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The Lost Warriors #1
Ella's Dominion
Forbidden magic. Dark desires. A life not her own.
‘Burning. Ella felt the word open and swallow her. It was what they did to witches, to heretics. Cleansed them. Burned them alive.’
Born into a world that hates and fears what she is, Princess Ella of Erldan’s life has never been her own. A mere pawn in her family’s political machinations, she’s forced to hide her magic at the risk of enslavement—or worse. Against a backdrop of political intrigue and heresy, Ella finds herself torn between two brothers—lust for one and love for the other—and must confront the unintended consequences of using her powers to navigate the dangerous world she inhabits, lest she burn for it.
Ella’s Dominion is a dark romantic fantasy set in a compelling world of political intrigue and heresy, where happy endings are not guaranteed. Lose yourself in forbidden magic. Fall in love with (or love to hate) the morally grey characters as they grapple with their deepest desires. And savour the tantalising slow burn as Ella struggles for dominion over herself.
What readers are saying about Ella’s ‘This was the fastest I’ve read a story in YEARS!’‘Dark, intricate, real… It is soooo gooood. I’m hooked!’
‘Burning. Ella felt the word open and swallow her. It was what they did to witches, to heretics. Cleansed them. Burned them alive.’
Born into a world that hates and fears what she is, Princess Ella of Erldan’s life has never been her own. A mere pawn in her family’s political machinations, she’s forced to hide her magic at the risk of enslavement—or worse. Against a backdrop of political intrigue and heresy, Ella finds herself torn between two brothers—lust for one and love for the other—and must confront the unintended consequences of using her powers to navigate the dangerous world she inhabits, lest she burn for it.
Ella’s Dominion is a dark romantic fantasy set in a compelling world of political intrigue and heresy, where happy endings are not guaranteed. Lose yourself in forbidden magic. Fall in love with (or love to hate) the morally grey characters as they grapple with their deepest desires. And savour the tantalising slow burn as Ella struggles for dominion over herself.
What readers are saying about Ella’s ‘This was the fastest I’ve read a story in YEARS!’‘Dark, intricate, real… It is soooo gooood. I’m hooked!’
375 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2024
51 people are currently reading
503 people want to read
About the author
Christine Priestly
3 books23 followersChristine Priestly is an Australian author of the captivating dark medieval fantasy series, The Lost Warriors. A story of forbidden magic, tragic love, political intrigue, religious conspiracy, filled with nuanced characters, villains you’ll love to hate, and unexpected heroes. Told from multiple POVs, the series builds gradually to a screaming crescendo that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Infused with a touch of darkness and literary spice, Christine’s work explores the complexities of human desire against a backdrop of sociopolitical intrigue, with compelling characters you’ll grow to love, or love to hate. You’ll often find her head in a book, sipping tea, cuddling her cats, or spinning on a pole.
Follow my journey
Infused with a touch of darkness and literary spice, Christine’s work explores the complexities of human desire against a backdrop of sociopolitical intrigue, with compelling characters you’ll grow to love, or love to hate. You’ll often find her head in a book, sipping tea, cuddling her cats, or spinning on a pole.
Follow my journey
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 11, 2024
A fabulously enticing dark fantasy. I was completely drawn in by the characters, with their immense depth, twists and character moves I didn't expect, and became thoroughly invested in all the relationships. I'm looking forward to reading more of Ella's story in book #2!
June 25, 2024
Avid fantasy reader here and Christine Priestly’s debut novel is a compelling story of a royal young woman who is developing a sense of herself, in the middle of a politically wrought kingdom where religion and magic clash. Ella is discovering that growing up is not just difficult but it is also dangerous, and also that love as a royal is complicated. This book really delves into the relationships of the characters, they feel very real, fully fleshed out, with flaws and desires which is something often lacking in fantasy writing. The relationships and desires of the characters really make this medieval set world feel like a much more compelling and dangerous place that is often missing in fantasy. Unbridled magic and fervent religiosity set the backdrop for the beautiful story of Ella, her coming of age, and her foray into romance. I was drawn in many times by Ella’s experiences, the writing transported me there. I often felt like I was Ella, a hard feat to accomplish for me, and as such I highly recommend it. I am not sure how I will cope with having to wait for the sequel!
April 5, 2024
I highly recommend this book. Set in a world where magic is a gift and a curse, Ella’s Dominion combines dark romantic fantasy with political intrigue where the threat of heresy is always looming.
The MC, Ella, is born with magic in a world that persecutes magic as heresy. She needs to hide her true nature while trying to juggle the expectations of her family and society.
Unlike a typical fantasy where the MC wields their magic as a weapon or badge of honour, Ella’s journey is all about concealment and restraint. Ella is caught in a web of familial duty, where characters struggle against their innermost desires, while she has to hide what she is.
The book was really well written, the characters were complex and layered, but also relatable. I found myself getting drawn in and needing to read on, feeling invested in each person’s story. I especially liked the twists and turns in the plot, that continued to surprise me, and can’t wait to read the next in the series.
The MC, Ella, is born with magic in a world that persecutes magic as heresy. She needs to hide her true nature while trying to juggle the expectations of her family and society.
Unlike a typical fantasy where the MC wields their magic as a weapon or badge of honour, Ella’s journey is all about concealment and restraint. Ella is caught in a web of familial duty, where characters struggle against their innermost desires, while she has to hide what she is.
The book was really well written, the characters were complex and layered, but also relatable. I found myself getting drawn in and needing to read on, feeling invested in each person’s story. I especially liked the twists and turns in the plot, that continued to surprise me, and can’t wait to read the next in the series.
April 10, 2024
I enjoyed reading this story and getting to know each of the characters. I had Bridgerton vibes meets Salem witch trials meets Religion throughout the whole story. I love fantasy but this one was hard for me to continue at points. The plot twists definitely made it to where I wanted to make it to the next event, but it took me awhile to get there.
I predicted a few and I think that is why it was harder for me at times. This is very well written and developed. That’s why I give it four stars. I wish that the magic elements were more extraordinary, and kept waiting for this. I feel like everyone was let down by Pyra throughout the series. She did more damage than good.
I could read the next one but could not read it. I was disappointed in the whole brother/sister relationship, just seemed weird at times. Thanks for sharing!
I predicted a few and I think that is why it was harder for me at times. This is very well written and developed. That’s why I give it four stars. I wish that the magic elements were more extraordinary, and kept waiting for this. I feel like everyone was let down by Pyra throughout the series. She did more damage than good.
I could read the next one but could not read it. I was disappointed in the whole brother/sister relationship, just seemed weird at times. Thanks for sharing!
October 14, 2024
I found this book on KU and I was grabbed by the book cover. It's GORGEOUS!!! Unbeknownst to me l'd have fallen in love with the story.😍
Christine Priestly🗣️🗣️, Ma'am you put some magic into this book because I was CAPTIVATED!!!
We meet a princess named Ella who captures the eyes of everyone she meets she's described so beautiful with her raven hair. Ella has magicks that are of a forbidden nature in their kingdom and tries her best to hide them away.
If you are looking for your next fantasy read, I highly recommend this series
Christine Priestly🗣️🗣️, Ma'am you put some magic into this book because I was CAPTIVATED!!!
We meet a princess named Ella who captures the eyes of everyone she meets she's described so beautiful with her raven hair. Ella has magicks that are of a forbidden nature in their kingdom and tries her best to hide them away.
If you are looking for your next fantasy read, I highly recommend this series
May 4, 2024
Dark fantasy. Check. Relatable MC. Check.
Romance. Check. All in all, Ella's Dominon is a great royal coming of age story that just sweeps you in. You feel the emotion I the characters and the relationships. It's a must read for sure.
Romance. Check. All in all, Ella's Dominon is a great royal coming of age story that just sweeps you in. You feel the emotion I the characters and the relationships. It's a must read for sure.
July 31, 2025
Ella and Venn
A fantastic start to a new series The Lost Warriors by Christine Priestly. This book is a great set up of the characters. You get to know them and engage with them. They show tremendous growth in the story with a lot more room to grow in the next books. There is adventure, twists and turns, magic, and surprises you don't see coming. The brilliant world building is emmersive and magical. It keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next. I enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to start the next one. I absolutely recommend this book.
A fantastic start to a new series The Lost Warriors by Christine Priestly. This book is a great set up of the characters. You get to know them and engage with them. They show tremendous growth in the story with a lot more room to grow in the next books. There is adventure, twists and turns, magic, and surprises you don't see coming. The brilliant world building is emmersive and magical. It keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next. I enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to start the next one. I absolutely recommend this book.
December 14, 2024
I was HOOKED on this book immediately. Christine priestlys writing is almost poetry it’s so beautiful! I was able to form an attachment to the characters almost immediately and simply couldn’t get enough. Every waking minute I just wanted to read this book! Haha
January 25, 2025
Ella's Dominion was a beautifully written historical fantasy about a young princess born into a world where magic is forbidden and born into a family where she doesn't get to make her own choices... they're made for her.
Follow Ella through all sorts ups and downs while trying to figure who she is.
This was the first book that I've read by Christine Priestly and I wasn't disappointed. Highly recommend.
Also, I read it on Kindle but wish I'd gotten it in physical form because.... That cover! Am I right?
Follow Ella through all sorts ups and downs while trying to figure who she is.
This was the first book that I've read by Christine Priestly and I wasn't disappointed. Highly recommend.
Also, I read it on Kindle but wish I'd gotten it in physical form because.... That cover! Am I right?
November 21, 2024
Very enjoyable read and just what I needed delving back into fantasy.
Thoroughly enjoyed following Ella’s journey into becoming a young woman and the different relationships she formed. The era the book was set in and the political aspects of witchcraft and family hierarchy producing their own fairytale dramas just kept me reading and wanting more as the twists and turns kept coming.
Highly recommended and can’t wait for the next book.
Thoroughly enjoyed following Ella’s journey into becoming a young woman and the different relationships she formed. The era the book was set in and the political aspects of witchcraft and family hierarchy producing their own fairytale dramas just kept me reading and wanting more as the twists and turns kept coming.
Highly recommended and can’t wait for the next book.
February 13, 2025
great read
It’s currently 4 degrees outside and I was going through my stuff with fantasy grabs and saw this and oh wow. Can’t wait for book 2.
It’s currently 4 degrees outside and I was going through my stuff with fantasy grabs and saw this and oh wow. Can’t wait for book 2.
April 12, 2024
I’m not usually a fantasy reader, but I think this is a story that has a genre, but not a genre-specific audience. I loved it. Christine is a beautiful writer. The descriptions of people, places, or things were some of my favourite parts. There is a real depth to every location, and person in it, and their sense of their surroundings and situations.
Ultimately, this story belongs to Ella (though that doesn’t necessarily make her the ‘hero’…), but there’s changes in perspectives throughout so it also feels like it’s a lot of peoples story. Power comes through as a really strong theme. But different types of power, and how people respond to it. Political, economic, religious, magical, sexual. And hugely, a fear of women’s power. Even in the female characters (internalised misogyny?). Not surprising then that the complexities of sex and desire play out all the way through – an extension of power really.
I’m so glad I read this while on holidays because I did not want to put it down! I can’t wait for book 2.
Ultimately, this story belongs to Ella (though that doesn’t necessarily make her the ‘hero’…), but there’s changes in perspectives throughout so it also feels like it’s a lot of peoples story. Power comes through as a really strong theme. But different types of power, and how people respond to it. Political, economic, religious, magical, sexual. And hugely, a fear of women’s power. Even in the female characters (internalised misogyny?). Not surprising then that the complexities of sex and desire play out all the way through – an extension of power really.
I’m so glad I read this while on holidays because I did not want to put it down! I can’t wait for book 2.
March 22, 2024
Spoiler free review
I loved this book. It's a dark medieval fantasy that is focused on magic, power and opposing religions intertwined with both those things, which is a combination of themes I really enjoyed.
The writing is beautiful, particularly the lush and vivid descriptions of how the magic works.
The story follows the main character, Ella, as she struggles for dominion over both her magic and her life. I thought the characters felt very real and I got totally invested in them. As I could feel events building towards the conclusion I found myself nervously waiting to see what happened to them.
Something else that impressed me is that I don't think I saw any of the major events coming. which was great because I really don't like predictability or heavy-handedness in a book. There were also a lot of subtle and interesting threads that got me thinking and made me really curious to see where they go. Really looking forward to the next book!
I loved this book. It's a dark medieval fantasy that is focused on magic, power and opposing religions intertwined with both those things, which is a combination of themes I really enjoyed.
The writing is beautiful, particularly the lush and vivid descriptions of how the magic works.
The story follows the main character, Ella, as she struggles for dominion over both her magic and her life. I thought the characters felt very real and I got totally invested in them. As I could feel events building towards the conclusion I found myself nervously waiting to see what happened to them.
Something else that impressed me is that I don't think I saw any of the major events coming. which was great because I really don't like predictability or heavy-handedness in a book. There were also a lot of subtle and interesting threads that got me thinking and made me really curious to see where they go. Really looking forward to the next book!
October 23, 2025
I highly recommend!!!!!
Set in a world where magic is both a gift and a curse, this dark romantic fantasy is full of secrets, power struggles, and danger.
Ella is born with magic in a society that hunts people like her. Instead of flaunting her power, she has to hide it—balancing family expectations, forbidden magic, and her own desires.
The writing is gorgeous, the characters are complex and real, and the plot twists had me hooked. I couldn’t stop reading and can’t wait to read the next book
Set in a world where magic is both a gift and a curse, this dark romantic fantasy is full of secrets, power struggles, and danger.
Ella is born with magic in a society that hunts people like her. Instead of flaunting her power, she has to hide it—balancing family expectations, forbidden magic, and her own desires.
The writing is gorgeous, the characters are complex and real, and the plot twists had me hooked. I couldn’t stop reading and can’t wait to read the next book
April 4, 2024
An advanced reader copy was provided to me in return for my honest review.
Ella's Dominion is a dark fantasy with lots of twists and turns. It's not a predictable story, which I loved. Ella is sweet and lovable, and definitely a main character worth rooting for. Despite the magic and fantasy, the book touches on some deeper themes. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Ella and her surroundings, and I'm eager to read book 2!
Ella's Dominion is a dark fantasy with lots of twists and turns. It's not a predictable story, which I loved. Ella is sweet and lovable, and definitely a main character worth rooting for. Despite the magic and fantasy, the book touches on some deeper themes. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Ella and her surroundings, and I'm eager to read book 2!
June 8, 2024
A book that left me sorting out my feelings. Ella's is about 16 most of the book and she is the sister of the reigning king whose kingdom is overrun by religious zealots whose mission in life is to eradicate those who has magic aka witches. Ella's mother, the queen is burned at a pike for having magic and the book delves into the apathetic relationship with Ella's two sisters, their love interest and then ends with the complicated relationship of Ella and her brother, the king. 4.5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2024
This story follows Princess Ella, who has to hide her magical abilities in a world where magic seems forbidden. I found it to be a deep story with the struggles she faces and some of the not so favourable decisions she makes. The characters are all quite interesting and unique in their own way.
April 18, 2024
What a fantastic book. Was hooked from the first chapter and found it hard to put down. Relatable characters and an engaging story line. Looking forward to the next one.
November 18, 2024
Such an incredible read!!
May 11, 2024
Ella is a princess with magic in a kingdom where magic is outlawed. Her mother, the queen, tries to help her, but the queen has magic as well and can't protect her. Ella is eventually sent away to keep her safe, but she struggles to keep her powers under control. In addition, she has feelings for more than one man, but she can't make any romantic decisions on her own because her brother, now the king, has to give her permission to marry. As time goes on, the religious sect of her kingdom starts to gain more control, and Ella is in even more danger than ever. She burns some bridges with friends and can't count on even her family to keep her safe.
There are a few things to know before reading this book. Ella is only 14-15 years old throughout the book, so this is very much a young adult book. Since she is so young, there is a lot of teenage angst. She makes terrible decisions, and she isn't very likable. Your only empathy for her comes from remembering how young she is. I love fantasy and there are many fantasy tropes that I did enjoy: magic is outlawed, the religious sect takes over, slow-burn romance (thankfully since she was 14 in the beginning), corrupt royalty, etc. Overall the book is well-written, but it's a 4 star due to some of the reasons I mentioned above.
There are a few things to know before reading this book. Ella is only 14-15 years old throughout the book, so this is very much a young adult book. Since she is so young, there is a lot of teenage angst. She makes terrible decisions, and she isn't very likable. Your only empathy for her comes from remembering how young she is. I love fantasy and there are many fantasy tropes that I did enjoy: magic is outlawed, the religious sect takes over, slow-burn romance (thankfully since she was 14 in the beginning), corrupt royalty, etc. Overall the book is well-written, but it's a 4 star due to some of the reasons I mentioned above.
December 21, 2024
The story follows Princess Ella of Erldan, who is born into a world that fears and hates her magical abilities. She must hide her powers to avoid enslavement or worse. Set against a backdrop of political intrigue and heresy, Ella finds herself torn between two brothers—one she lusts for and the other she loves. She must navigate the dangerous world she inhabits and confront the unintended consequences of using her powers. It's a dark romantic fantasy filled with forbidden magic, dark desires, and morally grey characters. The story explores themes of power, love, and self-discovery
August 21, 2025
Took me a while to get into it but once I did I couldn’t put it down . There seems to be a lot of things happening and I'm not sure if I’ve caught every thing.
It’s been interesting watching the FMC grow from a young girl to an older teen wanting nothing more than to be accepted and loved. I can't wait to read the next book.
Thanks Christine for giving me the opportunity to experience your journey
It’s been interesting watching the FMC grow from a young girl to an older teen wanting nothing more than to be accepted and loved. I can't wait to read the next book.
Thanks Christine for giving me the opportunity to experience your journey
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews