Where Dreams Fall

Defying Fate #1

by R.L. Caulder

In a world in which dreams are guarded and nightmares are unsanctioned, one woman's unraveling mind may hold the key to everything the empire fears.

Elysia has spent her life thus far beneath the white clouds of the Dromin elves, protected from nightmares and the Nithrin elves that feed on them—until now. Her dreams have begun to twist into haunting scenes of ancient creatures, death . . . and a mysterious figure cloaked in light and shadow. Elysia suspects he's a Dromin elf breaking multiple laws to appear to her, and his whispered words and lingering touch ignite a spark between them that the gods themselves will soon fear.

When the queen dies and a brutal selection process to replace her begins, Elysia quickly realizes the waking world is fracturing alongside her sleeping one. Women across the empire are offered to the elven high priestess, put forward as potential heads for a crown drenched in blood and lies. Elysia finds herself at the center of the trials, and if she's to survive them, she'll have to decide what she's willing to fight for—and if she can live with the choices she's forced to make. Because only one will be chosen as queen, but all will be broken in the process.

Elysia eventually ascends into the elven world to find the one who stirred her heart is waiting there, but his true identity is far more dangerous than she ever imagined. Choosing each other will mean forsaking the world they're trying to save . . .

Sweeping, perilous, and aching with forbidden passion, Where Dreams Fall is the first book of a dark romantasy series in which love is the most dangerous rebellion of all.

Narrated in duet style.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Magic

256 pages, Paperback

Expected publication March 17, 2026

About the author

R.L. Caulder is a USA Today bestselling author who lives in her writing cave away from the intense heat of the Florida sun with her husband and furry writing assistants, MeowMeow and Winrey. Life is never boring for R.L., who has hundreds of imaginary friends constantly vying for her attention and begging for their stories to be told.

If you're looking for ways to interact with R.L., you can find her on Facebook, in her group:
The Cauldron: R.L. Caulder Reader Group

Reviews

[ᴊᴇꜱꜱᴛʜᴇʙᴏᴏᴋᴅᴇᴍᴏɴ ☾ ✧˚ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝐈’𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮,” 𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐬, 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐦𝐞. “𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞.”

i don’t read a lot of romantasy anymore but when R.L. Caulder announced a book that’s Legolas and the Sandman mixed together, i was SOLD.

get ready for a slow burn but with great pining for a forbidden love. if you’re the oldest daughter in a family, you’ll relate to Elysia so much. she strong and trying to take care of everyone around her, even when she’s “chosen” to potentially be the next Queen.

“𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐧 𝐈’𝐦 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐈’𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭.”

𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝑫𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒔 𝑭𝒂𝒍𝒍 is the first book in this new series, but it doesn’t just feel like an info dump but sets up a world that has you more and more curious as you continue reading.

but the ending… only R.L. can drop an ending/cliffhanger like that and fracture my heart but still beg me for wanting me. this is such an intriguing story that has me ready for the next book to find out what is going to happen next.

thank you R.L. Caulder and NetGalley for an e-ARC of 𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝑫𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒔 𝑭𝒂𝒍𝒍

✨ 𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝑫𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒔 𝑭𝒂𝒍𝒍 releases March 17th, 2026




✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
M/F, dual 1st person POV, 23 fmc / ??? mmc
elf mmc / human fmc
slow burn, forbidden, cliffhanger

[Shoshana Y · Rating 5 out of 5]

How often do you meet the man of your dreams? R.L. Caulder absolutely blew me away with this new romantasy. Where Dreams Falls is the first book in her new Defying Fate series.

This is was one of my favorite reads this year! WDF had such a new and refreshing plot line I was immediately reeled in and left wanting more. From the lore to the building tension between our FMC Elysia and MMC Rhune, IM SAT! It’s impossible to not like Elysia — I won’t be accepting any slander against her. She was strong, witty and resilient. Definitely someone I would want in my corner. Daddy Rhune ? Everyone has been wanting more yearning and here it is wrapped up in the form of a sexy elf. Because what do you mean he’s been in her dreams for YEARS breaking the rules!

I’m excited to go on this journey with these characters. This first book was just a taste. I know that RL has more in store for us. That cliffhanger had me in shambles.

Hats off to her because I imagine it’s difficult to build a completely new world, lore, characters, relationship dynamics and plant the seeds of mystery and romance. But she did it all! It’s so deeply satisfying to watch everything unravel while being immersed in this new world and learning the magic system and lore.

As always the writing was on point! I’m loving this new era of RL’s work.

I’m both excited and terrified 😂 for what is to come. I already know book 2 is going to have me crying screaming and throwing tf up. As always I love RLs particular brand of torture!

Thank you Podium Entertainment and NetGalley for this EARC.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

[☀︎El In Oz☀︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

Wow! What an amazing start to a romantasy series!! This is a very short and fast paced novel, which means every scene is written with an absolutely wonderful precision.

The magic system is so cool. I think books need more dream based magic! The world of the elves is described so wonderfully that it feels like you’re living alongside them. The historical background of the world is well explained so we can see why characters act the way they do, which is something I always appreciate. And let me tell you, this world is fascinating!! I have a feeling things from the past aren’t quite what the history texts say 👀

Elysia is an absolutely wonderful main character to be following. Her kindness, compassion, and genuine love for the world makes you want to see her succeed so badly. Her courage and strength and fury are all so vibrant and with the reveals at the end, I am gobsmacked. Desperate to know more. I’m so excited for more of her!!

Rhune is so so sweet. I love a love interest that has been through so much in their last yet still can be kind. I absolutely am loving what we’ve seen of him so far and again, THE END?!!!

The way the first chapter becomes full circle with the end is INSANE and I absolutely love it. The initial premise of the book is flipped on its head twice, and I’m beyond intrigued to see where the story is going to go next. I thought every section of the book was well thought out. Although I wish some sections had been paced slower, it’s a short book, so I get why everything was so fast!

The ending has the type of reveal that leaves your jaw on the floor and your brain whirring with theories for the sequel. I am beyond excited to read it!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

R.L. Caulder hit the nail on the head with Where Dreams Fall. It checked so many boxes. Elves, dream magic, deadly trials, a kingdom in the clouds, and the bodyguard trope, which is becoming a new favorite of mine. It's everything I could want in an epic fantasy romance. I did not want to put it down. There were more than a few surprises that left me gasping. Elysia was a sunshine girl but with an edge. She was easy to like, truly about people, and putting others before herself. Elysia was a good soul. Rhune was a dream; see what I did there, haha. He redefined the word brooding, although he didn't start off that way. The connection between him and Elysia was strong. However, their situation is anything but perfect. So much angst, and it does not stop. The plot more than makes up for it.


The further I get into the story, the more I realize something hinky is going on. While some questions were answered before they were even really brought up, it's the unanswered questions that had me on edge. And rightfully so. The brutality of this book is jaw-dropping. That plot twist was so freaking savage. By the end, I lost my freaking mind. I am not okay.


Where Dreams Fall has one of those cliffhangers that you just carry with you. Gods, I need the next book ASAP! If you're looking for your next great romantasy, this is it. Ten out of ten stars.

[Gyula0311 · Rating 4 out of 5]

**ARC READ**

4.5⭐️
0/5🌶️
Dual/first person POV
Book 1 in a new series
Format: e-arc

Spoiler free

In the words of Gaga: no sleep, bus, club, another club, plane🤣

Thank you tons to NetGalley & Podium Publishing for granting me this arc.

The pacing here is what makes this read so good. At roughly 250 pages, the fast paced plot did not take away from anything else (almost.) In fact, this is how authors should write such short books: NO spice in book 1 + a story that packs it all. The style of writing is atmospheric & has an almost (pun intended) dreamy quality to it.

From chapter one, I was literally sucked into the FMC’s dream. The premise is very original for romantasy: the humans live on land & in the clouds above live the elves. There are the elves of the court of dreams & those of the court of nightmares. While the humans sleep, these elves feed on their minds. During these exchanges, neither of them can communicate with the other.

Well, that’s where the MMC comes in; who we meet in the first chapter. That almost ghostly/slinky/wispy introduction to him was mysterious perfection. & that’s all I’ll say about him😉 The FMC is a crafter that lives a very humble life with her family. She’s all the things: soft, kind, thoughtful, determined, hard working.

When the queen dies, our girl becomes one of the candidates for the replacement thus sparking the path that she must journey on. Throughout it all, she carries herself with dignity & grace & really giving it her all. Honestly, the goodbye in the beginning made me so emotional.

I love that brief glimpse of female friendship amongst the juxtaposition of the candidates being in competition with each other. Also, the testing was so tense & gripping then turned just plain emotional.

That ending came out of nowhere! I did NOT see that coming at all. Then it proceeded to stab me in the heart😅

My critiques:
1 this book could have still benefited from being slightly longer. at times the world building/magic system needed to be fleshed out more because it was confusing/tough to follow.
2 I wish there was more of that female friendship. The ladies didn’t stand a chance because the book is so short.
3 the plot twist/cliffhanger was done a bit clunky. Again because everything was rushed, including the ending.
4. It felt like because everything needed to be packed into such a short word count, the reader is rushed to the finish line; which did feel overwhelming at times.

**Releases: 3/17/26**

[DarcieReadsALot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not me bawling my eyes out in Chapter 8! I don’t even know how that happened when I barely even knew any of the characters yet, but it’s true! The first half was kind of giving Hunger Games vibes and the romance was glacial in nature. Knowing R.L. Caulder’s writing, it’ll steam up later I’m sure! There were several moments throughout Where Dreams Fall that had my heart pounding with fury and fear and heartbreak. There was a quick taste of the intrigue and whispers of a royal court and you truly have no idea who you can trust, which keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout! So much stuff gets set up for more fantastic magical adventures and I cannot wait for the next book!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

R.L. Caulder has done it again! Yet another amazing book she's put out. I really enjoyed this the MFC is someone I would love to meet in real life. I about died because of that cliffhanger, ok well I almost threw my phone. 😆

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I am Elysia Virellan of Edritch and I am done watching them fall."

I cried. I cried a lot. Chapter 8 had me crying. Chapter 15 had me crying. The last five chapters had me crying. Elysia and Rhune are my power(fully heartbroken) couple of 2026.

I was lucky enough to be chosen as an alpha reader for this book, and I yelled at R.L. a lot. A lot a lot.

I got to read it a second time when looking for sound blurbs, I got sucked back in.

Finally, I was allowed to be an ARC reader through NetGalley. SUCKED RIGHT BACK IN.

Every book R.L. writes is my new favorite. Each and every time I read them.

I want more of Elysia's story. And that cliffy is heartbreaking. I cried because the book ended.

Rhune is 10/10 top tier future book boyfriend material. He *is* the trauma I am waiting for in 2026 when the book is officially released.

I laughed, I cried, I cheered for girl power, I made sure the dog didn't die, and I connected so hard to eldest daughter/oldest sibling Elysia. I absolutely cannot wait for 2026 because of this series.

The one and only "spoiler" I'll give you is this: the dog doesn't die.

*comes out 3/17/26

[MaReads Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had every ingredient to be my next dark romantasy obsession… but the story ran out of pages before it ran out of ideas.

2,5 ⭐️/5 — 🫑

⛅️ Dream talking
🔗 Bond
💘 Forbidden love
❤️‍🔥 He falls first
💪🏻 Bodyguard
👑 Journey to become Queen

The premise of When Dreams Fall is irresistible: dream magic, nightmare magic, rival elven courts, a deadly queen selection, and a forbidden love between an ambitious human and a dangerously compelling elf.
On paper, I was obsessed. In execution… I felt a little lost.

🗺��� Fascinating worldbuilding, but frustrating pacing
The world is ambitious:

• elves who feed on dreams and nightmares

• an oppressive religious system

• a brutal queen-selection process

• ancient gods, political tension, and forbidden magic

But at only 250 pages, the story simply doesn’t have enough room to breathe.
There’s too much information, not enough development, and major events happen so fast that transitions feel abrupt.
This book needed twice the page count to fully explore everything it introduces.

The Characters
👩🏻 Elysia: an excellent heroine

«  I will not… die here »

I really liked Elysia. She reminded me of Thea (The Legends of Thezmarr) for her ambition and sharp observation. She’s perceptive, confident, determined, and uses her position to secure her family’s future. 
I also enjoyed her growing bond with Berrin and Luand, a subtle found family dynamic that reminded me a bit of Auren/Digby (The Plated Prisoner), but it was too short…

🧝🏻‍♂️ Rhune: intriguing but stuck in a pity-party loop
Rhune worked for me… mostly.
His scenes felt very reminiscent of:
• Ruhn & Lydia (Crescent City)
• Cyrus & Alizeh (This Woven Kingdom)
The idea that he’s been visiting her dreams for years is fascinating, but the relationship escalates too fast.
They barely know each other, yet act like they’ve been courting for ages.
The “he falls first” trope is there, but without the slow burn it needed to hit emotionally.

« I’ve spent years breaking laws in silence, visiting her night after night. »

« I will never be able to choose him. Not because I don’t want to… but because he won’t let me. »

« Don’t do that. Don’t look at me like that anymore.
Like what?
Like I’m worth fighting for. »

« You’re the only soul atop these clouds I don’t fear.
That’s interesting, because yours is the only soul I do fear. »

Underdeveloped side characters
This is where the short page count really hurts.
So many characters had potential:

• Sorryn’s arc flips too quickly

• Zayvin is barely there
• Serenath needed more quiet scenes with Elysia

• Enari becomes “important” despite barely talking to her

• Lisbeth goes from mean girl to ally too fast
Every relationship needed more scenes, more depth, more breathing room.

📚 Overall
I loved:
✔ the concept
✔ the dream/nightmare magic
✔ Elysia as a character
✔ the atmospheric fantasy tone
✔ the echoes of other stories I adore

But:
✘ too short for its own ambition
✘ romance feels rushed
✘ worldbuilding is dense but compressed
✘ emotional beats don’t land fully
✘ pacing jumps from scene to scene too quickly

I’m frustrated because the potential is HUGE.
With 500 pages, this could have been a dark romantasy masterpiece.
As it stands, it’s an interesting but uneven read.

Thank you NetGalley and Podium Entertainment | Podium Publishing for sending me this ARC in exchange of an honest review.

[Elanda Birch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love RL Caulder! She write the best fantasy romance, with characters that are both relatable and yet rooted in our fantasies. This book had me from the first page, with an exciting sequence that scared you and yet made you sure that the hero would swoop in and save our FMC. And as expected, our author made it all happen, just as we wanted, but with a HUGE twist!
Our book is set in a world of dreams and nightmares. One half of the kingdom is watched over by the dream elfs, and the other half is watched over by the nightmare elfs. One is not good or bad, but there needs to be balance between the two. Once, long ago, there was unity between the two kingdoms, but then the war happened and the two kingdoms were split apart. They are desperately trying to find balance to garner the Goddess's blessings.
Our MMC is an anomaly in the kingdom. He is one of three brothers in the elfen kingdom with supposedly little to no power of his own. He is not a dream elf or a nightmare elf, but a combination of the two. One of his brothers is the king of dreams and the other is the king of nightmares. They get their power from feeding on the nighttime adventures of the humans that they watch over.
Our FMC is a human in the dream world. In the opening sequence of the book, she is saved by none other then a dream elf (or so she thinks). When she is unexpectedly taken to the elfen kingdom and meets him in person, she is surprised to discover that he is NOT a dream elf, but a hybrid of both kingdoms.
This book is SO good, it grabs you by the throat from the first word and drags you along this suspenseful ride until the very end! This book DOES end on a cliffhanger, and this book IS a "previous lives" book. Which, in all honesty, I dislike strongly! If this is like all the other previous lives books I have read in the past, we are going to spend the next 3 books in the series going back and forth between enemies to "maybe" friends, all because of what happened decades ago when they were other people. Inevitably one or the other in the relationship cannot get past who or what the other was in the previous life. It's repetitive, and it's hard to read. Just once, I would love to read a "previous lives" books where both the FMC and the MMC were like "ya know what...we really F*c@ed up that last life, let's learn from our mistakes, understand that we are different people this time, and really make it work this go round!" And then use the books in the series to put them in situations and trials where they use their past experiences to push through and make things better together. I absolutely ADORE RL Caulder, and I guess we will see what she has in store for us in the next book. 4.3 stars, and it DOES end on a cliffhanger.

[BECCA · Rating 5 out of 5]

When good vs evil is not as clear as light vs dark. When one girl's journey weaves between dreams and nightmares. Will heart or history prevail?

What an absolutely epic adventure that had me thinking I knew what was going to happen next. Spoiler: I did not know and was utterly unprepared for that ending. Absolutely dreading the wait for book two to hopefully start repairing my heart.

The story was refreshingly new, mixing concepts I haven't seen together before and the world so elaborate, and well written, I truly feel I know the fine details of the universe the author has created.

I did not love the description of the elves personally (esthetic wise) as it felt more like alien meets Avatar meets angel but it does not at all take away for the actual story as my mind pictures them the way I like anyway. One thing I thought I didn't like was actually explained and makes total sense for the story line (sorry no spoilers here, you'll just have to read it haha). For my Healthcare readers....one location is called Sacrum. It doesn’t effect the story but always made me think about the human bone instead of a fantasy location which bugged me a little but not enough to effect the brilliance of the story. The beginning felt very Hunger Games meets the selection series which I adore but wish that period was longer. The writing of it did not feel rushed at all but the process within the story felt like it should have taken longer. Maybe that just shows how immersed I was in the story.

The FMC is probably my favorite lead in a very long time. She is just real and has this quiet fierceness that is so relatable. She is vulnerable yet brave which leads to such a captivating read and just makes you so invested in her story. Also love the sisterhood element woven throughout this whole story and the depths of various characters that slowly get unveiled. It is definitely a SLOW burn but it works so well with both the story and character arcs.

This needs to be THE fantasy book of 2026 and if it's not, something is wrong. I was 17% in and bawling and even before that I was thinking this would be so good on a movie screen or even as a TV show. Hope that dream turns into reality.

[Amanda BookishRabbits · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You didn’t fall apart,” he says. “You just broke open. That’s how new things are discovered.”

This book caught me completely off guard! I knew going in that it was short, so I expected something quick and enjoyable. What I didn't expect was to be emotionally grabbed by the heart and shaken around a little. In the best possible way!

This story pulled me in immediately and somehow managed to make me feel everything in such a small space. I was shocked by how invested I became, how quickly the world felt real, and how deeply the emotional moments landed. I finished it slightly stunned, a bit emotional, and very impressed.

Things I loved:

✨ Beautiful writing that feels dreamy, lyrical and effortless, the kind you sink into without even realising

🌙 An atmospheric world that feels rich and immersive despite the shorter length - with so many little details that make it easy to get completely lost in the story

💔 Emotional moments that genuinely hit - from quiet ache to sharp, heart-squeezing shocks that caught me completely unprepared

🔥 A romance full of tension and longing that had me holding my breath and rooting for Elysia and Rhune far too hard

📖 Perfectly paced from start to finish, with enough depth and heart to pull me in completely and keep me there. Nothing wasted, nothing rushed, just a story that knows exactly what it wants to be and fully commits to it

What really stayed with me was how much this book made me feel. Hope, longing, fear, tenderness and that sudden emotional punch to the chest that makes you pause and stare at the page for a second. It put me through the full range of emotions!

Where Dreams Fall proves that a story doesn’t need to be long to be powerful. It’s heartfelt, immersive, and quietly devastating in all the right ways. I went in expecting a nice, quick read and came out slightly emotionally undone and very grateful for the experience. It ends on such a strong note that all I wanted was to keep turning the pages, which feels like the highest compliment I can give - even if it's left me staring at the book like it personally owes me answers and now ridiculously impatient for book two!

Five stars, without hesitation 💙✨

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars and sign me up for book 2!

The idea behind this book is unique to other stories I have read! The premise of the dream and nightmare elves and the ruling structure was very intriguing. The author likened the MMC to a combo of Legolas and The Sandman, and my interest was snagged!

Elysia isn't the usual bad-a woman written in a lot of fantasy/romantasy books these days. She's softer, more vulnerable, open with her feelings, yet has a core of brave strength. She has a supportive family (that I hope we'll see more of), and the beginnings of some friendships that I really hope to see flourish in the coming book(s)!

The MMC is a bit of a mystery at first, a figure only seen in Elysia's dreams and nightmares- but she shouldn't be seeing him...or having nightmares. They meet in their reality and the yearning commences. Forbidden desire- per the elven laws. And the forbidden tastes the sweetest, right? Maybe we'll find out 😉

The world was explained in a way that made it easy to follow along. There is still some past mystery/event to be pieced together, but that will definitely have to be a part of future books in the series. When the action started in this first book, it started quickly and brutally. The only reason for the 4.5 vs 5 star was how sudden everything seemed to happen- the connection for the main characters (which is kind of explained at the end of the book, but you don'tknow this information when it's happening), and how quick everything happened with the first fight relative to Elysia's appearance in the realm.

AND THAT ENDING. GEEZ! I cannot wait to see where this story leads! I do like the main characters, and would love to see more from some of the side characters in the next book- which I feel is likely!

A big thank you to RL Caulder and her team for providing me with an e-arc of this book! This review is voluntary and contains my own opinions.

[Lauren Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elysia is a human who has spent her whole life under the clouds of one set of elves, and only knows of the "dark" nightmare inducing Nithrin from what they've been taught. When the most recently chosen human Queen unexpectedly and mysteriously dies, a new set of games to find the new Queen begins. Elysia is thrust into these deadly games where she realizes that things are not what she and others thought. Where some may see her as weak, she is the empathetic and protective woman the human females need...and maybe the elves too.
She is so strong through all the trials she and others are put through and during it, she never gives up on who she is or her beliefs. Elysia protects those she can however she can, but what do you do when the game pieces keep changing and no one has even told you what game it is? When Elysia eventually ascends to the elven world, she realizes that it's possible the Nithrin elves aren't as wicked as she's been lead to believe, that the game seems like it could be rigged. Would the Dromin elves and priestess do that?
I love how strong Elysia is. Not just physically, but mentally. She is tested like the others, but instead of playing for herself and village, tries to make sure all survive. When it comes to her dreams and the man who is trying to protect her, can she truly trust in him? In what he is trying to help her accomplish? Elysia thinks so, but also does her best to show she is not afraid of the courts or how they may try to play her and win her over.
The world building was done so well that you can picture in your mind where everything is happening, see facial expressions and faces of different species due to R.L.'s descriptions, and be truly immersed in this world. But also it's an R.L. Caulder book, so have fun with that cliffhanger ;)

[Jo Kerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating world - humans live on the ground and elves above the clouds. The eleven kingdom is split into two, with one type of elf fuelling their magic by feeding on human dreams and the other by feeding on human nightmares.

Add into the mix the fact that the elves need a human queen to keep their magic stable and things start to get complicated.
Especially when we meet the elven king twins, and the mystery hottie appearing in our FMC’s dreams.

The two main characters were well written; human Elysia embodying compassion and inner strength and Rhune having that shadow daddy, mystery air with a big dollop of infatuation thrown in for good measure.

The pace was good and I raced through it. There were definitely moments when I just didn’t want to put it down.

That said I would’ve liked to know more about some of the side characters, such as her childhood friend Pat - I felt like some of the backstory was missing there. Ditto for Serenath and Enari - there is very little interaction between them and Elysia and yet they are suddenly bosom buddies. A bit more depth would have been good, to give us more character insight and provide a clearer basis to their strong friendships.

Overall, I really enjoyed the unique premise of this world (though some more info on how the elves feed on dreams/nightmares would’ve been fascinating), and the complications for our two MCs as they try to figure out their feelings. I would’ve liked to see more character depth to some of the side characters, and while the cliffhanger ending was totally unexpected I did feel that Rhune’s reaction was a little out of character. All of that reduced my rating by a star.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Podium Entertainment for the ARC.

I give it 4 stars and will definitely read book 2 once it’s available.

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ WHERE DREAMS FALL by R.L. Caulder ✨
Defying Fate #1 | Podium

A dark, atmospheric romantasy about forbidden magic, deadly trials, and the mysterious elf who has been haunting Elysia’s dreams long before fate brings them together.

R.L. Caulder built an entire dreamscape dripping with tension, prophecy, and slow-burn yearning that feels like oxygen and poison all at once.

If you’ve been craving something new in the romantasy world…this is it.

🌙 What You’ll Love:
• A fresh, original mythology full of dream magic, ancient creatures, and two warring elven lines
• A fierce, resilient FMC you’ll instantly root for
• A MMC who is pure forbidden-obsession energy (Rhune = the yearning we were promised 😭✨)
• A brutal queen-selection trial that is as political as it is deadly
• A love that risks empires and feels like destiny gone wrong
• A cliffhanger that will leave you screaming into the void

Elysia is strong, clever, and impossible not to love. Rhune? A rule-breaking, dream-walking elf who has been invading her sleep for years and now he’s real, dangerous, and absolutely not hers to want. The tension between them? Unholy. Delicious. Slow-burn perfection.

📚 Read this if you love:
• Dream magic + nightmare lore
• Forbidden romance
• Deadly trials (but make them elegant and terrifying)
• Myth-heavy worlds that feel cinematic
• MMCs who yearn like their life depends on it
• A heroine who refuses to break even when everything is designed to shatter her

This book is haunting, romantic, immersive, and just the beginning of the storm.
I already know book 2 is going to wreck me in the most beautiful way.

#WhereDreamsFall #DefyingFateSeries #RLCaulder #RomantasyBooks #ElvenRomance #ForbiddenLove #DarkFantasyRomance #BookstagramReads #Podium

[fablereadz · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK!! R.L Caulder did it again with this book! A tension filled romantasy, with a cliffhanger that left me reeling.

This book had basically everything I wanted - so much yearning between the main leads, a male lead that is so swoon worthy -- seriously, I am in LOVE with Rhune -- Elves, magic, and a female lead who is anything but weak. I honestly didn't want to stop reading once I started. This book had some amazing plot twists that I did not see coming, and the ANGST, oh god the angst. I rarely cry from books but this one ripped out my heart, and made me fall in love all at once.

With only around 250 pages, it is relatively a quick read BUT that doesn't take away from the story or the world building. R.L Caulder did an amazing job with the world building in this story. The pacing is medium-fast paced, but in no way is the story rushed. There is so much focus on the world building that I could almost see it for myself. The more I read in the story, the further i got dragged in. The book left me with questions that I can't wait for the next book to solve, and a cliffhanger that has me absolutely craving the next book!

The main characters Elysia and Rhune's connection is so strong, right from the beginning, but thankfully, that doesn't rush their relationship. The book contains no spice, which I actually loved because I felt like it helped to focus more on the characters relation, and let the slow burn, burn. I can't wait to see how their relationship develops over the next book!

I can't wait to see what comes next in the series. I absolutely love R.L Caulder's books and this one is no different! I know the year just started, but this is going to be one of my top books for 2026!

[Millicent Moon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐

This book was soo entertaining from start to finish. I read it waaay faster than I expected because I literally could not put it down.

The FMC, Elysia, was such a good main character. She was relatable, easy to root for, and never once annoyed me, which honestly says a lot.

The world-building was fabulously amazing. Humans live below, and above them, the elves exist in this whole separate magical realm. There are TWO courts: the Dromin Court and the Nithrin Court. Nithrins feed on nightmares and Dromins feed on dreams. The humans that live beneath the Dromin Court get dreams and the ones under the Nithrin Court get nightmares. Meeting an elf in a dream is illegal. (But guess what Rhune broke the law to see Elysia in her dream. How cool is that)

The first few pages gave me Hunger Games vibes, mostly because of how fast everything started happening. And chapter 8… I actually cried. I didn’t even know the characters properly yet, but somehow it still made me cry.

Now Rhune. Omg Rhune was incredibly, fantastically, marvelously, amazingly, wonderfully, breathtakingly, irresistibly perfect. The mysterious vibe that followed him every time Elysia saw him in her dream was just… chef’s kiss. I loved him soo much. Every single scene with him made the book better and I was immediately more interested the second he appeared.

AND THE ENDING. What do you mean the book ends there?! The cliffhanger was insane and borderline rude. I am still not over it. And I don't think I ever will be until book 2 comes out.

Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Mandy Sickle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received Where Dreams Fall in return for an honest review.

Elysia has lived a quiet life her dreams have gotten a little more into nightmares recently but her family is well. When the current fae queen dies suddenly all the women of age are called to be selected for the new queen. Her village chooses her and she's forced to leave her family and only home. However, if she's chosen her village will prosper. Things in the fae courts aren't what they seem and making it to coronation is dangerous.

I love Elysia she's such a great character even before the selection started you can't help liking her. She's a genuinely good person who will risk it all to save those she cares about. Rhune is kind of a perfect he's the underdog who has spent his whole life living in his brothers shadows. They have this spark and I just loved it as the relationship is sweet but undeniable.

I devoured this one in one afternoon I couldn't put it down so obsessed with Elysia's story. I was hooked from the very first chapter till the last page. I need the next one like yesterday because I'm having severe book hangover waiting. The characters are easy to connect with you can't help cheering them on through the story.

I loved everything about this book it's a perfect balance of story and action with just a touch of romance. I'm a huge fan of the author every book of hers I just fall head over heels in love with the characters and story. The cover is as beautiful as the story within it is. A truly captivating romantasty that stole a little place in my heart. I addicted to all her stories but this may just be my favorite as Elysia is just such an amazing character. Highly recommend if you enjoy Romantasy it's a must read.

[بنت ألطاف · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐

This book was soo entertaining from start to finish. I read it waaay faster than I expected because I literally could not put it down.

The FMC, Elysia, was such a good main character. She was relatable, easy to root for, and never once annoyed me, which honestly says a lot.

The world-building was fabulously amazing. Humans live below, and above them, the elves exist in this whole separate magical realm. There are TWO courts: the Dromin Court and the Nithrin Court. Nithrins feed on nightmares and Dromins feed on dreams. The humans that live beneath the Dromin Court get dreams and the ones under the Nithrin Court get nightmares. Meeting an elf in a dream is illegal. (But guess what Rhune broke the law to see Elysia in her dream. How cool is that)

The first few pages gave me Hunger Games vibes, mostly because of how fast everything started happening. And chapter 8… I actually cried. I didn’t even know the characters properly yet, but somehow it still made me cry.

Now Rhune. Omg Rhune was incredibly, fantastically, marvelously, amazingly, wonderfully, breathtakingly, irresistibly perfect. The mysterious vibe that followed him every time Elysia saw him in her dream was just… chef’s kiss. I loved him soo much. Every single scene with him made the book better and I was immediately more interested the second he appeared.

AND THE ENDING. What do you mean the book ends there?! The cliffhanger was insane and borderline rude. I am still not over it. And I don't think I ever will be until book 2 comes out.

Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this book, and oh my god—what an amazing first installment! It made my list of favorites without any doubt.

The worldbuilding is top-notch. From the first to the last, I felt fully immersed in the story, gazing through Elysia's eyes. The scenes were so vividly described that it was easy to get lost in the setting. While there are still plenty of mysteries and places we have yet to see, it just leaves me even more excited for the next book!

The character development was superb. From the leads to the side characters, everyone felt alive and incredibly well-written.

Elysia, a human woman with a huge heart for those around her, is chosen to represent her village in the selection for a new Queen. In a world split between two factions of elves: the Dromin, who provide -and feed on- peaceful dreams, and the Nithrin, who feed on nightmares, will she be able to stay true to her heart??
Arrgghhh... there is so much more going on behind the scenes, and Elysia is in for a wild ride *sigh*

Then we have Rhune, who has been guarding Elysia in her dreams. It's hard to say more without spoiling anything, but the chemistry between them... I seriously need book two immediately!
(I need to point out, though, that there is no spice in this book, nor was it needed)

I finished this in just two sittings (I had to sleep and work, unfortunately), but it was so hard to put down. I was utterly engrossed and emotionally invested from page one. The pacing and flow were excellent, never overwhelming, but never letting you go, either.

My heart... Those last few chapters... brutal.

[rofesta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spice: None
Romance: Medium
Insta-lust
One love interest
Dark hair MMC
RATING: 3 out of 5

Oh boy, this was a rollercoaster of emotions.

PROS:
-The overall premise of this story was extremely interesting and very detailed. You can visualize every scene because of the depth this author went to into describing everything.
-Our FMC, Elysia, was physically weak but mentally strong and she was for sure a girls girl and I love that more than anything. She was a very realistic woman.
-The female friendships were so beautiful and genuine BUT they didn't get nearly enough of a spotlight like they deserved. I really wish we got to see more time between her and other women.

CONS:
-Our MMC, Rhune, was one dimensional which is such a bummer because there was so much room to make him so much more. He has been visiting Elysia's dreams for years but it would have been really helpful to find that information out in the beginning because then it would have made sense why Rhune felt so strongly for her instead of feeling like it was instalust by chapter 2.
-The story was not nearly as long as it should have been. While the writing was done very well, there just was not enough of it to make you fully immersed into this book. I very rarely will want a book to be longer but I think this is one of those rare cases that this book would have been significantly better if we got about 50-100 pages more to really expand on certain storylines.

Thank you so much NetGalley & Podium Publishing Books for this ARC.

[Stacey Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual R.L. Caulder has done an absolutely stellar job with this new romantasy. Where Dreams Falls is the first book in her new Defying Fate series.

This is was one of my more enjoyable reads this year, I even tried to drag out completing the book knowing there could be a bit of a wait before the next one 🫣. WDF immediately reeled me in and left me wanting more. From the fae history to what could be perceived as building tension (romance) between Elysia and Rhune, you are left with a great storyline and start of a series! Elysia is a strong, witty and resilient FMC who only wants to do what’s right - some would call her soft hearted. Rhune could become an favourite Shadow Daddy lol. A King with no land, lorded over by two brothers who have it all so he resorts to stalking from the shadows (literally). And don’t forget that despite being a Fae that feeds on dreams, he’s been solely in her dreams for years and breaking all the rules.

This first book was just a teaser of how good this series is going to be and I am here for the ride. That cliffhanger was just mean.

I’m both excited and terrified for book 2, I already know it will be its own brand of torture!

Thank you NetGalley for this EARC.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

[Christina Lerew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where Dreams Fall is one of the most original romantasy experiences I’ve encountered in a long time — a story that takes familiar fantasy elements and reshapes them into something fresh, immersive, and emotionally gripping. From its unique magic system to its fierce heroine, this book didn’t feel like anything I’d already read.
What makes this novel stand out is its concept of dreams and nightmares as powers that shape entire empires. Elysia, the heroine, lives her life beneath the clouds of the Dromin elves, protected from terror and illusion — until her own dreams start to twist into eerie visions of ancient threats. This blend of psychological mystery and epic stakes creates a sense of wonder and danger that feels entirely new.
Unlike many fantasy romances that rely on predictable paths, Where Dreams Fall builds a world where the boundary between sleep and reality itself matters. As Elysia is drawn into a brutal contest for queenship and forced to confront hidden truths about her world, readers are pulled into a narrative that feels both sumptuous and unpredictable. The rules of magic here are imaginative, the political stakes are unnervingly real, and the emotional threads — especially the forbidden connection that ignites between Elysia and a mysterious elf — are rich with tension.
What I especially loved was how this story avoids easy answers. Elysia isn’t just swept along by her fate — she must choose what to fight for, whom to trust, and how much of herself she’s willing to risk for the ones she loves. The romance is compelling because it’s forged in moments of danger and revelation, not convenience.
At its heart, Where Dreams Fall feels like a bold reinvention of romantasy — darker, smarter, and braver than many of its peers.

[Ashley Salcedo · Rating 5 out of 5]

“In a world in which dreams are guarded and nightmares are unsanctioned, one woman's unraveling mind may hold the key to everything the empire fears.”

This is 100% a book you are going to want to have on your TBR. Quite literally meet the man of my dreams. I mean... Elysia's dreams.

If R.L. Caulder writes it, I'm gonna read it.

Elysia is the FMC we all love. Her character growth through out the book was remarkable. I loved getting to share this journey with her. I also LOOVEED me some of Rhune. A man willing to put everything on the line and break all the rules just to be in her orbit? Yes, please. Not only Rhune, but his brothers too.

I am riding a roller coaster of emotion and my heart doesn’t know which way to gooooo.

I am already dreaming of book 2.

Thank you R.L. Caulder & Podium Entertainment for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. Not only that, but BIG thank you to R.L. for also allowing me the opportunity to beta read for you. This book, like all your others, is phenomenal. I love the way your mind works to create characters I can love and relate to in so many ways!

I could go on and on about this book, but this is a spoiler free zone. ;) From BETA reading, to ARC reading, I already know I will be reading this again and again.

Just add it to your TBR and give it a read. I promise you won't be disappointed.

[Casey Velasquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
0 🔥
Dark Romantasy
Forbidden Love
Yearning
Slow Burn
Elves
Dream & Nightmare Magic
Trails
Twists & Turns
Cliffhanger
Where Dreams Fall is the first book in the new dark Romantasy series, Defying Fate. Elysia, our FMC, has lived under the white clouds of the Dromin elves, or the dream elves, protected from the stormy clouds and nightmares of the Nithrin elves. Except, her dreams have started to twist, becoming darker and featuring haunting creatures, as well as a mysterious figure clocked in shadows and light. The elves and humans have lived in peace, with the elves feeding off the dreams and nightmares of the humans, and the humans providing a chosen from each town to be in the selection to become Queen alongside these elves. In exchange, the humans from the chosen town are blessed by the Goddess. When the current Queen suddenly dies and Elysia finds herself being chosen, she is thrust into a brutal selection process. When she ascends into the elven world above, she much choose between the dark and light, but what if the dark and light were meant to thrive together? This world and story is brutal! I did not see the twist coming at the end, and now I’m am completely heartbroken, waiting for book two!! I can’t wait to see what path these two will choose.

Thank you R.L. Caulder and Podium for the ARC!

[Musings of a Booktrovert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I may have somehow devoured this book in a few hours. I had know what happens next! Elysia, the FMC, is a human - strong older sister with a loving family that doesn’t have much. She pushes herself to help them and her community. Her dreams introduce her to a mystery man and also set off warning bells that builds into the core of the story.

It had me in my feelings for the first 70%. Yes most of the book. The way Elysia has compassion for others and endures is wonderfully written. This is a slow burn, darker romantasy. You got humans and elf like creatures - Nightmares and dreams. There’s world building and character development that is a great start to a series. I wasn’t completely surprised with how the story built up the cliffhanger, but have mixed feelings and I can’t explain because they’d be spoilers 🫠

The book has that disproportionate socioeconomic world that’s not quite dystopian. It also has a lottery system type of event, so there is an “offering” situation and sort of a competition/arranged marriage. Definite corruption and power struggles. So, I blazed through book 1 now onto waiting for the next one. Thanks RL Caulder, Podium & NetGalley for my advanced reader copy.

[Rebecca Duemmler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is definitely one of my favorite reads this year. It had no spice but you didn’t miss it. I actually am rather glad there was no spice so we could really focus on what was happening in the story. The book is around 250 pages so it is incredibly fast paced and FULL of world building. The style of writing is just beautiful and really helps the world building not be too overwhelming.

I honestly have not read another book like this one. The humans live on land & in the clouds above live the elves. When the humans sleep, these elves feed on their dreams. It’s what brings them power, however they are never supposed to interact.

My only complaint (not really a complaint) is I wish the book was longer! I wanted the world to be a little more fleshed out and different things explained more. I felt like so much happened in the story that when I finished the book I had to just sit there for a moment. It took me a minute to really process this book when I finished.

I will definitely be reading this book again to make sure I did not miss a single thing! I will need to be ready for when the next ones comes out.

So excited for the next book! I need to know what happens next after that cliff hanger!

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be a beta reader and an arc reader for @authorrlcaulder and her first trad published novel Where Dreams Fall. I do not have enough words to describe how much I loved this book but I am going to try!

Review
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 🌶️

It is rare that within the first two chapters of a story you are deeply drawn into a world and feel as if you are in it. This book does that, and does so beautifully. You can see the world around you, smell the smells, and hear every sound.

Elysia, is such a complex character that even the harshest critics will love to read about. She’s an eldest daughter, kind, dedicated, devoted to her family and friends, loyal, and courageous. The journey she goes on is full of twists and turns that she meets head first, but still as all humans do struggles.

Rhune, welcome to the book boyfriend club. You will fit in quite well! Everything about you is what we dream of for a perfectly flawed book boyfriend. You my broody elf, are what dreams are made of. Pun, intended.

I’m beyond excited to read more about this magical world with such a unique magic system! Warning there is a cliffy, but I’m sure the next book will make up for it! Oh, have the mentioned the tension and slow burn? Just read it to see!

[Jersy.the.romantasy.moms · Rating 5 out of 5]

RL broke me. My pipes leaked. A lot. And don't get me started on the ending!

I mean this in the best way... I was not expecting such a dark traumatic experience in this fantasy. I mean, yes I had a general idea going in to it. But what the waterworks, RL?! I felt like I was having pregnancy hormones wrecking me. And I havent been pregnant for 6 months now 😆

I don't even want to tell you any of the plot. But super general summary incoming. A human girl who supports her family, is chosen and taken away to try to win a marriage to a fae prince. A shiton of oh eff moments, tears, and 'um what just happened?' moments take place and that's even before she meets the fae prince.

Post meeting the "fae prince" (another wtf moment) she has to navigate more hurdles before she can even marry. AND THEN! 🤯🤯🤯

I'M JUST SO CONFLICTED AND WORRIED AND I CRIED MORE. I NEED BOOK 2 LIKE YESTERDAY.

Dare I say this will be one of the best new dark fantasy series release of 2026.

It was amazing but I need a vacation.

Things to look forward to:
☁️ Sacrifices & Betrayals
☁️ They meet in her dreams
☁️ Horrific Trials
☁️ Not a why-choose, but she will have to choose
☁️ Love and War
☁️ Strong willed FMC
☁️ They were always meant to find each other