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Valaztein
589 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 23, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 29, 2026
Note: This is the third book in a trilogy.
Nowhere on this book's listings does it mention that it's the third book in a trilogy and I was genuinely confused through so much of the beginning of the story. By the time I finally went digging to understand why, I was around 50% in and just... continued because why not? Fair warning to anyone picking this up.
Here's the thing though: I actually DNFed the first book because it read extremely young, almost middle grade. Which makes complete sense once you learn the author published it at ten years old. And watching this series grow alongside its author is honestly such a cool and impressive thing to witness. The third book is considerably more ambitious and skilled than the first, and even a quick peek at the second shows real improvement from the first. This author is developing in real time and that's so fun to see.
This one has so much more depth and world-building than the first. The world feels complex and exciting with so many unique settings to explore. The upside-down desert was absolutely fascinating. The musical and poetry elements are a lovely touch that gave the story a really distinctive flavor.
That said, this installment tries to do a whole lot and I mean a WHOLE lot. At nearly 700 pages compared to the previous two books clocking in UNDER 300, it's a pretty jarring shift. It does feel like it's trying to fit TOO much in. The large ensemble cast and many moving parts are fun but often overwhelming... but perhaps that's because I do not have the first two books as a foundation.
Still reads QUITE young, but I'm genuinely impressed with the growing talent here.
Thank you to the author and R&R Booktours for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
Nowhere on this book's listings does it mention that it's the third book in a trilogy and I was genuinely confused through so much of the beginning of the story. By the time I finally went digging to understand why, I was around 50% in and just... continued because why not? Fair warning to anyone picking this up.
Here's the thing though: I actually DNFed the first book because it read extremely young, almost middle grade. Which makes complete sense once you learn the author published it at ten years old. And watching this series grow alongside its author is honestly such a cool and impressive thing to witness. The third book is considerably more ambitious and skilled than the first, and even a quick peek at the second shows real improvement from the first. This author is developing in real time and that's so fun to see.
This one has so much more depth and world-building than the first. The world feels complex and exciting with so many unique settings to explore. The upside-down desert was absolutely fascinating. The musical and poetry elements are a lovely touch that gave the story a really distinctive flavor.
That said, this installment tries to do a whole lot and I mean a WHOLE lot. At nearly 700 pages compared to the previous two books clocking in UNDER 300, it's a pretty jarring shift. It does feel like it's trying to fit TOO much in. The large ensemble cast and many moving parts are fun but often overwhelming... but perhaps that's because I do not have the first two books as a foundation.
Still reads QUITE young, but I'm genuinely impressed with the growing talent here.
Thank you to the author and R&R Booktours for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
August 25, 2026
Valaztein by Emilia Ramos
Rating: 4/5
Medium: eBook - ARC
Valaztein by Emilia Ramos is an adventure-packed high-fantasy book that follows a group of characters as they embark on journeys of a lifetime to save the world. Expect dragons, sirens, magic, found family, world travel and much more.
I really enjoyed reading Valaztein. From the adventures to the romance, I adored each aspect of this book. I was hooked from the very first page. What I really liked about the book was the culture. Through the adventure, the crew visits multiple different territories, each with its own culture. It was interesting to learn about the different customs, languages and beliefs of each territory and how it impacted the crew’s mission. The story was full of secrets, twists and turns that kept you on your toes. The poetry in the book was beautifully written and had me reflecting on my own thoughts and morals at times. The adventure was never lacking. There was always something around the corner to make the crew stronger. The world-building was amazing. From the history of the world to the different territories, the world was built beautifully.
I highly recommend you check out this book. It is a chunky book, but it is a standalone fantasy book.
How I would describe the book in one sentence: a chunky book with lots of world-building, found family, and adventures of a lifetime.
Rating: 4/5
Medium: eBook - ARC
Valaztein by Emilia Ramos is an adventure-packed high-fantasy book that follows a group of characters as they embark on journeys of a lifetime to save the world. Expect dragons, sirens, magic, found family, world travel and much more.
I really enjoyed reading Valaztein. From the adventures to the romance, I adored each aspect of this book. I was hooked from the very first page. What I really liked about the book was the culture. Through the adventure, the crew visits multiple different territories, each with its own culture. It was interesting to learn about the different customs, languages and beliefs of each territory and how it impacted the crew’s mission. The story was full of secrets, twists and turns that kept you on your toes. The poetry in the book was beautifully written and had me reflecting on my own thoughts and morals at times. The adventure was never lacking. There was always something around the corner to make the crew stronger. The world-building was amazing. From the history of the world to the different territories, the world was built beautifully.
I highly recommend you check out this book. It is a chunky book, but it is a standalone fantasy book.
How I would describe the book in one sentence: a chunky book with lots of world-building, found family, and adventures of a lifetime.
August 25, 2026
Let me tell y’all…I was sold when I saw all the tropes. From dragons and sirens to dark magic and sailboats. And don’t get me started on the found family🥹 and enemies to lovers🤌🏾🔥🔥.
But babes…the way poetry and music was woven into this story? PERFECTION!!! The world is HUGE and I loved that every kingdom brought something different.
I adored how this wasn’t just Naomi’s story. We get multiple POVs and each character had their own identity, motivations, secrets and journey. The friendships, the romances, the bonds between these misfits…🥹🥹
From royals, thieves, and magical beings….and how they become exactly what each other needs.
I laughed with them. I worried about them. And I might have wanted to fight people for them.😅
Oh I also cried too but it’s me. Y’all know books always get me.😭 The poetry was a beautiful addition but this story has something to say beneath all that magic and adventure.
There were moments that broke my heart but I also loved that the story didn’t pretend every character could walk away from war and everything they’ve experienced completely untouched. There are consequences. There are losses. There are choices that hurt.
@emiramsa freaking delivered and I can’t thank you enough for the copy🫶🏾💛.
But babes…the way poetry and music was woven into this story? PERFECTION!!! The world is HUGE and I loved that every kingdom brought something different.
I adored how this wasn’t just Naomi’s story. We get multiple POVs and each character had their own identity, motivations, secrets and journey. The friendships, the romances, the bonds between these misfits…🥹🥹
From royals, thieves, and magical beings….and how they become exactly what each other needs.
I laughed with them. I worried about them. And I might have wanted to fight people for them.😅
Oh I also cried too but it’s me. Y’all know books always get me.😭 The poetry was a beautiful addition but this story has something to say beneath all that magic and adventure.
There were moments that broke my heart but I also loved that the story didn’t pretend every character could walk away from war and everything they’ve experienced completely untouched. There are consequences. There are losses. There are choices that hurt.
@emiramsa freaking delivered and I can’t thank you enough for the copy🫶🏾💛.
September 6, 2026
This was such a magical, emotional, and beautifully written adventure! I was completely obsessed with the world Emilia Ramos created. It does not ease you in! It has dragons, sirens, thieves, assassins, royals, magic, and a ruthless queen. There was SO much happening and it all worked so well together!
Naomi is the spine. The multiple POVs earn their keep and made each character feel like they had their own story. Analuna’s growth is absolutely earned. Grek and Analuna, Amethyst and Urumi are pairings that have heat and history.
This world never sits still! In fact the world building was one of my favorite parts: enchanted libraries, siren grottoes, dragon caverns, and so much more. Songs and poetry are woven in, which added such a unique touch to the story.
There were so many twists, dangerous alliances, emotional moments, romance, found family, and devastating losses that kept me invested from beginning to end. Valeztein is the kind of YA romantasy that gives you a little bit of everything, and I had such a fun time getting lost in this world.
Naomi is the spine. The multiple POVs earn their keep and made each character feel like they had their own story. Analuna’s growth is absolutely earned. Grek and Analuna, Amethyst and Urumi are pairings that have heat and history.
This world never sits still! In fact the world building was one of my favorite parts: enchanted libraries, siren grottoes, dragon caverns, and so much more. Songs and poetry are woven in, which added such a unique touch to the story.
There were so many twists, dangerous alliances, emotional moments, romance, found family, and devastating losses that kept me invested from beginning to end. Valeztein is the kind of YA romantasy that gives you a little bit of everything, and I had such a fun time getting lost in this world.
August 23, 2026
What a journey this story was! It was truly magical, filled with tales of sirens, dragons, vicious queens, even more vicious kings and so much more. I completely fell in love with the characters and even shed a few tears along the way.
I especially loved Grek and Analuna’s relationship and absolutely adored Amethyst and Urumi’s as well. I always look forward to reading each of their POVs, and this story was no exception.
I really enjoyed that so much of their journey took place on a sailboat, and I loved the beautiful elements of songs and poetry woven throughout the story. This is the perfect YA romantasy, with just the right amount of action, romance, magic, and adventure. The story was captivating from beginning to end and constantly left me wanting to turn the next page.
I can’t wait to see what other magical worlds Emilia creates and takes us into next!
I especially loved Grek and Analuna’s relationship and absolutely adored Amethyst and Urumi’s as well. I always look forward to reading each of their POVs, and this story was no exception.
I really enjoyed that so much of their journey took place on a sailboat, and I loved the beautiful elements of songs and poetry woven throughout the story. This is the perfect YA romantasy, with just the right amount of action, romance, magic, and adventure. The story was captivating from beginning to end and constantly left me wanting to turn the next page.
I can’t wait to see what other magical worlds Emilia creates and takes us into next!
September 13, 2026
4.6/5 rounded up!
I continue to be so impressed by Emilia! This was such an ambitious book for her to write as well as to read. Her other 2 books were under 300 pages and this one is 700!!! That is the longest book I have read all year!
That being said, this was so well written and I am glad I slowly read it through a couple of weeks to really savor it. If you are looking for epic fantasy with magical creatures and found family, you will love this one. Lots of world travel as well! There are multiple POVs and there are some points that definitely might make you cry!!
Highly recommend!
I continue to be so impressed by Emilia! This was such an ambitious book for her to write as well as to read. Her other 2 books were under 300 pages and this one is 700!!! That is the longest book I have read all year!
That being said, this was so well written and I am glad I slowly read it through a couple of weeks to really savor it. If you are looking for epic fantasy with magical creatures and found family, you will love this one. Lots of world travel as well! There are multiple POVs and there are some points that definitely might make you cry!!
Highly recommend!
August 25, 2026
Synopsis
So basically, here’s what happens:
Princess Naomi Elistaire has one of those evil (but-not-step) mothers who has…issues. Mother Dearest possesses terrifying power, and after crushing Naomi’s attempt to rebel against her, leaves Naomi and the rest of the kingdoms facing a future that is looking increasingly bleak. But Naomi isn’t ready to give up just yet. Alongside a group of unlikely companions—royals and thieves alike—she sets out on a journey filled with dangerous magic, complicated loyalties, and more than a few secrets. If they have any hope of changing the course of the war, they’ll have to work together…which is easier said than done when everyone is carrying their own history, motives, and hefty emotional baggage.
And so, the journey begins. There are dragons, magic, secrets, twists, and a motley crew travelling across seas and distant lands.
Honestly, what more could a fantasy reader ask for?
What I Loved About This Book
Fantasy books are known for, among other things, their elaborate world-building and character development, and Valaztein delivered both of those in spades.
The world-building was one of my favourite aspects of the book. There is plenty of lore, history, magic, and mystery to sink your teeth into, but it never felt as though I was being handed a textbook and told to study. The world and its secrets unfold naturally through dialogue, relationships, and the events of the story. Emilia Ramos does a wonderful job of weaving revelations and backstories into the narrative while still allowing the adventure to move forward.
And the characters! By the end of the book, I felt like I was close friends with Naomi, Analuna, Ez, and the rest of the crew. Everyone has a history. Everyone has something driving them. Even characters who initially appear shallow or uncomplicated reveal layers beneath the surface, and I loved watching those pieces come together.
I was heartbroken. I was rooting for the couples. I was ready to kill some of the characters. You know. The usual signs of a book successfully dragging you into its world and then proceeding to play with your emotions.
I also loved that, while there are romantic subplots, they complement rather than overshadow the main adventure. The romance adds to the characters and their journeys without ever taking over the story, which I really appreciated.
The dialogue is often humorous, and the book balances those lighter moments beautifully with angst, tragedy, love, loss, and choices that are far too big for any one person to carry. There are magical ancestors, secrets lurking in the shadows, dragons (because, obviously, dragons), and a motley crew of characters I found myself becoming increasingly attached to.
The pacing also worked really well for me. The story never felt hurried, but it didn't drag either. The relatively short chapters helped keep things moving, and the multiple points of view allowed me to experience the story from different perspectives. Each character had a distinct voice, which helped the larger cast feel individual and memorable.
I will say that, with several characters, storylines, and histories being introduced, there can be a slight learning curve in the beginning as you settle into the world and figure out how all the pieces connect. But once they do? It is incredibly satisfying to watch the story unfold.
A Single Critique
My one critique would be that occasionally, certain modern terms and references—such as the use of AM and PM or other contemporary-sounding details—felt slightly out of place within the otherwise immersive fantasy world. They were little moments that made me pause and go, “Hmm, are we sure about that one?” but they were minor enough that they never pulled me out of the story for long.
Final Thoughts
By the time I finished Valaztein, I sat back feeling satisfied, a little emotionally wrecked, and thoroughly immersed in the adventure—and really, isn't that the mark of a great writer?
Valaztein is a fantastic fantasy adventure filled with layered characters, rich world-building, engaging dialogue, magical intrigue, and secrets that gradually reveal themselves as the story unfolds. It has humour and heartbreak, powerful characters, dragons, and just enough romance to make you root for people without letting it steal the spotlight.
Perfectly suited to a YA audience and fantasy lovers alike, I would recommend Valaztein to readers who enjoy magical worlds, complex characters, political intrigue, found-family dynamics, and adventures filled with heart.
Because sometimes you want a book that gives you an entire world to get lost in—and Valaztein absolutely does.
So basically, here’s what happens:
Princess Naomi Elistaire has one of those evil (but-not-step) mothers who has…issues. Mother Dearest possesses terrifying power, and after crushing Naomi’s attempt to rebel against her, leaves Naomi and the rest of the kingdoms facing a future that is looking increasingly bleak. But Naomi isn’t ready to give up just yet. Alongside a group of unlikely companions—royals and thieves alike—she sets out on a journey filled with dangerous magic, complicated loyalties, and more than a few secrets. If they have any hope of changing the course of the war, they’ll have to work together…which is easier said than done when everyone is carrying their own history, motives, and hefty emotional baggage.
And so, the journey begins. There are dragons, magic, secrets, twists, and a motley crew travelling across seas and distant lands.
Honestly, what more could a fantasy reader ask for?
What I Loved About This Book
Fantasy books are known for, among other things, their elaborate world-building and character development, and Valaztein delivered both of those in spades.
The world-building was one of my favourite aspects of the book. There is plenty of lore, history, magic, and mystery to sink your teeth into, but it never felt as though I was being handed a textbook and told to study. The world and its secrets unfold naturally through dialogue, relationships, and the events of the story. Emilia Ramos does a wonderful job of weaving revelations and backstories into the narrative while still allowing the adventure to move forward.
And the characters! By the end of the book, I felt like I was close friends with Naomi, Analuna, Ez, and the rest of the crew. Everyone has a history. Everyone has something driving them. Even characters who initially appear shallow or uncomplicated reveal layers beneath the surface, and I loved watching those pieces come together.
I was heartbroken. I was rooting for the couples. I was ready to kill some of the characters. You know. The usual signs of a book successfully dragging you into its world and then proceeding to play with your emotions.
I also loved that, while there are romantic subplots, they complement rather than overshadow the main adventure. The romance adds to the characters and their journeys without ever taking over the story, which I really appreciated.
The dialogue is often humorous, and the book balances those lighter moments beautifully with angst, tragedy, love, loss, and choices that are far too big for any one person to carry. There are magical ancestors, secrets lurking in the shadows, dragons (because, obviously, dragons), and a motley crew of characters I found myself becoming increasingly attached to.
The pacing also worked really well for me. The story never felt hurried, but it didn't drag either. The relatively short chapters helped keep things moving, and the multiple points of view allowed me to experience the story from different perspectives. Each character had a distinct voice, which helped the larger cast feel individual and memorable.
I will say that, with several characters, storylines, and histories being introduced, there can be a slight learning curve in the beginning as you settle into the world and figure out how all the pieces connect. But once they do? It is incredibly satisfying to watch the story unfold.
A Single Critique
My one critique would be that occasionally, certain modern terms and references—such as the use of AM and PM or other contemporary-sounding details—felt slightly out of place within the otherwise immersive fantasy world. They were little moments that made me pause and go, “Hmm, are we sure about that one?” but they were minor enough that they never pulled me out of the story for long.
Final Thoughts
By the time I finished Valaztein, I sat back feeling satisfied, a little emotionally wrecked, and thoroughly immersed in the adventure—and really, isn't that the mark of a great writer?
Valaztein is a fantastic fantasy adventure filled with layered characters, rich world-building, engaging dialogue, magical intrigue, and secrets that gradually reveal themselves as the story unfolds. It has humour and heartbreak, powerful characters, dragons, and just enough romance to make you root for people without letting it steal the spotlight.
Perfectly suited to a YA audience and fantasy lovers alike, I would recommend Valaztein to readers who enjoy magical worlds, complex characters, political intrigue, found-family dynamics, and adventures filled with heart.
Because sometimes you want a book that gives you an entire world to get lost in—and Valaztein absolutely does.
August 22, 2026
I haven’t felt this emotionally wrecked in the best way after reading a book in a while, and if you’re looking for you’re next fantasy read full of a wide variety of characters that will both devastate you but also leave you satisfied, check this one out!
You follow a cast of characters from royals the thieves and assassins, all having come together in a chaotic set of circumstances but having met on King Urumi’s coronation day that the evil Queen Miranda has attacked. To save all the kingdoms from her plans of domination, her daughter Naomi has put together this crew of friends and allies to take her down and needs to gain the help of the other kingdoms of the realm and their soldiers to win this war. Amongst her crew are her guard Ez, the man she’s not sure if she can love or trust, Amethyst - a lost sibling to Ez who has powers over time and visions but is also at the mercy of the evil queen, Analuna - the queen of a kingdom she’s run from but also the princes of another she wants to home to, and finally Grek and Heather - two people who escaped their fates and joined her crew. They all must work together as unlikely allies and gain the support they need or the fate of the world will be lost.
Magic, dragons, relationships and of course court politics fill this book and some of my favorite characters I’ve ever read come to life on these pages. You get to see the impending war and building of alliances from multiple POVs and also the tension of different budding relationships among the members of this group. I loved the weaving of poems and songs into the story and the meaning they had either to the mission or the characters and how they sometimes helped progress the story. I was riding the emotional highs and lows of such an epic fantasy adventure, with losses that had me wrecked right along with the characters but also pushing on to continue their story with them as they fought for the fate of their world. It was good to see the bonds among them be tested as secrets were revealed that each kept and also see the different connections both romantic and platonic be strengthened through their hardships. I think Analuna was one of my favorite character arcs and seeing her grow and come into her own was one of my favorite parts of the book. Overall this book has given me a book hangover in the best way that epic tales do, and while not all endings can be happy, the story was wrapped up beautifully. My rating 4.7/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
You follow a cast of characters from royals the thieves and assassins, all having come together in a chaotic set of circumstances but having met on King Urumi’s coronation day that the evil Queen Miranda has attacked. To save all the kingdoms from her plans of domination, her daughter Naomi has put together this crew of friends and allies to take her down and needs to gain the help of the other kingdoms of the realm and their soldiers to win this war. Amongst her crew are her guard Ez, the man she’s not sure if she can love or trust, Amethyst - a lost sibling to Ez who has powers over time and visions but is also at the mercy of the evil queen, Analuna - the queen of a kingdom she’s run from but also the princes of another she wants to home to, and finally Grek and Heather - two people who escaped their fates and joined her crew. They all must work together as unlikely allies and gain the support they need or the fate of the world will be lost.
Magic, dragons, relationships and of course court politics fill this book and some of my favorite characters I’ve ever read come to life on these pages. You get to see the impending war and building of alliances from multiple POVs and also the tension of different budding relationships among the members of this group. I loved the weaving of poems and songs into the story and the meaning they had either to the mission or the characters and how they sometimes helped progress the story. I was riding the emotional highs and lows of such an epic fantasy adventure, with losses that had me wrecked right along with the characters but also pushing on to continue their story with them as they fought for the fate of their world. It was good to see the bonds among them be tested as secrets were revealed that each kept and also see the different connections both romantic and platonic be strengthened through their hardships. I think Analuna was one of my favorite character arcs and seeing her grow and come into her own was one of my favorite parts of the book. Overall this book has given me a book hangover in the best way that epic tales do, and while not all endings can be happy, the story was wrapped up beautifully. My rating 4.7/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
September 2, 2026
i typically love looking through books by younger writers because it's always fun seeing what we'll be seeing in the next couple of years, fiction-wise! unfortunately, this book wasn't really it for me. i was given it by a friend in the middle of reading it. it started off pretty strong (i was really intrigued by the way the characters were introduced, and the world seemed fairly interesting compared to your average fantasy world) but pretty soon, i got a bit bummed out because of the obvious use of ai to enhance the author's writing. i'd already found the writing to be a bit juvenile, which is to be expected of younger writers and is in itself completely inoffensive, but writing is a journey that ai really should have no part in.
after reading the description on amazon, i sort of confirmed for myself that this book was largely ai-assisted, which is unfortunate, because the plot itself seemed like it had a lot of potential, and i was looking forward to getting to know naomi as a character, even though i don't typically read that many first-person books. this part of the description in particular really got me:
"Inside these pages:
Original siren songs.
A found family of royals, thieves, soldiers, and magical beings bound by secrets.
Upside-down deserts, enchanted libraries, siren grottoes, and dragon caverns where charm hides danger.
Buried histories, kings, enemies-turned-lovers, and old magic...
One haunting question: Are we defined by what we inherit—or by what we choose?
Warning: This book may steal your sleep. Once the journey begins, putting it down may no longer feel like a choice.
Whimsical, emotional, and deeply immersive, Valaztein delivers fantasy where magic and poetry collide.
Not just dragons. Not just a battle for the throne."
i've done multiple studies at different colleges on the way ai writes versus the way humans write, and this description is very clearly ai-generated, which i find to be a bit tacky and very offensive to the art of writing in itself, especially in writing fantasy fiction. it makes me sad that young writers have such little confidence in their writing that they must resort to using generative ai to assist or produce stories for them, and i hope the author is able to embrace her own writing and her personal voice and develop it without depending on machines, since there is so much potential in what she already has in this book. for now, i'm keeping my rating at two stars.
after reading the description on amazon, i sort of confirmed for myself that this book was largely ai-assisted, which is unfortunate, because the plot itself seemed like it had a lot of potential, and i was looking forward to getting to know naomi as a character, even though i don't typically read that many first-person books. this part of the description in particular really got me:
"Inside these pages:
Original siren songs.
A found family of royals, thieves, soldiers, and magical beings bound by secrets.
Upside-down deserts, enchanted libraries, siren grottoes, and dragon caverns where charm hides danger.
Buried histories, kings, enemies-turned-lovers, and old magic...
One haunting question: Are we defined by what we inherit—or by what we choose?
Warning: This book may steal your sleep. Once the journey begins, putting it down may no longer feel like a choice.
Whimsical, emotional, and deeply immersive, Valaztein delivers fantasy where magic and poetry collide.
Not just dragons. Not just a battle for the throne."
i've done multiple studies at different colleges on the way ai writes versus the way humans write, and this description is very clearly ai-generated, which i find to be a bit tacky and very offensive to the art of writing in itself, especially in writing fantasy fiction. it makes me sad that young writers have such little confidence in their writing that they must resort to using generative ai to assist or produce stories for them, and i hope the author is able to embrace her own writing and her personal voice and develop it without depending on machines, since there is so much potential in what she already has in this book. for now, i'm keeping my rating at two stars.
September 17, 2026
First and foremost, it is SO impressive that the author published her first book when she was ten, and now at 16, has her third book published that also contains her own poetry and music compositions! This was an engaging YA epic fantasy read!
💜Enemies to Lovers
🔥Slow Burn & Forbidden Love
🐉Dragons, Shifters & Sirens
🌊Sailing Around the World
🌘Dark Magic & Cursed Bloodlines
🩸Visions & Powers of Old
💜Found Family
👑Royal Houses & Unique Kingdoms
🎶Poetry & Music Woven Throughout
📚Enchanted Libraries
⚔️Quest to Save the World
Naomi was supposed to be erased from history – her mother saw to that when she crushed her in war. But once she escapes the dungeons her mother kept her in, Naomi assembles a crew to protect the people she loves from a god whose harnessed dark power could end them all. Even with the odds stacked against her, Naomi’s not going to miss her second chance at dethroning a tyrant…
Valaztein is filled with beautiful world-building and a rich history for each of the kingdoms visited – embarking on this journey was akin to entering different worlds, each with their own distinctive landscape, climate, and culture. A standout for the novel was the unique found family made up of royals, thieves, assassins, Changelings, and those with hidden magics, on the quest of a lifetime. Each character in Naomi’s crew to fuel the Rebellion has a distinct personality and their own motivations for going on this quest, something we get to see in their POV chapters. Every kingdom visited uncovered new details and secrets, brought certain members of the group closer to one another as they navigated challenges together, and further solidified the bonds between this band of misfits as a whole. And as war approached? It was apparent that no one would come out unscathed – difficult decisions had to be made and some of those choices had consequences that they couldn’t have been prepared for…
Side note: This can be read as a standalone – there are two previous books connected to Valaztein, though those major events appear to be woven within via character memories/flashbacks, so I didn’t feel at a disadvantage (there are definite “click into place” moments!).
Thank you to the author for the gifted ebook to review!
Story:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Romantic Subplots
💜Enemies to Lovers
🔥Slow Burn & Forbidden Love
🐉Dragons, Shifters & Sirens
🌊Sailing Around the World
🌘Dark Magic & Cursed Bloodlines
🩸Visions & Powers of Old
💜Found Family
👑Royal Houses & Unique Kingdoms
🎶Poetry & Music Woven Throughout
📚Enchanted Libraries
⚔️Quest to Save the World
Naomi was supposed to be erased from history – her mother saw to that when she crushed her in war. But once she escapes the dungeons her mother kept her in, Naomi assembles a crew to protect the people she loves from a god whose harnessed dark power could end them all. Even with the odds stacked against her, Naomi’s not going to miss her second chance at dethroning a tyrant…
Valaztein is filled with beautiful world-building and a rich history for each of the kingdoms visited – embarking on this journey was akin to entering different worlds, each with their own distinctive landscape, climate, and culture. A standout for the novel was the unique found family made up of royals, thieves, assassins, Changelings, and those with hidden magics, on the quest of a lifetime. Each character in Naomi’s crew to fuel the Rebellion has a distinct personality and their own motivations for going on this quest, something we get to see in their POV chapters. Every kingdom visited uncovered new details and secrets, brought certain members of the group closer to one another as they navigated challenges together, and further solidified the bonds between this band of misfits as a whole. And as war approached? It was apparent that no one would come out unscathed – difficult decisions had to be made and some of those choices had consequences that they couldn’t have been prepared for…
Side note: This can be read as a standalone – there are two previous books connected to Valaztein, though those major events appear to be woven within via character memories/flashbacks, so I didn’t feel at a disadvantage (there are definite “click into place” moments!).
Thank you to the author for the gifted ebook to review!
Story:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Romantic Subplots
August 25, 2026
Valaztein is such an ambitious story, with a huge cast of characters, multiple POVs, and so many different storylines unfolding at once. At first, there is a lot to keep track of, but what I really enjoyed was watching all of those seemingly separate pieces slowly come together. By the time I could see how everything was connected, I was completely invested in the bigger picture.
The characters really stood out to me throughout this book. I found myself becoming invested in more than just the main romance because there were so many characters I genuinely wanted to know more about. I loved getting glimpses into their pasts and seeing how their individual choices shaped their journeys. Each character brought something different to the story, and I really enjoyed watching their stories unfold alongside the larger plot.
The world itself also felt incredibly expansive. Between the dragons, sirens, royal houses, dark magic, enchanted libraries, theaters, grottos, sailboats, and world travel, there is so much woven into this story. The found-family elements and enemies-to-lovers romance were also highlights for me, and I enjoyed the slow-burn nature of the relationships.
What impressed me most was how Emilia Ramos managed to bring so many different characters and storylines together into one interconnected narrative. There is definitely a lot happening, but seeing everything unfold from different perspectives made the world feel so much larger and made the eventual connections that much more satisfying.
This is my third book by Emilia Ramos, and I’ve really enjoyed seeing her writing grow with each book. Valaztein is an intricate, character-driven fantasy with a lot to discover, and I’d definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy expansive fantasy worlds, multiple POVs, slow-burn romance, and stories where all the little pieces eventually come together.
✨ Enemies-to-Lovers
💜 Dragons
✨ World Travel
💜 Sailboats
✨ Slow Burn
💜 Dark Magic
✨ Found Family
💜 Sirens
✨ Royal Houses
💜 Poetry & Music
✨ Theaters, Grottos & Enchanted Libraries
A big thank you to Emilia Ramos and R&R Book Tours for sending me a review copy of Valaztein. I truly enjoyed getting the chance to read and share my thoughts on this book!
The characters really stood out to me throughout this book. I found myself becoming invested in more than just the main romance because there were so many characters I genuinely wanted to know more about. I loved getting glimpses into their pasts and seeing how their individual choices shaped their journeys. Each character brought something different to the story, and I really enjoyed watching their stories unfold alongside the larger plot.
The world itself also felt incredibly expansive. Between the dragons, sirens, royal houses, dark magic, enchanted libraries, theaters, grottos, sailboats, and world travel, there is so much woven into this story. The found-family elements and enemies-to-lovers romance were also highlights for me, and I enjoyed the slow-burn nature of the relationships.
What impressed me most was how Emilia Ramos managed to bring so many different characters and storylines together into one interconnected narrative. There is definitely a lot happening, but seeing everything unfold from different perspectives made the world feel so much larger and made the eventual connections that much more satisfying.
This is my third book by Emilia Ramos, and I’ve really enjoyed seeing her writing grow with each book. Valaztein is an intricate, character-driven fantasy with a lot to discover, and I’d definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy expansive fantasy worlds, multiple POVs, slow-burn romance, and stories where all the little pieces eventually come together.
✨ Enemies-to-Lovers
💜 Dragons
✨ World Travel
💜 Sailboats
✨ Slow Burn
💜 Dark Magic
✨ Found Family
💜 Sirens
✨ Royal Houses
💜 Poetry & Music
✨ Theaters, Grottos & Enchanted Libraries
A big thank you to Emilia Ramos and R&R Book Tours for sending me a review copy of Valaztein. I truly enjoyed getting the chance to read and share my thoughts on this book!
August 23, 2026
Valaztein is a story with so many characters, storylines, and perspectives, yet somehow, Emilia Ramos manages to bring them all together into one interconnected narrative. There is a lot happening in different parts of the story, but I really enjoyed seeing how all of them were somehow connected with each other in hindsight.
I personally am not someone who usually enjoys stories with a large ensemble and has multiple POVs, especially when the characters are in different locations and situations. Valaztein is not a story that can be read passively because there are details along the way that become important later. That was a "me" thing kind of opinion. I wan to really commend Emilia Ramos for how smoothly she handled the transitions between POVs. I loved how each perspective had its own distinct tone and personality, which also helped me differentiate the characters from one another a lot easier.
What I found challenging about the story also ended up being one of its strongest features for me. There is so much going on, yet the further I got, the more I could see how these seemingly separate events and characters were connected. I really enjoyed those moments when the pieces started falling into place.
The world-building was a little slow for me at the beginning of the story and it took me some time to properly picture the places beyond what the map provided. I also loved that every character had their own story and that their journeys did not all lead to the same outcome. Seeing everything unfold through different POVs made the world feel much bigger.
Overall, I really enjoyed seeing Valaztein unfold from all these different perspectives. There is a lot happening within the story, but seeing how everything eventually connects is what made it so interesting for me.
For longer review : pagesofyue.com
Many thanks to Emilia Ramos and to the After Plot Co. for giving me the opportunity to read this book in advanced. It was really truly an enjoyable experience meeting and following the journey of Analuna, Ez, Naomi, Urumi and the others.
I personally am not someone who usually enjoys stories with a large ensemble and has multiple POVs, especially when the characters are in different locations and situations. Valaztein is not a story that can be read passively because there are details along the way that become important later. That was a "me" thing kind of opinion. I wan to really commend Emilia Ramos for how smoothly she handled the transitions between POVs. I loved how each perspective had its own distinct tone and personality, which also helped me differentiate the characters from one another a lot easier.
What I found challenging about the story also ended up being one of its strongest features for me. There is so much going on, yet the further I got, the more I could see how these seemingly separate events and characters were connected. I really enjoyed those moments when the pieces started falling into place.
The world-building was a little slow for me at the beginning of the story and it took me some time to properly picture the places beyond what the map provided. I also loved that every character had their own story and that their journeys did not all lead to the same outcome. Seeing everything unfold through different POVs made the world feel much bigger.
Overall, I really enjoyed seeing Valaztein unfold from all these different perspectives. There is a lot happening within the story, but seeing how everything eventually connects is what made it so interesting for me.
For longer review : pagesofyue.com
Many thanks to Emilia Ramos and to the After Plot Co. for giving me the opportunity to read this book in advanced. It was really truly an enjoyable experience meeting and following the journey of Analuna, Ez, Naomi, Urumi and the others.
September 7, 2026
Thank you to Emilia Ramos and After the Plot Co. for providing an advanced reader copy of this book. I would give this 3.5 stars and am rounding up–this is something I commonly do on GoodReads and has no relation to ARC access.
This was a fast-paced YA fantasy read! Ramos did a great job of creating a fun and initially unlikeable FMC. The plot picked up right away and the world was easy to get immersed into. The dynamics between families and the magic systems hooked me in at the outset. I would recommend this book as a late-summer beach read or as a cozy world to sink your teeth into.
Valaztein is a young adult fantasy written by a young adult and it reads like one. It is not written in the same way as the Throne of Glass series or the Dance of Thieves duology–I find that Valaztein reads younger than both of these (especially later installments of ToG, which does mature in tone and content throughout the series). Valaztein is an exciting read read, but for more mature readers, it's important to go in with the right expectations.
Even with knowing Valaztein is YA written by a minor, I felt like there were plot points or character choices that were disjointed and inconsistent. There were also some grammatical and syntactical errors. To me, this is not solely a reflection on the author; it also comes down to the editorial team. These issues were distracting at times, but if you aren't reading closely, it isn't disruptive.
There were also parts of the book and the plot lacking detail, especially considering the book is nearly 600 pages long. I personally believe Valaztein's story would have been better served as a duology. Spreading the plot of this book across two installments would have given adequate time for the characters and their relationships to develop with more depth.
This was a fast-paced YA fantasy read! Ramos did a great job of creating a fun and initially unlikeable FMC. The plot picked up right away and the world was easy to get immersed into. The dynamics between families and the magic systems hooked me in at the outset. I would recommend this book as a late-summer beach read or as a cozy world to sink your teeth into.
Valaztein is a young adult fantasy written by a young adult and it reads like one. It is not written in the same way as the Throne of Glass series or the Dance of Thieves duology–I find that Valaztein reads younger than both of these (especially later installments of ToG, which does mature in tone and content throughout the series). Valaztein is an exciting read read, but for more mature readers, it's important to go in with the right expectations.
Even with knowing Valaztein is YA written by a minor, I felt like there were plot points or character choices that were disjointed and inconsistent. There were also some grammatical and syntactical errors. To me, this is not solely a reflection on the author; it also comes down to the editorial team. These issues were distracting at times, but if you aren't reading closely, it isn't disruptive.
There were also parts of the book and the plot lacking detail, especially considering the book is nearly 600 pages long. I personally believe Valaztein's story would have been better served as a duology. Spreading the plot of this book across two installments would have given adequate time for the characters and their relationships to develop with more depth.
October 3, 2026
"You'll hurt the people you love. You'll lose them. That's the choice, Urumi: you get to be a good man, or you get to be a good king. You don't get to be both."
-Valaztein, by @emiramsa
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am literally in awe. Valaztein is a standalone epic YA fantasy book, spanning continents in a world that is rich with magic, adventure, and politics. There's secrets, poetry, songs, and twists and multiple POVs that are intricately woven together to create a beautiful standalone tale with an epic conclusion - that will definitely not leave your heart intact. In short, Valaztein is a work of art.
Much of the story takes place on a sailboat as Naomi, exiled princess of Valaztein traverses the continents in search of a way to take back her kingdom. I loved how the crew encountered a different culture and adventure at each stop and I liked that the story was not Naomi's alone - the side characters were just as important and gave me so many characters to root for. But what I loved most of all was the found family- the way the crew formed relationships- romantic, familial, first from necessity and later from genuine love and loyalty. By the end, I cared about this entire crew and their fates, which made that final part of the book hit HARD. 😭
And what a conclusion it was. The different threads, characters and secrets come together in a finale that feels genuinely epic, with twists, sacrifices and moments that absolutely broke my heart. This is a story about adventure and reclaiming a kingdom, but also about love, loyalty, power and the impossible choices we make for the people we care about - something that the quote above captures perfectly.
The scope and ambition of this story is incredible, and I am genuinely excited to see what Emilia writes next.
Thank you so much to @emiramsa for the #gifted copy of Valaztein and for trusting me with your story. ❤️🐉👑⛵️
-Valaztein, by @emiramsa
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am literally in awe. Valaztein is a standalone epic YA fantasy book, spanning continents in a world that is rich with magic, adventure, and politics. There's secrets, poetry, songs, and twists and multiple POVs that are intricately woven together to create a beautiful standalone tale with an epic conclusion - that will definitely not leave your heart intact. In short, Valaztein is a work of art.
Much of the story takes place on a sailboat as Naomi, exiled princess of Valaztein traverses the continents in search of a way to take back her kingdom. I loved how the crew encountered a different culture and adventure at each stop and I liked that the story was not Naomi's alone - the side characters were just as important and gave me so many characters to root for. But what I loved most of all was the found family- the way the crew formed relationships- romantic, familial, first from necessity and later from genuine love and loyalty. By the end, I cared about this entire crew and their fates, which made that final part of the book hit HARD. 😭
And what a conclusion it was. The different threads, characters and secrets come together in a finale that feels genuinely epic, with twists, sacrifices and moments that absolutely broke my heart. This is a story about adventure and reclaiming a kingdom, but also about love, loyalty, power and the impossible choices we make for the people we care about - something that the quote above captures perfectly.
The scope and ambition of this story is incredible, and I am genuinely excited to see what Emilia writes next.
Thank you so much to @emiramsa for the #gifted copy of Valaztein and for trusting me with your story. ❤️🐉👑⛵️
August 25, 2026
3.5 ⭐
I loved the concept of dark magic and dragon changelings. Naomi's rebellion circle came together to dethrone the queen of Valaztein.
The story started with the coronation ceremony of king Urumi, followed by a sudden attack from Valaztein brought all the characters together to work against this dark power and queen Miranda.
This book felt more character-driven with so many interesting characters. And I enjoyed everyone's POV, but Analuna and Ez were my favourites. While the story focused on the rebels' actions and power battle against the tyrant queen, the romantic connections between the characters were equally entertaining.
I really loved the map and the family tree flowchart. These were the first things that instantly drew me in and I was completely invested in the story. At some point, though, the story slowed down and I started losing focus, but still it was a good one.
The last part of this book was really heartbreaking. I didn't expect the ending with the letter. I really had a little hope for a satisfying ending for Ez and Naomi, because I felt such a strong connection with Ez's character. The love, yearning, denial- everything felt so real between them.
The story itself was really good but I didn't feel completely connected to the writing. Some abrupt scene transitions often disrupted my natural reading flow, and I found myself easily distracted.
Thank you so much to afterplotco and the author for this e-ARC.
I loved the concept of dark magic and dragon changelings. Naomi's rebellion circle came together to dethrone the queen of Valaztein.
The story started with the coronation ceremony of king Urumi, followed by a sudden attack from Valaztein brought all the characters together to work against this dark power and queen Miranda.
This book felt more character-driven with so many interesting characters. And I enjoyed everyone's POV, but Analuna and Ez were my favourites. While the story focused on the rebels' actions and power battle against the tyrant queen, the romantic connections between the characters were equally entertaining.
I really loved the map and the family tree flowchart. These were the first things that instantly drew me in and I was completely invested in the story. At some point, though, the story slowed down and I started losing focus, but still it was a good one.
The last part of this book was really heartbreaking. I didn't expect the ending with the letter. I really had a little hope for a satisfying ending for Ez and Naomi, because I felt such a strong connection with Ez's character. The love, yearning, denial- everything felt so real between them.
The story itself was really good but I didn't feel completely connected to the writing. Some abrupt scene transitions often disrupted my natural reading flow, and I found myself easily distracted.
Thank you so much to afterplotco and the author for this e-ARC.
August 25, 2026
Princess Naomi, our FMC, is believed to be dead following the failed rebellion against the crown of Valaztein, in which her mother the Queen turned to treachery in a desperate bid to keep her claim to the throne. after escaping from two years of imprisonment at her mother’s behest, Naomi seeks to reclaim her throne with the help of her ragtag yet charming & lovable group of friends. found family is one of my most treasured tropes because of the impact it has on the MC & I loved how each character’s individuality truly shone through in the chapters from their POVs. I also found the multiple POVs helped to provide emotional balance woven throughout the plot with its more humorous characters like Grek!
Emilia Ramos’ writing style is absolutely beautiful & feels poetic without reading as too flowery or hard to follow. additionally, the world building is throughly detailed yet also so well thought out that it never feels overwhelming or that you are being buried beneath the facts. to me, this is one of those stories that you could repeatedly read & still find secrets & surprises hidden within the lines. if you love immersive fantasy stories with multiple POV’s & epic adventures of ancient magic + secrets to be uncovered, then this book is definitely for you!
Emilia Ramos’ writing style is absolutely beautiful & feels poetic without reading as too flowery or hard to follow. additionally, the world building is throughly detailed yet also so well thought out that it never feels overwhelming or that you are being buried beneath the facts. to me, this is one of those stories that you could repeatedly read & still find secrets & surprises hidden within the lines. if you love immersive fantasy stories with multiple POV’s & epic adventures of ancient magic + secrets to be uncovered, then this book is definitely for you!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Valaztein redefines magic. Transforming the world of fantasy into something that not only reflects on the worst and best of human kind but enhances our very understanding of what those concepts mean. The way sirens are treated in Lightmoon, the taboo around dark magic in Valaztein, the regional splits and literal “wall” in Tashiki, the gravity being mined out of Zhyheria are all a reflection and commentary of real-world events and real-world sentiments. This book made me feel, think, laugh, hurt, and ponder. It is everything fantasy should be: a brilliant plot, characters that are both love-able and hate-able at once, a world that teams with promise and discovery, a mystery, a complex-web of seemingly unsolvable disputes, and a set of heroes so messed up they can’t help but save the world. This book, however, as is the case with the entire Shadow Heir trilogy, also has something most fantasy and young adult books lack: it changes the way you think about the world. It shows you the complexity of how people are and makes you believe we can all still make a difference. If you only read one book in your life, make it this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2026
What a conclusion to an epic YA dark fantasy trilogy!
It was a long journey to get here, but we did it 🥹
We lost a few AMAZING people along the way 😢 but their sacrifices paved the way for their family & friends future.
In Valaztein we pick up exactly where we left off in Thieves of Time Forgotten. We get a new POV, and I grew to really love that character. The magic as always was amazing. This time we get a peek at sirens, a magical healing tree, FIVE HUMPED CAMELS, and more! Emilia has built such an immersive world within this trilogy. I will say book 3 is A LOT longer than the first 2 books, but it felt like it was needed. With the multi POVs you really get every side of the story, which in turn made this read quite long.
I love that with Amethyst’s powers we got to learn more about the Auroris! And I LOVE that our characters each found love it some way.
There is definitely, IMO, not a happy ending like a romance story would have. But it has its own way of being a happy ending.
Huge thank you to Emilia for sending me an ARC for this release! I can’t wait to see what you create next! Keep up the amazing work. 🫶🏼
It was a long journey to get here, but we did it 🥹
We lost a few AMAZING people along the way 😢 but their sacrifices paved the way for their family & friends future.
In Valaztein we pick up exactly where we left off in Thieves of Time Forgotten. We get a new POV, and I grew to really love that character. The magic as always was amazing. This time we get a peek at sirens, a magical healing tree, FIVE HUMPED CAMELS, and more! Emilia has built such an immersive world within this trilogy. I will say book 3 is A LOT longer than the first 2 books, but it felt like it was needed. With the multi POVs you really get every side of the story, which in turn made this read quite long.
I love that with Amethyst’s powers we got to learn more about the Auroris! And I LOVE that our characters each found love it some way.
There is definitely, IMO, not a happy ending like a romance story would have. But it has its own way of being a happy ending.
Huge thank you to Emilia for sending me an ARC for this release! I can’t wait to see what you create next! Keep up the amazing work. 🫶🏼
August 25, 2026
4.5 stars
I was sold on this book by just hearing the tropes but once I saw how thick it was...there was no going back! This fantasy book is one where you need to read slowly and pay attention, or you will miss vital information.
While reading, it became apparent that the characters were what made the story so engaging. We have a clear FMC but every character felt so developed! They all had a story, and it was so fun watching each story as the book progressed. To top it off...they were flawed! We all love flawed characters because they feel real and relatable.
Aside from the found family and incredible characters, the world-building was another highlight! This is not a book where you are left wondering about various aspects. They are described vividly and in-depth, making you stand alongside the characters as you turn the pages rather than just read about it.
There were a few moments where I was pulled from the story because it felt it took place in a specific era and then BOOM some modern language pulled me out of the setting.
All in all, this was a wonderful read. It took me longer than expected but she is a chonky one and I am so here for it!
I was sold on this book by just hearing the tropes but once I saw how thick it was...there was no going back! This fantasy book is one where you need to read slowly and pay attention, or you will miss vital information.
While reading, it became apparent that the characters were what made the story so engaging. We have a clear FMC but every character felt so developed! They all had a story, and it was so fun watching each story as the book progressed. To top it off...they were flawed! We all love flawed characters because they feel real and relatable.
Aside from the found family and incredible characters, the world-building was another highlight! This is not a book where you are left wondering about various aspects. They are described vividly and in-depth, making you stand alongside the characters as you turn the pages rather than just read about it.
There were a few moments where I was pulled from the story because it felt it took place in a specific era and then BOOM some modern language pulled me out of the setting.
All in all, this was a wonderful read. It took me longer than expected but she is a chonky one and I am so here for it!
August 24, 2026
Emilia Ramos did a wonderful job writing this story! It is written in a unique way which i loved. It had many povs that wasn't confusing and gave more to the story. She even wrote songs and poems into the it, and the details of the world was great also. I was hooked from the beginning to the end of the book. It has princesses, queen, kings, dragon, Enchanted libraries, magical beings, magic, Sirens, thieves, found family, enemy to lovers, secrets, and so much more! There is a fmc Naomi and the side characters also felt like main characters at spots also. I loved how every character had thier own story and also helped the fmc. It brought everything more to life for me. The characters had thier own story, problems, and growth. It was also an emotional read for me. Which a good book should be in my opinion. Analuna is probably my favorite character especially with all the growth she has done throughout the book. If you love high fantasy, characters with depth, dragons, and more give this book a try.
Thank you After Plot Co and Emilia Ramos for the arc!
Thank you After Plot Co and Emilia Ramos for the arc!
August 25, 2026
A huge fantasy world that takes some patience 💜
Valaztein took me some time to settle into. The beginning introduces so many characters, kingdoms, relationships and backstories that I found it quite difficult to keep track of everyone. But once I immersed myself in the story, everything started falling into place and I enjoyed it much more.
The world-building is definitely a highlight. Dragons, sirens, dark magic, royal houses, found family, sailboats, adventures and court politics all come together to create a huge fantasy world.
I also loved the multiple POVs and getting to know the different characters and their individual journeys. The friendships, relationships and secrets kept things interesting. Amethyst was definitely one of my favourite🥹
The inclusion of poetry and music was another thing I really enjoyed. It gave the story something different and added more depth to the world.
Overall, this is an ambitious fantasy that requires some patience at the beginning, but once you get immersed, there's a lot to discover and enjoy. 💜
Valaztein took me some time to settle into. The beginning introduces so many characters, kingdoms, relationships and backstories that I found it quite difficult to keep track of everyone. But once I immersed myself in the story, everything started falling into place and I enjoyed it much more.
The world-building is definitely a highlight. Dragons, sirens, dark magic, royal houses, found family, sailboats, adventures and court politics all come together to create a huge fantasy world.
I also loved the multiple POVs and getting to know the different characters and their individual journeys. The friendships, relationships and secrets kept things interesting. Amethyst was definitely one of my favourite🥹
The inclusion of poetry and music was another thing I really enjoyed. It gave the story something different and added more depth to the world.
Overall, this is an ambitious fantasy that requires some patience at the beginning, but once you get immersed, there's a lot to discover and enjoy. 💜
August 26, 2026
“Fate is an excuse for children, not kings.”
This new high fantasy story from Emilia Ramos is action packed with fight scenes, an FMC is determined to change the world but must find the courage to do so and an MMC who is equally as dedicated to her as he is to her vision of the world, sirens and grottos, enemies to lovers with slow burn romance between multiple couples who all get their HEAs, ancient lands with royalty and dark magic, dragons and my personal favorite… enchanted libraries!!! YES PLEASE!!
Don’t let this hefty size of this book deter you, it is worth the read. Well written, plenty of action and romance, diverse kingdoms and fun banter for there to be something for every type of fantasy lover. This was such a fun read, getting to explore all the different and diverse kingdoms that each have a distinct culture and landscape. The world traveling is one of the ways that the author created an interesting and engaging way to captivate the reader and keep the pages turning.
This new high fantasy story from Emilia Ramos is action packed with fight scenes, an FMC is determined to change the world but must find the courage to do so and an MMC who is equally as dedicated to her as he is to her vision of the world, sirens and grottos, enemies to lovers with slow burn romance between multiple couples who all get their HEAs, ancient lands with royalty and dark magic, dragons and my personal favorite… enchanted libraries!!! YES PLEASE!!
Don’t let this hefty size of this book deter you, it is worth the read. Well written, plenty of action and romance, diverse kingdoms and fun banter for there to be something for every type of fantasy lover. This was such a fun read, getting to explore all the different and diverse kingdoms that each have a distinct culture and landscape. The world traveling is one of the ways that the author created an interesting and engaging way to captivate the reader and keep the pages turning.
August 16, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🫑
Thank you to Emilia and R&R Book Tours for an ARC!
This was such a fun read! The world building was well-written to the point where I could picture myself traveling alongside the wide cast of characters. Our primary FMC, Naomi, was determined, courageous, and adventurous, with a clear vision of how she could make the world a better place. Our primary MMC, Ez, was devoted to Naomi and her cause, had a huge heart when it came to her, and was a kick butt dragon changeling. Our remaining MCs, Amethyst, Urumi, Heather, Grek, and Analuna, were all well-developed with full, personal development character arcs. We even got chapters from each of their POVs which provided great insight. Please note, while there were multiple romances between the cast of main characters, this was not the primary focus of the book and not every couple got an HEA. Overall, this one was a fun time!
*Check TWs if needed.*
🫑
Thank you to Emilia and R&R Book Tours for an ARC!
This was such a fun read! The world building was well-written to the point where I could picture myself traveling alongside the wide cast of characters. Our primary FMC, Naomi, was determined, courageous, and adventurous, with a clear vision of how she could make the world a better place. Our primary MMC, Ez, was devoted to Naomi and her cause, had a huge heart when it came to her, and was a kick butt dragon changeling. Our remaining MCs, Amethyst, Urumi, Heather, Grek, and Analuna, were all well-developed with full, personal development character arcs. We even got chapters from each of their POVs which provided great insight. Please note, while there were multiple romances between the cast of main characters, this was not the primary focus of the book and not every couple got an HEA. Overall, this one was a fun time!
*Check TWs if needed.*
August 27, 2026
Thieves, assassins, and royals all wrapped up in a story filled with magic, dragons, political intrigue, and secrets. Valaztein by Emilia Ramos delivers a multi-POV fantasy with epic world-building that makes you feel like you are part of the story. I was completely mesmerized by the unique writing style, especially the way poetry, visions, and romance are woven throughout the story. Each character arc was so well developed that they all felt worthy of main-character energy!
Although she is not the FMC, Annaluna’s chapters were my favorite to read. I am a sucker for character progression, and hers was pure perfection. This book will make you laugh, break your heart, and take you on one heck of an adventure along the way. If you are into multi-POV, character-driven epic YA fantasy, Valaztein is definitely worth adding to your TBR!
Thank you so much to R&R Book Tours and Emilia Ramos for the gifted copy! All opinions are my own.
Although she is not the FMC, Annaluna’s chapters were my favorite to read. I am a sucker for character progression, and hers was pure perfection. This book will make you laugh, break your heart, and take you on one heck of an adventure along the way. If you are into multi-POV, character-driven epic YA fantasy, Valaztein is definitely worth adding to your TBR!
Thank you so much to R&R Book Tours and Emilia Ramos for the gifted copy! All opinions are my own.
August 27, 2026
A perfect YA romantasy! I loved how everything was done, from the world building, to the elements of songs and poetry, dragons, sirens and dark magic.
The songs and poetry parts were so beautiful!
I loved the different cultures we got to see, how very different everyone was and just the adventure the group had, traveling around the kingdoms.
There is adventure at every step in the book and it never lacked anything, I was so deeply involved in the story I just couldn't put it down. 🥹
We get multiple POVs, but Naomi is the FMC, she makes a group of such different people, but they work so well together, I just couldn't help but feel like I was part of their group.
Whimsical, emotional, and deeply immersive indeed, I'm looking forward to reading more from Emilia!
Thank you to Emilia Ramos and R&R Book Tours for sending me a review copy of Valaztein. I enjoyed this so much!!
The songs and poetry parts were so beautiful!
I loved the different cultures we got to see, how very different everyone was and just the adventure the group had, traveling around the kingdoms.
There is adventure at every step in the book and it never lacked anything, I was so deeply involved in the story I just couldn't put it down. 🥹
We get multiple POVs, but Naomi is the FMC, she makes a group of such different people, but they work so well together, I just couldn't help but feel like I was part of their group.
Whimsical, emotional, and deeply immersive indeed, I'm looking forward to reading more from Emilia!
Thank you to Emilia Ramos and R&R Book Tours for sending me a review copy of Valaztein. I enjoyed this so much!!
August 28, 2026
Valaztein
Wow what an epic fantasy! I wasn’t expecting this wild ride but it was so good! Told from multiple POVs the story takes us everywhere from endless deserts to enchanted libraries, to sailing the seas and fun theaters!
I really enjoyed the overall storyline, there was so much depth and layers not just fighting but there was love and forgiveness and family and so much more.
Be prepared to experience a rollercoaster of emotions with this one. I also highly recommend reading the previous books for more depth and understanding.
I enjoyed the various POVs giving more insight and perspective into each of the different characters. My favorite was still Ez!
If you love an epic fantasy with young adult characters, multiple POVs, morally grey characters, dragons, multiple romances, found family, epic journey, sirens, magic, battles, high stakes, time travel, forgiveness, family bonds, and so, so, much more then don’t miss this one!
Wow what an epic fantasy! I wasn’t expecting this wild ride but it was so good! Told from multiple POVs the story takes us everywhere from endless deserts to enchanted libraries, to sailing the seas and fun theaters!
I really enjoyed the overall storyline, there was so much depth and layers not just fighting but there was love and forgiveness and family and so much more.
Be prepared to experience a rollercoaster of emotions with this one. I also highly recommend reading the previous books for more depth and understanding.
I enjoyed the various POVs giving more insight and perspective into each of the different characters. My favorite was still Ez!
If you love an epic fantasy with young adult characters, multiple POVs, morally grey characters, dragons, multiple romances, found family, epic journey, sirens, magic, battles, high stakes, time travel, forgiveness, family bonds, and so, so, much more then don’t miss this one!
August 24, 2026
★★★★☆ — 4/5
Valaztein is a detailed fantasy about misfits, royals, dragons, secrets and a tyrant who has unfortunately made himself everyone's problem.
What stood out most to me was the cast. Although there is an FMC, almost every character feels like a protagonist in their own right. They have their own histories, secrets and motivations, and I really enjoyed seeing those pieces unfold.
The beginning took me some time to settle into because there are quite a few characters, arcs and connections to keep track of. But once everything clicked, the story became an easy read and kept me hooked with its twists.
My favourite part was how real the characters felt. They aren't perfectly noble heroes making perfectly selfless choices. They're flawed. They're protective. They're selfish sometimes. They make mistakes. And the story isn't afraid to let things go badly.
Analuna especially stayed with me. She's guarded, fiercely protective of the people she loves and has a spirit I genuinely envy.
And then she said:
“Adventure is skincare for the soul.”
Honestly, she gets it.
My only real quibble was the number of sibling reunions. Some were searching for each other, some just happened to find each other, and at one point I did wonder if the entire kingdom had been separated at birth. 😂
Overall, Valaztein is a complex, character-driven fantasy that rewards a little patience at the beginning. I liked that it didn't feel overly polished or idealistic. It let its characters be messy and its story have consequences.
Recommended for: fantasy readers who enjoy ensemble casts, layered characters, secrets, dragons and stories that don't insist on a neat happy ending.
Valaztein is a detailed fantasy about misfits, royals, dragons, secrets and a tyrant who has unfortunately made himself everyone's problem.
What stood out most to me was the cast. Although there is an FMC, almost every character feels like a protagonist in their own right. They have their own histories, secrets and motivations, and I really enjoyed seeing those pieces unfold.
The beginning took me some time to settle into because there are quite a few characters, arcs and connections to keep track of. But once everything clicked, the story became an easy read and kept me hooked with its twists.
My favourite part was how real the characters felt. They aren't perfectly noble heroes making perfectly selfless choices. They're flawed. They're protective. They're selfish sometimes. They make mistakes. And the story isn't afraid to let things go badly.
Analuna especially stayed with me. She's guarded, fiercely protective of the people she loves and has a spirit I genuinely envy.
And then she said:
“Adventure is skincare for the soul.”
Honestly, she gets it.
My only real quibble was the number of sibling reunions. Some were searching for each other, some just happened to find each other, and at one point I did wonder if the entire kingdom had been separated at birth. 😂
Overall, Valaztein is a complex, character-driven fantasy that rewards a little patience at the beginning. I liked that it didn't feel overly polished or idealistic. It let its characters be messy and its story have consequences.
Recommended for: fantasy readers who enjoy ensemble casts, layered characters, secrets, dragons and stories that don't insist on a neat happy ending.
August 25, 2026
This is my first book by this author and oh boy I am not hooked and will definitely be reading more of what she writes.
I fell in love with the world and the fantasy of it all and man I was just hooked. I was smiling through some of it with how beautiful some of the poetry was and just gripping the book and holding on waiting to find out what was happening next.
This is a standalone book and it is thick but in the best way. I didn't find myself bored at all. Getting different POVs and all of it had me on a roller coaster that I didn't want to get off of. A great book that just had me in tears when it was over. A great read and one I will definitely be thinking about for awhile.
Thank you Emilia Ramos for the gifted copy and R&R Book Tours for sending my way. Review is my honest words and mine alone.
I fell in love with the world and the fantasy of it all and man I was just hooked. I was smiling through some of it with how beautiful some of the poetry was and just gripping the book and holding on waiting to find out what was happening next.
This is a standalone book and it is thick but in the best way. I didn't find myself bored at all. Getting different POVs and all of it had me on a roller coaster that I didn't want to get off of. A great book that just had me in tears when it was over. A great read and one I will definitely be thinking about for awhile.
Thank you Emilia Ramos for the gifted copy and R&R Book Tours for sending my way. Review is my honest words and mine alone.
September 21, 2026
I feel so lucky that I got a chance to read Valaztein by thanks to rrbooktours and Emilia Ramos
This book blew me away - I am obsessed with writing style (think the fun punchy style of The Irresistible Urge To Fall For Your Enemy, but just with a vast amount more world building).
You can really feel that Emilia lives in this world and knows every little thing about it, the world building is so rich, beautiful and immersive.
And the characters - there are multiple POVs and it works, you see so many different sides and thoughts and the insights provide such a huge view of the story. I absolutely loved the group, I loved their dynamics, how they interacted, their thoughts about the others.
This is a plot and character driven story that is full of action, magic, and strong relationships between friends.
I highly, highly recommend 💜💜💜
This book blew me away - I am obsessed with writing style (think the fun punchy style of The Irresistible Urge To Fall For Your Enemy, but just with a vast amount more world building).
You can really feel that Emilia lives in this world and knows every little thing about it, the world building is so rich, beautiful and immersive.
And the characters - there are multiple POVs and it works, you see so many different sides and thoughts and the insights provide such a huge view of the story. I absolutely loved the group, I loved their dynamics, how they interacted, their thoughts about the others.
This is a plot and character driven story that is full of action, magic, and strong relationships between friends.
I highly, highly recommend 💜💜💜
August 23, 2026
“𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐚 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡.”
If you love high fantasy with soul, Valaztein by Emilia Ramos definitely deserves a place on the shelf! 🐉 The story follows Princess Naomi and her found family, a brooding dragon-shifter, a witty time-traveller, and a runaway siren as they face a tyrannical queen, ancient magic, and secrets that could change everything.
I loved every one of the “Amazing Eight” and getting their different POVs. The characters, the epic adventure, political intrigue, ancient magic, and all those little secrets kept me completely invested. And that ending? 😭 Definitely hit me right in the feels.
Thank you so much, Emilia Ramos, for gifting me an ARC and letting me experience this incredible adventure. I’m so glad I got to read it!
If you love high fantasy with soul, Valaztein by Emilia Ramos definitely deserves a place on the shelf! 🐉 The story follows Princess Naomi and her found family, a brooding dragon-shifter, a witty time-traveller, and a runaway siren as they face a tyrannical queen, ancient magic, and secrets that could change everything.
I loved every one of the “Amazing Eight” and getting their different POVs. The characters, the epic adventure, political intrigue, ancient magic, and all those little secrets kept me completely invested. And that ending? 😭 Definitely hit me right in the feels.
Thank you so much, Emilia Ramos, for gifting me an ARC and letting me experience this incredible adventure. I’m so glad I got to read it!
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