What would you do if you were the bargaining chip between two powerful opposing forces, within a hidden realm? For Kaleena Richardson, life as a high school senior is hard enough. But now she’s fighting for survival in her dreams, and the lines between both realms are blurring. Behind Kaleena’s eyelids lie nameless woods and shadowy figures that feel more real than they should .And they’re whispering the words of a Prophecy… Lucas, Son of Ezekiel, is a high-ranking soldier for the Almighty Angel Jeshua, in the realm of Epouranios. Until Jeshua vanishes. Tasked with finding the half-human girl prophesied to find Jeshua and bring triumph over the Prince of Darkness, Lucas takes on an earthly disguise. But convincing Kaleena that she’s a savior for a world she doesn’t believe in is a losing battle. And even if she accepts her destiny — and the powers that come with it— the enemy has a plan to sabotage Fate itself. Click ‘buy now’ to start the Fates of Epouranios trilogy!
T.J. Lundin is a piano teacher by day and slays paranormal creatures at night. Her love for all things fantasy, thriller, and paranormal began at a young age with LotR. You can find her unhinged narratives and thoughts at @Tjlundinbooks on instagram.
what a wonderful debut novel from this author!! this fantasy had me on the edge of my seat waiting to read what would happen next, and there were definitely times when i couldn’t put the book down🤩
the world building was so descriptive that it made it very easy to picture Epouranios in my mind, along with what each character looks like based off of the details given. there were times when i really felt like i was sitting next to Kaleena in class or standing beside Lucas in his realm.
the characters: omg!! Kaleena was a wonderful FMC to meet. her tragic backstory had me in my feels for her, and i really liked getting to see her progress in trying to move past her mental barriers that she had built up against herself. i can’t wait to see how her powers fully manifest and how she’ll be the one to save Epouranios 👀 Bridget was a wonderful friend and side character; i wish i had my own B!!
Lucas of course was charming and a bit hunky for sure😍 his protectiveness over Kaleena had me swooning and wanting an angel of my own! Jude was also cute, even if i was a little suspicious of him for a while😅 i didn’t expect Kaleena to have to choose between love interests in this book, but it was intriguing nonetheless
i do think Kaleena and Lucas fell for each other a bit quickly, but this definitely isn’t a bad thing! it was certainly sweet watching them come to care for the other, and i can’t wait to see what’s in store for them in the next book😆
overall, i’m very thankful to have been given this ARC, and i hope y’all go give this book a try! good job T.J.!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I absolutely loved this!! And I don’t read fantasy!! I was hooked from the very beginning. And the chapter titles???? I LOVED THEM I I wasn’t sure if it was supposed to be like song titles, but that’s exactly what I was getting when I got to the chapter titled angel with a shotgun!???? I literally screamed 😂😂🤭🤭 this is full of sweet moments, action and angst and seriously reminds me of the fallen series with all the angels and demons! I NEED MORE OF THIS!! If you’re looking for an interactive fantasy involving angels with tons of swoon and steamy moments, then this is your book !!!!
I really enjoyed the book. It was a great new twist to angels in the supernatural realm. The ending did get slow at around the last 25% but did pick up. Loved the Dual POV and the cliffhanger???? HELLO
First thing’s first, thank you so much to T.J. for giving me access to the book! Congratulations on a successful first novel! I am rounding this up from 3.75.
Feedback:
I really enjoyed Kaleena as a FMC. I think it needs to be at the forefront of the review that she represents a very relatable high school senior, with the struggles that come along with that like friend and boy problems. She also has some mental health struggles and I think that representation is so very important! I also loved the representation of a healthy and strong female friendship between Kaleena and Bridget.
I would have loved some more descriptive world building in the angels realm before diving in, but we did get more as the book went on.
Dual POV was done very well and I love that this book was written in that style so we could learn more about Lucas and Epourianos that way.
Some of the dialogue between characters felt a little awkward/not natural for me.
The secret twin trope was so fun! And how exciting for Kaleena that she actually does have a mom after all this time.
The cliffhanger at the end was absolutely insane and I am looking forward to finding out what happens to Lucas in the next book!
Oh and I LOVE HENRY
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
i’ve just finished this book and wow! it’s a great read, especially when knowing that it’s a debut novel!
i really liked reading all of the characters, kaleena was a really strong female mc, and her development was shown so much by the end of the book, and i already know she’s going to progress even more as the series goes on! i loved bridget too, their friendship was so sweet.
lucas is such an adorable male mc, it’s so clear that he’s thoughtful and selfless, i was enjoying reading about their friendship and its progression. i was definitely able to picture the characters in my head, and imagine what they looked like! i did struggle a bit more picturing their surroundings, but i feel it’s always a bit like that with the first book in a series!
and the ending!! i can’t wait for book two, one of the reasons ive given it a 4 star and not higher is because i’m personally not a fan of cliffhangers but this one was really well executed, i’m intrigued to see what happens next and know i’ll remember the storyline/how it ended!
