## Year of the Reaper: a romantic and mysterious historically inspired fantasy standalone

**Makiia Lucier**

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[Bookshop](https://bookshop.org/a/15491/9781529387582)  
[Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/1529387582)

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> “I devoured it in one sitting!” — KRISTIN CASHORE  
> “Beautifully crafted.” — JULIET MARILLIER

In the aftermath of a devastating plague, a young lord is determined to discover the truth behind a mysterious attempt to assassinate the young queen in this historical fantasy standalone, inspired by the Black Plague.

Three years ago, Lord Cassia was entrusted with a mission by the king—and disappeared. Now, having survived a prison cell and a merciless illness, Cas wants only to return home and forget past horrors.

But home is not what he remembers. His castle has become a refuge for the royal court. And they have brought their enemies with them. When an assassin targets those closest to the queen, Cas is drawn into a search for a killer . . . one that leads him to form an unexpected bond with Lena, a brilliant historian.

Cas and Lena soon realize that who is behind the attacks is far less important than why. They must look to the past, following the trail of a terrible secret—one that could threaten the kingdom's newfound peace and plunge it back into war.

> “This is the perfect book to pick up if you are looking for a historical kingdom story that is a little more adult, but still love the YA fantasy tropes.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  
> “I loved it so much. I need more main characters like Cas. I would have read another 500 pages of this book.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  
> “Just how I like my fantasy novels: bold, fierce and bloody. Grabs you by the horns and doesn't let go.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  
> “But this book was so damn good written. I loved the story so damn much, AND THE CHARACTERS. I freaking love Cas and Lena. I love them as characters but also together, their dynamic was so much fun to read. ALL THE FEELS.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  
> “ _Year of the Reaper_ quickly made its way into my heart. I adored the characters and the prose, and the plot was so intriguing.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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### Fantasy Standalones Perfect For Fall

I feel like I am constantly starting new, incomplete series and I can never catch up. Recently on my TikTok I recommended some completed series, but here I wanted to shout out something even rarer—fantasy standalones. I narrowed the list down to a few recommendations that I think would be perfect to read during the fall.

- **_The Maiden and Her Monster_ by Maddie Martinez:** A recent fantasy release beautifully weaves Jewish history and folklore together with a fantastical world. In order to save her mother from being accused of a crime she didn't commit, young healer Malka journeys into the forest to find the monster that is stealing the village's young girls.

- **_Year of the Reaper_ by Makiia Lucier:** A YA fantasy story that swept me away when I read it last year. We follow Lord Cassia who returns home after being held prisoner in an enemy kingdom for years.

- **_Ink Blood Sister Scribe_ by Emma Törzs:** This book is a unique love letter to books that reminds me a lot of _The Starless Sea_. I loved the book-based magic system and the exploration of conservation, power, and control through the library and the books.

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Have you read any of these books? I would love to hear your thoughts! See you next week with more reading updates and book recommendations.

Happy reading!

Samantha (ladybug.books)

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### On my radar (possible next reads):

1. **Cinder House** - A queer, Gothic Cinderella retelling.
2. **My Friends** by Fredrik Backman - A charming story about art, life, and friendship.
3. **Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter** - Cozy fantasy vibes.