With Hearts of Flame (Deluxe Limited Edition): A Dark Academia Romantasy Novel of Vampires and Dragons Featuring Stenciled Edges and Illustrated Endpapers (Bloodwing Academy, 4)
Briar Boleyn
Xantera (Guardians & Monsters Book 1)
by Mariah Montoya
About this book
In a utopian society ruled by the Twelve Guardians, twenty-three-year-old Saskia has been taught to never question those who protect her city, Xantera, from the Monster who prowls beyond the Wall—even when they demand living sacrifices in exchange for this protection. She eats the food they provide her, works the Healing Center shifts they’ve designated for her, and lives with the partner they’ve assigned her.
But when Saskia finds a strange necklace left behind by a mysterious patient in her Healing unit, she begins to hear a voice in her head that could change everything.
Smooth, deadly, and masculine, the voice teases and tempts her, igniting embers in the emptiest part of her heart and challenging the beliefs that have been instilled there. Before long, she begins to suspect the necklace has connected her mind to the Monster who prowls outside the Wall—a Monster who is nothing like she expected.
And he wants her to let him in.
- Publication Date
- May 25, 2026
- ASIN
- B0F2J9VYJJ
Reader Reviews
October 13, 2025
Montoya/Pearce is my new favorite writing duo and Xantera officially a new obsession. This book is absolutely one of my favorites of 2025! The plot: Mariah and Grace deliver a creepy dystopian paranormal romance that is sure to make your spooky season! Together they create this dark world where the citizens of Xantera must follow the 12 Cardinal Rules. For years for the citizens have lived within the walls of the city protected by their Guardians and their rules. This is the price for...
February 9, 2026
It kept me interested enough in how it would end to keep me going. It did end on a cliff hanger. I don’t much like those. )
November 24, 2025
Talk about a unique story line- excellent writing, amazing characters- formidable foes- this story has it all. Quite the dystopian fantasy with some major big brother vibes- Saskia has spent her whole life with all choices taken away- even her choice of partner. Every aspect of her life is planned out for her and the others in Xantera. All for their own protection from the monster that stalks outside the impassible wall that surrounds them. Saskia is too smart for her own good- she is seeing...
May 9, 2026
I love this book so much! I just wish it had a better ending to the series. The second and final book ends with so many questions and the opportunity to make a spin off series about what happens to Xantera after the war and how the city rebuilds. )
January 15, 2026
It a fine book. I really liked Saskia and Lucan but the spice felt forced. It would have been better if that had held off a little bit more. I will finish the series though. )
