We’re here today to announce Team Fanfiaddict’s second semi-finalist and some more of the books that we sadly have to cut. Please check all of these books out! We’ve had some awesome reads in the first round!
Without further ado, here are today’s cuts:
Black Powder, Black Heart by Seth Hobbs
What the judges had to say:
Michael Vadney: Black Powder, Black Heart aims for an ambitious, large-scale story, blending war, religion, and political intrigue across a wide cast, with clear depth and big ideas driving the narrative. However, the dense introduction of characters and perspectives made it difficult to stay grounded and connect early on, and uneven pacing—particularly exposition-heavy scenes and extended dialogue—slowed the experience, leading me to stop around the halfway point. While there are intriguing elements, especially in Zachariah’s storyline and the world’s mix of religious and political tension, the novel will likely resonate more with readers who enjoy complex, multi-POV epics with a strong focus on lore and scope.
Matt Pittman: Black Powder, Black Heart delivers a fast paced and bloody flintlock fantasy, blending elements of fantasy, horror, and also scifi. With gritty morally grey characters and numerous POVs, this feels like something that fans of The Powder Mage and The Black Company would enjoy. However, the pacing in the first half wasn’t really to my liking and the story at times suffered from occasional info dumps.
Children of Nemia by Michael Goe
What the judges had to say:
Michael Vadney: Children of Nemia is a heartfelt coming-of-age fantasy that follows fifteen-year-old Van as he seeks belonging, respect, and identity within his tribe, grounded by relatable emotional stakes. The novel’s biggest strengths lie in its imaginative worldbuilding and engaging supporting cast—particularly Simon of the Mists and Shale—who bring energy and accessibility to a setting rich with tribal culture, myth, and looming conflict. However, the story’s early sections are slow and dense with exposition, and the pacing can feel uneven, often lingering on quieter moments while rushing more significant events. Van serves as a solid emotional anchor, though his motivations can sometimes feel unclear. Despite these issues, the book’s sincerity and themes of growth, forgiveness, and hope make it an enjoyable read, especially for fans of YA fantasy.
Will Swardstrom: Children of Nemia by Michael Goe is an ambitious fantasy novel that attempts the heights of epic fantasy while reading much like a Young Adult novel. The protagonist, 15-year-old Van, is on a journey to adulthood and in his culture, there are different trials and tests along the way to prove himself. There is a large supporting cast that weaves in and out of Van’s story. Unfortunately for me, the set-up simply took too long to be fruitful and I struggled to make it past the first act of the book. I may try to give this book another chance later without the weight of the SPFBO contest behind it.
The Way We Were Hunters by Brien Feathers
What the judges had to say:
Michael Vadney: The Way We Were Hunters is a dark, character-driven fantasy that blends romance, mystery, and grounded military grit in a uniquely textured setting shaped by the aftermath of otherworldly catastrophe. Its greatest strengths lie in its immersive, Cold War–inspired worldbuilding, sharp and evocative prose, and compelling characters—especially Lena, a deeply human protagonist, and her complex, tension-filled relationship with Captain Arkhimov, which meaningfully drives the plot. The story moves quickly with strong momentum and an enticing hook, though some plot beats feel compressed and Arkhimov’s motivations remain somewhat opaque due to the tight POV. Still, the balance of emotional depth, action, and romance makes this a gripping and memorable read for fans of dark fantasy with a romantic edge.
Isabelle: The Way We Were Hunters by Brien Feathers is split into two parts, and they have me two quite different experiences. The first I really struggled with because the MC felt too immature. Until the end of that section, the things that were going on just didn’t feel serious enough for that setting. It was a contrast that didn’t really work for me. In the second part, she felt much more grown up and I found the plot to my liking as well. We also got a little bit more world building here, which is one of the strengths of this story. I would’ve loved to learn more about that. Though I considered DNFing this book multiple times, I always wanted to know just a little bit more, so while the writing style wasn’t quite for me, I also have to say that there was something quite compelling about it that carried me through the whole book and has me thinking about picking up the next one.
The Dragoneers of Longbourn and Pemberley by Chloe Cahenzli
What the judges had to say:
Dave Lawson: This is a really fun read that has all the vibes of Pride and Prejudice mixed with Bridgerton, but with dragon riders! I love Jane Austen, so I was excited to try this one!
There are enough differences between Austen and this book so that it’s not a paint by numbers retelling, and I grew to love the characters. My biggest criticism would be that, as a retelling, I knew what plot points to expect, meaning the story sometimes lacked tension for me.
I absolutely need a dragon like Lelantos. He’s the real MVP!
All in all, a solid read, and something for then Austen/Julia Quinn fan who also loves some cozy fantasy.
Isabelle: The Dragoneers of Longbourn and Pemberley by Chloe Cahenzli is a retelling of Pride and Prejudice that sticks close to its roots and has a clear Bridgerton influence. Though the tone and writing style of this story weren’t quite for me, the fantasy elements and drama of it are quite fun.
Secrets of Urthis by KD Lumsden
What the judges had to say:
Arun Bender: Secrets of Urthis – Such a long book. Weirdly shifts between first and third person POVs randomly. The character is supposed to live a hard life in the mines, but the writing feels like a bored narrator. Language and editing are good.
Will Swardstrom: As I started Secrets of Urthis by KD Lumsden, I had a tinge of familiarity as the magic system reminded me a lot of Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn Universe. That intrigued me and kept me reading a bit farther, but ultimately the characters — namely the main character Irwin — fell a little flat for me. I had a hard time getting into the story and the third-person POV didn’t really work when we also were getting Irwin’s thoughts constantly interrupting the narrative. The Fantasy Worldbuilding was strong, but without a relatable character, it was difficult for me to push much into Secrets of Urthis.
And now..our second semifinalist!
Blackwater by Emily Blakeney
What the judges had to say:
Dave Lawson: Blackwater by Emily Blakeny is a romantic dark fantasy with action, thrills, and romantic tension. This was a really fun read that I’d say is perfect for fans of R.A. Sandpiper’s Amefyre trilogy and Carissa Broadbent’s novels. The opening scene is visceral and sets on a breakneck course for the rest of the novel. I was immediately hooked! Blakely’s writing is excellent and there’s some fantastic banter between characters, something that’s always a plus for me. I thought I knew the way things were going to play out, and several times, Blakeney surprised me, which is always something I enjoy! This is not your typical romantic fantasy! Sure, there’s romance, but this is a fantasy-first story with some fantastic character work. The romance enhances the story, rather than becoming the story. All in all, an excellent read!
Isabelle: Blackwater by Emily Blakeney is exactly the kind of gem I hope to find whenever I read competition books. It had me hooked from the start and absolutely obsessed by the end of it. I’m so sad that we don’t have the next book yet because I would’ve started it immediately. I often struggle to find romantasy/fantasy romance books that balance both the fantasy plot and the romance well with enough depth and development, but Blakeney did a great job with that. Though there were some sections where the writing felt a bit choppier than the rest, the pacing and style overall were just right for this story. I’m not often a slow-burn fan, but even that I didn’t mind here because it made sense with the characters’ histories. Add fun banter, good side characters, and interesting magic, and you have my newest bookish obsession.
Congrats to Emily and thank you to the other authors for trusting us with your books!
We’ll be back again next week with another semi-finalist and more cuts!
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