series: Silver & Blood #1
Published by Avon, HarperAudio on January 27, 2026
Genres: Fantasy Romance
Pages: 448
Length: 15 hours, 10 minutes
Format: Audiobook, eARC
Source: NetGalley
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There’s something in the woods…
When a vicious beast begins attacking her fellow villagers, Riela reluctantly agrees to enter the forbidden forest and kill the monster as she’s the only mage available—or so she thought.
Untrained and barely armed, Riela is quickly overwhelmed when one beast turns into two. She fears her death is at hand until the unexpected arrival of a scarred, strikingly handsome man with gleaming moonlit magic changes her fate—and provides a rare opportunity to learn more about her own fickle power.
After being rescued and healed from the beast’s poison, Riela awakens in a magical castle complete with a gorgeous library, a strange wolf, and the surly man who saved her life. She soon learns Garrick is both more powerful and far deadlier than a mere mortal mage—but thanks to a century-long curse, 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 and lies connecting Riela’s past to Garrick’s, the tenuous threads of trust between them start to fray.
Because Riela’s life—or her death—might be the key to regaining everything Garrick has lost.
I admit I’m not in a fantasy mood exactly. I mean fantasy seems to have pretty usual plot lines. Silver & Blood has that standard. The character details and development are what make it more.
Garrick is a king who has been cursed. Riella is a young woman who has just discovered her magic. She has lost both of her parents and is untrained in magic. They are attracted but don’t trust each other. Riella is in a rough spot because she doesn’t even know the rules and pitfalls.
Garrick, despite being wary, helps and protects Riella. She is headstrong and doesn’t help with their issues so much. I understand not wanting to be ordered and having a say in decisions but she borders on TSTL.  She does stand up for Garrick and help him with what she can.
At the end, we finally learn more about Riella and her magic. She is being forced to go off to another court. It’s very dangerous so that will be the next book, with a battle, I am sure. I believe it is planned as a duology and Silver & Blood stopped at an appropriate point. I hope in the next one we are done with the bickering and see the character development and work as a team between Garrick and Riella.
Narration:
I have not listened to either narrator previously. Stephanie Kay was the primary narrator with seeming more of the story from Riella’s point of view. Her performance was clear and enjoyable. Fajer Al-Kaisi narrated the chapters from Garrick’s point of view. I found his deep voice to be kind of gravelly and a bit hard to catch at times. And I disliked his voice for Riella as it was too low and a bit odd.  I listened at my newer 1.75x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
About Jessie Mihalik
Jessie Mihalik has a degree in Computer Science and a love of all things geeky. A software engineer by trade, Jessie now writes full time from her home in Texas. When she’s not writing, she can be found playing co-op video games with her husband, trying out new board games, or reading books pulled from her overflowing bookshelves.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 26-Audio
- 26-COYER
I haven’t been able to listen to fantasy lately. Glad you’re still engaged.
Thanks Jonetta. Somewhat but fantasy is harder. I’ve read a lot more mystery in the past year or so with conclusive endings. Is that part of your not reading them or that the plots all seem too similar when I am tired?
They require a level of focus for the world building I just don’t have right now.
I hear you!
It sounds like you enjoyed it but it didn’t have the wow factor. I still need to read it!
yes I felt the character development was limited and what we got was repetitive? I’d love to hear your thoughts on it. Maybe it’s just me and my weird reading moods this year.
Hmm, this is on my list for the library.
I hope you enjoy it and I really look forward to your thoughts.
It sounds like you enjoyed Silver & Blood, even if it didn’t quite have that ‘wow’ factor for you. I have this one on my TBR, so I’m glad to read your thoughts on both the story and the narration. It’s not at the very top of my list, but I’m still curious to see how it goes when I get to it. Thanks for the honest review!
Thanks Angela. It was easy to read so I’ll be curious what you think.
This sounds more like the romantasy plots you see everywhere now. Not really into those. I think Jen has the same issue with the female main character, I’d I remember correctly. Hope the next is better.
yes the romantasy plots have some commonalities.
Fantasy is a rare interest for me- maybe its the intricate world building, I don’t know. I do know the heroine here probably wouldn’t have helped pull me in, LOL Hopefully, the second half of the story, she shows she’s learned something.
It needs more world building and if it doesn’t get it then it needs strong characters, and if that doesn’t quite make it, you don’t have as strong a story. The foundation and possibility is here and I hope it builds in the second book.
Your thoughts echo mind pretty closely. I even said it was predictable, but that isn’t necessarily a negative thing. I was kind of hoping it would be set up like her sci-fi trilogies with standalone romances in each book and an overall story arc. But that’s on me.
yes neither the character or world building got there quite yet for me but I see the promise so hopefully it comes in the second book.
Fantasy is my bread and butter and staple of reading but I’m struggling with some of the “romantasy” lately that is trying to be the next Fourth Wing or ACOTAR and just falling so short.
yes I’m not sure but this one didn’t quite get where I needed but I have hopes for the second part of the duaology.
Sounds like a so-so read for you. Fantasy is hit or miss for me and I often have to be in the mood too. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this one!
Mood is a serious issue this year. I’m much more fussy than some times.
Gasp. I’m so behind on commenting. I swore I commented on this. Maybe someone else read it.
That cover is gorgeous!!!!
yes I’m behind after last week. Jen read this one too.
This is on my list of books to read. Hopefully soon.
I felt the series started slow so I hope the next one picks up the pace a bit.