Beyond the Fallen Realm by T.J. Lundin was my first foray into angel fantasy and I was pleasantly met with a lovable cast of characters and a fast-paced, fascinating plot!
I loved the author's detailed world building, especially the dream world aspects, and found the FMC character Kaleena really likeable and her reaction to her fate entirely believable! I also adore how endearing and charming the MMC was during their many swoon-worthy interactions!
I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from this author and can't wait to get my hands on the next book in this series!!
This book has so many things I love, text messages, detailed maps and a Spotify playlist for each chapter! I usually don’t enjoy reading about characters in high school but I loved Kaleena (the FMC) she has sassy remarks and she is going through a lot of different things in different realms. The writing is so so good I can’t even describe it, I was so invested in this story and the characters. I felt like the world and the world building in itself was super unique! And the nickname Angel??? I die🫠🩵 I NEED the 2nd book nowww!
While I don't usually enjoy reading about high schoolers going on adventures, I couldn't put this book down. It was an exciting read, an amazing debut. The characters are unique, the world was super interesting! Lucas and Kaleena's POVs were done really well and I thoroughly enjoyed following their journey. I can't wait for book 2!
I really liked the story but I had a really hard time with this book. I loved the characters and their interactions, the quirkiness, the mental health rep, and the world building! I definitely want to read the next book and see where everything is going to go! The problem is it read more like a formal document than a book. The conversations felt robotic instead of genuine. It was almost like it was edited too harshly.
I had such a fun time reading this book and absolutely loved every moment. I loved the 2 POVs between both the female and male characters, Kaleena and Lucas. Lucas was completely my favorite as much as I liked Kaleena. They were both very likable and loved seeing their relationship slowly form throughout the book. It was a great cliffhanger and I can’t wait for the next book!!
I genuinely adore T.J. and I will read everything she puts out in the future! I loved the dynamic of this book so much and I can’t wait to see where it goes! And the chapter titles? They had me singing throughout the entire book 🤌🏼
Wow. I didn’t know what to expect when I picked this book up. I had seen the author posting on Instagram and I was intrigued. Nothing could’ve prepared me for this story and plot, though.
Kaleena is theoretically a normal, unremarkable teenage girl that has had a lot of traumas in her past that ended up with her being sent away for treatment. She still has these intense night terrors that may actually be her transpiring to another realm. When Lucas shows up unexpectedly and explains that not only is she not human, she also is the answer to saving an entire other realm, Kaleena doesn’t know what to do.
I really loved the different plot devices used in this story. I enjoyed the take on different realms along with the idea of a pseudo- heaven and hell that are at odds with each other. Reading through Kaleena discovering who she really is and how to navigate the new points in her life was very cool to see.
I enjoyed the love triangle stuff more than I thought I would. She’s in high school - she’s going to be confused over boys to some extent. But the chemistry between her and Lucas was off the charts and was a lot of fun to read!
This book was so interesting and it kept me in my tires the entire time. There were some editing things and plot pacing points that wouldn’t elevated this book to one more level but, overall, I really enjoyed it and look forward to book 2! I can’t wait to see more of Kaleena’s relationships build with her family and Lucas. And I hope to see Bridget a lot more because she’s truly an awesome friend!
To justify my lower review despite my enjoyment of the story: I feel that this story would have benefited from a few more beta readers. There are a quite a few spots throughout the story that just rely on the reader assuming a connection but never state it. Or the narrator says something as if we’ve been informed but those couple sentences are missing. There are times where Kaleena is compared to someone else and is done 3-4 times. Just little discrepancies that pulled me out of the story a bit. Regardless - book 2, here I come!
4.5 stars This is such an amazing read. The maps at the start are beautiful and there is a guide to the magic clans which proves very useful although the powers are explained throughout the book as well, it is just a nice addition to have there as an introduction. The imagery is very vivid throughout and the author uses it perfectly to create the mood of the scene. The characters themselves, I absolutely love the FMC and MMC and how relatable they are. Also how they compliment each other and help each other grow and progress. The author manages to pique your curiosity from the start, you're hooked and wanting to know more. It is an emotional rollercoaster the FMC goes through and you are right there with her every step of the way empathising with what she is going through. All of the other characters that are brought in are also loveable in their own ways and I love that they all have their own personalities and aren't carbon copies of each other. Even though the author could have gone that way because of who they were. It made them much more relatable. The twists and turns make you dizzy, a lot you really don't see coming. And the cliffhanger at the end leaves you hungry for more. Oh my gosh....The reason I have given it 4.5 stars, was because I would have liked the Prince of darkness to have had more of a role in this book but hopefully in the next book he will play a bigger part as he is shrouded with mystery even though you learn about him, you don't hear much of his side of the story. I would highly recommend reading this book though and look forward to diving into book 2 😍
Beyond the Fallen Realm has a unique twist on angels vs demons and different worlds or realms. It’s definitely different than anything I’ve read! There are quirky and relatable characters that you’ll love. I also appreciated the mental health/illness aspects of the story. Overall I did enjoy the book after getting past the odd writing and over explanations of a lot of things. Parts of it felt like a second or third draft. Some areas felt like more like it was telling the reader what was going on rather than showing them/me. There were a few times I thought it was a second person perspective, breaking the fourth wall, because it would refer to “you” in a sentence but it was written in first person. I am not sure if that was intentional or not. Practically no spice yet still some romance as a subplot which I appreciated!
A beautifully written YA Fantasy with great world-building, dual pov, relatable character dynamics, mystery, intrigue, some action, a neat magic system, angels/demons/shifters, found family, friendships to envy, clean steamy tension, and a twist you don't expect that ends on a cliffhanger!!! I really enjoyed the characters Lundin created and the ease it took to connect with them as a reader on an emotional basis and just in general. Kaleena is strong and brave, but down to earth and realistic in her thinking and actions and not afraid to show her doubts and fears. Lucas is persistent, kind and swoony without being overbearing or arrogant. Anxiously awaiting book two!
So excited for TJ and her debut novel! This was fulfilling all my 2000's nostalgia with angels and demons and a human who is thrust into it all. Secrets, prophecy, discovering powers, hidden identities, electric touches... I would categorize it as a ya fantasy; FMC is a high school senior. There was no spice, just a kiss, but it apparently gets spicy in book 2 👀
This was definitely a set up for much more to come in the series and a great foundation for the story! Can't wait to see how the other books develop it even more. That cliffhanger ending though?!? 😱
I totally liked the reading experience. The FMC Kaleena is the perfect representation of a realistic teenager. The friendship between her and Bridget is strong, they both inspire and support each other. The description of the land of Epouranios was tempting for anyone to wish living there. The chapters are gradually hooking, making the reader to anticipate. And now I can't wait for the second part to be released soon.
ARC review Beyond the fallen realm by @tjlundinbooks
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This book takes you in a journey of love, finding your family and learning to be who you were meant to be. Kaleena gets thrown into a world unknown to herself along with finding out about her family. She has to choose between the book she’s been after for 3 years and the angel who has come to protect her. Who will she choose ? What happens to Lucas ? This books end in a cliffhanger so get the next one ASAP !!!
I had such a fun time reading this book. The characters were so relatable, the writing was beautiful, and the plot and world building was so well done, that I felt like I was immersed in the story! 😊
All my questions were answered and I could easily imagine the setting of each scene 😍 but my favorite part had to be the talking wolf 🐺
This is the first book from an amazing, sweet, and kind indie author so don’t walk but RUN & get your copy!
I loved this book. The story was unique and captivating. I enjoyed the characters, the writing style, the dialogue, and the fact that Kaleena loves chicken sandwiches as much as I do. Lundin crafts a supernatural story spanning worlds. You'll meet Angels, Demons, Shifters, and Nightstalkers as Kaleena is chased through a new world each night as she dreams. This is a great first book, and I can't wait to see what happens.
Beyond the Fallen Realm is an exciting debut novel!! TJ Lundin creates a world of humans, angels, demons and other creatures within Epouranios. I love the storyline and look forward to what the rest of the series has in store!
The unique characters had me rooting for them, and maybe being angry at their choices at times lol. I wanted Kaleena to learn more about her past, and I wanted Lucas to be successful in his mission. Great start to this world!
It gave me Twilight vibes with the high school setting, as well as Lucifer with the angels and demons in the human world. And yet this story is unique and still all it's own!
As I've seen in other reviews, I too have a soft spot for Sir Henry!
Beyond the Fallen Realm follows Kaleena, a high school student who has a traumatic past and terrible nightmares. Are they really nightmares, though? 👀
I enjoyed most of the story that took place in the magical realm (I need more of Sir Henry!), but was less invested in the human realm, unless it was an interaction between Kaleena and Lucas. It took me a bit to be all in, but I got there.
That ending was a twisty twist! I wonder where this story will head next.
Thanks to the author for an eARC of this book for an honest review.