Dominion

By Jean Kwok
** Publication Date 14 July 2026 **
5 stars


I suppose romantasy is now my favorite genre, because these are the books I completely fall into. Also, so far this year, I have devoured several romantasy books that have gotten 5 stars. I guess I’m a convert.


Rubi Morningtail has no past. She lost her memory after the Annihilation, and she’s yet to regain it. She is an Azure refugee in the Silver Tyger dominion. The Silver Tiger Dominion is ruled by a harsh king, and most of the Silvers detest the Azures. Rubi lives with her friend Edith in a small hut in the forest. Edith has been caring for Rubi every since they fled their land, and is the best friend Rubi has. Along with Quinn, another Azure, Rubi has no one else. She is a Yin, and her magic is very weak. But in the tavern where she sings and performs her ribbon dances, she can mesmerize the crowd, earning her some coin.


After a night in the tavern, a massive tyger appears at their doorstep. In trying to save Edith, Rubi wounds Flame, the Tyger Queen, drawing the ire of Blake Axefire, the most dominant Tyger warrior there is. Wounding the Tyger is a crime punishable by death. Blake knows this and takes Rubi as a prisoner back to the castle. Her fate somewhat sealed, she is forced to participate in a brutal ceremony called the Bonding, where the warrior Tygers choose their riders. Rubi is terrified, but Blake reminds her, as she enters the arena, you’re not dead yet.\


Rubi was destined for a mission greater than she can imagine, to save their world from destruction by the evil Serpent King. Will she be able to rise to the occasion?


Dominion is the first romantasy for author Jean Kwok, and she hit it right out of the park. The world she created, based on the elements of the earth, is magical. The characters are well structured and believable. Rubi is so sad at her core. She has lost so much, but she is determined to make the best of it. Blake Axefire is both infuriating and mesmerizing. Edith is the stalwart, always making sure Rubi is taken care of.


All in all, this was fabulous. For a first time romantasy author, I have zero complaints. I cannot wait for the next installment of this series. 
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