What do you think?
Rate this book
Walking the Realms
Walking the Realms (Book One)
By Nycole DiCredico
Some call her stolen. Some call her chosen. Only one truth will set her free. Evaline is a Seer, a High Priestess, and a woman consumed by prophecy. When a vision reveals a child powerful enough to reshape the Underworld, she doesn't hesitate. Kidnapping young Lynnix is only the beginning. For twelve years, Evaline hides her in the forest, molding her into a weapon of divine design. But as Lynnix's sixteenth birthday approaches, so does an awakening—and the unraveling of Evaline's carefully constructed lies. Raised in shadows and schooled in secrets, Lynnix begins to question the world she's been forced to trust. Why can she hear whispers no one else can? Why do the trees seem to know her name? And who really is her mother? Meanwhile, in the Underworld, a new Sire rises. Wings of flame, eyes like cinders. Asmodeus never wanted the throne, but fate never asks for permission. As his rule begins, so too does the fall of ancient laws, tipping the realms toward chaos. Told from multiple points of view, Walking the Realms is a raw, unflinching dark fantasy that dares to explore manipulation, prophecy, and the brutal cost of power. Gritty, emotionally charged, and laced with forbidden magic, this is a story for readers who crave morally gray characters, complex worldbuilding, and a slow burn descent into something wicked. For fans of Sarah J. Maas, Leigh Bardugo, and V.E. Schwab. Reader discretion advised.
By Nycole DiCredico
Some call her stolen. Some call her chosen. Only one truth will set her free. Evaline is a Seer, a High Priestess, and a woman consumed by prophecy. When a vision reveals a child powerful enough to reshape the Underworld, she doesn't hesitate. Kidnapping young Lynnix is only the beginning. For twelve years, Evaline hides her in the forest, molding her into a weapon of divine design. But as Lynnix's sixteenth birthday approaches, so does an awakening—and the unraveling of Evaline's carefully constructed lies. Raised in shadows and schooled in secrets, Lynnix begins to question the world she's been forced to trust. Why can she hear whispers no one else can? Why do the trees seem to know her name? And who really is her mother? Meanwhile, in the Underworld, a new Sire rises. Wings of flame, eyes like cinders. Asmodeus never wanted the throne, but fate never asks for permission. As his rule begins, so too does the fall of ancient laws, tipping the realms toward chaos. Told from multiple points of view, Walking the Realms is a raw, unflinching dark fantasy that dares to explore manipulation, prophecy, and the brutal cost of power. Gritty, emotionally charged, and laced with forbidden magic, this is a story for readers who crave morally gray characters, complex worldbuilding, and a slow burn descent into something wicked. For fans of Sarah J. Maas, Leigh Bardugo, and V.E. Schwab. Reader discretion advised.
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 18, 2025
7 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Nycole DiCredico
6 books27 followersIf you're looking for badass FMC's, revenge with plot twists and turns Nycole is the writer for you.
Growing up in Windsor Ontario with her pen in her hand, quick wit, and love for the worlds that pull you in leaving you wanting more.
She was always encouraged by her grandmother Carole to write and be published. After Carole’s passing in 2023, Nycole was more determined than ever to make her grandmother proud and pursue what she knew Nycole would succeed in. Nycole's dream is to make every reader immerse themselves in an alternate reality, escaping life, even if it is just for a little while.
Growing up in Windsor Ontario with her pen in her hand, quick wit, and love for the worlds that pull you in leaving you wanting more.
She was always encouraged by her grandmother Carole to write and be published. After Carole’s passing in 2023, Nycole was more determined than ever to make her grandmother proud and pursue what she knew Nycole would succeed in. Nycole's dream is to make every reader immerse themselves in an alternate reality, escaping life, even if it is just for a little while.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 30, 2025
book feels like a loosely based, twisted, and dark repunzel-esque retelling.
Book jumps around between past and present. and sometimes the concept of years is different between the realms and kinda messes with me. But once you get the rhythm and let go of your concept of time it’s an easier read.
The book is a slow built, the world building and background for each character takes a bit, and the transitions to the spicy scenes are choppy.
the plot is good and feels like a loosely based, twisted, and dark repunzel-esque retelling. With opposing witch covens, demons, kidnapping, abuse, and love.
I do love Nix as the FMC she is meek on the outside but on the inside she never stops her quest for answers and clarity.
Book jumps around between past and present. and sometimes the concept of years is different between the realms and kinda messes with me. But once you get the rhythm and let go of your concept of time it’s an easier read.
The book is a slow built, the world building and background for each character takes a bit, and the transitions to the spicy scenes are choppy.
the plot is good and feels like a loosely based, twisted, and dark repunzel-esque retelling. With opposing witch covens, demons, kidnapping, abuse, and love.
I do love Nix as the FMC she is meek on the outside but on the inside she never stops her quest for answers and clarity.
June 5, 2025
Walking the Realms is pure magic from start to finish. Nycole DiCredico has created a richly woven tapestry of fantasy, adventure, and heart that pulled me in and refused to let go. The world-building is lush and immersive, with just the right blend of mystery and wonder to keep the pages turning late into the night. The characters feel real and layered, each with their own motivations and flaws that make them unforgettable.
What really stood out to me was the emotional depth. This isn’t just a story about crossing into magical realms; it’s about finding yourself, facing your fears, and learning what it truly means to belong. DiCredico’s prose is vivid and lyrical without ever slowing the pace, and the twists were both surprising and satisfying.
What really stood out to me was the emotional depth. This isn’t just a story about crossing into magical realms; it’s about finding yourself, facing your fears, and learning what it truly means to belong. DiCredico’s prose is vivid and lyrical without ever slowing the pace, and the twists were both surprising and satisfying.
July 17, 2025
Another hit for Dicredico, the world building in this book was extraordinary, I could close my eyes and truly picture this world. It definitely got me hooked very early on. This book will get you invested on each character and their story along the way. With book 3 in the making I can’t wait to read the final installment in this trilogy.
June 15, 2025
Walking the Realms absolutely gutted me in the best way. Nycole DiCredico has crafted a brutal, spellbinding story full of prophecy, pain, and power that stayed with me long after I turned the final page.
The book opens with a gut punch: Evaline, a High Priestess, kidnapping a child she believes is destined to shape the Underworld. From that moment, I was hooked. Evaline is one of the most morally complex characters I’ve read in a long time equal parts savior, villain, and something undefinable in between. Her obsession with prophecy borders on religious fanaticism, and yet, I couldn’t fully hate her. That’s DiCredico’s gift she doesn’t hand you easy answers.
Lynnix, the girl stolen and raised in seclusion, is such a compelling protagonist. Watching her grow into her own, question everything she’s ever been told, and slowly unravel the truth of her existence was both empowering and heartbreaking. The moments where she starts hearing whispers and realizing nature responds to her? Chills. Actual chills.
Then there’s Asmodeus God, I didn’t expect to feel for a ruler of the Underworld, but DiCredico paints him with such nuance. He never wanted power, but he wears the crown anyway, and the tension between duty and desire practically burns off the page. His chapters added this simmering layer of danger and inevitability that reminded me of early V.E. Schwab.
The writing is lush and immersive, but never overly indulgent. The worldbuilding is rich, dark, and mythic forest spirits, ancient laws, the crumbling realms. There’s a constant tension, like the world itself is holding its breath. And the pacing? Slow burn in the best sense. It doesn’t rush. It lets every lie, every truth, every betrayal settle deep into your bones.
If you're looking for clean-cut heroes or neatly resolved endings, this isn’t that kind of story. But if you love being emotionally wrecked by morally gray characters, haunting magic, and beautifully written darkness, this book delivers. It’s raw, it’s daring, and it doesn’t shy away from the cost of power or the weight of belief.
Reader discretion is absolutely warranted there are heavy themes here but handled with care and gravity.
This was one of the most intense reading experiences I’ve had this year. DiCredico is not playing it safe, and I respect the hell out of that.
The book opens with a gut punch: Evaline, a High Priestess, kidnapping a child she believes is destined to shape the Underworld. From that moment, I was hooked. Evaline is one of the most morally complex characters I’ve read in a long time equal parts savior, villain, and something undefinable in between. Her obsession with prophecy borders on religious fanaticism, and yet, I couldn’t fully hate her. That’s DiCredico’s gift she doesn’t hand you easy answers.
Lynnix, the girl stolen and raised in seclusion, is such a compelling protagonist. Watching her grow into her own, question everything she’s ever been told, and slowly unravel the truth of her existence was both empowering and heartbreaking. The moments where she starts hearing whispers and realizing nature responds to her? Chills. Actual chills.
Then there’s Asmodeus God, I didn’t expect to feel for a ruler of the Underworld, but DiCredico paints him with such nuance. He never wanted power, but he wears the crown anyway, and the tension between duty and desire practically burns off the page. His chapters added this simmering layer of danger and inevitability that reminded me of early V.E. Schwab.
The writing is lush and immersive, but never overly indulgent. The worldbuilding is rich, dark, and mythic forest spirits, ancient laws, the crumbling realms. There’s a constant tension, like the world itself is holding its breath. And the pacing? Slow burn in the best sense. It doesn’t rush. It lets every lie, every truth, every betrayal settle deep into your bones.
If you're looking for clean-cut heroes or neatly resolved endings, this isn’t that kind of story. But if you love being emotionally wrecked by morally gray characters, haunting magic, and beautifully written darkness, this book delivers. It’s raw, it’s daring, and it doesn’t shy away from the cost of power or the weight of belief.
Reader discretion is absolutely warranted there are heavy themes here but handled with care and gravity.
This was one of the most intense reading experiences I’ve had this year. DiCredico is not playing it safe, and I respect the hell out of that.
May 13, 2025
WALKING THE REALMS absolutely consumed me from the first page to the last. Nycole DiCredico doesn’t just build a world she fractures it open and invites us to crawl through the pieces. This book is not gentle. It doesn’t pretend to be. And that’s what makes it so damn good.
The story centers on Lynnix, who’s been raised in isolation by Evaline a seer with a prophecy to fulfill and zero qualms about playing god to get it done. Lynnix’s journey is heartbreaking and maddening in equal measure. You feel her confusion, her fear, her slow-burning anger as she begins to question the twisted truths she’s been raised on. The writing here is unflinching. Nothing is handed to the reader on a silver platter we’re forced to sit in the moral gray with the characters and wrestle with the same questions they do. Who’s right? Who’s using who? What does power actually cost?
DiCredico juggles multiple POVs with serious finesse. Asmodeus, the reluctant ruler of the Underworld, is a standout. I didn’t expect to be as drawn to him as I was, but his internal conflict his resistance against fate, his buried humanity under the fire and ash was beautifully handled. Every time we dipped into his perspective, I found myself holding my breath.
This book is rich in worldbuilding, but it never feels bloated. Instead, it creeps up on you lush forests that whisper secrets, prophecies layered in blood and betrayal, realms that feel ancient and dangerous. There’s an almost mythic weight to everything, and the pacing is deliberate, simmering rather than sprinting. If you like your fantasy dark, poetic, and a little feral, this one’s for you.
That said, this is not a light read. Themes of manipulation, identity, and trauma are handled with brutal honesty, and the emotional toll on the characters is immense. Reader discretion is definitely warranted but if you can handle the dark, Walking the Realms will reward you with one hell of a story.
For fans of Maas and Bardugo, yes but honestly, DiCredico has her own distinct voice, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Areon carving out a fierce cult following of its own.
Final verdict? Twisted, lyrical, and unforgettable. I’ll be thinking about that ending for a long, long time.
The story centers on Lynnix, who’s been raised in isolation by Evaline a seer with a prophecy to fulfill and zero qualms about playing god to get it done. Lynnix’s journey is heartbreaking and maddening in equal measure. You feel her confusion, her fear, her slow-burning anger as she begins to question the twisted truths she’s been raised on. The writing here is unflinching. Nothing is handed to the reader on a silver platter we’re forced to sit in the moral gray with the characters and wrestle with the same questions they do. Who’s right? Who’s using who? What does power actually cost?
DiCredico juggles multiple POVs with serious finesse. Asmodeus, the reluctant ruler of the Underworld, is a standout. I didn’t expect to be as drawn to him as I was, but his internal conflict his resistance against fate, his buried humanity under the fire and ash was beautifully handled. Every time we dipped into his perspective, I found myself holding my breath.
This book is rich in worldbuilding, but it never feels bloated. Instead, it creeps up on you lush forests that whisper secrets, prophecies layered in blood and betrayal, realms that feel ancient and dangerous. There’s an almost mythic weight to everything, and the pacing is deliberate, simmering rather than sprinting. If you like your fantasy dark, poetic, and a little feral, this one’s for you.
That said, this is not a light read. Themes of manipulation, identity, and trauma are handled with brutal honesty, and the emotional toll on the characters is immense. Reader discretion is definitely warranted but if you can handle the dark, Walking the Realms will reward you with one hell of a story.
For fans of Maas and Bardugo, yes but honestly, DiCredico has her own distinct voice, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Areon carving out a fierce cult following of its own.
Final verdict? Twisted, lyrical, and unforgettable. I’ll be thinking about that ending for a long, long time.
May 17, 2025
It’s been a while since I’ve read a fantasy novel that made me feel so conflicted in the best way possible. Walking the Realms is not fast-paced, it takes its time building the world, the characters, the atmosphere but when the pieces start falling into place, the impact is enormous.
Lynnix’s story starts with a sense of isolation and innocence. She’s been raised in a forest, told only what Evaline wants her to know, and has grown up believing she’s being prepared for a divine purpose. But as the lies begin to unravel, her inner world begins to fracture. What I loved most about her was her quiet strength. She’s not a sword wielding heroine (at least not yet), but her resilience, her curiosity, and her sense of right and wrong make her unforgettable.
Evaline is one of the most disturbing characters I’ve ever encountered because she truly believes she’s doing the right thing. Her manipulation is so subtle, so carefully orchestrated, that you can almost understand her point of view until you remember she kidnapped a child and twisted her entire reality. That level of psychological tension kept me glued to every chapter.
Asmodeus is the dark horse of the novel. At first, I wasn’t sure how his storyline would connect, but by the end, I was completely invested. He’s reluctant, introspective, and powerful in a way that doesn’t rely on brute force. He’s the shadow to Lynnix’s light, and I cannot wait to see what happens when their paths fully collide.
This book demands patience, but if you give it your time, it will reward you with a deep, emotionally complex fantasy that lingers long after the final page.
Lynnix’s story starts with a sense of isolation and innocence. She’s been raised in a forest, told only what Evaline wants her to know, and has grown up believing she’s being prepared for a divine purpose. But as the lies begin to unravel, her inner world begins to fracture. What I loved most about her was her quiet strength. She’s not a sword wielding heroine (at least not yet), but her resilience, her curiosity, and her sense of right and wrong make her unforgettable.
Evaline is one of the most disturbing characters I’ve ever encountered because she truly believes she’s doing the right thing. Her manipulation is so subtle, so carefully orchestrated, that you can almost understand her point of view until you remember she kidnapped a child and twisted her entire reality. That level of psychological tension kept me glued to every chapter.
Asmodeus is the dark horse of the novel. At first, I wasn’t sure how his storyline would connect, but by the end, I was completely invested. He’s reluctant, introspective, and powerful in a way that doesn’t rely on brute force. He’s the shadow to Lynnix’s light, and I cannot wait to see what happens when their paths fully collide.
This book demands patience, but if you give it your time, it will reward you with a deep, emotionally complex fantasy that lingers long after the final page.
May 15, 2025
WALKING THE REALMS felt like wandering blindfolded into a dream you’re not sure you want to wake up from. Nycole DiCredico has written something that’s more than just a story, it’s an experience. From the first page, I was sucked into this beautifully constructed world where prophecy, manipulation, and magic twist together in the most unexpected ways.
Lynnix is one of the most compelling protagonists I’ve encountered in a while. Raised by Evaline, who is equal parts savior and captor, her growth is painful, poignant, and powerful. Watching her piece together the truth of her past, her powers, and her place in the realms was both heartbreaking and empowering. The fact that she hears whispers from the trees and feels the pull of something larger than herself gave her story an eerie, mythic quality.
Evaline is terrifying in her conviction. Her belief in prophecy is so strong that it blurs all lines of morality. Her chapters were disturbing but necessary she’s not a villain in the traditional sense, and that’s what makes her dangerous. And Asmodeus, rising in the Underworld, added a complex, morally ambiguous counterpoint. His reluctant journey to power fascinated me.
This book doesn’t give you easy answers. It explores manipulation, faith, and freedom with brutal honesty. If you love your fantasy dark, your characters morally gray, and your worldbuilding intricate and immersive, this is your next read. I can’t wait for the sequel.
Lynnix is one of the most compelling protagonists I’ve encountered in a while. Raised by Evaline, who is equal parts savior and captor, her growth is painful, poignant, and powerful. Watching her piece together the truth of her past, her powers, and her place in the realms was both heartbreaking and empowering. The fact that she hears whispers from the trees and feels the pull of something larger than herself gave her story an eerie, mythic quality.
Evaline is terrifying in her conviction. Her belief in prophecy is so strong that it blurs all lines of morality. Her chapters were disturbing but necessary she’s not a villain in the traditional sense, and that’s what makes her dangerous. And Asmodeus, rising in the Underworld, added a complex, morally ambiguous counterpoint. His reluctant journey to power fascinated me.
This book doesn’t give you easy answers. It explores manipulation, faith, and freedom with brutal honesty. If you love your fantasy dark, your characters morally gray, and your worldbuilding intricate and immersive, this is your next read. I can’t wait for the sequel.
May 17, 2025
WALKING THE REALMS felt like being slowly pulled into a dream equal parts beautiful and terrifying. Nycole DiCredico writes with a poet’s voice and a psychologist’s insight. Every line is deliberate. Every character is layered. Every scene makes you question something morality, destiny, trust.
What really struck me was how emotionally honest this book is. Lynnix’s confusion and pain aren’t brushed aside for plot convenience. They’re central. She’s been raised in a controlled, secretive environment, and when she begins to question Evaline’s teachings, the emotional fallout is massive. That kind of character work takes guts and talent.
Evaline’s character is not just flawed; she’s dangerous, in that subtle, “I know what’s best for you” kind of way. There were moments where I sympathized with her, and that made the horror of her actions even more disturbing. And Asmodeus he stole the show in a quiet, burning way. His rise to power isn’t about conquest, it’s about survival. And somehow, despite his position in the Underworld, he feels like the most grounded character of all.
The themes of the book are bold manipulation, faith, trauma, inherited power and they’re explored without sugarcoating. This isn’t a comfortable read, but it’s a necessary one, especially for readers who crave something deeper in their fantasy. One of my favorite books this year, hands down.
What really struck me was how emotionally honest this book is. Lynnix’s confusion and pain aren’t brushed aside for plot convenience. They’re central. She’s been raised in a controlled, secretive environment, and when she begins to question Evaline’s teachings, the emotional fallout is massive. That kind of character work takes guts and talent.
Evaline’s character is not just flawed; she’s dangerous, in that subtle, “I know what’s best for you” kind of way. There were moments where I sympathized with her, and that made the horror of her actions even more disturbing. And Asmodeus he stole the show in a quiet, burning way. His rise to power isn’t about conquest, it’s about survival. And somehow, despite his position in the Underworld, he feels like the most grounded character of all.
The themes of the book are bold manipulation, faith, trauma, inherited power and they’re explored without sugarcoating. This isn’t a comfortable read, but it’s a necessary one, especially for readers who crave something deeper in their fantasy. One of my favorite books this year, hands down.
May 17, 2025
I’m always looking for fantasy books that go beyond the surface, and Walking the Realms delivered more than I ever expected. This book isn’t just about magic and prophecy it’s about control, trauma, identity, and what happens when we start asking dangerous questions.
Lynnix is not the typical chosen one. She’s quiet, observant, and emotionally wounded in a way that makes her incredibly compelling. Her journey is internal as much as external, and watching her push back against Evaline’s indoctrination was painful but satisfying.
Evaline’s role in this story cannot be overstated. She is the architect of Lynnix’s world and her unraveling. Every time she appeared, I felt a deep sense of unease. She believes so deeply in her cause that it blinds her to the harm she causes, and that tension is the book’s most brilliant stroke.
Then there’s Asmodeus. His rise to power in the Underworld added a rich political layer to the story. He doesn’t want the throne, but once he takes it, we see the cost of power and the fragility of old systems. His sections provided a balance to the more intimate, emotional story of Lynnix and Evaline.
This book is for readers who want to feel everything pain, hope, betrayal, awe. It’s not light reading, but it’s meaningful, and I loved every twisted, beautiful page.
Lynnix is not the typical chosen one. She’s quiet, observant, and emotionally wounded in a way that makes her incredibly compelling. Her journey is internal as much as external, and watching her push back against Evaline’s indoctrination was painful but satisfying.
Evaline’s role in this story cannot be overstated. She is the architect of Lynnix’s world and her unraveling. Every time she appeared, I felt a deep sense of unease. She believes so deeply in her cause that it blinds her to the harm she causes, and that tension is the book’s most brilliant stroke.
Then there’s Asmodeus. His rise to power in the Underworld added a rich political layer to the story. He doesn’t want the throne, but once he takes it, we see the cost of power and the fragility of old systems. His sections provided a balance to the more intimate, emotional story of Lynnix and Evaline.
This book is for readers who want to feel everything pain, hope, betrayal, awe. It’s not light reading, but it’s meaningful, and I loved every twisted, beautiful page.
May 17, 2025
WALKING THE REALMS is exactly that. Nycole DiCredico doesn’t just create a world she creates a psychology, a mythology, and a haunting emotional landscape.
Lynnix’s coming-of-age story is unlike anything I’ve read. It’s filled with loss, manipulation, and a gradual awakening that feels so real it hurts. She was never given a choice. She was molded, shaped, and prepared for a destiny she never agreed to. Watching her fight for her own agency was painful and powerful.
Evaline is not a caricature. She’s a woman consumed by belief. She thinks she’s protecting the world, but she’s become the architect of one girl’s destruction. Her devotion to prophecy blinds her, and that makes her incredibly dangerous. Her chapters were the hardest to read and the hardest to look away from.
And Asmodeus. what a fascinating addition. His chapters feel like fire and ash both chaotic and deeply thoughtful. He didn’t want power, but now that he has it, he’s forced to redefine what it means. I loved the tension between his internal resistance and the external pressure of the crumbling Underworld.
This book doesn’t flinch. It stares directly into the cost of belief, the trauma of being controlled, and the slow, painful path to truth. It’s fantasy with soul and teeth. I’m all in for whatever comes next.
Lynnix’s coming-of-age story is unlike anything I’ve read. It’s filled with loss, manipulation, and a gradual awakening that feels so real it hurts. She was never given a choice. She was molded, shaped, and prepared for a destiny she never agreed to. Watching her fight for her own agency was painful and powerful.
Evaline is not a caricature. She’s a woman consumed by belief. She thinks she’s protecting the world, but she’s become the architect of one girl’s destruction. Her devotion to prophecy blinds her, and that makes her incredibly dangerous. Her chapters were the hardest to read and the hardest to look away from.
And Asmodeus. what a fascinating addition. His chapters feel like fire and ash both chaotic and deeply thoughtful. He didn’t want power, but now that he has it, he’s forced to redefine what it means. I loved the tension between his internal resistance and the external pressure of the crumbling Underworld.
This book doesn’t flinch. It stares directly into the cost of belief, the trauma of being controlled, and the slow, painful path to truth. It’s fantasy with soul and teeth. I’m all in for whatever comes next.
May 15, 2025
This book stayed with me long after I finished it. It’s not a light read, and I mean that in the best way. Nycole DiCredico doesn’t coddle the reader she throws you into a raw, often brutal world where every character is fighting against something unseen. The writing is poetic but sharp, and the themes it explores destiny, manipulation, identity cut deep.
Lynnix’s story is one of the most original takes on the “chosen one” trope I’ve seen in a while. She’s not the savior everyone wants her to be; she’s just a girl trying to survive the lies that have shaped her. Her confusion and anger felt real, and I appreciated that she wasn’t quick to forgive or forget.
The duality between Evaline and Asmodeus is fascinating. Evaline believes she’s doing the right thing, but her actions are monstrous. Asmodeus, on the other hand, doesn’t seek power, yet ends up with it and we get to see how that burden affects him. Both characters are morally complex in a way that forces you to examine your own judgments.
The only reason I didn’t give it five stars is because the pacing slowed a bit in the middle. But once the plot picked back up, I couldn’t stop turning the pages. This is a book that demands emotional investment and rewards it fully.
Lynnix’s story is one of the most original takes on the “chosen one” trope I’ve seen in a while. She’s not the savior everyone wants her to be; she’s just a girl trying to survive the lies that have shaped her. Her confusion and anger felt real, and I appreciated that she wasn’t quick to forgive or forget.
The duality between Evaline and Asmodeus is fascinating. Evaline believes she’s doing the right thing, but her actions are monstrous. Asmodeus, on the other hand, doesn’t seek power, yet ends up with it and we get to see how that burden affects him. Both characters are morally complex in a way that forces you to examine your own judgments.
The only reason I didn’t give it five stars is because the pacing slowed a bit in the middle. But once the plot picked back up, I couldn’t stop turning the pages. This is a book that demands emotional investment and rewards it fully.
May 17, 2025
This is not a feel good fantasy, and that’s exactly why I loved it. Walking the Realms refuses to give you easy heroes or villains. Every character is flawed. Every decision is messy. It’s the kind of book that challenges you to sit with discomfort and still find beauty in the chaos.
Lynnix was such a relatable protagonist not because of what she’s gone through which is extraordinary and awful, but because of how she reacts to it. Her doubt, her anger, her fear of truth they all felt real. She doesn’t just snap into action when the world starts to crack; she stumbles, she questions, she resists. That realism made her one of the strongest leads I’ve read in a long time.
Evaline is terrifying, precisely because she’s so calm and convinced. She never sees herself as the villain, and that makes her one. The way she uses prophecy and destiny to justify her actions chilled me. On the other end of the spectrum is Asmodeus, who’s been thrown into power he didn’t want and is trying to figure out what kind of leader he can be. Their parallel journeys gave the book a thematic richness that I really appreciated.
The pacing does slow in parts, which is my only critique. But the emotional payoffs, the philosophical depth, and the absolutely stunning writing more than made up for it.
Lynnix was such a relatable protagonist not because of what she’s gone through which is extraordinary and awful, but because of how she reacts to it. Her doubt, her anger, her fear of truth they all felt real. She doesn’t just snap into action when the world starts to crack; she stumbles, she questions, she resists. That realism made her one of the strongest leads I’ve read in a long time.
Evaline is terrifying, precisely because she’s so calm and convinced. She never sees herself as the villain, and that makes her one. The way she uses prophecy and destiny to justify her actions chilled me. On the other end of the spectrum is Asmodeus, who’s been thrown into power he didn’t want and is trying to figure out what kind of leader he can be. Their parallel journeys gave the book a thematic richness that I really appreciated.
The pacing does slow in parts, which is my only critique. But the emotional payoffs, the philosophical depth, and the absolutely stunning writing more than made up for it.
May 17, 2025
This book wrecked me in the best way. It’s not just a story it’s a deep dive into the psyche of people who’ve been shaped by prophecy, pain, and power. Evaline is easily one of the most complex characters I’ve read in years. She believes she's saving the world, but in doing so, she destroys Lynnix’s entire sense of self. And watching Lynnix slowly awaken to that truth? Absolutely heartbreaking.
DiCredico doesn’t give you the luxury of simple answers. Every chapter is layered. The shifting points of view make you question your loyalties, your morals, and your assumptions. Asmodeus, the newly risen Sire of the Underworld, is one of the most surprising characters, I found myself sympathizing with him more than I expected. His rise feels tragic and necessary, and I’m curious to see where his arc goes next.
The writing is vivid and haunting, especially in the scenes set in the forest. There’s something deeply symbolic about Lynnix’s connection to nature it’s not just magical, it’s spiritual. The world DiCredico has built is gritty and strange, and it demands your full attention. I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time.
DiCredico doesn’t give you the luxury of simple answers. Every chapter is layered. The shifting points of view make you question your loyalties, your morals, and your assumptions. Asmodeus, the newly risen Sire of the Underworld, is one of the most surprising characters, I found myself sympathizing with him more than I expected. His rise feels tragic and necessary, and I’m curious to see where his arc goes next.
The writing is vivid and haunting, especially in the scenes set in the forest. There’s something deeply symbolic about Lynnix’s connection to nature it’s not just magical, it’s spiritual. The world DiCredico has built is gritty and strange, and it demands your full attention. I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time.
May 17, 2025
This book hit me on so many levels. Yes, it’s a dark fantasy with complex characters and a killer premise. But underneath that, it’s a story about what happens when people are raised in cages whether physical or mental and how hard it is to escape them.
Lynnix’s journey is painful, but it feels real. She’s not a quick learner or an instant warrior she’s confused, angry, and scared, and I loved that. Watching her begin to question everything she’s ever been told was one of the most satisfying character arcs I’ve read in a long time.
Evaline is a hard character to read. You want to hate her, but you also understand her. That’s the beauty of this book it doesn’t let you settle into black-and-white thinking. Everyone is operating under some kind of delusion, and the cost of truth is devastating.
The Underworld politics and the introduction of Asmodeus added another layer of tension. His reluctant kingship is fascinating. I’m excited to see how the realms interact in future books. If you like books that make you think, question, and feel deeply uncomfortable in the best way, this one’s for you.
Lynnix’s journey is painful, but it feels real. She’s not a quick learner or an instant warrior she’s confused, angry, and scared, and I loved that. Watching her begin to question everything she’s ever been told was one of the most satisfying character arcs I’ve read in a long time.
Evaline is a hard character to read. You want to hate her, but you also understand her. That’s the beauty of this book it doesn’t let you settle into black-and-white thinking. Everyone is operating under some kind of delusion, and the cost of truth is devastating.
The Underworld politics and the introduction of Asmodeus added another layer of tension. His reluctant kingship is fascinating. I’m excited to see how the realms interact in future books. If you like books that make you think, question, and feel deeply uncomfortable in the best way, this one’s for you.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews