Five thousand years after the Divine had disappeared, dreams no longer exist in the war-torn continent of Reveria—or so Elora Ausrine thought. However, when visions and disembodied voices warn her of a dark future ahead, she starts to question everything she knows about the Divine and their heritage.
As Elora attempts to make sense of her new abilities, hope of an escape from her Uncle’s harsh rule arises in the unlikely form of Prince Andras, her latest potential suitor and possible executioner, who has his own agenda. Thrust into a world of shadows and deceit, Elora is forced to choose between protecting her secret or facing her brewing feelings for the ruthless prince to survive.
As Andras seeks to gain Elora’s trust to uncover who is tearing apart The Veil between Helheim and the mortal world, he discovers there is more to Elora than meets the eye. Hiding a power feared by the Divine themselves, she could be the key to a prophecy that could change their world forever.
This book was amazing. Its not like anything i read. The slow burn makes you wanna throw the book/kindle into a wall but it was done well. The plot was written beautifully. I loved the characters. Forbidden magic 🤭🥰
4.5⭐️ A gripping and well-developed world of forbidden magic and destiny.
In the realm of Reveria, the ravages of war at an end and the Gods long gone, magic is forbidden. Dreams are all but eradicated from the lives of the people, but for a rare few whose divine bloodlines ensure the last of a dying breed still weave amidst the dreamscapes.
What then would happen to a young royal who suddenly begins to dream?
Bound and effectively a captive under the controlling reign of her uncle, Princess Elora has been the rightful heir to the throne since her parents' passing. She, however, does not wear the crown. Her world is one of political intrigue, deceit and uncertainty. To trust is to put one's life in another’s hands and at this point Elora is unable to determine just quite who is safe or a risk. When it feels as though there is nowhere to turn and confess her change in dream state to, she must find a hidden resolve to persevere. Training and regaining ancient knowledge that her predecessors worked so hard to eradicate, she walks a treacherous path, albeit without true ill intention on her part.
Enter Andras, a Prince of shadows and mysteries, who offers assistance and seeks Elora’s trust… possibly even her heart. The slow burn between these two is intense and excruciatingly prolonged, but I’m a bit of a masochist so there are zero complaints from this quarter.
I’m hoping that a second book will fill in any gaps and that the teasing suggestions and snippets of backstory and character introductions will be fleshed out and nurtured to offer a more elaborate and pieced-together picture. My curiosity is piqued and I need more at this point! Well-written, colourful and captivating, this world has woven itself into my head and heart and I look forward to the next instalment in the Angels of the Serpent series.
‘“We could be good together, Angel, you and I. The divine light to my eternal darkness.”…
“Then kiss me already,” she whispered against his lips.’
This was a really interesting book to read - it kept me hooked and I genuinely enjoyed reading it. Some of the tropes included enemies to lovers with slow-burn romance yes please), magical secrets and twists (delightful) and a secretly badass FMC (my personal favourite).
Elora is the Princess of Reveria, daughter to the greatest rulers to ever grace the continent. Unfortunately, her parents are no longer alive and she is heavily guarded by her Uncle, the current king. Since the war ended and the Gods disappeared, magic has attempted to be eradicated, with dreams no longer existent but for rare, magical creatures who still possess the ability thanks to their Divine Blood. Suspicions arise when Elora begins to dream, and she struggles to make sense of these abilities amidst being watched 24/7 and not knowing who to trust.
As Elora continues to train and learn the knowledge that her ancestors had tried to wipe from the history books, she crosses paths with Andras, a mysterious Prince from a place shrouded in secrets. As Andras seeks to gain Elora’s trust, he realises that he is falling for her, and the pair must battle these feelings with the shadows and deceit that surrounds them.
The world building is incredible, but I think this book fell short in that it jumps around, A LOT. A lot of the time I was struggling to put things together, and then it would jump ahead to a few weeks later and a new scene with nothing to fill in the gaps. I think the book does a good job of explaining towards the end, but it’s not the shortest book, and so much happens throughout that it was too confusing for things to just click into place. The book is fantastically written, though, and I always looked forward to picking it back up. I just wish things were explained a bit better, as I was really struggling to figure out why the kingdom had attempted to eradicate magic and rewrite history but then random magic users would just show up or random bits of history would be explained without the significance of it needing to be hidden.
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
If you love slow burn and banter with a dash of fallen gods this is the book you’re looking for.
I love the concept of the book, but unfortunately, I wasn’t able to dive into it as I expected to. A possibility might be that I read it at the wrong time and in the wrong mood and that part is really tricky for a mood reader.
The story revolves around Princess Elora, the last princess, and the next to the throne, and Prince Andras, her possible suitor and one of the most powerful and fearful princes in the kingdom. Along with their journey as their beliefs were challenged, the truths uncovered were beyond their imagination.
So if you love banter, fallen gods, and slow burn, this one is for you.
Slow Burn? Forbidden Magic?? Lost Histories??? Then this is the book you WANT!!! And in a good way… I had and have so many thoughts and theories about this book whilst reading it and cannot wait for the second Act. The only downside was that I was constantly confused on which POV I was reading from and would have to reread certain parts to check which character POV I was reading so make sure things flowed smoothly.
This was an exciting read and felt very different from other romantasy novels I have read recently, which was refreshing. The tropes that we know and love, such as enemies to lovers, badass FMC, forbidden magic, slow burn, and a dark, mysterious MMC. The ending and story arc that Tayla has created leaves readers wanting more. It’s not a cliffhanger, but it shows a lot is in store for book two and leaves you wanting book two immediately. I am typically one not to predict what is happening next. Well, when I read (unless I’ve recognized a thing or two from other books), Tayla’s writing left me entirely in the dark; the twists were unexpected and downright jaw-dropping. The last ten chapters should be read when you have no plans for the day— I was almost late for class because I could not put it down.
If you are in the market for betrayals, enemies to lovers, and a slow burn, and I mean a SLOW burn romance, this book is absolutely for you, and if you want something new from the romantasy genre but with all your favorite tropes, this book needs to be added to your TBR!
It has been a hot minute since I have read a fantasy, but I am glad that I came back into that genre with this book. It is a well thought out fantasy novel, with its lore, magic system and world thoroughly thought out and well written. The characters were all really well developed and the interactions between all of them helped to make the story shine. If fantasy is your thing, and you like a touch of spice but not have the story overwhelmed by it, then this is the book for you. There are angels, fallen angels, gods, demonic creatures, heaven, hell and a world filled with the descendants of the divine, hiding in plain sight. The story was well paced and it took me on an adventure that had a few twists ant turns that I didn't see coming.
Favourite Quote: 😈"I have tried to shut you out, and yet I yearn for you. You are an addiction clinging to my very soul. Tell me, darling Angel, if I clawed that wounded heart of yours open, what would I find?" 👼"You would find that you are all I think about. All I want. You intrigue me, and I love it. You would find within my bleeding heart that I am made for you."
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, forbidden love, arranged marriage (trying to anyway), bodyguard romance, royalty romance, betrayal and redemption, banter to love, chosen one, hidden world, portal to another realm, prophecy, good vs evil, found family, training montage, the last of their kind, mind control/possession, shapeshifters, resistance/rebellion, superpowers, ancient evil awakens, who did this to you.
Triggers: Fantasy violence, SA, physical assault, explicit language, death, death of a family member, suicide (off page), rape (off page) torture, ritual sacrifice, confinement, mass deaths, murder, nightmares, scars, slavery (mentioned), arranged/forced marriage (attempted).
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Elora is the Princess of Reveria and she is heavily guarded by her uncle, the current king, as her parents are not alive anymore and her brother is out fighting a war. After a great war, where the Gods disappeared, magic has attempted to be erased, and dreams no longer exist to humans. Elora begins to dream and other abilities begin to manifest. Prince Andras, comes for her birthday but he has his own agenda. As he gains her trust and trains her, he starts to see there is more to her than just a princess.
This book was amazing. The world building was easy to follow and written in so well it didn't disrupt the flow of the story. The magic system was well thought out. The characters were well written and the banter between them was great. A well paced story.
Elora is strong and sassy. Even if there are threats around her, not just from outsiders but also her uncle, she is still headstrong. Andreas is a bit of a mystery and I want to learn more about him. I'm a sucker for a handsome, broody, dark devilish MMC and he definitely fits that description.
I loved the twist and turns in this book and the cliffhanger? It was so good, it made me angry and shouting at the book. I can't wait to see what happens next.
This is 𝒕𝒉𝒆 perfect book for fall, trust me on this one🍂 I wouldn’t be surprised if this book goes viral! I really hope it does 🙌🏻
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐬: The story is mysterious, dark, and even gives off a bit of gothic vibes, especially with the demon/angel aesthetic it has. It includes many popular tropes, but they’re incorporated so well that they didn’t feel overwhelming. The pacing is spot on, and the magical lore felt somewhat unique compared to other Romantasy novels I’ve read, which made it more enjoyable for me.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲: Agh! So much to say but I don’t want to spoil anything so just GO READ IT!! Lol. The MMC had me swooning🤭 mysterious, dark and brooding but always saying the right thing at the perfect moments. The tension and slow burn between the MCs were there!🔥 As for the FMC, I admired her strength and determination to remain level-headed despite the torturing she dealt with and the constant voices in her head👀 I’m excited to see her character growth in the next book. And speaking of sequels… THAT ENDING?!!! It was jaw dropping!! I did NOT see it coming! Now I’m counting down the days until book two😫
Wow. I loved this. One of the best romantasy I’ve read this year! So much went on in such a different and unique world! I loved all the characters. The banter was good, the tension was good, I wanted more!! The author did a fantastic job of making you question who the love interest could be at times too. Way to go to the author put putting out a stand out debut novel! I can’t wait to see where the story goes!
Side note: Sometimes I couldn’t tell who was speaking at times when there was more than 2 characters in a scene and had to reread some dialogue. This is also told from a third point of view. And I’m used to third point of views with one character thoughts and actions as the focal then a break or new chapter if it switches to a new character points, (and maybe it was just me) but there were a few times I felt that switch without any break or new chapter. But still overall such a fantastic story!!
Wow! This book was phenomenal. I didn’t predict any of the plot twists, which I’m usually pretty good at. I could not stop thinking about this book. Ugh the slow burn, the sexual tension, I could eat that up for dinner. I love her friendship with Sophia, it is so kind & sweet & if anything happens to her I will riot. The ending sets up perfectly for the next book & I am absolutely already anticipating it!
Elora is such a badass & such a warrior. UGH, this poor baby, my heart aches for her. She has lost so much and just deserves the world. I can’t wait to see her fly.
Andras is so broody, sarcastic & secretive, what’s not to love? He’s so difficult to understand and I loved it. - “Do you think of me? The same way you have poisoned my mind?” - “I like it when you behave.” - “Please come back to me in one piece. I’m not sure what I would do if you don’t.”
I am so incredibly honored to have received a copy of this book from the author. Fallen Virtues truly is such an incredible read and I loved it so much. It’s so unique and there were so many twists and turns that kept me on my toes the whole time. The world building and plot of the story is amazing and the author truly does such a wonderful job with character development and delving into these incredible characters. The FMC truly is an amazing character and I love her spunk, tenacity and determination. The MMC on the other hand had me swooning so hard with his mysterious vibes! 🤭 The slow burn between the FMC and the MMC gave me goosebumps and their chemistry and banter is truly off-the-charts! 🔥 Lastly, this book is a must-read and if you love enemies to lovers, slow burn, betrayals, forbidden magic and more then this is the book for you!
This book was something else. The thing I think I loved most is that is it was very different in way the story was told from other fantasy books. While there was still a climax and ending, it trails off and leaves room for the next installment. Most books I’ve read, even with another installment, seem to have an end more so this book has left me (devastatingly) wanting more. I had many thoughts and theories while reading and I also appreciated how not everything I thought or predicted got its answer.
The way this book kept me in and wanting more has to be a crime.
You want slow burn? Oh boy you got it! You want secrets, betrayals, enemies-to-lovers? YOU GOT IT!!
Please make this your next fantasy read, but emotionally prepare yourself… Tayla you’ll be spoken about at my next therapy session.
Talk about a cliffhanger! Tayla Dimov has such a great story developing, and I look forward to seeing where she takes it in the next book.
I am excited to see Tayla’s writing over the coming years as she gains more experience and grows her team! She has so much promise and very creative ideas that I would like to see further developed. There were times that I felt more information was needed, but I truly loved the story.
I can be easily distracted by editorial mistakes but didn’t let that impact my rating of the book! Definitely an area to work on as she continues but also inevitable with a work of this length. Well done, Tayla! I can’t wait to read the next one!
I knew I would love this book when I started reading it. It's so good. amazing plot, beautiful characters, the epic mystery of history ( that rhymes 😅), secrets...... so many secrets...... giving of major throne of glass first book vibes with castle and mysterious things happening. love the whole vine of the book. but a massive cliffhanger 😝😂😅 Full Review here on my Blog 👇 Blog | Linktree | Bookstagram Review
Tropes: Forbidden Romance Love Triangle Slow Burn Forbidden Magic / erased history Enemies to lovers He Falls first Angels & Demons
Who doesn't love a good slow burn enemies to lovers trope? Especially one where magic is forbidden and the histories that speak of that magic have been lost ...
Throw in a love triangle to make things even more complicated and now we are in business!
This story will keep the mystery to itself and keep you asking questions, sinking its claws into you! While at times the POV perspectives did give me whiplash (one paragraph was one characters perspective and the next another altogether which had me rereading at times to make sure I was following along properly), I really enjoyed the lore and world building this story had to offer.
Tayla got some VERY unhinged messages from me at the end of this. The EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER was insane. But that's exactly why I would recommend this book to anyone. I loved every second of reading it and couldn't put it down. It was SO good! I can't wait for release day tomorrow so you all can get your hands on it because I LOVED every second I promise. I finished on Friday and haven't been able to process my thoughts🤣 I'm also in a major book hangover still. Seriously if you love fantasy books, this book is for you!
This was such a good read, WOW! The plot twist at the end I was NOT EXPECTING AT ALL 🤯🤯🤯. I'm really good at predicting plot twists but wasn’t even prepared for it. The cliffhanger too! I NEED MORE!!!!
The enemies to lovers trope was written to perfection. The slow burn really had me at the edge of my seat waiting for the moment when the tides will turn. The history of the world and magic was extremely unique, it so well thought out.
I truly enjoyed the multitude of characters within the story and their roles they played, it created a multidimensional experience while reading. Each character had their distinct characteristics that separated them from one another.
The descriptiveness in this novel is INSANE! I pictured movie scenes in my head while reading. Read this book, it is 1000000% worth it. I am praying and hoping for a second book.
The attention to detail in the book was amazing, I loved how you could see, smell and practically hear these characters and scenes. I loved the story line and how it flowed so nicely. Seriously the world building was *chefs kiss*. If you love enemies to lovers, slow burn, he falls first, forbidden magic, you NEED to read this!
Fallen Virtue was a very interesting and entertaining read. The magic systems were fascinating and not something I have seen used before in the various fantasy books I have read so far.
The dynamics between the characters were engaging but also left me with questions that I hope are answered in the following books in the series. Like, what was the deal with her uncle? What really happened to her parents? Where is Ronan? I personally like being left with questions in a series, as I like having something to look forward to within the next book.
Elora is a bada$$ in her own right, but that cliffhanger ending... phewwww that was a doozy. I desperately want to know what Andras will do next and how Elora will get out of her predicament.
If you are looking for a romantasy with original magic systems as well as intrigue and make you question everything, this one is for you.
ARC Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 It has enemies to lovers, royalty, forbidden magic and so much more. Very good and creative book... I love the story line and the plot twist oh my soul I did not see that coming I love the FMC she is fiesty and very head strong and she is so realistic and easy to love... Overall it was a very well written and a very good book, absolutely worth the read
This was an interesting story, different from any romantasy I read. I enjoyed the banter between MFL and MML. I think the MFL is growing in character and strenght by the end of the book when she is able to yield her full powers. The book displays new concepts, which are somehow difficult to understand in the beggining, but they get clearer by the end of the book. 💖💗💞
Fallen Virtues by Tayla Dimov Coming out September 24th • ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • Oh my god you guys. This book was so good. It far exceeded my expectations. I especially love Andras. He is so dark and spooky. Honestly the best MMC to ever exist. This book is so amazing and has so much lore. I felt like the lore was so diverse and different than anything I've read before. Elora is an amazing fmc, she's so head strong and smart.
A bit about it: Five thousand years after their Gods disapeared, dreams are no longer existent in the war-torn continent of Reveria- or so Elora Ausrine thought. However, when visions and disembodied voices begin warning her of a dark future, she starts to question everything she knows.
As Elora attempts to make sense of her new abilities, her path crosses with Prince Andras, her latest potential suitor and possible executioner, who has his own agenda. Thrust into a world of shadows and deceit, Elora is forced to choose between protecting her secret or her brewing feelings for the ruthless Prince to survive.
As Andras seeks to gain Elora’s trust to uncover who is tearing the veil between Helheim and the mortal world, he discovers there is more to Elora than meets the eye. She just might be the key to the prophecy that could change their world forever.
Tropes: 🌠 enemies to lovers 🌠 live triangle 🌠 forbidden magic 🌠 slow burn 🌠 he falls first 🌠 angels and demons
Phew! This book! I felt ALLLLL the emotions on this one.
Right off the bat, we are introduced to our main female character, a princess who doesn’t want the throne. Put into the potential marriage game, she encounters Andras, a roguish prince with an interesting agenda….
As we progress, Andras, our devilish MMC, entices Eldora into a shaky alliance, albeit for his own personal gain, and thrusts her into a world of dreams, magic, and secrets. I was honored to be Taylas ARC reader!!
This ARC had me giggling and kicking my feet. Andras has me in a chokehold. I have a thing for sad boys who think they're unworthy, and he fits that description.
I really enjoyed Elora as an FMC. She's sarcastic witty and doesn't back down. Sophia, her best friend, is definitely a ride or die, and their friendship reminds me of my own best friend.
There are so many twists throughout this book. Some that I predicted and many that had me gasping.
If you enjoy secrets, hidden identities, love triangles, and shadow daddies, then this book is for you!
Started slow but my goodness this was a read and a half. This isn’t my usual genre but being a first time author I wanted to read it and I’m glad I did. It was a creative and wonderful story. Well done and I look forward to more in the future x
I really enjoyed this book. It’s not a genre I’m normally attracted to but it was like I was watching a great tv show and I just wanted to binge it!
Elora is a great character. Strong, hurt, vengeful but with a side that still needs human desires fulfilled. There was so much development in her character and just when you thought you had her figured out a new layer appeared.
Andras is a great male lead. He also has some history which is broody and sucks you in.
I was scared to read something that delved into many realms and was worried I’d get lost and confused but I navigated through this without too much difficulty.
Lots of great characters, great imagery and spice along the way. Even if you’re a true crime nerd like me, give this a go. It’s a great journey of the mind.
Fated mates, slow burn, aged marriage, strangers to lovers, shapeshifters, demons, mind control, fantasy, violence, murder, death of family member, last of your kind.
What happens when you meet someone who is like you but also originally wanted to kidnap you, to upset the King and retaliate for things done to their people. Little did they know what they would find when they entered the kingdom.
Wow. What a journey. A slow informative build to a captivating end that leaves you wanting more Descriptly written where the character build is slow but detailed and flows well into the story line. Good vs evil, but who is good and what is evil?