What do you think?
Rate this book
Prophecy of Vyrdanor #1
The Echoes of Shattered Realms
Not yet published
Expected 15 Jan 26She was born to heal. Trained to serve the light. Destined to unravel it.
Raised in light but haunted by divine foreshadowing, Princess Avaline Everlight was meant to be a simple princess of the realm-an obedient daughter, a sacred healer, a beacon of light. But when ancient magic stirs and a forbidden bond alters her fate, Avaline finds herself at the center of a storm centuries in the making.
There are whispers of new adversaries, love turned to betrayal, deaths that shift the balance of power, and a love that could unmake all of Vyrdanor.
Now the divine are watching, prophecies are stirring, and Avaline must choose whether to follow the path laid before her or fracture alliances and burn the world down to carve her own.
The Echoes of Shattered Realms is a lush, epic romantic fantasy, laced with dark secrets, divine reckoning, enemies who dare to become something more, and magic that doesn't ask for permission.
This is not a fairytale. This is Vyrdanor. And the prophecy waits for no one.
Raised in light but haunted by divine foreshadowing, Princess Avaline Everlight was meant to be a simple princess of the realm-an obedient daughter, a sacred healer, a beacon of light. But when ancient magic stirs and a forbidden bond alters her fate, Avaline finds herself at the center of a storm centuries in the making.
There are whispers of new adversaries, love turned to betrayal, deaths that shift the balance of power, and a love that could unmake all of Vyrdanor.
Now the divine are watching, prophecies are stirring, and Avaline must choose whether to follow the path laid before her or fracture alliances and burn the world down to carve her own.
The Echoes of Shattered Realms is a lush, epic romantic fantasy, laced with dark secrets, divine reckoning, enemies who dare to become something more, and magic that doesn't ask for permission.
This is not a fairytale. This is Vyrdanor. And the prophecy waits for no one.
792 pages, Paperback
Expected publication January 15, 2026
8 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Maelana Nightingale
18 books79 followersBestselling author Maelana Nightingale writes romance that bleeds, breathes, and burns—stories where love is messy, healing is hard, and desire is sacred.
Known for weaving raw emotion with unflinching realism, her novels span contemporary found-family romances, dark and taboo tales, and romantic fantasy sagas that refuse easy labels. Her work centers consent, agency, and intimacy in all its forms, with thoughtful, respectful portrayals of kink, ethically non-monogamous relationships, and LGBTQ+ identities—written not as spectacle, but as lived, human experience.
A nurse by trade and storyteller by soul, she brings authenticity to every page—from medical precision to the psychology of trauma, trust, and connection. When she’s not writing, she’s usually wrangling one of her five children or navigating the controlled chaos of her corporate healthcare day job.
Known for weaving raw emotion with unflinching realism, her novels span contemporary found-family romances, dark and taboo tales, and romantic fantasy sagas that refuse easy labels. Her work centers consent, agency, and intimacy in all its forms, with thoughtful, respectful portrayals of kink, ethically non-monogamous relationships, and LGBTQ+ identities—written not as spectacle, but as lived, human experience.
A nurse by trade and storyteller by soul, she brings authenticity to every page—from medical precision to the psychology of trauma, trust, and connection. When she’s not writing, she’s usually wrangling one of her five children or navigating the controlled chaos of her corporate healthcare day job.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 6, 2025
This book was incredible. From the story, to the characters, to how beautifully written this was, there aren’t enough words to describe how much I loved it and how it made me feel. Thank you to the author for this ARC.
Echoes of Shattered Realms had me go through a roller coaster of emotions. This book has heartbreak, yearning, grief, war, epic love stories, friendships, coming of age, and evil villains. Some twists I guessed and some were completely shocking and the book will leave you guessing until the very end.
This book was long but not one word was wasted. I was captivated from the beginning and at about 50%, I thought about forgoing sleep altogether to finish. The plot and characters continued to develop without the story dragging.
The story follows Princess Avaline. Avaline is everything you want in an FMC. She starts off naive but smart, strong, and witty. She grows into a confident, fierce woman. There were so many memorable characters that stood out that made it easier to remember each royal family tree, realm, and the type of magic each wields. I wish I could say more about the characters but I don’t want to spoil anything so you’re just going to have to read it! You’ll thank me later.
If you like epic romantasies that rip your heart into pieces before putting it back together, go add this to your TBR asap. It does not end on a cliffhanger but there are more books to come.
Echoes of Shattered Realms had me go through a roller coaster of emotions. This book has heartbreak, yearning, grief, war, epic love stories, friendships, coming of age, and evil villains. Some twists I guessed and some were completely shocking and the book will leave you guessing until the very end.
This book was long but not one word was wasted. I was captivated from the beginning and at about 50%, I thought about forgoing sleep altogether to finish. The plot and characters continued to develop without the story dragging.
The story follows Princess Avaline. Avaline is everything you want in an FMC. She starts off naive but smart, strong, and witty. She grows into a confident, fierce woman. There were so many memorable characters that stood out that made it easier to remember each royal family tree, realm, and the type of magic each wields. I wish I could say more about the characters but I don’t want to spoil anything so you’re just going to have to read it! You’ll thank me later.
If you like epic romantasies that rip your heart into pieces before putting it back together, go add this to your TBR asap. It does not end on a cliffhanger but there are more books to come.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was filled with every emotion known to man!
I did cry. And literally yell out loud, laugh, worry, get mad, celebrate, yell more and smile a WHOLE lot!
This is not a little story. Its detailed and beautiful.
The world building was perfect.
You watch the characters grow and change before your very eyes! That is one of the reasons I LOVE high fantasy the most; getting the chance to really know our characters!
This was deep and it contains some very accurate depictions of grief ans betrayal.
I am not going to go into what the book is about, Maelanna has a nice blurb for that! But I will say if you like high fantasy, with a love story tied in you will want to read thia book!
I personally adore Avvie! But not just her! You get the chance to love and understand many characters of this story.
The magic elements are beautiful. It was as if I was standing there with them watching it come to life, like I could it too!
This book is THICK one but I was very sad to turn the last page honestly. There was not a moment for me that I felt bored, nor lost. I never once had to back and read a previous chapter to figure out or remember what was happening or how we got there. It also wasn't so fast paced that I smashed in a couple of sittings.
Maybe the best way for me to explain it is like drinking the perfect cup of hot cocoa while you're outside walking and looking at Christmas lights??!! Every sip seems to satisfy something in you and you can feel every sip of warmth going down as it settles in your belly. You want to chugg it but you take your time and savor it and when the cup is empty, you want more because it tasted so damn good!!
Also let me say there are not any heels I can think of that I hate more than Cersie Lannister, but there's one in this story that absolutely rivals her wretched self!
The way she slaps you with the twists will have you coming undone! Absolutely reeling for about 15 pages after! This is a cliffhanger BUT its almost as if Maelanna knew how this would make you feel and the cliffhanger is not a killer like some! After a roller-coaster of extreme emotional joy, pain & worry she wraps you in a nice soft blanket and turns the light off on her way out!!
Thank Maelanna for allowing me an early peek of this work of art! Thank you for allowing me to walk into the world of Vyrdanor. ((veils are ridiculous🤭)) I absolutely appreciate every single word of this book!!
I did cry. And literally yell out loud, laugh, worry, get mad, celebrate, yell more and smile a WHOLE lot!
This is not a little story. Its detailed and beautiful.
The world building was perfect.
You watch the characters grow and change before your very eyes! That is one of the reasons I LOVE high fantasy the most; getting the chance to really know our characters!
This was deep and it contains some very accurate depictions of grief ans betrayal.
I am not going to go into what the book is about, Maelanna has a nice blurb for that! But I will say if you like high fantasy, with a love story tied in you will want to read thia book!
I personally adore Avvie! But not just her! You get the chance to love and understand many characters of this story.
The magic elements are beautiful. It was as if I was standing there with them watching it come to life, like I could it too!
This book is THICK one but I was very sad to turn the last page honestly. There was not a moment for me that I felt bored, nor lost. I never once had to back and read a previous chapter to figure out or remember what was happening or how we got there. It also wasn't so fast paced that I smashed in a couple of sittings.
Maybe the best way for me to explain it is like drinking the perfect cup of hot cocoa while you're outside walking and looking at Christmas lights??!! Every sip seems to satisfy something in you and you can feel every sip of warmth going down as it settles in your belly. You want to chugg it but you take your time and savor it and when the cup is empty, you want more because it tasted so damn good!!
Also let me say there are not any heels I can think of that I hate more than Cersie Lannister, but there's one in this story that absolutely rivals her wretched self!
The way she slaps you with the twists will have you coming undone! Absolutely reeling for about 15 pages after! This is a cliffhanger BUT its almost as if Maelanna knew how this would make you feel and the cliffhanger is not a killer like some! After a roller-coaster of extreme emotional joy, pain & worry she wraps you in a nice soft blanket and turns the light off on her way out!!
Thank Maelanna for allowing me an early peek of this work of art! Thank you for allowing me to walk into the world of Vyrdanor. ((veils are ridiculous🤭)) I absolutely appreciate every single word of this book!!
October 31, 2025
Wow, just wow. Where this started and where it went left me hungry for more.
I laughed, I cried, I cheered, and I had moments where I was on the edge of my seat and didn't know what would happen next.
Most of the plot twists were completely surprising and left my jaw on the floor. I can't wait to read more of this world!
I laughed, I cried, I cheered, and I had moments where I was on the edge of my seat and didn't know what would happen next.
Most of the plot twists were completely surprising and left my jaw on the floor. I can't wait to read more of this world!
June 29, 2025
I took my sweet time with this and I am so incredibly glad I did. Seriously, better than any traditionally published fantasy I’ve read. This one has to blow up. The world building, the characters, the heart break, the mending, it’s all incredible. Avvie is a fierce, gentle, strong, and underestimated. She will have you on the edge of your seat and in tears. I’m so sorry the world has to wait until January for this!!! But I’m glad I didn’t :)
November 14, 2025
Echoes of Shattered Realms is easily one of the most immersive and emotionally gripping fantasy books I’ve read in a long time — and without a doubt, the strongest ARC I’ve picked up this year.
From the very first chapter, Maelana Nightingale transports you into Vyrdanor, a continent shaped by ancient magic, fractured histories, and the lingering influence of divine Judges. The world-building is phenomenal: six realms, elemental magic, political alliances, ancient wounds that refuse to heal, and a mythology that feels both epic and deeply personal. Nightingale manages to layer it all seamlessly so it never feels overwhelming — just richly alive.
Avaline Everlight, our young Mystic heroine, absolutely shines. She’s compassionate, sheltered but curious, and slowly forced to confront truths about her world, her family, and herself. Watching her evolve from a protected princess into someone who questions everything—tradition, expectations, even destiny—was one of my favorite parts of the book. Her vulnerability and courage make her incredibly easy to root for.
The political tension between the realms is electric. This is a story filled with alliances, secrets, and old grudges, and the author handles it with the precision of a slow-burn fuse. Court politics, ancient magic, arranged marriages, hidden agendas—everything is steeped in tension and possibility. Nothing is ever quite what it seems, and every character is layered with purpose.
What truly elevates this book is its exploration of choice versus duty, the cost of power, and what it means to carve out your own path in a world that thinks it already knows who you should be. There are friendships that feel real and warm, bonds that test their limits, and relationships full of complexity and emotional pull. The romantic tension is chef’s kiss — tender, aching, and beautifully complicated without ever taking over the core of the story.
And that ending?
Heart-shattering, breathtaking, and impossible to stop thinking about.
It sets the stage for what promises to be an explosive continuation in the series.
If you love:
✨ immersive fantasy worlds
✨ political intrigue
✨ slow-burn emotional tension
✨ morally complex characters
✨ strong heroines growing into their power
✨ epic lore and ancient mysteries
…then Echoes of Shattered Realms needs to be on your January TBR.
I cannot recommend it enough. Maelana Nightingale delivered something truly special.
From the very first chapter, Maelana Nightingale transports you into Vyrdanor, a continent shaped by ancient magic, fractured histories, and the lingering influence of divine Judges. The world-building is phenomenal: six realms, elemental magic, political alliances, ancient wounds that refuse to heal, and a mythology that feels both epic and deeply personal. Nightingale manages to layer it all seamlessly so it never feels overwhelming — just richly alive.
Avaline Everlight, our young Mystic heroine, absolutely shines. She’s compassionate, sheltered but curious, and slowly forced to confront truths about her world, her family, and herself. Watching her evolve from a protected princess into someone who questions everything—tradition, expectations, even destiny—was one of my favorite parts of the book. Her vulnerability and courage make her incredibly easy to root for.
The political tension between the realms is electric. This is a story filled with alliances, secrets, and old grudges, and the author handles it with the precision of a slow-burn fuse. Court politics, ancient magic, arranged marriages, hidden agendas—everything is steeped in tension and possibility. Nothing is ever quite what it seems, and every character is layered with purpose.
What truly elevates this book is its exploration of choice versus duty, the cost of power, and what it means to carve out your own path in a world that thinks it already knows who you should be. There are friendships that feel real and warm, bonds that test their limits, and relationships full of complexity and emotional pull. The romantic tension is chef’s kiss — tender, aching, and beautifully complicated without ever taking over the core of the story.
And that ending?
Heart-shattering, breathtaking, and impossible to stop thinking about.
It sets the stage for what promises to be an explosive continuation in the series.
If you love:
✨ immersive fantasy worlds
✨ political intrigue
✨ slow-burn emotional tension
✨ morally complex characters
✨ strong heroines growing into their power
✨ epic lore and ancient mysteries
…then Echoes of Shattered Realms needs to be on your January TBR.
I cannot recommend it enough. Maelana Nightingale delivered something truly special.
November 25, 2025
✨️ARC✨️
I feel like I just lived through an entire five-book series—and this was only book one. So much happened, yet it never felt overwhelming. Instead, it felt like being swept into a world that’s about to crack open in the best, most terrifying way. I’m already buzzing with excitement (and maybe fear) for what’s coming next because we are absolutely standing on the edge of something intense.
Avaline’s journey was my favorite part. Watching her grow, question everything she was raised to believe, and slowly find the truth of who she is… ugh. My heart. Her evolution was beautiful, painful, and powerful all at once.
And Cain? Oh, I love love LOVED him. Every scene with him lit me up. Their dynamic, the tension, the bond—my emotions were not prepared.
This book made me laugh, cry, panic, and hope. It was a full emotional rollercoaster while traversing this beautifully written world of divine beings, incredibly deep bonds, shifting loyalties, and magic that does not play nice.
If this is only the beginning of Avaline’s story, then I’m terrified (in the best way) of what the series has in store next. I can't wait for book two.
Thank you, Mealana Nightingale and Bookfunnel, for the opportunity to read this amazing story!
I feel like I just lived through an entire five-book series—and this was only book one. So much happened, yet it never felt overwhelming. Instead, it felt like being swept into a world that’s about to crack open in the best, most terrifying way. I’m already buzzing with excitement (and maybe fear) for what’s coming next because we are absolutely standing on the edge of something intense.
Avaline’s journey was my favorite part. Watching her grow, question everything she was raised to believe, and slowly find the truth of who she is… ugh. My heart. Her evolution was beautiful, painful, and powerful all at once.
And Cain? Oh, I love love LOVED him. Every scene with him lit me up. Their dynamic, the tension, the bond—my emotions were not prepared.
This book made me laugh, cry, panic, and hope. It was a full emotional rollercoaster while traversing this beautifully written world of divine beings, incredibly deep bonds, shifting loyalties, and magic that does not play nice.
If this is only the beginning of Avaline’s story, then I’m terrified (in the best way) of what the series has in store next. I can't wait for book two.
Thank you, Mealana Nightingale and Bookfunnel, for the opportunity to read this amazing story!
December 27, 2025
I’m so glad I got the opportunity to read an ARC of Echoes of Shattered Realms. If you like fantasy, romance, romantasy, and stories about elemental magic - this is for you.
This story follows Avaline, a Mystic princess of Luminerra, as she navigates the challenges of court life, royal protocol, arranged marriages, enemy relations, and all the responsibilities of royalty. Through conflict, tragedy, trial, and rebirth, Avaline finds herself and a strength she never thought possible.
This story is balance. It’s trust and betrayal, light and shadows, love and deepest hatred. It’s found family, fated mates, divine intervention, and TOP-TIER world building. No detail is left out. This might just be the next epic romantasy. Don’t sleep on The Echoes of Shattered Realms.
This story follows Avaline, a Mystic princess of Luminerra, as she navigates the challenges of court life, royal protocol, arranged marriages, enemy relations, and all the responsibilities of royalty. Through conflict, tragedy, trial, and rebirth, Avaline finds herself and a strength she never thought possible.
This story is balance. It’s trust and betrayal, light and shadows, love and deepest hatred. It’s found family, fated mates, divine intervention, and TOP-TIER world building. No detail is left out. This might just be the next epic romantasy. Don’t sleep on The Echoes of Shattered Realms.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I gave it 4.5, but because GR doesn't use half stars I just rounded up.
When I saw this book was releasing on my birthday I knew I had to read it. It was such a treat. I really felt for these characters. Some you mourned for and some you wanted to str@ngle. There was lots of secrets, and nothing was as it seemed. Not only did it give FBAA vibes, but the author had her own touches. World building was superb. She did forbidden love right. I may have even added a new book bf, or 2, to the only one I've had so far. I let you guess after reading. Best part is the story ended on a promise, as the author told us. So, technically we aren't left hanging off a cliff.
When I saw this book was releasing on my birthday I knew I had to read it. It was such a treat. I really felt for these characters. Some you mourned for and some you wanted to str@ngle. There was lots of secrets, and nothing was as it seemed. Not only did it give FBAA vibes, but the author had her own touches. World building was superb. She did forbidden love right. I may have even added a new book bf, or 2, to the only one I've had so far. I let you guess after reading. Best part is the story ended on a promise, as the author told us. So, technically we aren't left hanging off a cliff.
November 8, 2025
COULD NOT PUT DOWN!!! This book is going to be big! Same vibe I felt when I read ACOTAR and TOG. Fantastic character, development and world building. Avvie is trained in secret to wield weapons, ride a horse and decipher poisons because of a prophecy. There is adventure, friendship, loss, and love. The micro Trope 1000 dresses absolutely fantastic. Cannot wait for book 2. I highly recommend you read the series.
November 23, 2025
Ooof! I just sat in silence after finishing this amazing story! What an incredible read that I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of! The story of Avaline had me smiling, laughing , crying, kicking my feet and crying again! I was hooked from the start. The story, the characters, the world building all incredibly written and don’t get me started on the plot twists! I can’t wait to continue with this series I need book 2 like yesterday!!!
November 12, 2025
This was such a good book! Thank you so much for letting me be an ARC reader! I can’t wait for the rest of the series! The world building and characters all of it was beautiful and amazing! I can’t wait to read more by you.
November 29, 2025
An epic tale pulls readers in to a world of intrigue and magical possibilities. A journey of self discovery with a heroine learning to rise from ashes to soar into a future destined to be filled acceptance, understanding and love more magnificent than any Phoenix.
December 28, 2025
This book was jaw dropping, heart stopping and so wonderfully written! The twists and turns were completely unexpected, I laughed, I cried and boy did I love these characters. Infinite ⭐️’s in my opinion and I’m really excited to read book 2!
Thank You Maelana Nightingale for my ARC❤️
Thank You Maelana Nightingale for my ARC❤️
November 12, 2025
~UPDATE~
I’m updating my rating from 4 to 4.5 stars (rounding up since Goodreads doesn’t do halves).
Between the street-team ARC and the ARC readers’ version, the author took several of my critiques to heart and made thoughtful adjustments. Those tweaks improved the pacing and polish of an already fantastic story. It speaks volumes when an author is open to constructive feedback.
If I wasn’t already a fan, I am now. I’m excited to dive into the author’s backlist, and I’m very eagerly awaiting Book 2!
~END UPDATE~
Original review:
This book. THIS BOOK. I laughed, I cried, I considered yeeting my Kindle across the room, and then I cried again. It put my feelings through a blender in the best way.
Set in Vyrdanor—five kingdoms ruled by Mystics, not-quite-immortal beings (they live a loooooong time) who inherit elemental magic (earth, air, fire, light, and chaos) from the paternal line—this story feels big, lush, and lived in. Mystics sit at the top, humans fill in the cracks, and every court hums with its own power. Our girl Avaline is the youngest princess of the Light court, gifted with healing and blessed with the kind of “spare of the spare” freedom that gets her into delicious trouble. Women of the Light lineage are assigned lifelong knights at eighteen because their magic is considered “weaker,” so when Avaline comes of age she’s paired with Cain, and the Judges (divine higher beings) immediately warn she’s in danger. Cue secret training, political tightropes, and my stress levels climbing chapter by chapter.
At its heart, this is a coming-of-age romantasy. We follow Avaline for years as she learns to fight in the shadows, navigates allied and rival courts, and develops very inconvenient feelings for her sister’s betrothed. Growing up sheltered, she first has a flicker of something for her knight, but that tension softens into a mutual, respectful love (thank you for sparing my anxiety) while the forbidden romance elsewhere feels like a fuse burning toward a powder keg. Nightingale stacks tension beautifully: she builds to crucial moments and then either guts you or gives you just enough relief to keep breathing. The book is thiccc, but it reads smooth with swift chapters, steady momentum, and a heroine who grows into a bold, sassy queen who refuses to be quieted by decorum. Love her.
Tiny wish list from my fantasy-nerd heart: the world is vibrant and I wanted even more of it. We tour so many corners of Vyrdanor that a few scenes begged for a touch more sensory detail. I also craved earlier, clearer hints of Avaline’s family traits and sibling resemblances to anchor the royal dynamics in my head. These are the “I wanted seconds because the meal was good” kind of notes.
Could this have been two books? Maybe. Am I grateful it isn’t? Absolutely. If it had split, the midpoint would’ve been a brutal cliffhanger and I would’ve screamed. It does get dark, but that shadow serves the story and balances the glow of the romance and hope. If you love Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses, this will scratch that itch: court politics, training montages, found strength, and a prophecy that does not care about your timeline.
Thank you to Maelana Nightingale for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
TL;DR: Big feelings, big stakes, big payoff. Four stars because I wanted a smidge more description, but my heart is still somewhere in Vyrdanor. I’m already clearing space for book two.
I’m updating my rating from 4 to 4.5 stars (rounding up since Goodreads doesn’t do halves).
Between the street-team ARC and the ARC readers’ version, the author took several of my critiques to heart and made thoughtful adjustments. Those tweaks improved the pacing and polish of an already fantastic story. It speaks volumes when an author is open to constructive feedback.
If I wasn’t already a fan, I am now. I’m excited to dive into the author’s backlist, and I’m very eagerly awaiting Book 2!
~END UPDATE~
Original review:
This book. THIS BOOK. I laughed, I cried, I considered yeeting my Kindle across the room, and then I cried again. It put my feelings through a blender in the best way.
Set in Vyrdanor—five kingdoms ruled by Mystics, not-quite-immortal beings (they live a loooooong time) who inherit elemental magic (earth, air, fire, light, and chaos) from the paternal line—this story feels big, lush, and lived in. Mystics sit at the top, humans fill in the cracks, and every court hums with its own power. Our girl Avaline is the youngest princess of the Light court, gifted with healing and blessed with the kind of “spare of the spare” freedom that gets her into delicious trouble. Women of the Light lineage are assigned lifelong knights at eighteen because their magic is considered “weaker,” so when Avaline comes of age she’s paired with Cain, and the Judges (divine higher beings) immediately warn she’s in danger. Cue secret training, political tightropes, and my stress levels climbing chapter by chapter.
At its heart, this is a coming-of-age romantasy. We follow Avaline for years as she learns to fight in the shadows, navigates allied and rival courts, and develops very inconvenient feelings for her sister’s betrothed. Growing up sheltered, she first has a flicker of something for her knight, but that tension softens into a mutual, respectful love (thank you for sparing my anxiety) while the forbidden romance elsewhere feels like a fuse burning toward a powder keg. Nightingale stacks tension beautifully: she builds to crucial moments and then either guts you or gives you just enough relief to keep breathing. The book is thiccc, but it reads smooth with swift chapters, steady momentum, and a heroine who grows into a bold, sassy queen who refuses to be quieted by decorum. Love her.
Tiny wish list from my fantasy-nerd heart: the world is vibrant and I wanted even more of it. We tour so many corners of Vyrdanor that a few scenes begged for a touch more sensory detail. I also craved earlier, clearer hints of Avaline’s family traits and sibling resemblances to anchor the royal dynamics in my head. These are the “I wanted seconds because the meal was good” kind of notes.
Could this have been two books? Maybe. Am I grateful it isn’t? Absolutely. If it had split, the midpoint would’ve been a brutal cliffhanger and I would’ve screamed. It does get dark, but that shadow serves the story and balances the glow of the romance and hope. If you love Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses, this will scratch that itch: court politics, training montages, found strength, and a prophecy that does not care about your timeline.
Thank you to Maelana Nightingale for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
TL;DR: Big feelings, big stakes, big payoff. Four stars because I wanted a smidge more description, but my heart is still somewhere in Vyrdanor. I’m already clearing space for book two.
November 17, 2025
Really loved the storyline. I did feel the jumps between events, especially during the MC and her first husband, were a bit quick and made it difficult for me to fully understand the breakdown of their relationship. I feel that with all that happened this could've been broken up into two books to fully flesh out some of the events. But otherwise, a really great read. Can't wait for book 2!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2025
This book is excellent! A wonderful epic romantasy! The book is long but the pacing is just right and keeps you invested in the story and characters the entire time. Both the world building and character development was spot on. Some chapters had me laughing out loud and more than one had me in literal tears. This book just has everything emotion wise. I absolutely cannot wait to read the next one.
Thank you so much to the author, Maelana Nightingale, for the arc is this book.
Thank you so much to the author, Maelana Nightingale, for the arc is this book.
October 24, 2025
That I have taken my sweet time to process this book here is my honest review:
I don’t know how I got so lucky to find myself in Maelana’s good graces and receive an ARC of The Echoes of Shattered Realms — but I did. And wow. If you haven’t gotten your copy yet, I don’t know what you’re waiting for.
Even though this book comes in at a curvy 800+ pages, you hardly notice. Maelana’s pacing is so engaging that it never feels slow or heavy — a true testament to her incredible writing ability.
I loved this story. It’s written for the girls who found themselves fighting against the grain and dared to dream, who learned how to pick themselves up and see their scars as beautiful. The fact that I got emotional even writing this review should tell you how powerfully it hit me.
Maelana sat us down with her author’s note and prepared us for the reality that not all stories end happily — but reminded us that happiness can still be found in the darkness.
Filled with divine interference, self-discovery, and the promise of a dawn after the storm, The Echoes of Shattered Realms will make you smile, cry, break your heart, remind you to live and love, and never look at a peach the same way again.
Thank you, Maelana, for allowing me to experience the world of Vyrdanor.
I don’t know how I got so lucky to find myself in Maelana’s good graces and receive an ARC of The Echoes of Shattered Realms — but I did. And wow. If you haven’t gotten your copy yet, I don’t know what you’re waiting for.
Even though this book comes in at a curvy 800+ pages, you hardly notice. Maelana’s pacing is so engaging that it never feels slow or heavy — a true testament to her incredible writing ability.
I loved this story. It’s written for the girls who found themselves fighting against the grain and dared to dream, who learned how to pick themselves up and see their scars as beautiful. The fact that I got emotional even writing this review should tell you how powerfully it hit me.
Maelana sat us down with her author’s note and prepared us for the reality that not all stories end happily — but reminded us that happiness can still be found in the darkness.
Filled with divine interference, self-discovery, and the promise of a dawn after the storm, The Echoes of Shattered Realms will make you smile, cry, break your heart, remind you to live and love, and never look at a peach the same way again.
Thank you, Maelana, for allowing me to experience the world of Vyrdanor.
October 30, 2025
Beautiful, heart-wrenching, and a FANTASTIC fantasy from an author that I know will grow to great heights as a fantasy author!! Read it!!
December 31, 2025
Solid 4.5 stars!
This ARC was a chaotic pleasure to read!! And she's hefty, so buckle up!
Magical elements, prophecies, politics, betrayals, war, lust, love, fates... It's all in here! It is an intense ride once the heart of the story builds into crescendo. As always, check your TW's and protect yourself!
There is a slow delicacy to the world building, the character development and growth... mostly in Avaline. She is fiercely independent and rebellious, the kind of Princess that breaks the world. I truly enjoyed watching her grow, learn from her mistakes, own her own power, forgive and accept even when she shouldn't (at least I wouldn't!). She loves, she hurts, she heals, she learns... she flourishes. Her path, not unlike many women in the real world, is harsh and unfair and sometimes cruel. But gods, does she breaks and remake herself in such a deeply touching way that I think is very relatable.
It isn't often that I have a favorite chapter in a book. But this book... OH THIS BOOK. One word.
PEACHES
And when you know, YOU KNOW!! It will live rent free in my brain for all eternity!
I can't cram everything I loved about this story into a review, it would ruin it for everyone! Just grab your favorite blanket and beverage (also bring snacks) and settle in for a trip to Vyrandor.
This ARC was a chaotic pleasure to read!! And she's hefty, so buckle up!
Magical elements, prophecies, politics, betrayals, war, lust, love, fates... It's all in here! It is an intense ride once the heart of the story builds into crescendo. As always, check your TW's and protect yourself!
There is a slow delicacy to the world building, the character development and growth... mostly in Avaline. She is fiercely independent and rebellious, the kind of Princess that breaks the world. I truly enjoyed watching her grow, learn from her mistakes, own her own power, forgive and accept even when she shouldn't (at least I wouldn't!). She loves, she hurts, she heals, she learns... she flourishes. Her path, not unlike many women in the real world, is harsh and unfair and sometimes cruel. But gods, does she breaks and remake herself in such a deeply touching way that I think is very relatable.
It isn't often that I have a favorite chapter in a book. But this book... OH THIS BOOK. One word.
PEACHES
And when you know, YOU KNOW!! It will live rent free in my brain for all eternity!
I can't cram everything I loved about this story into a review, it would ruin it for everyone! Just grab your favorite blanket and beverage (also bring snacks) and settle in for a trip to Vyrandor.
November 12, 2025
I would like to thank Maelana for choosing me as an ARC reader. This book was AMAZING! It is described as an Epic Fantasy with romance and boy does it deliver!
The world building is so lavish and descriptive. I loved the different regions and the way each royal family (also referred to as Mystics) had a different kind of magic. It was very interesting that the children would only inherit the father's magic so that magic and power were more evenly distributed. I loved the introduction of the Judges (basically the Gods above the Mystics). Three of the regions worked together and were known as the Allied Realms. The fourth region was kind of neutral, and the fifth region was considered evil. There is a constant threat of war between the Allied Realms and Nyxterra. The younger generation has been taught to fear them and their magic.
Adeline is our FMC. She starts off young and a bit naive. She is a princess of Luminerra and is the third child in the Everlight family. Because of this she thinks of herself as the spare since there are no real plans for her. Her brother will inherit the crown, and her sister is to be married off to the prince of Crimsonveil. She is a bit of a rebel and gets away with more than the other two. She has a knight named Cain that protects her since her magic is for healing. He teaches her how to defend herself with daggers, arrows, and swords. I love her story and her character growth. She learns to navigate the political world and figures out how to get around things that she sees and does not agree with. I found myself cheering for her and holding my breath all through the story. She stands up for herself and her friends. She learns to harness her magic and make a place for herself in a world where women are not always listened to or appreciated.
There are so many characters in this story, and they all have an important role to play. Some of them help Addie to grow and learn, some try to keep her small, and some show her what true love brings. I truly hated some characters and fiercely loved others. I cried when we lost some and cheered for justice when it happened. I cannot wait for the second book to come out so I can continue this story!
The world building is so lavish and descriptive. I loved the different regions and the way each royal family (also referred to as Mystics) had a different kind of magic. It was very interesting that the children would only inherit the father's magic so that magic and power were more evenly distributed. I loved the introduction of the Judges (basically the Gods above the Mystics). Three of the regions worked together and were known as the Allied Realms. The fourth region was kind of neutral, and the fifth region was considered evil. There is a constant threat of war between the Allied Realms and Nyxterra. The younger generation has been taught to fear them and their magic.
Adeline is our FMC. She starts off young and a bit naive. She is a princess of Luminerra and is the third child in the Everlight family. Because of this she thinks of herself as the spare since there are no real plans for her. Her brother will inherit the crown, and her sister is to be married off to the prince of Crimsonveil. She is a bit of a rebel and gets away with more than the other two. She has a knight named Cain that protects her since her magic is for healing. He teaches her how to defend herself with daggers, arrows, and swords. I love her story and her character growth. She learns to navigate the political world and figures out how to get around things that she sees and does not agree with. I found myself cheering for her and holding my breath all through the story. She stands up for herself and her friends. She learns to harness her magic and make a place for herself in a world where women are not always listened to or appreciated.
There are so many characters in this story, and they all have an important role to play. Some of them help Addie to grow and learn, some try to keep her small, and some show her what true love brings. I truly hated some characters and fiercely loved others. I cried when we lost some and cheered for justice when it happened. I cannot wait for the second book to come out so I can continue this story!
November 14, 2025
The Echoes of Shattered Realms is an epic romantasy will all the elements we love most- a strong FMC, fated love, prophesy, magic, found family, fighting the patriarchy, betrayal, grief, forgiveness, slow burn angst, fighting royals, divine intervention and all the good stuff.
This is the kind of book you become a little obsessed with. I more than fell in love with the FMC. She’s a girl who refuses to fit into a prim and proper box and just be who everyone wants and expects her to be. This is a story of a girl who fights for her voice and power of choice at its core. She’s witty, strong minded and resilient. Often described as “insolent and rebellious” she goes through a journey of finding herself and her purpose. This is a story of fighting the patriarchy as well as societal norms and expectations. Hated by many, secretly revered by many, Aveline shifts the tides of the world through her inability and refusal to politely go along with the status quo.
As someone who has had to discover myself after being silenced in an abusive relationship, I especially appreciated the self discovery aspects in this book. Aveline went on her own journey of self discovery in every way - her worth, her power, her voice, her dreams, her desires. I think the journey as well as all the conflicting emotions behind it was beautifully written.
This is a stay up way later than you planned kind of book. With beautiful writing, plot twists you don’t see coming, death you can’t just swallow and move on from, incredible world building, characters that don’t leave your mind and a found family you really become attached to, this was easily one of my top reads this year. My favorite part was the “to be continued” at the end, while it (thankfully) didn’t end on too much of a cliffhanger, it was set up perfectly for the next book that I will be waiting with bated breath for.
This is the kind of book you become a little obsessed with. I more than fell in love with the FMC. She’s a girl who refuses to fit into a prim and proper box and just be who everyone wants and expects her to be. This is a story of a girl who fights for her voice and power of choice at its core. She’s witty, strong minded and resilient. Often described as “insolent and rebellious” she goes through a journey of finding herself and her purpose. This is a story of fighting the patriarchy as well as societal norms and expectations. Hated by many, secretly revered by many, Aveline shifts the tides of the world through her inability and refusal to politely go along with the status quo.
As someone who has had to discover myself after being silenced in an abusive relationship, I especially appreciated the self discovery aspects in this book. Aveline went on her own journey of self discovery in every way - her worth, her power, her voice, her dreams, her desires. I think the journey as well as all the conflicting emotions behind it was beautifully written.
This is a stay up way later than you planned kind of book. With beautiful writing, plot twists you don’t see coming, death you can’t just swallow and move on from, incredible world building, characters that don’t leave your mind and a found family you really become attached to, this was easily one of my top reads this year. My favorite part was the “to be continued” at the end, while it (thankfully) didn’t end on too much of a cliffhanger, it was set up perfectly for the next book that I will be waiting with bated breath for.
November 16, 2025
Thank you to Maelana for the chance to be an ARC reader for this book! I can't believe to say I ate this up once I got to sit down with it!
The book is defintely not one that I expected! Part coming of age, part high-stakes fantasy with a heavy dash of romance and found family, the story can lead you to have a good time! I found that the spice was although very heavy, would be considered a 3.5 pepper, with most not being the plot entirely, but having aspects that are needed to understand the relationships that build within the world. If we go by the citrus system, most certainly a lemon with how many scenes are within the book.
There are points in which the timeline can feel insanely fast, but talking with the author they explained that there will be helpful tips and maybe even a guide to go through our main charracters story and understand the time gaps more appropriately, which I find to be really what drives this to a five star rather than a four star.
The book is defintely not one that I expected! Part coming of age, part high-stakes fantasy with a heavy dash of romance and found family, the story can lead you to have a good time! I found that the spice was although very heavy, would be considered a 3.5 pepper, with most not being the plot entirely, but having aspects that are needed to understand the relationships that build within the world. If we go by the citrus system, most certainly a lemon with how many scenes are within the book.
There are points in which the timeline can feel insanely fast, but talking with the author they explained that there will be helpful tips and maybe even a guide to go through our main charracters story and understand the time gaps more appropriately, which I find to be really what drives this to a five star rather than a four star.
November 10, 2025
The author promised an epic romantasy filled with magic, danger, and a dash of enemies-to-lovers tension, and they absolutely delivered. The world-building is stunning, the characters are diverse and dynamic, and the character growth? Chef’s kiss.
The spice is spicy, the banter is bantering, and the tension kept me flipping pages.
My only small gripe is that a few sections felt a bit drawn out, it sometimes took longer than needed to get to the point. That said, the depth and attention to detail still made for a rich, immersive read.
Overall, this is a beautifully crafted fantasy romance I highly recommend for fans of lush worlds, slow-burn tension, and characters you can’t help but root for.
The spice is spicy, the banter is bantering, and the tension kept me flipping pages.
My only small gripe is that a few sections felt a bit drawn out, it sometimes took longer than needed to get to the point. That said, the depth and attention to detail still made for a rich, immersive read.
Overall, this is a beautifully crafted fantasy romance I highly recommend for fans of lush worlds, slow-burn tension, and characters you can’t help but root for.
November 4, 2025
Thank you for the ARC!
What an amazing read!
What an amazing read!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews