If you’re looking for your next fantasy obsession, this might just be it. In this review of The Scars Within by Ang T. Dalton, I’m diving into a book that completely caught me off guard—in the best possible way. With dragons, a war college, slow-burn romance, mystery, and a touch of prophecy, this book has everything I want in a fantasy read. And honestly? I don’t see enough people talking about it. It deserves way more hype.
Get to Know the Book
Title: The Scars WithinAuthor: Ang T. Dalton
Published: 2025
The Story at a Glance: The Scars Within is a spellbinding romantasy packed with slow-burn heat, found family, snarky banter, and a dangerous romance that scorches through every page. The book follows Scarlet Thorne, who has been broken, burned alive and survived. Now she’s a wild card with forbidden magic and a dragon with no memories—enrolled in Mageia War College only because she has nowhere else to go. She’s supposed to stay quiet. Stay controlled. Stay away from too much power. As dark truths unravel and betrayal cuts deeper than any blade, Scarlet must confront the trauma she’s buried, the power she never asked for, and a fate that may cost her everything.
My thoughts…
Rating:
I devoured this book. The prologue pulled me straight in, and from there it was impossible to put down. The book gives a bit of Fourth Wing energy (dragons + war college), but honestly, I like the magical world in The Scars Within is even better.
And speaking of dragons – I love the dragons in this book! The bond between humans and dragons is very well written, and the banter between them is full of humor and heart. It’s the kind of dynamic that makes you smile while still pulling you deeper into the story.
There’s a bit of romantic tension that adds extra spice—especially with a certain love-interest situation involving twin brothers. It’s exciting, messy (in a good way), and kept me guessing. On top of that, the friendships in this book feel so real. The kind of found-family dynamic that makes you root for them even more.
There’s also a lot of mystery woven into this story that kept me hooked. Small ones, like what’s the deal with that weird plant? (Yes, you’ll eventually get your answer.) And there’s a second POV scattered throughout the book, but we don’t know who it belongs to, which kept me guessing the entire time.
On top of that, there are hints of old prophecies and a much bigger plot simmering beneath the surface, which makes everything feel even more epic and like we’ve only just scratched the surface of this world.
The twists near the end completely got me – I didn’t see it coming! All I can say is: what do I have to do to get an ARC of book two?! I need it. Immediately.
View all my reviews on GoodReads | Follow me on instagram
If you liked this post – take a look at my other book reviews
2 thoughts on “Book review of The Scars Within”