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Tales of Alexandria: Scroll One
A slice-of-life fantasy with slow burn romance, low fantasy elements, and an emotional journey.
Olea didn’t believe a new world could heal her, until she met someone who saw the cracks she tried so hard to hide.
Olea had found herself in a situation she was strangely prepared for, and that was not something many could say about being dropped unconscious into a new world.
After losing her family, she had become resourceful and independent, and that came in handy when starting a new life in the Kingdom of Alexandria.
But she also brought her grief with her, which had become the only defining feature she could say about herself.
Everyone was welcoming and friendly, despite the circumstances of her arrival, but as she spent more time in Alexandria, she learnt that the people there were never going to be the problem.
The demons, on the other hand…they wanted something from her.
And then there was Matthew. He was kind, steady, and just as out of place as she felt. If anyone understood that Alexandria wasn’t as perfect as it seemed, it was him.
There were secrets to discover about these people and the land, and Olea might be at the centre of everything it had been hiding for the past five hundred years.
Will she grow stronger, with Matthew by her side, or succumb to her past, and the demons?
Olea didn’t believe a new world could heal her, until she met someone who saw the cracks she tried so hard to hide.
Olea had found herself in a situation she was strangely prepared for, and that was not something many could say about being dropped unconscious into a new world.
After losing her family, she had become resourceful and independent, and that came in handy when starting a new life in the Kingdom of Alexandria.
But she also brought her grief with her, which had become the only defining feature she could say about herself.
Everyone was welcoming and friendly, despite the circumstances of her arrival, but as she spent more time in Alexandria, she learnt that the people there were never going to be the problem.
The demons, on the other hand…they wanted something from her.
And then there was Matthew. He was kind, steady, and just as out of place as she felt. If anyone understood that Alexandria wasn’t as perfect as it seemed, it was him.
There were secrets to discover about these people and the land, and Olea might be at the centre of everything it had been hiding for the past five hundred years.
Will she grow stronger, with Matthew by her side, or succumb to her past, and the demons?
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2025
1 person is currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Olinda Brown
3 books6 followersAussie author trying to write and publish books with multiple chronic illnesses.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 29, 2025
If you love cosy fantasies with incredibly detailed world building in the form of reading about characters live and breathe their day-to-day lives with a hint of a larger mystery and the beginnings of a love story, then this is for you.
We start with Olea, a woman who wakes up in a strange bed, in a strange room with no idea what has happened or where she is, only to find herself in a version of the 1700's where magic and basic technology isn't unheard of, and demons roam outside the boundary walls searching for a way in.
For most of the story we follow Olea as she adjusts to her new life, making a few friends (always at arms length), finding a job and trying to fit in as best she can, all while not thinking of her tragic past in a world she no longer wants to live in. But her new home is unlike anything she's ever experienced, it's calm, the people friendly and nice... maybe a little too nice and placid.
Enter the enigmatic Matthew, the only other person who thinks things aren't as they seem, who gets Olea in ways the other villagers don't and who makes her heart beat just a little bit quicker.
The pacing on this book is definitely on the slow and steady scale, until the very last few chapters where it ramps up with action, leaving the reader wanting to know what could possibly happen next and if there is more to Olea than first thought.
If you like:
- slow burn romance
- steady plot pacing
- strangers to more
- he falls first
- mysterious village and people
- displaced in time and world
- dealing with grief
- slice of life style storytelling
- the threat of demon attacks
then you'll enjoy discovering this world. I read this one prior to official release date.
We start with Olea, a woman who wakes up in a strange bed, in a strange room with no idea what has happened or where she is, only to find herself in a version of the 1700's where magic and basic technology isn't unheard of, and demons roam outside the boundary walls searching for a way in.
For most of the story we follow Olea as she adjusts to her new life, making a few friends (always at arms length), finding a job and trying to fit in as best she can, all while not thinking of her tragic past in a world she no longer wants to live in. But her new home is unlike anything she's ever experienced, it's calm, the people friendly and nice... maybe a little too nice and placid.
Enter the enigmatic Matthew, the only other person who thinks things aren't as they seem, who gets Olea in ways the other villagers don't and who makes her heart beat just a little bit quicker.
The pacing on this book is definitely on the slow and steady scale, until the very last few chapters where it ramps up with action, leaving the reader wanting to know what could possibly happen next and if there is more to Olea than first thought.
If you like:
- slow burn romance
- steady plot pacing
- strangers to more
- he falls first
- mysterious village and people
- displaced in time and world
- dealing with grief
- slice of life style storytelling
- the threat of demon attacks
then you'll enjoy discovering this world. I read this one prior to official release date.
September 8, 2025
I received a digital ARC from the author and decided to leave an honest review.
I liked the premise, and the beginning was interesting enough, but I feel like this book couldn't decide whether it was a cozy fantasy or a dark, mysterious alternate world fantasy, so it tried to do both and didn't really succeed at either. The lack of anything magical in Alexandria made the long descriptions of Olea's day-to-day activities feel mundane. I also can't tell whether Alexandria was always meant to have a foreboding atmosphere. Of course it sounds too good to be true, but nothing happens to set anyone on edge until Olea literally just announces that something feels sinister after pages and pages of her settling in and being relieved at how different (positively) Alexandria is from her world.
As far as the characters go, all of them are flat, even Olea. A lot is made of her tragic backstory, but the details are extremely sparse and it's hard to connect with a character constantly going on about how difficult her previous life was when I don't really know what that looked like. The chemistry between Olea and Matthew was also pretty dull. There are only about two scenes where something actually happens (not counting the detailing of everyday life). The ending sets up a mystery (which has been sporadically established since the beginning and periodically ignored except for random mentions), but overall there is no payoff or earth-shattering reveal to really feel like the story is genuinely moving forward.
I liked the premise, and the beginning was interesting enough, but I feel like this book couldn't decide whether it was a cozy fantasy or a dark, mysterious alternate world fantasy, so it tried to do both and didn't really succeed at either. The lack of anything magical in Alexandria made the long descriptions of Olea's day-to-day activities feel mundane. I also can't tell whether Alexandria was always meant to have a foreboding atmosphere. Of course it sounds too good to be true, but nothing happens to set anyone on edge until Olea literally just announces that something feels sinister after pages and pages of her settling in and being relieved at how different (positively) Alexandria is from her world.
As far as the characters go, all of them are flat, even Olea. A lot is made of her tragic backstory, but the details are extremely sparse and it's hard to connect with a character constantly going on about how difficult her previous life was when I don't really know what that looked like. The chemistry between Olea and Matthew was also pretty dull. There are only about two scenes where something actually happens (not counting the detailing of everyday life). The ending sets up a mystery (which has been sporadically established since the beginning and periodically ignored except for random mentions), but overall there is no payoff or earth-shattering reveal to really feel like the story is genuinely moving forward.
December 28, 2025
Tales of Alexandria is SO interesting! I really loved the strange land Olea finds herself in. At first, it feels almost like a utopia; peaceful, calm, and ideal but the longer you read about it, the weirder and more unsettling it becomes. The fact that the people don’t feel negative emotions, even when their loved ones die, was especially creepy and made the atmosphere feel quite disturbing!
The concept behind this world is what kept me turning pages. There’s a constant sense that something isn’t quite right, and I loved slowly uncovering those layers alongside Olea. The romance is kind of a slow burn, which I enjoyed, though I did find myself wishing for a bit more drama and emotional intensity overall.
My biggest wish is that there had been more explanation and exploration of the demon aspect of the story. That part really caught my attention, and I’m very interested in how they fit into everything. I’m hoping the next books dive deeper into that side of the world-building because it feels like there’s so much potential there!
Overall, this was a strong start to the series with a fascinating premise and an eerie, thought-provoking setting. If you enjoy fantasy that plays with the idea of a “perfect” world that slowly reveals its cracks, this is definitely worth picking up and I’m curious to see where the story goes next!!
Tropes & vibes:
Slow burn romance 🔥
Secret society
Questionable utopia 🤯
Strange, unsettling world 😮
Underlying mystery
The concept behind this world is what kept me turning pages. There’s a constant sense that something isn’t quite right, and I loved slowly uncovering those layers alongside Olea. The romance is kind of a slow burn, which I enjoyed, though I did find myself wishing for a bit more drama and emotional intensity overall.
My biggest wish is that there had been more explanation and exploration of the demon aspect of the story. That part really caught my attention, and I’m very interested in how they fit into everything. I’m hoping the next books dive deeper into that side of the world-building because it feels like there’s so much potential there!
Overall, this was a strong start to the series with a fascinating premise and an eerie, thought-provoking setting. If you enjoy fantasy that plays with the idea of a “perfect” world that slowly reveals its cracks, this is definitely worth picking up and I’m curious to see where the story goes next!!
