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The Dust of the Earth #1
Dust of the Earth
When love ignites, the end begins.
Nikki lives in the shadows—a vampire with trace human ancestry, cursed with a conscience and haunted by hunger. As the darkness within her grows harder to ignore, she devotes herself to study, determined to understand the monster that lurks inside her. Desperate to keep it at bay.
Solite shatters when Xander arrives at her university. He’s warm, magnetic, and undeniably human. Or so she thinks. Drawn to his brightness, Nikki is pulled into his orbit. But something stirs when he’s near. Old powers awaken. Whispers from beneath the Earth grow louder. And her carefully constructed world begins to crack.
While a vengeful goddess rises and long-buried rivalries ignite, Nikki must confront the truth of who, and what, she is. As her coven fractures and the world tilts toward ruin, she’s caught between love and loyalty, past and future, and a choice that could save her world…or doom it.
The Dust of the Earth is a slow burn, fade to black, grumpy/sunshine romance, for readers who like their worlds dark and romances tender.
Nikki lives in the shadows—a vampire with trace human ancestry, cursed with a conscience and haunted by hunger. As the darkness within her grows harder to ignore, she devotes herself to study, determined to understand the monster that lurks inside her. Desperate to keep it at bay.
Solite shatters when Xander arrives at her university. He’s warm, magnetic, and undeniably human. Or so she thinks. Drawn to his brightness, Nikki is pulled into his orbit. But something stirs when he’s near. Old powers awaken. Whispers from beneath the Earth grow louder. And her carefully constructed world begins to crack.
While a vengeful goddess rises and long-buried rivalries ignite, Nikki must confront the truth of who, and what, she is. As her coven fractures and the world tilts toward ruin, she’s caught between love and loyalty, past and future, and a choice that could save her world…or doom it.
The Dust of the Earth is a slow burn, fade to black, grumpy/sunshine romance, for readers who like their worlds dark and romances tender.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 11, 2024
31 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 3, 2026
3.25/5 stars
interesting premise tho I wasn't the biggest fan of our main characters or their interactions. Nikki felt very whiney and young, and Xander was a sweet boy but very one dimensional. Their love story was very insta-love and seemed one-sided. I wish there had been more development of the characters and their motivation. I like that witches come from vampire lines as well as sirens as well! it had a lot of potential, but the constant kidnapping and overall weakness of Nikki brought my opinion of her down. it felt like the plot happened to her, she wasn't driving the plot.
I may read the next book, down the line...
interesting premise tho I wasn't the biggest fan of our main characters or their interactions. Nikki felt very whiney and young, and Xander was a sweet boy but very one dimensional. Their love story was very insta-love and seemed one-sided. I wish there had been more development of the characters and their motivation. I like that witches come from vampire lines as well as sirens as well! it had a lot of potential, but the constant kidnapping and overall weakness of Nikki brought my opinion of her down. it felt like the plot happened to her, she wasn't driving the plot.
I may read the next book, down the line...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2025
Another great book for my Witchy Book Stack!
I finished Dust of the Earth late last night and just can’t find the words for how great it was! This isn’t a very eloquent review because I am still processing the mind blowing implications of the ending! Morgan Vale managed to weave so many concepts and bits of lore into one magically cohesive story that connects the dawn of humankind to the political intrigue of a modern vampire coven. It’s astounding! I don’t want to risk spoiling the story, but you wouldn’t believe me if I gave a list of all the types of paranormal entities and types of magic she has so skillfully blended.
This is a romantasy, yes, but on an epic scale. It’s a coming of age story for a vampire, a love story that crosses all sorts of boundaries, but is entirely wholesome! There is basically no spice, it’s all fade to black.
The stakes are high, the love and friendships strong, the mysteries deep, the imagery vivid and visceral, and the banter on point!
I have gotten so lucky with the books I’ve chosen to read this year and among many wonderful stories this is another standout! I can. not. wait. to read Blood of the Cradle, and hopefully be blessed with an ARC of book 3, due to release in 2026!
Morgan Vale is a new favorite author!
I finished Dust of the Earth late last night and just can’t find the words for how great it was! This isn’t a very eloquent review because I am still processing the mind blowing implications of the ending! Morgan Vale managed to weave so many concepts and bits of lore into one magically cohesive story that connects the dawn of humankind to the political intrigue of a modern vampire coven. It’s astounding! I don’t want to risk spoiling the story, but you wouldn’t believe me if I gave a list of all the types of paranormal entities and types of magic she has so skillfully blended.
This is a romantasy, yes, but on an epic scale. It’s a coming of age story for a vampire, a love story that crosses all sorts of boundaries, but is entirely wholesome! There is basically no spice, it’s all fade to black.
The stakes are high, the love and friendships strong, the mysteries deep, the imagery vivid and visceral, and the banter on point!
I have gotten so lucky with the books I’ve chosen to read this year and among many wonderful stories this is another standout! I can. not. wait. to read Blood of the Cradle, and hopefully be blessed with an ARC of book 3, due to release in 2026!
Morgan Vale is a new favorite author!
February 3, 2026
⭐ 5/5
🌶 2/5 - (Behind closed doors)
📖1/3 (trilogy)
I can not express how much I enjoyed this book. My poor friends are sick of hearing about it at this point because I just won't shut up.
The characters. Okay, let's talk about this. These characters are so relatable and flawed, and I love it. Our main girl has a pity party through most of the book because being a vampire sucks. (pun intended). She doesn't like the idea of drinking blood because of ✨trauma✨ and ✨morals✨, so she basically starves herself, which then shows her witchy friend just how much she truly hates herself, which I think really helps Gwen understand more, so I really liked seeing that. I really like seeing a character hate who they are, understand they can't change it right now, and then make their whole quest in life to try to figure out what to do about it. She's studying blood in school just to see how it works, why do vampires need it, and can she change that because she does not want to be a monster. THAT'S INSANE. What a goal Nikki, you do you girl I'm rooting for you. (that's another pun, IYKYK)
Speaking of vampires and how much they suck, these that Morgan Vayle created absolutely don't. This is such a cool twist on vampires that I have not seen before. We get genology, and how DNA works, and we talk about recessive and dominant genes, and the little nerd in me was kicking her feet the whole time. I love a complex world, magic system, and lore and I love when we get to the nitty gritty of it so satisfying to see.
Overall, this book was so well written, the logic of the world, and the more we learned about the lore and plot kept me intrigued and wanting more. I absolutely loved this story and I can't wait to start book 2. All that said the cliff hanger was BRUTAL so have book 2 on deck because Morgan loves/hates us.
🌶 2/5 - (Behind closed doors)
📖1/3 (trilogy)
I can not express how much I enjoyed this book. My poor friends are sick of hearing about it at this point because I just won't shut up.
The characters. Okay, let's talk about this. These characters are so relatable and flawed, and I love it. Our main girl has a pity party through most of the book because being a vampire sucks. (pun intended). She doesn't like the idea of drinking blood because of ✨trauma✨ and ✨morals✨, so she basically starves herself, which then shows her witchy friend just how much she truly hates herself, which I think really helps Gwen understand more, so I really liked seeing that. I really like seeing a character hate who they are, understand they can't change it right now, and then make their whole quest in life to try to figure out what to do about it. She's studying blood in school just to see how it works, why do vampires need it, and can she change that because she does not want to be a monster. THAT'S INSANE. What a goal Nikki, you do you girl I'm rooting for you. (that's another pun, IYKYK)
Speaking of vampires and how much they suck, these that Morgan Vayle created absolutely don't. This is such a cool twist on vampires that I have not seen before. We get genology, and how DNA works, and we talk about recessive and dominant genes, and the little nerd in me was kicking her feet the whole time. I love a complex world, magic system, and lore and I love when we get to the nitty gritty of it so satisfying to see.
Overall, this book was so well written, the logic of the world, and the more we learned about the lore and plot kept me intrigued and wanting more. I absolutely loved this story and I can't wait to start book 2. All that said the cliff hanger was BRUTAL so have book 2 on deck because Morgan loves/hates us.
February 9, 2026
I absolutely devoured Dust of the Earth. This isn’t your typical vampire romantasy, it has such a distinct vibe that pulled me in from the very first chapter and never let go.
Nikki is the kind of heroine I immediately connected with. She’s caught between her humanity and the darkness that lives inside her. It’s that internal struggle that adds so much depth to the story. There’s also this constant tension simmering under the surface like something very old and powerful is just about to wake up. It gives the whole book a haunting feel.
And then there’s Xander. Warm, magnetic, and the perfect contrast to Nikki’s guarded, shadowed existence. Their dynamic is soft, slow-burn, and full of quiet emotional moments that really draw you in. I absolutely loved watching Nikki’s walls slowly start to crack around him.
What really stood out to me was the unique take on vampires. The lore feels fresh and grounded in something older, and more dangerous than the usual tropes. The science behind vampirism was a really interesting part of the storyline. And I especially loved the friendships woven into the story—they added so much warmth and heart to an otherwise scary world.
If you love dark, character-driven romantasy with tender romance, slow-burn tension, and a fresh spin on vampire mythology, this story is for you.
Morgan Vayle created a world that feels both intimate and epic at the same time. Plus that ending had me immediately closing the book and staring book two.
Nikki is the kind of heroine I immediately connected with. She’s caught between her humanity and the darkness that lives inside her. It’s that internal struggle that adds so much depth to the story. There’s also this constant tension simmering under the surface like something very old and powerful is just about to wake up. It gives the whole book a haunting feel.
And then there’s Xander. Warm, magnetic, and the perfect contrast to Nikki’s guarded, shadowed existence. Their dynamic is soft, slow-burn, and full of quiet emotional moments that really draw you in. I absolutely loved watching Nikki’s walls slowly start to crack around him.
What really stood out to me was the unique take on vampires. The lore feels fresh and grounded in something older, and more dangerous than the usual tropes. The science behind vampirism was a really interesting part of the storyline. And I especially loved the friendships woven into the story—they added so much warmth and heart to an otherwise scary world.
If you love dark, character-driven romantasy with tender romance, slow-burn tension, and a fresh spin on vampire mythology, this story is for you.
Morgan Vayle created a world that feels both intimate and epic at the same time. Plus that ending had me immediately closing the book and staring book two.
November 2, 2025
This book hooked me in pretty early with a unique and refreshing take on Vampires and vampire lore. I really appreciated the originality here and how our darling FMC deals with her coming of age ordeal with vampirism and her lack of excitement with the fate she's been dealt.
I really enjoyed the college aspect and the motives behind her studies. The twists and turns were fun and some I didn't see coming. I loved learning more about everyone in the Coven and in their friend group.
The found family aspect in this book is done really well and the romance is closed door. The world building was explained well and was easy to understand and kept me intruiged to learn more. Then end is a roller coaster and jam packed with action so I can't wait to see where the next book takes us.
I really enjoyed the college aspect and the motives behind her studies. The twists and turns were fun and some I didn't see coming. I loved learning more about everyone in the Coven and in their friend group.
The found family aspect in this book is done really well and the romance is closed door. The world building was explained well and was easy to understand and kept me intruiged to learn more. Then end is a roller coaster and jam packed with action so I can't wait to see where the next book takes us.
February 19, 2025
A fun read, week written with complex and likeable characters
As an avid fantasy and romantasy reader, I am quite particular about the books I r engage with. My number one requirement is time spent on character development. My number two is that dialogue flows without being stilted or relying on too many cliches.
This book fulfills both of those requirements. In addition, it follows a different flow than many predictable fantasy books, with the reader learning the lore along with the main character.
Speaking of lore... Great job mixing different stories and traditions, and integrating new creative ideas.
I can't wait to read the sequel!
As an avid fantasy and romantasy reader, I am quite particular about the books I r engage with. My number one requirement is time spent on character development. My number two is that dialogue flows without being stilted or relying on too many cliches.
This book fulfills both of those requirements. In addition, it follows a different flow than many predictable fantasy books, with the reader learning the lore along with the main character.
Speaking of lore... Great job mixing different stories and traditions, and integrating new creative ideas.
I can't wait to read the sequel!
December 7, 2025
Hello, !
Another series has come to conquer readers. It is the series The Dust of the Earth.
In the first book Dust of the Earth, the author transports her readers into history in the most ideal and agonizing way and conveys essential messages such as friendship, etc. Her world building is incredible. The plot has the makings to captivate readers. The characters are well developed, have depth and interest. Finally, her writing is super wow, dynamic, dark (as needed), captivating and cinematic. I finished it in a day and a half and I am very happy about it.
Thank you very much to the author and @lamiaslibrary for the eARC!
This is my honest review!
Another series has come to conquer readers. It is the series The Dust of the Earth.
In the first book Dust of the Earth, the author transports her readers into history in the most ideal and agonizing way and conveys essential messages such as friendship, etc. Her world building is incredible. The plot has the makings to captivate readers. The characters are well developed, have depth and interest. Finally, her writing is super wow, dynamic, dark (as needed), captivating and cinematic. I finished it in a day and a half and I am very happy about it.
