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Where Darkness Falls

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DARKNESS CAN’T REMAIN HIDDEN.

At fifteen, Maeva is found wandering the streets of Aurelius covered in blood and with no prior memories of her past. The only clue to where she came from is a golden pendant that she wears around her neck. Now, ten years have passed and Maeva has been adopted into a loving family. However, just when everything in her life seems to rebuild, unexpected tragedy strikes—tearing the only reality she has ever known apart. This lands her in the company of the High General Emyr and his Cadre.

High General Emyr is known across Celestae for his dark reputation as lead enforcer for the wicked King Tiernan. When Emyr is forced to summon Maeva to the Palace of Nightmares, the two find themselves as unlikely allies—especially when the king sends them on a perilous quest to find the Crógemma, an ancient artifact that only Maeva can retrieve. The king promises Maeva that if she succeeds, he will grant her what she desires most in the world.

In this whimsical and gothic tale, Maeva and Emyr must both face the decision to either allow the light to shine brighter in a world that threatens to destroy it, or allow the darkness to consume them whole.

620 pages, Paperback

Published May 17, 2025

50 people are currently reading
1361 people want to read

About the author

Morgan Elise

1 book37 followers
Morgan Elise was born and raised in the beautiful state of Alabama. As a young girl, her head was often filled with fantastical stories about unique worlds and whimsical creatures. Over the years, her love for the written word and compelling stories has only grown, encouraging her to write her epic fantasy debut, Where Darkness Falls.

When Morgan isn’t writing, you can find her lounging somewhere on a beach, reading at a coffee shop, baking homemade sourdough bread and treats, caring for her chickens, watering her flowers, as well as spending time with her husband and darling children.

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5 stars
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57 (37%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
Profile Image for Destiny Graham.
382 reviews29 followers
May 4, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
I’m sorry, let me catch my breathe…I’ve been left SPEECHLESS, after that ending?!??!?? EXCUSE ME

The whole entire plot of this book was super complex but in the best way, such an interesting storyline. This book had so many fun things that kept me engaged from start to finish. There’s a unique magic system, so SO many different mythical creatures (one of my fav things), & an epic adventure that we follow along with our characters!

I fell completely in love with Maeva & Emyr individually but together they were so swoon worthy. The YEARNING & banter in this book had me kicking my feet & giggling. This was a slow slow burn but it felt SO good. Both of these characters had so much depth, such tragic pasts. I love them so much.😭
There were so many side characters in this book that added so much to the story. The found family was SO perfectly done.
I shed a few tears reading this one, my heart was definitely pounding in the last 20% of this book.
The plot twists just kept coming & I couldn’t see them from a mile away. I NEED BOOK 2 NOW!!!!

I’m still completely in awe that this is Morgan’s debut novel. Such an incredible talent!!!

“I see through your darkness, Emyr.”
“It’s because I found your light, my Rosey.”
Profile Image for Morgan Elise.
Author 1 book37 followers
April 4, 2025
Hi darling readers!

I hope you enjoy the beautifully haunting tale that is Where Darkness Falls. Who knew that the idea of a young girl wandering the streets of a village square, covered in blood, and the family that took her in would become what is now. As the story developed, so did the gorgeous cast of characters that you’ll meet soon. I love all of them so much, and I hope that at least one of them resonates with you. 🥹💕

I know my opinion is absolutely biased, but I hope Where Darkness Falls pulls at your heartstrings as much as it does mine. I hope you feel inspired, encouraged, and perhaps healed in some part of you that still grieves.

In the infamous words of High General Emyr, “We all have darkness within us, but it doesn’t have to be who we are.”

Enjoy the journey through Malvoria, dear friends. 🖤
Profile Image for Kenzie Deerin.
167 reviews144 followers
May 13, 2025
4.5!!!! YES YES YES!!!! Here we have a whimsical, gothic romantasy, with slow burn enemies to lovers, a unique magic system, found family, complex characters, mythical creatures, twists & turns and so much more & I LOVED IT!!!

Characters:Starting off with our FMC, Maeve truly is a beautifully tragic character that has experienced so much hardship in her short life. Even though she has experienced so much tragedy, she is strong, gritty, kind, compassionate, and loyal and watching her character development throughout this story was phenomenal.
Emyr is a tortured, morally grey complex character that has so many layers I loved getting to explore. Underneath his outer persona, is really a great man who has struggled with self loathing and so much personal tragedy as well. Emyr's story was so interesting to me and I loved that we found out his secrets as Maeve was discovering them.

Relationship between Maeve and Emyr...MY GOD YEARNING IS BACK BABBYYYY!!!!!
Seriously, give me a self loathing man who yearns for like 95% of the book and I will eat it up, this was so good and felt like a much needed breath of fresh air in this genre. This was a true slow burn romance filled with so much tension, yearning and romance and I absolutely loved it.

The found family between Maeve and her adopted family, as well as between Emyr, Maeve and the Cadre were written so beautifully and I really enjoyed all of the relationship dynamics and individual characters.

World building & world in general: OBSESSED.First off, the world building is done SO well. It is presented in a way that is very understandable, and was so descriptive I felt like I could picture everything.This world is atmospheric, whimsical, and gothic and really felt reminiscent of a gothic fairytale and I was so obsessed with all of it. Truthfully the world almost felt like a mix of one dark window and once upon a broken heart in the best most unique way possible, I adored it!

I already can’t wait for book 2!!!!!
Profile Image for Katelyn C.
239 reviews54 followers
May 16, 2025
4.5/5 Stars

Thank you to Morgan Elise for the opportunity to read and review this book as an advanced reader!

I am actually blown away that this is Morgan's debut epic fantasy. The story flowed easily on the pages and I especially appreciated the short chapters and relatable FMC POV. I loved the first and last 20% of the book, I was captivated and couldn't put it down for those portions. The ending really surprised me with so many shocking and exciting twists. A few of them I predicted, and others had my jaw drop. The reason for not giving this 5 stars is due to the middle portion of the book where it dragged a bit for me, along with a few overused fantasy tropes, however I still enjoyed them in this story. For Morgan to create this world with an entire glossary is very impressive, I am thrilled for her and hope this gets the hype it deserves. Great job, Morgan!

What to expect in Where Darkness Falls:
~ FMC with amnesia
~ Quests & prophecies
~ Magic system & monsters
~ One horse
~ Forbidden love
~ Fast burn love
~ No spice
Profile Image for kassidy.raelyn.
54 reviews2 followers
May 1, 2025
YEARNING IS SO BACK!!!

I still cannot believe this is a debut!! Morgan expertly weaves a complex magic system with lovable characters and a palpable romance. The romance is sweet and enduring. It’s not lustful or sexy but the tension is all there! It almost benefits from no open-door spice.

It is so apparent how much effort and thought Morgan put into every word. The respect that she shows to the cultures she borrowed names and lore from is so clear. The world is complex but not so complex that you’re confused.

The world is so perfectly creepy without being scary! This will be an ideal fall read.

The plot twist in the EPILOGUE threw me for a loop. I guessed a few of the twists and thought I was safe but found out how wrong I was during this epilogue.

Cannot wait for book 2 and the novellas!!!! So so proud of Morgan and her work!
Profile Image for Maddy Michelle.
55 reviews17 followers
May 18, 2025
I probably felt every emotion reading this.
I loved the magic system, the magical creatures, and the beautifully complex world.
I am inspired by all the imagination and love that the author poured into this amazing debut.
I would recommend this book for all readers, old and young!!
So excited to see what the next book has in store!!
Profile Image for Aislin Spurgeon.
86 reviews
April 3, 2025
I had the immense honor of reading "Where Darkness Falls" prior to its release, and I would recommend it to anyone who loves the fantasy genre—especially fans of gothic settings, mystical creatures, tension-filled slow burn romance, found family, shadow daddies, and epic quests.

From the first page, it’s evident how much love and labor Morgan Elise poured into this story. I first read it last fall as part of her beta team, and was lucky enough to revisit it again this spring. I was astounded to see how skillfully Morgan had woven in early threads that foreshadowed major moments—subtle cues I’d missed the first time around. Her writing is poetic and atmospheric in the highest degree, rich with mood and meaning.

Morgan has created a cast of stunning characters, but her female main character is a true standout. Maeva is fiercely loyal, delightfully snarky, and endlessly brave. From losing all memory of her past, to falling in love with the charming Cale family, to surviving heartbreak, holding her own against a wicked king, and finding her place among extraordinary soldiers—Maeva’s journey is one that lingers long after the final page.

And I have no doubt that the male main character, Emyr, will skyrocket to the top of many readers’ “Book Boyfriend” lists. He’s a ruthless general, but beneath the blood and armor lies a tender, thoughtful, and deeply human heart. While he wields the type of shadow magic many of us know and love in our MMCs, Morgan manages to give it a refreshing twist—blending the familiar with something new. Without spoiling a thing, I can’t wait to watch readers fall for Emyr the way I did.

One of the best aspects of the book was Emyr’s inner circle: Riordan, Virgil, and Laisren. This sharp-tongued trio of commanders had me cackling more times than I can count. Their witty barbs and banter offer the perfect counterbalance to the novel’s darker turns. Their loyalty to Emyr is powerful—but watching them each fall for Maeva like protective older brothers was one of the most heartwarming parts of the story.

I could go on and on, but I’ll stop here—for fear of spoiling the magic for other readers. "Where Darkness Falls" is an absolutely stunning debut from Morgan Elise, and I urge every fantasy lover to pre-order it before its release this May. I, for one, will be counting the days until I can add it to my bookshelf—and I already can’t wait to read whatever Morgan writes next.
Profile Image for Morgan Irvin.
160 reviews
May 5, 2025
I was so lucky to be chosen as an ARC reader for this book. My first ever ARC read eep🤭 and this book DID NOT DISAPPOINT.

The story follows our FMC Maeva who is about to turn 25. She lives with the adopted family who found her at age 15 on the streets with no memory of her past life. The only thing from her past life she owns is a pendant. However, chaos strikes her and she is thrown into an adventure with the High general and his fearsome cadre.

His fearsome cadre are now my favorite people. I love the found family that is here and how quickly these dangerous men show their cute sides hehe I’m obsessed with all of them 😂😂😂

The MMC Emyr is a bantering, yearning, morally grey and broken on the inside king. I just want to give him a hug and tell him everything will be okay 😭😭

The ending?? The plot twist of all plot twists?? I called like one part of it and the rest I was like I’m sorry what is this real life?? 😱😱

Moral of the story read this book and get me book 2 immediately
Profile Image for Ellie Collins.
556 reviews11 followers
April 29, 2025
Thank you Morgan for allowing me to be an ARC reader for your first debut! I have been eyeing this up since I first joined Tiktok & I just KNEW it would be everything & IT WAS!🔥

If I could describe the perfect book with no flaws - it would be this. As always with any fantasy book you always feel doomed at the beginning with the kind of ‘overload’ of the characters & world building but this eased me and I didn’t feel that at all.

The way the book is set in sections (loved that!).
Character GROWTH!!!
You will fall in love with side characters as well as the main (I can guarantee the side characters will also make you giggle)
No spice but we have an incredible MMC who I can guarantee you will fall in love with, easily.

This book was so magical & twisted in so many ways (it does have some dark elements so check the TW’s). So many things happen that I have never read or come across before & it just felt so unique. I just had a wild time.

Now there was a few twists & honestly… I did NOT see that ending coming🤣👏🏽 I absolutely LOVED how it ended & it left me gasping for more!

Amazing & so proud of Morgan!👏🏽🩷
Profile Image for Chelsea.
98 reviews1 follower
April 26, 2025
Shadow-wielding MMC? Slow burn enemies to lovers? Found family? Say less.

Thank you Morgan Elise for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I devoured this book in a day — once I started, I literally couldn’t put it down. It had everything I love: a broody shadow-wielding MMC, found family vibes, enemies to lovers (slow burn and worth it), and some seriously good side character banter.

The worldbuilding was spot on — detailed without dragging the pace, and immersive enough that you feel like you’re right there alongside Maeva. Her heartbreak early on? Absolutely gut-wrenching. But it shapes her into the badass we all root for, and you’re left dying to see what she’ll do with that fire.

There were plenty of twists — some I saw coming, some completely blindsided me (in the best way). And don’t even get me started on Maeva and Emyr’s chemistry…

Where the Darkness Falls isn’t even officially out yet, and I’m already desperate for book two. Morgan Elise, you have me hooked.

If this isn’t on your TBR yet, it needs to be.
Profile Image for Maggie Walker.
175 reviews6 followers
July 6, 2025
What a debut!!!
Morgan truly created a unique fantasy world to get lost into! I am someone who loves when there’s an amnesia trope moment so you’re trying to solve a mystery while going in an adventure and this did that perfectly and then that ending had me 🤯
The writing and language was so beautiful too! Truly an amazing read!
I will say this is definitely more fantasy so be prepared for some intense (but very well done) world building!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Makaila.
92 reviews
April 30, 2025
This book reeled me in from the start. Maeva has determination, grit, and courage so I loved her instantly. I’m all for a slow burn, pining kind of love story - and for me, this book put “romance” back into romance by showcasing the emotional connection between the two main characters instead of just physical intimacy.

My heart was shattered a few times but I’ll forgive Morgan for that because the book was so dang good, the pain was worth it haha.

I received this book before the release as an arc, and my honest review is that I really enjoyed every page. The writing was really poetic in multiple places, and I loved the constant references to dark and light.
The creatures and world building were so fun to learn about and absolutely nightmarish and otherworldly!!

Some of the plot twists I saw coming, and some I didn’t. Overall, I’m obsessed and can’t WAIIIIIT for the second book!!!
Profile Image for Alexis Mezzacapa.
20 reviews
June 3, 2025
This book broke my scale honestly, I kid you not I would give more than 5 stars if I could!!
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’m in LOVE with this book and it’s my TOP READ of the year!! It was an honor to be apart of this ARC read I’m forever grateful to being able to read this book I found it to be my favorite read this year!

You can tell that Morgan Elsie poured everything into this book. I know she put her heart, passion, and creative mind to make the most dazzling characters,creatures, and magic system! Her writing draws you in from the first page and captures you into the world!

Maeva is incredibly strong, sassy, and gifted! This poor girl has gone through it from the beginning to the end of this book. Her hard times have not taken away from who she truly is! She always finds the light. She is SO strong, kind and loving! A heart of GOLD ✨🫶🏻 I just know she will get what she deserves in the end!
“You didn’t break me,” my voice echos. “You awakened me!”

My MANNNN EMYR!! For starters he is a shadow daddy 🥵, morally grey, broken💔🥺, fierce MMC! I can’t wait to watch him grow and find his worth in the next books becasue he is WORTHY!! “I’ll defend her until the last breath leaves me,” “But when I go, I’ll make sure to drag your soul to the Abyss with me.”

Maeva & Emyr until ETERNITY!!♾️💕
I am a sucker for slow burn and let me tell you it was the most delicious slow burn😩 their relationship was intense and like no other and I need more of it! “You’ll be my ruination, Rosey,” he says… “And you’ll be my destructions,”I laugh.

THE FOUND FAMILY WAS THE BEST!! The Cales & the Cadre were what Maeva needed and made this book even better.
The Cales:
•Took Maeva in as their own
•SO kind and gave her strength
•loved her without fault 🥺
•showed her she was worthy 🩷
The Cadre:
•PROTECTIVE⚔️
•Their soft hearts and goofiness
•Fearless soldiers
•loyalty
•the nicknames 🥺

The ending had me BREATHLESS with the twists and the journey to get to where they are. I didn’t want this book to end!
I HAVE TO GET MY HANDS ON BOOK 2 ASAP!!!😩
I could say so much more about this book but PLEASE READ IT!! You will fall in love with it and not regret it!
Profile Image for Allie K.
18 reviews1 follower
May 29, 2025
WOW!! The ending had me so shocked and excited for book two!

Morgan’s writing is so beautiful and poetic. Her characters feel like real people. I would read an entire story about how the Cale’s came to be. Her descriptions make you feel like you’re truly there. The images have stuck with me long after reading the first few chapters.

The story is unique, interesting, and dark. If you loved One Dark Window, then THIS is the story for you. The tone and vibe is the same. Morgan brings the creature aspects that remind me of reading ACOTAR for the first time. This world she’s created is dangerous, mysterious and cold. The characters breathe warmth and happiness into the dark.

The entire theme of the story Morgan is telling is that light can shine through the darkness, even in the darkest of times. It is so well done. The physical copy has incredible artwork all throughout the book, from the pages and headings to the cover. I highly recommend Where Darkness Falls for your next gothic fantasy romance!!
Profile Image for Kimberly.
102 reviews39 followers
May 29, 2025
5/5 stars doesn't even begin to describe my true love for this book. Morgan Elise has blown all expectations out of the water with this debut romantasy novel. I could read this slow-burn romance forever with the tension and extreme yearning - it is EVERYTHING! And even though it is no-spice, I wasn't missing it at all because the emotion and feeling was written so well.

This magic system & political structure was also one of the most unique worlds I have read recently while still being very easy to comprehend (which allowed me to be instantly hooked).

The love I have for our FMC Maeva is so real. She is fierce, and emotional, and brave while still feeling like a true woman with complex emotions and feelings. And the found family was perfect on so many layers (you will have to read to find out more about this).

While all of these things were so amazing, I think the best part about this story was it keeps you hooked every single step of the way. You are constantly shocked about what is happening next and I spent many of nights reading this way too late because I couldn't put it down.

Overall, I of course highly recommend this book especially if you love tropes like: slow-burn romance, enemies-to-lovers, found family, political turmoil/dystopian society, tension & yearning, & complex character development.

Morgan Elise you are a genius and I am foaming at the mouth to get book 2!
Profile Image for Ashley Curtis.
3 reviews1 follower
May 9, 2025
Oh. My. Word. I'm already waiting for book two!

I had the immense pleasure of reading this debut novel and it did not disappoint. I found myself wanting to skip responsibilities so I could just finish this.

I liked the banter between the Cadre and Maeva. I love how the author made the inner turmoil of Maeva and of Emyr very relatable to our own lives. The guilt or frustrations we carry with us.

The villain in the story was well written. I have disliked him from the start. 😅 When the mere lines of him speaking make your skin crawl, you know the author did a good job.

Some of the plot I figured out but some of it had me actually gasping out loud, "What!?" Moments broke my heart, but I understand why it had to be this way.

The end picks up fast so if you're reading it, just know it's all coming together. I would highly encourage my fellow fantasy readers to give this a go. The author has some creatures you will recognize and others you will fall in love with. I love the world she is creating and I look forward to diving more into it.

Please don't make us wait too long for what comes next. I need to know. 🥹🫶🏼
Profile Image for Cadence Bookworm.
47 reviews1 follower
May 14, 2025
Thank you, Morgan Elsie for giving me an opportunity to ARC review your upcoming debut novel! You can pick up Where The Darkness Fall on May 17, 2025!

4.5 ⭐️

I freaking love this book so much!

Morgan’s writing is beautiful. I’d love to read more of her writing in her future books!

I enjoyed the worldbuilding and the complex magic system. Though I haven’t read a lot of fantasy books, I thought it was unique.

I adore the characters—Maeva and Emyr are so adorable together! The banter and the slow burn was on point. It had me kicking and giggling the entire time. If your favorite book boyfriend is Kai Azer from Powerless, then you’ll love Emyr!

I’m now sad that I have to wait for the sequel because of the ending…

I have a good time with this whimsical fantasy with gothic elements with an enemies-to-lovers slow burn romance!

I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for:

- enemies-to-lovers
- found family
- prophecy
- slow burn
- morally grey MMC
- amnesia
- one horse
- epic quest
Profile Image for Shania.
35 reviews3 followers
May 7, 2025
Omg this book left me reeling and I had to decompress for a while before writing my review. It was absolutely incredible! The emotion rollercoaster I was taken on was something else, grab your tissues you’re going to need them! The way she makes you emotionally attached you to each and every character with the slightest of details is impeccable! My heartstrings were literally plucked one by one the. Strumming all at once until the emotion was draining from my eyes. I love the duel POV, it shows both sides of the story and you keep yelling wanting things to happen knowing they can’t. The descriptive details put you there and leave nothing to chance she paints everything out for you to see… it’s beautifully written! I loved it anything that can evoke that kind of emotion from me and take me out on the journey with them is well worth all the stars! I can’t wait to see what she writes next and hope I’m part of that adventure as well.
Profile Image for Tiffany Hubbard.
204 reviews4 followers
May 2, 2025
Okay I LOVED THIS!! I had a great time reading Morgan's debut book.

I was intrigued from the prologue throughout the entire book. I loved both the female main character and the male main character BUT I also fell in love with the side characters. The Cadre is so precious & loyal 🥹

Usually I'm not a fan of the amnesia trope, but this one was done SO well 👏🏻

Things I loved:
- adventure
- found family
- the SWEETEST first kiss
- secrets/betrayals/oaths
- prophecies unfolding
- a voice in her mind
- mythical creatures
- plots twists (some I saw coming, some I didn't, some I tricked myself into believing it couldn't be true but turned out to be true)

Things I don't love:
- that I have to wait for book two 🤪

Language: NONE
Spice: NONE
What a breath of fresh air in the fantasy romance genre!
8 reviews
May 7, 2025
Morgan really outdid herself with her debut novel. I was hooked from the very beginning. The characters were intriguing. Maeva Cale’s story was tragic and yet she is a force to be reckoned with. The found family was so much fun and I loved the dynamic that the cadre added. There were plot twists that had me gasping, I cried and had an absolute blast reading this. I cannot wait to see how this story continues.
Profile Image for Jessie Klaiber.
107 reviews4 followers
May 13, 2025
Holy cow that was a wild ride!

It was a little slow to start with the world building and learning the names and magic structure of everywhere. But by about 18/19% I was hooked!!

**possible spoilers ahead**

Maeva and emyr are endgame for me! They have to be!
The yearning between them! The banter between them and the cadre! All of it was just chefs kiss!

I don’t wanna give too much away but I will say I freaking knew it!!! That ending! Ughhh

I can’t wait for book 2!
Profile Image for Alexis.
86 reviews175 followers
June 17, 2025
If you love gothic fantasy forward novels with YA romance sprinkled in then I think you will love this! This dark haunted world was so fun and we get to see so many fun new mythical creatures throughout!

The build up of this plot and ending is the perfect setup for an exciting and action packed book two!

Congrats on your debut Morgan!

Thank you so much for the arc gifted copy!
Profile Image for Zyria Jones.
67 reviews1 follower
May 17, 2025
3.5 & please give me the next one IMMEDIATELY, thank you :)

I’ve been looking forward to this debut ever since finding sweet Morgan Elise on social media, so I was absolutely ecstatic to receive an ARC. (Little did I know I would think about it at least once a day.)

I finished this book just over a week ago & have read 4 books since, yet I genuinely haven’t been able to stop thinking about the ending!! Even WHILE reading other books. I think that speaks for itself.

Overall, I absolutely enjoyed the book, but there were some highs & lows to my experience. I really enjoyed the found family, elements of mystery, different creatures, magic system & overall storyline!! Now, I’m one of those people who’s typically 90% likely to guess plot twists, so I personally found the majority of them to be predictable, hence part of the reason I didn’t rate it higher. However, the way each plot twist was revealed had my jaw on the floor during the entire ending, and I think the execution of each plot point was done wonderfully. That really elevated my affection for the first installment of this series. I’ll also say that I found myself a bit frustrated along the way with the romance which had me feeling a bit detached for a little while, BUT I’m so glad I read all the way through because by the end I felt completely different & it grew my appreciation for the moments I was once frustrated by. I truly feel very impressed by how invested I am in their story. (And let me just say that regardless of my frustrations, I blushed & giggled the whole way through ;) While I didn’t feel too deeply connected to the characters for a good while, I was surprised to find I had grown attached to all of them in their own ways by the end. Like genuinely, don’t touch a hair on their heads please.

All that to say, I did enjoy my reading experience & I have high hopes, as I see a lot of potential for the rest of the series. The next book is high up on my anticipated reads!!

Well done Miss Morgan Elise 🫶
Profile Image for Michelle Arauz.
208 reviews5 followers
May 31, 2025
A MUST READ

holy shit, a 5 fucking star read!!!!!

I was so immersed in to this story, it immediately grasped me from the beginning and kept me in the whole time.

It had the perfect amount of world building, and information, a lot with the story line. I appreciated the bits of information/ reminders mixed in it kept me in line, with what was going on it was mixed In so well. The pacing was great, the female rage, the hurt, the tension was crazy.

Such atmospheric writing, and story telling, I’m so so proud of Morgan. I was able to receive an arc and I’m so great to have it and watching her grow. Truly an unbiased review.

Such an amazing read and now I need book 2!!!!
Profile Image for Bekah Velasquez.
140 reviews3 followers
May 31, 2025
OH my actual goodness !!!! WOW wow wow wow wow I don’t think i will ever get over this book. it is absolutely amazing, a SLOWWW burn with INSANE plot twists, just as you think you know what’s going to happen it’s something better or more crazy than you expect but the way Morgan ties everything together at the end is CRAZY!! there’s so much thought behind every detail that i haven’t seen from an author in a longggg time that im just in shock!! Morgan Elise absolutely KILLED this book and im on the edge of my seat waiting not so patiently for the next one!!
Profile Image for Vi.
442 reviews31 followers
May 11, 2025
Yearning • Magical • Slow-Burn • Twisted • Thrilling
“You’ll be my ruination,” he says . . . “And you’ll be my destruction,” I laugh.”

Rating: 4.0 Stars


From the beginning, I was intrigued! It was interesting and complex in the best ways. I enjoyed the magic system, and it was a fun adventure that kept me engaged. The found family had me shedding some tears. The world-building was detailed and easy to follow, which makes it a perfect fantasy for those who want to read something easy. One thing that I especially loved about this book was the mythical creatures. Some were familiar, and some were new; it was unique and different.

Maeve cares about everyone around her. She is loyal, determined, brave, and snarky. My heart shattered for her at times, and I felt her frustrations as she tried to remember her past. Emyr is our ruthless, morally grey general, but under all his armour, he is thoughtful, tender, and understanding. Since he is still a morally grey character, there are times he does questionable things and withholds the truth. Together, they were so cute, I loved their banter, and the slow burn was so good that I was living for the tension. When they finally kissed, I was so happy for them. Give me a book with yearning and longing, and I will be so happy!

Overall, for a debut fantasy novel, it does not disappoint; it is mysterious, atmospheric, and the writing will draw you in. This book has plenty of twists that you may or may not see coming. If you want to dip your toes into fantasy, I recommend this book! I cannot wait to read the second book and to see how the story continues!


Where Darkness Falls by Morgan Elise is a debut novel and the first book in the Celestae Chronicles. Maeve is found at 15 with no memory of her previous life; the only thing with her is a pendant. She is found by a kind family that immediately takes her in and adopts her into their family. Fast forward, and she is about to celebrate her 25th birthday.

Her adoptive sister convinces her to go out for her birthday. On their way home, they are met by some officers with sinister intentions. Maeve fights for herself and her adoptive sister, and in a last-ditch effort, she prays to their God. Little does she know that her life will be changed when a voice in her head says, “release me.” She feels the power coursing through her, and before she knows it, the officers are obliterated.

Word gets out, and when King Tiernan hears word of a young woman with powerful magic, he knows this is the person he has been searching for. He sends his High General Emyr across Celestae to bring her back to the Palace of Nightmares.

The King has a quest for Maeve, and if she accepts and succeeds, he will grant her what she desires most in the world. Will Maeve make the right decision? Or will the world she once knew fall into darkness and finally be destroyed?


I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys reading a New Adult Fantasy Novel with gothic elements.
1 review
April 30, 2025
Where Darkness Falls by Morgan Elise is a hauntingly beautiful gothic fantasy that captivates from the very first page. With its richly descriptive prose and immersive world-building, the novel transports readers into a dark, atmospheric realm brimming with mystery, heart, and slow-burning romance.

Morgan Elise’s storytelling is nothing short of masterful. Her ability to paint vivid scenes makes you feel as if you’re walking the shadowy corridors and paths alongside the characters. The emotional depth of the story is equally impressive—every laugh, heartbreak, and moment of quiet connection feels authentic and profound.

The romance is of the closed-door variety, which only heightens the emotional intensity. It’s a slow burn, but the chemistry is undeniable, and the payoff is deeply satisfying. The characters themselves are multi-layered and compelling; they quickly begin to feel like old friends whose journeys you’re fully invested in.

Each chapter leaves you eager for the next, pulling you deeper into a tale that balances tenderness and tension with grace. Where Darkness Falls is not just a story—it’s an experience. For fans of gothic fantasy and emotional, character-driven narratives, this is a must-read!
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37 reviews2 followers
May 15, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
This book was SO good. The plot of this was so different from any other fantasy that I’ve read and I loved it so much. It had wondering, it had anticipation, you were drawn in to figure out what happened to this main character from the 1st page.

From the first page I was drawn in with the amazing depth and likability of these characters. One of my favorite things in a book is found family and I ADORED the found family in this one. I was attached to the story, and to the characters. I could easily picture this universe! Reading it felt like I was watching a movie or show.

I loooove both Maeve and Emyr. The writing gave such depth, backstory, and personality to these characters that you were rooting for them with your whole heart. I was drawn in from page one and the last page made me soooo ready for book 2!! OMG!!

Morgan this being your debut novel made it even MORE impressive, and admiring. This world is one of my favs now!
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