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Traveler of Heart
Thirty-six-year-old Daphne Silver thought she finally had it all; she was married to the love of her life, had an amazing job, and was the mother to three beautiful children. From leading The Hot Moms Book Club to running to after-school practices, nothing could stop her from living the perfectly normal life she had dreamed of, not even her ADHD.
That is, until the accident.
Now, she’s left with only two of those.
Trying desperately to cling to the life she built, she signs up for a technology-free retreat.
But it seems the stars have other plans for her. Instead of leaving for her trip, she is pulled into a world full of fae, dragons, and magic. After a handsome stranger, Silas, rescues her from imminent danger, he agrees to help her get home. They embark on a journey navigating Daphne’s newfound magic, a budding romance that could never work, and the vague predictions of oracles.
With no one looking for her, Daphne has two weeks to find a way back to her world- she can’t allow her family to suffer two tragedies in less than a year.
But in a world full of magic and mystery, will she be able to make it back?
That is, until the accident.
Now, she’s left with only two of those.
Trying desperately to cling to the life she built, she signs up for a technology-free retreat.
But it seems the stars have other plans for her. Instead of leaving for her trip, she is pulled into a world full of fae, dragons, and magic. After a handsome stranger, Silas, rescues her from imminent danger, he agrees to help her get home. They embark on a journey navigating Daphne’s newfound magic, a budding romance that could never work, and the vague predictions of oracles.
With no one looking for her, Daphne has two weeks to find a way back to her world- she can’t allow her family to suffer two tragedies in less than a year.
But in a world full of magic and mystery, will she be able to make it back?
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2024
81 people are currently reading
1363 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
September 21, 2024
I read this a couple of months ago as a beta reader. To say I love reading is an understatement but Romantasy isn’t the first (or even second) genre that I think of picking up. That being said, when I was asked to read this, I happily accepted.
I really enjoyed this book. As a forty-something Mom with 3 kids and ADD it was so refreshing having a protagonist with whom I can relate. The world building is absolutely incredible. The descriptions are so vivid and I felt like I was walking right along side Daphne.
Elle Kish’s creativity is absolutely phenomenal and this is a must read for anyone who loves dragons, fae, and the fantasy/romantasy genre. This debut novel will leave readers itching to read more.
Thank you to Ms. Kish for allowing me to beta read for you. Traveler of Heart will hit the shelves on or around September 21st.
I really enjoyed this book. As a forty-something Mom with 3 kids and ADD it was so refreshing having a protagonist with whom I can relate. The world building is absolutely incredible. The descriptions are so vivid and I felt like I was walking right along side Daphne.
Elle Kish’s creativity is absolutely phenomenal and this is a must read for anyone who loves dragons, fae, and the fantasy/romantasy genre. This debut novel will leave readers itching to read more.
Thank you to Ms. Kish for allowing me to beta read for you. Traveler of Heart will hit the shelves on or around September 21st.
February 26, 2025
This was such a great book! If you are new to fantasy romance, or just want an easy to follow story, this is it! I had such a fun time with the world building, the FMC was relatable, and the take on dragons was so so good.
November 2, 2024
4.5⭐️
Loved the ADHD rep and a FMC in her 30s. There is just so much to love about this one. I need more!
Loved the ADHD rep and a FMC in her 30s. There is just so much to love about this one. I need more!
March 15, 2025
What a fun read! I'd describe this book as the perfect combination of "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," "Percy Jackson," "Fourth Wing," ACOTAR, and a tiny bit of "Quicksilver"... yea, I know! It has a little bit of everything! This closed-door romantasy has dragons, fae, traveling through worlds, vampires, shifters, pegasi, and so much more! The fmc is a 36 year old mom with ADHD and her journey is one I intend to continue following in the books to come 😊
September 22, 2024
I was lucky enough to get an arc of this book and let me just say I feel incredibly seen in this book. Not only is our FMC in her mid 30’s( which is incredibly rare for a fantasy) but she also has ADHD and is a mom. This story proves that you are never too old to be the main character. You never have to stop dreaming and believing that greater things are out there for you.
This story made me cry, laugh, and kick my feet. And if I haven’t enticed you to read it yet let me just say.. dragon puppies!!!!
This story made me cry, laugh, and kick my feet. And if I haven’t enticed you to read it yet let me just say.. dragon puppies!!!!
September 21, 2024
Um holy…. I’m not okay. I need the next book right now! So incredibly well done.
I have not stopped thinking about this book since I put it down. It is easily one of my favorite books this year & of all time. I loved the fairytale and fantasy aspects including dragons & dragon “puppies”, fae, magic, shifters, witches, vamps & gods. Daphne was an extremely relatable FMC in her 30’s raising 3 kids alone. The topics of ADHD & grief were so well done, the kingdoms/worlds & magic systems made sense, and I loved that Daphne’s goals never changed. Bonus that Daphne loves her books as well!!
I have not stopped thinking about this book since I put it down. It is easily one of my favorite books this year & of all time. I loved the fairytale and fantasy aspects including dragons & dragon “puppies”, fae, magic, shifters, witches, vamps & gods. Daphne was an extremely relatable FMC in her 30’s raising 3 kids alone. The topics of ADHD & grief were so well done, the kingdoms/worlds & magic systems made sense, and I loved that Daphne’s goals never changed. Bonus that Daphne loves her books as well!!
June 23, 2024
I read Traveler of Heart as a beta reader. It was the third book I’ve ever read for fun, first two being Fourth Wing and Iron Flame. I was never one for reading, let alone fantasy. But when I tell you I was HOOKED from the beginning. I read the book in 2 days (which is a big accomplishment when you have a toddler running your life) I couldn’t put it down. The story is so captivating and the characters really came to life on the pages. I cannot wait for the second book!
September 21, 2024
I received Traveler of Heart as a beta reader and I have to say this book was unexpectedly delightful. Elle Kish brought a wonderful twist to the fantasy world putting a mom with ADHD as the main protagonist of her debut novel. This book made me laugh and root for someone I would not think I could connect to, but the easy to follow world building plunges you head first into a fast paced and fun fantasy story.
March 8, 2025
AFAJSKAHAGSISK WHAT WAS THAT ENDING?! THE CLIFFHANGER 😭😭😭
…
okay now that I’ve composed myself… at the beginning, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this book. for most, if not all of the book, I didn’t really click with the FMC whose POV this book is written in for the entirety of the book. she certainly wasn’t a damsel in distress, but she also was very insecure and struggles with that the whole time. like I deal with enough insecurity IRL, I don’t need that in the fantasy world I’m trying to escape to 🤪😂
…anywayyy, I loved the world-building! and the connections made toward the middle of the book were really fun! I also liked learning about the world, the different fae, and magic alongside Daphne! I also enjoyed the other characters in this book. I’m definitely intrigued enough to pick up the next book, especially after that #rude cliffhanger… although I hear the next book the author is releasing is actually the prequel, so not sure if I’ll get my answers right away. It will help with some of the backstory that we miss in this first novel though!
•
I was randomly gifted this book from a woman I do not know at Dragonsteel Con this past December 2024. it was just kind of a random passing, she really liked my star dress and said I would like this book, but I didn’t get her name. if you’re reading this and remember me, hi! thank you for giving me this book, you were right!
•
I would say this is a level 3 closed-door romance (based on the guide created by Michelle Pennington of the Writing Gals), no descriptive scenes (thank you! 🙌🏽) but it does happen between a non-married couple a couple times. There’s a bit of language, but not so much so to turn me away from reading. Could’ve done without all the FMC’s taking the Lord’s name in vain in her speech though.
•
overall, I rate it 3.75 stars. I would recommend to a friend, and I will be picking up the next book when it’s released!
…
okay now that I’ve composed myself… at the beginning, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this book. for most, if not all of the book, I didn’t really click with the FMC whose POV this book is written in for the entirety of the book. she certainly wasn’t a damsel in distress, but she also was very insecure and struggles with that the whole time. like I deal with enough insecurity IRL, I don’t need that in the fantasy world I’m trying to escape to 🤪😂
…anywayyy, I loved the world-building! and the connections made toward the middle of the book were really fun! I also liked learning about the world, the different fae, and magic alongside Daphne! I also enjoyed the other characters in this book. I’m definitely intrigued enough to pick up the next book, especially after that #rude cliffhanger… although I hear the next book the author is releasing is actually the prequel, so not sure if I’ll get my answers right away. It will help with some of the backstory that we miss in this first novel though!
•
I was randomly gifted this book from a woman I do not know at Dragonsteel Con this past December 2024. it was just kind of a random passing, she really liked my star dress and said I would like this book, but I didn’t get her name. if you’re reading this and remember me, hi! thank you for giving me this book, you were right!
•
I would say this is a level 3 closed-door romance (based on the guide created by Michelle Pennington of the Writing Gals), no descriptive scenes (thank you! 🙌🏽) but it does happen between a non-married couple a couple times. There’s a bit of language, but not so much so to turn me away from reading. Could’ve done without all the FMC’s taking the Lord’s name in vain in her speech though.
•
overall, I rate it 3.75 stars. I would recommend to a friend, and I will be picking up the next book when it’s released!
April 27, 2025
My jaw was on the ground. Elle Kish. My 👏🏼 Jaw 👏🏼 Was 👏🏼 On 👏🏼 The 👏🏼 Ground by the end of this book.
I need book 2 and immediately went to go read it when I realized this book just came out at the end of March. I am going to have to wait with that cliff hanger.
This dragon book is so much better then that other really popular dragon book going around 😜. I feel like Daphne was like more relatable as a character as a character in a fantasy novel can be.
I am not a big fantastical reader but devoured this book. I loved the plot and the characters. Even the side characters had unique personalities and made you really like each and everyone of them.
Also there are no explicit scenes but it didn’t mean you couldn’t feel like connection between the characters.
I need book 2 asap!
Genre: Fantasy Romance
APK: Ebook
Pages: 397
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
Series or Standalone: Book 1 in the Traveler of Heart Series
I need book 2 and immediately went to go read it when I realized this book just came out at the end of March. I am going to have to wait with that cliff hanger.
This dragon book is so much better then that other really popular dragon book going around 😜. I feel like Daphne was like more relatable as a character as a character in a fantasy novel can be.
I am not a big fantastical reader but devoured this book. I loved the plot and the characters. Even the side characters had unique personalities and made you really like each and everyone of them.
Also there are no explicit scenes but it didn’t mean you couldn’t feel like connection between the characters.
I need book 2 asap!
Genre: Fantasy Romance
APK: Ebook
Pages: 397
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
Series or Standalone: Book 1 in the Traveler of Heart Series
July 28, 2025
The cutest, most fun, whimsical, and magical filled romantasy that l've read in a long while. 😍 I adored this book!
Daphne was such an incredible FMC; not only was she brave and courageous, but she was so real, honest, and relatable. She's unexpectedly thrown into a magical realm filled with beautiful fae, mischievous dragons, and all things fantastical. While she doesn't necessarily mind being stuck with the tall, dark, mysterious, and handsome fae MMC Silas and his unique crew, she still has one goal in mind: to return home to her children.
The world building is great, the side characters are lovable and so well written, the banter and humor is top tier, and the plot absolutely keeps you hooked from beginning to end. The journey Daphne embarks on with Silas by her side is one full of tough challenges, grief and heartache, hope and faith, finding inner strength and magic, and opening up to unexpected love.
And that ending?! That plot twist?! They were insane and left me gasping, wishing more than anything I could continue on. I cannot recommend this one enough to everyone who loves a good romantasy book!
Daphne was such an incredible FMC; not only was she brave and courageous, but she was so real, honest, and relatable. She's unexpectedly thrown into a magical realm filled with beautiful fae, mischievous dragons, and all things fantastical. While she doesn't necessarily mind being stuck with the tall, dark, mysterious, and handsome fae MMC Silas and his unique crew, she still has one goal in mind: to return home to her children.
The world building is great, the side characters are lovable and so well written, the banter and humor is top tier, and the plot absolutely keeps you hooked from beginning to end. The journey Daphne embarks on with Silas by her side is one full of tough challenges, grief and heartache, hope and faith, finding inner strength and magic, and opening up to unexpected love.
And that ending?! That plot twist?! They were insane and left me gasping, wishing more than anything I could continue on. I cannot recommend this one enough to everyone who loves a good romantasy book!
September 22, 2024
I just LOVED this book! I knew as soon as I saw the cover and read the blurb that I just HAD to read this and I’m so glad I did!
Daphne, a widowed 36 year old mom with ADHD falls through an antique mirror and lands in another realm with dragons, fae, witches, and vampires. In this new realm, she starts to realize there are a lot of consistencies with Earth and uncovers secrets from her past. The ending was jaw dropping!! This book was so fun to read! The witty banter and tension between Daphne and the MMC, Silas, was just great! There’s closed door spice, great side characters, and dragon pets! I totally recommend and cannot wait for the next book!
Daphne, a widowed 36 year old mom with ADHD falls through an antique mirror and lands in another realm with dragons, fae, witches, and vampires. In this new realm, she starts to realize there are a lot of consistencies with Earth and uncovers secrets from her past. The ending was jaw dropping!! This book was so fun to read! The witty banter and tension between Daphne and the MMC, Silas, was just great! There’s closed door spice, great side characters, and dragon pets! I totally recommend and cannot wait for the next book!
December 22, 2024
I loved this book. I was hooked direct from the start. I only missed some spice between the 2 main characters. However, can we speak about the plot twist? Because come on Elle, when is the second book coming? How long do I need to wait?
May 20, 2025
500 stars! This was brilliant.
September 17, 2024
This story was cute! A 36 year old widow falls through a mysterious mirror into the world of the fae. The tale was first person and very self-aware, especially with lines like, “What in the romantasy novel is going on right now?” It may have been a little too on the nose for my liking. It didn’t find the right balance between serious and silly; however, it was a cute, fun, and quick read. I felt very connected to Daphne. With ADHD, kids, and a general feeling of overwhelm she will probably be someone in whom most millennial moms can relate.
I really enjoyed the pacing and plot, even if I predicted the ending (which is something I tend to not be able to do). It was fast paced with tons of world building. The ending left my dying for the next book. For a debut novel, this was wonderful. I will be recommending it to all my romantasy loving friends.
No explicit scenes, but some raging tension.
Thank you Elle Kish for the eARC in exchange for an honest review ❤️
I really enjoyed the pacing and plot, even if I predicted the ending (which is something I tend to not be able to do). It was fast paced with tons of world building. The ending left my dying for the next book. For a debut novel, this was wonderful. I will be recommending it to all my romantasy loving friends.
No explicit scenes, but some raging tension.
Thank you Elle Kish for the eARC in exchange for an honest review ❤️
March 16, 2025
This was SUCH a good read! I have been looking for more dragon content and this mixed with fae and gods/goddesses and other creatures just..ugh chefs kiss. This was such an amazing read. I never got bored!
July 31, 2025
4 ⭐️
0.5 🌶️
I really enjoyed this story which has so many romantasy elements I love. I thought it was really cool that the magical realm was a mirror of our world. I also loved that the MFC was a 36 year old widower with kids. That was such a different take from most Romantasy leads! The world building was easy to follow while still being rich and descriptive. The story’s pacing was well done and I found myself fully invested in Daphne’s journey! This is the first in a series so we do have a crazy cliffhanger that, tbh, was a shocker to me!! I’m looking forward to book 2 👀
0.5 🌶️
I really enjoyed this story which has so many romantasy elements I love. I thought it was really cool that the magical realm was a mirror of our world. I also loved that the MFC was a 36 year old widower with kids. That was such a different take from most Romantasy leads! The world building was easy to follow while still being rich and descriptive. The story’s pacing was well done and I found myself fully invested in Daphne’s journey! This is the first in a series so we do have a crazy cliffhanger that, tbh, was a shocker to me!! I’m looking forward to book 2 👀
April 17, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ As a mom in my mid-thirties, I was happy to see a 36-year-old mom MFC who has ADHD and falls into a fantasy world. It’s light & cozy yet had some thrilling twists. The writing style is okay but the plot makes up for it!
October 20, 2024
More like a 3.5 stars if I could
It's a decent debut novel. It's fun reading. There's a lot of interesting world building and the characters are pretty fun. I love Silas. He's a sweet guy and refreshing from all of the morally gray MMCs. It's also refreshing to have a mom be the FMC. I love having more important moms in stories. But as a twenty year old that's read ACOTAR and Fourth Wing, it still has that same New Adult romantasy kind of feel which made it fun for me.
My critiques comes from the writing style, which I think could be improved for future books. It's a little too fast paced. It's not terrible and I'd rather have a story too fast than too slow, but I think there could be more details in some parts and it could've helped slow the story down to a more fitting pace. Like for example, it is written in the book that the FMC feels " a panic attack settles in". Especially being in first person, I feel like it could've gotten into more of the details of indicting that instead of just announcing it. Like have her heart race and her body tremble. The audience can feel her panic attack, even if it's not said directly, if its more described than just announcedd.There's a few more times where it happens, especially when talking about the emotions of the characters, and it takes me out of the story a little bit and makes it harder to connect with the character 🥲 the typical advice would be to " show don't tell" but I wanted to be a little more specific.
But then again, this is a debut novel, and it's an easy fix that will hopefully improve in the future.
Otherwise, it's a quick easy read and has fun things happening throughout. I'm looking out for the next book as I need to know more after that cliffhanger! So yes, this is an author I'd recommend for an easy read, and I can't wait to see what she has next for this story
It's a decent debut novel. It's fun reading. There's a lot of interesting world building and the characters are pretty fun. I love Silas. He's a sweet guy and refreshing from all of the morally gray MMCs. It's also refreshing to have a mom be the FMC. I love having more important moms in stories. But as a twenty year old that's read ACOTAR and Fourth Wing, it still has that same New Adult romantasy kind of feel which made it fun for me.
My critiques comes from the writing style, which I think could be improved for future books. It's a little too fast paced. It's not terrible and I'd rather have a story too fast than too slow, but I think there could be more details in some parts and it could've helped slow the story down to a more fitting pace. Like for example, it is written in the book that the FMC feels " a panic attack settles in". Especially being in first person, I feel like it could've gotten into more of the details of indicting that instead of just announcing it. Like have her heart race and her body tremble. The audience can feel her panic attack, even if it's not said directly, if its more described than just announcedd.There's a few more times where it happens, especially when talking about the emotions of the characters, and it takes me out of the story a little bit and makes it harder to connect with the character 🥲 the typical advice would be to " show don't tell" but I wanted to be a little more specific.
But then again, this is a debut novel, and it's an easy fix that will hopefully improve in the future.
Otherwise, it's a quick easy read and has fun things happening throughout. I'm looking out for the next book as I need to know more after that cliffhanger! So yes, this is an author I'd recommend for an easy read, and I can't wait to see what she has next for this story
February 6, 2025
I was so bummed by this book! There are so few romantasy books with an FMC who's older than 20 so I was very excited by an FMC who's in her 30s! But, alas, it was not meant to be for me.
The FMC acted more like a teenager than a mother of three in her mid-30s. She was awkward and unsure of herself, full of negative self talk, calling herself plain and putting herself down. Would it be so awful for a woman in her 30s to have confidence and love herself?? Maybe there's a lot of character growth in the next book, but I was so disappointed by the FMC.
While a creative story overall, the twists and turns felt predictable and some key moments rushed.
Minor spoilers ahead:
- fade to black on the spice scenes WHHHYYYYYYY 👎👎👎
- he falls first/insta love on his part GEE WHAT COULD IT MEAN
- ends on a cliffhanger that we all saw coming
The FMC acted more like a teenager than a mother of three in her mid-30s. She was awkward and unsure of herself, full of negative self talk, calling herself plain and putting herself down. Would it be so awful for a woman in her 30s to have confidence and love herself?? Maybe there's a lot of character growth in the next book, but I was so disappointed by the FMC.
While a creative story overall, the twists and turns felt predictable and some key moments rushed.
Minor spoilers ahead:
- fade to black on the spice scenes WHHHYYYYYYY 👎👎👎
- he falls first/insta love on his part GEE WHAT COULD IT MEAN
- ends on a cliffhanger that we all saw coming
March 21, 2025
Well if you like a flat everything but the kitchen sink romance/fantasy book, here ya go. Its a lil bit of every trope with no depth. Pretty disappointing but not to worst thing I've ever read cuz if it was I would have DNF'd. I lts not good tho and following it with a prequel after a cliffhanger is just trash
October 1, 2024
I really really wanted to love this book, but I struggled through it. I can’t say anything specifically bad about it because it’s well written with a good story line, I just never felt anything for the characters. I’m use to deep, involved fantasies that immerse you in the world and this one just fell a little flat for me. Despite a good backstory of losing the love of her life and trying to move on, I just never felt connected to the main character (or any of the characters). It’s probably more a me issue than the book, but I just never found myself fully invested. I did absolutely love the dragon egg storyline and the baby dragons. I really think the author has a great story idea and has created a beautiful world and I would recommend this for anyone new to the romantasy genre. It feels like a nice starter for an introduction into heavier romantic fantasies. Also FYI (because I know many of us readers lament not knowing spice level before we go in) there are a few innuendoes and make out scenes, but all the spice is closed door - you know it’s happening, but there are no details!
September 14, 2025
Traveler of Heart by Elle Kish ⭐⭐⭐⭐
***No Spice Skipping but quite a bit of language***
I looked forward to this book release forever and was even an ARC reader, and, I will confess, I let this one slip through my fingers as an ARC and didn’t get a chance to read it early. I am back now to rave about it though so buckle up!
This book was so good. The representation of ADHD and motherhood and grief and infertility was just beautiful. I felt so seen in so many ways. Thank you Elle.
The actual plot of this started a little slow for me in the first few chapters. I was nervous because I wanted so badly to love it, BUT as soon as we entered the magical realm I was completely captivated. The characters had me in love with the found family and relationships. I felt protective over each of them. I cried with them and celebrated with them.
Oh! And the plot twist at the end had me literally gasping for air and screaming into my kindle. I can not believe that Elle is going to put us through an entire prequel before resolving it, but I am thrilled to learn more history!
***No Spice Skipping but quite a bit of language***
I looked forward to this book release forever and was even an ARC reader, and, I will confess, I let this one slip through my fingers as an ARC and didn’t get a chance to read it early. I am back now to rave about it though so buckle up!
This book was so good. The representation of ADHD and motherhood and grief and infertility was just beautiful. I felt so seen in so many ways. Thank you Elle.
The actual plot of this started a little slow for me in the first few chapters. I was nervous because I wanted so badly to love it, BUT as soon as we entered the magical realm I was completely captivated. The characters had me in love with the found family and relationships. I felt protective over each of them. I cried with them and celebrated with them.
Oh! And the plot twist at the end had me literally gasping for air and screaming into my kindle. I can not believe that Elle is going to put us through an entire prequel before resolving it, but I am thrilled to learn more history!
March 13, 2025
For one of the first times in my life, I feel profoundly speechless. Which is hilarious because I’m sure my review is about to be a big waffle about how much I ADORE this book.
This review is coming to you at 1.45am from a momma who has to be up soon & to say I struggled to put this book down to be a functional human being once I started it, is a huge understatement!
We meet Daphne, a 36-year-old mum of 3, one year after a devastating accident that changed her life forever. Despite her best efforts at organising a solo technology-free retreat to escape & heal, the hands of forces greater than her have other ideas.
Catapulted into a fantasy world she’s only ever read about in the Romantasy books she adores - filled to the brim with magic, mischief & mayhem (also dragons!) - Daphne finds an ally in a handsome stranger & his band of (mostly) merry companions (I’m looking at you, A 👀).
Our stranger - Silas - agrees to help her find a way home to her world and most importantly, her kids. She has two weeks to figure out how to get home before anyone realises that she never made it to her retreat.
The million dollar question: are they able to achieve this & send her home to her kids in time?
Just wow. The grip this book held on me is insane, I’m not going to spoil anything but the ADHD rep in this book, the mum rep in this book was so incredible that I teared up a few times at how seen I felt, how relatable the workings of Daphne’s mind came out across the pages.
The world is so vibrant & thoroughly built - every place that Daphne & Silas end up visiting felt so purposeful to the story as a whole.
The complicated budding romance in this book was beautiful & heart tugging. Perfect balance between swoonworthy, hilarious, so-freaking-hot-that-I-nearly-boiled-alive & sweet.
I felt like the characters were complex, they drove the story & the history of the world Daphne finds herself in is so rich!
When some of the twists were revealed I did not see them coming. A rollercoaster of a ride that just kept me guessing every step of the way.
Whilst I am clasping my grabby fingers tightly to stop them from badgering Elle for book 2 (Elle if you read this - I am patient! Whenever it’s ready I will be there ready to dive back into Daphne’s story to find out WHAT IS GOING ON 😂), I am at least incredibly grateful to have the arc for the prequel Snapdragon to devour next.
This review is coming to you at 1.45am from a momma who has to be up soon & to say I struggled to put this book down to be a functional human being once I started it, is a huge understatement!
We meet Daphne, a 36-year-old mum of 3, one year after a devastating accident that changed her life forever. Despite her best efforts at organising a solo technology-free retreat to escape & heal, the hands of forces greater than her have other ideas.
Catapulted into a fantasy world she’s only ever read about in the Romantasy books she adores - filled to the brim with magic, mischief & mayhem (also dragons!) - Daphne finds an ally in a handsome stranger & his band of (mostly) merry companions (I’m looking at you, A 👀).
Our stranger - Silas - agrees to help her find a way home to her world and most importantly, her kids. She has two weeks to figure out how to get home before anyone realises that she never made it to her retreat.
The million dollar question: are they able to achieve this & send her home to her kids in time?
Just wow. The grip this book held on me is insane, I’m not going to spoil anything but the ADHD rep in this book, the mum rep in this book was so incredible that I teared up a few times at how seen I felt, how relatable the workings of Daphne’s mind came out across the pages.
The world is so vibrant & thoroughly built - every place that Daphne & Silas end up visiting felt so purposeful to the story as a whole.
The complicated budding romance in this book was beautiful & heart tugging. Perfect balance between swoonworthy, hilarious, so-freaking-hot-that-I-nearly-boiled-alive & sweet.
I felt like the characters were complex, they drove the story & the history of the world Daphne finds herself in is so rich!
When some of the twists were revealed I did not see them coming. A rollercoaster of a ride that just kept me guessing every step of the way.
Whilst I am clasping my grabby fingers tightly to stop them from badgering Elle for book 2 (Elle if you read this - I am patient! Whenever it’s ready I will be there ready to dive back into Daphne’s story to find out WHAT IS GOING ON 😂), I am at least incredibly grateful to have the arc for the prequel Snapdragon to devour next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2025
Tropes:
fated mates
widowed mom
closed door romance
puppy dragons
ADHD rep
hidden identity
magic
mythical beings/creatures
modern world meets fantasy world
Yall..... I just have to say that cliffhanger..... When does the next book come out? I'm going to need it now because my brain short circuited. Give me a moment.....
Daphne is a widowed mother of 3 who owns an antique/bookstore. When her in-laws take her children on vacation for a week, Daphne decides to go on a grief retreat for 2 weeks. Only, she never makes it. Instead, the night her children leave, Daphne finds a large mirror hidden in her sister-in-law's office of the antique store and falls through it (think Claire in Outlander) into a parallel world called Threa.
Here there are dragons, fae, Pegasuses, vampires, witches, and magic. Daphne is rescued from a dragon's cave by Silas and his friends and soon discovers, she's part fae and Silas is a fae King. Explaining to Silas she has 2 weeks to get back to Earth before her family realizes she's missing, Silas and Daphne set out to discover not only who Daphne is, but how to return her to her children.
This story was emotional and so good! The whole time, Daphne is dealing with her grief of being widowed, her new feelings towards Silas, and her desire to return to her children. My heart ached for her with every decision and feeling she had. The last 25% of this book has so many twists and turns that you will be begging for more!
I try not to post spoilers but I did feel one surprise was coming- but the nature and the reveal of how it did still blew me freaking away. I literally said out loud I KNEW IT but also, my brain was like WHATTTTTTT! Gosh, I really can't wait to see where this story goes next!
fated mates
widowed mom
closed door romance
puppy dragons
ADHD rep
hidden identity
magic
mythical beings/creatures
modern world meets fantasy world
Yall..... I just have to say that cliffhanger..... When does the next book come out? I'm going to need it now because my brain short circuited. Give me a moment.....
Daphne is a widowed mother of 3 who owns an antique/bookstore. When her in-laws take her children on vacation for a week, Daphne decides to go on a grief retreat for 2 weeks. Only, she never makes it. Instead, the night her children leave, Daphne finds a large mirror hidden in her sister-in-law's office of the antique store and falls through it (think Claire in Outlander) into a parallel world called Threa.
Here there are dragons, fae, Pegasuses, vampires, witches, and magic. Daphne is rescued from a dragon's cave by Silas and his friends and soon discovers, she's part fae and Silas is a fae King. Explaining to Silas she has 2 weeks to get back to Earth before her family realizes she's missing, Silas and Daphne set out to discover not only who Daphne is, but how to return her to her children.
This story was emotional and so good! The whole time, Daphne is dealing with her grief of being widowed, her new feelings towards Silas, and her desire to return to her children. My heart ached for her with every decision and feeling she had. The last 25% of this book has so many twists and turns that you will be begging for more!
I try not to post spoilers but I did feel one surprise was coming- but the nature and the reveal of how it did still blew me freaking away. I literally said out loud I KNEW IT but also, my brain was like WHATTTTTTT! Gosh, I really can't wait to see where this story goes next!
October 9, 2024
Thanks to @ellekishauthor for the #gifted copy of this book.
Summary: Daphne is a 36 year old widowed single mom. It has been a tough year after the tragic loss of her husband. As she prepares to go on a technology-free retreat, she gets pulled into another world filled with dragons, fae, and magic. She is saved by a handsome fae, Silas, who vows to help her get home. As they close in on how to get home, she has to make a choice which could change everyone's futures.
Thoughts: Wow I was blown away at this debut!! A fun new world, perfect for those new to fantasy. I absolutely loved that the main character is a mom in her mid 30s with 3 kids. She is so relatable to my life, even down to having twin boys. I loved how the reader gets to learn of this new world right alongside Daph. There's fae kings, a side of characters who are so much like a family they had the perfect comedic relief moments. The twists and turns throughout this were so fun and really had me trying to guess the next. I loved the slow burn moments between Daph and Silas, especially while she was still trying to come to terms with her grief over her husband.
Don't miss out on this book!! I'll for sure be recommending it to all I know!!
Read if you like:
🧚Fae
🐉Dragons
💗Fated Mates
🔥Closed Door, slooooooow burn
💕Single Mom Rep in her 30s!!!
💘Forbidden Romance
✨Fantasy for Beginners!!!
Summary: Daphne is a 36 year old widowed single mom. It has been a tough year after the tragic loss of her husband. As she prepares to go on a technology-free retreat, she gets pulled into another world filled with dragons, fae, and magic. She is saved by a handsome fae, Silas, who vows to help her get home. As they close in on how to get home, she has to make a choice which could change everyone's futures.
Thoughts: Wow I was blown away at this debut!! A fun new world, perfect for those new to fantasy. I absolutely loved that the main character is a mom in her mid 30s with 3 kids. She is so relatable to my life, even down to having twin boys. I loved how the reader gets to learn of this new world right alongside Daph. There's fae kings, a side of characters who are so much like a family they had the perfect comedic relief moments. The twists and turns throughout this were so fun and really had me trying to guess the next. I loved the slow burn moments between Daph and Silas, especially while she was still trying to come to terms with her grief over her husband.
Don't miss out on this book!! I'll for sure be recommending it to all I know!!
Read if you like:
🧚Fae
🐉Dragons
💗Fated Mates
🔥Closed Door, slooooooow burn
💕Single Mom Rep in her 30s!!!
💘Forbidden Romance
✨Fantasy for Beginners!!!
February 24, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level: 🌶️ (No explicit scenes, just kisses)
I devoured this book in just a couple of days, and I'm still reeling from the ending! The unexpected turn of events left me speechless, which is no easy feat. The conclusion was absolutely fantastic, and now I can't stop thinking about what will happen in the sequel.
So many questions, and we'll only find the answers in book 2! I'm eagerly anticipating it.
One of the major strengths of this book is its readability. I appreciate a story that doesn't require me to look up the meaning of obscure or overly complex words. The characters felt alive, and I fell head over heels for our king, Silas—he's such a sweetheart!
Mother, I LOVE HIM!
Actually he's such a marriage material, please give me one!!!
The fact that this is a closed-door romance didn't lessen my enjoyment. While I do love open love scenes and missed them here, it didn't affect my rating at all. This book is even suitable for teenagers, which is fantastic!
Though the story incorporates familiar tropes like dragon riders communicating telepathically, traveling through mirrors, and the king concealing his identity until the last moment, these elements didn't detract from the book. Instead, they made me feel right at home, even while the author managed to surprise me with the ending.
The romance between the characters had its challenges, but they were utterly adorable, and I can't wait to see how their relationship evolves in the next book.
Dear, Elle.
Thank you for this masterpiece!
It's not one of my fav books!
#romantasy #romantasybooks #fantasyromancebooks
My rating system (explained):
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: It touched my heart and soul in some sort of way. Satisfied in all means.
⭐⭐⭐⭐: I loved it.
⭐⭐⭐: Neutral - not good, not bad.
⭐⭐: It was not my cup of tea.
⭐: I was unwell while reading this book, obviously I didn't like it.
Spice Level: 🌶️ (No explicit scenes, just kisses)
I devoured this book in just a couple of days, and I'm still reeling from the ending! The unexpected turn of events left me speechless, which is no easy feat. The conclusion was absolutely fantastic, and now I can't stop thinking about what will happen in the sequel.
So many questions, and we'll only find the answers in book 2! I'm eagerly anticipating it.
One of the major strengths of this book is its readability. I appreciate a story that doesn't require me to look up the meaning of obscure or overly complex words. The characters felt alive, and I fell head over heels for our king, Silas—he's such a sweetheart!
Mother, I LOVE HIM!
Actually he's such a marriage material, please give me one!!!
The fact that this is a closed-door romance didn't lessen my enjoyment. While I do love open love scenes and missed them here, it didn't affect my rating at all. This book is even suitable for teenagers, which is fantastic!
Though the story incorporates familiar tropes like dragon riders communicating telepathically, traveling through mirrors, and the king concealing his identity until the last moment, these elements didn't detract from the book. Instead, they made me feel right at home, even while the author managed to surprise me with the ending.
The romance between the characters had its challenges, but they were utterly adorable, and I can't wait to see how their relationship evolves in the next book.
Dear, Elle.
Thank you for this masterpiece!
It's not one of my fav books!
#romantasy #romantasybooks #fantasyromancebooks
My rating system (explained):
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: It touched my heart and soul in some sort of way. Satisfied in all means.
⭐⭐⭐⭐: I loved it.
⭐⭐⭐: Neutral - not good, not bad.
⭐⭐: It was not my cup of tea.
⭐: I was unwell while reading this book, obviously I didn't like it.
September 22, 2024
"𝓘'𝓶 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓰𝓸𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓸 𝓵𝓮𝓽 𝓱𝓲𝓶 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓴 𝓘'𝓶 𝓪 𝓭𝓻𝓾𝓰 𝓪𝓭𝓭𝓲𝓬𝓽 𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓶𝔂 𝓬𝓪𝓯𝓯𝓮𝓲𝓷𝓮 𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓪𝓴𝓮."
📖💜 Traveler of Heart 💜
🧚🏻♀️Elle Kish
📚 Traveler of Heart #1
What do you get when u take a bowl of Narnia , mix a spoon full of Fae along with a hawt Fae king , sprinkle some dragons to the mix and add all your FAVOURITE book tropes to it ?
You get this INCREDIBLE new Romantasy by the most talented debut author Elle Kish
Tropes -
💜 Fantasy Romance
💭 Single POV
💞 Fated Mates
🗡️ Touch her and ☠️
🪽 One Pegasus AND one tent 😏
☕ Coffee ( need I say more ? 😋)
🦄 Darling Fantastical Creatures
✨ Magical species 🧚🏻♀️🐺🧛🏻♀️
🐉 Dragon Bonds
💕 Found Family
🎢 Emotional Rollercoaster
🤯 Plot twist ending
Aahhh if you are still not convinced how amazing this book is after reading ALLLL the above tropes , lemme tell you, the FMC (Daphne) is absolutely amazing, oh so sassy and sooo relatable (I swear there were so many times I thought omg SHES ME AND I AM HER ! )
The MMC is an absolute book BF material ❤️🔥
And you will FALL IN LOVE with the dragons and the Pegasus 💜💜
The story is very well written, the plot is absolutely intriguing and the ending is gonna give you a WHIPLASH !!
.
.
.
Thank you so much Elle for this amazing opportunity to be in your ARC team, can't wait for book 2!!
📖💜 Traveler of Heart 💜
🧚🏻♀️Elle Kish
📚 Traveler of Heart #1
What do you get when u take a bowl of Narnia , mix a spoon full of Fae along with a hawt Fae king , sprinkle some dragons to the mix and add all your FAVOURITE book tropes to it ?
You get this INCREDIBLE new Romantasy by the most talented debut author Elle Kish
Tropes -
💜 Fantasy Romance
💭 Single POV
💞 Fated Mates
🗡️ Touch her and ☠️
🪽 One Pegasus AND one tent 😏
☕ Coffee ( need I say more ? 😋)
🦄 Darling Fantastical Creatures
✨ Magical species 🧚🏻♀️🐺🧛🏻♀️
🐉 Dragon Bonds
💕 Found Family
🎢 Emotional Rollercoaster
🤯 Plot twist ending
Aahhh if you are still not convinced how amazing this book is after reading ALLLL the above tropes , lemme tell you, the FMC (Daphne) is absolutely amazing, oh so sassy and sooo relatable (I swear there were so many times I thought omg SHES ME AND I AM HER ! )
The MMC is an absolute book BF material ❤️🔥
And you will FALL IN LOVE with the dragons and the Pegasus 💜💜
The story is very well written, the plot is absolutely intriguing and the ending is gonna give you a WHIPLASH !!
.
.
.
Thank you so much Elle for this amazing opportunity to be in your ARC team, can't wait for book 2!!
September 26, 2024
### Characters
I absolutely LOVED the characters in Traveler of Heart. I mean, Daphne is the whole reason I picked this book up in the first place. As a late diagnosed ADHD girlie, I found Daphne to be immensely relatable. I also loved Silas, the love interest. He was sarcastic and witty while also being caring, loyal, and all around a good guy. Every character was unique and magical.
### World
Man I want to visit Threa. From Daphne’s first moments in Threa, I was facinated by all the world had to offer. The magic system, the fae, the puppy dragons!
### Writing
I’ll admit, it took me a while to get fully into Traveler of Heart, but that was completely a me thing. Once I felt the pull of Threa, I was sucked in until the end. There were multiple instances where I felt some story element was missing or unfinished. Knowing this is Elle Kish’s debut, I just took those as part of her learning her writing style. Boy was I WRONG! The writing in this book is next level creative. I audibly gasped on multiple occasions due to plot twists. And then when I thought back on what I had read until those points, I could see the seeds Elle Kish had been planting without me even knowing it.
### Overall
If it wasn’t clear, I just LOVED Traveler of Heart. I am so grateful to have received an early copy and can’t wait to read whatever Elle Kish puts out next.
I absolutely LOVED the characters in Traveler of Heart. I mean, Daphne is the whole reason I picked this book up in the first place. As a late diagnosed ADHD girlie, I found Daphne to be immensely relatable. I also loved Silas, the love interest. He was sarcastic and witty while also being caring, loyal, and all around a good guy. Every character was unique and magical.
### World
Man I want to visit Threa. From Daphne’s first moments in Threa, I was facinated by all the world had to offer. The magic system, the fae, the puppy dragons!
### Writing
I’ll admit, it took me a while to get fully into Traveler of Heart, but that was completely a me thing. Once I felt the pull of Threa, I was sucked in until the end. There were multiple instances where I felt some story element was missing or unfinished. Knowing this is Elle Kish’s debut, I just took those as part of her learning her writing style. Boy was I WRONG! The writing in this book is next level creative. I audibly gasped on multiple occasions due to plot twists. And then when I thought back on what I had read until those points, I could see the seeds Elle Kish had been planting without me even knowing it.
### Overall
If it wasn’t clear, I just LOVED Traveler of Heart. I am so grateful to have received an early copy and can’t wait to read whatever Elle Kish puts out next.
March 6, 2025
This was such a beautiful and enchanting fantasy. Daphne was an absolutely incredible and real character, a 36 year old mom of a sweet 6 year old. She struggled with ADHD and was just trying to find her way in navigating the world post a life altering accident; and suddenly she is living in a world full of magic, fae, and dragons. There are BABY dragons - dragon puppies! and this alone should make you want to download and read this book instantly!
The magic, the found-family aspects, and the beautiful growth... it all made for such an incredible read. I loved the representation the most and truly appreciated the authentic portrayal of ADHD - the struggles, the heartache that comes from having the condition. It was all real and beautifully written.
This book ends in a cliffhanger and I find myself just so eager to read more, to see what comes next and to be back in this beautiful and magical world.
Thank you so much to Booked with the Emily's and Elle Kish for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
The magic, the found-family aspects, and the beautiful growth... it all made for such an incredible read. I loved the representation the most and truly appreciated the authentic portrayal of ADHD - the struggles, the heartache that comes from having the condition. It was all real and beautifully written.
This book ends in a cliffhanger and I find myself just so eager to read more, to see what comes next and to be back in this beautiful and magical world.
Thank you so much to Booked with the Emily's and Elle Kish for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
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