Barbara Kloss has done it again! This Romantasy book was so dang good. This world had a hint of high fantasy with a unique storyline. This book had so many fun elements with unique characters, intriguing plot, allegories, and so much more. I loved the gothic vibes found in the setting. It was so atmospheric and was easy to immerse myself in the world. I loved Alder and and Seph. Seph was such a strong character who didn’t let anyone tell her what to do. I loved her fierce independence. And sweet Alder, he was such a complex MMC with so many layers. He had such a soft and tender disposition that he tried so hard to not let anyone know about. Barbara’s books are always so well written with characters fleshed out and interesting plot lines. This book had all the best tropes with hidden identities, enemies to lovers, and forced proximity. You definitely want to read this one if you love a standalone with a HEA!

3.5 stars – Misty woods, slow-burn romance, and familiar fantasy charm

The Arrow & The Alder is a beautifully written standalone that delivers a solid romantasy filled with fae-like creatures, enchanted objects, and a slow-burn love story at its core. With atmospheric world-building and strong emotional beats, it’s an easy recommendation for fans of The Bridge Kingdom or The Cruel Prince.

Josephine is a strong and likable heroine—fiercely loyal and smart without being brash—and her dynamic with Alder, the cursed prince, offers just enough tension to keep things interesting. Their relationship builds steadily, and while some moments were predictable, I still found myself invested in their journey.

The setting, particularly the cursed, misty woods and kith mythology, was immersive and one of the book’s biggest strengths. That said, parts of the story, especially in the second half, dragged a bit and leaned on familiar YA tropes. I also wish the curse had played a deeper, more meaningful role rather than just being there for atmosphere.

All in all, this was an enjoyable, comfort-read kind of fantasy. Nothing groundbreaking, but full of heart—and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Can I give a book 6 stars? Apparently not. But this one deserved them.

"Seph was so weary of just surviving. She wanted to live."

I absolutely LOVED The Arrow and the Alder! I was probably a third of the way into it when I realized this was quickly becoming a book I was going to think about long after I was finished with it. And that hadn't changed by the time I hit the epilogue.

I've read plenty of books that feel like cookie-cutter filler, a 'read this and move on to the next one with new names and a slightly altered setting'. It's unfortunately EXTREMELY common in romances and fantasy, especially when the genres combine. This was not one of those books.

The Arrow and the Alder took several common romantic fantasy tropes and turned them into something fresh and engaging! I loved the unique takes on hidden identities, reluctant allies, secrets that drop plot twists on you, and characters who hide their scars behind closed doors and witty comebacks (until they can't).

I love seeing familiar elements reworked, but this book was a standout because of the characters and their relationship. I was fully invested in their developing romance and was alternately giggling and grinning when they made forward steps. I'm not generally much of a romance reader so when I say the ending had me in a mushy pile of feelings, that's saying A LOT. The banter between Alder and Seph was excellent, half the highlights in my ARC are the two of them trading quips while trying to pretend they don't care half as much as they've started to. The balance between their personalities and the way they started to bring out the best in each other was fantastic. A romance that feels stilted or worse, unhealthy, is about the fastest way to make me drop a book, but I loved the mutual respect and concern for each other these two had!

And now my thoughts on several tropes I have a newfound love for after reading this:

Huntress FMC: Ok this is kind of a cheap one because I KNEW going into this book I was going to like Seph based on several things the author had shared. But I feel like most romantic fantasy books try to make their archer FMCs based on Feyre from ACOTAR and I'm looking for something a little more like Katniss from the Hunger Games. I'm an archer myself so it's beyond frustrating when I can tell the author just gave their character a bow to play off the fantasy-trope obsession with them. But Seph came across as very knowledgeable and skilled and as an archery COACH I definitely appreciate the little safety details worked in. Because an unfortunate side effect of the popularity of archer characters in massively loved fanbases is that everyone wants to be able to do what their favorite character can...and thinks they know how already. Seph's goal as a hunter to care for her family, and honestly her concern for them throughout, was also a refreshing change from the rebellious FMCs who just want to get out from under their family's 'restrictive' influence. Seph was the kind of tough, woodswise, resilient, and a little jaded FMC I've been chasing glimpses of since I read the Hunger Games, and I love her for it.

Secret royal identity (hers): If there's one trope that annoys me more than anything else in fantasy, it's the 'oh look she's been an heir to a throne/unfathomably powerful magic/fae bloodlines this whole time!' because it feels like the message coming across in a good portion of those stories is that no one can be just an 'ordinary' hero, especially not a woman. But apparently my frustration with that trope is mainly because of how I've seen it done. Because somehow this book managed to pull off ALL THREE of those things and not make me feel cheated. I think that may be partially to do with the way this story wove in threads of the biblical narrative of Joseph (yes, I made a cloth pun on purpose), so I was more prepared for a surprising identity reveal for Seph (even if she was the one on the receiving end). It was also handled with a full appreciation for what her inheritance would mean, and Seph's struggles with the idea of taking responsibility for a whole people, with understanding her part in the heritage of the curse, and with her role in breaking it, all felt nuanced. Probably most notably, it was never her newfound status or power that eventually allowed her to succeed. It was the part of her she'd known about all along, her humanity, that let her relinquish all of that power in a way that made for a satisfying arc.

He teaches her how to use her magic: This is one that tends to come across as extremely patronizing if done wrongly. But in this case it felt more like a natural extension of their relationship and the fact that Alder was one of the few people who could go toe to toe with Seph in her frustration and make her see past it. Seph's determination and tenacity is a double-edged sword, and her 'I can't do this because I couldn't do it the first time' attitude in the archery ring was unfortunately personally relatable. Looking at the training scene in light of some similar experiences myself gave me a new appreciation for it, and Alder's consistent respect for Seph sealed the deal.

Age gap (fae style) romance: This isn't one that bothers me so much as it tends to bother a lot of other people, so I'm not going to spend too much time here other than the fact that the characters do honestly address it and since the playing field between them always feels level in terms of their power dynamic in that regard, it wasn't a sticking point for me. It's also rather a moot one by the end in some sense because of...drumroll...

FMC becoming kith (or fae/elf/what have you): Circling back to the point about secretly an heiress, this one didn't surprise me as much as it could have. Knowing her family history, I was expecting Seph to be faced with the dilemma of a relationship between one of the kith and a mortal, and that it would be resolved by some sort of transformation. Because her family had originally BEEN kith, it felt more like returning things to their pre-curse state than anything else, which given the entire theme and arc of the book, was a very fulfilling ending. Rather than being some kind of bargained upgrade to be worthy of her lover, Seph's transformation was a divine gift, a second chance she'd tried to give away, a reward for her unselfish behavior, and a restoration of the nature that should have been hers all along.

(this is the longest review I have ever written but given how much I adored this book I'm also not surprised)

The Arrow and the Alder is a spellbinding tale filled with mystery, magic, sacrifice, and redemption. I absolutely couldn't put it down! All the magnificent twists and swoony moments had me holding my breath way too often. This story is sure to be a treat for fans of the romance of Rebecca Ross, the magic of Leigh Bardugo, and the worlds of JRR Tolkein.

A girl trying to help her family survive in a war brought by another kind, and a disgraced prince who decides to help her. Along with a magical coat that has been hidden in her families house for decades.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was quick to start and the pace stayed the whole way through, but it still didn’t take away from things being explained or relationships forged. I always enjoy a dual point of view because I want to know what they’re both thinking at all times.

The plot was lovely but you did know that everything was probably going to be okay. This is definitely a YA book, the stakes are never too high and it’s very easy to follow along. Small twists were included but they were either predictable or made so much sense of everything else.

The romance here was sweet. I believed their chemistry the whole way through. They just seemed to grow together and his nicknames for her are just lovely. I loved this couple together. And the FMC was not a 17 year old girl which was nice too! Altogether, I think this is a very nice standalone book to read if you just want something with a bit of mystery but easy to read.

