A Realm of Blood and Mercy

The Godwin Chronicles #1

by K.M. Laumann

As a firefighter paramedic, Amaris Carter is drawn to danger, risk, and now the impossible. When a fight with her fiancé ends in tears, her desperate attempt for distance has her stumbling through a hidden portal to the realm of a world of swords, herbal medicine, and temptation.

Theo Fastrada has returned home from the Trade War a decorated hero, but behind the medals and callous facade whispers a grim secret. When the duke sends him to investigate upheaval in their province, Theo discovers a new threat to his home and possibly his Amaris covered in blood and lurking over a dead body.

Theo will do anything to prevent another war, including mistaking her for the murderer. Taken prisoner, Amaris has two choices to find a way home to fix her struggling relationship—prove she could never take a life or escape.

But Theo won’t let her go so easily.

Tempers will be lost, lies will be told, and betrayal lurks around every corner, but an even darker threat looms in the shadows, and both will learn not all secrets are meant to remain hidden.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Romantasy, Time Travel, Adult, Ebooks

464 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2025

About the author

K. M. Laumann is an adult fantasy romance author of epic, angsty, and healing love stories.

All her life she's been fascinated with the complexity of world building. As a child, she became absorbed in the magical worlds of Disney, the storylines of her early Barbie escapades, and the rebellion in Star Wars.

Now, she crafts her own. Creator of the realm of Magoria, her stories aren't complete without intricate lore, found family, yearning men, and women with all the badassery.

She lives in Ohio with her black cat, Omega, and when she isn't locking herself in her writing cave for days, she enjoys traveling, crackling vinyl, and reading anything that will get the adrenaline pumping.

Reviews

[where_magic_breathes · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨Spoiler free ✨

(3.5 stars, rounded down to 3 because Goodreads still refuses to let us be honest about half stars)

✨ Characters ✨ 
Derek: Ah yes, Derek. Offers emotional support like a brick to the face. Controlling, full of himself, and somehow always the victim in his own mind. The man has an excuse for everything but not much actual growth.

Amaris: Determined, stubborn, and a little reckless but she’s trying so I don’t fault her for that. She carries so much weight on her shoulders and still pushes forward. I really liked her drive.

Theo: He has a quiet charm, but it’s his vulnerability and moments of honesty that truly make him memorable.

✨Favorite Quotes ✨

“Yesterday marked seventeen years since my parents died.” – Amaris

“Yeah, seventeen years. Don’t you think you should be past this by now?” – Derek

This quote basically sums up Derek’s entire personality.

✨Tropes & Elements I Loved ✨
Enemies to lovers
Slow burn
Cozy magic vibes
The story felt unique, not just a rehash of the same fantasy romance formula. There were some creative twists that kept me reading even when I wanted to yell at the characters.

✨What Didn’t Quite Work ✨
Since I read an ARC, there were a few rough edges. A few grammatical errors & odd scene transitions. I’m hoping those were just ARC issues that got cleaned up for the final release.

✨ Final Feelings ✨
A creative, emotional story with a fun mix of magic and tension. I really enjoyed the concept and think this series has so much potential. Since I read an ARC, I’m hoping some of the rough transitions and editing bits were cleaned up for the final release. Either way, I’m excited to see what the author does next!

Thanks to the publishing company for giving me this ARC to read!!

[Kie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 needed NOW 📚

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

the slowest of slow burns but gosh do i love it when it feels like how it's supposed to be

i'll definitely be reading book 2, i need to know stuff, so many things were left out there with no explanation on sight, so now i am intrigued 👀

check out trigger warnings for the book tho if you plan on reading it🙏🏼

[Robyn Vidamour · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so good! I loved the politics, the world, the story, the characters, everything was so original. This was a phenomenal start to a series and I can’t wait to read more in the next books! It hooked me quickly and once I got into it I couldn’t put it down, and reading it went way too quickly.

[Tamara Bray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I DEVOURED this book! 😍It's been a while since I've read a book that's pulled me in like this one, I didn't want it to end. A Realm of Blood and Mercy is equal parts action-packed and heartbreaking. I cannot wait to dive back into the world of Amaris and Theo. I NEED book two 😅 K. M. Laumann I see a very successful future for this debut! Well done ❤️

[Dominique · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came into this with high hopes as an ARC reader and was not disappointed. Amaris is an incredible protagonist who embarks on a journey where she is able to find herself once more. She's not without her faults, but that's what makes her exemplary; her character growth is incredible. I'm also a paramedic, and I could really relate to her character. I'd go so far as to say she motivated me with her determination. I think EMS is an underrepresented field in literature, and the mindset & culture is beautifully executed here. Moreover, I found Theo to be complex yet accessible. His portrayal as a man of honor is done in such a way that it enriches his character rather than making him one-dimensional. The side characters are beyond lovable and come with their own complexities that add to the storyline in a meaningful way. I sincerely could not put this book down and already crave more from this intricately crafted universe!

[Ashli · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy Outlander, then this book is definitely for you! Our FMC is a paramedic and ends up traveling back in time! Needless to say this starts an epic adventure as she navigates her way through this new place and time in which she doesn’t belong.
This is such a brilliant start to a new series. The characters really pull you in, the world building is well crafted, and the overall storyline is an edge of your seat page turner.
I’m so thrilled that I was chosen for an ARC of this and am very much looking forward to the next book already!

[Alexandria (Ink Stained Sorceress) · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost, a massive thank you to K.M. Laumann for providing me with an ARC of A Realm of Blood and Mercy! I was initially drawn in by the promotion on social media and the gorgeous commissioned art, but let me tell you, the writing, the characters, and the story are what made me stay.

I devoured this book in a little over a day, and honestly, I loved every single moment. This is a story that demands to be binged.

Let’s talk about Theo and Amaris. What can I even say about these two? The growth in their relationship is perfection, moving from basically enemies to absolutely yearning their hearts out for each other. It delivers on all the delicious slow-burning tension.

And then there is THAT ONE SCENE. I'm not going to give spoilers, but my heart was completely wrecked. The pure, raw emotion Theo displays in that moment is everything, and the fact that Amaris is there to help him afterwards? I will not be able to read that part again without crying!

I won't dive into too many more details, but the side cast also shined. Esaias, Pricilla, and Adelaide were fantastic side characters who brought so much dimension to the story. I truly enjoyed this book from start to finish, and I cannot wait for more details about Book Two!

[Vallenreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m blown away, when I first started reading this story I wasn’t sure what to make of it, the main characters were in different worlds and they were so far apart it was hard to visualise but as the story went on it turned into something more.
In this story we have Amaris, our MFC, shes from present day Earth realm. She’s a firefighter-paramedic, stuck in a relationship that has turned toxic. She’s feisty and strong, loyal, and cares deeply for those she loves.
Then we have Theodoric, our MMC, he’s from Magoria realm. He’s a war veteran who is suffering with PTSD from being captured and tortured, and struggling to reconcile who he had to become to survive the war. Add to that, that life kept moving whilst he was away, he feels a stranger in his own home.
The way this story was woven is something else, it takes a little to get into because of the world and story building, but it was epic. The story itself is gripping as Amaris comes to terms with falling into another world that is so vastly different to Earth, the politics and intrigue adds another layer. The characters, their journey and the healing in this book is beautiful, especially at the end. This is book is a must read, and in my top 10 for 2025!

[Ghalz · Rating 4 out of 5]

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ Genuinely can never get enough of fantasy books.

Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️,25

This one took a lot of times to be finished but I wouldn't change it for anything. My favorite thing about is again: feminine rage, strong badass female characters and a well written story. The book checked off all my boxes except being finished in less than a week. I have an ick when I take too long reading a book so that's why it's not a 5 star 🫣

Anyways, the slow burn was really slowburing. The setting and the information about the world didn't feel heavy at all and was well done, so I genuinely cannot find anything bad to say.

[Lily Sultze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kayla has an incredible way with words and quite literally painted a new world for me as I read this love story. A true depiction of enemies to lovers and all the drama in between. This book constantly left me wanting more and being frustrated when I had to put the book up for the night. I cannot wait to dive deeper into this love story in her second book. If you’re looking for a great enemies to lovers, with some comedy, tragedy and plot twists, this is your book!

[Ivuli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed reading A Realm of Blood and Mercy! The premise of a paramedic falling through a portal into a fantasy land instantly intrigued me and gave me great Outlander vibes, which I was absolutely here for.

I found the two main characters to be exceptionally well-developed and relatable. I felt so much sympathy for Amaris as she navigated a foreign environment while constantly excusing her fiancé’s behavior. What I found particularly refreshing was Theo's vulnerability and his struggle with past war experiences. Warriors in fantasy books are often depicted as strong, immovable, and extremely resilient, so his genuine emotional depth was a welcome change.

This book was heavily focused on the characters, and as a result, the politics and long-term plot felt a bit like an afterthought, leaving many questions unanswered. However, I believe this is a deliberate choice that sets the stage for future installments.

Overall, this was a highly engaging read that delivered fantastic character growth and emotional stakes!

[Jules unmuted · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story follows Amaris and Theo as it is a dual POV story which is great. I do love dual/multiple POV’s in a book.

Amaris is a strong FMC, except for when it comes to her current situationship. She did escape but not where she meant to. She is the type of FMC that will rescue herself and not rely on the guy to rescue her.

Theo is our MMC and boy struggles with some mental health issues. He’s a soldier who has followed orders to the letter. He is strong but vulnerable.

It did take me a little bit to get into this book. Mostly due to if feeling like I should have already known about the world that Theo was from. The world building did get better when Amaris had to learn about it.

This is book is a very slow burn, with some tension and feeling happening. I do look forward to book 2, because I think all the hints of magic and the pirates are way more than meets the eye. I smell a rebellion coming, and we love a good rebellion book.

[Amanda]

Thank you to the author for the ARC!

This was a FUN read. At first- it was a little jarring considering the different POV and worlds- but when they came together!?? Wow!

The court like politics and plot reveals were so exciting! Can’t wait for the next book in this series!

[Laura Ramsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows Amaris as she falls into another realm that is very differently from the world she knew before.

I liked Amaris as our main character. She was understandably confused by what had happened to her and I felt like she reacted in a realistic way to everything that happened. She is spunky but also has moments of vulnerability which made her really likable.

I was quite confused about the other realm for a while at the start. It felt like we were meant to already know about the place, it's inhabitants, and creatures beforehand. This did get better as the story progressed thanks to Amaris having to learn about the world.

Overall, the story was quite interesting. The romance is definitely a very slow burn, I assume that will be more of a focus in book 2.

[Ashley Borrelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

i really enjoyed this! i got sucked into the world and became invested with the characters. it was so good, and im so excited for book two!

[Jen Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Wow wow wow what a book for an authors fantasy debut. Truly honored to be an arc reader and part of this journey.

Give this book a try if you like:
- portal fantasy
- romantasy
- historical fantasy vibes but like Industrial Revolution time with some sparks of technology
- masquerade balls
- he falls first and harder
- a badass FMC healer/firefighter paramedic
- hurt/comfort
- complicated characters

Okay now let’s get into it:

The worldbuilding and characters were probably my favorite part. I mean when there’s multiple countries with complex politics and fantasy languages? Sign me the F up. The characters had so much life to them with several characters that had one liners leaving us with no dull moments. I howled at some of the things Esaias said.

This books is the first of an epic fantasy series and seeing (what I think) are teasers and Easter eggs planted for the full scale of magic and battles to come was so so cool. I’m extremely excited to see where the author takes this series. Fingers crossed the pirate snippets we got become a bigger part of this series 👀

[Willow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly just love the world building and the characters. Really got in touch with the book. Amazing work. I can’t wait for the next book

[Casen Brashear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fun read. I do recommend this to read for basically anyone who enjoys this genre.

[Bambi_1921 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars - I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I devoured this book ravenously.

The personalities were superbly written: Derek (ugh), the Duke (ugh), Luther (ugh), Bennet (UGH), all the people in power who were supposed to be 'for the people'... they just weren't and it upset me so much - I loved that the writing was able to elicit so much emotion from me.

None of the characters felt flat, they each had depth and I was able to connect with each of them on a personal level. The development between Theo and his family was also moving enough to make me cry. But the last 100 pages?! Even more GLORIOUS. I loved the pickup, the speed-run through the chaos, the relentless pacing, it was right up my alley. The entire book felt like a wandering through the woods, and then we dropped off a cliff and I can't say enough how much I enjoyed it.

The only thing that felt out of place were the random bouts of tears. They felt out of place in some places, one moment I'd think we were fine, then bam. Everyone's crying. And Theo's having flashbacks when Amaris needs him. Which I suppose is realistic? There's no opportune time to burst into tears?

All in all, gorgeous read. Can't wait for book 2. Hehehehhehehe.

[Isabella · Rating 3 out of 5]

I‘m currently really into the “person being transported from earth to another world“-trope, which is why I immediately picked this up, when I stumbled upon an Instagram reel by the author.

I genuinely think this is a solid book. I can definitely see potential in this series. Unfortunately, it‘s a little rough around the edges, at times. I was very well aware that this book wasn‘t written by a seasoned author.
Some of the sentences themselves felt out of place.
Furthermore, the author really seemed to struggle with scene transitions.Sometimes, the POV would switch to the other character and I would be quite lost on how to place that scene chronologically. It was so jarring at times that I felt like something was wrong with my ebook copy and that a paragraph was missing.
I did really like the way individual characters were written. Their thoughts and feelings felt natural. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same thing for the characters’ relationships. For some reason, I struggled to feel believable chemistry between the characters, which is quite weird. I liked them individually, but together they simply didn‘t do it for me.
Overall, this book didn‘t blow me away, but I do plan to read the sequel when it comes out to see how the story will develop.

[Leigha Lennon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Realm of Blood and Mercy by K.M. Laumann blends the adrenaline rush of emergency response with the allure of a medieval realm, resulting in a fresh, tension-filled portal fantasy that keeps you hooked from page one. Amaris Carter is a wonderfully grounded protagonist—resourceful, stubborn, and deeply human—whose chaotic fall into a world of swords and herbal remedies feels as disorienting as it is riveting.

Theo Fastrada, the decorated war hero with a stone-faced exterior and a secret weighing down his soul, is exactly the kind of morally complex character who elevates a story like this. Their first meeting—Amaris found covered in blood over a corpse—sets the tone for a relationship defined by mistrust, sparks, and unraveling truths. Watching the two clash, negotiate, and begrudgingly rely on each other is one of the book’s biggest strengths.

The plot weaves mystery, political tension, and personal stakes together beautifully. Amaris’s desire to return home and fix her life adds emotional weight, while Theo’s desperation to prevent another war lends the story urgency. And as secrets begin to crack open, the darker threat lurking behind the scenes gives the story its bite.

[Rachel Sizer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pick this up if you are looking for a romantasy that offers something different (no fae)!! I had stopped reading romantasy because every single book I picked up was the exact same thing. Between A Realm of Blood and Mercy and The Knight and the Moth, I feel rejuvenated. I went through a major reading slump toward the end of 2025 (I was so bored)--so I was very intentional with the books I chose to try to pull myself out of it.

A Realm of Blood and Mercy was a wonderful journey to another realm. Laumann handled heavy feelings, events, and experiences with a lot of care. This book is fun while still diving into the deeper darker themes. I found myself devouring page after page until the end.

The thing I enjoyed most were the characters. Amaris, a firefighter/ paramedic has to be strong. Between her work and home life, she does not experience a chance to let her guard down. Her development throughout the story showed how one can find peace while still thrown into chaos. Theo, having seen war and faced torture was nearly a mirror to her. I cannot wait to see where this series takes us, and who the characters become!

[Celeste · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, for a book that I thought I would drop after only 3 chapters, A Realm of Blood and Mercy was a surprisingly interesting read!

While it had some cliche aspects in its world-building and story-lines that prevented me from enjoying the book as much I could have, I was very impressed at how the core element of the story was shown in a very respectful and accurate way.
Our female lead Amaris is a paramedic who travels through a portal into a magical world and has to learn how to survive in spite of being charged of murder (wrong place, wrong time), always having to stay on her toes to avoid her true identity and origin being discovered, and ultimately facing a fully fledged battle. She is selfless to a fault, jumping into the fire (both literally and figuratively) to save lives. It's so refreshing to see a character who knows the consequences that may come with healing a person who may very well stab you in the back the second they have the chance, but still chooses to help because they put the value of human life above all else.

Our male lead Theo too, while outwardly the proud and immovable son of a duke and captain of the guard, had been captured by enemy soldiers and brutally tortured to the brink of his sanity. He suffers from this trauma constantly, causing intense nightmares and all-consuming flashbacks when triggered. It's handled in such a way that you can feel his pain and fear on a visceral level, so much so that I wanted to reach through the book and hug him. Honestly one of the best representation of PTSD I've seen in a book in a very long time.

[Naomi Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly adored this book. I seen a video the author put up about a paramedic fighter and a solider with PTSD with a portal to another world, i was sold x
Amaris is an amazing character and see show everything i would except from something in her job even though i doubted it at first. Without spoiling it, she stay in a situation she shouldn't have but the author made it realistic. She didn't make her fall through the portal and suddenly see sense, she made the realisation slow throughout which showed us how it really is.
The MMC is a pain in the ass but i loved him from the start and there are so many side characters you fall fall as well as some characters you hate
i lost sleep over this book because i didn't want to put it down. I can struggle with focus but this book kept my whole attention
Im so excited that book 2 is out in like 3 weeks because this year every book i liked doesn't have a date yet so its been hard ha-ha

[Elizabeth Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

an awesome read!

This book has such great world building. It’s a little confusing at first but once you get into it you start to learn the different regions and places.

The characters are the stars of the show. Amaris and Theo are what a lot of book strive to achieve. Amaris is tough but at the same time likable and allows herself to be vulnerable and feel her feeling. Theo is one of the best representations of ptsd and anxiety I’ve seen in a novel! A lot of books I have read have used panic attacks to just be relatable. But theo’s mental struggles are so well written and add to his depth.

The ending was great. I love when the story drops pieces and they all fall together at the end. This was an amazing read and I can’t wait for book two!

[Anamval · Rating 5 out of 5]

A realm of blood and mercy

• Romantasy
• Hidden magic
• Mental health rep
• Slow burn (very very slow 🤭)
• She saves him
• He falls first
• Forced proximity

A fun original read!! As soon as I saw her tiktok with…… stumbling through a hidden portal to the realm of a world of swords I was like damn YYESSS!!

This book has everything slow burn, fantasy, world building, magic, action I really enjoyed this journey with Amaris and Theo, I can’t wait for book 2

[Andrea Salazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read!
I actually couldn't put this down and sad I have to wait for the next book!
It's a fantastic portal fantasy romance where the FMC has to use her smarts and medical skills to survive, and the hero is haunted by a secret. The chemistry is undeniable and the cliffhanger left me breathless!
The characters were amazing, great slow burn, enemies to lovers

I am very honored to have been chosen to read this book and look forward to reading more by K.M. Laumann

[piper mac · Rating 3 out of 5]

I see a lot of potential with this one. Kind of a knock-off Outlander premise but I really appreciated the amount of world building set up here.

Theo and Amaris feel like fully fleshed out characters to me, and I enjoyed processing their inner emotions and thoughts alongside the plot.

The writing was a little rough to me and I often felt the descriptions of scenes and action could’ve been described clearer. But the core idea and themes work well and I’d definitely be interested in a second book.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute book got me out of a bit of a reading slump <3 I hope we find out what Viv has been up to I liked her. Wasn’t super fast paced and confusing but also not slow it was a good read for me

It was also a nice change of pace to not have such a broody MMC. I liked that he’s showing emotion and actually cries.