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Defying Fate #1
Where Dreams Fall
In a world in which dreams are guarded and nightmares are unsanctioned, one woman's unraveling mind may hold the key to everything the empire fears.
Elysia has spent her life thus far beneath the white clouds of the Dromin elves, protected from nightmares and the Nithrin elves that feed on them—until now. Her dreams have begun to twist into haunting scenes of ancient creatures, death . . . and a mysterious figure cloaked in light and shadow. Elysia suspects he's a Dromin elf breaking multiple laws to appear to her, and his whispered words and lingering touch ignite a spark between them that the gods themselves will soon fear.
When the queen dies and a brutal selection process to replace her begins, Elysia quickly realizes the waking world is fracturing alongside her sleeping one. Women across the empire are offered to the elven high priestess, put forward as potential heads for a crown drenched in blood and lies. Elysia finds herself at the center of the trials, and if she's to survive them, she'll have to decide what she's willing to fight for—and if she can live with the choices she's forced to make. Because only one will be chosen as queen, but all will be broken in the process.
Elysia eventually ascends into the elven world to find the one who stirred her heart is waiting there, but his true identity is far more dangerous than she ever imagined. Choosing each other will mean forsaking the world they're trying to save . . .
Sweeping, perilous, and aching with forbidden passion, Where Dreams Fall is the first book of a dark romantasy series in which love is the most dangerous rebellion of all.
Narrated in duet style.
Elysia has spent her life thus far beneath the white clouds of the Dromin elves, protected from nightmares and the Nithrin elves that feed on them—until now. Her dreams have begun to twist into haunting scenes of ancient creatures, death . . . and a mysterious figure cloaked in light and shadow. Elysia suspects he's a Dromin elf breaking multiple laws to appear to her, and his whispered words and lingering touch ignite a spark between them that the gods themselves will soon fear.
When the queen dies and a brutal selection process to replace her begins, Elysia quickly realizes the waking world is fracturing alongside her sleeping one. Women across the empire are offered to the elven high priestess, put forward as potential heads for a crown drenched in blood and lies. Elysia finds herself at the center of the trials, and if she's to survive them, she'll have to decide what she's willing to fight for—and if she can live with the choices she's forced to make. Because only one will be chosen as queen, but all will be broken in the process.
Elysia eventually ascends into the elven world to find the one who stirred her heart is waiting there, but his true identity is far more dangerous than she ever imagined. Choosing each other will mean forsaking the world they're trying to save . . .
Sweeping, perilous, and aching with forbidden passion, Where Dreams Fall is the first book of a dark romantasy series in which love is the most dangerous rebellion of all.
Narrated in duet style.
256 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2026
144 people are currently reading
9450 people want to read
About the author
R.L. Caulder
46 books1,797 followersR.L. Caulder is a USA Today bestselling author who lives in her writing cave away from the intense heat of the Florida sun with her husband and furry writing assistants, MeowMeow and Winrey. Life is never boring for R.L., who has hundreds of imaginary friends constantly vying for her attention and begging for their stories to be told.
If you're looking for ways to interact with R.L., you can find her on Facebook, in her group:
The Cauldron: R.L. Caulder Reader Group
If you're looking for ways to interact with R.L., you can find her on Facebook, in her group:
The Cauldron: R.L. Caulder Reader Group
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March 4, 2026I listened to this as an audiobook ALC, and I have to start by saying the audio production was excellent. Anthony Palmini and Jacci Prior both did a fantastic job with the narration. Their performances were engaging and really helped bring the atmosphere and characters to life.
Where Dreams Fall has a lot of intriguing elements, dream connections, elven politics, deadly trials, powerful magic, and a romance at the center of it all. The concept itself is strong and the world has a lot of potential.
For me, the challenge was that there was simply a lot happening. The story introduces many major plot elements and revelations in a relatively short space, and I wished the book had been longer so those moments could have more time to develop.
I also think I personally would have been more invested if more of the story had been told from Rhune’s perspective, since so much of the mystery and tension seems to revolve around him and his world.
Overall, the premise is compelling and the series clearly has a lot of potential. While some elements didn’t fully land for me, I’m still curious to see where the story goes next.
Where Dreams Fall has a lot of intriguing elements, dream connections, elven politics, deadly trials, powerful magic, and a romance at the center of it all. The concept itself is strong and the world has a lot of potential.
For me, the challenge was that there was simply a lot happening. The story introduces many major plot elements and revelations in a relatively short space, and I wished the book had been longer so those moments could have more time to develop.
I also think I personally would have been more invested if more of the story had been told from Rhune’s perspective, since so much of the mystery and tension seems to revolve around him and his world.
Overall, the premise is compelling and the series clearly has a lot of potential. While some elements didn’t fully land for me, I’m still curious to see where the story goes next.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Huge thanks to NetGalley & the publishers for a chance to review this arc!!
Between the dream/nightmare system, the queen selection and a fmc who doesn’t stop at anything - this book had the makings to be a very good read for me. Sadly, the execution didn’t quite work out and left me with many unanswered questions.
30-40% of the book is building the reader up to the queen trials… for it to be over with faster than the buildup. I was left with many unanswered questions regarding this aspect. The pacing was a bit random and thus made certain situations feel underwhelming. I was also wondering why everyone just went with it if only one village was made to be enriched for 100 years or so?
The fmc was sincerely the strong suit of this novel. She’s strong willed and maybe a bit too perfect but that never feels like something worth complaining about. The mmc on the other hand… what a drag. He was kind of pathetic if you ask me - just trying to recruit people to his pity party. Maybe he’ll get out of his victim mindset but he seemed quite stuck in it.
The romance was pulling on strings. She saw him twice in dreams (from what she remembers) and had minor interactions with him… then jumped to comparing every men to him. Which gave me whiplash. I don’t think you can judge ‘the goodness of his heart’ or ‘love her right when you see her’ upon a few brief meetings in dreams but maybe I’m in the wrong here.
The side characters were sadly only present to move the plot along… they didn’t have fleshed out personalities and felt more like decorative plants than actual characters.
I will say that the world building and the descriptions were very well done. Though I do believe some aspects of the world should’ve taken more place for it to be fluent and not leave the readers with many unanswered questions.
Between the dream/nightmare system, the queen selection and a fmc who doesn’t stop at anything - this book had the makings to be a very good read for me. Sadly, the execution didn’t quite work out and left me with many unanswered questions.
30-40% of the book is building the reader up to the queen trials… for it to be over with faster than the buildup. I was left with many unanswered questions regarding this aspect. The pacing was a bit random and thus made certain situations feel underwhelming. I was also wondering why everyone just went with it if only one village was made to be enriched for 100 years or so?
The fmc was sincerely the strong suit of this novel. She’s strong willed and maybe a bit too perfect but that never feels like something worth complaining about. The mmc on the other hand… what a drag. He was kind of pathetic if you ask me - just trying to recruit people to his pity party. Maybe he’ll get out of his victim mindset but he seemed quite stuck in it.
The romance was pulling on strings. She saw him twice in dreams (from what she remembers) and had minor interactions with him… then jumped to comparing every men to him. Which gave me whiplash. I don’t think you can judge ‘the goodness of his heart’ or ‘love her right when you see her’ upon a few brief meetings in dreams but maybe I’m in the wrong here.
The side characters were sadly only present to move the plot along… they didn’t have fleshed out personalities and felt more like decorative plants than actual characters.
I will say that the world building and the descriptions were very well done. Though I do believe some aspects of the world should’ve taken more place for it to be fluent and not leave the readers with many unanswered questions.
April 13, 2026
Where Dreams Fall is an absolute must-read fantasy romance. I am genuinely in awe after finishing this book. It is fast-paced, with excellent world-building and a slow-burn romance that will have you practically shouting at them to just go ahead and kiss already. I truly didn’t want to put this down. I was hooked from the very first page and there wasn’t a single dull moment to be found.
The whole concept of elves with nightmare and dream magic felt incredibly unique. I was constantly on the edge of my seat, eager to see how things would unfold.
And that ending… I was literally screaming. I thought I had an idea of where the story was going but I couldn’t have been more wrong. That twist completely caught me off guard in the best possible way.
My only complaint is that it ended. The story and the characters in this book are seriously addictive and I need more immediately. I cannot wait for book two!!!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🫑
Tropes ✨:
Elf x Human
Slow Burn
Forbidden Romance
He falls first
He’s her Bodyguard
Soulmates
Dream/Nightmare Magic
🖤: “They don’t deserve her. No one does. Least of all me … but still, I can’t look away.”
The whole concept of elves with nightmare and dream magic felt incredibly unique. I was constantly on the edge of my seat, eager to see how things would unfold.
And that ending… I was literally screaming. I thought I had an idea of where the story was going but I couldn’t have been more wrong. That twist completely caught me off guard in the best possible way.
My only complaint is that it ended. The story and the characters in this book are seriously addictive and I need more immediately. I cannot wait for book two!!!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🫑
Tropes ✨:
Elf x Human
Slow Burn
Forbidden Romance
He falls first
He’s her Bodyguard
Soulmates
Dream/Nightmare Magic
🖤: “They don’t deserve her. No one does. Least of all me … but still, I can’t look away.”
February 6, 2026
thank you to netgalley and the publishers for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
we are brought into a world of elves and humans.. where dreams and nightmares fuel the elves.. where human decide one girl from their village to be chosen by the elves.. but is it truly a gift the humans think? or their ruin?
the story is very fast paced and keeps you wondering what's going on... my only quip with it is, i wanted more story and plot then i did romance... and it truly shows you why at the end, but i just wanted more world-building...more knowledge to the magic... more of what the plot truly is, then two souls fated to be together but torn apart cause of the past they did not know would shape them.
overall, it kept me intrigued and i still devoured the book so fast and will continue to read the series.
we are brought into a world of elves and humans.. where dreams and nightmares fuel the elves.. where human decide one girl from their village to be chosen by the elves.. but is it truly a gift the humans think? or their ruin?
the story is very fast paced and keeps you wondering what's going on... my only quip with it is, i wanted more story and plot then i did romance... and it truly shows you why at the end, but i just wanted more world-building...more knowledge to the magic... more of what the plot truly is, then two souls fated to be together but torn apart cause of the past they did not know would shape them.
overall, it kept me intrigued and i still devoured the book so fast and will continue to read the series.
January 26, 2026
4.5/5
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
Wow! What an amazing start to a romantasy series!! This is a very short and fast paced novel, which means every scene is written with an absolutely wonderful precision.
The magic system is so cool. I think books need more dream based magic! The world of the elves is described so wonderfully that it feels like you’re living alongside them. The historical background of the world is well explained so we can see why characters act the way they do, which is something I always appreciate. And let me tell you, this world is fascinating!! I have a feeling things from the past aren’t quite what the history texts say 👀
Elysia is an absolutely wonderful main character to be following. Her kindness, compassion, and genuine love for the world makes you want to see her succeed so badly. Her courage and strength and fury are all so vibrant and with the reveals at the end, I am gobsmacked. Desperate to know more. I’m so excited for more of her!!
Rhune is so so sweet. I love a love interest that has been through so much in their last yet still can be kind. I absolutely am loving what we’ve seen of him so far and again, THE END?!!!
The way the first chapter becomes full circle with the end is INSANE and I absolutely love it. The initial premise of the book is flipped on its head twice, and I’m beyond intrigued to see where the story is going to go next. I thought every section of the book was well thought out. Although I wish some sections had been paced slower, it’s a short book, so I get why everything was so fast!
The ending has the type of reveal that leaves your jaw on the floor and your brain whirring with theories for the sequel. I am beyond excited to read it!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
Wow! What an amazing start to a romantasy series!! This is a very short and fast paced novel, which means every scene is written with an absolutely wonderful precision.
The magic system is so cool. I think books need more dream based magic! The world of the elves is described so wonderfully that it feels like you’re living alongside them. The historical background of the world is well explained so we can see why characters act the way they do, which is something I always appreciate. And let me tell you, this world is fascinating!! I have a feeling things from the past aren’t quite what the history texts say 👀
Elysia is an absolutely wonderful main character to be following. Her kindness, compassion, and genuine love for the world makes you want to see her succeed so badly. Her courage and strength and fury are all so vibrant and with the reveals at the end, I am gobsmacked. Desperate to know more. I’m so excited for more of her!!
Rhune is so so sweet. I love a love interest that has been through so much in their last yet still can be kind. I absolutely am loving what we’ve seen of him so far and again, THE END?!!!
The way the first chapter becomes full circle with the end is INSANE and I absolutely love it. The initial premise of the book is flipped on its head twice, and I’m beyond intrigued to see where the story is going to go next. I thought every section of the book was well thought out. Although I wish some sections had been paced slower, it’s a short book, so I get why everything was so fast!
The ending has the type of reveal that leaves your jaw on the floor and your brain whirring with theories for the sequel. I am beyond excited to read it!
March 26, 2026
Devoured this story. Give me a possessive MMC that’s haunting my nights when it’s forbidden and then add in a selection process !!! Yes !! Here for it ! I was just going to listen for a bit and ended up getting 40% in before I had to stop. I needed to know who our mystery night time guy was !!! Was not disappointed in the least.
Loved the world building and how we found our lore the further we got into the story. A nation fed by dreams and a nation fed by nightmares ?? Loved the idea that the towns gave to nominate someone for the selection almost hunger games style to go and do no one knows what to compete to be the Queen. Elysia was such a fierce FMC and I adore her. Stabby with a heart of gold. Loved seeing her journey and how she slowly learned about her world as we do. That ending left me needing book two !!!!
Audiobook Review: Dual Narration - full review to follow
Adored both narrators and had an easy time following the story. The male narrator has one of those deep growly voices that’s just perfect for this story and the female narrator had a clear strong style which suited perfect for this book. I listened between 1.5 and 2.0 and settled on 1.8 for this book as my preferred speed. Tone , emotion and pitch were all very well expressed in this audiobook. I had an easy time knowing who was speaking and the hand offs were seamless. Would very much recommend this book as an audiobook !!!
Loved the world building and how we found our lore the further we got into the story. A nation fed by dreams and a nation fed by nightmares ?? Loved the idea that the towns gave to nominate someone for the selection almost hunger games style to go and do no one knows what to compete to be the Queen. Elysia was such a fierce FMC and I adore her. Stabby with a heart of gold. Loved seeing her journey and how she slowly learned about her world as we do. That ending left me needing book two !!!!
Audiobook Review: Dual Narration - full review to follow
Adored both narrators and had an easy time following the story. The male narrator has one of those deep growly voices that’s just perfect for this story and the female narrator had a clear strong style which suited perfect for this book. I listened between 1.5 and 2.0 and settled on 1.8 for this book as my preferred speed. Tone , emotion and pitch were all very well expressed in this audiobook. I had an easy time knowing who was speaking and the hand offs were seamless. Would very much recommend this book as an audiobook !!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
2.5⭐️
🫑
This had all the makings of a book that I would love - A human FMC forced from the life she has always known into a word of fae that are divided but holding onto a fragile peace. Unfortunately, this one just really didn't hit for me.
I liked that Elysia was so good-hearted. She puts others before herself and tries to do what she feels is right. She's strong willed and determined , yet also has moments of weakness and doubt.
I like the MMC ok.. he starts off a bit weak and hiding in the shadows but eventually seems to find his strength and motivation. He has the potential to be good book boyfriend material, but I just didn't get there with him.
The insta-love connections is also not for me. I prefer more tension and development of a relationship rather than instantly having a devotion to someone you have barely interacted with.
All of that being said, the plot was interesting enough to keep me from DNF'ing the book. The pacing of events wasn't the best but the story was still interesting and I liked the premise behind it. I would have liked for the book to have been longer with more character and relationship building as a lot of thaf felt very rushed.
If you like a romantasy book with an instant connection and an interesting premise to the story, then this may be something you would enjoy. It's not a bad book, it just wasnt for me.
Thank you to R.L. Caulder and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
🫑
This had all the makings of a book that I would love - A human FMC forced from the life she has always known into a word of fae that are divided but holding onto a fragile peace. Unfortunately, this one just really didn't hit for me.
I liked that Elysia was so good-hearted. She puts others before herself and tries to do what she feels is right. She's strong willed and determined , yet also has moments of weakness and doubt.
I like the MMC ok.. he starts off a bit weak and hiding in the shadows but eventually seems to find his strength and motivation. He has the potential to be good book boyfriend material, but I just didn't get there with him.
The insta-love connections is also not for me. I prefer more tension and development of a relationship rather than instantly having a devotion to someone you have barely interacted with.
All of that being said, the plot was interesting enough to keep me from DNF'ing the book. The pacing of events wasn't the best but the story was still interesting and I liked the premise behind it. I would have liked for the book to have been longer with more character and relationship building as a lot of thaf felt very rushed.
If you like a romantasy book with an instant connection and an interesting premise to the story, then this may be something you would enjoy. It's not a bad book, it just wasnt for me.
Thank you to R.L. Caulder and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
March 10, 2026
FIVE. CHAOTIC. STARS. I am on the floor. I have chosen to live here now.
R.L. Caulder looked at my heart and said “I’ll be taking that” and I simply LET HER. I am a fool. A happy, devastated, emotionally wrecked fool.
ELYSIA. My precious girl. She just wants to do right by everyone she loves and the universe keeps PUNISHING HER FOR IT and I took it so personally. And then Rhune shows up in her dreams like some dangerous, rule-breaking menace and I completely lost the plot.
Dark magic. Deadly trials. Twisted games where the rules feel like suggestions and everyone is hiding something.
I trusted NO ONE. I questioned EVERYTHING. And the twists kept yanking the floor out from under me.
The slow burn is the kind that makes you put the book down just to scream into a pillow. The world is dark and lush and I was swallowed whole by page three. The dual POV is genuinely a form of emotional torture I would recommend to everyone I love.
The tension? Razor sharp.
I cried. I stared at the ceiling. I texted people who haven’t read it yet just to say “you don’t understand what’s coming for you.”
For the ARC? Honoured. Truly honoured. 🖤
And the audiobook is sooo good!!! ANTHONY PALMINI is hands down my favourite Romantasy narrator!!!!
R.L. Caulder looked at my heart and said “I’ll be taking that” and I simply LET HER. I am a fool. A happy, devastated, emotionally wrecked fool.
ELYSIA. My precious girl. She just wants to do right by everyone she loves and the universe keeps PUNISHING HER FOR IT and I took it so personally. And then Rhune shows up in her dreams like some dangerous, rule-breaking menace and I completely lost the plot.
Dark magic. Deadly trials. Twisted games where the rules feel like suggestions and everyone is hiding something.
I trusted NO ONE. I questioned EVERYTHING. And the twists kept yanking the floor out from under me.
The slow burn is the kind that makes you put the book down just to scream into a pillow. The world is dark and lush and I was swallowed whole by page three. The dual POV is genuinely a form of emotional torture I would recommend to everyone I love.
The tension? Razor sharp.
I cried. I stared at the ceiling. I texted people who haven’t read it yet just to say “you don’t understand what’s coming for you.”
For the ARC? Honoured. Truly honoured. 🖤
And the audiobook is sooo good!!! ANTHONY PALMINI is hands down my favourite Romantasy narrator!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The whole premise is really interesting. The world is divided into two realms—in one, people get nightmares, and in the other, people get dreams. These are heavily protected because, effectively, right above the human villages, you have a world of elves: Nithrin elves who feed on nightmares and Dromin elves who feed on dreams. Elysia, the main character, lives in a poor village under the Dromin elves' protection, so her whole life she’s had lovely dreams and woken up well-rested, until she starts having nightmares and everything changes.
On top of this division of elven courts, the Queen is always chosen from the human realm. This time unexpectedly comes again, and women are offered from every village to partake in a selection process. The chosen one will ascend to the elven realm to rule under the Goddess's protection, and her village will be heavily rewarded.
What can go wrong, you ask? Well, everything. Elysia is not a lucky girl, unfortunately. It seems like misfortune follows her every move. That's not to say she's powerless or gives up, though. On the contrary, as the story progresses, she finds her inner strength and fights for her survival.
The magic and the world-building are very intriguing, and I'd love to know more. But this is also a romantasy, and for me personally, there was a tad too little romance. Rhune is there, but mostly in the background—a few moments here and there, a nice culmination, and then they're torn apart again. I do like what it’s setting up for, though, and I'm just praying for a happy ending (please, please, please!).
While the book ends quite abruptly to set up for the sequel, there is still quite a lot going on: forbidden love, instant connections, breaking the rules, sabotage, choosing your prince, and so on. There's a lot packed into these pages, and it feels like every plot point could have benefited from just a few more paragraphs to ground it more into the world and the characters. This and the lack of romance are my main gripes here. Nevertheless, I quite enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to the next one, hoping for a bit of improvement and a satisfactory resolution!
Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy.
On top of this division of elven courts, the Queen is always chosen from the human realm. This time unexpectedly comes again, and women are offered from every village to partake in a selection process. The chosen one will ascend to the elven realm to rule under the Goddess's protection, and her village will be heavily rewarded.
What can go wrong, you ask? Well, everything. Elysia is not a lucky girl, unfortunately. It seems like misfortune follows her every move. That's not to say she's powerless or gives up, though. On the contrary, as the story progresses, she finds her inner strength and fights for her survival.
The magic and the world-building are very intriguing, and I'd love to know more. But this is also a romantasy, and for me personally, there was a tad too little romance. Rhune is there, but mostly in the background—a few moments here and there, a nice culmination, and then they're torn apart again. I do like what it’s setting up for, though, and I'm just praying for a happy ending (please, please, please!).
While the book ends quite abruptly to set up for the sequel, there is still quite a lot going on: forbidden love, instant connections, breaking the rules, sabotage, choosing your prince, and so on. There's a lot packed into these pages, and it feels like every plot point could have benefited from just a few more paragraphs to ground it more into the world and the characters. This and the lack of romance are my main gripes here. Nevertheless, I quite enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to the next one, hoping for a bit of improvement and a satisfactory resolution!
Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy.
March 13, 2026
**ARC READ**
4.5⭐️
0/5🌶️
Dual/first person POV
Book 1 in a trilogy
Format: e-arc
Spoiler free
In the words of Gaga: no sleep, bus, club, another club, plane🤣
Thank you tons to NetGalley & Podium Publishing for granting me this arc.
The pacing here is what makes this read so good. At roughly 250 pages, the fast paced plot did not take away from anything else (almost.) In fact, this is how authors should write such short books: NO spice in book 1 + a story that packs it all. The style of writing is atmospheric & has an almost (pun intended) dreamy quality to it.
From chapter one, I was literally sucked into the FMC’s dream. The premise is very original for romantasy: the humans live on land & in the clouds above live the elves. There are the elves of the court of dreams & those of the court of nightmares. While the humans sleep, these elves feed on their minds. During these exchanges, neither of them can communicate with the other.
Well, that’s where the MMC comes in; who we meet in the first chapter. That almost ghostly/slinky/wispy introduction to him was mysterious perfection. & that’s all I’ll say about him😉 The FMC is a crafter that lives a very humble life with her family. She’s all the things: soft, kind, thoughtful, determined, hard working.
When the queen dies, our girl becomes one of the candidates for the replacement thus sparking the path that she must journey on. Throughout it all, she carries herself with dignity & grace & really giving it her all. Honestly, the goodbye in the beginning made me so emotional.
I love that brief glimpse of female friendship amongst the juxtaposition of the candidates being in competition with each other. Also, the testing was so tense & gripping then turned just plain emotional.
That ending came out of nowhere! I did NOT see that coming at all. Then it proceeded to stab me in the heart😅
My critiques:
1 this book could have still benefited from being slightly longer. at times the world building/magic system needed to be fleshed out more because it was confusing/tough to follow.
2 I wish there was more of that female friendship. The ladies didn’t stand a chance because the book is so short.
3 the plot twist/cliffhanger was done a bit clunky. Again because everything was rushed, including the ending.
4. It felt like because everything needed to be packed into such a short word count, the reader is rushed to the finish line; which did feel overwhelming at times.
**Releases: 3/17/26**
4.5⭐️
0/5🌶️
Dual/first person POV
Book 1 in a trilogy
Format: e-arc
Spoiler free
In the words of Gaga: no sleep, bus, club, another club, plane🤣
Thank you tons to NetGalley & Podium Publishing for granting me this arc.
The pacing here is what makes this read so good. At roughly 250 pages, the fast paced plot did not take away from anything else (almost.) In fact, this is how authors should write such short books: NO spice in book 1 + a story that packs it all. The style of writing is atmospheric & has an almost (pun intended) dreamy quality to it.
From chapter one, I was literally sucked into the FMC’s dream. The premise is very original for romantasy: the humans live on land & in the clouds above live the elves. There are the elves of the court of dreams & those of the court of nightmares. While the humans sleep, these elves feed on their minds. During these exchanges, neither of them can communicate with the other.
Well, that’s where the MMC comes in; who we meet in the first chapter. That almost ghostly/slinky/wispy introduction to him was mysterious perfection. & that’s all I’ll say about him😉 The FMC is a crafter that lives a very humble life with her family. She’s all the things: soft, kind, thoughtful, determined, hard working.
When the queen dies, our girl becomes one of the candidates for the replacement thus sparking the path that she must journey on. Throughout it all, she carries herself with dignity & grace & really giving it her all. Honestly, the goodbye in the beginning made me so emotional.
I love that brief glimpse of female friendship amongst the juxtaposition of the candidates being in competition with each other. Also, the testing was so tense & gripping then turned just plain emotional.
That ending came out of nowhere! I did NOT see that coming at all. Then it proceeded to stab me in the heart😅
My critiques:
1 this book could have still benefited from being slightly longer. at times the world building/magic system needed to be fleshed out more because it was confusing/tough to follow.
2 I wish there was more of that female friendship. The ladies didn’t stand a chance because the book is so short.
3 the plot twist/cliffhanger was done a bit clunky. Again because everything was rushed, including the ending.
4. It felt like because everything needed to be packed into such a short word count, the reader is rushed to the finish line; which did feel overwhelming at times.
**Releases: 3/17/26**
April 11, 2026
3.75⭐️ I was immediately sucked into this book, the concept of nightmare magic was so intriguing!
Elysia wakes up from a nightmare, that she wasn’t alone in, the only problem is she doesn’t live in the land of nightmares, she’s only supposed to have pleasant dreams. It’s also against the law for the Elves to show themselves in her dreams. Only this one is drawn to her, and he’s been watching, and yearning for her longer than she realizes.
When the current elf queen dies and selection takes place, one woman from each kingdom, picked to represent them in hopes of being crowned queen, and having their lands blessed by the elves. Elysia has seen how those that aren’t chosen come back, broken and a shell of their former selves, their minds fractured. So when she is chosen she doesn’t expect the High Priestess to be so cruel, and in an actual fight for her life instead.
I loved this book, but it felt very rushed, I wish certain aspects were more detailed. The travel to get to the selection was longer than the actual selection itself. I did love that the book was fast paced but it was fast in the wrong places. The MMC was honestly swoon worthy at moments, you could feel the yearning, but then at the same time he was a coward who seemed content to just take the backseat allowing the FMC to be courted by his two brothers.
The plot twist was definitely fantastic however and has me intrigued to want to continue in book 2. If you’re looking for a quick, easy read, this one is perfect! Thank you so much to Podium for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
Elysia wakes up from a nightmare, that she wasn’t alone in, the only problem is she doesn’t live in the land of nightmares, she’s only supposed to have pleasant dreams. It’s also against the law for the Elves to show themselves in her dreams. Only this one is drawn to her, and he’s been watching, and yearning for her longer than she realizes.
When the current elf queen dies and selection takes place, one woman from each kingdom, picked to represent them in hopes of being crowned queen, and having their lands blessed by the elves. Elysia has seen how those that aren’t chosen come back, broken and a shell of their former selves, their minds fractured. So when she is chosen she doesn’t expect the High Priestess to be so cruel, and in an actual fight for her life instead.
I loved this book, but it felt very rushed, I wish certain aspects were more detailed. The travel to get to the selection was longer than the actual selection itself. I did love that the book was fast paced but it was fast in the wrong places. The MMC was honestly swoon worthy at moments, you could feel the yearning, but then at the same time he was a coward who seemed content to just take the backseat allowing the FMC to be courted by his two brothers.
The plot twist was definitely fantastic however and has me intrigued to want to continue in book 2. If you’re looking for a quick, easy read, this one is perfect! Thank you so much to Podium for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
April 4, 2026
2.5⭐️
Too predictable for fantasy and not romantic enough for romance. Plus, I absolutely hate
Too predictable for fantasy and not romantic enough for romance. Plus, I absolutely hate
March 15, 2026
This book hooked me from the very beginning and I ate it up! The characters were compelling and the story was captivating. Some parts were a little predictable, but there was enough twists to keep me engaged to the very end. The ending was so well done and I am now itching for book 2.
I am thankful for the opportunity to read this as an ARC!
I am thankful for the opportunity to read this as an ARC!
February 9, 2026
⭐️⭐️.5
I was really excited to read this because the premise sounded like something that’s right up my alley. I genuinely enjoyed the beginning of the story, meeting the FMC and getting a peek at the MMC in her dreams. Unfortunately, it lost me a bit along the way.
First of all, I would like to say that the author has great ideas and knows how to outline a story. The writing is lush and the world building was so interesting. The cast of characters has real potential, and I don’t think I have read something similar to it before, so the story felt fresh.
That being said, I wanted more.
More character development, more tension between the FMC & MMC (she feels deeply attached to him after only seeing glimpses of him in her dreams, which didn’t fully work for me), and most of all more pages to give all of the above some breathing room to fully unfold the potential of this book.
I felt like we chased through this book without catching our breath, and therefore a lot of the major events didn’t have an emotional impact, nor could I develop any kind of connection with the characters, who also felt pale and like untapped potential for me. Things the FMC said about characters she met like five minutes ago — “we cannot lose more of our people” — I mean, that just didn’t land for me, and I could not get behind that emotion because I was not feeling it.
I am kind of curious how this story will continue, but at the moment I am not sure if I will continue, as it left me a bit frustrated while reading because I really wanted this to hit harder.
Thank you to the author for providing me an eARC through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I was really excited to read this because the premise sounded like something that’s right up my alley. I genuinely enjoyed the beginning of the story, meeting the FMC and getting a peek at the MMC in her dreams. Unfortunately, it lost me a bit along the way.
First of all, I would like to say that the author has great ideas and knows how to outline a story. The writing is lush and the world building was so interesting. The cast of characters has real potential, and I don’t think I have read something similar to it before, so the story felt fresh.
That being said, I wanted more.
More character development, more tension between the FMC & MMC (she feels deeply attached to him after only seeing glimpses of him in her dreams, which didn’t fully work for me), and most of all more pages to give all of the above some breathing room to fully unfold the potential of this book.
I felt like we chased through this book without catching our breath, and therefore a lot of the major events didn’t have an emotional impact, nor could I develop any kind of connection with the characters, who also felt pale and like untapped potential for me. Things the FMC said about characters she met like five minutes ago — “we cannot lose more of our people” — I mean, that just didn’t land for me, and I could not get behind that emotion because I was not feeling it.
I am kind of curious how this story will continue, but at the moment I am not sure if I will continue, as it left me a bit frustrated while reading because I really wanted this to hit harder.
Thank you to the author for providing me an eARC through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
part of the reason i’m rating this so low is that this is a romantasy, you can’t have the romance be the weakest part!! once again i fall victim to a romantasy summary that totally draws me in, only for it to fall flat. so this was not for me HOWEVER this had some strong moments I liked—
I really enjoyed the bonds we got between Elysia, Lisbeth and Thalia. I really appreciated those moments and how Lisbeth grew and found that % of the book to be the strongest, I wish we’d gotten more. The author really excels with writing female friendships, which is always nice to see!
Another aspect I enjoyed was the author’s ability to describe scenes with pretty vivid imagery. (okay but drinking game where everytime lavender is mentioned on color description to take a shot lol?)
Elysia, to be honest, was nothing special. There is nothing about the FMC of this book that differentiates herself from the dozens other cut and paste women of romantasy. because why is it always the eldest daughter having to sacrifice herself and work all these jobs to put food on the table😭😭😭 (and the family is always useless and just let them get snatched away??)
And our MMC, Rhune? Who? Another dude with shadow magic? He honestly bored me as a love interest, i felt 0 attraction between the two and didn’t understand her weird obsession with him. we were simply being told about their growing feelings and etc rather than shown.
Then the final reveal at the end took a twist i don’t enjoy in books :///
ALSO there was wayyyy too much modern-esq slang going on for a fantasy world (also all the names were cringey)
*ARC courtesy of netgalley*
**spoiler-y
I’m not sure if I missed something but I’m genuinely confused about Rhune and Elysia even with the ending reveal. I get that he “knew” her for years going into her dreams and etc, but it’s said her dream at the start of the book is her first time seeing him. so maybe a few days they’ve “known” each other. so she has never met him and acts obsessed/as if they’ve been lovers for forever? i felt frustrated at times when they would speak because they would converse so intimately yet there’s no actions / facts to back it up? she’s so willing to throw away everything and go against tradition for an elf she only was around in a dreamscape a few moments, she does not know him 😅😭
and jeez the whole soulmates and being on other sides? like? they had no connection to even make that angsty? based off those last chapters i won’t continue reading this series lowkey
I really enjoyed the bonds we got between Elysia, Lisbeth and Thalia. I really appreciated those moments and how Lisbeth grew and found that % of the book to be the strongest, I wish we’d gotten more. The author really excels with writing female friendships, which is always nice to see!
Another aspect I enjoyed was the author’s ability to describe scenes with pretty vivid imagery. (okay but drinking game where everytime lavender is mentioned on color description to take a shot lol?)
Elysia, to be honest, was nothing special. There is nothing about the FMC of this book that differentiates herself from the dozens other cut and paste women of romantasy. because why is it always the eldest daughter having to sacrifice herself and work all these jobs to put food on the table😭😭😭 (and the family is always useless and just let them get snatched away??)
And our MMC, Rhune? Who? Another dude with shadow magic? He honestly bored me as a love interest, i felt 0 attraction between the two and didn’t understand her weird obsession with him. we were simply being told about their growing feelings and etc rather than shown.
Then the final reveal at the end took a twist i don’t enjoy in books :///
ALSO there was wayyyy too much modern-esq slang going on for a fantasy world (also all the names were cringey)
*ARC courtesy of netgalley*
**spoiler-y
I’m not sure if I missed something but I’m genuinely confused about Rhune and Elysia even with the ending reveal. I get that he “knew” her for years going into her dreams and etc, but it’s said her dream at the start of the book is her first time seeing him. so maybe a few days they’ve “known” each other. so she has never met him and acts obsessed/as if they’ve been lovers for forever? i felt frustrated at times when they would speak because they would converse so intimately yet there’s no actions / facts to back it up? she’s so willing to throw away everything and go against tradition for an elf she only was around in a dreamscape a few moments, she does not know him 😅😭
and jeez the whole soulmates and being on other sides? like? they had no connection to even make that angsty? based off those last chapters i won’t continue reading this series lowkey
January 13, 2026
“𝐈’𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮,” 𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐬, 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐦𝐞. “𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞.”
i don’t read a lot of romantasy anymore but when R.L. Caulder announced a book that’s Legolas and the Sandman mixed together, i was SOLD.
get ready for a slow burn but with great pining for a forbidden love. if you’re the oldest daughter in a family, you’ll relate to Elysia so much. she strong and trying to take care of everyone around her, even when she’s “chosen” to potentially be the next Queen.
“𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐧 𝐈’𝐦 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐈’𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭.”
𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝑫𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒔 𝑭𝒂𝒍𝒍 is the first book in this new series, but it doesn’t just feel like an info dump but sets up a world that has you more and more curious as you continue reading.
but the ending… only R.L. can drop an ending/cliffhanger like that and fracture my heart but still beg me for wanting me. this is such an intriguing story that has me ready for the next book to find out what is going to happen next.
thank you R.L. Caulder and NetGalley for an e-ARC of 𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝑫𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒔 𝑭𝒂𝒍𝒍
✨ 𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝑫𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒔 𝑭𝒂𝒍𝒍 releases March 17th, 2026
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
M/F, dual 1st person POV, 23 fmc / ??? mmc
elf mmc / human fmc
slow burn, forbidden, cliffhanger
i don’t read a lot of romantasy anymore but when R.L. Caulder announced a book that’s Legolas and the Sandman mixed together, i was SOLD.
get ready for a slow burn but with great pining for a forbidden love. if you’re the oldest daughter in a family, you’ll relate to Elysia so much. she strong and trying to take care of everyone around her, even when she’s “chosen” to potentially be the next Queen.
“𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐧 𝐈’𝐦 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐈’𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭.”
𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝑫𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒔 𝑭𝒂𝒍𝒍 is the first book in this new series, but it doesn’t just feel like an info dump but sets up a world that has you more and more curious as you continue reading.
but the ending… only R.L. can drop an ending/cliffhanger like that and fracture my heart but still beg me for wanting me. this is such an intriguing story that has me ready for the next book to find out what is going to happen next.
thank you R.L. Caulder and NetGalley for an e-ARC of 𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝑫𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒔 𝑭𝒂𝒍𝒍
✨ 𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝑫𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒔 𝑭𝒂𝒍𝒍 releases March 17th, 2026
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
M/F, dual 1st person POV, 23 fmc / ??? mmc
elf mmc / human fmc
slow burn, forbidden, cliffhanger
December 3, 2025
How often do you meet the man of your dreams? R.L. Caulder absolutely blew me away with this new romantasy. Where Dreams Falls is the first book in her new Defying Fate series.
This is was one of my favorite reads this year! WDF had such a new and refreshing plot line I was immediately reeled in and left wanting more. From the lore to the building tension between our FMC Elysia and MMC Rhune, IM SAT! It’s impossible to not like Elysia — I won’t be accepting any slander against her. She was strong, witty and resilient. Definitely someone I would want in my corner. Daddy Rhune ? Everyone has been wanting more yearning and here it is wrapped up in the form of a sexy elf. Because what do you mean he’s been in her dreams for YEARS breaking the rules!
I’m excited to go on this journey with these characters. This first book was just a taste. I know that RL has more in store for us. That cliffhanger had me in shambles.
Hats off to her because I imagine it’s difficult to build a completely new world, lore, characters, relationship dynamics and plant the seeds of mystery and romance. But she did it all! It’s so deeply satisfying to watch everything unravel while being immersed in this new world and learning the magic system and lore.
As always the writing was on point! I’m loving this new era of RL’s work.
I’m both excited and terrified 😂 for what is to come. I already know book 2 is going to have me crying screaming and throwing tf up. As always I love RLs particular brand of torture!
Thank you Podium Entertainment and NetGalley for this EARC.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
This is was one of my favorite reads this year! WDF had such a new and refreshing plot line I was immediately reeled in and left wanting more. From the lore to the building tension between our FMC Elysia and MMC Rhune, IM SAT! It’s impossible to not like Elysia — I won’t be accepting any slander against her. She was strong, witty and resilient. Definitely someone I would want in my corner. Daddy Rhune ? Everyone has been wanting more yearning and here it is wrapped up in the form of a sexy elf. Because what do you mean he’s been in her dreams for YEARS breaking the rules!
I’m excited to go on this journey with these characters. This first book was just a taste. I know that RL has more in store for us. That cliffhanger had me in shambles.
Hats off to her because I imagine it’s difficult to build a completely new world, lore, characters, relationship dynamics and plant the seeds of mystery and romance. But she did it all! It’s so deeply satisfying to watch everything unravel while being immersed in this new world and learning the magic system and lore.
As always the writing was on point! I’m loving this new era of RL’s work.
I’m both excited and terrified 😂 for what is to come. I already know book 2 is going to have me crying screaming and throwing tf up. As always I love RLs particular brand of torture!
Thank you Podium Entertainment and NetGalley for this EARC.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
April 25, 2026
"You didn't fall apart, you broke open. That's how new things are discovered".
I quite literally felt this book in my soul. By page 58 I had tears streaming down my cheeks because R.L. Caulder wrote the most captivating and relatable FMC in Elysia that stole my heart. This book is just like it's cover, absolutely beautiful. It pains me that it was less than 300 pages and I have to wait for book two.
We are taken into the world with two kingdoms ruled by elves, and their magic is fueled by the dreams or nightmares that the humans have. A human Queen has to be selected by nomination in the village that they are in, and then must face a competition to wear the crown and live amongst the elves. Is being the Queen the gift and honor that the humans believe it is, bringing prosperity to their villages...or is it their ruin?
🕊️ Elysia, our FMC, is my girl. She's the type that I would burn kingdoms down for myself. The way that she loves her family, is selfless, and wants to do right by everyone is just as moving as it is heartbreaking due to the fact that the universe punishes her around every turn. She suffers nightmares, although she shouldn't be having them at all....
⚔️ Enter Rhune, our light shadow daddy who breaks every rule there is to comfort Elysia, and in doing so also becomes a menace to my own heart. The way he yearns for the one he so desperately wants but is forbidden creates just the right amount of tension you crave.
Where Dreams Fall is the first book in the Defying Fate series, and it leaves us with quite a cliffhanger that had me staring across the room after I finished the last page in a full delirium. I'm terrified in the best way of what is to come for our characters and their story.
.....I just hope I won't need therapy.
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🫑 (I have a feeling this is picking up in the next one....)
I quite literally felt this book in my soul. By page 58 I had tears streaming down my cheeks because R.L. Caulder wrote the most captivating and relatable FMC in Elysia that stole my heart. This book is just like it's cover, absolutely beautiful. It pains me that it was less than 300 pages and I have to wait for book two.
We are taken into the world with two kingdoms ruled by elves, and their magic is fueled by the dreams or nightmares that the humans have. A human Queen has to be selected by nomination in the village that they are in, and then must face a competition to wear the crown and live amongst the elves. Is being the Queen the gift and honor that the humans believe it is, bringing prosperity to their villages...or is it their ruin?
🕊️ Elysia, our FMC, is my girl. She's the type that I would burn kingdoms down for myself. The way that she loves her family, is selfless, and wants to do right by everyone is just as moving as it is heartbreaking due to the fact that the universe punishes her around every turn. She suffers nightmares, although she shouldn't be having them at all....
⚔️ Enter Rhune, our light shadow daddy who breaks every rule there is to comfort Elysia, and in doing so also becomes a menace to my own heart. The way he yearns for the one he so desperately wants but is forbidden creates just the right amount of tension you crave.
Where Dreams Fall is the first book in the Defying Fate series, and it leaves us with quite a cliffhanger that had me staring across the room after I finished the last page in a full delirium. I'm terrified in the best way of what is to come for our characters and their story.
.....I just hope I won't need therapy.
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🫑 (I have a feeling this is picking up in the next one....)
April 15, 2026
I went into this one blind, not reading much about it and I was not disappointed. Our FMC is thrown into the thick of it after being nominated for a chance to be the new Queen. We meet other great characters on her journey along with an action packed attack on everyone traveling to the trials for the chance at being queen. Elysia also has very vivid powerful dreams which added a great layer to this story. It was so interesting to see how everything just melded together and played out.
I listened to this one and I was going back and forth on if I liked the audio. After awhile the FMC narrator grew on me. I have been listening to a lot of bubbly romance lately so getting a complete 180 in a calming powerful voice took me a minute to love. This a duet style audio which I absolutely love. The narrators did a great job voicing all of the other side characters as well.
Thank you Podium Entertainment for the ALC!
I listened to this one and I was going back and forth on if I liked the audio. After awhile the FMC narrator grew on me. I have been listening to a lot of bubbly romance lately so getting a complete 180 in a calming powerful voice took me a minute to love. This a duet style audio which I absolutely love. The narrators did a great job voicing all of the other side characters as well.
Thank you Podium Entertainment for the ALC!
April 15, 2026
Where Dreams Fall by R.L. Caulder
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5
I enjoyed the atmospheric tension and the central conflict of Where Dreams Fall, but the pacing was a notable drawback. With 40% of the book spent building up to the trials and a final 10% that felt rushed and overstuffed, the balance felt off—especially since the true heart of the plot lies in the court dynamics and her ultimate choice.The romance is also a bit of a mixed bag; it features an insta-love connection that quickly gives way to a challenging, nearly non-existent love subplot that leaves you wanting more. While it’s a solid romantasy with high stakes, a more streamlined focus on the political intrigue over the trial preparation would have elevated the experience.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5
I enjoyed the atmospheric tension and the central conflict of Where Dreams Fall, but the pacing was a notable drawback. With 40% of the book spent building up to the trials and a final 10% that felt rushed and overstuffed, the balance felt off—especially since the true heart of the plot lies in the court dynamics and her ultimate choice.The romance is also a bit of a mixed bag; it features an insta-love connection that quickly gives way to a challenging, nearly non-existent love subplot that leaves you wanting more. While it’s a solid romantasy with high stakes, a more streamlined focus on the political intrigue over the trial preparation would have elevated the experience.
April 6, 2026
I just didn't feel the hook with this one. I gave it until Chapter 5 before sadly DNF'ing due to struggling to stay interested. really wanted to love it...
February 4, 2026
4⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC read. This was such a great first book in the series!! I haven’t read this author before but definitely will be looking at more. The magic system was so different and the FMC and MMC was so unique. Can’t wait for the next one!
🌶️🌶️
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC read. This was such a great first book in the series!! I haven’t read this author before but definitely will be looking at more. The magic system was so different and the FMC and MMC was so unique. Can’t wait for the next one!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Fantastic just doesn’t cover it. I loved this book! I think this is my favourite RL book now.
The world and storyline is unique, to me at least, and it was so interesting and entertaining. I didn’t want this to end.
I loved the mystery that surrounded Rhune and how Elysia will fight for what’s right and the people she cares about. This book gave me goosebumps, tears in my eyes and my jaw dropping at the ending.
Definitely recommend!
Thank you Podium Entertainment and NetGalley for this eARC.
The world and storyline is unique, to me at least, and it was so interesting and entertaining. I didn’t want this to end.
I loved the mystery that surrounded Rhune and how Elysia will fight for what’s right and the people she cares about. This book gave me goosebumps, tears in my eyes and my jaw dropping at the ending.
Definitely recommend!
Thank you Podium Entertainment and NetGalley for this eARC.
April 17, 2026
Story: 4 ⭐
Spice: none to kissing
Narration: 5 ⭐
I do love listening to Anthony and Jacci. Hands down they brought this story to life. They both really are fantastic narrators. It is read it a duet narration with 2 povs.
This was a refreshing story, it reminded me of the Selection initially but then morphed into something I haven't really read about before.
You have light and dark elves who feed their magic by dreams and nightmares of humans. They basically rule over the human world (literally) and to show good faith they select a human queen to help rule with one of the kings and this has been happening for centuries.
Queue out FMC. I have mixed feelings about her. I like when you have a honest and hardworking lead. Not super headstrong but just has quiet strength but a few times I'm like guuurrrrrlllll. You are causing the problems 😂
I was shocked by a few of the twists and the ending has a huge cliffhanger which had me needing to read the next book.
Overall, it's fast paced, with some cool world building, interesting plot, and potential for a heartbreaking romance.
Spice: none to kissing
Narration: 5 ⭐
I do love listening to Anthony and Jacci. Hands down they brought this story to life. They both really are fantastic narrators. It is read it a duet narration with 2 povs.
This was a refreshing story, it reminded me of the Selection initially but then morphed into something I haven't really read about before.
You have light and dark elves who feed their magic by dreams and nightmares of humans. They basically rule over the human world (literally) and to show good faith they select a human queen to help rule with one of the kings and this has been happening for centuries.
Queue out FMC. I have mixed feelings about her. I like when you have a honest and hardworking lead. Not super headstrong but just has quiet strength but a few times I'm like guuurrrrrlllll. You are causing the problems 😂
I was shocked by a few of the twists and the ending has a huge cliffhanger which had me needing to read the next book.
Overall, it's fast paced, with some cool world building, interesting plot, and potential for a heartbreaking romance.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Where Dreams Fall
This is a brand new world, one with lots of intrigue, betrayal, loss, and well since we have Fae? Lies wrapped up in prophecy and deception. A human girl is always picked to be queen, but is it a good thing? Or just another ruse?
What is truth, what is lies?
Fall in love and have your heart broken. I loved this book
This is a brand new world, one with lots of intrigue, betrayal, loss, and well since we have Fae? Lies wrapped up in prophecy and deception. A human girl is always picked to be queen, but is it a good thing? Or just another ruse?
What is truth, what is lies?
Fall in love and have your heart broken. I loved this book
April 25, 2026
Gut rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
CAWPILE rating: TBD
Spice: Kisses
Series: Defying Fate book 1
ARC publication date: March 31st 2026
Tropes: Chosen one, queen competition, dream world, protective MMC, human and elf romance, shadow daddy, instalove, forbidden love, Mr Sandman inspired, star crossed lovers, fated mates, dual POV
Quote: "Don’t conjure this nightmare again, Little Dove. I’m starting to wonder if you did it just to force me into revealing myself to you."
My synopsis
Living under the reign of the dream elves, 23yo Elysia Virellan should find her sleep peaceful. Instead, she's haunted by nightmares that only a protector shrouded in shadows can chase away. But those nightmares turn to real life when she's ripped from her family and thrust into a deadly competition for the elf throne.
Between targeted attacks on the other nominees and a daunting test ahead, Elysia realizes the selection process isn't a ceremony, it’s a slaughter. Bound by vengeance, Elysia swears to find a way to change a system that treats human lives as disposable, despite being shadowed by a grumpy guard who feels far too familiar. But something is awakening inside Elysia and her path might already be chosen for her...
My review
A beautifully atmospheric read that left me wishing for a few more chapters to truly explore its potential.
This story launches straight into the action with a heart-pounding hunt that immediately sets the tone. The descriptions are incredibly vivid, with a dark forest setting that felt alive, and I was completely transported by the world-building. I loved Elysia as a protagonist, too! Her bravery and kindness make her so easy to root for as she meets the other chosens.
However, the pacing felt a little rushed. With so many plotlines weaving through a relatively short book, some elements felt unnecessary, while others needed more space to develop. While the journey through the lands to the selection was enjoyable, the selection trial was over within mere minutes. I would have loved more trials to really cement Elysia as the natural choice for the throne. The romance happened very quickly, too, which added to that "fast-forward" feeling, although I liked their connection and the forbidden love trope!
With thanks to the Publishers and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Trigger warnings: Injury detail, blood, murder, death, torture, violence, schizophrenia/psychosis, suicide attempt, fire injury, misogyny, confinement, kidnapping, pregnancy
CAWPILE rating: TBD
Spice: Kisses
Series: Defying Fate book 1
ARC publication date: March 31st 2026
Tropes: Chosen one, queen competition, dream world, protective MMC, human and elf romance, shadow daddy, instalove, forbidden love, Mr Sandman inspired, star crossed lovers, fated mates, dual POV
Quote: "Don’t conjure this nightmare again, Little Dove. I’m starting to wonder if you did it just to force me into revealing myself to you."
My synopsis
Living under the reign of the dream elves, 23yo Elysia Virellan should find her sleep peaceful. Instead, she's haunted by nightmares that only a protector shrouded in shadows can chase away. But those nightmares turn to real life when she's ripped from her family and thrust into a deadly competition for the elf throne.
Between targeted attacks on the other nominees and a daunting test ahead, Elysia realizes the selection process isn't a ceremony, it’s a slaughter. Bound by vengeance, Elysia swears to find a way to change a system that treats human lives as disposable, despite being shadowed by a grumpy guard who feels far too familiar. But something is awakening inside Elysia and her path might already be chosen for her...
My review
A beautifully atmospheric read that left me wishing for a few more chapters to truly explore its potential.
This story launches straight into the action with a heart-pounding hunt that immediately sets the tone. The descriptions are incredibly vivid, with a dark forest setting that felt alive, and I was completely transported by the world-building. I loved Elysia as a protagonist, too! Her bravery and kindness make her so easy to root for as she meets the other chosens.
However, the pacing felt a little rushed. With so many plotlines weaving through a relatively short book, some elements felt unnecessary, while others needed more space to develop. While the journey through the lands to the selection was enjoyable, the selection trial was over within mere minutes. I would have loved more trials to really cement Elysia as the natural choice for the throne. The romance happened very quickly, too, which added to that "fast-forward" feeling, although I liked their connection and the forbidden love trope!
With thanks to the Publishers and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Trigger warnings: Injury detail, blood, murder, death, torture, violence, schizophrenia/psychosis, suicide attempt, fire injury, misogyny, confinement, kidnapping, pregnancy
March 30, 2026
3.5⭐️
In a world where humans’ dreams and nightmares feed the elves who live in a cloud-like kingdom above them, one human woman is chosen to become their next queen through a series of trials. When Elysia begins dreaming of the same elf and is later selected to represent her village as a potential future queen, she never expects to encounter him in real life.
This was a really interesting premise! The division between light and dark elves, along with the dream and nightmare magic, was fascinating. The selection storyline—where one girl from each village is chosen for the chance to become queen—was also very intriguing. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear there’s much more at play: a forbidden attraction, political intrigue, hidden loyalties, and a disturbing history that may be repeating itself.
As this is the first book in the series, I think it struggled a bit with pacing. Much of the first half is dedicated to establishing the world and building up to the trials, and I would have liked more time spent exploring that part of the story. I especially enjoyed the bond Elysia formed with Thalia and Lisbeth, but it felt like that aspect ended too quickly as the trial was over in the blink of an eye and the story moved onto the next part.
The second half leans more into the political intrigue and romance, where the two main characters finally interact. However, the romance didn’t feel as developed as I would have liked and had a bit of an insta-love quality. I think more time spent building their connection would have made later developments and emotional reactions feel more believable.
That said, the final chapters were genuinely surprising, and I didn’t expect some of those twists, even if it felt like things moved very quickly at the end. I’m definitely curious to learn more about the characters’ history and backstory now that more has been revealed.
Overall, this was an intriguing start to a series with a unique premise and strong potential. I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel to see where the story goes next.
Thank you to Podium Entertainment and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
In a world where humans’ dreams and nightmares feed the elves who live in a cloud-like kingdom above them, one human woman is chosen to become their next queen through a series of trials. When Elysia begins dreaming of the same elf and is later selected to represent her village as a potential future queen, she never expects to encounter him in real life.
This was a really interesting premise! The division between light and dark elves, along with the dream and nightmare magic, was fascinating. The selection storyline—where one girl from each village is chosen for the chance to become queen—was also very intriguing. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear there’s much more at play: a forbidden attraction, political intrigue, hidden loyalties, and a disturbing history that may be repeating itself.
As this is the first book in the series, I think it struggled a bit with pacing. Much of the first half is dedicated to establishing the world and building up to the trials, and I would have liked more time spent exploring that part of the story. I especially enjoyed the bond Elysia formed with Thalia and Lisbeth, but it felt like that aspect ended too quickly as the trial was over in the blink of an eye and the story moved onto the next part.
The second half leans more into the political intrigue and romance, where the two main characters finally interact. However, the romance didn’t feel as developed as I would have liked and had a bit of an insta-love quality. I think more time spent building their connection would have made later developments and emotional reactions feel more believable.
That said, the final chapters were genuinely surprising, and I didn’t expect some of those twists, even if it felt like things moved very quickly at the end. I’m definitely curious to learn more about the characters’ history and backstory now that more has been revealed.
Overall, this was an intriguing start to a series with a unique premise and strong potential. I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel to see where the story goes next.
Thank you to Podium Entertainment and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
February 15, 2026
Where Dreams Fall is book one in a dark romantasy series centred around Elysia, a human girl, living in a world of fragile peace where Elves feed from humans’ dreams.
This was my first R.L. Caulder book, but it will certainly not be the last! Her flowy and descriptive writing style drew me in and it‘s been a while since I could let myself fall so much into a story. It felt like the words carried me through it.
This first book was mainly focused on the heroine Elysia and the world and character building centred around her. What a great heroine Elysia is. She’s hard-working, brave, and has a heart of gold. Of course, she’s also a little bit naive, but this is rooted in her upbringing in a secluded and poverty-stricken village. I loved to see the world through her eyes with a mixture of wonder and horror. How she slowly found her backbone and I‘m sure she‘ll be a badass in the books to come.
This is a slow-burn romance, so the MC was only teased at in this book. Though the book is written in his POV as well, these parts were minor and I don‘t think I know him well yet. I do think he and Elysia are set to have great chemistry.
I‘ll admit that I did see minor stumbling blocks in this story and some plot twists definitely felt like a hammer to the head, but I loved that! It’s been a while since I was really surprised by the progress of a story and Where Dreams Fall definitely surprised me a time or two. Maybe I could have seen the twist at the end coming, but while reading, I was so captivated I could barely breathe, let alone think in advance. So to me, it came out of the left field.
Overall, this book was a fantastic vibe read to me; it was one of these books I couldn‘t put down and the five stars are well deserved. Can‘t wait for book two!
Thank you to R.L. Caulder for sending me an ARC. All opinions are my own.
This was my first R.L. Caulder book, but it will certainly not be the last! Her flowy and descriptive writing style drew me in and it‘s been a while since I could let myself fall so much into a story. It felt like the words carried me through it.
This first book was mainly focused on the heroine Elysia and the world and character building centred around her. What a great heroine Elysia is. She’s hard-working, brave, and has a heart of gold. Of course, she’s also a little bit naive, but this is rooted in her upbringing in a secluded and poverty-stricken village. I loved to see the world through her eyes with a mixture of wonder and horror. How she slowly found her backbone and I‘m sure she‘ll be a badass in the books to come.
This is a slow-burn romance, so the MC was only teased at in this book. Though the book is written in his POV as well, these parts were minor and I don‘t think I know him well yet. I do think he and Elysia are set to have great chemistry.
I‘ll admit that I did see minor stumbling blocks in this story and some plot twists definitely felt like a hammer to the head, but I loved that! It’s been a while since I was really surprised by the progress of a story and Where Dreams Fall definitely surprised me a time or two. Maybe I could have seen the twist at the end coming, but while reading, I was so captivated I could barely breathe, let alone think in advance. So to me, it came out of the left field.
Overall, this book was a fantastic vibe read to me; it was one of these books I couldn‘t put down and the five stars are well deserved. Can‘t wait for book two!
Thank you to R.L. Caulder for sending me an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Where Dreams Fall drew me in straight away. It was one of those audiobooks which I just couldn't turn off! My listening binge was partly due to the excellent narration and partly due to the story, which I loved all the way through.
Elysia is a really kind and strong character and I really liked her from the start. I was invested in her as a character and invested in her pull to the mysterious man who appears in her dream right at the start of the book.
The blurb gave me the impression that the trials to become Queen would be a major part of the book, but games/trials wasn't really a substantial plot point here, so anyone coming in expecting the Queen trials to be a big part of the story would be disappointed. I found it quite refreshing though, as contests to be Queen are quite prevalent in romantasy at the moment. Instead, the plot of Where Dreams Fall moves quite quickly through the selection process, with the second half of the book taking place after the Queen is selected. I found it to be a pacy, streamlined book. There wasn't any filler in it, and it moved really quickly. The ending was great, and it definitely ended on a cliffhanger into book 2!
The audiobook narration was fantastic! It has my favourite duet narration in it, and the two narrators, Jacci Prior and Anthony Palmini, are both as amazing as always. They know how to deliver romantasy narration, and really sell the drama and emotion. Anthony Palmini doesn't get much narration time until the second half of the book as the first half doesn't have many lines spoken by male characters. It looks like he'll get more to do in book 2 though! I listened at x2.3 speed and it was great even at that higher speed, perfectly clear and audible.
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Listener Copy from Podium Entertainment but this is my voluntary and honest review.
Elysia is a really kind and strong character and I really liked her from the start. I was invested in her as a character and invested in her pull to the mysterious man who appears in her dream right at the start of the book.
The blurb gave me the impression that the trials to become Queen would be a major part of the book, but games/trials wasn't really a substantial plot point here, so anyone coming in expecting the Queen trials to be a big part of the story would be disappointed. I found it quite refreshing though, as contests to be Queen are quite prevalent in romantasy at the moment. Instead, the plot of Where Dreams Fall moves quite quickly through the selection process, with the second half of the book taking place after the Queen is selected. I found it to be a pacy, streamlined book. There wasn't any filler in it, and it moved really quickly. The ending was great, and it definitely ended on a cliffhanger into book 2!
The audiobook narration was fantastic! It has my favourite duet narration in it, and the two narrators, Jacci Prior and Anthony Palmini, are both as amazing as always. They know how to deliver romantasy narration, and really sell the drama and emotion. Anthony Palmini doesn't get much narration time until the second half of the book as the first half doesn't have many lines spoken by male characters. It looks like he'll get more to do in book 2 though! I listened at x2.3 speed and it was great even at that higher speed, perfectly clear and audible.
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Listener Copy from Podium Entertainment but this is my voluntary and honest review.
February 26, 2026
This book right here is going to blow up for sure! This book is so refreshing, so original and I could not and did not want to put it down! I think it's safe to say this book is going to be my new personality because I am obsessed!
This book is a mash up of The Hunger Games, Sandman and ACOTAR vibes! Absolutely magical!
Elysia is the FMC whose family is on the poorer side within the village. She is determined to help support her family and is such a hard worker! Elysia and her family are the definition of selfless and they aren't afraid to help others in whatever capacity they can. Elysia has a loud voice to stand up when she sees injustice and you can't help becoming so invested in her character. Even though she holde value towards her family, she yearns for more. Elysia is faced with an unexpected reality, once it's announced the current queen is dead. She will face whatever may come with determination and resilience.
This book kicks off with Elysia in a dream, or rather a nightmare. A surprise visitor makes himself known....The Dromin elves are the dream keepers. The Nithrin elves feed off of nightmares. They are sectioned into east and west lands and depending where you live, those elves have domain over your dreams. All the elves live above the clouds. The intricate workings and laws of the elves is so fascinating; the world development an storyline is the book was FLAWLESS!
Rhune, Rhune, RHUNE! Has just been enlisted into the roaster of book boyfriends! You heart just squeezes for him; his self worth is diminished. He is the definitely of "he falls first, and hard".
I cannot wait for the next book and to see where will happen next 🥺 when is the release day for book two because I need it NOW 🤣😘
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️n
This book is a mash up of The Hunger Games, Sandman and ACOTAR vibes! Absolutely magical!
Elysia is the FMC whose family is on the poorer side within the village. She is determined to help support her family and is such a hard worker! Elysia and her family are the definition of selfless and they aren't afraid to help others in whatever capacity they can. Elysia has a loud voice to stand up when she sees injustice and you can't help becoming so invested in her character. Even though she holde value towards her family, she yearns for more. Elysia is faced with an unexpected reality, once it's announced the current queen is dead. She will face whatever may come with determination and resilience.
This book kicks off with Elysia in a dream, or rather a nightmare. A surprise visitor makes himself known....The Dromin elves are the dream keepers. The Nithrin elves feed off of nightmares. They are sectioned into east and west lands and depending where you live, those elves have domain over your dreams. All the elves live above the clouds. The intricate workings and laws of the elves is so fascinating; the world development an storyline is the book was FLAWLESS!
Rhune, Rhune, RHUNE! Has just been enlisted into the roaster of book boyfriends! You heart just squeezes for him; his self worth is diminished. He is the definitely of "he falls first, and hard".
I cannot wait for the next book and to see where will happen next 🥺 when is the release day for book two because I need it NOW 🤣😘
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️n
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