A new love awakens. Dark forces stir, as the world stands on the brink of war.
My name is Declan Rea. I am a second-year cadet at the Melucian Ranger Academy, the place where those who guard our border are trained.
I thought becoming a Ranger and attending the Academy in a remote village far from the capital would give me some direction and a bit of peace; but, in a world where everyone wields magic, I'm the odd one out—ungifted and unsure.
My lack of magic gnaws at me.
Amidst this struggle, I find unexpected solace in Ayden, a fellow cadet. Our unexpected, forbidden romance becomes the one bright spot in my life.
When mysterious kidnappings occur and whispers of disaster force us into a dangerous journey, Ayden and I must navigate a treacherous path.
The fate of our world hangs in the balance.
An Archer’s Awakening promises an exciting, classic epic fantasy adventure wrapped in a heartwarming, slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers tale for fans of contemporary and fantasy mm romance.
Book Review
✰✰✰✰✰
An Archer’s Awakening is one of those fantasy novels that immediately makes you think, “Okay, this author is having fun—and I’m along for the ride.” Casey Morales builds a world that feels both classic fantasy and fresh at the same time, with just enough magic, court tension, and personal drama to keep you flipping pages faster than you planned.
At the heart of the story is the protagonist’s journey from someone who thinks they understand their place in the world to someone who suddenly realises… nope, everything’s about to change. And that’s honestly the best part of the book: watching the main character’s identity crack open, grow, and—yes—awaken. Morales gives the protagonist a voice that’s easy to root for: a bit stubborn, a bit vulnerable, and always trying to do the right thing even when the world seems determined to make that impossible.
The magic feels accessible without being overly explained, which is nice if you prefer fantasy that doesn’t drown you in lore right away. Instead, you learn alongside the character as new abilities, responsibilities, and dangers reveal themselves. There’s a sense of discovery throughout the book that keeps things engaging.
The supporting cast brings a lot of charm, tension, and personality to the story. You’ve got mentors, rivals, friends, and people whose motives you can’t quite pin down. That mix helps build an atmosphere where you’re never entirely sure who to trust—and that’s part of the fun. Morales also has a knack for banter, so the character interactions feel lively and natural rather than stiff or overly dramatic.
Romance-wise, the book gives you a taste without overwhelming the main plot. There’s chemistry, there’s tension, and there are definitely moments that make you raise an eyebrow and think, “Oh, this is going somewhere.” But it never overshadows the protagonist’s personal arc or the broader world Morales is setting up.
Pacing-wise, it’s a pretty smooth read. The first book in a fantasy series often has to juggle worldbuilding, character introductions, and plot setup, but An Archer’s Awakening handles that gracefully. You get enough detail to feel grounded, but the story never stalls out. There’s always a new twist, reveal, or obstacle waiting.
If there’s one thing to keep in mind, it’s that this is very much the beginning of a series. Morales sets up a lot of threads—emotional, magical, political—that clearly point toward bigger things coming later. So while the book gives you plenty of satisfying moments, you also get that “I need the next one now” feeling by the end.
Overall, An Archer’s Awakening is an engaging, character-driven fantasy packed with discovery, tension, and just the right amount of heart. If you like stories where someone ordinary uncovers extraordinary potential, or if you enjoy fantasy with a strong emotional core and a touch of romance, this is absolutely worth picking up.
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