Book: Torn Between Realms by Iris Gil
Reviewed by Nikkisnightreads
Rating: 3.5/5
This book is an ambitious blend of urban fantasy and sci-fi that hits the ground running! The premise caught my attention immediately, and the unique magic system kept me turning the pages. If you’re looking for a fast-paced read that doesn't let up, this is a great pick.
The genre-bending elements worked surprisingly well together. The magic system felt fresh and distinct from the standard tropes I usually see in urban fantasy.
This story is told in multi-POV style. I loved getting into the heads of different characters. It added a layer of depth to the fast-moving plot.
While Cece and Lucien are the focus, Xanther absolutely stole the show for me. Every time he was on the page, the story lit up. He is incredibly compelling—honestly, maybe even more so than our leads!
While the pacing is excellent for keeping interest high, I felt it came at the cost of some world-building and character development. Cece has so much potential as an FMC, but I struggled with the "insta-love" between her and Lucien. Because she trusted him so quickly, the romance didn't quite feel "earned," and I would have loved to see more of that tension and development build over time.
Overall, this was an enjoyable ride with a standout side character and a very cool concept. Despite the rushed romance, the ending left me curious enough that I’ll definitely be picking up Book 2 to see where this world goes!