Thank you very much to the author and @lamiaslibrary for the eARC!
This is my honest review!
August 6, 2025
After being pesteredfor so long to read this book, I finally picked it up and couldnt put it down. I’m so glad I did! It was a little slow in some part but that's to be expected. Discovering a new author like Morgan Vayle is both refreshing and exciting. What really stood out to me is how her female characters actually stay strong and independent, without sacrificing their identity for romance. None of that tired 'it was her choice to give everything up' justification (looking at you, super popular authors). I’m diving into the second book now and can’t wait to see where the story goes!
September 16, 2025
Dust of the Earth was such a surprise good read for me. A fresh take on Vampire origin made what is usually “just fantasy” seem altogether a possible reality. The main character’s transformation from human to vampire took me on an unexpected ride of emotions, exploring the turmoil of feeling betrayed by your body. I love that Dust of the Earth felt like genre fusion: sci-fi, fantasy, romance. And the ending: wow. I NEED to know where this goes. Highly recommend this series and cannot wait to read more from Morgan Vayle.
February 3, 2026
Dust of the Earth is a story about vampires, yes. BUT! It is so much more! We follow Nikki, a born vampire, as she reluctantly transitions. We get to learn about the unique vampire lore, the coven she belongs to, and secrets right along with her. The characters are well developed and the story is so engaging you want to keep turning pages to see what happens next. And THAT. ENDING. I'm so excited to see what happens next!!
March 7, 2026
You can't hide forever
A good read. Nikki knows that she is changing into a full vampire she can't fight it anymore. So when she meets Xander she knows that she needs to be careful. But things have become strange as she keeps on her a voice and they want Xander. But she won't give him up but she loses him anyways. And now she needs to save him but it might be too late. Can Nikki save the boy that she loves or is everything lost?
A good read. Nikki knows that she is changing into a full vampire she can't fight it anymore. So when she meets Xander she knows that she needs to be careful. But things have become strange as she keeps on her a voice and they want Xander. But she won't give him up but she loses him anyways. And now she needs to save him but it might be too late. Can Nikki save the boy that she loves or is everything lost?
May 22, 2025
This is really fun book about vampires, the monsters within, and an ancient evil rising. Set during that critical university age when you're coming into your own and figuring out who you want to be in the world. The love interest is great, the best friend is amazing, and the dynamics throughout are compelling and fun.
November 24, 2025
Dust of the earth is a paranormal romance set in the PNW that centers around Nikki, who is a young transitioning vampire. The vampire lore in this book is unique and different from other vampire books I've read. We're going on this journey with Nikki as she discovers so much about herself and the coven her family belongs to. It's a beautifully woven story with deep friendship and new love. So many twists and turns my jaw was on the floor as I turned the last page.
August 26, 2024
I'm not usually a huge vampire fan but this one was good! It had more fantastical beings besides vampires which really added to the story. The cliff hanger has me thinking I'll definitely be picking up the next one when it comes out!!
April 13, 2025
Imaginative and fresh. Enjoyed it
September 30, 2025
I may be a bit biased, as this book takes place in Vancouver, Wa, where I currently live, but this book was the perfect fall read for me. It felt cozy yet spooky and supernatural at the same time.
Vayle’s take on vampirism is the unique and intriguing while also staying true to vampire lore and legends. Her use of minute details really helps the reader feel things through Nikki’s heightened vampire senses.
The chemistry between characters is so well done, not just between the love interests, but the friendship and family relationships were very real, raw, and relatable, despite their being supernatural beings.
I would highly recommend to any fan of fantasy and supernatural stories.
Vayle’s take on vampirism is the unique and intriguing while also staying true to vampire lore and legends. Her use of minute details really helps the reader feel things through Nikki’s heightened vampire senses.
The chemistry between characters is so well done, not just between the love interests, but the friendship and family relationships were very real, raw, and relatable, despite their being supernatural beings.
I would highly recommend to any fan of fantasy and supernatural stories.
September 15, 2025
Loved loved LOVED this book! It had a great story and unique take on vampires that made this one of the best Romantasy books I've ever read (I also hate Twilight, so I was very cautions going into this book). I really appreciated the character building and creative build of the story with the mysterious lore. The end absolutel blew my mind! If you enjoy a well paced mystery with the perfect amount of building suspense, a diverse set of characters, read this now (then read book 2, and eventually book 3!)!!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews