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The Gloom Sundered: A Tale of Celuthia
The Storm is rising.
The Gloom is destroying Vortheim. These storms of unpredictable magic ravage the continent, swallowing anything they touch. Isalie Wylshard is a Still, an ordinary woman meant to serve the Ambient—the only ones with magic to protect against the Gloom. But Isalie won’t fit into the mold they’ve made for her, choosing instead to follow her best friend as he pursues his dangerous calling, even though he’s never noticed she’s in love with him.
Jentien Themori’s calling is to save people, battling the twisted creatures that emerge from the Gloom. When the opportunity to track these volatile storms arises, he and Isalie don’t hesitate to join the team. They expected danger, but they didn’t expect to be caught inside a city lost to the Gloom.
Stills are going missing, the Ambients’ protection is wearing thin, and Isalie is in the eye of a new storm—one pitting Ambient against Still—that will determine the fate of an entire city.
The Gloom is destroying Vortheim. These storms of unpredictable magic ravage the continent, swallowing anything they touch. Isalie Wylshard is a Still, an ordinary woman meant to serve the Ambient—the only ones with magic to protect against the Gloom. But Isalie won’t fit into the mold they’ve made for her, choosing instead to follow her best friend as he pursues his dangerous calling, even though he’s never noticed she’s in love with him.
Jentien Themori’s calling is to save people, battling the twisted creatures that emerge from the Gloom. When the opportunity to track these volatile storms arises, he and Isalie don’t hesitate to join the team. They expected danger, but they didn’t expect to be caught inside a city lost to the Gloom.
Stills are going missing, the Ambients’ protection is wearing thin, and Isalie is in the eye of a new storm—one pitting Ambient against Still—that will determine the fate of an entire city.
548 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 17, 2025
2 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
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June 5, 2025
⭐⭐⭐ ---- 🌶️🌶️
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬:
𝘗𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘦
𝘞𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘉𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘋𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵
𝘋𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘢𝘯-𝘍𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘺
𝘕𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘭 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘐𝘯 𝘈 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥
𝘍𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘛𝘰 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴 / 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘛𝘰 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴
𝘗𝘭𝘶𝘴 𝘚𝘪𝘻𝘦𝘥 𝘍𝘔𝘊
𝘉𝘪 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴
𝘍𝘍𝘔 𝘙𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱
𝘎𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘙𝘦𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘔𝘔𝘊
𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘊𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘦
𝘎𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘏𝘦𝘳 𝘚𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘍𝘔𝘊
** I did receive an ARC of this novel and was asked to leave my honest opinions on the novel. That being said, regardless if I was sent the novel or not, this does not affect my review or honest feelings. Thank you Dana for allowing me to read a copy of The Gloom Sundered. There may be some slight spoilers so PLEASE be aware!**
𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
So despite this rating, I want to start off with the things I really liked about this, and then move into what I didn’t enjoy as much if at all. Again these are my opinions and we don’t have to agree. This book just may not have been for me and that's okay. The world and concept of a weather based dystopian honestly was a really unique and interesting concept! I also enjoyed having a leading FMC that isn’t the traditional small, frail character. That personally was something I found very empowering to have other body types represented. I also really enjoyed the “separating” people from their loved ones as that makes so much sense to drive manipulation and a divide. I am also a big fan of our FMC finding her strength and believing in herself and actually growing within the book. I am also a fan of the poly-couple sort of relationship dynamic and the bi rep from our FMC… However this is where I have to switch to things I didn’t like… From the beginning our MMC Jentien seemingly ignores all advances of our FMC Isalie, and seems disinterested in her. UP UNTIL they get separated and he assumes she is dead… He weirdly becomes like shattered and decides he has always loved her.. And THAT was not it for me. There was no indication he had secret feelings or anything, he just decided one day and that to me feels like a super forced plotline. I was a fan of the poly sort of couple dynamic, but it did feel weird that Jentien firmly jumped on it but took YEARS to admit he loved Isalie his childhood friend, which again reaffirmed how unnatural this felt. It also felt like Isalie despite being “open” and loving both, she always seemed to fall closer to Jentien than Celeste.. Which felt a bit odd. I understand she’s always loved Jentien but, in some points it came off like Celeste was a plot device more than part of the actual couple. For me, I also felt in places some things dragged on for a long bit or plateaued which wouldn’t be as much of an issue if it didn’t feel like the characters had alot of plot armor. In specific instances where some characters are extremely hurt or an impactful death could have occurred, it feels like there was some weird way it couldn’t happen. Where at the same time a major “big bad” character just out right explodes with very little build up.. It felt inconsistent. I also feel like a lot of things were very big concepts that were so interesting but felt flat, I am unsure if it is because I haven’t read any of Dana’s other works.. This novel for me had SO much promise and so much potential, the world and characters were interesting.. I just wish there were more things ironed out or less plot armor on major characters, and maybe just better writing for the poly dynamic as well as Jentien’s feelings for Isalie.
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬:
𝘗𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘦
𝘞𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘉𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘋𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵
𝘋𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘢𝘯-𝘍𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘺
𝘕𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘭 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘐𝘯 𝘈 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥
𝘍𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘛𝘰 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴 / 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘛𝘰 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴
𝘗𝘭𝘶𝘴 𝘚𝘪𝘻𝘦𝘥 𝘍𝘔𝘊
𝘉𝘪 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴
𝘍𝘍𝘔 𝘙𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱
𝘎𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘙𝘦𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘔𝘔𝘊
𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘊𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘦
𝘎𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘏𝘦𝘳 𝘚𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘍𝘔𝘊
** I did receive an ARC of this novel and was asked to leave my honest opinions on the novel. That being said, regardless if I was sent the novel or not, this does not affect my review or honest feelings. Thank you Dana for allowing me to read a copy of The Gloom Sundered. There may be some slight spoilers so PLEASE be aware!**
𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
So despite this rating, I want to start off with the things I really liked about this, and then move into what I didn’t enjoy as much if at all. Again these are my opinions and we don’t have to agree. This book just may not have been for me and that's okay. The world and concept of a weather based dystopian honestly was a really unique and interesting concept! I also enjoyed having a leading FMC that isn’t the traditional small, frail character. That personally was something I found very empowering to have other body types represented. I also really enjoyed the “separating” people from their loved ones as that makes so much sense to drive manipulation and a divide. I am also a big fan of our FMC finding her strength and believing in herself and actually growing within the book. I am also a fan of the poly-couple sort of relationship dynamic and the bi rep from our FMC… However this is where I have to switch to things I didn’t like… From the beginning our MMC Jentien seemingly ignores all advances of our FMC Isalie, and seems disinterested in her. UP UNTIL they get separated and he assumes she is dead… He weirdly becomes like shattered and decides he has always loved her.. And THAT was not it for me. There was no indication he had secret feelings or anything, he just decided one day and that to me feels like a super forced plotline. I was a fan of the poly sort of couple dynamic, but it did feel weird that Jentien firmly jumped on it but took YEARS to admit he loved Isalie his childhood friend, which again reaffirmed how unnatural this felt. It also felt like Isalie despite being “open” and loving both, she always seemed to fall closer to Jentien than Celeste.. Which felt a bit odd. I understand she’s always loved Jentien but, in some points it came off like Celeste was a plot device more than part of the actual couple. For me, I also felt in places some things dragged on for a long bit or plateaued which wouldn’t be as much of an issue if it didn’t feel like the characters had alot of plot armor. In specific instances where some characters are extremely hurt or an impactful death could have occurred, it feels like there was some weird way it couldn’t happen. Where at the same time a major “big bad” character just out right explodes with very little build up.. It felt inconsistent. I also feel like a lot of things were very big concepts that were so interesting but felt flat, I am unsure if it is because I haven’t read any of Dana’s other works.. This novel for me had SO much promise and so much potential, the world and characters were interesting.. I just wish there were more things ironed out or less plot armor on major characters, and maybe just better writing for the poly dynamic as well as Jentien’s feelings for Isalie.
dnf
June 4, 2025The author seems genuine and great and I can tell she put a lot of love and work into this novel. I believe there is an audience out there for this book, I just don't think it was me, so I unfortunately DNF'd. I read 4 chapters and then skipped around a bit to get a feel for later parts of the novel to see if I felt that my decision would change. There is a lot of good in here, so I'm going to list what I liked vs why I personally did not finish it in hopes that it will reach the readers who will give it love.
what i liked:
-The dedication is BEAUTIFUL.
-plus sized FMC
-class divide and political commentary
-no chosen one feel
-Queer!
-Why choose?
-There seemed to be an interesting way that cities were set up
-The Gloom and what all it entails. I am still incredibly curious and drawn to this idea.
-Descriptions were good
why I DNF'd (please keep in mind that these are, as always, personal and subjective. reading is personal and subjective. what i don't like, someone else will. what someone else doesn't like, i will):
-The characters felt younger than stated
-The FMC and MMC grew up together in the same household, which is a big no for me in any story.
-The writing style just didn't vibe with me which is unfortunate and a deeply personal thing
what i liked:
-The dedication is BEAUTIFUL.
-plus sized FMC
-class divide and political commentary
-no chosen one feel
-Queer!
-Why choose?
-There seemed to be an interesting way that cities were set up
-The Gloom and what all it entails. I am still incredibly curious and drawn to this idea.
-Descriptions were good
why I DNF'd (please keep in mind that these are, as always, personal and subjective. reading is personal and subjective. what i don't like, someone else will. what someone else doesn't like, i will):
-The characters felt younger than stated
-The FMC and MMC grew up together in the same household, which is a big no for me in any story.
-The writing style just didn't vibe with me which is unfortunate and a deeply personal thing
June 16, 2025
I love the idea of this book and it definitely seems like it could be good! However, it felt a little flat towards the end and really became a struggle to read. I definitely feel like it didn’t need to be as long as it was but I did like the characters and I love the polyamorous dynamic. I think that maybe it could’ve used more world building. I am ever grateful for the chance to arc read this book!
June 11, 2025
Contains spoilers
I was sent this book as an ARC read and was very interested in the story. It had a bit of a slower start that felt very predictable. With the more subdued insecure FMC who is in love with her childhood best friend (MMC) who clearly doesn’t see her as anything but a friend. Up until they are inside the gloom felt obvious. Once they were inside is where the story really starts to pick up. Separating the characters was a great way to build the story as well as the characters, however I felt the character building fell a bit flat. The character and relationship growth all felt very secondary to the story. This is definitely more of a dystopian story with a small sprinkle of fantasy and romance. I really enjoyed the political side of the issues faced within the gloom. And the way the lies are slowly exposed. There’s a lot of good in the story. I think it just needed a bit more development.
The relationship evolving to include Celeste didn’t feel complete. She always felt like more of an after thought. I think there could have been a way to make her less of an outsider. It felt a little forced given that she only knew Isalie for 5 days and that was enough to make Isalie fall for her? I liked the idea of this relationship but I think I just needed more development.
I don’t fully understand the Ambient. What their power is, where it comes from. I think because the fantasy was just a sprinkle it didn’t get the explanation it needed, so I ended up feeling a bit confused.
The ended was good, I felt gripped through all the chaos, however the final chapter after everything didn’t wrap it up enough for me. I can see that there could be more coming eventually but I don’t feel like it was properly set up. Again I kind of felt confused. There were many moments in this book that I loved and thought were fantastic, but then just as many moments where I felt confused. For that reason I rated a 3 ⭐️
I was sent this book as an ARC read and was very interested in the story. It had a bit of a slower start that felt very predictable. With the more subdued insecure FMC who is in love with her childhood best friend (MMC) who clearly doesn’t see her as anything but a friend. Up until they are inside the gloom felt obvious. Once they were inside is where the story really starts to pick up. Separating the characters was a great way to build the story as well as the characters, however I felt the character building fell a bit flat. The character and relationship growth all felt very secondary to the story. This is definitely more of a dystopian story with a small sprinkle of fantasy and romance. I really enjoyed the political side of the issues faced within the gloom. And the way the lies are slowly exposed. There’s a lot of good in the story. I think it just needed a bit more development.
The relationship evolving to include Celeste didn’t feel complete. She always felt like more of an after thought. I think there could have been a way to make her less of an outsider. It felt a little forced given that she only knew Isalie for 5 days and that was enough to make Isalie fall for her? I liked the idea of this relationship but I think I just needed more development.
I don’t fully understand the Ambient. What their power is, where it comes from. I think because the fantasy was just a sprinkle it didn’t get the explanation it needed, so I ended up feeling a bit confused.
The ended was good, I felt gripped through all the chaos, however the final chapter after everything didn’t wrap it up enough for me. I can see that there could be more coming eventually but I don’t feel like it was properly set up. Again I kind of felt confused. There were many moments in this book that I loved and thought were fantastic, but then just as many moments where I felt confused. For that reason I rated a 3 ⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2025
3.5⭐️ 1🌶️
The Gloom Sundered was an intense story packed with a lot of plot all wrapped up in a standalone story. If I had to classify the genre, I would call this a dystopian story first and foremost, followed by a fantasy, then lastly a romance. The fantasy element was minimal so I would consider it a low fantasy, which is great for people looking for a read without needing to learn a whole new magic system. The romance was a bit of an afterthought, which is perfectly fine on my end and I think it was the right decision for this book, but it’s worth mentioning that romance is not the primary component of this story.
I enjoyed the writing style; while there was a decent amount of description and imagery, the story was also straightforward. It was a balance of blunt and detail that I felt was unique.
The story started a little slow and felt predictable from the beginning with the Gloom and the way that the Ambients oppressed the Stills. Some of the storyline was less predictable though, which kept it interesting. Overall, the pacing could have been improved throughout the book, and some transitions between scenes felt abrupt, as well as the ending.
TROPES
Plus size FMC
Why choose
Overcoming systemic oppression
Golden retriever MMC x soft & shy FMC
Friends to lovers
Dystopian
THEMES
The political messaging is very well done in this story! I loved the acknowledgement of the housing crisis, which is rarely mentioned so openly through fantasy. I also liked the mention of different classes and the notion of the upper classes having a “responsibility to support the lower classes” and the reality of it not being the case. It resonated a lot with the world we see today and I think readers will understand the message while still being able to escape into a different world from our own.
Being set in a dystopian society was a perfect fit for this book because of the level of messaging included in the narrative. I definitely prefer this as a dystopian story over a romantasy because the political discussion is the prominent component of the book, and it comprises most of the plot.
THE CHARACTERS
I especially enjoyed that the characters weren’t gifted with any powers and remained perfectly ordinary. This is SO in line with a dystopian story so I thought it fit the genre really well. It also stood out to me in a world where so many MCs are “the chosen one” gifted with unique powers. This feels more relatable to the average reader, and shows that anyone, any single person, has the power to make a difference in the world.
It was also nice to see Isalie as a soft and shy FMC and also as a plus-sized FMC. Those are things that aren’t as represented in fantasy so it was nice to see that someone with a more gentle personality can still speak for those in need and be plwerful, and that someone who may not have a perfectly fit physique can still be strong and be a fighter. Her growth is INCREDIBLE and she is a true powerhouse that I think anyone, regardless of their appearance, would look up to.
When you read the definition of a golden retriever MMC, Jentien appears. He’s optimistic, happy, and hopelessly oblivious to the point where you can’t help but laugh at how someone could be so blind to what’s right in front of them. He obviously serves a purpose of being someone who supports the status quo until his situation changes, and his character fits this perfectly. His growth is just as drastic as Isalie’s and I loved seeing him finally open his eyes so I could stop screaming at him over my book for being so blind!!!
THE WORLD
This is where I felt like it was just average. I loved the concept of the Gloom and thought that it was unique, but I did want a little bit more detail on how it worked as the characters learned more about it. Similarly, I felt like some of the Ambient’s powers weren’t as explained, specifically what types of powers they possessed and if specific powers are learned or passed down genetically or randomly developed. It seemed like some Ambients had different powers beyond just controlling the Gloom, while others were more ordinary, but overall I wanted more detail from this to better understand the magic system.
As for the world itself, I thought the description was sufficient. It could have been a bit more detailed to really immerse the reader in the world, but overall I thought it got the job done.
THE ROMANCE
I previously noted that the romance was a bit of an afterthought and I do think that is the case because the focus is so heavily on the dystopian society and the plot. I’m perfectly fine with that though! But for someone who wants a romance heavy story to swoon over, this one isn’t going to be it.
The connections between the characters do feel genuine but don’t have enough time on the page to feel like anything beyond insta-love. Even with Jentien and Isalie - once he realizes he has feelings it’s almost as if a switch turns on and it’s insta-love for him. We see the same with both Isalie and Celeste and eventually Jentien and Celeste as well.
I do see the characters balancing eachother out really well though and the romantic dynamic between the three of them works, I just wish it had more time to not feel like such a fast burn.
QUOTES:
*Note that quotes are from an Advanced Readers Copy. Please refer to the final publication for accuracy*
“Along the main road there were no signs of the people she knew were sleeping on the cobblestones just around the corner. It was a beautiful façade of a sparkling city hiding the desperate truth so many lived with.”
"It's possible that the Gloom could be changing, but why wouldn't the Ambient adapt to it, too? I think it's more likely to be neglect, or sabotage. Either they don't care as much about keeping us alive as they claim to, or they want to make sure we don't have the strength to change our circumstance."
"but maybe misery is the point. If we're focused on survival, we don't have the energy to question anything.”
"Is this how you've always felt?"
Her brows drew together, forming a wrinkle that made her confusion so adorable that it almost wiped out the fury that had been simmering in his soul since he'd arrived here. Almost.
"Like you're burning from the inside out, and you want to scream at everyone you see that they're slaves, that they need to wake up and fight. But you also know that the only thing that will come from it is your own punish-ment, so you keep quiet and watch everyone around you feed the system that's slowly killing us."
"I'm no Ambient, and I'm no warrior. I'm one of many oppressed by the Ambient, but I have the physical scars to prove it. They are my weapon." She leaned closer. "I could be anyone that has suffered. I will always be here, because I am the same as everyone here. And there are more of us than there are of you."
The Gloom Sundered was an intense story packed with a lot of plot all wrapped up in a standalone story. If I had to classify the genre, I would call this a dystopian story first and foremost, followed by a fantasy, then lastly a romance. The fantasy element was minimal so I would consider it a low fantasy, which is great for people looking for a read without needing to learn a whole new magic system. The romance was a bit of an afterthought, which is perfectly fine on my end and I think it was the right decision for this book, but it’s worth mentioning that romance is not the primary component of this story.
I enjoyed the writing style; while there was a decent amount of description and imagery, the story was also straightforward. It was a balance of blunt and detail that I felt was unique.
The story started a little slow and felt predictable from the beginning with the Gloom and the way that the Ambients oppressed the Stills. Some of the storyline was less predictable though, which kept it interesting. Overall, the pacing could have been improved throughout the book, and some transitions between scenes felt abrupt, as well as the ending.
TROPES
Plus size FMC
Why choose
Overcoming systemic oppression
Golden retriever MMC x soft & shy FMC
Friends to lovers
Dystopian
THEMES
The political messaging is very well done in this story! I loved the acknowledgement of the housing crisis, which is rarely mentioned so openly through fantasy. I also liked the mention of different classes and the notion of the upper classes having a “responsibility to support the lower classes” and the reality of it not being the case. It resonated a lot with the world we see today and I think readers will understand the message while still being able to escape into a different world from our own.
Being set in a dystopian society was a perfect fit for this book because of the level of messaging included in the narrative. I definitely prefer this as a dystopian story over a romantasy because the political discussion is the prominent component of the book, and it comprises most of the plot.
THE CHARACTERS
I especially enjoyed that the characters weren’t gifted with any powers and remained perfectly ordinary. This is SO in line with a dystopian story so I thought it fit the genre really well. It also stood out to me in a world where so many MCs are “the chosen one” gifted with unique powers. This feels more relatable to the average reader, and shows that anyone, any single person, has the power to make a difference in the world.
It was also nice to see Isalie as a soft and shy FMC and also as a plus-sized FMC. Those are things that aren’t as represented in fantasy so it was nice to see that someone with a more gentle personality can still speak for those in need and be plwerful, and that someone who may not have a perfectly fit physique can still be strong and be a fighter. Her growth is INCREDIBLE and she is a true powerhouse that I think anyone, regardless of their appearance, would look up to.
When you read the definition of a golden retriever MMC, Jentien appears. He’s optimistic, happy, and hopelessly oblivious to the point where you can’t help but laugh at how someone could be so blind to what’s right in front of them. He obviously serves a purpose of being someone who supports the status quo until his situation changes, and his character fits this perfectly. His growth is just as drastic as Isalie’s and I loved seeing him finally open his eyes so I could stop screaming at him over my book for being so blind!!!
THE WORLD
This is where I felt like it was just average. I loved the concept of the Gloom and thought that it was unique, but I did want a little bit more detail on how it worked as the characters learned more about it. Similarly, I felt like some of the Ambient’s powers weren’t as explained, specifically what types of powers they possessed and if specific powers are learned or passed down genetically or randomly developed. It seemed like some Ambients had different powers beyond just controlling the Gloom, while others were more ordinary, but overall I wanted more detail from this to better understand the magic system.
As for the world itself, I thought the description was sufficient. It could have been a bit more detailed to really immerse the reader in the world, but overall I thought it got the job done.
THE ROMANCE
I previously noted that the romance was a bit of an afterthought and I do think that is the case because the focus is so heavily on the dystopian society and the plot. I’m perfectly fine with that though! But for someone who wants a romance heavy story to swoon over, this one isn’t going to be it.
The connections between the characters do feel genuine but don’t have enough time on the page to feel like anything beyond insta-love. Even with Jentien and Isalie - once he realizes he has feelings it’s almost as if a switch turns on and it’s insta-love for him. We see the same with both Isalie and Celeste and eventually Jentien and Celeste as well.
I do see the characters balancing eachother out really well though and the romantic dynamic between the three of them works, I just wish it had more time to not feel like such a fast burn.
QUOTES:
*Note that quotes are from an Advanced Readers Copy. Please refer to the final publication for accuracy*
“Along the main road there were no signs of the people she knew were sleeping on the cobblestones just around the corner. It was a beautiful façade of a sparkling city hiding the desperate truth so many lived with.”
"It's possible that the Gloom could be changing, but why wouldn't the Ambient adapt to it, too? I think it's more likely to be neglect, or sabotage. Either they don't care as much about keeping us alive as they claim to, or they want to make sure we don't have the strength to change our circumstance."
"but maybe misery is the point. If we're focused on survival, we don't have the energy to question anything.”
"Is this how you've always felt?"
Her brows drew together, forming a wrinkle that made her confusion so adorable that it almost wiped out the fury that had been simmering in his soul since he'd arrived here. Almost.
"Like you're burning from the inside out, and you want to scream at everyone you see that they're slaves, that they need to wake up and fight. But you also know that the only thing that will come from it is your own punish-ment, so you keep quiet and watch everyone around you feed the system that's slowly killing us."
"I'm no Ambient, and I'm no warrior. I'm one of many oppressed by the Ambient, but I have the physical scars to prove it. They are my weapon." She leaned closer. "I could be anyone that has suffered. I will always be here, because I am the same as everyone here. And there are more of us than there are of you."
July 18, 2025
Thank you again the to author for sending me the Physical and Digital versions of The Gloom Sundered.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🌶️🌶️/5
What to expect:
✨Ordinary MCs in a Magical World
✨Plus-size FMC
✨Golden Retriever MMC
✨Friends to Lovers
✨Political Intrigue
✨Magic Storms
I need to talk about this book... no actually I need to scream about this book!! I just cannot stop thinking about how much I loved this book, the slow burn build up makes the epic ending so much richer and worth it, it was like a reward at the end. 🌟
The vivid world building pulled me in so fast that I didn't have a choice but to fall in love with it. I love a good book that not only has fantastic characters that stand out but also has a world so vivid that you can clearly picture it while reading.
Once I started I could not put it down! From the characters and their standout personalities, (Celeste is definitely a favorite) to the vivid and immersive world building I was instantly pulled into the story and invested in what was happening.
If you are looking for a story that is about standing up for what you believe in, that is about recognizing the power you have inside and just how strong a single voice can be to make a big movement, and how important power in numbers are when it comes to toppling oppression and fighting for equality... Then this is the book for you!
Yes there is romance involved (MFF), but I did not feel like the romance was the main plot of the story and the spice is a solid 🌶️🌶️: not closed door but also not overly descripted.
Favorite Highlights:
"Either they don’t care as much about keeping us alive as they claim to, or they want to make sure we don’t have the strength to change our circumstance.”
“Is this how you’ve always felt?”
“Like you’re burning from the inside out, and you want to scream at everyone you see that they’re slaves, that they need to wake up and fight. But you also know that the only thing that will come from it is your own punishment, so you keep quiet and watch everyone around you feed the system that’s slowly killing us."
“I’m no Ambient, and I’m no warrior. I’m one of many oppressed by the Ambient, but I have the physical scars to prove it. They are my weapon.”
“I could be anyone that has suffered. I will always be here, because I am the same as everyone here. And there are more of us than there are of you.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🌶️🌶️/5
What to expect:
✨Ordinary MCs in a Magical World
✨Plus-size FMC
✨Golden Retriever MMC
✨Friends to Lovers
✨Political Intrigue
✨Magic Storms
I need to talk about this book... no actually I need to scream about this book!! I just cannot stop thinking about how much I loved this book, the slow burn build up makes the epic ending so much richer and worth it, it was like a reward at the end. 🌟
The vivid world building pulled me in so fast that I didn't have a choice but to fall in love with it. I love a good book that not only has fantastic characters that stand out but also has a world so vivid that you can clearly picture it while reading.
Once I started I could not put it down! From the characters and their standout personalities, (Celeste is definitely a favorite) to the vivid and immersive world building I was instantly pulled into the story and invested in what was happening.
If you are looking for a story that is about standing up for what you believe in, that is about recognizing the power you have inside and just how strong a single voice can be to make a big movement, and how important power in numbers are when it comes to toppling oppression and fighting for equality... Then this is the book for you!
Yes there is romance involved (MFF), but I did not feel like the romance was the main plot of the story and the spice is a solid 🌶️🌶️: not closed door but also not overly descripted.
Favorite Highlights:
"Either they don’t care as much about keeping us alive as they claim to, or they want to make sure we don’t have the strength to change our circumstance.”
“Is this how you’ve always felt?”
“Like you’re burning from the inside out, and you want to scream at everyone you see that they’re slaves, that they need to wake up and fight. But you also know that the only thing that will come from it is your own punishment, so you keep quiet and watch everyone around you feed the system that’s slowly killing us."
“I’m no Ambient, and I’m no warrior. I’m one of many oppressed by the Ambient, but I have the physical scars to prove it. They are my weapon.”
“I could be anyone that has suffered. I will always be here, because I am the same as everyone here. And there are more of us than there are of you.”
June 23, 2025
In The Gloom Sundered: A Tale of Celuthia Dana C, Brenston takes readers on a side path of The Ambience Series. In this novel, we learn about the area we are first introduced to at the end of Provenance of Power.
The Gloom is destroying Vortheim. The Gloom is composed of storms of unpredictable magic that ravage the continent, swallowing anything and anyone that crosses its path. The only thing that ever emerges are enhanced creatures that wreak havoc on the land. Jentien Themori has a talent for battling these beasts, and his best friend Isalie Wylshard is always by his side. She is a is a Still, an ordinary woman meant to serve the Ambient, an elite class of people who are the only one with magic to fight the gloom. But she refuses to be a servant, and when the two join a scientific group tracking the Gloom need to hire protect the two are eager to help. But they are sucked into the Gloom and Isalie finds herself alone in a city that treats people like her as chattel. Then she meets Celeste, an inventor who wants to help the Stills. Isalie learns that Stills are going missing, the Ambients’ protection is wearing thin, and that it is now Isalie’s time to show what she was really made for.
I enjoyed this story. First, I loved that Brentson turned the love triangle on its head. It’s different, and you don’t see it coming. I always love when authors throw a wrench in a trope. [Edit: I have now learned there is a trope name for this. I didn’t know this as I’ve not come across it, nor do I follow books for tropes.] I also love how the revolution has so many strong women on the front lines. There isn’t a token perfect warrior: each character has their talents, and they work together to accomplish their goals. I also loved to see a strong man willing to support the women and encouraging others to do so. Moreover, I love how every day people realize the power they have, as it gives me hope in such trying times.
The world-building continues to be strong in this third entry of The Ambience Series. The readers have only had a glimpse of Vortheim, and that is after the events of the second book. Brentson beautifully shows the land, cities, clothing, and people, building a rich history of the area. This book was easier to read than the last two, showing that the author continues to sharpen her skills with each book. Also, the book cover is gorgeous and on theme. A+
The Gloom Sundered was a fun trek into a world that first started in Her Latent Charm and set up for an exciting follow-up book.
I received an ARC from the author for review; all opinions are my own.
The Gloom is destroying Vortheim. The Gloom is composed of storms of unpredictable magic that ravage the continent, swallowing anything and anyone that crosses its path. The only thing that ever emerges are enhanced creatures that wreak havoc on the land. Jentien Themori has a talent for battling these beasts, and his best friend Isalie Wylshard is always by his side. She is a is a Still, an ordinary woman meant to serve the Ambient, an elite class of people who are the only one with magic to fight the gloom. But she refuses to be a servant, and when the two join a scientific group tracking the Gloom need to hire protect the two are eager to help. But they are sucked into the Gloom and Isalie finds herself alone in a city that treats people like her as chattel. Then she meets Celeste, an inventor who wants to help the Stills. Isalie learns that Stills are going missing, the Ambients’ protection is wearing thin, and that it is now Isalie’s time to show what she was really made for.
I enjoyed this story. First, I loved that Brentson turned the love triangle on its head. It’s different, and you don’t see it coming. I always love when authors throw a wrench in a trope. [Edit: I have now learned there is a trope name for this. I didn’t know this as I’ve not come across it, nor do I follow books for tropes.] I also love how the revolution has so many strong women on the front lines. There isn’t a token perfect warrior: each character has their talents, and they work together to accomplish their goals. I also loved to see a strong man willing to support the women and encouraging others to do so. Moreover, I love how every day people realize the power they have, as it gives me hope in such trying times.
The world-building continues to be strong in this third entry of The Ambience Series. The readers have only had a glimpse of Vortheim, and that is after the events of the second book. Brentson beautifully shows the land, cities, clothing, and people, building a rich history of the area. This book was easier to read than the last two, showing that the author continues to sharpen her skills with each book. Also, the book cover is gorgeous and on theme. A+
The Gloom Sundered was a fun trek into a world that first started in Her Latent Charm and set up for an exciting follow-up book.
I received an ARC from the author for review; all opinions are my own.
June 19, 2025
Note: Although this is a standalone novel, reading the previous two novels in the Ambient series helps with background knowledge of the magical system.
I really really enjoyed reading this story! We were first introduced to the concept of the Gloom in Provenance of Power, and it was fascinating to see it from this other viewpoint. While Her Latent Charm and Provenance of Power both focused on the Ambient (those with magic), The Gloom Sundered focused on the Stills (those without magic) and how their lives have been irrevocably affected by magic.
Isalie and Jentien have been best friends since a young age, and Isalie has been in love with Jentien almost as long. But his focus has been on protecting the people around them, and hasn't noticed.... until it seems like it's too late.
Their travelling group ends up caught in the Gloom, and both Isalie and Jentien are rescued - but taken to different parts of Olueni, and neither knows the other has survived. They struggle to create new lives for themselves, while also trying to stay alive with the threat of the Gloom hanging over them.
It was wonderful to see an FMC that breaks the mold of a lot of fantasy stories. She's not a tiny thing, suddenly growing into her powers. Isalie is plus-sized, and strong of character right from the start. It was riveting to see her fully leap into her inner strength and stand up for those that are 'less fortunate' (aka without magic).
I also really enjoyed the Why Choose aspect; I'm a sucker for a why choose, and I really loved this FFM grouping. The three personalities really balanced one another, and worked well together for the rebellion.
"For everyone who feels like their voice can't make a difference, that you're shouting from the void. I hear you."
I am really looking forward to seeing what happens in the next instalment!!!
Thank you so much to Dana for the eARC! My opinions are my own.
I really really enjoyed reading this story! We were first introduced to the concept of the Gloom in Provenance of Power, and it was fascinating to see it from this other viewpoint. While Her Latent Charm and Provenance of Power both focused on the Ambient (those with magic), The Gloom Sundered focused on the Stills (those without magic) and how their lives have been irrevocably affected by magic.
Isalie and Jentien have been best friends since a young age, and Isalie has been in love with Jentien almost as long. But his focus has been on protecting the people around them, and hasn't noticed.... until it seems like it's too late.
Their travelling group ends up caught in the Gloom, and both Isalie and Jentien are rescued - but taken to different parts of Olueni, and neither knows the other has survived. They struggle to create new lives for themselves, while also trying to stay alive with the threat of the Gloom hanging over them.
It was wonderful to see an FMC that breaks the mold of a lot of fantasy stories. She's not a tiny thing, suddenly growing into her powers. Isalie is plus-sized, and strong of character right from the start. It was riveting to see her fully leap into her inner strength and stand up for those that are 'less fortunate' (aka without magic).
I also really enjoyed the Why Choose aspect; I'm a sucker for a why choose, and I really loved this FFM grouping. The three personalities really balanced one another, and worked well together for the rebellion.
"For everyone who feels like their voice can't make a difference, that you're shouting from the void. I hear you."
I am really looking forward to seeing what happens in the next instalment!!!
Thank you so much to Dana for the eARC! My opinions are my own.
June 17, 2025
Note: I received an ARC of this novel and was asked to leave my honest review. My review may include spoilers, so please read at your own risk if you plan on reading this book!
Spice level: 2/5
Things I liked:
Queer character(s)
Political/class divide
Friends to lovers
Strangers to lovers
Why choose
"You got my back, I got yours"
Dystopian
Fantasy world but normal characters
Romance was not entirely the focus
Things I wasn't a fan of:
MMC and FMC seemed younger than mentioned
MMC and his lack of awareness for FMC until poop hits the fan
-- MMC being utterly obsessed and broken for FMC because poop hit the fan
MMC and FMC growing up together in the same household
MMC abandoning all things to be with and do what he can for FMC, despite the opposing sides they're on
Supporting FC was very quick to accept MMC into their relationship
Unfortunately, it didn't entirely catch me attention for about half the book. However, I stuck it through because I was committed at that point. I did feel that MMC was a bit too eager after discovering FMC was alive, and did not hesitate of the consequences of his actions IF he were caught.
I also felt how the supporting FC accepting MMC into their relationship was such a quick burn. However, once it was established, the balance worked well between the three of them.
I do wished there was more world building. I wanted to know more about the spires. I wanted to know more about the history of the Malachi. Who or what is the Malachi? There was a lot left unspoken that I felt could have helped enrich the story.
Overall, the story was a nice little mental getaway for me when I could sit down to actually read it.
Spice level: 2/5
Things I liked:
Queer character(s)
Political/class divide
Friends to lovers
Strangers to lovers
Why choose
"You got my back, I got yours"
Dystopian
Fantasy world but normal characters
Romance was not entirely the focus
Things I wasn't a fan of:
MMC and FMC seemed younger than mentioned
MMC and his lack of awareness for FMC until poop hits the fan
-- MMC being utterly obsessed and broken for FMC because poop hit the fan
MMC and FMC growing up together in the same household
MMC abandoning all things to be with and do what he can for FMC, despite the opposing sides they're on
Supporting FC was very quick to accept MMC into their relationship
Unfortunately, it didn't entirely catch me attention for about half the book. However, I stuck it through because I was committed at that point. I did feel that MMC was a bit too eager after discovering FMC was alive, and did not hesitate of the consequences of his actions IF he were caught.
I also felt how the supporting FC accepting MMC into their relationship was such a quick burn. However, once it was established, the balance worked well between the three of them.
I do wished there was more world building. I wanted to know more about the spires. I wanted to know more about the history of the Malachi. Who or what is the Malachi? There was a lot left unspoken that I felt could have helped enrich the story.
Overall, the story was a nice little mental getaway for me when I could sit down to actually read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2025
I love dystopian worlds, and this one was very unique. In this world, you have magical abilities (Ambient) or are completely normal (Stills). It was interesting and refreshing to see a fantasy novel where the main characters are all Stills.
Isalie has been in love with Jentien since they were kids. He is perfect to her. Jentien doesn't see her this way. He is completely focused on saving people from the giant, poisonous cloud covering parts of the world called The Gloom. We don't know much about it, but anyone that goes near it doesn't come back. There are special monsters that inhabit it, and the Ambients are studying it.
When the two of them are caught in the cloud, they pass out and wake up in an unknown city. Isalie is told that she is the only survivor and is put to work in the lower city where the rain burns and she is being worked to death. Jentien awakes to the same news, but he is living a nice life in the upper part of the city.
When Isalie falls into the good graces of a rebellion group, she decides to join them and fight to save all the Stills.
Will they be able to find each other, or will other things get in the way?
Overall, I enjoyed this book. The beginning was a little slow for my taste, but it does pick up. I wanted more time spent on the romance aspect of the story. It felt a little weirdly timed. Some things simply happen really fast and don't make sense. Still very enjoyable and found myself laughing and crying during the read. Im excited to see what book 2 brings!
Isalie has been in love with Jentien since they were kids. He is perfect to her. Jentien doesn't see her this way. He is completely focused on saving people from the giant, poisonous cloud covering parts of the world called The Gloom. We don't know much about it, but anyone that goes near it doesn't come back. There are special monsters that inhabit it, and the Ambients are studying it.
When the two of them are caught in the cloud, they pass out and wake up in an unknown city. Isalie is told that she is the only survivor and is put to work in the lower city where the rain burns and she is being worked to death. Jentien awakes to the same news, but he is living a nice life in the upper part of the city.
When Isalie falls into the good graces of a rebellion group, she decides to join them and fight to save all the Stills.
Will they be able to find each other, or will other things get in the way?
Overall, I enjoyed this book. The beginning was a little slow for my taste, but it does pick up. I wanted more time spent on the romance aspect of the story. It felt a little weirdly timed. Some things simply happen really fast and don't make sense. Still very enjoyable and found myself laughing and crying during the read. Im excited to see what book 2 brings!
July 5, 2025
🌪️The Gloom Sundered @dcbrentsonauthor is officially OUT NOW and ready to wreck your TBR (and your emotions) in the best possible way. 🖤📚
This dystopian fantasy delivers magic, mayhem, and major feels with a twisty plot and characters you’ll be rooting for all the way through the storm.
⚡️ Ordinary MCs in a magical world ⚡️ Plus-size FMC who quietly becomes a powerhouse ⚡️ Golden retriever MMC who’s adorably oblivious (until he’s not 👀) ⚡️ Friends to lovers (with years of tension, hello??) ⚡️ Why Choose spicy romance that burns and heals ⚡️ A world ravaged by magical storms (aka: The Gloom) ⚡️ Political rebellion, found family, and subtle but powerful social commentary
📍Set in a society where magic means status and being ordinary means disposable, Isalie Wylshard is soft spoken and underestimated but when her world cracks open, she rises like the storm itself. This isn’t just fantasy. This is revolution in slow, burning motion.
🔥 “I could be anyone that has suffered… And there are more of us than there are of you.” 🔥
✨ “I’m no Ambient, and I’m no warrior. I could be anyone that has suffered… And there are more of us than there are of you.” ✨
Trust me, this one is a storm you’ll want to get swept up in.
This book goes HARD on worldbuilding, character growth, and quiet, ferocious resilience.
If you love dystopians that don’t sugarcoat survival but still celebrate hope, love, and rebellion, you’re going to devour this.
💥 Available NOW on Amazon! Don’t wait. The Gloom is already rising… and Isalie’s ready to face it.
This dystopian fantasy delivers magic, mayhem, and major feels with a twisty plot and characters you’ll be rooting for all the way through the storm.
⚡️ Ordinary MCs in a magical world ⚡️ Plus-size FMC who quietly becomes a powerhouse ⚡️ Golden retriever MMC who’s adorably oblivious (until he’s not 👀) ⚡️ Friends to lovers (with years of tension, hello??) ⚡️ Why Choose spicy romance that burns and heals ⚡️ A world ravaged by magical storms (aka: The Gloom) ⚡️ Political rebellion, found family, and subtle but powerful social commentary
📍Set in a society where magic means status and being ordinary means disposable, Isalie Wylshard is soft spoken and underestimated but when her world cracks open, she rises like the storm itself. This isn’t just fantasy. This is revolution in slow, burning motion.
🔥 “I could be anyone that has suffered… And there are more of us than there are of you.” 🔥
✨ “I’m no Ambient, and I’m no warrior. I could be anyone that has suffered… And there are more of us than there are of you.” ✨
Trust me, this one is a storm you’ll want to get swept up in.
This book goes HARD on worldbuilding, character growth, and quiet, ferocious resilience.
If you love dystopians that don’t sugarcoat survival but still celebrate hope, love, and rebellion, you’re going to devour this.
💥 Available NOW on Amazon! Don’t wait. The Gloom is already rising… and Isalie’s ready to face it.
June 20, 2025
The Gloom Sundered by Dana Brentson is an immersive, eerie tale filled with shadowy magic, morally gray characters, and a world teetering on the edge of ruin. Brentson's writing is lush and evocative, painting a vivid, unsettling landscape that feels like a character in itself. I was drawn in by the creeping tension and the layered mystery that unfolds at a perfect, steady pace.
The protagonist is compelling — flawed, fierce, and navigating impossible choices in a world where trust is a dangerous luxury. I loved the way the author balanced moments of tenderness and humanity against the ever-present gloom and danger. The side characters were intriguing, though I do wish a couple of them had been developed a bit more fully.
My only critique is that the world-building, while beautifully atmospheric, could occasionally feel a little dense or confusing in places. I would have loved a touch more clarity about the lore and political undercurrents early on. That said, by the halfway mark, I was fully invested and didn't want to put it down.
Overall, The Gloom Sundered is a beautifully dark and emotionally charged fantasy, perfect for readers who love morally complex characters, high stakes, and an undercurrent of creeping dread. I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel — that ending left me hungry for more!
Recommended for fans of dark fantasy, character-driven stories, and lushly written, shadowy worlds.
The protagonist is compelling — flawed, fierce, and navigating impossible choices in a world where trust is a dangerous luxury. I loved the way the author balanced moments of tenderness and humanity against the ever-present gloom and danger. The side characters were intriguing, though I do wish a couple of them had been developed a bit more fully.
My only critique is that the world-building, while beautifully atmospheric, could occasionally feel a little dense or confusing in places. I would have loved a touch more clarity about the lore and political undercurrents early on. That said, by the halfway mark, I was fully invested and didn't want to put it down.
Overall, The Gloom Sundered is a beautifully dark and emotionally charged fantasy, perfect for readers who love morally complex characters, high stakes, and an undercurrent of creeping dread. I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel — that ending left me hungry for more!
Recommended for fans of dark fantasy, character-driven stories, and lushly written, shadowy worlds.
June 21, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this! I immediately fell in love with the entire concept of the Gloom, the Ambient, and the Stills and thought the world building was adequate. After finding out that this is a standalone but has two other novels prior to this had me wishing I read the first two before this one. I think it would have added much more to the story than just reading on its own. So much to the point that this could have been a five star read has I read the others first.
I loved our plus-sized FMC. Her development and arc was absolutely thrilling and I loved to join her and her growing confidence. I also loved the FFM relationship and couldn’t get enough of the why choose element! Jentien initially had me eye rolling him at his complete obtuseness but there were hints that of what he felt for his best friend leading up to his realization that he’s loved her all along (I love a best friends to lovers trope!) Celeste was fantastic and I felt she added more depth and fun to the story (and not in the cliche, gratuitous way).
The political intrigue was the best in this story and is what has me hooked from the beginning. I’m a big fan of this and also loved the Shadow and Bone vibes!
Great read! Now I’m on to reading the other two! Thank you so much to Dana for sending me my own copy with character art and stickers! This was an awesome surprise (and in no way altered my opinion/review).
I loved our plus-sized FMC. Her development and arc was absolutely thrilling and I loved to join her and her growing confidence. I also loved the FFM relationship and couldn’t get enough of the why choose element! Jentien initially had me eye rolling him at his complete obtuseness but there were hints that of what he felt for his best friend leading up to his realization that he’s loved her all along (I love a best friends to lovers trope!) Celeste was fantastic and I felt she added more depth and fun to the story (and not in the cliche, gratuitous way).
The political intrigue was the best in this story and is what has me hooked from the beginning. I’m a big fan of this and also loved the Shadow and Bone vibes!
Great read! Now I’m on to reading the other two! Thank you so much to Dana for sending me my own copy with character art and stickers! This was an awesome surprise (and in no way altered my opinion/review).
June 1, 2025
Let's start off with the dedication and the beginning of this book:
"For everyone who feels like their voice can't make a difference, that you're shouting into the void. I hear you."
MAKE NOTE THAT:
This book is an adult fantasy novel. Some Content may not be suitable for all readers Violence (gore, death, blood, mutilation, physical assault, torture) Drowning Imprisonment Grief, anxiety Explicit sexual content (female-female, female-male, female-male-female)Discrimination, segregation, Drug use, and Human experimentation.
This was a very interesting read for me. There was social class divisions netween the stills, regular humans and the ambients, those with powers. The ambients have the ability to defend against The Gloom, magical storms that cause harm.
I thought the world building in this book was good. I enjoyed the main and side characters. Its almost like a world with the haves and have nots. Theres good and evil. You also get a small glimpse of romance. I loved watching the growth and evolution of our FMC. I love when the cast of characters begin to give each other the strength that they need to fight back against those that are in power.
For having never read a book by this author, I really enjoyed this story line. I'd be interested in reading more books by the author.
"For everyone who feels like their voice can't make a difference, that you're shouting into the void. I hear you."
MAKE NOTE THAT:
This book is an adult fantasy novel. Some Content may not be suitable for all readers Violence (gore, death, blood, mutilation, physical assault, torture) Drowning Imprisonment Grief, anxiety Explicit sexual content (female-female, female-male, female-male-female)Discrimination, segregation, Drug use, and Human experimentation.
This was a very interesting read for me. There was social class divisions netween the stills, regular humans and the ambients, those with powers. The ambients have the ability to defend against The Gloom, magical storms that cause harm.
I thought the world building in this book was good. I enjoyed the main and side characters. Its almost like a world with the haves and have nots. Theres good and evil. You also get a small glimpse of romance. I loved watching the growth and evolution of our FMC. I love when the cast of characters begin to give each other the strength that they need to fight back against those that are in power.
For having never read a book by this author, I really enjoyed this story line. I'd be interested in reading more books by the author.
June 23, 2025
The Gloom Sundered: A Tale of Celuthia
By Dana C. Brenton
Dystopian Fantasy
ARC Review- Honest Thoughts Ahead
3🌟
3🌶️
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of The Gloom Sundered, and I went into it with high hopes. The premise immediately drew me in: a relentless storm tearing through the land, with only a small, determined group standing in its path. Add a female main character who doesn’t feel at home in the role she’s been forced into, and I was hooked. The concept had real potential to deliver a dark, atmospheric fantasy full of emotional depth and action.
While I truly loved the idea of this book, the execution didn’t quite land for me. There were moments that felt stagnant, and I found myself waiting for the story to pick up. The pacing in certain areas felt slow, which made it hard for me to stay fully immersed.
That said, this might come down to personal taste. Readers who enjoy slow-burn narratives, introspective characters, and moody, world-driven fantasy may find something to love here. Even though it wasn’t quite the right fit for me, The Gloom Sundered could definitely resonate with others.
Ultimately, I appreciated the originality behind the plot, and I’m still glad I had the chance to read it early. If the themes and setting appeal to you, I encourage you to give it a try!
By Dana C. Brenton
Dystopian Fantasy
ARC Review- Honest Thoughts Ahead
3🌟
3🌶️
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of The Gloom Sundered, and I went into it with high hopes. The premise immediately drew me in: a relentless storm tearing through the land, with only a small, determined group standing in its path. Add a female main character who doesn’t feel at home in the role she’s been forced into, and I was hooked. The concept had real potential to deliver a dark, atmospheric fantasy full of emotional depth and action.
While I truly loved the idea of this book, the execution didn’t quite land for me. There were moments that felt stagnant, and I found myself waiting for the story to pick up. The pacing in certain areas felt slow, which made it hard for me to stay fully immersed.
That said, this might come down to personal taste. Readers who enjoy slow-burn narratives, introspective characters, and moody, world-driven fantasy may find something to love here. Even though it wasn’t quite the right fit for me, The Gloom Sundered could definitely resonate with others.
Ultimately, I appreciated the originality behind the plot, and I’m still glad I had the chance to read it early. If the themes and setting appeal to you, I encourage you to give it a try!
July 7, 2025
This book is such an amazing dystopian read! I loved the world building and creation in this book!
Iz:
• A curvaceous FMC who finds her voice
• An amazing cook and can make food out of anything
• Sort of a wallflower and goes unnoticed by people who are "above her"
• Is in love with her childhood best friend, Jentien (Jen)
• Afraid of tunnels
Jentien:
• He is kinda like a jock but is a Sentinel for his city
• A bit of a space case with Iz's feelings and realizing he feels the same
• His goal is to protect Iz and make sure she gets home safe
• Comforting vibes
Book Review:
• 3-3.5 ⭐️ this is due to it being slow going and hard to follow along at points when it swaps who is speaking, as it is spoken in 3rd pov.
•Dystopian vibes with killer storms and people who have powers and those who are called Stills who don't.
•Having to find yourself in the midst of grief and finding the sliver lining as well vibes
• Spice level 1, has some descriptive words and scenes. Also describes a polyamorous relationship between Iz, Jen, and Celeste.
•Creating a new family and community vibes.
I did receive an ARC copy this review is my genuine thoughts and feelings💜
Iz:
• A curvaceous FMC who finds her voice
• An amazing cook and can make food out of anything
• Sort of a wallflower and goes unnoticed by people who are "above her"
• Is in love with her childhood best friend, Jentien (Jen)
• Afraid of tunnels
Jentien:
• He is kinda like a jock but is a Sentinel for his city
• A bit of a space case with Iz's feelings and realizing he feels the same
• His goal is to protect Iz and make sure she gets home safe
• Comforting vibes
Book Review:
• 3-3.5 ⭐️ this is due to it being slow going and hard to follow along at points when it swaps who is speaking, as it is spoken in 3rd pov.
•Dystopian vibes with killer storms and people who have powers and those who are called Stills who don't.
•Having to find yourself in the midst of grief and finding the sliver lining as well vibes
• Spice level 1, has some descriptive words and scenes. Also describes a polyamorous relationship between Iz, Jen, and Celeste.
•Creating a new family and community vibes.
I did receive an ARC copy this review is my genuine thoughts and feelings💜
Read
June 2, 2025“The Gloom Sundered” pleasantly surprised me with the chemistry that was portrayed in the FMC x MMC x FC dynamic. But to be transparent, I DMFed this at 55%. Although the relationships were interesting to see unfold, I found myself consistently checking my percent progress after getting through 1/3 of the book. I believe this book truly just did not speak to me, BUT it did give me interest in reading the author’s future works. I love romantasy, but I just couldn’t really immerse myself in the plot and felt as though MMC’s character felt a bit flat (though, I did not complete the book so maybe there was more character development). I will say that I was worried how the FMC x other female character would be portrayed as a bi woman and can say it was amazing!! I truly loved the other female character and enjoyed how organically everything unfolded— so if you were worried about that aspect, rest assured there is no pretty competition over the MMC’s attention or anything ridiculous. Their relationship dynamic was handled tastefully.
Thank you to Dana C Brentson for this eARC!
Thank you to Dana C Brentson for this eARC!
June 20, 2025
The Gloom Sundered has a lot of things I love—friends to lovers, secret pining, a plus-size heroine discovering her own desires, magic, and political intrigue. Isalie is just a plain human living in a world filled with dangerous magic, but that doesn’t stop her from fighting back and makes her a strong underdog character to root for. I loved her bisexual awakening and her journey to become an independent character in her own right. My favorite character was definitely Celeste—a confident, established leader whose open interest in Isalie was a total scene-stealer. Jentien didn’t fully win me over as a romantic lead, but I can’t deny the solid bond and history he shared with Isalie.
While some twists were a bit predictable, the world was still super engaging. I’m not usually big on why-choose romances, mostly because I end up biased toward one character (guilty again), but this one was still a fun ride. Definitely worth picking up if you like magical storms, queer awakenings, and heroines who don’t follow the rules.
While some twists were a bit predictable, the world was still super engaging. I’m not usually big on why-choose romances, mostly because I end up biased toward one character (guilty again), but this one was still a fun ride. Definitely worth picking up if you like magical storms, queer awakenings, and heroines who don’t follow the rules.
June 17, 2025
The Gloom Sundered pulled me in with its rich world-building, intense magic storms, and unforgettable characters. Jentien was hands-down my favorite—brave, complex, and so compelling. I loved the dynamic between Isalie, Jentien, and Celeste; it was full of tension, heart, and the kind of layered emotions that stick with you.
Even when I had to set the book down, I found myself thinking about it—wondering what would happen next and itching to return to the story. It definitely gave me some Shadow and Bone vibes in the best way, with its powerful magic, high-stakes conflict, and looming darkness.
I’m looking forward to returning to this world and exploring more of these characters’ journeys. This was a strong start with plenty of potential for what’s to come.
⚡️Ordinary MCs in a Magical World
✨Plus-size FMC
⚡️Golden Retriever MMC
✨Friends to Lovers
⚡️Why Choose Spicy Romance
✨Political Intrigue
⚡️Magic Storms
Thank you to the author and R&R Book Tour sending me a physical copy! 🥰🫶🏼
Even when I had to set the book down, I found myself thinking about it—wondering what would happen next and itching to return to the story. It definitely gave me some Shadow and Bone vibes in the best way, with its powerful magic, high-stakes conflict, and looming darkness.
I’m looking forward to returning to this world and exploring more of these characters’ journeys. This was a strong start with plenty of potential for what’s to come.
⚡️Ordinary MCs in a Magical World
✨Plus-size FMC
⚡️Golden Retriever MMC
✨Friends to Lovers
⚡️Why Choose Spicy Romance
✨Political Intrigue
⚡️Magic Storms
Thank you to the author and R&R Book Tour sending me a physical copy! 🥰🫶🏼
June 1, 2025
I was an ARC reader for this book and received and early access ebook from the author.
I enjoyed the story about magical storms called gloom, magic users referred to as ambient, and non magic users referred to as stills. The story is an introduction to the world and the class inequities between ambient and stills with a bit of unrequited love, acceptance of self, and learning to believe in oneself. I enjoyed the story, but I was constantly wanting more detail. I would have liked to have more in depth descriptions of the landscape and locations, more inner dialogue or descriptions about how characters were feeling to better connect with the characters. I did enjoy having a FMC who is realistic in appearance compared with me and relatable in her battle of self worth.
This book is a very light read with an interesting story. I would not reread it or own a physical copy.
I enjoyed the story about magical storms called gloom, magic users referred to as ambient, and non magic users referred to as stills. The story is an introduction to the world and the class inequities between ambient and stills with a bit of unrequited love, acceptance of self, and learning to believe in oneself. I enjoyed the story, but I was constantly wanting more detail. I would have liked to have more in depth descriptions of the landscape and locations, more inner dialogue or descriptions about how characters were feeling to better connect with the characters. I did enjoy having a FMC who is realistic in appearance compared with me and relatable in her battle of self worth.
This book is a very light read with an interesting story. I would not reread it or own a physical copy.
June 19, 2025
The Gloom Sundered is a adult fantasy written by Dana C Brentson. This book involves so much first off. There is a three way love triangle in this book and you need to be comfy with that if you want to finish the book. The story revolves around our characters Iz and Jen who are both best friends who are fighting the Gloom which is destroying Vortheim. Iz is hoping there would be more with Jen since she has loved him for a very long time. However one day Iz and Jen fall into a lost city named Olunei. The story is engaging from the beginning as you are left wondering if Jen and Iz will ever get together or what will happen with the Gloom and will they ever return to their own city? The ending wraps up this book nicely with of course leaving the story open for more books in the future. I will be reading more of the series in the next book!
June 20, 2025
I received an ARC of this book.
So. I liked the premise of this book and the magic system is unique but I’m still not quite sure how it exactly works.
The first 60% of the book was pretty slow, but the story itself is very well-written. It just wasn’t a book I found myself wanting to reach for. The author does an amazing job building the world and really letting you get to know the characters. They build the conflict beautifully and made the villains very villain-y. I hated the Ambient right along with Isalie, Celeste, and Jentien. The resolution was intense and both predictable and unexpected at the same time. I can’t quite put my finger on why this story as a whole didn’t resonate with me, but it didn’t and that’s okay. It is still a beautifully written dystopian fantasy book.
So. I liked the premise of this book and the magic system is unique but I’m still not quite sure how it exactly works.
The first 60% of the book was pretty slow, but the story itself is very well-written. It just wasn’t a book I found myself wanting to reach for. The author does an amazing job building the world and really letting you get to know the characters. They build the conflict beautifully and made the villains very villain-y. I hated the Ambient right along with Isalie, Celeste, and Jentien. The resolution was intense and both predictable and unexpected at the same time. I can’t quite put my finger on why this story as a whole didn’t resonate with me, but it didn’t and that’s okay. It is still a beautifully written dystopian fantasy book.
Read
June 25, 2025DNF
The story had an interesting premise, especially with its exploration of class dynamics, and magic but overall, it didn’t fully land for me.
The transitions between scenes and character POVs felt awkward and jarring at times, which made it hard to stay engaged. The emotional connection between the characters leaned more toward lust than love, and unfortunately, the story didn’t succeed in making me feel anything for the characters.
By the time I reached the 75% mark, I found myself getting bored even when the characters were being harmed, I felt nothing.
A solid concept, but lacking in emotional depth and execution.
Thank you Dana Brentson for providing me this ARC in exchange for my honest review
The story had an interesting premise, especially with its exploration of class dynamics, and magic but overall, it didn’t fully land for me.
The transitions between scenes and character POVs felt awkward and jarring at times, which made it hard to stay engaged. The emotional connection between the characters leaned more toward lust than love, and unfortunately, the story didn’t succeed in making me feel anything for the characters.
By the time I reached the 75% mark, I found myself getting bored even when the characters were being harmed, I felt nothing.
A solid concept, but lacking in emotional depth and execution.
Thank you Dana Brentson for providing me this ARC in exchange for my honest review
May 23, 2025
This was a great adventure! I'm loving the world that was created, and the characters are interesting. There is rebellion, and acid like rains, people learning to survive while the other side lives in luxury. There's a why choose threesome, and I've gotta say, I never expect the first love/crush to be the one they end up with, but it happened here, and it was wonderful! Mysterious monsters from the gloom, and an evil mistress (who I don't know why, but everytime I read her name, I pictured the evil stepmother from Cinderella 😆 even though shes not described like her in any way. lol!). This story had a little bit of everything you'd like in a romantasy, and I enjoyed it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2025
Another story from the land of Celuthia, it was really interesting reading a new perspective after Her Latent Charm and Provenance Of Power (both of which I loved) well worth the read!!
FMC Isalie goes from always following behind to finding her inner strength and becomes the one those around her look to. With her loves by her side, she is finally able to stand against those in power - and uncovers secrets no one could have seen coming
Big thank you to @dcbrentsonauthor for another arc opportunity!
FMC Isalie goes from always following behind to finding her inner strength and becomes the one those around her look to. With her loves by her side, she is finally able to stand against those in power - and uncovers secrets no one could have seen coming
Big thank you to @dcbrentsonauthor for another arc opportunity!
June 3, 2025
Thank you for giving me an opportunity to read the early arc, im really glad I did—it’s a unique blend of dystopian themes, quiet fantasy, and heartfelt character growth.
The story centers around Isalie, a soft-spoken heroine who breaks the mold in all the right ways. Her journey from overlooked to powerful was one of my favorite parts. I really liked the gloom concept, i felt it was a cool one. The story also says about friendships, romance and the deep bond between Isalie and Jentien. Overall i enjoyed the read.
The story centers around Isalie, a soft-spoken heroine who breaks the mold in all the right ways. Her journey from overlooked to powerful was one of my favorite parts. I really liked the gloom concept, i felt it was a cool one. The story also says about friendships, romance and the deep bond between Isalie and Jentien. Overall i enjoyed the read.
May 25, 2025
This is 3.5 stars.
I love the idea and premise of this. I loved the first 35% of it but sadly, it felt a little flat towards the end. It didn’t feel like it needed to be this long at all but I did like the characters. I also didn’t think the polyamory thing was necessary, though I do appreciate it.
I would have preferred more world building. It didn’t feel super fleshed out but maybe that’s my fault for not reading other books by this author first.
I love the idea and premise of this. I loved the first 35% of it but sadly, it felt a little flat towards the end. It didn’t feel like it needed to be this long at all but I did like the characters. I also didn’t think the polyamory thing was necessary, though I do appreciate it.
I would have preferred more world building. It didn’t feel super fleshed out but maybe that’s my fault for not reading other books by this author first.
June 7, 2025
I thought that this was a really interesting story filled with a bit of romance, magic, mystery, and betrayal. The friends-to-lovers was super sweet and threw in the why choose trope as well. I appreciated and related to the plus size FMC! There were a couple of times I was worried for our main characters; there were multiple POVs, which I enjoyed as well. I thought the last 100 pages were a bit drawn out, but overall, it was a good read!
June 13, 2025
I enjoyed the storyline of this book.
Everything flowed well. I was kept hooked throughout.
I can't wait to see where Dana takes these characters next.
Everything flowed well. I was kept hooked throughout.
I can't wait to see where Dana takes these characters next.
June 20, 2025
The Good was a cool idea to play with. I love exploring new concepts and this is the first book I've read about this magic-created storm with this crazy burning rain. I have to say I often didn't know where this story was going, which as a reader is quite exciting. I enjoyed following the FMC through her ups and downs, where her superpower is being quite ordinary. Where the book ends has me curious about where they all end up!
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