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Chronicles of Lim #1
All the Disappearing Things
When magic can make so much possible, how much is too much?
While wasting her talents in a backwater bar, Lim dreams of having her own restaurant, where mystery meat is never on the menu and the customers won't sneer at the glowing blue cuffs that keep her cut off from her power. A place where she might finally find the love she sees between her two best friends.
But an accidental discovery gives Lim a daunting choice: unleash the magic that once allowed her people to enslave and oppress or keep quiet and preserve her society's fragile peace.
The consequences of her decision will force her to learn hard truths about her future and her past, that magic in the wrong hands can be devastating, and how, when it comes to love, there are some wounds even magic cannot heal.
Tags and Tropes: Slow burn, friends to lovers, found family, shifters, mythical creatures, reincarnation. This fantasy romance is set in two worlds: a dystopian post-apocalyptic United States and a high fantasy world.
While wasting her talents in a backwater bar, Lim dreams of having her own restaurant, where mystery meat is never on the menu and the customers won't sneer at the glowing blue cuffs that keep her cut off from her power. A place where she might finally find the love she sees between her two best friends.
But an accidental discovery gives Lim a daunting choice: unleash the magic that once allowed her people to enslave and oppress or keep quiet and preserve her society's fragile peace.
The consequences of her decision will force her to learn hard truths about her future and her past, that magic in the wrong hands can be devastating, and how, when it comes to love, there are some wounds even magic cannot heal.
Tags and Tropes: Slow burn, friends to lovers, found family, shifters, mythical creatures, reincarnation. This fantasy romance is set in two worlds: a dystopian post-apocalyptic United States and a high fantasy world.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2024
About the author
L.M. Dodds
5 books9 followersL.M. Dodds writes fantasy where you can fall in love, lead a rebellion, and get away with murder. She’s the author of Drahma City and The Chronicles of Lim, series filled with morally gray heroes, deliciously wicked villains, and questions that linger long after the last page — about power, love, and what you’d sacrifice to get what you want.
When she’s not writing (or embarrassing herself on TikTok), she’s at home in Virginia with her husband, two rambunctious boys, a loyal hound, and a house full of unfinished projects.
Check out her website for the latest on future releases!
When she’s not writing (or embarrassing herself on TikTok), she’s at home in Virginia with her husband, two rambunctious boys, a loyal hound, and a house full of unfinished projects.
Check out her website for the latest on future releases!
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 23, 2024
Had to DNF this at page 209 because I quite simply just could not care enough about these characters. Somehow this is a fantasy where the world is under built to a degree where I was questioning near everything. There are time periods notated at each chapter but never explained the difference between them. There are twelve or so characters introduced in the first 3 chapters and then 8 of them forgotten or deemed unimportant to a degree that they literally disappear off the face of the planet and are never seen again. I have no doubt that this randomly picks up full steam within the last 100 pages but I just couldn’t do it.
March 13, 2024
Whether or not you believe in magic, reincarnation, multiple worlds and traveling between them or a good underdog story, All the Disappearing Things presents the aforementioned in a unique and earnest manner.
The Jinns are a suppressed and judged society living among the Tals, or non-magical people. Back in the day, the Jinns beat up the Tals pretty badly so now the Tals have taken revenge and put blue cuffs on all Jinns, which restrains their magic. However, Lim inadvertently discovers that Jinn magic can still abound in many forms, including flying, empaths, fire, and telekinesis.
The Tals were once fearful of the Jinns, and therefore continue to treat them like they are second-class citizens. No one is sure whether or not they still have magic, but their detestable treatment of them has not abated. They even go so far as to riot, shattering windows, burning down businesses while parading their anti-Jinn banners down the town streets.
There are two different time lines to follow and this got a little confusing for me in a couple of places, mainly due to a lack of clarity between characters aging at the same rate while in different worlds, (Morgan and Connery) but perhaps that was just me. I would have liked more details concerning the congruence of characters across time, but that would have destroyed the integrity of the books format. It makes more sense at the end.
Though I didn’t feel bonded to a specific character, there were interesting bits within each one. Enough so that I was anxious to keep reading and discover how their stories unfold. That being said, I am looking forward to reading the next book and hope to find answers to lingering questions. This was a fun read, not too heavy and not too light. Just right!
Thanks to Hidden Gems Books for a copy of All the Disappearing Things.
The Jinns are a suppressed and judged society living among the Tals, or non-magical people. Back in the day, the Jinns beat up the Tals pretty badly so now the Tals have taken revenge and put blue cuffs on all Jinns, which restrains their magic. However, Lim inadvertently discovers that Jinn magic can still abound in many forms, including flying, empaths, fire, and telekinesis.
The Tals were once fearful of the Jinns, and therefore continue to treat them like they are second-class citizens. No one is sure whether or not they still have magic, but their detestable treatment of them has not abated. They even go so far as to riot, shattering windows, burning down businesses while parading their anti-Jinn banners down the town streets.
There are two different time lines to follow and this got a little confusing for me in a couple of places, mainly due to a lack of clarity between characters aging at the same rate while in different worlds, (Morgan and Connery) but perhaps that was just me. I would have liked more details concerning the congruence of characters across time, but that would have destroyed the integrity of the books format. It makes more sense at the end.
Though I didn’t feel bonded to a specific character, there were interesting bits within each one. Enough so that I was anxious to keep reading and discover how their stories unfold. That being said, I am looking forward to reading the next book and hope to find answers to lingering questions. This was a fun read, not too heavy and not too light. Just right!
Thanks to Hidden Gems Books for a copy of All the Disappearing Things.
August 29, 2024
This was certainly a book. I am still kind of flashed after having finished it.
This was way more than I bargined for but it was also way better than I expected.
The main thing I expect has hurt the success of this book is exactly that, it's a lot.
We have 3 different groups of people in different time periods going through drastic and permanent changes to their circumstances, one of which seems entirely unconnected until the very end.
The main POV is the unconnected one but the book spends quite some time in the other perspectives as well. I am generally not a fan of multiple-pov stories for many reasons but this one did it in a way that didn't detract from the story or ruined the pacing.
In regards to the greater worldbuilding we get a lot of loose puzzle pieces most of which don't really fit anywhere yet which might turn off the kind of reader that wants everything being laid out neatly for them.
This made me realize how atrophied my ability to extract more subtle information that isn't constantly slapped into your face has become. It actually took some effort to keep track. But it's for sure doable and not too overwhelming.
This is a general theme throughout this story. It all feels very disorganized and only loosely structured. Any decent editor would probably mark this as a bad thing but I really enjoy unconventional story structure where I don't inevitably see through the story scaffolding which takes a lot of the suspense out of most stories for me.
The only requirement is that the pacing has to still work. I really don't know why the pacing works for me in this book but it did. There are a few parts that feel a bit slow but because there are so many subtle hints and pieces to figure out I never got bored. But I expect many others might.
I want to give an overview of what this story is actually about but everything would either require a surprising amount of worldbuilding background or/and quite a lot of spoilers so I think I will have to keep you hanging on that one.
There aren't really any new ideas in here. There is for example a strong theme on the idea of minorities being persecuted and extreme groups gaining increasing influence on this persecution with little consequence and strongly shifting public perception over time. It's not a completely shallow trope but it has been told so many times by now I am very tired of reading any version of it by now.
With this book its really more about the way the stories are being told and how unique of a personality the characters have.
It's people struggling with peopleing in believable ways that don't feel shallow or forced or illogical within their current circumstances that might be the biggest strength of this book.
This is certainly not a book for everyone. You have to be ready to dig into quite a lot of worldbuilding that is being done in a very organic and very unintrusive way for the most part but its still just a lot of information to sort and digest.
I probably was just in the right mood to just go with it and see where I'll end up. And I didn't regret it. To be honest, I might change my mind if I ever get to read the second book as I am just too jaded to expect any author can actually pull this all together into a coherent world(s). But maybe, never say never...
This was way more than I bargined for but it was also way better than I expected.
The main thing I expect has hurt the success of this book is exactly that, it's a lot.
We have 3 different groups of people in different time periods going through drastic and permanent changes to their circumstances, one of which seems entirely unconnected until the very end.
The main POV is the unconnected one but the book spends quite some time in the other perspectives as well. I am generally not a fan of multiple-pov stories for many reasons but this one did it in a way that didn't detract from the story or ruined the pacing.
In regards to the greater worldbuilding we get a lot of loose puzzle pieces most of which don't really fit anywhere yet which might turn off the kind of reader that wants everything being laid out neatly for them.
This made me realize how atrophied my ability to extract more subtle information that isn't constantly slapped into your face has become. It actually took some effort to keep track. But it's for sure doable and not too overwhelming.
This is a general theme throughout this story. It all feels very disorganized and only loosely structured. Any decent editor would probably mark this as a bad thing but I really enjoy unconventional story structure where I don't inevitably see through the story scaffolding which takes a lot of the suspense out of most stories for me.
The only requirement is that the pacing has to still work. I really don't know why the pacing works for me in this book but it did. There are a few parts that feel a bit slow but because there are so many subtle hints and pieces to figure out I never got bored. But I expect many others might.
I want to give an overview of what this story is actually about but everything would either require a surprising amount of worldbuilding background or/and quite a lot of spoilers so I think I will have to keep you hanging on that one.
There aren't really any new ideas in here. There is for example a strong theme on the idea of minorities being persecuted and extreme groups gaining increasing influence on this persecution with little consequence and strongly shifting public perception over time. It's not a completely shallow trope but it has been told so many times by now I am very tired of reading any version of it by now.
With this book its really more about the way the stories are being told and how unique of a personality the characters have.
It's people struggling with peopleing in believable ways that don't feel shallow or forced or illogical within their current circumstances that might be the biggest strength of this book.
This is certainly not a book for everyone. You have to be ready to dig into quite a lot of worldbuilding that is being done in a very organic and very unintrusive way for the most part but its still just a lot of information to sort and digest.
I probably was just in the right mood to just go with it and see where I'll end up. And I didn't regret it. To be honest, I might change my mind if I ever get to read the second book as I am just too jaded to expect any author can actually pull this all together into a coherent world(s). But maybe, never say never...
March 19, 2024
The blurb about Lim intrigued me, so I read the book. Had I known that the book is written from two additional POVs that play in another world at another time, I wouldn't have started.
In general, the story was slow at times. At about 60%, I wanted to give up, but in the end, I wanted to know what happens to Lim. There were several time jumps which were confusing (yes, they were written on top of each chapter, but I don't remember if the year was 7522 or 7527 or 2225 or 2252).
I was drawn in by the story about Lim and I liked her and the characters around her. I would have been fine if the book had been only about her. There were parts that felt really depressing with the cuffing and how they treated the Jinns, but this shows how well it was done by the author. The mention of a house at 80% came a bit out of nowhere.
Asra's story was okay; it provided additional insight. I didn't like her or her crew very much, so that part felt forced for me to read. It made me really sad how things were between her and Connery (well done by the author). There was so much unnecessary grief and missed opportunities.
Sabine's story was unnecessary. I didn't like her, and her story didn't drive the plot forward. All the information we got from her POV could have been obtained from Asra. I groaned inwardly each time I had to read a chapter from her POV.
All in all, the story could have been a lot more fast-paced. Some things could have been explained better, and two POVs would have been enough.
In general, the story was slow at times. At about 60%, I wanted to give up, but in the end, I wanted to know what happens to Lim. There were several time jumps which were confusing (yes, they were written on top of each chapter, but I don't remember if the year was 7522 or 7527 or 2225 or 2252).
I was drawn in by the story about Lim and I liked her and the characters around her. I would have been fine if the book had been only about her. There were parts that felt really depressing with the cuffing and how they treated the Jinns, but this shows how well it was done by the author. The mention of a house at 80% came a bit out of nowhere.
Asra's story was okay; it provided additional insight. I didn't like her or her crew very much, so that part felt forced for me to read. It made me really sad how things were between her and Connery (well done by the author). There was so much unnecessary grief and missed opportunities.
Sabine's story was unnecessary. I didn't like her, and her story didn't drive the plot forward. All the information we got from her POV could have been obtained from Asra. I groaned inwardly each time I had to read a chapter from her POV.
All in all, the story could have been a lot more fast-paced. Some things could have been explained better, and two POVs would have been enough.
April 8, 2024
This book effortlessly transports you into its world, making it a joy to get lost in. It's a beautifully paced journey from friendship to love, set in a fantasy-romance world. The author excels at captivating the reader from the very beginning to the final word. With its extraordinary world-building, the book paints a vivid and imaginative landscape that's easy to dive into. The characters stand out as unique and compelling, each with a fascinating depth and diversity. The narrative is briskly paced, weaving together elements of magic, danger, and politics that keep you thoroughly engrossed. This book brims with suspense and passion, leaving me exhilarated and eager for more. Having received an advance copy, I'm now eagerly anticipating the next installments in the series.
March 6, 2024
This book is truly different from anything i have read in this genre. The magic system, world, character connection… absolutely one of the most exciting captivating and intense reads i have had inawhile. I was asking big questions and it was truly making me think while reading this and just wanting more in a good way. It just kept me reading i couldnt put it down. I cant wait for the next book. So well written. Absolute perfection.
March 9, 2024
She is forced to wear cuff which stops her using her magic and she hates her job. She is about to learn a secret which could change everything. It could even break the fragile peace there is now. What will she learn? What will she do? How will it all end? See what is going to happen
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
March 22, 2024
The story is set in the future, switching between different character perspectives: Asra, Sabine, and Lim. However, the dates vary and the writing changes between first- and third-person narrative. This is a lengthy read, a character-driven story, and complex.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to Hidden Gems Books and author.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to Hidden Gems Books and author.
June 20, 2024
Thank you to Hidden Gems Books for this free ARC. This review is voluntary and unbiased.
This is my new favourite fantasy series ! The world building is extraordinary, the characters are incredibly well written and the plot just kept me on my toes, gasping all the way through.
It gives Six of Crows vibes.
This is my new favourite fantasy series ! The world building is extraordinary, the characters are incredibly well written and the plot just kept me on my toes, gasping all the way through.
It gives Six of Crows vibes.
January 19, 2025
Sigh I’m tired yall.
One too many POVs with time skips, and YA. None of that is mentioned in the description. I hate all of this in my books and wouldn’t have purchased the title if it was known. Even still I tried to like it but I’m tired of having to go back every chapter making an already long book extra extra long and boring.
So fair warning if you don’t mesh with this type of story.
One too many POVs with time skips, and YA. None of that is mentioned in the description. I hate all of this in my books and wouldn’t have purchased the title if it was known. Even still I tried to like it but I’m tired of having to go back every chapter making an already long book extra extra long and boring.
So fair warning if you don’t mesh with this type of story.
June 21, 2025
I love when there is world building and a fantasy series, but not so much that that is all you get. This book definitely delivered not just on the world building, but also on the romance and the plot. Definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 29, 2024
I read this book in two days. It's a delightful story. L.M. Dodds is a vibrant writer with an excellent voice and great world-building.
September 7, 2024
I'm really enjoying the world building!
September 15, 2024
I didn't understand the point of most of this book until the last 10% when it all came together beautifully! That's so rare now that I was genuinely stunned and speechless!
October 21, 2024
wonderful story
I really enjoyed reading
Ding this story. It’s different from regular fae stories. It felt more real and the characters pull you in.
I really enjoyed reading
Ding this story. It’s different from regular fae stories. It felt more real and the characters pull you in.
March 12, 2024
Great characters, wonderful world building, FANTASTIC story! If you are a fan of fantasy, you will love this book. Cannot wait for the next in the series to be released!
March 15, 2024
“Lack of knowledge is still knowledge.”
“All the Disappearing Things,” by L. M. Dodds
This book was interesting. It’s a dystopian magic using fantasy where the magic users are treating essentially like the Jews were in WW2. They have arm bands that mark them even though their people haven’t had magic in so long and when magic starts to come back, they have to hide it and try to use it without getting caught. I didn’t love the characters a lot which is the only part I didn’t like about the book, but the story was interesting and unique on how it was executed especially the dingy poor Hunger Games feel to the town. 3 out of 5 stars, I liked it.
Thank you for the ARC, Hiddengems.
“All the Disappearing Things,” by L. M. Dodds
This book was interesting. It’s a dystopian magic using fantasy where the magic users are treating essentially like the Jews were in WW2. They have arm bands that mark them even though their people haven’t had magic in so long and when magic starts to come back, they have to hide it and try to use it without getting caught. I didn’t love the characters a lot which is the only part I didn’t like about the book, but the story was interesting and unique on how it was executed especially the dingy poor Hunger Games feel to the town. 3 out of 5 stars, I liked it.
Thank you for the ARC, Hiddengems.
March 11, 2024
An absolute delight to read!
I love the multiple POVs going on. I also love how at the beginning they’re seemingly disconnected and how they’re slowly weaved together. And I really liked the world building and the lore to what’s going on. All the characters were great and I didn’t wanna put it down! Can’t wait for the next book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love the multiple POVs going on. I also love how at the beginning they’re seemingly disconnected and how they’re slowly weaved together. And I really liked the world building and the lore to what’s going on. All the characters were great and I didn’t wanna put it down! Can’t wait for the next book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews