Book Review: Rise of the Iliri
Series details
What this series is about
Slow-burn reverse harem alien romance with epic sci-fi fantasy vibes: Sal rises from enslaved Iliri to elite soldier and brilliant tactician, fighting for her people’s freedom while building powerful alliances (and her harem) along the way.
World setting
Genres
Relationship tropes
Rating & review
My review
Here’s how good this series is: I’m terrible at finishing long series. Four years in, I’m only on book ten of Psy-Changeling.
Rise of the Iliri? I read all ten books back to back.
Sal is one of the most memorable heroines I’ve ever read in epic sci-fi fantasy. She’s Iliri—an alien surrounded by humans—and the story never lets you forget it. She’s resilient, insecure, feral, intelligent, and constantly battling instincts shaped by both biology and trauma. Watching her evolve from enslaved soldier to leader and symbol of rebellion is deeply satisfying.
The writing excels at character development. Sal’s “brothers-in-arms” are distinct, layered, and grow alongside her in ways that aren’t always romantic—but are always meaningful. The relationships feel organic, forged through shared survival rather than convenience.
Yes, ten books is a lot. Some readers may wish the spice arrived sooner. And yes, there are darker themes tied to war, slavery, persecution, and discrimination—check content warnings in each of the books if those are hard limits for you.
But for an epic of this scope? Those feel like small trade-offs. The payoff is immense. This series doesn’t lose momentum—it builds it.
If you’re looking for a fast, spicy read, this isn’t it.
If you want an unforgettable sci-fi fantasy epic with a slow-burn reverse harem that earns every emotional beat? This is absolutely worth the commitment.
Here’s how good this series is: I’m terrible at finishing long series. Four years in, I’m only on book ten of Psy-Changeling.
Rise of the Iliri? I read all ten books back to back.
Sal is one of the most memorable heroines I’ve ever read in epic sci-fi fantasy. She’s Iliri—an alien surrounded by humans—and the story never lets you forget it. She’s resilient, insecure, feral, intelligent, and constantly battling instincts shaped by both biology and trauma. Watching her evolve from enslaved soldier to leader and symbol of rebellion is deeply satisfying.
The writing excels at character development. Sal’s “brothers-in-arms” are distinct, layered, and grow alongside her in ways that aren’t always romantic—but are always meaningful. The relationships feel organic, forged through shared survival rather than convenience.
Yes, ten books is a lot. Some readers may wish the spice arrived sooner. And yes, there are darker themes tied to war, slavery, persecution, and discrimination—check content warnings in each of the books if those are hard limits for you.
But for an epic of this scope? Those feel like small trade-offs. The payoff is immense. This series doesn’t lose momentum—it builds it.
If you’re looking for a fast, spicy read, this isn’t it.
If you want an unforgettable sci-fi fantasy epic with a slow-burn reverse harem that earns every emotional beat? This is absolutely worth the commitment.
If I had to critique something
Ten books is a lot, especially for someone like me who usually burns out on long series. Some readers may also want more spice earlier on. But honestly, for an epic on this scale, those are small critiques compared to the payoff.
Ten books is a lot, especially for someone like me who usually burns out on long series. Some readers may also want more spice earlier on. But honestly, for an epic on this scale, those are small critiques compared to the payoff.
The romance
4
Reverse Harem (without MM)
Harem grows over time
Relationship tropes
Romance on the Rise of the Iliri series
There is romance, but it’s slow burn and secondary to the plot.
This is a reverse harem, and the harem takes shape gradually across the series. What’s refreshing is that the romantic partners aren’t obvious from the beginning. You think you know who will be part of it, but you don’t. Each relationship is hard-won, often instinct-driven at first, and develops into something deeper.
There is romance, but it’s slow burn and secondary to the plot.
This is a reverse harem, and the harem takes shape gradually across the series. What’s refreshing is that the romantic partners aren’t obvious from the beginning. You think you know who will be part of it, but you don’t. Each relationship is hard-won, often instinct-driven at first, and develops into something deeper.
Reading order
Books I've reviewed from this series
Series similar to Rise of the Iliri
Oh hey! I’m Becky, book hugger and the one-woman team behind RBM. I hope my reviews help you find a story you’ll love.