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Ezra and the Forbidden Scroll
Ezra Shyar has spent her life hiding in plain sight.
At 19, she’s mastered the art of blending into her elven community by masking her unusual golden eyes, taming her wild curls, and pretending she belongs. However, when a chance encounter with the charming Prince Rydeel sparks both an unexpected friendship and something far deeper, Ezra dares to hope she might finally find where she belongs.
Then everything shatters.
A forgotten scroll. A summoned angel.
And a destiny she never asked for: to lead an army against an ancient, rising darkness.
Ezra wants no part of it. She’s not a leader. She’s barely holding herself together, especially when her parents are accused of treason and their lives hang in the balance. With no one else to trust, she sets out on a desperate quest to piece together the rest of the forbidden scroll, lost for centuries and buried in legend.
By her side are Prince Rydeel, whose growing affection threatens to upend everything Ezra thought she knew about love, and Awren; once her loyal childhood friend, but now a fierce royal guard, whose presence stirs emotions she thought she’d buried long ago. As the shadows close in and ancient forces stir, Ezra is torn between two hearts, hunted by a fate she never wanted, and forced to confront the truth she’s hidden from her whole life:
Sometimes, standing out is the only way to save the world.
At 19, she’s mastered the art of blending into her elven community by masking her unusual golden eyes, taming her wild curls, and pretending she belongs. However, when a chance encounter with the charming Prince Rydeel sparks both an unexpected friendship and something far deeper, Ezra dares to hope she might finally find where she belongs.
Then everything shatters.
A forgotten scroll. A summoned angel.
And a destiny she never asked for: to lead an army against an ancient, rising darkness.
Ezra wants no part of it. She’s not a leader. She’s barely holding herself together, especially when her parents are accused of treason and their lives hang in the balance. With no one else to trust, she sets out on a desperate quest to piece together the rest of the forbidden scroll, lost for centuries and buried in legend.
By her side are Prince Rydeel, whose growing affection threatens to upend everything Ezra thought she knew about love, and Awren; once her loyal childhood friend, but now a fierce royal guard, whose presence stirs emotions she thought she’d buried long ago. As the shadows close in and ancient forces stir, Ezra is torn between two hearts, hunted by a fate she never wanted, and forced to confront the truth she’s hidden from her whole life:
Sometimes, standing out is the only way to save the world.
ebook
First published November 18, 2025
1 person is currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Southwell
9 books60 followersJD Southwell, a proud Texan, embraces her roles as a devoted wife, passionate author, and aspiring businesswoman. Identifying as a functioning introvert, JD channels her love for reading into crafting romance books filled suspense and fantasy, finding joy in the diverse worlds that literature offers.
In the peaceful quiet of the night, her creativity thrives as she weaves stories inspired by the characters and adventures she encounters within the pages of books. When she's not writing, you can often find her in the kitchen baking delicious treats, rewatching her favorite shows and movies, or cherishing moments with family and friends.
In the peaceful quiet of the night, her creativity thrives as she weaves stories inspired by the characters and adventures she encounters within the pages of books. When she's not writing, you can often find her in the kitchen baking delicious treats, rewatching her favorite shows and movies, or cherishing moments with family and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received this book as an ARC, and wow what a stunning read! It completely exceeded my expectations. It’s full of magic, destiny, and unapologetic Black girl brilliance.
What makes this story shine is Ezra herself who has not only been hiding her stuunning physical features her entire life but the spark that makes her different in a world that prizes conformity.. She’s flawed and vulnerable, yet strong in ways she doesn’t even realize. Her journey from uncertainty to courage felt so raw and real especially as she’s caught between Prince Rydeel and Awren, each offering love and danger in different forms. The love triangle? Absolutely chef’s kiss. Both of them bring out something different in her, and the emotional tension is so well done. JD Southwell made me feel every pull, every heartbreak, every impossible choice.
The world-building is rich and immersive, a blend of magic, danger, and heart and it’s so refreshing to see Black characters at the center of a fantasy world like this. It’s not just representation for the sake of it; it’s representation done right, with depth, warmth, and pride.
If you love stories where a girl learns she’s capable of changing the world...even when it’s falling apart.. Ezra and the Forbidden Scroll needs to be at the top of your TBR. It’s bold, emotional, and completely unputdownable.
I received this book as an ARC, and wow what a stunning read! It completely exceeded my expectations. It’s full of magic, destiny, and unapologetic Black girl brilliance.
What makes this story shine is Ezra herself who has not only been hiding her stuunning physical features her entire life but the spark that makes her different in a world that prizes conformity.. She’s flawed and vulnerable, yet strong in ways she doesn’t even realize. Her journey from uncertainty to courage felt so raw and real especially as she’s caught between Prince Rydeel and Awren, each offering love and danger in different forms. The love triangle? Absolutely chef’s kiss. Both of them bring out something different in her, and the emotional tension is so well done. JD Southwell made me feel every pull, every heartbreak, every impossible choice.
The world-building is rich and immersive, a blend of magic, danger, and heart and it’s so refreshing to see Black characters at the center of a fantasy world like this. It’s not just representation for the sake of it; it’s representation done right, with depth, warmth, and pride.
If you love stories where a girl learns she’s capable of changing the world...even when it’s falling apart.. Ezra and the Forbidden Scroll needs to be at the top of your TBR. It’s bold, emotional, and completely unputdownable.
November 13, 2025
An advance copy of this book was provided to me for free by the author.
An advance copy of this book was provided to me for free by the author.
Ezra and the Forbidden Scroll is an immersive and emotional fantasy that blends distinct worldbuilding with dystopian undertones, pulling readers into the secrets and struggles of an elven community ruled by fear and control.
Ezra lives on the fringes of her world and yearns for connection. When she uncovers a dark truth about her people and their iron-fisted leader, she’s thrust into a dangerous quest to find a mythical artifact that could save her family and possibly her entire world.
One of my favorite elements of this book was Ezra’s growth as she begins to understand her difference not as a flaw, but as her greatest strength. Southwell handles Ezra’s awakening with care and nuance, letting readers feel every moment of her frustration, disbelief, and eventual acceptance as she learns to see herself beyond others’ expectations. Her emotional journey from, self-doubt to beginning to own her power, anchors the story and provides the emotional core of the story.
While the pacing in the latter portion of the book felt slower and lost some of the tension built around Ezra’s quest, the story’s heart remained compelling. I also wished for a bit more tension and build-up to the romance that develops later on, though it still added a tender balance to Ezra’s intense and high-stakes journey.
✨ If you enjoy fantasy with resilient heroines at the center, Ezra and the Forbidden Scroll is a worthy addition to your reading list.
An advance copy of this book was provided to me for free by the author.
Ezra and the Forbidden Scroll is an immersive and emotional fantasy that blends distinct worldbuilding with dystopian undertones, pulling readers into the secrets and struggles of an elven community ruled by fear and control.
Ezra lives on the fringes of her world and yearns for connection. When she uncovers a dark truth about her people and their iron-fisted leader, she’s thrust into a dangerous quest to find a mythical artifact that could save her family and possibly her entire world.
One of my favorite elements of this book was Ezra’s growth as she begins to understand her difference not as a flaw, but as her greatest strength. Southwell handles Ezra’s awakening with care and nuance, letting readers feel every moment of her frustration, disbelief, and eventual acceptance as she learns to see herself beyond others’ expectations. Her emotional journey from, self-doubt to beginning to own her power, anchors the story and provides the emotional core of the story.
While the pacing in the latter portion of the book felt slower and lost some of the tension built around Ezra’s quest, the story’s heart remained compelling. I also wished for a bit more tension and build-up to the romance that develops later on, though it still added a tender balance to Ezra’s intense and high-stakes journey.
✨ If you enjoy fantasy with resilient heroines at the center, Ezra and the Forbidden Scroll is a worthy addition to your reading list.
November 8, 2025
****ARC review****
Imagine being a 19 year old that always wanted to fit in. But because you are different, it is always awkward. You are called crazy bc you are seen laughing at books and talking to yourself. You are raising in a place that worships a lord that requires your worship twice a day and 40% of your earnings a week. If you don't follow those rules, you are executed. But you feel deep down that something just doesn't feel right with this worship. But you continue bc that's all you know.
That is the life of Ezra Shyar. She's a quirky 19 year old that life goal is to make friends and finishing up secondary school so that she can take her placement test to see where she can become employed and find love. Which she thought she found when she caught the eye of the Prince.
Ezra is quickly thrust into fulfilling a destiny she was not prepared for. But she will do anything to save her family. Along the journey, she quickly finds out what she thought was her destiny in love was not what it was. She finds the strength and will that she never knew she possessed. In this story you have a mix of fantasy with Bible.
To find out if Ezra obtains the scroll, you must read the book.
Imagine being a 19 year old that always wanted to fit in. But because you are different, it is always awkward. You are called crazy bc you are seen laughing at books and talking to yourself. You are raising in a place that worships a lord that requires your worship twice a day and 40% of your earnings a week. If you don't follow those rules, you are executed. But you feel deep down that something just doesn't feel right with this worship. But you continue bc that's all you know.
That is the life of Ezra Shyar. She's a quirky 19 year old that life goal is to make friends and finishing up secondary school so that she can take her placement test to see where she can become employed and find love. Which she thought she found when she caught the eye of the Prince.
Ezra is quickly thrust into fulfilling a destiny she was not prepared for. But she will do anything to save her family. Along the journey, she quickly finds out what she thought was her destiny in love was not what it was. She finds the strength and will that she never knew she possessed. In this story you have a mix of fantasy with Bible.
To find out if Ezra obtains the scroll, you must read the book.
October 26, 2025
This was a very great read. We follow Ezra and her life and how she has to blend in to seem normal like everyone else. She isn't like everyone else because she has different appearances to her- golden eyes, big beautiful brown curls. Everyone else has platinum hair and blue eyes.
All of a sudden shes thrown into this "fate" she needs to complete but she wants no parts of it. She just wants to be a normal girl and have friends and fall in love. But once it threatens the people she loves the most (her parents) she will do anything to save them.
What she didn't expect is that she has two heart to choose inbetween which could mean life or death for her. She's now in a situation where she has to save the world, her own heart, and her parents.
This was such a good read and I loved all of it, especially Ezra. Everyone doubts her but shes the one that's going to save the day. She's very strong and powerful and during this book- she steps into that. While reading the book I noticed a lot of personality traits that are similar to me and Erza. It made it that much easier for me to lock into this book and really give it my all.
All of a sudden shes thrown into this "fate" she needs to complete but she wants no parts of it. She just wants to be a normal girl and have friends and fall in love. But once it threatens the people she loves the most (her parents) she will do anything to save them.
What she didn't expect is that she has two heart to choose inbetween which could mean life or death for her. She's now in a situation where she has to save the world, her own heart, and her parents.
This was such a good read and I loved all of it, especially Ezra. Everyone doubts her but shes the one that's going to save the day. She's very strong and powerful and during this book- she steps into that. While reading the book I noticed a lot of personality traits that are similar to me and Erza. It made it that much easier for me to lock into this book and really give it my all.
November 17, 2025
I received this book as an ARC reader and thoroughly enjoyed it. This book took a unique spin on fantasy by incorporating it with Biblical scriptures and faith that I felt stood out, which also balanced out the dark side of the book that the heroine had to journey through. Great world building and easy language to follow.
Our heroine is considered different in her community according to the standards of the “king”. She’s quirky, questions things, impulsively says things out loud… and desperately wants to fit in, or at least she thinks she does. For her to be so different, there’s something special about her that she has to learn. A big responsibility is placed on her, including her need for self-discovery.
There are important themes focused on throughout the book; good vs evil, fear vs faith, popularity vs purpose, love vs lust, social class vs humanity, along with misogyny, patriarchy, and gender roles.
I’m rooting for our heroine & I’m so proud of the character development. I am looking forward to the next book!
P.S. the spice is there, just wait on it!
Our heroine is considered different in her community according to the standards of the “king”. She’s quirky, questions things, impulsively says things out loud… and desperately wants to fit in, or at least she thinks she does. For her to be so different, there’s something special about her that she has to learn. A big responsibility is placed on her, including her need for self-discovery.
There are important themes focused on throughout the book; good vs evil, fear vs faith, popularity vs purpose, love vs lust, social class vs humanity, along with misogyny, patriarchy, and gender roles.
I’m rooting for our heroine & I’m so proud of the character development. I am looking forward to the next book!
P.S. the spice is there, just wait on it!
November 15, 2025
ARC read:
Ezra and the Forbidden Scroll is a fun, magical read! Ezra is outsider with golden eyes and wild curls in a world where everyone looks like they came from the same platinum-blonde assembly line. She just wants to be normal, make friends, maybe fall in love, but she’s thrown into a world saving quest that she absolutely did not sign up for.
I enjoyed watching Ezra go from “why me?” to “I might be a badass”. She doubted herself, everyone else doubted her, but shes one who’s going to save the day. Erza’s brave, powerful, and relatable. The ending slows down a bit, but overall it’s a charming, adventurous read! This is great for anyone who loves a brave heroine, a sprinkle of magic, and a whole lot of heart.
Ezra and the Forbidden Scroll is a fun, magical read! Ezra is outsider with golden eyes and wild curls in a world where everyone looks like they came from the same platinum-blonde assembly line. She just wants to be normal, make friends, maybe fall in love, but she’s thrown into a world saving quest that she absolutely did not sign up for.
I enjoyed watching Ezra go from “why me?” to “I might be a badass”. She doubted herself, everyone else doubted her, but shes one who’s going to save the day. Erza’s brave, powerful, and relatable. The ending slows down a bit, but overall it’s a charming, adventurous read! This is great for anyone who loves a brave heroine, a sprinkle of magic, and a whole lot of heart.
November 20, 2025
Oh my! I’ve been on my fantasy trip recently and this book was amazing! The characters, storytelling, and layers are amazing! The ties into her faith were unexpected to me and beautiful! Oh and the twists! (No spoilers here!) I can’t wait for the next book!
I loved JD Southwell’s romance novels. I love her fantasy writing just as much! If you’re looking for representation and something different in fantasy, this book is it!
I loved JD Southwell’s romance novels. I love her fantasy writing just as much! If you’re looking for representation and something different in fantasy, this book is it!
November 19, 2025
This book was so darn good. I love how Ezra was written, the talking to and answering herself was hella funny. I am not even going to front it took me a minute to adjust to the words like wyiko and corzy. I love every detail of this book. I cannot wait to read the next one.. Highly recommend. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ps. I gotta add some of my notes I wrote down in my arc copy.
Ps. I gotta add some of my notes I wrote down in my arc copy.
November 16, 2025
Received this as an arc and I was not disappointed. Such a good read, can’t wait for the next book!!
November 19, 2025
I loved this story! Ezra’s journey from hiding who she is to embracing. The worldbuilding, the tension between Rydeel and Awren was amazing!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews