Threads of the Fallen

by J.L. Heres

They stole her memories, but not her magic.

Not her soul and never his love.

Avalyn Elarisyn awakens in a world where everything feels wrong; a world where her past is a riddle wrapped in silence, and the truth is buried beneath centuries of lies. They tried to erase her, to fracture her mind, bind her magic, and turn her into a ghost of the girl she was meant to be.

Magic has a memory, and so does he.

Rhydor Vaelros has lived a hundred lifetimes haunted by her absence—every one ending in fire, in war, in her death. He remembers the sound of her laugh, the light in her eyes, the ache of losing her again and again. This time, he won't let her slip through his fingers, not even if he has to burn the world to keep her.

As Ava pieces together who she once was, she’s drawn to a group of rebels with haunted eyes and battle-scarred hearts. They don’t see her as a weapon or a prophecy. They see her, and they would follow her into ruin and rise for her through flame. Found family, forged not by blood but by choice and by love.

But the past isn’t done with her, and the prophecy still whispers.

Will she uncover the truth buried in ash and shadow?
Or will she be erased before she ever learns who she truly is?

Threads of the Fallen is a breathtaking fantasy debut brimming with forgotten magic, soul-deep romance, and unbreakable bonds. Perfect for readers who believe in fated love, rebellion-born loyalty, and heroines who rise like phoenixes when the world tries to burn them.

463 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 19, 2025

About the author

J.L. Heres is a nurse, writer, and lifelong dreamer who finally gave in to the stories that refused to stay quiet. She writes dark fantasy and romantasy filled with magic, rebellion, and found family, blending lyrical prose with raw emotion. When she’s not writing, she’s usually reading, gaming, or chasing adventures with her son and their kitten, Phoenix. Threads of the Fallen is her debut novel.

Reviews

[LISA Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of being an ARC for this book. Let me just say it is awesome. The MMC and FMC have some great twists and turns that leave you feeling like you’re right there in their story. I could not put this book down. It is romantasy thrilling story.

[xAsheMariex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an advanced copy for free, and I’m leaving a review voluntarily.

Overall, I truly did like the plot to this. There was some confusing parts and parts that felt a little rushed leaving the connection to our characters lacking. Regardless of that, it was a fantastic read.

The world is set in a futuristic timeline, beginning our story in 2225. Our FMC Avalyn, a prisoner to the very man she thought was her father. Abused and rewritten, she sets on the path to find herself and her magic once again, but not before being reborn in the ashes like a phoenix.

Rhydor, a rebel in the war, is there at every turn. Helping Ava remember who she is and what it is they are fighting for.


I have high hopes for this series, and enjoyed it enough that I will be coming back to read the next one.

[Leanne (Queen_and_the_wolf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the absolute pleasure to be a beta reader for this debut novel.

The world and characters created by JL Heres are unique and powerful.
The soon to be badass FMC comes into her own through out the book as she rediscovers herself and her powers that had been forgotten.
The MMC and his shadows (nothing more to say). His yearning for the FMC is unquestionable and his need to protect her is delightful.

Both of them along with their “squad” fight battles that defy all logic leaving is on the biggest cliffhanger and omg moment wishing for book 2

I really enjoyed this book and the process of being a beta reader. Huge thanks to the author for trusting me with her flat foray into the writing world. Looking forward to more from this author

[Caitlynne Glemba · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant, high-stakes fantasy where fate is literally in the hands of the heroes.
​The concept of 'Threaders'—people who can cut and weave the very fabric of destiny—is ingenious and flawlessly executed. J.L. Heres throws protagonist Avalyn into a desperate, fast-paced journey, blending ancient god-level power with sharp, personal character development. Every action has weight, and the world-building is rich without ever slowing the plot down. If you love intricate, unique magic systems and world-ending stakes, drop everything and start this book. Highly recommend!

[Sabrina Lightsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read. It has a unique magic system, romance and plot. The FMC has been programmed to be obedient and loyal to the ruler of the court. Every time she starts to regain memories from her past, the erase her and rewrite her. The MMC has lost her over and over again but he never stops looking for her and bringing her back to herself. Their love is unending and spans lifetimes. The writing is amazing. The storyline is great and the plot was superb. There is mild romance and spice. I highly recommend this to anyone that loves a good fantasy read.

[Isobel Till]

BETA READ

[SkySpiritHuggingYou Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Threads of the Fallen is a breathtaking fantasy. If you are looking for a book that has soul deep romance, magic, fated love and heroines look no further. A fantasy world with characters you’ll fall in love with right away. The twists and turns just keep you guessing what will happen next. It truly was hard for me to put down. Beautifully written with fully developed characters. Looking for the next book by J.L. Heres.

[Sara Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Threads of the Fallen had me completely hooked from the first couple of pages. I could not put it down.

[Mak yannerella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Threads of the Fallen wove together a futuristic world that never felt too distant or cold. It had just the right touch of magic. The world building was vivid. and the writing? Absolutely great. Each page carried a unique twist. It will be a re read for me when the next book comes out! If I had to link a song to it it’d be this one.

My only struggle was the emotional thread between the FMC and the side characters. It felt like she was suddenly surrounded by characters we were told to care about, rather than shown why we should leaving a faint gap in the heart of the story until close to the end of the book. (I know why but still felt a lack of connection here!) BUT, I know we’ll see more of that emotional depth in the next book, and I can’t wait to read it. Threads of the Fallen proves you can build a world of the future without losing the soul of the present. 🖤

[Patricia Garske · Rating 5 out of 5]

I consider myself so lucky to have been able to receive an ARC copy of Threads of the Fallen. This is a fast paced, grips you from page one fantasy. It has a bad ass, magical FMC and a brooding, shadow wielding MMC and they would burn the world down for each other. The story is chock full of prophecies, magic, betrayals, found family, and fated mates. Twists and turns and deadly trials. I am not kidding that I was hooked right from the start and had a hard time putting this book down. I am very impatiently waiting for book 2!

[Brittany Affeldt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Threads of the Fallen pulled me in right away with its dark, creative worldbuilding. The concept of the Weave and the Threads that hold reality together is fascinating, and the way they’re stolen and manipulated for power makes the stakes feel huge. Solin is a compelling lead—cursed, hunted, and carrying a burden he never asked for.

I loved the atmosphere and tension throughout the story. The mystery of what’s truly happening to the Weave kept me turning the pages, and the Tower scenes especially stood out with vivid, haunting detail. The pacing balanced action and introspection well, and the setup for the larger conflict feels epic.

I did wish for a little more clarity on how the magic system works earlier on, and some of the secondary characters could use more depth. But the premise, the stakes, and the emotional weight of Solin’s journey really worked for me.

If you’re looking for a fresh fantasy with cosmic stakes, dark atmosphere, and a cursed hero fighting fate, Threads of the Fallen is one to watch. I’m excited to see where the story goes next.