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Bridge to the Beyond
At the edge of the human world, there lies the Beyond. Full of monsters, mystery, and magic, the Beyond is a terrifyingly beautiful place. These worlds collide at a mountain pass, where there lies a village, watched over by druids. The druids can warg into the minds of the Beyond’s many creatures, allowing the monsters and villagers to live in harmony with one another. But something isn’t quite right in the Beyond. The monsters aren’t behaving the way they usually do. When most druids journey to investigate the source of the disturbance, they leave Luna in charge. Luna is the druid without limit—a prodigy whose raw power dwarfs all others. But she’s never been in charge before.
Luna’s village is attacked—not by monsters, but by men. Highly-organized and mechanically minded, the Rels have united the human world, and they are now committed to bringing their brand of order to the Beyond. The Rel expeditionary force is led by the colorful Captain Nox, a skilled swordsman and adventurer. To him, Luna is marriage material—a cute girl who can help legitimate his authority in this new province. But to Luna, he is an invader, a threat to her home and way of life.
Luna and Nox have very different approaches to the problems of this world. But as the monsters grow ever more feral, they are forced to work together to survive. Theirs is an uneasy alliance of inconvenience built on mutual mistrust. But can it grow into something more? Can they save themselves—and save the village?
Luna’s village is attacked—not by monsters, but by men. Highly-organized and mechanically minded, the Rels have united the human world, and they are now committed to bringing their brand of order to the Beyond. The Rel expeditionary force is led by the colorful Captain Nox, a skilled swordsman and adventurer. To him, Luna is marriage material—a cute girl who can help legitimate his authority in this new province. But to Luna, he is an invader, a threat to her home and way of life.
Luna and Nox have very different approaches to the problems of this world. But as the monsters grow ever more feral, they are forced to work together to survive. Theirs is an uneasy alliance of inconvenience built on mutual mistrust. But can it grow into something more? Can they save themselves—and save the village?
- GenresFantasy
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2024
8 people are currently reading
1353 people want to read
About the author
S. Matisko
6 books73 followersS. Matisko is a young experimental genre-jumping author from Indiana USA. Whether it’s romance, poetry, or magical fantasy, S. Matisko is all about it! She believes stories are to be told to their best potential and many ideas push writers into uncharted territories.
S. Matisko studied creative writing at Purdue University, where she received her BA in 2020. Now, she likes to write while wearing comfy dresses on her couch and expanding her knowledge of different storytelling methods.
Publications:
Let it Breathe (2021)
Broken Wrist Poetry (2023)
Decay: a tale of destruction (2023)
Bridge to the Beyond (2024)
The Isle of Repentance (2024)
You can follow her on Amazon(S. Matisko), Twitter (@s_matisko), or Instagram (s.matisko)
Happy reading!
S. Matisko studied creative writing at Purdue University, where she received her BA in 2020. Now, she likes to write while wearing comfy dresses on her couch and expanding her knowledge of different storytelling methods.
Publications:
Let it Breathe (2021)
Broken Wrist Poetry (2023)
Decay: a tale of destruction (2023)
Bridge to the Beyond (2024)
The Isle of Repentance (2024)
You can follow her on Amazon(S. Matisko), Twitter (@s_matisko), or Instagram (s.matisko)
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 11, 2024
This book was unlike anything I’ve read before. The land and creatures, people. Beautifully written and I loved the characters so much! I love how they grew together,stronger together. The ending was perfect. I recommend reading this! I received this as a ARC reader and perhaps I will buy it! I don’t re-read books that much. This one may just be an exception.
January 15, 2024
This is a stand alone fantasy romance novel. I had the honour of receiving this a an ARC. This story is great, I really loved the world that the author created. I enjoyed the unconventional way the main character shows her strength, she’s not physically strong but is the most powerful person in the room whether others know it or not. I do sorta wish this was a little longer though, I still have unanswered questions.
Luna is in charge of her village, The Druid circle left it in her care, when they went into the beyond to investigate a disturbance. They were led by her mother, but now all she has is the invading Rel army. The very ones, her mother said not to fight, to hide the power that she holds as a druid with no limit.Her mother ordered her to cooperate and keep her village safe, but her mother didn’t publicly give those orders and the men don’t agree. They attack the invaders forcing the village into compliance even faster than anticipated. Will Luna be able to keep the peace and keep her people safe while hiding her druid power from the Rel army? Compliance seems to come in the form of a fake marriage, in exchange for her village's safety but will that last and can she trust it? What will her mother do when she finds out?
Luna is in charge of her village, The Druid circle left it in her care, when they went into the beyond to investigate a disturbance. They were led by her mother, but now all she has is the invading Rel army. The very ones, her mother said not to fight, to hide the power that she holds as a druid with no limit.Her mother ordered her to cooperate and keep her village safe, but her mother didn’t publicly give those orders and the men don’t agree. They attack the invaders forcing the village into compliance even faster than anticipated. Will Luna be able to keep the peace and keep her people safe while hiding her druid power from the Rel army? Compliance seems to come in the form of a fake marriage, in exchange for her village's safety but will that last and can she trust it? What will her mother do when she finds out?
February 11, 2025
I contemplated giving this book three stars, but after writing this, I realised my review was a little worse than I thought.
I think the concept and the idea for this book is good. I like the idea of druids and protecting the beyond and trying to save the ‘monsters’. The storyline of her mother and the other druids leaving and her running the town is really intriguing, trying to keep them safe and then gradually coming around to her sounds so wonderful. And I wish that the book had focused on this, rather than the romance with Nox.
The relationship with Nox is infuriating. He is manipulative and possessive and abusive.
He gaslights Luna into thinking that she is causing all the arguments and issues between them, and then makes her feel guilty for his wrongdoings. He refuses to listen to her ideas, when this is her town, and her people instead choosing violence and destruction as the only path.
He pretends that he is in love with her, doing romantic things, but he is actually using her, and sweeping her up into a ‘marriage’ so fast that she can’t say no. Even later, when you think maybe he does care a little, he proves again and again that he is just using her power in the town and her respect of the people to advance his own position and take over.
He kills her mother, talks down about her father, kills a bunch of flowers purely because she disagreed with him about them growing back. He punishes a man who helps her, only to isolate her even more, causing the people to be afraid of her and stay as far away as they can.
He refuses to respect her once throughout the entire story, even when she heals all of his men after an attack and still puts her down.
And yet, she keeps forgiving him and going back to him, so fast and they make up, and he promises things and she feels guilty for ‘causing something’ when it was all him, and they end up together with a baby?!?!???
Like seriously?! A few times, I finally thought she was growing a back bone and finally seeing who he is and trying to fight for herself, but then she just goes back to him again?!!
Without this romance, this would be so good. I kept waiting for her to fight back or finally leave him or do something other than keep going back to him, but she doesn’t. With all the strength and power that she is supposed to have, both physically and mentally, this doesn’t feel like it would be her at all.
I would not read this again.
I think the concept and the idea for this book is good. I like the idea of druids and protecting the beyond and trying to save the ‘monsters’. The storyline of her mother and the other druids leaving and her running the town is really intriguing, trying to keep them safe and then gradually coming around to her sounds so wonderful. And I wish that the book had focused on this, rather than the romance with Nox.
The relationship with Nox is infuriating. He is manipulative and possessive and abusive.
He gaslights Luna into thinking that she is causing all the arguments and issues between them, and then makes her feel guilty for his wrongdoings. He refuses to listen to her ideas, when this is her town, and her people instead choosing violence and destruction as the only path.
He pretends that he is in love with her, doing romantic things, but he is actually using her, and sweeping her up into a ‘marriage’ so fast that she can’t say no. Even later, when you think maybe he does care a little, he proves again and again that he is just using her power in the town and her respect of the people to advance his own position and take over.
He kills her mother, talks down about her father, kills a bunch of flowers purely because she disagreed with him about them growing back. He punishes a man who helps her, only to isolate her even more, causing the people to be afraid of her and stay as far away as they can.
He refuses to respect her once throughout the entire story, even when she heals all of his men after an attack and still puts her down.
And yet, she keeps forgiving him and going back to him, so fast and they make up, and he promises things and she feels guilty for ‘causing something’ when it was all him, and they end up together with a baby?!?!???
Like seriously?! A few times, I finally thought she was growing a back bone and finally seeing who he is and trying to fight for herself, but then she just goes back to him again?!!
Without this romance, this would be so good. I kept waiting for her to fight back or finally leave him or do something other than keep going back to him, but she doesn’t. With all the strength and power that she is supposed to have, both physically and mentally, this doesn’t feel like it would be her at all.
I would not read this again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2024
interesting fantasy world
I’ve never read a fantasy about druids but it was really interesting. Bridge to the Beyond is a captivating tale about the unknown, blending elements of fantasy, adventure, and the human experience of getting conquered by people who think they’re better than you. From the very first page, I was thrown I figured by a fantasy world where the lines between reality and the supernatural blur. The FMC, Luna, is a Druid who are healers/leaders/priestess-like, the only one left in her remote village near a pass in some mountains, protecting her people from the monsters in the Beyond. Their magic is really dynamic and different than anything I’ve read about before. Her people are common nature folk, not exactly super civilized. The MMC, Nox, is a captain in an army that is conquering the empire her village is a part of. It gives enemies to lovers (Disney Pocahontas vibes), meets Lord of the Rings almost. The characters are well portrayed, each embarking on unique journeys. This book is like an experience that leaves a lasting impression and I could really imagine the characters and the monsters. I only took off a star because some of the dialogue was awkward, and when the main characters got together it felt rushed for some reason. I felt like Luna yo-yo’d a lot at first about her feelings with Nox so it felt confusing, but I think a lot of that was because she was taught that druids aren’t supposed to show emotion. I still really enjoyed it! Highly recommended for anyone who loves a read that's packed with adventure and a little romance with a happy ending.
I’ve never read a fantasy about druids but it was really interesting. Bridge to the Beyond is a captivating tale about the unknown, blending elements of fantasy, adventure, and the human experience of getting conquered by people who think they’re better than you. From the very first page, I was thrown I figured by a fantasy world where the lines between reality and the supernatural blur. The FMC, Luna, is a Druid who are healers/leaders/priestess-like, the only one left in her remote village near a pass in some mountains, protecting her people from the monsters in the Beyond. Their magic is really dynamic and different than anything I’ve read about before. Her people are common nature folk, not exactly super civilized. The MMC, Nox, is a captain in an army that is conquering the empire her village is a part of. It gives enemies to lovers (Disney Pocahontas vibes), meets Lord of the Rings almost. The characters are well portrayed, each embarking on unique journeys. This book is like an experience that leaves a lasting impression and I could really imagine the characters and the monsters. I only took off a star because some of the dialogue was awkward, and when the main characters got together it felt rushed for some reason. I felt like Luna yo-yo’d a lot at first about her feelings with Nox so it felt confusing, but I think a lot of that was because she was taught that druids aren’t supposed to show emotion. I still really enjoyed it! Highly recommended for anyone who loves a read that's packed with adventure and a little romance with a happy ending.
January 28, 2024
Tasked with protecting her entire village from the monsters in the Beyond, Luna is the last druid able to keep them at bay. She has great magic and is only now finding out the extent of what that means. Her mother was very strict and clear that they would return and destroy any invaders, but when the Rels come and 'take' their village, it isn't so bad. Their leader, Nox, seems to be open to working with them as they continue to wait for their legion to join them. How will Luna know who to trust? Can she trust Nox, this man from another world, or should she trust in only her mother, who has yet to return.
A great story, but I really enjoy the way this author writes. Her dialogue and situations are just so real and relatable despite it being fantasy. The fact that the main characters banter about silly things, but also that when Nox says he wants nothing but her, she calls him out and tells him he's being ridiculous. It's a refreshing take on the whole get married have babies and save the world thing.
A great story, but I really enjoy the way this author writes. Her dialogue and situations are just so real and relatable despite it being fantasy. The fact that the main characters banter about silly things, but also that when Nox says he wants nothing but her, she calls him out and tells him he's being ridiculous. It's a refreshing take on the whole get married have babies and save the world thing.
February 18, 2024
I’m so sorry, but I don’t think this book is for me.
The premise is so good, really roped me in. But the worldbuilding comes and goes in info dumps, many weeks pass in time when there are stories to tell. Characters are all over the place in how they act and feel, which makes the romance feel not genuine, and the ending is a bit hard to follow and fully feel the weight of the decisions made. The relationship with Nox is infuriating. There is very little about this man that is positive, and aspects that I assume were written to be “endearing” and “possessive” as is so common in fantasy romance these days comes off as downright abusive. It’s almost sad seeing Luna move from a seemingly abusive relationship with her mother to a seemingly abusive relationship with Nox and still calling it love.
This had a lot of potential and I commend the author for writing this book, but I just do not think I’m meant to be the audience of it.
I received this book for free through a giveaway but this is my honest review.
The premise is so good, really roped me in. But the worldbuilding comes and goes in info dumps, many weeks pass in time when there are stories to tell. Characters are all over the place in how they act and feel, which makes the romance feel not genuine, and the ending is a bit hard to follow and fully feel the weight of the decisions made. The relationship with Nox is infuriating. There is very little about this man that is positive, and aspects that I assume were written to be “endearing” and “possessive” as is so common in fantasy romance these days comes off as downright abusive. It’s almost sad seeing Luna move from a seemingly abusive relationship with her mother to a seemingly abusive relationship with Nox and still calling it love.
This had a lot of potential and I commend the author for writing this book, but I just do not think I’m meant to be the audience of it.
I received this book for free through a giveaway but this is my honest review.
March 9, 2024
A standalone fantasy romance novel, I was fortunate to receive this as an eARC through a Goodreads giveaway.
Immersed in a captivating world, I appreciated the unconventional display of strength by the main character, who, despite lacking physical prowess, commands the room as the most powerful individual. While thoroughly enjoying the story, I yearned for it to be a bit longer as lingering questions remained.
Luna, entrusted with her village by the Druid circle investigating an unknown disturbance, faces the invading Rel army. Tasked with concealing her boundless druid power, Luna's predicament worsens when her village defies her mother's orders to cooperate with the invaders. Forced into compliance through unexpected means, Luna grapples with maintaining peace, safeguarding her people, and concealing her druid abilities. The prospect of a fake marriage emerges as a solution, promising the village's safety, yet uncertainty looms, testing Luna's trust and leaving her to ponder her mother's potential reaction.
Immersed in a captivating world, I appreciated the unconventional display of strength by the main character, who, despite lacking physical prowess, commands the room as the most powerful individual. While thoroughly enjoying the story, I yearned for it to be a bit longer as lingering questions remained.
Luna, entrusted with her village by the Druid circle investigating an unknown disturbance, faces the invading Rel army. Tasked with concealing her boundless druid power, Luna's predicament worsens when her village defies her mother's orders to cooperate with the invaders. Forced into compliance through unexpected means, Luna grapples with maintaining peace, safeguarding her people, and concealing her druid abilities. The prospect of a fake marriage emerges as a solution, promising the village's safety, yet uncertainty looms, testing Luna's trust and leaving her to ponder her mother's potential reaction.
February 2, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
2 🌶️
“Maybe I did put you in a better mood. To think you were so easy to please! I’ve never heard you giggle like that.”
“Scream if you want, I want everyone to hear how I treat you.”
“I vowed to protect the Beyond with my life. I can keep that vow only if I die today.”
S. Matisko is a new author to me and not going to lie I definitely went into this book blind. I’m so glad I did because in two days I was left wanting more. I love that all my questions were answered at some point in the book and I wasn’t left with a huge cliffhanger. Also the authors writings feels more real life than fake. They bicker and discuss real world problems which makes it more relatable. I hope she continues with more about the Beyond in the future.
Tropes:
Nature vs. Humanity
Magical Female Lead
Druids and Monsters
Political Marriage
He Falls First
Overprotective MMC
2 🌶️
“Maybe I did put you in a better mood. To think you were so easy to please! I’ve never heard you giggle like that.”
“Scream if you want, I want everyone to hear how I treat you.”
“I vowed to protect the Beyond with my life. I can keep that vow only if I die today.”
S. Matisko is a new author to me and not going to lie I definitely went into this book blind. I’m so glad I did because in two days I was left wanting more. I love that all my questions were answered at some point in the book and I wasn’t left with a huge cliffhanger. Also the authors writings feels more real life than fake. They bicker and discuss real world problems which makes it more relatable. I hope she continues with more about the Beyond in the future.
Tropes:
Nature vs. Humanity
Magical Female Lead
Druids and Monsters
Political Marriage
He Falls First
Overprotective MMC
February 17, 2024
⭐⭐⭐️⭐️⭐(5/5 Stars)
S. Matisko’s Fantasy novel, Bridge to the Beyond, built a world where nature collides head-on with a kingdom seeking to conquer and claim. A young druid, Luna, tasked with protecting her people and respecting nature, finds herself caught in the middle of these warring worlds. She struggles with conflicting emotions when love breaks her emotional barriers, despite being raised to withhold them. Can she find a balance or will she feel compelled to choose? It is a gripping tale of a magical world that you will want to teleport right into. I thoroughly enjoyed this tale and felt deeply for Luna throughout her emotional journey. I highly recommend you read it. From page one, it earned a solid four stars, but the story quickly sucked me in and I wiped tears as they rolled down my cheeks. Five stars, hands down. Don’t miss out on this diamond in the rough.
S. Matisko’s Fantasy novel, Bridge to the Beyond, built a world where nature collides head-on with a kingdom seeking to conquer and claim. A young druid, Luna, tasked with protecting her people and respecting nature, finds herself caught in the middle of these warring worlds. She struggles with conflicting emotions when love breaks her emotional barriers, despite being raised to withhold them. Can she find a balance or will she feel compelled to choose? It is a gripping tale of a magical world that you will want to teleport right into. I thoroughly enjoyed this tale and felt deeply for Luna throughout her emotional journey. I highly recommend you read it. From page one, it earned a solid four stars, but the story quickly sucked me in and I wiped tears as they rolled down my cheeks. Five stars, hands down. Don’t miss out on this diamond in the rough.
April 1, 2024
This is a fantasy/romance novel following Luna, a druid who lives at the edge of the empire bordering the land known as The Beyond, as she struggles with balancing duty, love, purpose and finding the truth about herself and The Beyond. Luna's village is seized by Captain Nox and his expeditionary Rel forces who want to unite the village with the empire and conquer the Beyond to stop the monsters who live there from attacking the empire. Luna and Nox, an unlikely pair due to their different ways of viewing the world, work together to solve the mystery of why the monsters are acting strange.
This was a very interesting story written from Luna's POV. The two main characters come from very different places culturally, and it's nice to see them make an effort to understand each other's ways of life and points of view. Because of their differences, they don't agree with what should be done with the Beyond. Luna is in touch with and respects nature while Nox is not. The romance was cute, and I enjoyed their banter. I also enjoyed their personal journey of self-discovery as they both questioned their oaths and duty to their people and to each other while seeking happiness. Overall, I enjoyed this book!
Spice: There are scenes on chapters 9 and 1.
This was a very interesting story written from Luna's POV. The two main characters come from very different places culturally, and it's nice to see them make an effort to understand each other's ways of life and points of view. Because of their differences, they don't agree with what should be done with the Beyond. Luna is in touch with and respects nature while Nox is not. The romance was cute, and I enjoyed their banter. I also enjoyed their personal journey of self-discovery as they both questioned their oaths and duty to their people and to each other while seeking happiness. Overall, I enjoyed this book!
Spice: There are scenes on chapters 9 and 1.
March 29, 2025
This reads like a poorly written fanfic by a high schooler. The idea was unique and interesting, but it wasn't enough to save this book. The instant-love relationship is childish, toxic, and abusive (strangling her for disagreeing with him & she immediately forgives him). The main character is whiney and spineless. But the reason I'm giving this book 1 star is because she wants to stone a dog to death. Why, you may wonder? Because she's upset. That's it, that's the reason, and the catalyst for this harsh review seeing the light of day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2024
4/5
Seemed a little stiff in the beginning. But I honestly enjoyed it! I would have liked a little more clarification on her magic earlier on. We know she's powerful but until she uses them we really don't know what the entails. I do also get she was learning too. Just was like an oh that makes more sense once she started using her magic. Again. I really enjoyed this book. I read it in a few hours.
Seemed a little stiff in the beginning. But I honestly enjoyed it! I would have liked a little more clarification on her magic earlier on. We know she's powerful but until she uses them we really don't know what the entails. I do also get she was learning too. Just was like an oh that makes more sense once she started using her magic. Again. I really enjoyed this book. I read it in a few hours.
February 29, 2024
Note - I received this book through a giveaway
I think the plot was fascinating and different, but the main character just was not super likable to me. I liked that she was pretty independent. It has a good start but was not for me.
I think the plot was fascinating and different, but the main character just was not super likable to me. I liked that she was pretty independent. It has a good start but was not for me.
July 21, 2024
"Bridge to the Beyond" by S. Matisko is a captivating exploration of the unknown, beautifully blending mystery, adventure, and profound human experiences. Matisko's writing is both evocative and thought-provoking, drawing you into a world where the boundaries between reality and the supernatural blur. The characters are vividly portrayed, each with their own unique journey that adds depth and richness to the narrative. This book is a stellar example of imaginative storytelling that stays with you long after you've turned the final page.
October 4, 2024
The story unfolds at a mountain pass, where a village is guarded by druids who can communicate with the creatures of the Beyond. However, when disturbances in the Beyond threaten both humans and monsters, the village faces a new enemy—the organized and determined Rels. The Beyond, with its monsters, magic, and druidic powers, creates a vivid backdrop for the unfolding events. The tension between the humans and the inhabitants of the Beyond, as well as the internal conflicts among the characters, adds complexity to the narrative.
Luna's character development is a highlight of the story, as she navigates the challenges of leadership, confronts the invading Rels, and grapples with her own power and identity. Her struggle to protect her village while grappling with her powers and responsibilities makes for a compelling character. Captain Nox, representing the Rels, adds a layer of complexity with conflicting ideologies and the potential for unlikely alliances.
The dynamic between Luna and Nox drives much of the story, showcasing their evolving relationship. Their differing perspectives and approaches to the challenges they face add depth to their characters and keep the reader engaged.
The author's writing style is immersive, painting vivid scenes of both the tranquil village and the perilous Beyond. The pacing keeps the reader engaged, with plenty of action, suspense, and twists that drive the plot forward.
Overall, would recommend it. The book is engaging and enjoyable, but it was too short. I was left with too many questions that needed answering.
Luna's character development is a highlight of the story, as she navigates the challenges of leadership, confronts the invading Rels, and grapples with her own power and identity. Her struggle to protect her village while grappling with her powers and responsibilities makes for a compelling character. Captain Nox, representing the Rels, adds a layer of complexity with conflicting ideologies and the potential for unlikely alliances.
The dynamic between Luna and Nox drives much of the story, showcasing their evolving relationship. Their differing perspectives and approaches to the challenges they face add depth to their characters and keep the reader engaged.
The author's writing style is immersive, painting vivid scenes of both the tranquil village and the perilous Beyond. The pacing keeps the reader engaged, with plenty of action, suspense, and twists that drive the plot forward.
Overall, would recommend it. The book is engaging and enjoyable, but it was too short. I was left with too many questions that needed answering.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews