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The Crowns of Talam #1
Under Cold Moons
HEIRESS TO A LOST REALM
Aisla Iarkis is the Gheall Ceann, the promised one, prophesied to wield an immense power with the potential to save or end the nine realms of Talam. She finds herself burdened by the pressures of a prophecy that has been lost and mistranslated through generations. As she enters adulthood, Aisla has come to fear the power gnawing beneath her skin and lacks the skill to control it. When a mysterious disease, ailing her land and her people, sinks its claws into her best friend, Aisla rushes into enemy lands—a land with no magic—in search of a cure.
She must rely on her training as a warrior and her own ingenuity to save her continent, but what will it cost?
HEIR TO THE WORLDLY REALMS
Weylin Myrkor has spent his entire life preparing to sit the Arden Throne, the throne stolen from the Iarkis family during the War for Descendants. His family has fought against the doom foretold in the prophecy of the norns since its contents first spread. Following his betrothal to the daughter of a powerful dynasty, Weylin feels more confident than ever that he will be the one to unite the realms. A scream in the woods stalls his journey home, and Weylin finds himself saving a mysterious female from beasts of Hel.
With secrets, vulnerabilities, and betrayals knotted between them, will his travels change him for better or worse?
Aisla Iarkis is the Gheall Ceann, the promised one, prophesied to wield an immense power with the potential to save or end the nine realms of Talam. She finds herself burdened by the pressures of a prophecy that has been lost and mistranslated through generations. As she enters adulthood, Aisla has come to fear the power gnawing beneath her skin and lacks the skill to control it. When a mysterious disease, ailing her land and her people, sinks its claws into her best friend, Aisla rushes into enemy lands—a land with no magic—in search of a cure.
She must rely on her training as a warrior and her own ingenuity to save her continent, but what will it cost?
HEIR TO THE WORLDLY REALMS
Weylin Myrkor has spent his entire life preparing to sit the Arden Throne, the throne stolen from the Iarkis family during the War for Descendants. His family has fought against the doom foretold in the prophecy of the norns since its contents first spread. Following his betrothal to the daughter of a powerful dynasty, Weylin feels more confident than ever that he will be the one to unite the realms. A scream in the woods stalls his journey home, and Weylin finds himself saving a mysterious female from beasts of Hel.
With secrets, vulnerabilities, and betrayals knotted between them, will his travels change him for better or worse?
408 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 7, 2023
136 people are currently reading
1691 people want to read
About the author
L.E. Van Veen
2 books48 followersLE Van Veen lives with her husband and three dogs in coastal North Carolina, although she spends a good deal of time lost in fictional lands. She has enjoyed stories set in different worlds for as long as she can remember and has long dreamed of building her own. After studying Creative Writing at UNC Wilmington, she began work on her debut novel, Under Cold Moons, an upper young adult fantasy novel inspired by years spent dreaming.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
November 28, 2023
Under Cold Moons Review✨🌙
No spoilers!!
I just finished this book and I feel the need to go tell EVERYONE about it. I loved this book so much including the Norse Mythology, the amazing and unique plot, and the way LE Van Veen had me conflicted over men 😂. The last 85 pages were so AMAZING they really had me going and I WANT MORE!! This book took me out of reality and I really traveled alongside Aisla in her journey. When I give a book 5 stars, a lot goes into it, but what really matters is: Was I entertained? Was I invested? Did I want to pick up the book to see what happens? Did it give me that giddy feeling? The answer to all of those is yes.
I will say this book doesn’t really have spice so if that’s something you’re looking for and base your reviews off of, this probably isn’t for you. But, if you want an amazing plot pick it up!!!
I would highly recommend this book to my friends and I will be buying copies as presents!! I did receive this book as an arc for an honest review and I must say, WHAT AN HONOR!! ✨🌙
No spoilers!!
I just finished this book and I feel the need to go tell EVERYONE about it. I loved this book so much including the Norse Mythology, the amazing and unique plot, and the way LE Van Veen had me conflicted over men 😂. The last 85 pages were so AMAZING they really had me going and I WANT MORE!! This book took me out of reality and I really traveled alongside Aisla in her journey. When I give a book 5 stars, a lot goes into it, but what really matters is: Was I entertained? Was I invested? Did I want to pick up the book to see what happens? Did it give me that giddy feeling? The answer to all of those is yes.
I will say this book doesn’t really have spice so if that’s something you’re looking for and base your reviews off of, this probably isn’t for you. But, if you want an amazing plot pick it up!!!
I would highly recommend this book to my friends and I will be buying copies as presents!! I did receive this book as an arc for an honest review and I must say, WHAT AN HONOR!! ✨🌙
November 5, 2024
**𝑹𝑬𝑽𝑰𝑬𝑾** 𝑼𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝑪𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝑴𝒐𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒃𝒚 𝑳.𝑬. 𝑽𝒂𝒏 𝑽𝒆𝒆𝒏 (𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒏𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑻𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒎 #1)
Release Date: December 7, 2023
4⭐️2.5🌶
Two rivaling Kingdoms clash, and the young nobles of the rival kingdoms find themselves liking each other. Even though they don't know the other is of noble blood.
Aisla Iarkis is the promised one prophesied to save the nine realms of Talam. She has grown under the tutelage of her grandmother, who leads their people; however, she still hasn't learned how to handle her magical powers. When an illness ravages her lands, she leaves with her best friend to the enemies lands to try and find a cure to save her people.
Weylin Myrkor has spent his entire life preparing to sit the Arden Throne, the throne stolen from the Iarkis family during the War for Descendants. Weylin has just come from a neighboring kingdom where he has proposed marriage to the eldest daughter, when he finds Aisla under attack from beasts in the woods.
Release Date: December 7, 2023
4⭐️2.5🌶
Two rivaling Kingdoms clash, and the young nobles of the rival kingdoms find themselves liking each other. Even though they don't know the other is of noble blood.
Aisla Iarkis is the promised one prophesied to save the nine realms of Talam. She has grown under the tutelage of her grandmother, who leads their people; however, she still hasn't learned how to handle her magical powers. When an illness ravages her lands, she leaves with her best friend to the enemies lands to try and find a cure to save her people.
Weylin Myrkor has spent his entire life preparing to sit the Arden Throne, the throne stolen from the Iarkis family during the War for Descendants. Weylin has just come from a neighboring kingdom where he has proposed marriage to the eldest daughter, when he finds Aisla under attack from beasts in the woods.
October 23, 2023
Did not know what to expect but so happy I got to dive into it! Honestly would do anything for one of my bestfriends so this was a great journey to follow! Aisla’s story will pull you in and had me shook by the directions it takes!
I have received this book in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are my own!
I have received this book in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are my own!
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November 20, 2023This book is a good debut novel and is a promising start to a series of books. Van Veen is using Norse mythology as the basis for her world building, which is a refreshing change from other fantasy books. Looking forward to the next book to see how things go for Aisla, Ruairi, and Weylin!
November 12, 2024
Just finished my reread so I can start Blood of Ember, and I had to bump my rating to 5 stars. I absolutely enjoyed this story. I love when fantasy books focus on politics, world building, and just the plot instead of romance.
War is coming, and I’m ready for it.
War is coming, and I’m ready for it.
December 5, 2023
4.5⭐️
Wow this was such an amazing debut novel (one of the best I’ve read)!
We follow Aisla who is on a mission to save the people of her land when a mysterious disease starts infecting and killing people. She is such a strong, smart headed FMC and I was rooting for her the whole time!
This book did take me a bit to get into (although that is the norm with fantasy) but once I understood the world and the characters I was able to fly through it!
I truly cannot wait for the next book to come out I have a feeling it will be even better.
I was giving this arc by the author in exchange for my honest review.
Wow this was such an amazing debut novel (one of the best I’ve read)!
We follow Aisla who is on a mission to save the people of her land when a mysterious disease starts infecting and killing people. She is such a strong, smart headed FMC and I was rooting for her the whole time!
This book did take me a bit to get into (although that is the norm with fantasy) but once I understood the world and the characters I was able to fly through it!
I truly cannot wait for the next book to come out I have a feeling it will be even better.
I was giving this arc by the author in exchange for my honest review.
October 24, 2024
This book was such a fun read. It’s got multiple POVs, Norse mythology, unique magic system. Like… what more could you want! The world building was excellent and easy to follow along. Complex characters. I can’t wait to read the second book!
December 21, 2023
The tension in the last 100 pages 😳
December 17, 2023
A riveting debut. Page after page, chapter after chapter, right up until the very end, I was rapt. The world-building in Under Cold Moons is beautiful, considered, and enchanting. The characters are the kind you want to root for—violently, with heart racing and fists shaking.
I can’t wait for the other books in this series. There are certain romantic crossovers ;) and prophecy fulfillments that I absolutely need to see played out before I’ll know peace. A huge thank you to LE Van Veen for gifting readers with a world that is so exciting and magical and yet still relatable and home-y. I loved my stay in Talam and look forward to going back in 2024!! 🩵
I can’t wait for the other books in this series. There are certain romantic crossovers ;) and prophecy fulfillments that I absolutely need to see played out before I’ll know peace. A huge thank you to LE Van Veen for gifting readers with a world that is so exciting and magical and yet still relatable and home-y. I loved my stay in Talam and look forward to going back in 2024!! 🩵
October 23, 2024
This book has so many elements that I love: elves, wyvern, enemies, magic, etc. I enjoyed the story and believe it’ll only get better from here! Loganne wrote a GREAT debut YA novel!
July 1, 2025
While there are certainly familiarities with other tales in this genre, Under Cold Moons proves to be an interesting introduction to a series.
November 6, 2023
I’ve always loved and am an avid reader of fantasy books, but this is my first one that has more focus on Norse mythology and I really enjoyed it, it was a fun change to learn more about! Aisla’s journey throughout the book kept me hooked, and I was never sure what direction it would go in (and I make it a habit to try and predict what will happen in books). It was nice being able to read multiple point of views also so you’re always getting the first hand accounts of everything that happens. I’m so ready for the next one, I can’t wait to see how the story progresses! I did receive an arc copy in exchange for my honest review!
February 19, 2024
I really liked this book up until the last 75%. I feel like nothing got answered. The cure was still never found, Eire is still sick. Aishla and Rurui don’t ever go to Clionna to tell her what happened. I just felt like this whole book was HEAVY on world building and the actual storyline didn’t really progress. We basically got no new info at the end. I know it’s building up for the next book, but I would’ve liked to get an answer for something. And the last chapter with the gods also felt lackluster. We didn’t learn really anything new, and it ended with the prophecy. And then that was it. The storyline is interesting, and I might pick up the next book when it comes out.
February 16, 2025
okay this was a surprisingly good book. it was a free book on one of the kindle days and i am genuinely shook! it is pretty well written with a great plot line, and the characters are so interesting and well thought out. definitely entertaining as well, i finished the other 70 percent of the book in one like 3 hour sitting
my only gripe is the weird like relationship dynamic between two of the characters… its so strange during some points, and the banter can get super intense to the point that it is just fighting. sooo idk not that important though
i will be reading the next one!!!
my only gripe is the weird like relationship dynamic between two of the characters… its so strange during some points, and the banter can get super intense to the point that it is just fighting. sooo idk not that important though
i will be reading the next one!!!
May 9, 2024
I enjoyed this! And I’m looking forward to the next one! A really good start to a series. As you go through the book the main conflict and the world are very well introduced and elaborated on, but at the end you feel you’ve only scratched the surface. There’s a lot of fun possibility with all the characters as well as the mythology and magic system. It feels predictable at times, but then you’re surprised. It took me a few chapters to get into it, but once it picked up I zoomed through it. I’m excited to see where this goes!!
May 30, 2024
This is a classic YA fantasy novel.
Fans of Throne of Glass, Graceling, and Powerless will love this. I loved this. My jaw was constantly dropping throughout this book. From omg what just happened, to omg sassy, to omg omg omg - this book was an instant 5 star read. I love how the synopsis of this book didn’t give away the whole book like other book synopsis do. This is definitely a YA novel, so those looking for a spicy book will not find it here. World building was easy to catch on to, so those also interested in an “easy” fantasy read or getting into fantasy should pick up this book. I feel that this is more fantasy with a romance subplot rather than a romantasy butttt I’m still very interested in the romance side of the story to see how the relationships change between all the characters. This book sets the bar on what a fantastic fantasy novel can be. So excited to see how the story continues!
Fans of Throne of Glass, Graceling, and Powerless will love this. I loved this. My jaw was constantly dropping throughout this book. From omg what just happened, to omg sassy, to omg omg omg - this book was an instant 5 star read. I love how the synopsis of this book didn’t give away the whole book like other book synopsis do. This is definitely a YA novel, so those looking for a spicy book will not find it here. World building was easy to catch on to, so those also interested in an “easy” fantasy read or getting into fantasy should pick up this book. I feel that this is more fantasy with a romance subplot rather than a romantasy butttt I’m still very interested in the romance side of the story to see how the relationships change between all the characters. This book sets the bar on what a fantastic fantasy novel can be. So excited to see how the story continues!
January 9, 2024
I loved this book so much. Everything about it! Chefs kiss! Beautiful story, loved the detail, the build up of the story, characters and details to get to know them, just perfect well done! Easily a top favorite of mine now!
January 23, 2024
Started off boring as hell…. Turned out really good. 8/10 recommend.
October 31, 2024
3.25 - Looking forward to seeing where the series goes. This felt like a lot of build up and I wanted a little more high stakes payout by the end.
March 28, 2025
I wanted to like the story but I had a hard time getting past the writing style. It just wasn’t very captivating to me and I struggled to get through the full book.
November 28, 2023
WOW what a read!!!!
A show stopping debut by an author that I will defiantly be reading more of in the future! L.E. does an amazing job of mixing fantasy and norse mythology and not making it feel too out there. Like I'm fully convinced the world in this book could be real somewhere out there. The author sucks you into Aisla story from the first page and there's never a moment of calm, your tossed into the metaphorical deep end and are along for the journey but trust me its one you want to go on.
This felt super fresh to me and the concepts in this book although I've read before defiantly had their own quirk to them. Plenty of twists and turns to keep you entertained and although this is what I'm guessing the first in the series I was still satisfied by the ending of this read but I am definitely looking forward to getting my hands on book two. With elves, magic and prophecies this book has something for everyone and im going to be recommending it to anyone who asks me for a fantasy rec that will keep them on their toes.
A show stopping debut by an author that I will defiantly be reading more of in the future! L.E. does an amazing job of mixing fantasy and norse mythology and not making it feel too out there. Like I'm fully convinced the world in this book could be real somewhere out there. The author sucks you into Aisla story from the first page and there's never a moment of calm, your tossed into the metaphorical deep end and are along for the journey but trust me its one you want to go on.
This felt super fresh to me and the concepts in this book although I've read before defiantly had their own quirk to them. Plenty of twists and turns to keep you entertained and although this is what I'm guessing the first in the series I was still satisfied by the ending of this read but I am definitely looking forward to getting my hands on book two. With elves, magic and prophecies this book has something for everyone and im going to be recommending it to anyone who asks me for a fantasy rec that will keep them on their toes.
January 25, 2024
Got this from stuff your kindle day. It is a good fantasy novel. A little choppy in places but I was sucked in. Can’t wait for the next.
May 15, 2024
Dragged a bit at first, but I love how the story developed. I can’t wait for the second book.
December 2, 2024
It pulled me in, but unfortunately not enough to make me really want to read the next one
May 1, 2025
Under Cold Moons is such an amazing book! If you're looking for a good read with diverse characters, norse mythology, a wonderfully unique storyline/plot, and multiple POV's then this book is for you! I fell in love with the characters and finished this book CRAVING more. I can't wait to see what comes next!
December 11, 2023
This book was an absolute thrill ride! As a debut, it blew me away, and I'm already eyeing more from this author for future reads. L.E. has masterfully woven fantasy and Norse mythology together in a way that feels surprisingly grounded. I found myself completely immersed in Aisla's world, and honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if it existed somewhere out there.
From the first page, you're plunged into Aisla's story, and there's no looking back. The pacing keeps you on your toes, with twists and turns that keep the excitement alive. What stood out to me was the fresh take on familiar concepts; there's a quirky uniqueness to the ideas here that sets it apart.
I am suspecting that this may be part of a series due to how this is listed in GR but the ending was satisfying in its own right. However, I absolutely need more NOW! Elves, magic, prophecies—this book's got it all. I can confidently recommend it to anyone seeking a fantasy read that's both engaging and unpredictable.
From the first page, you're plunged into Aisla's story, and there's no looking back. The pacing keeps you on your toes, with twists and turns that keep the excitement alive. What stood out to me was the fresh take on familiar concepts; there's a quirky uniqueness to the ideas here that sets it apart.
I am suspecting that this may be part of a series due to how this is listed in GR but the ending was satisfying in its own right. However, I absolutely need more NOW! Elves, magic, prophecies—this book's got it all. I can confidently recommend it to anyone seeking a fantasy read that's both engaging and unpredictable.
October 27, 2024
This book is so enticing. Like most books of this genre the world building in the beginning takes a little to get through but once the story really starts going I was hooked. Aisling is the main character and her journey is mesmerizing. The Norse mythology and Gaelic language in this book is so beautifully crafted. It’s a multiple point of view told story and it kept my attention! The tension is great, I cannot wait for the next book to come out in this series! I am sharing my honest review and I did receive this book as an ARC. Definitely read it when it come out!!!
January 22, 2024
Consider me obsessed!
This was everything I needed and more. I’ve always been a mythology girl and this has so many amazing elements of Norse mythology. You can really tell that the author put a lot of work and research into this! All of the characters felt so well-rounded and it was so nice to have multiple POVs. I feel like each POV was chosen for a specific reason and it felt necessary to the plot.
I have so many thoughts and questions and I am ITCHING for book 2!
edit: I just found out this is her DEBUT?! I would’ve never guessed! So good!
This was everything I needed and more. I’ve always been a mythology girl and this has so many amazing elements of Norse mythology. You can really tell that the author put a lot of work and research into this! All of the characters felt so well-rounded and it was so nice to have multiple POVs. I feel like each POV was chosen for a specific reason and it felt necessary to the plot.
I have so many thoughts and questions and I am ITCHING for book 2!
edit: I just found out this is her DEBUT?! I would’ve never guessed! So good!
January 8, 2024
what a pleasant surprise of a book! it didn't pick up for me til about 100 or so pages in, so i was a bit unsure in the beginning. but it got to a point i didn't want to stop reading! i walked around a car dealership with my boyfriend and just read on my phone while i followed him becuase i just didn't want to stop 🙈 i can't wait for the next book!
November 21, 2023
Under Cold Moons by L.E. van Veen is a story of The Promised One, who will either make things right or who will destroy it all. So you can see why I wanted to read this book. It made me very curious. I love fantasy books and this one had some Norse mythology/Gaelic influences in it, which made me want to read the book even more.
It took me a little bit of time though, to get into the story, because some names were difficult to read (and/or to pronounce), but once I was used to that I was completely hooked. It started all very mysterious and the writing style from the beginning was fast paced, easy to read and it was hard to put the book down. There is a multiple POV, which is one of my favorite writing styles, and we learn the story from Aisla (The Promised One) and from Weylin, her archenemy.
Aisla needs to get a cure and you feel her frustration. When things get out of control she gets rescued by a stranger. Reluctantly they travel together and it is such a joy to read their interactions, because we, the readers, know who they are and they don’t. This way there is a lot of suspense, because when will they learn who the other is and what will happen then? This was why I kept on reading. During the voyage their relationship build, but things are not going well. I love how L.E. van Veen made this story up and wrote it down. It was mesmering and the worldbuilding is so great. You can see the world before your eyes. I also love the legend of The Promised One.
Aisla is a wonderful character, she does not want to be the hero, but she has no choice. She is also very determined and loves her friends, especially Ruairi, and therefore she does everything in her power to get to him and find the cure. In the meantime she discovers what she can do and also if there is betrayal from someone close to her.
Under Cold Moons has blown me away, I just love this story! It is a somewhat unique story in all the fantasy books floating around, and I have read many. It is a fast paced, easy to read and flowing story, with a legend and great characters, and a fantastic world. And to think this is a debut. I can’t wait for the sequel. Highly recommended! Oh, and at the end there is a list of pronounciations, and maybe it would have been better if that was mentioned before the story started, but that does not make this book any less fantastic.
It took me a little bit of time though, to get into the story, because some names were difficult to read (and/or to pronounce), but once I was used to that I was completely hooked. It started all very mysterious and the writing style from the beginning was fast paced, easy to read and it was hard to put the book down. There is a multiple POV, which is one of my favorite writing styles, and we learn the story from Aisla (The Promised One) and from Weylin, her archenemy.
Aisla needs to get a cure and you feel her frustration. When things get out of control she gets rescued by a stranger. Reluctantly they travel together and it is such a joy to read their interactions, because we, the readers, know who they are and they don’t. This way there is a lot of suspense, because when will they learn who the other is and what will happen then? This was why I kept on reading. During the voyage their relationship build, but things are not going well. I love how L.E. van Veen made this story up and wrote it down. It was mesmering and the worldbuilding is so great. You can see the world before your eyes. I also love the legend of The Promised One.
Aisla is a wonderful character, she does not want to be the hero, but she has no choice. She is also very determined and loves her friends, especially Ruairi, and therefore she does everything in her power to get to him and find the cure. In the meantime she discovers what she can do and also if there is betrayal from someone close to her.
Under Cold Moons has blown me away, I just love this story! It is a somewhat unique story in all the fantasy books floating around, and I have read many. It is a fast paced, easy to read and flowing story, with a legend and great characters, and a fantastic world. And to think this is a debut. I can’t wait for the sequel. Highly recommended! Oh, and at the end there is a list of pronounciations, and maybe it would have been better if that was mentioned before the story started, but that does not make this book any less fantastic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews