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Realm of the Gilded Moons
In a world of gilded lies, blood is the only truth.
When twenty-five-year-old Eleonor experiences sleep paralysis—again—she expects the usual horror. What she doesn’t expect is the demon dragging her with him.
Torn from London and thrown into a realm of magic, cursed forests, and a war devouring kingdoms, Eleonor should have died.
But the wheel of fate turned in an unexpected way—unleashing a chain of events the Pixies never planned for.
Orion—ruthless, feared, and bound by duty—saves her with his blood. Not out of mercy, but because something about her doesn’t make sense.
And mysteries can be dangerous.
Now trapped in a world where monsters wear crowns and angels kneel in blood, Eleonor must survive brutal politics, magic that doesn’t play fair, and assassination attempts at every turn.
But the deeper she’s pulled into the game, the clearer it becomes:
She wasn’t meant to survive.
She was meant to shatter everything.
─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────
DISCLAIMER: This is a dark-epic fantasy. It contains mature themes, graphic violence, morally complex characters, and grim, emotionally intense situations.
When twenty-five-year-old Eleonor experiences sleep paralysis—again—she expects the usual horror. What she doesn’t expect is the demon dragging her with him.
Torn from London and thrown into a realm of magic, cursed forests, and a war devouring kingdoms, Eleonor should have died.
But the wheel of fate turned in an unexpected way—unleashing a chain of events the Pixies never planned for.
Orion—ruthless, feared, and bound by duty—saves her with his blood. Not out of mercy, but because something about her doesn’t make sense.
And mysteries can be dangerous.
Now trapped in a world where monsters wear crowns and angels kneel in blood, Eleonor must survive brutal politics, magic that doesn’t play fair, and assassination attempts at every turn.
But the deeper she’s pulled into the game, the clearer it becomes:
She wasn’t meant to survive.
She was meant to shatter everything.
─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────
DISCLAIMER: This is a dark-epic fantasy. It contains mature themes, graphic violence, morally complex characters, and grim, emotionally intense situations.
398 pages, Paperback
Published March 31, 2025
10 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Violet Welhaven
2 books3 followersViolet Welhaven writes character-driven fantasy with rich plots, darker themes, and a fascination for human flaws. Her stories are often shaped by her love of science—especially astronomy—and the way imagination can turn reality inside out. She sees each book like a film unfolding in her mind, where every scene matters and nothing is ever quite what it seems. Realm of the Gilded Moons is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 19, 2025
Eleonor’s life ends, or should have ended, the moment she is dragged through a veil from London into another realm. Instead of dying, she survives the crossing, something that should be impossible. She wakes in a war-torn magical world where power belongs to monsters and rulers are feared rather than respected. Her survival immediately marks her as dangerous, and she becomes a target in a realm where weakness is punished swiftly.
Eleonor is saved from execution by Orion, a feared and violent figure whose interest in her is practical rather than compassionate. He binds her to him through blood, creating a connection that ensures her survival but strips her of autonomy. As she travels through cursed forests and hostile territories, Eleonor witnesses the brutal politics of the realm and learns that the wars consuming it are rooted in old betrayals and corrupted magic.
Over time, it becomes clear that Eleonor’s survival is tied to the realm’s instability. Her presence disrupts the existing balance of power, and those who rule fear what she represents. Assassination attempts and shifting loyalties reveal that she may be more than an accident of fate. The book ends without resolving the larger conflict, leaving Eleonor trapped in a world that wants to either control her or destroy her, setting the stage for the continuation of her story in the next book.
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC
Eleonor is saved from execution by Orion, a feared and violent figure whose interest in her is practical rather than compassionate. He binds her to him through blood, creating a connection that ensures her survival but strips her of autonomy. As she travels through cursed forests and hostile territories, Eleonor witnesses the brutal politics of the realm and learns that the wars consuming it are rooted in old betrayals and corrupted magic.
Over time, it becomes clear that Eleonor’s survival is tied to the realm’s instability. Her presence disrupts the existing balance of power, and those who rule fear what she represents. Assassination attempts and shifting loyalties reveal that she may be more than an accident of fate. The book ends without resolving the larger conflict, leaving Eleonor trapped in a world that wants to either control her or destroy her, setting the stage for the continuation of her story in the next book.
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2025
Eleanor’s story begins with what she believes to be an episode of sleep paralysis, only to discover she’s been taken by a sinister demon. What follows is an enthralling journey into a magical world that seems to have lost its magic wielders, or perhaps not entirely.
I absolutely loved Eleanor as a protagonist. Her dry sense of humor, resilience, and courage shine through, even as she’s surrounded by alluring angels, dangerously handsome men, and constant peril. She remains grounded, witty, and strong, a truly compelling heroine.
The world-building and character development in this book are exceptional, drawing readers deeply into the mystery and beauty of this otherworldly realm. My only complaint? Having to wait far too long for the next installment!
I absolutely loved Eleanor as a protagonist. Her dry sense of humor, resilience, and courage shine through, even as she’s surrounded by alluring angels, dangerously handsome men, and constant peril. She remains grounded, witty, and strong, a truly compelling heroine.
The world-building and character development in this book are exceptional, drawing readers deeply into the mystery and beauty of this otherworldly realm. My only complaint? Having to wait far too long for the next installment!
October 17, 2025
Book Review: Realm of the Gilded Moons (The Gilded Moons Series) by Violet Welhaven
Realm of the Gilded Moons is a darkly enchanting fantasy debut that pulls readers into a world where beauty hides cruelty, and every truth is gilded in deception. Violet Welhaven weaves a spellbinding tale of power, survival, and fate, beginning with a simple moment of terror — a sleep paralysis episode — that becomes the doorway to an entire realm of blood, magic, and prophecy.
The story follows Eleonor, a twenty-five-year-old woman who wakes not in her London apartment but in a war-torn magical world ruled by merciless forces. Her survival depends on Orion, a ruthless and mysterious warrior whose decision to save her—by binding her life to his blood—sets off a chain of consequences neither of them can control. As Eleonor learns to navigate a realm where monsters wear crowns and angels spill blood, she discovers that her arrival was no accident. She isn’t meant to merely survive this world—she’s meant to destroy it.
Welhaven’s prose is rich and cinematic, blending gothic atmosphere with high fantasy intensity. The worldbuilding is lush, full of cursed forests, ancient politics, and eerie mythology that feels both original and timeless. But the novel’s greatest strength lies in its characters: Eleonor’s fierce resilience and Orion’s brutal complexity create a chemistry that crackles with tension and mystery.
This isn’t a gentle fantasy — it’s a visceral, haunting journey through betrayal, destiny, and self-discovery. With its blend of romance, dark intrigue, and lyrical writing, Realm of the Gilded Moons stands out as a powerful entry in modern dark fantasy.
Realm of the Gilded Moons is a darkly enchanting fantasy debut that pulls readers into a world where beauty hides cruelty, and every truth is gilded in deception. Violet Welhaven weaves a spellbinding tale of power, survival, and fate, beginning with a simple moment of terror — a sleep paralysis episode — that becomes the doorway to an entire realm of blood, magic, and prophecy.
The story follows Eleonor, a twenty-five-year-old woman who wakes not in her London apartment but in a war-torn magical world ruled by merciless forces. Her survival depends on Orion, a ruthless and mysterious warrior whose decision to save her—by binding her life to his blood—sets off a chain of consequences neither of them can control. As Eleonor learns to navigate a realm where monsters wear crowns and angels spill blood, she discovers that her arrival was no accident. She isn’t meant to merely survive this world—she’s meant to destroy it.
Welhaven’s prose is rich and cinematic, blending gothic atmosphere with high fantasy intensity. The worldbuilding is lush, full of cursed forests, ancient politics, and eerie mythology that feels both original and timeless. But the novel’s greatest strength lies in its characters: Eleonor’s fierce resilience and Orion’s brutal complexity create a chemistry that crackles with tension and mystery.
This isn’t a gentle fantasy — it’s a visceral, haunting journey through betrayal, destiny, and self-discovery. With its blend of romance, dark intrigue, and lyrical writing, Realm of the Gilded Moons stands out as a powerful entry in modern dark fantasy.
May 7, 2025
This book was a breath of fresh air! The plot’s uniqueness kept me hooked from start to finish, especially the mystery of how she ended up in this world. Despite its relatively large cast of characters, the story remained engaging, taking me on an emotional rollercoaster. I enjoyed this ARC!
December 23, 2025
This alien fantasy world was lush and mysterious. I really loved that there was a reason why the characters were speaking 'English' and could understand our human MFC, its a much more inventive way than most writers. It added an extra dimension to everything. This is a heavily detailed world that is almost overwhelming at first because there is so much being flung at you, and I really felt for Eleanor as she flailed about struggling for answers. I felt exactly the same way. But the world and the plot started to unfold like a beautiful flower and if you can stick with it, things do become clearer as history is laid out and more explained.
Orion unfortunately never really grew on me as a MMC. I like me a morally grey character but they have to have a few sparks of white in them sooner than Orion showed. His first chapter portrayed him as pretty close to a villain and then he just got darker and darker before eventually showing that more nuanced side. Unfortunately, too late for me to be invested in him, as I'd started to dread his chapters and what horrible thing he might do next. Yes, he had his reasons, but the Pixies in the courtyard had a really good point - in fact, lets put most of the characters in the dark side. Some more so than others, and I found their character shifts abrupt and confusing at times.
This is darker fantasy yes, but there still needs to be that thread running through it, for me at least, in order for me to enjoy it.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
Orion unfortunately never really grew on me as a MMC. I like me a morally grey character but they have to have a few sparks of white in them sooner than Orion showed. His first chapter portrayed him as pretty close to a villain and then he just got darker and darker before eventually showing that more nuanced side. Unfortunately, too late for me to be invested in him, as I'd started to dread his chapters and what horrible thing he might do next. Yes, he had his reasons, but the Pixies in the courtyard had a really good point - in fact, lets put most of the characters in the dark side. Some more so than others, and I found their character shifts abrupt and confusing at times.
This is darker fantasy yes, but there still needs to be that thread running through it, for me at least, in order for me to enjoy it.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
November 11, 2025
A mesmerizing, epic fantasy that hooked me from the first page!
I had such a wonderful time reading this book! The plot is intricate, creative, and refreshingly unique — I was captivated the entire time. The worldbuilding is absolutely fantastic; the author has crafted an entirely new realm that feels rich, immersive, and vividly alive. The descriptions are stunning, and the setting pulled me right in from the very beginning.
The story has that true epic fantasy feel — full of tension, action, and depth. The pacing is perfect, and there’s a brilliant hook that instantly grabs you. Once I finished Orion’s first chapter, I couldn’t put it down.
The cast of characters is huge but handled so well. Each point of view has a distinct voice, and it’s always clear who you’re with — something not every author pulls off! My personal favorites were Gamaliel and Orion. Gamaliel’s chapters add fascinating layers to the world’s lore, especially about the angels, while Orion is the perfect morally grey character — dark, complex, and impossible not to root for, even when he’s doing the “wrong” thing.
Overall, this story is a stunning blend of imagination, emotion, and tension. If you love immersive worlds, complex characters, and morally grey heroes, this one’s absolutely worth reading!
I had such a wonderful time reading this book! The plot is intricate, creative, and refreshingly unique — I was captivated the entire time. The worldbuilding is absolutely fantastic; the author has crafted an entirely new realm that feels rich, immersive, and vividly alive. The descriptions are stunning, and the setting pulled me right in from the very beginning.
The story has that true epic fantasy feel — full of tension, action, and depth. The pacing is perfect, and there’s a brilliant hook that instantly grabs you. Once I finished Orion’s first chapter, I couldn’t put it down.
The cast of characters is huge but handled so well. Each point of view has a distinct voice, and it’s always clear who you’re with — something not every author pulls off! My personal favorites were Gamaliel and Orion. Gamaliel’s chapters add fascinating layers to the world’s lore, especially about the angels, while Orion is the perfect morally grey character — dark, complex, and impossible not to root for, even when he’s doing the “wrong” thing.
Overall, this story is a stunning blend of imagination, emotion, and tension. If you love immersive worlds, complex characters, and morally grey heroes, this one’s absolutely worth reading!
November 11, 2025
Okay, wow—this book is a wild ride from sleep paralysis to full-blown demon abduction, and I was hooked from the first page. Eleonor, our sharp, sarcastic heroine, gets yanked out of London and dropped into a realm of cursed forests, blood-soaked angels, and political chaos. It’s dark fantasy with teeth, and I was here for every bite.
The world-building is lush and eerie, with just enough mystery to keep you guessing. Orion, the brooding blood-bound savior, is exactly the kind of morally grey character you want in a story like this—dangerous, magnetic, and hiding secrets that could shatter everything. The pacing is tight, the magic is unpredictable, and the stakes are sky-high.
If you love stories where monsters wear crowns and nothing is quite what it seems, this one’s for you. It’s cinematic, gritty, and emotionally charged, with a heroine who refuses to be anyone’s pawn. I laughed, gasped, and whispered “girl, RUN” more than once.
Perfect for fans of ACOTAR, Throne of Glass, or anything that blends myth, mayhem, and a touch of madness.
My thanks to Violet Welhaven, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.
The world-building is lush and eerie, with just enough mystery to keep you guessing. Orion, the brooding blood-bound savior, is exactly the kind of morally grey character you want in a story like this—dangerous, magnetic, and hiding secrets that could shatter everything. The pacing is tight, the magic is unpredictable, and the stakes are sky-high.
If you love stories where monsters wear crowns and nothing is quite what it seems, this one’s for you. It’s cinematic, gritty, and emotionally charged, with a heroine who refuses to be anyone’s pawn. I laughed, gasped, and whispered “girl, RUN” more than once.
Perfect for fans of ACOTAR, Throne of Glass, or anything that blends myth, mayhem, and a touch of madness.
My thanks to Violet Welhaven, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2025
Atmospheric and Addictive
Realm of the Gilded Moons swept me into a darkly magical world where nothing is as it seems. The story begins with Eleonor, a modern woman dragged from her London life into a brutal realm of blood, power, and ancient curses. From her eerie sleep paralysis to the ruthless rule of Orion, every scene pulses with tension and beauty. The writing is lush and cinematic—full of grit, humor, and heart—and the alternating points of view make the world feel alive and layered. I especially loved how the author blended myth, violence, and emotion without ever losing pace. It’s the kind of fantasy that keeps you up past midnight, promising yourself “just one more chapter.”
Realm of the Gilded Moons swept me into a darkly magical world where nothing is as it seems. The story begins with Eleonor, a modern woman dragged from her London life into a brutal realm of blood, power, and ancient curses. From her eerie sleep paralysis to the ruthless rule of Orion, every scene pulses with tension and beauty. The writing is lush and cinematic—full of grit, humor, and heart—and the alternating points of view make the world feel alive and layered. I especially loved how the author blended myth, violence, and emotion without ever losing pace. It’s the kind of fantasy that keeps you up past midnight, promising yourself “just one more chapter.”
November 1, 2025
🔥 Sleep paralysis? More like full-on demon abduction! From page one, Realm of the Gilded Moons had me clutching my blanket and whispering “nope!” as Eleonor gets snatched into a realm crawling with blood-soaked angels, pixies, and one seriously dangerous hottie named Orion. This book is wild—dark, twisty, and totally addictive. I laughed, gasped, and maybe yelled “girl, RUN!” once or twice. If you love magic, mayhem, and characters who don’t play nice, grab this one. It’s fantasy with teeth—and I was here for every bite. 😈✨
April 28, 2025
I wanted to enjoy this. The idea of being transported to the fairytale worlds we read about is very intriguing. This story sadly wasn't. It felt disjointed, choppy, and never really picked up. I think there may have been too many perspecrives each chapter and each one left undeveloped. So, unfortunately, I could not finish this after getting about halfway through.
November 5, 2025
Moons, Magic, and Mayhem—Oh My! 🌙💀✨
Hold onto your tea and your sanity—Realm of the Gilded Moons drags you through sleep paralysis, demon drama, and dark-fantasy chaos so fierce you’ll forget to breathe (in the best way).
Hold onto your tea and your sanity—Realm of the Gilded Moons drags you through sleep paralysis, demon drama, and dark-fantasy chaos so fierce you’ll forget to breathe (in the best way).
May 21, 2025
Realm of the Gilded Moons is a debut that pulled me in right from the start. The world feels rich and alive without being confusing or too heavy. The story begins with Eleonor, who wakes up in a strange forest after a sleep paralysis episode. She is found by the Evennonians, people who are born without magic in a world that depends on it. Her journey is about finding a way home while facing the many challenges this new world throws at her.
What made this book stand out for me were the characters. Each one has a clear purpose and brings something important to the story. Orion is a strong but complicated leader. He helps Eleonor, but his main focus is keeping his kingdom from falling apart. Theo, his best friend, is full of anger and pain after losing his wife in a brutal way. Gamaliel, an angel prince now kept as a prisoner, is trying to protect his people while stuck in a court he doesn’t belong to. And Aman, who cares deeply for Gamaliel, tries to hold everything together. He wants peace, but that isn’t easy when so many people are hurting.
The plot doesn’t shy away from hard topics like grief, revenge, and survival. But it also shows hope and the strength it takes to keep going.
This book is not just about magic. It’s about people, their struggles, and what they’re willing to do for the ones they care about. I hope the next book comes soon. I want to see where this story goes next.
What made this book stand out for me were the characters. Each one has a clear purpose and brings something important to the story. Orion is a strong but complicated leader. He helps Eleonor, but his main focus is keeping his kingdom from falling apart. Theo, his best friend, is full of anger and pain after losing his wife in a brutal way. Gamaliel, an angel prince now kept as a prisoner, is trying to protect his people while stuck in a court he doesn’t belong to. And Aman, who cares deeply for Gamaliel, tries to hold everything together. He wants peace, but that isn’t easy when so many people are hurting.
The plot doesn’t shy away from hard topics like grief, revenge, and survival. But it also shows hope and the strength it takes to keep going.
This book is not just about magic. It’s about people, their struggles, and what they’re willing to do for the ones they care about. I hope the next book comes soon. I want to see where this story goes next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews