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The Twelve Kingdoms
SHE WAS CROWN PRINCESS, THEN HER KINGDOM FELL.
Five years after faking her death to escape a bloodthirsty queen, Rose has finally found peace in a small village. Then, in a single night, it all falls apart.
A mysterious stranger arrives with knowledge of Rose’s true identity, while dark creatures threaten the lives of her newfound family. With her life crumbling before her eyes, Rose is forced to embark on a quest to reclaim the kingdom she abandoned.
But the path to freedom is treacherous. Whispers of prophecy circle, and every step forward brings Rose closer to the secrets she buried. Can she rise to take her place on the throne, or will the ghosts of her past drag her under?
Enter a world of epic fantasy in The Twelve Kingdoms, a sprawling tale of stolen thrones, hidden royalty, deadly quests, and just a dash of pirates.
Five years after faking her death to escape a bloodthirsty queen, Rose has finally found peace in a small village. Then, in a single night, it all falls apart.
A mysterious stranger arrives with knowledge of Rose’s true identity, while dark creatures threaten the lives of her newfound family. With her life crumbling before her eyes, Rose is forced to embark on a quest to reclaim the kingdom she abandoned.
But the path to freedom is treacherous. Whispers of prophecy circle, and every step forward brings Rose closer to the secrets she buried. Can she rise to take her place on the throne, or will the ghosts of her past drag her under?
Enter a world of epic fantasy in The Twelve Kingdoms, a sprawling tale of stolen thrones, hidden royalty, deadly quests, and just a dash of pirates.
- GenresFantasy
607 pages, ebook
Published September 20, 2024
17 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Dana A. Caldwell
1 book24 followersDana A. Caldwell is an independently published author from South Carolina. Ever since she was a little girl, Dana has loved daydreaming and coming up with stories. She started pursuing writing seriously when she was fourteen and went on to publish her debut novel, The Twelve Kingdoms, at age nineteen, shortly after graduating from Liberty University with an Associate’s degree in Creative Writing. Now that her first book is published, Dana is ready to leap fully into her career as an author and invites you to follow along on her journey.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 9, 2025
Author's Note
Hey reader! Are you scrolling through the reviews, trying to assess what kind of content is in this book? I've got you. (Mild, out-of-context spoilers ahead.)
Content Guide:
Violence: Characters endure arrow wounds, sword and dagger wounds, and brief magical torture. They are repeatedly attacked by soulless, zombie-like monsters prone to mauling with their claws and teeth. There is a brief scene of ritualistic human sacrifice in which a character's heart is torn from their chest. Powerful magic is described as it rips through or incinerates beings and bodies are described on numerous occasions in various stages of mutilation. One scene involves an arena battle to the death against a chimera.
Sexual Content: Characters pursue relationships, but nothing goes farther than a brief kiss.
Language: No real-world curse words are used. However, fantasy curses (rack, biaht, sult, etc.) are used frequently.
Characters frequently drink ale, and there are references to them as having been drunk in the past. One character is shown having a stash of alcohol hidden in the ceiling, while another adds alcohol to a cup of hot chocolate. At one point, characters have dealings with a drug dealer. It is implied the characters in a speakeasy indulge in drugs; however, no details are provided.
I hope this guide can help determine if The Twelve Kingdoms is right for you!
(Yes, I rated my own book five stars. Goodreads says to do that if you thought it was amazing, and considering how many times I've read this book without losing interest, I'd say it's pretty dang amazing.)
Hey reader! Are you scrolling through the reviews, trying to assess what kind of content is in this book? I've got you. (Mild, out-of-context spoilers ahead.)
Content Guide:
Violence: Characters endure arrow wounds, sword and dagger wounds, and brief magical torture. They are repeatedly attacked by soulless, zombie-like monsters prone to mauling with their claws and teeth. There is a brief scene of ritualistic human sacrifice in which a character's heart is torn from their chest. Powerful magic is described as it rips through or incinerates beings and bodies are described on numerous occasions in various stages of mutilation. One scene involves an arena battle to the death against a chimera.
Sexual Content: Characters pursue relationships, but nothing goes farther than a brief kiss.
Language: No real-world curse words are used. However, fantasy curses (rack, biaht, sult, etc.) are used frequently.
Characters frequently drink ale, and there are references to them as having been drunk in the past. One character is shown having a stash of alcohol hidden in the ceiling, while another adds alcohol to a cup of hot chocolate. At one point, characters have dealings with a drug dealer. It is implied the characters in a speakeasy indulge in drugs; however, no details are provided.
I hope this guide can help determine if The Twelve Kingdoms is right for you!
(Yes, I rated my own book five stars. Goodreads says to do that if you thought it was amazing, and considering how many times I've read this book without losing interest, I'd say it's pretty dang amazing.)
September 24, 2024
Okay, first of all, THAT COVER. I love it so, so much and it definitely would have caught my eye had I not already been signed up to receive a copy of this.
And for the story itself, this is an incredibly solid debut from a talented indie author! Disclaimer: I was thrilled to receive an ARC copy of this book, but didn't finish it before release and ended up finishing the story in published e-book form that I purchased. All opinions are my own honest thoughts.
Where do I even start? This is certainly an epic fantasy. There is SO MUCH to this book and storyworld. The lands described are expansive and immersive, the types of creatures are a mixture of twisted classic fantasy creatures (goblins, elves, etc.) with some unique ones, the magic system is well-developed and intricate, and overall, it felt like diving into an entirely new realm.
At first I didn't realize that this is the first book in a trilogy, and now that I realize that, it makes so much more sense. Even with as much happened in this first, massive book, there's so much more to the world that I'm looking forward to exploring in future books in the series! As I'm not typically an epic fantasy reader, I had some trouble keeping everything straight, but it was pretty well-explained throughout the book. I think it was merely my brain being difficult, haha.
The characters - as is usually the case for me - were my favorites. Each one felt so developed and real. Even the POV protagonist, Rose Wolfe, was someone that I could quickly relate to and sympathize with, even though that's uncommon for me and teenage female POV characters. So that was appreciated. She was incredibly strong and impressive, even with everything she's been through, and while she kept me on the edge of my toes, her growth and character change is inspiring. I loved that while she was strong, she wasn't your classic "strong female character". She had vulnerability and softness when she allowed herself to, more and more with the help of Animo.
Speaking of Animo, hands down my favorite character in the book. I wanted to hug him 99% of the book, and how awesome is his name? He too is incredibly strong with everything he's been through, and he was always the encouraging, steady rock for Rose, allowing her to learn but never letting her fall completely. Their affections grew at an excellent pace, still very tame, but perfectly slow-burn in my opinion. I seldom root for love interests to finally kiss, but this one got to me...
The rest of the side characters...oh my, they were colorful! Ketch, Camilla, Megs, Margaret, Hertz, Nelos, Christoph, etc. Each of them had a life and personality of their own, and I enjoyed watching them twist and weave through Rose's life, each working for them own goals while still - sometimes, depending on the character - helping her as well. I hope we see a lot more of most of them and that there are some loose ends tied up in the next books.
Also, I won't say too much, but WOW did the ending get tense. The villain is absolutely terrifying, and I can honestly say I wasn't expecting about three of those last major plot twists, haha. Once I reached those last few chapters, I couldn't put it down until I'd read to the end. Very well-done.
In true epic fantasy form, the plot bounced between extremely high-action, suspense-filled scenes of peril and slower "going on a journey" moments as the party traveled. I thought it was an excellent balance, and the author did a great job skimming over the more tedious elements of the passing of time and travel, always keeping us on our toes. If anything, there could have been a few more slower moments for readers to catch their breaths, but I was definitely never bored at all.
I loved the variety of things that we got to see throughout the story, from quaint villages, to crime lords, to dreamscapes, to pirate ships, and so on. Each section brought new sights and experiences and I honestly pictured most of it as if I was watching a LOTR-esque movie. So excellent!
The only caveat I can give to other potential readers regards the magic system. I'm rarely picky about magical content in the books that I read, as long as it doesn't glorify demonic elements at all. I love the Harry Potter series, etc. This book does have an extensive and prominent magic system that's well-thought-out and very intricate. The only elements that ever gave me pause were the increasing mentions/usage of a totem formed through blood magic (presumably bad) and some lengthier verbal spells/curses. Personally, they never crossed any of my lines and I never felt that anything demonic or too dark was glorified, but if you're squeamish with magic at all, this is something to be aware of. I'm interested to see where the next books lead, with all of the magical questions that were brought up. If it grows substantially darker, I'll update, but I was fine so far.
Also, if you're as sensitive to "foul language", even in a made-up fantasy language, be aware that made-up curse words are used frequently. I could look past them, and I'm extremely glad they weren't modern-day curses, but they still stood out to me. Again, not a big issue, just FYI.
Otherwise, I have no real critiques regarding this story! I was pulled in from the very start, the writing style was beautiful and immersive, the world was huge and vivid, the magic was clever, and the plot is intriguing, mysterious, and exciting. I'm really looking forward to the next installments in this series! If it sounds good to you, definitely give it a try - you may just find a new favorite too!
CW: several brief kisses, hugs, frequent usage of made-up fantasy curses/swears, frequent vivid nightmares, frequent mentions of blood and semi-descriptive mentions of gore and wounds, battles/war violence, death and loss, grief, mental health struggles (one reference to wondering why she couldn't have just died), constant danger, betrayal, brutal deaths (decapitation, hanging, beaten, "torn apart"), extensive magic system with spells, totems, staffs, charms, and curses, references to human sacrifice and stealing blood, "drugging" with herbs, mentions of alcohol and drinking on a pirate ship, theft/shoplifting by main characters.
I'd recommend it to: anyone who enjoys epic fantasies, especially if you love adventure journeys, slow-burn (clean!) romance, intrigue and action, fun side characters, terrifying villains, and powerful themes.
And for the story itself, this is an incredibly solid debut from a talented indie author! Disclaimer: I was thrilled to receive an ARC copy of this book, but didn't finish it before release and ended up finishing the story in published e-book form that I purchased. All opinions are my own honest thoughts.
Where do I even start? This is certainly an epic fantasy. There is SO MUCH to this book and storyworld. The lands described are expansive and immersive, the types of creatures are a mixture of twisted classic fantasy creatures (goblins, elves, etc.) with some unique ones, the magic system is well-developed and intricate, and overall, it felt like diving into an entirely new realm.
At first I didn't realize that this is the first book in a trilogy, and now that I realize that, it makes so much more sense. Even with as much happened in this first, massive book, there's so much more to the world that I'm looking forward to exploring in future books in the series! As I'm not typically an epic fantasy reader, I had some trouble keeping everything straight, but it was pretty well-explained throughout the book. I think it was merely my brain being difficult, haha.
The characters - as is usually the case for me - were my favorites. Each one felt so developed and real. Even the POV protagonist, Rose Wolfe, was someone that I could quickly relate to and sympathize with, even though that's uncommon for me and teenage female POV characters. So that was appreciated. She was incredibly strong and impressive, even with everything she's been through, and while she kept me on the edge of my toes, her growth and character change is inspiring. I loved that while she was strong, she wasn't your classic "strong female character". She had vulnerability and softness when she allowed herself to, more and more with the help of Animo.
Speaking of Animo, hands down my favorite character in the book. I wanted to hug him 99% of the book, and how awesome is his name? He too is incredibly strong with everything he's been through, and he was always the encouraging, steady rock for Rose, allowing her to learn but never letting her fall completely. Their affections grew at an excellent pace, still very tame, but perfectly slow-burn in my opinion. I seldom root for love interests to finally kiss, but this one got to me...
The rest of the side characters...oh my, they were colorful! Ketch, Camilla, Megs, Margaret, Hertz, Nelos, Christoph, etc. Each of them had a life and personality of their own, and I enjoyed watching them twist and weave through Rose's life, each working for them own goals while still - sometimes, depending on the character - helping her as well. I hope we see a lot more of most of them and that there are some loose ends tied up in the next books.
Also, I won't say too much, but WOW did the ending get tense. The villain is absolutely terrifying, and I can honestly say I wasn't expecting about three of those last major plot twists, haha. Once I reached those last few chapters, I couldn't put it down until I'd read to the end. Very well-done.
In true epic fantasy form, the plot bounced between extremely high-action, suspense-filled scenes of peril and slower "going on a journey" moments as the party traveled. I thought it was an excellent balance, and the author did a great job skimming over the more tedious elements of the passing of time and travel, always keeping us on our toes. If anything, there could have been a few more slower moments for readers to catch their breaths, but I was definitely never bored at all.
I loved the variety of things that we got to see throughout the story, from quaint villages, to crime lords, to dreamscapes, to pirate ships, and so on. Each section brought new sights and experiences and I honestly pictured most of it as if I was watching a LOTR-esque movie. So excellent!
The only caveat I can give to other potential readers regards the magic system. I'm rarely picky about magical content in the books that I read, as long as it doesn't glorify demonic elements at all. I love the Harry Potter series, etc. This book does have an extensive and prominent magic system that's well-thought-out and very intricate. The only elements that ever gave me pause were the increasing mentions/usage of a totem formed through blood magic (presumably bad) and some lengthier verbal spells/curses. Personally, they never crossed any of my lines and I never felt that anything demonic or too dark was glorified, but if you're squeamish with magic at all, this is something to be aware of. I'm interested to see where the next books lead, with all of the magical questions that were brought up. If it grows substantially darker, I'll update, but I was fine so far.
Also, if you're as sensitive to "foul language", even in a made-up fantasy language, be aware that made-up curse words are used frequently. I could look past them, and I'm extremely glad they weren't modern-day curses, but they still stood out to me. Again, not a big issue, just FYI.
Otherwise, I have no real critiques regarding this story! I was pulled in from the very start, the writing style was beautiful and immersive, the world was huge and vivid, the magic was clever, and the plot is intriguing, mysterious, and exciting. I'm really looking forward to the next installments in this series! If it sounds good to you, definitely give it a try - you may just find a new favorite too!
CW: several brief kisses, hugs, frequent usage of made-up fantasy curses/swears, frequent vivid nightmares, frequent mentions of blood and semi-descriptive mentions of gore and wounds, battles/war violence, death and loss, grief, mental health struggles (one reference to wondering why she couldn't have just died), constant danger, betrayal, brutal deaths (decapitation, hanging, beaten, "torn apart"), extensive magic system with spells, totems, staffs, charms, and curses, references to human sacrifice and stealing blood, "drugging" with herbs, mentions of alcohol and drinking on a pirate ship, theft/shoplifting by main characters.
I'd recommend it to: anyone who enjoys epic fantasies, especially if you love adventure journeys, slow-burn (clean!) romance, intrigue and action, fun side characters, terrifying villains, and powerful themes.
December 25, 2024
First and foremost, this is a world absolutely deserving the of the title, “Epic.” Worldbuilding was vast, detailed, whimsical, and utterly fantastic. Multiple races and languages. Separate kingdoms with distinct cultures and vibes. Some of the best worldbuilding I’ve read in YA.
In fact, I truly think this is exactly what you’re looking for when you look into epic fantasy specifically at the YA level. Lots of YA these days pushes itself too far into NA/adult. This book holds the line well.
I enjoyed the characters (with my favorite being Ketch!) and I felt like they were round characters with their own lives and motivations. I thought they all brought different and important aspects to the story.
My only negative comment is the pacing. This book seems like it was meant to set the scene for an epic series, and to that end, I think it took on too much. It was a LONG first book for a YA series. I think the author put too many different events into the first book of a series, and it made certain things feel rushed while others felt too slow.
I wouldn’t let that discourage you from reading it though because it felt like 2 books worth of material in a single book, and that’s far better than padding page counts for a thin story as seems far too common these days.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this one, and I am actively looking forward to the rest of the series!
In fact, I truly think this is exactly what you’re looking for when you look into epic fantasy specifically at the YA level. Lots of YA these days pushes itself too far into NA/adult. This book holds the line well.
I enjoyed the characters (with my favorite being Ketch!) and I felt like they were round characters with their own lives and motivations. I thought they all brought different and important aspects to the story.
My only negative comment is the pacing. This book seems like it was meant to set the scene for an epic series, and to that end, I think it took on too much. It was a LONG first book for a YA series. I think the author put too many different events into the first book of a series, and it made certain things feel rushed while others felt too slow.
I wouldn’t let that discourage you from reading it though because it felt like 2 books worth of material in a single book, and that’s far better than padding page counts for a thin story as seems far too common these days.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this one, and I am actively looking forward to the rest of the series!
September 24, 2024
"It's power is a lie, Rose. Things like the totem just give, they take. It will tempt you and make you give yourself over to it, and then it will betray you, leaving you with nothing."
The Twelve Kingdoms is a lovely debut, full of all the elements needed for an epic adventure.
We get to see the story through the eyes of Rose, who like all of us keeps trying, sliding back, and starts over. While the stakes are higher for Rose, she’s certainly as frustrated with her flaws as I am with mine, which made her relatable.
Ketch, the Hunter, and Elizabeth are some of my favorite side characters. The friendship Arcs between are a wonderful treat. It's an accurate view of how small groups of friends interact when they come together.
I found myself wishing for more time in some of these places or with some of these people, but since it's the first in the series, there are many possibilities for what gets revisited. Overall the pacing is good, and the locations are well described.
Some possible drawbacks for readers:
•The fantasy violence. It is never gratuitous, but may be hard for very young or sensitive readers.
•There is the longer build to Rose's decisive moment woven through a travel narrative. For me, this was a plus and was worth the payoff. For a reader new to fantasy, know this is a series and that it's intentional.
This is perfect for someone longing for their favorite high-school read; when the action and character drive the plot together and we become the hero/heroine for a day.
The Twelve Kingdoms is a lovely debut, full of all the elements needed for an epic adventure.
We get to see the story through the eyes of Rose, who like all of us keeps trying, sliding back, and starts over. While the stakes are higher for Rose, she’s certainly as frustrated with her flaws as I am with mine, which made her relatable.
Ketch, the Hunter, and Elizabeth are some of my favorite side characters. The friendship Arcs between are a wonderful treat. It's an accurate view of how small groups of friends interact when they come together.
I found myself wishing for more time in some of these places or with some of these people, but since it's the first in the series, there are many possibilities for what gets revisited. Overall the pacing is good, and the locations are well described.
Some possible drawbacks for readers:
•The fantasy violence. It is never gratuitous, but may be hard for very young or sensitive readers.
•There is the longer build to Rose's decisive moment woven through a travel narrative. For me, this was a plus and was worth the payoff. For a reader new to fantasy, know this is a series and that it's intentional.
This is perfect for someone longing for their favorite high-school read; when the action and character drive the plot together and we become the hero/heroine for a day.
September 15, 2024
The Twelve Kingdoms is an amazing debut novel with an expansive and interesting world where the characters are thrown together to form an unlikely team to go on the quest to fight the evil in their world.
A perfect story for those that love high fantasy, quests and unlikely bonds between characters.
We have Rose, the main character, that holds a huge secret and is somewhat reluctant at first. But once the enemy comes lurking closer to her and her new life, she knows what to do. As Rose goes on a journey with her friends Megs and Hertz and two unexpected companions we get to explore more of the world. In due time we learn more about her heritage as well, which I found really interesting. It may be the history appreciator in me but I truly find that Dana Caldwell has thought out the history of the world, and with that Rose's family history, really well. I bleeds naturally in the story without info dumping or overcomplicating the story.
A perfect story for those that love high fantasy, quests and unlikely bonds between characters.
We have Rose, the main character, that holds a huge secret and is somewhat reluctant at first. But once the enemy comes lurking closer to her and her new life, she knows what to do. As Rose goes on a journey with her friends Megs and Hertz and two unexpected companions we get to explore more of the world. In due time we learn more about her heritage as well, which I found really interesting. It may be the history appreciator in me but I truly find that Dana Caldwell has thought out the history of the world, and with that Rose's family history, really well. I bleeds naturally in the story without info dumping or overcomplicating the story.
January 10, 2025
An absolutely enthralling novel. I could hardly put it down. I found myself always wanting to know what was going to happen next. I cannot wait for the next book.
September 16, 2024
The Twelve Kingdoms is exactly the fantasy book the YA age range needed: fun adventure including breaking into a masquerade ball, Ketch, found family with all of the enjoyable banter, Ketch, expansive world-building that's familiar but still unique in many aspects, Ketch, an MC dealing with internal struggles, Ketch, a slow-burn romance that isn't the focus of the narrative but still has you giggling and dying for them to finally end up together, Ketch, pirates--did I mention Ketch, the dragon-loving dwarf who always has explosives in his pocket (or socks)?
Suffice to say, this book is such a good time, and I can't wait for book 2!
Suffice to say, this book is such a good time, and I can't wait for book 2!
October 8, 2024
A thrilling, jam-packed debut! The Twelve Kingdoms has a world and narrative structure identical to DnD, so if you love high fantasy and quest stories that move like a campaign, this book is a must read. It even has that slow burning feel at the beginning of the story where characters are thrown together and only fit into a puzzle the more they endure together as a team. There are also a LOT of twists and turns, some I could figure out easily and some I could not imagine, so prepare to be on edge throughout your read. I love Rose's internal journey; she faces triumphs and tribulations that don't always have a clean getaway, fitting right in with the rise of feminine characters making mistakes and having to endure their consequences. Her, Animo, and Ketch are the standouts--if they get hurt, I get hurt.
Caldwell does her due diligence to make sure you feel how large and expansive the world is through its set pieces and plethora of characters. I wish we had more time to explore each location further since they are so interesting, giving both the reader and characters some brevity between cut-throat action sequences. It was also difficult for me to connect with some secondary characters as more attention was given to those who would be pinnacle to the story's progression, but I admire how there's an entire glossary space given to share each character's name, pronunciation, and description. I await the sequel!
Caldwell does her due diligence to make sure you feel how large and expansive the world is through its set pieces and plethora of characters. I wish we had more time to explore each location further since they are so interesting, giving both the reader and characters some brevity between cut-throat action sequences. It was also difficult for me to connect with some secondary characters as more attention was given to those who would be pinnacle to the story's progression, but I admire how there's an entire glossary space given to share each character's name, pronunciation, and description. I await the sequel!
September 20, 2024
Dana A. Caldwell’s *The Twelve Kingdoms* is a spellbinding debut, seamlessly combining elements of high fantasy, intricate world-building, and richly developed characters. Set in a vast, immersive world teeming with magic, pirates, elves, and dwarves, the novel sets the stage for an epic quest that fans of sprawling fantasy adventures will undoubtedly relish.
At the heart of the story is Rose Wolfe, once a crown princess who faked her death to escape a tyrannical queen and start anew. Now, with her hidden past unraveling and dark forces threatening her newfound peace, Rose is thrust back into a perilous world. Caldwell beautifully portrays Rose’s struggle to reclaim her throne while uncovering long-buried secrets of her heritage. As Rose embarks on a dangerous quest, accompanied by a ragtag group of companions, the narrative skillfully unravels not only their collective journey but Rose’s own internal transformation. Her journey is full of tension and unpredictability, making her growth as a flawed, determined heroine compelling to witness.
The camaraderie between Rose and her companions—especially with Megs, Hertz, and two unexpected allies—brings a deep emotional layer to the story. Ketch, the humor-filled dwarf, is a standout character, bringing levity and warmth amidst the tension, while Animo's quiet strength provides a steadying force to the group dynamic. Their relationships are built over time, naturally progressing as they face challenges, fight dangerous enemies, and navigate a world full of treachery. The connections forged within the group will resonate with fans of classic quest narratives, where unlikely bonds drive the heart of the adventure.
Caldwell’s world-building is ambitious and intricate, with a clear attention to history and lore that adds depth without overwhelming the reader. The history of the Twelve Kingdoms, particularly Rose’s royal lineage, unfolds gradually, without info dumps, making the discoveries feel organic. The settings are rich and diverse, although the fast pace of the quest left me longing for more time to soak in the details of each fascinating location. Despite this, the scope of the world is undeniably impressive, with plenty of tantalizing hints that leave readers eager for future installments.
Where The Twelve Kingdoms truly shines is in its plot twists and pacing. Caldwell strikes a balance between moments of introspection and high-stakes action sequences, ensuring the narrative never stalls. While some twists were predictable, others hit with full force, keeping readers on the edge of their seat. The blend of political intrigue, magical creatures, and prophecies weave a tale that keeps you guessing until the very end.
Overall, The Twelve Kingdoms is a thrilling and beautifully crafted debut. Caldwell’s ability to blend high fantasy elements with personal, character-driven moments creates an epic adventure that will appeal to fans of the genre. As the first in a series, this novel sets the stage for what promises to be an even more expansive and emotional journey in the books to come. Rose’s story is only just beginning, and I, for one, am eagerly awaiting what lies ahead.
At the heart of the story is Rose Wolfe, once a crown princess who faked her death to escape a tyrannical queen and start anew. Now, with her hidden past unraveling and dark forces threatening her newfound peace, Rose is thrust back into a perilous world. Caldwell beautifully portrays Rose’s struggle to reclaim her throne while uncovering long-buried secrets of her heritage. As Rose embarks on a dangerous quest, accompanied by a ragtag group of companions, the narrative skillfully unravels not only their collective journey but Rose’s own internal transformation. Her journey is full of tension and unpredictability, making her growth as a flawed, determined heroine compelling to witness.
The camaraderie between Rose and her companions—especially with Megs, Hertz, and two unexpected allies—brings a deep emotional layer to the story. Ketch, the humor-filled dwarf, is a standout character, bringing levity and warmth amidst the tension, while Animo's quiet strength provides a steadying force to the group dynamic. Their relationships are built over time, naturally progressing as they face challenges, fight dangerous enemies, and navigate a world full of treachery. The connections forged within the group will resonate with fans of classic quest narratives, where unlikely bonds drive the heart of the adventure.
Caldwell’s world-building is ambitious and intricate, with a clear attention to history and lore that adds depth without overwhelming the reader. The history of the Twelve Kingdoms, particularly Rose’s royal lineage, unfolds gradually, without info dumps, making the discoveries feel organic. The settings are rich and diverse, although the fast pace of the quest left me longing for more time to soak in the details of each fascinating location. Despite this, the scope of the world is undeniably impressive, with plenty of tantalizing hints that leave readers eager for future installments.
Where The Twelve Kingdoms truly shines is in its plot twists and pacing. Caldwell strikes a balance between moments of introspection and high-stakes action sequences, ensuring the narrative never stalls. While some twists were predictable, others hit with full force, keeping readers on the edge of their seat. The blend of political intrigue, magical creatures, and prophecies weave a tale that keeps you guessing until the very end.
Overall, The Twelve Kingdoms is a thrilling and beautifully crafted debut. Caldwell’s ability to blend high fantasy elements with personal, character-driven moments creates an epic adventure that will appeal to fans of the genre. As the first in a series, this novel sets the stage for what promises to be an even more expansive and emotional journey in the books to come. Rose’s story is only just beginning, and I, for one, am eagerly awaiting what lies ahead.
September 13, 2024
"A princess faked her death to escape a bloodthirsty queen, but after five years in hiding, she's being forced on a quest to reclaim the kingdom she abandoned."
Tell me you don't want to read that book. Because I am not an avid fantasy reader, but Dana hooked me with that pitch. And you'll be hooked by the end of the first page, too.
"The Twelve Kingdoms" by Dana A. Caldwell is a beautifully written and hooking journey within the Twelve Kingdoms, where elves, dwarves, pirates, and spellbinding magic flow together. We follow Rose, the girl who was crown princess before her kingdom fell, as she is pulled from her life in hiding and thrust back into a world of magic, deception, and treason. Dana builds this world, its characters, and the interactions between species and kingdoms with magical realism, and the story comes to life around us. Her characters are developed, have unique and intriguing voices, and interact beautifully with one another. Ketch is my favorite, and if a dwarf with a perfect sense of humor isn't enough to make you read a book, I don't know what is.
The plot, the growth experienced by the characters, and all the twists, thrills, and miles travelled work together to keep your attention and push the story forward without losing pace or getting lost. Dana's writing style is gorgeous, and the mix of magical terms, her specially crafted languages, and the characters' internal dialogues make this a beauty to read.
I wish we'd gotten a closer look at the kingdoms and the interesting locations our protagonists visited on the journey to Avonshere. But this is just the beginning of Rose Wolfe's journey, and I expect more beautiful, breathtaking, and gripping installments to come.
If you're a fantasy fan, a young reader, or just looking for a good book in a world of competing opinions, "The Twelve Kingdoms" *must* be on your shelf and in your mind! You will not regret reading it, you'll love the characters, and the story will stick with you as we eagerly await the next book. I highly recommend this book, and if you decide to get lost in Dana's Twelve Kingdoms, know you'll come out better on the other side.🌙🐺✨
Tell me you don't want to read that book. Because I am not an avid fantasy reader, but Dana hooked me with that pitch. And you'll be hooked by the end of the first page, too.
"The Twelve Kingdoms" by Dana A. Caldwell is a beautifully written and hooking journey within the Twelve Kingdoms, where elves, dwarves, pirates, and spellbinding magic flow together. We follow Rose, the girl who was crown princess before her kingdom fell, as she is pulled from her life in hiding and thrust back into a world of magic, deception, and treason. Dana builds this world, its characters, and the interactions between species and kingdoms with magical realism, and the story comes to life around us. Her characters are developed, have unique and intriguing voices, and interact beautifully with one another. Ketch is my favorite, and if a dwarf with a perfect sense of humor isn't enough to make you read a book, I don't know what is.
The plot, the growth experienced by the characters, and all the twists, thrills, and miles travelled work together to keep your attention and push the story forward without losing pace or getting lost. Dana's writing style is gorgeous, and the mix of magical terms, her specially crafted languages, and the characters' internal dialogues make this a beauty to read.
I wish we'd gotten a closer look at the kingdoms and the interesting locations our protagonists visited on the journey to Avonshere. But this is just the beginning of Rose Wolfe's journey, and I expect more beautiful, breathtaking, and gripping installments to come.
If you're a fantasy fan, a young reader, or just looking for a good book in a world of competing opinions, "The Twelve Kingdoms" *must* be on your shelf and in your mind! You will not regret reading it, you'll love the characters, and the story will stick with you as we eagerly await the next book. I highly recommend this book, and if you decide to get lost in Dana's Twelve Kingdoms, know you'll come out better on the other side.🌙🐺✨
September 24, 2024
The WORLDBUILDING! Seriously, this book shines in its worldbuilding. The world is everything you could want in an epic fantasy. Detailed, well thought out, but also easy enough to follow and understand without getting lost in details.
The prose of this novel is excellent and so is the pacing. It never lagged, which is astonishing for such a long novel. The writing is very, very good, and the author has an enormous amount of potential in the epic fantasy genre.
I will warn readers like me of a couple of things: This book is dark. It could be worse, but the darkness is there and, although I'm sure the trilogy could go on to incorporate more of the light, it is not mentioned much in this book. It is also violent and, occasionally, outright morbid. I was also a little bothered by the amount of made-up profanity.
Again, those are just notes for those of you who might be bothered by those things. If you are not, then ABSOLUTELY read this book, because I am an author and editor myself, and I can tell you this is an excellent debut novel.
The prose of this novel is excellent and so is the pacing. It never lagged, which is astonishing for such a long novel. The writing is very, very good, and the author has an enormous amount of potential in the epic fantasy genre.
I will warn readers like me of a couple of things: This book is dark. It could be worse, but the darkness is there and, although I'm sure the trilogy could go on to incorporate more of the light, it is not mentioned much in this book. It is also violent and, occasionally, outright morbid. I was also a little bothered by the amount of made-up profanity.
Again, those are just notes for those of you who might be bothered by those things. If you are not, then ABSOLUTELY read this book, because I am an author and editor myself, and I can tell you this is an excellent debut novel.
February 1, 2026
I picked up this book from Dana, the author, at a local market. After reading only the first few pages, I knew that I needed to purchase this compelling story. Boy was I right!
While it took me a while to read, it wasn’t because of the story itself or any grammar issues. These delays were due to my own problems, such as reading way too many books at once.
Rose is a complex character, but strong and flawed I. A way that makes you want to cheer her on. Unlike in most other stories, Rose has many layers to her and is juggling many problems vs the “solve this one problem and everything rights itself.” This layering carries throughout the book and makes her seem more realistic and likable.
No characters are safe to stay alive or with Rose on her journey, leaving you with a need to hold them all close and impact you when bad things happen. There are, of course, the characters that make you want to scream due to their arrogance or jump in and give them a good cursing, which just adds to this story with it’s theme of owning who you are wherever you like it or not.
I personally am so excited for book #2 and will be a big fan of Rose and her motley crew “until the very end.”
While it took me a while to read, it wasn’t because of the story itself or any grammar issues. These delays were due to my own problems, such as reading way too many books at once.
Rose is a complex character, but strong and flawed I. A way that makes you want to cheer her on. Unlike in most other stories, Rose has many layers to her and is juggling many problems vs the “solve this one problem and everything rights itself.” This layering carries throughout the book and makes her seem more realistic and likable.
No characters are safe to stay alive or with Rose on her journey, leaving you with a need to hold them all close and impact you when bad things happen. There are, of course, the characters that make you want to scream due to their arrogance or jump in and give them a good cursing, which just adds to this story with it’s theme of owning who you are wherever you like it or not.
I personally am so excited for book #2 and will be a big fan of Rose and her motley crew “until the very end.”
January 7, 2025
First review of 2025... I saw a lot of this book's publicity on Instagram, so I eventually picked up a copy to see what all the fuss was about... It has all the elements I like in fantasy: exiled royalty in hiding, a tyrannical monarch ruling over their usurped kingdom, a band of companions striving to restore the rightful heir...
The Twelve Kingdoms should appeal to fans of the Witcher and Dragon Age: it's quite fast paced, and I found that a bit overwhelming at times, but the world is lavish and well crafted (I thoroughly enjoyed the chapters in Medea, gave me vibes of Venice in Assassin's Creed II, particularly the heist)... Rosara's struggle with her guilt and self doubt make for good character development and the supporting characters are compelling enough to make you care for them (Ketch and Megs were my favourite... One character death in particular really hit home)...
Admittedly, I did struggle with the fast pace and the large amount of details to be taken in, even for a fantasy novel, but overall, a solid debut novel and one that intrigued me enough to want to read what comes next...
The Twelve Kingdoms should appeal to fans of the Witcher and Dragon Age: it's quite fast paced, and I found that a bit overwhelming at times, but the world is lavish and well crafted (I thoroughly enjoyed the chapters in Medea, gave me vibes of Venice in Assassin's Creed II, particularly the heist)... Rosara's struggle with her guilt and self doubt make for good character development and the supporting characters are compelling enough to make you care for them (Ketch and Megs were my favourite... One character death in particular really hit home)...
Admittedly, I did struggle with the fast pace and the large amount of details to be taken in, even for a fantasy novel, but overall, a solid debut novel and one that intrigued me enough to want to read what comes next...
March 4, 2025
EHEHEHEHE THIS WAS SO GOOD
Basically I love when books make you feel things and TTK do be making you feel things AHAHA
Let’s seeee there were some banger plot twists, the fantasy adventure is fantasy adventuring, and the characters are multidimensional. Some are really fun, some are lwk broody and moody. All of them are traumatized though! Jk but not really. We love to see it. I’m very proud of the fact that I didn’t cry while reading this. HEHE. (Sorry Dana)
OH also the romance is slowww burn(or at least feels like it) (the best)
Shout out to Camilla for being an annoying little brat (AHAHAHA I love her) (but also what a jerk)
last but not least we love a good frog mention 😌😌
oh also (I know I already said last but we have another last ok) the world building 👌👌 very good very good soup
Basically I love when books make you feel things and TTK do be making you feel things AHAHA
Let’s seeee there were some banger plot twists, the fantasy adventure is fantasy adventuring, and the characters are multidimensional. Some are really fun, some are lwk broody and moody. All of them are traumatized though! Jk but not really. We love to see it. I’m very proud of the fact that I didn’t cry while reading this. HEHE. (Sorry Dana)
OH also the romance is slowww burn(or at least feels like it) (the best)
Shout out to Camilla for being an annoying little brat (AHAHAHA I love her) (but also what a jerk)
last but not least we love a good frog mention 😌😌
oh also (I know I already said last but we have another last ok) the world building 👌👌 very good very good soup
January 7, 2025
This book was pretty well written, and didn’t feel as long as it is once I got into it. It has a very familiar story with some unfamiliar twists. The plot and main character were similar to Throne of Glass, but I couldn’t stand the main character in Throne of Glass and didn’t mind Rose most of the time. It’s really hard for a main character to be likable if the plot is going to have intrigue, so obviously she deserves grace for that.
There are a few key points that I think didn’t need to happen or weren’t focused on for long enough, but they did technically kind of move the story along. One thing in particular (I won’t say what, huuuge spoiler) was a waste and a shame, and felt like a twist to make the story stand out.
I would recommend reading The Twelve Kingdoms and will definitely be checking out the next book when it comes out.
Two minor technical things: on page 472 there is a little mistyped “00” at the top of the page, and I think that Dobbins should be in the character glossary at the back.
There are a few key points that I think didn’t need to happen or weren’t focused on for long enough, but they did technically kind of move the story along. One thing in particular (I won’t say what, huuuge spoiler) was a waste and a shame, and felt like a twist to make the story stand out.
I would recommend reading The Twelve Kingdoms and will definitely be checking out the next book when it comes out.
Two minor technical things: on page 472 there is a little mistyped “00” at the top of the page, and I think that Dobbins should be in the character glossary at the back.
September 7, 2024
"The Twelve Kingdoms" is hands down my favorite fantasy novel! Dana's masterful storytelling skill brings to life a captivating fantasy world filled with vivid descriptions and exhilarating adventures. From the first few pages, I found myself completely absorbed by the story. I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment in this series! I highly recommend this book to those who read young/new adult novels, and I especially recommend this book to homeschoolers because Dana is a homeschool graduate!
October 13, 2025
Extremely creative. So much time, effort and thought went into this plot and these characters. This is a story that will keep you hooked the whole time. Very slight romance in it and the yearning is awesome. Well written.
January 26, 2025
I loved this book so much! Fabulous writing, outstanding world building, and a very engaging plot. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy!
September 13, 2024
A solid debut. Interested to see more from this author.
For me, the thing that was most interesting was the worldbuilding. The different races, cultures, etc. I enjoy getting to see a host of different peoples working together.
I didn't connect well with the characters, but that has a lot to do with personal preferences, etc. (i.e. I don't care for most teenage female protagonists or a very noticeable first person POV. I'm also not really big on pantheons or profanity, even when it's in-world oaths). Other readers' experiences will, of course, vary.
For me, the thing that was most interesting was the worldbuilding. The different races, cultures, etc. I enjoy getting to see a host of different peoples working together.
I didn't connect well with the characters, but that has a lot to do with personal preferences, etc. (i.e. I don't care for most teenage female protagonists or a very noticeable first person POV. I'm also not really big on pantheons or profanity, even when it's in-world oaths). Other readers' experiences will, of course, vary.
May 1, 2025
This is one of the best fantasy books I've read in a long time. Dana A. Caldwell's writing style so immersive and pulls you right into the magnificent world she crafted in such detail.
The characters were all so unique and multifaceted and Rose's growth throughout the book was done so well I could do nothing but be in awe at the author's talent.
I had a couple of moments where I found myself wondering how there could still be like 200 pages left and every single time Caldwell picked the plot up again and turned it in a direction I wouldn't have expected, setting the stage for a second book I cannot wait to read!
In the midst of so many fantasy stories barely scratching the surface of what their worlds offer, Dana A. Caldwell's work is a piece of art that I recommend to anyone longing for the joy of getting drawn into a well crafted high fantasy epic with unique characters and powerful themes.
The characters were all so unique and multifaceted and Rose's growth throughout the book was done so well I could do nothing but be in awe at the author's talent.
I had a couple of moments where I found myself wondering how there could still be like 200 pages left and every single time Caldwell picked the plot up again and turned it in a direction I wouldn't have expected, setting the stage for a second book I cannot wait to read!
In the midst of so many fantasy stories barely scratching the surface of what their worlds offer, Dana A. Caldwell's work is a piece of art that I recommend to anyone longing for the joy of getting drawn into a well crafted high fantasy epic with unique characters and powerful themes.
July 23, 2025
The Twelve Kingdoms is one of the best books I've ever read! TTK is about a girl struggling to get over her past traumas and out of a cycle of destruction. As she goes on a journey to save a kingdom (not entirely of her own volition), she meets new friends, faces betrayals, and eventually rebuilds herself as something stronger. Read TTK if you are looking for magic, adventure, mystery, blood, death, and betrayal, with just a dash of romance!
September 17, 2024
“And as someone reminded me, we have something in common.”
“What’s that?”
“Secrets.”
“The Twelve Kingdoms” is a thrilling, action-packed debut! As a high fantasy novel, it delivers on its promise of a rich world filled with interesting characters. If you’re a fan of fantasy stories masquerade balls, magic, and secrets, this is the book for you!
Rose is a stubborn and caring character. Her personality and past drive her motives in the story, creating a fulfilling and worthwhile journey of growth for the reader to enjoy. Each of the secondary characters gets their chance to shine, with each of their unique personalities coming across through the descriptive language.
The first two parts of the story were rather slow, and Caldwell took her time fully establishing the world in a way that the reader could understand. But once part three begins, the book doesn’t slow down once. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy novels, and can’t wait for book 2!
“What’s that?”
“Secrets.”
“The Twelve Kingdoms” is a thrilling, action-packed debut! As a high fantasy novel, it delivers on its promise of a rich world filled with interesting characters. If you’re a fan of fantasy stories masquerade balls, magic, and secrets, this is the book for you!
Rose is a stubborn and caring character. Her personality and past drive her motives in the story, creating a fulfilling and worthwhile journey of growth for the reader to enjoy. Each of the secondary characters gets their chance to shine, with each of their unique personalities coming across through the descriptive language.
The first two parts of the story were rather slow, and Caldwell took her time fully establishing the world in a way that the reader could understand. But once part three begins, the book doesn’t slow down once. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy novels, and can’t wait for book 2!
October 25, 2024
📚Book Review📚
The Twelve Kingdoms by Dana A Caldwell
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is absolutely incredible! I was blown away by the depth and wisdom of the writing style. And the plot twists! I had no idea what was going on, but the reveals felt perfectly timed out.
The characters were all so relatable! The good guys weren’t all good, and the bad guys weren’t all bad. The romance is slooooooooow burn in the best way. Rose and Animo are obviously meant for each other, but they are too busy with starting a war to explore their feelings. But the reader can still see them slowly falling in love.
The world building was absolutely magical. Each kingdom felt unique and yet interconnected. I could read book after book about this world.
I seriously LOVED the Twelve Kingdoms and still can’t believe that this is Dana A Caldwell’s debut! I will be anxiously awaiting book 2!
‼️Content warning: gore/violence. The story was definitely dark, but the darkness was necessary for the story to have the impact that it did.
The Twelve Kingdoms by Dana A Caldwell
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is absolutely incredible! I was blown away by the depth and wisdom of the writing style. And the plot twists! I had no idea what was going on, but the reveals felt perfectly timed out.
The characters were all so relatable! The good guys weren’t all good, and the bad guys weren’t all bad. The romance is slooooooooow burn in the best way. Rose and Animo are obviously meant for each other, but they are too busy with starting a war to explore their feelings. But the reader can still see them slowly falling in love.
The world building was absolutely magical. Each kingdom felt unique and yet interconnected. I could read book after book about this world.
I seriously LOVED the Twelve Kingdoms and still can’t believe that this is Dana A Caldwell’s debut! I will be anxiously awaiting book 2!
‼️Content warning: gore/violence. The story was definitely dark, but the darkness was necessary for the story to have the impact that it did.
October 20, 2024
A good debut! The Twelve Kingdoms has immersive atmosphere, compelling characters, and a promising start to Caldwell’s career.
In my opinion, however, it’s much too long for what it needs to be. It took me awhile to start getting into it, and even then, there was so much world building, so many characters, and so much history that kept being introduced that I couldn’t keep up. Feeling lost, I didn’t get the heart of the novel. For others, though, this may not be a problem.
In my opinion, however, it’s much too long for what it needs to be. It took me awhile to start getting into it, and even then, there was so much world building, so many characters, and so much history that kept being introduced that I couldn’t keep up. Feeling lost, I didn’t get the heart of the novel. For others, though, this may not be a problem.
September 26, 2024
The Twelve Kingdoms is an imaginative and entertaining novel full of lively characters and riddled with hidden mysteries. The author does a great job with descriptive writing and is good at making her world immersive! I would only recommend for ages 16+ as it contains violence and several scenes of terror. As a Christian reader and editor, there were some things I didn't love, such as made-up foul language, fictional deities and religions, and vividly described witchcraft rituals. Several characters are brutally murdered.
In my honest opinion, there is room for improvement, but in all this is a great piece of writing with a lot of potential!
In my honest opinion, there is room for improvement, but in all this is a great piece of writing with a lot of potential!
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