Fixing something broken is impossible if you can’t find all the pieces.
Enzo Mangianelli was destined to kill his sister, Cori, but fate had different plans. After the prophecy, he lost his magic, his daughter, his restaurant, and his best friend. When given the opportunity to make things right, Enzo finds himself at the mercy of the same witches who once pursued him.
Prudence Alden lived her life bound to a promise. But what good is a promise when no one believes she deserves it? Pru is ready to inherit her father’s position and take on the role of high priestess when an opportunity to restore power to those who have lost their magic presents itself. Pru wants nothing more than to prove herself—even if it means she must heal Enzo Mangianelli’s tarnished soul to do it. Enzo is the last person Prudence wants to work with, but the more she learns about him, the more she realizes that there is much more than shared trauma that draws them together.
Return to the charming small town of Farley, Maine, where magic, steamy romance, and intense family drama immerse you in the high-stakes, contemporary paranormal urban fantasy of the Elemental Realm.
Maria has been reading, illustrating, and writing fantasy stories since childhood. Fantasy romance became the escape that saved her life while working as a frontline healthcare worker during the pandemic. Nothing brings her more joy than providing a cozy escape for others.
She is the author of the award-winning Elemental Realm series.
She strives to blend fantastical elements into our world with dark humor and heart-wrenching backstories to bring her characters to life.
This is book two in a duology. While you can read each book as a standalone, I do believe it would be way more advantageous to have read book one, The Gray Prophecy, before diving into this book two. The events in book one are referred to and directly propel you into this story. This is a world with different types of magical classifications, which is fun. Enzo is a Charms witch who went into Dark magic and in book one we get the story of a prophecy told that he will kill his sister Cori, a Celestial witch. Without giving away spoilers for book one, events led to a lot of magic in the world being lost, but particularly for Charms witches. Enzo decides to stop using magic altogether, open a restaurant and live his single Dad life with his daughter. Prudence is a really powerful Gray witch with healing powers, who we met in book one. She realizes she can help bring the magic back that was lost, but she will need to work with Enzo to do so, who she is really not fond of. During the process they start opening up to each other and sharing, and maybe healing in more ways than one. This story is told from multiple POVs and incorporates magic, romance, familial bonds, and a small town vibe up in Maine. It feels low-stakes somehow even though the stakes are actually kind of high. Gives off a cozy feel. I really like the depiction of magic here!
Thank you to the author Maria A. Eden and The Nerd Fam for the opportunity to read this early. Book releases 6/11/25.
- Witches💫 - Redemption/Healing Story❤️🩹 - Found Family ❤️ - Cozy Small Town in Maine 🦞 - Spicy 🌶️
This was my first ARC and I loved coming back to these characters in a little town in Maine. Just like the first book, I loved the different powers of all the witches. This story is full of drama that will keep you hooked and heartwarming relationships.
A Vision Of Lights is the second book in The Elemental Realm series. It’s a multi POV that follows not only Cori and Adrian from book one, but focuses more on Pru & Enzo as they all try to right the wrongs that came to pass with the fulfillment of Cori’s prophecy at the end of The Gray Prophecy.
I actually enjoyed this book more than I did the first book in the series, which was surprising. I didn’t expect that to be the case. Following Enzo & Pru’s journey of redemption was so satisfying for me though. It was full of struggles and insecurities and regrets of the past. But there was also a journey of self discovery and it was beautiful. The story was so well written and I felt such a connection with the characters.
Things I loved about this book: there were many. I loved that it felt like a nice completion of Cori and Adrian’s story from book one. I loved that many of the characters, despite troubling times, found their happily ever afters and resolution. I loved the found family vibes and the way the supporting characters were all relatable. The fluidity of the book was perfect. I didn’t want to put it down.
Things I wished I would have gotten from the book but didn’t were very few. I do wish there would have been an epilogue for Enzo and Pru. I would’ve loved to have seen how their lives played out down the road. That was really my only complaint. I’d definitely recommend the book and series!
Thank you to Maria A. Eden and to The Nerd Fam for the opportunity to review the ARC for this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I have to say it's enjoyed this book wayyy more than the 1st book. We met siblings Cori and Enzo in the previous book. Enzo has moved to Maine from San Fran to be closer to his family and opened a restaurant with Alfie. There is a shift in the magical world since Cori's prophecy passed a d those who practiced dark magic lost their magic. Zion has found ancient text that can restore the magic and he thinks Enzo is the key. Prudence is a powerful healer and always under her father's thumb. She was told not to let Enzo participate except with no reason. Enzo wants nothing to do with magic. Prudence finds Enzo hot but its his demeanor that makes her question her sanity. Enzo's daughter is also a celestial witch and is coming to stay thr summer to learn from Cori but when he looks closely at a picture she drew he knows he's meant to br part of the ritual. Adrian is busy building his and Coris home and he is struggling with powers that are coming forth more. Pru is tasked with cleansing Enzo before the ritual. The more the she spends with him the more she likes him. He is like a drug to her and she can't get enough. But when smtg happens during thr 1st cleansing Enzo is freaked out. There is more going on that meets the eye. Forces are at play and Pru with her friends need to brace for impact especially if her father finds out. Good book!!
A Vision of Lights is book two in The Elemental Realm duology. You could read it as a standalone, but it definitely hits harder if you’ve read The Gray Prophecy first. The emotional payoff just lands better with that foundation.
This one stepped it up. I enjoyed book one, but I connected with this one on a deeper level. We still check in with Cori and Adrian from the first book, but the spotlight shifts to Enzo and Prudence. And honestly? That change worked so well. Their story had so much heart and depth. Enzo is picking up the pieces after everything that went down, while Pru is pushing to prove herself and carry the weight of legacy and expectation. Their journey — both together and apart — was full of vulnerability, growth, and healing.
The character work was one of the biggest strengths. Everyone felt real, from their regrets to their resilience. There’s a strong found family thread woven throughout, and that emotional bond between characters is what kept me turning pages. The story moves well once it gets going, and the magic system continues to feel lived in and natural to the world without ever becoming overcomplicated.
I also loved how this felt like a meaningful continuation of Cori and Adrian’s arc without pulling focus from the new leads. It brought the past and present together in a really satisfying way and made the world feel bigger while still keeping things grounded.
This book delivered. It had heart, magic, redemption, and a cast I cared about from start to finish. A solid win for book two and one I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys contemporary fantasy with high emotional stakes and just the right touch of the paranormal.
Big thank you to Maria A. Eden and TheNerdfam for the ARC ebook copy of this one.
This series is a Duology of interconnected standalone books. While it is not required to read both books in the series, it definitely would be helpful to read the first book before diving into this one. From my understanding, the main character in this book is the sibling of the main character in the first book, and while they can be read separately, if you just read this one like I did, you lose a lot that you would gain from reading both books. This is entirely my own fault and did not impact my star rating of this book.
This is a pretty solid fantasy involving witches and a prophecy that adds a unique entry to the witch-based fantasy genre. It has a little bit of everything: found family, a magical quest, visions, and drama.
Some details you might like to know: this book is written in third person, with multiple (more than 2) points of view, and there are some minor jumps in time.
Thank you very much to Maria Eden for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own and are not influenced by the manner in which I received it.
Book 2 of The Elemental Realm, picks up at the conclusion of book 1, The Gray Prophecy.
Enzo was destined to kill his sister Cori but fate had different plans! Enzo lost so much after the prophecy and he now finds himself at the mercy of the witches that once pursued him. Can Enzo and Prudence work together on their paths to healing and redemption?
This is such a charming followup to book 1. The small town of Farley, the journey of the characters and the magical tones of the book just fit so perfectly together.
I love the cozy feel of the found family and second chances in this fantastical world Maria has created. As with this first book, the cover of A Vision of Lights is just gorgeous- the two covers are so complimentary to one another! 💜
Thank you to author, Maria A Eden, for the opportunity to read this book and be a part of your street team! I am leaving my review voluntarily.
I love a good witch-centric book and @maria_a.eden_author has written two!
We first met Enzo in The Gray Prophecy, the first book in her Elemental Realm duology. I don’t want to give too much away because you should read the first one, but he is a broken man. He’s relocated to Maine to be near his mom and sister. He’s atoning and rebuilding his life.
As it turns out, he’s also a key figure in a ritual to bring magic back to a sect of witches. Prudence (almost high priestess of her coven) is charged with healing him, so that he can be a vessel for this ritual. Things get pretty complicated pretty fast.
Highly recommended if you enjoy witchy reads, broken men being pieced together, and coven politics.
I was given this eARC via #netgalley and the author. All thoughts are mine alone.
Our MMC Enzo is in a tough spot at the end of The Gray Prophecy. He has lost everything…Pru thinks she can help but he wants nothing to do with redemption. Now there is a second prophecy looming…and this time it involves Enzo’s daughter….
Pru and Enzo definitely clash at first…but I really like how we see them slowly start to open up and trust each other. They have good chemistry and I especially loved the sense of tension! We see both of them have great character growth.
Overall there are some secondary great characters and cozy small town vibes. I really loved the magical realism too!
✨What To Expect: 💋Paranormal Romantasy 🏘️Small Town 🧙Witchy Vibes ❤️🔥Enemies to Lovers ❤️🩹Healer/Patient 🧑🍳Hot chef MMC 🌦️Grumpy/Sunshine 🔥Slow Burn 🔮Magic ⁉️High Stakes
I received this arc from NetGalley not realizing it was the second in the duo-logy. I wanted to give a full honest review so I went ahead and read the first book as well so it kinda put me back. Although it is said it could be read as a standalone, I don’t agree. However I was really impressed by this authors writing and story!
We follow Enzo the brother of Cori almost immediately after the events of the last book. With magic no longer at Enzo’s fingertips, he is ready to settle down with his daughter in a quiet town in Maine. However Prudence needs his help discovering how to save the magic that was once lost as he could be the key. However that might be hard considering Prudence and Enzo don’t exactly get along.
I loved the multiple pov you truly get to see the character growth between each character and how they each proved themselves as strong individuals!
A Vision of Lights is the second book in the Elemental Realm series. It can be read on its own but I still recommend reading the first book “The Gray Prophecy” to really immerse yourself in this witchy world. It follows Cori’s (FMC in the first book) older brother Enzo and his journey to fix all the mistakes he made that led him to lose his magic. I really enjoyed following Enzo and Pru’s (love interest) story. If you like modern love and magic with some spice, you’ll like this book!
I read this thanks to receiving it as an ARC from NetGalley
🌙Witches 🌙Second in Series 🌙Chef MMC 🌙Small Town 🌙She Heals Him 🌙Found Family
Book two of the Elemental Realm series was a hit! It is a captivating character-driven story. The emotional growth of both Enzo and Prudence is well-developed, with their backstories adding depth and context. The writing style makes the characters' journeys feel authentic, and the emotional payoff is satisfying. The plot is engaging, and the fast-paced, intense ending had me at the edge of my seat! If you enjoy stories with strong character arcs and a gripping conclusion, this book is definitely worth reading.
This book is a witchy paranormal romance book that can be read as a standalone, but personally I found it way more enjoyable to read book 1 as well. I was already in love with most of the characters from book 1 so I enjoyed getting to see my favorite characters again. I was especially relieved to still get chapters focusing on Adrian and Cori even though this book focussed more on Pru and Enzo.
I found the magic system easy to understand while also being captivating. I was also intrigued by the significant differences between the witch types/covens and seeing them interconnected in book 2.
I felt like this book was a slower speed all around than the first, but I still enjoyed the plot and the characters and was happy to see more of all of the wonderful characters.
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A Vision of Lights is a captivating return to the elemental magic and intricate relationships that made the first book so compelling. This time, the focus shifts to Enzo Mangianelli—once destined to kill his sister, now a man burdened by loss, guilt, and the haunting remnants of his broken life.
The story seamlessly blends romance, redemption, and self-discovery. Enzo’s journey is raw and heartfelt, as he grapples with the weight of past mistakes while trying to piece together the fragments of his shattered soul. His chemistry with Prudence Alden is undeniable, layered with tension, mutual pain, and an unexpected vulnerability that brings out the best in both characters.
Prudence, determined to prove herself as the next high priestess, finds herself caught between duty and desire. Her struggle to heal Enzo while confronting her own insecurities is beautifully portrayed, making her more than just a supportive figure. She’s fierce, flawed, and deeply human.
What makes this book particularly charming is the way it balances emotional intensity with magical realism. The small town of Farley, Maine, once again feels like a character in itself—mystical, welcoming, but filled with secrets that refuse to stay buried. The romance is steamy without being gratuitous, and the personal growth arcs feel genuine and satisfying.
One aspect that slightly disrupted the immersion was the use of Italian words and phrases throughout the text. As an Italian reader, I appreciated the cultural touch, but some expressions felt off or lacked the intended emotional depth. In a few cases, the phrasing seemed mistranslated or too literal, which pulled me out of the narrative for a moment.
Overall, A Vision of Lights is an enchanting continuation of the series. It’s a story of healing, second chances, and finding hope when everything seems lost. Enzo and Prudence’s journey is one of acceptance and forgiveness, wrapped in a cozy yet intense urban fantasy setting.
If you loved the first book, this one will sweep you back into that familiar yet magical world, reminding you that sometimes fixing what’s broken means rediscovering yourself first.
p.s you could read each book as a standalone, but I strongly suggest you to take your time to read both of the books.
A Vision of Lights, the second book in the Elemental Realm series, is a moody, magical, and emotionally rich urban fantasy that pulled me in from the start. While you can read it as a standalone, I highly recommend starting with The Gray Prophecy to get the full emotional depth—especially around the sibling dynamic between Enzo and Cori.
This story follows Enzo Mangianelli, a man weighed down by loss—his magic, his daughter, his restaurant, and his place in the world. He’s not looking for redemption, but it finds him anyway in the form of Prudence Alden, a powerful healer with her own complicated past and something to prove. Pru is determined to step into her role as high priestess, and helping Enzo recover his magic is a necessary, if frustrating, step.
Their dynamic? Tension-filled, intense, and so good. There’s an undeniable pull between them that goes beyond attraction—it’s about seeing someone for who they really are, even when they can’t see it themselves. Enzo is raw, guarded, and layered. Pru is fierce, uncertain, and deeply human. Their emotional arcs are just as satisfying as their slow-burn chemistry.
As ancient magic resurfaces and a new prophecy looms, the story takes off. Enzo’s daughter, a celestial witch, may be the key to a powerful ritual, and the clock is ticking. With magical cleansing rituals, visions, and high-stakes drama, the plot unfolds at a steady pace, building to an intense and rewarding conclusion.
Farley, Maine—both cozy and mysterious—continues to serve as a perfect backdrop. The town feels alive with secrets, and its small-town charm adds weight to the magical realism at play.
If you love: 💫 witches and elemental magic 💫 enemies-to-lovers tension 💫 second chances and healing arcs 💫 rich world-building and found family 💫 steamy romance wrapped in emotional depth
Then this book should be on your list.
A Vision of Lights delivers a satisfying blend of magic, emotion, and redemption. It's a beautifully character-driven installment that deepens the world and themes introduced in book one. Enzo and Prudence’s journey is about healing, reclaiming power, and learning to trust again—and it’s a ride worth taking.
Kicking off where The Gray Prophecy ends, A Vision of Lights follows Enzo Mangianelli on his path to redemption. After getting involved with dark magic that caused him to lose everything, he is forced to work with Prudence Alden to heal his tarnished soul, and prove herself worthy of becoming the next high priestess of her coven. This story also follows other characters from the first book, including Cori and Adrian, as this is a family ordeal. This book can be read as a standalone, but key elements may be missed if you do not read the first book.
I loved the cozy vibes of this small town and loved the elements of urban fantasy. The magic and various rituals are straightforward and thoroughly explained. The rituals that were completed were not only important to the story line, but were key for Enzo and Pru's relationship progression. Their relationship and love may have happened quickly, but the deep emotional connection bound via the rituals and shared connection over traumatic pasts fast tracked their relationship. I loved slow burn with the pining and longing between them. Both characters also had incredible character arcs showing how trauma and your past does not define you, and if you believe in yourself, you can do anything you set your mind to.
This story is told via multiple POVs including Enzo, Pru, Cori, and Adrian. I understand that Cori and Adrian are key to this world as they are the main focus of the first book along with the rituals in this book, but in my opinion, I would have loved if this story had only followed Enzo and Pru.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam and Maria A. Eden for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
ARC Review- “A Vision of Lights” is book two of the Elemental Realm Duology, set again in Farley, Maine, this time following four POV’s, that of Cordelia “Cori” Mangianelli, a prophetic Celestial Witch, Adrian Huxley, an Elemental Witch and Cori’s fiancée, Prudence “Pru” Alden, Cori’s former protector, as well as, the future high priestess of San Francisco, and Enzo Mangianelli, older brother of Cori and Witch who no longer holds magical powers. In this book, Cori is trying to adjust to her new normal of no longer living in huffing, Adrian is keeping a secret that could literally change everything, Enzo is given an opportunity to right the wrongs of his past, and Pru attempts to gain some respect from her coven as she works toward becoming the next high priestess. Together Enzo and Pru will need to work together for a common goal that will benefit all witches, but can they overcome the past? Maria A. Eden does it again, adding intrigue and mystery that will keep you engaged from beginning to end. I’m a sucker for a good enemies to lovers plot, and the heat and slow burn between Enzo and Pru is absolutely palpable. I loved that we saw more of Sophia, Enzo’s daughter in this story as I think she humanizes and softens Enzo’s character. I also loved that we really begin to see Pru’s character blossom and begin growing into her own. The plot and characters that the author has written are so easy to love including the side characters. I would recommend this book and The Elemental Realm Duology to anyone who loves paranormal fantasy with romance.
Thank you to NetGalley and Maria A. Eden for the eARC.
“ there’s darkness and light in everything we do, but it’s our intention that matters.”
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My favorite witches from Farley, Maine are back! A Vision of Lights, is the second book in the Elemental Realm series by Maria! This is the continuation of the Gray Prophecy. Enzo is running from the darkness within him. Magic was something that once made him powerful, but now it is something he fears. Enzo is trying to make things right after the destruction he caused with black magic. That is where Prudence comes in. The daughter of the High Priest, Justin, Prudence is a power young witch. Trying to prove herself to her father and her coven, she decides to be tasked with the mission to bring magic back. Along side of witches from every coven, they work against all odds to try and save magic. Little does she realize, that means spending a lot of time Enzo. The one person in the world she would like to spend little to no time with. Together they dive into traumas in their pasts and learn that they might have more in common than they realized. Will they be able to bring magic back or is the damage to deep?
This book was wonderful and so beautifully written. It truly shows the healing of all the characters. I cried a few times because I truly understood the pain that these characters felt. Healing isn’t linear but this books shows, that we have the choice to heal and sometimes love can be the best medicine! I loved seeing characters from the first book and watching their story continue as well! This has been one of favorite reads this year!
If you're a fan of Practical Magic or Charmed, A Vision of Lights by Maria A. Eden will feel like coming home. ✨
Brimming with elemental and celestial magic ✨, witty humor, and a delectable moonlit water scene you do not want to miss 🛁🔥
Set in the quaint town of Farely, Maine, the story pulls you in with cozy worldbuilding 🏡, heartwarming family dynamics ❤️, and just enough drama to keep you hooked. I especially loved the brotherly bond between Enzo and his brother-in-law, Adrian (especially after all their drama)👬—a refreshing twist from the usual focus on female friendships.
Prudence Alden—future high priestess of the San Francisco Gray Coven and very much Daddy’s little girl 👑—has one task: cleanse Enzo Mangianelli before the ritual that could restore the Charms Coven’s lost magic ✨.
Enzo—the brooding bad boy with a past dipped in dark magic ⚡—nearly became the very person who k💀lled his own sister. Now, haunted by what he’s done, he’s faced with a chance at redemption. In book one, his sister Cori delivers a prophecy that changes everything for Charms witches. Book two brings the hope of healing—but as Pru works to restore him, she’s forced to relive not only his pain, but the shadows of her own. Oh, and let’s not forget the electric chemistry crackling between them 🔥.
A Vision of Lights is a magical ride of emotional highs and lows, tender family moments, sizzling tension, and compelling love stories—all beautifully entwined. ✨
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A Vision of Lights was such a fun and exciting continuation of The Gray Prophecy. An emotional but beautiful story as everything unwrapped, and we saw the characters on a deeper level.
sidenote*** I swear I love Jordan and wish we had more. (For those who read first book, he's Cori's boss/not a spoiler). It was so clever to use him to explain the magic backstory since he's so fun to have around. Bravo.
It was also fun having more Cori and Adrian. They're so great together.
I think it would be hard to read this without reading The Gray Prophecy. But that's also a good thing because the first one was crazy good.
My heart ached for Enzo, and I adored Pru. It was wonderful seeing their stories come together. (And the surprise around 40% in was AMAZING. Gah. Beautiful).
I didn't originally see how Pru and Enzo would make chemistry or how they'd fit as a couple, but once they started... oh boy. It was on fire. I just wish it was slower. Their scenes and love seemed so rushed. Like I would have loved MORE. I absolutely loved their arcs and what did bring them together as a couple. It made so much sense as we got to know them on a deeper level.
This story had a lot of lore and ambition. Seriously, the entire family of characters made me smile the whole way through.
All in all it was a fantastic read and I'd recommend both books. They're a lot of fun and the worldbuilding is so entertaining and interesting. I read this one super quick. I did like Gray Prophecy more, but this was almost the same level.
A VISION OF LIGHTS is the second part of the Elemental Realm Duology and gives you Enzo's story after the events of The Grey Prophecy. We have all the same characters, so I absolutely recommend you read Cori's story first, otherwise it won't make much sense!
Prudence and Enzo both care for Cori, but with the events of the first book plus a misunderstanding, they are off to a rocky... start? Continuation? Whatever! Enzo wants to make up for all the wrongs he has done, and does that by avoiding magic. When Zion comes up with a plan to return magic to the Charms covens in a ritual involving Enzo, he takes some time to think about it before agreeing. Prudence, in the meantime, is in a never-ending situation of no communication with her father, even though she is supposed to take over from him.
This book is all about the connections between all of them in Maine. There is no big bad, just a big task that needs doing. New characters are also introduced, and Gertie got under my skin. I loved her character!!!
The story has come to a very satisfactory ending, but I would absolutely go back to this world given the chance. I should mention that it should have a Kleenex warning! I needed one anyway. Thoroughly enjoyable and definitely recommended by me. 4.5 rounded up.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books! Apr 1, 2025
“A Vision of Lights” was a beautiful second addition to the Elemental Realm series. I found this book charming and well developed from beginning to end. This book was my favorite in the series and I have fallen in love with the characters.
The family connections that are described throughout the story demonstrate the complexities that we often face for those that we love. Although this story mainly focuses on Cori’s brother’s (Enzo) story, the interconnection from the first story “The Gray Prophecy” allows the reader to feel a sense of completion at the end of the book for all of the characters presented.
The series presents many complex themes of overcoming loss and trauma to find healing. Maria A. Eden does a nice job of allowing the reader to see inside someone that has experienced loss and healing through love. I thought the lessons learned in the story were universal to anyone that has experienced deep pain.
I felt the love story in this book was very well developed. The reader gets to see inside the hearts of the main characters and watch the slow burn develop into some well placed spice.
This story had unique magic systems that were well written and created an atmosphere that seemed fitting for the setting of a fishing village in Maine.
I enjoyed this book and will really miss the characters I got to know!
Overall: 5 ⭐️ Spice: 2 🌶️
I received this book as an ARC from Maria Eden and Book Funnel. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
A Vision of Lights is the second book in The Elemental Realm duology. I had the pleasure of reading this series back-to-back, and I am absolutely enchanted!
Here's what you can expect: ❤️ Fated Mates 🌍 Elemental Magic ✨ Celestial Magic 🔥 Slow Burn Romance 💫 Redemption Arc 🗺️ Exciting Quest 👨👩👧👦 Found Family
I had an absolute blast reading A Vision of Lights! This book is a delightful continuation from The Gray Prophecy, and it brought back all the characters I fell in love with. This book takes you on a lighter, though just as crucial, journey with plenty of magic and adventure waiting at every turn!
The pacing was on point, the world-building was nothing short of magical, and the character development was superb. Enzo’s redemption arc had me hooked from start to finish—I just couldn’t wait to see how his story would unfold. And Pru, who charmed me in book one, shines even brighter in A Vision of Lights as the fierce and lovable FMC.
The side characters—especially Jordan, Alfie, and Seth—add so much charm and fun to the story. The Found Family trope is executed wonderfully, bringing together a group of diverse, lovable characters who choose each other through bonds of love and purpose. It’s heartwarming and magical, filled with exciting quests and celestial wonders! This series is a perfect blend of adventure, magic, and heartfelt moments, making it impossible to put down.
The second book in this enchanting series takes us back to the small town of Farley Maine, this time focusing on Pru and Enzo’s story. If you loved The Gray Prophecy, this book dives deeper into the aftermath of the fulfilled prophecy and the emotional healing that follows.
After many Charm witches lose their powers, whispers of an ancient ritual surface—one that might restore their magic. Enter Enzo, the grumpy chef MMC weighed down by guilt and grief over the choices he made in book one. Believing he no longer deserves magic, he volunteers to be the ritual’s vessel. Pru, reluctant to use him, agrees only after Cori has a vision that confirms it’s the right path. As she guides Enzo through three intense magical cleansings—removing his memories of magic—she sees the pain and darkness that led him to the edge. Slowly, their bond deepens as she becomes the one who helps him heal—she heals him, emotionally and magically.
This is a rich redemption arc for both characters, full of vulnerability, growth, and the slow unraveling of walls built by past mistakes. Their connection is magnetic, and watching them rediscover hope was one of my favorite parts. Plus, we’re treated to familiar faces—the found family from book one returns, including Cori and Adrian—with multiple POVs adding depth to the world.
If you're into witches, emotionally charged romance, healing, and magic, this is a stunning end to a beautifully written series.
I loved the Gray Prophecy, so I was looking forward to the next installment. It may have started out a wee bit slow… But then the story takes on some pretty incredible themes, like good vs evil and balancing your own insecurities with other people's realities. It was filled with incredibly talented people, who, for some reason or another did NOT think that they were talented. Which meant this book was filled with overcoming insecurities in order to save the world and magic. It was very cathartic.
The author has continued the magical world-building that she started in the Gray Prophecy, which consisted of different sects of witchcraft-- like elemental witchcraft, charm witchcraft, and gray magic. In the first book you get a glimpse of what Gray Magic is, the interwoven aspects of the dark and the light….
But here, this type of magic shines as a conduit to heal the unspoken rifts between a parent and a child…. And the magic of believing and doing everything you can to help the next generation, no matter what that means.
I really enjoyed this magical journey and can't wait to see what the author dreams up next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Honestly, I enjoyed this book overall even though it had some elements that I really didn’t enjoy. A Vision of Lights made up some of the elements with its cute, cozy vibes. Due to the setting, I feel like reading them in autumn would be vibe and a half.
The characters were well written, flaws and all. Justin had a very redeeming character arc and I enjoyed it thoroughly. The chemistry between Pru and Enzo was well paced but some of the dialogue was just too cringey for me.
The magic system was interesting and explained well. I really enjoyed how we were able to see different ways prophecies are made; there was a unique medium for one of the prophecies I hadn't seen before. The difference between covens and how they are run was fascinating.
The book was a little slow until about 30% in but as we got closer to the end I couldn’t put it down. Even though I knew we were gonna have a HEA, I was still riveted to find out how.
If you like cozy fantasy, this is definitely a series for you.
Thank you to Maria A. Eden and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
A brother running from the darkness. A daughter eager to prove herself. Both broken by their pasts. Maria A. Eden’s second book in her Elemental Realm Duology picks after the events of the first book and follows the story of Enzo, who narrowly escaped his destiny to kill his sister (Cori), and Prudence, one of Cori’s protectors and heir apparent to her coven, whose confidence in her ability to lead is shaken. Pru wants nothing more than to prove herself—even if it means she must heal Enzo tarnished soul to do it. Here’s what I loved about this follow up: - Enemies to lovers - Cozy witch story - Broken souls finding healing in each other - Family as strength - Fun and lovable found family - Beautiful magic system grounded in nature - Maine setting you’d want to get lost in Eden’s “A Vision of Lights” was a satisfying and touching conclusion to her Elemental Realm duology and had all the right Elements!
I received a pre-publication ARC for free via NetGalley. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This review has spoilers in it for the first book, The Gray Prophecy. Please read that book first before you enjoy this amazing sequel! . . . . . . . . . Have you ever made a mistake so huge, you thought you would never recover? Enzo chose dark magic over light magic until he was manipulated into killing his sister. He saved her instead, but that choice caused Charms witches to lose most or all of their magic. When a professor witch discovers a cleansing ritual that could bring Charms magic back, Enzo volunteers to be the main conduit, and there’s only one witch to help him heal his soul: The daughter of the high priest.
Prudence, heir-priestess for her coven, is diligent in her duties, but doesn’t feel like she’s being properly recognized for her efforts. She takes on the task of cleansing Enzo’s soul, thinking it will show her father and the rest of the Gray Coven that she’s capable of being the high priestess. As Prudence and Enzo work together she starts to question if that’s what she really wants. Can bringing light to Enzo’s soul also help Prudence find purpose?
This is the second book in a must-read duology if you love: -Elemental Magic -Fated Love -Magical Realism Romance -Found Family -Dark vs Light -Redemption
Maria, thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to be on your street team and for being a part of the ARC Team! I LOVED this book and I am so sad to leave Farley, Maine. I would definitely read more from this world!
I am a part of Maria's Street Team and received an advanced copy for free. These opinions are my own.
A Vision of Lights is the second book in The Elemental Realm duology. It picks up shortly after the events of The Gray Prophecy so I highly recommend reading that first to really get to know the characters and magic system (which I love!). It’s a charming, witchy story about healing and second chances with the added bonus of a slow-burn romance.
This is told through the POV’s of Enzo, Prudence, Cori and Adrian with the main focus being on Enzo and Pru. I loved being back in Farley, Maine with this lovable cast of characters and the found family aspect from book one gets even better here.
Enzo lost so much after the prophecy and is struggling with guilt while adjusting to a life without magic. Pru is a Gray witch and healer determined to prove to her father that’s she’s ready to take on the role of high priestess of their coven. Restoring power to the Charms witches who lost their magic is the perfect opportunity to do so but this means she has to heal Enzo’s soul and he’s the last person she wants to work with. The tension and chemistry between these two was so good! I loved them together. They both had amazing character growth and Enzo’s redemption arc was so satisfying.
Read if you love: 💫Grumpy/Sunshine 💫Celestial and elemental magic 💫Chef MMC 💫Found family 💫Second chances 💫Cozy, Small town setting
While I’m sad it’s over, this was a fantastic ending and I can’t recommend this duology enough if you enjoy urban fantasy full of magic and adventure!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Maria Eden for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Maria A. Eden outdid herself with this one. I thought the first book, The Gray Prophecy, was good. A Vision of Lights is in its own realm. My heart is both so happy and so sad that this is only a duology because I just want more of these characters. I loved Enzo in book one, but I fell in love with him in this book. Prudence is also just so incredible. I loved that they represented the many forms of how grief and depression can show up in people. Authors tend to stick to very specific lanes when it comes to that topic, but Maria A. Eden truly did it justice by having Enzo and Pru be the way they are. I also loved that while A Vision of Lights is Enzo and Pru's story, I got to see characters from The Gray Prophecy that I loved so much. Ugh, I'll be thinking about this series forever.
Content warning: "A Vision of Lights depicts deliberate self-harm, self-mutilation, depictions of violence, and graphic descriptions of consensual sexual acts. For those who are sensitive, there is a side plot involving high-risk pregnancy."