The Gate
This was such a fresh take on immortality!!
I really enjoyed seeing Amarynn reveal more of herself beyond the tough exterior in small moments throughout this book.
The magic elements in this were fascinating and I cannot wait to see how this may carry over to the next book!
There is a lot of potential for book 2, and with that ending???? I should hope so! The way my jaw dropped!!!! Ahhh!
- Olga from Goodreads
If you love dark magic, handsome princes, swords and beasts, and so much more, then this is for you. I love the fantasy and action aspects of the book which kept my attention and truly enjoying the story. I don't want to say too much to give anything away! The FMC is relatable and flawed which made her likeable. The author does an amazing job with the world-building and the unique personalities of the characters. We follow through the story with the characters able to see their growth and become more invested in them. This is a slow-burn novel but is more than the romance part of the plot. Run and get this book. You will enjoy this page-turner.
-Jessmur17 on Barnes & Noble
The Mage crown
Definitely an easy 5 star read!
With the gate stone falling into the wrong hands Amarynn must face a daunting journey not only to retrieve what has been stolen, but to also face her inner demons.
As Amarynn set forth on her quest, she found herself haunted by long-forgotten memories. These memories, buried deep within her soul, began to unravel, revealing past traumas she had spent a lifetime to forget. The journey was not only a battle against external evils but a daunting task within herself. For fans of A Game Of Thrones and Throne Of Glass this is the book for you! Definitely an Epic Fantasy you don't want to miss out on. And I can not wait for the journey to continue in the next book!
- Deandra from Amazon
The Mage Crown picks up after book one with the Gate stone and another powerful mage in the wrong hands. Prince Jael is forced into multiple difficult positions and Amarynn is haunted by her past as memories from another life start coming back to her. Both are also faced with revelations about who and what they are.
I love the strong, no-nonsense vibes that Amarynn brings to the table. When she sets her mind to something or decides she doesn't want or need anything from anyone, she isn't playing coy. She means it and will ditch everyone and do what she wants so fast, which tickles me. 😆 I also squealed at the tension of a potential love triangle for her!
The gradual world building is something that I really like in this series as well. The first book was super easy to get into without being overwhelming. The Mage Crown really expanded the story and the world. It set the stage for so many things to come, while also surprising me along the way. I enjoyed getting more of the villain side of things mixed in as well. There is still a lot unanswered and another climactic ending, so I will be eagerly awaiting the final book!
Also, so fun if you like overprotective sidekicks!
- Raven R. from Goodreads
"... she wrapped her braid around her hand, reached up with a dagger, and sliced."
Nothing encapsulates the badassery of Amarynn, the main character, as this line. Amarynn is an IMMORTAL soldier for the Kingdom of Karth. Thats right, I said an IMMORTAL, and not a vampire type of IMMORTAL. This is a whole fresh take on immortality, and the world is built around this question: Where and why are people like Amarynn immortal?
- Graham Matthews from Goodreads
reviews for let it rain
While I'm familiar with some of B.G. Vandenberg's other work, I was pleasantly surprised by this new series in a completely new genre: urban fantasy.
With an edgy-but-enchanting mix of vampires, fae, humans, and other magical creatures, the book starts quickly, and the rules of magic in this world are revealed as the fast-paced story, fraught with danger and intensity, develops, with new twists and reveals in every chapter. The characters, and their roles, evolve throughout, leaving me guessing at who to trust.
Tavi is an interesting and strong main character in her own rights, but I loved how Vandenberg worked multiple POV into her work, lending realistic humour and empathetic qualities to her villains (perceived and otherwise)… and tugging at my heartstrings on the way.
To sum up, if you like YA urban fantasy/horror, love triangles, plot twists, and SO MUCH MAGIC, this is an excellent read.
(I'm still not sure if I'm on Team Seth or Team Bastien, so I'll need to read the next book(s) in the series, to help make up my mind!)
-Karen Hough from Goodreads
Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2025
Let it Rain Book I of The Blood of the Hidden Wilds. 4.5⭐️ I must admit this book literally kept me captivated. I love the new take on Vampires in this plot. Not your typical vampire book.
The plot twist within the book was not expected. I am really intrigued to see what book II, has in store for the FMC. I enjoyed the writing style. I definitely recommend this book!
Thank you BookSiren, The Bookish Berg publishing and B.G. Vandenberg for providing me with this free advance reader copy.
- Anette Montes - Amazon (Booksirens ARC reader)