I really enjoyed this YA romantasy book. It definitely has some parallels to ACOTAR, but as a standalone, it's really a good and quick read.

I liked the two main characters. The FMC has a strong moral compass that she uses to fight for what is right throughout the book. The MMC is haunted by the depravity of his past and the people he has hurt and the further damage he may cause. I felt that the romance between the two of them was pretty well done.

The overall plot was excellent, as well. I didn't see the plot twist coming, which is always a good thing, especially in romantasy books, as they tend to be quite predictable.

I was thrilled to receive an ARC of The Arrow and the Alder by Barbara Kloss, and it exceeded every one of my expectations.

Rebellion, curses, and slow-burn tension—this is a spellbinding romantic fantasy that stole my heart. Kloss has crafted a lush, emotionally resonant tale filled with ancient magic, political unrest, and a romance that builds beautifully from distrust to devotion. The atmospheric world of the immortal kith is mist-laced and mysterious, steeped in folklore and danger, and utterly transportive.

Josephine is a standout protagonist: stubborn, clever, and fiercely loyal. Her refusal to hand over an enchanted coat without answers sets the tone for a story rooted in resistance and personal conviction. Alder—guarded, wounded, and noble in the most reluctant of ways—plays the perfect foil, and the slow-burn chemistry between them simmers with sharp edges and tender, aching moments.

Their journey is about truth, survival, and healing, set against the backdrop of a curse that threatens both mortal and kith lands. The pacing is perfect, balancing heart-racing action with intimate emotional beats, and Kloss's writing is lyrical and immersive without sacrificing momentum.

This book isn’t just a mystery or a fairytale romance—it’s also an allegory and a quiet call to pay attention: to suffering, to injustice, to the fragility of peace. Through Seph’s courage, the narrative honors those who fight not for glory, but to feed, protect, and heal others. Her strength is worn and weathered, her love fierce and undaunted. The emotional depth in this story lingers long after the final page.

Perfect for fans of The Cruel Prince or The Bridge Kingdom, The Arrow and the Alder will appeal to anyone who craves deep character work, layered worldbuilding, and romance that cuts to the soul. Whether you're here for the enemies-to-lovers dynamic, the rich mythology, or the strong thematic undercurrents, this book delivers. It’s a standalone that feels sweeping and whole—a rare and remarkable feat.

Barbara Kloss has created something powerful here: a mythic, intimate, and unforgettable romantasy. I cannot wait to read whatever she writes next.

Lost Princes and family secrets haunt this tale of war and magic beckoning you to follow through the Fold.

“The Arrow and the Alder” begins very much like another popular series with a daughter forced to provide for her family as her brothers are sent to war and she with her mother and sisters are left behind. When she crosses path with the kith, her mother offers up a secret hidden beneath the floorboards but instead of freedom its presence marks Josephine to be hunted as she joins the Alder to the world beyond and finds there’s more to her family than meets the eye.

An interesting story I’m not quite sure I fully understood. To start, I am not sure what a kith is, I want to guess they are Fae as they have some similar qualities but we also have witches and other devils sprinkled in. The concept of the war and specialty kingdoms was familiar so it was easy to fall into the world amongst this new cast of characters.

The characters were fine too I found I really liked the chemistry between our two leads even if it seemed somewhat quick. That being said it’s hard to comment on this story when (without spoilers) what we learn about Josephine’s family I wanted to read that book it seemed so much more layer and compelling than this one in the few moments of lore we had regarding their connection to this world and it’s almost sad that we get a story that’s been told through a majority of YA books in recent years instead of something that seemed rich with potential.

Not a bad book but one that leans into what’s popular.

**special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review**

3,5 stars

The Arrow & the Alder is a dual POV and standalone YA romantic fantasy by Barbara Kloss, who, with this book, has weaved an atmospheric and entertaining magical tale.
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Seph (Josephine) is barely hanging on by a thread. While her beloved father and brothers are off to fight on the frontlines of the war between the cursed kith and the monstrous depraved, she is desperately trying to save her family from starvation by (illegally) hunting in the nearby misty and mysterious woods. Meanwhile, the grumpy kith prince of the Weald Court, Alder, has just escaped prison and is making his way to Seph’s village and family because of a promise he made to one of her brothers. However, Alder is not the only kith in Seph’s village, as the High Lord is making an unexpected visit. Turns out the High Lord is in search of a unique magic relic which could turn the tide of the war. A relic which happens to be in Seph’s family possession. However, Seph does not trust the High Lord, or anyone really, with this relic and runs… right into the hands of Alder, who believes the relic may very well be the redemption he has been looking for. Together they journey into the depraved-infested lands of the kith to find out the truth behind the relic and to end the war, which is slowly spreading into the mortal lands, consuming all…
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The story’s FMC, Seph (20+), is likeable and clever, and can hold her own against the grumpy and tortured immortal MMC, Alder (120+). While the story is promoted as enemies-to-lovers, I found it more to be reluctant-allies-to-couple. They are never really true enemies, and lovers, well… It is a closed-door romance, so if you are expecting spice, you will be disappointed, as there is absolutely no funny business.

The Arrow & The Alder is not the most unique fantasy story I have ever read. The kith are basically fae; tricky to talk to, eager to make deals and curse you, magic wielders and immortal. The beginning especially had some distinct ACOTAR vibes, with Seph being a starving huntress trying to feed her poor family. Later on, the story reminded me heavily of another fantasy story, which I will not name here, as to not spoil any twists.

When it comes to the writing, the language was a bit flowery and repetitive in parts, which sometimes took me out of the story.

Overall though, I quite liked this book, after all, I did read it until 3:30 in the morning to finish it! It had some great worldbuilding and magical lore, cute banter between the MCs and well-written dual povs. Plus, it’s a standalone, so you don’t have to wait years for the next installment to come out. I would not mind a prequel about Seph’s grandmother & grandpa though…

Thanks to NetGalley, Barbara Kloss and Whimsical Publishing for the opportunity to read this book early in exchange for my honest review!

This book isn't just a mystery, or a fairytale, or a romance, it is also a warning, an allegory and a prayer.
It is so easy to get used to live well. An easy life makes us take it for granted and forget the real meaning of hardship, even ignore the struggle of those living right next to us. We each have our problems, and they usually absorb all our attention and most of our efforts. We get lost in our own immediate world made of our entourage and prefer to turn a blind eye on the suffering of others. It is easy to ignore the torment of war when it happens somewhere else.
And then you pick up a talented author who can convey the horrors of war for those left behind the frontline - the old parents, the helpless children and the powerless young; the famine, the grief, the hopelessness, the betrayal, the cold, the illness, the despair. It is those people fighting tooth and nail to help others survive while cursing the hypocrisy of those who should lead for the people but rule for themselves - the anonymous heroes who bow their pride to save others, they are the angels who win the wars.
And Seph does not hesitate to risk her life to feed her family, she is ready to help the community survive against all odds. She gives her all and trudges forward despite her inner struggle against her limits. She is brave, she is strong, she never compromises her integrity and love is her only weakness. She is tired to the bone, and she is angry and bitter against the greed and carelessness of the baron.
And so it starts, this powerful story of the terrible punishment Fate bestows for the greed of those who turn evil in their quest for more. At the end of it, I learned to appreciate every little blessing in my life: the sea, the trees, the sun, the flowers, the food, the travelling, my friends, my home, my job and so much more.
It also made me remember the power of love, the drive which can make us or break us.

Well written, well built characters, interesting and complex world and a wealth of feelings and metaphors - there are a lot of lessons behind every chapter of this book. I love this author!

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book. I give it 3.5 Stars

I enjoyed reading this human and fae enemies to lovers book. Josephine (Seph) is struggling to provide for her family while war wages between the kith (fae) and a monstrous enemy called the depraved. Her brothers and father were sent to front lines to fight in the war, leaving her to care for her family. Alder is a kith prince with many secrets. I did find myself kicking my feet at their early interactions, so cute! The book is dual POV from each of their perspectives. I appreciated that the dual POV was done well, and did not rehash the same scene from each character's perspective as some books do.

I was more enchanted by the romance than the fantasy aspect. I did finish the book with some lingering questions, and wishing some parts of the plot and lore were more fleshed out. However, this did not prevent me from enjoying the book. It is a standalone story, but I'm hoping Barbara Kloss will decide to do interconnected standalones because there are some characters I would be interested reading more about.

Sometimes, you just need a standalone book, and this really hit the spot.
There is a lot to unpack in the book and the one the action starts it just keeps going.
Seph grows so much from the beginning until when she discovers who she really is. Brave and strong she is a fmc that doesn't just sit back and let others fight for her.
Alder has been through so much and even though he feels like he's broken he still tries to do the right thing.
With gods and fates pulling invisible strings you never know what secrets will come out next.
Thank you to Net Galley for the arc and c these thoughts are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley for this excellent book!
The Arrow & The Alder is a fantastic fantasy adventure with a beautiful love story between Alder and Seph. I adored Seph and her tenacity, without being overly sassy (a trope that is overdone in this genre). I loved the adventure and well developed side characters. And I also enjoyed that this is a standalone, not leaving us on a cliffhanger to wait an entire year for the next installment.

ACOTAR meets Stardust in this new YA fantasy!

The war between the Kith and the Depraved has taken everything from Sephie, her brothers, her father, her food, and even her happiness! But when the kith come looking for a magical treasure left in Sephie’s possession she is thrust into their war in a way she never could have imagined. Surrounded by kith, far from home, she must put her trust in the playboy prince if she ever wants to win the war and save her home.

This book was a bit too ACOTAR inspired for me. I think the premise was there and it had its own merits—the magical coat was a cool detail—but it became predictable very quickly and I think it needed a few more tweaks to stand on its own. Josephine and Alder were pretty typical protagonists, although I liked him a bit better than her. She started off a spitfire ready to take on the world but kind of mellowed a bit as the story went on. They were more reluctant allies to lovers than enemies—and to be quite honest he was far too kind to her from the start.

I was disappointed that the mischevious, can’t trust them, bargoning kith were all too welcoming to the strangers in their midst, especially a prince they thought abandoned them and a mortal that suddenly became their princess. I wanted to see more of the darker side; I guess the kith were a little too Disney-fied for me. Even the villains handled Josephine with kid gloves each time she was captured.

I think perhaps I have just read too much of the “beautiful playboy immortal prince falls for the down on her luck hut beautiful and snarky mortal girl” trope that seems to dominate the industry right now.

Overall a good intro to fantasy for someone who is looking to break into the genre.

A fae enemies to lovers...so perfectly up my alley!

I also think this cover is very pretty (I very much enjoy this kind of blue).

This was a pretty dang decent fantasy (it does lean more YA-feeling, so if that matters to you, now you have that information). We get cursed fae, spooky woods, a hunter FMC, and an entertaining MMC. We get both FMC and MMC POVs. And I really did like the MMC (I wasn't obsessed with our FMC, Josephine), I thought he was quite fun to read from and I really liked his storyline with the kith/fae people.

I did want more from this book though. I felt like the pacing of some parts of this book were a bit weird, especially the beginning chunk of the book. I don't know if it was rushed or if the writing style is what made it feel this way, but that was just something I noticed. I did find that it seemed to even out though, I didn't notice that weird pacing situation towards the end of the book. So there's that!

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review! My Goodreads review is up and my TikTok (Zoe_Lipman) review will be up at the end of the month with my monthly reading wrap-up.

3.5 stars rounded up.
This was an enjoyable read with an immersive atmosphere and beautiful setting, I have a soft spot for misty, cursed woods and fae lands. The kith in this book are basically fae: they bargain, use glamour, have pointy ears, and are inhumanly beautiful.

I adored Josephine and her white mane of hair, finally not an annoying FMC! She's smart and strong, she knows when to hold her tongue or speak her mind. Alder, on the other hand, was boring. Just another huge, muscular, broody type, nothing new, nothing interesting. He's kinda like Raihn from The Serpent and the Wings of Night (less playful, though), and I'm sure a lot of people will like him.

I enjoyed the descriptive writing, it was easy to envision characters and locations. The pacing, for the most part, was consistent, but there were times the story felt repetitive, and I found myself a bit bored during the second half. I wish Alder’s curse had been utilized and explored more, it felt underdeveloped and ultimately had no real impact on the story. And, unfortunately, the ending was too Disney-like for my liking.

But overall, this book kept me entertained, and I had a good time with it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The blurb for this book is very interesting. It’s right up my alley— Closed door, enemies to lovers romance? Fae(kith) x human? Yes please.

However, the writing was just a bit disappointing to me. The beginning of this book feels like an incredibly long run on sentence. The author uses a lot of overly descriptive language that is difficult to follow, and quite often pointless. I feel like the same descriptors for the same people are used over and over again, when one time was plenty.

I really did like the overarching story for this. In some ways it is just a bit reminiscent of ACOTAR (girl in the woods hunting for her family, mean sister, fae with a curse) but the differences were stark enough that I did put that out of my head fairly quickly.

As far as FMC go, Josephine is just kind of alright. I understand what the author was going for but I think she falls a bit flat. I looked forward to the Alder chapters though. His characterization was much better and more entertaining. I cared more about the kith storyline than the poor humans.

Ultimately I would give this book a 3 stars out of 5. There’s nothing particularly bad about it, but as a whole it is underwhelming. Where it earns 3 stars, is the Alder as a character and that the background story actually is quite interesting.

I will post my review to
Amazon on publication date (May 6 2025)
Goodreads (April 16 2025) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7493706559

Thank you to NetGalley, Barbara Kloss, and Whimsical Publishing for the chance to read this book early and provide my feedback.

Rebellion, curses, and slow-burn tension—The Arrow & The Alder is a spellbinding romantic fantasy that stole my heart.

Barbara Kloss has crafted a lush, emotionally resonant tale filled with ancient magic, political tension, and a romance that builds beautifully from distrust to devotion. The atmospheric world of the kith is one I didn’t want to leave—shrouded in mist and mystery, threaded with folklore and danger.

Josephine is a standout protagonist: stubborn, clever, and fiercely loyal. I loved that she wasn’t willing to bow to power or tradition. Her refusal to simply hand over the enchanted coat without answers sets the tone for a story rooted in resistance and identity. And then there's Alder—guarded, wounded, and noble in the most reluctant of ways. The dynamic between them is captivating, full of sharp edges and soft moments.

Their journey together is as much about truth and healing as it is about survival, and the curse spreading across both kith and mortal lands adds a constant, simmering urgency. The story unfolds at a perfect pace, balancing heart-racing chases with intimate emotional beats. Kloss’s writing is lyrical without ever slowing the plot, and she handles the worldbuilding with finesse, letting it bloom through action and character rather than exposition.

This feels perfect for fans of The Cruel Prince or The Bridge Kingdom—romantic fantasy readers who crave deep character work, richly layered lore, and slow-burn intensity. While marketed as adult fantasy, it has strong YA crossover appeal and will resonate with readers who love character-driven romantasy with heart and teeth.

The Arrow & The Alder is the kind of book that lingers after the final page—a gorgeous, mythic fantasy about who we are, who we fight for, and what we’re willing to risk for love and truth. I’d love to see this book get the attention it deserves—it’s an ideal fit for fantasy readers looking for thoughtful themes alongside romantic tension.