The Nine Realms

by Emilee N.K. Robbins

Waking in the Ice Realm with no recollection of who she is, why she was found, or what she wants, Centrea spends months learning secrets and stories that pit her against a rising King in the Southern Star Realm. Her only friends are misfits - her maid or Keeper, an old gossip, and her illustrious host, Rostair. During the Greentime Ball, the most important event of the Northern Realms, she waits with bated breath for Rostair to declare his affections. What happens changes her life forever. Centrea demonstrates how women who are naive, flawed, and anxious can still be strong.

483 pages, Paperback

Published April 16, 2025

About the author

Emilee N. K. Robbins is a trained historian turned fiction writer. She loves telling compelling stories set in enchanting fantasy worlds with relatable characters that readers really root for. When she’s not writing she enjoys seeing new places, spending time with loved ones, and enjoying a good cup of coffee.

Reviews

[T.L. Routledge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something that really stuck out to me about this book was how each of the realms was its own unique environment creating a beautiful world. Made me want to go there myself!

This book was beautifully written, filled with heart, and plenty of twists and turns to keep you turning the pages.

Can’t forget to talk about the cover of this book! Simply lovely.

Excited for next of the series!

[Tori Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an absolutely amazing read! All the world building and the characters were perfectly written in my opinion. The writing itself was phenomenal and had me hooked the entire time I was reading it! Definitely recommend and can’t wait to read her next book when it comes out!!

[☾ MauveMeg ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful relaxing read. 🥰
I have particularly enjoyed the extensive world building, along with very well written and fleshed out characters. The plot was good and entertaining to read, even though a little predictable personally.
Centrea is definitely a unique FMC, we love seeing a curvy beautiful woman, who prefers writing over fighting, and slowly learns who she used to be.
The writer did an amazing job at describing characters, places, and vibes as well. I have enjoyed reading this a lot, and the sole purpose of me giving 4 instead of 5 stars is simply that it doesn’t reach the same level of some of my 5⭐️ reads.
BUT it can very easily be your 5 star read and I absolutely recommend picking this series up before the next book comes out! 🩵

[Ashley Low · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the prose, suspense, and dialogue in this book. The setting was really beautifully crafted. The characters were also very compelling and complex. I am excited for the next books in this series!

[Royce Marnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Can’t wait for the next one!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great ride with unexpected twists and turns. A good entry into this genre. I look forward to the follow up books!

[Tales with Atticus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely swept me away. It starts quietly with a girl waking in an unfamiliar world, no memory, just cold air and a stranger’s kindness. But, before I realized it, I was utterly lost in the atmosphere of it all. The writing is immersive in that slow, lyrical way that makes you want to linger in every description like the palace halls, the intricate teas, the faint sense that something isn’t quite right.

What I loved most was how the story balances beauty with unease. There’s this dreamlike quality where everything feels soft and glittering on the surface, but underneath, there’s tension, secrecy, and a sense that danger is just out of sight. Centrea’s confusion and self-discovery are so well handled in that you feel her trying to hold herself together, even as she realizes the people around her might not be what they seem.

This isn’t a fast-paced fantasy; it’s one you sink into. The politics, the subtle romance, the mystery of identity and it all unfolds patiently and deliberately. By the end, I wasn’t just curious about who Centrea used to be, but who she might become.

The Nine Realms feels like standing in a snow-covered garden at twilight... beautiful, still, and full of secrets. I can’t wait to see what happens as this world expands in book two.

Haunting, elegant, and quietly powerful.

[Samantha Vargas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect when starting this story, following the FMC as she battled memory loss and trying to discover who she truly was, but I was quite impressed and excited to see the softness and realness of Centrea as she discovered new things about herself. Think of this book as a Downton Abbey or Bridgerton vibe in a fantasy realm where you don't know what's going on, but there are magical creatures, beautiful friendships, and an amazing ball to look forward to. I was on the edge of my seat sussing everyone out and trying to piece together the story while also lowkey wishing the Lord of the estate would just hurry up and court her! It was great! I loved it.

[Lucinda Vermeulen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Nine Realms is a richly imagined fantasy filled with intrigue, magic, and heart. The world is vast and beautifully detailed, each realm offering its own wonders and dangers, while the story balances epic stakes with deeply personal struggles. The characters face choices that feel both weighty and human, and the twists keep the pages turning. At once atmospheric and emotionally resonant, this is a captivating read that lingers long after the final chapter.

[K.T. Holder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Immersive and beautifully unsettling

The Nine Realms is an engaging fantasy story with immersive world building and smooth, easy-to-read prose. We follow Centrea, a young woman who wakes with no memory of who she is or where she’s from, and is immediately thrown into a world full of secrets and lies. The mystery of her identity kept me hooked from the start, and I enjoyed discovering the world right alongside her.

Emilee N.K. Robbins has created a beautifully detailed setting that feels both unique and familiar; expansive yet accessible. There’s so much detail, but you never feel lost or confused. This is the kind of book that quietly draws you in and keeps you wanting more.

Overall, a strong and enjoyable fantasy story—perfect for readers looking for an immersive world, a touch of mystery, and a curvy FMC who kicks butt!

[Lynzee Schott · Rating 4 out of 5]

An extravagant, magical palace✅
A handsome, patient, swoon-worthy King✅
Memory loss✅
... wait, what?

The Nine Realms is a buildup of mystery and fantasy, with an FMC who can't remember who she is--where she comes from--or where she belongs. The details in this book make it feel as if you're touring the palace with the handsome King as he helps her remember who she is, with creatures, secrets, and magic around every corner.

And when things start feeling ... off ... you can't help but wonder who she can trust.

[Alex Winsor · Rating 5 out of 5]

“After inspecting myself, I look forward into eyes of glass. A tear drops down my cheek, leaving a trail under my lashes and over my hollow cheeks and the red mark as realization sets in: I don’t know who I am.”

What a beautifully written book by @enkrobbins.writes this whole book had me wanting to know what happens from the very first chapter. You start off with this feeling of stress and how off something is about our FMC and her situation. But you get swept away into this beautiful place that she wakes up in just as she does and gets taken into this palace filled with beauty, lavishness, friendly faces and start to wonder who the bad person is. You want to believe so many people in this book and by the end of it you’re not sure who to believe but you have a whole lot of feelings about the situation.

I absolutely would recommend everyone to read this book. It’s so unique in the way it is written, I felt completely immersed in this book. The way @enkrobbins.writes describes how the palace is decorated, what people wear and even the teas that are drank, you felt like all your senses were connected into this books and that you could practically be walking the halls yourself. I cannot wait to be back in this world again when book two comes out!

#indieauthor #fantasy #books #bookcommunity #mustread

[Cody Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect blend of fantasy and romance. Emilee creates this fantastic world to surround our incredible FMC. Her work takes you to this place you almost wish you could join and be there with her. I was lucky enough to read this as a pr box and I was so happy I did. She has written and incredible peice of work that I think truly everyone will enjoy. I am patiently and excitedly waiting for what comes next. Fan for life.

[Rebby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could feel myself being transported into the realm as I read. The descriptions and the world building really created a picture. I think this would be a great winter/ fall read for anyone who likes feeling cozy.

I didn’t expect the plot twist and it had me hooked. My jaw dropped when I found out who she was and what was really happening!

[Annah Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows our FMC who wakes up at an estate and does not know who or where she is….she makes friends and learns so many things in the Ice Realm. However, she continues to have dreams of her past life. Will she find out who she is so she can move on? Or will our MMC entice her to stay? Check out The Nine Realms on KU now! This is just book one! I’m ready for the next!!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written fantasy. The vivid descriptions and world building are well done. I loved the main characters dynamic and the twist I didn’t see coming was well played. Minor characters stand out. The character development of the FMC kept me turning the pages.

I look forward to continuing this story in the next book.