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Dreams of Debt and Deities
Clara is tired of being surrounded by death and
destruction, though she is not opposed to murder. Her
hunger for blood is insatiable and she's all too willing
to give in.
Desire to end those who have wronged her fills Clara's
every need and leaves her
uncaring of the consequences.
But consequences will come.
A sister she never wanted, or needed, inserts herself
into Clara's life. A forbidden love finds itself trapped in
a tantalising web just beyond her grasp. An unexpected
alliance with the Prince attracts new blessings - and
curses.
The prophecy of carnage and destruction sparks more
fear and confusion - but she will not be deterred. Not
now, when more magic and power than she's ever
known surges through Clara's veins.
Emotions run high as she fights for her life and for the
hearts of those she loves to remain beating.
WAR IS COMING.
IN ALL ITS VIOLENTLY DELIGHTFUL, DESPERATE GLORY
destruction, though she is not opposed to murder. Her
hunger for blood is insatiable and she's all too willing
to give in.
Desire to end those who have wronged her fills Clara's
every need and leaves her
uncaring of the consequences.
But consequences will come.
A sister she never wanted, or needed, inserts herself
into Clara's life. A forbidden love finds itself trapped in
a tantalising web just beyond her grasp. An unexpected
alliance with the Prince attracts new blessings - and
curses.
The prophecy of carnage and destruction sparks more
fear and confusion - but she will not be deterred. Not
now, when more magic and power than she's ever
known surges through Clara's veins.
Emotions run high as she fights for her life and for the
hearts of those she loves to remain beating.
WAR IS COMING.
IN ALL ITS VIOLENTLY DELIGHTFUL, DESPERATE GLORY
- GenresFantasy
ebook
Published April 5, 2025
1 person is currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Celia Ralk
3 books11 followersJust an Aussie girl who loves to daydream ✨
I’ve never been great at talking about myself or making bios, but I have an imagination the size of Australia and while I may not have enough time on my hands to be writing every second of everyday like I’d like to - thanks to my tornado toddlers - I had enough time to write my debut, Shades of Smoke and Shadows which releases in July, 2024 as the first instalment of the Crooked Crowns series. Here’s to being an author, the faerie world I wish I could live in and so much more fun to come!
I’ve never been great at talking about myself or making bios, but I have an imagination the size of Australia and while I may not have enough time on my hands to be writing every second of everyday like I’d like to - thanks to my tornado toddlers - I had enough time to write my debut, Shades of Smoke and Shadows which releases in July, 2024 as the first instalment of the Crooked Crowns series. Here’s to being an author, the faerie world I wish I could live in and so much more fun to come!
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 3, 2025
(ARC Review – thank you Celia!)
Book two. BOOK TWO. I don’t know how Celia manages to rip my heart out, stomp on it, make me laugh, then hand it back like “Here, you’ll need this for a later chapter” but here we are.
If you thought Shades of Smoke and Shadows destroyed you, buckle in, because The Dreams of Debt and Deities doesn't just break you; it eviscerates you emotionally, stitches you up with shadows and secrets, then throws you headfirst into the magical politics that Celia has created.
Clara is back and she is unhinged in the absolute best way. The emotional weight she carries is enormous, but instead of crumbling under it, she lets it forge her into something more dangerous, more determined, and honestly? I am so here for this spiral.
There were several moments in this book where my jaw was quite literally on the floor. Book one warned me, and yet I still wasn’t ready. Celia amps up the chaos in the best way – forbidden love that burns just out of reach (slow burn lovers jump on this, seriously... SERIOUSLY), family dynamics that make you want to scream (and cry when they're not Clara's family IYKYK), and alliances that had me side eyeing everyone on the page.
The worldbuilding continues to expand in rich, gut-wrenching detail, the humour is still deliciously dry and Aussie as ever, and the romantic tension/s/s/s/s/s/s/s??!!?!?!? is a tangled, twisted, beautiful mess.
Celia, you’ve done it again. I’m in awe. I’m in pain. I’m begging for book three. GIMME GIMME GIMME!
Please don't judge how long it took me to get through this, I picked up some hobbies and I'm an audiobook girlie now - but
Book two. BOOK TWO. I don’t know how Celia manages to rip my heart out, stomp on it, make me laugh, then hand it back like “Here, you’ll need this for a later chapter” but here we are.
If you thought Shades of Smoke and Shadows destroyed you, buckle in, because The Dreams of Debt and Deities doesn't just break you; it eviscerates you emotionally, stitches you up with shadows and secrets, then throws you headfirst into the magical politics that Celia has created.
Clara is back and she is unhinged in the absolute best way. The emotional weight she carries is enormous, but instead of crumbling under it, she lets it forge her into something more dangerous, more determined, and honestly? I am so here for this spiral.
There were several moments in this book where my jaw was quite literally on the floor. Book one warned me, and yet I still wasn’t ready. Celia amps up the chaos in the best way – forbidden love that burns just out of reach (slow burn lovers jump on this, seriously... SERIOUSLY), family dynamics that make you want to scream (and cry when they're not Clara's family IYKYK), and alliances that had me side eyeing everyone on the page.
The worldbuilding continues to expand in rich, gut-wrenching detail, the humour is still deliciously dry and Aussie as ever, and the romantic tension/s/s/s/s/s/s/s??!!?!?!? is a tangled, twisted, beautiful mess.
Celia, you’ve done it again. I’m in awe. I’m in pain. I’m begging for book three. GIMME GIMME GIMME!
Please don't judge how long it took me to get through this, I picked up some hobbies and I'm an audiobook girlie now - but
March 4, 2025
Celia knows how to write plot twists man. You'd think after book one I would have learnt but no. The direction this book went was so different to book one and I actually loved that. It made sense but it just wasn't predicable!
THE TENSION IN THIS BOOK 🫠
I NEED BOOK 3 YESTERDAY CELIA
THE TENSION IN THIS BOOK 🫠
I NEED BOOK 3 YESTERDAY CELIA
March 11, 2025
Ok I had NEARLY forgiven for Neven but then the end of this one hit me. 😵. Better not prove true 🤣.
Still this is now the proud owner of my favorite insult given, esp by an unlikely Character.
"Bag of dicks decorated with feathers."
I LOVE IT 💜💜🤣🤣🤣.
I was fortunate to receive as an ARC reader and now I have to patiently wait to see if I can forgive Celia for playing with my heart as she has been.
Clara's journey is starting to come full circle and where she goes is not highly predictable since Celia proves nothing is safe and Clara is ultimately unpredictable.
Still this is now the proud owner of my favorite insult given, esp by an unlikely Character.
"Bag of dicks decorated with feathers."
I LOVE IT 💜💜🤣🤣🤣.
I was fortunate to receive as an ARC reader and now I have to patiently wait to see if I can forgive Celia for playing with my heart as she has been.
Clara's journey is starting to come full circle and where she goes is not highly predictable since Celia proves nothing is safe and Clara is ultimately unpredictable.
April 24, 2025
I have no words. the wild ride this book was omg.
I cannot wait to see what happens in book 3
4.5 stars 🌟
I cannot wait to see what happens in book 3
4.5 stars 🌟
March 12, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
The very first page picks up with Clara at the exact spot where book one shattered you with an immense cliffhanger, and then it doesn't stop.
The momentum builds with each page, and as a reader you are uncertain what the next big (or even small) hurdle will be, what could possibly happen next and then even if you think you know where the story is going...think again - because you never had a clue in the first place. It's a roller-coaster of emotions and breakneck speed before the slow incline starts and then...freefall.
This story is completely raw, gritty, violent, and consuming - I fell back into Clara's world, and I fell hard.
Clara has finally come into her powers, learning in a haphazard way to defend herself, her family, and her loved ones - of which sometimes the effort is futile. New characters enrich the plot, while old play important parts to shape Clara's destiny.
I can't say more without spoiling the plot - but if you want:
🔥 a sassy, smart mouthed, and strong FMC
🔥 touch her and die
🔥 fated mates
🔥 slow burn
🔥 why choose
🔥 elemental magic
🔥 grief acceptance
🔥 dark fantasy
and the ride of a lifetime - then you need to pick up this series!
The very first page picks up with Clara at the exact spot where book one shattered you with an immense cliffhanger, and then it doesn't stop.
The momentum builds with each page, and as a reader you are uncertain what the next big (or even small) hurdle will be, what could possibly happen next and then even if you think you know where the story is going...think again - because you never had a clue in the first place. It's a roller-coaster of emotions and breakneck speed before the slow incline starts and then...freefall.
This story is completely raw, gritty, violent, and consuming - I fell back into Clara's world, and I fell hard.
Clara has finally come into her powers, learning in a haphazard way to defend herself, her family, and her loved ones - of which sometimes the effort is futile. New characters enrich the plot, while old play important parts to shape Clara's destiny.
I can't say more without spoiling the plot - but if you want:
🔥 a sassy, smart mouthed, and strong FMC
🔥 touch her and die
🔥 fated mates
🔥 slow burn
🔥 why choose
🔥 elemental magic
🔥 grief acceptance
🔥 dark fantasy
and the ride of a lifetime - then you need to pick up this series!
April 2, 2025
The book begins with a dedication that still isn't enough to piece together my broken heart. I do not forgive you yet, Celia. I refuse. Anyway, this second installment in the Crooked Crowns series has a LOT of information packed in it. You have to follow along pretty closely with everything that happens. Because there was so much going on, the story seemed a little chaotic at times, which I felt detracted from the characters a bit. I felt like a bit of Clara and her vibrant personality got lost in this book, and I missed it! I also wish we could have spent more time watching her powers develop, because I loved that in the first book. However, I appreciated getting to know all the new characters. I wish there had been more backstory with Elisabeth; I felt like I needed to understand her better (which would have made me understand her relationships with everyone else better). But please sign me up for another bedroom scene like the one near the end of the book. I'll take about several more of those!
March 8, 2025
Celia has done it again with a phenomenal book! She healed my heart in some ways from the events from the first book. IYKYK!
The world building was easy to follow and not confusing. The story didn’t die down and always stayed intriguing and having you want more with every chapter!
Clara is such a strong and independent FMC who fights according to what she sees as justice and I absolutely adore her.
The banter and humour in this made me all giddy as heck. It’s never a dull moment in the crooked crowns series.
I really enjoyed how this book carried straight on from the ending of the first book so you didn’t feel confused going in.
If you haven’t read the first book do so now. Because this one was even better!!! 💕💕
The world building was easy to follow and not confusing. The story didn’t die down and always stayed intriguing and having you want more with every chapter!
Clara is such a strong and independent FMC who fights according to what she sees as justice and I absolutely adore her.
The banter and humour in this made me all giddy as heck. It’s never a dull moment in the crooked crowns series.
I really enjoyed how this book carried straight on from the ending of the first book so you didn’t feel confused going in.
If you haven’t read the first book do so now. Because this one was even better!!! 💕💕
March 9, 2025
This book had me from A to Z!
The absolute sass of Clara and the power she shows is incredible (one excerpt I had to send back to the author and express how good the exchange was) - this FMC is a boss ass bitch, and I’m here for it!
Also loved the LGBTQIA+ representation; a “raging lesbian”, a gay couple, and the hint of an upcoming pan/poly situation, with some voyeurism involved!
What will Clara do to ensure the safety of the ones she loves and her land? Whatever it takes. Death? Marriage to another lands prince? Whatever. It. Takes.
What will Beau (or Isobel) do to keep her safe? Death? Deals with gods? Killing other people? Whatever. It. Takes.
The absolute sass of Clara and the power she shows is incredible (one excerpt I had to send back to the author and express how good the exchange was) - this FMC is a boss ass bitch, and I’m here for it!
Also loved the LGBTQIA+ representation; a “raging lesbian”, a gay couple, and the hint of an upcoming pan/poly situation, with some voyeurism involved!
What will Clara do to ensure the safety of the ones she loves and her land? Whatever it takes. Death? Marriage to another lands prince? Whatever. It. Takes.
What will Beau (or Isobel) do to keep her safe? Death? Deals with gods? Killing other people? Whatever. It. Takes.
March 12, 2025
4.25/5 stars
I thought Book 1 was a hit, but this was a fantastic read from start to finish. We have a badass FMC, great representation, and stopping at nothing to protect the ones we love. The world building expanded well from the first book, and cemented a lot of the things that had previously come up. It flowed really well and this really helped the immersion and reading experience diving into book 2 of a series. The banter was fantastic, and I've found some new favourite sayings after reading. I really enjoyed this book, and I am very excited to read what happens next!
Thanks so much to Celia for the eARC of this book <3
I thought Book 1 was a hit, but this was a fantastic read from start to finish. We have a badass FMC, great representation, and stopping at nothing to protect the ones we love. The world building expanded well from the first book, and cemented a lot of the things that had previously come up. It flowed really well and this really helped the immersion and reading experience diving into book 2 of a series. The banter was fantastic, and I've found some new favourite sayings after reading. I really enjoyed this book, and I am very excited to read what happens next!
Thanks so much to Celia for the eARC of this book <3
April 17, 2025
The. Ending.?! How am I to wait until the end of the year for the conclusion?!
Clara is even more complex in this book than the last, but it’s the kind of complexity that keeps you coming back for more! You want to know what kind of adventure (or trouble) our FMC is going to take us on! Beau is just dashing, and lovely, and everything Clara deserves to have.
Do we sense the love triangle becoming more of a cohesive unit? Will Isobel, Beau, and Clara work together to cure the blight plaguing the land, or will Clara have to make a choice: her life, or sacrifice her happiness for the good of the courts?
Clara is even more complex in this book than the last, but it’s the kind of complexity that keeps you coming back for more! You want to know what kind of adventure (or trouble) our FMC is going to take us on! Beau is just dashing, and lovely, and everything Clara deserves to have.
Do we sense the love triangle becoming more of a cohesive unit? Will Isobel, Beau, and Clara work together to cure the blight plaguing the land, or will Clara have to make a choice: her life, or sacrifice her happiness for the good of the courts?
March 20, 2025
Should of learned my lesson from book one but nope, got smacked upside the head again 😂
Loved the LGBTQA+ Representation!
Loved the new characters!
Loved the FMCs attitude!
Loved the progression of the plot!
Hate the cliffhanger 😂
Hate that I don’t have book 3 😂
Also still salty about Nevan 😤
Side Note: Thank you Celia for the ARC!
The writing style was much easier to follow this time so I was able to really enjoy it without having to re read sections (whatever changed with the typeset worked wonders for those of us who struggled with book ones’)
Loved the LGBTQA+ Representation!
Loved the new characters!
Loved the FMCs attitude!
Loved the progression of the plot!
Hate the cliffhanger 😂
Hate that I don’t have book 3 😂
Also still salty about Nevan 😤
Side Note: Thank you Celia for the ARC!
The writing style was much easier to follow this time so I was able to really enjoy it without having to re read sections (whatever changed with the typeset worked wonders for those of us who struggled with book ones’)
March 30, 2025
Wanted to savor this read, but wanted to devour it at the same time! I wasn’t to thrilled about the ending of Book 1, but the plot twist at the start of this one left me so excited. Clara’s sense of humor is outstanding, love a sassy gal character! Banter is a must! Celia I’m am hanging out now for the 3rd book to this trilogy, biting my nail in anticipation for the final book! If you love adventure, mystical content, an emotional rollercoaster, humor & banter to boot this is a read you cannot go past! Please give this series a go! You will not be disappointed.
March 14, 2025
This is the second book in the crooked crown trilogy. This was just as much a roller coaster ride as the first one and I couldn't put it down. I am so sad that I have to wait for the last book. Thank you for Beau and I am so curious to see what happens with Isobel and Clara. The ending is such a cliff hanger, and I love that. Please read this it will not let you down with the story or the spice.
April 7, 2025
Book 2 picks up right on the tail on book 1 and I'm so thankful I had the eARC for this or I might have gone insane waiting.
Dreams is filled with political intrigue, danger and emotional turmoil. No shortage of the banter, tension and hilarity I loved from book 1 but with the introduction of a wider crew of diverse and loveable side characters, crafting a strong unlikely found family which made me giddy.
The FMC really grows into her magic in book 2, think feminine rage, revenge and taking back her power! She's fiercely protective of those she loves with little thought for self preservation - leaving everyone else running after her to keep up.
This book is a delicious blend of raw emotion, nail biting encounters, mystery, devotion and slightly unhinged humour. Never a lull, never boring, unpredictable and always entertaining.
The spice heats up in this book and it did not disappoint - sexy, dirty & a little bit kinky but founded in deep love. I love the way Clara is unashamed of her desires.
Excellent representation and a heartwarming love is love vibe.
A gripping page turner with both excellent characters and a well fleshed out, riveting plot. Dreams both healed me and destroyed me.I thought I was mad at the cliffhanger in book 1, I had almost gotten over it but book 2 did me dirty again- I'm suffering but im happy about it. Impatiently eagerly awaiting book 3 ♡
Dreams is filled with political intrigue, danger and emotional turmoil. No shortage of the banter, tension and hilarity I loved from book 1 but with the introduction of a wider crew of diverse and loveable side characters, crafting a strong unlikely found family which made me giddy.
The FMC really grows into her magic in book 2, think feminine rage, revenge and taking back her power! She's fiercely protective of those she loves with little thought for self preservation - leaving everyone else running after her to keep up.
This book is a delicious blend of raw emotion, nail biting encounters, mystery, devotion and slightly unhinged humour. Never a lull, never boring, unpredictable and always entertaining.
The spice heats up in this book and it did not disappoint - sexy, dirty & a little bit kinky but founded in deep love. I love the way Clara is unashamed of her desires.
Excellent representation and a heartwarming love is love vibe.
A gripping page turner with both excellent characters and a well fleshed out, riveting plot. Dreams both healed me and destroyed me.I thought I was mad at the cliffhanger in book 1, I had almost gotten over it but book 2 did me dirty again- I'm suffering but im happy about it. Impatiently eagerly awaiting book 3 ♡
March 18, 2025
OMG!!! This book was even better than the first! So many surprises and new characters. Clara comes out swinging. New love triangles and so much more. The world building is excellent and of course it ended on a cliffhanger. Oh and the spice be spicin! 🌶 Great read!!!
***side note, I'm still not over Neven 🙄
***side note, I'm still not over Neven 🙄
December 29, 2025
Holey smokes
2nd instalment of the Crooked Crowns Trilogy and WOW. So I loved book 1, made me laugh and cry and vent out loud but this one, this one was next level.
Spice for me was low quantity, high quality and a 4 on my scale (I am still new, it might be a 3 for you)
Bring on the next one
2nd instalment of the Crooked Crowns Trilogy and WOW. So I loved book 1, made me laugh and cry and vent out loud but this one, this one was next level.
Spice for me was low quantity, high quality and a 4 on my scale (I am still new, it might be a 3 for you)
Bring on the next one
May 24, 2025
Right. Okay. Time to unpack this bad boy.
CURSE YOU CELIA RALK FOR SUCH A DIABOLICAL CLIFFHANGER!! But smart move on your part for making me yearn for Rumours even more.
So much of his book was surprise after surprise and lore drop after lore drop, and so much more. I need to know more about everyone and everything, and I want to stay in this world forever.
Gosh, I hope nothing bad happens to everyone's favourite characters, but I can feel something brewing.
And, look, Beau x Clara is nice and all, but I NEED more Isobel x Clara action now!
Best of luck with finishing off book 3! I'm on a roll in hooking customers to this series, and we all need a happy ending NOW!
CURSE YOU CELIA RALK FOR SUCH A DIABOLICAL CLIFFHANGER!! But smart move on your part for making me yearn for Rumours even more.
So much of his book was surprise after surprise and lore drop after lore drop, and so much more. I need to know more about everyone and everything, and I want to stay in this world forever.
Gosh, I hope nothing bad happens to everyone's favourite characters, but I can feel something brewing.
And, look, Beau x Clara is nice and all, but I NEED more Isobel x Clara action now!
Best of luck with finishing off book 3! I'm on a roll in hooking customers to this series, and we all need a happy ending NOW!
November 3, 2025
I was incredibly scared to read this after what happened in book one but this was surprisingly uneventful. Of course that has me nervous for what’s going to happen in the final book!’
April 22, 2025
4.5 stars
This book followed immediately on from the craziness at the end of book one, and the twists kept coming!
We met new people, and got to know Clara's family more. Her powers developed further, as did her relationships, and she was still as sassy and outspoken as ever.
This book (and series, really) is a rollercoaster, and I can't wait for more!
This book followed immediately on from the craziness at the end of book one, and the twists kept coming!
We met new people, and got to know Clara's family more. Her powers developed further, as did her relationships, and she was still as sassy and outspoken as ever.
This book (and series, really) is a rollercoaster, and I can't wait for more!
April 5, 2025
CELIA MY LADY😭 THESE CLIFF HANGERS ARE KILLLLLIN ME!
I throughly enjoyed how different this was from book 1! We were introduced to new characters, that had alot of depth. I instantly fell inlove with isobel and how she cares for clara! Insteaded to see how Beau hands their relationship as it grows!! The world building continues without getting muttled or confusing, very easy to follow along!
This kept me on the edge of my seat and im already ready for book 3!
I throughly enjoyed how different this was from book 1! We were introduced to new characters, that had alot of depth. I instantly fell inlove with isobel and how she cares for clara! Insteaded to see how Beau hands their relationship as it grows!! The world building continues without getting muttled or confusing, very easy to follow along!
This kept me on the edge of my seat and im already ready for book 3!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews