Silver & Blood by Jessie Mihalik

This is going to be an updated review to add the audiobook review.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⯩

Spice rating: 🌶🌶

Blurb: 

On a deadly mission to kill the mythical beast that has been haunting her woods, a desperate mage finds her fate intertwined with the handsome and powerful man who saves her.

There’s something in the woods…

Untrained and barely armed, Riela reluctantly agrees to enter the forest and kill the deadly beast that has been attacking her fellow villagers as she’s the only mage available—or so she thought. When one beast turns into two, she fears her death is at hand, but unexpected aid from a scarred, strikingly handsome man with dangerous moonlit magic means a second chance at life—and an opportunity to learn more about her own fickle power.

After being rescued and healed from her fight in the forest, Riela awakens in a magical castle complete with a gorgeous library, a strange wolf, and the surly man who saved her life. Riela soon learns Garrick is not a mortal mage at all—he’s a powerful Etheri sovereign who has been locked out of his kingdom in Lohka for nearly a century, and his powers are weakening.

Trapped in his castle and surrounded by the treacherous woods, the spark of attraction between Riela and Garrick slowly ignites into fiery desire. But the more they discover about Riela’s magic, the more suspicious Garrick grows of her identity. As they unravel the secrets connecting Riela’s past to Lohka, the tenuous threads of trust between them begin to fray because Riela’s life—or her death—might be the key to regaining everything Garrick has lost.

My Review:

I wanted to leave some of my original impressions because adding the audiobook completely shifted my perspective on this story. Immersive reading truly changed the experience for me. Hearing the narrators bring these characters to life made everything feel richer and more emotionally grounded. Their voices added layers of feeling and personality that I didn’t fully pick up on during my first read, making the characters feel more real and lived-in.

One of my absolute favorite elements was the house where much of the story takes place. It gave me strong Howl’s Moving Castle vibes, with a touch of Casita from Encanto, and honestly, it felt like a character all its own. There was something so comforting and magical about it. The narrators’ voices, in particular, created a false sense of safety at times—hard to explain, but incredibly effective. There was warmth and comfort woven into the listening experience, and I highly recommend reading this one alongside the audiobook. I noticed and appreciated far more on my second pass, which ultimately bumped this story from a solid three-star read to a confident four (and maybe even four-and-a-half).

This book came very close to being a new favorite for me. While it didn’t completely sweep me off my feet, it left me feeling genuinely satisfied and happy with the journey. The story opens strong, immediately drawing you into its world, which set the tone beautifully. The magic system is well thought out and easy to engage with, and Riela is a compelling protagonist. As the only mage in her village, she carries a lot of responsibility, and her resilience and strength made her easy to root for from the start.

After a brutal encounter with a mysterious beast, Riela’s path takes a cozy and familiar turn when she’s rescued by Garrick—quiet, mysterious, and living in a magically protected castle complete with a library and a wolf companion. The comfort-fantasy vibes are strong here, and honestly, that’s where this book shines. The romantic tension builds naturally, and the slow-burn elements are enjoyable, even if the story occasionally follows a familiar path.

While some parts of the plot are predictable, the pacing generally keeps things moving, and the revelations are spaced out in a way that maintains interest. There are moments that feel quieter or transitional, but they also contribute to the cozy, atmospheric feel of the story rather than detracting from it.

The romance leans heavily into attraction and longing, which may feel more infatuation-driven at times, but there’s enough chemistry to keep it engaging. It also feels like intentional groundwork for future installments, leaving plenty of room for emotional growth and deeper connection down the line.

Overall, this is a charming and enjoyable romantasy, especially for readers who appreciate lighter stakes, comforting settings, and immersive vibes. The world is inviting, the magic is intriguing, and the audiobook elevates the experience significantly. While it didn’t quite reach favorite status for me, it was a genuinely pleasant read—and one I’m glad I revisited in a different format. ⭐⭐⭐⭐