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Moon and Fire: Romantic Epic Fantasy
Moon and Fire is an epic romantic fantasy, the first book in the Golden Realm trilogy. This epic fantasy blends vibes from The Lord of the Rings meets House of the Dragons meets Outlander.
Elita didn't expect to fall into the Golden Realm when she secretly followed a quirky and odd student from Selenography class...
***
For millennia, dragons once ruled the Golden Realm with an iron claw, until a prophecy foretold their downfall, bringing forth a ruthless dragon raged with revenge.
But when a vengeful prince, Kader Vala, returns from exile, determined to reclaim his throne through a dark force, the fate of the five kingdoms hangs in the balance.
Caught in the midst of this fiery conflict is Elita, a spirited yet cautious student from Evergreen College, who suffers from panic attacks. When she stumbles upon a mysterious wooden book, the writings seem interesting and harmless… until Elita touches the ancient pages. Her world and everything she once knew turn into a whirlwind as she is transported to the forbidden realm where no human may enter.
But Elita is curious, and curiosity sometimes spells trouble.
With the aid of five newfound allies led by a drug-induced sorcerer and a grumpy mercenary whose ferocious gaze falls on Elita, the unlikely crew must unravel the ancient prophecy and stop a war from engulfing the Realm.
But as they help Elita return home and race against time to save the Golden Realm from a fiery doom, her own destiny meets a blindsiding twist of fate.
Join Elita on an epic journey beyond the pages filled with heart-pounding danger, breathtaking romance, and unexpected twists. Run with wolves. Dance with dragons. Battle with grotesque and formidable creatures and untangle the ancient prophecy.
Elita didn't expect to fall into the Golden Realm when she secretly followed a quirky and odd student from Selenography class...
***
For millennia, dragons once ruled the Golden Realm with an iron claw, until a prophecy foretold their downfall, bringing forth a ruthless dragon raged with revenge.
But when a vengeful prince, Kader Vala, returns from exile, determined to reclaim his throne through a dark force, the fate of the five kingdoms hangs in the balance.
Caught in the midst of this fiery conflict is Elita, a spirited yet cautious student from Evergreen College, who suffers from panic attacks. When she stumbles upon a mysterious wooden book, the writings seem interesting and harmless… until Elita touches the ancient pages. Her world and everything she once knew turn into a whirlwind as she is transported to the forbidden realm where no human may enter.
But Elita is curious, and curiosity sometimes spells trouble.
With the aid of five newfound allies led by a drug-induced sorcerer and a grumpy mercenary whose ferocious gaze falls on Elita, the unlikely crew must unravel the ancient prophecy and stop a war from engulfing the Realm.
But as they help Elita return home and race against time to save the Golden Realm from a fiery doom, her own destiny meets a blindsiding twist of fate.
Join Elita on an epic journey beyond the pages filled with heart-pounding danger, breathtaking romance, and unexpected twists. Run with wolves. Dance with dragons. Battle with grotesque and formidable creatures and untangle the ancient prophecy.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 6, 2026
3 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Liezl Joy
6 books18 followersLiezl Joy is addicted to writing anything romance with a dash of spice! (Sometimes contemporary, a lot of fantasy, a little paranormal… and a touch of dark.)
When she’s not raising her four-year-old daughter and writing, she’s daydreaming about plot twists and happily-ever-afters that don’t come easy.
You can catch Liezl Joy on her socials:
IG: liezljoyauthor
TikTok: liezljoyauthor
When she’s not raising her four-year-old daughter and writing, she’s daydreaming about plot twists and happily-ever-afters that don’t come easy.
You can catch Liezl Joy on her socials:
IG: liezljoyauthor
TikTok: liezljoyauthor
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Review of advance copy
*DNF (Completed till Chapter 19)*
Tropes: cursed dragon prince, modern vs fantasy, mystery, ancient prophesy, slow burn, grotesque monsters, secret bonds, enemies to lovers, fated mates.
This was my first ever ARC reading and I was very excited since it was inspired (Is that the correct word?) by LOTR,, HOTD and Outlander with steam.
The story centers around two women who are sucked into a fantasy world of fire, magic and dragons.
Elita and Kirsty are forced to adhere to the rules of living with Hillbrook and Gideon so that they could find their way back home. Gideon is serving Hillbrook (until he becomes as good as his master), Kader Valla is the dangerous dragon who wields dark magic. He will not stop until he meets his goal. Other characters include Elio, Caspar, Jace, etc.
Right off the bat, the Prologue describes us the villain and his goals. We are left wondering how powerful he is and how powerful he is.
In Chapter One me meet our two female characters. Kirsty is the annoying, judgmental friend who we are forced to be with. Gideon is the shy and focused on proving his skills to his master.
The author mistakenly introduced us to Gideon (Chapter 4). We had no clue who he was and how he looked. I guess the error missed them while she edited it?
While reading the book, I felt that the author should mention the person's name in the first sentence of a new chapter whenever the chapters whenever the chapter switched perspective.(Chapters 8,9 and 10)
There was too much repetition of the word 'bellowed'. Sometimes, I even felt there should have been better adjectives / adverbs that could be used in the some sentences.
Some of the chapters felt too long while others felt too short. (Egs. Chapter 15: It should have ben with the meeting already taken place). I know I signed up for a slow burn romantasy but in some places, I felt, it made it kind of boring and monotonous. I felt filler paragraphs without any dialogue could be added.
In Chapter 13, I felt this particular dialogue--- ["Mhmm," Caspar groaned...] could have been written this way:
Caspar gave the fae a quick onceover. Sourness bled on his facial features. "A fae from the north." (Something on the lines of this?)
I like the way how the story draws inspiration form LOTR, especially the scenes where Kader Valla talks to Morgrath. Those scenes were nicely flowing with each other. Even the characters descriptions (the villains, espcially Kader Valla) were well written. I liked the way how Kader was similar to Smaug, Hillbrook was Gandalf. I loved the way Kader's character was written. Even Hillbrook and Elio were kind of good.
At the end, since it was my first ARC, I enjoyed reading this book. Good luck to the author!
Tropes: cursed dragon prince, modern vs fantasy, mystery, ancient prophesy, slow burn, grotesque monsters, secret bonds, enemies to lovers, fated mates.
This was my first ever ARC reading and I was very excited since it was inspired (Is that the correct word?) by LOTR,, HOTD and Outlander with steam.
The story centers around two women who are sucked into a fantasy world of fire, magic and dragons.
Elita and Kirsty are forced to adhere to the rules of living with Hillbrook and Gideon so that they could find their way back home. Gideon is serving Hillbrook (until he becomes as good as his master), Kader Valla is the dangerous dragon who wields dark magic. He will not stop until he meets his goal. Other characters include Elio, Caspar, Jace, etc.
Right off the bat, the Prologue describes us the villain and his goals. We are left wondering how powerful he is and how powerful he is.
In Chapter One me meet our two female characters. Kirsty is the annoying, judgmental friend who we are forced to be with. Gideon is the shy and focused on proving his skills to his master.
The author mistakenly introduced us to Gideon (Chapter 4). We had no clue who he was and how he looked. I guess the error missed them while she edited it?
While reading the book, I felt that the author should mention the person's name in the first sentence of a new chapter whenever the chapters whenever the chapter switched perspective.(Chapters 8,9 and 10)
There was too much repetition of the word 'bellowed'. Sometimes, I even felt there should have been better adjectives / adverbs that could be used in the some sentences.
Some of the chapters felt too long while others felt too short. (Egs. Chapter 15: It should have ben with the meeting already taken place). I know I signed up for a slow burn romantasy but in some places, I felt, it made it kind of boring and monotonous. I felt filler paragraphs without any dialogue could be added.
In Chapter 13, I felt this particular dialogue--- ["Mhmm," Caspar groaned...] could have been written this way:
Caspar gave the fae a quick onceover. Sourness bled on his facial features. "A fae from the north." (Something on the lines of this?)
I like the way how the story draws inspiration form LOTR, especially the scenes where Kader Valla talks to Morgrath. Those scenes were nicely flowing with each other. Even the characters descriptions (the villains, espcially Kader Valla) were well written. I liked the way how Kader was similar to Smaug, Hillbrook was Gandalf. I loved the way Kader's character was written. Even Hillbrook and Elio were kind of good.
At the end, since it was my first ARC, I enjoyed reading this book. Good luck to the author!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
I got to read this as an ARC
First, I want to say how much I disliked Kirsty as a character the moment she first appeared. Not so much her text, but her actual appearance. There is always going to be that type of friend, but sometimes there is the tasteful portrayal, and then there is, well, Kirsty. Which I was reading as "Kristy" until I looked back and saw the actual spelling. It played with my mind a little bit, it feels.
Secondly, I noticed the slight jump in the introduction of Gideon and found myself going through and wondering, "Did I somehow miss where Gideon was introduced?" No, the introduction comes late,r and Gideon's name is given, then switched back to 'the boy' until he does eventually give his name a little bit later.
Though Elita doesn't feel much better as a character. Yet she is a little bit more tolerable than Kirsty.
I find Prince Kader much more enjoyable to read about than Elita.
Okay, so the story is alright except when Elita and Kirsty together open their mouths. When Kirsty doesn't speak, and Elita doesn't expect some slight thoughts-- it isn't bad. Though these two characters together make the story slightly rough to endure and enjoy.
Final thoughts after finishing the whole book, though.
When the story has potential, it just seems like there is too much going on.
The main character is an idiot who is always getting herself in trouble and running on less than a brain cell. Her best friend is just intolerable, whereas I wanted her to be killed off.
Romances are pushed and are very in your face and not in a good way.
Some patches were alright to read, but some places were so rough to read.
It is like the entire party was just some chaos train where the merry-go-round has gone off its tracks and suddenly got abducted by aliens. Honestly, Casper at the end of the book seems like the only decent one in the end.
The characters are either one brain cell driven, no brain cell driven, or only exist for one reason or another. Some characters are better off not even existing. Secrets so many secrets. It is a train wreck, however, that you can't look away from.
I pondered how I wanted to rate this book in the end. I knew it would not be five stars. I, at one point, wondered if it was four-star worthy. Though there is just too much for me to really rank it as a four-star.
First, I want to say how much I disliked Kirsty as a character the moment she first appeared. Not so much her text, but her actual appearance. There is always going to be that type of friend, but sometimes there is the tasteful portrayal, and then there is, well, Kirsty. Which I was reading as "Kristy" until I looked back and saw the actual spelling. It played with my mind a little bit, it feels.
Secondly, I noticed the slight jump in the introduction of Gideon and found myself going through and wondering, "Did I somehow miss where Gideon was introduced?" No, the introduction comes late,r and Gideon's name is given, then switched back to 'the boy' until he does eventually give his name a little bit later.
Though Elita doesn't feel much better as a character. Yet she is a little bit more tolerable than Kirsty.
I find Prince Kader much more enjoyable to read about than Elita.
Okay, so the story is alright except when Elita and Kirsty together open their mouths. When Kirsty doesn't speak, and Elita doesn't expect some slight thoughts-- it isn't bad. Though these two characters together make the story slightly rough to endure and enjoy.
Final thoughts after finishing the whole book, though.
When the story has potential, it just seems like there is too much going on.
The main character is an idiot who is always getting herself in trouble and running on less than a brain cell. Her best friend is just intolerable, whereas I wanted her to be killed off.
Romances are pushed and are very in your face and not in a good way.
Some patches were alright to read, but some places were so rough to read.
It is like the entire party was just some chaos train where the merry-go-round has gone off its tracks and suddenly got abducted by aliens. Honestly, Casper at the end of the book seems like the only decent one in the end.
The characters are either one brain cell driven, no brain cell driven, or only exist for one reason or another. Some characters are better off not even existing. Secrets so many secrets. It is a train wreck, however, that you can't look away from.
I pondered how I wanted to rate this book in the end. I knew it would not be five stars. I, at one point, wondered if it was four-star worthy. Though there is just too much for me to really rank it as a four-star.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Moon and Fire is a damn solid opener for The Golden Realm Trilogy. It’s the kind of character-driven fantasy that pulls you in slowly, deliberately, and doesn’t let go.
Right from the jump, the world feels real with rules, history, consequences, the whole deal. Magic isn’t some shiny toy here; it’s volatile, dangerous, and it actually matters. That gives everything weight.
The place feels lived-in, harsh, sometimes outright unforgiving, and that darkness seeps into the story in the best way.
Elita’s easy to root for because she feels like a real person dropped into a shitty situation. She misses home, she’s pissed off, she’s guarded—she doesn’t magically become a badass overnight. Her growth creeps along, quiet and believable, and honestly? That’s refreshing as hell. You believe her doubts and her small, stubborn steps forward.
The supporting cast isn’t just window dressing either. Everyone’s got their own edges and baggage, and the way relationships simmer makes the whole thing feel layered and lived. The antagonist is especially good; they don’t need to monologue every chapter to make you feel the threat hanging over everything. That quiet menace works.
Pacing-wise, yeah, it’s measured. Sometimes deliberately slow. There’s more atmosphere, introspection, and worldbuilding than breakneck action in places, but for a first book? It fits. You can tell the author’s planting seeds they plan to harvest later, and I’m here for it.
Bottom line: Moon and Fire is a promising start to a trilogy that actually gives a damn about character, consequences, and playing the long game. If you love immersive worlds, relationships that earn every heartbeat, and fantasy that doesn’t rush the good stuff, this one’s going to scratch that itch.
Right from the jump, the world feels real with rules, history, consequences, the whole deal. Magic isn’t some shiny toy here; it’s volatile, dangerous, and it actually matters. That gives everything weight.
The place feels lived-in, harsh, sometimes outright unforgiving, and that darkness seeps into the story in the best way.
Elita’s easy to root for because she feels like a real person dropped into a shitty situation. She misses home, she’s pissed off, she’s guarded—she doesn’t magically become a badass overnight. Her growth creeps along, quiet and believable, and honestly? That’s refreshing as hell. You believe her doubts and her small, stubborn steps forward.
The supporting cast isn’t just window dressing either. Everyone’s got their own edges and baggage, and the way relationships simmer makes the whole thing feel layered and lived. The antagonist is especially good; they don’t need to monologue every chapter to make you feel the threat hanging over everything. That quiet menace works.
Pacing-wise, yeah, it’s measured. Sometimes deliberately slow. There’s more atmosphere, introspection, and worldbuilding than breakneck action in places, but for a first book? It fits. You can tell the author’s planting seeds they plan to harvest later, and I’m here for it.
Bottom line: Moon and Fire is a promising start to a trilogy that actually gives a damn about character, consequences, and playing the long game. If you love immersive worlds, relationships that earn every heartbeat, and fantasy that doesn’t rush the good stuff, this one’s going to scratch that itch.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.75
Firstly this book immediately pulled me in with its intriguing premise. A human girl and her best friend falling into a storybook world, hints of magic,and danger, it had all the elements to spark my curiosity from the very beginning. The story was engaging, and I found myself wanting to know where everything was headed, especially as the plot unfolded around a villain and a missing piece tied to prophecy.
What I enjoyed most were the character dynamics. The contrast between the mens she's drawn to within the story.
i like Caspar he is a broody, grumpy protector. I loved the protective energy, the tension, it definitely kept me invested.
That said, I did feel the book lacked depth in certain areas. I wanted more character development, particularly from the female main character. While her fear and humanity were clear, I would’ve loved more backstory and emotional layering to fully understand her motivations. The story leans heavily on the prophecy, but some details felt under explored, and the ending left me wanting more clarity rather than just anticipation.
Overall, The book is an enjoyable and intriguing read that sets up an interesting world and storyline. While it left me wanting more depth and development, I’m still curious to continue with book two to see how the story evolves.
Firstly this book immediately pulled me in with its intriguing premise. A human girl and her best friend falling into a storybook world, hints of magic,and danger, it had all the elements to spark my curiosity from the very beginning. The story was engaging, and I found myself wanting to know where everything was headed, especially as the plot unfolded around a villain and a missing piece tied to prophecy.
What I enjoyed most were the character dynamics. The contrast between the mens she's drawn to within the story.
i like Caspar he is a broody, grumpy protector. I loved the protective energy, the tension, it definitely kept me invested.
That said, I did feel the book lacked depth in certain areas. I wanted more character development, particularly from the female main character. While her fear and humanity were clear, I would’ve loved more backstory and emotional layering to fully understand her motivations. The story leans heavily on the prophecy, but some details felt under explored, and the ending left me wanting more clarity rather than just anticipation.
Overall, The book is an enjoyable and intriguing read that sets up an interesting world and storyline. While it left me wanting more depth and development, I’m still curious to continue with book two to see how the story evolves.
Review of advance copy received from Author
One of the elements I really enjoyed was the blend of the real world with another realm, along with the presence of magic and characters from diverse backgrounds and species. These aspects set the expectation for a strong and adventurous beginning. However, for much of the story, I didn’t feel like enough was happening. The journey toward saving the world felt somewhat bland, with the FMC often needing to be rescued by one of the MCs, and her best friend remains in denial.
That said, what did stand out to me was the clarity in how the characters were introduced - both heroes and villains alike. Their motives were clear, and the tension finally came through in the last chapter. While the story don't fit to my liking in most part (yet), it’s clear the groundwork is being laid, and I’m curious to see where this journey lead.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this in advance.
That said, what did stand out to me was the clarity in how the characters were introduced - both heroes and villains alike. Their motives were clear, and the tension finally came through in the last chapter. While the story don't fit to my liking in most part (yet), it’s clear the groundwork is being laid, and I’m curious to see where this journey lead.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this in advance.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was given an ARC for this book
The concept of the story was good. The delivery not so much. There was a lot of Grammer errors that I just couldn't get over throughout the entire book. I did make it thru to the end because this was supposed to be a slow burn romance and I did not get that from this book. More like a high fantasy which is fine, I was just expecting a bit more. The female characters are borderline hate able but I think the male characters are done way better. The villain and dream world is what I started to want more of as I read this book. It could have spent more time at the editor and a couple more revisions in my opinion. I likely will not follow this series thru unless this book gets revamped.
The concept of the story was good. The delivery not so much. There was a lot of Grammer errors that I just couldn't get over throughout the entire book. I did make it thru to the end because this was supposed to be a slow burn romance and I did not get that from this book. More like a high fantasy which is fine, I was just expecting a bit more. The female characters are borderline hate able but I think the male characters are done way better. The villain and dream world is what I started to want more of as I read this book. It could have spent more time at the editor and a couple more revisions in my opinion. I likely will not follow this series thru unless this book gets revamped.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars!!!!
YES!! Urban fantasy crossover into adventure romantasy. I loved this so much!!! The only thing that sometimes drove me a little nuts was Kirsty, lol — that girl!!! However, I loved the romantic tension in this book… both at night and in the day (if you know, you know). This wasn't a perfect book, at times the humour hits, sometimes it misses, but overall it was a HIT for me.
I really enjoyed how the lore was gradually added. And while the FMC is a little bit clutzy, she’s not a damsel in distress — she always gives it a go, to the annoyance of a certain raven-haired individual.
Great read. Please, I need the next book!!!
YES!! Urban fantasy crossover into adventure romantasy. I loved this so much!!! The only thing that sometimes drove me a little nuts was Kirsty, lol — that girl!!! However, I loved the romantic tension in this book… both at night and in the day (if you know, you know). This wasn't a perfect book, at times the humour hits, sometimes it misses, but overall it was a HIT for me.
I really enjoyed how the lore was gradually added. And while the FMC is a little bit clutzy, she’s not a damsel in distress — she always gives it a go, to the annoyance of a certain raven-haired individual.
Great read. Please, I need the next book!!!
February 4, 2026
I so thankful to have been able to ARC this book.
If your in your Villain reading era then this book 📕
If you like Dragons, fae , sprite and so much more than this book is for you …….. and Me 😊
I wasn’t sure how I was going feel with FMC being soft , she always seems be in danger, and is way to trusting, I also felt like she could have why choose with few characters
I did not like the best friend,
I also don’t trust Gideon , I feel like more his character truths come out , he promises but never keeps them .
I love read the Dark Prince Kader POV .
I need know more about Taren and Casper in next book 📕
If your in your Villain reading era then this book 📕
If you like Dragons, fae , sprite and so much more than this book is for you …….. and Me 😊
I wasn’t sure how I was going feel with FMC being soft , she always seems be in danger, and is way to trusting, I also felt like she could have why choose with few characters
I did not like the best friend,
I also don’t trust Gideon , I feel like more his character truths come out , he promises but never keeps them .
I love read the Dark Prince Kader POV .
I need know more about Taren and Casper in next book 📕
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book early and it captured me from the beginning. The world that was created..the Golden Realm..is ABSOLUTELY amazing!!!! I love the characters. Elita, FMC, seems to have EVERYTHING happen to her. Im really hoping that her and her dream man are able to be together…but Caspar seems to ALWAYS be there to help! The whole group that her and her BFF, Kirsty, end up with us pretty amazing. I love the banter snd the vibe! It leaves on a cliffhanger. I cant wait for book 2! Definitely recommend for all the fantasy readers!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really wanted to enjoy Moon and Fire but I just didn’t. The idea has potential to be a good story but I found it to be too similar to other stories in some areas and I found the writing to be clunky. I was frequently asking myself if there had been an editor who worked on this or if it was just self edited.
I greatly appreciate that I was given an ARC copy of this book but I don’t think I can in good conscience recommend it.
I greatly appreciate that I was given an ARC copy of this book but I don’t think I can in good conscience recommend it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was truly an adventure. One I would love to re-read for the first time again.
Elita is such a beautiful character and I can’t wait to read more about her in the future books.
“You are the one promise I cannot make, yet the one promise I cannot break, little wisp.”
LITTLE WISP.
I adore Taren and Elita.
I miss them all so much.
This book is such a fun adventure.
Elita is such a beautiful character and I can’t wait to read more about her in the future books.
“You are the one promise I cannot make, yet the one promise I cannot break, little wisp.”
LITTLE WISP.
I adore Taren and Elita.
I miss them all so much.
This book is such a fun adventure.
February 9, 2026
I got this book as an ARC and OMG! I loved it. It captured me from the beginning! I loved the story and the world it took me too! I can’t wait for the next book! ❤️❤️ please go go go read it!!!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews