Synodic

by Kristin Travis

Keira Copeland has no idea how narrowly she escapes death each night. While she sleeps, she unknowingly astral projects to another world, garnering the attention of the monsters that live there. But as her presence stirs the enchanting yet dying realm of Luneth, the hunt for her life has just begun.

When the mysterious stranger Rowen begins haunting both sides of Keira’s consciousness, and the line between reality and reverie blurs, she has no choice but to accept his help as evil forces close in around her. Captivated by Rowen and the land that calls to her, Keira fears her childhood dreams have returned. But Rowen, Luneth, and the truth of her past hold secrets more sinister than any nightmare, and a failed star prophecy gives rise to an insidious Dark Spirit bent on enslaving all to its eternal darkness.

To save a world on the brink of destruction, Keira must embark on a mission of vital importance: wake the lost light of Luneth. Brought face to face with her demons, Keira must choose between returning to a life without Luneth or embracing the land beyond her dreams. Yet amidst the imminent perils, the greatest threat might lie within the enigmatic yet charming man who ignites her dormant heart.

«Synodic» is the first book in a New Adult, Fantasy Romance duology, featuring a slow-burn to spicy romance, a portal fantasy world, and poetic writing.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Adult, New Adult, Slow Burn

432 pages, Paperback

First published August 15, 2023

Reviews

[Kristin Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author here! Thank you all for being so patient with the release of book 2 💫

Update! Ecliptic is here!

[Gizel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be selected for an arc by the Author. This was such a fun read, and I loved the world and writing style. BUT LISTEN, there is one scene that I still think about a year later, and I think it has to be my favorite scene I have ever read. It has stuck with me. Once you read it, you will know what I'm talking about. So good

JUST GET IT

[Gabrielle Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a stunning, magical and completely poetic fantasy romance. I read this book at the beginning of September and fell in love. the writing was beautiful and put me in a total state of zen. I adored every word and refused to skim a single letter (for reference, I have 100 total highlights on kindle).

I’ve selfishly been hoarding this book and review to myself but realized that @Kristin deserves better and this book deserves to be all over my feed. if there’s one recommendation you take from me, let it be Synodic.

a unique magic system with celestial components. the stars. astronomy. astral projection. endless adventure. inner turmoil & mental health mentions with lots of growth. an amazing FMC who literally gets thrown into another world, quickly adapts and is so strong it’s admirable. Plus our broody, yet lovable MC, Rowen. There’s a part around 70% in that melted my complete heart. I had to take a moment and let it all sink it, it was so beautiful. & the spice was deliciously written.

“𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧, 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐢𝐟 𝐢𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞.”

while these books are all different, I would recommend this story to lovers of Divine Rivals and One Dark Window. All three stories feature unique magic systems & world building, poetic writing & a pure, romantic slow burn romance.

I cannot recommend this book enough!

𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 ✨
▪️celestial magic
▪️astral projection / portal fantasy
▪️slow burn romance
▪️chosen one
▪️found family
▪️good girl 🤤
▪️he likes to take care of her

“𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐈’𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐠𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐬𝐨 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥, 𝐢𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭.“

5 🌟

[Bookish Babbles · Rating 5 out of 5]

TW: SA, Sexual Content, Drugs, Fire.. etc.
Tropes:
- Astral Projection
-Slow Burn
-Celestial Magic
-Body Guard/Protector
-Chosen One
-Hidden Powers

Wow I LOVED this book!
This was such a unique story. I could not put this book down!! It started of as a Contemporary type of book and shifted into a fantasy book. It was done wonderfully. This gave me Alice in Wonderland vibes for some reason. I think it was the going from the ordinary world to another world in which monsters are real and there is a darkness out to get you. I loved the magic system, the romance and the characters. The main character is strong and does not give up. Even when presented with possible death, she pushes through. The love interest is amazing. He has this brooding energy but is also such a flirt. There were some plot twists that I was not expecting, and left me so shocked. You have to wait to get to the spicy but once you get there, WOW!
Just a warning, this book ends with a cliffhanger!

*Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

[Ali Boundy · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF’d at 35%. I really, really tried but there are just so many useless words and the writing gave me the ick. If I rolled my eyes any harder, they’d get stuck.

[Charlotte Plessers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got to know this book through Kristin's TikTok promo and was immediately intrigued by the story. I then signed up as an ARC reader and was super excited when I got selected for an ebook ARC!

"Synodic" is a New Adult fantasy in which the FMC, Keira, has had intense dreams her whole life and now discovers that her dreams are actually astral projections to another world! In that world, she meets a sexy and mysterious man, and all sorts of strange things are happening, about which she wants to find answers.

I found it a very smoothly written book! Very vivid, enjoyable characters, and a very cool concept! I wanted to keep reading all the time, so the story really sucked me in!

The romance was advertised as a slow burn (which I love), but there were also some insta-love elements (which is not for me). There were one or two spicy chapters, so not a lot, but good spice!!

I still have a lot of questions after reading this book, but since it's a duology, I expect all of those to be answered in book 2!

Overall, I give this book a solid 3.5 stars!!

[Daniel Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Synodic is amazing! Not the biggest reader, but once I started, I couldn't put it down! The writing, world building, and romance kept me wanting more the entire wild ride. Can't wait to see where this series goes next!

[Kelsea Dauth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a slow burn in multiple ways. I found the first half to be a pretty slow read but then I could. not. put. it. down. Definitely worth the read and I can’t believe I have to wait however long for the next 🫠😍

[BookedWithSel · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You have to know I would die and fight and burn over and over again if it meant keeping you safe.”

I read Synodic after blindly stumbling across it earlier in the year and these words have truly taken over my thoughts.

Keira was just an amazing FMC who literally gets her world turned upside down but my goodness her strength was admirable. Her arc is incredible and I cannot wait to experience more of her.
Now as for Rowen 🫠 there are a lot of things I can say about this delicious brooding man but he truly needs to be experienced first hand. For now I’ll give your the PG version and say he got me melting away like butter on toast.

This was such an ethereal, magical and an all round poetic experience.

Read this if you like
• Celestial magic
• Astral projection
• Fated lovers
• Touch her and …
• Found family
• Good girl 👀
• Slow burn with spice
• “Let me take care of you”

[Courtney Schrauben Haik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of receiving an arc copy of Synodic, and I loved it all. The storyline. The twists and turns. The action scenes. The love story. The characters. Keira’s sassy, competitive, fearless, and witty personality had me turning the pages. And the writing is crisp and clean, bringing to life the incredible world of Luneth.

A must read! We’ll have to keep our eye on this author!

[Amanda Miiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything I hoped it would be. I would rate this book 6 stars if I could. I didn’t want it to end and couldn’t put the book down. The writing and world building was fantastic. I’m sad it’s over and we have to wait for the next book to be released as the cliffhanger left me wanting more and to know what happens to Rowen and Kiera. I cannot wait for the next book to be released. Excellent book I can’t say enough good things about it. Everyone needs to read this masterpiece. I loved every second of it!

[Val Cook · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept for this book was intriguing. Unfortunately, I felt like a concept would get introduced and be quickly explained while all the while wanting the idea to be explored further.

Too many words describing things that didn't need describing and not enough words explaining cool ideas or plot.

I was defiantly pleased to have read a book where the MFC didn't complain and whine about her destiny for a billion pages.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keira has been having nightmares. Every night, she sees a mysterious stranger in her dreams that warns of danger. Every night, the dreams feel more and more real, until even her waking moments seem to slip into a dream state. She starts to feel like her dreams are more real than her waking hours.

After more exploration, Keira finds out she has been astral projecting, walking between worlds.

I absolutely adored this book. The characters are spot on. Keira is such a lovable MC, and Rowen is the perfect broody live interest with a dark past.

I loved watching Keira come to realize that her dreams are real and learn with her as she explores her new world. I thought the worldbuilding was fairly good. I would have loved to learn more about the history and the politics, but I really enjoyed what we did get.

I just want to take a minute to talk about how genius this book is. First of all, it’s a very unique idea, and I’ve been desperately needing something new in fantasy. Second of all, Kristin Travis is brilliant about sprinkling tiny clues throughout the book that all make so much sense in the end.

The writing flowed so well I forgot I was reading for hours at a time. The pacing was immaculate, first letting me experience Keira’s world and come to know her before im plunged into action. I loved the pacing of the fight scenes and felt like everything was perfectly balanced.

This was such an amazing read, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good fantasy novel!

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book was well thought out, well written and enjoyable. Long story short- give it a chance and push through the 1st 1/4 if you are bored- the background building is necessary and the pace will really pick up after that.

This was a very interesting take on a good handful of familiar tropes. I really enjoyed the idea of astral projection as a means to find your true place in this giant cosmos.

The major themes/ tropes at place that jumped out to me were found family, fated mates aka twin flames *swoon*, hidden magics, and a collective fight against the evil corrupting the world. There were pretty good ties to being more eco-friendly and intentional with our resources as well, which is something I think we can all learn from.

I will say, Keira borders on the FMC that I can't stand sometimes - too self sacrificial that borders on selfishness. However, she has good intentions and something has to move the plot forward.

Speaking of ending on that cliffhanger was a decision, lol. Not a decision I love as a reader, but it was a decision! I'm looking forward to picking up the next book to see where it takes our soulmates. Also if harm truly befalls Ven and Sabra... you know... I will riot.

[~ ! ♥ I rp therefore I am Awesome ♥ ! ~ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Would've DNF'ed this book but I promised my friend I'd read this. Apparently she only wanted me to read this so we could suffer together. Idk what kink that is but its got to be one. Humiliation maybe?

This took me months just to uphold my promise. Made me feel like a cis white man in a heterosexual relationship. "Dont ask me when Ill fix the faucet honey. I said I would and I will. "

Seriously, If I could give this book 0 stars I would. It was like trying to wrestle a stray cat into taking a bath. I'm tired and I've got a headache.

It's a shame because the plot was truly interesting and the elements were there. It's just the pacing was bad and so was the authors effort at conveying this story.

[Taylor Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have so many things to say about this book but the first thing is that this book is so incredibly captivating. Genuinely could not put it down.

Backstory: I had been wanting to get into adult fantasy novels after being a twilight obsessed teen. I still re-read twilight probably once a year. I had been a bit skeptical about trying fantasy new books because I have gotten some books that have an interesting premise but the stories just weren’t told well. I love reading & had been reading non-fiction for a bit, but I really wanted to find something that took me away from real life.
I found the adorable author on social media. One of her videos of her and her husband re-enacting a scene came up and it intrigued me. I watched a few more of her videos, saw that she had written a book that had similar content, & I was sold. I ordered the book on Amazon and told my husband that I had gotten my first spicy book. We both patiently waited for it to arrive.
The Book: like I said, I was hesitant to get into a new fiction world. I know so much about the worlds I read about when I was a teen, & getting out of that comfort zone was nerve-wracking. This book surpassed all my expectations. It is a slow burn book in romance and in plot. Kristin took the time to let you in and understand everything that was going on in the main character’s life before the bigger and more exciting things happened.
There were so many twists that I did not see coming. Several times throughout this read I audibly gasped - something I have never done reading a book - because of how incredibly this story was told. There were some absolutely shocking scenes that made me cry. I felt everything that the main character felt because of how well Kristin wrote the emotions.
The spicy scenes were not only spicy, but they made you melt. I have gone back to those scenes specifically to read them again already as they are so beautifully, wonderfully written. What more could you ask for from your book boyfriend?

To sum up: I did not want to put this book down and I did not want it to end. Kristin has you fully immersed in the story, feeling the emotions of the main character, laughing, crying, gasping, angrily turning the next page to see if certain characters get what’s coming to them. The premise, the plot, the world, & the characters are so very enchanting. Everyone needs this book. Don’t run - sprint to get this in your hands. I will be re-reading very soon and will be patiently waiting for book 2.

[Hannah G · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5

I feel like overall this book was good in some ways and lacked in others. What I really enjoyed about it was the fantasy world and the whole concept of the star born. I've read a lot of fantasy, but the way the environment was described in this book felt unique. Even the whole astral projection idea was done in a way that made me sense, and it's a concept not common of the fantasy genre. All that being said, while the world did feel quite lush with images and characters, the book could use more worldbuilding. It was hard to know what the overall authority structures were outside of village as well as what a star born actually was outside of the few powers described.

I will say that my biggest annoyance with this book was more due to personal preference than anything else. There was always some danger or violence, like every two chapters. It made me the book and characters never be able to breathe. There was always some action and in that way it felt like an annoying video game with monsters everywhere, so much so you don't know about the world but just all these violent happenings. And said violent happenings just blur together because there's so many. Last, I'll say that the "i love you" did feel too quick even if it did take 380 pages or so. Maybe because the characters didn't really know one another? The romance was the only thing in this book that felt a bit copy-paste.

I'll end this by saying is that where this book is strong is setting and concepts. Even the MC's life in our world was done well due to the concept of half-a-life and deceit.

[Sasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok, kinda drawn out at times, I dont have much to say honestly. It was meh..

[Lanae (findmeonsmutlane) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has such an intriguing concept and plot. I was instantly interested.

The first part of the book I spent confused trying to figure out exactly what was going on. Was she dreaming? Hallucinating? What was happening! Once I finally figured it out, I was super intrigued.

The FMC is written well. She is interesting, but often at times very naive and written kinda young. She is suppose to be post college, so at least 21? But I feel like she is written more YA, like around 16-17. So many times I was like, bro, get your shit together. You're an adult! But also. I get that things are confusing.

I really like Rowan's character. He gives all the vibes of a tortured, broody, MMC that is trying to fight his feelings and failing. Although, he does a lot of, say one thing and then do the complete opposite. I get that it appeals to his, fighting his feelings, but come on.

The plot is interesting but I do find it jumbled and confusing at times. I'm surprised she just up and left her world and we didn't get any more of that at all. I really wanted some kind of convo with her parents or her roommate. Also the way things unfolded in the new world. Just were off in the flow at times. I kept having to reread some parts to process.

There is spice, but it's minimal and even during the scenes it's not overly descriptive.

The book ends on a cliffhanger. I am interested to see what happens.

[Shyanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book does a lot of things well but there are some details that are dropped in there with little to no explanation (I'm looking at you motorcycle man). There was so much world building but not so much character building. Her family remained stagnant and I would have loved for that decision to be, I don't know, harder? It all felt way too easy. Maybe I'm looking too deep into it. I don't know if I will read book two, whenever it comes out. I don't feel like there is enough there.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's something special about Kristin Travis' writing. The characters feel real in a way I haven't experienced in a while. Keira feels like a friend. Has all the charm of the Night Court from ACOTAR but with a healthy relationship. I read SYNODIC during a week where I was experiencing a lot of chronic pain and it helped me get out of my head; it truly felt like escaping into another world.

[Madison Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

The classic “girl can astral travel to different worlds and ends up in a elf haven as a prophecy was foretold, decides to cut ties with earth because she was drugged her whole life by friends and family, then falls in love with a man who is prone to loving evil villains, but he regrets it (at least he says he does)”

[Elizabeth Patton · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars, pretty good book.

[Amanda Calhoon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nearly the first DNF of 2024… but we made it.

[Library Noelle Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a unique fantasy that kept me captivated till the end. Im usually a audiobook girly but this book didn't have one yet, and was the first hard
Copy book I've read in 15 years. With suspense, slow burns, spice, and adventure you couldn't ask for more. Not to mention the astrology fantasy aspect which I have never heard of. It's a must read!

[Kera · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the most unique magic systems I’ve read.

I was so engrossed in Kiera’s journey and Rowen made me melt.

You start out with Kiera experiencing very vivid dreams and hallucinations that seep into her everyday life. After continually seeing a man in her dreams Kiera embraces it and finds out where she goes when she sleeps might not be in her dreams at all. Discovering that she is being hunted for her new found power Rowen vows to protect her and their journey goes from there.

I loved these characters and how they helped each other heal and grow. I also loved the tension and banter between them. Some of the spicy scenes ugh 🥵 and let me tell you, you just can’t beat a running away from your enemies and tending to wounds while hiding out in a cave scene. It’s the perfect set up for falling in love 😏

[Michelle Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently started my fantasy book addiction from the Booktok recommendations of Fourth Wing, and ACOTAR. I finished both of those and everyone knows that these set the bar very high in the fantasy book world. I was thoroughly impressed and immediately fell in love with Synodic! Please read this book! What a captivating and thrilling story. It is written so well and in such perfect rhythm and detail. The fantasy was perfection 💜 I absolutely cannot wait for the second book to be published and I will be the first in line on its release or pre-order! Also great spice 🌶️🔥🥵

[Sandhya Mohanraj · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely captivated by 'Synodic'. It's been ages since I've delved into such a enchanting fantasy romance. The author's meticulous attention to detail vividly brings the mystic village and its inhabitants to life, inviting us to visualize every aspect. From the intricate attire and distinct features to their nuanced reactions, every element was impeccably portrayed. The storyline gripped me from start to finish, keeping me on tenterhooks until the final page. I eagerly await the next installment in this series. Best wishes going forward! ✨🪄🌌- Sandhya Mohanraj

[Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my gosh I thought I wrote my review sooner. 4.5/5

I am absolutely obsessed with this story! This was such a refreshing twist on fantasy Romantasy, Keira astral projecting into another world and learning so much about herself along the way.

The magic system and the slow burn was built so well. And I very much enjoyed the writing style. Something I enjoyed even more: Rowen! He is like the perfect broody MMC with a small bit of insta-love/obsession which was such a vibe for me.

When I stated this one I couldn’t put it down. I absolutely can’t wait for the next!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a lot of interesting ideas and moving parts in it, and I wish more time had been taken to explain and explore those better. Instead it was a shorter book with areas that were short and rushed and felt off. I enjoyed the story and Kristin has good writing skills. The romance is slow and burns. But the fantasy elements leave me wanting.