Tropes & vibes:
Slow burn romance 🔥
Secret society
Questionable utopia 🤯
Strange, unsettling world 😮
Underlying mystery
August 29, 2025
Tales of Alexandria: Scroll One kept me hooked from start to finish.
After profound loss, Olea finds herself in the Kingdom of Alexandria, a new world and community grounded in care, reciprocity, and everyday kindness. It first appears to be a utopia many of us long for, where people show up for one another.
As Olea settles in at her own pace, she notices that the calm surface doesn’t tell the whole story. She forms meaningful friendships and a gentle, possible new love with Matthew, while also feeling a strong pull to travel, especially as shadowy demons move across the land and may be watching her.
I loved discovering Alexandria alongside Olea, meeting the townsfolk, learning the rhythms of the place, and piecing together its mysteries. The ending left me eager for the next instalment: why was Olea brought here, what’s calling her beyond the borders, and where will she choose to call home?
I received an ARC of this book, and this review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions, shared voluntarily.
After profound loss, Olea finds herself in the Kingdom of Alexandria, a new world and community grounded in care, reciprocity, and everyday kindness. It first appears to be a utopia many of us long for, where people show up for one another.
As Olea settles in at her own pace, she notices that the calm surface doesn’t tell the whole story. She forms meaningful friendships and a gentle, possible new love with Matthew, while also feeling a strong pull to travel, especially as shadowy demons move across the land and may be watching her.
I loved discovering Alexandria alongside Olea, meeting the townsfolk, learning the rhythms of the place, and piecing together its mysteries. The ending left me eager for the next instalment: why was Olea brought here, what’s calling her beyond the borders, and where will she choose to call home?
I received an ARC of this book, and this review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions, shared voluntarily.
October 13, 2025
The perfect book to read on my commute to and from work!
I'm a big fantasy lover and was excited to dive into this book. The pacing was a lot slower than what I'm used to. This took some getting used to, but was also something different and refreshing for me. We spend a lot of time with Olea settling into this new world she was thrown into. I have to admit that I found this a bit boring at times and I was waiting for what this would all lead to in the end. The mysterious events in the book is what kept me going mostly, because I really wanted to find out what is going on in this world. I had a hard time connecting to the characters, even Olea and was waiting for the moment where more details about Olea's traumatic past were revealed. Towards the very end of the book we got a little more insight into that past, but still not a lot. It was enough for me though to connect with her more and start to care about her and Matthew. At the end of the book the pacing picked up and this is when I got really hooked and excited for what's next in this series!
I'm a big fantasy lover and was excited to dive into this book. The pacing was a lot slower than what I'm used to. This took some getting used to, but was also something different and refreshing for me. We spend a lot of time with Olea settling into this new world she was thrown into. I have to admit that I found this a bit boring at times and I was waiting for what this would all lead to in the end. The mysterious events in the book is what kept me going mostly, because I really wanted to find out what is going on in this world. I had a hard time connecting to the characters, even Olea and was waiting for the moment where more details about Olea's traumatic past were revealed. Towards the very end of the book we got a little more insight into that past, but still not a lot. It was enough for me though to connect with her more and start to care about her and Matthew. At the end of the book the pacing picked up and this is when I got really hooked and excited for what's next in this series!
August 5, 2025
The tales of Alexandria was very kindly given to me as an arc copy by the wonderful. My honest opinion of the books is I throughly enjoyed it. As readers we begin following olea as she dropped in the 1700s from 2025. The fantasy world contains lots of elements. In the beginning of the book I was slightly frustrated with the writing since it takes some getting used as well as i don’t particularly love characters that jump in between the modern and other world. However as i continued on I fell in love with the characters and world. This book is the perfect cozy fantasy read. The authors writing is very submersible and deceptive. The ending is faster paced leaving me in anticipation for the answers to be revealed in the coming books.
September 1, 2025
A sweet and captivating start to a new series by this Aussie author! Olea's story is a gentle yet intriguing journey into a world of mystery and magic. The characters are well-developed, and the bond between Olea and Matthew is beautifully portrayed. The writing is evocative, and the world building is subtle yet effective. A nice debut that'll keep you hooked and eager for more.
The romance is a slow burn that simmers throughout the story, and the mysterious village of Alexandria is full of secrets and surprises. Olea's journey is both a personal exploration of grief and a thrilling adventure, with the threat of demon attacks always lurking. The author masterfully balances the everyday moments with the underlying tension, making for a compelling read.
The romance is a slow burn that simmers throughout the story, and the mysterious village of Alexandria is full of secrets and surprises. Olea's journey is both a personal exploration of grief and a thrilling adventure, with the threat of demon attacks always lurking. The author masterfully balances the everyday moments with the underlying tension, making for a compelling read.
August 25, 2025
4⭐️
This book is a cozy fantasy read, first book in a series, with a little taste of romance.
This book talks on loss, grief and trauma.
It’s in 3rd person - which personally isn’t my favourite however after awhile it was easy to transition into.
It starts quite slow, takes a bit to get into it, but when reading a fantasy series that’s what I expect. The first book is always a bit slower.
I have SO MANY questions, I’m so curious as to what happens and where this series goes. I NEED ANSWERS OLINDA 😂
I enjoyed this read, it was easy, it was calming, it was cozy.
This book is a cozy fantasy read, first book in a series, with a little taste of romance.
This book talks on loss, grief and trauma.
It’s in 3rd person - which personally isn’t my favourite however after awhile it was easy to transition into.
It starts quite slow, takes a bit to get into it, but when reading a fantasy series that’s what I expect. The first book is always a bit slower.
I have SO MANY questions, I’m so curious as to what happens and where this series goes. I NEED ANSWERS OLINDA 😂
I enjoyed this read, it was easy, it was calming, it was cozy.
August 31, 2025
I was very lucky to receive an ARC for this book and can truthfully say this is one of my favourite reads of the year! The characters and world building fully sucked me into the story and am now left impatiently waiting for the next one!
The FMC was relatable and because of this i felt connected to the story in a way that other books don't often do when describing her thoughts and feelings within the new world she has been thrown in to. I was hooked from the start and barely put my kindle down to eat and sleep. Highly recommend!
The FMC was relatable and because of this i felt connected to the story in a way that other books don't often do when describing her thoughts and feelings within the new world she has been thrown in to. I was hooked from the start and barely put my kindle down to eat and sleep. Highly recommend!
August 31, 2025
First of all i want to thanks to Olinda for letting me be part of her ARC team 💖
At first, it falls a little in the "tell instead of showing" when introducing us into the world and in how Alexandria works making the first half a little slow, BUT after that the history advances quickly and gets really interesting making you wanting to know what comes next, especially with the introduction of a certain new character.
Is a great start for a saga and i can't wait for the next book, i could keep writting about it but this would get a little too long 🤭💖
At first, it falls a little in the "tell instead of showing" when introducing us into the world and in how Alexandria works making the first half a little slow, BUT after that the history advances quickly and gets really interesting making you wanting to know what comes next, especially with the introduction of a certain new character.
Is a great start for a saga and i can't wait for the next book, i could keep writting about it but this would get a little too long 🤭💖
October 1, 2025
Tales of Alexandria I give 3.5 ⭐️
I would likely give it a 4 if a read it in a different headspace.
There are some super emotional moments and I had to stop and walk away (I would say this is more so due to personal experiences).
We follow our FMC Olea who wakes up in a world that is not her own!
She really struggles to let people in both in her home world (earth, specifically Is Australia) and in the new world Alexandria
We don’t meet our MMC till about 40-50% in, so it’s a super slow burn!
Tropes include:
Found family
Magic
Demons
Alternate universe
The world building is intense and Olinda really goes into the details.
I would likely give it a 4 if a read it in a different headspace.
There are some super emotional moments and I had to stop and walk away (I would say this is more so due to personal experiences).
We follow our FMC Olea who wakes up in a world that is not her own!
She really struggles to let people in both in her home world (earth, specifically Is Australia) and in the new world Alexandria
We don’t meet our MMC till about 40-50% in, so it’s a super slow burn!
Tropes include:
Found family
Magic
Demons
Alternate universe
The world building is intense and Olinda really goes into the details.
August 31, 2025
This book was confusing for me- not because it was a complicated read, but because it didn't seem to understand what genre it was. Not historical fantasy, not romantasy, not regular fantasy, but also not cozy fantasy. It felt all over the place. I will not be reading the sequel.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 21, 2025
A wonderful introduction into the world of Alexandria. While it isn’t a fantasy heavy book, the character growth of the main character Olea keeps you hooked as she navigates being thrust into a completely different world. Recommended for anyone wanting an easy slow-burn read!
August 10, 2025
an enjoyable book, anyone who enjoys cosy fantasy romance should check it out. loved it
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews